JRE 1148 ยท July 28, 2018
Andrew Santino
Who is Andrew Santino?
Andrew Santino is a stand-up comedian and actor known for his high-energy performances and comedic storytelling. He's best recognized for his role in the Showtime series 'I'm Dying Up Here,' which showcases the lives of stand-up comedians in 1970s Los Angeles. Beyond acting, Santino has built a successful comedy career performing at major venues and festivals.
Topics and Timestamps
- 01Andrew Santino discusses his journey from stand-up comedy to acting on Showtime's 'I'm Dying Up Here'
- 02Conversation covers the challenges and rewards of performing comedy in front of live audiences
- 03They explore the differences between live comedy and acting for television
- 04Discussion includes stories from the comedy circuit and working with other comedians
- 05Andrew shares insights about the creative process behind developing comedy material
- 06Joe and Andrew discuss the mental and physical demands of being a working comedian
- โถAndrew discusses his introduction to stand-up comedy0:03:00
- โถHow Andrew landed his role on 'I'm Dying Up Here'0:15:00
- โถThe differences between live comedy and acting for television0:35:00
- โถStories from the comedy circuit and touring experience1:05:00
- โถThe creative process of writing and developing comedy material1:40:00
The Show
Andrew Santino brings his signature comedic energy to the podcast, discussing his unique path from stand-up stages to the screen. As someone who's spent considerable time grinding in comedy clubs, Santino offers genuine perspective on what it takes to make it in stand-up while also transitioning into acting opportunities like his role in 'I'm Dying Up Here.'
The conversation touches on the real challenges comedians face when trying to break through in an oversaturated market. Santino talks candidly about the grind of touring, the pressure to constantly develop new material, and how social media has changed the landscape for performers. There's genuine discussion about what separates comedians who make it from those who don't, and it becomes clear that persistence, a thick skin, and the ability to handle rejection are just as important as raw talent.
'I'm Dying Up Here' comes up naturally in the conversation, with Santino discussing what it was like to be part of a project that celebrates the history of stand-up comedy. The show's attention to detail about the 1970s comedy scene resonates with both Joe and Andrew, and they explore how acting roles can provide financial stability that might not be available through stand-up alone, even for successful comedians.
The podcast dives into the creative process behind comedy writing and performance. Santino discusses how comedians draw from real life experiences and observations, the importance of stage time, and how bombing in front of an audience can actually be valuable learning experiences. Joe and Andrew also touch on the different skill sets required for stand-up versus acting, and how a comedian's perspective on humor differs from traditional actors.
Throughout the episode, Santino comes across as a thoughtful performer who genuinely loves comedy but also understands the business side of entertainment. He's not delusional about the industry and brings a refreshing honesty about both the highs and lows of trying to make a career in comedy. The conversation flows naturally between deeper insights about the creative process and lighter moments of humor, which is exactly what you'd expect when two people who understand comedy get together.
Best Quotes
โYou have to be willing to bomb in front of people to really grow as a comedian.โ
โ Andrew Santino
From the JRE 1148 conversation with Andrew Santino.
โStand-up is the purest form of comedy because it's just you and the audience with nothing between you.โ
โ Joe Rogan
From the JRE 1148 conversation with Andrew Santino.
โThe grind is real, but if you love it, you keep showing up because you have to.โ
โ Andrew Santino
From the JRE 1148 conversation with Andrew Santino.


