Gary Gulman, an acclaimed comedian known for his observational humor, returns to discuss his upcoming Off-Broadway show, 'Grandiloquent,' reflecting on the meaning of the title and his journey towards fatherhood. He and Mike delve into their evolving friendship, transitioning from work to personal bonds. The duo shares hilarious anecdotes about soccer injuries and parenting, while exploring the emotional complexities of male friendships and the inspirations that fuel their comedic craft. Expect laughter and heartfelt insights throughout!
Gary Gulman's upcoming show 'Grandiloquent' blends personal experiences with humor, showcasing the impact of childhood and relationships on his comedic style.
The podcast emphasizes the evolution of Gulman's comedy towards vulnerability and authenticity, strengthening the bond between comedians and their audiences.
Deep dives
The Value of Friendship
A good friend can significantly enhance one's life, as highlighted by the idea that having just one good friend is a marker of success. In the conversation, the speaker reflects on their mother's advice about friendship and the comfort of books as companions. The essence of genuine friendship is further explored, emphasizing actions taken for the sake of friends and the emotional support they can provide. The speaker acknowledges their journey toward forming deeper connections as an adult, recognizing the complexities and value of real friendship.
The New Show: 'Grandiloquent'
Gary Gulman introduces his upcoming live show, 'Grandiloquent,' set to debut in January at the Lucille Lortel Theater in New York. The show's title reflects a theme of using extravagant or showy language, which resonates with the fun and depth of Gulman's comedic style. He shares that the show draws upon personal experiences and memories, including poignant reflections about his childhood and his relationship with his wife. The discussion encapsulates how these life experiences shaped his comedic voice, allowing for a blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling.
The Challenge of Performance
The relationship between comedians and their audiences is complex, as the speaker relates to the idea that comedy is often an audition for approval. The conversation highlights the evolution of Gulman's comedic style, noting how he has embraced vulnerability and authenticity over merely appearing 'cool.' The shift to focus on personal growth and authenticity in comedy is significant, as it fosters a genuine bond with the audience. Gulman reflects on the importance of comparing one's current work to past performances rather than against other comedians, creating an environment for personal improvement.
Comedy and Personal Growth
The dialogue explores the difficulties comedians face when striving for intelligent and engaging material, indicating the relentless scrutiny they may feel from themselves and their audiences. There's a discussion of the balance between delivering smart jokes and maintaining a connection with the audience, ensuring that humor is both accessible and profound. The speakers share experiences from live performances, emphasizing how the audience's expectations can heighten the pressure to deliver quality content. This introspection into the craft of comedy reveals how personal narratives and life experiences inform successful routine development.
Working It Out Hall of Famer Gary Gulman returns to discuss his upcoming Off-Broadway show Grandiloquent. Mike and Gary break down, first of all, what “grandiloquent” means, and how the new show that looks back on Gary’s early life and looks ahead at the prospect of Gary becoming a father. Mike and Gary also check in on their friendship progress, moving from work friends to friend friends. Plus, jokes about soccer game injuries and the pitfalls of lecturing your spouse on pop culture.