No One Tells You to Be a Comedian with Josh Johnson
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How did Josh Johnson get started in comedy?
The thing that ends up happening with comedy is that almost no one asks you to start, you know?
So it's like... It wasn't your family around the table?
They weren't. They didn't sit me down and they were like, this is the only hope. You know what I mean? Like, it's not like playing basketball. Like, basketball is something where it's like, your family might sit you down and be like, listen, listen. You're tall. All right. You're coordinated. And we are in a bad situation. All right.
What challenges does Josh face as a comedian?
I can't pay the car note. You're going to have to start dunking. All right. And you got to take it seriously. Okay. Pass your classes if it means you get to dunk for the scouts. All right. Because we need this money. Right. And it's like with comedy, it's not like that at all.
This episode is brought to you by Therafluid. Hey, Mr. Blazer.
Hey, how are you? You like this blazer?
Yeah, yeah. Now, is that new, your blazer?
This blazer has not been worn until today.
So does that mean you've had it and you're just now wearing it?
How does Josh create engaging live comedy?
I've had it.
Or is it a new, brand new purchase?
It's brand new, but it's not like I bought it. Last week.
Got it.
I should say Kelly.
Yeah, yeah, we know. We know you have nothing to do with how you dress.
This is a, you know why I like this? Because it goes well with jeans.
Yeah, no, it's a good, it's a good sort of casual Friday look.
Yeah. This shirt was a gift from one of Austin's teammates' mom.
Oh, that's.
who works for a clothes designer, and she put together this shirt for me.
What is the significance of community in Josh's work?
Oh, my goodness. And it has become one of my favorite shirts. I have worn this before, but not on the show.
How long have you had your swag?
I've had this shirt. I've only got one piece of swag. I've had this shirt since the summer, and I've been waiting to break it out on an episode.
So when are we getting IMO swag, team, on a broader note? We can't.
It is unauthorized.
That's unauthorized swag.
Let's authorize it because I like it.
We should. Yeah. I mean, why have it?
How did Josh's upbringing influence his comedic style?
Where's our marketing department? Why have we not yet... You know, we should be giving guests swag. We could be wearing swag around. Hats. There should be hats.
Sweats or hoodies. Where are our hats?
And our hoodies.
Well, we've got mugs.
Well, you know, you can't take a mug on the train. You know? We could have water bottles. Okay. All right. Okay.
What lessons does Josh share about success in comedy?
Well, you've started something.
I have. I have. And... Maybe we'll get you one of these.
It's looking sharp. It's looking sharp. Well, let us not delay because we've got... A guest who is fitting us in in between his comedy tour. He's on tour and stopped here to be with us at IMO.
And had some travel.
Well, we'll find out.
Had some travel issues, and he's still here.
He's still here, on time. We're talking about Josh Johnson.
How does Josh navigate the entertainment industry as a Black comedian?
Yes, Josh Johnson, who is a... He's blown up. He's just blown up. A young comedian who is a fixture in the Robinson household.
One of the few viewing things that you let your teenagers watch.
That I let my teenagers watch after hours.
Wow, Josh, you made the Robinson watch list.
That's a biggie. But to Malia Obama's credit, she said that it's really important for the boys to develop a sense of humor. So when there is good cultural comedic content on TV, we let them watch it. And this is past their bedtime, you know, because they're still school age.
All right, Josh, this is a big thumbs up to you.
Yeah, well, Josh Johnson is an Emmy-nominated writer and stand-up comedian, actor, and NAACP Award winner with over 8.7 million followers across his social media.
We got to try to catch up.
Man. And he's not a kid, but he's young.
What advice does Josh have for aspiring comedians?
To us old people, he's a baby.
He's currently a rotating host and correspondent on The Daily Show, which the Robinsons watch.
Mm-hmm.
Religiously, where he was previously a writer for seven years. As a stand-up comedian, Johnson headlines theaters, clubs, colleges, and festivals around the world. And you can catch him every Tuesday at 9 p.m. Eastern when he releases a new video on his YouTube channel. So without any further ado, let's welcome Josh Johnson. Hot off the plane.
Thanks for making time.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
How did Josh Johnson get started in comedy?
0:00–0:26
2
What challenges does Josh face as a comedian?
0:26–1:06
3
How does Josh create engaging live comedy?
1:06–1:44
4
What is the significance of community in Josh's work?
1:44–2:17
5
How did Josh's upbringing influence his comedic style?
2:17–2:41
6
What lessons does Josh share about success in comedy?
2:41–3:15
7
How does Josh navigate the entertainment industry as a Black comedian?
3:15–4:19
8
What advice does Josh have for aspiring comedians?
4:19–1:15:54
Speakers
5 identifiedMore from IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson
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Write Down the Stupid Thoughts with Jon Stewart
Some Friendships Need to Go with Issa Rae [From the Archives]