Laugh with Me – Episode 99

“Lavetti is NOT joining the National Guard”
Host: Jeremy Odem
Guest: Lavetti Vegas
Date: July 29, 2025

Episode Overview

Episode 99 finds host and comedian Jeremy Odem reconnecting with frequent guest, comedian Lavetti Vegas, for a freewheeling, hilarious, and candid conversation. As they approach the 100th episode milestone, Jeremy dives into Lavetti’s comedy career, recent controversy in the stand-up scene, questions about his rumored National Guard involvement, wrestling nostalgia, social media beefs, and the art of making your own lane in comedy. Expect plenty of laughs, a few spicy takes, and a deep look inside the realities and relationships in local comedy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Elusive Guest: Connecting with Lavetti (03:00–06:00)

• Jeremy sets the tone by joking about Lavetti's habit of changing phone numbers and being hard to reach.
• Quote:
  • Jeremy: “I think he changed his number on us, first of all, which would be. That would be such a Levetti thing…” (04:25)
• Lavetti finally answers, explaining the missed call with his signature wit.

2. Name Games and the Importance of Change (06:08–07:24)

• Discussion on Lavetti’s evolving stage names and why he sticks with “Vetti” as a nickname.
• Lavetti compares changing his name to moving apartments: “It's like moving out of a apartment. ...but it was nothing wrong with the old apartment.” (06:50)
• Jeremy pushes back: “Most people don't move back to the old apartment.” (07:11)
• Lavetti in self-deprecating mode: “That’s a terrible analogy.” (07:16)

3. Comedy Industry Talk: Clout, Stars, and Social Media Drama (07:24–14:42)

• Lavetti explains a minor social media clash concerning comedian D. Ray Davis and actor/comedian Lil Rel.
• On star power vs. importance:
  Lavetti: “There’s a difference between being a star and being important.” (09:01)
• Lavetti emphasizes not taking social media too seriously and discusses how clips bait reactions and controversy.
• Talks about online disputes with other comics:
  • The tendency for comics to seek social validation for their criticism online.
  • Lavetti always tries to give “enough perspective” and not burn bridges needlessly: “If you’re a comic and you say you never bomb—shut up.” (17:18)

4. Comedy Scene Ethics: Calling Out and Supporting Others (13:49–20:41)

• Lavetti highlights a recent incident of a comic calling another out for bombing, accusing him of being a “creep,” and then acting contradictory.
• Importance of context and professionalism—don’t call people out without details.
• Talks about how “bookers” look at actor’s public profiles; stresses authenticity and setting boundaries for who can comment on his posts.
  • Quote: “If your page is private, then you’re not really trying to make it [in entertainment].” (19:22)

5. Wrestling Icons, Race, and Pop Culture Reckonings (20:41–34:09)

The Hulk Hogan Discussion (20:41–30:29)

• Jeremy prompts Lavetti about a Facebook post asking Black community members how they feel about Hulk Hogan’s recent passing, sparking a deep dive.
• Lavetti wrestles (pun intended) with childhood admiration of Hogan and the struggles separating nostalgia from his racist comments.
  • Lavetti: “Hulk Hogan: legendary, but also racist.” (23:31)
  • “If he said ‘black guy’…this would be a totally different story. But he described us as the N word. That’s the disturbing part.” (24:17)
• On icon status vs. morality:
  • “That’s like—if we found out Michael Jordan was racist, does that mean he’s not the best in the world? No, he’s still the greatest.” (27:57)
  • Compares to O.J. Simpson: greatness vs. personal failings.
• Both agree you can’t rewrite wrestling history to erase Hogan’s legacy, regardless of personal opinion.

Vince McMahon & #MeToo (33:35–34:22)

• Lavetti: “Vince vs. gonna go down as that guy who carried Wrestling…but all those allegations… Reason B, man, because some of those allegations are true.” (33:46)

6. Project Updates: Elevation Card, National Guard, and Improv Adventures (36:06–41:38)

Elevation Card

• Lavetti updates on his stalled digital business card venture due to lack of help:
  “I need three people—one person with the camera…everybody’s busy…that’s the problem.” (36:19)

National Guard – Myth Busting

• Jeremy presses Lavetti on rumors that he’s joining the National Guard.
  • Lavetti:
    • “No, I have not signed up for the National Guard, and I’m not trying to join the National Guard. Yes, I'm doing training promo work for the National Guard and I'm an actor for these training videos.” (38:58–39:05)
  • He’s acting/filming promos/videos, not enlisting.

Improv Comedy

• Lavetti reflects on his experience in improv competitions:
  • “The last time we went was the most improv we did, and we lost. ...But it was a great experience.” (40:09)
  • Sees improv as a tool to hone crowd work and considers more of it to further sharpen his comedy.

7. Upcoming Stand-Up and Shows (41:45–44:53)

• Jeremy lists Lavetti's upcoming gigs:

  • August 9th: Backline in Omaha
  • August 18th: “Beyond the Laughter” YouTube show
  • August 22nd: Babs Comedy Club in Chicago (headliner event)
  • August 30th: The Backline again (just booked)
  • August 31st: South Omaha Tequila Garage

• Lavetti details the hustle of booking shows, the necessity sometimes of performing for exposure rather than pay, and how working free gigs can still build a following and open doors.

  • “No doesn’t mean no, just not right now…” (42:45)
  • “You gotta do what you gotta do: free stuff, take ills, get fans.” (44:50–45:00)

8. Being on the Local Comedy Scene vs. Being “Outside” (47:40–52:08)

• Jeremy and Lavetti discuss feeling “inside” or “outside” of the comedy scene.
  • Lavetti doesn’t go to open mics or local shows for bookings: “I’m doing it simply to support comedy, period.” (48:24)
• Lavetti’s social media presence means people “know me, but they don’t know me.”
• Attending in-person brings connections and visibility—like Lex Luger’s surprising WCW debut.
  • “That’s the image that they have. And that’s sad, because I want to scare somebody. That’s wild.” (52:08)

9. Professionalism, Boundaries, and Comedy “Beef” (53:09–54:26)

• Lavetti explains dropping out of shows if he can’t respect how someone operates, keeping boundaries:
  • “I’m not a comedy hoe. I don’t need to stay friends with you just to get a comedy show. My respect is bigger than me.” (54:17)

10. Friendship Banter & Looking Ahead to Episode 100 (54:26–65:01)

• Ongoing bit: Jeremy as a “ginger” who’s permitted to use the “hard R” for “ginger” only by Lavetti; flipping the script on insider/outsider social joking.
  • “You tiptoe on that line... You’re gonna get your podcast canceled…” (54:45)
• Planning for episode 100: live audience, big celebration
  • Lavetti: “Don’t sit up here and play games with me, man. We need a date!” (56:43)

11. Wrestling Deep Dive: Bret Hart, WCW, and the Montreal Screwjob (59:03–64:18)

• In-depth discussion of classic wrestling moments—how personal betrayals and backstage business decisions shaped talent careers.
  • “Bret Hart is trustworthy, he’s loyal, he’s not about to take the belt and go do that.” (62:23)
• Sidebar on women’s wrestling, nostalgia, and hall of fame credentials.

12. Final Comedy & Podcast Ideas (65:01–End)

• Lavetti shares future creative ambitions: a possible new podcast, shows for both men and women, ideas called “Red Flag” for dating talk, and trying to build a home studio. Recognizes execution is key:
  • “You know, it’s all talk, no execution…” (66:45)
• Ends with trademark camaraderie and laughs about the upcoming 100th episode party.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On being a star vs. being important:
  “There’s a difference between being a star and being important.” – Lavetti Vegas (09:01)
• On Hulk Hogan's complicated legacy:
  “Hulk Hogan: legendary, but also racist.” – Lavetti Vegas (23:31) “If he said black guy…this would be a totally different story. But he described us as the N word. That’s the disturbing part.” – Lavetti Vegas (24:17)
• On comedy hustle:
  “You gotta do what you gotta do: free stuff, take ills, get fans.” – Lavetti Vegas (44:50) “No doesn’t mean no, just not right now…” – Lavetti Vegas (42:45)
• On local scene visibility:
  “People know me, but they don’t know me…So let me go outside, let me be on the scene.” – Lavetti Vegas (49:09)
• On respecting himself:
  “I don’t need to stay friends with you just to get a comedy show. My respect is bigger than me.” – Lavetti Vegas (54:17)

Useful Timestamps

• Opening & missed call nonsense: 03:00–06:00
• Name changes + analogy: 06:08–07:24
• Star vs. important rant: 09:01–09:15
• Online comedy beef story: 13:49–19:57
• Hulk Hogan discussion: 20:41–30:29
• Promo acting vs. National Guard rumors: 38:49–39:05
• Booking philosophy/free gigs: 44:50–45:50
• Comedy scene outsider talk: 47:40–52:08
• Ginger/“hard R” banter: 54:26–54:45
• Episode 100 live celebration plans: 55:26–57:49
• Wrestling memories (Bret Hart/Montreal Screwjob): 59:03–64:18
• Podcast/Red Flag concept: 65:01–66:45

Tone and Atmosphere

Playful, irreverent, and blunt—Jeremy and Lavetti riff easily, moving from jokes to social critique to heartfelt truths about the entertainment grind. Sarcasm, inside jokes, wrestling references, and pop-culture analogies keep things lively while giving listeners real insight into the mind of a working comic.

For Listeners

This episode is a must if you want to understand the behind-the-scenes of local stand-up, how comics navigate social media, the hustle of making a name, and why self-respect might trump short-term gigs. There’s equal parts tea, therapy, and wrestling nostalgia as Jeremy and Lavetti keep it all-the-way-real.

Upcoming Lavetti Vegas Shows:

• Aug 8 & 30: The Backline (Omaha)
• Aug 18: Beyond the Laughter (YouTube)
• Aug 22: Babs Comedy Club, Chicago
• Aug 31: South Omaha Finest Tequila Garage

Stay tuned for episode 100—a live audience spectacle!