Standup comedian Bert Kreischer, known for his hilarious storytelling and shirtless performances, shares insights into his comedic journey and the importance of vulnerability. He discusses thriving in content creation and the power of editing to shape his career. Bert reflects on his father's tough love, the origin of his iconic flip-flops, and the joy of pooling tips to uplift his show staff. Their light-hearted banter touches on the quirks of celebrity lifestyles, fulfilling friendships during challenging times, and the emotional nuances of parenting in the comedy world.
Bert Kreischer emphasizes the importance of diversifying talents, as demonstrated by his discontinued flip-flops sales experience.
The shift from home to professional studio recording brought enhanced creativity and collaboration for Kreischer's podcasting projects.
Kreischer shares relatable parenting anecdotes showcasing the generational gap in celebrity recognition between himself and his daughters.
Through his entrepreneurial ventures, Kreischer highlights how success allows greater creative freedom and connection with his fanbase.
Kreischer openly discusses struggles with alcohol and personal accountability, underscoring the importance of honesty to inspire others.
Deep dives
Introduction to Burt Kreischer
Burt Kreischer is known for his energetic and fun-loving persona, often seen performing comedy without a shirt. He embraces a lifestyle centered around having a good time and is the host of multiple popular podcasts including 'Two Bears, One Cave' and 'Burtcast'. Kreischer's comedic style reflects his passionate party spirit, which he has cultivated since his college days. His Netflix special 'Lucky' is currently available, highlighting his ongoing influence in the comedy world.
Sunscreen and Health
The discussion touches upon the vital importance of wearing sunscreen when spending time outdoors. Going without sunscreen puts individuals at risk of sunburn and potential skin cancer, underscoring the need for proactive skin health. The conversation prompts reflection on people's attitudes towards sun protection and health in general. This serves as a reminder that protecting oneself from harmful UV rays can be a simple yet crucial step for long-term health.
Recording at Home vs. Studio
Burt Kreischer shares his experiences of shifting from recording podcasts in a home setting to a professional studio environment. He reflects on the energy it brings when multiple guests and crew members come together in a creative space. Kreischer highlights the benefits of recording in a studio, including better collaboration and enhanced creativity. The change has allowed him to focus on the content of his shows rather than the logistics of home recording.
Generational Connections with Celebrities
The conversation reveals how Kreischer navigates social situations with his daughters, introducing them to various celebrities. He recalls an instance where his daughters did not recognize a famous rock star, highlighting the generational gap in celebrity awareness. Kreischer finds himself feeling nostalgic as he tries to connect his children's interests with his own experiences. This creates a comedic yet relatable dynamic as he reflects on the different worlds that exist between parents and their children.
Business Ventures and Creativity
Burt discusses his various entrepreneurial ventures, ranging from podcasting to merchandise and influences in film and television. He mentions the creative freedom that comes with reaching a certain level of success, allowing him to explore multiple ideas and projects. Kreischer shares an example of how he was motivated to start a product line after influencing a brand's decision to manufacture a pair of flip-flops. This showcases his ability to connect with his fanbase while expanding his business horizons.
Networking and Creative Growth
Burt Kreischer details his journey in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the importance of networking and creative relationships. He cites his growth as a performer and the lessons learned from failures as contributing to his current success. Kreischer creatively uses platforms, including vlogs and social media, to promote his work, giving him control over his narrative. He reveals that taking risks and using technology in innovative ways has allowed him to connect authentically with audiences.
Parenting and Personal Growth
The dialogue addresses the idea of parenting and how personal growth impacts relationships with children. Kreischer opens up about his own parenting experiences, discussing how he tries to impart valuable lessons to his daughters. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and self-awareness in raising children, indicating a thoughtful approach to fatherhood. This perspective offers insight into the challenges and joys of balancing personal transformation with family dynamics.
Overcoming Personal Struggles
Kreischer candidly addresses struggles with alcohol and personal accountability, demonstrating the importance of confronting issues head-on. He reflects on the lessons learned through therapy and how they have shaped his attitudes towards both personal and professional relationships. This part of the conversation discusses the significance of being open about one's struggles in order to inspire others. Kreischer's honesty allows for deeper connections with listeners who may face similar challenges.
The Comedy Community
The relationship between comedians is explored, with Kreischer discussing camaraderie and competition within the comedy community. He highlights mutual respect among comedians, acknowledging that everyone has their own unique journey and story. Kreischer expresses admiration for fellow comedians, who often support one another despite the competitive nature of the industry. This sentiment reinforces a theme of solidarity within the world of comedy, where sharing experiences can lead to collaboration and growth.
The Future of Comedy and Innovation
Looking ahead, Kreischer shares his thoughts on the evolving landscape of comedy, especially with digital platforms gaining traction. He discusses the impact of social media and streaming services on how comedians connect with audiences. Kreischer remains optimistic about the future of live performances and the ability to reach fans through various mediums. This forward-thinking view encapsulates the dynamic nature of comedy as it adapts to current trends and technologies.
Bert Kreischer (Lucky, Bertcast, 2 Bears 1 Cave) is a standup comedian, television host, and podcaster. Bert joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the fact that he would have thrived in a content house, how his discontinued flip-flops showed him the power of diversifying his talent, and why learning how to edit videos put him in the driver's seat of his career. Bert and Dax talk about why Florida and Australia are the closest cousins in the world, the truth being that he’s extremely sensitive, and when he started the tradition of pooling tips at his live shows to change one staff person’s day. Bert explains his father’s brutal approach to giving him the humility he needed that actually worked, the origin story of his topless standup performances, and how he had to take a break to find the smile in his joke again in his new special Lucky.
Follow Armchair Expert on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch new content on YouTube or listen to Armchair Expert early and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/armchair-expert-with-dax-shepard/ now.