Good One: A Podcast About Jokes Episode: Ralph Barbosa Likes Keeping You Guessing on His Politics
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Host: Jesse David Fox, Senior Editor at Vulture.com

Introduction

In this episode of Good One: A Podcast About Jokes, host Jesse David Fox sits down with comedian Ralph Barbosa to delve deep into Barbosa's comedic journey, his approach to sensitive political topics, and the personal experiences that shape his humor. Released on August 14, 2025, the conversation offers listeners an intimate look at how Barbosa navigates the complexities of modern comedy while maintaining his unique voice.

Ralph Barbosa’s Comedic Evolution

Career Breakthrough and Growth

Ralph Barbosa discusses his significant breakout moment in 2022 with his "Don't Tell" set, which garnered widespread attention and led to his first Netflix special, Cowabunga. [01:09] Barbosa reflects on his continuous growth, emphasizing his efforts to mature as a comedian by consistently posting stand-up clips online, which helped him build a dedicated fan base. Jesse notes, “If you watch all of it, you see a comedian maturing and figuring out the things he really wants to talk about.”

Handling Early Success and Online Feedback

Barbosa shares his experiences with early success, including the challenges of headlining too soon and dealing with online criticism. At [03:00], he mentions, “I feel like I started headlining too early... but I feel like my fans who like the jokes, like, my actual fans, like, they like them, which is good.”

Navigating Political Comedy

Balancing Personal Beliefs and Public Perception

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Barbosa’s approach to incorporating political topics, particularly immigration, into his comedy. At [06:10], he explains, “The stuff about how, like, in Texas it's easier to get a gun than it is to get weed... that joke also made a lot of people think that I was, like, very liberal.”

He emphasizes the importance of clarifying his stance to avoid being pigeonholed politically: “I just wanted to do that because I've had different jokes where people think that I'm super Republican or I'm super liberal.” [19:14]

Personal Experiences Shaping Political Humor

Barbosa recounts his summers spent in Mexico with his grandparents and witnessing the struggles of his cousins attempting to immigrate legally. [09:30] These experiences fueled his desire to address immigration in his jokes, blending personal anecdotes with broader social commentary. He shares a poignant memory of his cousins' emotional reactions when their immigration applications were denied, which deeply influenced his comedic perspective.

Developing Material and Creative Process

Creating Impactful Jokes

Barbosa discusses his method for crafting jokes, often relying on instinct and spontaneous inspiration. At [05:51], he mentions, “I do more than half of the set with nothing but new jokes that I wrote on the way there… I usually trust my instincts.”

Influences and Inspirations

He cites comedians like Hannibal Buress, Norm MacDonald, Bill Burr, and Dave Chappelle as significant influences. Barbosa highlights how Hannibal’s work ethic and creativity inspired him to persevere: “He worked hard at it… And I got more interested in Hannibal after that, and I looked him up on YouTube.” [44:07]

Personal Stories and Anecdotes

Memorable Interactions with Comedians

Barbosa shares touching stories, including his friendship with Ken Flores, a fellow comedian who recently passed away. [38:16] He recalls touring with Flores and the camaraderie they shared, emphasizing Flores's genuine support and refusal to "kiss ass," which Barbosa deeply respected.

Another standout story involves meeting Dave Chappelle. [65:23] Barbosa recounts accidentally taking Chappelle's vest and later returning it, leading to an unexpected and friendly interaction that left a lasting impression.

Challenges and Bombed Sets

He humorously describes his worst-performing set at a strip club, where technical issues and unresponsive audiences left him feeling discouraged. [70:26] “It was a horrible show. I lost money,” he admits, highlighting the unpredictable nature of stand-up comedy.

Comedy Style and Unique Approaches

Bilingual Jokes and Cultural References

In his Hulu special, Barbosa incorporates bilingual jokes, performing parts of his set in both English and Spanish. [57:24] He explains this as a way to embrace his cultural heritage and connect more deeply with diverse audiences, inspired by comedians who perform in multiple languages.

Crowd Work vs. Prepared Material

While Barbosa enjoys engaging with the audience, he prefers not to rely heavily on crowd work in his online content to avoid setting inconsistent expectations. [51:32] “I do like doing crowd work too, but I never posted crowd work because I don't want my audience to expect it,” he explains.

Favourite and Unsuccessful Jokes

Memorable Jokes That Resonate

Barbosa shares his favorite joke about doctors and going blind, which received positive feedback from peers like Neil Brandon. [32:42] He emphasizes the importance of relatable humor and the satisfaction of connecting with fellow comedians.

Jokes That Didn’t Land

Conversely, he discusses a joke about employees being singled out for handwashing that never elicited laughter beyond his own reaction. [69:42] “I didn’t even get a giggle. You’re the first person to laugh,” he comments, illustrating the trial-and-error aspect of comedy.

Influence of Personal Life on Comedy

Family and Secrets

Barbosa opens up about his family's past, including relatives involved in cartel activities and his father's imprisonment. [27:27] These personal experiences have shaped his comedic material, allowing him to address dark and complex subjects with humor and honesty.

Health Scares and Vulnerability

He recounts a visit to the eye doctor where he was initially misdiagnosed with going blind, a distressing experience that turned into a comedic bit. [32:42] This vulnerability adds depth to his humor, resonating with audiences on a personal level.

Interacting with the Comedy Community

Supportive Relationships

Barbosa highlights the supportive yet honest feedback he receives from fellow comedians, particularly those from his time working in barbershops. [37:37] “They were the funniest ones there… but they would never once give me props. They’re like, you’re not funny,” he shares, underscoring the importance of critical feedback in refining his craft.

Collaborations and Tributes

His admiration for comedians like Greer Barnes is evident, as he praises Barnes’s calm demeanor and mastery of the craft. [69:07] This mutual respect fosters a sense of community and continuous improvement among peers.

Conclusion

Ralph Barbosa's episode on Good One offers a comprehensive look into the life of a comedian balancing personal experiences with political commentary. His journey from humble beginnings in Texas to becoming a Netflix and Hulu star underscores the dedication and resilience required in the stand-up world. Through candid discussions and heartfelt stories, Barbosa demonstrates how comedy can both reflect and influence social issues, all while staying true to one's unique comedic voice.

Notable Quotes:

• “I feel like I started headlining too early... but I feel like my fans who like the jokes, like, my actual fans, like, they like them, which is good.” [03:00]

• “I just wanted to do that because I've had different jokes where people think that I'm super Republican or I'm super liberal.” [19:14]

• “He worked hard at it… And I got more interested in Hannibal after that, and I looked him up on YouTube.” [44:07]

• “They were the funniest ones there… but they would never once give me props. They’re like, you’re not funny.” [37:37]

• “If I'm not too excited, it's probably not going to work.” [06:01]

This summary captures the essence of Ralph Barbosa’s conversation with Jesse David Fox, highlighting his comedic approach, personal influences, and the balance between humor and sensitive topics. For listeners seeking inspiration or an inside look into the life of a modern comedian, this episode provides valuable insights and engaging discussions.