Estee Adoram: The Gatekeeper of Funny

Who's your personal favorite comedian? You. >> No, don't do that. >> You ask me question. You asked the question. >> No, no. It It's. I have people I like more than others. >> Yeah. >> But this is like asking a mother that. has 15 children, >> who is your favorite? >> No. Which one would you go downstairs to. watch more than the other? you. There's. got to be one child where you're like,

and I only mean this because they they. just happen to like hit everything that. you want from the comedy and the do you. get what I'm saying? >> Let me break it down for SD. Basically, SD, think of it this way. >> Don't break it down for me. I know. exactly what he's asking. >> I'm trying not. I'm trying not to answer. This is What now with Trevor Noah.

>> Okay. >> You're the only person I know who. refuses to get a cover for your phone. >> You know, I think I've made a terrible. mistake. No, I'm. >> a screen protector. You get one. >> Yeah, but I'm. >> a cover for your phone. Yeah. Yeah. But. I'm willing to accept that I've I've. made a terrible mistake. >> of not getting a cover or getting the. orange phone. >> Yeah. In fact, I'm going to say this. I. I will say this. Um. >> phone companies need to just start. making the phone in the cover.

>> Wait, are you saying you don't have a. phone cover? >> No, I don't. >> You know, in this world, you know, in. this world of um what's the word? >> So much consumerism and stuff. >> Yeah. >> It's it's hard to know who's rich and. who's not rich. So, it's the little. things like they tell you. And then a. person is like, "I don't have a phone. cover." Then you're like, "This guy's. balling. >> He doesn't have a phone cover.". >> Yeah. >> Do you know what I'm saying? Yes. So, you don't have a phone cover? >> No. >> But what happens if you drop your phone. in the cracks? Isn't your life going to. be ruined?

>> No. >> Yeah. That's like the equivalent of no. condom usage because I'm rich and then. if I get it and then I'll I'll take ARV. I'll be fine, guys. Don't worry about. it. >> I mean, you took I told you you got to. have children. ARV. >> You guys went in very different. directions. >> Yeah. You're inceptioning me. you went like that those are those are. crazy different directions. I No, no, no. So, so let me explain. Let me. explain. First of all, you are right. >> like I don't I don't actually don't. think you one one element is like how. much money you have. But I think the. other one is how much pain you're.

willing to sustain. If your phone if. your phone falls because no matter how. much money you have, the phone you still. have to now replace it. You still have. to get another one. You still have to. transfer the things over. Then the apps. don't work. Now you've got a whole. story. Yeah. You're you're fully in that. world. So. >> you're fully app person. No, because he. he updated his phone. >> and then he just gave his other phone to. Apple very confidently. He was like, "Yeah, take the old one. I'm out.". >> And then. >> as a gave it as in. >> trade it in. >> Oh, okay. Cool. Cool.

>> And then now none of his apps, all his. apps are like new phone, who this? >> Yeah. All apps and emails. >> No, two step. Cuz at least I've got two. step authentication. And the second. you've only got one step, >> your phone number. >> I don't change my things. So when my. apps sometimes they're like. >> What do you mean you don't change your. thing? >> He doesn't change anything. >> I don't change like that. >> No man, I mean like my technology. I still have a phone from like 6 years. ago or something. When you can tell when. we. >> when we phone him, you can tell that.

from 6 years ago. >> So what happens with me is the apps stop. being uh it's like you should have. passed away by now. You know what I. mean? It's like the apps stop. They're. like this is not. >> Oh yeah. They don't they don't accept no. technology. >> Even even Yeah. The apps can't go. Yeah, they don't allow it. They don't allow. it. >> I can't take mine. >> One app space is bigger than your entire. phone. >> Yeah, I like the technology. >> I saw what Amazon takes up. It takes up. like. >> 20 gigs. >> Yeah, but it's gotten ridiculous, man. >> Actually, okay. Sorry, I interrupted.

you. You You were saying. >> you did. >> You were saying. >> no. So, I was saying to Eugene that I. because I feel like I've influenced some. people in my life with my decisions, especially my friends. And I've noticed. the envy that some of you look at me. with when I move through the world. without a phone cover. >> Yeah. >> And I've seen many of you look at me and. you'll all be like, "Wow, you don't you. don't have a phone cover.". >> And I admit. >> Mhm. >> that I would flippantly say, "Yeah, I'm. good. I don't need a phone cover.

>> You've never dropped your phone.". >> Then people say like, "Wait, where do. you drop your phone?" I'm like, "Why. drop your phone?". >> You've said that, too. >> Yes, I've said that. >> arrogantly as well. >> I admit I completely admit it. And I. admit that I was wrong. >> You admit arrogantly that what? >> No, I I would say it arrogantly, but I. admit. >> like what would like you would say, why. would you drop your phone? >> Yes, I I agree with that. >> Yeah, but it's an accident. >> No, no, he's right. He's right. And I. apologize. And I want to say to all my. friends and all the people I've. influenced. If you've ever seen me. rolling with a phone without a cover, don't be like me, kids.

>> I've tried it. >> I don't put a cover on your phone. >> Being like you. >> A lot of people, I think, have tried. >> No, if they've tried, I think they. failed. >> because I've seen people I've seen how. people look at me when I use a phone. without a cover. You've got a certain. like cuz okay understand this. like having a phone without a cover is. like riding a bicycle without training. wheels. Yeah. >> And most of the world has training. wheels now. >> Yeah. >> So when you're riding without without. training wheels people are like wow. you're renegade. >> I don't think so. I think that having a. phone without a cover is when imagine. that people made a car but without a.

roof. >> John. >> Yeah. Like a drop top. >> Yeah. No, I'm saying if if cars first. came Yeah. you know and then they didn't. put a roof. I'm saying that phones. without a cover were missing something. A cover is not a a cover. >> You're crazy, bro. You You've got a. phone from 8 years ago. Your opinion in. this technology conversation is even. irrelevant. Actually, now that I think. about. >> it. No, no, no, no. >> This is like the opposite of the world. >> Have you felt what new phones feel like. naked? >> He doesn't. He doesn't know what a new. phone is. >> Okay, wait. What? Okay, wait. I have I.

have I have Look, >> what have you done? Okay. Other people. have phones, by the way, and I know. other people. And I have I've I've get. the phone the most. >> Yeah. >> When I get to feel the phone the most is. when it's time to take a picture and. then like of myself, then they're like, "Don't use your phone. Let me use my. phone." You see? So, I. >> know people's phones. So, now what in a. non crazy way, >> I'm not trying to be controversial here. What I'm saying is that it feels to me.

when they made the phone the the phone, >> yes, >> the um the original phones were maybe. not stronger the Nokia, but the Apple. >> they were stronger actually. >> Oh, okay. You know, once again, I I. agree with you. They were stronger. Yeah. No, no, they made this one too. delicate. >> Yes, it is brittle. >> Yes. Yes. >> Because they were like, "This is going. to be for those people in those Apple. ads. those people, you know, when those. ads like this almost like Swedish. looking homes and stuff, they don't drop.

the phone. There's no. >> their kids, every child in an Apple ad. doesn't look like they've broken. anything in their lives. >> They're not Those are the kids who when. you offer them ice cream, they say, "No. thanks." Do you know what I mean? They. just. >> I don't want to spike my glycemic index. Those are those kids. >> That's what Apple imagines. Think of the. Apple brand. The Apple brand imagines it. as sophisticated and there's no dropping. of phones. That's. >> lowering bone and toe. Yes, it's colors. and all of that. That's the. >> like you see you see in all their ads.

when they do like the FaceTime calls. They've never done one where like the. people are fighting. >> which I think would be would be a good. part of the ad is you know when you go. like your FaceTimes are clearer than. just show people like arguing or. fighting or just. >> someone disappointed because someone. didn't pick up on the other. >> I like this. This I like. >> that's what I mean. So that's their. world that they have imagined is their. consumer. >> the default. >> Yes. I I'll tell you uh for example like. myself when I used to do standup comedy.

at some point I did standup comedy as. you know. >> Are you saying this because our guest is. SD? >> No I'm not saying that. I'm. >> I feel like you've never said that. I'm. announcing your retirement. I'm not. saying that. I'm. >> never said that before. >> No. And then now. >> are you announcing your comeback? >> Because our guest announcing my comeback. >> because our guest is responsible for. many comedy careers. Now you just. conveniently throw in you know uh. >> you did try not to be controversial. I. happen to be uh. >> I used to so many years ago. >> And then you then Estie's going to come. in and then you're going to want Estie. to be like, "Why don't you do it. anymore, Dave? Come to the comedy cellar.

and do comedy.". >> I I won't. I I I can't. >> I SEE WHAT YOU'RE DOING. >> I'M not doing that. >> When Estie comes, let's make a deal. You. cannot mention ever being a comedian. Let's make a deal. >> I can't make THAT DEAL RIGHT NOW. >> WOW. >> You see what I'm TALKING ABOUT? >> NO. BECAUSE THINGS MAY GO TO A PLACE. WHERE where I need to use that as in as. Yes, I have once. >> Yes. Because she might get here and be. like, Dave, >> I don't know where to find you, but now. that you're here, there's an influx of. emails. >> Yes.

>> Our inbox is cho block. People have been. asking about you. Funny enough, you've. just mentioned that you know, you gave. up the but. >> but now one night only. >> This is my real thing that I was saying. with the Apple ads. So you see the Apple. ads, they have an idea of who their um. who their prospective client is going to. be or going to behave. When I did. standup comedy way back when in South. Africa, the funny thing was is that my. type of fan, the person who loved my. comedy, which I thought my comedy was. sophisticated and highbrow, but it was.

like people who were were like I think. like almost like crackheads. And I don't. even I I. >> How do you become almost like one? No, I. I don't you're thinking of doing it or. you've done you know where you go like. >> they don't do crack but their vibe is. crackhead. >> Yes, their vibe is I can't tell but I. can. So then I would honestly I would I. would be like it's enough people one is. crackheads and then others fans who ask. me for money. So like like. this is do you know what I mean? cuz I.

don't imagine that Julia Roberts is. there and people are taking pictures and. then someone's there, yo, Julia, can you. just give me $35? Do you know what I'm. saying? Something like that. We So, I. had those two circumstances and then cuz. I had to think about it. Then I was. like, is it like where are you seeing. me? What is happening here that that. that I I. >> got to it that maybe they appreciate me. more when they're high out of their. minds. I don't know. more, you know, like I I couldn't tell why, but when I.

got into comedy, you know, I was young. >> You imagined your fan would be. >> I I thought it was going to be, you. know, like I thought it was going to be. Mick Jagger and me were going to share. fans. Do you know what I mean? And it's. most certainly we were not. We didn't. share fans at all. >> It had everything to do with your phone. >> No. >> Damn. But I'm saying so I looked at your. phone like my point being is that when. you make a product you you can hope for. whatever fan you think you're going to. get and you can imagine your fan but.

then there's the actual fan. So if you. make your phone you imagine that we. never drop our phones because we're. sophisticated and stuff but we're. crackheads. >> We're crackheads. So we need a cover. That's what I'm saying. And so what I'm. saying about you who um is rolls naked. phone. >> you you are the people who you know when. we are like you need to someone needs to. pay the world is suffering someone needs. to pay more taxes. So then so so then so you are those.

people and so. >> Oh wow. >> Yeah. Yes. And so you um you are life. has afforded you the the opportunity of. experimenting literally this is some. people are like my child how come your. child didn't go to college. Yeah because. I didn't have a phone cover and then you. know how it goes. So now you see so now. that's what I'm saying. >> We've made a deal just so you know. >> He didn't promise anything.

>> He didn't promise anything. >> No he didn't. I didn't I can't. And I'm. here to vouch for you. >> I I knew this. This is This is what. happens when you bring one of the most. cuz I mean if you think about it, Esteem. is. >> I was thinking the other She's like a. fairy godmother and the Godfather. combined into one person in comedy. >> So this is what happened. Estie, >> hi. >> How are you? >> Welcome. Welcome. Please, please join. us. Please welcome. >> I'm going to clap. >> I You know why I'm going to clap? Because I used to be a comedian. So So I.

can YOU'RE SO NICE. I WANT. >> I can appreciate. >> Jesus, man. You recognize that just went. up. >> You recognize that? Oh, man. Oh, wow. >> You get to recognize it right away. >> Do Do you have that though? Like. you you do you do did you ever see those. stories of people um you know they talk. about like when they were famous and.

they'd go to restaurants or they go to. certain No. It was food critics would. talk about this. Yes. They would say. once they became famous as food critics. >> The gig was. >> they would go to a restaurant and just. by chance people would would come in. with like oh uh Mr. you know Mr. Smith. compliments of the chef Mr. Smith and ah. Mr. Smith, we noticed you walked in. But. then they said, like as a food critic, the hardest thing to do was actually get. the real experience in a restaurant. because everyone knew that your view of. the restaurant could determine whether.

or not that restaurant succeeds. >> And I wonder for you as SD, can you do. you think any comedian has a normal. relationship with you? >> Can't be. >> And can you even tell? >> And. >> and. can't be. >> Um it's it's custom make. It's not. run-of-the-mill relationships. Never. >> Wait, what do you mean by that? >> Um, but the nature of what I do,

>> yeah, >> people do take a um a different. um way of communicating with me, having. a relationship with me. >> because of what I do, not who I am. Oh, okay. All right. >> You know what I mean? Um, if somebody. wants to work and get on stage, they put. the best face, the best best. representation of themselves,

>> right? >> The avatar. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Absolutely. >> How you would pass. >> Exactly. Exactly. >> Yeah. >> The avatar. Great word. >> Um, so yeah, I sort of can see through. it. I'm I'm glad that I didn't know who. you were when I met you. >> I did not know who you were either. >> This is a perfect relationship. >> You had no idea what? And you had no. idea. >> None whatsoever. >> Once we became friends and he told me. who he was back home. You told me that.

you love to go back and race your car. and drive. I don't know. >> YES. YOU KNOW, I I THIS IS THE TIME I. WAS RACING with I literally got stuck. with him on the freeway because we went. racing one of my cars. >> and then we ran out of gas. But yes, I. was telling STDs. >> So the stories and relationship develop. and and the main thing he got on stage. and I saw. >> what and who he was. Yeah. >> Um had nothing to do with fame. >> Zero. >> Wow.

It was the your charisma, your. personality, you your openness. >> Oh wow. Thank you SD. >> As a as a person at the table when we. were sitting and then you got on stage. and murdered. >> Thank you very much. >> You know um it doesn't mean that it. would develop to what it did. I. >> I mean I didn't expect that but when I. but when I met you from my side you can. imagine. So from my side what happened. was how I came to be at the comedy. seller if I remember correctly was I was. in New York doing shows at a small.

theater right this on like Bleecker. Street and um some of the comedians I'd. met in the world just generally had told. me if you're in New York you have to go. to the comedy cellar to perform like you. just got to try and go to the comedy. seller. >> then somewhere along the line I'd met. Will Since. >> so Will just like the sweetest guy ever. We talked the whole life, okay, whatever. And then Will would bring. people to my show at this like small. theater. He didn't even know me. And.

Will would just he came once to watch. and then he'd come back with people and. he'd come back with people and he come I. was like, "Who is this guy and what is. he doing?" He had no reason. And then. one day he said, "You got to come to the. comedy seller. You got everyone said the. comedy seller, the comedy seller, comedy." Anyway, I go to the comedy. seller. I don't know how this works in. South Africa. We don't even really have. comedy clubs in that way. The comedy. seller wasn't famous in South Africa, so. I didn't have this idea. I walk in, I. sit down, I talk to Will, I hang out. Estie is sitting at the table. I thought. you were one of the comedians.

>> at first. >> Yeah. Yeah. So Estie's sitting at a. table with a bunch of comedians. So I. just thought, "Oh, okay." She's one of. the comedians. Estie's also very funny, >> throwing lines out, people roasting each. other, having a good time. And then I. think like maybe on the third time that. we hung out together cuz I remember we. were eating the borched. You I asked you. what I should order and you were like. get the borched and I was like this is. the best thing I've ever had in my life. >> What is the borch? >> It's a borch. It's a. >> soup soup. >> It's a bowl. It's a soup bowl. >> It's a It's a Russian Russian soup.

>> and it's most people think that the. beads that red the red one is a borch. >> Yeah. But this is was Manny's the. owners, >> right? >> Mother's recipe. >> and it's the best borch ever. >> Take me through the ingredients. What is. >> And I'm going to give you ingredients. >> I didn't say recipe. It's. >> Don't don't don't try. Don't even try. >> It's amazing. Beans. No, it's amazing. Water. >> No beads. No beets. No beets. It's. vegetables. It It's a meat. Um like.

flanken meat. >> Ah. and and it just simmers forever and. it's so delicious. >> Okay. It was one of the first things I. >> stop there. I'm getting hungry. It's one. of the first things that reminded me of. home. >> really. >> So, yeah. And so I ate that SD and then. we'd like hang out and then a random. comedian came to me and was like, >> "Wow, so how do you know Estie?". Then I was like, "Estie?" I was like,

"The she sits at the table." They're. like, "Yeah, how do you know her?" I was. like, "What do you mean, how do I know. her?" She sat at the table and one day I. sat with her and then we started. talking. And it's like, "Oh, but you. guys seem to have a good time." I was. like, "Yeah, the same way with every. other comedian." And they're like, "No, she's not a comedian." I was like, "Oh, cool. She just hangs out here." They're. like, "No, SD decides whether or not you. can be a comedian." I was like, "What. does that even mean?" And then by the. time I found out it was it was late, but. I was like this woman sitting here with. us is genuinely that's why I say you are.

like a fairy godmother and the godfather. >> at the same time. >> of of comedy in like the New York world. It's a weird role to have. >> but I don't think it's a role that you. can be given. >> How did you even get it? I don't know. How did you get into. >> No one said here we go. All right. How. many years it develops? >> Um. >> how many years have you been doing it. now? Hold on. Can you hold on? >> I'm ready. I'm ready. >> 44 years. >> No ways. >> Yeah. Who?

>> Since 1981. >> Uh, I started in 1982. I first came. >> Wait, at the comedy seller or? >> At the comedy seller. >> Jeez. Okay. And I started part-time as a. host at the door downstairs because I. just had a a newborn. And all the book about babies said the. first three years you have to be with. them. So couldn't go back to work. >> If you didn't have to read the book to.

know that books about babies like. the book said IT. >> THE BOOK SAID IT WAS ME THREE MONTHS IN. GOODBYE CHILD. BUT THE BOOKS I mean. >> Yeah. >> Oh wow. So for 3 years I was a really. good mom. >> You're counting down is. >> and you know that's exactly what I did. That's exactly what I did 3 years to the. day. >> and and I start working there and um.

>> I was hosting at the door. >> No way. So I got I've never known. comedians of comedy or any no interest. I came from a different world alto. together. and. little by little I started falling in. love with the art of standup with. comedians. I started u recognizing how. special comedians are and how different.

they are from civilians. And 44 years later, I can give you a a. report. Um, it's it's a very. interesting. uh ingredients that the real comedians. have as opposed to wannabe. >> or actors or singers. You speak your own words.

>> You speak your own heart. You speak your. own self, not somebody else, not a. script. >> And to be good at it, you be it's a. higher uh level of intelligence than. most. It's. courage, brave, cuz you're exposed. You're naked on that stage. >> Yeah, >> you're naked. And you never know if. there is a yahoo in the crowd, they'll. yell out something. And you have to be.

fast enough on your feet. >> to respond and respond correctly and to. your benefit. So not everybody can do that. Most. people can't. It takes if you think of of people that. are very successful in comedy, you will see that there is a threat of. this. characteristic. You have it. All the big guys really.

have it. >> You don't become famous and big and. successful for a long period of time. >> Long period. >> That's that's the key. >> Yeah. Eugene and I talk about this all. the time. >> It's not a fl, you know, flesh and. >> Yeah. >> consistently. And then there are some people that use. comedy in that stage as a stepping. stone. >> Yeah. to this as a pose. >> yes. >> of true real.

honest to goodness comedian. >> and today when I look back. the ones that are really true comedians. you Chappelle Chris Rock they're all. famous people Ray Romano they still come. they still do standup they still create. they still write. >> they still perform. >> as opposed to others. >> that got the TV show or a movie. >> and then the outs.

>> That's it. >> Yeah. >> Step out. >> So that's a difference between A and B. And to be an A comedian, no matter what. level. takes something that the others are. lacking. They don't have it. >> What I want to understand though is like. do you agree with that? >> I agree. But there's something deeper in it that. that that I've never really understood. >> I've never understood how you're able to.

achieve it because I love standup comedy. genuinely. Yeah. You know, and and even. even when I first came to the comedy. seller, my favorite part of being at the. comedy seller was and still is the fact. >> that I got to watch the show. >> Mhm. >> So, I would I would stand there watching. the show from the very beginning until. I'm on stage and then I'll stay. afterwards to watch the person who came. afterwards or what was happening. To me, it felt like it was like the greatest. dream in the world to just be in this. mix. But what I what I noticed more than. anything was. how different the comedians were, but.

then they were all being booked by the. same person. The the lineups were being. chosen by the same person. You know, you. go like, "Oh, SD runs the comedy seller. or SD is the person who puts people on. stage." It's like you name a name, you. can go back, you know, Kevin Hart, Amy. Schumer, you know, uh, John Stewart, Trevor Noah, Dave Chappelle, Michelle. Wolf, just name a name. Just name a. name. At some point. >> as a young comedian, they came into. contact with Estaram. >> and she said, "Go onto that stage.".

>> And she put them in a lineup with a. person and then around a person. >> like a puzzle curated. >> Yeah. But but that's what I don't. understand is like I. I don't understand how you. how are you able to see good comedy. beyond the laughs? And what I mean by. that is. and I say this with due respect to. anyone who may be offended. Any idiot. can go ah that's funny because people. are laughing.

I've seen SD put on lineups where. there's a comedian who's not necessarily. getting a laugh in that show, >> but then a few years or a few months. later they go on to become one of the. biggest. They just blow up and then. everyone at the cellar goes, "Oh yeah, we always knew them." But I go, "Yeah, but SD, how did you see beyond where the. audience saw them at that time to see. that they were going to be an amazing. comedian?" I don't understand where you. get that from. >> You've got that. >> No, not like. not like not like SD though. Honestly. Honestly. >> Thank you. Uh I don't I don't want to name drop but.

there is somebody that told me. >> Dave Kibuka. >> [ __ ] told me that okay he says you are. booking good shows because you have good. taste. and it's the good taste and be able to. see beyond. the. obvious. >> Mhm. If you get on stage, when I saw the. Trevor Noah the first time on stage, I.

saw the seed. that is Traan Noah now. >> Although you were already polished when. I saw you compared to some of the new. comics I see now, but you can see the seed. you can see. the root. >> mhm. >> of the essence of who you are and how. you project it. The bottom line is it's. a comedy show. People get babysitters.

and travel and put themselves out to. come and have a good time and laugh. >> Yeah, that's the bottom line. >> That's the bottom line. And my. responsibility is to build a show that. will give it give them that. entertainment. The thing is you mix it up. You said I. put X Y and Z on the show, >> right? >> Um to create an essence to create the.

feeling that not boring. They're all. different from each other. I cannot I can book five people that are. very much alike. It's going to be. boring. By the fifth people, fifth. person, you already heard it all. >> Yeah. >> You got to. interject. something different, something new. >> Um. the beginnings I met Chappelle, he was.

18 years old. and another commie came to me at 3:00. a.m. used to be open really that late. and there was like maybe 10 15 people in. the room that that that time and um he. said to me you see this guy I saw him in. DC he's really funny he was sitting in. the booth in the olive tree eating. and I went over I introduced myself and. I said can you go up and do few minutes.

for me and he says yeah and he went out. and destroyed. destroyed. >> this is Dave Chappelle at 18 18. And so. I kept saying 19. He corrected me that. he was 18. And I remember I called Manny, the. owner, Manny Dorman. At 3:00 a.m. I woke. him up and I told him, I said, "I saw. somebody really unique, really special.". He said, "Oh, good for you." Hanged up.

But you could see then. >> Mhm. >> at 3:00 a.m. >> the seed. You could see the essence of. that guy. >> and he was funny beyond. I can make it. Oh, it's an art. You can, you know. Yeah. >> No, >> you can see it. It's in your face when. it's there. That's how I can do it. It's in my face. I recognize it. I I I feel like I need to go backwards.

to try and understand though how you got. the tools cuz because here's here's what. I mean. I've seen people who who who pick funny. or choose it. Comedy clubs all over the. world, one of their weaknesses I find is. that their sense of humor is often times. limited. So, if I come with a black. comedian, they won't find them that. funny because you find like that. comedian's doing comedy from where. they're from and it's got a different vi. you get what I'm saying? If I come with. a with a Middle Eastern comedian, they.

might not really get it. If I come with. >> I've met many people who know how to. book the comedy for them that they. relate to. >> No, >> you open your mind. You bookie. Sometimes I see comedians at the comedy. seller and then I go, "Does Estie know. this person's here?" And then they go, "Estie's the one who put them on. Estie's the one who puts everyone on.". Then I'm like, "Yes, but I don't. understand how did SD see this comedy in. 2026.". >> Mhm. >> Cuz remember, comedy constantly evolves. I mean, you've seen every iteration of.

comedy. >> Very much. And I I'm I'm telling you. right now, it's such an upswing. >> of new talent that will blow your mind. I I can't remember a period in those 44. years that I'm there. that it was so rich. >> now. >> Yeah. >> Why do you think that is? >> I have no idea. I I cannot tell you why. I can just tell. you it's there. And I also love international.

really international. And the reason I'm. saying it is because right now Australia. is sending me gifts. of comics that are fantastic. Aaron. Chen, you know Eron Chen. No, >> you've got the Oh, Jesus. >> Every time SD, you can't say. >> he is so good. >> Yes, I believe you. But you judge me. every time as if you don't work in like. the factory. >> I judge you all the time. I don't work. at the factory of fun.

>> Yes. But at least you judge me for. things that are judgeable. Estie will. Estie will just randomly put up a. comedian and she'll be like, "Do you. know Peter Wongrich?" And you're like, "Who's that?" HOW CAN YOU NOT KNOW PETER. WONGRICH? >> Because you are in this in this life. You are in this. >> Estie. You know every comedian. >> You are basically hanging up the phone. on Estie at 3:00 a.m. >> I am because you know every Okay. >> Oh, wait. Okay. So, no. No. I I need to. go back. I'm going to try to figure this. out. I I need to go back. So, so 1982 you've got the newborn. So, take.

take us back. >> He was born in 79. >> Oh, 79. >> Three years. Remember I told you? >> Okay. So, that was the three years the. countdown the countdown. >> When the countdown ended, Esie got the. job. >> All right. So, so take take us back to. the beginnings. Where were you born? Where were you raised? H. >> that's another path cuz I was uh born in. Poland. >> Okay. And when they opened the borders and we. could let leave because we couldn't.

leave before, we went to Israel. >> And um I've lived in Israel for 10. years, 11 years. Then I came here. Um. I don't know, oppressive, you know, struggle, all of that thing. Um but that made me what I am now. But I. am really Israel has a very soft spot in. my heart. Always will.

And I went to school there and high you. know army. and um. I am emotionally connected. but America is a deja vu for me. M. >> h. >> I I really enjoy being here. So it's a combination between my roots. of Eastern Europe to Israel to here.

>> And so you were you were drawn Did you. feel the deja vu when you got here or. did you Yes. >> Yeah. So as soon as you got here, you're. like, "This place has always been. >> I went when I first left Israel, I went. to England and Europe, different. different places, and I always felt like. a tourist.". >> Okay. >> When I got to Kennedy and I got off the. plane, I felt I'm home. I can't explain why. I. felt comfortable.

>> I've told him this before. >> Yeah. >> I felt comfortable. I felt like I. belong. like I've been here before. >> Mhm. I've never been here before, but it felt. deserv. What did you studied though? What what. had you you know like what were you. planning in your life? I mean I I I. don't think you woke up and said I want. to be one of the most important people. in world comedy. >> No, there was the never thought of it.

didn't exist even. >> That's my point. I never thought of it. No, I was in the army and then I got a. degree in teaching. I was teaching for a. while. I was really I was a makeup. artist for a long time. >> For a very long time. >> Wait, what were you teaching? >> Um. everything. because when I came here, >> Yeah. >> I was teaching in Rabbi Tide school in. New Jersey in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Wearing rubber tights.

When you said rubber tight, I was like, why? >> I thought you said you were wearing. rubber tights. YOU WERE TEACHING WEARING. rubber ties. >> Listen, I have an accent. YOU LISTEN. WITH AN ACCENT. WHAT HAPPENS? >> I'm so glad you cleared that up. I was. >> I WAS BORN WITH YOU. >> I could. I could. But it it's it's And I was. makeup artist for a long time. >> Yeah.

And then. then I I started comedy. >> Question. Real one. Do you think the. teacher. >> real one AND THAT WASN'T THAT was real? >> Thank you. >> Hey, >> watch yourself there. >> Thank you. >> Go ahead. >> Do do you think the teaching has a role. to play? Because the teaching you you're. sort of like examining people's. potential, >> you know? That's like the the role of a. teacher is like I'm I'm examining your.

potential guide you. >> Yes. Exactly. And now in comedy that's. sort of like what you do to some extent. is you exam you look at the people and. then you you think of their potent you. think of them not right now but a little. bit ahead. Well, I don't think I was I. was very young and I don't think I ever. overthought. the teaching uh the way you are. presenting it which you you are correct. but I never thought of it that way.

>> Um. I don't know I always sort of rose to. top as a leader in my life. maybe my. personality or maybe I don't know. >> but I always sort of um took pride in. whatever I did and I always did well. >> never was fired in my life of from. anything. >> Oh that is impressive. >> Yeah. And so it's like a common thing in. person somebody's personality maybe.

>> 100%. >> But as a teacher I never saw myself as a. guiding light. I also don't see myself like this in. comedy, but. people that I form. a very close relationship in the world. of comedy. I. I don't know how to put it. Um I'll give. you my advice. I give you my feelings. I.

I don't do it with comics. That's not my. job. Oh, interesting. >> It's not my job. You have a manager, you. have an agent, they're going to tell you. what to do or not to do. I'm not. >> But if I am friends with you, I say, you. know, that joke was great. >> I pat you on the shoulder on that. I'll. encourage that. >> Right. >> Um. I I don't see myself. that important. I really don't. Um, I.

think that. because I'm doing it for so long, people look at me as if I know what I'm. doing, >> you know, as Do you know what I mean? >> But I mean, you do, but it's also funny. to say, >> but I don't think of about it that way. >> It's it's a it's it's a really humble. way to approach a situation, you know, because I'm doing it for long. >> I really don't. And as a teacher, I have. I didn't feel like that I transferred.

information as a teacher. >> Oh, I like that actually. >> That's what the teacher does. A good. teacher will transform information and. make sure that you do it in a way that. the other side receives it. Yes. In the. right way, >> but not not a guiding light at all. >> I wish billionaires had that humility. >> Who? >> Billionaires. Because what you just said. is you is something it's it's profoundly. humble and wise at the same time to say.

because I've been doing it for a long. time, everybody assumes that I know what. I'm doing. Exactly. >> And I wish like a lot of billionaires. would say because I have made a lot of. money, everyone assumes that I know what. I'm doing. But sometimes the two are. just happening at the same time and it's. it's I I don't know how to explain. It's. >> it's also a lot of luck. >> Yeah, that's what I mean. >> Yeah, it's it's luck. Um with me it's a. little bit it's not luck but be because. people want to work at the comic.

>> Yeah. >> they make themselves available. >> Mhm. >> Uh whether it's through other comics who. recommend it. >> Yeah. >> Or managers or or. >> you know YouTube I don't know. >> Right. And so I get to to watch a lot. and. many said it once, many warmed my boss. And this I think is a key.

If you walk into a comedy club in a. different country that you don't speak. the language. >> Yeah. >> And you see the reaction of the crowd, you can tell if the comic is good or. not. Mhm. >> And a lot of comics that struggle and. don't do don't do well. lack the ability to listen to the. feedback.

>> to the laughter. Yeah, a joke can bomb. Yes, you can have a bad set, but on a. consistent level, if you don't learn to listen for your. feedback, you'll never become a better comic or. grow or flourish. And I think this is the biggest mistake. the beginning comic do. >> Yeah. >> Because they they want to support each.

other, right? So, oh, that was a great. set, whatever. And I can look at the. face. I saidm it wasn't. >> Or they say, "Oh, the crowd is tired or. they drunk or. >> No, >> you've heard it all.". >> No, listen. I've heard it all. >> Yeah. She's heard every drunk, they're. too tired. >> They even speak English. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. And And once you on that stage, you're. privileged to get on that stage. use it. as a privilege and listen and learn and.

grow from this instead of. when I started I saw a comic come on. stage and didn't do well and he went. like this. >> to say it went over their heads. >> I did not know what it means. And so I asked Bill Granfest who started. the I said what is this all about? He. says, "Oh, this is his way of saying it. went over your head. I'm smarter than. you. You don't get what I'm talking.

about. till today." And that kind that person. is famous. I I hold a resentment. Wow. Because you cannot assume. that the crowd is dumb. >> You have lawyers and you have doctors. and you have construction workers. You. have a mix of society sitting in that. room. Who are you to go this way?

>> Mhm. >> Maybe you didn't deliver it right. Maybe. turn it on yourself. What did I do wrong. that they didn't get what I say? And and I find that the really. successful people, whether you know it. or not, you listen. Hm. I wonder if that applies to the the. comedy seller itself. >> It has to. >> No, because. >> if I can help it. >> Yeah, but that's what I mean is like I.

think to myself, you know, one of the. things I've noticed over the years in in. comedy in particular is comedy clubs. have come and they've gone and at some. point what happens is a comedy club. starts to become more famous than many. of the comedians in it. >> Right? And in that period the. institution doesn't listen anymore and. they don't listen to the comedians, they. don't listen to the audience. They don't. corporation. >> Yeah. It becomes a corporation and you. see this thing falling, not the center.

>> Yeah. But I I I and that's uh I have to. give 100% credit to Noam, >> the owner now. >> He is very involved on that part of it. um. customer sat satisfied and it's not. about the dollar amount. It never was. >> Never was. Not many and not know them. >> But to make the club successful. >> Yeah. >> The customer has to be happy.

>> Yeah. >> They have to be happy with the show, >> with the food, >> the treatment, >> with the service, >> all of it. >> And if it's not is how to be paid. It is. That's why Comedy Seller. Knockwood is successful. We're opening. another room. You know that, right? >> Yeah. The It's going to be like the. upstairs. I hope it's like a gorgeous. little theater type thing. >> Yes. I can't wait. Gorgeous. >> It's going probably next month. Fingers.

crossed. >> So, you know, we have six stages. We started with one two shows a night. I. have 84 shows a week. Between Christmas. and New Year's, I book 134 shows. >> for one week. I get about three between three and 500. emails a week. with availability. >> and you have to sort it out. >> You know, Estie will still text me when.

I'm coming to do a gig. >> just confirming that you're coming. >> Then I'm like, ESD, aren't you like busy. with things? >> No, everybody. It's it's some things. don't change, some things shouldn't. change and can't sh change. And because. it's not changing, yeah, >> we're going to. hopefully, God willing, stay on top. >> We'll be right back after the short. break.

I think there's something I'm realizing. cuz I think you as a person you learn a. lot about your friends through their. friends. And when you describe how you. guys met, it says a lot about how he. treats his friends and how you guys. became friends. And I think the. welcoming nature that you have is the. same welcoming nature that you have. When I think back of when we met, like. every time you'd go to his house, there. would be a mix of everyone. It would.

almost be like a comedy show. There'll. be his cousins, there'd be these cousins. friends, there'll be a little brother, there'll be me, they'll be a friend. And. would all get along and he would know. how to curate that all of these people. have a good time. >> That answers your question. >> Yes. It's a. >> that you post to me. >> Yes. >> You do the same thing. >> 100%. >> Yeah. But I do it for my people. You do. it for every people. >> Those I people are turning to my people. >> I hear you. >> I hear you.

>> I hear you. But yeah, but this but this. is okay. So this this is what I like. what I love about like watching your. process and and having like the pleasure. of being a part of it is. >> I I've also seen. you know I've also seen you start. something in the least obvious place. We. had Sam Morel on the podcast and I was I. remember we were talking to Sam about. this and we were going. >> Sam Morel. >> Yeah, Samurel. And we're going, Sam, you. you you're in a moment of blow up now. and everyone can feel it in their career. and you can see from the outside, right?

>> Yeah. >> And Sam Maril now, you know, when now. people start texting you, that's how I. always feel it. Random people, have you. heard of Sam Morel? And you're like, I've known Sam for years and he's been. funny for years, but I'm happy that many. of you are discovering him now. >> Yeah. But when Sam was at the comedy. cellar, he was doing Sam and he was. building Sam at that time. The audience. enjoyed him, but they didn't know that. he was going to be a star. >> Yeah. >> And maybe this is what it is, SD. I'll. tell you what it is actually.

>> You you found this balance and I would. love to know like where it came from. Stars at the comedy cellar are treated. like comedians and comedians are treated. like stars. >> 100%. And. that's absolutely true. Absolutely true. If a star comes in, I'm going to try to. make you as comfortable. >> as possible. >> No one of us. >> Yeah. As normal as possible.

>> Exactly. I remember years and years ago, Seinfeld was doing the comic, the the. movie. He was shooting it at the cell. almost every night. >> and people would come to a table while. he was eating or whatever and they were. bothering him. >> And I remember Manny always posted. somebody by a table. So if somebody came. over to the table to stop them, right, let him be. >> Yeah. And there was a day that he asked.

Seinfeld, "Tell me what what can we do. to make you, you know, um comfortable. here or whatever." He says, "Don't worry. about it. I can handle it. >> I don't worry about it. Don't you don't. need to boast anybody.". >> He wanted to be a guy and if he wanted I. remember somebody asked for a picture. He says, "Okay." He stood and the guy. put his arm around him. He goes, "Not. that close." You know, very cyber,

right? But. he just was he was working. He was doing. something and he couldn't get less and. he didn't want the special treatment of. posting somebody by a table. >> He wanted to handle the interaction. himself. He wanted that was his way of. being normal. >> That's him. Yeah. So, we would go out of our way to do what a. big time celebrity needs.

>> Yeah. >> And wants, but if you don't want it, we. let you be. We let you be. Now, once in a while, people sitting table in eating and a c. customer comes up, they just show saw. the show or know Aziz is in town now. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> That's another one. He flew in from. London to work out on on standup. So, don't you go over there? You know, >> they feel comfortable here doing it. >> Yeah.

>> And somebody came over, whatever. And my. instinct was like protective, you know. >> Don't bother him. He's working. He was. writing notes. He was eating. >> Just let them be. And and I think that. most famous comics that come, they know. that they are that we have their back. >> That level of care. >> Yeah. But I think what's also almost. more impressive to me is the comedian.

who's not a star that walks in, you have. their backs even more. I feel. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Except that they're not going to be. bothered by. >> Yeah. But I mean like I mean in comedy, you have their backs. I feel like you. know. >> Yes. Yes. the way the show is designed, the way like at the comedy cellar, it. was one of the first places I'd ever. been because when so when I first came. to do comedy in the US, I I went to. Pasadena cuz that was the only place I. knew a human being, David Mer, right? So. went to Pasadena, now I'm in Los. Angeles. And when I go to the comedy. clubs, one of the biggest differences I.

found, not just, you know, East Coast, West Coast, New York versus LA, but also. like let's say Comedy Seller and some of. the other clubs was that those clubs. really delineated fame and talent. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> If you were famous, the world would open up for you. >> Yeah. Anything. >> and the club would open up for you, >> but in a way that was dismissive of. every other comedian who was in your. vicinity. So, a famous comedian would. walk in and the club would basically be. like, "You go home. You're not needed.

anymore. Shut up. Get away. Do your. thing. Don't talk to everyone. Clear. this table. Get up." And and that's just. what I thought was normal in America, right? No. >> And then I remember going to the comedy. seller. >> and one night Louis CK walked in. >> and he was like, "Hey, can I jump on and. do a spot?" And and you know, one of the. managers was then I think it was Val. while Valerie was there and she's like, "Okay, let me see what we can do with. the" And then what was interesting was. the comedians went. So Louis said, "Who's on?" And then the comedians were. sitting at the table and they went, "Oh,

I'm on and I'm on." And and then someone. said, "Actually, you know what? You. could take my spot because then I'll. jump out and then do this." And then the. club was like, "Yeah, we'll still give. you the money for your spot cuz you've. been jump you've been off.". >> Oh my god. Yeah. You see, but. >> 100%. >> Yeah. But I'd never seen that before. >> 100%. >> Yeah. So. >> you still get paid. Yeah. So the club. was like, "Okay, well here's your money. even though you're not going to be on. because you've just been bumped off.". >> But then the comedians among themselves. were like one was like, "Ah, I want to. go have dinner. Lou, please take my spot. and we'll shuffle this around and then. Lou." But I I had never.

>> The management never said, "You are out. You're in." No, >> it didn't. It didn't feel like that. >> We don't You don't disrespect. a comedian because this one just showed. up. There's room for both of you. And if. time because we have so many shows, it's. one after the other and you have a line. around the block and it's raining. >> Yeah. >> You know, you've got to finish this the. show on time. >> Uh you have four shows a night, you.

know. >> Um but you still get paid. You can still get paid. If possible, we'll put you on another show because. now we have more uh um ways of doing it. because we have so many rooms, >> but it it is the main thing is it's. respect. >> I love comedians on a personal level and. respect. I don't love them all.

Some of them are not not worthy, but I respect what they do. And if if I think that he's a good. comedian, I'm still going to use him. >> So, you'll book a comedian even if you. don't like them. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, wow. >> Oh, yeah. >> That's also unique. >> I'm talking about personality. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> I mean, I've got to I've got to. appreciate the comedy. >> No, but still there's But I I know. people who can't make that. >> Oh, no, no, no, no, >> no. I know a lot of people go like, I. don't like that person. I won't they. won't work here. Yeah, but they're a.

good comedian. I don't care. I don't. like them. >> I thought that was the rule we used for. the podcast. >> That's different. >> Oh, sorry. cuz we're going to be here. >> unless you're talented in podcast then I. I haven't developed that skill yet to. know. >> but there's something that you said EST. there's there's no way you've managed to. be part of this successful business for. so long because you run it as a business. at some point. >> you don't you can't you can't you cannot. again Manny God bless him he was so such. a wise guy. >> um money is a happy byproduct of a good.

product. What we need to do is put the. good product. >> Oh man, you said you said what he. >> and this is this is in my head. >> always. And and comics. comics that I don't book and they hate. me and they don't like me and they. bedmouth me, whatever. Oh, it's all. about the business. What? It's not. It's. never about the business. It's about the.

product. Um, not only that, I meet with I used to. with Manny and now with Noam and before. I send out the show, after I booked the. show, I want them involved in that because if. there are comedians I don't use, I want. them to know it. >> Oh, okay. >> Who I use and who I don't use. >> Yeah. I don't want it on my conscious.

and on my back. >> Mhm. >> Um I find it very. it's sort of protecting myself a little. bit, >> you know. >> Um. sometimes it doesn't work out and. whatever. >> by now I get a little bit credit myself, you know. But people that that oh Estie and she's. feared and she's this only people that I. don't use. >> Right.

>> I auditioned. somebody two weeks ago like happened a. couple times. I know how nervous they. are. >> I know that I shake the hand and the. palm is sweaty or the shake. I dished. somebody and I said, "Look, five minutes. I can't really tell. I I I don't pass. people." You know the word passing. somebody? I don't do that. >> Oh, you don't do that? Okay. >> I know. I tell And I tell them I don't. unless I fall in love with you on the.

spot. >> Good to go. >> You're in. Yeah. But I don't pass because in the five. minutes I can see. what I'm dealing with. personality, how you come on the stage, the material for five minutes. What did. you choose to do? >> Mhm. >> Don't come with some vulgarity or. bathroom thinking in five minutes you. got. Uh-uh. Not going to work, you know. So, so to see what they chose, how they,

you know, stay and then I said, I'm. going to give some spots and let's see. how it goes. >> Oh, that's beautiful. And then. maybe if I don't do it now, let's have. another audition in 6 months. Maybe. let's try again. >> Right? >> So I told that person, I'll give you a. few spots and we'll see how it goes. And. I just went like this and burst out. crying. >> Oh no. >> I've never seen anything. I felt so bad.

I hugged the person and the whole body. was shaking like this. Wow. And and that. this kind of a situation reminds me. what it takes for them to audition, >> what they have to go that. >> the stepping step the the step that they. have to do and under the pressure. >> Mhm. >> And that's very humbling. >> H who who gave you a chance? And when I.

think about it, here you are with a. 3-year-old in 1982. You've come from. Israel. You have this new. responsibility. Who gave you a chance? >> Manny. >> How did you guys know? >> The owner. The owner. My husband was a. musician in in Manny's band. That's how. I knew him. >> Okay. >> And uh both of them, rest in peace, you. know. >> Mhm. But. whenever somebody left or died, many.

says, "Sie, can you also do this?". >> And before I know, my job blew up to to. astronomic. uh proportions, right? >> I mean, I used to do everything. I used. to and manually reservations manually. I. mean, we sell out two weeks in advance. even before I put the line up. Now. we used to struggle. There was a time. that we had waitresses take the off the. aprons and sit in the table to make the.

room look busy. >> That's how bad it got at some points. >> Not guarded. That's how we started. And. we were downtown. All the good clubs. were uptown. Industry didn't want to. come down down downtown. We used to pay cap money to comics to. come downtown. Bribe them. >> That's how bad it was. Yeah, it this. didn't start like like this, >> you know. >> It seems so obvious now. >> You you can't when you see it now, you.

can't fathom a world where it wasn't. >> It wasn't like that at all. Yeah. >> When did you when did you first notice. something shifting in in the comedy. seller? >> We have to add a show. We have to add. another show. >> That was a good sign. >> That was a good sign. Yeah. >> And I remember when went on the Friday. or Saturday from two shows to three and. I said, "Manny, how I'm going to do it?". My god, it's like pecking and I'm. backing and I'm. I was I was really, you know, panicky. >> Who Who were the first who were the.

first comedians in that run when when. the when the store? Yeah. No, when it. started like when you started noticing. the seller like picking up and and and. there must have been like regulars. around that time. >> Oh, we had regulars from the beginning. Rita Rodner. Um I loved her so much. We. were such a good friends. You know her? >> No. >> Oh my god. She was fantastic. Uh, Randerian. Um, Carol Leifer. Um, I mean I remember people from back.

when. >> Yeah. No, this is like a different era. Completely. >> Completely. Completely. And it it was. Paul Provenza. >> Oh man. Paul. Yeah. >> Yeah. before he moved out. >> Uhhuh. >> It just um a lot of people that Bill. Grant knew from college, they went to. Penn State, you know, >> right? >> And um Paul Riser.

>> Wow. >> This is when Paul Paul Riser got mad. about you. >> Yeah. >> He took Bill Grains as his headwriter. >> and Bill left to LA and I took over the. booking. That was the turning point. >> That's when things shifted. that that. turning point of booking. >> Were you surprised when the first. comedian went away to become a superstar. and then came back? >> If I was surprised. >> No, I'm saying were you surprised. because I mean so many people so many.

people would go off and become like a. movie star and never come back. But then. when someone did come back, did it. surprise you? >> No, I was happy because a lot of those. people are my friends now. >> Yeah. >> You know what I mean? Um. I remember. um. Mike Sweeney who was the headwriter for. Conan. He was I and Mike Royce who became one. of the producers of Ray Rob. Everybody.

does Raymond. >> Um I used him especially Sweeny as uh. Adam C. I loved that guy so much. >> Yeah, >> I relied on him. He was hilarious. He. was funny. He was an attorney. smart, fast, and when he got the gig with Conan, he. said, "Oh, I'll be coming.". Forward 15 years. Didn't see him. He. walked in. I said, "You were right. You. came back.

You came back. I can't believe it." I. gave him so much. >> I don't want to say the word. Um, so yeah, I was surprised. Um he they the. laugh life changed. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I can imagine. >> And and um we were super close and so I. had so much affection for him. >> and it was almost like heartbreaking. that he wasn't coming back. >> Your friend was gone. >> Yeah. He was gone. >> Yeah.

>> And because he got a different. opportunity whatever. But then 15 or no 18 years later he came. in. >> Question. Has anyone ever been unpassed? >> A what? >> Oh, interesting. >> Like you're passed. Okay, cool. You can. work at the comedy seller. Has anyone. been like, "We're taking away your. badge.". >> Yes. >> What was the reason? >> Um, >> Epstein files. >> I will take you off.

>> I am trying. No. What what happens is. what happens is that. people that work and they get better. and they justify. being at the seller and all that stage. Some people. don't get better. or they become indulging to their own. opinions as opposed to being a comedian.

>> and. um not delivering what I would expect. them to deliver. >> Uh it becomes a soapbox. There is a place for that but not under. the the the heading of comedy. >> the banner of jokes. >> and entertainment. >> And so either that. or.

vulgarity. as I said before I don't mind I don't. mind dirty jokes. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> I'll be the first one going, you know. but vulgarity. and it's somebody I really liked on a. personal level. So it was very difficult. >> and so I had a conversation. I said please we cannot have be. represented in this kind of way. You. pull them to the side. >> Yes. Okay. It didn't help. They can't.

help themsel. like this. I would step away from. although I didn't in that that case they. took themsel out. >> Mhm. >> I It's It's very interesting how people, you know, we all see oursel in a certain. in certain way certain light. >> Yeah. And most people think in Hebrew. there's a saying, every bastard is a. king. They actually made a movie with.

Toppo that the title was every bastard. is a king. >> It's a great phrase. >> Everybody thinks I am the best. I am the. smartest. I am the with you know. you know it. You know it. And when you learned what I. said before, look at the mirror and be. truthful with yourself. >> Yeah. >> It'll do it'll serve you much better. It'll serve you better as a person, as.

an artist. >> Yeah. as a comedian if you're truthful. with yourself if you think that you're. doing it right. and I get you know when people make. reservations now they get a answer. asking rate the show how was the show. how was the service how was the food how. was the automatic. >> I can't tell you how how some people. take themselves too seriously with those. answers well comedian number one I give.

him an Hey man, it's the same. like Colin Queen goes a but but um. I have to take it under consideration. >> Yeah, you have to listen. >> because your question what happens when. a club goes down? It goes down when you. stop listening. Mhm. >> And the way I want comedians to listen. to the respond of the of the crowd to.

the jokes and work, >> I need to be aware of what the audience. says about us. >> H the customiz. >> how they how they view us, >> right? >> You know, I don't want to be highbrow. There's room for politics, but not a. sucks. There's a difference. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. If you cannot make. funny your opinions, have your opinions. This is there's no censorship. whatsoever. I'm not going to tell you. I.

don't want you talking about that. >> Yeah. Yeah. You've never said that. >> No, I wouldn't. Why would I? As long as. you keep it with the realm of comedy. >> Yeah. >> If you get on a soap box, what's the. park in London that they get on the. >> Oh, yeah. There's that famous one where. you just go and you literally be here. You just go stand and then you shout. your opinions in a square. >> We used to have them a speak easy in the. village in this from the 60s yet where. people come and you just lay it out.

>> But that's not comedy. >> But that's not comedy. Do you do you think that do you think. that's. >> so to answer your question if somebody. doesn't listen and offends the customers. and look. you know if you are to the left or the. right of politics. but if you get on that stage. f this this f all the Republicans f this. half the room might be Republicans. you're going to piss them off what how.

you going to have a good time you want. to voice your opinion, you are 100%. >> um entitled to. >> Yeah, >> you are entitled to. >> But if you cannot make it funny, if you. make it hateful, if you make it. >> um unpleasant. >> Yeah. >> You are defeating the purpose of getting. on that stage. >> Yeah. How does it serve comedy? Dave. Dave used to say we we we had a comedy.

show that Dave actually I mean you. started it from randomness. >> Yeah. Very random. >> But it became like one of the most. successful rooms in in South Africa. It. was called the Blues Room. And Dave used. to come and tell us before every show. he'd go, "Guys, remember?". >> He'd go like, "Guys, remember. >> this is not a poetry evening." That's. what he'd always say. Like, "Guys, >> yeah, >> I love poetry, but this is not a poetry. evening.". >> Exactly. >> Please remember that. We're not doing. poetry here. Then you you you know. exactly what I'm talking about Dave, right? >> Yes. Yes, I do.

>> You understand what. >> I completely get it because I I think. this is but this is the thing that you. know I sometimes wonder where we lost. the plot. Like I go was it was it was it. social media? Was it you know we'd have. these conversations at the Daily Show. We used to have it um in comedy clubs. We we used to have it. we'd go some. people forget that every space is trying. to do the thing that it is trying to do. for that reason. And I mean that's vague. but what I mean is to your point comedy.

>> comedy specifically has told you ahead. of time. >> this is going to be a vehicle that. contains funniness in some way shape or. form. >> and the expectation is embedded in the. >> and it can deal with anything and. everything. >> but the funniness will always be the. thing that pops out at the end. It's the. same way if you went to a jazz club. Exactly. >> If the musician got up and sang a song. about anything, uh, World War II, slavery, relationships, bananas, doesn't. matter, but it was jazz. You would go, I.

went to a jazz club. Oh, what did the. performer? Oh, he had this interesting. song about uh bananas. It was crazy. >> 100%. >> But it's jazz. You came there for the. jazz. Mhm. >> But then in comedy somewhere along the. line something happened where people. started going no the the purpose is not. for it to be funny. The purpose is for. it to be the opinion. >> Mhm. >> Funny doesn't matter. Then I was like no. but but that's exactly what makes it. comedy. I'm not saying your opinion to.

your point. I'm not saying your opinion. doesn't matter. >> Yeah. >> But then just don't call it comedy. Then. we fine. >> Exactly. Exactly. >> 100%. >> Yeah. The one I personally use, the one. I personally use is. scaring horror. >> Yeah. >> So I go like if you're making a horror. movie or a horror thing, a thing that's. supposed to scare you, it's very clear. this is supposed to scare me. >> So I just go. >> like even if I'm talking if I'm thinking. of a comedian, I'm almost going.

>> I'm no offense to you, but I didn't get. scared. You know like if you know. laughing. the one I use is is am I scared? So if. so I go like. >> you are attempting to scare me, >> right? >> Either you scared me or you didn't scare. me and that's that. You know what I. mean? It's like it's very it's very. clear. It's very clear whether I was. scared or not. >> Yeah. But I but this is what I wonder. though is I wonder when.

>> oh when it when. >> when it changed and it hasn't changed. completely. >> but there was definitely a moment where. it changed in comics. >> because there are extremes now. >> Yeah. Same. >> There's extremes in politics. There's. real extremes. >> Yeah. >> In politics it was. Yeah, I hear you and it doesn't bother. me as much. >> Yeah. >> Now. >> Yeah. Now you you write up. >> It bothers you. >> Yeah. >> I was driving through.

on uh Washington Square the street. before coming in and somebody put in the. window a sign, huge huge sign in the. window, >> white sign with black lettering. It says. 100% anti-Trump. Why would you do that? >> You're going to you Dave. Why did you do. that? Me? >> Why did you do that, Dave? >> No. >> Why would you? >> Aren't you asking for a stone through.

your window? >> There's somebody going to throw. Do you. know what I mean? >> Why? Okay. So, that's your opinion. Good. Great. >> Why would you trans your life and your. window? >> I'll tell I'll tell you I'll tell you. what I think it I think there's a few. levels to it. I don't think there's one. answer. I'll start with that. But I have. noticed a few things. >> There's one that I always start with. There's the performative aspect. So, I've noticed some people like to perform. what they believe everyone, you know, likes or doesn't like. And I'm not.

saying that person is or isn't, but I've. noticed the performative side. Put a. sign in your window and then everyone's. like, "You're this kind of person. You. have performed it correctly." You you. with me? All right. >> You saw a lot around like Black Lives. Matter. People started putting signs up. Some people supportive, but some people. performative. Completely flag. >> Yeah. Yeah. Completely performative. Right. Then there's other people where I. actually feel bad for them because I the. best way I can articulate it is this. I. have found and it's I find it's more. severe in America. It's growing in other.

places in the world, but it's really. severe in America. Many people in America now identify. themselves by their beliefs first. >> versus like who they are. Does that make. sense? >> Yeah. They go, I believe in this. >> Yeah. No. So, what I mean is like not. not even. >> in South Africa for instance, you know, one of my joys of like going back home. and spending more time there. I realized. very quickly.

>> people don't identify by the decisions. or the votes they've made. They still. are themselves and then they'll talk. about political parties separately. >> Right. >> In America, I've noticed more and more. people identifying first as the thing. As a Republican, can I just say that as. a Democrat, can I just and I'm not. saying you shouldn't, but what I found. is if you start every interaction. with the most contentious. >> or with the most complicated part of who.

you are, >> it's almost you can even do it with. religion as well uniform basically. >> Yeah. But you but you but you started. off with the thing and then I thought it. was just an I thought it was like a. unique assumption or an an opinion I was. having and then I actually read a book. written by a sociologist and they were. talking about how small talk serves one. of the most important roles in society. because they said I know it seems. useless but when someone goes wow the. weather huh and you're like ah it was. sunny yesterday and it's raining today I. know I wish it was sunny today I wish it.

was sunny ah what are you going to do. about it man this elev elevator takes. long. I know this elevator is so slow. They said that those small statements. that we share. >> without us realizing it. >> signal to the other that we both exist. in the same reality. >> and it just it it it it creates these. tiny threads between you as people. >> and then it gets to so um you work in. the building. Yeah, I work in the. building. Oh, nice. What floor? Oh, no, I'm on the 38th. Oh, you're on the 32nd.

Oh, cool, cool, cool. Oh, you know, and. it's and it's those type do you have any. kids? I got kids. I got you. And as that. conversation grows, they've actually shown like a lot of the. time when they do studies about. discussions or discourse that people. have with each other, those. conversations make it easier to unlock. the hard conversations. >> Mhm. >> But if you start with the hard. conversation, you you can't go the other. way. >> You literally you just you just can't go. the other way. >> Yeah. Speaking of, because I love to say.

speaking of, because this is a true. thing, would you say that. the potency of your jokes allows you to. be more on the soap box? And the reason. I I say that is because the you'll know. there's some jokes that it is literally. impossible for the crowd not to laugh. at. Yes. >> Do you remember your tacos joke? >> Yeah. >> It is it's like if you understand the. language that the person is telling it. in. >> Yeah. It's like a physical impossible. >> The joke is like so good that it's like.

physically impossible for somebody not. to find it funny. You know, comedians. have that kind of each It's like having. your hit song. Yes. >> A comedian has they'll be like this. song, everybody loves this song of mine. Do you find that um depending on let's. say how many hit songs the comedian has. those that gives them room to say. whatever they want because if if I have. >> 100% correct. >> yes.

>> 100. those people get more leeway. >> Yes. But that's because they've earned. more leeway I would argue. >> Exactly. >> Cuz I Exactly. Because I I think this is. what I think it is to your point. I. almost feel like it is it is um it's. about creating a fair transaction with. an audience. Right. And I think this is. any human interaction. for you to assume that a room of. strangers should just listen to your. pontifications or.

>> I love you ever that's why you are. traveling. This is exactly the problem. >> Do you get what I'm saying? I'm like, what? But why? >> He hit it. >> the nail on the head. >> That's what it is. This is the key. to unlock. >> the the. comedy. >> secret door. >> sensibility. >> Yeah,

>> that's got to be it. It is. fleeing. A lot of comics cannot do it. They're. not capable of doing it. >> They have so much rage in themselves, >> right? >> That it's they just Yeah. poisoning the. whole the whole atmosphere, >> right? >> And the comic that has to follow.

>> has to deal with that. I I get a lot of. compl and I said if you are a good comic. you can follow anybody. >> Yeah that's true. >> unless they sp. spitting hate. >> poison. >> and yeah. >> you have to you have to dig you have to. dig a lot more. >> the whole atmosphere it's much more. difficult than following somebody that. didn't have a good set. >> Ah. >> oh that's deep. Okay I see what you. mean. >> Yes. much harder because you have to.

neutralize the the. >> you have to first the stink in the room. clear the air. >> before they are ready for for they have. to cleanse the pallet. So that's that's. the thing that I I think sometimes. people misunderstand with comedy is. some people will say I've seen them say. to comedians some have said it to me to. any they'll be like you know I I I don't. know why did you have to make that funny. or why why didn't you why I don't I.

think you hurt it by turning it into a. joke. And then and then I remember. saying to somebody, I went, "What you're saying to me is the. equivalent of saying to an. anesthesiologist, >> why did you make the person sleep before. the surgery?". >> Why did No, I'm joking. >> Then you're like, "But that's their. that's why they said that they're an. anesthesiologist. They said that this is. their job.". >> Right? If a person says that they are a. comedian, you cannot ask them why they. have used the tools of humor when.

approaching anything tragedy in their. family, politics, difficult things in. life, benign things in life, anything, >> we use the tool because we are saying we. are the professionals of that. Do do you. get what I'm saying? I do. >> Yes. And so in the same way, funny. enough, a referee in a boxing match will. go, "Hey, stop holding.". >> Yeah. >> You can hold if you go to UFC, then. holding is part of that. The ref there. won't say stop holding. You know what I. mean? But in boxing you cannot hold. >> Right? >> We are fighting but you have to use your.

fists. >> Please stop holding. Holding is not for. this sport. >> There's another sport where you can go. hold. And then even in UFC there'll be. other rules where they go like no no. you've been like this for too long. Actually. we hit a fight. This is not a soap box. Do you get what I'm saying? >> That's what I said. The difference. between comedy and soap box. >> Yeah. >> That's exactly what it is. Don't press anything. We've got more. What now after this?

How How did you handle um or how have. you handled over the years. things in the streets spilling over to. the comedy club? Cuz I know there there. was like a period I mean there've been. many periods, but let's say like around. like Black Lives Matter. Um. >> Me Too. >> Yeah. around the me too movement or any. any social movement where there's been. an explosion. People have seen it come. into their workplaces. They've seen it. come into schools. They've seen it. >> And in comedy clubs, again, the comedy.

set I can speak to as a perfect example. >> No two comedians have the same views on. the lineup. You you may overlap, but you. can have completely different views. Some comedians have your views, but the. way they do their comedy will make you. think they don't have your views. Those. are some of my favorites. You know what. I mean? >> Adele. >> Yeah, exactly. But. >> oh my god, he is. >> I love David. Yeah. when you're watching. the comedian, you go like, I I don't. even know. I don't know what this person. believes, but they're phenomenal. >> Yeah. >> I I would love to know like how you've. how you've fostered a space where. comedians can continue to come and still.

have their comedy alongside comedians. who don't share the same comedy, but. then not create like an atmosphere of. animosity. >> As I said, no censorship. you you want. to talk about. whatever you want to talk, you're okay. with this as long as you make it funny. >> But have you ever had issues where the. comedians themselves are like, I don't. want that comedian telling those jokes? >> Not really. There's some comedians that.

either resent or don't love others. >> Yeah. I mean, that's comedy. That's. every industry. >> They Yeah. they don't respect. >> and and. you get this under the nose, you know, >> I like how he did it perfectly. >> Um and and I say why? And sometimes they. tell me, sometimes they don't. They're. afraid that I'll. >> say something or you know, but yeah. So.

between the co comics it sometimes. happens. and. usually. the A minus comics will do that. Oh, interesting. >> They Yeah, they comment. Oh, he's a hack. What is a hack? Tell me. what a hack is. >> That's interesting. >> You know what I mean? And.

>> sorry, A minus is quite a high score. >> That's why I said. >> there is a A and A plus. >> Yeah, but that's three degrees. >> No, I'm saying you didn't say like a C. You know what I mean? You. >> see comics is doesn't work in comedy. seller. Damn. WAIT. SO, SO THE. damn just. a minor. So, >> Oh, damn. Yo, that was crazy. Woah, woah, woah, woah. S was like, "Whoa,

whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.". >> C minus. Yo, ST was like, "Nah, bro. We. don't do C's. >> See you later.". >> Exactly. >> Dropped the bomb hard on there. So the. top the top is a. >> as a plus or a plus is number one. >> There's a a a minus b plus. >> b. minus. I'm starting to. >> warm up. >> See what's happening. See what happens. >> Okay. Got it.

>> So it's interesting. >> BF. >> Oh, okay. >> I can give you the address of other. places. >> Uptown. >> Go somewhere else. Now. >> the tables have turned. >> No. Look. I am saying that there is room for. everybody, >> right? >> But it takes time to become a seasoned. comedian. >> Yeah. >> To to know how to. >> wellcrafted set looks or what you need. to do or whatever. That takes time and.

I'll give you the opportunity to do it. But if I have to book five people and I. have A+ A, I'll go there first because my job is. not to hold every comedian's hand. >> It's not my job is the be to produce a. best show I can. >> Yeah. >> With the availability I have.

>> Mhm. >> I've reached out to people to get them. in. It's not only that they come to me. although mostly they come now. >> but. I cannot be your. uh manager or your teacher or your. whatever. >> but I'll give you the opportunity if you. do have the seat if you if you show the. potential. and and uh.

those people Oh, >> is there. >> there's a whole generation like you said. se morel there's other then solder Joe. Liz Mark Norman they are all in the same. thing that they went up. >> gradually but it was at the same it's. like it's like we in the same generation. of comedy you and I in South Africa like. Eugene and I start at the same time. we're in with of that you know if you. like cut the trees um trunk wear that. ring.

>> basically wear that ring but I I I've. always wondered are They I'm sure they. are. Which comedians have blown up that. surprised you the most? Cuz like not. everyone's path is linear, but some. people just find something magic and all. of a sudden you go, "Wow, they took it. to a whole new level.". >> I that's very hard for me to to say. Um. often I'm asked, can you predict when. you meet a comedian who is going to. become. >> I can't I can't. There's a lot of people.

that I think, "Oh my god, that guy." And. it never happens. And then there is. somebody very quiet that's very that I. didn't. And I don't want to say it. because they are big now. >> Mhm. >> But it just like, huh? How did that. happen? But it did. >> And you can't find any common thread. You can't find it. Just. >> No, I think it's it's they're good.

comedians to begin with. >> Yeah. >> Good work ethics. >> Yeah. >> The timing is perfect. >> Yeah. >> They somebody saw them at a certain. time. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> You say that how they say timing is. everything. >> Yeah. No, it is. So, as long as you are. prepared. >> and you have the good ingredients and. you're good to begin with and the. opportunity meets you at the right. place, you go out and there's people that are.

just as good, just as prepared, but the. timing never worked. That's probably one. of the things I appreciated and still. appreciate about the comedy seller the. most is. it's it's a comedy club where I felt. comedians were always reminded of the. fact that they're lucky and what I mean. by that is. >> yeah what I mean by that is in in when. you walking through the halls or the. rooms or the or the restaurant of the.

comedy cellar. there is no comedian I can think of who. would lie and say, "I don't know. comedians who have destroyed as much as. I have on many of the nights that I've. been there.". >> Right? >> And so there's a there's a I think. there's a certain level of humility. >> I was about to say humility. >> in understanding that like that's why I. say when when people would say a name to. me and they go, "Oh, have you heard of. this? They've really blown up." Then I. go, I'll be honest with you, from the. first time I encountered them, they were.

amazing. And I guess to your point, timing and. luck just hadn't met with their amazing. Exactly. >> But they were amazing. >> Yeah. >> And and that's like the the the hard and. and humbling aspect of entertainment in. general, but especially comedy. >> is sometimes it's just about meeting the. audience, you know? Like I I like I'll. never separate like Louis CK from where. America was when he like really like. mega blew up. >> He became like the perfect vessel for. what America was going through. It was.

it was the recession. It was people. weren't feeling like things are great. people weren't feeling and Louis has. this this way of like being both. optimistic and extremely pessimistic in. the same container. >> But I feel like it met him at the. perfect time. >> It's so funny because I have books my. booking books. >> Yeah. >> From the beginning. So I was booked the. shows and then on the bottom I have the. late night. For a while there was food. spots or the late night and all those.

people were on the late night. Chris. Rock and Luis Siki and Jim Norton, they. were all on that thing and look what. they now. >> in the latest latest slots. >> Was that the hottest slot? John Stewart. used to be on that slot. John and I. talked about. >> when. >> he said he was like. >> that's not true. >> No, John used to be a buzz boy in. Panchitos down the street. Yeah. >> And he used to come. >> I might be wrong, but Ponchitos. >> Ponitos.

>> does not sound like a comedy club. It. wasn't a comedy club. It was a Mexican. restaurant. >> But again, you were there with the. rubber suit. I was like, I know. >> Patito was a a Mexican restaurant. >> and um he started coming by. I loved him. from day one. >> Yeah. >> Day one. >> What did you love about him? >> I just liked his humor, his performance, his material. He was just a funny as. hell. >> Yeah. and I started booking him and.

there was some was it Chappelle. I don't I think it was the. um Mark Twain Awards that he said um I. wasn't really good but Estie kept. booking me. >> yes yes it was actually yes. >> it was Mark Twain right. >> I think it was the Mark Twain prize. >> I kept booking him because I I just. believe I don't know I believed in him. he was funny he was he was great I loved. him from day one.

>> But that's what I mean. You see, that's. that's an example. >> That's something that took time. I tell. I tell it took a minute. >> for you, >> not for me for the orers to to find him. >> He always went out last, which he still. does. And. people were just exit there. >> going to Ponitos. >> Going to panchitos. It it was some. people it took a minute but they all.

used to do the late nights. >> What do you think it was about? >> They they did a documentary once they. wanted to see my book and Chris Rock was. in the olive tree and I showed him the. book. I said, "Do you remember that at. all?". >> Was that was a lot harder? >> Huh? >> It was like 1:00 a.m. 2:00 a.m. and. there was like 5 7 minutes. No, but you. never know because then. >> Yeah, but that's why I'm asking that. that slot was harder at that time.

>> It It's always hard because I mean, who. is in the room at that hour? >> Mhm. And wanting to laugh at. >> They want to laugh. They want to laugh, but they have asleep and they drunk. They've eaten. They've. >> Well, you know that at the commisser we. have a rule about drinking. Yeah. You. know that? >> No, I didn't know that. >> Okay. Um, it's two drinks minimum. >> Okay. >> Which is standard in all the industries, not just comedy club.

>> But we have a three drink maximum. >> I did not know this. >> Yeah, we don't want you to drink. If. somebody wants a four to drink, they. have to get the manager's approval. >> Got to go and walk. You got to They've. got a little No, I mean little balance. test. Then they bring out David. >> Would a drunk person be able to do this? >> No, you don't want them drunk. >> No, but so you know we don't do that.

Anybody that says, "Oh, you are here for. the money." They don't know that we have. rules like that. But this is what I. mean. More drinks. >> Yes. >> I say this to Dave all the time. I talk. to Eugene. I go, I wish more people were. able to run businesses and industries in. a way that didn't have to extract all. the money all the time because I think. you would create something that lasts. longer and something that everyone can. benefit from for longer because I've. been to establishments where they'll. sell as many drinks as they can to the. person because they want to make the. money. >> Manny having a meeting with Lucian.

Remember Lucian? No. Lucian used to run. the the comic strip. >> Okay. He passed. and uh they were talking and. trying to build a business. You you hand. out, you know, two for one and four. covers, whatever. >> How do you make money? You raise the. drink and push the drinks. >> Mhm. >> We never did that. Never ever did we do. that. We always And we have a very clear.

room uh rule of three drinks maximum. >> I didn't know this. >> Yeah. And as comedians, you you you feel. you also, you know, >> somebody comes from downstairs. Oh, they're all drunk. I said maybe. >> No, but you know, I just some of us. drank in the Some of us drank before we. came. >> I know, but then if Listen, we have. security and if you appear drunk, you're. not let let in. >> Yes. >> And we we we have the rule about the.

cell phones. Cell phones in the bags. It's all done to protect the comic. comics. >> Yeah. >> This is all for the comics. >> I would even argue it protects comedy as. a whole. You know why? >> Yeah. But but. >> you are the vehicle for comics. >> No. Yes. Yes. But what I mean is like. one of the reasons I love the fact that. you don't allow people to film the show. is because comedy and I know Chris Rock. has spoken about this pretty clear, but. like one of the things people forget. with comedy and comedians and clubs in. particular is that is where you are.

going to forge an idea. >> Yeah. >> You're not going there because the idea. is perfect. You're going there to start. >> creating out of nothing something, you. know? you're going there to to to to try. and like chisel it out and hammer it and. find the edges and smooth them. And then. when someone watches it on a special on. Netflix or wherever, they go, "Oh, wow. That that was great." Yeah. Like, "Yeah, yeah, but there were many nights when. this didn't make sense or this was. warped or this was, you know, and if. people record that and put it out,

>> they're doing two things that they don't. realize. one, they're hurting the. comedian because you're not allowing the. comedian to put the thing out when they. were going to put it out. >> Yeah. >> Right. In the way that So now they can't. even sort of stand behind it because you. you stole it from the lab and then. you're saying that this product is bad. for it's toxic. But it was in the lab. You stole it from the lab. It wasn't in. the stores. >> I I can't even say what technology takes. away or the wrong audience watching you. takes away is the three stages that I.

think a comic goes through. Yeah. >> Sometimes you're on stage at a club. because you're trying to find the funny. >> Yes. >> Sometimes you're trying to find yourself. and there'll be times when the audience. meets you after you found it to. >> when you're in sync with how you're. feeling and what you're saying. It all. makes sense. But there was a time when. the idea was great but you were not. feeling. >> You were not there. Yeah. Yeah. >> But all of those have made people have. opinions about comics at the wrong time. at the wrong place. And I think I always. make this analogy of thinking, have you. have you watched soccer before?

>> Soccer? >> Yeah. >> Sure. So when when soccer plays. >> husband was goalie. >> soccer player. >> goalie. Yeah. >> Oh wow. Clearly. >> superstar in in Israel. >> Yeah. Look at that SD. Okay. >> You know when there when soccer plays, security guards that are looking at the. crowd, they almost know instinctually. what is happening behind them. So that. ability to listen is what you had. because you were a host. You were. listening to comments without watching. them and prejudging them. So you were. there to find out when they found the. funny, when they were finding. themselves, and when the audience has.

found them and the funny at the same. time. >> So I think technology robs people of. that because of that snippet. >> takes away all of that. And you've said. it before when we're having this chat. You said you give them time. >> Yeah. You have to. >> you give them time to find the two and. the audience will benefit immensely from. it. But but the the beginning uh the. starting line now. >> is higher than it used to be because of. the availability. >> I can imagine. >> Speaking of comedy, >> what do you think of Cuz that's what.

we're speaking about. Um what. >> your segue is a flawless thing. >> You could could have fooled me. A+. WE WERE TALKING ABOUT EVERYTHING but. >> everything but. >> it's like um actually modern and. recording. What do you think about the. new movement of like um you know there's. audience participation that whole thing. where where crowdians are you know Trev.

the one. >> I don't mind I I like crowd crowd. not or. When you're an MC. and you do crowd work, you sort of bring. them in. >> Yes. >> Into the space, into the state of mind. >> Yes. You corral them. >> Yes. I When MC gets on and start doing. bits,

what is that all about? That That's. wrong. I want the MC to do a crowd work. and warm them up where they where they. are um uh recept the reception. >> Yeah. They're receptive to you want them. to hold. >> Yeah. So I I am very pro. >> I know that a lot of people. uh especially online. >> Yeah. uh the crowd work and all of that, you. know, it it there is a little.

a mandoa line for that. You know, it. it's it it's sometimes too much and not. enough substance. But sometimes with crowd work, you bit. comes out of it. >> That's true. >> Yeah, >> it comes. >> Yeah. You can find the funny there. Well, yeah. Mhm. And and and uh you'll. be surprised how entertaining some of.

the people in audience can be. They. really are. I sometimes watch it and. just you know like a dog that is peanut. butter. What. I mean so so there is a benefits to it. >> So you to the goalie, >> huh? >> What happened to the goalie? >> Uh never mind. >> Don't stop thinking. Nosy. You knowsy. >> OF COURSE YOU STARTED. >> You asked ME IF I KNOW SUCKER. NOT ONLY.

I know sucker. Trump you one. >> So my my crowd work question is if uh. you book the host crowd question you the. crowd work you book the host to do crowd. work obviously. >> Yes. As. >> then yes. Then when you book the acts. you're booking them to do a specific set. or you know what I mean? I take under. consideration who is the MC. >> with who is on the show. >> Oh wow. I take it under that's one of.

the consideration because the MC. contributes to the show. if it's a obviously I would prefer most. of the time the MC to be high energy. >> right. >> somebody that keep the crowd and and you. know and once in a while they they throw. it you know a little bit here a little. bit there but they include the audience. in it where an act just comes out and. does his act once Once in a while they. interact. >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. >> But not that much. >> With the MC, I do like the interaction. because it come on kids, let let's play. together. >> That's the what the MC is supposed to. do. >> Yeah. >> You know what I mean? Brings everybody. in. And if MC gets gets up and says um. starts with bits, he doesn't do. uh uh doesn't live up to his role. So, do you ever penalize an act.

for doing crowd work in your head? Like. if an act comes up and then they start. doing a lot of crowd work, do do you in. your head go, "No, I don't like. >> it depends who and what they do.". >> Okay, great. >> Yeah, it it's you can't be very um dry. cut on that, you know. Um. some of them. have a bit that they're coming up with. They're about to say it. >> Yeah. >> And It's a lead in. >> Oh, >> they'll they'll turn to the oranges. Did.

you ever. >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay. It's just It's just a. It's a It's the beginning of a magic. trick. Okay. Does anyone have a quarter. here? Exactly. >> They were going to do the trick anyway. Yeah, that makes sense. >> So, but this is a this is very liquid. >> This is very fluid. >> I want to put you on the spot before we. lose you, SD. Like, who's your personal. favorite comedian? >> You. >> No, don't do that. >> You ask me. You asked a question. But. you asked the question. >> No, no. It It's.

>> I have people I like more than others. >> Yeah. >> But this is like asking a mother that. has 15 children. >> Who is your favorite? >> No. Which one would you go downstairs to. watch more than the other? You There's. got to be one child where you're like, and I only mean this because they they. just happen to like hit everything that. you want from the comedy and the do you. get what I'm saying? to break it down. for SD. Basically, SD, think of it this. way. >> Don't break it down for me. I know. exactly what he's asking. I'm trying not.

>> I'm trying not to answer. >> Which child would you take up to 3 years. and which one would you LEAVE AT 3. MONTHS? >> Did I buy you enough time? >> That's an interesting way of putting it. >> Okay, I won't. >> Who do you want? No, no, I won't put. you. No, I won't put you on the spot. No, but I will ask. >> You heard me, right? >> I took I took it further. >> He lives in a comedy club. Okay, then.

No, then then then I Okay, I'll ask you. this then. In instead of instead of. making it that, let's let's go the other. way cuz I think it'll be great for all. of us. I mean, us here and the people. listening, >> give me give me a few names of comedians. that we should be watching now that, you. know, maybe we're not. Just, you know, name a few where you go like this. person's really getting this person. >> Aaron Chan. >> Okay. Aaron Chan from Australia. He is. Yes, he is a Chinese guy from Australia. >> Okay, cool. >> He has a show over there that uh it's a. small show that's now on Netflix that's. making a lot of waves. He is I it's very.

difficult to um describe him. >> Okay. >> But he is somebody I would say if you. get a chance watch him. >> Okay. Great. >> He's very quiet. He's very sarcastic. He is wonderful. one absolutely wonderful. >> Okay. >> Um. I can give you a list for about 10. people that are brand new for the seller. that I still go down to watch because.

what else do you have? >> Give us four. Okay, so we got Erin Chen. Give us three more. >> Um there is um. Winston from DC. A lot of uh new uh. comics are from Chicago now. So there is. a whole wave of Chicago coming. It goes. with it does go different times. Yeah. Uh Chicago and as I said right now is. Australia. There's a new guy I just uh.

Blake. uh. Green. What's his last name? I don't. know. I just auditioned him. Wonderful. Really funny. >> Um. >> um Brendan Surof. That's somebody that's going right now. this way. >> Very funny. Um, >> and with put a lady as well. >> A lady. >> Yeah. >> Why? >> Because.

>> what if the four are guys? >> Then what, Dave? Then what? Then what? >> No, I I I can give you there's there's. quite a few women now, too, that were. Emma W. You know Emma? She. >> and it's just become a. >> she's she's Yeah. Um um Amy Blotnik. I. love Amy Blotnik. You asked me once for. a writer. Remember Michelle Wolf? I got. you. >> Michelle Emmy Blatnik is an incredible.

writer and um she was the head. headwriter for the president men the. show. >> The president. man was. >> Yeah. the president name and now she's. creating a animation. I mean she's. wonderful an incredible person. Sweet, quiet, beautiful person. Very funny. Um. L Orlando is one of the new girls I'm.

using. >> Yeah, >> I have a lot of faith in her. Let's see. how that goes. >> You know with your accent when you say. new girl I'm using. It's. >> that that you have such a bad. >> I'm so sorry. I can't help it. >> I MEAN THE COMICS AMUSING. >> YEAH. THANK YOU. IT'S. >> NO, but did you hear his question? >> He asked me about girls. >> I don't expect MUCH FROM HIM. >> YOU ON THE OTHER HAND, you did your 36. months. You raised this child. You have.

so much hope in you. >> Oh man. >> No, there there is I I would need my my. paper to to go through it. But there's. there is a Philip and I cannot pronounce. his last name. Colonafa. He's Slovakian that worked in England. for about 10 years. >> Very funny. >> He's brand new. Those are all new. people. >> Um. >> I love that you still. >> Drew Dan. >> I still love that you you that you still. have this like I'm watching.

>> Oh excitement. >> But that's what I mean. like you don't. have a. met. for late night TV or for comedy clubs or. and at some point they have a I've seen. it all. Yeah. They remind me of this person and. you're like oh oh and this person and. you you still till this day 40 how many. years later? >> Peter Rallo. >> Yeah. >> Did you get to see him yet? >> No. >> You've got to. This is I mean I now just have a list of.

comedy that I have to just go and watch. >> I'm going to go I'm going to go Oh, how. about Ethan? >> Ethan's phenomenal. No, I mean but yeah, Ethan is my heart. Yeah, Ethan is. >> so much. Oh my god. >> Yeah, Will I think Will told me about. Ethan for he's like yo Will. >> Will told me is and no social media. nothing. And you know what? Not only. he's a great comic. I remember we few. years back we booked uh um this week at. the comedy seller for comedy central and.

that's where first time saw him. >> and I between Ethan. Peter Aaron John Drew it it'll blow your. mind how good they are. >> it'll blow your mind. >> okay those four are making it past 36. months. >> down those four are making it past 36. months. >> I'm telling you, they are fantastic. >> Really fantastic.

And um yeah, it's it's gratifying to to. to find somebody that you get excited. about. You know what I mean? I know. exactly what you mean. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> I am not blessed about it at all. >> And that's why we appreciate you. That's. why we love you. Thank you so much, Estie. Thank you for everything you do. M. >> you know I I was thinking like 2 days. ago I was like why is there not a. documentary on you? >> I was thinking. >> then I was like people probably try all. the time and then Estie's the kind of.

person who's like I don't want to he. just. >> unless my hand is like twisted. >> You know who's never tried? >> Who? >> You twinkle toes. >> Twinkle. >> Okay. The one thing that if somebody say. describe Traan I would say Twinkle. You've never seen him dance. You've. >> Oh, no. For real, Estie. This is Thank. you very much. Thank you for Thank you. for pleasure. Yeah. The role you've. played in my life, the role, You know. what's amazing? The role you've played. in everyone's lives without them knowing.

it. know if people loved Louis show on. on FX or his stand up. If people loved. Aziz's, you know, Master of None, if. people loved there's so many comedians. that have affected your life and SD was. part of their journey getting to Yeah. John Stewart and then me by extension. with the It's just crazy how many. comedians. >> you were already you were cooked. already. >> You were not getting ready, you know, I. mean. >> Yeah. But I mean in America Yeah. Yeah.

And I mean still I I would argue doing. it at the comedy seller and what you. gave me was a home away from home. >> Yeah. >> And you know one of the biggest things I. really appreciated about it was the. comedy club didn't possess an air of of. of of. like heaviness and and no cuz there's. there's a lot of clubs that I would go. to where it really it it felt like you. were in the doldrums emotionally. It. felt it it there was a there was um.

there was an extreme. um difference between what was happening. on stage and what you were feeling in. the building. I would watch people get. on stage and they were the funniest. human beings I had ever seen ever. And. then I'd walk off stage or I'd see them. come off stage and I'd hang out and I'd. go, "This is the most depressing. environment I've ever like." It feels it. feels Yeah. It feels suicidal. It feels. uh it feels negative. It feels like it's. not No, but but genuine. And I I I don't.

I don't say I don't say it in a. judgmental way. I say it in like a scary. way. >> Yeah. >> And I remember comedians would ask me. like some clubs in America, they'd go, "Why don't you come?" I was like, "Hey, man. I'll be honest with you. I don't. ever want to be in that space again. because it didn't feel like anyone there. was like was it felt like they worked in. happiness, but they weren't trying to be. living happiness.". That that happens in every environment. You have an office. >> Yeah. >> That everybody either dislikes each. other or undercuts each other and say.

negative negative negative. >> Yeah. Yeah. But what I'm saying is what. I appreciated and still appreciate about. the comedy seller is. >> the thing in between like. >> the meals that people share, the way we. roast each other, you know, whether it's. Keith sitting in a corner and then. you're roasting Keith about having a. stroke and then he's roasting and then. he's you're roasting and then he's. roasting you. >> Yeah. Oh, he's the first one. He's the. first one to roast you and then you've. got, you know, like someone else walks. in and then the roast.

>> I I don't know for a fact, but if I tell. him, you know what, I did travel our. podcast. You know what he's going to do? >> That's Keith. >> Yes, he'll go. >> You know, thumbs down. >> You know, it's funny. Five years ago, a. friend of mine introduced me to Bill. Grunfest. >> Yeah. >> And we had a call every week for 6. months or so. And every time on the. call, he would speak about how amazing. you were. Who did? >> Bill Grunfett. >> Bill. >> Bill said it. >> Yeah. And then the other friend that.

that that had a lot to say about you, who was not in comedy but just loves. comedy, very young kid at the time, was. Josh Pinkas. He spoke so highly about. you. And then now him hearing the story. for the first time about how you guys. met, I have to say there must be. something about you that a lot of people. appreciate and love. And most things are. just have lynch pins in life. And it. happens that you are one of those and. you are hearing it while you're still. alive. Thank you. I I'm not trying to be. it. I'm not trying to be that. >> Oh, maybe that's why you're good at. being it,

>> you know. I just honestly honestly. with all my heart, I love comedians. >> I love what they do. I appreciate them. I know how difficult it is. >> It's not a given. >> Mhm. >> Um. >> and I think it comes true. I'm being. sincere about it. And the people that. don't like me is the people I don't book. and don't laugh and don't don't feel. that they deserve to. Yeah.

>> But uh yeah, there's a lot of comedians. out there. There's a lot of love going. on. >> You are loved. >> Hey, I hope you know you're love. >> Thank you. >> Genuinely, thank you very much. This has. been amazing. Thank you for for. indulging. I know it must be weird for. you to have a conversation during the. day where there's no comedy club around. >> I know that that. >> I know this was different for you. >> It feels very natural. It is very. natural. >> Thank you, Estie. This was great. >> Thank you so much. >> This is really wonderful. >> Okay, >> I loved it. Wow. >> You're amazing. >> Good.

>> Thank you so much for watching the. episode. If you enjoyed it, pass it on. to a friend. If you didn't enjoy it, pass it on to your friend still. Let. them suffer for a change. And don't. forget to engage with us in the. comments. Uh if you want to suggest a. guest, maybe there's questions you want, maybe there's ideas that you have, you. can chat to us. We will read through the. comments and we'll get into it. Either. way, I appreciate you taking the time. Thank you for hanging out with us on. What Now. And remember, we do this for. you, so we would like to hear from you. Till next time, thank you.