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163. Josh Johnson: Reinventing the Modern Comedy Special

Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out

Published: Mon Mar 24 2025

Comedian Josh Johnson is a writer and correspondent for The Daily Show and his stand-up sets have millions of views on YouTube. Josh talks with Mike about cultivating a fan base via the YouTube videos, why he thinks chasing success in the comedy industry is sometimes antithetical to the art form, and shares the advice he got from Trevor Noah. Plus, Josh helps Mike work out a new story about animals living in Mike's walls. Please consider donating to Feeding America

Summary

Podcast Summary: Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out – Episode 163: Josh Johnson: Reinventing the Modern Comedy Special

In Episode 163 of Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out, comedian and prolific content creator Josh Johnson joins host Mike Birbiglia to delve into the evolution of modern comedy specials. The episode, released on March 24, 2025, offers an insightful exploration of Josh’s innovative approach to comedy, his creative philosophies, and the shifting landscape of the comedic arts.

1. Introduction to Josh Johnson and His Comedy Journey

Mike Birbiglia opens the conversation by lauding Josh Johnson's impressive career. He highlights Josh's extensive experience as a writer and correspondent for The Daily Show, as well as his substantial library of YouTube comedy specials. Mike emphasizes Josh’s natural storytelling abilities and his unique position in the comedy world.

"Josh is a brilliant comedian. He is a natural storyteller. He's a natural sort of comedy writer." (00:21)

2. Josh Johnson’s Prolific Comedy Approach

Josh elaborates on his method of producing comedy content, emphasizing his decision to film every set and release them online. This strategy allows him to bypass traditional industry gatekeepers, granting him greater creative freedom and consistency in his output.

"I just think [Josh’s approach] is completely fascinating and completely original." (00:21)

3. Transition to YouTube and Cutting Out Middlemen

Josh discusses how a friend encouraged him to focus on topical material, which led him to start posting his performances on YouTube. This move transformed his creative process, fostering a "free flowing conscious joke to joke, to joke, to story" format.

"I was just taking that tape. And then the only real pressure was that... I really had to just like get it in one." (03:19)

4. Creative Philosophy: Balancing Patience and Persistence

The conversation shifts to the delicate balance between being patient and persistent in a creative career. Josh underscores the importance of consistent effort while allowing time for growth and improvement.

"If you're equal parts persistent and patient, then I like that. That's like a recipe for success eventually." (39:32)

5. Modern vs. Traditional Comedy Career Paths

Josh contrasts the traditional pathways to comedy success—such as open mics and Comedy Central half-hours—with the modern, internet-driven methods that prioritize online presence and viral content. This shift has democratized the field, enabling more creators to gain visibility without relying solely on established industry channels.

"The dynamic of show business... has completely turned on its head." (29:43)

6. The Stock Market Analogy for Career Perception

Using a stock market analogy, Josh and Mike discuss how public perception of a comedian's success can be volatile. They liken comedians to startups, where popularity can fluctuate based on audience reception and external factors beyond the comedian’s control.

"If your stock goes down, those people jump ship." (13:13)

7. Embracing One’s Unique Comedy Style

Josh emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's unique comedic voice rather than attempting to emulate others. He argues that authenticity not only fosters personal satisfaction but also resonates more effectively with audiences.

"I'll say that if you're not saying it now... if you get it 10 years from now." (20:42)

8. Practical Joke Crafting Discussion

Mike and Josh engage in a practical exercise where Mike presents a joke premise involving a conversation with a building superintendent about animals in the walls. Josh provides constructive feedback, helping to refine the joke's structure and delivery for maximum comedic effect.

"Josh Johnson: And so do you think that in making the joke, are you trying to express one specific thing?" (42:28)

9. Personal Anecdotes and Humor

The episode is peppered with humorous exchanges and personal stories, illustrating Josh’s comedic style. These anecdotes not only entertain but also exemplify his ability to weave personal experiences into relatable humor.

"Josh Johnson: There's something very funny about the idea that, like, there are things that are confined to a relationship that you would never let out." (43:38)

10. Advice for Emerging Creatives

Josh offers valuable advice to aspiring comedians and creators, stressing the importance of focusing on what brings joy and personal fulfillment. He cautions against excessive self-comparison and encourages creators to prioritize their unique visions over external expectations.

"If you make your passion and the thing you're chasing, winning a Grammy for best comedy album... it's not up to you." (36:34)

Notable Quotes

  • Josh Johnson on Creativity and Consistency:
    "I think if you don't know what to want next, you're just going to want what someone else has." (34:10)

  • Mike Birbiglia on Josh’s Potential:
    "Josh is definitely in the running to be one of the goats, if not the goat in comedy." (20:27)

  • Josh Johnson on Modern Comedy Platforms:
    "Open mics, make shorts in your basement, and you blow up." (29:43)

Conclusion

Episode 163 of Working It Out provides a comprehensive look into Josh Johnson’s innovative approach to comedy. Through candid discussions and collaborative joke crafting, Josh and Mike explore the evolving nature of stand-up comedy, the importance of authenticity, and the strategies for sustaining a creative career in the digital age. Listeners gain not only entertainment but also practical insights into the mechanics of modern comedic success.

For those interested in more detailed segments and full video content, Josh Johnson’s performances and additional material are available on his YouTube channel. To stay updated on future episodes and shows, subscribe to Mike Birbiglia’s mailing list.

Note: Timestamps correspond to the moments when notable quotes and discussions occur within the episode transcript.

Timestamps

  • 00:21 – Introduction of Josh Johnson
  • 03:19 – Discussing early YouTube posting
  • 13:13 – Stock market analogy
  • 20:27 – Mike on Josh’s comedic potential
  • 29:43 – Modern vs. traditional career paths
  • 34:10 – Josh on knowing what to want
  • 36:34 – Advice on focusing passion
  • 39:32 – Balancing patience and persistence
  • 42:28 – Joke crafting exercise
  • 43:38 – Personal anecdotes discussion
  • 44:43 – Further joke development

This summary aims to provide an engaging and thorough overview of the episode for those who have not listened, capturing the essence of Josh Johnson’s contributions and the insightful dialogue between him and Mike Birbiglia.

No transcript available.