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A Master’s in Jokes with Devin Walker - CHIT CHAT WEDNESDAY - The JTrain Podcast w Jared Freid
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- [00:00]
Jared Freed
Chit Chat Wednesday for you to listen to. I have a guess who will be your new boo. You're gonna love them, too. Chit Chat Wednesday. I hope you're having a good day today. I hope it's gonna be a perfect week, too. I hope you have a nice poo. It's a chat Wednesday too. Hello, and welcome to the J Train Podcast. It's a Chit Chat Wednesday and today's guest is Devin Walker. I knew of Devin. I've seen him on snl. He's super funny. We'd never met, so this is us meeting for the first time and talking comedy. He just come from doing a show at Northwestern, so we talk a little bit about the college standup circuit and those gigs and what they're like, and it was just really cool to talk to another comedian. I've talked about this on this show before, but when I meet a comedian who is doing stand up and working hard at it, I can tell right away and it's like I've known them forever. And I think that's how I felt. Walking away. Walking away. I'm sitting, you know, after this interview, that's kind of how I felt. And it was cool to hear a little bit about SNL and being on that show, but also to hear what it's like to have a master's degree and do comedy and how people react to that. So enjoy today's episode. Boom. Hello and welcome to the J Train Podcast. This is J Train Jared Freed coming to you live from the West Village of Manhattan. And that's right, every Wednesday is a Chitchat Wednesday, where I have a friend or comedian or expert onto the show to chitchat, to chill, say what's up? Today we have, I would say, two of the three. Hopefully we become fast friends. You never know what can happen on a Chitchat Wednesday. But a comedian and an expert in music lyrics because they have a podcast coming out called My Favorite Lyrics. It's premiering in a couple weeks and we want you to go subscribe and enjoy. You've seen them on snl. Devin Walker, thank you for coming on.
- [02:35]
Devin Walker
What's up, man? Thank you for having me.
- [02:37]
Jared Freed
How are you? What's going on today? Where are you coming from? Give us, you know, bring us into Devin Walker's Life on Friday, April 18 at 10:07am So I just came off doing a college.
- [02:51]
Devin Walker
I just got back from Chicago.
- [02:53]
Jared Freed
Okay.
- [02:54]
Devin Walker
I, I did Northwestern.
- [02:57]
Jared Freed
Okay. So let, let's bring the audience in. This is kind of, you know, two comedians talking When I hear I did a college, I'm like, good for you. What a pain in the ass. But good for you. You made a lot of money.
- [03:11]
Devin Walker
Yeah, I mean, God bless these colleges, man. Especially this one in particular. This college. They had me, they did a screening of the SNL movie that just came out about the 70s.
- [03:22]
Jared Freed
Come on.
- [03:23]
Devin Walker
Screening of that. I didn't even have to be at it. I didn't have to be at the screening. They were like, just come for like the last 20 minutes and then after that they had me do 15 minutes of stand up and then I did a Q and A and that's it.
- [03:36]
Jared Freed
Oh, you're living the dream. That's the, that is, that is the paycheck of all the paid. And they pay. Here. Here's what the listeners, viewers on YouTube need to know. When you become a comedian, you're told, here are the ways to make money. And then one of the ways they're like, listen, colleges have student activities funds. When anyone goes to college, all the people paying tuition, part of that tuition goes to this big pot of money where they want to put on non alcoholic events. They want events that you get with the tuition. And there are people. I was never one of these people. I went to Penn State. I'm a big idiot. I was in a fraternity. The idea of going to like the Hub, you know, and going to like the comedian they hired is like, to me was like, who's. I'm not a nerd. I'm not doing that. And now at 40, I'm like, what a nice thing they do for the kids. Like I, I actually, because, because they basically bring Devin Walker from snl. Hey, we're gonna do this nice event that gets you out on a Thursday night instead of you if you're looking for something to do. And they pay big money. Like that's the, and that's the. And it's no, it's no on anyone's back because the students come for free. You know, the school gets the money from the student. No one knows. No one's like, well, it costs how much? You know, like everyone's happy much.
- [05:07]
Devin Walker
Like you. I never not. There was not a single time that I went to go see the comedian in town. I didn't even know when that was happening. I don't know where. I never, I'm sure it was happening while I was in college. There was not a single time that I was like hitting my buddies up, being like, oh, guess what? Lil rails at our school.
- [05:30]
Jared Freed
No shame to Lil Rel. Good for him.
- [05:32]
Devin Walker
No shade to L at all. But that it just wasn't a thing that I was thinking about. Now in hindsight, like you said, I'll go see L'Rel. That sounds like a good time. Especially, I don't know. Did you know that you wanted to do comedy when you were in college?
- [05:46]
Jared Freed
No, I had no idea.
- [05:47]
Devin Walker
It never like occurred to me.
- [05:49]
Jared Freed
So something, so what people should know is you went to Texas State, which is also a school. I feel like that can like, I went to Penn State and I went to a school which I would assume Texas State is like, that gets confused for other schools.
- [06:06]
Devin Walker
Yeah, it gets confused with Texas State. TSU gets confused with Texas Southern University, which is, which is also tsu, which is a HBCU in Houston that Megan Thee Stallion went to. And let me tell you, they're, they're different places. They not the same at all.
- [06:23]
Jared Freed
So is Penn and Penn State. Those are very different schools. So I would, so for Texas State, people would think it's like, oh, that's Texas A and M, that's Texas ut. Like, I would think, because when I see the logo for Texas State, it kind of looks like a made up school from a movie with a football team.
- [06:43]
Devin Walker
You know what's funny is literally in, in the TV show Friday Night Lights, the coach is like considering going to like a different school. Like a college is recruiting him. And my college is the like fictional college that they go to.
- [06:55]
Jared Freed
Hilarious, right? And they're the Bobcats. Like, I, I, I love a college, Ma. And I see it, I go, I know it exists. And I think it's a big school. Like, it's not like huge, it's like 40,000 kids. Right? And, and I, you know, I'm a northeast idiot. So I'm like, I what? You know, like, isn't that from, you know, the pro, the movie, the program? You know, like, I kind of looks like it. So.
- [07:21]
Devin Walker
Yeah.
- [07:22]
Jared Freed
Okay, so you, and you have a master's degree?
- [07:26]
Devin Walker
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I got a bachelor's degree.
- [07:28]
Jared Freed
What do you, I mean, when people. Comedian with a master's degree. Yeah, there's a, that's a, that's a certain group. The, like, you don't. Do you, do you ever have a moment where like, you're like, why the, did I get that thing? Or do you have other moments where you're like, thank God I got that thing? Like, when does it come in handy?
- [07:50]
Devin Walker
I would say, in a practical sense, I would say it absolutely never comes in handy. I would say there's not a single instance in which I am like, happy that I got it in like an actual practical way. It does sound cool to say though.
- [08:02]
Jared Freed
Absolutely.
- [08:05]
Devin Walker
You know what I'm saying? When you, like, if you meet, if you, if you're dating a girl and you meet her parents, and especially when I wasn't doing well and I, you know what I'm saying? Before, before things started to pick up when I was still sleeping in a basement and I'd like meet a girl's parents and they'd be like, oh, what do you do? I'd be like, I'm a comedian. That's minus a thousand points. Immediately, Immediately they're like, he, this kid's not going nowhere in life. But I'm like, oh, actually I got a master's degree. And they're like, oh, so he's got a backup plan when, when this doesn't work out, he's got something else to fall back on. So like, that's the coolest part. I am literally in six figures of student loan debt. And that shit, I don't think will ever be worth it.
- [08:42]
Jared Freed
Is it, it's not worth the, the dad of a, a woman you've been on five dates with respecting you.
- [08:50]
Devin Walker
Not so far. Not so far it hasn't been. No.
- [08:53]
Jared Freed
Well, I, I, I think about that a lot because it's like, you know, I, it actually brings me to the topic that I've, I've said that like, SNL is the greatest resume item for a comedian because no one can deny it. That is pre approved. Funny. That's why Northwestern, whether they know you or not, they go, oh, snl like, what a cool. And your Q and A. There's immediate questions like, yeah, SNL's a world people have immediate curiosity about. And I was thinking, you're coming on the show. And I was like, I have that. With no resume item like that, you know, I have the go to a party, people find out you're a comedian and now it's like you, now I have to put on another show. Like I like, because they're not going to ask the guy about his accounting job. They're going to ask me, well, because there's interesting questions to ask. Do you feel, does it get annoying? Does it get exhausting that, like, I'll speak for myself. There's a point at a party where I go, enough about me. I don't, I feel like a dick. Like, I don't want to talk about what I do anymore. Like, and it wasn't because, and I'M like, I kind of get self conscious because I'm like, did I come in here and be like, hey, everybody, I'm not going to shut the fuck up for an hour. Like, do you know what I mean?
- [10:14]
Devin Walker
Yeah, I know what you mean. Because it's like everybody else is like working at an office and like you said, it's like, if you got a job where you send emails, that's not. Nobody's like, oh, what type of emails did you send this week? You know, what was you doing? What kind of spread charts was you look at? Like, nobody wants to know about that. But when you like perform for a living, I feel like people are instantly, oh, so you know what it is for me is it is every time people find out I'm a comedian, they always ask me if I know a more successful comedian.
- [10:40]
Jared Freed
Yeah, that's.
- [10:44]
Devin Walker
Like, oh, like, who's the.
- [10:45]
Jared Freed
Comedian you get the most? Because I have one that I get and it's like, I generally get the one they think is like them knowing. Do you know what I mean? Like the, the one where they think they're on the inside, like, is, is all for a minute with Shane Gillis. It's always the white dude telling me the white dude that they know. Shane Gillis, Mark Norman, those are the names. And I can always like, I'm like, I already am like mouthing the name they're about to say to me, like, and I can always tell who it's going to be. Who do you get? Do you get similar?
- [11:21]
Devin Walker
It's, it's in, it's always in that realm. It's always in that realm. It is, it's always a white dude and it's always like a Rogan or a Gillis or a Mark Norman, any of those, like Tom Segura. It's always like somebody in that realm. And I'm like, I don't know. I met him. I've met him a couple of times. He's, he's a cool guy, right?
- [11:42]
Jared Freed
Rogan has, I mean, Rogan has convinced his audience that they are on the inside and at the forefront of comedy. And that's like the hilarious part because they are saying it sounds like it's similar. Like they're saying it to us. Like, look, look, Norman and Shane have both been on this show. Like, you know, it's like, you know, I, I, but, but they do kind of like say it to like, wait till I blow you away with this person. I know I hit you with this.
- [12:10]
Devin Walker
Deep cut community and you ain't Never even thought, like, I'm right. I'm really on the inside trap. I'm talk stuff that, like, probably only us, like, big comedy fans know.
- [12:19]
Jared Freed
Right?
- [12:20]
Devin Walker
No, yeah, I'm, I'm familiar.
- [12:22]
Jared Freed
I'm familiar with also their millions of fans are familiar. People are familiar. Yeah, it's.
- [12:28]
Devin Walker
Yeah. Oh, am I familiar with the biggest podcast in America? Yeah, I've heard of it.
- [12:32]
Jared Freed
Right. So how did the. What's the questions you're getting at the Q and A at Northwestern? And I would assume Northwestern as a gig, you want a smarter school as a gig? I think they're a little bit more aware and maybe a little more humbled because they're around people smarter than them. I think I went to Penn State. Everyone was a cocky douchebag. Like, everyone, like, you know, especially because Penn State was like three hours from Philly, two and a half hours from Pittsburgh. The, the, the, the bubble was thick, you know, so. But Northwestern, you're close enough to Chicago to know that there's people. Do you know that life is maybe hard and, you know, you're around people who are really, really smart. So did you enjoy the. And also 15 minutes of show? I am so envious. That is like the gig of all.
- [13:23]
Devin Walker
Gigs for the people that are listening. It's like nine out of 10 times. You're getting paid pretty good to do these colleges, but they are like, hey, like, we need you to do 45. We need you to do an hour.
- [13:33]
Jared Freed
Right?
- [13:33]
Devin Walker
Which, which, which can be a coin flip. So I've done some colleges where I've done 45, where I've done an hour that I'm like, I'm really glad that I did that. And I've done other ones where I'm like 20 minutes in and I' Like, I'd. I wish I had a gun. I, I got, I gotta get off the stage immediately.
- [13:49]
Jared Freed
Right? Because I, I, it's not that college students are offended. I've never. Everyone, no, they just don't know what they like yet. And they're a little bit afraid of, like, living out loud. Like, it, like, they're like, I don't know where I stand on anything, and I don't want to be a. For standing on the wrong side of history. And like, they're very much aware of that. That's always been the feeling when you do a joke at a college. Not that they're like, oh, cancel him. If anything, the cancelers are like the five years out of college, you know.
- [14:20]
Devin Walker
Coordinator of the board or whatever.
- [14:22]
Jared Freed
Right.
- [14:23]
Devin Walker
Also, Also, it's like, in my experience, like, the issue with the college stuff is not that they're, like, too woke or, like, too sensitive or anything like that. The issues that I can run into sometimes in colleges is, like, legitimately, like, I'm a man in my 30s. I'm thinking about different. Y'all are 19 years old. We're not thinking about the same stuff.
- [14:44]
Jared Freed
No.
- [14:45]
Devin Walker
So literally, like, I got. I have stuff right now where I'm talking about, like, my dad's getting old. He's, like, 70. Something, like, you know, and, like, he's getting old thinking about how he's about to die. So like, now that's impacting our relationship. You know what I mean?
- [14:57]
Jared Freed
And they're all like, no, no.
- [14:58]
Devin Walker
My dad's 38, right?
- [15:00]
Jared Freed
My dad's your age. You look like my dad. Yeah.
- [15:05]
Devin Walker
So that's the issue that I run into is like, oh, yeah, y'all are thinking about, like, literal children stuff. Y'all are thinking about, like, where to go drink beer tonight. And I'm like. I'm, like, talking about how my dad's not gonna be with us much longer.
- [15:18]
Jared Freed
You're getting existential. Like, where does dad's soul go? And they're like, what? When you talk about chicks, you know? Yeah.
- [15:27]
Devin Walker
So that it literally. Literally, I was performing at this school. I was doing Northwestern, and I was looking out, and some of the kids look so young. And I was like, hey, just yell out, like, what year were some of y'all born? And one of the kids. I kid. I kid you not. One of the kids goes, 2006. And I was like, you. You're bored in 2006? Almost had my driver's license in 2006. Don't say that to me.
- [15:52]
Jared Freed
Yeah. And I'm sitting here, I'm. I'm a junior in college and thinking I'm the oldest elder who gets all, you know, like, I'm getting self conscious thinking about me in 2006. You know, like, just the. The. The. The confidence I had, the thoughts, and while not knowing what the hell I was gonna do with my life. Like, you know, you said, like, in college, I wasn't thinking about comedy. I was like, no, I'll just. You know, I'll just be the president of business, you know? Like, it really.
- [16:24]
Devin Walker
It really was that. It really. I mean, that's why I went to grad school. I was like, all right, well, if I get the most education possible, then I'll, like, probably be a CEO. But, like, I didn't. I didn't know. I didn't have a fucking plan.
- [16:35]
Jared Freed
It would take one person to go CEO of. What? And you're like. And you start crying. You're like. You don't even know what to say.
- [16:42]
Devin Walker
You know what? I'm gonna start doing open mics. Actually, one. One question. You're like, I can't. I'm not doing this no more.
- [16:48]
Jared Freed
So what were the questions they got at. At Northwestern? I'm curious what they're asking about SNL or your life? What. What are their. Are they asking about? Like, is. Does it sound like they're trying to, like, figure out their own life via your answers?
- [17:03]
Devin Walker
Yeah. I mean, a lot of times I feel like when you do these schools, one of the people who are running it is like, one of the kids who are running it is like an aspiring comedian, right?
- [17:13]
Jared Freed
And so, like, nine out of 10 times.
- [17:15]
Devin Walker
Yeah, nine out of 10 times. It's like a boy or girl who's like, yeah, so, like, I'm the head of the stand up comedy club, like, on the university campus or whatever. And so the girl who was doing the Q and A, she's been, like, doing open mics around town. And I feel like a lot of the questions were like, how do you get there? Like, how do you get from, like, which in, like, you know, it's like anything in this industry where it's like, there's not. There's a thousand different. A bunch of people end up in the same place. Even, like at snl, there's a bunch of people I work with on the cast who have incredibly different stories, who have, like, entirely different stories for how they got there to how I got there. So there's no real, like, answer. I could tell you the way that it happened for me.
- [17:55]
Jared Freed
But, yeah, it's the hard part because you have to be realistic with them while also letting people have their own dreams, you know, like, and I, you know, it's funny to think, like, like what you're saying. Like, everyone around you has their own road. Like, I'm at the Comedy Cellar last night. I'm sitting at a table with everyone doing different things and the same thing at the same time. Like, right. You know, we're all just trying to be funny for money. If you really break it down, like, we want to be funny for a career now. Are you doing something you like doing? Are you doing something you created? Are you doing something that, like, someone brought you into that all happens along the way? And it's like, you know, the only. Like, if someone was Saying to me, I was, that I would be like, the only thing you can do wrong in comedy is faking it. Like, you know, like, because, you know, I'm sure you had this at open mics. You'd have those people that like, were, you know, not doing the open mic with their full, honest effort. Like, you know, they're like doing the same joke that they know that works already or they, you know, they're not, they're just not doing it honestly. And they wouldn't, you wouldn't call them a liar. You'd just be like, no, you have to, like, do the work. You got to come here with something written. I have, like, and that's when people go, I know them. Oh, they're great. Bring them into things, you know, that's when the collaboration happens.
- [19:20]
Devin Walker
Or like, I don't know if you would have this, but, like, I feel like, like, I can't. I came up in Austin, that's where I'm from. And I remember there were guys who like, wouldn't take Mike seriously. They'd just be kind of around the whole time and they'd be king of the mic. They'd be like, talking about, like, local scene. They'd be destroying at the mic. But then as soon as it was time to do like 10 minutes of like, jokes, they could never, they could never do it. I feel like that was really a type of guy.
- [19:48]
Jared Freed
Absolutely. That was like a big, like, Brooklyn thing because people were so self conscious about how cool Brooklyn people were. And if you went into like, you know, I remember going to Brooklyn and doing, or going to Queens, the, the creek in the cave when it was like the thing. I would talk about dating and people would look at me like, what the, you know, and I'm like, well, I, I, this is what I want to talk about. Like, I like talking about dating. It interests me, you know, and it's like, but you, you have to, like, really put aside this, like, the insecurities. And I, that's why those people, you know, they don't want a bomb. No one wants to bomb, you know, and, but it's coming. It has to. You have to, right? We are sponsored. You can't buy a ticket to Vegas every weekend, so why not just have Vegas in your pocket? My bookies live casino is where all the fun happens. Whether you're into baccarat, roulette or blackjack. You've got dealers, real cards, and it's all happening live. I love what my bookie's doing for people. You can have A moment to take your brain and put on the shelf and play some baccarat. Play some blackjack while just hanging around the house. You want 15 minutes? Well, take five bucks, put it on my bookie, and play some blackjack. That's fun. That's a great way to get away from kind of what's going on in your everyday. Make a Wednesday a little bit more fun. So whether you just want to sneak away and place a bet during a family dinner or make a whole casino night out of it, my bookie has what you need to have a good time. Sign up now with Code J Train and you can boost your bankroll with a deposit bonus designed to help you make the most of your money. If you don't want a bonus, that's okay too. Just make sure you let them know that we sent you. That's Code J Train. When you download the My Bookie app or click the link in our show notes, bet on every game, anytime, anywhere. Only with my bookie.
- [21:50]
Devin Walker
I feel like that is the purest thing about our industry is, like, I remember one time. I remember one time I was like, a year in a comedy. I went to la. I was like, oh, I'm gonna, like, drop by the store. Like, just. I was like, bought a ticket. I was like, I'm gonna sit in the audience and, like, watch a show at the store. And I remember. I remember Rock dropped in and one of my favorite comedians all time, like, really? Somebody I like, grew up on and inspired me.
- [22:15]
Jared Freed
Chris Rock. Not the Rock. We.
- [22:17]
Devin Walker
Not not we.
- [22:19]
Jared Freed
Sometimes. You know, this isn't really an inside comedy baseball podcast. We have a lot of people that came here via dating advice. So I want to make sure people know it's Chris Rock, not the Rock. Okay. Yeah. And not. Not Kid Rock. This is.
- [22:34]
Devin Walker
Although it would have. It would have been tight to see Kid Rock do stand out, I'm curious about. Well, I feel like I do know what he'd be talking about.
- [22:41]
Jared Freed
I have a feeling I know too. But.
- [22:45]
Devin Walker
But yeah, I remember he dropped in. He did maybe like 40 or something. And I remember seeing it, and it just, like, it was. It wasn't there yet. And like, later on, like a year or two later, like, I watched in a special and it was really good, but I feel like seeing a master like that who's probably 25 years into doing it, have a set that, like, hasn't hadn't been figured out yet. I was like, oh, this is forever. Like, you never, like, no matter how good you get at this, like, it's never like, over. The next bomb is always like right around the corner.
- [23:15]
Jared Freed
I was just talking about this. I do a Patreon episode which becomes like every week. I do like a diary from the week before. And I was talking about. I went and met. I just did Nashville. They did a comedy festival. I did a show, a part of it. And I met Yakov Smirnoff. And I was like, holy shit, I want to meet Yakov. Smart. Like, you're meeting history. You're meeting. And I was like thinking and I was saying that, like, I treat comics like I would. It's like a religion to me. Like, you know, like, I'm like, I have something in common with people. I. And I can tell when they do stand up versus when they say they do stand up. Up. And it's something like that where, right, like you watch Chris Rock and it's like, it's the most humbling thing in the world. This is like one of the most famous people alive. And he's like eating it a little. But also you're watching, going, cool, okay. He's going there. He's doing this like. And there's a connection there. Like, I had someone recently tell me and they weren't really doing stand up, but were telling people they're a standup and they're like. And it like, like, it, it, it hit me in my, my core and I couldn't say it. You know, you don't want to be a hater. You know, you don't want to be. I don't want to be miserable, Jared. Like, I want to be, but it really made me upset because I'm like, what the am I? You think, like, you do have a moment where you're like, you think you're better than me? I have to go work on this one sentence I'm trying to get right.
- [24:42]
Devin Walker
Yeah. It's also like, I don't know if you're gonna make up being something, then it's like you could say you like, play for the Yankees. You know, if you're gonna, if you're gonna lie about like an aspect of what your life is and make your life sound cooler than it is. It's like there's levels. You could say you're like a rock and roll artist. Like, there's. You could say you're doing than like open mics.
- [25:02]
Jared Freed
That's play the guitar. Just say I play the guitar and you're immediately cooler than a stand up comedian instantly.
- [25:08]
Devin Walker
So it's like anybody, any. Anybody out there who wants to lie. Just know, like, lie high down here with your lie. Like, come on, elevate your life.
- [25:18]
Jared Freed
So the podcast is called My Favorite Lyrics. We want everyone to go subscribe. Make it part of your podcast library. I always say it. Podcasts are meant to take your brain, put on the shelf. Let Devin Walker take the wheel. Let whoever he has as a guest on Take the wheel of your brain and get you away from your own anxieties and issues or whatever it may be. Devin lost a headphone. But I. I wanted to ask you. So the podcast is. It literally is about lyrics that live rent free in your head?
- [25:55]
Devin Walker
Yeah, it. Yeah, go ahead.
- [25:57]
Jared Freed
Okay. Go ahead. No, please correct me if I'm wrong.
- [25:59]
Devin Walker
No, no, that's. No, that's true. That's correct.
- [26:01]
Jared Freed
So if it starts at that, I was wondering, what is the lyric that made you start the podcast? There had to have been one that you were like, oh, this is the one that I, like, would reference if I'm to talk to someone.
- [26:15]
Devin Walker
Yeah, I mean, there's a lot of those. I think one of the ones that comes to my head just like, right off top is there's a two chains lyric where he says, rest in peace to all the soldiers who died in the service. I dive in her cervix.
- [26:34]
Jared Freed
I dive in her service.
- [26:37]
Devin Walker
Cervix.
- [26:38]
Jared Freed
Cervix.
- [26:40]
Devin Walker
Yes, yes, yes.
- [26:45]
Jared Freed
All right. What. What a. What a lyric? I mean, like, exactly. I mean, it takes something that is like, you have really gone from one side of the spectrum to the other at that point.
- [26:56]
Devin Walker
Right, Exactly. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And I. Yeah, go ahead.
- [27:01]
Jared Freed
Go ahead, please.
- [27:02]
Devin Walker
Yeah, it's stuff like that. I mean, there's an Eminem bar where he said Eminem's. I mean, Eminem has a lot of them. I might just do a whole Eminem episode one one week. But Eminem is a line where he said, hey, you ever heard of Kris Kristofferson? Well, me, I'm pissed. Pissed off. Or said.
- [27:21]
Jared Freed
That was just that. That is like.
- [27:24]
Devin Walker
That's a. Yeah, go ahead.
- [27:25]
Jared Freed
I'm sorry.
- [27:26]
Devin Walker
That's just the thing he said earnestly. That's the thing he wrote down earnestly. And he was like, oh, I'm gonna kill him with this. I'm gonna say this. And I could say as soon. About to go nuts.
- [27:35]
Jared Freed
It is so funny, first of all, that that line was just sitting there for anyone to take. Anyone could have had. Piss. Piss off. It is. That's like a joke you see someone do. That's like, anyone could have done it. And you're like, they're killing it on. I think I saw Mulaney. He was doing a joke about, like, the Exorcist, and it's like, that movie's like, a hundred thousand years old. And that's.
- [27:57]
Devin Walker
Right.
- [27:57]
Jared Freed
That Joe, that perspective was just waiting for someone to, like you said, on the shelf. I love that. But Piss Pistol offers. And while it's hilarious to me, it's also like, if he ever said that in an actual fight, like, everyone would die laughing. Everyone would be like, who is this guy? This guy thinks he's tough. Like, but when it's wrapped, it's like, oh, shit. You know, like rap music, you can.
- [28:26]
Devin Walker
Get away with saying some of the goofiest shit of all time if you say it the right way. And that's the thing that's really beautiful about rap music. The right messenger can get away with saying anything.
- [28:39]
Jared Freed
I believe that about comedians, too. Don't you think? Like, when people say, like, oh, people are so offended, you're like, no, there's no effect.
- [28:46]
Devin Walker
You just didn't, you didn't say it right.
- [28:48]
Jared Freed
Right. You didn't say it was the deliverer, the, it was the delivery. It was, it was the. How did they set up the room? Like, no, I, I. That is an interesting. Like, I, I. It's so hard to tell people that, too. Like, nothing disappoints someone more than saying, nobody's offended.
- [29:08]
Devin Walker
Yeah. Because it's like, that's, it's like, you know, that's not the problem, you know, Because I think those people really do know that's not the problem. Any of the, like, you can't say anything anymore, guys. I'm like, no, no. You can say literally whatever you want, but, like, you're not saying it in a way that pleases the audience, and now you're mad at them because, like, you're, you're, you're not working on your crowd, you're being lazy, and you, you took the shortest route to, like, say something offensive instead of saying, like, fully thinking it out legitimately. I think we can all talk about whatever we want. But, like, you know, as a comedian, it's like, certain shit is more sensitive. So, like, if you don't handle it with care, then you go and break some shit, and then people are going to come back looking at you crazy. And you know that if you're really good at it, if you really know what you're doing, you know that.
- [29:53]
Jared Freed
Absolutely. And you want to handle with care. You want to pull off the feet, you Know, like, that is part of the fun of it is, like, can I do the triple backflip off the. You know, off the high tower? Like, can I get the 10 out of 10 from the toughest critic and judge? That's a lot of the goal, right?
- [30:19]
Devin Walker
We've all seen, like, people who are really good at it, like, walk that. Walk a tightrope, and then, like, stick the landing perfectly, and you're just like. Well, that's. I didn't know where it was gonna go when you started it, but, like, just. You. Like, if it's like the gymnast. It's like the gymnast run on the thing, and they do all those flips and they land, and it's like. That's very.
- [30:41]
Jared Freed
Absolutely. Okay. So you said you started in Austin. You start Austin. Austin's changed since you've been there in a crazy way. Yeah, it's. It's. So did you see it changing? I get. I guess Rogan moving there, bringing, like, a cruise ship, so to speak, of comedians and industry and. And. And podcast fans. Like, I went and visit. I did shows at Cap City, which used to be the club in Austin.
- [31:10]
Devin Walker
That's my. That's my home club.
- [31:12]
Jared Freed
So, you know, Cap City, I never been to the old one. I was at the new one that's 20 minutes north of the city. And you're not really in Austin. You're. What? It felt like. I'm sure you've been there, but it felt like I was in, like, Disney Austin. Like, it felt like it was, like, Epcot center version of Austin.
- [31:29]
Devin Walker
Well, also, where they. Where they put the club now is in this, like, luxury shopping center called the Domain, which is, like, the old. The old Cap City. Sorry for, like, talking about a local comedy club on this, but I brought it up. True. The old Cap was. It was neat. It was in that same area, but it was just in, like, this shitty strip mall. You know, the way comedy club is supposed to be.
- [31:53]
Jared Freed
Right, Right.
- [31:54]
Devin Walker
To, like, like, a used car lot or something. Like, like, that's. And that's literally. It was like, a used car lot and like, a karate studio. Like, that's. And that's. Yeah, that's very different. Yeah, now it's literally next to, like, a. Like, a Tesla dealership and like, a. Like a Gucci store.
- [32:12]
Jared Freed
Oh, absolutely. That's why I called the Epcot center of Austin, because it's like, they even have, like, the bars from Austin that people went to when they were younger, like, versions of it. Like, it's, like, very much nerf. You know, it's like. It's like a safe area to go out, which. I get it. You get to sitter. You and your husband or wife go out to the comedy club you go to. This night I can understand. So when I got done with the show, I went down to the Mothership to, like, you know, see it. I just never seen it. And I've been going to Austin for years, and outside is, like, 10 security guards with huge guns.
- [32:49]
Devin Walker
Yeah, they're. And they're all, like, MMA fighters. They're all huge. Yes. They all have, like, cauliflower ear and, like, glocks.
- [32:56]
Jared Freed
I was like, hey, I'm a comedian from New York. Can I just check out the club? They're like, we're closed, sir. And I'm like. I was like, okay. And I walked away, and I was like, fine. I'm not gonna, like, sit here and be like, do you know who I am? And they're like, nobody. You know, I'm not gonna embarrass myself any. Any further. But you were there. Kind of like, it sounds like before that was going on and kind of seen the transition, so to speak. What. What was it like before and what have you noticed since?
- [33:26]
Devin Walker
I think. I mean, I. I was in New York, so I moved to New York in 2018, and the big shift in Austin happened over the pandemic, like, 20. 20, 20, 21.
- [33:37]
Jared Freed
That's.
- [33:37]
Devin Walker
And so true. I. When I was there before, it was a really, really cool scene because it was, like, small. It was. Everybody knew each other, you know, it was really like a, like, local comedy. So where did you start? Did you start here?
- [33:50]
Jared Freed
I started here in New York, which is a different. Different beast on its own.
- [33:55]
Devin Walker
I. I respect anybody who starts here.
- [33:59]
Jared Freed
I would have. There's pros and cons to both. I. You know, I. I feel for someone who moves here later than they should have, because you can tell they have to, like, start over in a way they never wanted to. And it's an exhausting thing to, like, go back to open mics when you're used to getting paid for shows.
- [34:18]
Devin Walker
I've also told my buddies this. It's like, you have to. You gotta move here by the time you're, like, 28, because, like, once you start getting into a certain. Once you're 31, 32, and you're used to a certain type of life, like you said, it's really hard to, like, grind it out. Like, I moved here when I was 26, 20, 27.
- [34:39]
Jared Freed
Yeah.
- [34:39]
Devin Walker
And I feel like moving here at that age was like, it was the last year that I was really down to do what you gotta do to, like, get incorporated in like a new scene.
- [34:48]
Jared Freed
It's funny. I started, I started when I was 25 and I. I already felt old, you know, I already felt older than the people who were getting, you know, leaving college and being like, I'm a comedian, you know, like kids who are.
- [35:01]
Devin Walker
Like, in college, who are like at NYU or whatever, who are 19, who are already going, you're 25, 26, feeling like you feel. Yeah, like, like a grizzled bet. And you're like, now you look at a 25 year old and like, that's a. That's a baby, right?
- [35:17]
Jared Freed
Pete Davidson driving me in his car from New York Comedy Club to Greenwich Village Comedy Club. And like, yeah. And I'm like, oh, this guy's like 18 years old. You know what I mean? I'm like, oh, my God, I could, I could, you know, be his older brother. And then. Yeah, you know, he's on that like.
- [35:34]
Devin Walker
A year after that, right.
- [35:36]
Jared Freed
A year later, and he's like the most famous person alive at a certain point. So it's all weird. And. No, I. I totally agree. Okay, before we go, we got to get going. Everyone go subscribe to Devin's podcast. Go follow Devin on social media. All the links are going to be in the description of this episode, both on YouTube and all the podcast apps. And it's called My Favorite Lyrics. I. Is there something out there now that they can subscribe to? Because it comes out on the 29th of April. I know that, yes.
- [36:05]
Devin Walker
When is this going to come up?
- [36:06]
Jared Freed
This will come out Wednesday of next week.
- [36:10]
Devin Walker
So there will be something by. There will be something by then.
- [36:13]
Jared Freed
So go to Devin Socials, subscribe to the podcast My Favorite Lyrics. He's got great guests coming on to talk about lyrics from all your favorite albums. Okay, let's do a Peaks and pit. Okay. Do you know peaks and Pit?
- [36:27]
Devin Walker
I think so, yeah.
- [36:28]
Jared Freed
Oh, actually, I want to do this thing. I love complaining. Okay. I love to complain. I love. I love luxury complaints. I like complaints that you could never really complain about without someone, like, knowing you.
- [36:41]
Devin Walker
Yeah.
- [36:41]
Jared Freed
Do. So this is called Complain with Me. I will complain with anything. I will agree with any complaint you have. Do you have a complaint that you could never. I will agree with you.
- [36:52]
Devin Walker
Man. It's not to be a comedian that's talking about airport stuff, but true. Truly, my, like, biggest. My biggest complaint in the world is like the biggest thing that I did with my money, when I started being on TV was I started buying seats at the front of the plane. I started getting this as close to the front of the plane as I absolutely can because I want to be able to get off first. Hey, if you're in. If you're in. I'm in group one. All right? If you're in group nine, don't be standing by the gate when it's group one time. That's not. You need to go sit down and you know it's not your time. Because I know I was a Group 9 member for many years, right? That's where I. That's where I called my time. I did my time in Group 9. And that's why I don't feel bad about being in group one now. But I'm like, when I was in group nine, I used to wait in the back, right? It was my time. Don't sit. Sit down. Just go. You know, it's not for you.
- [37:41]
Jared Freed
Here's the. Here's the real issue I have with the group nine people rushing to the front or waiting in the front. There's no payoff they're doing for no reason whatsoever. You're going to get on the plane. You're not getting your bag above your seat. It's not going to happen. You're going to check that bag, put.
- [38:04]
Devin Walker
It under the plate.
- [38:05]
Jared Freed
You will win nothing from this all. The only thing you do by doing this is wasting your own energy. And you're getting on a plane that's uncomfortable earlier than you have to. Why don't you sit out here, put your feet up, hang out, and wait for us elites to get on the plane and you can get on last and spend as little. Wouldn't you want to spend as little time on this plane as possible if you were sitting in the back of the plane? I would.
- [38:35]
Devin Walker
That's my thing, right? I don't want to be on the. I don't like being on there at all. I'm trying to be in and right as quick as possible. Also, when the plane first lands, when the plane first touched down, everybody don't got to stand up. It's like, you know, we're not even at the gate yet. Why is everybody up and y'all standing in the aisle like, you know, it's not your time. Get up when it's your time, bro.
- [38:54]
Jared Freed
Nothing makes me happier than when I'm sitting aisle and there's someone next to me who likes getting up right away. And the plane gets to the gate and I just put my feet up, and I'm just like, we got 20 minutes, buddy. Chill.
- [39:10]
Devin Walker
Yeah, you got some hater. You got some hater in your spirit. I could tell. And that's. I like that about you.
- [39:14]
Jared Freed
All of it.
- [39:15]
Devin Walker
I like.
- [39:15]
Jared Freed
I got that. Everyone go follow Devin Walker. Everyone go listen to the new podcast. It is called My Favorite Lyrics. Go, go, go. I'm Jared Freed, back next week. Boom.