History Hyenas with Chris Distefano and Yannis Pappas
Episode: "Joe DeRosa Has Bad Jeans"
Release Date: August 14, 2025

Introduction of Joe DeRosa

In this lively episode of History Hyenas, hosts Chris Distefano and Yannis Pappas welcome their guest, Joe DeRosa, affectionately referred to as the "trans whisperer." The episode kicks off with Chris sharing a humorous anecdote about Joe's performance and a playful debate over the quality of his sandwiches:

• Chris Distefano [00:00]: "Joe's shoulders were smaller than I've ever seen them, but he was on fire, having a good time."
• Joe DeRosa [02:12]: "Yeah, what a close up. You."

Joe's Comedy Special and YouTube Presence

The conversation quickly shifts to Joe's latest comedy special, "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden," which has garnered significant attention on YouTube. The hosts praise Joe's unique style, characterized by intimate close-up shots that some might find amusingly intrusive:

• Chris Distefano [01:46]: "90% of this special is zoomed in very close to his pig face."
• Joe DeRosa [02:24]: "Yeah, it's on purpose."

Despite initial reservations, Chris admits to enjoying the unconventional filming approach:

• Chris Distefano [02:26]: "Yeah, I know, but I liked it. The intimacy of it all."

Joe explains the inspiration behind his artistic choices, referencing Rod Serling's Night Gallery:

• Joe DeRosa [03:13]: "Night Gallery was Rod Serling's show after the Twilight Zone. It was an anthology show with more horror-based stories."

Tour Dates and Real Estate Discussions

The hosts and Joe engage in a humorous exchange about Joe's multiple homes and his approach to managing them, highlighting the comedic take on real estate:

• Yannis Papas [00:18]: "We talk about the kid who's got a leaky roof. We're doing a leaky roof with once a month on Patreon."
• Chris Distefano [05:03]: "He does exactly what he wants to do."
• Joe DeRosa [05:25]: "I have two homes."

Chris humorously speculates on the impact of Joe's real estate ventures:

• Chris Distefano [05:44]: "He owns too many homes."

Industry Challenges and the Impact of Algorithms

A significant portion of the episode delves into the struggles comedians face in the evolving digital landscape, particularly the role of algorithms in content visibility:

• Joe DeRosa [06:02]: "It's very hard to not feel like the need to constantly deliver, deliver, deliver."
• Joe DeRosa [07:08]: "It's like saying, well, my special is going to be a hit because it's on Netflix. You don't know that."

The hosts discuss the shift from traditional media gatekeepers to algorithm-driven platforms, emphasizing the uncertainty it brings to comedians striving for recognition.

Joe's Personal Life and Relationships

Joe opens up about his personal life, including his recent relationship and its impact on his comedic approach:

• Joe DeRosa [19:08]: "This was the first time I ever truly was in love."
• Joe DeRosa [19:37]: "This was a real deal."

The conversation touches on themes of love, commitment, and the challenges of maintaining relationships in the comedy world.

Social Media, Mental Health, and Authenticity

The trio engages in a profound discussion about the pervasive influence of social media, AI, and the ensuing societal distrust:

• Joe DeRosa [60:00]: "We live in a culture of distrust. It's insane."
• Joe DeRosa [62:17]: "When that kind of power is in the hands of the average person, this is fucking chaos."

They explore the ramifications of AI on mental health, communication, and the authenticity of online interactions, raising concerns about the future of human connection.

Patreon Segment: "Pseudo Penis of the Week"

Towards the end of the episode, Chris and Yannis introduce their Patreon-exclusive segment where they read out amusing and creative member names. This segment serves as both a humorous interlude and a way to engage their dedicated audience:

• Chris Distefano [76:05]: "We got James. Then next up, we got Tony Hinchcliffe's landfill consultant."
• Yannis Papas [86:37]: "Jesse's Mossad handler."

The playful banter continues as they list out quirky names, highlighting the community's creativity and the hosts' rapport:

• Chris Distefano [85:15]: "Michael Jackson, can you moonwalk your glue gun out of my chocolate starfish?"

Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

In the concluding moments, the hosts reflect on the day's discussions, reiterate upcoming tour dates, and remind listeners to support their Patreon for exclusive content. Joe expresses his gratitude and shares insights about his comedic journey and future projects:

• Joe DeRosa [73:38]: "It's a good one."
• Chris Distefano [84:10]: "And we're getting more of those, which is interesting."

Key Takeaways:

• Unique Comedic Styles: Joe DeRosa's unconventional approach to comedy specials highlights the blend of intimacy and humor that sets him apart.
• Navigating the Digital Landscape: The episode underscores the challenges comedians face with algorithm-driven platforms, emphasizing the need for authentic content creation.
• Personal Insights: Joe shares candid thoughts on love, relationships, and balancing personal life with a hectic career in comedy.
• Societal Concerns: The discussion on AI, social media, and mental health offers a deeper perspective on modern societal issues.
• Community Engagement: The Patreon segment fosters a sense of community, celebrating the creativity and humor of their dedicated listeners.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe DeRosa [07:26]: "It's not a bad thing to create a little bit of absence and a little bit of distance."
• Chris Distefano [19:20]: "Guilt and the shame. I didn't realize that all these years. It was the guilt and the shame."
• Joe DeRosa [62:31]: "When deepfake shit came out, I was like, here we go, dude. You're going to start seeing videos of presidents saying shit they didn't say."
• Chris Distefano [65:30]: "Have you noticed that there's like TV shows where they're clearly de-aging the actors? And it's really disturbing."

This episode of History Hyenas masterfully intertwines humor with poignant discussions about the state of comedy, personal growth, and the complexities of modern society. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the show, "Joe DeRosa Has Bad Jeans" offers a blend of laughter and insightful commentary that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.