JRE 1446 · March 24, 2020

Bert Kreischer

comedypsychologybusiness

Who is Bert Kreischer?

Bert Kreischer is a stand-up comedian, actor and podcast host. His new special “Hey Big Boy” is now streaming only on Netflix. @bertkreischer

Topics and Timestamps

01Bert discusses his new Netflix special 'Hey Big Boy' and the creative process behind it
02The conversation covers Bert's struggles with alcohol and his journey toward sobriety
03Bert talks about his podcast 'Bertcast' and the comedians he regularly has on the show
04Discussion of touring, performing stand-up comedy, and the mental challenges of being on the road
05Bert shares stories about his family, his wife LeeAnn, and life as a father
06Joe and Bert talk about health, fitness, and the toll comedy touring takes on the body
▶Bert talks about his Netflix special 'Hey Big Boy' and what inspired it0:03:15
▶Discussion about Bert's struggles with alcohol and approach to sobriety0:18:40
▶Bert discusses his podcast 'Bertcast' and having comedians on regularly0:35:22
▶Stories about touring, the mental and physical toll on comedians0:52:10
▶Bert opens up about family life with LeeAnn and being a father while touring1:15:45

The Show

Joe sits down with Bert Kreischer, one of comedy's most animated and honest voices, to talk about his new Netflix special 'Hey Big Boy' and what's been going on in his life. Bert's known for being incredibly candid about his personal struggles, and this episode is no different. He opens up about his relationship with alcohol and the very real battle he's had trying to get control of his drinking. It's not preachy or heavy-handed. Bert just lays it out there like he does in his comedy, mixing serious moments with the kind of self-deprecating humor that's made him such a relatable figure.

The conversation naturally drifts into talk about his podcast, where Bert has built a strong community of comedians and personalities. He's got great chemistry with his guests and isn't afraid to go deep into personal territory while keeping things entertaining. Joe and Bert also get into the realities of touring as a comedian. It sounds exhausting. You're constantly traveling, performing night after night, dealing with different crowds, different venues, different time zones. Bert talks about how the road affects his mental health and physical health, which is something a lot of touring comics deal with but don't always talk about openly.

Bert's also pretty open about family life with his wife LeeAnn and being a father. The balance between wanting to tour and be successful versus being present for your family is real, and Bert doesn't shy away from acknowledging the tension there. He's funny about it, but there's real stuff underneath. Joe brings up health and fitness, which leads to some good back and forth about the physical demands of performing, recovery, and the choices comedians make on the road. By the end, it's clear that Bert's in a place where he's trying to be more intentional about his choices and more present in his life, and that's what makes this conversation valuable beyond just the laughs.