Podcast Summary: The Commercial Break – TCB Infomercial: Joe List (Released June 17, 2025)
Introduction
In the June 17, 2025 episode of The Commercial Break titled "TCB Infomercial: Joe List," hosts Bryan Green and Krissy Hoadley welcome comedian Joe List for an engaging and heartfelt conversation. Known for their chaotic yet charming improv-comedy style, Bryan and Krissy delve deep into Joe's extensive career in comedy, his personal life, struggles with mental health, and his journey towards sobriety. This episode offers listeners a blend of humor, candid discussions, and insightful reflections from a seasoned comedian.
Joe List’s Comedy Career
Joe List, a veteran in the comedy scene with over 25 years of experience, shares his journey from his early days in Whitman, Massachusetts, to performing on some of the most prestigious stages. Bryan Green remarks, “I've watched you perform at Madison Square Garden, and that’s just incredible,” highlighting Joe's significant milestones in his career. Joe discusses his evolution as a comedian, mentioning, “I've been doing comedy for 25 years,” showcasing his dedication and passion for the craft ([14:39]).
Touring with Louis CK
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Joe’s experience touring with Louis CK. Joe recounts, “I did his whole world tour. It was insane,” providing a glimpse into the high-paced and luxurious life that touring with a major comedian entails ([15:00]). He reflects on the contrast between performing at a grand venue like Madison Square Garden and engaging in intimate basement bar shows, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of a comedian's life.
Balancing Parental Life and Comedy
Transitioning from his professional life, Joe opens up about the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family responsibilities. “With the baby, it's been tough, but I love being home,” Joe shares ([19:33]). Bryan empathizes, discussing his own fears about balancing work and being present for his children, creating a relatable dialogue for listeners juggling similar responsibilities.
Growing Up in Whitman, Massachusetts
Joe reminisces about his upbringing in Whitman, Massachusetts, humorously tying it to the invention of the chocolate chip cookie. “I think I might be the most famous person from Whitman,” he jokes, adding a personal touch to the conversation ([18:06]). This segment provides listeners with a deeper understanding of Joe’s roots and how his background influenced his comedic style.
Stories About Mice and Pets
The conversation takes a lighter turn as Joe shares amusing anecdotes about dealing with mice in his apartments. He humorously describes his experience with a mouse returning to his home despite his efforts to relocate it: “He just shot directly back into my house like he was home before I was” ([03:09]). These stories highlight Joe’s ability to find humor in everyday situations.
Meeting His Wife through Comedy
Joe discusses meeting his wife through a roast battle, detailing how they navigated the potentially fraught environment of roasting each other without causing real conflict. “We wrote the jokes together, and she won,” Joe explains ([25:11]). Krissy adds, “Maybe that's how we do our roast,” illustrating the supportive and collaborative nature of their relationship.
Mental Health and Anxiety
A pivotal part of the episode addresses Joe’s openness about mental health. He talks about his participation in a film about comedians with anxiety, stating, “It's painful to watch myself,” yet acknowledging the importance of sharing these struggles ([28:25]). Bryan connects this to the broader conversation about anxiety, emphasizing, “Anxiety is fear of the future,” and how meditation and therapy have played a crucial role in managing his own anxieties ([30:12]).
Sobriety and Its Impact
Joe candidly discusses his 12-and-a-half-year sobriety journey, detailing how quitting alcohol has profoundly improved his life and career. “Every aspect of my life improved in every way,” Joe shares ([32:13]). Both hosts relate to his experience, with Bryan reflecting on his own path to sobriety and its positive effects on his personal and professional life.
New Comedy Special: "Small Ball"
Towards the end of the episode, Joe introduces his latest comedy special, "Small Ball," his fourth hour-long special released on YouTube. “I think this one's better than the last one. I'm really happy about it,” he enthuses ([37:32]). Joe discusses the challenges and advantages of self-distributing his work on platforms like YouTube compared to traditional streaming services like Netflix, highlighting the increased control and immediate accessibility it offers listeners.
Navigating the Streaming World
Joe and the hosts delve into the complexities of the modern streaming landscape. Joe remarks, “There's less gatekeepers and you can make something with your phone,” acknowledging both the opportunities and challenges that come with self-distribution ([40:03]). They discuss the necessity for comedians to become multifaceted content creators, managing not just their performances but also their online presence and content distribution.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with heartfelt goodbyes and an invitation for listeners to engage with Joe List's work. Bryan and Krissy encourage the audience to watch Joe's comedy specials on YouTube and follow his podcast, "Tuesdays with Stories with Mark Norman." They also tease upcoming guests and events, maintaining their signature blend of humor and camaraderie.
Notable Quotes
- Joe List on Touring with Louis CK: “It was the craziest experience of my life.” ([15:48])
- Joe List on Sobriety: “Every aspect of my life improved in every way, countless ways.” ([32:18])
- Bryan Green on Joe’s Comedy Special: “I'm really happy about it.” ([37:32])
- Joe List on Mental Health: “I go to therapy every day, if I could. I just think it's the best.” ([30:40])
This episode of The Commercial Break offers a comprehensive look into Joe List's life, blending humor with deep personal insights. It's a must-listen for fans of comedy podcasts seeking both laughs and meaningful conversations.