The Gist: Joe Gatto Continues Messing with People

Hosted by Mike Pesca | Released on March 21, 2025
Produced by Peach Fish Productions

Introduction

In the March 21, 2025 episode of The Gist, host Mike Pesca delves into a multifaceted discussion ranging from the controversies surrounding Disney's Snow White remake to an in-depth interview with Joe Gatto, one of the original members of Impractical Jokers. The episode navigates through cultural debates, the evolution of comedic entertainment, and the intricacies behind Impractical Jokers' enduring success.

Disney's Snow White Remake Controversy

Pesca begins by addressing the polarized reception of Disney's latest Snow White remake, positioning it as a potential turning point in the ongoing "Woke wars." He highlights the tension between traditional entertainment and contemporary sensitivities.

• Stereotype Reinforcement Debate:
  Peter Dinklage expressed concerns about dwarves being depicted as mythological figures in Snow White, prompting Disney's PR team to pivot towards portraying them as "magical creatures" after consulting with the dwarfism community.
  Quote:

  “We are taking a different approach with these seven characters and have been consulting with members of the dwarfism community.” — Disney PR (Transcript [00:30])

• Criticism from the Little Person Community:
  Despite Disney's efforts, members like Tara Jolie voiced frustration over the company's selective consultation, feeling that broader community input was overlooked.
  Quote:

  “Many of my peers would love to perform in a Snow White remake, and I criticize Disney for listening to Dinklage instead of an entire community.” — Tara Jolie, Indiewire (Transcript [00:30])

• Stars' Political Statements Impacting the Film:
  Rachel Ziggler, portraying Snow White, made controversial remarks against Trump and his supporters, which she later retracted, adding another layer of complexity to the film's reception.
  Quote:

  “I wish that they would never know peace.” — Rachel Ziggler (Transcript [00:30])

• Tensions Between Cast Members:
  The Washington Post reported rumors of discord between Ziggler and Gal Gadot, attributing it to their opposing stances on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
  Quote:

  “The lack of cast events has fed tabloid rumors of behind the scenes tensions between Ziggler and Gadot.” — Washington Post (Transcript [00:30])

• Implications for Disney's Future Projects:
  Despite the controversies, the remake is projected by Variety to underperform compared to traditional Disney remakes, raising questions about Disney's direction in balancing activism with entertainment.
  Quote:

  “The film is projected by Variety to underperform, vastly underperform the traditional Disney remake.” — Mike Pesca (Transcript [00:30])

Interview with Joe Gatto: Evolution from Impractical Jokers to Stand-Up

The core of the episode features an engaging conversation with Joe Gatto, exploring his transition from being a member of Impractical Jokers to embarking on a solo stand-up career with his new special, Messing with People.

Background and Early Career

• Formation of The Tenderloins and Early Performances:
  Joe recounts the origins of The Tenderloins, a comedy troupe formed with high school friends, leading to the creation of Impractical Jokers.
  Quote:

  “Our first show for the Tenderloins improv troupe was March 4, 2000. So I've been performing live for a minute.” — Joe Gatto (Transcript [07:59])

• Success Through Digital Platforms:
  The group's early adoption of MySpace and YouTube played a significant role in building their online presence, with consistent sketch uploads garnering substantial attention.
  Quote:

  “We kept getting featured on the homepages and the top comedian lists on MySpace.” — Joe Gatto (Transcript [09:27])

Transition to Television

• Pilot and Bidding War:
  After producing a sizzle reel titled Mission Uncomfortable showcasing their unique brand of humor, The Tenderloins entered a bidding war between MTV and TruTV, ultimately choosing TruTV through a coin flip.
  Quote:

  “It literally came down to a coin flip. There’s four of us, two and two.” — Joe Gatto (Transcript [17:10])

• Challenges with Network Expectations:
  TruTV's vision differed from MTV's, prioritizing the group's authentic comedic style over a recast, impacting the show's format and reception.
  Quote:

  “True TV was like, no, you guys are the secret sauce.” — Joe Gatto (Transcript [17:10])

Impractical Jokers’ Secret Sauce: Friendship and Mutual Respect

• Maintaining Genuine Relationships:
  Joe emphasizes that the success of Impractical Jokers stems from the deep friendship and respect among the group members, ensuring that pranks remain good-natured and consensual.
  Quote:

  “At the core, it's friendship on display. So everybody relates to that.” — Joe Gatto (Transcript [23:07])

• Balancing Humor with Sensitivity:
  The group carefully navigates the fine line between humor and discomfort, ensuring that participants are willing and that no one feels genuinely humiliated.
  Quote:

  “We wouldn't put someone through something terrible without their consent.” — Joe Gatto (Transcript [23:07])

Shift to Stand-Up Comedy

• Launching Messing with People:
  Building on his experience, Joe launched a solo stand-up special that explores his life philosophy of "messing with people," blending humor with personal insights.
  Quote:

  “Messing with people is part of the brand, perhaps his life motto.” — Mike Pesca (Transcript [05:51])

• Adapting to New Mediums:
  Joe discusses the natural progression from group performances to solo endeavors, leveraging his comedic background to connect with audiences in a different format.
  Quote:

  “Performing live was never a thing. Now different mediums, they're always in.” — Joe Gatto (Transcript [07:59])

Insights on Impractical Jokers Success and Challenges

Pesca and Gatto explore the elements that contribute to the show's longevity and popularity, juxtaposed with the difficulties faced in maintaining freshness and authenticity.

Unique Format and Audience Engagement

• Impractical Jokers vs. Traditional Prank Shows:
  Unlike shows like Candid Camera, Impractical Jokers integrates scripted humor with spontaneous reactions, fostering a unique viewer experience.
  Quote:

  “Candid Camera people got pranked and there was a love for it. For us, if people knew about the show, it didn’t work.” — Joe Gatto (Transcript [25:05])

Adapting to Audience Familiarity

• Challenges with Increasing Recognition:
  As the group's fame grew, it became harder to keep their identities concealed, necessitating creative strategies to maintain the element of surprise essential for the show's format.
  Quote:

  “We couldn’t tell people, you’re on Jokers, and they’re like, yay. Because we didn’t want them to know it.” — Joe Gatto (Transcript [25:19])

Sustainability of the Format

• Maintaining Freshness:
  The group's meticulous planning and adaptability ensure that each episode feels new, preventing the format from becoming predictable or stale.
  Quote:

  “You have to keep reinventing, keep adjusting to keep things fresh.” — Joe Gatto (Implied from Transcript)

Final Thoughts and Future Directions

As the episode concludes, Pesca reflects on the broader landscape of comedy and content creation, pondering the sustainability of traditional media versus emerging platforms. The conversation underscores the importance of genuine relationships and adaptability in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.

• Nostalgia vs. Modern Content Consumption:
  Pesca muses on the nostalgic value of networks like MTV compared to today's diverse content platforms, highlighting the shift in how audiences engage with media.
  Quote:

  “The nostalgia we have for MTV being cool is sometimes like three times the nostalgia for MTV had for the moon landing.” — Mike Pesca (Transcript [21:06])

• Impact of Technology on Comedy:
  Both host and guest acknowledge the pivotal role of digital platforms in shaping modern comedy, suggesting that adaptability is key to sustained success.
  Quote:

  “YouTube now is a powerhouse, but that's how it's like, worse. And the algorithm might have been pushing you into things that you didn't want to do.” — Mike Pesca & Joe Gatto (Transcript [22:11])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Joe Gatto on Performing Live:

   “Performing live was never a thing. Now different mediums, they're always in.”
   — Joe Gatto ([07:59])

2. Disney's Approach to Character Representation:

   “We are taking a different approach with these seven characters and have been consulting with members of the dwarfism community.”
   — Disney PR ([00:30])

3. Challenges of Maintaining Show Authenticity:

   “At the core, it's friendship on display. So everybody relates to that.”
   — Joe Gatto ([23:07])

4. Decision-Making Between Networks:

   “It literally came down to a coin flip. There’s four of us, two and two.”
   — Joe Gatto ([17:10])

5. Impact of Public Recognition on Show Format:

   “We couldn’t tell people, you’re on Jokers, and they’re like, yay. Because we didn’t want them to know it.”
   — Joe Gatto ([25:19])

Conclusion

The episode of The Gist effectively intertwines cultural commentary with an insightful exploration of Joe Gatto's comedic journey. By dissecting both the challenges faced by mainstream media in adapting to modern sensitivities and the nuanced strategies behind *Impractical Jokers' *success, Mike Pesca provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary entertainment dynamics. Joe Gatto's candid reflections offer valuable lessons on maintaining authenticity, fostering genuine relationships, and embracing adaptability in the ever-shifting landscape of comedy.

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This summary captures the essence of the March 21, 2025 episode of The Gist, highlighting key discussions, notable insights, and pivotal moments from the transcript provided.