Podcast Title: So True with Caleb Hearon
Episode: Josh Sharp Returns
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Host: Caleb Hearon
Guest: Josh Sharp
Platform: Headgum
Episode Overview
In this lively and engaging episode of So True with Caleb Hearon, beloved gay comedian Caleb Hearon welcomes returning guest Josh Sharp. The duo delves into a variety of topics ranging from Josh's latest theatrical endeavors to personal anecdotes, community perspectives, and interactive segments that engage their listeners. The conversation seamlessly blends humor, heartfelt moments, and insightful discussions, providing a rich listening experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Josh Sharp's Return and Current Projects
The episode kicks off with Caleb expressing his excitement to have Josh Sharp back on the show. Josh discusses the intense preparation for his latest show, "Tada," highlighting the challenges of rehearsals, multiple performances a week, and the emotional toll of portraying deep, personal stories on stage.
Josh Sharp [04:23]: "And it's almost a joke because the show opens tomorrow, so I've been in rehearsals and tech and previews. And for a while, as a joke, I was sending to my friends an image of that T-shirt that says, 'I can't. I have tech.' And now it's real. Like, it's become real."
Caleb empathizes with Josh's exhaustion, sharing his own grueling work schedule of 12-hour days involving filming and editing.
Caleb Hearon [05:45]: "At the moment, I am waking up, getting in the shower, getting in a car, and then working for 12 hours."
Show "Tada" and Opening Night
Josh provides an inside look into his show "Tada," detailing the collaborative efforts with director Sam Pinkleton and producers Mike and Carly. He shares memorable moments from opening night, including interactions with cast members and the exhilaration of receiving positive feedback from both the audience and critics.
Josh Sharp [03:32]: "Greenwich House Theater. Josh Arp Tada, directed by Mr. Sam Pinkleton... But I will just tell the audience that Josh's current show, Tada, has at least three jokes that I think about once or twice a week."
Caleb recounts a touching moment from Josh's last tour where Josh acknowledged his straight male fans, making them feel seen and appreciated.
Caleb Hearon [02:15]: "Have straight male audience... they felt seen in that moment."
Personal Life and Relationships
The conversation shifts to personal updates, with Josh proudly announcing his relationship with performer Blake Daniel Blake.
Josh Sharp [23:06]: "He is now in a relationship with performer Blake Daniel Blake."
Caleb shares his support and enthusiasm for Josh's relationship, adding humor and warmth to the discussion.
Tithing and Generosity
Caleb and Josh explore the concept of tithing beyond traditional religious contexts, emphasizing personal generosity and supporting friends in need. They discuss how small acts of kindness, like picking up checks for friends, serve as modern forms of tithing.
Josh Sharp [14:04]: "I set a percentage that works for you, and every month you should give it away... find someone and give them your money."
Caleb relates by sharing his own approach to generosity, balancing between supporting friends and managing personal finances.
Behind-the-Scenes and Handling Feedback
The hosts address the challenges of creating content that resonates with diverse audiences. They acknowledge critical feedback while emphasizing the importance of staying true to their creative vision.
Caleb Hearon [38:49]: "Sometimes people will be like, 'Oh, I don't like when the musicians come on. They bore me.'"
Josh emphasizes prioritizing the creative process over external opinions, fostering a supportive and loving environment for their collaborations.
Josh Sharp [39:20]: "It's about trusting our own instincts as performers and being like, I'm trying to do the thing that makes me feel good..."
Interactive Segments: Telepathy Game and True or False Quiz
To engage their audience, Caleb and Josh introduce playful interactive segments. First, they attempt a telepathy number guessing game, encouraging listeners to participate by thinking of numbers and guessing what the hosts have in mind.
Josh Sharp [53:20]: "Say the number now, listener. Now."
Following the telepathy game, Caleb presents a True or False quiz, challenging Josh with 15 statements. Players can win tickets to Josh's show "Tada" in New York City by correctly answering at least 10 out of 15 statements.
Caleb Hearon [56:43]: "I'm going to read you 15 statements. You're going to tell me as quickly as you can if you think what I just said is true or false."
Notable highlights from the quiz include playful misconceptions and humorous revelations, reflecting the hosts' comedic chemistry.
Perspectives on Weddings
Caleb and Josh share their unconventional views on weddings, advocating for simplicity and personal preference over traditional ceremonies. They express a desire to avoid the often stressful and commercial aspects of weddings, proposing alternatives like courthouse ceremonies followed by casual parties.
Caleb Hearon [61:16]: "I do not like weddings. I don't want to be invited to a wedding. I do not want to come to your wedding."
Josh Sharp [62:05]: "It's the perfect wedding. One party, no dress code, no gifts. If you don't come, we explicitly do not care."
Their candid discussion provides a refreshing take on societal expectations, resonating with listeners who share similar sentiments.
Sports Banter: Baseball, Soccer, and Football
In a spirited segment, Caleb and Josh debate their preferences for different sports, critiquing the narrative structures and cultural aspects of baseball, soccer, and football. Their banter highlights their personalities and adds a relatable layer to the conversation.
Caleb Hearon [64:53]: "Specifically baseball, by the way. Way."
Josh Sharp [65:31]: "It's war. It's not narrative. It's war."
Their humorous exchange underscores the duo's ability to discuss varied topics with wit and depth.
Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
As the episode winds down, Caleb and Josh reflect on the importance of community, love, and authenticity in their creative endeavors. They reiterate their commitment to creating content that feels true to themselves and meaningful to their audience.
Josh Sharp [38:24]: "It's process over product... It's all about how it feels to us and the people who made it."
Caleb Hearon [40:24]: "That's really beautiful. I want to adopt that."
Their heartfelt conclusion leaves listeners with a sense of camaraderie and inspiration, encapsulating the essence of So True with Caleb Hearon.
Notable Quotes
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Josh Sharp [04:23]: "And now it's real. Like, it's become real."
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Caleb Hearon [40:27]: "That's really beautiful. I want to adopt that."
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Josh Sharp [65:31]: "It's war. It's not narrative. It's war."
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Caleb Hearon [67:57]: "It's good to be hot in the summer."
Conclusion
"Josh Sharp Returns" is a testament to the dynamic chemistry between Caleb Hearon and Josh Sharp. Through a blend of humor, personal insights, and interactive fun, the episode offers a comprehensive look into their lives, creative processes, and shared values. Whether discussing the intricacies of theatrical productions or engaging listeners in playful games, Caleb and Josh deliver a memorable and heartfelt conversation that underscores the essence of authenticity and community in the world of podcasting.
Listen to the full episode on Headgum to enjoy the complete conversation and all its delightful moments.
