Summary of "You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes – Episode Featuring Morgan Jay"

Release Date: March 5, 2025
Host: Pete Holmes
Guest: Morgan Jay
Podcast Description: Everybody has secret weirdness, Pete Holmes gets comedians to share theirs.

1. Introduction to Morgan Jay and Collaboration

Pete Holmes welcomes Morgan Jay to the show, highlighting their initial connection during a flight to their gigs. Pete expresses his admiration for Morgan's unique approach to crowd work using auto-tune, which differentiates him from traditional comedians.

Notable Quote:
Morgan Jay [00:08]: "I vibed with him right away."

2. Evolution of Pete Holmes’ Comedy Style

Pete discusses his transition from standard stand-up comedy to incorporating music and auto-tune into his performances. He explains how the pandemic necessitated adapting his act for virtual audiences, leading to the experimentation that defined his current comedic style.

Notable Quote:
Pete Holmes [63:04]: "It came out of an experiment. Honestly, it was... the pandemic hit, and I had to adjust the show for this medium."

3. Interning with Conan and Transition to Fallon

Holmes shares his experiences interning with Conan O'Brien before the latter's move to "The Tonight Show" with Jimmy Fallon. He reflects on the challenges faced during this period, including adapting to a new late-night landscape and the rigorous demands of the internship.

Notable Quote:
Pete Holmes [08:46]: "I was interning at Conan and Internet Conan. So, this was right when he did a set on... the crossover from Conan to Fallon."

4. Impact of Social Media and Global Reach

Morgan Jay and Pete explore the significant role social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram play in shaping modern comedy. Pete recounts how a single viral clip dramatically expanded his audience, reaching unexpected regions such as Africa, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining an engaging online presence.

Notable Quote:
Pete Holmes [57:00]: "It reached Nairobi, Johannesburg... it's incredible what TikTok and Instagram have done."

5. Performing in Large Venues vs. Intimate Settings

The conversation delves into Pete’s experiences performing in large theaters compared to smaller, more intimate venues. He discusses the logistical challenges of engaging with a vast audience and the adjustments required to keep performances lively and interactive, such as using a roaming camera system.

Notable Quote:
Pete Holmes [74:24]: "Now I have a roaming camera that's wireless that allows me to go to the... back row, so everybody can see where I am."

6. Personal Life Choices: No Children and Relationships

Pete and Morgan discuss the personal decision to forgo having children, touching upon the cultural expectations and personal motivations behind such choices. Pete shares insights into how his upbringing, particularly the loss of his father to colon cancer, influenced his perspective on parenthood.

Notable Quote:
Pete Holmes [99:38]: "I just feel like I'm a little bit selfish. And the lifestyle I lead..."

7. Prepping for Shows: Health and Wellness

Holmes outlines his pre-show routine, emphasizing the importance of vocal health, hydration, and mental preparation. He shares his strategies for maintaining his voice, such as using a nebulizer and performing vocal exercises, to ensure his performances remain strong despite rigorous touring schedules.

Notable Quote:
Pete Holmes [50:23]: "We're gonna do yoga. We're gonna try to meditate a little bit. We're gonna do vocal exercises."

8. Audience Interaction and Improvisation

The dynamic of interacting directly with the audience through singing and crowd participation is explored. Pete explains how these interactions not only enhance the live experience but also contribute to the show's unique atmosphere, making each performance distinct and engaging.

Notable Quote:
Pete Holmes [25:45]: "I have songs that have like built-in structure where audience members get to feel like they are the star of the show."

9. Coping with Success and Imposter Syndrome

As Pete’s popularity grows, he discusses the accompanying pressures and feelings of imposter syndrome. He reflects on balancing authenticity with audience expectations, striving to keep his performances enjoyable while managing the demands of a larger following.

Notable Quote:
Pete Holmes [65:17]: "The blowup thing has been kind of crazy because... having everything you say or do be scrutinized with like a fine comb."

10. Memorable Moments and Personal Anecdotes

Pete shares heartfelt and humorous stories from his career, including his first significant performance at Caroline's on Broadway where he experienced a major flop. He highlights the support from his mother and the lessons learned from early setbacks, underscoring the resilience required in the comedy world.

Notable Quote:
Pete Holmes [107:09]: "I bombed very. It was a seven-minute set... we didn't really say anything in the car last night because you were awful."

11. The Future of Comedy and Show Evolution

Looking ahead, Pete discusses plans to evolve his show further by incorporating a live band, aiming to create a "James Brown music comedy type of experience." He emphasizes the importance of continual growth and adaptation to keep his performances fresh and entertaining.

Notable Quote:
Pete Holmes [84:37]: "The band is just like the next evolution, and it's going to be like a James Brown music comedy type of experience."

12. Closing Reflections

Pete and Morgan conclude the episode by reflecting on the joys and challenges of performing, the significance of maintaining genuine connections with the audience, and the ongoing journey of personal and professional growth in the comedy industry.

Notable Quote:
Pete Holmes [117:56]: "My goal, I want... always exciting."

Conclusion

This episode of "You Made It Weird" offers an in-depth look into Pete Holmes' comedic journey, the innovative blending of music and humor, and the personal philosophies that drive his performances. Through engaging dialogue and candid storytelling, both Holmes and Morgan Jay provide listeners with valuable insights into the evolving landscape of stand-up comedy and the personal dynamics behind a successful comedic career.