Podcast Summary: Disgraceful with Grace O’Malley
Episode: Jay Jurden's a Self-Proclaimed "Bisexual Demon"
Release Date: May 22, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Disgraceful with Grace O’Malley, Grace welcomes comedian, writer, and actor Jay Jurden, who also boasts a debut comedy album that soared to number one on iTunes titled "Y' All." Jay brings his unique perspective as a self-proclaimed "bisexual demon" to the conversation, offering listeners an engaging blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful discussions about the comedy landscape.
Guest Background and Journey into Comedy
Grace and Jay delve into Jay's comedic journey, tracing his roots from Mississippi to his current life in New York City. Jay shares his initial exposure to comedy through theater and his transition into stand-up.
Notable Quote:
Jay Jurdin [05:05]: “Moving to New York City in 2015 was a pivotal moment for me. I had done comedic sketches and parody songs in undergrad, but I hadn’t performed full stand-up yet.”
Jay recounts his first stand-up experiences, including both successes and early challenges, emphasizing resilience after a "mic bomb" early in his career.
Notable Quote:
Jay Jurdin [40:37]: “If you bomb at a mic that early, some people quit, but I went to another mic and kept trying. That’s how I built my confidence.”
Comedy Influences and Favorites
The conversation shifts to Jay's favorite comedy movies and influences, highlighting classics like The Nutty Professor, Life with Martin Lawrence, and Superbad. He discusses how these films shaped his comedic style and appreciation for body positivity and relatability in humor.
Notable Quote:
Jay Jurdin [45:14]: “The Nutty Professor was a masterclass in acting and body positivity before we knew it. Sherman’s journey to self-love was something I always found inspiring and funny.”
Stand-Up Experiences and Insights
Jay shares his experiences performing in various venues and his approach to connecting with different audiences. He discusses the dynamics of performing in places like Hell’s Kitchen and the challenges of engaging diverse crowds, from lively and relaxed to hyper-religious settings.
Notable Quote:
Jay Jurdin [43:23]: “Drunk girls in the audience can be some of the best crowds because they’ve let their social awareness go and just laugh freely.”
Interactive Segments: "Say Less" and "Write in Room"
Say Less:
Grace and Jay engage in a playful segment where they choose topics from a "Wooden Bowl" and decide whether to rant about them or "say less" with humorous one-worded responses.
Write in Room:
They interact with live studio audience submissions, reacting to listeners' "disgraceful moments" with witty and comedic commentary.
Notable Quote:
Grace O’Malley [76:07]: “If you could give yourself a useless but hilarious superpower, what would it be?”
Jay Jurdin [76:17]: “I’d have the power to create any ice cream flavor... and occasionally poop ice cream when scared. Fun and messy!”
Social Media and Screen Time
The duo discusses the impact of social media on their lives and careers, touching on themes like casual posting, screen time, and maintaining authenticity in the digital age.
Notable Quote:
Jay Jurdin [24:18]: “Screen time is now just time. Everything except something cool and interactive is still screen time.”
Personal Anecdotes and Humor
Jay shares humorous stories from his personal life, including navigating his 21st birthday mishap and his experiences with fake IDs. Grace adds her own comedic flair, enhancing the lighthearted and relatable atmosphere of the episode.
Notable Quote:
Jay Jurdin [51:06]: “I threw up on my birthday shirt during graduation. Walking shirtless back to my apartment across a parking lot filled with families was a memorable scene.”
Upcoming Projects and Promotions
Towards the end of the episode, Jay promotes his upcoming tour dates and special projects, encouraging listeners to attend his shows in various cities and stay connected through social media.
Notable Quote:
Jay Jurdin [84:43]: “Follow me on all social media! I'll be touring World Pride in D.C., Punchline in San Francisco, and Pride Fest in Milwaukee. Check my website for tickets and special announcements.”
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Grace and Jay wrap up the episode with light-hearted banter and final thoughts, reinforcing the camaraderie between host and guest. Jay’s enthusiasm for stand-up comedy and his supportive remarks about fellow comedians leave listeners with a sense of community and inspiration.
Notable Quote:
Grace O’Malley [85:31]: “Maybe you heard it here first, folks. Jay, thank you so much. This was awesome.”
Jay Jurdin [85:36]: “Thank you, Grace. So much fun.”
Key Takeaways
- Resilience in Comedy: Jay's journey underscores the importance of perseverance in the face of early setbacks.
- Diverse Influences: His comedic style is shaped by a blend of classic films and personal experiences.
- Authenticity: Emphasizing genuine connections with audiences and maintaining authenticity on social media.
- Community and Support: Highlighting the value of supporting fellow comedians and celebrating collective successes.
This episode offers a blend of humor, personal stories, and insightful discussions, making it a must-listen for fans of stand-up comedy and those interested in the behind-the-scenes journey of a rising comedian.