Working: A Stand-Up Comedian Explains How to Be Authentic on Stage

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4 • 1.1K Ratings

🗓️ 23 April 2023

⏱️ 53 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

This week, host Karen Han talks to stand-up comedian and writer Josh Gondelman, whose hour-long special People Pleaser is now available on multiple streaming platforms. In the interview, Josh explains how he compiled material for the special and created a logical flow of jokes. He also talks about his stage presence and what it was like to find his authentic voice as a comedian. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Karen and producer Cameron Drews discuss the ideas of “persona” and “voice” in creative work. In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Josh shares what it’s like to write for shows like Last Week Tonight, Desus & Mero, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by Shopify.
0:03.0	That's what I hear when I make another sale on Shopify.
0:07.0	The all-in-one commerce platform that allows you to start, run and grow your business.
0:12.0	Shopify is revolutionising millions of businesses worldwide.
0:17.0	So sign up for a £1 per month trial period at Shopify.co.uk
0:23.0	Ask podcast 23 all lowercase and take your business to the next level today.
0:30.0	I think some people who bring a different energy to the stage can get a little rougher with audiences
0:45.0	in ways that are like sometimes very fun, but I can't get away with it.
0:50.0	If someone yells something out and I'm like, hey shut your fucking mouth.
0:55.0	It is very jarring.
0:59.0	Welcome back to Working.
1:00.0	I'm your guest host for the week, Cameron Drews.
1:03.0	And I'm your other host, Karen Han.
1:05.0	Hey Karen, it's great to be hosting the show with you again.
1:08.0	Yeah.
1:09.0	And I'm really excited for this week's episode.
1:12.0	Why don't you tell our listeners whose voice we just heard at the top of the show?
1:17.0	Yeah, so for this Cameron and Karen episode, we have, as our guest, Josh Gondelman,
1:23.0	a comedy writer, producer, author and stand-up comedian whose work you may be familiar with
1:28.0	from shows like Daisies and Miro last week tonight with John Oliver.
1:32.0	Wait, wait, don't tell me.
1:33.0	And also his recent comedy special, People Pleaser.
	...

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