The JTrain Podcast with Jared Freid Featuring Rich Aronovitch

Release Date: February 26, 2025
Episode Title: Viral Dances & High Sea Comedy with Rich Aronovitch - CHIT CHAT WEDNESDAY

1. Introduction of Guest

Jared Freid, the host of The JTrain Podcast, welcomed Rich Aronovitch to the show, highlighting Rich’s comedic prowess and the longevity of their friendship spanning a decade. Jared emphasized Rich’s unique ability to make him laugh uncontrollably, describing his stand-up as "fun" and praising his latest comedy special available on Rich’s website.

Jared Freid [00:00]: “Rich is so funny. ... He is just fun is just the way to describe his standup.”

2. Comedy Special Release

The conversation began with a discussion about Rich's new comedy special titled "The Artist," available on richisfunny.com. Jared urged listeners to watch it, particularly recommending the final bit for its "stupid funny" nature.

Jared Freid [03:00]: “I have watched it. It's laugh out loud funny. ... Go to richisfunny.com... the final bit is just stupid. It's stupid funny.”

Rich shared his experience about releasing the special, expressing initial nervousness over the timing and content, especially jokes about sensitive topics like Trump’s election. He ultimately decided to release it on January 23rd, noting the surge in comedy specials on YouTube pushed him to publish his work sooner.

Rich Aronovitch [03:00]: “It's a little nerve wracking... I was like, keep this in. So I was like, let me hold back. ... It aired February 6th live, and people actually watched it, which is kind of, like, cool.”

3. Trump Impressions and Reactions

A significant portion of the discussion focused on Rich’s Trump impressions. Rich explained his approach to impersonating Trump without being disparaging, aiming to keep his performances apolitical and humorous without provoking his audience.

Rich Aronovitch [05:09]: “I try to make him funny without, like, like. ... I think he's, you know, I could do him well.”

He elaborated on how audience reactions vary based on the demographics of his audience, noting that in more conservative areas, certain jokes are toned down, whereas in liberal settings, his Trump impressions are more appreciated and generate strong reactions.

Rich Aronovitch [05:46]: “If I'm in a super red part of the world, I'm not going to say some things. And then I'm a super blue. They get actually more upset by the truck because it's so good.”

4. Stand-up vs. Online Presence (TikTok and Instagram)

Rich delved into the differences between live stand-up performances and his online content creation, particularly on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. He recounted how he began experimenting with TikTok during the pandemic by parodying popular dance challenges, which led to viral success.

Rich Aronovitch [06:56]: “During the pandemic, I got challenged by someone to do the TikTok challenge... I literally put on a bikini and did, like, a dance.”

Jared appreciated Rich’s ability to engage audiences both on stage and online, highlighting the spontaneous and non-malicious nature of his viral dances.

Jared Freid [07:26]: “Rich is funny on all platforms, but I want them to watch the special because it's very funny.”

5. Viral Dances and Audience Reactions

Rich explained the evolution of his dance videos, which started as private performances and gradually became public pranks designed to elicit genuine reactions from unsuspecting individuals. He described how these interactions ranged from confusion to amusement, contributing to the viral nature of his content.

Rich Aronovitch [08:05]: “I started to do that in public... someone was ignoring me or they were getting into it, or they were upset, but either way, there was a reaction.”

He shared a poignant moment when a woman reached out to him, attributing her sister’s improved mood to his videos, reinforcing the positive impact of his comedic endeavors.

Rich Aronovitch [08:40]: “A woman reached out to me... instead of being really scared, we're just laughing at your videos.”

6. Experiences on Cruise Ships

The conversation transitioned to Rich’s experiences performing on cruise ships, a niche yet lucrative segment of the comedy world. Rich detailed the challenges of adapting his material for different audiences and the necessity of maintaining separate clean and dirty acts to cater to varied passenger preferences.

Rich Aronovitch [14:22]: “Some of them have a second show... I had to have something in the pocket... I have to remember, if I like doing it, that's all that matters.”

Jared and Rich discussed the unique environment of cruise ships, emphasizing how they function as isolated microcosms with their own rules and communities. Rich humorously recounted incidents of dealing with difficult passengers and the logistics of performing in such settings.

Rich Aronovitch [24:21]: “They did say, well, listen, I'm changing.”

7. Early Career and Challenges as Smooth Daddy Johnson

Rich reminisced about his early days in comedy, particularly his alter ego "Smooth Daddy Johnson," under which he performed for several years. He shared anecdotes about being booed off stage at an all-black comedy club and his relentless efforts to build an audience, including running shows that inadvertently only promoted himself.

Rich Aronovitch [33:33]: “Smooth Daddy Johnson for four years... they're like, who? I'm like, you don't know. He is like, this is... the guy sucks.”

Despite the setbacks, Rich’s perseverance paid off, allowing him to transition into more authentic and successful comedic roles.

8. Personal Background (New Orleans)

Rich provided insights into his upbringing in New Orleans, describing it as a vibrant and unique city that shaped his comedic style. He highlighted the cultural richness, music, and party atmosphere of New Orleans, which he considers a "flex" in the comedy community.

Rich Aronovitch [30:42]: “So my mother's father moved down there because they wanted to get away from the cold in Canada... it's a flex.”

Jared and Rich discussed the distinctiveness of New Orleans compared to other American cities, appreciating its historical depth and cultural uniqueness.

9. Closing Remarks and Promotion of Comedy Special

As the episode concluded, Jared reiterated the importance of watching Rich’s comedy special, urging listeners to visit his website and follow him on social media platforms for more content.

Jared Freid [36:28]: “Everyone go follow Rich is funny on all platforms. You gotta go again. Watch the special. ... It's on richisfunny.com.”

Rich expressed gratitude for the support and shared his enthusiasm for continuing to create and share his comedic work across various mediums.

Rich Aronovitch [37:40]: “Thank you.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jared Freid [03:00]: “... the final bit is just stupid. It's stupid funny.”
• Rich Aronovitch [05:09]: “... I could do him well.”
• Rich Aronovitch [06:56]: “... I literally put on a bikini and did, like, a dance.”
• Rich Aronovitch [08:05]: “... there was a reaction.”
• Rich Aronovitch [14:22]: “... that's all that matters.”
• Rich Aronovitch [30:42]: “... it's a flex.”
• Jared Freid [36:28]: “... Watch the special.”

This episode of The JTrain Podcast offers an in-depth look into Rich Aronovitch’s multifaceted career in comedy, blending traditional stand-up with modern digital platforms, and navigating the unique landscape of cruise ship entertainment. Rich’s journey from a struggling comedian to a content creator with a viral presence underscores his dedication and adaptability in the ever-evolving world of comedy.