Atsuko Okatsuka: Joking in Japanese

[music]. When you watch like a true crime or when. you read an actual like how a serial. killer killed, there's a lot of. clumsiness to it because it's a human. person. There's nuance. >> It's also I don't think they need to. make it as many episodes as they do. >> They do do that. >> It's always like a fourpart. It doesn't. need to be four parts. Could be one. >> Do that. >> It should be one. >> I know. And it's like [gasps]. also, you know, as like the the the. families of the victims, you know, being. like six episodes with boom boom boom.

boom boom boom boom boom boom. My son. died, My son died. Now everyone's. singing the theme song. [laughter]. Is this a game to you? Jesus Christ. Oh, a podcast. Three seasons. What about my son died? Do you not. [laughter]. understand? Right. Jesus Christ. This is. why I'm not a mother. I will just I. would stop every podcast. >> Oh, wow. >> You know, this is humanity you're talk.

playing with. You know, and then they. make the the narrative version of it. Who's going to play Brian the killer? Oh, wow. This is What Now [music] with Trevor. Noah. Were. you doing shows? >> [music]. >> Uh yeah, I was doing shows and then you.

know so with the connecting and then you. know TSA agents being tired already and. then today's the day ICE agents are. coming in to work as TSA agents. >> you know I. >> so. I don't know actually I wonder what this. is like for you what your perspective on. this. >> I'm hurry he's having a good thought. [laughter]. it was a trap I was sent in to trap you. into having this I I we we all wanted to. hear your thoughts on TSA I I I got sent.

in. >> You sent in to trap me. >> Yes, that's right. Yeah. [laughter]. >> They said, "Get the good stuff out of. Trevor." I said, "Don't worry, I got it. I'll just act tired." Oh, I have three. drinks. Haha. Nice shirt. Nice shirt. Okay, now that we're here, Trevor, them. agents coming in. Uh I was thinking if this if this was. happening in South Africa, we don't we. don't have I think South Africans have a. really healthy relationship with their. obligations on their government in that. if you told South Africans that the.

government was shut down and so. government workers couldn't get paid, government workers in South Africa would. very politely tell you that then they. will not be working. It's as simple as. that. >> Mhm. >> Do you know what I mean? Yeah. >> Like I my brain doesn't comprehend how. TSA agents. >> continue to show up. >> Go to the airport. >> Yeah. >> When they're not being paid just because. some people in Washington are. squabbbling. Do do you know what I mean? >> Yeah, for sure. It's not very American. actually though. Like I don't think. typically they would. I don't know how.

the payment works. I wonder if they. still get back pay. Is that why? >> No. But last time they were saying I. think you're supposed to get back pay, but then last time there was an issue. and then they said they won't get back. pay. I I don't know. I don't know how it. turned out. >> Okay. Cuz yeah, >> you're supposed to get back pay, I. believe. >> And that's why we keep a person showing. up. Not because they care about not out. of the goodness of their hearts. volunteer for five weeks. >> But as South Africans, we just wouldn't. show up. >> We'll be like, "Don't worry about the. back pay. We'll I'll come back when you.

pay me." [laughter] It's as simple as. that. >> Yes. I would think that's an American. way of doing things, too. No, >> no. I think there's I think there's. there's something really um there's a. there's a thing that that American. people in certain like services have. that's that's that's it's admirable. actually. That's why I was wondering. what your opinion on it is like from a. Japanese perspective cuz I was going. there's a there's a part of like the TSA. where they go like we have an obligation. to keep people safe and we're doing this.

and when you go through TSA you see how. serious they are and like every time. they scan my luggage. >> and I see them going through the bag. I'm like you're already looking through. my bag. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Now I'm not saying they shouldn't but. I'm saying if I worked for TSA. >> at some point I'd be like I'm just going. to take a guess. I'm going to look at. people and be like, "You don't look like. you got. >> by vibes alone." See, that's where it. could go wrong, right? >> Yeah, but that's the chance I'm going to. take. >> I'm like, "Oh, [clears throat] man. My. vibes are messed and My vibes. are fucked." [laughter].

Coming back from Indonesia, have we. started? Did we get that in. introspective insightful thought? [laughter] You missed that whole thing. about South Africans. >> Oh. Oh, okay. Oh my god. But I just. wanted to make sure. >> cuz when you cuz you have a twinkle in. your eye when you're about to have an. introspective thought [laughter]. >> when we met recently for the first time. at Quest Love's game night. >> that happened and I was like and I'm. been such a fan. >> Wait, are you being serious right now? >> Yes. Yeah. >> Oh, I thought you were joking.

>> I'm so serious. I've been a fan for so. long and I know that twinkle that. twinkle in your eye when you're about to. and we're at a party. We're talking. there's people drinking. People are. having games. >> It was a fun party. It was a nice games. night. >> and I asked you about something and then. you just the twinkle came and then you I. was like oh my god is this recording. right now there's no cameras and he's. about to have an introspective. insightful thought about actually. performing abroad you know when there's. like. >> restrictions we're talking about Saudi. Arabia about the Saudi comedy festival.

that's I remember the doorway. >> we we were we were literally stationed. it was myself you and Ezra and we were. it was just by a doorway it was a. perfect moment of I really had fun. talking to you. I I had loved your. comedy cuz I had seen clips of it, but. like I don't necessarily say I could. like become a fan of anyone just because. of their comedy. Like cuz like them the. person, >> but I became a fan of you just from our. conversation. >> By a doorway is how I thought I would. meet you.

>> I do. I do have doorway vibes. >> by a doorway. not like I'm like again I. was saying earlier I don't know if it. was recording or not when you went. insightful but. >> [snorts]. >> um. you weren't like partying you weren't. like in the middle of a game you were. like Trevor Noah by the door come you. come talk to me. >> because I might have something wise to. say this kind of how I felt I was like. in the Lord of the Rings.

>> no this is like a this is like a. perception thing that people have. sometimes. >> Did you play games that night at all? >> Yeah, I did. There's photos, by the way. That's the There's evidence, which is. good. >> Okay. I got stuck in a long game of. Scrabble. That's why. >> I was in I was in this game of scrabble. >> Yeah. Well, big words. Words. I don't do. good with words. >> You know what? The words are not the. problem for me. It's the letters that. you can combine that aren't words that. are worth something. >> Yes. That. >> I don't understand that. That's to me is. like it's not words. >> I'm actually not a big game person. I. like conversating more. So, by a door is.

what I like. Oh, kitchen. Like, you. know, chatting about something. Um, getting to know a person, their thoughts. on something. I like that a little more. than like calling out Uno, I guess. >> You know, or describing [laughter]. who I'm looking at in a game of guess. who, tell me about your mom. How's your. mom doing? You know, I like that. [laughter] more. So, yes, >> you should make like your own games. night where all the games are just about. getting to know people. >> Yes. >> Just like do your own thing. >> I would love that.

game nights. >> I'll put down a bunch of like gadgets. and and dice and cards and I'll say. psych. >> and I'll swipe it off the the table. >> Yeah. Just like roll the dice. Who are. you? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Who are roll a six. What are six. terrible things that happened to you in. your life? >> 100%. >> You know what I mean? >> The twinkle in your eye. Yeah. And so. that that's just what I was talking. about when we just talked about the, you. know, TSA agents. South Africans would. not work for free. >> They shouldn't. Do you think Japanese. people would. >> That's the thing. It's hard to imagine.

because it's hard to imagine the. government would allow for something. like that to happen. >> I wouldn't even Yeah. >> You know, where where. >> I'm thinking downstream and you're like, "Yeah, but step one can't happen.". >> It would be hard to imagine. Yeah. The. people might fail, but the government. usually I feel like someone in the It's. very dark, but the government would like. off themselves before they let that. happen. I think. >> I thought that was like a a myth. Not. the the offing themselves, but like.

>> and it could be just firing themselves. Not necessarily suicide, but yes, that. too. >> When when I went to Japan for the first. time, I had all these ideas of Japan. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> I grew up loving the idea of Japan. It. was, you know, manga or anime and then. like, you know, movies, documentaries, food, etc. But when I got to Japan, so I. I went to um Is it Disneyland or Disney. World? I never know which one it is. >> There's a Disneyland [clears throat] and. a Disney Sea. >> Okay. So I went to Disneyland, right?

>> Yeah. Picturing you there. Yeah. >> And in America, >> you know, you buy like the little flash. pass where you like skip the line, you. do the whole thing. So when we get there. in Japan, >> we thought there would be some method. for us to like skip the lines cuz the. lines were quite long. Mhm. >> And then they were like, "No, there is. no way for you to skip the line.". >> Mhm. >> Yeah. >> And then I remember asking one of the. people, I said, "Oh, and I was using I. was using a phone to translate for me. cuz the people there spoke Japanese and. that was it.". >> Right. >> And so I was using the phone to.

translate to have this conversation. And. then I said, "What if the CEO of Disney. comes?". >> Well, you know the CEO of Disney, of. course. >> No, I don't. But I was [laughter] I was. just saying, "What if the CEO comes?". >> Yeah. >> What happens then? And then they said he. waits in line just like everybody else. And genuinely at that Disney. >> they were saying often times like the. the CEO or the the the the presence of. that park or like the whatever the the. top executive was. >> Yeah. >> would regularly come to the park and.

they would wait in the line with. everybody else and they would ride all. of the rides and I was like damn Japan. is on another level. >> Yeah. I can only think of one person who. didn't like who skipped the lines was. down with actually I think shutting down. the park and it was actually I think the. Japanese princess. >> Oh. >> Um but she had studied abroad like. western country I think like Sweden or. something. So of course she came back. different. [laughter].

She was like I'll shut I I'll shut down. the whole park. I don't I'm not like. everyone else anymore. So and she also. left uh the royal family. She like. married a commoner. >> So she's a real rebel. >> So she's different. But yeah, for the. rest of like Japanese CEOs and stuff, that is something. >> So them. So I don't know. I feel like. the workers would probably still suffer. through and show up. If for some reason. the government was like, "We're. >> we're not paying you. We can't figure. out ourselves." Uh if in the rare case.

that happens, I I bet Japanese people. would still show up and work. >> like the American TSA. >> folks have been. >> Yeah. Because they tell them they're. essential and so they can't not show up. to work. But then I go, if I'm so. essential that I can't not show up to. work, shouldn't it just be that I'm so. essential that I just have to get paid? >> Yes, 100%. Thank you. >> It seems logical, >> Trevor. For TSA. head. >> No, no, no. I just TSA passenger. I I.

have I feel like I have an intimate. relationship with TSA workers because of. how much time I spend with them because. of how much I'm sure you're the same. >> Yeah. Yeah. Right. I mean, I shout I. shout at myself when it comes to like. the trays. Sometimes I get there. >> Mhm. >> And then I'll I'll literally shout out. the thing that they were going to shout. out to just make them feel like. somebody's on the same page, you know? >> So, you're like, "Laptops out." You're. like, >> "Yeah." Or or if they've got the new. machines, like I think they're like the. anal logic machines. very weird name, but that's the. >> Analog logic. Yeah, that's what it's.

called. >> Next time you go through the airport, look at them. There's a big round like a. It's a white tube and it says analog. logic on the side. >> Okay. I didn't see that part, but I did. Um I I know what you're talking about. >> Yeah. And so when it's those ones, >> don't take anything out of the bag, >> right? >> Just leave everything in the bag. >> You do the announcements for them. >> I say that. >> You go, "Sweetie, I got this.". >> Yeah. I say that and then I can see them. going, "Oh, thank you." Somebody who. knows what's happening, >> right? Yeah. Yeah. Take a little just a. little bit of the load off. >> Are they like, "Hey." You're like, "Hey,

Matt.". >> Yeah. No, I do I do know I do know a. bunch of like I'll I'll I'll see when. somebody has switched. Sometimes they're. on touchless ID. Sometimes they've moved. them to the actual machine. Sometimes. they switch over to like searching the. bags sometimes. Yeah. Yeah. And I'll. I'll be like, "Oh, you're doing this. today." And they're like, "Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. You were here." And then, you. know, >> sweetie, you you need a rest. you know them by name [laughter] and. when they're doing touchless or not. Someone someone please just [laughter].

pay Trevor enough finally so that he. could he could just stay home for a. couple of weeks. >> Wow. >> Can you stay home? [gasps]. >> I I cannot. I have a mom and grandma. that, you know, I'm trying to finally. help, you know, pay for and keep afloat. >> Yeah. >> Yes. Tell tell me tell me the story like. I because I I I know like just little. slices of it but like. >> where where does your journey begin? >> We're also so far. >> What do you mean.

>> like from each other physically? We're. not far away. >> When we hang out when we hang out, you. know, >> well, normally there's a doorway between. us, so it helps. >> There's a doorway. Yeah, but this is. Yeah. Anyway, I just wanted to. acknowledge the physical distance, but. >> but the emotional distance is is. nothing. >> Oh my god. And we're basically the same. >> You're the TSA agent to my Trevor. >> Well, thank you. >> English isn't my first language, [laughter] but you're the TSA agent. Like, you know what I mean? We're close.

like that. >> I appreciate that. >> What's up, Trevor? >> I appreciate that. >> Yeah. >> Laptops out of bags. >> Oh, you do that. Well, >> thank you. >> You see, I like that. Um, where does. your journey begin? like take take me. through your life cuz I I I. love meeting people. especially comedians to be honest and. then like going back through their. journey to figure out like how their. comedy became their comedy. >> Yeah. >> Cuz I I feel like no comedian chooses. their style of comedy. Their life is the.

style that then presents in their. comedy. >> Yes. We're forced into this. >> We are in many ways. >> and our personalities. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. No, for real. Nobody in my family. is uh comedic or likes to joke. They. barely even laugh, talk. Let's be. honest. They barely even talk at like a. dinner table or something. Do you have a. lively family? >> Yeah. >> Right. >> Yeah, definitely. >> My family will sit and eat in silence. like who died, you know? It's like that.

That's the energy. Very tragic. Yeah. >> Wait, so where were you where were you. born in Japan? >> So I was actually born in Taiwan. And. I'm half Taiwanese. >> I did not know this. You see? >> Ah. Yes. Yeah. I know. >> Okay. >> That's why it's good. >> we're at this table. >> Okay. Wait. So half born in Taiwan, half. Taiwanese. >> Yeah. Yeah. So my grandma's side, my. mom's side is uh Taiwanese. And so I was. born there because uh so my dad's.

Japanese and you know, my mom and dad uh. had met at a speed dating event in. Japan. Once they, you know, they courted each. other and then they got married very. fast. Um, >> oh, I'm from speed dating. You have to, I mean, you want to keep the speed. >> It's in the name. Yeah. >> Why would you Why would you slow things. down after that? >> No. Oh, wait. Hold on. That was too. fast. [laughter]. >> Let's go back to our respective. countries and take it slow. No, she was. like, I'm going to move here, you know. And so once she got pregnant with me,

you know, my uh she went back to Taiwan. to give birth because uh her brother, my. uncle uh was studying to be an OBGYn and. so he said, "I'll I'll I'll do it for. you. >> I will practice on. >> Yeah, that's what I'm saying. Because. studying, >> he was studying. >> Yeah, sweetie. That doesn't mean you are. it. Studying is worse. studying is but. it was cheaper I think because of it. [laughter] I was like was it because of.

a discount? My family loves a discount. I was like you let him practice on me. >> Wait, so your your uncle was the OBGYn? >> He was studying to be one. Very Yeah, but he was still the person. >> He was he was the one that like caught. me or pulled me out or however. I hope. it's I hope it's like guided you. Caught. you is like. >> Yeah. Like. >> Yeah. Guided me out. He's the one that. guided me out. >> All right. Yeah. >> Just like very like.

>> Yeah. Yeah. Just like ah this way. Okay. >> It's a girl. I don't know what it is. I'm still shy around him. >> The day one. My family is always been very just DIY. Whatever it takes to, you know, do. things cheap. >> Both sides of the family or Yeah, actually both sides of the family are. kind of like that. And so, um, so that's. that that's day one. That's how I came. out is, you know, with my uncle. >> helping out.

>> Oh, from day one. >> Day one. >> And so, how long did you did you live in. in Taiwan for then? So, you're born. there. >> Just very brief just for my mom to like. recover from it and then we uh. reconnected with my dad, reunited back. in Japan and that's. >> where in Japan. So I was in Chiba where. Tokyo Disneyland is at Tokyo Disney Sea, >> right? >> Um and yeah, just live like a normal. chill life. You know, my parents got. divorced when I was not even one yet. My.

mom has, you know, schizophrenia and a. lot of other mental issues. >> Oh wow. >> Um and so uh. >> so she was very My dad already had uh. two kids from his uh first marriage, right? And so my mom suddenly had to be, you know, in a foreign country. Um, with. the schizophrenia kind of bubbling up, especially after giving birth to me, she. had to be a stepmom. You know, my dad. was her first boyfriend, you know.

>> How old was she at the time? >> She was in her 30s, so like a little. later to be getting, you know, uh, to. start hearing voices and things like. that. >> Yeah. Usually it's I guess in your 20s. is when something like paranoid. schizophrenia hits. >> How how does it how does it present like. you know because you you'll hear people. throw the term around loosely but. >> Mhm. >> And I I I know you can't speak broadly. but how how did it present for your mom? Like what was her schizophrenia like?

>> From what I am told because you know I'm. I'm now uh talking with those siblings. again. They had a very traumatic time. with her. My mom was very abusive to. them. you know, she was the stepmom, >> you know. >> Oh, I'm sorry. And so um. so it presents itself you know how do I. so there's right there's like movies. about I talk about representation in TV. and movies and I joke that you know. there's like sure there's fresh off the. boat an Asian family on TV or Crazy Rich.

Asians the movie but you know when. people ask like was was your family kind. of like that and I'm like no it's more. Like, have you seen The Ring? You know, like the, you know, the that comes. out of the TV. Ah, that's my mom. So, it's more like that. >> Oh, man. My family is like, >> we're the worst. We're truly the worst. [laughter]. >> We are the worst. But they made us this. way.

>> Uh, so it's more like that. Like, you. know, or like Baba Duke or something. This how I mean, even my siblings. describing it. You know, my mom, I. guess, used to when they would go to bed. at night, she would, you know, take a. kitchen knife and there's like metal. bars for the framing of the bed. I guess. she would just run the knife along. >> You are me. >> Yeah. And then they would al she would. also do it on their face. They told me. just this last trip back to Japan. They. told me they're like, "Oh, we didn't. tell you this story about your mom." So, you know, when I joke I I joke that it's.

like the girl from the ring, Samira, that crawls out of the tree. But I mean. it's kind of or Baba Duke lurking in the. darkness watching you sleep. That was my. mom. And so I guess that's when they. were like okay, you know, she's it's not. a I don't think it's a Taiwanese thing. You know, they started realizing there. was a lot. >> there's something happening. Yeah. Tormenting in her head, >> voices in her head telling her, you. know, to do things. Um Yeah. So, so.

then, but then I've I've always known. her like that. So, you know, I I just. didn't I guess that's that was the. beginnings. Yeah. >> Wait, wait. So, help me understand. So, so your your mom and dad get divorced. when you're still one years old and then. you grow up with your mom. >> Good question. Thank you. [panting]. I had that question, too. Why [laughter]. did I go to my mom? Why Why live with. her? you know, because my dad, he was an.

engineer and he already had custody of. two kids from a former marriage, you. know, for the most part, he was very. like stable. So why would after a. divorce would I would my mom get custody. of me, right? >> Um my dad actually uh thanks to Ira. Glass of this American life and I joke. you never want to call from Ira Glass. because that means your life was bad. You know, you never want to be an. inspiration, which Trevor, you are, but. that means happened. Someone. [laughter] up, right? It's not.

good. >> It is true, right? >> No, it is true. You're so inspiring is. shorthand for. >> Yeah. >> Wow. >> Damn. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. It's all It's all those phrases. You're You're very brave. That means. something about sort of like how you. look. >> So brave. Then that's your looks. And. then you're [laughter] inspir you're an. inspiration means life was terrible. I've never been told I've been I'm. brave, but I've definitely been told I'm. an inspiration. >> He's a model. >> I've I've been told No, I just just got. not brave. Not brave enough.

>> Right. Right. But an inspiration, of. course. >> An inspiration. Of course. Of course. Yeah. >> Yeah. You know who's not an inspiration? Martin Smith. You know who that is? >> No. >> Exactly. We've never heard of him. because he's just living a regular life. Parents still together. Baby trust fund. Happy. I'm I'm I'm. often torn about whether or not I would. want that for myself. >> where just uh you know just chill. >> Well, yeah. Like like so.

>> no walls keeping your parents apart. >> Yeah. Like like I just think of um. I think there's a world where somebody. grows up. and everything is the way it is meant to. be for the most part. >> Mhm. Their life doesn't involve anything. particularly crazy. Like, let's put it. this way. Like, no one would read their. book is the is the way I would put it. >> No. Yeah, that's what I said. You We. don't know Martin. >> Never heard of him. >> But I go,

>> those people are I think honestly I. think they're sort of like better for. society for the most part because I. think they don't they don't exist in in. extreme land. >> Mhm. But they're also not the people who. write the greatest symphonies and. they're not the people who make the. greatest movies and they're not the. people who like invent things and. they're but. >> and sometimes they do they do actually. sometimes they're the ones that get to. tell stories too. >> I don't know. >> No, >> I don't know. I think.

>> oh look I think everyone can do. something but there is a common thread. that you'll find with genius in. particular right which I don't even like. I I think I'm too sane to be genius. thankfully. >> Mhm. >> But like when when you get to levels of. genius there is almost no genius person. I know who has not had some fraught. existence that nobody else would want to. have. >> Of course. Yeah. Totally. Yeah. >> And then I'm torn. I'm like, is it is it. worth giving that person that existence. to get what the world gets afterwards?

>> I know. >> Or do we wish everyone a good life and. then [snorts] nothing. >> ever exceptional? Yeah. >> Yeah. Totally. >> I I don't I don't know. >> I was joking because I was trying not to. laugh because you were in the kindest of. words calling people basic. You were. like, you know, the basic people have to. exist. I mean they they you know they. keep the water fountains on and you know. they keep the movie projections going. >> into so much trouble. I was not. [laughter]. >> I mean I was like wow get this man on.

Drag Race. He's just this is a read. >> No I was I was say I'm not saying. >> and I was joking that you know sometimes. basic people do get to make movies and. TV and that's why some of them kind of. >> they don't want to take risks sometimes. with storytelling. So it's like oh why. this movie again? And it's like oh. another basic person maybe you know who. did have like a pretty cushion cushiony. life. >> gets sometimes they do get a platform. you know um you know whatever maybe.

sometimes they become president they had. a cushiony life or something. >> um you know even if uh but I think Trump. is like the opposite funny enough I. think Trump had a financially cushioned. life but from everything I've read about. his life. >> that's true. >> he did not have Like I don't think he. had a good relationship with his father. in in in in the way that they were. together, you know? So people be like, "Oh, but his dad was rich and he bailed. him out." It's like, "Yeah, yeah, that's. the financial side of things." Trump to.

me doesn't seem like somebody who was. hugged regularly. >> Sure. Yeah. >> You know what I mean? >> But sweetie, to that I say, "Bitch, join. the club." Okay. Yeah. Guess who else. wasn't hugged? Me. I'm just out here. looking cute being a sweetie to people. So, Crimea River, >> I'm I'm not saying I'm not saying it's. to feel bad for him. >> Not to you, too. >> No, no, no. But I'm not saying it's to. feel bad for him. It's just um it's the. you know what it is. It's the other side. of the coin, right?

>> If you if you um I think of it like an. experiment. [snorts]. >> If you uh inflict a certain amount of. anything on this object that is a human, >> it can turn out sort of one of two ways. So you you like zap it with this call it. terribleness in some shape or form, emotional, financial, whatever it may. be. You zap it, >> it could become like beautiful genius or. it could become terrible genius in a. way. >> Mhm. No, for sure. >> And and so I'm like, is it worth is it.

is it worth zapping at all if symphonies. might on the other side be like world. wars? >> For sure. Yeah. Right. Or it's like or. do they do we just it's like keep it. basic. >> Yeah. Like just everyone is You said. Martin Smith. >> Uh yes, you remembered his name. >> Yeah, we just Martin Smith everyone. >> We just Yes, exactly. madeup name. obviously. It was like a Jane Doe, you. know. No offense to Martins. >> Of course not. Of course not. >> Yeah, it was just the first name. >> or anyone from the Smith family.

>> Yes. It's kind of my go-to. I think when. I was learning English, Smith was like. the example name in sentences or. something. >> How old were you when you learned. English? >> I was eight. I was starting I started at. eight. Yeah. cuz you because you you. joke and you say like English is not. your first language, but I argue you. have a greater grasp of the English. language than many native English. speakers because of how you play with. the language. >> Oh yeah. I mean, you know, a lot of us uh you're what? Uh I don't.

even know the name. Polygot. >> Oh, polyglot. >> Polygot. >> How many do you have to speak to be a. polyglot? >> I mean, you don't you speak like seven? >> No, the number keeps going up. I speak. like five and then six if I'm in the. place. >> It's you and Pete Buddhaj, right? [laughter]. Supposedly Pete Buddhajes speaks like. seven. I was like maybe like he can. order food. I'm sure maybe. >> how many languages do you speak? >> Three. >> So. >> fourth if on tequila then I'm like I.

don't even know what I'm saying. >> Were you raised in Japanese? I was. raised in Japanese and then when I came. to the states because the Taiwanese side. took me. Yeah. >> Oh, so my dad had full custody of me in. Japan and then my grandma took me um. uh from him and brought me to the. states. It was like a two-month vacation. and then so then that's how they it was. kind of it was kind of like a. kidnapping. >> How how old were you? >> I was I was eight. Yeah. So that's when. I came and then because I was suddenly.

with my Taiwanese side of the family. too, that's when I uh you know and we. stayed with my mom and my uncle and aunt. who were already in Los Angeles, they're. also Taiwanese. So at the same time I. was learning English, I I learned. Mandarin, too, cuz I was hearing it in. the house. Okay. Suddenly. >> Yeah. >> English is way easier. Yes. >> Uh than like Mandarin. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Would you say English is the easiest out. of. >> I think it is. I think uh. >> many languages, right? >> Yeah. Yeah. They call it I think it's. because it's the bastard tongue. >> Bastard tongue.

>> Yes. So So English is. >> formal formal term. >> I actually think a few scholars call it. that. Yes. They call it the bastard. tongue because English is a combination. of every language. >> like anal that anal technology thing. >> Oh, analog logic. >> Like analog logic. Same. >> That's that's I've seen. >> that I've seen on the machine. This is. not a thing I'm making up. >> No. Yeah. >> When you're in the airport next time. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Look at the machines. >> Yes. And if it's the new round ones, it. says anal logic on the side. >> Okay. No. Yeah, I I believe you. >> That is 100% true.

>> Yes. Yeah. >> The I might have taken a picture, by the. way. I'll show you. I I'll actually. check on my phone. >> I will. Yes, >> cuz I cuz sometimes I see things and I'm. like, I've got to make sure that I'm. seeing this and and then keep a record. of it. >> You said you're not a genius, but that's. genius behavior. >> What's genius behavior? like you know. like kind of neurody divergent behavior. because to to like take a picture and. you want to remember it you know like. noticing words like that on a machine. you know. >> I don't know about genius I just think. it's a maybe too much time in an airport.

>> how [snorts] do you even search for like. a pl this is the thing about like these. new. >> maybe white. >> the photo oh there there it is there it. is look at that. >> oh. >> there that's great that it popped up. >> oh it is there she We have proof. He's like, "Please don't show my. Thank you. Thank you for that." No, I I. believed you before you. >> No, but I just wanted you to see it. >> Right. Right. Yeah. >> You know what I mean? >> Yeah. >> It's the same way like the disciples. believed that Jesus was back, but when.

they like saw him, then they're like, "Oh man, this is real. >> We're going to write it down.". >> Yeah. Yeah. Now we got to write. Before. we're just going to talk about it. Yeah. >> Now we're going to write the down. >> I don't know about the writing down. I. used to go to church sometimes. Not now. I mean, we have a mom with. schizophrenia. >> Yeah. >> I'm like, "Oh, man." I mean, what if. like who who are we listening to? Did he. have mental issues? >> He's like, "He walked on water." I'm. like, [laughter] "Yeah, my mom thinks. the Chinese government has microphones. in our house.". >> But they might have.

>> Huh? >> They might have. >> They might have. What? Actually. >> had microphones in the house. >> I know. And she's not not wrong. >> That's the That's the thing, right? >> It's always based on some reality. >> Yes. That's the thing. Yeah. Yes. Jesus. could have walked kind of on maybe for. like [sighs]. half a second. I don't know. I don't. know. But, you know, I'm just saying. check your sources. They didn't have. psychiatrists. back then. You know, >> there was a um there's a story of.

uh I don't want to mess it up, but it's. like I feel like it's like one of the. saints or something like that. Yeah. someone who is a saint and. >> a Bible story. This is a Bible story. >> No, no, this is not a Bible story. So, this is a a woman who apparently was. like a because I think they make you a. saint afterwards. I'm not completely. familiar with how it works, but like the. church, the Catholic church, I think, can go your life was so special. >> and how you died or how you existed was. miraculous. So, they can make you a.

saint. M. >> and one of the people that they gave. saintthood to, they were like because. she she like convened with, you know, um. >> right with God, >> with God or with other worldly beings or. whatever it was. >> Yeah. >> And then I think when they they either. did an autopsy on her or they just they. just had like the records, they were. like, "Oh, she had like a mental. illness.". >> Wow. Yeah. >> Which she was struggling with. It's not. even like people are putting it on her. She said, "Hey, I'm struggling with. this." And I think at the time back in. the day, the church was like, "No, no,

no, no. You good. You just you just see. >> it's cuz your other Yeah. You're like. you you you've rose above reality." And. I mean, which she was. >> Yeah. Yeah. You do, >> right? Yeah. >> And then I'm torn on that because I go. >> I I consider myself a really practical. person. >> Mhm. >> But I also don't exclude the. supernatural in anything. >> Sure. Yeah. Of course. Yeah. So, so I. never I never believe that nothing is.

possible. But then I don't know where you how you. find like when is somebody not. experiencing something and when are they. cuz I've seen some things in my life. where I go. >> Mhm. >> how how did how did this person do that. or how did they know that or how did. they. >> like miracles? >> Yeah. Or like versions of it, you know? >> Mhm. >> Yeah. Sometimes you meet have like have. you ever seen like when some of those. like psychics for I mean I would say you. know I haven't seen a psychic but I've. seen it through my mom a little. >> where my you know my mom was you know my.

mom said you know the KMT the KMT is a. party that was ruling in Taiwan for a. long time they ruled under martial law. Okay. and um they just more recently got. voted out. But for a long time, for. decades um they they ruled Taiwan and. she was always like they're going to. come to the US too. They're going to. come to the US and we're like oh she's. wild. And then and then they did and what they. there was like a shooting at a Taiwanese. church um where it was because you know.

the KMT party uh lost the election and. so someone from that party was mad and. shot up that church anyway. You know. like down the street from where my my. mom lives in LA. So you know not like. psychic stuff but. >> it's based in reality. >> Yeah. Like like premonitionish vibes. >> Yeah. And there's history. So, you know, to go off of and the news. So, yeah. I. don't know. But are you a psychic.

person? You see psychics? >> No. No, no, no. I don't believe in it. >> Oh, yeah. >> That's what I'm saying. >> But I've seen some things where I go, >> Mhm. >> Uh, should I believe in some of it? >> Oh, sure. >> But I don't believe in it. >> What have you seen? >> Um, there's this one on on YouTube that. I bumped into called um Oh, man. What is. it? It's like a psychic in a in like a. he rides around in like an Uber type. thing. >> Okay. picks up. >> and then asks them, "Can I do you mind? I'm a psychic. This is what I do. Do you. mind if I read you or whatever?".

>> Wow. >> And then you see you see the passengers. At first I was like, "Oh, this is all. fake." You know, cuz I was like, "Whatever. I don't believe anything I. see like on a show.". >> Yeah. >> And then there were a few passengers. where I was like, "Oh man, this person. is not acting.". >> Mhm. >> And you see the the the guy in the show. is like driving around and then he's. like, "Yeah, I'm getting a message from. an older woman. is this what? And then. he gets really specific and then the. passenger starts crying. >> Oh my gosh. Yeah. Right. >> I So I I still don't know. And I've. spoken to people who worked on that.

production. >> Uhhuh. >> And I was like, yo, come on. Level with. me. Come on. >> Right. >> And then they were like, look, either. this person is. >> supremely skilled at being a con man or. he has some ability and we cannot figure. it out, but we've seen it with our own. eyes and we don't know how it works, >> right? cuz some of it could be like kind. of magic tricks, mentalist stuff, you. know, right? It's like. >> who who knows some some clues that they. picked up that. >> Yeah. And and then maybe there's.

something in you. I don't know. I that's. why I say I I. >> I am 95% sure that all of it is. But I leave 5% for myself just. to be, you know. >> Sure. Yeah. >> In in everything in life, I don't think. you should be 100% certain. >> No. No. Yeah. And in fact, I'm doubtful. most times, but I will walk into a place. like you just said. You just described. you're like, "It's an Uber driver." You. know, he picks you up and he goes, "Can. I ask what is it? What? How does he. start it?". >> He goes like, "Can I do do you mind if I. if I read you? If I you know, if I.

>> Uh-huh. Cancel ride. That's what cancel. ride. Thank you so much, sir. I don't. have time. Are you filming this? Is this. for your content? Goodbye, mister.". That's when I would leave. I already. doubted him right there. I said, "I'm. trying to get to a meeting. I'm trying. to see my mother in the hospital. What. are you going to do? Read me?" Yes. [snorts] I can't believe. So, so that's. the stuff. That's what you watch. You. watch things like that. >> I watch everything. >> You're an ever curious person.

>> Yeah. I watch everything. >> That's why I was like, I mean, ice cream. is your vice. Of course. It can't be. anything that really hinders all that. thinking and curiosity. >> I don't think that I don't think that's. true. >> Right. I think I just went through like. alcohol has like faded in my life. >> Uhhuh. >> Um, >> you're sober. >> Yeah. What do you mean? I'm sober. >> Are you sober or like you don't drink. alcohol? >> Sober means you used to be an alcoholic, right? >> Oh, I think you just don't drink. No, I. don't think so. I think. >> But if you're sober, it means you were. you were drunk most of the time. I think.

that's how [laughter] I think so. Is. that the conotation? >> Yeah. I think if somebody says, "I'm. sober now," it means that they were. struggling with alcohol. >> Oh, I didn't know that. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I I I think so. I'm. not I'm not Yeah, >> I just I just was like I've heard people. also who never drink be like I'm sober. too. >> I don't think No, then you should just. be like I don't drink. >> Okay, I see. I see. Okay. So, do you So, you don't drink? >> Yeah, I don't drink. >> Okay, got it. >> But I used to drink. >> Uhhuh. >> Like casually. And do you know what I. mean? But I now I just don't find there.

are few other than the social other than. the social lubricant. >> Yeah. There are very few pluses to uh alcohol. for me. >> Okay. Yeah. Right. >> Like very few. Like the how you feel the. next day, >> your body, your like every I'm just like. >> the social lubricants. Great. >> How's um And then ice cream. You you're. you're good the next day. >> Yeah. Too good the next day. >> Too good. Yeah. >> How much ice cream are you eating in a. sitting? Like a like a. >> How much ice cream? How much ice cream.

do you have? >> How much is it really like that? How. much ice And you don't feel And you. don't feel bad the next day. >> I feel bad from like a like a society. level. So I'll be like. >> Yeah. You know the same way I feel bad. if I wake up like after midday. I'm. like, "Oh, I shouldn't have done that.". >> Oh, you mean guilt? >> Yeah. >> Oh, sweetie. [laughter]. >> People keep telling me there's only 15. years left or something on Earth. Is. that true? [laughter]. >> Again, >> who tells you this? >> Which Ubers are you in?

Right. I don't No. >> 15 years left on Earth. >> or like I know that's not technically. >> but like 15 years of like where it's. like too late to save certain things. >> Oh yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yes. There's certain there's certain. clocks. I mean I even saw the other day. that the the the sea level has risen. more than people thought. >> Right. And it's a. >> like trying to eat ice cream as fast as. you can before. >> No, I just when the water hits your neck. and you you're like, "Hurry, [laughter].

this is Trevor at the end of the world. The water's rising, right?" And you're. like, "Bitch, how much ice cream do you. have?". >> You know, when they're in the room and. the water's. >> Yeah. Yeah. You're still like more. >> My last breath will be the ice cream. Like my last my [gasps]. >> Yeah. Yeah. And no, but guess what? Well, you know what? You won't be. feeling guilt. That's what I'm saying. So you you you wake up and the only bad. thing you feel is guilt which I don't. think even. >> I I'll feel I'll feel guilty because. I'll go you shouldn't have eaten that. much ice cream Trevor. >> because society.

>> because of like just Yeah. I think it's. a you know there are few places you can. walk into and say you ate a pint of ice. cream and people go wow look at you. >> No no nobody should judge that. Nobody. judge. Nobody judge my son. >> Trevor, [laughter]. >> what are Okay. What are your vices? >> What's your middle name? What's your. middle name? >> Cliff. >> Trevor. Cliff. Noah. >> What? What are your vices?

[gasps and laughter]. >> It's the the the classics, you know, all. the stuff like uh soldiers do. [laughter] So, like a classic. Not. You're like, whoa, what? It's just. alcohol and just alcohol honestly now. and like weed. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Um I'm very treat based so I like. I like to have a drink every night. >> What's your drink of choice? >> I like to have tequila. It's very. straight tequila. >> Yeah. Very happy. Mhm. >> What's your Do you do Do you have like a. goat? Is like a good one that you re. like a casadon or like a. >> I'm not even picky like that. I just.

want to feel like you know I did good. today. I just want to feel that, you. know, that uh that it's a little burn, right? Because it's hard liquor. So, I. like that feeling. And then, um I like. feeling like. >> like a little buzzy. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Giggling, laughing, you know. Um so, so. that's what I do, you know. I like. sweets, too. My first job after I got a. green card was at an ice cream parlor. >> Which ice cream parlor?

>> Do you know Cold Stone Creary? >> Of course, I know Cold Stone Creary. >> Of course you do. Why? Who? Why did I. doubt your ice cream knowledge? What's. your favorite flavor? >> So, >> you have multiple. >> Not not from Cold Stone cuz I It's a. little too like. >> Don't worry, I don't take offense. >> Yeah. No, no, it's just like a little. too like broad for me like the way the. the actual ice cream tastes. So, um. >> I'll always try and find. small new places where they're still. making the ice cream um by hand. >> Once it gets commercial, you start to. taste it.

>> Sure. That's okay. So, that's. >> You know what I M. So very specific. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, um, flavor-wise, I judge. a place by their vanilla. >> Oh, okay. >> And then I explore from there. >> Oh, okay. >> One of my favorite flavors, actually, is. durian. >> Oh, fun. Yeah. Durian is real good. >> Yeah. >> And then [clears throat] I love my. friends trying to have some of it and. not being able to. >> Right. You're like, "Haha, won't be. sharing.". >> Yeah. There's no sharing of durian. >> Durian. Yeah, I know. Durian very.

specific. Durian is only for you. >> Yes, it is. >> It is only for you. It's like me and. maybe if Ronnie Chan comes over, he'll. have my durian ice cream. >> Right. Of course. Yeah. And he So he he. likes durian, too. >> Yeah. Durian like Yeah. Ronnie loves. durian. >> Not to, you know, I didn't want to. assume. >> No. Ronnie loves durian. >> Malaysia. Yeah. And uh but that's very. specific. It's not flavors you can get. all the time, you know, when you're. >> I think I do that I think I do that on. purpose. >> Okay. Oh, to. >> if I if I just like all ice cream. flavors, then.

>> Uhhuh. then. >> then now I'm. >> I'll tell you I'll tell you where I. learned this the hard way. >> So when I first moved to America. >> Mhm. >> I So I I used to have this rule in South. Africa to try and prevent myself from. always eating sweet things cuz I have an. insane sweet tooth. I would say if I. come across an apple pie, I'm allowed to. eat it. >> Oh. So no matter where it is, if I if. there's an apple pie, like so if there's. an apple pie on the menu, if there's an. apple pie at a place I'm going to, if.

there's, I can eat it. And this was my. way of like preventing myself from. overeating sweet things. >> because in South Africa, you don't just. bump into an apple pie, >> right? >> I came to America, I had the same rule. I didn't know. >> American apple pie was just, you know. what I mean, >> right? >> So every place I would go to, >> you were like, surely it's not a. stereotype that everywhere has apple. pie. And we were like, "Haha.". >> I genu I promise you I didn't think. that. And then I would get to places and. I'll be like, they go, "Would you like. some dessert?" And I'll be like, "Oh, let me see what you have." "Oh, apple. pie.".

>> And every place I went to. Wow. >> And then at some point I was like, "Oh, I think there's just apple pie. everywhere.". >> You know who you were like? You were. like Morgan Spurlock. Do you remember. him? So he did a TV. He did a movie. called The Fries. Superiz me. And the. rule was I go to McDonald's every day, three times a day for the meals. And if. they ask. you know, would you like to superersize. that? I have to say yes. And that's how. he got by the end of the month, he did. this for a month, he got like diabetes. and all kinds of other health issues or.

whatever. It's it's like that rule that. you created for, >> you know, I basically did. Yeah. >> Yeah. You were like, "Okay, I'll eat. apple pie if there is one.". >> Okay. Yeah. >> So, why why tequila of all the drinks? What is it about tequila? >> I had heard that it's uh the happy. drink, you know, and. >> people say this. Yeah. They call it an. upper, right? >> Yeah. Yeah. And I'm like, I don't know. Again, I mean, I'm not a scientist. Just. like I don't know if there's 15 years. left on Earth. I kind of doubt it. considering humans are pretty resilient.

considering. pollen alone can take us down. You know. what I mean? We're pretty strong. We. should all, you know, cuz people always. like, "Oh, Jesus died at 33. So young.". I think that was pretty old considering. you could trip and fall on a rock. >> Yeah. Also, he was killed. I think we. should always remember that. >> Yes. >> He He didn't die at 33. He was killed at. 33. >> He was killed. And that maybe that is. >> I think that changes everything. >> It always sucks when you're killed at.

any age, but 33 maybe young. >> Well, maybe at like 90 something. I feel. like getting killed at 90ome might be. better than getting killed. >> Then it won't then maybe it won't be a. whole religion. People will be like he. sacrificed his life for us. >> Yeah. How many years did he have left? [laughter] That's what people would. think about it. >> Was he enjoying a lot or something and. then he had to give give up. >> going out every night? Yeah. >> Yeah. Like if you killed me at 90. something.

>> Yeah. >> I would not be happy. But I do feel like. if I had a last breath, I'd be able to. say, "Haha, I was leaving anyways.". >> Right. >> This is like a like I'm done. >> And no movement would have started. No, Christianity would have started because. Trevor, you know, >> no, got killed at 937 and and claimed it. was for our sins. >> No. Yeah. Yeah. No, that's not going to. happen. >> We're going to continue this. conversation right after this [music]. short break. >> You know what I love about spring? Everything just feels fresh again. The.

weather shifts, people start [music]. going outside more, and suddenly you. feel like you should be eating something. that [music] didn't come out of a. packet. That's why I like going to Whole. Foods Market this time of year. Whole. Foods Market is your go-to destination. to celebrate the fresh flavors of. spring. With seasonal produce at its. juiciest, plus limited time flavors. throughout the store, this is the time. to get together and share vibrant finds. with your loved ones. And you feel it as.

soon as you walk in. You've got organic. bagged salad kits, fresh produce, potatoes, parsnips, radishes, spring. onions, artichokes, all the things that. make you feel like you've got your life. together. And then of course you go in. for that and you leave with things you. didn't plan for like a peach apricot. rose Italian soda or those 365 by Whole. Foods Market strawberry pretzels that. somehow disappear before you even get. home. And if you're hosting or even just. showing up somewhere trying to impress.

people, the bakery has you covered. The. mango yuzu chanti cake, the strawberry. shortcake, these are the kind of. desserts where people don't ask. questions. They just assume that you. know what you're doing. And the nice. thing is [music] there are deals. throughout the store, especially on 365. brand items. So you can feel responsible. while [music] still treating yourself a. little because that's really what spring. is about. Starting fresh and then. rewarding yourself immediately. Enjoy the fresh flavors of spring. [music] and save at Whole Foods Markets.

[music]. >> Were you Were you very religious growing. up? >> I was Christian when I came to the. States. You know, it all happens here. >> No, but wait. Isn't Isn't Isn't um. Christianity very big in Taiwan or am I. not am I misinformed? Uh well that's you. know I actually well I didn't my grandma. didn't practice anything. It was my. uncle her son also Taiwanese uh he he.

did become Christian in Taiwan. So that. is interesting. >> Yeah. He's the one that brought. Christianity into our lives. >> Okay. >> Cuz he's the one who we stayed with when. we moved to the States. >> Okay. Um and so. >> so you're 8 years old. You're learning. Mandarin, English, and Christianity. >> My mind is confused. I said, I thought. this was a two-month vacation. Why am I. no longer living with dad in Japan? Why? And then two months turned into 3 months. and then it turned [clears throat] into.

it's been 20 something years. >> So, >> Oh, wait. It just it just went on. >> Yeah. And then, so we were undocumented. when we first got here because my. grandma didn't, you know, there was no. paperwork done. So, suddenly, and I. didn't even know, you know, what being. undocumented meant. I I thought, "Oh, we. flew here, so we're allowed to be here.". I just thought every human should uh you. know, wherever they end up, they're. allowed to be, >> right? >> Cuz I'm not I'm eight. I don't know. immigration law,

you know? That would be. >> If [laughter] I did, if I did, I would. be a genius. And as we talked about that or may not. >> 8-year-old, >> that's right. Very specific 8-year-old. And so, yeah. So I um but you know so I. was undocumented learning two new. languages and also being brought to a. Chinese Baptist church you know where my. uncle was the choir director at. >> Wow. >> Yeah. Yeah.

>> And I said and what's this? This is they. said well you want friends right? I said. yes. Well uh you like free food? We're. like yes we do free lunch after service. every Sunday. You know, it was just a. way of building community and friends. really fast. That's how you know. >> Yeah. It's it's the it's the biggest. thing I miss about church to be honest. >> Yeah. >> I think it's the biggest thing society. misses about church. >> Free food. >> Yeah. All of it. No, really. Yeah. I. think I genuinely think about it is I. and I've spoken about it before, but I. go we take for granted how much we lost.

when people sort of shifted away from. religion, but not the religion side, the. church side. >> Mhm. because it was that kids would get. these free meals after church services. There would be clothes that you could. sometimes just go and collect, you know, from a bin that everyone would. contribute to. >> Yeah. >> People giving jobs. There's people. finding love. It was it was imagine you. you've come from another country, you've. come from another city, whatever it is. >> And you you're all just welcome because.

of this book that tells your story. I. that I think it's beautiful and we it's. sad that we lost and are continuing to. lose so much of it, that part. specifically. Yeah. Yeah. I mean. >> I think you know other like community. centers try to do that too without. >> Yeah. >> They don't. community requires. um. >> organization. >> and and club. >> Oh sure. >> You know like like when you when you go. to a community center the only thing.

that's sort of bringing you there is the. fact that's like oh we're all. struggling. >> Yeah. >> But when you go to a church there's. there's a vibe. Yes. A lot of it is. we're all struggling disguised. That. part's disguised. >> Yeah. But there's a there's a vibe of. like, you know, we we learn the same. songs and we learn the same prayers and. we It starts to build. It stitches you. together. >> When did you stop going? >> When did I stop going? I probably. stopped going to church when I was It. was like my early 20ies. >> Oh, you went for Oh,

>> yeah. Pretty much my whole life. >> Oh, yeah. And you just stopped? Was it. when you were you were doing comedy? >> Yeah. And then like people started like. asking for selfies and people then I was. like it felt weird being in church and. and having that. >> Oh okay. >> So it was like and then also it. disturbed my mom's churchgoing. experience. Not she didn't say this. >> but I didn't like cuz my mom's very. religious. >> I didn't like how it would disrupt like. the service for her. >> Oh I see. Okay. >> So I was just like ah I can chill. >> Okay. So yeah you just probably don't So.

you don't go to a lot of group things in. general anymore? No, I love I met you at games nights, >> right? I mean, I guess like a like a. community public thing. >> Yeah, it it depends. It depends. Sometimes. >> Yeah. >> You know why? Because sometimes my. presence can be misconstrued. >> One day, >> what's misconstrued mean? >> One day I was uh this was in New York. >> Okay. But wait, sorry. What's. misconstrued mean? >> Oh, the word itself. >> Yeah. I don't know what it means. Misconstrued means um to misinterpret.

something to to take something and. misinterpret how it's supposed to be or. how you how you process it yourself. So. um so somebody says to you, "Ooh, that's. a nice dress." That could be. misconstrued as flirting. >> Oh, okay. >> You know what I mean? >> Okay. Okay. >> Cuz you you you go like, "The person was. flirting with me." And they're like, "No, no, no. I wasn't flirting with. you." You could have misconstrued it. >> Yeah. Okay. Okay. So when Okay. So when. you go to a place it can be. >> sometimes it can be misinterpreted. because they they um.

>> so the one example that comes to mind. >> we're in New York visiting like friends. in in Harlem and so we just like go for. a walk and then on this one day. >> he's like yo let's go to this park. there's an event taking place I think. they were celebrating. um I think it was Jackie Robinson that. they were celebrating or something but. he was like let's just go to the park. and my friends Let's go. So, so we roll. up there. >> and there's local politicians giving. like speeches and cuz it's Jackie. Robinson and you know this whole thing.

and. >> right [laughter]. >> and then someone sees me and comes. running up and goes like oh Mr. Noah. Oh, I didn't know you were here. So, oh, sorry. Wait, wait. [laughter] And. they're like, oh, and and they're like, oh, Trevor Noah's here. Go say a few. words. And I was like, no, I'm not going. to say a few words. [laughter] I I have. nothing. And then people were like, but. then what are you doing here? >> Right. Right. Just hanging out. No, come. on. Here's a mic. You and the mic are. tight. >> Yeah. And I was like, no, no. I I. literally was just walking. >> Right. >> And then people people genuinely didn't. believe me. They're like, God, please. You just walking around in Harlem.

You're here to make a speech about. Jackie Robinson. Trevor, that's the vibe. you give is that you're going to give a. speech. >> I need to I need to change this. You. know what I need to do? I need to start. drinking. >> That's what I need. Maybe it's cuz I. don't drink. I give off ice cream vibes. >> They're like, you know, him feeling good. from the night before. It's [laughter]. just ice cream. So, he's ready. >> Durian. Durian. >> So, so at what point, so you're growing. up in LA. and.

you stayed there your whole life? >> Yes. Yeah. I love New York vibes. >> So, if you if you don't mind me asking, wait. So, >> your accent didn't shift. >> from before. Yeah, probably. >> Because most kids lose their accents if. they come like at that age. >> Uh-huh. Yeah. You mean like a Japanese. accent? Yeah. Yeah. Do you think I have. an accent? I don't. >> You definitely I do. Yeah. >> Okay. Yeah. I don't know. What? Some. people are like, I think it's a. California accent. >> Who are these people? >> I don't know. the same people that told.

me we have 15 years left to live. [laughter]. My mother's seven voices. No. Um, so, [laughter]. uh, yeah, I I guess it didn't I mean, I'm sure it was thicker back then. I. don't really remember what I sound like. when I was a kid. >> You don't have videos or anything? >> No, we lived in a garage. We barely. [laughter] had anything. Um, yeah. So, >> did you actually live in a garage? >> Yeah, we lived in my uncle and aunt's. garage. Yeah. Yeah. And then uh which is.

also illegal, but you'll know. >> I mean, it's life. >> What are rules? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> And so um so yeah. So I guess Mhm. I. just stayed in LA and then some, you. know, I do have like a laid-back vibe. So I think I'm very Californian. I. consider myself very. >> like I feel in your vibe, >> like Southern California vibes. >> Yeah. >> But who knows? This could have naturally. been me too if I even stayed in Japan. Who knows? Um, but New York energy is.

what I'm really drawn to. I love chaos. energy. Yeah. I love lights. I love. sounds. My dream would be live at Times. Square. I'm unwell. Are you okay? Come back, Trevor. Come back. >> No, I was just thinking that that might. be just like a Japanese side of you. >> Could be. >> Because when when I'm in Japan, it feels. like all of it is Time Square. Do you. you like it or no? >> I love it because I'm visiting it. >> Yes. Oh, yeah. >> So, like when I'm in when I'm in Tokyo.

>> Yeah. >> it really feels like it's all Time. Square. And then when you go to Kyoto, it's like no, this is it's the. antithesis of everything Time Square. It's just by bicycles and silence. >> Right. Right. Yeah. And so I Yeah, it's. true. It's. >> You like the the chaos and the. >> Yeah. Just, you know, it's either that. or me and my thoughts. [laughter] So, how did your thoughts get you into. standup? What what's what's that. journey? So, you you're eight. >> Yeah. >> You're here for a two-month vacation,

>> right? >> That turns into a 20-year vacation. >> Yeah. >> You start going to school. >> Yes. Just like being a kid, going to. Yeah. Going through the American, you. know, education system. >> Did you ask questions of your family? Like, were you like, "When are we going. back or or did you. >> Yeah, I did. I did. But also I was. scared of my mom, you know. my mom um. yeah when I would ask like sad questions. like that she would you know get upset.

you know. >> shame. >> and also she would get my my grandma. raised me mostly so she was there but my. grandma was also like don't don't upset. your mom you know we moved here. >> so so like sorry we didn't tell you you. know but I didn't really know why I was. afraid to ask questions and so um yeah I. just kept. I just kept going to school. I I later. found out, you know, my mom um my mom's.

like mental illness got really intense. >> towards the last years in Japan. She was. very depressed, too. She has no friends. She can't work. She also has seizures. So, um you know, there's a lot of stuff. she can't do. She's very isolated. And. then, uh so she got pretty suicidal. And. uh so my grandma was like, "Uh, I have a. son in LA, you know, maybe we. >> switch locations. Maybe we change things. up, you know, have go to a place with.

more family support. >> There's an uncle and aunt. We can He. said we could stay with them.". >> So, you know, I found out. >> that's why we ended up in in LA. Um, but. yeah, so after I did that, uh, oh gosh, it was like then when I was 19, I was. with my second boyfriend who, uh, told. me that I was funny and he's like, "You. should try standup." And I was like, "Stand up? Isn't that only for like, aren't all the I thought at the time.

there's only like 10 standups in the. world, you know? Do you know what I'm. talking about? >> Yeah, I know what you mean. >> Right. It's just like there's only. Margaret Cho was already a standup then. I was like well they already have her. >> What do you mean you could just start. standup? >> Did you feel that way in South Africa. too? >> Uh no I didn't. >> You didn't? >> I didn't. >> Okay. I just was. >> because because it was so new there that. it felt like anything was possible. >> Okay. Yeah. I thought here it's just.

like we have a quota and there's only. like 10 comedians at a time. >> Yeah. And uh so you know and I I I liked. their work. I watched even Yeah. Margaret Cho. I watched um what's his. name? Uh Robin Williams and you know uh. so I and then I found out there were. like stand-up comedy classes. So I. decided to take one. >> How are those? >> Um so this one I liked. It was an all. female stand-up comedy class.

>> because I I said okay how else do I. start? just start showing up at an open. mic. Back then it's like an open mic. Sometimes they were like 11 pm to 2 am. in some dark alley. You could be the. only girl. >> Yeah. Most of the time you were. >> I was like that's that's that's how you. go missing. I think that's how you go. missing. I was like and I I wasn't you. know I didn't have enough confidence to. be able to go by myself like that to a. place. >> Yeah. Um, so, uh, so this all female.

stand-up comedy class was actually a. really great like supportive way for me. to start where also I needed deadlines, you know. Um, I'm not good with like. selfm motivation. I I I haven't been. diagnosed, but I think I have ADD. It's. hard like I need someone to be like. there's homework. This is the homework. Come up with a five minute set. So, it. it was a good that's how I started. >> Oh, yeah. >> And was it was it good from the. beginning? >> What was your first set? Do you. remember? Yeah, I remember thinking it. was kind of funny. I was like, "Is there.

something?" You know, you you get in. front of the class and then the teacher. and the other students are there and I. said, "Is this something? I don't know. My name is Otsko Okadska. I uh work at a. Japanese restaurant and I drive a. Toyota." And then they were like, "Haha, there is something there, you know, why. everything's so on brand, you know?" And. so I think I started talking about that. And then I remember one of my first. jokes was um uh this guy found out that. I was Japanese and he said, "Oh, I have. a good friend who works at the" And I.

think he wasn't thinking about it when. he said it. It just came out. He said, "Oh, you're Japanese. I have a good. friend who works at the Mitsubishi. dealership." [laughter] And he he goes. he goes, "Do do you do you know um what. was his name?" [laughter]. Uh oh. He says, "Do you know Gary?". >> Oh [gasps] god. >> Do you know Gary? And I and I and I go, "Gary, I don't know Gary. I know Tom." So that was like my first. like one of my first jokes, like the. whole, you know, classic.

>> Yeah. Yeah. >> bait and switch. Yeah. Yeah. But um. [laughter]. Yeah. So I don't know. It just took a. random boyfriend who probably just did a. You don't tell in retrospect. I think he. was trying to get rid of me. by telling you you're funny. >> Yeah, you should start standup because. you don't tell someone you love that. >> He was like, "Go be busy. Go every night. out to do [laughter] jokes, right?" I.

don't know. >> No, I think that's I think that's. someone who sees you. >> Oh, okay. Oh, that's very nice. >> I genuinely think that. I think I think. every every standup comic needed someone. to see them before they could see. themselves. >> It's true. That's true. Who told you? For me it was. there were a few comedians funny enough. who told me this. >> Oh that's cool. >> Um. >> you were already friends with comedians. before you were a comedian. >> South Africa is so small. That's what I. mean by. >> anything is possible. >> Yeah. Remember we we we get democracy in.

1994. I'm 10 years old. So everything is. this new world. >> Wow. Yeah. >> Right. Free speech wasn't around before. that. Comedy wasn't really a thing. before. So everything everyone in in. like my generation, this band that was. growing up, especially in Johannesburg, we all knew each other. >> Wow. That's true. >> Everyone. So it's like you knew the. president's son, [laughter] but you also. knew like a taxi driver, but you also. like everyone. It was this really small. band that was growing up together. It it. was really it it was a magical moment,

honestly. And. >> and so I knew a few people who were. comedians, but I'd never seen their. comedy. Mhm. >> And then one of. >> cuz you weren't like You were young or. something. Too young. >> I just No, I just never gone. Comedy. wasn't like a thing. We didn't even have. a comedy club in South Africa, you know. >> Where were they doing comedy? Just like. church. >> Yeah. Random bars or random restaurants. or whatever it was. >> Yeah. >> Um. >> Yeah. And then one of them said to me in. a conversation, Ronny Murola, I'll never. forget super funny dry oneliner.

comedian. >> Uhhuh. >> And then he said to me, he's like, "Yo, Trev, he's like, you should do a comedy, man. and you're very funny. And then I. was like, "No, you're funny. >> I'm not funny." He's like, "No, man. You. should do it. I think you'd like it.". And I was like, "No, Ronnie, I'm I'm. cool." Didn't do it at all. >> Yeah. >> And then. blah blah blah. My cousin and and my. best friend, we were living together. They were like, "You're funny. You. should do it." And then and then I did. >> You're like, "Okay, if multiple people. think so,

>> right?" And they're telling me. >> just, you know, so I I think sometimes. and it's not just comedy. I think in. life sometimes you need someone to see. you before you can see yourself. >> Yeah. Totally. >> So I I think I don't know but I think. that boyfriend was like like for someone. to think you are that funny. >> Mhm. >> Means they see you. And look, he was. right. >> No, that's true. I don't give him credit. for that. And I refuse to. No, I'm just. kidding. [laughter] Obviously, it was it. was a good the relationship. >> Give the man his credit. Oh, god damn.

>> He deserves it for your career. >> Wow, that's very interesting. I never. thought about it. [laughter] Yeah, that. he's he was the you know, you never know. cuz it was just one person like I don't. think anyone else told me I should do. standup. >> No one else said you were funny. >> They did say I was funny, but no one. said but to go standup, you should do. the actual thing, standup comedy. And I. was like, what? How would I even start? So, I got curious and I that's why I. looked it up on Craigslist. I found the. class on Craigslist. I didn't know how. else to look for things back then. I was.

already very much on that website. >> Craigslist. Craigslist was great. >> It still is. >> One of the one of the few companies that. blew up that hasn't like just been sold. to make money. >> Mhm. >> It's still very DIY. >> No, it really is, but in a good way. And. then the founder was like, "No, I'm I'm. happy with it the way it is." And was I. think multiple people offered him money. to turn it into like a big tech giant. type thing. And he was like, "No, I I. like it the way it is. I like how people. can find each other and how they can.

>> commune or buy things or connect with. people and. >> right. >> it's like healthy tech. >> That's so true. I didn't think about. that. I mean they started they regulated. it a little bit like they got rid of um. um you know people were hooking up on. there. >> Oh yeah, >> but they got rid of that. I wonder if it. was cuz of the Craigslist killer maybe. >> Oh that was a thing wasn't it? >> Yeah it was turned into like a whole. movie because Yeah. killer on there, >> which naturally probably was going to. happen. You know, accessibility.

Someone's going to take advantage. We. can't have anything good for ourselves. But you could still buy furniture on. there. And you know, >> pretty good furniture. >> Yeah. >> Worth a few killings. Some would say, >> I mean, I wonder I'm so lucky. I. actually answered some random ad that. said all girls class standup at my house. and I showed up. I showed up and. it wasn't a man with like. weird gloves on waiting to do some weird.

thing. You know what I mean? I was. lucky. >> I love how you worried about the gloves. being weird. [laughter]. >> I was going to say. >> just gloves. I like that you're like, "No, those are weird gloves." [laughter]. >> Does this This is danger. >> He's got like one extra finger. Oh, he's. got the weird gloves. We're in trouble. What kind of gloves, girl? Not the usual. gloves. >> Not the gloves. >> Oh, man. I could have said axe, but I. didn't want to be violent. I decided not. to go violent there. >> So, you wanted to go with some You want. to go creepy? >> Well, yeah. What if he's just a guy. that's like just watch me playing with.

my gloves for hours? And. >> for some reason, those those ones are. like. >> scarier. >> Yeah. [laughter]. >> Yeah. That's why, you know, horror. films, they have to get so creative. these days. >> Yes. >> Is it Do you like horror films? >> No, I hate them. I'm terrified. >> Yeah. >> Terrified of them. Yeah, [clears throat]. >> I can't I can't sleep if I watch one. I. if I have to watch a scary movie cuz my. friends have been like, "You got to. watch this movie." I'll watch it during. the day bright as as possible.

>> Yeah. >> I I don't Yeah. I don't. >> We have that in common. Okay. Yeah. >> Yeah. I don't do well with that at all. >> Yeah. Even if it's like whether it's. supernatural or more realistic. Yeah. >> I don't care. >> So, you don't like watch true crime too, right? listen to. >> No, that stuff is just like not that. it's boring to me, but I it's boring to. me. >> Okay. >> And I think it I think. >> I mean this is a little maybe too. extreme, but like. if I watch that stuff too much. >> Mhm.

>> I feel like it'll make me feel like it's. possible all the time and people are. doing it all the time and people are. killing each other all the time and. >> which is it's true, but it's not like. most of us are not killing each other in. society. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> And like when you watch those true crime. documentaries, I think some people get. really they're like, "Oh, everyone's. killing everyone and every I don't. know." I just I'm like, "Ah, and they're. all the same at some point.". >> Yeah. Yeah. I wonder. Oh, maybe because. there's nuance in it. Maybe that's. >> that's why it's boring quote unquote to. you. Like, so like in a horror film.

Yeah. >> because it's a story written and it's. actors and there's stunts and it's. entertain. It's meant to entertain you. So the killers are crushing it. >> You know what I'm saying? It's like, "Hit my mark. Hit my mark." Chopped his. head off. And I am so fast at running. >> I like what the killer saying this. Hit. my mark. Hit the [laughter] chopped his. head off. Got to keep. pants. Okay. And hit my mark. I look. scary. I'm I that you know. Yeah. Exactly. Right. I mean, I imagine that's. what the behind the scenes sounds like.

And hit your mark. Okay. And chop off. the next head. Chop up the next head. And now you're running, right? And. everyone's like fast and you know the. killer's crushing it. So, it's like. meant to entertain, right? But when you. watch like a true crime or when you read. an actual like how a serial killer. killed, there's a lot of clumsiness to. it because it's a human person. There's. nuance. So, it's not as exciting and on. your toes. Is that Do you know? >> No. No. No. So, you know what it. actually is? >> I thought you were saying that. >> No. What it actually is the knife? >> No. What what it actually is is the.

formula that they tell the stories. So, they start to all do the exact same. thing in the exact same way. So it'll be. the same and then someone comes and sits. down in a chair and then they'll be. like, "So the first time I met Brian, [laughter]. >> I was working at an ice cream parlor and. like. >> he just seemed like a regular guy." Boom. boom boom boom booming. [laughter]. Then be like the local news and they'll. be like, "A man is searching. The police. are searching for a man in connection.

with four women who've gone missing.". Ding ding ding ding ding. You know, Brian was a really sweet kid. And. >> I mean, he was just a regular kid. He. loved baseball. He he he loved hanging. out with his friends. [laughter]. You know what I mean? >> I would watch this version. >> This But this is, >> by the way, you that was very riveting. >> This is. >> That's your next hour. [laughter] Boom. Brian. Yeah. >> Yeah. It's it's so at some point I'm.

just like. >> I bought ice cream from him. You know. me. >> Yeah, exactly. >> Yeah. >> It's also I don't think they need to. make it as many episodes as they do. >> They do do. >> It's always like a four part. It doesn't. need to be four parts. Could be one. >> Do that. >> It should be one. >> I know. And it's like. also, you know, as like the the the. families of the victims, you know, being. like six episodes with boom boom boom. boom boom boom boom boom boom. My son. died, My son died. Now everyone's. singing the theme song. [laughter].

Is this a game to you? Jesus Christ. Oh, a podcast. Three seasons. [laughter] What about my son died? Do. you not understand? Right. Jesus Christ. This is why I'm not a mother. I will. just I would stop every podcast. >> Oh wow. >> You know, this is humanity you're talk. playing with, >> you know, and then they make the the. narrative version of it. Who's going to play Brian the Killer? >> Oh, wow.

>> You [gasps] know, [laughter] wait, do. you want to be a parent? Do you want to. be a parent? >> Uh, do I want to be a parent? >> Yeah. >> Uh, I think I go back and forth. >> Oh, okay. Okay. Yeah. I'm a I'm a no. >> You're a No. >> Yeah. Yeah. Husband actually got a. vasectomy recently. >> That's how strong your no was. >> Yeah. Both of us. Yeah. We were like, "Oh, we know. We know ourselves.". >> Wait, wait, wait. Tell me more. I don't. think about it or I never thought about. it. I was never like, you know, I don't. even know how uh to connect with kids. I.

don't even know what they look like. really. >> They're the little ones. >> I see them and then they, you know, toddlers when they see me like babies. >> Yeah. >> They they feel this connection. I think. they think I'm a baby, too. I kind of. give baby. I'm a little toddler. Core. Do you see it? >> Like your vibe. Have you always had this. like vibe to you? Cuz you you. >> a little toddler. No, no, no. I mean. like the colors and the fashion and the. there's nothing normal in your like in. your right, you know?

>> Yeah. >> It's like it's cool. It's it's it's it's. edgy. It's interesting. >> Maybe a little Japan, too. Japan. A. little New York Japan. Did you always have that? >> No. No. When I found my voice in comedy, I think that's when I started being able. to. >> be my more true self too and fashion and. style. I like that. And in hair. Yeah. like, you know, sticking with a haircut, that kind of thing. Being like, "Okay.". >> Yeah. I know who I am outside and inside. now. Yeah. >> Oh, that's beautiful, actually. >> Yeah. Cuz you know, you've you've also.

kept a iconic look. Same. You know, people could do like a drawing of you. That's when there's a brand, >> I guess. Yeah. But I don't think I don't. think of it that way. I just I just. didn't cut my hair during COVID and then. afterwards I was like, "Huh, I don't. mind not cutting my hair.". >> Well, so it's just a little longer. I. mean, but it's always stayed within. >> It's just about practicality. So, if I. if I can't wash it myself anymore, I'm. like, "All right, time to cut it a. little bit.". >> And then I go back. >> Yeah. >> No, it's just, you know, wash day can be.

really. >> this this part of the head. >> Mhm. >> When you're washing your hair, this is. fine. Then you get to this part. >> Sure. >> Shoulders. >> Shoulders. Yeah. >> And then it's just And then. >> And you want to keeping this is you. keeping it simple. >> This is me keeping it simple. Yeah. And. in and in and in your fashion your. style. >> I I have no fashion and I have no style. >> I will buy things occasionally and I. will put them on and I'll hope for the. best. >> Wow. >> You have fashion and style.

>> I wear clothes. >> Wow. I [laughter] mean, if you're going. to compliment a girl, I I'll take it. I'll take it. I. >> No, you really do. You've got like like. there are people I see dressed and I go, "Ah, you know what to do with material. on your body." M m. >> And then the rest of us, >> we are just. >> you are the you are the people that. talking about the. >> Yeah. I am Martin Smith. [laughter]. That's who I am with clothing. I am. Martin Smith. >> Because you I mean you're playing with. so much like personality.

>> I can understand a suit. Nothing else. >> But it's cuz I've worn suits so much and. my my entire life growing up, we wore. school uniform. >> So I've been wearing a suit since I was. >> 5 years old. >> Yeah. >> Every morning. Tie, jacket, p. So, a. suit I understand. >> Yes. Yeah. >> And my mom would never pay for what we. called civvies day. Uh civilians day. It's where you. >> It's where you got to wear your home. clothes to school. >> And you just wore the same suit then? >> Yeah. And then my I'd be like, "Mom, we. need to pay.".

>> They're like, "Who's this narc? He loves. the suit.". >> No, genuinely. All the other that those. were the worst days of my life. >> Where where you were still um. >> when I would go to school and then I was. the only kid not wearing the home. clothes. Hey, I bet you looked spiffy. They were like, now he's a star. [laughter]. He's ready to he's he's gonna be on. stage. You're you were like a little. comedian. >> It was the exact opposite. >> Do you wear suits on No. No. You're. pretty like You wear You're pretty. casual. >> I used to wear suits when I started.

doing standup. >> But then you turn more casual, right? Yeah. Yeah. But I actually I I do like. the suits. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Just this. >> cuz it's like it's your uniform. >> Yeah, it really is. Then you you put the. thing, you do the thing, you're like, I'm in. >> It's your your armor. >> I'm in. I'm in. More than armor. It's. it's it's I like uniform more than armor. because uniform you just know what. you're doing. You know what I mean? >> It doesn't it doesn't necessarily. protect me, but it's it's like a. >> this I'm now going to do the job. Yes. Yeah. >> Right.

>> Yeah. >> You're the forever host for Grammys, right? >> The forever host. No. No. I'm done now. >> Oh, I guess I missed the done part. Did. you announce it or something? Yeah. >> You said I'm. >> I said this is my last one. Yeah. >> In my head you were going to be for. another at least 15 years because 15 is. what we have left. But you would hope. not. >> No. >> You're so good at it. >> Yeah. Thank you. But I I don't. >> I I I don't like doing things for too.

long. >> Yeah. Um. >> What do you want to do next? >> This. You're already doing it, but then. you're. >> Yeah. But this is like this is like the. next part of it. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> You know. >> Yeah. Ice cream maybe. Um like invest in. a ice cream. >> Don't turn your passions into. businesses. >> Oh. Then what's standup comedy? >> That's a hobby [laughter] that people. then paid me for. >> Wow. >> But it wasn't a passion. I wasn't doing. standup comedy and like it was a it was.

a hobby. So I was doing this thing. >> Yeah. It wasn't a dream. >> No, it was never a dream. I never Same. with me. >> No, it was never. But ice cream has been. a dream my whole life. >> I I wouldn't be an objective ice cream. anything owner. >> I would My first dream was to be an ice. cream work at an ice cream parlor. >> That was your first dream? >> Yeah. I didn't dare dream big. You too. You wanted to work at ice cream parlor. or just eat ice cream? >> No, I just wanted to like own ice cream. >> Yeah, big ice cream. You wanted to own.

big ice cream. >> Just own it all. >> Yeah. So, I just wanted to work at one. I didn't dream as big as you. I just. wanted to work at one. And then at age. 17, I did. >> And was it was it good? >> Well, at Cold Stone Crearyy. So, do you. know do you know about Cold Stone? I. don't know. >> Not all the stores like follow this. protocol, but when you get a tip as a. worker, you're supposed to sing. Do you. know about that? >> I did not know this. >> Oh, well, >> that seems really demeaning. >> It was I said, "In what world? I already. got paid. I got the tip. I did a good.

job. I have to now do more work. What. did you have to sing? >> Oh my goodness, there were so many all. ice cream pun songs like uh uh here I'll. show you. >> Yeah. >> Um so uh will you tip my jar, please? >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Oh. Oh, we got a tip. We got a tip. [gasps and sighs]. >> Cold stone. You're a Cold Stone. We're a. scooper duper family. When you tip the tip jar, we will try to. sing in harmony.

>> [sighs]. >> So, >> now if if somebody tips you for the. singing, do you have to sing more? >> Like if someone goes, "That was. amazing." And then they tip again. What. do you have to do now? >> Trevor, don't ask questions like that. Trevor, we always hoped that no one like. tried to crack like cracked the code. I. think a couple times people did and then. we would sing another song. >> What was Give me another song. That was. a good song by the way. >> Oh, thank you. Yeah. In the style of. Flintstones, you know. Uh, I I'm trying.

to remember. [sighs]. I I don't remember. That's the main one. I remember. >> That was like the main go-to. >> I think there was like a We're off to. see the wizard. The wonderful Wizard of. Oz, but we did it with like ice cream. words. Yeah. I don't remember. Something. like. >> you still like ice cream at all. >> after that? >> Yeah, >> I do. But the singing was a lot, you. know, in that cuz I always worked with. this kid who loved the singing part and. he would also add dances. >> Oh, wow. >> So then I'd be like, "Stop." like people. cuz I was always in the shift with him.

and people would be like, "Oh my god, it's the duo." And I'm like, "No, I. don't. I did this when I just did this.". That was him. He would be He would go. all out. He would do spins like we were. on Broadway [laughter]. stuff. I'm like, "Bitch, we're only getting. [laughter] we only got a dollar between. us. We have to split this dollar." I was. like, "I just got my green card. I'm. just trying to live a normal life." But. >> how old were you when you got your green. card by the way? >> 17. Yeah. >> 17. >> Yeah. And so that was my first job.

Yeah. >> And. >> was it a big moment for you getting the. green card? >> Um I didn't even looking back it should. have been but you know I didn't realize. >> because you know because of that I got. to finally work. >> you know I wasn't like under DACA and. things like that. So, um, you know, I. had to wait till I got a green card to. be able to even start like contributing. to the family, you know, with money and. stuff like that. So, that was cool. And. then I got to finally take a a driver's.

license test, which I couldn't before. without a social security number. So, you know, it again, it was a lot. I feel. like in my life, it's always a lot at a. time. I'm learning multiple languages. and going to church, learning a whole. new culture. You know what I mean? It's. like, now suddenly you're. working, getting your driver's license. you're the only person that drives in. the family, you know, and so it's it's. just a lot. Um, and uh, so yeah, was it. a big moment? I don't think I had a. moment to realize it was. [laughter]. >> It sounds like you had a lot of pressure.

at that age. >> Um, yeah, a little bit, but I didn't. even, you know, I don't think I realized. it. Yeah, >> it was just the defaults. >> Yeah. Yeah. I was like, okay, we're. Yeah, someone needs to get us around. And so so cuz you you are you still. living at your uncle's house at that. stage? >> Mhm. Yeah. >> And so now you're contributing to the. larger family. You bring the money from. Cold Stone, contribute to the family, >> which is very little money. >> Yeah. No, really. That's why I'm, you. know, >> very little money. Um, but I was stoked.

that I I was like, "Oh, I can finally do. the things I'd seen a lot of all my. classmates do like, >> yeah, >> get the, you know, drive or working and. uh and then also college too. We we. didn't I didn't know what would happen. with college when I found out I was. undocumented and I was like, I think you. need a social security number to go.". And so it was just kind of very lucky. that at you know be around the time. you're supposed to start applying I I I.

got. >> you got your green card. >> Yeah. Right. >> What did you uh where did you apply? >> I applied to all the UC's. I had really. bad grades. I wasn't a good student. So. um yeah, I applied to everything but got. into two schools. UC Riverside and like. UC. I I forget the last Merrced or. something. >> Okay. >> For psychology. I just randomly chose. something. I I didn't really again I.

didn't really dream big, you know. I was. like why would I just. >> Why psychology though of all the random. choices? [gasps]. >> I think probably because of my mom. But. I guess at the time I was like I like. people. I I don't know why, but. sometimes all the answers are there. >> Yeah. I wanted to probably get to know. someone like my mom more and understand. her and people like her. Yeah. >> So, >> and and so is that what you studied? >> Yeah, I studied psychology. I I went to. UC Riverside for like a year and a half.

I I dropped out. I I again, it was hard. for me to like concentrate. I had my. first boyfriend. I was just excited. I. was like, I can drive. I can I have a. boyfriend now. You know what I mean? What am I doing studying psychology? I. don't have time for this. [laughter] I, you know, I'm going to elope. I I've. made it. I I I'm I'm working at Cold. Stone Crearyy. This was the only dream I. had. I've peaked. You know what I mean? What else was I going to do? So, you.

know, the I think when my second. boyfriend at 19 told me, "You're funny. You should try standup." I was like, "What? Why would I even think that was. possible or available to me? Why?" you. know, I just got my green card. Who Who. am I? Who would want to hear my story? Who, you know what I mean? Like, there's nothing going on here, you know? So, yeah. >> Was there ever a part of you that that. thought of or wanted to escape the. family or was that not an option in your.

world? >> I wanted to. I think that's why, you. know, once I had a boyfriend. >> Yeah. Um, I I I I left the home and uh. yeah, I try to make him my my second. family. >> So, you know, when you you probably. never fell into this. I don't see you as. a person cuz I feel like you're pretty. self-aware from maybe a young age, but. um you know, when you date someone, sometimes you take on their. personalities. >> Oh, yeah. No, no, no. For sure. No, I've. definitely done that. >> Where you're like you're into something,

you pretend you're into something that. that's. >> their So, I I never struggled with that. But what I would do is they would sway. me sway me too much like in their vibe. But I wouldn't be interested in what. they're interested in. But but their. energy could affect my energy. >> Sure. >> Cuz because I had grown up in a world. and in a home where. >> I was so hyper aware, >> you know, like I grew up in a in a in a. pretty violent household. >> And so one of the things that did to me. as a child was it made me hyper. vigilant, >> right? >> Cuz I I I had to know in every moment.

like, oh jeez, is my stepdad drunk? and. if he's drunk, how does that change the. day? And what do what do we do and how. do we act and how do we keep the peace. and you know what I mean? >> So that that hyper vigilance continued. with me in my life. So then when I would. be in a relationship with somebody, >> I would pick up on their emotions. sometimes before they would pick up on. their emotions and then I would shift. myself. >> Yeah, I totally get that. >> So I wouldn't pick up their their like. interests or anything, but I I think I. had a similar experience in that way. >> I see where you would Yeah. just kind of.

walk on eggshells sometimes. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. That totally like I totally. get that. >> You know, my mom being unpredictable, too. Yeah. Right. >> Um but uh. >> I meant like something even more basic. like I pretended I was into like punk. rock music, you know, like that. >> I feel like that's just love. >> Oh, okay. >> Like early love. >> Yeah. Yeah. I was like, "Yes, I love. Nightmare Before Christmas.". Oh yes, let's watch it again every day.

It's October. It's Halloween. >> This is Halloween. Halloween. Halloween. You know, I would sing along with it. >> I like how your life is just punctuated. by painful songs. [laughter]. >> Get me out of the singing nightmare. I. know because Yeah. My uncle was a choir. director. >> Yeah. You just got like music the whole. way. >> Just Oh my gosh. Ever. Were you a. singer? >> No, I never was. You would look good in. a choir robe. Why have I pictured you in.

a choir robe before? I don't know. Have. you not been like a sketch or something? >> A choir robe? >> Yeah, >> it's possible. >> Yeah, >> it's not impossible. I'll say that. >> Right. Yeah. >> It's not like the most extreme thing. If. you said to me, Trevor, you've worn a. choir robe at some point in your life. >> Yeah. >> I'd be like, yeah, that's very possible. >> Right. Yeah. Okay. >> I don't know why, but it's very. possible. >> I'm putting that image. I just see you. in it right now. Like that. >> Thank you very much. >> And. >> what's the color? Uh, well, it's just. like white with like the red red.

>> Oh, okay. Those ones. Those ones. Those. ones. Yeah. I don't think I've ever worn. one of those. No. >> Yeah. Well, I did because I was in the. choir for Were you good in the one year? My uncle I was never asked back after. our big performance. The canata. You. know what a canata is? >> No, I do not. >> Yeah, I didn't either. >> Guess what? It's 45 minutes of singing. [laughter]. for Easter. There was this it's like a short opera. and. >> short opera 45 minutes.

>> Yeah, it's pretty short, right? Operas. are I think longer. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Um. I don't know. Timothy would know. Shalom. >> I don't know how long. >> I love how he's become like [laughter]. the punching bag of ballet. >> I didn't say good or bad. >> Yeah, but like No, no, no. But I mean. like. he was right though. >> that it is a dying for. >> I think the way he said it might have. inflamed some people's emotions. >> Yeah. >> Cuz he said it in a very flippant way.

>> but he was having a conversation. >> Yeah. >> And then I [laughter] can I tell you. there there's a weird thought I had when. it was happening though. I was going. like oh is is the world like trying to. find its old um. >> like analog days back? >> Yeah. Yeah. Like, no, no, no. Like, like. our old our old outrage. >> Oh. Oh. >> I was thinking to myself, we are living. in a world where World War II seems. imminent every day. Where you, you know, inflation is crazy, where people are. terrified of what's happening in the.

streets in America. It's like the most. brutal immigration crackdown ever. Like. all these things are happening. everywhere. >> Mhm. >> And then in the midst of that, there was. outrage at Timothy Shalamé talking about. ballet and opera. And I was like, "Oh, remember those days? Yeah, you're right. >> Remember those? Oh, >> yeah, you're right. >> It was like a throwback. >> Oh my god. To be mad at one skinny white. kid that raps sometimes. >> Like that's what we wanted. >> Do we just want a simple time where you. like why does he do hip-hop?

>> That was it. I appreciate I was like, "Thank you, Tim. Thank you for your. service. You You. >> You bore the brunt for what society was. feeling. We needed an outlet and we. chose you.". >> I mean, unfortunately, that's what. happens, you know. But I think he's. okay. I hope I think he'll be fine. He's. okay. He's got love in his life. >> He does indeed. >> Uh, one of the most powerful families. in, you know, in around, you know, >> backing him. >> Yeah. >> Um, >> backing him. [laughter] I don't think he. needs them to back him. You said like. they're backing him like you got this.

too much air. >> probably. >> No. No. No. You know, >> I think his life is probably like more. normal than. >> his mom does ballet and his sister too. >> That's what people don't realize about. statements. >> About his statement. >> Yeah. is that he grew up in that world. >> Yeah. >> And so he was saying. >> this is what I mean by the context we. remove from [laughter] every statement. or conversation. >> robs us of the nuance that you. experience in murder documentaries. >> Uhhuh. Uhhuh. >> That like helps us communicate. If.

>> Timothy Shalamé had said Timote, right? But I guess you seem weird if you say. Timote whatever. But Tim tim if Timothy. Shalomé had said um you know I grew up. my my family was in ballet and my my mom. was a ballet dancer and my grandmother. was a ballet and I grew up in the ballet. and I watched this and I and seeing how. that art form has died over the years. >> really made me grateful to work in an. industry that still has social cache to.

see people still go to movie theater. like I'm grateful that's where I want to. because I've seen what it's like when. the ballet jobs dry up and when the. opera dies down and when people are no. longer coming out. I've seen that and. that's something I don't want for. myself. And so I'm I'm lucky. I think. people would be like, "Oh, wow.". >> T people don't have the eleution that. you have. You are you are a comedian. We. are speakers. He's an actor. And so, you. know, >> he's a speaker.

>> He's a speaker of other people's words a. lot, you know, as an actor, right? >> This is true. But I think like he's also. like a piece of. >> if he said my mom and sister need jobs. They haven't danced in years. If he said. it like that. >> Yeah. >> Then people Oh my god. Oh, you're. frustrated. Yes. >> You're frustrated for your family. >> My sister is always around cuz you know. why. No [laughter] hire. Please hire my. sister. You know it's it's his own. right. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> I think he has a personal connection.

with it. So. >> for sure. Or maybe they bullied him. Who. knows? Maybe he's like Ballet bullies. >> Ballet bullies. >> He's like ballerinas are are are not all. that you think they are. You know, I was. raised by one and my sister gets all the. attention. You know, whatever it is that. he was going through, right? [laughter]. Which anyway, I did a canata and I was. never asked back after that because. after I was an alto, I have a lower. voice naturally. So, I got to harmonize.

You know, harmonizing is hard, Trevor. You know that it. >> it's very hard. >> I tried to explain that to Uncle Paul. He didn't There was no time. You. >> You mess up at an Easter performance. >> You're not coming back for Christmas. >> It's Yeah. It's a big It's a big time. >> Oh my god. He He has risen. >> and I'm out there I'm out there going. singing the wrong notes. A. >> He said [laughter] he said let's go. your thing is you love to sing. I said,

"Yeah, I do." He said, "You love to sing. loud.". So, we could really hear. your your notes that weren't. >> shame. >> How did you feel when he was telling you. this? >> Well, at the time, I'm I'm able to laugh. about it now, but at the time, I was. really like, "Wow, I I there's a whole. crier. I didn't think you could just. like hear a few mistakes.

>> Of course, I'm singing loud. I don't. know. I'm at church. >> He has risen. >> Damn. You should have been at black. church. [sighs and gasps]. >> That would me. >> That wouldn't have been at that wouldn't. have happened at a black church. At a. black church, they would have helped you. harmonize and they would have been like, "Sing loud girl.". >> Yeah. Yeah. They would they would be. like, "Okay, okay, you just need a. little more work.". >> Yeah. Yeah. But they wouldn't That. wouldn't have happened. I think it's. because there was like the nepotism.

He was the choir director. I'm the. niece. He probably was, you know, already like aware like cuz my aunt, his. wife was in the choir, too. She got all. the solos. Trust me. >> Talk about I know. And. >> so I think. >> Was she good though? >> She She was. Trevor. They're big fans and I think. they're going to watch this. [laughter]. And I She was She's. >> a very sweet person.

>> Oh, wow. >> She's very nice. >> Okay. [music]. All right. >> Don't press anything. We've got more. What now? After this. >> All right, Eugene. [music] Let's play a. little game. You know, make something. fun. Two truths and a lie. >> Mhm. >> Here we go. One, I've had to tell a. world leader that their fly was undone. Two, when getting dressed, I don't do. sock, sock, shoe, shoe. I do sock, shoe, sock, shoe. Three, I've been a Verizon.

customer for 11 years. What do you. think? Very confused. First of all, why. would a world leader own a fly? Cuz. those things just come uninvited. Secondly, lying to your friends is not. cool. There's never been a game. No, Eugene. A fly is for like the zip is. what? And then it's it's it's not a lie. It's a game where I'm trying. It's like. I give you information. Okay, I lied. All three are true, Eugene. And in case. you were thinking, you know, Verizon.

isn't as expensive as you think. In. fact, if you bring in your AT&T or. T-Mobile bill, they'll give you a better. deal. And the reason I've been with them. for this long is just because I travel. so much. I need a network that's. reliable. That's right. A better deal on. the best network with the most ways to. save on plans, streaming, and phone. deals. Take your AT&T or T-Mobile bill. to your local Verizon store today. Get. your better deal and start saving for. real based on root metrics. Best overall. mobile network performance. US second.

half 2025. All rights reserved. You must. provide recent consumer mobile bill in. the name of the person redeeming the. deal. Additional terms, conditions, and. restrictions apply. So, do you understand how two truths and. do you understand it now? I understand. that you didn't have to lie first before. telling me that Verizon is the best. >> No, I wasn't lying. Eugene, it's not a. lie. I wouldn't lie to you. It's a game. >> Okay, I'm [music] sorry. I lied. AH. [laughter].

[music]. So when you when you look at your life. now, I mean it it feels like at least from. the outside looking in, obviously you've said you found your. voice in comedy, your vibe, your style, you're also blowing up, right? And you. and you feel that moment. It doesn't. matter what what you do in in in. entertainment, there are these.

inflection points where it feels like. you're hitting, you know what I mean? And correct me if I'm wrong, but it. feels like you're like hitting, you know. what I mean? You You're there, you you. you're cruising. Does it feel like that. to you. >> that I'm finally hitting certain. strides? >> Yeah. Yeah. But like in like cuz you All. right, I'll speak for myself. There was. a time in comedy where it's like I. didn't know when the next gig would. come, if it would come, how it would. come. So you it was very much like do a. gig, all right, let's see what happens. Do a gig. All right, let's see. And then.

at some point you you're booked in. advance now. You know what you're going. to be doing. So I I don't know. >> Right. That's true. Yeah. How Yeah. I. mean, I've, you know, I've never thought. you could in the past if you told me. when I was, you know, slinging ice. cream, >> if someone said, you know, um, what are. you doing, um, March, let's [laughter]. say it's 2026 right now. If someone told. me, uh, what are you doing March 2028? >> Uh, can I book you down for the 18th? I.

would be like, what are you talking. about? What do you mean you're going to. book me out that far in advance? I'm. going to have something to do and I will. know it. You know, I I would be like. that. You're insane. But yes, to have. that be a thing um. is cool. And for because I was being me, you know, that's that's really cool, right? Like that's really cool, >> right? to be able to do stand up, to be. booked is because I got to finally be me.

and I'm being me and you know so you. know sometimes like people talk about. like okay you know in in the industry or. in the in comedy you want to be you know. relevant how do you stay relevant and I. don't think you have to worry about that. you just accidentally are relevant if. you care about the world and people and. what's happening so you're going to. speak on that and that's naturally just. going to. be you being present and you know so you. find your fellow weirdos. That's the.

audience that find you and and they keep. you booked because it's a. >> constant conversation with. >> right as an artist. It's a constant. conversation with your your audience and. you and so yeah it's it's really cool. that you know I wish when I was starting. out standup it's like okay how do I. start? what do I grasp at. >> kind of just being you was kind of a. thing you would think would be told to. you but.

>> it wasn't you know it was more maybe. people were more focused on like how do. I get success faster or something I. think. >> you got to have a type five or whatever. it's like okay but what does that mean. like what you know what are the things. that tickle you and you really want to. talk about and then you can hone the. craft that's that'll that's easy. Just. like, you know, I would like to think. being an alter or finding the right. tones to sing at is easy, >> but you know, um, being you sometimes is.

harder. I think. >> I think. >> it takes time. >> It's funny. I think there I think there. are two steps or two levels to it. >> Being you is one of the hardest things. ever. Mhm. >> But then I find there's something that. people often don't speak about enough. and that is. being comfortable. allowing you to change is the second. hardest thing. >> Being comfortable allowing you to. change. Yeah.

>> So, so like. >> when you're an artist or when you're a. person, being you can be very difficult. Like finding yourself, oh, this is who I. am. This is Yeah. But I don't think I. don't think enough people speak about. how hard it is. >> to realize that that you can change as. well and should change. >> And so what I've seen people do, let's. say specifically in like art is. sometimes people will stay as that thing. forever because that's them. But then. now they are the prisoner of the them. that they became,

>> right? >> And then now now like when an audience. will tell you that's not what would do. or that's not how she would and you're. like oh yeah that's not an Nutsk joke. I. shouldn't say that I like like cuz an. audience at some point will tell you. they'll be like I just didn't feel like. this was like your kind of show like. what does what does that mean? >> Yeah. I mean musicians I think I look at. musicians a lot cuz they probably deal. with that a lot. I think they have to. reinvent themselves the next version you. know Beyonce I am now gonna play with.

country music. Last time it was the ballroom, you know, the queer scene and the community, you. know, that inspired that album to, you. know, and comedians, we don't get to. think of that as much or, you know, I'm. I've kept this haircut. I'm like, how. long do I have to keep this haircut for? You [laughter] know what I mean? Until. all, >> but you don't. But that's the thing, >> right? Yeah. That's that's the thing. that's like it's. it is it is hard to remember. that we shouldn't allow our freedom to.

become the prison that we we were trying. to escape in the first place. >> Yeah. Totally. Yes. Oh, that twinkle in. the eye. Yeah. That's why there's two. cameras on you because we have to catch. every time [laughter]. Trevor Trevor goes there. Oh, good. >> It's good. You know, these are. compliments. >> Oh, goodness. >> Yeah. an extraordinary thinker. >> Oh wow. >> Artist. I sometimes think you've reached. enlightenment, you know. >> Oh, I wish. >> Just you with your water.

>> I wish. >> Yeah. >> I wish they say when you when you've. >> What was the There was a monk who said. this to me one day. He said I asked him, "Have you reached enlightenment?" Yeah. >> And he says, >> "When you have reached enlightenment, that's when you know you've reached the. bottom and you have to start again.". [laughter]. >> Oh my god. And he genuinely he was just. like he says literally whenever people. think they've reached enlightenment it. means they're at the very bottom. >> right. >> of the journey and they have to start it. all over again. >> is. >> and I was like damn that's intense.

>> of course cuz I mean yeah that is your. lowest point huh. >> you're hungry you're dizzy you're. probably confused. >> you're having the visions. >> you're dehydrated sweetie you're near. schizophrenia like you need to eat. something I know you're trying to reach. like I am nothing I am Nothing, sweetie. Yeah, that's when it gets hard. My aunt. in Taiwan, my grandma's like younger. sister is a monk. >> We've been like, "Sweetie, you you have. children.".

>> She just left one day to the to the. temple. Said, "I am nothing. I am. nothing." I said, "Actually, you're a. mom [laughter] and a friend and a sister. and other things.". >> Yeah. >> Who am I? How is this me? That's like. one of the meditations. >> Who am I? How is this me? Yeah. >> And then that's. >> it's a it's a beautiful one because. >> who am I? How is this me? >> Yeah. It's it's um No. Who am I? Where. am I? And how is this me? [sighs]. >> That's. >> and you just and you just keep saying. that. >> That's me most days out in the streets.

of New York lost. Okay. That was me. earlier trying to find this this place. [laughter]. cuz we walked here from the Sherry. Shepard show. Okay. What street am I? Where are we? >> Oh, Trevor. But um no but you know. allowing yourself to change as a. >> Yes. So so there's two things I I want. to actually want to get to before before. before [snorts] I forget is one. on the on the family side. What has your.

journey been like? You know, there's a thread that I that I that I. see that I think a lot of people can. relate to and that is coming from a. family of hardship and living in a world. of hardship. means achieving becomes so much more. important. It's it's not just like a a. trophy. It's not a it's not a mantle. It's not a it's it's it's meaningful for. survival, right? Mhm. >> But then what that comes with is.

an excessive amount of pressure as well. for that for that success to maintain. itself or to keep growing or to keep. like. what has that journey been like for you. as as somebody who was contributing and. helping the family, you know? I'm. assuming you're you're still doing that. now. >> Mhm. Does it feel like, oh, good, you know, the comedy helps me do this, or does it. feel like, oh man, I need the comedy. because I I I need this to keep going so. that I can support the family? >> I think it's a little Yeah, it's it's.

both happening. And you know what's. wild? I feel more pressure from uh. actually like um not the fans, but from. society more than family. >> In what way? Like family knows, family. is like, "Oh, girl, wait, we got you, too." You know, like we appreciate you. You know, my husband works for me too. So, I am the main person, you know, that. they're, you know, for me, my husband,

my mom, and grandma, >> right? >> I'm like, me? I don't even know where my. keys are at. So, that's too bad for you. guys that I'm the bread winner. But um. yeah, I you know I I want to continue. being like a good artist for the people. and not let them down. So I feel that. pressure the most actually. >> um out of anything. Like you were saying. you know it. >> it was very helpful that you said you. know it's hardest to be down to with you. know yourself changing right. Yeah,

that's you know as you write the next. hour of show to you know it's like oh. gosh what have I not talked about to oh. this joke is very similar to that last. one I had it's same theme you know um am. I evolving as an artist things like that. that's I'm I'm the most I'm the hardest. on that. >> yeah cuz it's it it's happened so fast. and I've I was never meant to be a. comedian I don't think. >> I think the opposites or this.

>> you were absolutely meant for it. >> I I. like I it's the only uh skill I have. But. >> but [laughter] I but I often think. that's that's. >> in a in a perfect world. I think that's. how a society would run is the only. skill that people have is where they. would end up doing their thing. Like I. think I think we've created too many. funnels in the world now. We've made. everyone doctor, lawyer, engineer, like. all those types of things. We need. engineers. We need doctors. We need.

lawyers. All right, fine. But. >> I I I do think it's beautiful to be in a. world where everyone's one skill just. happens to be the thing that they can do. and then we don't diminish that skill or. go like, >> "Oh, that's all you can do." It's like, "Yeah, I can only paint." Oh, yeah. We. need paintings. I can only make music. I. I can only lay bricks. Yeah. Have you. seen beautiful masonry? Like it's Do you. know what I mean? There's something I I. think we need that. So, >> yeah. No, I'm I'm into it. But I mean I. guess I didn't prep for this so it's.

happening very fast and I'm still I've. only been touring like the past four. years or [snorts] uh maybe yeah m past. four or five years. It's very but I I. started standup you know maybe like 17. years ago. I just took a lot of breaks. I I I didn't believe in myself. I would. you know I go oh it's just a hobby. I'm. not going to take it seriously. So, you. know, it's very a lot of, you know, just. in the four years it's the touring and. then doing and then two specials, everything back to back to back. So, I. just don't want to mess up, you know.

>> Yeah. No, I can imagine. >> Yeah. I'm like, okay, don't Yeah. >> Yeah. That that feeling is is um is one. that's quite intense. >> Mhm. >> When you get to a place that you never. thought you would get to and when you've. achieved. beyond your wildest dreams. One of the scariest things. is not knowing how. it will or won't go because it was never. promised. >> Yeah. It's like, oh, I was just supposed.

to work at an ice cream parlor. [laughter]. >> Okay. And then now, you know, quickly, uh, yes or no, Riad festival, for. example. Well, I don't want to mess up. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. And my gut instinct says it's not a good. idea. You know, things like that. And. then you know uh conversation ensues. So funny that festival uh like became a. such a big conversation. I'm like. someone cares about the a comedy. festival that comedians you know only.

like it's it's like uh it's like JFL. comedy festival or something. You know. what I mean? I'm like what? >> Even you know my my dad who just lives. with his cats in Japan has heard about. it. You know. >> it got that far. >> Yeah. I mean it was international. Huh? >> News, >> wouldn't you say? Or you think it was. just like a. >> No, I didn't. I didn't know I didn't. know it had blown up that much. >> Yeah. I mean, everyone. >> like when you when you're in Japan, what. that's the phrase, right? You know, you've made it when you're big in Japan.

So, if the news gets all the way to. Japan, then I'm like, damn, that was a. big story. >> Man, how isolated has Japan been that? [laughter]. >> No, but it was always the thing, right? They say, >> but do you tour in Japan, by the way? >> Yes. Yeah, I tour um in uh Yeah. And do. you do shows in Japanese? >> Oh, no, no, no, no. In English. Yeah. >> Oh, why do you say it like that? >> Oh, because I'm very out of practice. with Japanese and Mandarin, actually. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Uh, I wish that would. be cool. In Japanese, my show would be. 10 minutes long, [laughter].

>> you know, very like and probably very. like dad jokes, puns or something, play. on words maybe. But um yeah, I don't I. don't I I that would be a cool goal to. to try to go for. But I do tour Asia. I. tour, you know, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, you know, Indonesia, you know, all. >> Is it Is it Is there like a different. magic that comes with touring the places. that have that were like your your. foundation, like going back.

>> to tour those places? >> Yeah. Right. Yes. Because now they're. like, "Yes, come back, girl. We've. always liked you. >> [laughter and gasps]. >> You know what I mean? Yes. Now you got, you know, it's the whole thing, right? You find success in the US and then. they're like, "Now, yes, please come. We've always got, we've always believed. in you." And I'm like, "You didn't come. get me or look for me when I was. kidnapped." [laughter]. I was begging to go back to Japan. I. left Tokyo for this. Um, but uh yeah.

Yes. It's it's really cool. Um, in Japan. there's this uh when you come home you. say tada like oh no sorry when you leave. your home to go to school it's usually. like kids say it. They go um what what. did what do they say? Uh, oh godimas. They go. that means. >> Yeah. So it's like I'm leaving. Okay. Go. ahead now. Like you know and then when. you come home you say tadada I'm home. I.

like this. And then they say uh which. means welcome home. >> Yeah. Okai. And so the first time I um. toured Japan just like two years two. years ago um you know I didn't it's just. like thousands of people. know who I am locals you know locals and. >> and uh and I have I felt I always felt. like I was kind of ripped away from. Japan. I didn't get to say goodbye to my. dad or my friends. I didn't know I was.

moving, you know. And then I had to give. up my Japanese passport when I became a. US citizen. >> Oh wow. on Japan's side, Japan. >> Yeah, I didn't know that. >> Yeah. So, I just felt like layers of my. Japanese identity was being ripped away. And so, for me to, you know, and I I. really wanted to do well in my Japanese. shows, you know, like prove that like I. am home. And so, I just decided to say. to the audience, I said, you know, tada. like I'm home. >> And thousands of them, all of them said. back to me, welcome home. Right. In.

Japan, in Japanese. And I was like, yeah. So, I I Oh my god. I got so. teeyed. Like how do you not cry? Like. what a way to start a show. I was be. like, "Oh, [laughter] this is not what I. expected.". >> Yes. Yeah. >> Oh, wow. >> Like I' I've been gone, but like I am. home, you know, and thank you for like. also being here for this kind of. homecoming. So, it was it's really cool. to be able to do that. Yeah, >> that's beautiful. Wait, so what are. those phrases again? So, when you're. leaving, you say. >> uh it's a lot. So, maybe it just coming.

home. So, um. >> that's ta that means like I'm home. >> Okay. I'll think of it as like tada. >> Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. It's a very Yeah. And then. >> welcome home. >> Welcome home. All right. I'm going to. add that to my Japanese. Good. >> Six. Your sixth language. >> No, Japanese is just like my dream is to. be able to say enough to just like, you. know. >> Do you Wait, have you toured Asia? Have. you. >> done shows in Japan? >> Yeah, right. Japan. Yeah, >> I had a great time there. Um,

>> that's true. You've done Yeah. Southeast. I tried to write one joke in. Japanese. >> You did? You did? >> Yeah. It was like combining everything I. had. So, it was like, >> do you remember what it is? >> Like phrase. It was a It was a It was a. joke about speaking to somebody in the. airport in Japan. >> Yeah. >> Testing my Japanese. Yeah. >> And so it was it was like uh was me. I'd. meet the person and then I was like um. uh the the premise of it was basically. like. uh.

you learn a language. What was it? Yeah. The premise was something about like you. learn a language but you never know what. no one tells you is that like at some. point you run out of the language but. the person you're speaking to doesn't. know that you're going to run out. [laughter]. >> Right. Right. >> You have to be careful. >> Yeah. Exactly. So like mine was like at. the airport and it was like konija. And. the person was like oh konua and it was. like oh damn. I was like oh this is. [laughter] this is working. And then um. what did I say? Cuz someone had taught. me that there were they were uh I did a. comedy festival. >> Uhhuh. >> With uh two Japanese mime comedians,

Kitchen and Hopon. >> Oh my god. >> They're phenomenal. Like some of the. best mime performers I've ever seen in. my life. Funny, funny, funny, funny. >> And then one of them taught me this. phrase which I I butcher, but I I I. would always try it, which was um it was. >> Oh, yeah. Something about a chicken. running in the yard. >> In the yard. Yes. >> And then so I'd throw that in the the. joke as well. >> And then the other one which I loved. from like anime was.

shinder. >> which is you're already dead. >> Uhhuh. Uhhuh. [laughter]. [gasps]. >> These are not sentences you really want. to say at an airport. >> This is what made it a great joke. [laughter]. Yeah. So literally that's like and I had. and I had this bit but what was weird. was when I was doing it in Japan. >> right. >> all the Japanese people in the audience. would you see them going does he know. what he's saying [laughter]. does he like and then like after the.

show someone came up to me and they're. like uh it's like Trevor he's like he's. like uh when you said this on the stage. he's like. who told you this is Japanese and I was. like oh man long story long story long I. hear you try to do jokes for each local. place like for some of your like the. beginning of your. >> not even try. I I just do you do I do. that? I do. I I love it more than. anything. So I get to a place. >> Yeah. >> I try it. It it means my touring is not.

as efficient as it should be. But I. don't like getting to a place and doing. a show. >> Yeah. You want to like live. >> I want to land. >> and then I want to go to local spots. >> I want to watch local TV. I want to see. what people do. I want to like every. just just. >> and I It's osmosis. I just absorb absorb. absorb absorb absorb. >> Yeah. >> And then when I get to the show, something happens in my brain and I. start processing my experience.

>> Mhm. Mhm. >> And Yeah. So I do this everywhere I go. >> Yeah. What are some of your favorite. places? >> London. Like South Africa always wins. So I can't count it because it's home. home, you know? places that I go to. >> that you like. London. >> London is Yeah. maybe like my number. one. It's so it's so cosmopolitan. It's. so me. It's so There's Africans and. Europeans and and they've lived with. each other and it's a weird mix and. people get each other but also don't. But there's all these accents and yeah,

London is I I love love love London. Australia is a lot of fun as well. um. just because they they just they they. get comedy in a really specific way. >> Yeah. >> You know, I find Australians have like a. really really good sense of humor and. they get comedy. >> So just these English speaking places, these fellow English speaking places. >> Yeah, I guess so because they I guess. they they've influenced. maybe because we were under this. Commonwealth. blanket.

>> Our sensibilities are adjacent but not. necessarily the same. >> Okay, that's true. Yeah. >> Singapore. I have a great time though. That's one of my favorite places. Every. every chance I get, I'll go to. Singapore. >> I mean, tiny tiny. You could see the I. mean, you've probably seen the whole. place already. >> Yeah, I have. I have. But I'll see it. again and again and again. And then see. it on a hot day and it's very different. I made the mistake of walking. >> through the streets of Singapore in the. middle of summer. >> Yeah. I didn't Yeah. Hot is hot is an. understatement. >> Yeah. Totally. Yeah. >> Yeah. It's It's that, you know, like the. heat from movies.

>> Mhm. Where you can see it. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. It's that it's that hot. >> No, I know. I know. and you're walking. down a block and you're like, "Why is no. one else walking?" And then halfway down. the block I'm like, [gasps]. >> "Right, that's that's where you're. thriving on durian ice cream.". >> Yeah, that's where. >> Scandinavia uh really surprised me. I I. did my first Europe tour just uh last. year and I I was like, "What a Yeah. So, I had never, you know, >> you loved it.". >> Um Yes, I was surprised. >> Okay, great. Okay, great. Why were you. surprised? >> Oh, I don't I never met the true weirdo.

white people. I didn't you know where. where they came from like they're they. kind of remind me of Japanese people. >> Oh yeah they are. They are they really. are. >> Finnish people. even the fashion. >> completely. >> a lot of the designs I was like this is. just Tokyo. >> Yeah it's it's minimalist and they also. have a very. >> the culture is very much about like not. standing out. >> Yes. Like saying. >> it is not about you. >> It is about the collective. >> and Yes. Yeah. It's it's very similar.

>> Yeah. I mean come on. >> also very high suicide rates I think. >> Oh is that right? >> Yeah I think I think per capita like. Japan and Scandinavia. >> I wonder what it is because you know. supposed because it's like smaller. population so the the there is health. insurance healthare and stuff. >> I think a lot of it has to do with. societal pressure. >> right. >> From what I understand it's it's like a. vibe. >> like don't stand out too much. >> Yeah. And and like if you're not happy. it's you. >> Yeah I mean because we're all weird and. we're all doing this folk dance and. we're we're eating salmon. Was salmon. invented there? They eat so much salmon.

>> There's a lot of salmon. Some of the. best salmon. >> Yeah, I just salmon it. Salmon for every. meal. >> What's crazy is, do you know that the Do. you know that Norway spent like I think. almost a decade if not more trying to. convince Japan to buy salmon from. >> I have heard this. [laughter]. >> You've heard this, right? >> Wait. Yeah. Yes. How do I know this? Yeah. Because salmon wasn't that big in. Japan or something and then they made it. even bigger. Well, I think just in. general, Japan doesn't buy food from. other people in that way. They're always.

like, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, >> we got salmon. >> You keep your your food." We've seen how. you guys have food. You. >> And then like. >> Do they have too much salmon? >> I just think the Norwegians were like, "We need a market for it." And and. they've got some of the best quality. salmon in the world. >> But it's so far from each other. No. >> Yeah. And then they were like, "We got. to convince the Japanese that they would. like our salmon.". >> Uhhuh. And then now I think Norway is. one of the only places that Japan gets. their salmon from. >> That's so wild. They. >> It's phenomen It is wild salmon.

>> It really It's wild salmon. No, every me. I said, "Oh my gosh, I was so worried. about I said, "Oh, you know, I mean, I've been in the States and you know, I. I hadn't been to really even like. Western Europe or whatever." And so I. was like, and in all my life, even in. the States, like I had to teach people. how to say my name, Atskco Katska. I. said, "How how is people in Norway going. to get that?" You know, and. >> you seen their names? >> Exactly. When I went, I was like, "Oh my. god." They were like, "Sweet." They were. like, "We.

my name is Sor Bureau's daughterska. [laughter]. is not a problem. Are you kidding?" I. was like, "Oh my god." Yes. I I felt so. seen by the weirdness. in Iceland in the. green room there was um uh fermented. shark meat, you know, from like growing. up eating like weird parts of the animal. in the states to like oh white people. just needed to remember where they came. from then they wouldn't make fun of. other people that you guys you know also.

eat all kinds of the animal too and all. these things you know. >> that must have been beautiful for you. Can I tell you I wish more people would. have that experience. And I know it's. it's it's not feasible, but we take for. granted on a really like I know it's a. sppy thing to say, but man, we take for. granted how similar we are around the. world, >> but we don't, like you say, we just. don't know it. >> Yeah. And granted, you know, they don't. have diversity there, but you know, uh. >> Yeah, granted they don't have that. >> Yeah. Yeah. But I mean,

>> but they didn't have an issue like, you. know, >> Yeah. They don't have a lack of. diversity because some went down. They just have it's just the way it was. >> Yeah. >> Do you know what I mean? And if you had. asked. >> I don't know this history as much. I. just I just know. >> Yeah. There were no there were no black. people there. There was never like a. thing. There was no no one else was ever. there. >> Uh-huh. >> Yeah. That was their land and they are. the people of that land and that's like. how they look. my husband who is white. is, you know, sometimes he tells me. bedtime stories because I I am I am a.

baby. And so I told him, he's like, you. know, we've been together 10 years. He's. like, I'm out of stories. I said, "Make. one up. Just make one up." He goes, "Okay, do you know the one about where. white people come from?" I said, "No.". And he's tired. He's falling asleep. I. was like, "Please, I I need tell me the. story." He goes, "Well, white people. come from the the ice rocks in Ireland. It melted and then white people came out. of there. They thawed and then they.

needed to warm up. So, they started uh. moving their feet fast and then the the. jig was invented.". So, that's a story. That's a bedtime. story he told me. [sighs]. >> Oh, man. >> But yes, we're all more similar. I kept. my eyes closed that whole time. >> You really did. It was good. That was a. great performance. I felt like you were. your husband in front of me. I was. there. >> Did you get sleepy? >> No, I was actually in enthralled. I. can't do bedtime stories because they. keep me awake. >> How European are you again? >> So, my father is Swiss.

>> Oh, Swiss. Okay. Okay. Yeah. I didn't. get to. >> But I I didn't grow up there or spend. any like Yeah. 100%. everything of my life has been South. African, >> right? Yeah. Yeah. So, >> but like uh does it ever come out where. you're like, hm, I'm. >> where I'm like on time all of a sudden? No. >> Is that what they're known for? I don't. know. I guess I don't know. I was trying. to think of a Switzerland thing and I. was like, >> "Oh, yeah. Yeah." Yeah. Like precision. Like true [snorts] precision. >> Yeah. Or like. >> watch making like the chocolates. Even.

like if you look at like a Swiss. chocolate. >> Yeah. Like if you look at a chocolate. made in America or many parts of the. world, it's just like a blob of. brownness, >> you know, and then like and then you eat. it. >> Swiss chocolate. Just go look at it. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Go look at the detail. >> I spent one day there. Yeah. I got I got. in and I performed. >> Yeah. But even if you like buy some, just go look at it. >> Yeah. >> Look at everything from like, you know, even like commercial stuff like a. toblerone to anything. Go look at the.

actual chocolate. >> and you're like, who put this much. effort into designing. >> a thing that I'm just going to yum yum. >> Wow. Okay. So, they're about precision. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Completely. Completely. >> And and and then also being like. >> the trains the trains are like Yeah. neutral and precise. Neutral and. precise. Neutral. >> Find that in you. You're like, am I. No, no. I'm like, >> it's I I. >> It's recessive. It's a recessive gene. No, no, no, no, no. I'm loud and chaotic.

and. >> I want to see you. Oh, no. We I know you. have to go to lunch, but I want to see. you on um. >> Finding Your Roots. Did you do that yet? >> With um. >> Louis Henry Gates Jr. >> Yes. >> Have you done that? >> No, I haven't. >> I'm about to do it. >> You're going to do it? >> Yeah. >> Oh, exciting. >> Yeah, I'm I'm curious because. >> What are you most afraid to find out? >> I'm not afraid. I'm most curious about. my my grandpa my grandma's husband. during the martial law they he was. assassinated so I want to know more.

about it. Yeah, like because his his. father was running against the KMT who. was the ruling party. >> and uh in local elections and then so to. prove a point they killed my grandpa. But you know and then that because of. that my mom's like my mom was uh like. five when they brought his body back and. she saw it and then of course now she. has schizophrenia and the boys. Yeah. So everything's connected. So I'm. really curious to find out about that. even with the cameras rolling. I mean,

you know, but yeah, but then I was like, I mean, >> so they can find so they can find anyone. anywhere. Like they they can just they. can they can definitively say we found. your story. >> I hope so. With enough like, you know, Yeah. with enough. >> like they'll never just say to you like, "Sorry, no, we we we thought we could, but no.". >> Yeah. I haven't known like a person. who's participated who um they you know, I feel like they've been researching for. months. Oh, okay. They've been on my.

case for a long time. We haven't been. able to shoot it yet cuz they're like, "We're still researching. We're still. talking to people." And so, yeah. >> Wow. >> I mean, really, have you seen any of the. episodes? >> I have. I have. It's where the It's. where like all the white people discover. like their great-grandfathers were like. slave owners. >> Yes. Yeah. >> That's the show. >> And then like Edward Norton find found. out that like his great great great. grandmother was Pocahontas. Things like that. >> What? >> Yeah. or like Bernie Sanders and uh you. know Bernie Sanders and Larry David are.

actual cousins things like that. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so but they really try to you know. find out as much as. >> I'm excited for you. >> What do you hope to discover from it? >> Um I I don't know. I think I I really. like history. I like other people's. history. I've never, you know, looked. into my own as much, but I think I'm at. a point where it would be. >> uh in not just insightful. I I don't.

know. I I want to I love stories of like. resilience and how people kept going and. so I don't know. I hope there's some of. that. It could be dark, too, where it's. like, yeah, and they died. Who knows? But, you know, I'm okay. Cuz then I go, okay, well, you know, I'll I'll keep. that going for us. Yeah. >> You know, with Mike. here at Trevor show, [laughter]. >> I keep trying to get you to lunch. Do. you know what I'm doing? >> No, I don't know what you're doing.

>> I keep going. This man's got to eat. He's got to go. Oh, like slowly bring. the. >> Oh, you're trying to wind us down. Oh, I. like this. Okay. >> No, no, no. I mean, cuz I don't know. Is. there words behind me? There isn't. How. you know which questions to ask and. stuff? It's through your heart. You just. read the situation through your heart. You're really good at what you do, Trevor. I hope you get enough breaks. I'm so worried about you. You shouldn't. know. You shouldn't know TSA agent. schedules. Oh, no. This man,

aren't you okay? You have like health. insurance and stuff. >> Oh, wow. >> Right. You have friends? >> Oh, man. >> You have fun. [laughter]. [cough]. >> Are you happy? >> Oh, I actually am. Yeah. >> Yeah. That's good. >> You work out every day? >> I do. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. I play a lot of pickle ball. >> That's every day. >> Almost every day. >> So that's a couple hours. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> Yeah. >> Oh, so you're like that's a good work. life balance. >> It's like it's just like a just run. around, sweat, get moving, you know, hit.

a ball. It's. >> When do you think I could reach that. point where I will be pickle pickle. ball? >> Uh when when are you ready to accept. that you're a middle-aged white man? When when when is this journey? >> Yeah. This the Swiss in you coming out. Oh, it's the further they're not hitting. anything pickle ball. No, I I think it's. um when do you get to that point? When. you when you get to that you already at. that point is the way I would put it. >> I'm afraid to relax like that. >> Yeah, >> I don't relax like that. I said that's. pickle ball every day. That's like 2.

hours where I'm not working. >> Yeah, but but this is I'm trying to. think. There are a few people who've. given me pieces of advice that have. really really stuck with me over the. years. One was Chris Rock when I was. first starting out at the Daily Show. He met we met each other before I. started on the Daily Show, but I had. just been announced as the host and we. chatted about things and everything. And. he was like, "If you ever need advice, reach out." He didn't I didn't know this. man. This Chris Rock is a legend, you. know, and he was really kind.

>> Still is. >> And um. >> he Where where was it? Like at the. >> Comedy seller. Yeah, at the comedy. seller. And then. >> and then I met him again a few months. later at the comedy seller. >> and he was like, "How are things going? What are you doing?". >> And I was really excited. I was like, "Yeah, you know, I'm in it. It's really. hard. I'm doing the Daily Show and and. you know, I work every day." And he's. like, "Oh." And and and then I was like, "Yeah." And then on weekends I go do. standup. I hit the road and I do. standup, right? >> And and he's like, "What? Every day?".

And I was like, "Yeah." Hey, I said I. work Monday to Friday at the Daily Show. and then Friday nights I leave. immediately go do a show Friday, Saturday and then Sunday and then Monday. I'm back at the Daily Show and then and. I thought I genuinely thought he was. going to be like, "Yeah, good for you.". And Chris [clears throat] looked at me. in like like that classic Chris Rock way. and he was like he said he said I'll. never forget it. He said he said you're. going to be the worst comedian ever. He's like you are going to be the worst. comedian ever. >> I was like what do you mean? And then he. said he said um he said comedy comes.

from life. You ain't living. He's like. you can't make comedy doing comedy. And. I was like oh And and we had a. conversation about understanding. that art is inspired by life. >> And so to be responsible as an artist is. to live away from the art so that the. art can become better. >> Right. Yes. And so in a way it made me. trick myself into learning that not. doing it is working towards doing it.

[laughter]. >> And that's how you you play you when you. play you're thinking that this is for my. art. >> No, I just go like I I have no I I don't. hold it on me. I don't go like I should. be I could be I'm like no no no by. existing I'm always doing something that. contributes to my arts. >> Right. It's like uh tax write offs or. something. Yeah. where you're like, "Hey, because I I'm I'm eating, but I'm. an artist eating. This is a tax write. off." It's like that. >> I don't think that's a tax write off. You might want to meet with a new tax uh.

consultant, but. >> hey, >> but I think uh fundamentally, yes, it's. it's in the same realm. >> Right. Right. >> So, you don't you don't rest at all. What do you do? What do you do to to. other than like sipping tequila and. bedtime stories, >> how do you find your. >> Right. Right. Um, you know, I definitely. am aware that I need to work on that. because I I play this video game on my. phone where I own restaurants. >> So, in my off time, I'm still busy because. not only do I own them, I also work at.

them, too. It's a wild game. And I own. so many restaurants. >> Has the game got you to spend money? [sighs]. >> Yes, I've spent real money sometimes. >> They're so good at that. >> To help you get upgrades? >> Yeah. Yeah, of course. Cuz you got to. speed up the upgrades. >> Yeah. I mean, >> what do you have to like upgrade? >> When you're an entrepreneur, >> if you're an entrepreneur, you have to. invest money to. >> make money. >> Thank you so much. >> But it's interesting how the money from. the games, they never let you turn into.

real money the other way around. >> Mm- [clears throat] No. >> Slick business. >> Yeah. So, it's like maybe I'm up. upgrading the counter, the, you know, the look of the the remodeling my. restaurant. >> so that you can serve more customers. >> Yes. Maybe there's another seat, you. know, that I add or uh buy fresher. produce, you know, more organic produce. >> Um those are upgrades. Sometimes um you. can upgrade your waiter, who is also me, >> to walk faster. >> Yes. >> So there's that, too, >> cuz then you can serve more customers.

quickly. Yeah. You know, you understand. You play this game? >> No, but I I played a version of it. I. think a healthier version. You would. love it, I think, if you play this kind. of game. It's a game called Dave the. Diver. >> Dave the Diver. Oh, he dives for. >> So, it's a story of a. >> diver. >> who gets recruited. He just loves eating. good sushi. >> There's a story. >> Yeah, it's a fantastic game. >> It's fantastic. It's one of the best. games I've ever played in my life. >> Wow. >> It's a small I think it's an indie game. um company, >> but it's um Dave the Diver.

>> Yes. >> And he loves eating more than anything. He loves sushi. >> Wow. And then the the the guy who like. there's a guy he meets who wants to. start a sushi restaurant and he goes, "You love eating and you're a good. diver.". >> Wow. >> You hunt the fish. Let's go get the fish. for me. >> Yes. >> Right. >> And that's Dave. >> Dave. Yeah. >> So Dave dives and you dive as Dave. >> and then you swim around. It's the most. tranquil experience. You like you swim. around peacefully under the ocean. >> Wow. >> And then you just catch fish. >> And you catch fish. Different different.

No rush at all. >> Is the man ever like, "Hurry, I'm. hungry." No, no, no, no, no. Your only. time limit is your your oxygen tank. >> Oh, it's okay. >> But there's no hurry. >> And then when you go up, you give him. the fish. >> and then you get to the restaurant and. then when you're there, you meet with. like a chef and then he like walks you. through like what the menu is going to. be. >> Are you serious? >> Yeah. And I've learned so much about. sushi playing the game. >> What What is this on your phone? Is this. a VR game? >> I think it's on computer and console as. well. >> Wow. >> Yeah. But it's it's really lovely. What. I like about it though is. >> unlike the game you play,

>> right, >> it finishes. >> Okay. It does. Huh. >> Yeah. And you can't spend any real money. in it. >> because you go, "Hey, I finished my. meal. That was tasty. Thank you. >> You do it. It plays out." And then you. finish the story and then it ends and. it's a beautiful story and but you get. to do all these things you love doing, right? >> Upgrading the restaurant, hiring more. waiters, getting better like sushi chefs. and sue chefs, etc. Yeah. Yeah. But you. you should try it. >> Okay. Yeah. Because this is this is. never ending where I'm like, "Okay." And.

>> if you do have ADD, that's probably one. of the worst things for your brain. >> This? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Because. >> the infinite games. >> Oh, probably. Because I go, "Okay." And. then more more stimulus. >> It's the worst. It's the worst thing. ever. >> Oh my god. I just opened a caveman. restaurant. >> themed. >> Yes. Oh, no. It's um actually of the. time, I think. Wow. >> My sue chef is a dinosaur. >> This is a big move you've made. >> I am so busy. It's I have one out of an. igloo where you you ever you ever try to.

you ever run to cook in a building made. of ice where the stove that's a that's a. rush against time. [laughter] You know. what I mean? It's it's not good for me. this game. You're right. But you know. Yes. I want to try this uh sushi. >> Dave the diver. >> Dave the diver. >> Yeah. I I I'm I'm excited for you. I. think. You you strike me as the kind of person. who will who will find it because you.

always naturally find things. I think. you'll you'll find that rest. You'll. find that you know. >> Oh yes. No, I I think slowly. Yeah. I. you know I've I I I've been trying out. nature for example. >> Oh, trying out nature. >> Oh my god. Me and my husband went hiking. recently. We did try that. >> It was my biggest fear. You know, I. said, "What what am I going to do with. just, you know, what happens when we get to the. destination, which was we were trying to. get to a waterfall?". >> Okay. >> And and they said, "Well, then you walk.

back, you know, and that that scared. me." I said, "Just" and then see. everything that I just saw again. I know I sound insane, but I haven't. like hiking is not something I grew up. with. Oh yeah. >> Did you grow up with it? >> Uh, no. But we just walked outside. So. >> that's what I'm saying. >> Right. Like I feel like single moms. didn't really take their kids hiking. There was no time. >> Yeah. [clears throat] Hiking is not a. thing in that way.

>> Yeah. >> Depend depends on where you are. Maybe. if you're like a single mom in Denver, Colorado, maybe you do it. >> That's true. That's true. Like in Japan, it wasn't. >> No. >> With what? I don't There was no hiking. trails near us. >> It was a very American thing. Just like. eating salads, >> you know. It was all stuff I discovered. here. I said, "Oh, so people just walk. towards like a thing and then they walk. back in nature." And how was it? >> They get back in their car, >> right? >> Um, it was it was good. I guess, you.

know, we're very new. I I didn't really. even know how to dress for it. I guess I. dressed improperly for it cuz I, you. know, posted it in my Instagram stories. and all my fans were like, "That is not. an outfit for why are you wearing a. winter coat? We brought uh sparkling water to drink. and they said this was a moderate hike. Oh my god. Me and my husband, we were. out of breath the whole time uphill. Oh. my god. And then we got thirsty with. sparkling water. What? To just wet our.

lips. That's not You can't quench your. thirst. There were mothers with newborns. like lapping us just we were like cuz we. were like we were like walking slow. There were we saw multiple people pass. us and um so it was it was a lot but. then like once we got to like the. waterfall it was pretty I guess and I. was like let me try to take in you know. why people talk about nature and.

[snorts]. >> all that. So I. >> apparently the [clears throat] waterfall. is prettier. because of the walk. They say it's like a weird psychological. thing. >> Yeah. where you go. >> if you if you stress yourself before. >> is that is. >> observe. Yeah. If you stress yourself. like physically if you tax yourself I. should say rather. >> before you get something or observe. something. >> then you will be more likely to. appreciate it because it it it appears. to be the product of hard work.

>> That makes sense. Yeah. So we're just. mind tricking ourselves the whole time. We're hiking. >> Yeah. >> Right. And so I think I was trying to do. that too to be like, "Yes, I'll I'll. take Yeah, why not take this moment?". That was intense. >> Yeah, >> cuz we have to go back and see all the. same stuff again to go back. So, >> you know, and me and Ryan, my husband, talked about that was that was nice. Let's let's try to do that more. You. know, this is good. >> because we both are on our phones. playing our games. He's at war most.

times. >> Okay. I like this. >> He's at war in his game. >> and you're running the kitchens. >> Yeah. Yeah. Mexican restaurant, sushi, dim sum. What's your favorite uh kind of. food? Favorite? >> It changes. >> Okay. But right now, off the top of your. head, what are you craving? >> Now I'm craving very boring foods. Just. like No, just like salads and mixed. vegetables and. >> Oh, >> yeah. Not even like a cuisine right now. I went through a big pizza phase. Curry. was like Indian food is still probably.

like uh you know, top. But if I if I was. to choose one cuisine for the rest of my. life, I would probably say Japanese, not. just because you're here. >> because I I think they've hacked. everyone else's cuisine. >> So Japanese curry, I can live on that. for the rest of my life. And then. there's sushi and then, you know, there's tempura and then there's like. it's like it's a whole wide range of. everythingness in one. >> It's so interesting. I'm listening to. you speak on this and I actually. own all these restaurants. I have a.

restaurant in all the cuisines you just. named. So, [gasps]. >> oh man, this has been so much fun. >> Oh my god. Thank you so much for having. me. Thanks for having my unhinged. energy. I was like, I hope. >> this is to me this is hinged. >> Okay. >> Yeah. This is this is more. >> my my This is your This is so chill for. me. >> Like the way your brain works, I'm just. like, "Ah, this makes sense.". >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, this is lovely. Oh, and I'm slowly.

going to get to your zen place. when I'm playing pickle ball for 4 hours. a day. Oh, you won't even recognize me. anymore. [laughter]. You will you say, "Is that the oscore I. knew this when I. when I'm the Marty Supreme. >> of pickle ball?". >> Oh, yeah. I've I've I've done it. >> I was like, "Is that? It must be her. No. one plays pickle ball in a winter coat. It must be her. [laughter]. must be her. But really, this has been.

great. Thank you. >> Thank you very much for having me. >> Congratulations on everything. >> Oh my god, you too. >> Yeah, you're an inspiration. >> You and you are so brave. You are [laughter] brave. Braver [snorts] than anyone I know. Thanks for leaving your house today. [laughter] That's always like the next. thing. You are so brave, Trevor. I I. just want to commend you for leaving the. house today. [laughter]. Even though You know, you know, it's.

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