Podcast Summary: So True with Caleb Hearon – Episode: "Alex English is Still in Show Business"
Podcast Information:
- Title: So True with Caleb Hearon
- Host/Author: Headgum
- Description: A weekly podcast from beloved gay comedian Caleb Hearon, where he delves into various topics, sorts out ideas, and identifies what’s truly real.
- Episode: Alex English is Still in Show Business
- Release Date: January 23, 2025
Introduction and Initial Banter
The episode kicks off with playful banter between host Caleb Hearon and guest Alex English. Alex humorously criticizes the podcast's setup, expressing frustration with the host's initial management.
Notable Quote:
- Alex English [00:02]: “Take your right hand, slap the top of his forehead, and wipe your hand down his face. And he can't do anything about it. And you know, at this point, I hate him.”
Caleb admits to feeling unskilled in various technical aspects of comedy, highlighting his unique position in the industry.
Notable Quote:
- Caleb Hearon [00:29]: “I think I'm the only person working in comedy today who's never paid. Picked up a skill.”
Generational Differences and Identity
The conversation shifts to generational gaps and personal identities. Caleb reveals he's turning 30, while Alex shares he's 36, sparking a discussion about age differences and their impacts on their perspectives.
Notable Quote:
- Caleb Hearon [01:31]: “But I am turning 30 this week.”
They delve into the complexities of being gay in different environments, with Alex expressing his occasional internalized homophobia and Caleb offering a more accepting viewpoint.
Notable Quotes:
- Alex English [02:35]: “But I feel like when you say thank you to that, people kind of get a little irritated.”
- Caleb Hearon [02:55]: “You think that's internalized homophobia, and that's okay to have.”
Cultural Critique and Media Representation
Alex voices his fatigue with recurring themes in black media, such as the "swag surf" and ballroom hustling, advocating for more diverse and authentic representations.
Notable Quote:
- Alex English [03:30]: “I'm over the dancing button on black media. Yeah. We don't. We can get it. We can find another thing.”
Caleb supports Alex's stance, emphasizing their mutual appreciation for black culture while encouraging progressive storytelling.
Experiences on Saturday Night Live
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Alex's tenure on Saturday Night Live (SNL). He shares his mixed feelings about leaving the show, touching on the challenges of transitioning from a high-profile environment back to independent stand-up comedy.
Notable Quotes:
- Alex English [21:38]: “No, no. And then, you know what? I saw this interview...”
- Caleb Hearon [23:07]: “You guys are fucking funny. You shouldn't be working anywhere that they need funny people.”
Alex reflects on the camaraderie and pressures of working on SNL, expressing guilt over succeeding where many of his peers struggled to break into the show.
Notable Quote:
- Alex English [24:28]: “I was like, damn, and my ghetto ass got it.”
Personal Anecdotes and School Memories
Both Caleb and Alex reminisce about their school days, sharing humorous and sometimes awkward experiences. Alex recounts the infamous "Malice at the Palace" gaming arena incident from his high school years, highlighting the chaos and personal impact it had on him.
Notable Quotes:
- Alex English [14:28]: “I was there. I was in high school when it happened.”
- Caleb Hearon [16:28]: “Well, you got a job in the city of the. You haven't gone back home.”
They also discuss the complexities of alumni interactions on social media, with Alex detailing a tense encounter on Facebook with a former classmate.
Notable Quote:
- Alex English [50:40]: “I was shell shocked at the fact that I got hit like that right after being like, oh, he’s a family guy now.”
Navigating Personal Growth and Public Perception
The dialogue transitions to how both comedians handle personal growth amidst public scrutiny. Alex emphasizes his laid-back approach, choosing not to engage deeply with every political or social issue but instead focusing on his own well-being and comedy.
Notable Quotes:
- Alex English [54:51]: “What's so true is that nothing really has to matter that much.”
- Caleb Hearon [55:08]: “Period. Period.”
Caleb echoes a similar sentiment, highlighting his focus on personal contributions and selective engagement with larger societal issues.
Upcoming Projects and Future Plans
As the episode nears its conclusion, Alex shares his excitement about upcoming shows, including "Alex English's A Night of a Thousand Niggas," a stand-up marathon featuring black comedians at the Second City in Williamsburg.
Notable Quotes:
- Alex English [62:23]: “So I am very excited to do that. To start off Black History Month.”
- Caleb Hearon [64:41]: “I'm so excited. Thank you for being on the show.”
He also mentions another show titled "Alex and the Homies" scheduled for February 17th at the Bell House, hinting at a recurring monthly event.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with mutual expressions of gratitude between Caleb and Alex, reinforcing their camaraderie and shared experiences in the comedy world.
Notable Quotes:
- Caleb Hearon [64:44]: “We love you. Thank you for being here.”
- Alex English [64:45]: “Thank you.”
Key Takeaways:
- Generational and Identity Dynamics: Caleb and Alex discuss their ages and the nuances of being gay comedians navigating different social landscapes.
- Media Representation: They critique repetitive cultural tropes in black media, advocating for more diverse storytelling.
- SNL Experiences: Alex shares candid insights into the pressures and camaraderie of working on Saturday Night Live, and the challenges of returning to independent comedy.
- Personal Growth: Both hosts emphasize the importance of personal well-being over constant engagement with societal issues.
- Upcoming Events: Alex promotes his upcoming stand-up marathons and monthly shows, highlighting his commitment to celebrating black comedy.
Final Thoughts:
"So True with Caleb Hearon" Episode "Alex English is Still in Show Business" offers an intimate look into the lives of two comedians grappling with identity, career transitions, and cultural representation. Through humor and candid conversations, Caleb and Alex provide listeners with valuable insights into the comedy industry and the personal journeys within it.