Ralph Barbosa Likes Keeping You Guessing on His Politics

Summary

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

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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]

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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]

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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.

Transcript

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[Ralph Barbosa]

But that joke also made a lot of people think that I was like very liberal. I never said I didn't like guns. You know.

[Jesse David Fox]

This is good one. I am Jesse David Fox, senior writer, Vulture and author of comedy book. My guest this episode is Ralph Barbosa. We talk about his don't tell set in 2022. That really was his breakout. His Netflix special Cowabunga and his recent Hulu special, Planet Bosa. All the while, he would continue to post clips online of his standup, building his fan base there. And if you watch all of it, you see a comedian maturing and figuring out the things he really wants to talk about. And as we discussed in this episode, with all that's going on in this country, immigration became the thing he really kept on thinking about and he needed to figure out how to make a joke about it. So here is Ralph Barbosa. I'm here with Ralph Barbosa. Thank you so much for being here.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Oh, thank you for having me.

[Jesse David Fox]

It's a, it's a pleasure. What is the funniest thing that happened to you this week or you noticed? Already thought about.

[Ralph Barbosa]

I just been noticing that my, my stomach is changing every time I get nervous. I have to poop.

[Jesse David Fox]

Sure.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah. I don't get constipated. I haven't been constipated in a long time. I don't remember when was the last time that happened. Yeah, I poop normal when I'm like on vacation time. I've noticed that I took a couple weeks off and I was like Good. You know, nice and solid. And then yesterday was the first day of the press tour, and I was just like, right before the first interview, I was like, I need to find a restroom.

[Jesse David Fox]

What is it about interviews that are so nervous making?

[Ralph Barbosa]

I'm just nervous about everything. But, yeah, I don't know. I. I think, like, far ahead to the worst part of something. So, like, interviews are dope. Like, podcasts are fun. You know, you talk with another comic or whoever, and you have a good time, and then people watch it and they like it. But my mind immediately goes to, like, what's the worst comment gonna be under this video?

[Jesse David Fox]

Well, you shouldn't read the comments.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, I've been doing good about that over, like, the last week. Sorry. I was eating a sandwich. Yeah. Like, this last week. I'm good. I'm like, days, no comments.

[Jesse David Fox]

Five days, no comments.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah.

[Jesse David Fox]

Especially with a special app, if you allow yourself, I imagine it'll be just, like, endless people.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah. That's the cool thing about Hulu is people can't comment under the.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. Coming up on YouTube, it's like every joke.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah.

[Jesse David Fox]

You're starting, especially because you're on YouTube like, a couple years in, so people are like, you're just figuring out your voice, and people like, this joke is bad or this joke is whatever.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah. I feel like I started, like, headlining too early, and also, you know, I blew up thanks to the Internet, but also had to, like, burn a lot of material posting it and stuff. But I feel like my fans who like the jokes, like, my, like, my actual fans, like, they like them, which. That's good. But they're also. They also, like. Because I. I think, popped off a little early. Now my fans kind of have to grow with me, but which. I mean, it happens with any comedian anyway, right?

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

I don't think comedians are exactly the same. Like, when they.

[Jesse David Fox]

From.

[Ralph Barbosa]

From when they get to 10 years to 15 years to 20 years. Yeah.

[Jesse David Fox]

So let's back up to the story. So essentially, like, you did a don't tell set, and I feel like you're the post poster child for don't tell sets of, like, how you can. It can be put on YouTube and for whatever reason, like, the. The set itself has 7 million views, but, like, every single line of that special has another, like, clip. It does really well.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah.

[Jesse David Fox]

Do you remember when shooting it, like, what you were thinking or what you thought about it?

[Ralph Barbosa]

Cool, man. Texas has not legalized weed. We've been asking them to, and they just gave us more guns. We legalized Open carry. We were like, we just want to carry weed. They're like, how about carry a bazooka? Yeah, I think about it all the time because on the way there I was like, I'm going to do the jokes that I've already done before. Jokes that work, like. And just hopefully this works. I talked to Mark Smalls like a week before. No, no, I talked to Mark Smalls actually the day after I taped it. And I remember him saying, like, it can, it can get you a lot of views as long as you have other, like, content on your page that makes people want to follow, because that thing will get people to your page. But then if they actually follow or not, that's different, you know, So I was just like, I just want to make sure I'm funny on here, whatever. But right before we started taping, they, they talked to all the comedians on the show that night and they were like, do whatever you guys want to do. This is like low stakes, no pressure. If you want to do new material the whole time and you bomb it, like, if you only like three minutes of your 10 minute set, then we'll only upload those three minutes, like, you guys can do whatever you want. And that really relaxed me. So I did, like I say a little more than half of the set with nothing but new jokes that I wrote on the way there. Because when I'm, When I'm. I feel like a lot of the times I have the. I have good luck where the jokes work, like on the first try. If. And if I keep trying to edit them, then I'll just kind of screw them up sometimes. Sometimes, not always.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

I was like, man, I feel good about the jokes I just wrote on the way over here. I'm really excited about them and I usually trust my instincts. Like, I usually know when I'm this excited. Like, it's pretty good.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

If I'm not too excited, it's probably not going to work. But I mean, it worked.

[Jesse David Fox]

Can you think of the. Which joke in particular you were most excited for?

[Ralph Barbosa]

The. The stuff about how, like, in. In Texas it's easier to get a gun than it is to get weed. And like, Cali, it's so easy to get weed, but you can't get a gun, you know? But that joke also made a lot of people think that I was, like, very liberal. I never said I didn't like guns, you know?

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. Because then in your special, you don't talk about guns.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah. But this, whatever.

[Jesse David Fox]

I feel like I, I will say that I Feel like I really like your gun material. Like, as a person who's, like, completely. Not in a world where lots of guns. I thought you just sort of handle it in a. You've made it like a really. You capture that. It is not an issue necessarily in Texas because just sort of people just have guns.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah. I mean, I also don't have any. And I know, like, people don't like to hear this either, but I don't have any hardcore, like, opinions or, like, I'm not very passionate about a lot of subjects. So, like, when it comes, like, gun laws and stuff, like, I'm not hardcore to either one. If they're there, I'm like, cool. If they're illegal, I'm like, that's fine too. But, like, I. I don't know how to. I, like, sometimes some. Not that maybe I don't care enough, but sometimes I do wish there was, like, a. What do they call it? Like, an advisory before, like, a clip starts. Like, by the way, I'm not pushing any politics here, like, because, yeah, people take it and run, but that's also what's giving me a career, I guess.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. What is it? I think, because for a lot of comedians who will touch about whatever subject, what motivates them is like, oh, I care about this, so let me talk about it. How do you know where the joke is when you're like, well, this is ultimately not an issue that I have an agenda about, but, like, I'm aware. I have thoughts related to it.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah. I don't know. I think most of the stuff I talk about, it's like, it's only because when I thought about it, my mind went here with it and I'm like, oh, I could use that on stage. It's very rare when I talk about something on stage and I actually have, like. Like, a harder opinion on it. And if I do, I. I think I typically say something, like, on stage about it. Yeah. I don't record it and put it out there, but I'll. I'll probably. I like to. What do you call it? Like, break the fourth wall on stage every now and then and, like, give people a little behind the scenes of a joke sometimes.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

But also, I just. I feel like as a comedian, my job is just to get you to laugh. Like, it's not to push you one way or this way or, like, kind of push politics, which. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that. I'm a fan of comedians who do get political and, like, can make you Think about stuff, but I just don't think that's my style.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah, there I was. It was interesting watching the specials because it does feel like, at least in one issue, you do feel like, okay, well, this is a thing that I will go a little bit further, at least acknowledging my opinion about it, which is sort of immigration broadly. And I want to talk about those two jokes that come at different parts in the special a little bit, because it is interesting in contrast to sort of that perspective. And so I just want to back up a little bit to capture for people don't know, like, what your upbringing was like, because it seems like you family members of different immigration statuses. So I wanted to sort of capture that. Growing up, did you go back and forth to Mexico a lot? Do you have a story that captures sort of what your relationship to Mexico was?

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, I used to spend my summers in Mexico, and I my grandma, because I grew up with my grandparents, and my grandma would take me down there every summer, and we'd go to about two or three different cities, wherever I had relatives, and she'd pick up all my cousins. So it'd be like five, six, seven of us, and she'd take us back to her house in Mexico, and we'd spend, like, two months down there just having the time of our lives, you know. And I remember what would suck to see. And maybe this is one of the reasons that I do kind of take that subject a little more serious. What sucked to see is that my cousins would. Their kids, you know, they're like my age, and they'd go with their parents to try to apply for permission to come and spend the summer with us in the States, you know, different ones. And because me and my, my cousin who lived in the States would tell them stories about, like, oh, we have this over there. We do this, you know. So they would apply. And the first, I remember, like, the first few cousins that didn't get approved, I remember they just like, I was waiting outside their front there. I was, like, playing in the porch or whatever. We're all outside. And when my cousins get back from applying and, and as soon as they got out of the car, we're like, how'd it go? And they just, like, broke down crying. I don't know. It's like, like, I, I, I, I, I can understand when people are like, you know, come to the country legally and all that stuff, and it's just like, man. But I just think about, like, people like my cousins, like, they're not gonna come over here. To, like, rape anybody.

[Jesse David Fox]

It's fair. Is that when you first realized that there was a difference between your and your cousins, at least in terms of, like, how America. Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

And also, it also was just like, man, I want them to. I didn't. I. I mean, and looking back on it, maybe it's not the best way to think, but I. I was like, man, I want them to see how nice my house is. Like, we have to use the outhouse in Mexico a lot, and it'll stink. And even when we had a restroom inside, sometimes it'll be stinky. Like, it's just, it's. I mean, it's fun. Like, I love. I love going to Mexico, but I wanted them to see, like, how luxurious middle class was in America. Like, I'm like, dude, it's the. Over here. Like, it's badass. It's just like, I wanna. I'd like to see you one day.

[Jesse David Fox]

It's. It's interesting because it's. You're. Ultimately, you're a kid, so it's like you have a kid's understanding of, like, they. Once they see our bathrooms, they'll be like, well, they'll think I'm cool because I live in such a nice bathroom.

[Ralph Barbosa]

I. I mean, eventually they did get to come and they loved it, man. We take them to, like, what is now considered, like, the cheap arcade, like, neighborhood arcade. But to them, they're like, this is nuts.

[Jesse David Fox]

Did you. Especially as you started building a fan base over the last decade or so, did you feel a pressure to talk about it?

[Ralph Barbosa]

So if you're dating somebody and y' all start to get serious, eventually y' all gotta travel together. It's gonna happen. But that can be tough on your pockets. That's why I only go out with girls who are here illegally. Undocumented women. Y' all are done traveling. I didn't feel a pressure to talk about it. I do think that every now and then, when it'd be on my mind a lot, it's. It's one of the only subjects or one of the only jokes that I've written from like, a place of maybe, like, a little bit of anger.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah, yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

But when I, like, the first versions of those jokes really sucked because I was so, like, attached to it and put so much emotion behind it. I think, I think that it didn't get funnier until I, like, like, like, like when I talk about that law that they had in Texas. I don't know if it's still a law or not. I. I just stopped Paying attention to it, to be honest. But the SB4 law, like, it. Like, it was ridiculous to me. Like, I. I was angry at it, and then I was just like. What's the word? Like, flabbergasted.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

That. It said, you know, the. The police near the borders would arrest people who look suspicious of being illegals. Like, that is just insane.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

To say someone looks suspicious of being an illegal, like, that's just. I don't know, that's just nuts. So, like, if I just took my emotion out of it and just paid attention to the details, they're easy to make fun of anyway.

[Jesse David Fox]

What would you do? You remember what the earlier versions of the. The jokes were?

[Ralph Barbosa]

Not really. I just remember trying to work it out, and. And it wasn't funny at first. It was just me kind of like. Like using the crowd as therapy to be like, can you believe this? That they're doing that?

[Jesse David Fox]

You know what.

[Ralph Barbosa]

What helped me etch it, like, sketch it out was in the special, the joke I do before that, I think where I talk about, like, I'd be okay getting arrested and, like, a cop beating me up feels like complimenting me.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

My buddy helped me make that joke when we were in Austin because it actually happened to him. The cop grabbed him and then called them boss. And I thought of, like, the joke. I was like. And I told him he should say it first, but he's like, nah, nah, you go ahead. Yeah, but, like, that joke kind of helped me write the other one better.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Because I thought of a way to do the callback, and then it helped me, like, kind of, like feeling in the middle, because I did that joke, and then I thought of a good, like, ending or punchline and then work backwards from that, if that makes any sense.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

So.

[Jesse David Fox]

So the. The. Which joke are you referring to in terms of the.

[Ralph Barbosa]

I do. I do a joke where I say that especially. Yeah, I say. I say, the other day I walked out of a bar, and when I tried to go back in, a cop grabbed me by my arm, and he was like, whoa, you can't go back in there, boss. And I'm like, man, I didn't like that. He grabbed me by my arm, but he called me boss, you know, like, at least he knew. And that kind of made me realize, like, if, like, I'm like, I'm. I'm usually, like, afraid of authority. Like, if a cop was to, like, arrest me and get racist to me, like, I'd probably get really scared. But if a cop was to, like, Start hitting me or something, but complimented me. Like, I'd probably just let it slide.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

And I said, like. Like, if a cop slammed me up against the wall and was like, I bet you get a lot of. I'd be like, hi. Like, fine, take me to jail. You know? So then I. Once I started doing that joke, I started thinking again about, like, the SB4 love and how they're looking. You know, they can arrest people who look suspicious. And then I thought, like, I'd be offended if they thought I. I look suspicious. But then I was like, nah, not if he was like, hey, you magnet. Like, yeah, yeah, you know, you're going back to Mexico or something. Like, then I'd be like, all right. Like, so then once I thought of that, like, little connection, I was like, oh, I can just kind of work it backwards then. And, yeah, start doing the as before joke again, but end on that.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah, yeah. So then it's a little bit.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, this just kind of feeling that part now.

[Jesse David Fox]

And then there's also the joke about how you want to date undocumented women.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah. I feel like that's me poking fun at my own people.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. Yeah. Can you explain the basic premise? You know, you have to do the whole thing.

[Ralph Barbosa]

But the b. Yeah, the basic premise was just that, like, women love to travel nowadays, and instead of dating somebody seriously and spending all the money traveling with them, like, you could save a lot of money if you dated somebody who can't travel, you know? So it's better to just date undocumented women.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. So where did it come from?

[Ralph Barbosa]

It came from. I. I just kind of noticed that growing up, I've had different. Either relatives or friends who, like, were dating somebody who was undocumented, and that. That always became a problem in some way or another. Like, it's like, maybe one of my cousins was worried that, like, their. Their boyfriend or husband might get deported if they got pulled over one day, you know, or I would like to take a trip. Like, I was dating a girl and I did invite her on a trip once, and she was like, I. I'm, like, scared to travel. And so it kind of came from that. Yeah, I. I've never. I don't think I've ever, like, actually been like, ah, this is. This is cheap way to do it. Like, I just kind of thought that was a way to, like, make fun of them. Like, but only. I know this might be mean to some people, and I've only done it with my loved ones, but I have loved ones who are undocumented And I've had, I've made fun of them in that way before, so I kind of came from that. But I'm just kind of like bullying them, but out of, out of love and they know. But I only, I really only do it with like when I, when I do those jokes. I really was only doing it with my loved ones. But then I was like, man, it. I think I could do it on stage and, and get the point across that like this I'm just around.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah, I mean, I think that comes through that the other joke we'll talk about, which is the joke about.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Both.

[Jesse David Fox]

Of the jokes come from like, I love the people that I am talking about and as a result I'm talking about like friends that talk about the type of people how you joke around with your friends and talk about opposed to like a foreign subject. I think a lot of comedians when they talk about this stuff, it's all like an oh, like immigrants, blah, blah. Where you're like, these are just people I know, people I hang out with, people I date, people, my family.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, I rarely, I rarely talk about a subject that I've that I'm very like, like foreign tour. Like, I don't know anything about that subject. And if I did, I'd heavily emphasize like, I don't know about this shit.

[Jesse David Fox]

Like so the, so the second joke, you start by making it very clear that you're pro immigrant. You sort of like make it. You, you stop the spiritual. Like, I just want to make it clear otherwise I do not have political opinions you should follow. You can vote for whatever you want to do, blah, blah. But there is one thing I do want and you say I am pro immigrant and you explain why. Can you. What, what made you think you like, you wanted to make it towards explicitly clear that so you didn't want that misconstrued as you get into the next part of the joke.

[Ralph Barbosa]

I wanted to do that because I've had different jokes that I post on Instagram and tik tok and YouTube where people think that I'm super Republican or I'm super liberal. And I, and I like that it was up in the air. Like, I don't. But I, I just, that I just feel like that's one subject that I was like, I don't want people to get it twisted. Like I, I, that's one thing that I'm like, nah, you could say whatever you want. You could, could try to guess where I'm from or guess what, whatever about me. But like that Was just one thing that I was like, man, I don't want that to keep getting twisted around.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. It also then sets up the twist of the next joke. Can you summarize the basic premise about what. What happens when you hang around too many immigrants?

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Not. I just. Yeah, that's one of the few. Like I'm saying, like, that's one of the few subjects I take very serious, and I think over time, I'll take more subjects serious, have more experience and stuff, you know, but that's. This is one of the few ones, and I just wanted it to be known.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. So you say, essentially, when you hang around a lot of immigrants, they shame you for being. Not anymore.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah.

[Jesse David Fox]

For being, like, soft or like.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah.

[Jesse David Fox]

How easy you get? Does that come from specific experience?

[Ralph Barbosa]

That comes from the. My same cousins who, like, I would feel bad that they couldn't come to the States. When they do come to the States and then we go back to Mexico or, like, one or the other, like, they would make fun of me for not being as Mexican as them. Or, like, they'd be like, you have it easy, bro. Like, you don't. You don't even know what struggle is.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

And I'm like, bro, like, I'm on your side. Why are you shaming me?

[Jesse David Fox]

Like, Yeah, I think that's why it works. I mean, because you set it up as. You play with the idea that it makes you feel Republican, but really it is just sort of like a very personal slight that you are experiencing where.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah.

[Jesse David Fox]

You're just like, why are you making me feel bad?

[Ralph Barbosa]

It's also me being sensitive. Like, I bully my, like, cousins who are immigrants, but then that's them, like, bullying me back. It's like, hey, like, calm down, bro.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. I mean, all the jokes do. It's sort of like, as I said, it's like, these are people stories and not just sort of an idea, which I think is like, why it was easier for you to access. Talking about the subjects. Like, you just. These are. This is your life, and you're sort of the thing that you notice from it.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, I thought it'd be funny just to, like, say my. I guess I was just trying to give people, like, like a version of, like, how we bully each other.

[Jesse David Fox]

You know what I mean? Yeah, yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

But just from my perspective.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah, they don't get. They don't get to weak immediately.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah.

[Jesse David Fox]

Have they. Do they. Have your family seen those jokes and been like, yeah, yeah, you deserve it. You.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, I think they've seen it.

[Jesse David Fox]

You say around then, I wish I can be one of the comedians who is like, have you ever noticed how society be doing this when you say that? Like, do you think of specific comedians? Are there specific comedians that you're like, oh, I wish I can be. Do like, you see. Can you think of any joke or anything where you're like, oh, I wish I had that.

[Ralph Barbosa]

I, I can't think of, like, a specific joke, but I do. Like, I love watching comedians that I think are, Are, are pretty smart, like Bill Burr, Ricky Gervais, Dave Chappelle. You know what I mean? Like, these dudes talk about stuff that I feel like everybody can understand, even if it's not like, your cup of tea. Like, that's, that's. They're very, like, broad subjects and, and they're going, like, into them, into detail where I don't, I don't think I have it in me. Like, I think when I hear about these subjects, my, my jokes, my mind doesn't, like, joke about it in that way. Like, they do. Like, they're making some good points. And I think my mind goes to, like, I hear about immigration and like, yeah, I can make fun of, like, the law if it sounds ridiculous enough. But my mind goes more to, like, the dating illegals can save you money or whatever, you know? Do you.

[Jesse David Fox]

What do I mean, as you keep on getting better or doing more comedy, is it a thing that you aspire to? Is there a thing that you think prevents you from talking about more of those subjects?

[Ralph Barbosa]

I mean, like, I don't think, because.

[Jesse David Fox]

Like, when Bill Burr was your age, he was not talking about this stuff, and then now he's, you know, he's been doing comedy for 30 years, and then things change.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, I mean, whatever happens, happens. I don't think I have, like, a set goal on, like, the type of comedy I want to do. I want to. Obviously, I want to get better, whatever better it may be. But I just try to, like, joke about whatever is coming in. Like, as I ingest stuff, I just digest it or whatever you call it. But I don't have, like, a set. This is a horrible analogy, but I don't have a plan for how I want to poop. I just. I just poop it and hope it's good.

[Jesse David Fox]

The audience tells you which of your.

[Ralph Barbosa]

I don't want to give them diarrhea. But, like, however it comes out, it comes out. You know?

[Jesse David Fox]

One example I was thinking about with this is you, what you bring up in special, which is you were on Joe Rogan, and you did not know what to talk about the entire time.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah.

[Jesse David Fox]

Of what that it feels like to be sitting down. You're like, all right, you start. You're like, wait, I have nothing to say. And then you realize you have three hours in front of you where you have to keep on talking.

[Ralph Barbosa]

I don't think it's too hard to keep on talking. I just know that the conversation is not going to be up to par with a lot of the other people that he has on there, you know, in those conversations. I went on there again the day before yesterday, and again I was like, all right, like, you. You agree to this, bro? Like, here we go. Yeah. Yes. The. The first time I went on there, like, I just talked about whatever, like, would come to my mind. And I know a lot of the comments under that episode were like, man, this guy's not interested. And then they start bringing up other people who were interesting, like, the last guy and episode, you know, 300 something. Now that's an episode. I'm like, all. But I. Yes. The day before yesterday, I did Joe Rogan again, and this time I just asked him a lot of questions. I'm like, you have all the knowledge, bro. Teach me something.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. You're able to talk for three hours.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah.

[Jesse David Fox]

This is, like, what you do every day. I don't.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah. So I just ask him about, like, what's that about? What's going on with this? Not like, I got a lesson, you know?

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah, that's. Did you. Do you feel like you learned something from it?

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, I learned about this dude in Arizona. He's like, the. He got abducted in the 70s. And I. I didn't know who this was until Joe Rogan actually had one of his books in his. In his studio, like, in the lobby area or whatever. And I'm sorry to anybody who's a fan of this author. I'm sorry. I didn't know who it was before. I know it could be, like, what, you didn't know who that was? Hunter S. Thompson. And now I'm, like, in love with Hunter S. Thompson.

[Jesse David Fox]

Oh, that's nice.

[Ralph Barbosa]

You should have seen Joe's face when I was like, yo, Hunter S. Thompson. Like, that's a dude or a lady. Yeah. So I feel like it's a valid question to somebody who's never heard of Hunter Thompson. You know, I grew up with my grandparents, man. They're from Mexico. They're not like, hey, hunted. Like. Like, forgive me for not knowing. But he was just like, what you don't know. Hundreds Thompson. I was like, I don't know.

[Jesse David Fox]

Have you watched what's the hiss is like fear and loyalty in the link?

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, actually. Yeah, I like that movie. That movie freaks me out a little bit too, though. But that's. I think that's a good thing to sometimes get freaked out by a movie.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Like a work of art.

[Jesse David Fox]

But it is funny that not only did not know him, but since he's been dead, the name Hunter has become also a woman's name. So you're. You're processing that aspect of it.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, I'm just progressive is all.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah, that's what it is. I've talked to other comedians like Ali Siddiq, who talked about. There are certain parts of his life that he avoided talking about for a while because he doesn't feel like he was good enough a comedian yet. He didn't want to be pigeonholed. He didn't know how to talk about it yet, you know, like, specific. For him, it was selling drugs and going to jail and stuff. And I was wondering if there are aspects from your life that you feel like you're not ready to talk about on stage, but you are able to, like, generally talk about.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, for sure. Maybe not even generally talk about sometimes, like, if I'm friends with somebody, I think when I feel comfortable with certain people, sometimes stuff will just come out whether they're close to me or not. Like, if I just feel comfort sometimes. But there are certain stuff that I'm like, I'm never going to talk about this on stage. Like, that one stays with me. It's a little dark.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. I guess it'd be hard to be like, tell me what that is right now. If the whole point of it is that you don't feel. I mean, like. Well, I guess the thing that it's like in your Netflix special, you allude a little bit to the fact that you're. You have family members who were in prison and your father was in prison, but you don't, like, really get into it. You don't really get to. Into as much. You get how it made you feel. Like where, you know, on some podcasts you've talked about, like, having family that had some connections to cartel. And I was curious, you know, what that felt like. And if it feels like a thing that you could talk about on stage or does it not feel like your story, it.

[Ralph Barbosa]

It. At first I avoided talking about it on stage because I was so used to, you know, never bring this up. But watching Ali Siddiq specifically made me feel like, you know what? I think I can talk about my side of it.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

And I had thought of, like, little jokes about it before, but I just never spoke them or nothing. But later on, I was like, look, my. It was my uncle and my dad. It was my mom's brother and my. And my dad who were, like, involved in this stuff. They. They are. They've already gone to prison. They did their time and they said they're never going back to that.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

So in my mind, I'm like, I'm gonna talk about it now. Because if that's true, they're no one back to it, then they have nothing to worry about. Like, I don't have to keep this a secret anymore. Like, if they've really served their time and they're done. And it's also in my mind, it was like. Like a weapon. Or maybe not. Maybe not a weapon, but, like, it was reinsurance. Like, if I go on popular podcast and Netflix and I talk about this, like, they can't go back to it.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

One day they got tempted. Like, I close those gates for them. Nobody's going to want to work with them. I talk about everything. So, like, those subjects was like, this is my way that I can be unique. Let something off my chest.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

And, like, you know, just make it funny. Get some laughs.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. And you. What. What about your own perspective? So, like, you're young when this was happening. What about your time? Do you feel like there is, like, your perspective, what was happening that you feel like you can talk about more? Right. It's like the Ali story is about what. It's like selling drugs and going to prison. But, like, obviously he cannot tell the story of, like, how his family was perceiving that happened. I mean, in the second special. Yes. But. You know what I mean? But, like, can you think of a part of the story that you do feel like you can share more, that you're interested in sort of exploring? Because I do think what you're getting at partly is, like, it's not just the thing that happened to them. It's a thing that happens to the whole family.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah. I think some. The part for me is that, like, no, like, nobody was telling me what was going on.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

I could tell by, you know, as I started to get a little older, like 10, 12, I could tell something was, like, way different than, like, more families. I started noticing, like, I've never seen my uncle have a job, but I've seen him have the coolest cars, like, huge House, like, all this stuff. And I could tell, though, that there was a lot of secrets being kept from me. Like, there's a lot of whispering, there's a lot of, like, go over here, put on some headphones, like, or whatever. Like, stuff was just odd. But I, I even. And nobody ever asked me to not talk about stuff because they're doing their best to not even tell me stuff. And nobody ever put the pressure on me was like, hey, don't ever say this. Or, hey, don't ever say that. Right. And I, I've seen some stuff here and there, like, with guns or whatever, and even then they, they try not to let me see anything. I just kind of catch a peep with her. But I, I first I just felt a pressure to not say a word, like, to anybody about anything. Like, nothing. And there'd be times where there's, like, you know, kids at school talking about their parents and what they do and stuff. And, like, I would not say a word. I would not say. I just. My grandpa worked in drywall. That's how I would talk about, like, if we ever talked about what does your dad do? Like, that's it.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

And. Yeah. So when I started talking about this on stage, it felt like a huge, like, let my breath out.

[Jesse David Fox]

Like. Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

I don't wanna. I don't like secrets. I don't like holding secrets. Nothing. Like, don't ever try to keep secrets around me.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. Do you feel like it? I mean, this is maybe two stars. Do you feel like that part of what fed you into becoming a comedian? It's like you had, like, you know, 18 years of your life where you had to keep secrets. And you're like, now I get to pay all this money to.

[Ralph Barbosa]

I don't think it pushed me to comedy, but it definitely helped out my comedy.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah, that's true. One other thing that I was really interested in is a couple months back, you put up a set about going to the eye doctor and the eye doctor telling you that you, you're going blind. It's really a great said, and I was curious about it. Like, can you talk about both going to the doctor's office, getting that diagnosis, and then like, seemingly fairly quickly living, like, I should bring this on stage, how you approach that.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, it was just really taken over my mind. And I think sometimes I can. If I, if I don't, like, I feel like I, I joke about whatever's just on my mind or whatever. And I didn't want to talk about something negative, but it's Just where my mind went with it. And I also get tired of my own material pretty quickly. So I was just like, like, let me just talk about this invent to the. To the audience. That. That doctor really, like, scared me. Like, he really was. But to be fair, what I left out of that joke was that he. He was like, very much like, hey, man, like, you're going blind. Like, you need to do something. But then what I left out was that after all that, he's like, but also, I'm not in. He's like, I'm an optometrist. I'm not an ophthalmologist. Like, yeah, yeah, you have to go see a specialist. Right? And I. And I went to see a specialist way later. I did wait maybe too long. And the specialist was like, now you're not going blind yet. Like, you just. You're like on the verge of. Of it. Of needing, like, treatments and stuff. Like they do, like, laser treatments and, like, shots in your eyes. He's like, I don't think you need them just yet, but definitely take better care of yourself. Like, you're not taking very good care of yourself, and if you take really good care of yourself, you shouldn't need treatments for a long time. Yeah, yeah, he, like, calmed me down, the specialist. But the first guy was like, dude, DEFCON 4. Like, let's get you somewhere. Like, go to the ER. Like, something like, that dude was freaking me out.

[Jesse David Fox]

Or you're like, I need to start looking at things.

[Ralph Barbosa]

There's.

[Jesse David Fox]

I have a list of things I need to look at one last time.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, boobies.

[Jesse David Fox]

What was the response when you put that up there? Because it is, like a pretty vulnerable set.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Neil Brandon reached out, which I thought was cool. I respect that dude a lot. I like, I like his stand up. I also like his podcast blocks. You know, he was just like, you know, hope you take care of yourself. But just wanted to say, like, that was really funny and, like, a good bit. And so just. Who cares if I go blind? Like, if I could just get the respect of a client that I respect. That's dope. You know, it's sick.

[Jesse David Fox]

He was the first person I interviewed for this podcast, like, eight years ago.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Oh, wow.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah, it's him and Jim Gaffkin in the same day.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Nice.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Wow. Yeah, I had a few comics reach out about that bit. They're like, hilarious. And I was like, hell, yeah.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. That reminds me, you used to cut hair. And I. I bring this up because I don't know if you know, this but part of the legend of when Chris Rock was, like, rebuilding himself as a comedian in the early 90s. So essentially the story is he was on SNL. Do you know the story? I'll tell the full story. Such a pretty fun story. So Chris Rock kind of was doing well in New York in the 80s. He gets cast on SNL. It doesn't really work out for him. But he's, like, kind of well known because he was on SNL and he does a show in Chicago, and Martin Lawrence is opening for him. And he never met Martin Lawrence. He wasn't watching Def Jam. He didn't know that Martin Lawrence was a big thing. So Chris Rock was in the dressing room, and he heard a really loud noise, and he thought people were getting to a fight. So he went out to see, and it was just Martin Lawrence was killing, and he. And that was the first time Chris Rock realized people can kill that hard. So Chris Rock then, like, went on a year's journey to, like, become a better comedian. And so then he essentially bombed a lot. This is, like, 10 years into comedy. Decided, like, I'm gonna rebuild myself as a comedian. He bombed a lot. And he developed all these different processes to try out material. And one was he would essentially go to barbershops to work out premises. And they didn't know he was just being like, what do you guys think about this? And then just sort of, like, seeing what people said. This is all to say, one, I was sharing that story because it's a fun story, but also, like, is there. Do. How much of you. Have you ever gotten material from Barbershop? Do you have any memory from the time where you were cutting hair that, like, helped shape least your understanding of how people talk?

[Ralph Barbosa]

One of my comedian buddies got mad that I said that the funniest people on earth are not comedians. They're co workers. Because when I worked at a barber shop, the barbers there were funnier to me. Like, the hangout there was funnier to me than to hang out anywhere else. Like, I've hung out with a lot of comics, and there's some comics that are hilarious to hang out with. But, like, hanging out with those guys at the shot is the funniest memories I've ever had. Like, some of the funniest memories ever. And they're also to. They've been my, like, biggest critics. The guys that I worked with shout out to the guys from Oak Cliff Barbers, but they're. They were big supporters. They'd go to my shows and they share my Videos, but, like, there. They never once would give me props. They're like, you're not funny. Like, you're not funny. Like, they would tell people, like, hey, check this guy out on Instagram and YouTube, but he's not funny. Like, it is. Like, they were the funniest ones there. They were way funnier than me at the barbershop.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

That's why I. I definitely think working on material at a barbershop works. I haven't got much material from it. It's. It's. It's hard to explain the stuff I've seen there.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

But I think you hear a lot of funny stuff in barbershops, so if something's funny, they'll let you know.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah, that's so funny that they support you so much. But in their supporting, would like to remind people that, like, you are less funny than they are.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, they know. They tell everybody.

[Jesse David Fox]

Pretty close to when you filmed the special. Your friend and collaborator, Ken Flores, passed away at the age of 28. For those who didn't know him, can you share a story that captures what it was like being friends with him, doing comedy with him?

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah. Ken was a hard worker, and he, like, he didn't take a whole lot of care of his health. I think the day that I kind of got to know more about. More, like, what he's about. So I had hung out with him a couple times and got to pick his brain on, like, comedy, and he was definitely a comedy nerd, and he definitely had a good work ethic. He loved to work out bits. But one day, Renee called me. Renee? Yeah, he's really the one that would try to, like, unite me, him, and Ken. One day, Renee called me because him and Ken were tour together, and he said that Ken got really sick, and they were performing here in New York, I think, at, like, St. Mark's Comedy Club. And he was like, ken had to stay back, man. We had to take him to the ER and he had to stay back. I'm going on to the next city, but can you go check on them or, like, call him or something? And I was like, yeah, yeah. I was like, I'm. I have a trip already planned to New York. I'll go early. And so I went and saw Ken in the hospital, and I was telling him that I'm gonna go do spots. And I was like, I think one of these shows, Chappelle's, supposed to be at one of these clubs, like, we can watch him and stuff. And he was like, yeah, hell, yeah. Let's let's go. He's like, they're gonna let me out soon. They're gonna discharge me. And so that same day, when he was supposed to, like, just rest and take it easy, like, he came with me to do spots, and he even got on stage a couple times. And, like, I was like, man, that's a comic through and through. Like, the dude's in pain, but he's like, he's. He's doing his thing. And I just, I thought that was dope. Ken was also. I was always, like, trying to play it cool with comics that I was a fan of. Like, I wouldn't want to ask him for pictures or anything. And Ken was like, nah, I. I don't care, man. Like, I. I'm a big fan of these dudes. Like, I'm gonna ask him for a picture. Like, it. Who knows when I'm gonna get this chance again, Which I thought was cool. But he also was in the kiss ass. And this is my. Probably my favorite thing. Like, I don't get tired of telling people this. Like, he wasn't a kiss ass, which, believe it or not, is rare in comedy. Everybody's thinking if they just, you know, I mean, like, really fluff up to somebody that they. They're gonna get some sort of opportunity out of it. Whereas, like, yeah, if Ken was a fan of a person, he'd let them know and, you know, he'd respect him and everything. But even if you were the biggest comic in the world, like, if you bomb that night, you know, where. Where everybody else is telling you, like, hey, no problem, you know, like, Kim would be like, man, you really sucked and identity. Like, he didn't care if it was damn Chappelle himself. He would have said something. Like, he would have made the Jo talk to him.

[Jesse David Fox]

Oh, sorry. Oh.

[Ralph Barbosa]

I'm just saying that I really respect that because what that means to me is that, like, this is somebody who, however far they got in comedy, they did it off of earning it, not kissing ass, you know?

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. Do you have a favorite of his jokes?

[Ralph Barbosa]

I. I really like. I. I haven't watched his full special. It's a little tough to get through it. Like, I don't want it to be over. I really like some of the jokes on his special, but my favorite joke of his has been. It's a longer story. I love the carrot cake one. Look up the carrot cake1 on YouTube. Ken Flores carrot cake. But I think my favorite one is one that has not been released yet. We played it on the tour. Me And Renee Vaca did a tour. It was supposed, it was supposed to be the three of us.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Ken passed away literally the day that we were supposed to sign the, the, the paperwork to like lock in the tour. But in, in if you went to our tour, you would see that there's like about a 10 minute clip. It's a 10 minute story that Ken does about getting fake butterflies tattooed on him as a kid, like just sticking those, those vending machine tattoos. That whole story is funny and I hope that one day it can be released on something like on YouTube maybe eventually. But yeah, that one. If, if, if you ever go see a Renee Vodka show, you'll probably see it. Or if you ever go see me and Renee, you'll probably see that. That. That's hilarious.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah, I, it. What was it like doing a tour that was supposed to be all three of yours? Was it just bittersweet? Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Renee has like a big team around them with like his brothers and, and, and his, you know, his other guys. And then I got a team and our team's bonding. You know what I mean? It felt like camp. Like, it's, it's cool, man. But every time that we're just laughing like crazy or having like a, a great time, we'd all have a moment where, where we knew like, bro, it would have been just that much better if Ken was here. But I feel like, I mean, I don't know if Rene feels like this, but I feel like Ken was there in spirit. Like, there's no way he wasn't there, you know?

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. I want to talk a little bit about some of your influences and specifically you've talked about Hannibal Buress. And, and I, I, I want to bring it up because I think of Hannibal Burrs is like one of the five to 10 most influential comedians of like the last 20 years. And I don't think people think of him that way, but like, I really think in the short list he's directly or just sort of inspired people in a lot of the ways he did. And I was wondering, what did he mean to you? What was it about him?

[Ralph Barbosa]

Do you feel like two, two things that I guess inspired me about Hannibal was one, the first thing was that I had quit going to open mics. After I'd quit like twice. I'd quit like a few months in. And then I quit after like being a couple years in. I actually had almost got on hbo. I opened up for like a special and it didn't work out and I was kind of feeling bummed Out. And it was also really broke. I was like, maybe comedy's not for me. This. This was cool and stuff, and it's fun. Maybe I should do it for fun. Yeah. And then it was, like, on YouTube or something. I saw. I think Judd Apatow put it together. The Hannibal takes. What is it called? Eden?

[Jesse David Fox]

Edinburgh. Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, Edinburgh. And seeing the footage of Hannibal, listening to his sets and also getting frustrated and talking about how, like, if you do this the same hour every day, like, it'll make you. Doing that festival, make you better as a comedian.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Just reminded me, like, bro, I can't give up. Like, I'm being a little right now. Like, this dude worked hard at it. Like. And I got more interested in Hannibal after that, and I looked him up on YouTube, and I found this interview I think he did with, like, Vice or somebody. And they're like, any. They said, do you have any advice for people wanting to be comedians? And he's just. He, like, he was just like, work hard. And I was like, yeah, like, that's great advice, but people don't really think about what it really means to work hard. Like, he made that. That. His face let me know, like, how hard you have to work at it. I guess the other thing that really inspired me about him as I started watching more of his comedy was his. He's creative. He talks about, like, anything. And it taught me that, like, it doesn't have to be sophisticated. It doesn't have to be hardcore or whatever. Like, he's just creative. And, yeah, it's funny. So it made me want to be more creative and just talk about more random stuff.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. Yeah. I think it's the similarity, though. I don't think a lot of people would point it out right away. I do think you both people observe a little small thing in a social interaction, are able to sort of figure out a joke. But there's one joke you had that I'm like, this literally could have been a Hannibal joke, which is the Quavo joke. The. Can you summarize the basic premise of for those or.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, I just really like that song. My friend Jaime showed it to me, and, yeah, I feel like I didn't want to, like, steal a Hannibal joke, but I was inspired by his young Jeezy.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

How stupid. Dumb. Big. My room's got rooms. He's like, now those are closets. And I had been listening to that song for, like, six months. Like, the. The Quavo. The Kelly Price. I just. I thought that was such a dope Song, it was like. And I'm singing it, but I didn't think of making fun of it until, you know, like, the hundredth time I'm singing it. Now I'm just thinking about every lyric, like, I'm breaking it down. And I'm just like, those dudes driving across country, like, you know, I guess with drugs. I don't know. People. People have explained it to me. Like, people who don't find it funny in the comments are like, it's because he's driving with drugs, idiot. You have to drive speed limits. You don't get pulled over. And I'm like, so what? It's still just.

[Jesse David Fox]

It's a weird way of saying yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

But, yeah, people like that joke a lot. And I liked it. It was fun to do it. I knew it was a good joke when I did it at an open mic, and it was the first time I got, like, heavy laughs, and I was like, oh, hell, yeah. That felt badass.

[Jesse David Fox]

Well, it's a joke. Well, I guess say, what the. For those who haven't seen it, I guess we need to put a clip or. It's a. Essentially, the lyric is about, he's going a mile a minute.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah. The first lyrics are, he's like, I go through all the cities. He's like, I'm on a mile a minute. I go a mile a minute. You know, that sounds cool. But then he like, that's 60 miles an hour, bro. Like, I don't know. Across. You're just driving across the country at speed limit. That's all you said, you know? But I guess he said it in a cool way. But, yeah, once I broke it down, I was like, it don't feel that cool no more.

[Jesse David Fox]

It is that perfect thing of, like, a joke that is a reference to a very specific thing. But, like, you don't need to know the song. It's just something about.

[Ralph Barbosa]

I was also inspired by Norm MacDonald on that joke. I tried. He has that joke. He did it on David Letterman where he's like, ID is a weird abbreviation because I stands for I and he stands for identification. So it's just overthinking something.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. The other thing that I think reminded me is that I feel like people in the comments think you're high all the time, or you wrote everything high. It's like, oh, you must have wrote that. And I feel like Hannibal used to get that for the first, like, 15 years. Careers, like, oh, you must write everything high is like, no, I got to work really hard.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah. Everybody thinks I'M high. Like, even, even this girl I was talking to, we got on FaceTime and like the third time we were FaceTime, she's like, your eyes are just like that, huh?

[Jesse David Fox]

Didn't even think about the physical aspect. It's like, oh, people just.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, people think my eyes are low and that I talk slow cuz I'm high. But not just. I'm just not, I guess, high functioning. Yeah, but. And I've been high on stage, I guess before I blew up, I'd been high on stage maybe twice. After I started touring, I've been high on stage a handful of times. But I usually don't like to go high on stage because it's one of those things where it's like I need to be observing stuff to make sure my comedy gets better. So like, if, even if I'm, you know, crushing on the show, like, if I do anything different, I need to take notes in my mind. I usually people, people are like, how come you don't laugh at your own stuff? It was like, I'm not, I'm not processing what I said. Sometimes I'm like saying something, but then I'm just like, he left, he left, he left. Like medium. I'll be like, that's about an 8 out of 10 laugh. Like, okay, maybe work on it. Like, I'm just taking notes.

[Jesse David Fox]

It's so funny because that for before you started a comedy laughing, no one, you weren't, you weren't supposed to laugh at your own jokes until like 2009, it was like not allowed. And then it's funny to think, especially because Chappelle is so famous and Chappelle laughs at like everything he ever says. So it's now reversed where it's like, why don't you laugh yourself like Chappelle? And it does feel like it's like, well, you're watching me. I'm not watching the show. I'm watching. You're my show.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Whenever, whenever I do laugh at my own jokes, they're usually like horrible ones where the audience doesn't even laugh and I'm just the only one. Like, this was hilarious.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Shane Gillis kind of explained that. I didn't, I didn't watch. I didn't see this in, until I didn't think about it to this day. I was watching this clip where he makes a joke on like, women. It's like, he's like, he's like, oh. He's like, yeah, I don't, I don't have any female friends because I, I typically like, to go places and have a good time. He's like, what do women even do for fun? Fold stuff? And he's like, that's. He's like, I'm sorry. He's like, I know that's a horrible joke to the women in the audience. He's like, I know that's a horrible joke from where you're sitting. He's like, but up here, from here, it's hilarious because I just look around and see, like, 15 women just, like, pissed off, you know? So it's like, yeah, there's certain stuff where you're just like. You, like. It's funny to the comedian because you're like, hey, I want a good show. And I'm like, nah, bro, here's some horrible shit.

[Jesse David Fox]

I think that's an interesting way of thinking about the comedians because this is not a silly stuff you're doing, but, like, the comedians who do piss off the audience, one or the other, it's like, oh, I guess if you've been doing it for a while, it. You're like, shows can blend other than if you get specific reactions.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Like, I'm not gonna dedicate my whole show to pissing off my audience, but I do. I do think it's funny to, like, throw in something here and there that's like, bro, I have this power because y' all just gave it to me. Like, it's like being a dj.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah, yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

And every now and then playing just, like, a horrible song on purpose just to. Just to piss off the audience. Like. But it's because I'm DJing right now. Like, I like, it's just funny.

[Jesse David Fox]

This reminds. That makes me think that, like, though, you know, found so much success online and specifically from posting, like, a lot of your. You always are posting material or, like, new material. Like, I don't think I've seen many times where you're doing crowd work or anything like that. Is it part of. Is that intentional? Is that something, especially now that it's become popular that you've avoided?

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, just because I do like doing crowd work. I've had shows where it's more crowd work than material, but I never posted crowd work because I don't want my audience to, like, expect it. Because I can go, like, six months without doing crowd work, and then. And then I'll get tired of my material and then go into crowd work. But when I'm doing my material, I really don't want people to, like, interrupt and. And want to make it about them. Like, you know, sometimes you get A drunk dude who's like, just trying to interrupt and like, hey, this is something you can make fun of. And they're like, bro, what are you doing right now? Like, I'm in the middle of something else. So that's why I've never posted crowd work.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

But I do like doing crowd work too. I think it's really fun to get to know the people in the audience.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. Another influence you've talked about, being a big Adam Sandler guy. Yeah, I'm a big Adam Sandler fan, though. I realize we're a different generation, so I was curious, what is, like, the first Adam Sandler movie that you saw that you're like, oh, this is wild. People are so funny.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Little Nikki. Little Nikki is my all time favorite Adam Sandler movie. That movie, I used to, as a kid, like, know it word for word. And I take it. I had a portable DVD player and I'd take it down to Mexico and watch it, like, all the way down. And then we would get to Mexico and I had all my cousins over. I'd put it on, like, the actual DVD player and I never would translate it to Spanish. I don't even know if that was an option. But they would watch it and they would still laugh.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah, yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

And, yeah, that movie right there.

[Jesse David Fox]

Have you. Have you met Adam yet?

[Ralph Barbosa]

Once.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

I got to hug him. It's pretty cool. I didn't want to let go. Yeah, he was real nice. I got. I got to do a general meeting at Happy Madison, and he just walked in there. He was like, who's this guy? And I was like, you know, it's like, it's nice to meet you. I was like, nice basketball shorts. He was like, yeah. He's like, I had to stretch him out so I could feel thinner. He's like, you don't have that problem, huh? And that day I had to buy a belt on my way there, but the only belt they had was like, way too big for me, so I had to poke a hole. So I had to just show him all this extra belt I had or whatever. And he was like. One of the other guys was like, yeah, he's, you know, he's got a Netflix special. Like, he's had a really good couple years. And Adam Sandler was like, that's cool. He said. He was like, is your family excited for you? And I said, yeah, the ones that know English and know what's going on. And he's like, that's great. And I got up to shake his hand, but he Gave me a hug, so that was cool.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. Yeah. How. I know you've. You've talked about how you first thought about you wanted to be an actor, then you. Before you want to be a community. How much is acting a goal at this point?

[Ralph Barbosa]

I've acted, like, in two separate roles, and I think it's more of a goal now than it was before, because once I started doing stand up, like, I didn't even go back to acting classes, to the theater program or anything like that. I just really fell in love with stand up. But now I want to break more into it. I've. I've had a. I did a commercial for Verizon in Spanish, and I did an episode of MO which was like, a dream come true. Shout out to mohammer man. Because I was already a fan of season one. I watched season one before I had any type of, like. Like, right as I started to blow up, I watched season one. And so for him to write me into season two was great. Especially I love the message of the show. Both of those tapings only took one day, but it was, like, a really tiring day. So I'm afraid of, like, what if I land the role at, like, takes months or something? I got to do that. But I'm also hungry for the. The experience. But, yeah, right now I'm just. I'm. I'm doing auditions here and there, and I'm been watching a lot of, like, tutorials on, like, what's. What makes a better actor, like, behind, like, actors interviews and stuff. I'm not trying to be, like, what's the dude's name? Timothy Chalamet Salome. Yeah. Like, I'm not trying to be like that, but, yeah, I'd like. I'd like to get more experience in acting. I think it's really fun.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. What is. What have you learned from any of your online tutorials?

[Ralph Barbosa]

I don't know. Just, like, breaking down the character. Imagine what would make him do and say certain things. I learned read the script as many times as you can. I did an audition last Monday, I think. Yeah, last Monday or Tuesday.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

And I didn't get the whole script. I mean, it was just an audition. You know, they just give you sides. So I had, like, two pages, but I think I read those pages, like, 80 times. And it does. It does help you, like, I read it the first time, like, out loud to hear myself, how I'm saying it. And by, like, the 80th time, I think I had a little better.

[Jesse David Fox]

Is it. Would you leave Dallas like is it or are you would. Is ultimately all acting work secondary to the fact that you have to. You're like. You were Dallas.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah. Yeah. I'd probably leave.

[Jesse David Fox]

Cool. Your family.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, I mean I, I'd come back. You know, that's fair. It's not like they're going to make me act for a 10 year role or something.

[Jesse David Fox]

Well, they could.

[Ralph Barbosa]

They are. Battle Boy 2.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

You ever see that movie about a.

[Jesse David Fox]

Boy with Hugh Grant?

[Ralph Barbosa]

No, no, no. Is it about a boy?

[Jesse David Fox]

Which one? Oh, boyhood.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Boyhood. There you go. Boyhood too. Where, where they film it over 12 years.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. In Texas. So that one you would even have to leave.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, they do a part two on that one.

[Jesse David Fox]

But it's about.

[Ralph Barbosa]

You call it manhood.

[Jesse David Fox]

Manhood. It's all about your adulthood. One of the things you do in the special, which I've never. I think I've seen a community do before, which is you will say a joke. The part if there. If the joke involves a person who speaks Spanish, you'll first say it in Spanish and then you'll translate it. And I was just very curious. It's just a really cool thing you do. It was very interesting. I was curious how you decided to approach that.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, I'd never really done that before, but I, I'm a fan of like people like, like Santia Espinoza or like different comedians that I know here in the States that do comedy in Spanish and English. I think that's really dope. And I kind of want to break into doing Spanish sets like even if it's just short form. So that was me kind of like dipping my toe into that.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Like just getting over the nerves to. To speak. Cuz my Spanish isn't perfect. It's like good enough to have a conversation with somebody. Like I can, I can survive in a Spanish speaking country, but you can, you know, like if another Mexican hears me, they know that that's not my first language. So that was me just kind of getting over like the fear of speaking Spanish on stage but. And kind of teasing like, hey, I could do some Spanish stuff if anyone.

[Jesse David Fox]

Wants to book me.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah. So yeah, I'd like to do more of that.

[Jesse David Fox]

How have you gotten better at stand up?

[Ralph Barbosa]

I think I've just gotten more comfortable. I'm. Yeah. And I think too much comfort could be a problem too. But I think I've gotten way more comfortable where like I've just been on stage so many times that I know I can go up there with no material and do okay, maybe not kill you. You know, I know I can go up there, no material and like figure something out. I also know that like, no matter who's talking, like, I, I don't, I used to get nervous about that. But I think, you know, I think this goes for a lot of comics. You, you reach a point where like, you've been on stage so many, so much, somebody could say something and it's like, bro, you're in like my house.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

You know, I mean that stage is like, like I'm holding a baseball bat, man. Like.

[Jesse David Fox]

And how do you hope to get better?

[Ralph Barbosa]

I don't know how I hope to get better necessarily. I think I'd like to, I guess. I, I think now lately my, my issue, my challenge has been like not feeling creative enough to like everything I think of. I'm like, this is not that funny. It's not that interesting. Or like maybe I'm over criticizing it or something. But so that I, I don't necessarily know how I want to get better. I just know like what the next challenges, I guess.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. Do you feel like this special is special?

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, to me. I don't, I don't always know what exactly it is that people like about me. I have like one perception of myself and people have another and it's a little different, but it works. So it, you know. But like my, my Netflix special, I feel like I got a lot of good feedback from a lot of my fans and I hope they like this one too. But personally I like my Hulu special better. My Netflix special, I was so nervous and I was so like, I was still very new to like being a full time comedian and like this, this lifestyle change. By the time I did the Hulu Special, I was way more comfortable. I was way more used to touring and I felt like really I could, I could be more myself on this special. Like just so. Yeah, personally this is like a really good one to me. Yeah, I did one for Entre Nos where I did like 20 minutes. I'm wearing like Timberland boots and those green bomber jackets. We taped it here in New York and like I felt like really good about that one and like as good as I feel about that one, I feel about this one, this really one. So I haven't felt this good about it in a long time.

[Jesse David Fox]

AI can be so open ended, it's hard to know for the average person what it's good for. And if you ask me, I don't think Big Tech is doing such a great job at explaining, explaining that either. So this week on a special episode of the Vergecast, Verge staffers talk about how they've used AI in their everyday lives. That's everything from planning a move, helping their kids fall asleep. And we even found someone who's actually been vibe coding what's helpful, what doesn't work. We get into all of that and more, and that's this week on the Vergecast.

[Ralph Barbosa]

This episode is presented by Salesforce. You say you'll never join the Navy, that you'd never track storms brewing in the Atlantic, and skydiving could never be part of your commute. You'd never climb Mount Fuji on a port visit or fly so fast you.

[Jesse David Fox]

Break the sound barrier.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Joining the Navy sounds crazy. Saying never actually is. Start your [e-mail], america's Navy. Forged by the sea Trip planner by Expedia. You were made to outdo your holidaying, your hammocking, and your pooling. We were made to help organize the competition.

[Jesse David Fox]

Expedia made to travel. All right, so now it's time for the final segment of the show. It's called the laughing round. It's like a lightning round, but because it's a comedy podcast, I call it the Laughing round. Do you have a favorite joke? Joke, like a street joke or a dad joke?

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, I actually do. My uncle had a book, like, real thick book with nothing but stupid jokes in it. He didn't read this to me. He read it to my. To my mom and his baby mama. And I just heard it and I remembered it word for word. I was like 8 when I heard it. I said, there's. There's a man laying on the beach and he has no arms and no legs, and he's just laying on the beach, right? And these three beautiful women are walking by. And the first girl comes up to him and. And she feels bad. She's like, oh. She's like, have you ever been hugged? And he's like, no. And so she gives him a hug. And the second girl comes up to him and she's even prettier than the first girl. And she. She's like, oh, have you ever been kissed? And now he gets excited. He's like, no. So she gives him a kiss. And the third girl, the most beautiful woman on the whole beach, walks up to him and she's like, oh, have you ever been. And he's like, no, no. And she's like, you're about to be. There's a big ass wave coming in. I love telling people that joke.

[Jesse David Fox]

Is there a Joke from another community. Wish you could steal.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, a lot of them.

[Jesse David Fox]

What's one that he. You were like, oh, I wish I could just have that in my act and no one be mad.

[Ralph Barbosa]

There's two that I can think of right now.

[Jesse David Fox]

Sure, go for it.

[Ralph Barbosa]

The first one is. It's an old Louis CK bit where he talks about how, you know, because he's Catholic, that means that according to his lifestyle, he's going to go to hell. You know, like, according to the Catholic Church, like, the way he lives, he's going to go to hell, which he's not even afraid of. He's just afraid of being in new places and not knowing how things work. He's like. His biggest fear is that he'll be in hell. And, like, you know, he just walks through some hallway and some demon comes with someone. He's like, suck my dick. And, you know, he's just sucking off a demon until he finishes. And he's like, how do you know when a demon finishes? Like, just comes. Ants, fire ants all over you. And then he's like. And then as soon as that demon leaves, another demon walks up to him and he's like, hey, man, like, you didn't have to suck that guy off. Like, that's just some guy. Like, it's just some demon. Like, you better pace yourself. You're here for eternity. Which I. I think that's hilarious. The other joke is some Mitch Hedberg joke. He said he's. He said. He's like, you know, you can't please all the people all the time. And last night, all those people came to my show. I like that joke. Sometimes when I'm feeling sad, I'll just play that, like, Mitch Hedberg joke. It's hilarious.

[Jesse David Fox]

Do you have a short story of an interaction with a legendary comedian, living or dead, you're willing to share?

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, I think, like, the. The first time I met Dave Chappelle, I was really nervous. I didn't know what to talk about, you know, or what to say. I just. I offered him a potato ball. I was eating. I was in the middle of eating a potato ball at the Hollywood Improv and, you know, offered. And, like, I just. I was nervous. I don't know what to talk about or anything. And when. When the night was over, you know, I thought he had left already, and we were leaving, but. And he left his vest. And I. I heard that he would be back the next day, but I was just like, what if somebody steals the vest? So. So I was like, I guess I'LL just take it and bring it back tomorrow. So, like, I stole it so nobody else would steal it, you know, and somebody had let me have an ounce of mushrooms, and I. I was wearing the vest, and I put the mushrooms in the vest, and, you know, I left. And then Renee Vaca calls me because he was still at the Improv. Him and Ken were there, and he. They called me, and they're like, hey, bro, come back. He's like, where you at? He's like, dave Chappelle. It pulled up, and they're looking for his vest. Like, his. His team is looking for his bed. I was like, oh, okay, okay. I'm turning around. Like, I'm right down the street. So I turned around, and I felt so bad. I just. You know, I was. I took it off, and I just handed it to the. To his, like, security guy. And they just took it, and they. They sped off, you know, I was like, man, he probably thinks I'm, like, some weirdo. And I think two days later, or like, the next day, maybe Chappelle's. He's still playing in the. The lab.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

And so he invites us over to, like, his green room, and he has, like, a Dion Cole there and all these people. And, yeah, I went in there, and I was. I wanted to tell him about my mushrooms being in there, because I wanted him back, but I didn't know how to, like, say it. And also, I also was, like. Wanted to apologize because I was like, what if he gets pulled over?

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah, yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

He's like, I don't have nothing on me. And then he has mushrooms or something. I don't know. Let's just assume in the words. So I told him at first, I said, hey, Mr. Chappelle, I'm sorry about your vest. I. I didn't want you to think I was trying to steal it. Like, I just. I was afraid somebody would just get rid of it or something. He was like, what? No, I didn't think you stole it.

[Jesse David Fox]

Okay.

[Ralph Barbosa]

And then he just started talking, and everybody started talking. Right. So I didn't have a chance to bring up the mushrooms just yet. So I'm, like, waiting for my moment. And then I didn't know how to say it, too, because I'm not gonna be like, hey, man, give me back my mushroom. Like, this is Dave Chappelle. So I was just like, hey. I was like, in the vest, I left mushrooms. It looks like ounce of mushrooms. He's like, for real? It's like, in the. In the vest. I was like, yeah, I was like, do you. I was about to say like, do you have the vest? But then like more people were talking, he's getting distracted and we're all just talking and stuff. So I was like, ah, I would. And then I saw him like, I don't know how many months later in Houston. He's like, hey, I got those mushrooms. Thank you for that. I was like, oh, you're welcome. Like, I was like, man, those mushrooms were gone.

[Jesse David Fox]

And you get the story out of it. Do you have a Mount Rushmore of stand ups?

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah, and it might change a little bit here and there. It's not like my set one, but yeah, I have certain standups that I'm like, man, these dudes are like. For me personally, it's like Dave Chappelle, Felipe Espe Esparza, Mitch Hedberg. And like there always changes. Like, I love Chris Rock, I like Bernie Mack a lot. I love nor McDonald. So I mean it's kind of always changing, you know, you know, who's, who's probably on there too, I think. I think this is one of my all time favorite comedians. I, I can never get tired of hearing his jokes. Is a Greer Barnes. Man, this is hilarious. So, yeah, him too.

[Jesse David Fox]

What is it about Greer Barnes?

[Ralph Barbosa]

He. I feel like, you know, my style is considered like laid back, but I think his is like super calm and laid back. I've seen him keep one hand in his pocket and just murder and then when he does bring it out, you're just like, oh, like, I don't know. This is, I've seen that dude just have like killer sets, man. That dude, he's a, he's a master.

[Jesse David Fox]

Do you have a joke that has never worked? But, and you've tried it and tried it, but you'll go to your grave being like, I was right there wrong. This joke is funny.

[Ralph Barbosa]

I, I don't think, I don't think, I think deeply about like feel like, oh, I'm right, they're wrong. I do think, like, come on. Like, it's not that not funny. Like, it's at least a little funny. It was like one of the first jokes I ever wrote where I was saying that, like, I think we have, I think we have it too easy in America. Like we have too many liberties and we need to dial it back. Like when you go to a restaurant or a store and you go to the restroom, the. On, on the mirror, they have a sign that says, employees must wash hands. It's like, but I think the sign should say, everybody should wash Hands. Because why are they, like, employees? You better wash up. Everybody else, like, do what you want, bro.

[Jesse David Fox]

Like, yeah, yeah.

[Ralph Barbosa]

But, yeah, that joke, I didn't never got even a giggle. You're the first person to laugh.

[Jesse David Fox]

I think it's pretty funny, right? It is. The thing that it's so. It. I always interpret it as they are passive aggressively telling everyone to do it.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Yeah. Oh, yeah, that too. I think about that. I'm gonna use it.

[Jesse David Fox]

Then it comes back, and it's like, in the trailer for your next special, what's the best time you ever bombed?

[Ralph Barbosa]

It had to be, like, at a strip club. This is the first time I got on a showcase. It was in Texas. And they put me up at a strip club called Stilettos. And the only two people that were kind of, like, enjoying it or even paying attention were two people at the other end of the strip club. I'm on stage with, like, the pole and everything. I'm saying the jokes, but I'm kind of getting discouraged. And one of the jokes that I said, the dude wasn't even facing me. He's facing, like, the wall, but he's getting danced on by this really big girl, and I just hear him bust out laughing. And. And then the girl that's dancing on them just also was like. Like, good job, baby. Yeah. But the mic kept cutting out, too, because it's, like, wireless, but it was, like, cheap, man. It was a horrible show. I lost money. I was supposed to get paid, like, 25 bucks. I got charged, like, $10 to get into the strip club. And then they didn't believe me that I was, like, comedian on there. Like, they didn't want to hear it. They're just like, all right, pay this or don't, or get out, you know? I was like, all right. And I had a few extra bucks for gas, but there was this man, like, the strippers in there, no offense to them, but they like, you don't. You don't want to dance from them. And one of the strippers was dancing on me, and I was like, I don't have money. Like, don't dance on me. I'm sorry. Like. And she was like, come on, I know you got at least a five. Like, at least a five. And I'm like, yeah, but I don't want to dance, you know? She's like, give me a five and I'll go.

[Jesse David Fox]

I was like, all right.

[Ralph Barbosa]

She's just, like, twerking on me, like, forcefully.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah. Basically being like, give me money so I can go.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Give me money or this ass is going in your face.

[Jesse David Fox]

Why did they think this was gonna work as a place for a show?

[Ralph Barbosa]

I don't know, man. I don't know why I thought that was my big break to it.

[Jesse David Fox]

Yeah, this is gonna be it. Well, thank you so much.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Thank you. Appreciate you.

[Jesse David Fox]

Thank you. That's it for another episode of Good One. Good One is produced by myself, Zachary Mack, Neil Janowitz, and Ann Victoria Clark. Music composed by Brandon McFarlane. Write a review and rate the show on Apple Podcasts. Five stars, please. I am Jesse David Fox and you can follow me at Jesse David Fox. Buy my book, comedy book, wherever books are sold. Thanks for listening to Good One from New York magazine. You can subscribe to the [e-mail] pod we'll be back with a new episode next week. Have a good one.

[Ralph Barbosa]

If you know your party's Extension, press or say 1 to leave a message in our company mailbox. Press or say 2. Spoiler alert.

[Jesse David Fox]

It will be full representative.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Would you speak to your mother in that tone?

[Jesse David Fox]

Speak to a real human being. You shouldn't need to shout into the void to get your health insurance questions answered. Pacific Source Health Plan.

[Ralph Barbosa]

This is a real person.

[Jesse David Fox]

How can I help you? Human service, not automated phone trees.

[Ralph Barbosa]

Pacific Source Health Plans.