Neal Brennan interviews Jo Koy, comedian known for his Netflix specials, about his experience with mental illness, family background, and the challenges of pursuing a career in comedy. They also touch on personal preferences, vices, and the power of comedy as an escape. From sleep apnea and clothes patterns to addictive shopping and financial habits, they discuss a variety of interesting topics in this entertaining podcast.
Jo Koy shares his personal traumas, including witnessing a goat being slaughtered and its impact on his aversion to having his neck touched.
Jo Koy credits Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy's comedy specials as inspiration for his career in stand-up comedy.
Jo Koy talks about his experiences on Def Comedy Jam and Comic View, including the positive response from the audience and the opportunities that followed.
Jo Koy highlights the importance of seeking help for sleep disorders and the transformative effects of using a CPAP machine.
Deep dives
Joe Coy's Journey into Comedy
Joe Coy talks about his early realization that he was funny and his journey into the world of stand-up comedy. He recalls watching comedy shows and developing a passion for making people laugh. He also shares his experience of getting on shows like Def Comedy Jam and Comic View.
Dealing with Trauma
Joe Coy opens up about his personal traumas, including the story of witnessing a goat being slaughtered when he was a child, which led to his aversion to having his neck touched. He also discusses his relationship with his dad and the impact of his brother's mental illness on his family.
Discovering Richard Pryor and Delirious
Joe Coy talks about his exposure to Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy's comedy specials, which inspired him and solidified his desire to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. He shares how he discovered their performances, and the impact they had on him.
Success on Def Comedy Jam and Comic View
Joe Coy shares his experience of performing on Def Comedy Jam and Comic View. He talks about meeting Bob Sumner, the creator of Def Comedy Jam, and the opportunity to showcase his comedy on the popular show. Joe also discusses the positive response he received from the audience and the opportunities that followed.
Joe Koi's Career Breakthrough
Joe Koi recounts the pivotal moment in his career where he managed to get on stage at a comedy show and landed his first spot on Comic View after impressing a producer. He reflects on the importance of seizing opportunities and the impact that being persistent and confident can have on achieving success in the industry.
Overcoming Sleep Apnea
Joe Koi opens up about his struggle with sleep apnea and the significant impact it had on his life. He shares how getting diagnosed and using a CPAP machine transformed his quality of sleep, leading to increased vitality and a newfound appreciation for life. Joe emphasizes the importance of seeking help for sleep disorders and the positive effects it can have on overall health and well-being.
Balancing Comedy and Personal Relationships
Joe Koi discusses the challenges of balancing a career in comedy with personal relationships. He acknowledges that being fully dedicated to his craft often means sacrificing time and emotional energy that could be allotted to romantic partnerships. Joe emphasizes the need for open communication and understanding, as he prioritizes his career while maintaining a strong bond with his son and maintaining a healthy relationship with his ex-wife.
Neal Brennan interviews Jo Koy ('Live from the LA Forum' + more on Netflix) about the things that make him feel lonely, isolated, and like something's wrong - and how he is persevering despite these blocks.