Jessica Kirson & a Goblin: Real New Yorkers!
Summary
Comedian Jessica Kirken joins host John Goblikon for a chaotic interview in his unconventional, attic-style studio. They discuss the stark differences between New York and Los Angeles comedy scenes, the psychology of crowd work, and the importance of authenticity in stand-up. The conversation also covers their experiences with difficult audiences and the evolving nature of comedy in the digital age.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Focker-in-Law
Intro and Brooklyn Improv promo
Meeting the producer and Pippa
Arrival, bathroom, and green room complaints
Set design, pet mouse, and voice impressions
Favorite podcast characters and outside distractions
Ariana Grande pronunciation joke
Recording habits and guest selection
Interviewing A-listers vs. comedians
Storytelling preferences: deep vs. boring
Southern impressions and New York vs. LA
Celebrity culture in comedy clubs
Laundromat sets and mental institution jokes
Defending mental institutions
Audience vibes and auditioning
Grace periods and brutal audiences
New York bombing and Comedy Festival
Goblin surprise and generic host intro
Audience member puts on headphones
Female comic prefaces and short sets
Bad shows and band comparisons
Forged in fire: NY vs. Chicago/LA
Hair loss and PrizePix intro
PrizePix card packs and value
PrizePix outro and game segment
Clip queen and crowd work discovery
Hosting history and bottle throwing
Father silence and clip strategy
Loving crowd work and authenticity
Fan requests and self-deprecation
Vine material and attention spans
Criticism of crowd work comics
Naming critics and Bob Hope joke
Cyclical beefs and business perspective
Personal issues behind the hate
Learning from successful peers
Auto-tune origin and crowd work
Learning from the best
Kiss cam vibe and audience connection
Lozenge incident and head hit
People don't like different
Comedy is art and corny truth
Variety of comedy and artist freedom
Vancouver Just for Laughs and gimmick
Knock-knock jokes and uneven tits
Uniting to hate faggots joke
Crash and die on impact mistake
Clipping the mistake and mantra
Best crowd work and follow-ups
San Diego audience and honesty
Shouting from exit door
Inner monologue and turning back
Origin of back-facing bit
Backstage microphone and notes
Closing remarks and compliment
Security, Pippa shield, and rapid fire
Snail survival question
Trader Joe's and applause
Promo: YouTube and tour schedule
Promo: De Niro joke and Focker-in-Law
Promo: Focker-in-Law repeat
Backstage logistics and blood vial
Sponsor: Focker-in-Law
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