Laugh with Me – JO & Lavetti Get Into The Mud

Podcast: Laugh with Me (iHeartPodcasts)
Host: Jeremy Ota (JO)
Guest: Lavetti Vegas
Date: February 17, 2026

Episode Overview

In this lively and candid episode, comedian and host Jeremy Ota welcomes back fan-favorite Lavetti Vegas—standup comic, actor, and 2024’s Laugh With Me Guest of the Year. The two go deep into recent personal stories, poke fun at each other, and dig into the drama swirling around the Omaha comedy scene and its awards. JO tries to settle an emerging online feud, while Lavetti brings both humor and perspective. The episode features classic back-and-forth banter, comedic storytelling, and honest takes on beef, recognition, and community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Money, Memes & Social Backlash (03:21–12:00)

• JO and Lavetti open with jokes about Lavetti “flashing cash” on social media and the inevitable criticism that follows, no matter the post's intent.

• Social Media Negativity: Lavetti notes how trolls find a way into everything:

  "I can say my grandpa died... It gets backlash. That's why I like a normal comedy post still. But I think people think I’m doing it for me." (05:29, Lavetti Vegas)

• Valentine’s Day Spending: Lavetti explains his cash really went to Valentine’s Day expenses and traveling for gigs.

• Festival Stories: Lavetti shares about performing in California—highlighting both successes and the challenges of traveling as a working comic.

2. Casino Luck, Concerts, & Bobby Brown Banter (07:07–13:40)

• Kansas City Wins: Lavetti admits his social flex came from gambling wins in Kansas City, not California.
• Concert Recap: Lavetti got to see New Edition and Bobby Brown performs alongside Toni Braxton, critiquing who deserved top billing and revealing JO’s limited knowledge of R&B icons:

  "You didn't know Bobby Brown was part of New Edition?" (09:05, Lavetti to JO)

• Classic Tracks Debate: Fun debate on which Bobby Brown song is truly classic—“My Prerogative” or “Don’t Be Cruel.”

3. The Basketball Challenge Saga (12:00–18:44)

• Comic vs Comic: Story of Lavetti losing a basketball shootout to Gary Curtis and airing grievances about the rules and his own missed opportunity.
• Comedic Humility: JO busts Lavetti about pivoting to bowl or pool after losing in basketball:

  “You had to be fairly athletic for basketball, and then you lose immediately and quickly turn to bowling and pool.” (18:24, JO)

• Upcoming Rematches: Plans are floated for the next friendly wagers—pool and bowling—with the tongue-in-cheek suggestion that lower-impact sports might play to Lavetti’s strengths.

4. Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards (OEAAs) Drama (21:49–35:46)

• Award Season Snubs: JO discusses Laugh with Me being nominated but not winning Outstanding Comedy Ensemble, using it as a launching pad to roast local awards culture and critics.

• Facebook Shade: Local performer Ben Webb’s repeated “auditing” of the show’s eligibility for ensemble recognition spurs a candid (and comedic) takedown:

  “He’s really bringing a different message. I called him out on that. I was like, you’re bringing something on purpose… It’s certainly not joy.” (25:34, JO)

• What Counts as an Ensemble?—A philosophical tangent into what “comedy ensemble” means in modern entertainment (sketch, podcast, group).

• Gatekeeping: Jeremy gets sharp:

  “That is the definition of a gatekeeper. If there’s anything he’s doing on purpose, it’s gatekeeping.” (34:29, JO)

• Lavetti Mediates: Lavetti tries to play peacemaker, but the riffing continues, highlighting the fine line between friendly argument, real beef, and online posturing in the comedy world.

5. Lavetti’s Arcade & Content Plans (37:43–41:03)

• Side Projects: Lavetti teases new ideas for “Vetti’s Arcade”—a social segment with retro gaming, nostalgic vibes, and community engagement.

  “It’s not really there for me to beat it… it’s really… you’ll see the gameplay of it and it being in the arcade cabinet. I think it’s pretty cool.” (40:31, Lavetti Vegas)

6. Closing: Friendship, Feuds, and the Real Prize (41:08–47:28)

• Upcoming Gigs: Lavetti plugs shows—Barnado Feb 19th, a Sioux City competition, Salina KS.
• Who’s Got Beef? — JO and Lavetti joke about who’s supporting whom during feuds, acknowledging the inherently tight-knit (and drama-prone) comedy community.
• Final Reflection: They agree both being nominated for awards is the real win—and end by poking fun at JO’s R&B knowledge:

  “You gotta be trolling me, man. Please just tell me you’re trolling me so I can have a clear head for the rest of the week.” (47:39, Lavetti Vegas)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Social Media Criticism:
  "I can say my grandpa died... It gets backlash." (05:29, Lavetti Vegas)
• On Bobby Brown’s Legacy:
  "You didn't know Bobby Brown was part of New Edition?" (09:05, Lavetti Vegas)
• On Loss and Diversifying Sports:
  “You had to be fairly athletic for basketball, and then you lose immediately and quickly turn to bowling and pool.” (18:24, JO)
• On Comedy Awards & Gatekeeping:
  "He’s really bringing a different message... It’s certainly not joy." (25:34, JO)
  "That is the definition of a gatekeeper." (34:29, JO)
• Lavetti’s Neutral Diplomacy:
  “It’s between you, him, and Jesus. I’m gonna tell you that right now.” (46:13, Lavetti Vegas)
• The Friendship Recap:
  "I hate it because you my guy too. Man, it’s tough." (45:51, Lavetti Vegas)

Important Timestamps

• 03:21 – Episode opens, Lavetti’s return, jokes about disclaimers and cash
• 05:29 – Social media backlash and comedy posting realities
• 08:45 – New Edition & Bobby Brown debate
• 12:00 – Lavetti’s basketball bet loss saga begins
• 18:44 – Upcoming bowling and pool challenges
• 21:49 – Shift into OEAAs, nomination drama, Ben Webb feud explained
• 34:29 – Accusations of gatekeeping
• 37:43 – Lavetti’s Arcade and content plans
• 41:08 – Upcoming gigs, meta-feuds, and friendship wrap

Tone & Style

The episode is a blend of sharp, playful banter and raw honesty, capturing the peculiar balance of camaraderie, competitiveness, and creative hustle that defines standup culture. JO and Lavetti bounce between light-hearted roast, genuine professional insight, reflective moments, and unfiltered comedy, making it a must-listen for fans of real talk and real laughs from the trenches.

Note:
If you want to catch Lavetti on stage, check out the Barnado show (Feb 19th, 8pm, West Omaha) or follow his upcoming arcade antics on social. To settle the award drama once and for all, tune in—and remember, in comedy, the real win is always the squad of co-conspirators and the laughs along the way.