The Sporkful

Sebastian Maniscalco’s First Stage Was At The Dinner Table

May 26, 2025
Sebastian Maniscalco, one of America's top-grossing comedians, shares hilarious tales from his food-obsessed Chicago upbringing that shaped his comedic style. He reflects on his journey from burning hams to selling out Madison Square Garden. The conversation covers the art of dining etiquette and amusing anecdotes from his waitstaff days. Sebastian also discusses the pressures of culinary contributions during social gatherings, all while maintaining his witty observations on food, family, and identity.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Comedy from Dinner Bill Chaos

  • Sebastian's stand-up comedy often dissects human behavior at meals, highlighting the awkwardness of splitting bills among a group.
  • His relatable story of bill-passing frustration showcases his observational humor and live acting style.
ANECDOTE

Early Job Torching Hams

  • Sebastian started working young, notably torching hams during holidays while wearing protective gear.
  • He embraced all jobs without pride, hustling hard to make ends meet.
ADVICE

Choose Workplaces Carefully

  • Sebastian chose workplaces to wait tables by tasting the food and feeling the staff's attitude.
  • He avoided toxic, unhappy environments to maintain a positive work atmosphere.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app