Matt Rife, a guest bear known for his time on Wild 'n Out, joins Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer to discuss his meteoric rise to fame. They also talk about Netflix comedy specials, crowd work and hecklers, dealing with negative feedback, plans to buy his mom a house, performing at black comedy clubs, the impact of social media, challenges of perceived looks, the anonymity of the internet, party tech, extravagant desires, and the power of focusing on fans.
The importance of self-care and staying true to oneself amidst rapid success in the comedy industry.
The challenge of balancing expectations and embracing one's looks while delivering quality stand-up.
Dealing with negativity and hate on the internet and not allowing it to affect one's well-being.
The discrepancy between online behavior and real-life interactions, with anonymity fueling rude behavior and mistargeted anger.
Deep dives
The Journey to Success
Tommy Buns and Bird Crusher announce their upcoming show in Las Vegas, which sold out in 48 hours. Tommy reflects on the rapid growth and success he has experienced, from making $100 for a one-night gig to sold-out shows at comedy clubs. He acknowledges the importance of taking care of oneself in the midst of this rapid rise and shares advice received from Dave Chappelle about the longevity of a career in comedy.
Navigating Expectations and Fan Base
With a predominantly female and supportive fan base, Tommy reflects on the challenge of finding true comedy fans within that group. He discusses the pressure of balancing expectations and embracing his looks while still delivering quality stand-up that is true to his craft. He also shares the role of crowd work in his shows and the importance of finding the right balance between vulnerability and shutting down attention-seeking behavior from fans.
The Responsibility of Fame
Tommy discusses the responsibility that comes with fame and the need to differentiate between fans who appreciate his comedy and those who are drawn to his looks. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to himself and his craft, even if it means facing criticism or not conforming to certain expectations. He also expresses his gratitude for having a secure and understanding partner who supports him through the challenges of being in the limelight.
Navigating Hate and Staying Focused
Tommy opens up about dealing with negativity and hate on the internet. While admitting that he is naturally confrontational, he acknowledges the need to not let the opinions of others affect his well-being. He emphasizes the importance of not allowing bitterness or negativity to dictate his feelings and staying focused on living his dream and pursuing his passion for comedy.
The Power of Anonymity on the Internet
The podcast episode discusses the phenomenon of people expressing negative and hurtful opinions on the internet, particularly in comment sections, due to the anonymity it provides. The speakers talk about how this mistargeted anger often comes from people being upset about something else and finding an outlet to vent their emotions. They highlight the discrepancy between how people communicate online versus how they interact in real life, indicating that the internet's anonymity fuels rude behavior. They also mention how easy it is for people to criticize others from the safety of their cars or behind a screen, and how this behavior is not seen in other social situations.
The Impact of Online Negativity on Comedians
The episode explores how comedians are often targeted with negative comments and criticism on social media. The speakers discuss the initial shock of receiving negative feedback, especially when they were previously unknown. They reflect on engaging with commenters in the early stages of their careers, but ultimately realize the futility of trying to respond to every negative comment. They also discuss the irony of people exercising their online anonymity to insult performers, and how this behavior would not be displayed in real-life situations, such as watching a street performer. They conclude that the anonymity provided by the internet enables people to express their frustrations in mistargeted and hurtful ways.
The Objectification and Harassment Faced by Performers
The podcast delves into the experiences of performers, particularly women, who face objectification and harassment from audience members. They highlight how performers such as comedians and musicians are often subjected to disrespectful comments and inappropriate behavior. They share personal anecdotes of performers being propositioned, touched inappropriately, or even physically attacked on stage. They draw a comparison between the anonymity of the internet, where people feel emboldened to be rude, and the relative safety provided by a screen or the audience of a live performance. They emphasize the need for respect and appropriate boundaries in all types of performances.
The Thrill and Challenges of a Successful Career
The episode touches on the challenges that come with the rapid success and growing fan base. They discuss the pressure to maintain high energy and a consistent level of performance, despite feeling tired from an intense touring schedule. They also express the desire to enjoy the present moments amidst the demanding pace of their careers. The podcast touches on the excitement of performing for an audience and how the initial skepticism of male audience members often turns into enthusiasm as the shows progress. They also mention the surprising reactions from audiences, including explicit comments and actions, but emphasize the importance of boundaries and respect for performers.
Tom Segura is joined by guest bear Matt Rife for this week's episode of 2 Bears, 1 Cave. They discuss Matt's meteoric rise to fame, Matt's time on Wild 'n Out, Netflix comedy specials vs. YouTube comedy specials, crowd work and hecklers, dealing with negative feedback, Matt plans to buy his mom a house, and much more!
