"The Comedy Saved Me: Rich Vos Edition"

Summary

Podcast Summary: "The Comedy Saved Me: Rich Vos Edition"

Episode Title: The Comedy Saved Me: Rich Vos Edition
Host: Lynn Hoffman
Release Date: August 11, 2025
Podcast: takin' a walk by iHeartPodcasts

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Introduction

In this compelling episode of "The Comedy Saved Me," host Lynn Hoffman welcomes the legendary stand-up comedian Rich Vos. With a career spanning over four decades, Rich shares his journey through the highs and lows of the comedy world, delving into his personal battles with addiction, his path to sobriety, and the redemptive power of humor. The conversation offers an intimate look into how comedy served as a lifeline for Rich, transforming his pain into punchlines and resilience.

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Rich Vos's Career and Background

Rich Vos begins by clarifying some outdated information about his career. He corrects the host, stating:

"Last Comic Standing was 25 years ago. Let it go." ([05:10])

He updates his recent achievements, mentioning his appearances on the Joe Rogan Podcast, his regular spots on the Gutfeld Show, and his latest Amazon special titled "Rich Vos Anonymous."

Lynn Hoffman acknowledges the corrections with appreciation:

"You're absolutely right, and I stand corrected." ([06:34])

Rich's extensive experience includes hosting Woodstock 99 and participating in various roast battles and performances at iconic venues like the Washington Monument.

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Early Influences and Comedy Beginnings

Rich reflects on what first drew him to stand-up comedy. He candidly shares his struggles during childhood:

"I failed at everything else. As a kid, maybe nine years old, in fourth grade, I used to come home and listen to this comedy album..." ([09:48])

Listening to Von Meter’s "First Family" album became a sanctuary for him, helping him cope with his parents' divorce and his father's absence. This early exposure to comedy planted the seeds for his future in humor, turning his personal pain into a coping mechanism and eventually a career.

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Success and Reflection on 'Enough'

Discussing success and personal fulfillment, Rich offers profound insights:

"In life, you have to realize what, you know, you look at people. I look at people in my business... and then I have to think, in life, I have enough." ([11:14])

He emphasizes the importance of recognizing when one has "enough," whether it be family, friends, or personal achievements. This realization helps him avoid the relentless pursuit of more, finding contentment in his current state.

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Inspiration from Ed Sullivan and Overcoming Addiction

Rich reminisces about his early comedic inspirations, particularly the Ed Sullivan Show:

"I remember when I would watch Ed Sullivan and see, like, Alan King..." ([13:04])

He acknowledges the impact of legends like Eddie Murphy and shares his tumultuous early career marked by substance abuse. Rich openly discusses his descent into addiction and his subsequent decision to seek help:

"I put myself in rehab. And I've been SOBER ever since, 39 years." ([15:10])

This pivotal moment not only saved his life but also allowed him to build meaningful relationships and a fulfilling family life.

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Comedy and Sobriety

Exploring the relationship between his sobriety and his comedy, Rich offers a no-nonsense perspective:

"If you're gonna use drugs and alcohol, you know, oh, it makes me more creative. That's bullshit." ([35:27])

He dismisses the myth that substances enhance creativity, arguing that addiction only hinders true creative expression. Instead, his sobriety has provided him with clarity and depth, enriching his comedic material and personal life.

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Life Lessons and Challenges in Modern Comedy

Rich addresses the evolving landscape of comedy, particularly the rise of social media influencers:

"Now what's important is how many followers you have on Instagram, TikTok. Half of them aren't funny..." ([38:53])

He criticizes the current trend where quantity overrules quality, warning that relying solely on social media metrics can undermine genuine talent. His advice to aspiring comedians is straightforward:

"Be funny. Be honest. Authenticity." ([41:07])

Rich underscores the necessity of maintaining originality and honesty in one's craft, despite the pressures of modern media.

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Unique Performances and Collaborations

Rich highlights his groundbreaking special, "Rich Vos Anonymous," filmed at a Narcotics Anonymous convention:

"No one's ever done that. It's shot very well. Amazon Rich for Us Anonymous." ([42:30])

He shares anecdotes about collaborating with Tim Dillon as the warm-up act, emphasizing the unique blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling in his performances.

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Future Projects and Goals

Looking ahead, Rich discusses his ongoing commitment to the comedy community and personal aspirations:

"One of my goals is, you know, game night at your house." ([43:58])

He expresses enthusiasm for continuing to host benefits, such as the annual event for Patrice O’Neill’s family, and nurturing connections within the comedy circuit. Rich also mentions his intention to maintain humor in everyday life, inviting Lynn to join in game night banter.

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Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks from both hosts. Lynn Hoffman commends Rich for his openness and wisdom, expressing admiration for his resilience and contributions to comedy. Rich reciprocates the gratitude, reaffirming his dedication to uplifting others through humor.

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Notable Quotes

• Rich Vos on Sobriety:

  "If you're gonna use drugs and alcohol, you know, oh, it makes me more creative. That's bullshit." ([35:27])

• Rich Vos on Success:

  "Once you can almost get comfortable with having enough, whether it be family, friends, materialistic goods, sobriety, whatever you have, once you realize it's enough, you don't have to fight anymore." ([11:14])

• Rich Vos on Modern Comedy:

  "Now what's important is how many followers you have on Instagram, TikTok. Half of them aren't funny, but they're selling out clubs." ([38:53])

• Advice to Young Comedians:

  "Be funny. Be honest. Authenticity." ([41:07])

---

Final Thoughts

This episode of "The Comedy Saved Me" offers an inspiring narrative of Rich Vos's journey through adversity and triumph. Through his candid storytelling and seasoned insights, Rich illustrates how humor can serve as a powerful tool for healing and connection. Aspiring comedians and listeners alike can draw valuable lessons from his experiences, understanding that authenticity and resilience are key components of both personal and professional success.

Transcript

[Lynn Hoffman]

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[Rich Voss]

Now.

[Lynn Hoffman]

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[Rich Voss]

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[Rich Voss]

If you're gonna use drugs and alcohol, you know, oh, it makes me more creative. That's bullshit. Shut up. You know, you're, you're just. The disease of alcoholism and drug addiction will tell you anything to keep you active.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Welcome back to Comedy Saved Me, the podcast where we dive deep into the healing power of laughter and the stories of comics who have turned pain into punchlines. I'm your host, Lynn Hoffman and today. Today's guest is a true legend in the world of stand up. He is a comedians comedian, a podcasting pioneer, and a man whose wit is literally as quick as his comebacks. It's. He's so fast, I don't know how I'm going to be able to keep up with him. You've seen him on Last Comic Standing, Deaf Comedy Jam and Comedy Central, among others. He's the co host of the brutally honest and always hilarious My Wife Hates Me podcast. And he's been making audiences laugh for over four decades. But he doesn't even look it that old. But behind the razor sharp jokes and legendary roast battles, Rich Voss has a powerful story of resilience, recovery and the redemptive force of comedy. And today we're going to talk about how comedy became his lifeline, the highs and lows of his journey, and what it really takes to survive and thrive in this business. So sit back, get ready to laugh and maybe even, you know, tear up a little bit. Grab the tissues as we welcome the one and only Rich Voss to Comedy Saved Me.

[Rich Voss]

Hi.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Hi.

[Rich Voss]

Thank you for having me. I have to make a Couple corrections on the intro.

[Lynn Hoffman]

All right, let me get a pen.

[Rich Voss]

Okay, first of all, last comic setting was 25 years ago. Let it go.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Okay.

[Rich Voss]

Army Central is a thing of the past. No one does it anymore. So newer credits recently was heard on the Joe Rogan podcast. A regular on Gutfeld show has a new special on Amazon called Rich Ross. Anonymous doesn't do the podcast anymore. That's done after 11 years, thank God. And what else? That's good for now. But last comics fan, I'm going to help you because you seem so nice.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh, thanks.

[Rich Voss]

Get rid of Comedy Central for anybody.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Okay.

[Rich Voss]

My mailman did Comedy Central. That's almost an insult when people are recognized when they say Comey Central. Because they're done. Last comic standing, done. Don't use that for anybody.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Okay.

[Rich Voss]

And, you know, I guess we're good from there. And I'm not being mean. I'm just trying to help from the beginning.

[Lynn Hoffman]

No, but you should. I mean, first of all, Rogan, huge. And second of all, I saw you recently on Got Felt, so. I know. I mean, then that's the number one show at late night, so. You're absolutely right, and I stand corrected. I can't believe I even left that out to begin with. I'm so sorry.

[Rich Voss]

That's all right. You made a mistake or. Yeah, I just have to update my bio. It's also my mistake.

[Lynn Hoffman]

But that's all right. We're of a certain age because I used to work on a channel that's no more as well called VH1. So if that's still even out there, no one even knows what that used to be.

[Rich Voss]

What are you, like, 32? 32 years old.

[Lynn Hoffman]

No double fives in July? 55.

[Rich Voss]

Get out of here.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah. Didn't you do a little bit of Opie and Anthony for a while?

[Rich Voss]

I did it for years.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah. So I was working in morning radio at the same time you were?

[Rich Voss]

No.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Where in building Boston and New York.

[Rich Voss]

Boston. Who were the guys I do in Boston? Chuckshire and Rich or something. Or.

[Lynn Hoffman]

This is going back a bit, but it was John Lander.

[Rich Voss]

I did that show there.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah.

[Rich Voss]

Then the other guy went to jail and he died.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Who's that? Toucher and Rich?

[Rich Voss]

Mark Perenno.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh, yes. Yes. Yep.

[Rich Voss]

From Boston. I'm a big fan of Boston. Good.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Did I just go up in your, like, good checkoff list?

[Rich Voss]

The second I saw you, you went up in my. Oh, I buy you a better house.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh, thanks.

[Rich Voss]

Get you out into Berkshires or whatever they call them.

[Lynn Hoffman]

No, I love it here. Believe me, I'm. I'm very happy to be here.

[Rich Voss]

Is that your studio down there, away from people?

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah. Do you see your name in the big screen over there?

[Rich Voss]

Yeah. But, like, why do you have all those seats? You have that many people?

[Lynn Hoffman]

Well, occasionally I have had guests, but mainly when we don't in studio. But when we don't have guests, like to have, like, little parties in here. And so that's the game night table. Oh, we have family and game night.

[Rich Voss]

That's, you know when you're getting older, when you have game night.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah.

[Rich Voss]

That's when you're done. That's when you go, all right, we're stuck together.

[Lynn Hoffman]

What are we going to do?

[Rich Voss]

Game night.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Well, it's that or Pickle fest.

[Rich Voss]

Well, or you can become swingers and then explore other options around the area. I don't know. I've never done it, but I just figured that's an auction. I've never done it.

[Lynn Hoffman]

All right, well, I'll let you know if we start. If we look into that. I will tell you. Wait, I gotta call Rich.

[Rich Voss]

I'm kind of creepy. I shouldn't have said that.

[Lynn Hoffman]

That's all right.

[Rich Voss]

You know, I'm just looking out for you and whoever.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Well, you're, You're. I appreciate that a lot.

[Rich Voss]

I need to know. What do you mean? Am I coming off mean? I hope I'm not mean when I told you different credits.

[Lynn Hoffman]

No, because they're all relevant. I feel I'm going to redo the intro based on what you told me, and I'll make sure that we edit that in because it's way better. I mean, it's obvious that you've had an illustrious career, but it's far beyond what we mentioned. And no, you didn't come off as mean at all.

[Rich Voss]

I tried to.

[Lynn Hoffman]

All right, well, I want to ask you a question or two or three, but I want to start. I really do want to start off with your roots and sort of your inspirations. What first drew you to stand up comedy back in the. In the. What was the 80s and who were some of your biggest influences?

[Rich Voss]

What drew me because I failed at everything else. You know, as a kid, you know, maybe nine years old, in fourth grade, I used to come home and listen to this comedy album, Von Meter. He did impressions of John Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy. The album was called First Family. His career was over after the Kennedys were assassinated. The guy went from Park Avenue to Park Bench. I mean, he was the hottest comic then. Just done. I mean, nobody Wanted to hear him do impressions of two people they loved that were assassinated. So I used to come home from school, listen to that album every day in fourth grade, nine years old. And then you, later on in life, just realize you're just covering the pain of your parents, divorce and your father never being there. And how do I deal with this? As a 4th grader coming home to a cleaning lady that my mother couldn't afford. Kind of a babysitter, cleaning person. We chased everyone away, my brother, my sister and I, because none of them, you know, we're all just angry young kids that were just mean. So I come home and then, you know, throughout life, you would listen to comedy. Next thing you know, what? Here I am.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Well, Jed's a millionaire, you said. Next thing you know, I couldn't help myself.

[Rich Voss]

I wish I. I'm getting close. If I. If I sold everything, including my sneakers, I'd get close. But, you know, in life, you have to realize what, you know, you look at people. I look at people in my business. Selling out arenas, multimillionaires, you know, TV specials, Netflix, Amazon. And then I have to think, in life, I have enough. I already have enough. You know, and once you can almost get comfortable with having enough, whether it be family, friends, materialistic goods, sobriety, whatever you have, once you realize it's enough, you don't have to fight anymore. So I'm close to that. I'm pretty close to knowing I have enough. Does that make sense?

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yes, absolutely. I feel like whatever is enough, whatever your version of enough is, that should be good for you. Whatever it is, whether it's you want to be a billionaire or you just want to live a peaceful life somewhere in the mountains and, you know, work out of a barn or in your bedroom, in your case.

[Rich Voss]

Well, my wife's bedroom is so much nicer, but she has two rooms in her bedroom.

[Lynn Hoffman]

You have separate bedrooms?

[Rich Voss]

Well, I come in late and snore, and we have a big house. And it's so much easier, you know, instead of her waking me up every night going, your snoring.

[Lynn Hoffman]

You know, I understand that.

[Rich Voss]

Well, it's not like we touched each other, so what the fuck?

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh, my gosh. You've cited, when you were growing up, classics from the Ed Sullivan show as some of your influences. What did you learn from some of those early legends that you still use today in your. In your act? Can you remember?

[Rich Voss]

No, I remember. I remember when I would watch Ed Sullivan and see, like, Alan King or. I can't even remember. I would still with my father because that was one of the nights or weekends he would come home. So what I remember is that. And watching the comic, you know, but then after you get older, you know, he's gone, right? Remarried or whatever, and. And then you just grow up, you know, listening to prior Eddie Murphy. Those were, I guess, the two comics I listened to mostly as, you know, probably in my 20s, you know. And then I. When I started comedy, there was my favorites, but I, you know, I was horrible. When I started comedy, I was still partying and getting high and doing drugs. So I think I did that for like two years and then went to put myself in rehab. And I've been SOBER Ever since, 39 years. So probably my first two years or three years was horrible. I was just, whatever, doing whatever I could to get money to get high, you know. And then I get out of rehab and then my life starts coming together at some point. You know, it doesn't happen overnight, but I'm not doing what I was doing. I mean, my, you know, I was a wild man or a wild guy or person or just nuts, you know, and comedy was a quick fix where you'd get your money that night and you could go out and party and get high that night. You know what I mean? Like, it was. I didn't have to wait till Friday, get my paycheck, or Saturday, Thursday, you know, I do it again on Tuesday, get paid. Next thing you know, I'm in New York buying drugs. So eventually that caught up to me and boom. And now I have three daughters, three grandkids, another kid on the way. There's six people on this planet. Because I don't get high a day at a time because I would have never met my wife or ex wife. You know, how the world works. I mean, how things work in mysterious ways. Your path is, I guess, planned out. Do whatever. You're where you are when you're supposed to be there. But if I never. If I was still partying, I wouldn't have married these people and it wouldn't be my daughters or grandkids. You know what I'm saying?

[Lynn Hoffman]

Absolutely.

[Rich Voss]

It's kind of weird, you know, when. When somebody has a miscarriage or something happens, then they get pregnant maybe seven months later, then you have those kids. Well, those kids would never have been here if that person didn't have that miscarriage. You see what I'm saying?

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh, yeah. There's definitely a higher power.

[Rich Voss]

It would diff. It would be a whole different whatever outcome in life. So it's Kind of like when you have game night.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Just want to go on record that that's only happened a couple of times with family. I. It just looks nice with four chairs and yeah, I like have all the director's chairs, so why not, right?

[Rich Voss]

It looks good.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Thanks. I do believe everything happens for a reason, 100%. And you know, I wouldn't be here if my life didn't go the way that it went either. And I never would have expected to be here talking to you, you know, on a, on a zoom, getting to interview some of the most. The biggest legends in, in comedy and music. But obviously whatever I did to get here got me here. So. I agree with you 100%. Plus there's, there's definitely something larger than all of us at the helm. There's got to be. So I agree.

[Rich Voss]

Who's the biggest musician or that one your favorite that you like? I'm sure on radio, you know, you did. You worked with a lot of musicians, I guess.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yes.

[Rich Voss]

On this podcast, have you had musicians?

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah, I have another podcast called Music Saved Me. So we have musicians on and people in the music industry.

[Rich Voss]

Any famous people?

[Lynn Hoffman]

A few. Yeah. We've had on Jelly Roll and Winona and Pat Monahan of Train and I just had on. Oh, gosh, there's so many of them. We probably have done. Well, I don't even know how many we've done, but a lot. I mean, it's been about two years. Oh. But we are number one in the music interview category on Apple podcasts, so that's kind of cool.

[Rich Voss]

Get out of here.

[Lynn Hoffman]

I say we because the incredible guy that you met when we first started chatting Buzz, we've been, we've known each other for pretty much 30 years. He was, what do I say, the C suite in radio in, in Boston, but also came up as a, as an on air personality in New York.

[Rich Voss]

I don't think his real name is Buzz.

[Lynn Hoffman]

I think it, it might. Well, we have to ask him when he comes back on.

[Rich Voss]

Oh, no. I think he said that's a good.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Radio name though, right?

[Rich Voss]

I think he's on the lam. I think he's on.

[Lynn Hoffman]

He might be on the lamb.

[Ryan Reynolds]

We'll be right back with more of.

[Rich Voss]

The Comedy Save Me podcast.

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[Ryan Reynolds]

Welcome back to the Comedy Saved Me podcast.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Listen, I have to talk to you about this because I read this about you and I was like, wow, this is kind of cool. You sort of broke some barriers in your career, so you don't seem to give yourself enough credit about that part of it. But back in 95, you actually became the first white comedian on the Def Comedy Jam, which I watched all the time. How did that opportunity come in and what was running through your mind? I want to know right before you took the stage, if you can remember.

[Rich Voss]

I don't know. I mean, it was nerve wracking. No one's ever, you know, a lot of pressure. Yeah, look, I had two daughters. I had to work, do whatever clubs I could, whether it was typical white rooms or urban rooms or mixed rooms, whatever it took, I did. And then I did, you know, so many urban shows. It was easy for them to pick me to do it because they knew who I was, deep bookers and people running the show. But it was very, very, very nerve wracking. Very scary because you know, it. I was, they taped five nights a week in New York. The whole season. They tape, you know, I was the fifth night, second show, second to last. So I heard of everybody in town doing well, not doing well. You know, people that were still in Town came to watch the taping that year. They had a bunch of different hosts every episode. Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle. My guy was Steve Harvey. They had a different host. So some of the hosts were still in town. Jamie Foxx and I knew everyone. But when there's a lot of them in the audience and it's the last show.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh, my God.

[Rich Voss]

Of the tapings all week, and I'm second to last, there's a lot of built up pressure. And black comics were mad that I was doing it and they weren't doing it. Some of them white comics were like, well, you got to be good because you're the first. It was a lot of pressure. It was very. And then the clothes I wore. There they go. Russell Simmons, whose show it was, wants you to wear his clothing line. So they got me in Fat Farm clothing, which is an urban clothing line. And I walk out. I mean, I look back on it. I mean, this is what, 30 years ago? I mean, I was. And I pandered more to the audience I was working to back then, but that's what I knew 30 years ago. So, I mean, it's kind of cool. I mean, I've done so many weird things, you know, I hosted Woodstock 99, one of the stages, you know, when.

[Lynn Hoffman]

It was on fire.

[Rich Voss]

Yeah, I wasn't on that stage. I was on another one, a big one, the west stage. That was the east stage. You know, I roasted Trump in a roast years ago. You know, things. I did a show once outside the Washington Monument. There was a stage and it was a drug awareness event. And Cheryl, well, what's his name from Aerosmith, was the lead. The main guy, Steven Tyler, he wasn't doing Aerosmith songs. He was doing, like, I don't know, countries or whatever other songs he does. Sheryl Crowe was on it, this band, the Fray or whatever.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yep.

[Rich Voss]

And like, I don't know, and all these local bands, and it's outside the Washington Monument, there's 15,000 people, and I'm hosting it on big screens, you know, so I've had so many cool, different things happen. You know, two years ago, I did the four shows on Bert Kreischer's tour, the Opie and Anthony tour, you know, hosting these big events, you know, and every time, you still walk out nervous as hell, I bet, you know, I. There's certain clubs I get nervous at just for the first 10 seconds, you know.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Well, once you know that, you've got them in the palm of your hand and they're. They're laughing does that sort of take all of that away? And. And then you're sort of in a.

[Rich Voss]

Relationship once you come out and get a laugh. You know, I. I'm hosting in a couple weeks, we do this benefit for Patrice O' Neill's family. This is the 12th year I'm hosting it. I host it every year Billy Burr closes it.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Mm.

[Rich Voss]

And every year, I walk out going, oh, I gotta do something different in the last 12 years. And it's nerve wracking. And then you walk out and you go, oh, shit, I've already done this 11 times. I mean, but in your head, you always go, this is the one I fall apart on. Or, you know, I don't know.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah.

[Rich Voss]

You know, it's. And if, say, you walk out, you're totally a nightmare. Everybody forgets the other 11 shows you did great at.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Right. Because you're only as good as your last show.

[Rich Voss]

So we remember that one.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah.

[Rich Voss]

Every year I walk out with such anxiety, you know, and whatever.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Wow.

[Rich Voss]

It always works out. Everything always works out.

[Lynn Hoffman]

But I always thought that about comedians, you know, with. With musicians, it's easy, you know, everyone knows the songs. They're ready to sing along. You've got them right at the beginning. But comedians, you have to reinvent yourself almost every single time you take the stage. Unless it's, you know, an audience of people that listen to your comedy album, and they know it. Word for wor.

[Rich Voss]

Yeah. They don't want to see, you know, you go to see the Rolling Stones, you know, you want to hear Gimme Shelter, you want to hear, you know, whatever I say. The Rolling Stones. That's how old I am. Who would you go with? The Rolling Stones or the Beatles if you had a pick?

[Lynn Hoffman]

If I had to pick.

[Rich Voss]

Oh, gosh.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Well, I've seen the Stones, so I have to go with the Beatles.

[Rich Voss]

Okay. You saw the Stones, the Voodoo Lounge.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Kickoff at Foxborough Stadium. I think it was, like, somewhere in the 90s.

[Rich Voss]

Oh, that's good. You saw them when they were. They could walk. Yes.

[Lynn Hoffman]

So listen, you've been a mainstay in comedy for, like, I hate to say it, 40 years.

[Rich Voss]

Yeah.

[Lynn Hoffman]

How do you keep your material fresh and relevant? Because the world is changing exponentially faster than, you know, even just 10 years ago.

[Rich Voss]

Well, I mean, you try to keep writing stuff like, you know, coming up when. I mean, I have seven albums. Do I need an eighth album? Do I just coast? Do I do the best of. And I could do an hour show of just crowd work without doing material if I wanted to. So I add stuff, add stuff. And I mean, I'm working on an eighth shorter album of crowd work. Like my wife 15 years ago said, oh, you got to do a crowd work DVD or cd, that's too easy. Now everybody's making careers out of doing crowd work, on which I was doing for 20, 25 years. And I'm not saying I'm the best. There's very, very great crowd work comics, you know, Big J and Bobby Kelly, Bonnie McFarlane, a lot of them. David, like, tons of good crowd were comics. So I'll put out that with like, clips maybe, and I don't know. I don't know. I mean, I've been doing this forever.

[Lynn Hoffman]

What's your. What's your process for new material? I mean, like, how do you know when a bit is definitely when you go, oh, yeah, I'm doing that one. That's going to be on stage.

[Rich Voss]

I don't know until I do it.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Do you test any out, like on your family or friends?

[Rich Voss]

No, I don't have friends.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh, okay. That's smart. Actually.

[Rich Voss]

No, I. I just, you know, either comes from ad libbing on stage. I go, that would be a good, you know.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah.

[Rich Voss]

Or I go do something. I write down two words on my phone and I try it. You know, it just comes along. I mean, I forget a lot. I got tons of. I got seven. I got 40 years of crap.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Where do you keep it all?

[Rich Voss]

I try to keep it here, but I mean, I forget. I forget, you know, dumb things. You know, the other day I forgot my wife's phone number. I couldn't think of her phone number. Has that ever happened to you? Or you can't think of a phone number.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Okay, that's either a brain fart, a senior moment, or your Rolodex is just too full and you couldn't find the right. Yeah, but that has happened to me a lot lately.

[Rich Voss]

Oh, it's happened to you, too?

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh, all the time. I can't think of people's names that I've spoken for 50 years.

[Rich Voss]

Best or worse. I won't. I won't look something up until I figure it out. I'm not going to let it win.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh, I don't. I don't even have Alexa and see, nothing answered. I don't have any other robots I want. The only thing I like them for is timers. You know, when I'm making eggs. Yeah, but other than that, I don't want to know the answers like that. I want to figure it out.

[Rich Voss]

We're still Having babies?

[Lynn Hoffman]

Me?

[Rich Voss]

Yeah, you said making eggs.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh, no, not those kind of eggs.

[Rich Voss]

Oh.

[Lynn Hoffman]

You know what? I don't.

[Rich Voss]

Look how easy your life is. You come down to your. Your studio, you and the other couples do what you guys do. I don't know. It's none of my business. When the lights go off up in the Berkshires or wherever.

[Lynn Hoffman]

I want to delve a little bit into something that you brought up earlier when we were talking about your personal journey and your journey through recovery. You've been really open, obviously, about your recovery, and you've been sober since 87, which I want to say congratulations, because I do know that sobriety has a shelf life of typically five years. So to go as long as you have is an incredible show of willpower and stamina. And obviously you've worked hard.

[Rich Voss]

Well, it's not really willpower surrendering.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Right.

[Rich Voss]

I never heard that statistic. Five years. I heard one out of 33 make it. I didn't know it was a five year run.

[Lynn Hoffman]

I learned that about my dad. He was a Green Beret, so he had a lot of issues with ptsd and it led to some alcohol and drug abuse. But later on in my life, not. He kept. He kept it together until we all moved out and went to college. So I remember someone telling me that. And then I had such a higher. I don't know, my ideals about my dad went up like, exponentially when I realized how strong a man he was to make it so long sober.

[Rich Voss]

Wow, that's cool. So, yeah, yeah, no, I'm. I'm addicted to anything that makes me feel good. Instant gratification. One bird feeder outside my window when I drank coffee made me feel relaxed. Now I have five bird feeders outside my window.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Very cool.

[Rich Voss]

Because I thought it would make me feel five times as good as the one bird feeder. Did you know? It's just a. I'm mentally insane.

[Lynn Hoffman]

I love that. Any hummingbird feeders out there?

[Rich Voss]

I don't know. I just buy bird feeders. Whoever comes can eat.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Okay. Because. Well, because the bird. The hummingbird, you have to put, like, sugar water in it. It's a little different than the other.

[Rich Voss]

Maybe I'll go buy one of those today.

[Lynn Hoffman]

How has sobriety shaped your comedy in your life?

[Rich Voss]

Well, I mean, there's bits I do about where I was, where I'm at. It's. It's shaped my whole life. I mean, it's given me a life. How could you. You can't have a life being addicted to it. I was doing. To being Addicted to anything will interfere with anybody's life. So how's it giving me a life? Like I said, I have three daughters, a wife, an ex wife. I get along with grandkids, one on the way. You know, I'm sitting in a gigantic house looking at my in ground pool. That's all the materialistic shit I have. Listen, the bottom line is I'd be dead. I was on the path I was going, I'd be in jail or dead. So the life has given me was not being dead.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Did you ever worry about losing your edge when you got sober to do comedy?

[Rich Voss]

First of all, I was only doing comedy for like two years when I was active. So I stunk no matter what, whether I was doing it or not. I mean, how good was I at two or three years? If you're going to use drugs and alcohol, you know, oh, it makes me more creative. That's bullshit. Shut up. You know, you're just. The disease of alcoholism and drug addiction will tell you anything to keep you active. I'm better and better. I'm more creative. I'm, you know, I'm stronger. I'm. It's all bullshit. You're either a social drinker or an alcoholic. Just once you cross that fine line, there's no turning back. So if you're saying your edge is because you drink or get high, that's ridiculous. It's like over overweight comics don't want to lose weight because after actors talk about being fat, a lot of them, so you're going to have a heart attack, you're going to die just so you could tell a joke or two, you know? You know, it's. You can't use your, your addiction is because you are an addict or you're an alcoholic or you're an overeater or you're an undereater or you're a gambler. You know, whatever you are can be. Listen, I gamble too much. You know, my main, you know, listen, I'm addicted. I buy shit on Amazon I don't need. I'm not perfect. I'm not getting high a day at a time. But believe me, I have a lot of shit to work on in life and I'm old.

[Lynn Hoffman]

You'll still be working on it the rest of your life, probably.

[Rich Voss]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Unless I. Yeah.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Do you remember a time when making people laugh helped you through a particularly tough time in your life?

[Rich Voss]

I'm not making them laugh, just going to work. You know, there's times I had major anxiety in life where I. It Was bad. When I was 21, I wasn't a comic, but when I was 40, it was really bad. Luckily, I got through through it with a good therapist. I kept working because I was ready to go. I gotta, I gotta stop this, you know, Everything passes, it all passes. Good times, bad times, it all. You look at a heart monitor, it goes up and down, you're alive. Straight across your debt. Everything passes. Anxiety, pink clouds, feeling good, feeling shitty. Try not to react in those moments, you know, and just accept them. It's easy for me to say, but a lot of times I do it. A lot of times I don't. I try not to get mad at traffic. It's out of my control. I guess I have no tolerance or patience with my wife. If she didn't bug me so much, things would be great.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh, my goodness. Well, that was great advice. I was going to tell you up until that part, you've worked on a lot of things and you've worked with a lot of legends and you have also mentored up and coming comedians. What do you think is the most important lesson that young comedians need to learn today?

[Rich Voss]

If you could pick one, be funny.

[Lynn Hoffman]

That'D be kind of important.

[Rich Voss]

Well, no, it doesn't have to be important now. Now what's important is how many followers you have on Instagram, TikTok. Half of them aren't funny, but they're selling out clubs and, you know, it's a different world. It has nothing to do with quality now. It's quantity and, you know, new, older comms gone. Ah, this is crazy. This person's headline and they stink and most of them do. But clubs have to keep their doors open. But they gotta draw just a fine line between Comedy Club or YouTube Club.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Right?

[Rich Voss]

You know? Yep, there's a fine line. So what, you know, it's a quick fix that you keep these clubs, keep bringing in these TikTok or Internet sensations. I know a club, his whole lineup says Internet sensation, Internet. It's a quick fix. And it never works. It'll come back to haunt you. Talent always exceeds bullshit. If you have those numbers and the talent, well, you're really lucky. But I think talent should become first. Clubs used to fill their rooms because they had great shows. Now they're trying to fill the rooms because, you know, someone knows how to wash a car with their teeth. I don't know, whatever, it's true.

[Lynn Hoffman]

No, you're, you're right. It's. It's a very interesting time that we're all living through right now. It's, it's crazy and I, I suspect it's going to get even crazier in the next three to five years with, with the whole AI thing and things that are going to happen that we just can't even comprehend. But, but with your hindsight of all of these decades of doing this, you're able to see these patterns and things that, you know, a lot of people don't have the opportunity to, or the up and comers and they'll be very grateful for someone like you to give them good advice. And I, you know, you kind of talk like my dad did, you know, just very matter of fact and to the point, if you want to be a comedian, be funny. I mean, what else is there but.

[Rich Voss]

Well, be honest. Yeah, funny. Honest.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Authenticity.

[Rich Voss]

Yeah. I mean, what else. I mean, should you want to be a juggler? Know how to juggle?

[Lynn Hoffman]

Are there any moments backstage or on the road that you had all of these years that stand out, especially, you know, that were formative for you or hilarious that no one would ever know and that you want to spill the beans on with me?

[Rich Voss]

I was working Reno during like the, was, I think a porn convention that was making out with two girls at once backstage, and they were all, they were both tens and it was a dream come true.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh. Oh, my God. Oh, my God.

[Rich Voss]

I don't know.

[Lynn Hoffman]

I could imagine that would stand out.

[Rich Voss]

Obviously, I don't remember it. I don't think that happened. I think I just made that up. I don't know when I've had so many fun times backstage. When we did our tour, Creeps With Kids, me, Bobby Kelly, Jim Florentin and Ron Bennington. We had some funny moments backstage and there's been years and years of fun moments. And it's also been moments of, you know, like, what am I doing here? You know, why am I at this place? You know.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah, I understand.

[Rich Voss]

Bills. You got to pay bills.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Your, Your recent special, Rich Boss Anonymous.

[Rich Voss]

Yeah.

[Lynn Hoffman]

It was filmed at Narcotics Anonymous at a convention. What was unique about that performance?

[Rich Voss]

Well, no one's ever done that. Obviously. I didn't show the audience because it was a 12 step convention. But my backdrop is so cool. The beginning, the editing. My wife did the intro, directed it. It's so cool. I mean, I taped it a while ago, but we just put it up. But no one's ever done it, what I did, you know, and it's. It's pretty cool. I talk about recovery, you know, I talk about some recovery, some, you know, regular stuff. And it's it's just cool. It looks it's shot very well. Amazon Rich for us. Anonymous. You know the guy that introed me who did the warmup, you know, went on to warm up was Tim Dillon, who is a major star now.

[Lynn Hoffman]

What? Wow.

[Rich Voss]

He was the warm up act and he's the one who introduced. You could hear his voice. But he's so funny. So funny. It's so weird. I've seen people just explode in this business. Explode.

[Lynn Hoffman]

That's pretty amazing.

[Rich Voss]

I have longevity and respect from my peers and I've always done well. But I've seen comics, they're like what the hell.

[Lynn Hoffman]

What are some new specials and projects and goals that you want to hit before you hit the checkout counter? Coming up for Rich Foss.

[Rich Voss]

I guess one of my goals is, you know, game night at your house.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Okay. You're welcome anytime.

[Rich Voss]

I'm driving through that area. What's the goal to original on the golf course. I've done it before shoot the 70s, get my game back if I sound out of it because I'm exhausted from traveling. But I would this was very exciting. You could tell that I was very excited.

[Lynn Hoffman]

I could see it.

[Rich Voss]

That great questions.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Well thanks. I appreciate it. Rich. Rich Boss, thank you for joining me on Comedy Saved me and thanks for your sage advice and wisdom and and I really do wish you nothing but the best in the future. And if you ever want to come to game night anytime, come on by. I'll leave a light on for you.

[Rich Voss]

Okay. Red Roof thank you for having me.

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