John Early, recently nominated for an Emmy and a Critics Choice Award, joins Mike to discuss avant-garde comedy, Brittany Spears impressions, and John's new Max special. They also talk about John's experience of coming out to his best friend and explore the complexities of sentimentality and the meaning of life.
John Early emphasizes the importance of finding humor in sincerity and being a poet in his comedy.
John shares amusing anecdotes about attending his daughter's birthday parties and the challenges of being a parent.
John advises fellow comedian Jacqueline Novak to maintain a conversational and intimate tone in her performance to connect with the audience on a personal level.
Deep dives
Summary of the podcast episode
In this podcast episode, comedian John Early discusses his new comedy special and his approach to comedy. He describes his special as a unique mix of cabaret and stand-up, with sketches, music, and impersonations. John emphasizes the importance of finding humor in sincerity and being a poet in his work. He also shares personal experiences, such as coming out and his upbringing in the Presbyterian Church. John reflects on the challenges of balancing sentimentality and intimacy in his performances, and the joy of connecting with the audience.
Making people laugh at birthday parties
John shares a humorous story about attending his daughter's birthday parties and the constant excitement of kids compared to his lack thereof. He jokes about the frequency of birthday parties and the daunting task of being a parent-chauffeur. He amusingly recounts a particular experience at an urban air party where he chose to wait outside instead of joining the chaos inside.
Lessons learned from directing Jacqueline Novak's show
John discusses his experiences directing Jacqueline Novak's show and the valuable lesson he offered her. He advised Jacqueline to maintain a conversational and intimate tone in her performance, making the audience feel like they are having a dinner conversation. Through this approach, he encouraged Jacqueline to convey her intricate arguments with clarity and connect with the audience on a personal level.
Thoughts on sentimentality and performing
In a thought-provoking segment, John delves into his sentimental nature and how it impacts his performances. He acknowledges the potential for sentimentality to be seen as coercive but also recognizes the generosity in pretending to be conversational and intimate with the audience. John reflects on the delicate balance between sentimentality and authenticity as a performer and the challenge of creating meaning on stage.
Charitable contribution to National Nurses United
As a final note, John chooses to donate to National Nurses United, the largest nurses union in the United States. He highlights the importance of supporting unions and ensuring that funds are used effectively. Listeners are encouraged to contribute to this organization as well.
John Early, recently nominated for an Emmy and a Critics Choice Award, sits down with Mike for the first time since the two of them appeared as brothers in Taylor Swift’s, “Anti-Hero” music video. The two discuss avant-garde comedy, Brittany Spears impressions, and what it means to express earnest despair in John’s new Max special, “Now More Than Ever.” Plus, the time John ran away after coming out to his best friend.