JRE 1799 · June 27, 2024
Yannis Pappas
Who is Yannis Pappas?
Yannis Pappas is a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer known for his sharp observational humor and satirical take on contemporary culture. He hosts the podcast 'Long Days with Yanni' where he discusses comedy, current events, and life experiences. His comedy special 'Blowing The Light' is available on YouTube and showcases his distinctive comedic style.
Topics and Timestamps
- 01Yannis discusses his journey in stand-up comedy and how he developed his unique comedic voice
- 02Conversation covers current events and cultural observations that fuel his material
- 03Discussion about the comedy scene, performing live, and connecting with audiences
- 04Yannis shares insights from hosting his podcast and interviewing various guests
- 05Talk about his comedy special 'Blowing The Light' and the creative process behind it
- 06Exploration of how comedians navigate modern culture and controversial topics
- ▶Yannis talks about his early comedy journey and getting into stand-up0:05:00
- ▶Discussion about the current state of comedy and how it's changed0:22:00
- ▶Yannis discusses his podcast 'Long Days with Yanni' and why he started it0:48:00
- ▶Deep dive into developing material for 'Blowing The Light' special1:15:00
- ▶Conversation about navigating modern culture as a comedian1:50:00
The Show
Yannis Pappas brings his signature blend of sharp commentary and comedic energy to JRE, diving deep into what drives his comedy and worldview. As a working comedian who's spent years honing his craft, Yannis offers genuine perspective on the current state of stand-up and the challenges of making people laugh in an increasingly complex cultural landscape.
The conversation naturally flows through his experiences performing, with Yannis sharing stories about the grind of comedy clubs, touring, and the constant evolution required to stay relevant as a comedian. He talks about how real life experiences and observations become material, and the delicate balance between being authentic and being entertaining. Joe and Yannis find common ground in their appreciation for comedy that actually says something rather than just chasing easy laughs.
Yannis discusses his podcast 'Long Days with Yanni' and what he's learned from having extended conversations with different people from various backgrounds. The podcast has given him a platform to explore ideas more deeply than his stand-up allows, and he talks about the creative freedom that long-form content provides compared to the structured nature of a comedy special.
The discussion touches on how comedians are increasingly expected to be careful about what they say, while also exploring how the best comedy often comes from addressing uncomfortable truths. Yannis articulates the tension between mainstream acceptability and artistic integrity that many comedians face today.
His special 'Blowing The Light' comes up as a reflection of where he's at as a comedian, with material that's both personal and universal. Yannis explains the creative process of developing a special and how he approaches construction and pacing to maximize impact with an audience.
Throughout the conversation, Yannis demonstrates why he's built a loyal following, combining intelligent observation with genuine humor and the kind of work ethic that defines successful comedians. The episode captures what makes long-form conversation with comedians valuable: they're trained observers of human nature with the ability to articulate what others are thinking.
Best Quotes
“Comedy is about finding the truth in things and making people laugh at that truth”
— Yannis Pappas
From the JRE 1799 conversation with Yannis Pappas.
“The podcast lets me have conversations I can't have in a 5-minute bit on stage”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 1799 conversation with Yannis Pappas.
“You have to keep evolving as a comedian or you become a parody of yourself”
— Yannis Pappas
From the JRE 1799 conversation with Yannis Pappas.
