Liza Treyger, a comedian known for her Netflix special 'Night Owl,' dives into the intricacies of human behavior and friendships in this engaging conversation. She humorously questions why adults replicate childish patterns and why online comments can be so cruel. Liza shares her unexpected journey into comedy and reflects on the pressures women face in a male-dominated industry, addressing the toll of online criticism on self-esteem. Through personal anecdotes, she emphasizes the need for supportive relationships and the complexities of maintaining friendships as we age.
Liza Treyger reflects on the struggles of maintaining friendships as adults, questioning why such connections become challenging over time.
During the podcast, Treyger emphasizes the significance of authenticity in comedy, advocating for true self-expression against societal pressures.
She discusses the influence of her Jewish heritage on her comedic voice, highlighting how cultural narratives enrich her performances.
Deep dives
Lisa Traeger's Comedy Journey
Lisa Traeger reflects on her comedy career, sharing her journey from a suburban upbringing to becoming a prominent comedian. She recalls how her experiences growing up in an immigrant family influenced her comedic voice, blending personal anecdotes with observational humor. Traeger first encountered the comedy scene during her college years where she started performing at open mics, and quickly realized her passion for stand-up after receiving positive feedback from her peers. She highlights pivotal moments, such as performing in the New York Comedy Festival and being discovered by notable figures in the industry, which helped launch her career.
Navigating Challenges in Stand-Up
During the conversation, Traeger discusses the various challenges comedians face in the industry, including the pressure to conform to societal expectations and manage public perception. She expresses concern over the state of female comedians in a predominantly male environment, where they often face harsher criticism. The discussion transitions to the significance of authenticity in comedy, with Traeger emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself while performing. The pressure to create branded content and maintain a social media presence can detract from the art of stand-up, and she reflects on finding her own path amidst these challenges.
The Impact of the Pandemic
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the comedy landscape is examined, with Traeger sharing her personal experiences during the lockdown. She discusses how the pandemic forced many comedians to adapt their routines and explore new platforms for reaching audiences, including virtual shows. Traeger emphasizes the importance of community and support among comedians during this uncertain time, as many turned to each other for encouragement. She notes that although the experience was challenging, it also fostered creativity and resilience in the comedy community.
Cultural Identity and Humor
Traeger delves into her cultural background, sharing how her Jewish heritage and family dynamics inform her comedy. She highlights the unique perspective that comes from being part of a diaspora, which often lends itself to humor that resonates with both immigrant and non-immigrant audiences alike. The conversation reveals how personal stories, particularly those surrounding her family and upbringing, serve as rich material for her sets. This unique viewpoint allows her to connect with audiences on deeper levels, weaving cultural narratives into her comedy seamlessly.
Lessons from Iconic Figures
Throughout the discussion, Traeger reflects on the influences of iconic figures in comedy and how they have shaped her approach to performance. She mentions being inspired by older comedians who paved the way, learning valuable lessons about resilience and authenticity. Her interaction with established comedians serves to highlight the importance of mentorship and camaraderie in navigating the often competitive landscape of comedy. By recounting her experiences, Traeger underscores that comedy is a communal journey filled with shared struggles and triumphs.
Upcoming Projects and Aspirations
As the conversation wraps up, Traeger shares her excitement about her upcoming projects, including her Netflix specials and a potential sequel to her previous work. She expresses gratitude for the opportunities that have come her way and the hard work required to achieve her goals within the industry. Traeger focuses on the importance of continuing to evolve as a comedian while balancing commercial interests with her artistic integrity. Looking ahead, she hopes to take on more challenging roles in comedy and expand her repertoire across different mediums.
Comedian Liza Treyger is frequently mystified by human behavior. Why are people so mean when leaving internet comments? Why do adults continuously repeat the patterns of children? Why are friendships so hard to maintain later in life? She asks these questions as a sociology major but also as a comic, and was recently able to explore these ideas in her first Netflix special. Liza and Marc talk about these issues, as well as Liza’s path to comedy, which included many crash courses she didn’t anticipate.
