The JTrain Podcast: Wild Austin Adventures with Anthony DeVito - CHIT CHAT WEDNESDAY

Release Date: November 27, 2024
Host: Jared Freid
Guest: Anthony DeVito

Introduction

In this episode of The JTrain Podcast, host Jared Freid welcomes his friend and fellow comedian Anthony DeVito for a lively conversation filled with anecdotes, humor, and insightful discussions. Recorded live from the West Village of Manhattan, this episode dives into Anthony’s recent adventures in Austin, his experiences performing in Louisiana, and broader topics related to the comedy industry and entertainment landscape.

1. The Hangover Chronicles: Anthony's Night Out in Louisiana

The episode kicks off with Jared reaching out to Anthony while he’s battling a hangover from a late night in Louisiana.

• Anthony on Getting Hungover:
  "[03:42] Anthony DeVito: This is going to be like Turning Point."
  Jared shares how Anthony was eager to join the podcast despite being hungover, setting a humorous tone for their discussion.

• Louisiana Drinking Culture:
  Anthony describes his stint performing in Louisiana, highlighting the region's intense party atmosphere.
  "[05:37] Anthony DeVito: And what I think it's probably because of the LSU Alabama game? Or you think that was just kind of the sentiment of the town?"
  They contrast the Midwest’s "drinking to get through" mentality with Louisiana's party-centric culture, emphasizing how integral drinking is to the local lifestyle.

• Cocaine's Influence:
  A candid conversation emerges about the pervasive presence of cocaine in social settings.
  "[08:48] Anthony DeVito: I always forget to rule it to take into account drugs as a factor...everybody else around you."
  Jared adds his perspective on the dangers and changing dynamics brought about by drug use, especially during the pandemic era.

• Striking Comparisons:
  Jared recounts his experience in Baton Rouge, drawing parallels to other cities and the unique energy they possess.
  "[07:52] Jared Freed: Baton Rouge was the most dangerous place I've ever hung out and drank."

2. The State of Comedy: Austin vs Other Comedy Hubs

The discussion shifts to the evolving comedy scene, particularly focusing on Austin’s role as a new hub for comedians.

• Austin's Comedy Scene:
  Anthony and Jared compare performing in Austin to being part of the Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) scene, highlighting its edgier vibe.
  "[06:37] Jared Freed: ...comparing doing comedy in Austin to, like, doing wrestling in the ecw."

• Cultural Influence on Comedy:
  They explore how Austin’s vibrant and sometimes extreme environment encourages comedians to push boundaries.
  "[17:37] Anthony DeVito: ...it's still compared to New York, relatively inexpensive."
  Jared introduces his humorous concept of the "Martini Rating" to measure city expenses related to entertainment.

• Audience Dynamics:
  Anthony discusses the unique audience behavior in Austin, noting the stilted and guarded responses from attendees.
  "[25:04] Anthony DeVito: So it's a very stilted laugh. It's not free, because they're not."

• Personal Anecdotes:
  Jared shares a personal experience from Tulsa, emphasizing the unpredictability and challenges of performing in different locales.
  "[28:22] Jared Freed: ...the guy who won, he looked like..."

3. Lookalike Contests: Fun or Danger?

Shifting gears, Jared and Anthony delve into the rising trend of celebrity lookalike contests across the country.

• Popularity and Impact:
  They discuss various lookalike contests, including those for Timothy Chalamet, Jeremy Allen White, and Jalen Hurts, deliberating on their cultural significance and potential pitfalls.
  "[37:54] Anthony DeVito: ...someone could come to the Jalen Hurts lookalike contest, who's the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, and take out their aggression on a fake Jalen Hurts?"

• Potential Dangers:
  Anthony raises concerns about the emotional and social repercussions for participants, likening some scenarios to exaggerated confrontations.
  "[42:05] Jared Freed: I don't think there can be...lives are ruined by it."

• Humorous Speculations:
  They humorously speculate on how these contests might evolve, with Jared imagining absurd scenarios like a Taylor Swift lookalike contest turning overly obsessive.
  "[43:22] Jared Freed: ...petting it and, like, nice to meet you, Sabrina. It would turn into..."

4. Stephen A. Smith and the Evolving Landscape of Sports Media

The conversation transitions to a critique of Stephen A. Smith and the current state of sports media.

• Dominance of Stephen A. Smith:
  Anthony expresses his frustration with Stephen A. Smith's monopolistic presence in sports media, highlighting issues of income inequality and lack of genuine discourse.
  "[46:12] Anthony DeVito: Yeah, it's tough, man. It's really tough for me to listen or watch Stephen A. Smith."

• Media Dynamics:
  They analyze how Stephen A. Smith’s influence affects the nature of debate shows, making them seem more like corporate entities rather than platforms for honest discussion.
  "[48:25] Jared Freed: ...income inequality that is showing up in entertainment."

• Comparisons to Other Personalities:
  Anthony contrasts Smith with other sports commentators like Aaron Rodgers, who can engage more authentically without the overbearing presence.
  "[49:20] Anthony DeVito: He doesn't care. But that's, that's he..."

• Future of Sports Entertainment:
  Jared and Anthony ponder the future trajectory of sports media, questioning whether the current trends will continue to prioritize star athletes over genuine content creators.
  "[51:28] Anthony DeVito: That's fair. They're."

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Jared and Anthony reflect on their banter-filled conversation, highlighting the blend of humor and critical analysis that defines their dynamic. Jared encourages listeners to engage with Anthony’s new podcast, Talk Town, and to follow him on social media for more content.

• Final Remarks:
  "[53:40] Jared Freed: Anthony, thank you, man. Appreciate it."
  The episode concludes on a light-hearted note, emphasizing their camaraderie and the entertaining nature of their discussions.

Notable Quotes

• On Performing in Louisiana:
  "[05:37] Anthony DeVito: ...New Orleans, it's like another country."

• On the Comedy Scene in Austin:
  "[22:23] Anthony DeVito: ...they're very much on cocaine. You are not."

• On Lookalike Contests:
  "[37:54] Anthony DeVito: ...someone could come to the Jalen Hurts lookalike contest and take out their aggression on a fake Jalen Hurts."

• On Stephen A. Smith:
  "[46:12] Anthony DeVito: ...there are better entertainers that they like."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The JTrain Podcast offers a multifaceted exploration of contemporary issues in comedy and entertainment, all delivered with Jared and Anthony’s signature humor and candidness. From the wild nights in Louisiana to the intricate dynamics of sports media, listeners are treated to a rich and engaging dialogue that balances laughs with thoughtful critique.

For more episodes and updates, follow Jared Freid and Anthony DeVito on their respective social media platforms.