You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes – Earthquake (December 3, 2025)

Episode Overview

In this vibrant and honest conversation, Pete Holmes hosts legendary comedian Earthquake to discuss comedy, the journey behind the jokes, and the human stories that underpin them. The duo explores Earthquake's unique comedic process, career milestones, the influence of confidence and mentorship, the transformative power of love, and broader reflections on life, faith, politics, and personal peace. The conversation is laced with Earthquake’s signature blend of directness and warmth, candid storytelling, and the “special sauce” that makes him a master of the craft.

1. Earthquake’s Journey to Comedy

Origin Story & Stage Name (10:34 – 15:07)

• Earthquake recounts how his foray into comedy was unplanned—motivated by a dare from a date rather than a lifelong dream. His stage name "Earthquake" was chosen to maintain anonymity in case comedy didn't work out.

  • Quote: “That’s the only reason I changed my name to Earthquake. In case this don’t work out, I don’t want to fuck up my good name.” – Earthquake (14:11)

• He started in the military, performing at bases through "Tops and Blue," where he realized he wasn’t initially a natural, but evolved his style over time.

Finding His Voice (17:26 – 31:02)

• Earthquake attributes the development of his confident, authentic stage persona to a pivotal encounter with Steve Harvey, who encouraged him to lean into his natural style rather than conventional joke-writing.
  • Quote: “You don’t have to write your joke. Yours come out naturally. That’s what makes you great. The authenticity.” – Steve Harvey, as recounted by Earthquake (30:40)
• Before embracing this freedom, Earthquake tried mimicking others' processes, but “the special sauce” turned out to be just being himself.

On Persistence and Purpose (18:03 – 20:17)

• Earthquake admits that comedy as a life purpose dawned on him only about 10-15 years ago, saying, “Ain’t nothing else come. So I guess this is it on God. Life, you understand?” (18:45)
• He relished the economic freedom comedy gave him and didn’t view stardom as the ultimate goal, showing a pragmatic attitude toward the work.

2. Work Ethic, Performing Sick, and the Realities of Stand-up

The “Flu Game” Special (04:21 – 06:38)

• Earthquake describes filming his latest Netflix special while ill, likening it to Michael Jordan’s famous NBA “flu game.”
  • Quote: “I call that my flu game... I had a 110-degree temperature and sinus infection...but when it’s game time, you have to perform.” – Earthquake (04:21)
• Both comics reflect on the grind of live performance: You show up no matter how you feel, echoing the world of pro fighters and athletes.

Improvisation and Artistic Integrity (09:06 – 09:28)

• Pete and Earthquake discuss the shift back toward more improvisation, allowing the show to reflect the truth and mood of the artist in the moment.

3. Comedy as Connection: Artistry and Currency

Valuing Laughter (09:46 – 10:24)

• Earthquake draws comparisons between buying luxury goods and “purchasing” a genuine laugh at a show, questioning how much a person truly values laughter.

Building Trust with the Audience (10:28 – 10:52)

• Both recall the early anxiety of having to “introduce” themselves and prove their identity to crowds, contrasted with the freedom that comes once the crowd knows you.

4. The Business of Comedy: Stories from the Club

Steve Harvey: Lessons in Promotion (22:11 – 27:17)

• Earthquake shares how Steve Harvey transformed his struggling club by leveraging local radio, providing donuts to deejays, and understanding performers’ value.
  • Quote: “Steve Harvey don’t do shows for 50 people—give them their money back.” – Earthquake (26:00)
• The discussion highlights the business acumen required to survive in comedy, from selling out shows to hustling fried chicken from grocery stores for the club menu.

Club Struggles and Community (27:50 – 28:48)

• Stories of running a club on a shoestring and finding support underscore the grassroots nature of stand-up’s business side.

5. The Craft: From Truth to Exaggeration

Earthquake’s Style and “These Ain’t Jokes” (29:17 – 44:13)

• Earthquake explains his comedic style: starting with truth, then expanding into exaggeration while keeping it feeling real.
  • Quote: “It’s the truth, and then you just elaborate it to a lie...It’s based on truth.” – Earthquake (43:56)
• Pete praises Earthquake’s ability to strip away artifice, citing the impact of just “saying it” and then building the routine through riffing and escalation.
  • Quote: "That's the process: say it, top of the hill, now we're riding down the hill." – Earthquake (43:49)

Authenticity vs. Annoyance (40:01 – 41:32)

• Earthquake discusses his value of getting to the point—“I never wanted to be that guy that talked too much...you never want to be the dude that dries a woman up.” (40:01)

6. On Confidence, Sensitivity, and Resilience

Constructing Confidence, Protecting Sensitivity (53:01 – 61:05)

• Earthquake and Pete bond over the necessity of external validation—especially from loved ones—and the vulnerability that lies beneath a confident performer’s exterior.
  • Quote: “Ain’t nothing like the reefer of your love of your woman. That makes you undefeated, bro.” – Earthquake (53:05)
• Both admit to being sensitive to rejection and hostile comments, using humor and bravado as protection.

Mentorship & Community (33:02 – 35:10)

• Earthquake’s relationship with Steve Harvey comes full circle—moving from receiving kindness as a stranger to gaining personalized mentorship.

7. Life, Marriage, and the Power of Love

Finding Love and Partnership (49:01 – 52:08)

• Earthquake shares that he recently married, describing the relationship as life-changing and fortifying.
  • Quote: "That reassurance from a woman who truly loves you...makes you undefeated." – Earthquake (50:10)
• Both comedians reflect on the irreplaceable nature of life partners who support and accept every facet of one’s “weirdness.”

8. Reflections on Faith, Legacy, and Peace

Spirits, God, and Religion (65:19 – 70:59)

• Earthquake comments on his Christian faith, but is critical of those who weaponize religion to harm others, drawing a line between true spirituality and its abuse.
  • Quote: “God ain’t do nothing to me, it was the people, the false prophet who represented it.” – Earthquake (69:52)

Peace of Mind and Quality of Life (82:50 – 85:28)

• Earthquake’s closing life advice prioritizes peace and self-protection:
  • Quote: “Anybody that’s not enhancing your peace, you need to bless them with your disappearance.” – Earthquake (83:27)
• He emphasizes the irreplaceable value of “quality of life” over all else.

9. Political Views and Social Commentary

Politics, Identity, and Party Lines (71:12 – 76:43)

• Earthquake traces his evolution from being a Black Republican (drawn to Reagan-era economic policies) to leaving the party as it became inhospitable to anti-racist values.
  • Quote: “I don’t think the Republican Party is racist, but they don’t have no problem with racist.” – Earthquake (76:20)

Commentary on American Culture (77:59 – 82:08)

• Earthquake wryly observes the cultural void if Black Americans were “sent back,” joking that American vibe would be “boring.”
• He riffs on the ever-complaining, joyless spirit of some American political movements.
  • Quote: “Make America Angry Every Day! That’s what it is.” – Earthquake (81:48)

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• “I call that my flu game...but when it’s game time, you have to perform.” (04:21)
• “You don’t have to write your joke. Yours come out naturally.” (Steve Harvey via Earthquake, 30:40)
• “These ain’t jokes. It’s based on truth, then I just expanded it.” (43:56)
• “Anybody that’s not enhancing your peace, you need to bless them with your disappearance.” (83:27)
• “Ain’t nothing like the reefer of your love of your woman. That makes you undefeated, bro.” (53:05)
• “I don’t think the Republican Party is racist, but they don’t have no problem with racist.” (76:20)
• “Make America Angry Every Day! That’s what it is.” (81:48)

Key Timestamps

• 04:21 – Earthquake’s “flu game” standup special
• 10:34 – Early days and adopting the name “Earthquake”
• 14:22 – Military days and transition to comedy
• 22:11 – Steve Harvey’s business lessons, radio hustle
• 29:17 – On the “special sauce” and authenticity in comedy
• 49:01 – Earthquake discusses the impact of his new marriage
• 65:19 – Reflections on faith, God, and religion
• 71:12 – Personal politics, party shifts, and social commentary
• 82:50 – Final life advice: “Bless them with your disappearance”

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode brims with unfiltered candor, camaraderie, and plenty of comic insight. Earthquake and Pete’s banter is affectionate, sharp, and deeply rooted in personal stories—ranging from the mechanics of comedy to weightier themes of race, faith, vulnerability, and the quest for contentment. Earthquake’s storytelling is matter-of-fact yet profound, filled with playful bravado and the underlying wisdom that comes from a life well-lived, both on and off stage.

Conclusion

This episode spotlights Earthquake as both a force of comedy and a sage observer of life. His takeaways extend beyond wit: embrace your authenticity, protect your peace, and invest in real connections—both on stage and off. The “special sauce” isn’t just in the punchline, but in how one lives.