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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 to.
Unknown Host
Hello and welcome to J Train Podcast. It's a chit Chat Wednesday, and today's guest is Aaron Weber, hilarious comedian. He has a special that's out on YouTube right now called Signature Dish, and you can go to that special. The link is in the description of this episode. So watch this interview with Aaron and then go watch it because it's hilarious. It's produced by Nateland Productions, which is Nate Bragazzi's company, because Aaron opens for Nate on the road. So we talk a lot about going from these big shows where you're opening in stadiums for Nate Bargazi and you're taking private jets to his own gigs where he's doing towns in Alaska and he's doing smaller shows. And we get into some of his jokes, which are hilarious. He has one that I'm looking at about Tums that I.
Jared Freed
My.
Unknown Host
My first thought was, is this a bit. You write because you open for Nate, who's a clean comedian, and you're told you have to be clean to open for him.
Jared Freed
And.
Unknown Host
And maybe you go down a road you never would have gone down before. He also has another bit about the Seattle hot dog, which stuck with me and I ended up googling what a Seattle hot dog was. And it's fantastic. He's incredibly hilarious and he's doing it all from Nashville. I just love what Aaron's doing. He's a great guy, super funny. Enjoy today's episode.
Jared Freed
Welcome to the new J Train podcast. Hello and welcome to the J Train podcast. This is J Train Jared Freed coming to you live from the West Village of Manhattan. That's right, every Wednesday. It's a Chit chat Wednesday where I have a friend, a comedian, an expert on the show today. I would. I would assume all three friendish. We. You know, I like seeing this guy, comedian expert in Tums, everybody. The. The creator of a new special that's on YouTube right now and you can watch it, enjoy it, love it. I just watched it. It's fantastic. It is called Signature Dish. Give it up. Aaron Weber. Thank you for coming.
Aaron Weber
All right. Thanks so much, man. I appreciate it. Are Tums big in the Jewish community? It's hard to come out of the gates like that, but I mean, we.
Jared Freed
I think. I think we are the reason I had to have been a Jewish person.
Unknown Host
Had to have.
Jared Freed
There's too many stomach issues.
Aaron Weber
You're a big percentage of their sales, at least, right?
Jared Freed
Absolutely. I can't imagine stomach issues kind of go hand in hand with the whole culture. It's cultural. That's all we talk about.
Aaron Weber
Have I ever told you the story? My wife is Jewish. I know you knew that, but have I ever told you the story when we first met and she told me about her stomach problems?
Jared Freed
No. What did she say?
Aaron Weber
She. So she was one of the first Jewish people I ever met. I'm from Alabama.
Jared Freed
And you were wooed right away. You just immediately, you're like. You're like. You've never seen anything like her before.
Aaron Weber
I was like, I'm in. I'm into the whole thing.
Jared Freed
First Jew. I'll take it.
Aaron Weber
But my wife always. We were dating at the time. She always had a stomachache. And I was like, what's the issue? And she goes, it's called Hebrew tummy. That's what she told me it was called.
Jared Freed
Yeah.
Aaron Weber
So, I mean, I thought for years, I thought this was like a real term that people used, Hebrew tummy. And I met. It was an agent or somebody at a comedy festival, and they said they had a stomachache. And I was like, oh, little Hebrew tummy, huh? And he goes, what?
Jared Freed
What did you just say to me? Yeah.
Aaron Weber
I go, no, no, no, no. My. My girlfriend's Jewish. I know all about it. He's like, I have no idea what you're talking about. So I think it's a really. Right. But the term is completely made up by my wife.
Jared Freed
Right, But I mean, a normal person would go, oh, I get what you're saying. That's funny. Like, to go, I don't know what you're talking about is, like, crazy.
Aaron Weber
But. But I said it like it was a medical term. Almost like, oh, you have acid reflux.
Jared Freed
Yeah.
Aaron Weber
I said, oh, you have Hebrew tongue.
Jared Freed
Clinical term. Yeah, you better go to the doctor.
Aaron Weber
Exactly. So I've learned to just not trust her on stuff like that anymore. Now I've met more Jewish people. Well, comedy long enough.
Jared Freed
Good to know. Your first Jew. You don't trust. That's a fun start for you and the people. No, I, I, I. The Tums bit spoke to me. Just the idea that they have flavors. It's fantastic. I was. Loved the special. Everyone go watch it. It's called Sign. Where are you now?
Aaron Weber
I'm in. I just landed about an Hour ago Durham, North Carolina. I'm opening for Kathleen Madigan this weekend. That's why I'm in a nice hotel.
Jared Freed
That's fun. Look at you.
Aaron Weber
Yeah. If, if I were in a hotel that I got, I would not have put so much of the room on display here.
Jared Freed
Right, you would. You'd be in a corner and I.
Aaron Weber
Would have found a wall and that's all I want you to see. But these are the Kathleen Madigan digs here. So I'm where.
Unknown Host
How would you describe.
Jared Freed
Because I don't. I wouldn't consider the audience that's watching on YouTube or listening here to be a comedy audience. Like, this isn't going to be like people who have like a. I would say they're a lot like me, where I was like, like, I didn't know Kathleen Madigan, but I knew her, but I didn't know.
Unknown Host
Yeah.
Jared Freed
How would you explain Kathleen Madigan to the audience?
Aaron Weber
In my opinion, an all time great who's been a theater act for 20 years. So think of top 1% of comedians ever and she's been at that level for decades.
Jared Freed
We would describe.
Aaron Weber
I don't know if you're this way, Jared. You start to just kind of respect longevity in this. Like, you've all known people, you have like a moment and you're selling tickets and then you kind of fade out of relevancy. But to do it at this high a level for almost as long as I've been alive is crazy.
Jared Freed
So that's how I would describe her. I think what people don't realize is like comedy, like the amount of comedians that someone would go in that could do theaters, you could count on one hand before the Internet existed. So like before the Internet there was like Regan Madigan, like Earthquake, you know, like, like if you're like to think of like who would do these huge rooms, like, right. They didn't. And that were like word of mouth comedians like, that weren't like. Because Kathleen Madigan, there's no sitcom, there's no right. And I remember she showed up to the Duplex and which is a gay bar in New York that would do an open mic every Wednesday. And it was like a bat, you know, pull from a basket. And someone there was opening for her and they brought her. And I did a bit. I can't remember what the bit was, but she complimented me on it. Like, and I was like, that's like the greatest thing that's ever happened to me. Like, you know, like having knowing who she was. And she showed up and she like crushed this. Like, she like went on at this open mic, like.
Aaron Weber
Yeah, that's so cool.
Jared Freed
Murdered. And that's so cool. Yeah, it was very cool. And so that's amazing that you're like. And, and. But I was gonna say, like, you, I think, probably do more weird towns than most comedians.
Aaron Weber
I think so I think a lot.
Jared Freed
Or is that like the Nashville thing? Is that like you and Dusty Slay? Are you guys in the same group? Where you go to like a place I've only heard of, like, as like a truck stop.
Aaron Weber
Yes. Well, that's, I think that's just being a comedian in the South.
Jared Freed
Yeah.
Aaron Weber
Is you're just. You got all these little towns and you're doing spots there. Dusty was the first guy. He brought me on a funny business run. Funny business is a company that books one nighters and weird gigs all around America. So he was the first guy to take me. We did went up through Michigan, through the up back around through Wisconsin, and then just these towns I'd never heard of towns for. I did a city hall in Wisconsin for a city of 500 and the whole city's there.
Jared Freed
Is it like a town event?
Aaron Weber
52 people are there. It's more than 10% of the town.
Jared Freed
That's a big number. That's a big number.
Aaron Weber
That's a huge year.
Jared Freed
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Aaron Weber
Try pulling that in New York City.
Jared Freed
Not gonna happen.
Aaron Weber
So, yeah, I feel it. And I'm doing a lot of weird corporate gig, so that'll take me to weird, weird areas. Right.
Jared Freed
What's the weirdest place been lately? A place that you'd be like, what the fuck am I doing here?
Aaron Weber
Yeah, Catch a can, Alaska.
Jared Freed
Catch a can, Alaska. Catch a can. Like, I'm catching a can. Catch a can.
Aaron Weber
It's the salmon capital of the world.
Jared Freed
Okay.
Aaron Weber
It was a small town right on the coast that was basically just a town of brothels where salmon fishermen would land and do what they needed to do and then hit the road again. And there's a guy there, Dion, great guy, he just wanted to start doing shows, so he hit me up randomly. Next thing I know, I'm, you know, I'm on the Alaskan, like in the Alaskan wilderness.
Jared Freed
How do you get there? What's the, what's the travel you got to take?
Aaron Weber
They have a, an airport which is like a little island right outside the city. It's very small. You have to take a ferry from the airport to the city.
Jared Freed
It's crazy.
Aaron Weber
So I took Alaskan Airlines from Seattle to To Ketchikan.
Jared Freed
How long's that flight?
Aaron Weber
I mean, maybe 45 minutes.
Jared Freed
Seattle to Alaska's 45 minutes.
Aaron Weber
Yeah, Seattle's up there, man.
Jared Freed
Why did I think that it was six hours from. From Seattle? Like, why was.
Aaron Weber
Because the map in your head very rarely reflects the map of reality. That's what I've learned. For me, at least.
Jared Freed
That's the thing about comedians. Like, we have these little facts. Like, we are actually the best and worst dinner party guest that could ever exist. Like, we. We could take over, like, the wrong comedian. We have such power to take over a whole night. Like, I was at a dinner party and I was like, in my mind, I'm like, shut the fuck up. Shut the fuck up. Shut the fuck up. Like, enough. Enough of you. Enough of you. Enough of you. Enough of you. But I don't think a lot of comedians have that. And we have, like, these little nuggets like, hey, Aaron, where you been? Ketchikan, Alaska. Like, the whole room is now zoned in on you. The whole room has questions. Everyone's like, the press conference, like, you know, sitting there with Trump after he says something crazy. They're like, no msnbc. What's Ketchikan? What do they fuck? You know?
Aaron Weber
Yeah. Just to give you an idea of what hanging out with comedians is like, there's a buddy of mine in Nashville who. Who has kind of a very dialed in form of autism.
Jared Freed
Okay.
Aaron Weber
And I was doing a show with him. I get to the green room, and there's a game on tv, and I'm like, this is an old game. My friend was watching a regular season MLB game from 2011. Okay. Between the Angels and Mariners, two losing teams.
Jared Freed
Yeah.
Aaron Weber
This is an inconsequential game. One of 162 that season. And my friend's just watching it, and I go, why are you watching this game? And he goes, I want to see how it shakes out. And he goes, I think. I think Mike Trout hit a home run in this game. I go, how do you know this?
Jared Freed
Right.
Aaron Weber
How do you know any of this? So that. That's the kind of people that I'm just around on a daily.
Jared Freed
Yeah. Just weirdos with random facts and lots of time on their hands to think alone. Yeah, it's. You know, I. You reminded me of something. I was on the road and the game was gonna be on, like, the playoffs. It was like Steelers were playing. I think in this playoff, Steelers played the Ravens. And on the TV is Steelers, Ravens. I'm like, I can't believe the game is on this early. What's going on? I'm watching at the gym, and then I go back to my room. I'm watching it more. I'm like, I. I guess I'm losing my bet. Like, I had already bet on it. And then I realized, like, literally in the third quarter that it was the game they had played earlier in the season. It was the replay. I was so angry. I was like, can't you just put in the corner of the TV replay or something? Replay or something. It's like they were trying to, like, get the numbers. Like, half the audience was probably me, or maybe I'm the dumbest person alive. I don't know.
Aaron Weber
You're on the edge of your seat, like, cheering for a game that already happened.
Jared Freed
I'm sitting there, like, I was like, bet on this. Like, I think the over might hit, like, hopefully. Okay, I. I gotta ask you about the special. I love the special. I want everyone to go watch. It is a perfect night on the couch. I. I had a lot of thoughts going in my head when I was watching. The Tums bit is great. And I was thinking, you open. You're part of the Nate bar universe. Yeah. Coaching tree. I like that. Yes. That's the best way to put it, because you're not, like, working for Nate, but you're also, like. It's like, you know, you want. You know, it's like I was once part of the Bill Belichick tree, and then I went and got my own. Josh McDaniels becomes the head coach.
Aaron Weber
You know, you.
Jared Freed
You know, I don't think any comedian is in service of another comedian. They're trying to do something for themselves. Like, you know, last night, I'm at the Cellar, and I got bumped by Bill Burr, and it's like, am I happy to have that happen? No. I want to go on fucking stage. I'm not a side character in Bill Burr's movie. I want to go on like I want. And then I. They were like, do you mind not going on? I was like, whatever you want. I. I'm not gonna say I don't mind. I'm gonna say, whatever you need.
Aaron Weber
Yeah. I'll do what needs to be done, right.
Jared Freed
If then. And then they were like, well, and then they came back up. They're like, you can do seven after he's done. I was like, of course I'm not gonna go.
Aaron Weber
No, no.
Jared Freed
But I can't follow Bill, you know, Like, I'm not gonna. Like, I'm not, you know, I have my own dreams that I want to achieve, so.
Aaron Weber
Exactly.
Jared Freed
So you get. But I would assume, like, you are a product of your reality. Like, I went on the road with Michelle Wolf. I watched how hard she worked and how she wrote and how she worked out material and how she, like, put up the. Oh, you know, put what hotels she put me in. You're in a nice hotel because of Kathleen Madigan. These are things that kind of turn into the coaching tree, you know, isms. You know, it's like what you do.
Aaron Weber
Totally.
Jared Freed
So with Nate, where he is a clean comedian and you're flying, maybe private, to these huge shows, so you can't really talk about travel. So. So now we've taken out, like. Which is good. Like, it's actually setting you up for success. Do you find it? Because I was watching this Tums bit, which is there for. Like, anyone could talk about the Tums flavors, but no one's talking about it. So you found something. Do you think that's because of necessity, because you can't talk about travel because you're flying private, because who's going to relate to that? Sure, maybe you have one story about it, but that's it. And then you can't be dirty because Nate won't allow it. Right. And which, again, I think is a good thing.
Aaron Weber
Right.
Jared Freed
Do you sit there going, what the fuck am I gonna say? Like, is that part of. Do you think it's helped? Do you think it's. Do you have bits that you're like, I never would have done it had it not been for Nate?
Aaron Weber
No, no. It just. It just worked out that way. That's kind of how I was from the start. And then I kind of.
Jared Freed
I wouldn't have called you a dirty comic or a travel comic anyways, but I agree with that.
Aaron Weber
So, yeah, I just kind of fit into that world. I truly don't ever feel like I have, like, a hand tied behind my back. And I. And I think I can't say things. Like, I remember I met a comic in Phoenix, and he was like, man, I respect you, dude. I got into comedy to say whatever I want. And I was like, I go, well, I'm saying everything I want to say.
Jared Freed
Right.
Aaron Weber
I just have no desire to. To talk about some of the stuff that other comics do, other comics who do it very well. And I love. It's just not. Not my wheelhouse. Like, I've always, like, just silly kind of nonsense and, you know, and then, yeah, maybe my family shows up to the crowd. Like, that's Always in the back of my mind. So that. That's how I've been kind of from day one. I mean, I. I dicked around a bit at open mics when I first started, but then, like, once. Once it starts becoming a real thing, I was like, okay, let's dial in and do this the way I actually want to do it.
Jared Freed
Like, I take. It does take two. It takes an incredible amount of confidence to go down story and nuance road. And I think, like, you know, I go watch Nate's stuff just. Cause I'm like, okay, I'm telling the story about my family. Maybe this will, like, get me, like, in the rhythm about talking about my family. And, like, it can help that also to see someone be successful with it. Like, you don't bail because.
Aaron Weber
Yeah, yeah. To sell out arenas, talking about, catch up, like, it's crazy. It's crazy.
Jared Freed
That's the thing I remember, like, I was encouraged because I got. I went to Europe and everyone was like, they let you air it out more. Like, it's slower. Like, they'll give you a chance so you can tell your stories. And that was like, okay, I'm going to start telling these stories. And it turned into, like, the next hour of talking about my parents, and I was like. It was like, I needed that, you know, like, you kind of. There's a point where you go, I don't know if I would have done it without having seen it or seen it get done or gotten the opportunity.
Aaron Weber
Yeah. Oh, that's interesting. Just the crowds are just different. They just are. Are trained to kind of sit back and let you do your thing. Right.
Jared Freed
Yeah.
Aaron Weber
Thank goodness in America, they're like, we need a laugh every six seconds.
Jared Freed
Yeah, Bring it. What's going on? And also in America with that guy, like, that would annoy me too. Like, people challenge your ego. They go, oh, you. I guess you don't talk about those things.
Unknown Host
You're safe.
Jared Freed
And it's like, I actually believe the opposite. I think it's way safer to talk about politics and. And sex these days than it is to talk about something like Tums.
Aaron Weber
Yeah. Oh, I appreciate it. Yeah. I'm brave.
Jared Freed
I know you're brave. That's. That was my whole thing. I just want to make sure people know how brave.
Aaron Weber
Thank you, man. It is. It is a fun kind of challenge for me. Like, I just. I did the Tonight show last week. I was able to set. Thank you, buddy. And do you too, man. You did it. You've done it since last time we talked. I'VE done it, but I got to run that set all over town. And I did like, the. The I'm dirty at 10:30 show or whatever.
Jared Freed
Right, right.
Aaron Weber
And I was like, I'm just gonna do my set and kind of figure out a way to, like, I can have some edge. Enough edge or like anger or energy to still do well on this show. Talking about, you know, a treadmill or.
Jared Freed
Whatever, I actually have found. And it's like, I think it's more in our head than it is the audience head. Like, even if you're at like, the dirty at 10:30, I go up, like, at a late night show. Like last night, I'm on stage at midnight on a Thursday, and the person before me is talking about whatever they're talking about, and I'm like, hey, everybody. So I went to Europe alone recently and like, they're almost like, what? What? Wait, what. What's going on here? Why is this his sad one man show? What's going on? You know, like, it's. It actually makes. Now I've gotten over the hump, but it takes time, I think. Like, that's why I would think, like, the Nate thing has to help just to be like.
Aaron Weber
Well, he definitely indirectly influences the culture in Nashville for sure. Just having a guy of that stature just around all the time. I mean, we do his podcast in the club, right? It's the. The studio's in the club, so it shares a wall with. With the room. So it's like, it's a part of it. So, yeah, I think that, that. That trickles down to.
Jared Freed
I mean, I'm coming to Nashville in. After. I'm going to Australia, New Zealand. And afterwards I was like, I have this, like, new story I'm trying to do. And Lucy, your wife, who is, you know, the manager at the club, I was like, that new room, I was like, I kind of want to. Maybe I can go there. And I'm like, now that he's kind of like, you know, now maybe that's like the Europe of America, where, like, the crowds are like, okay, this is. We're getting something that's like a story. Like, I'm kind of like, hoping there's like an element of that.
Aaron Weber
Yeah, it can be. And I think that was part of why it was called the lab was I think that they wanted to do some more experimental stuff in there and just understand it can be like, I think Theo Vaughn or somebody just did a show in the small room. Just a name of that level. I can't remember who, but yeah, that, that's where I take the specials. In that, in that small room. It's awesome.
Jared Freed
Special looks great.
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Jared Freed
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Jared Freed
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Jared Freed
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Jared Freed
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Jared Freed
The special is awesome, everyone. The link is in the description of this episode. It is called signature dish. I want everyone to go watch it, flag it. And again, I say this all the time on this show. Whenever someone comes on with their special, watch it soon. Like, and go touch it like a. Like a comment. Hey, I came here from J Train. Like, it means the world to us and nothing to you. So like, when you help out like that, like, it is like, you know, people don't understand. Like, I think people think comedians, like, like there's the most insecure person in the world will be like, so you think you're funny? It's like, no, no, I don't think that. Please, like, share, do anything you can. I need everything, please. And there's a bit about the Seattle dog. Oh, yeah, I am very interested in this because I was like when I got to the, you know, the bit, I'm ruining the bit. But I hope it makes people go watch the bit. Because you order a hot dog at a baseball game and the guy makes it with cream cheese. And so the first time that happened, did you immediately go on stage in Seattle and be like, this is the greatest hot dog I've ever had. And they're like yelling from the crowd that it's. Did you. When did you know? Because so I didn't know that the Seattle dog was a cream cheese and onions on a hot dog with a, with a. And it's Actually on a Biali. Do you know the. Have you looked up the origin?
Aaron Weber
No, no, I don't. I don't do any real research.
Jared Freed
No research?
Aaron Weber
No.
Jared Freed
You just walked away. You go, that's the Seattle dog. Okay. So I did. I went and looked this up because I was like. I was like. Because I go, you know, in Maine they'll put mayonnaise on hot dogs and it's this place flows hot dogs. It's like a famous place. So I went and looked this up. Do you know that the. You ready?
Aaron Weber
I'd love to hear it.
Jared Freed
The Seattle style hot dog was invented in 1989 in the Pioneer Square neighborhood of. By Hadley Long, a vegetarian food vendor from Ohio who operated a bagel cart on the sidewalk. So this was from the Hebrew tummy on the. Operated a bagel cart on the sidewalk between the central saloon and J and M cafe and card room. Long originally served only vegetarian bagels and toppings from his cart, but soon gave in to the late night demand for meat by adding hot dogs to his existing bagels and cream cheese. He sourced Biali style buns from the bagel deli on Capitol Hill and spread both sides with cream cheese before adding a hot dog. Naming his new recipe and cart Hadley's Bagel Dogs. Wow, that is like.
Aaron Weber
That makes perfect sense.
Jared Freed
It makes a lot of sense. It also makes sense that it's hot dogs with a bagel because that's actually kosher.
Aaron Weber
Right?
Jared Freed
So. Right. So it might be a Hebrew national hot dog that's put with the cream cheese. That's how you can do the milk and meat. Maybe. I don't know. These are all things that were coming to mind when you did it the first time. Were you just like, what the hell is going on?
Aaron Weber
Well, I'll say this. I don't know what ethnicity the guy was who gave me the hot dog. I don't think he was concerned about keeping kosher. I'll say, okay. But it kind of happened the way. The way I tell it where I. The guy goes, what do you want on it? And I go, just. Just kind of whatever. And. And he just made what he makes all day long and gave it to me. And I talked about it for a while. I didn't talk about on stage that night, but I told like my.
Jared Freed
I could feel that. I could feel that you were like going on and on about this hot dog that you had that you've never had that way. Yes.
Aaron Weber
I go, you can't believe how good I never would have thought to put Cream cheese on a hot dog. This is crazy. So I talked about it years, and then I came back to Seattle, I went to another baseball game, and I got. I gotta find that hot dog stand. It's in the same spot. It's the same guy. And then I look at the menu, and it's the Seattle dog. And it's exactly what the guy made me. So I go, what an idiot I am.
Jared Freed
Right?
Aaron Weber
I, I, I talked about it on stage that weekend because y'all are not gonna believe how stupid I am.
Jared Freed
And what was their response in Seattle? Are they like, of. Are they. They're laughing right away because they're like, they know.
Aaron Weber
Yeah, they know right away. Yeah, yeah. And then if I've told that story in the surrounding areas, I kind of have to be like, y'all already know the end of this.
Jared Freed
I didn't.
Aaron Weber
But, like, the rest of the country has never heard of this.
Jared Freed
Never. I'm watching. I was zoned in because I love a local food thing. I love a local. Like, why do they do that here? Also, I love baseball stadium food because a lot of baseball stadiums do, like, local stuff, right? Like, that's a thing. Like, they do clam chowder at Red Sox games.
Aaron Weber
It was an interesting thing because I probably could have. I was thinking about this a lot. Like, I had fun talking about that on stage that weekend. I could have made a clip of that and posted it, and it just kind of lived and died there in Seattle.
Jared Freed
Right, Right.
Aaron Weber
But then I was like, there might be. This might actually be a thing. And then I did it for, like, a year and a half, and now it's, like, kind of the biggest laugh of the special is that story.
Jared Freed
Well, that's, that's the hard part of doing comedy is like, I have the Seattle bit, and you're kind of like, this is the crazy part that's going on right now. You're, like, thinking in hashtags. You're like, well, it's going to be local and they'll share it. Yeah, if you're from Seattle, you'll share it. And then you almost, like, chop it off halfway because you're like. You don't even get to, like, bring it around the country. And then, you know, maybe you go to another, you know, town and they got like a, you know, you start doing a bit. Like, I remember there's this guy, Matt Walsh, very funny guy. He does a lot of commercials and stuff. And, like, he's one of those people that. Not Matt. Is it Matt Walsh? If you saw him. You'd know him.
Aaron Weber
Okay, Matt Walsh from Veep.
Jared Freed
Not him.
Aaron Weber
Improv actor. Yeah.
Jared Freed
Comedian.
Aaron Weber
I'm like Daily Wire host Matt Walsh.
Jared Freed
No, I. He used to be around New York all the time.
Aaron Weber
Yeah.
Jared Freed
And look at, I. I googled Matt comedian, Coffee Milk, and Nate Bargazzi comes up immediately. Like, that's crazy. So, okay, I. I'm butchering his name. If you saw him, like, he's in so many. He's got big red hair. He's a big guy. And he used to do standup a lot around the city. Like when I first, first started and you'd just be around shows. And he had this whole bit about state drinks and how every drink, every state has its own state drink.
Aaron Weber
Yeah.
Jared Freed
And how Rhode island, the state drink is coffee milk. And how, like, and, and how there's states with like. And. And it's funny, like, maybe you had the coffee milk bit and you do it in Rhode island and you go, hashtag, coffee milk. I am going to be the king of Rhode Island.
Aaron Weber
Yeah.
Jared Freed
And it's like. But at the time, this guy going back, he's like, I remember he had like all. He started reading off states. He's like, water. This state, Their drink is water. Like, like how, how like it made sense with the people from the state. And it's like, yeah. You know, like, I, I don't know. Like, this isn't a death of comedy speed, you know, speech I'm giving. But it's like, it kind of shows. Like, it's nice to like, hold off on that stuff.
Aaron Weber
Yeah. Maybe give time for it to maybe become a thing.
Jared Freed
Right. And maybe. And you don't know where you're gonna find that story from the story.
Aaron Weber
Yeah.
Jared Freed
Yeah. I don't know.
Aaron Weber
Well, appreciate it, man.
Jared Freed
Dude. Of course. Well, this is. That's the funny part about podcasts. No one thinks anyone watches their special. Like, you go on assuming that you're gonna have to talk about the special and the person who interviews you. Have you been. Let's talk about some of the interviews you've done for the special.
Aaron Weber
Yeah.
Jared Freed
Have you been on something? Whether you're like, I know this person. No. Read one sentence about me. And that's what they're talking to me about. That.
Aaron Weber
Well, some of these. I've done these radio tours where they line up like, I do, like 40 radio calls a day. I'm sure you've done them where they're in like 15 minute increments. And a lot of times I'm just being patched in. You can tell they're looking at my info for the first time and their interview is just reading through my bio line by.
Jared Freed
Yes. They're like, yes.
Aaron Weber
So you're born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, right? Tell me about that.
Jared Freed
They should actually, like, I did that. And they should just be like, they. Instead of a bio, they should just give these people, like, do it. Like, what's his name? Byron Allen. Give us. Byron Allen would do the comic show where he'd like, pitch people their bits. Just say, like, tell me what you're going to tell me and let's just get this over with.
Aaron Weber
Let's hear the Seattle dog, right? You know, done.
Jared Freed
Now you're in Seattle dog. And you can see more on signature dish on YouTube right now. Like, like, just. Yeah, let's just make a deal. Let's not fit. Like, it is interesting. It's like, man, we're like so many. So many of us are faking every day of our lives. Like, yeah, like. Like we. And we only know that because we work hard to do this thing that no one gives a fuck about.
Aaron Weber
Yeah.
Jared Freed
Like, we actually work hard to be able to, like, go to, you know, Ketchikan, Alaska, and, like. And we want the bit to be good. So few people, right, are doing things to be good and just to get it done with, like. And again, those radio guys, I get it. Like, you're going to get like, who cares? It's a 15 minute filler and we gotta, you know, we gotta make the. The donuts, so to speak. I don't know. It's.
Aaron Weber
Yeah, well, you're. I think that's probably good. Just that not a lot of people fan your ego in this business, which I think is probably good.
Jared Freed
Well, yeah, no, we. We get humbled every day.
Aaron Weber
Right. I just did Detroit, Michigan, and I had never done comedy in Detroit. In 10 years, I've never done comedy in Detroit. And people, whenever I would post dates, they would go, when are you gonna come to Detroit? And I go, I'm gonna get up there and I finally book a date, right? And. And it's during the Lions playoff game.
Jared Freed
I.
Aaron Weber
And so they. They just canceled the Saturday shows. They were like, not. Nobody's. Nobody's coming. They go, we don't want to go. We don't want to go either. So it's just like, yeah. How humbled I am. Like, you know, you think you're going to show up to Detroit, like, Palm Sunday? Yeah, they're, you know, on a donkey and. But it's just nobody could care My favorite story of that was right when Nate's podcast started. Me and Brian Bates, who. Who does the podcast with us, me and him co headlined a club in Utah. It was our first time doing something together since the podcast started. So we're killing time during the day. We walk around the mall, and somebody bumps into us, and he goes, oh, my God. Brian Bates and Aaron Weber. And I go, yeah, what's up, man? He goes, I love the podcast, dude. I listen to y'all all the time. It's crazy. I bumped into y'all. He goes, can I get a picture? I was like, yeah, we couldn't believe it. We took a picture with him, and then we go, you coming to the. The show tonight? He goes, nah.
Jared Freed
Right?
Aaron Weber
How hard is it to get somebody? Like, that guy was our biggest fan.
Jared Freed
And he's like, I got.
Aaron Weber
I got stuff to do.
Jared Freed
You're speaking to my soul. I mean, like, because I, you know, I have from the beginning, done other things to get people to the thing I want them to see, you know, Like, I've done podcasts. I do. I yell at the Bachelor. And it. If you think about it too much, you'll get too frustrated. Like, you'll just get too mad because you're like, I created this thing. I do this podcast to let you know that the podcast is the commercial. Like, to get you to the show. And you start to realize. You go, it's not worth it, because it all comes back around. Like, that guy. And I. I've had that where someone's like. They're almost, like, mystified as to why you're in town. Like, they can't. Like, I'll have people that are like, oh, you're coming to Alpharetta, Georgia, so let's do dinner, and you and I will, like, go out for the night. And I'm like, what do you think I'm doing there? Do you think I'm, like. Like, vacationing in Alpharetta by myself? Is that, like, what you think? Like, that's the thing that frustrates me. It's not that they. It's just that they don't understand that. Like, just don't say it to me.
Aaron Weber
You know, because for all. You know, for all intents and purposes, you're just a guy who talks for an hour, right? So you're just gonna talk for an hour. So they go, what else are you gonna do, right? Well, I kind of. Kind of want to have a day. I want to relax.
Jared Freed
Oh, that's the other. Don't.
Aaron Weber
Don't get me. Iron my shirt. I want.
Jared Freed
Don't get me started that. You know how many dates I get asked on before. Let's go for drinks before the show? And I'm like, this is like a long night for me.
Aaron Weber
This is like.
Jared Freed
Like, this is like. Like the drinks with you before the show is another show. Like, I don't think you understand.
Aaron Weber
Exactly. Exactly. But I'm the kind of guy, if somebody, like, if they had fun at the show and then they go, we're going to this bar after I go, I'm not going to be. I'm going to be worse there than I was. Like, I don't know what you think this is.
Jared Freed
You. You're a stronger man than I am. Because I'll go. I'll be there. I'll be there. I've. You know what I stopped doing? Accepting shots. That was.
Aaron Weber
Shots will get you quick. Yeah. You'll take a beer, right? Because then you can just kind of.
Jared Freed
No, enjoy. I don't.
Aaron Weber
You don't take any drinks.
Jared Freed
I kind of. I'm like, let's let this just be. I'll buy everyone else drinks. I just don't want to be like, I don't buy another ticket. Like, I don't want to, like, let's take the finances out of this. Because I just can't walk away from it.
Aaron Weber
I'll just be like, you know what's a cool thing? Speaking of Alaska, the bars in Alaska. We hung out at this pub after the show. Such a cool, like, it just felt like a real. Like, so many places you go to. It's kind of like fake blue collar. They got, like, signs that look.
Jared Freed
John Taffer came in and turned it into a theme. Yes.
Aaron Weber
This felt like a real Alaskan fisherman bar. And it was very cool. Now, they told me that in rural Alaska, this is pretty common. They have a big bell at the front of the bar. Have you ever heard of this before?
Jared Freed
No. Go ahead.
Aaron Weber
There's a big bell. And the tradition is, if you've had a great day, if something happened to you, if you've had a windfall of any kind, the tradition is you show up to the bar, you ring the bell, and you buy around for the whole bar.
Jared Freed
Okay.
Aaron Weber
As like, I've experienced something good, and I'd like to share it with you. So I thought, well, this is amazing. And right after it was explained to me, a dude walked in, rang the bell, and he said, I had a big sale today at work, and the whole pub got a bar and a drink. I was like, this is unbelievable.
Jared Freed
This is. I mean, that's.
Aaron Weber
That.
Jared Freed
That's the tourism commercial for small town.
Aaron Weber
Exactly.
Jared Freed
America. Like, that is exactly. To me, if someone walked into a bar in New York City and rang a bell, everyone be like, shut the fuck up. Get him. He's trying to take over the bar. You know, like, dude.
Aaron Weber
Well, I experienced that in New York City this past week. After we take the Tonight show, they take this night show at like 4 or 5 in the afternoon, and then you got seven hours before it airs, Right?
Jared Freed
It's the weirdest thing. They spit. You get done with it and the show ends. You go up for the people at home listening, you get done with your set, you're the last thing on the show. Jimmy Fallon, has he probably already said.
Unknown Host
Hello to you before?
Jared Freed
Or maybe he said it before and literally the show ends and it's as if it was all a dream and you just get spit out into New York City and it's. If it's. It's as if it never happened.
Aaron Weber
It's. It's incredible. Like, yeah, 601. The roots are walking out of the building.
Jared Freed
Get me out of work. It goes from this is your big day to works over. Get the fuck out.
Aaron Weber
Yeah. So you got seven hours to kill. Like, where we're going to watch it. So we go to this bar in New York City, and the booker of the Tonight Show, Michael Cox, who's great, he great guy, knows all the people at the bar, he goes, put it on the tv, dude. Nobody could. They could not care less.
Jared Freed
Is there a bell for me to ring? Like, where's the bell?
Aaron Weber
Yeah, so I'm like, it's me. I'm on the thing. Nobody cares, dude. Nobody's looking. Not one person said a thing. You know, so that's New York City. That's the difference between New York and Ketchikan. But I remember thinking, if I were in Alaska, I would have walked in that night and rang the bell and bought everybody around.
Jared Freed
Absolutely. And happy to do it. Like, I mean, it would have been great. Again, who. The big sale. Can you imagine, like, how little the big sale matters here or even Nashville, and how much the big sale mattered to everyone in that bar. They're like, yes, we did it. Yes, man. Well, listen, we did it. We have a great special. It's called Signature dish. It's on YouTube right now. The link is in the bio.
Unknown Host
This episode. Go watch it, Enjoy it.
Jared Freed
Save it for a rainy day. But we want you to watch it right away. We want you to add to the numbers that, you know, make it go to father algorithm and please, the. You know, the. The algorithm. Gods above. So. Aaron Weber, you're amazing. Thank you so much.
Aaron Weber
You're the man. Thank you, Jared. I appreciate it.
Jared Freed
And enjoy the show tonight. I mean, what a fun Kathleen Madigan. That's so exciting. I'm Jared Free. We'll be back next week. Boom.
Podcast Summary: The JTrain Podcast with Jared Freed featuring Aaron Weber
Episode Title: From Private Jets to Hot Dogs with Aaron Weber - CHIT CHAT WEDNESDAY
Release Date: February 12, 2025
In this engaging episode of The JTrain Podcast, host Jared Freed welcomes the hilarious comedian Aaron Weber for a lively discussion filled with anecdotes, insights into the comedy world, and memorable jokes. Released on February 12, 2025, this episode provides listeners with an in-depth look into Aaron's unique journey in the comedy scene, his creative processes, and his experiences performing in both grand arenas and quirky small-town venues.
Aaron Weber shares his transition from opening for the renowned clean comedian Nate Bargazi in large stadiums to performing intimate gigs in smaller, often unexpected locations like Ketchikan, Alaska. This shift highlights Aaron's versatility and willingness to explore diverse comedic landscapes.
Notable Quote:
"I think a lot of it is being a comedian in the South... doing spots in little towns where over 10% of the population shows up. Try pulling that in New York City."
— Aaron Weber [08:44]
Aaron delves into his comedic style, emphasizing his focus on clean humor influenced by Nate Bargazi's mentoring. He discusses some of his standout bits, including his hilarious takes on Tums flavors and the infamous Seattle hot dog—a combination of cream cheese and hot dogs that has become a fan favorite.
Notable Quote:
"The biggest laugh of the special is that story about the Seattle dog. People don't even know that Seattle dog is cream cheese and onions on a hot dog."
— Jared Freed [24:24]
The conversation explores the impact of fellow comedians on Aaron's career. Aaron appreciates the longevity and consistency of comedians like Kathleen Madigan, considering her an all-time great in the industry. He likens his relationship with Nate Bargazi to a coaching tree, where mentorship shapes one's comedic direction without restraining creative freedom.
Notable Quote:
"Having a guy of that stature just around all the time... it trickles down to the local comedy culture."
— Aaron Weber [20:04]
Aaron shares captivating stories from his tours, such as performing in Ketchikan, Alaska—a town known for its salmon fishing. He recounts the unique traditions he encountered, like the bell-ringing ceremony at local bars to celebrate personal victories, contrasting it with the indifferent reception in bustling cities like New York.
Notable Quote:
"In rural Alaska, if you've had a great day, you show up to the bar, ring the bell, and buy a round for everyone. It's a way to share your good fortune."
— Aaron Weber [38:59]
The episode highlights Aaron's interactions with fans and the sometimes humorous misunderstandings that arise. From fans eagerly requesting a spot in his shows during playoff games to the challenges of connecting with audiences who may not be familiar with his unique comedic references, Aaron emphasizes the importance of authenticity in his performances.
Notable Quote:
"People challenge your ego. They go, 'Oh, you don't talk about those things,' but I believe it's safer to talk about politics and sex than something like Tums."
— Jared Freed [18:25]
Jared and Aaron discuss the complexities of promoting comedy specials and the frustrations comedians face when their efforts to engage audiences don't always yield the desired attention. Aaron emphasizes the significance of sharing his work online, encouraging listeners to watch his YouTube special "Signature Dish" to support his craft.
Notable Quote:
"Whenever someone comes on with their special, watch it soon. And go touch it, like a comment saying, 'Hey, I came here from JTrain.' It means the world."
— Jared Freed [24:24]
The episode wraps up with Jared urging listeners to support Aaron Weber by watching and sharing his "Signature Dish" special on YouTube. Both hosts express their appreciation for Aaron's contributions to the comedy scene and highlight the importance of community support in elevating a comedian's work.
Final Notable Quote:
"Aaron Weber, you're amazing. Thank you so much."
— Jared Freed [42:05]
Key Takeaways:
Versatility in Comedy: Aaron Weber's ability to perform in both large stadiums and small-town venues showcases his adaptability and broad appeal.
Influence of Mentorship: The guidance from established comedians like Nate Bargazi has significantly shaped Aaron's clean and relatable comedic style.
Unique Comedic Themes: Aaron's memorable bits, such as the Seattle hot dog and Tums flavors, highlight his knack for finding humor in everyday topics.
Community and Authenticity: Authentic interactions with fans and embracing unique local traditions enrich Aaron's performances and connect him deeply with diverse audiences.
Support Through Sharing: Listeners are encouraged to support Aaron by viewing and promoting his comedic special, emphasizing the role of community in a comedian's success.
For those who haven’t listened to this episode, The JTrain Podcast offers a heartfelt and humorous glimpse into the life of Aaron Weber, making it a must-listen for comedy enthusiasts and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes of stand-up comedy.