"Carrot Top" is an entertaining podcast where Neal Brennan interviews Carrot Top, a prop comic who performs in Vegas. They discuss Carrot Top's journey in comedy, personal rejection, the challenges of dating, the influence of comedic geniuses, and the impact of COVID-19 on their mental health. They also share funny encounters with Gallagher and Don Rickles. Listen to this episode to get a glimpse into Carrot Top's life and career as a comedian.
Having mentors like George Carlin and Richard Pryor has shaped Carrot Top's comedy career and provided validation in the comedy world.
Being a boss allows Carrot Top to bring his creative ideas to fruition and make a positive impact in the comedy world.
Mentorship can be a complex experience with moments of tension and disagreements, but it contributes to personal and professional growth.
Deep dives
The Influence of Mentors and Comedic Idols
Having mentors and comedic idols like George Carlin and Richard Pryor has been influential in shaping my comedy career. Their support and recognition has propelled me forward in pursuing my passion. Meeting George Carlin and receiving his compliment was a significant moment for me, solidifying my belief in my comedic abilities. Gallagher, in particular, played a unique role as a mentor, as I wrote a joke for him at a young age and saw him perform it on stage. These mentorship experiences have helped shape my comedic style and provided validation in the comedy world.
The Challenges and Rewards of Being a Boss
As a boss, I strive to create a positive and supportive work environment for my crew. I am fortunate to have a dedicated and talented team who have been with me since the beginning. Being a boss comes with its challenges, but it also comes with the satisfaction of seeing my vision come to life on stage. I believe in surrounding myself with smart and capable individuals, and together we contribute to the success of the show. While there may be moments of frustration or disappointment, ultimately, being a boss allows me to bring my creative ideas to fruition and make a positive impact in the comedy world.
The Love-Hate Relationship with Mentors
Mentorship can be a complex experience, with a mix of love and hate emotions. While mentors like George Carlin have been essential in guiding my comedic journey, there have also been moments of tension and disagreement. Each person's journey is unique, and mentors can provide valuable insight and advice. However, there may also be times when differences in opinion or approach arise. Overall, the love-hate relationship with mentors is a normal part of the mentoring process and contributes to personal and professional growth.
The Upside of Perfectionism and Focusing on Freshness
One of the upsides of being a perfectionist and focusing on keeping the show fresh is that it allows me to continually improve my act and provide a current and engaging experience for my audience. I believe in staying up-to-date and adapting the show to current events, even if it means taking risks with jokes that may not always work. This dedication to freshness and staying relevant helps keep the show exciting and engaging for both myself and the audience.
The Support and Camaraderie of the Comedy Community
When faced with the challenge of rebuilding my act after the Birmingham comedy club burned down, I experienced an overwhelming amount of support and camaraderie from fellow comedians. They came together to help me rebuild my act by sourcing props and materials, showing a genuine sense of care and friendship. This experience taught me the powerful bonds that exist within the comedy community, and it solidified my appreciation for the support and love that exists among comedians.
Embracing the Journey and Continuing to Perform
My personal goal in my career is simple - to continue doing what I love: performing comedy. I don't have a specific end goal in mind or a desire to retire anytime soon. I believe in embracing the journey, staying healthy, and constantly creating and performing. As long as I have the passion for comedy and the opportunity to make people laugh, I will continue to do what I do best and enjoy every moment of it.
Neal Brennan interviews Carrot Top (Headlining 6 nights/week at the Luxor in Vegas) about the things that make him feel lonely, isolated, and like something's wrong - and how he is persevering despite these blocks.
