Episode 1504 - Jonah Ray Rodrigues / Ed Begley Jr.
Jan 18, 2024
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Comedian Jonah Ray Rodrigues discusses giving up standup for bartending and collaborating on new projects, while Hollywood's Ed Begley Jr. talks about his memoir, experiences with sobriety, and his relationship with Harry Dean Stanton.
Jonah Ray decided to stop doing stand-up comedy and explore new avenues in his career.
Comedy has evolved to embrace different styles and subjects, moving away from the comedy of Jonah Ray's generation.
Jonah Ray expresses gratitude for his involvement in Mystery Science Theater 3000 and the opportunity to connect with fans.
Jonah Ray emphasizes the importance of personal growth, seeking therapy, and finding fulfillment beyond comedy.
Deep dives
Jonah Ray discusses leaving stand-up comedy
Jonah Ray talks about his decision to stop doing stand-up comedy after feeling unfulfilled and incomplete. He reflects on his early success and the need to maintain a certain persona in order to continue getting attention and jobs. As he approached 40, he realized that he didn't feel like a complete adult and wanted to explore different avenues in his career.
The changing landscape of comedy
Jonah Ray reflects on the changing landscape of comedy, particularly the shift away from the comedy of his generation, which focused on topics like relationships and nerdy interests. He notes that many comedians from that era have grown up and moved on, and that the comedy scene has evolved to embrace different styles and subjects.
The experience of doing Mystery Science Theater 3000
Jonah Ray discusses his experience with Mystery Science Theater 3000, from its initial run on Netflix to the Kickstarter campaigns that funded subsequent seasons. He shares his gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of the show and the joy of being able to connect with fans through the project.
Personal growth and self-reflection
Jonah Ray delves into personal growth and self-reflection, acknowledging the need to move on from certain personas and explore new avenues of creativity. He expresses a desire to connect with his inner child in a meaningful way and find fulfillment apart from comedy.
Podcast Summary
The podcast episode discusses Jonah Ray's decision to stop doing stand-up comedy and focus on other creative endeavors. Jonah reflects on his experience in the comedy world, expressing his resentment towards the rise of certain comedy scenes and the pressure to conform to certain expectations. He talks about the burnout he experienced and how he found more fulfillment in directing and collaborating on comedic projects. Jonah also discusses his journey of processing childhood traumas and the importance of seeking therapy and support.
Making the Movie 'Destroy All Neighbors'
Jonah Ray talks about his movie 'Destroy All Neighbors', which is a low-budget splatter comedy inspired by 80s horror movies. The film aims to capture the spirit of practical effects and gore-filled comedies while also pulling from other genres like Delicatessen and Barton Fink. Jonah discusses his passion for horror and comedy, as well as his love for facilitating and supporting other comedians' comedic ideas. He also mentions the talented cast and crew involved in the project, including Tom Lennon, Camille Nangiani, and Phil Hendry.
Struggles and Growth
Throughout the podcast episode, Jonah Ray reflects on his struggles with mental health, self-doubt, and co-dependency. He discusses his experiences with therapy, ACA meetings, and the importance of confronting trauma and processing emotions. He acknowledges the challenges of being in showbiz, the pressure to project success, and the reality of financial struggles in the industry. Jonah also shares personal anecdotes, such as the sudden loss of a friend and the death of his father, emphasizing the need to prioritize mental and emotional well-being.
It’s the return of two past WTF guests who have lots of stories and common experiences to share with Marc. First, Hollywood’s everyman Ed Begley Jr. is back for the first time in a decade, fresh off writing his new memoir, To the Temple of Tranquility… And Step On It! Then Marc talks with Jonah Ray Rodrigues, who spent years crossing paths with Marc in the standup and podcasting worlds. Jonah explains why he gave up standup, started bartending, and dove into collaborative projects like the new movie, Destroy All Neighbors.
