New Rory & MAL - Episode: Checking In With Gary Owen
Release Date: August 7, 2025
In this vibrant episode of "New Rory & MAL," hosts Rory and MAL sit down with the multifaceted comedian and actor Gary Owen. Known for his sharp wit, engaging performances, and unwavering support for the troops, Gary shares an intimate look into his journey from stand-up comedy to acting, navigating the entertainment industry's challenges, and balancing his personal life with his professional aspirations.
1. Introducing Gary Owen ([02:15] - [02:56])
Rory and MAL kick off the episode with a warm welcome to Gary Owen, highlighting his roots in comedy and his unique background as a Navy veteran. They express admiration for his longstanding presence in the comedy scene and his commitment to the community.
Notable Quote:
- Gary Owen [02:15]: "He's a Navy man. So salute to him. He's a Navy man."
2. The Story Behind the Name ([03:03] - [04:10])
Gary delves into the origins of his stage name, sharing a humorous account of how he adapted his name to fit Screen Actors Guild (SAG) regulations. Faced with the challenge of having a unique name, he creatively dropped the 's' from his surname, becoming Gary Owen.
Notable Quote:
- Gary Owen [03:03]: "I'm American man. What you want me to do? This is Gary Owen. No S. Thank you s. Gary Owen."
3. Early Beginnings in Comedy ([07:07] - [09:19])
Gary reflects on his passion for comedy, tracing it back to sixth grade. An encounter with a gym teacher who questioned his comedic inclinations sparked his determination to pursue stand-up, despite initial discouragement. Gary recounts his first performance at the Comedy Store in La Jolla, which, although modest in audience size, ignited his commitment to the craft.
Notable Quote:
- Gary Owen [08:00]: "I didn't know how, but I always knew I was going to do it."
4. Breaking Into the Spotlight on Comic View ([12:32] - [14:38])
Winning a local comedy contest in San Diego marked a significant turning point for Gary. Competing without disclosing his race to fit the contest's criteria for black comedians, he successfully secured a spot on BET’s Comic View. This experience showcased his versatility and ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Notable Quote:
- Gary Owen [12:32]: "It was a bad competition. They just bring people down."
5. Navigating Diverse Audiences ([17:12] - [22:00])
Gary shares his strategies for engaging diverse audiences, particularly his first performance for a predominantly black crowd. By incorporating elements like hip-hop music and dance, he effectively resonated with the audience, earning their appreciation and establishing his unique comedic style.
Notable Quote:
- Gary Owen [10:30]: "We love you."
6. Transitioning from Stand-Up to Acting ([22:00] - [26:48])
The conversation shifts to Gary's transition from stand-up comedy to acting. He discusses the complexities of memorizing scripts, adapting to different character portrayals, and aligning with directors' visions. Gary expresses that while many comedians find stand-up challenging, he personally encounters more hurdles in acting due to its structured nature.
Notable Quote:
- Gary Owen [25:04]: "If you're going to ask me what's harder, I'm not going to say, Oh my, I'm not like doing back-breaking work here."
7. Experiences in Major Cities and Celebrity Encounters ([30:04] - [56:55])
Gary reminisces about his performances in cities like New York and Los Angeles, sharing humorous and sometimes chaotic experiences. He recounts interactions with celebrities such as Jamie Foxx and anecdotes involving impromptu show additions and surprise guest appearances, illustrating the unpredictable nature of live performances.
Notable Quote:
- Gary Owen [66:19]: “No s. Gary Owen, No s. You're at the City Winery here in New York this weekend."
8. The Role of Wardrobe in Comedy ([37:53] - [29:34])
Discussing the importance of wardrobe, Gary highlights how attire can significantly influence a comedian's stage presence and audience perception. He shares insights into maintaining a consistent look for his specials, drawing parallels with icons like Eddie Murphy, who use distinctive clothing to enhance their comedic persona.
Notable Quote:
- Gary Owen [27:43]: “But I have another one come out eight months ago called Broken Family.”
9. Audience Interactions and Voicemails ([61:15] - [72:56])
The hosts feature voicemails from listeners seeking advice on relationship dilemmas. Gary, along with Rory and MAL, offers humorous and candid responses, addressing issues like trust, communication, and navigating complex emotional landscapes.
Notable Quote:
- Gary Owen [62:44]: “Don't ever get that twisted.”
10. Live Show Dynamics and Management ([73:35] - End)
Concluding the episode, Rory and MAL discuss their live podcast shows, sharing behind-the-scenes stories about last-minute additions, managing tight schedules, and the spontaneity required for live performances. They highlight memorable moments, including unexpected guest interactions and the challenges of performing across multiple venues.
Notable Quote:
- Gary Owen [73:35]: “I love that movie. And Held up is a classic.”
Key Takeaways:
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Resilience and Adaptability: Gary's journey underscores the importance of staying resilient and adaptable in the face of challenges, whether altering his stage name for SAG or transitioning from stand-up to acting.
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Audience Connection: His ability to connect with diverse audiences through strategic comedic elements highlights the essence of effective stand-up comedy.
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Balancing Act: Navigating between live performances and acting roles requires a unique balance of spontaneity and structured execution.
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Wardrobe as a Tool: The discussion emphasizes how wardrobe choices play a crucial role in shaping a comedian's public persona and enhancing their performance.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
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Gary Owen [03:03]: "I'm American man. What you want me to do? This is Gary Owen. No S. Thank you s. Gary Owen."
-
Gary Owen [07:32]: "I always knew I was going to do it. But I didn't know how."
-
Gary Owen [12:32]: "It was a bad competition. They just bring people down."
-
Gary Owen [22:00]: "Stand without good access is not a good stand."
-
Gary Owen [25:04]: "If you're going to ask me what's harder, I'm not going to say, Oh my, I'm not like doing back-breaking work here."
-
Gary Owen [27:43]: “But I have another one come out eight months ago called Broken Family.”
-
Gary Owen [62:44]: “Don't ever get that twisted.”
-
Gary Owen [73:35]: “I love that movie. And Held up is a classic.”
Gary Owen's candid storytelling and insightful reflections provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the complexities and triumphs within his career. His ability to blend humor with genuine experiences makes this episode a must-listen for fans and aspiring comedians alike.
Listen to "New Rory & MAL" on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts to enjoy the full conversation with Gary Owen.