Podcast Summary: Good One – Comedians You Should and Will Know 2024

Introduction

In the episode titled "Comedians You Should and Will Know 2024," hosted by Vulture.com Senior Editor Jesse David Fox, the podcast continues its decade-long tradition of spotlighting emerging comedic talents. Celebrating its 10th year, this episode features a carefully curated list of up-and-coming comedians who are poised to make significant waves in the comedy scene. Each featured comedian presents one of their signature jokes, followed by an in-depth discussion with Jesse David Fox, offering insights into their creative processes, comedic styles, and the stories behind their humor.

Featured Comedians

1. Sabrina Breyer, Sam Campbell, and Nico Carney

Sabrina Breyer

• Joke Overview: Sabrina shares a sketch she created for her birthday, involving her sister and a friend. The central character, portrayed by Sabrina, attempts to help but ends up causing unintentional chaos due to her inability to read the room.

• Notable Quote:
  Sabrina (10:15): "I just think it's so funny that she ruins everyone's lives and thinks she's being cute while doing it."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Sabrina emphasizes the importance of ensemble performances, where multiple characters interact to enhance the humor. She delves into storytelling within comedy, illustrating how a single scene can hint at future developments and relational dynamics.

Sam Campbell

• Joke Overview: Sam contributes to the group by adding depth to the sketch, highlighting the humorous contrast between Sabrina's well-intentioned actions and the resulting frustration of those around her.

• Notable Quote:
  Sam Campbell (10:45): "She won't charge you. That's perfect. It's a brilliant idea."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Sam discusses the intricacies of character development and the comedic timing required to balance chaos with humor, ensuring that the audience remains engaged and entertained.

Nico Carney

• Joke Overview: Nico provides a complementary perspective, enhancing the narrative by portraying the innocent yet exasperated reactions of Sabrina's sister.

• Notable Quote:
  Nico Carney (11:30): "Hopefully they did, because that's what they commented and said. Unless they were lying, which definitely could be."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Nico explores the dynamics of audience perception and the role of authenticity in comedy, stressing the importance of genuine reactions to amplify the humor in sketches.

2. Aaron Chen and Francesca D'u

Aaron Chen

• Joke Overview: Aaron presents a humorous take on fitness trends by challenging the conventional goal of 10,000 steps a day, humorously restricting himself to just 20 steps. He describes absurd methods to achieve this, like moving his bed into the kitchen.

• Notable Quote:
  Aaron Chen (20:05): "I'm trying to be silly, always doing a one-liner. This joke is perfect if I'm struggling in a set."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Aaron highlights the blend of mathematical humor with everyday scenarios, showcasing his ability to simplify complex ideas into relatable and amusing narratives.

Francesca D'u

• Joke Overview: Francesca introduces a parody song titled "Nanny Franny," inspired by "Mary Poppins." The song mocks the repetitive nature of children's demands for the perfect nanny, imagining herself as the ideal but overbearing caregiver.

• Notable Quote:
  Francesca D'u (21:20): "It's silly and funny and not so preachy because sometimes I feel like doing social media I'll try to make a joke."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Francesca discusses the importance of character voices and ensemble performances in enhancing comedic storytelling, emphasizing how multiple perspectives can deepen the humor.

3. Brandi Denise and Rose Hernandez

Brandi Denise

• Joke Overview: Brandi shares an experience from a rowdy comedy club where she had to manage a hostile audience. She showcases her quick-witted comebacks in response to hecklers, demonstrating her ability to maintain control and keep the show on track.

• Notable Quote:
  Brandi Denise (30:10): "Every comedian doesn't want to be a crowd work comedian. Good comedians can be a crowd work comedian."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Brandi emphasizes the balance between scripted material and spontaneous audience interactions, highlighting the skill required to handle unpredictable crowd dynamics effectively.

Rose Hernandez

• Joke Overview: Rose recounts a miscommunication involving the term "mister," using it to parody societal expectations of nannies and gender roles. Her joke critiques the absurdity of traditional gender stereotypes.

• Notable Quote:
  Rose Hernandez (31:00): "People want women barefooted, pregnant. That is insane."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Rose delves into societal norms and the persistent absurdity of outdated gender roles, using humor to challenge and reflect on these ingrained stereotypes.

4. Skylar Higley, Chloe Hillard, and Leslie Lau

Skylar Higley

• Joke Overview: Skylar shares a psychedelic experience on the Chicago L train, humorously dissecting the overcomplication of observing mundane objects while under the influence of psychedelics.

• Notable Quote:
  Skylar Higley (40:25): "Technically, I'm not looking at that."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Skylar explores the intersection of personal experiences and surreal humor, illustrating how altered states of consciousness can inspire unique comedic perspectives.

Chloe Hillard

• Joke Overview: Chloe presents a joke about societal pressures on women to conform to traditional roles, using the metaphor of wearing a cake dish to symbolize these expectations.

• Notable Quote:
  Chloe Hillard (41:10): "The world that we're living in now is completely different from when they had this expectation."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Chloe discusses the importance of using metaphors and personal narratives to address and critique societal expectations, blending humor with meaningful commentary.

Leslie Lau

• Joke Overview: Leslie shares a personal story about a failed online dating experience with a man named Greg, humorously deconstructing the idealization of 'soulmates' and the pitfalls of online dating.

• Notable Quote:
  Leslie Lau (42:50): "Who's this guy? He’s just a dude named Greg in a graphic tee."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Leslie reflects on the challenges of translating online interactions into meaningful relationships, using humor to highlight the discrepancies between expectation and reality.

5. Mandel, Gavin Matz, and Young Me Mayer

Mandel

• Joke Overview: Mandel discusses the complexities of modern parenting expectations through humor, drawing parallels between progressive views and traditional roles.

• Notable Quote:
  Mandel (50:15): "Put metal detectors in the schools. You don't want to hear what's going on out there."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Mandel blends personal anecdotes with social commentary, using humor to critique societal responses to serious issues like school safety.

Gavin Matz

• Joke Overview: Gavin delivers a joke about technological advancements and the scarcity of personal space, using the evolution of audio technology as a metaphor.

• Notable Quote:
  Gavin Matz (51:30): "It's like inner canal."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Gavin explores the ironies of progress, highlighting how technological advancements can sometimes lead to unintended consequences in personal spaces.

Young Me Mayer

• Joke Overview: Young Me shares a sketch about a conservative friend with progressive actions, illustrating the contradictions within personal relationships.

• Notable Quote:
  Young Me Mayer (52:45): "I truly believe that I'm not trying to do anything with my comedy aside from getting laughs."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Young Me delves into the complexities of balancing personal beliefs with social expectations, using humor to navigate and highlight these internal conflicts.

6. Vic Michaelis, Brennan Lee Meligan, and Rekha Shankar

Vic Michaelis

• Joke Overview: Vic presents a sketch about moving from New York to Los Angeles, humorously mocking the perceived 'softness' of West Coast lifestyles compared to East Coast toughness.

• Notable Quote:
  Vic Michaelis (60:05): "I'm trying to show that an Indian woman can be goofy and dumb."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Vic uses cultural contrasts to highlight personal adjustments and the humorous challenges of adapting to new environments, blending identity with regional stereotypes.

Brennan Lee Meligan

• Joke Overview: Brennan collaborates in the East vs. West sketch, emphasizing the exaggerated hardships of living in East Coast apartments versus the perceived ease of West Coast living.

• Notable Quote:
  Brennan Lee Meligan (61:20): "Back east Brennan and I lived in a converted closet in a mortuary."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Brennan emphasizes the use of physical props and visual gags, like a broccoli puppet, to enhance the comedic narrative and build a unique comedic universe.

Rekha Shankar

• Joke Overview: Rekha contributes to the regional humor sketch, focusing on cultural identity and the humorous aspects of lifestyle changes when moving between coasts.

• Notable Quote:
  Rekha Shankar (62:35): "We really went hard on and really accomplished."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Rekha highlights the importance of character development and the use of recurring characters to create a cohesive and engaging comedic storyline.

7. Courtney Perroso, Chloe Radcliffe, and Veronica Slowakowski

Courtney Perroso

• Joke Overview: Courtney performs as a sex robot named Vanessa 5000, humorously addressing the limitations and programmed interactions of a robotic companion.

• Notable Quote:
  Courtney Perroso (70:10): "I picked things that a lot of women would find boring."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Courtney explores character-driven humor and audience interaction, emphasizing vulnerability and the balance between scripted and improvised elements in her performance.

Chloe Radcliffe

• Joke Overview: Chloe shares a joke about relationship struggles, focusing on communication breakdowns and using exaggerated metaphors to highlight these issues humorously.

• Notable Quote:
  Chloe Radcliffe (71:25): "What a great way to get your job replaced by a robot."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Chloe discusses the iterative process of joke writing, emphasizing the importance of analogies and expansive thinking to develop cohesive and impactful humor.

Veronica Slowakowski

• Joke Overview: Veronica presents an improvisational sketch about accidental interactions, using pop culture references to enhance the comedic effect.

• Notable Quote:
  Veronica Slowakowski (72:40): "What do you find funny about it... it's the peaks of that journey play on the audience."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Veronica emphasizes the significance of spontaneity and the integration of personal experiences with pop culture to create relatable and engaging humor.

8. Gianmarco Ceresi and Eagle Witt

Gianmarco Ceresi

• Joke Overview: Gianmarco shares a deeply personal story about a conservative friend whose actions reveal underlying hypocrisies within societal and personal beliefs.

• Notable Quote:
  Gianmarco Ceresi (80:15): "I never want my jokes to self-aggrandize."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Gianmarco uses his comedy to navigate complex social issues, aiming to provoke thought while maintaining humor, and avoiding self-promotion through his jokes.

Eagle Witt

• Joke Overview: Eagle recounts a sketch addressing school shootings in America, using dark humor to critique societal responses and racial biases in policy implementations.

• Notable Quote:
  Eagle Witt (81:30): "The only space you can afford is in your inner canal."

• Discussion & Insights:
  Eagle blends dark humor with social commentary, using irony and sarcasm to highlight and critique the persistent issues surrounding race and violence in America.

Conclusion

"Comedians You Should and Will Know 2024" serves as a vibrant showcase of emerging comedic talents, each bringing their unique perspectives and styles to the forefront. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, social commentary, character-driven humor, and absurdist sketches, these comedians demonstrate the evolving landscape of modern comedy. Jesse David Fox provides insightful analyses, enhancing the audience's understanding of each comedian's approach and the underlying themes of their humor. This episode not only entertains but also offers a glimpse into the future of comedy, highlighting voices that are set to shape and redefine the genre.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sabrina Breyer (10:15): "I just think it's so funny that she ruins everyone's lives and thinks she's being cute while doing it."
• Sam Campbell (10:45): "She won't charge you. That's perfect. It's a brilliant idea."
• Aaron Chen (20:05): "I'm trying to be silly, always doing a one-liner. This joke is perfect if I'm struggling in a set."
• Francesca D'u (21:20): "It's silly and funny and not so preachy because sometimes I feel like doing social media I'll try to make a joke."
• Brandi Denise (30:10): "Every comedian doesn't want to be a crowd work comedian."
• Rose Hernandez (31:00): "People want women barefooted, pregnant. That is insane."
• Skylar Higley (40:25): "Technically, I'm not looking at that."
• Leslie Lau (42:50): "Who's this guy? He’s just a dude named Greg in a graphic tee."
• Mandel (50:15): "Put metal detectors in the schools. You don't want to hear what's going on out there."
• Gavin Matz (51:30): "It's like inner canal."
• Young Me Mayer (52:45): "I truly believe that I'm not trying to do anything with my comedy aside from getting laughs."
• Vic Michaelis (60:05): "I'm trying to show that an Indian woman can be goofy and dumb."
• Brennan Lee Meligan (61:20): "Back east Brennan and I lived in a converted closet in a mortuary."
• Rekha Shankar (62:35): "We really went hard on and really accomplished."
• Courtney Perroso (70:10): "I picked things that a lot of women would find boring."
• Chloe Radcliffe (71:25): "What a great way to get your job replaced by a robot."
• Veronica Slowakowski (72:40): "What do you find funny about it... it's the peaks of that journey play on the audience."
• Gianmarco Ceresi (80:15): "I never want my jokes to self-aggrandize."
• Eagle Witt (81:30): "The only space you can afford is in your inner canal."

Note: Specific timestamps (e.g., 10:15) are illustrative placeholders, as the transcript provided does not detail exact timing for each segment.

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Good One" not only highlights the diverse talents of emerging comedians but also provides a deep dive into their creative minds. From personal stories and societal critiques to character-driven sketches and absurd humor, each comedian brings something unique to the table. Jesse David Fox's thoughtful analysis ensures that listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of each performer's approach, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone interested in the evolving world of comedy.