Podcast Summary: "Good Guys" – Something from Nothing with Robby Hoffman
Release Date: December 8, 2025
Hosts: Josh Peck & Ben Soffer
Guest: Emmy-winning comedian and writer Robby Hoffman
Overview
This episode welcomes back comedian Robby Hoffman for a deeply funny and insightful discussion about self-belief, growing up with little, family dynamics, career progression, and navigating success. The conversation flows from personal growth and the nature of confidence to humorous takes on Jewish traditions. Robby also shares news about her upcoming Netflix special, dropping the first night of Hanukkah—a genuine "Hanukkah miracle." The hosts and guest maintain their signature warm, witty, and authentic tone throughout.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Personal Growth, Family, and Marriage
- Comfort in Success: Robby and her wife Gabby are both thriving professionally and personally, loving married life without feeling pressured to have kids.
- “People need to be comfortable saying that their life is great.” – Josh (05:37)
- “I happen to be living one of the greatest lives I've heard about in recent history... And it happens to be mine.” – Robby (06:50)
- Marriage Dynamics: Robby credits honest communication and “getting the hard stuff out during dating” as secrets to a happy first year of marriage.
2. Slow-and-Steady Career, Inner Confidence
- Self-Belief as Survival: Robby’s self-confidence was forged from necessity, growing up in poverty and developing herself as her only reliable asset.
- “When I only have me... I think there's something here. I think we can. It's not zero. I had me.” – Robby (15:07)
- She cites the children's book Something from Nothing as personal inspiration (16:58).
- Not an Overnight Sensation: Her journey in comedy has been gradual, and she credits steady work and commitment over chasing quick fame.
- “I've never been the overnight success. I've never been the overnight sensation. I've been very slow and steady wins the race.” – Robby (07:42)
3. Navigating Jewish Identity and Family Dynamics
- Religious Upbringing: Details of Robby’s Jewish (and sometimes eccentric) mother, 10 siblings, and the unique pressures of a large household:
- “My mother had 10 kids and we were on welfare... She loved a cult.” – Robby (19:15)
- Acceptance: Despite religious differences, Robby finds humor and acceptance with her mother, especially regarding queerness and faith:
- “[Jesus] just loves me so much. And she goes, really? And I go, yeah. I just feel that, like, how could he not love me?” – Robby (20:28)
4. On Manners, Overcompensation, and Social Dynamics
- Learning from Partners: Ben and Robby discuss learning manners and social restraint from their wives, after growing up needing to be loud to get noticed.
- “You don't have to say... It's not your job. And I always felt like if I was in a rich house, something like, I gotta dance to eat.” – Robby (31:11)
- Self-Refinement: Finding the balance between being “the entertainer” and being present, aided by supportive partners.
5. Navigating Fame and “Fancy Circles”
- Value of People: Robby resists the pressure to “perform” in high-profile circles, insisting on equal value among all:
- “I just don't think anybody is more valuable than anyone else.” – Robby (32:01)
- Funny Moments: Hilarious recounting of being seated near Tim Cook at the Emmys, but being more worried about being collateral than being starstruck (32:31).
- Inside Baseball: The crew laughs about trying, and failing, to get a table at Peter Luger’s steakhouse, and the “Jewish and Asian” seating conspiracy (34:06).
Notable Quotes
- “Let's see how far I can take that one little thing. Let's see what I can remember. That Jewish book... Something Out of Nothing.” – Robby (16:58)
- “If Hashem pitched the Earth, like, the committee would be like, it sounds too blue. It’s a lot of green... Too much blue!” – Robby (29:33)
- “We cannot continue to be split up into smaller and smaller micro groups, and then we don't have power in numbers. You're this, you're that, you're poor is the point.” – Robby (54:44)
- “I just don't think anybody is more valuable than anyone else.” – Robby (32:01)
Memorable Moments & Timestamps
- Body Image and Fashion (02:14–04:31): The trio jokes about body dysmorphia, fashion choices, and the ritual of looking good “for the podcast.”
- DIY Confidence & Early Struggles (14:34–19:27): Robby recounts growing up with little but developing a “something from nothing” mindset.
- Lively, Laugh-Out-Loud Jewish Jokes (19:21–23:27, 47:13–51:35): Robby’s satirical takes on Jewish family, holidays, and customs (e.g., Sukkot stories, candle superstitions).
- Tipping Culture Rant (42:03–46:39): Robby unpacks tipping culture and why it should really be about wages, not customer obligation.
- "What Are You, Nuts?" Segment (52:01–57:14): The hosts and Robby air their amusing daily gripes, from airline gender announcements to people bragging about frequent STD testing.
Listener Q&A Highlights
- Why Orthodox Jews Ask ‘Are You Jewish’? – (46:43–47:59)
- Explanation of mitzvahs like tefillin: “They're only asking... They want you to do a blessing, a prayer.” – Robby (47:13)
- Tipping Culture (42:03–46:39):
- Robby: “It's not tipping, it's wages. Tipping, you should still make $15 an hour... If you want to give a five on top, great. But it should be a tip. It should be extra money.”
Big News: Netflix Special Announcement
- Special Drops First Night of Hanukkah:
- “I recorded one of the greatest Netflix specials... they want to put it out for the holidays and we want to give Robbie Hoffman the first day of [Hanukkah].” – Robby (57:20, 58:16)
- “It's an absolute Hanukkah miracle.” – Josh (59:47)
Tone & Style
The episode is a masterclass in blending personal vulnerability, sharp humor, Jewish cultural pride, and authentic conversation. Robby’s candor sets a tone both reflective and riotously funny, supported by Josh and Ben’s warmth and curiosity.
Additional Notable Timestamps
- On Overcompensating Socially: 31:11–31:53
- Jewish Holiday Discussions: 47:13–51:35
- "What Are You, Nuts?" Rants: 52:01–57:14
- Big Netflix Announcement: 57:20–59:47
Takeaways
- Believe in Yourself, Even When You Have Nothing Else: Robby’s personal journey exemplifies making “something from nothing.”
- Marriage & Success Come in Different Forms: No single path fits all.
- Social Mobility Calls for Self-Refinement: Life partners can teach us as much as we teach ourselves.
- Enjoy Traditions (and Laugh at Them): Relishing in, and poking fun at, Jewish customs and communal traits keeps the culture alive—and joyful.
- Celebrate Wins—Loudly: Whether new babies, happy marriages, or Hanukkah Netflix specials, own your happiness.