The JTrain Podcast: Episode Summary - "From Film Sets to First Dates with Chris Lamberth"

Release Date: March 26, 2025

Hosts:

• Jared Freed: Host and comedian
• Chris Lamberth: Guest comedian

1. Introduction and Show Promotion

[00:00 - 03:02]
Jared Freed kicks off the episode by introducing it as "Chit Chat Wednesday," a recurring segment where he engages in casual conversations with guests. Today's guest is Chris Lamberth, a talented comedian scheduled to perform in Boston and at Caveat on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Jared enthusiastically promotes Chris's upcoming special taping, encouraging listeners to purchase tickets and support his work.

Notable Quote:
"He’s hilarious. We get into so many different subjects... it’s a great conversation." – Jared Freed [00:00]

2. Venue and Show Details

[02:23 - 06:34]
The conversation shifts to the details of Chris's performances. Jared highlights the unique ambiance of Caveat, describing it as a "quintessential New York comedy room" located in a basement setting. Chris adds that Caveat is an "elite basement" that fosters a vibrant environment for both performers and audiences. They reminisce about the Lower East Side's rich comedy history, mentioning iconic venues like the New York Comedy Club and Ochi's Lounge.

Notable Quote:
"It’s the quintessential New York comedy room, where it’s like you go down into a basement and you do your thing." – Chris Lamberth [02:49]

3. Navigating the New York Dating Scene

[06:34 - 15:15]
Jared shares a humorous anecdote about an awkward date he experienced at a fancy restaurant, where a fellow diner unexpectedly revealed recognition of him, leading to an uncomfortable interaction. This segues into a discussion about dating in New York City, emphasizing the challenges and unique experiences of finding connections in a fast-paced, often "TikToked" environment.

Chris relates by discussing his own ventures into online dating platforms like Hinge and Bumble. He explains that while Bumble hasn't yielded much success for him, Hinge proved effective in meeting his girlfriend. The conversation highlights the parallels between stand-up comedy and dating—both require authenticity, preparation, and the willingness to put oneself out there.

Notable Quotes:
"You have to try. You have to be yourself. You have to be ready." – Chris Lamberth [13:07]
"How much I'm using my phone and... it's like this other woman that's not letting a woman into my life." – Jared Freed [27:25]

4. Personal Dating Experiences and Challenges

[15:15 - 21:48]
Jared and Chris delve deeper into their personal dating experiences. Chris recounts a specific interaction on Hinge where a potential match was interested in having him as a househusband, only to unmatch after he sought clarification. This leads to a broader discussion about the complexities and misunderstandings inherent in online dating, including concepts like "hood fishing" and the importance of mutual goals and honesty.

Jared shares his own experience of being unmatched after a woman revealed she had already dated his brother, highlighting the often unexpected and sometimes hurtful nature of interactions on dating apps.

Notable Quotes:
"She said, 'I want to be a housewife,' and I said, 'Is that your dream?'... she unmatched me shortly after." – Chris Lamberth [15:55]
"The Internet didn’t make things easier. It just made this tough thing again and again." – Jared Freed [21:48]

5. Comedy and Show Business Insights

[21:48 - 32:22]
Transitioning back to their professional lives, Jared and Chris discuss the intricacies of stand-up comedy. Chris talks about the thrill of performing new material and the satisfaction of receiving positive feedback from peers and stage managers. They emphasize the importance of staying connected with the comedy community and drawing inspiration from fellow comedians.

Jared reflects on the energy and preparation that go into live performances, comparing it to the anticipation and execution of a successful date. They also touch upon the dynamics of being on stage, managing nerves, and maintaining authenticity in their acts.

Notable Quotes:
"If the crew likes you, then you’re on the right path because they see everything." – Chris Lamberth [29:07]
"The preparation is just different and always fun." – Jared Freed [32:22]

6. Movie Recommendations and Reviews

[32:22 - 35:40]
The duo shifts focus to their love for movies, with Chris recommending Steven Soderbergh's latest spy thriller, "Black Bag." He praises the film for its compelling dialogue and mature storytelling, despite its minimalistic setting primarily involving characters in rooms talking.

Jared adds to the conversation by sharing his recent movie-watching experiences, including a humorous take on the film "Anora" seen during a flight, and the intense drama surrounding "It Ends with Us." They discuss the impact of streaming services on movie-going experiences and the challenges faced by the film industry post-COVID.

Notable Quotes:
"Steven Soderbergh made it so compelling. It’s a very grown-up film." – Chris Lamberth [34:10]
"Black Bag is the best movie you could go to the theater to see." – Jared Freed [35:57]

7. Experiences on Movie Sets

[35:40 - 46:52]
Chris shares his experiences working on movie sets, noting that he has rarely encountered tension or negativity. He credits the professionalism and camaraderie of fellow comedians and crew members for fostering a positive environment. Jared echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of respecting everyone's role on a set, no matter how small it may seem.

They discuss the significance of every individual’s contribution to a production, illustrating how seemingly minor tasks like holding an umbrella are crucial for the final outcome. The conversation underscores the value of teamwork and mutual respect in both the comedy and film industries.

Notable Quotes:
"Everyone's doing this. Everyone cares about the thing that they do." – Jared Freed [44:55]
"As a comic, you just have to try to be present and just, like, be in the moment." – Chris Lamberth [45:21]

8. Closing Remarks and Show Promotion

[46:52 - End]
As the episode wraps up, Jared once again promotes Chris's upcoming shows at Caveat in Manhattan and two venues in Boston: Democracy Brewery and The Comedy Studio. They exchange friendly banter about exploring food spots and enjoying the unique vibes of each comedy venue.

Jared reiterates the importance of supporting comedians like Chris by attending live performances, highlighting the rich cultural tapestry that venues like Caveat contribute to the New York comedy scene.

Notable Quote:
"Everyone go to Chris's show. It is Caveat on the Lower East Side. It is June 27th." – Jared Freed [46:57]

Conclusion

This episode of The JTrain Podcast offers a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful discussions on the intersections of comedy, dating, and the entertainment industry. Through candid conversations, Jared Freed and Chris Lamberth provide listeners with a relatable and entertaining exploration of life's challenges and triumphs, all while promoting unity and support within the comedy community.

Don't Miss:

• Chris Lamberth's Special Taping: June 27th at Caveat, Lower East Side, NYC
• Additional Shows: March 29th at Democracy Brewery and March 30th at The Comedy Studio, Boston
• Tickets and More Info: Visit ChrisLamberth.com or check the podcast description for links.

Thank you for tuning into The JTrain Podcast! Stay tuned for next week's episode.