DisGRACEful with Grace O’Malley

Episode: Joey Avery – Bad Advice from Comedians

Date: September 18, 2025
Host: Grace O’Malley (with Nora O’Malley)
Guest: Joey Avery (Comedian)

Episode Overview

In this engaging and irreverent installment of “DisGRACEful,” comedian Grace O’Malley welcomes fellow comic Joey Avery for a wide-ranging, bit-packed conversation. The episode bounces between post-pandemic reflections, the wild world of stand-up comedy and social media, formative high school moments, drugs and music festival mishaps, and deeply silly advice. The pair riff through hot takes on SNL’s casting churn, fantasy football punishments, and whether hardship is required to be funny—offering listeners plenty of laughs, offbeat life wisdom, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into comedy culture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pandemic Reflections & New York Hustle (01:36–05:23)

• Grace and Joey reminisce about moving to NYC during COVID, underground raves, and the thrill/guilt of breaking lockdown rules. Joey confesses, “Even having a kickback with, like, six people during that time was like being in a fucking speakeasy in the 20s. It was exhilarating.” (02:18)
• They joke about the duality of public social media posturing versus private behavior (i.e., scolding others for gathering, then sneaking out themselves).

2. Internet Culture, Comedy, and Community (07:33–09:48)

• Joey analyzes the comedy podcast ecosystem: early unity (everyone supporting each other) has given way to “incentivized shit-talking” thanks to YouTube algorithms.

  “It created an illusion of everyone being really, really nice to each other… Now that YouTube rewards people talking shit about podcasts, it’s changed the landscape.” (08:15)

• Grace admits to seeking out negative comments about herself: “I seek it out.” (09:40)
• Joey’s motivation: “My definite response when people cut against me is, like, ‘fuck you. I will beat you in the long run.’ It’s not the healthiest fuel, but it’s fucking fuel.” (09:53)

3. Bad Advice & Drug Stories (10:36–15:05)

• They dive into stories of teenage experimentation—weed, cough syrup (“triple Cs”), and drugs at too-young ages.
• Joey debunks rumors about having a “crack past”—a story, it turns out, got mixed up with another comic.
• The segment turns into a running bit about the podcast offering "bad advice," lampooning the idea that comedians should influence youth or speak as life experts.

  “This show is now called Bad Advice from Comedians, and next week we’ll be talking about how H will change your life.” – Grace (15:05)

4. SNL and Comedy Careers in the Digital Era (17:44–21:04)

• Discussion of SNL’s new cast and the shift from “long arc” career-building to short, experimental runs.

  “I think they're taking the TikTok approach to casting—cycle in comedians…and see who pops quick.” – Joey (18:59)

• They banter about industry pressure, agents’ bad advice, and how the digital age has flattened comedy career pathways.

  “Now if you do a year [on SNL] and they still don’t want you, who cares? Got new fans, bring them along.” – Joey (20:06)

5. Gender, Party Culture, and “Secret” Behaviors (21:42–24:55)

• Joey discusses the thrill of being included in “girl talk” and the covert social codes around drugs and gossip:

  “It’s fun, dude. It’s just a little girl time, you know… And then I can start getting some tips—should I do this shirt?”

• Joey breaks down the appeal and specifics of fantasy football—punishments for last place include writing reviews for every episode of Young Sheldon. (26:54)
• Notable: “Tarring and feathering someone would be great”—a joke about creative fantasy punishments and Boston roots (27:41)

6. Festivals, Gambling, & Growing Up (33:00–34:16; 56:01–66:05)

• Grace and Joey bond over gambling, recounting sports bets, the “one friend who’s a crazy gambler,” and going to festivals like Coachella and Burning Man.
• Joey recalls his Bay Area upbringing, performing comedy in San Francisco, attending prom, and formative high school experiences.

7. Psychedelics, Emotional Growth & Musical Mishaps (45:46–61:50)

• Funnily candid stories about concert mishaps (including getting jumped at a 21 Savage show) and learning the dos and don’ts of mushrooms at events:

  “Shrooms will kick up some dust, but once you get kind of good at it, it’s kind of healing.” – Joey (58:00)

• Grace: “When you go to a concert and you find out what mushrooms are—wow.” (45:46)
• The pair riff on festival culture, the importance of dosage, and moments of self-discovery.

8. Family Life, Nepo Babies & Comedy Origins (36:21–41:35)

• Discussing whether they want kids, raising siblings, and the ‘nepo baby’ debate. Grace on Bert Kreischer’s kid aspiring to be a park ranger: “That’s the nicest, sweetest thing you could possibly be.”
• Joey reflects on hardship: “Hardship helps… but you don’t need to go through hardship to be funny, also.” (41:35)

9. Jokes-in-Process and Comedy Notes (73:56–79:46)

• Both comedians read random bits from their notes, from “I have the body of a high school strength” to “Stocks or gun—those are the two things you should invest in, depending on where the world’s going.”
• They debate the emotional neediness behind hating the ‘Irish goodbye.’

10. Social Media, Editing, and “Disgraceful Receipts” (80:09–88:28)

• A visual segment where Grace pulls up cringe/funny social media receipts (old photos, album covers, jokes), and Joey offers on-the-fly commentary:

  “Amazing that these are all on my, like, primary business account…but I kind of like it.” (87:05)

• Behind the scenes: Joey describes his editing process and team (“Shout out Tim Young—great comedian, helps me with my stuff.” [74:08])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Lockdown Parties:
  “During that time, it was like being in a fucking speakeasy in the 20s. It was exhilarating.” – Grace (02:18)

• On Motivational Hate:
  “My definite response when people cut against me is, like, ‘fuck you. I will beat you in the long run.’ It’s not the healthiest fuel, but it’s fucking fuel.” – Joey (09:53)

• Rumor Humor:
  “Ari [Maddie] was telling everyone I suck dick for crack. That’s tough.” – Joey (13:54)

• On SNL’s New Approach:
  “They’re taking the TikTok approach to casting… cycle in comedians and see who pops quick.” – Joey (18:59)

• On Nepo Babies:
  “If it’s a government—if it’s a corrupt government kid, just driving a Lambo and you're poor, you’re going to be like—yeah.” – Joey (38:53)

• On the ‘Irish Goodbye’:
  “If one of your top three just fucking pieces… that's crazy. You owe me an apology.” – Joey (77:59)

• On Mushrooms & Concerts:
  “When you go to a concert and you find out what mushrooms are—wow.” – Grace (45:46)
  “Shrooms will kick up some dust, but once you get kind of good at it, it’s kind of healing.” – Joey (58:00)

• On Comedy Process:
  “There’s a lot of people that want you to say it’s too dirty. Box is the key.” – Joey (50:00)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• NYC & COVID Life: 01:36–05:23
• Comedy & Social Media Dynamics: 07:33–09:48
• Drug Stories & 'Bad Advice' Bit: 10:36–15:13
• SNL and the Comedy Ladder: 17:44–21:04
• Gender, Gossip, and Fantasy Football: 21:42–27:36
• Family, Nepo Babies, and Wanting Kids: 36:21–41:35
• Formative Stories (Proms, Fighting, etc.): 44:31–54:53
• Festival & Drug Experiences: 56:01–66:05
• Comedy Notes & Irish Goodbyes: 73:56–79:46
• “Disgraceful Receipts” (Social Media): 80:09–88:28
• Shoutouts and Plugs: 74:08; 92:57–93:22

Tone & Style

The episode is loose, riff-driven, and relentlessly comedic, with both host and guest leaning into self-deprecation and mocking the idea that comedians ought to dole out real-life advice. The tone is warm, open, and rhythmically irreverent—a no-holds-barred hangout podcast that oscillates from relatable nostalgia to deep-in-the-weeds comedy shop talk.

Where to Find More

• Joey Avery: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, The Joey Show (YouTube), “special coming out later this year” (92:57)
• Grace O’Malley: DisGRACEful Podcast (weekly)
• Segment Credits: Shoutout to Tim Young (editor), Jim McCambridge (standup comedy photographer)

This episode is a delightfully disgraceful blend of honesty and absurdity—ideal for comedy podcast fans who love chaos, confessions, and bad advice.