The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament
Episode: "Giving Yourself a Shot: The Return of Dean Delray"
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Hosts: Joey "Coco" Diaz and Lee Syatt
Guest: Dean Delray
Overview
In this lively episode of The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament, hosts Joey "Coco" Diaz and Lee Syatt welcome back comedian Dean Delray to the studio after nearly five years. The conversation spans a wide array of topics, including personal growth, the evolution of the comedy scene, challenges in the entertainment industry, and humorous anecdotes from their experiences in New York and Los Angeles.
Key Discussions
Dean Delray's Return and Personal Journey
Dean Delray marks his return to the podcast with reflections on his time away and the growth he's experienced both personally and professionally. He shares insights into his latest comedy special, filmed uniquely in a Tennessee cave, and discusses the challenges of breaking into the comedy scene.
- Notable Quote:
"We shot the special. Marcus killed it. Bill produced it, financed it. It looks insane. And it's the best thing I've ever done in my life."
(17:19) — Dean Delray
The Changing Landscape of Comedy and Entertainment
Joey and Dean delve into how the comedy industry has transformed over the years, especially with the rise of digital platforms. They compare the traditional paths of comedians to the new avenues available today, emphasizing the importance of self-production and leveraging platforms like Patreon and Venmo TV.
- Notable Quote:
"We control our own destiny. If you want to put a half-hour special up, put a half-hour special."
(80:18) — Joey Diaz
Personal Struggles and Overcoming Adversity
Joey Diaz opens up about his past struggles with substance abuse and how comedy became his refuge post-incarceration and divorce. He emphasizes the importance of giving oneself a chance despite setbacks, using his own life as a testament to resilience.
- Notable Quote:
"I got into comedy when I was in the worst spot of my life. Out of prison, fucking divorced. It was fucking horrible."
(93:20) — Joey Diaz
Anecdotes from the Road
The trio shares numerous humorous and outrageous stories from their tours, including chaotic experiences with transportation, unexpected encounters with celebrities, and the unpredictable nature of performing live.
- Notable Quote:
"We went to tacos. I went to tacos. 86. 1986, which. They're open in New York. Crazy, right?"
(30:17) — Dean Delray
Reflections on Aging and Career Evolution
As the conversation progresses, Joey and Dean reflect on aging within the high-energy world of comedy and entertainment. They discuss the physical and mental toll of constant touring, the desire for stability, and the inevitability of change as they navigate their careers in their 50s.
- Notable Quote:
"When you're 50, you go out and chase some 20-year-old hoe and you crash it, you crash a car and you go back to doing blow."
(11:04) — Joey Diaz
Insights and Takeaways
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Self-Production is Key: The entertainment industry has evolved, offering creators more control over their content. Platforms like Patreon and upcoming services like Venmo TV empower comedians to produce and distribute their work independently.
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Resilience Through Adversity: Personal struggles, whether with substance abuse or life-changing events, can fuel creativity and drive success in unexpected ways.
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Humor as a Coping Mechanism: Engaging in comedy provides not only a career path but also a therapeutic outlet for dealing with life's challenges.
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The Importance of Mentorship and Community: Building strong relationships within the industry, as seen with Joey and Dean's interactions, can lead to collaborative success and mutual growth.
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Adaptability is Crucial: Navigating the rapidly changing landscape of entertainment requires flexibility and a willingness to embrace new methods of content creation and distribution.
Conclusions
This episode highlights the enduring nature of friendship and collaboration in the face of personal and professional challenges. Dean Delray's return serves as a reminder of the transformative power of comedy and the importance of taking risks. Joey Diaz and Lee Syatt effectively blend humor with candid discussions, offering listeners both laughs and meaningful insights into the life of entertainers.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Joey Diaz: "You're gonna re-evaluate your relationship and then you move on."
(10:09) -
Dean Delray: "Once you go to the hospital three times and you're 60, you're certified old, your body takes a different turn."
(12:21) -
Joey Diaz: "Nobody ever pulls up to an open mic in a Lamborghini. You know what I'm saying? Nobody pulls up to an open mic in a Cadillac, an Escalante, whatever the fuck."
(93:35) -
Lee Syatt: "I think it's great for self-made people. We are controlling our own destiny."
(80:16)
Final Thoughts
The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament continues to deliver engaging and authentic conversations that resonate with listeners. This episode, featuring Dean Delray's return, encapsulates the essence of overcoming adversity, the evolution of comedy, and the unbreakable bonds formed through shared experiences.