The Commercial Break — TCB Infomercial: Courtney Michelle (Live From Audacy Studios)

Original Air Date: July 8, 2025
Host(s): Bryan Green & Krissy Hoadley
Guest: Courtney Michelle (Comedian, Actor, Social Media Influencer)

Episode Overview

This lively improv-comedy episode, part of the TCB Infomercial Tuesday series, features comedian and social media personality Courtney Michelle live in the Audacy studios, a special treat for the hosts and listeners used to the show's typical home setup. The conversation jumps between comedic anecdotes, genuine discussions about careers in comedy, mental health, childhood, performing live vs. online, and the unique social dynamics of digital validation.

The hosts (Bryan and Krissy) dig into Courtney’s journey from small-town West Virginia to Miami, LA, and now Nashville, her relationship with her mother, the pros and cons of developing a following on social media, and the nerves and rewards of performing live shows.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Technology Overload and App Fatigue

[00:00] Courtney Michelle: Opens the episode with a rant about needless technology, describing a milk frother that only works via Bluetooth and the absurdity of needing apps for mundane tasks:

“Please make America mechanical again. That’s my platform… I don’t want to have to use Wi-Fi to brush my freaking teeth. That's absolutely insane.”
Sets the comedic and irreverent tech-skeptical tone for the episode.

2. Social Media: Validation, Defense Mechanisms, and Growth

[05:58] The hosts quiz Courtney on her social media habits.

Courtney:
- Considers social media an unhealthy defense mechanism and a source of validation:
  
  “It’s a place I go when I need validation or when I need to look at something, look at someone hot. There’s a lot of hot people on social media. It’s like a little pool of fishing for hotties.” [06:11]
- Transitioned from traditional acting to online comedy during the pandemic:
  - Early viral success came from lip-sync videos (e.g., Nicki Minaj).
  - Credit: “It validated that I could do it before everybody else started doing it.” [09:24]
  - Recalls dismissing early social videos as “actors doing skits,” then embracing the space herself.

3. The Road Out of Small-Town Childhood

[10:37] Courtney reflects on her background:

Grew up in poverty, raised by a single mother in West Virginia.
Always loved entertaining — musical theater, dancing, being the “big ham”/funny friend.
“No father figure. So like, really slutty. Just like all the clichés.” [11:02] (Courtney’s trademark irreverence.)
After college, she moved to Miami in search of reinvention—exposed to new worlds but struggled financially, eventually finding a passion for acting.

4. LA, Nashville, and Pursuing Dreams

[15:04]

LA described as “transactional” and “hard,” but Courtney misses the “dream-chasing” energy:

“What I loved about LA is that everybody is chasing a dream. And that is such a contagious energy…” [15:33]
Nashville: Dreamer energy via the music industry—contagious, charismatic, and currently in a cultural boom.

5. Making Comedy a Career and Filling the "Hole"

[20:36]

Bryan and Courtney discuss using comedy and creativity to fill emotional gaps:

“There is a hole in my soul which I fill with the laughter around me or the laughter that I create… I travel to great lengths… to fill that hole.” — Bryan Green [20:21]
Courtney acknowledges both the thrill and insecurity that come from being in the spotlight, on social media, and now live shows.
The need for validation is a recurring comic—but sincere—theme.

6. From Online to Stage: Creating a Live Show

[22:45]

Courtney launches a one-woman live show: A collection of comedic sketches, songs, and personal stories centered on “girlhood.” Not a rehash of her social media characters, but new, more personal material.

“It’s basically a bunch of different sketches that kind of tell one story about girlhood… tackles my relationship with my mom and my relationship with dating and my relationship to girlfriends… in a light, fun, very millennial way. Very nostalgic.” [23:15 & 23:51]
The challenge: Moving from polished, edited social media to the vulnerability of live performance.
First shows—nervous rehearsals, euphoric crowd reaction in Nashville; big plans to tour other cities.

7. Parenthood, Forgiveness, and Expectations

[25:15]

The conversation takes a deeper turn as Courtney discusses her complicated relationship with her mom (and absent father), learning to see parents as flawed people, not just "Mom" and "Dad":

“The most important thing that a child can ever do is recognize that the words mother and father are simply words… They are as complicated as you are.” — Bryan (referencing Ram Dass) [27:36] “If I really look at all the resentment or ill feelings that I have towards either of my parents…the large majority … is the expectation of what I think a mother should be… when really I’ve fallen in love with a person that never existed.” — Courtney [28:44]

8. Performing Live: Anxiety, Feedback, and Community

[31:19]

Courtney describes the terror and thrill of taking her show live, how crowd response is an “energy thing,” feeding her performance.

“I couldn’t stop…I was just like, laughing for no reason. It was the most euphoric, crazy feeling having, like, immediately walking off that stage.” [33:18]
She prepared by doing open mics in standup—describes nearly blacking out from anxiety and relief after the first laugh.
The group discusses the differences between creating for social media, for the podcast, and for a live audience.

9. Influences & Early Comedy Memories

[40:21]

Courtney’s early comedy exposure was mostly TV sitcoms (Reba, King of Queens), not standup or SNL.
She was more inspired by funny kids and relatives—those who could “ease the tension in a room”—than celebrity comedians.
Discussion about the nobility of making people laugh, whether through standup, podcasting, or social media.

10. Navigating Followers and Feedback

[44:44]

Courtney explains how she manages (and limits) reading comments, recognizing both the validation and emptiness it brings.
Most of her followers are positive—she has not had to deal with stalkers; she jokes, “I wish I had that. Feel free to start hate campaigns.” [47:12]
Interesting balance in reactions to her characters: some find them relatable, some hate them; she tweaks ambiguity accordingly.

11. Parasocial Signaling & Community in the Comedy Scene

[48:06]

Hosts note that several prominent comedy podcasts and personalities follow Courtney—a “social credit” among comedians.
This is a source of validation and a reminder of the interconnectedness of the online comedy community.

12. Photos, Social Anxiety, and Gender Roles

[49:31]

Discussion about awkwardness in photos, particularly for men.

“Why do we do that?” — Bryan, re: standard “bro poses” [49:42]
Courtney points out that expectations for self-presentation are stricter for men; both sexes “have the same insecurities.” [53:29]
Humor about wishing to “tap into a little bit more of my gay and pop out a hip” in photos. [53:33]

13. Touring & The Future of the Live Show

[53:55]

Courtney’s show is headed to Atlanta (City Winery, September), then Chicago, Austin, Louisiana, and perhaps more.

“Will people even want to… do people see me in a way that they’re like, I want to see what she has to say in person? Or are they like, no, she stays in my little square and she feels safe there.” [55:54]
She intentionally avoids simply replicating her online bits live—offering something new for in-person audiences.
Hosts commend this artistic choice as a path for longevity and creative growth.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Courtney Michelle [00:00]: “Not everything has to be an app… Bring buttons back. Please make America mechanical again.”
Bryan Green [20:21]: “There is a hole in my soul which I fill with the laughter around me or the laughter that I create.”
Courtney Michelle [32:44]: “And I go, alright, this is gonna be awful. I'm gonna embarrass myself in front of everyone that I know… And there were more laughs than I could have... I didn't realize that was a joke. People were crying.”
Bryan Green [27:36, paraphrasing Ram Dass]: “The most important thing that a child can ever do is recognize the words mother and father are simply words… they are just people.”
Courtney Michelle [28:44]: “[Resentment is] the expectation of what I think a mother should be… I’ve fallen in love with a person that never existed.”
Bryan Green [53:33]: “Sometimes I wish I could tap into my… a little bit of my gay and like, pop out a hip…”
Courtney Michelle [23:51]: “[The live show is] very funny and goofy and light, but it also… tackles my relationship with my mom and my relationship with dating and my relationship to girlfriends… in a very millennial, nostalgic way.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

[00:00] Courtney’s Bluetooth milk frother rant (tech overload)
[06:00] How Courtney uses social media: “unhealthy defense mechanism”
[10:37] Childhood, small-town life, escaping to Miami, beginnings of entertainment career
[15:33] Contrasts between LA, Miami, and Nashville for dreamers/creatives
[20:21] Comedy as emotional validation; “hole in my soul” segment
[22:45] Developing a live show and transitioning from online to stage
[25:15] The mother-daughter relationship, forgiveness, parental expectations
[32:44] Raw reactions to first live show performance, audience energy
[36:00] Doing stand-up and managing stage fright
[40:21] Early comedic influences—real-life vs. celebrities
[44:44] Navigating followers, comments, and validation online
[48:06] The comedy social media ecosystem (who follows whom)
[49:31] The anxiety of taking photos; gendered expectations
[53:55] Live show tour plans and future development
[57:29] Artistic strategy—expanding beyond internet personas

Episode Tone & Style

Irreverent, self-aware, relaxed and playful—punctuated with moments of real emotional candor.

Comedic: Riffs on modern life, technology, dating, and the comedy industry; playful teasing between hosts.
Vulnerable/Reflective: Deep dives into family dynamics, the psychology of validation, and the inner realities of living on stage and online.
Relatable: Open discussions of anxiety, striving and failing, insecurities, and the desire (and fear) of being seen.

In Summary

This episode gracefully blends raw humor and genuine vulnerability, depicting the messy, exhilarating journey of a comedian navigating childhood, social media, and the leap onto the live stage. Courtney Michelle shines as both self-deprecating comic and honest storyteller—a true embodiment of The Commercial Break’s “chaotic, unpolished charm.”

For Listeners:

If you're curious about the realities of comedy off and online, and resonate with the push-and-pull between seeking validation and risking vulnerability, this episode is a must-hear.

Find Courtney Michelle:

On social media: @itscourtneymichelle
On tour: Atlanta (Sept, City Winery), Nashville, Chicago, Austin, Louisiana, and more (dates in show notes)

Notable quote to end:

“I gotta get some cocaine. That’ll be crazy.” — Courtney Michelle [63:00] (final zinger, classic TCB sign-off)

The Commercial Break — TCB Infomercial: Courtney Michelle (Live From Audacy Studios)

Original Air Date: July 8, 2025
Host(s): Bryan Green & Krissy Hoadley
Guest: Courtney Michelle (Comedian, Actor, Social Media Influencer)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Technology Overload and App Fatigue

[00:00] Courtney Michelle: Opens the episode with a rant about needless technology, describing a milk frother that only works via Bluetooth and the absurdity of needing apps for mundane tasks:

“Please make America mechanical again. That’s my platform… I don’t want to have to use Wi-Fi to brush my freaking teeth. That's absolutely insane.”
Sets the comedic and irreverent tech-skeptical tone for the episode.

2. Social Media: Validation, Defense Mechanisms, and Growth

[05:58] The hosts quiz Courtney on her social media habits.

Courtney:
- Considers social media an unhealthy defense mechanism and a source of validation:
  
  “It’s a place I go when I need validation or when I need to look at something, look at someone hot. There’s a lot of hot people on social media. It’s like a little pool of fishing for hotties.” [06:11]
- Transitioned from traditional acting to online comedy during the pandemic:
  - Early viral success came from lip-sync videos (e.g., Nicki Minaj).
  - Credit: “It validated that I could do it before everybody else started doing it.” [09:24]
  - Recalls dismissing early social videos as “actors doing skits,” then embracing the space herself.

3. The Road Out of Small-Town Childhood

[10:37] Courtney reflects on her background:

Grew up in poverty, raised by a single mother in West Virginia.
Always loved entertaining — musical theater, dancing, being the “big ham”/funny friend.
“No father figure. So like, really slutty. Just like all the clichés.” [11:02] (Courtney’s trademark irreverence.)
After college, she moved to Miami in search of reinvention—exposed to new worlds but struggled financially, eventually finding a passion for acting.

4. LA, Nashville, and Pursuing Dreams

[15:04]

LA described as “transactional” and “hard,” but Courtney misses the “dream-chasing” energy:

“What I loved about LA is that everybody is chasing a dream. And that is such a contagious energy…” [15:33]
Nashville: Dreamer energy via the music industry—contagious, charismatic, and currently in a cultural boom.

5. Making Comedy a Career and Filling the "Hole"

[20:36]

Bryan and Courtney discuss using comedy and creativity to fill emotional gaps:

“There is a hole in my soul which I fill with the laughter around me or the laughter that I create… I travel to great lengths… to fill that hole.” — Bryan Green [20:21]
Courtney acknowledges both the thrill and insecurity that come from being in the spotlight, on social media, and now live shows.
The need for validation is a recurring comic—but sincere—theme.

6. From Online to Stage: Creating a Live Show

[22:45]

Courtney launches a one-woman live show: A collection of comedic sketches, songs, and personal stories centered on “girlhood.” Not a rehash of her social media characters, but new, more personal material.

“It’s basically a bunch of different sketches that kind of tell one story about girlhood… tackles my relationship with my mom and my relationship with dating and my relationship to girlfriends… in a light, fun, very millennial way. Very nostalgic.” [23:15 & 23:51]
The challenge: Moving from polished, edited social media to the vulnerability of live performance.
First shows—nervous rehearsals, euphoric crowd reaction in Nashville; big plans to tour other cities.

7. Parenthood, Forgiveness, and Expectations

[25:15]

The conversation takes a deeper turn as Courtney discusses her complicated relationship with her mom (and absent father), learning to see parents as flawed people, not just "Mom" and "Dad":

“The most important thing that a child can ever do is recognize that the words mother and father are simply words… They are as complicated as you are.” — Bryan (referencing Ram Dass) [27:36] “If I really look at all the resentment or ill feelings that I have towards either of my parents…the large majority … is the expectation of what I think a mother should be… when really I’ve fallen in love with a person that never existed.” — Courtney [28:44]

8. Performing Live: Anxiety, Feedback, and Community

[31:19]

Courtney describes the terror and thrill of taking her show live, how crowd response is an “energy thing,” feeding her performance.

“I couldn’t stop…I was just like, laughing for no reason. It was the most euphoric, crazy feeling having, like, immediately walking off that stage.” [33:18]
She prepared by doing open mics in standup—describes nearly blacking out from anxiety and relief after the first laugh.
The group discusses the differences between creating for social media, for the podcast, and for a live audience.

9. Influences & Early Comedy Memories

[40:21]

Courtney’s early comedy exposure was mostly TV sitcoms (Reba, King of Queens), not standup or SNL.
She was more inspired by funny kids and relatives—those who could “ease the tension in a room”—than celebrity comedians.
Discussion about the nobility of making people laugh, whether through standup, podcasting, or social media.

10. Navigating Followers and Feedback

[44:44]

Courtney explains how she manages (and limits) reading comments, recognizing both the validation and emptiness it brings.
Most of her followers are positive—she has not had to deal with stalkers; she jokes, “I wish I had that. Feel free to start hate campaigns.” [47:12]
Interesting balance in reactions to her characters: some find them relatable, some hate them; she tweaks ambiguity accordingly.

11. Parasocial Signaling & Community in the Comedy Scene

[48:06]

Hosts note that several prominent comedy podcasts and personalities follow Courtney—a “social credit” among comedians.
This is a source of validation and a reminder of the interconnectedness of the online comedy community.

12. Photos, Social Anxiety, and Gender Roles

[49:31]

Discussion about awkwardness in photos, particularly for men.

“Why do we do that?” — Bryan, re: standard “bro poses” [49:42]
Courtney points out that expectations for self-presentation are stricter for men; both sexes “have the same insecurities.” [53:29]
Humor about wishing to “tap into a little bit more of my gay and pop out a hip” in photos. [53:33]

13. Touring & The Future of the Live Show

[53:55]

Courtney’s show is headed to Atlanta (City Winery, September), then Chicago, Austin, Louisiana, and perhaps more.

“Will people even want to… do people see me in a way that they’re like, I want to see what she has to say in person? Or are they like, no, she stays in my little square and she feels safe there.” [55:54]
She intentionally avoids simply replicating her online bits live—offering something new for in-person audiences.
Hosts commend this artistic choice as a path for longevity and creative growth.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Courtney Michelle [00:00]: “Not everything has to be an app… Bring buttons back. Please make America mechanical again.”
Bryan Green [20:21]: “There is a hole in my soul which I fill with the laughter around me or the laughter that I create.”
Courtney Michelle [32:44]: “And I go, alright, this is gonna be awful. I'm gonna embarrass myself in front of everyone that I know… And there were more laughs than I could have... I didn't realize that was a joke. People were crying.”
Bryan Green [27:36, paraphrasing Ram Dass]: “The most important thing that a child can ever do is recognize the words mother and father are simply words… they are just people.”
Courtney Michelle [28:44]: “[Resentment is] the expectation of what I think a mother should be… I’ve fallen in love with a person that never existed.”
Bryan Green [53:33]: “Sometimes I wish I could tap into my… a little bit of my gay and like, pop out a hip…”
Courtney Michelle [23:51]: “[The live show is] very funny and goofy and light, but it also… tackles my relationship with my mom and my relationship with dating and my relationship to girlfriends… in a very millennial, nostalgic way.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

[00:00] Courtney’s Bluetooth milk frother rant (tech overload)
[06:00] How Courtney uses social media: “unhealthy defense mechanism”
[10:37] Childhood, small-town life, escaping to Miami, beginnings of entertainment career
[15:33] Contrasts between LA, Miami, and Nashville for dreamers/creatives
[20:21] Comedy as emotional validation; “hole in my soul” segment
[22:45] Developing a live show and transitioning from online to stage
[25:15] The mother-daughter relationship, forgiveness, parental expectations
[32:44] Raw reactions to first live show performance, audience energy
[36:00] Doing stand-up and managing stage fright
[40:21] Early comedic influences—real-life vs. celebrities
[44:44] Navigating followers, comments, and validation online
[48:06] The comedy social media ecosystem (who follows whom)
[49:31] The anxiety of taking photos; gendered expectations
[53:55] Live show tour plans and future development
[57:29] Artistic strategy—expanding beyond internet personas

Episode Tone & Style

Irreverent, self-aware, relaxed and playful—punctuated with moments of real emotional candor.

Comedic: Riffs on modern life, technology, dating, and the comedy industry; playful teasing between hosts.
Vulnerable/Reflective: Deep dives into family dynamics, the psychology of validation, and the inner realities of living on stage and online.
Relatable: Open discussions of anxiety, striving and failing, insecurities, and the desire (and fear) of being seen.

In Summary

For Listeners:

If you're curious about the realities of comedy off and online, and resonate with the push-and-pull between seeking validation and risking vulnerability, this episode is a must-hear.

Find Courtney Michelle:

On social media: @itscourtneymichelle
On tour: Atlanta (Sept, City Winery), Nashville, Chicago, Austin, Louisiana, and more (dates in show notes)

Notable quote to end:

“I gotta get some cocaine. That’ll be crazy.” — Courtney Michelle [63:00] (final zinger, classic TCB sign-off)

TCB Infomercial: Courtney Michelle (Live From Audacy Studios)

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Summary

The Commercial Break — TCB Infomercial: Courtney Michelle (Live From Audacy Studios)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Technology Overload and App Fatigue

2. Social Media: Validation, Defense Mechanisms, and Growth

3. The Road Out of Small-Town Childhood

4. LA, Nashville, and Pursuing Dreams

5. Making Comedy a Career and Filling the "Hole"

6. From Online to Stage: Creating a Live Show

7. Parenthood, Forgiveness, and Expectations

8. Performing Live: Anxiety, Feedback, and Community

9. Influences & Early Comedy Memories

10. Navigating Followers and Feedback

11. Parasocial Signaling & Community in the Comedy Scene

12. Photos, Social Anxiety, and Gender Roles

13. Touring & The Future of the Live Show

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Episode Tone & Style

In Summary

For Listeners:

Summary

The Commercial Break — TCB Infomercial: Courtney Michelle (Live From Audacy Studios)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Technology Overload and App Fatigue

2. Social Media: Validation, Defense Mechanisms, and Growth

3. The Road Out of Small-Town Childhood

4. LA, Nashville, and Pursuing Dreams

5. Making Comedy a Career and Filling the "Hole"

6. From Online to Stage: Creating a Live Show

7. Parenthood, Forgiveness, and Expectations

8. Performing Live: Anxiety, Feedback, and Community

9. Influences & Early Comedy Memories

10. Navigating Followers and Feedback

11. Parasocial Signaling & Community in the Comedy Scene

12. Photos, Social Anxiety, and Gender Roles

13. Touring & The Future of the Live Show

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Episode Tone & Style

In Summary

For Listeners: