Podcast Summary: Joy, Episode Featuring Fortune Feimster Hosted by Craig Ferguson | Released on April 1, 2025
In this engaging episode of Joy, host Craig Ferguson sits down with the talented comedian Fortune Feimster to explore themes of happiness, creativity, and the intricate journey of a stand-up comedian. Their conversation delves deep into the challenges and triumphs of building a career in comedy, offering listeners valuable insights and heartfelt anecdotes.
1. Introduction and Background
Craig Ferguson opens the session by highlighting Fortune Feimster's authentic comedic style. She shares her unique approach to comedy, emphasizing storytelling over observational humor.
Fortune Feimster [03:48]: "They have their own voice. They're not necessarily observational, they're more anecdotal."
2. Influences in Comedy
Fortune discusses her inspirations, citing legends like Carol Burnett and Joan Rivers who paved the way for female comedians. She reflects on how these figures shaped her comedic voice and approach.
Fortune Feimster [11:14]: "Lucille Ball created the modern sitcom. Just flat out did it."
Craig adds his own inspirations, mentioning the impact of Saturday Night Live and personalities like Will Ferrell and Seth Meyers.
Craig Ferguson [09:29]: "Saturday Night Live was a big influence on me."
3. The Writing Process and Collaborations
A significant portion of their dialogue centers on the art of writing comedy. Fortune emphasizes the importance of collaboration, highlighting her partnership with Joe Bolter and her wife in crafting her stand-up material.
Fortune Feimster [05:53]: "Joe and my wife and I write whatever stand up I do. The three of us write it."
Craig shares his evolution in writing, moving from improvised sets to meticulously planned performances after realizing he needed structure.
Craig Ferguson [12:19]: "I have to know exactly where I'm going."
4. Auditions and Career Milestones
Fortune recounts Craig's experience auditioning for Saturday Night Live, detailing his initial rejection and subsequent encouragement from comedy great Greg Giraldo, which fueled his persistence.
Craig Ferguson [30:07]: "Greg Giraldo sent me an email after I got eliminated, just really encouraging me and telling me, 'You got something here, you got to keep it going.'"
Fortune reflects on the competitive nature of comedy competitions and the subjective criteria involved.
Fortune Feimster [34:32]: "Stand up is so kind of weirdly difficult. And particularly when you're starting, it's hard."
5. Touring and Building an Audience
The conversation shifts to the logistical and emotional aspects of touring. Both comedians discuss strategies for connecting with audiences across different cities, the importance of grassroots efforts, and the personal satisfaction that comes from building a loyal fan base.
Craig Ferguson [47:09]: "I started headlining in 2010 and I just had this plan of, like every year and a half I'm gonna go to this city and, and, and the hope is that every time I go, I've built the audience a bit more."
Fortune shares her experiences with meet-and-greets, initially hesitant but eventually embracing them as a way to connect more deeply with her fans.
Fortune Feimster [48:31]: "It's much more social... It helps sometimes to have a laugh, then people kind of respond to it and they want to tell you about it."
6. Navigating Late-Night Television
Craig reminisces about his time on late-night television, particularly working with Chelsea, and how it transformed his career from financial struggles to stability.
Craig Ferguson [43:53]: "She was very generous... She would give people opportunities that the industry was not giving people at the time."
Fortune discusses the shifting landscape of late-night shows, noting the decline in traditional formats and the rise of digital consumption.
Fortune Feimster [51:00]: "I quit late night in 2014... it's how people watch late night now. They just watch clips."
7. The Impact of Technology on Creativity
The duo explores the influence of technology on their creative processes. Craig admits his struggle with concentration and the distractions posed by smartphones, while Fortune offers a practical tip for overcoming writer's block by recreating an environment conducive to creativity.
Fortune Feimster [53:55]: "I bought an Airstream and I go into the trailer and it's just like back at the beginning... It's amazing. I've written like, I had a special come out in January."
Craig reflects on the necessity of adapting to technological changes to sustain his creativity.
Craig Ferguson [52:43]: "I do think our phones are just rotting our brains."
8. Personal Insights and Authenticity in Comedy
Fortune and Craig emphasize the importance of authenticity in their comedic work. Fortune admires comedians who stay true to themselves, while Craig values building genuine connections with his audience.
Fortune Feimster [59:57]: "Authenticity and funny. Well, you're that. And well done."
Craig shares his approach to touring, focusing on connecting with every audience member to foster lasting relationships.
Craig Ferguson [46:47]: "They stay with you. It's the funniest thing."
9. Overcoming Financial Struggles and Persistence
The conversation touches on the financial hardships both faced early in their careers. Craig recounts being broke for years before securing a stable position, underscoring the resilience required to thrive in the entertainment industry.
Craig Ferguson [17:19]: "I was broke for eight years."
Fortune relates by sharing her own financial struggles and the importance of hard work and persistence.
Fortune Feimster [18:05]: "It changes your drive, though, when you don't know how you're gonna pay your bills."
10. Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions
As the episode wraps up, both comedians reflect on their journeys and the evolving nature of comedy. They express optimism about the future, emphasizing continuous growth, adaptation, and staying true to their comedic roots.
Fortune Feimster [55:00]: "You have to find your audience and your audience finds you."
Craig Ferguson [60:53]: "It was lovely to talk to you too."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Fortune Feimster [03:48]: "They have their own voice. They're not necessarily observational, they're more anecdotal."
- Craig Ferguson [09:29]: "Saturday Night Live was a big influence on me."
- Fortune Feimster [05:53]: "Joe and my wife and I write whatever stand up I do. The three of us write it."
- Craig Ferguson [30:07]: "Greg Giraldo sent me an email after I got eliminated, just really encouraging me and telling me, 'You got something here, you got to keep it going.'"
- Fortune Feimster [53:55]: "I bought an Airstream and I go into the trailer and it's just like back at the beginning... It's amazing."
- Craig Ferguson [52:43]: "I do think our phones are just rotting our brains."
- Fortune Feimster [59:57]: "Authenticity and funny. Well, you're that. And well done."
This episode of Joy offers a candid glimpse into the lives of two comedians who have navigated the complexities of the entertainment industry with humor, resilience, and authenticity. Their shared experiences serve as both inspiration and guidance for aspiring comedians and anyone seeking joy through creative expression.