Podcast Summary: "From Football to Comedy: How Laughter and Authenticity Saved Brett Ernst's Life and Career Journey-Comedic Advice"

Podcast: takin’ a walk (iHeartPodcasts)
Date: November 24, 2025
Host: Lynne Hoffman (guest hosting under “Comedy Saved Me” format)
Guest: Brett Ernst (Comedian)

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the transformative power of comedy through the lens of acclaimed stand-up Brett Ernst. From his early days in football to his relentless grind in comedy clubs to breaking new ground with self-distributed specials, Brett shares the experiences, philosophies, and raw truths that have shaped his career and life. The conversation is a candid look at resilience, authenticity, the grind behind success, and how laughter can be both a lifeboat and a tool for perspective.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Football as a Foundation for Comedy

[03:41–06:51]

• Brett credits football with keeping him focused as a youth and building the resilience needed for stand-up.
• Lessons from sports—dealing with loss, camaraderie, and competition—prepared him for the highs and lows of show business.
• Quote:
  • “When you come from an athletic background, you’re okay with getting your ass kicked. ... You know how to compete with your friends.” (Brett Ernst, 04:04)

2. First Steps into Stand-Up

[05:45–07:16]

• The jump from aspiring comic to open mic night happened after serendipitous nudges from friends—a teammate’s letter felt like a sign.
• His first open mic went surprisingly well; he didn’t bomb until months later.
• Early stage mishaps (including filming) were handled with humor, not discouragement.

3. Living the Hustle: Double Life and Early Career Stories

[08:01–11:31]

• Brett balanced acting as a waiter on TV and actually waiting tables to make ends meet.
• Stories of being recognized at his service jobs by fans from LA’s stand-up circuit highlight the persistence and humility needed before big breaks.
• Delivered pizzas while appearing on TV, illustrating the surreal overlap of survival jobs and "making it."

4. No Shortcuts in Stand-Up; Commitment to Craft

[11:42–12:35]

• There are no shortcuts in developing as a comedian—you have to "put the time in."
• Authentic stand-up can't be faked; from tiny crowds to arenas, the audience knows if you’re real or not.
• Quote:
  • “To be good at the art of stand up, you gotta put that time in, man. ... You can’t fake it.” (Brett Ernst, 11:42 & 12:02)

5. Authenticity, Relatability, and Edginess

[12:35–15:05]

• Brett defines originality as grounded in sharing one’s own story; relatability comes from honesty.
• Family anonymity sometimes limits what can be shared, but the base is always personal truth.
• Quote:
  • “Everybody’s original if you’re talking about yourself and your own journey.” (Brett Ernst, 12:52)

6. Thick Skin, Criticism, and Not Caring About Approval

[13:42–19:41]

• The importance of laughing at yourself—“the ultimate not caring.”
• Entertains the philosophy: “It’s none of my business what you think of me.”
• Emphasizes self-reliance, rejecting the need for constant empowerment and validation from others.

7. The Healing Perspective of Comedy

[22:20–26:08]

• Comedy’s healing power lies in providing perspective, not just in generating laughs.
• After shows, Brett reminds audiences that everyone is hurting and “we’re all dead in a hundred years”—a blunt, freeing reminder to let go and laugh.
• Quote:
  • “You want the right ones to like you. ... Your audience will find you. Just be honest with yourself.” (Brett Ernst, 15:31–15:48)

8. Making Light of Personal Tragedy

[25:28–26:55]

• Brett only “makes fun of [his] own tragedies,” which keeps jokes authentic and helps others relate.
• He receives messages from people who found healing in his darkest bits, demonstrating shared experience.

9. Mentorship and Lessons from the Comedy Store

[29:22–30:46]

• The Comedy Store in LA was his incubator—learning by osmosis from peers and icons.
• Real-time lessons, like following Chris Rock or Dice, built Brett’s stage chops.
• Anecdote: Dice taught him the importance of commitment on stage by making him improvise.

10. Resilience and Self-Assessment

[28:20–29:13; 30:52–32:16]

• Openness to criticism and holding oneself accountable are crucial for growth.
• The stand-up path is full of rejection, endless small gigs, and personal grind behind the scenes.

11. Industry Hazing, Generational Cycles, and Breaking the Mold

[37:50–40:05]

• Brett prefers to break the bad cycles in comedy, such as “bumping” (famous comics taking stage time from newer ones).
• He believes everyone should get their fair shot and works to uplift, not haze, newcomers.

12. Innovation: Self-Distributing a Comedy Special on YouTube

[40:05–44:52]

• Frustrated by gatekeepers, Brett invested $20k in his own special, giving it away on YouTube before it was common.
• The move paid off, both financially and in building fan connection.
• Quote:
  • “If I’m putting this work in and these people are like, ‘No, he doesn’t fit this criteria’ … then I’m just gonna do it myself.” (Brett Ernst, 42:59)

13. Comedy as the Foundation of Entertainment

[45:01–46:40]

• Stand-ups must master every skill, from writing to acting to self-promotion—a “blue-collar” pathway in entertainment.
• The fraternity among comics (especially compared to acting/music) is strong and supportive.

14. Handling the Demands and Maintaining Balance

[46:48–48:08]

• Ongoing creative work—developing new material and routines—is his primary way of maintaining balance and staying fulfilled.

15. Coping with Loss Through Comedy

[50:26–51:41]

• The day Brett’s brother died, he went on stage. Comedy provided a necessary outlet for grief—a parallel to exercising for physical health.
• Quote:
  • “I center my day around a gym, and then I center my mental health around my standup, I guess.” (Brett Ernst, 51:13)

16. On Legacy and the Meaning of Life

[53:55–57:45]

• Brett doesn’t obsess over legacy; he wants to be remembered for hard work and integrity.
• He emphasizes that everyone dies and, ultimately, one should “just laugh at it” – let go of stress and negativity.
• Quote:
  • “If you know you’re gonna be dead one day, why are you letting everything stress you out?” (Brett Ernst, 56:45)

Notable Quotes With Timestamps

• “When you come from an athletic background, you’re okay with getting your ass kicked.” – Brett Ernst (04:04)
• “To be good at the art of stand up, you gotta put that time in, man. ... You can’t fake it.” – Brett Ernst (11:42 & 12:02)
• “Everybody’s original if you’re talking about yourself and your own journey.” – Brett Ernst (12:52)
• “It’s none of my business what you think of me.” – Brett Ernst (16:58)
• “Your audience will find you. Just be honest with yourself.” – Brett Ernst (15:48)
• “You want the right ones to like you.” – Brett Ernst (15:31)
• “If I’m putting this work in... then I’m just gonna do it myself.” – Brett Ernst (42:59)
• “We’re dead soon.” – Brett Ernst (24:17)
• “I center my day around a gym, and then I center my mental health around my standup, I guess.” – Brett Ernst (51:13)
• “If you know you’re gonna be dead one day, why are you letting everything stress you out?” – Brett Ernst (56:45)

Memorable Moments & Stories

• Brett’s story about being recognized at the Cheesecake Factory day after crushing a set at LA’s famed Dublin’s show. (09:00–10:13)
• Delivering pizzas while appearing on live TV, and the kid’s face at the door. (10:22–11:31)
• The innovation and risk behind his self-produced YouTube special—a roadmap for other comics. (40:05–44:52)
• Commitment lesson from Dice Clay—improvising and finding laughter in discomfort. (48:11–49:59)
• Going on stage the day his brother died, and how stage time became essential to his healing. (50:26–51:41)

Takeaways for Listeners

• Comedy is not just about laughs, but about honesty, resilience, and learning to own your struggles.
• The most successful comics rarely take shortcuts; the grind is universal and never-ending.
• Laughter and authenticity—whether on stage or in everyday life—offer the best tools for surviving, healing, and thriving.

Recommended Listening Segments (Timestamps)

• On football’s influence and early stand-up: 03:41–07:16
• The harsh realities of paying dues: 08:01–12:35
• Perspectives on originality and dealing with criticism: 12:35–19:41
• Comedy as healing and perspective: 22:20–26:55
• How to break cycles and support the next generation: 37:50–40:05
• Self-distributing a comedy special and industry innovation: 40:05–44:52
• Building a legacy, meaning of life, and finding peace: 53:55–57:45

Overall Tone: Insightful, direct, humorous, forthright—Brett’s voice brings streetwise philosophy and no-nonsense candor, making the episode as entertaining as it is cathartic for creatives and comedy fans alike.