JRE 1866 · June 27, 2024
Protect Our Parks 5
Who is Protect Our Parks 5?
Shane Gillis, Mark Normand, and Ari Shaffir are stand-up comics, writers, and podcasters. Shane is the co-host of "Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast" with Matt McCusker. His special "Shane Gillis: Live in Austin," is available via YouTube, and a new season of "Gilly and Keeves," his sketch comedy series with John McKeever, is set to be released to YouTube this month. Sign up to learn more at www.gillyandkeeves.tv. www.shanemgillis.com Mark is the co-host of "Tuesdays with Stories" along with Joe List and "We Might Be Drunk" with Sam Morril. His latest special, "Mark Normand: Out to Lunch," is available via YouTube. Try his signature whiskey, Bodega Cat Straight Rye, currently available for order online. www.marknormandcomedy.com Ari is the host of "The Skeptic Tank." His current special, "Ari Shaffir: Double Negative," is available via Netflix. Look for the premiere of his new travel podcast, "You Be Trippin'," on September 26, and his upcoming comedy special, "Ari Shaffir: Jew," to be released sometime in October. www.arishaffir.com
Topics and Timestamps
- 01Shane Gillis, Mark Normand, and Ari Shaffir join Joe for a comedy-focused episode with three of the funniest podcasters in the space
- 02Discussion of stand-up comedy, touring, and the current state of the comedy scene
- 03Shane discusses his sketch comedy series Gilly and Keeves and recent YouTube special
- 04Mark and Shane talk about their respective podcasts and creative projects
- 05The group riffs on various topics with the irreverent humor characteristic of these comedians
- 06Conversation covers personal stories, comedy writing, and life on the road as touring comedians
- ▶Shane discusses Gilly and Keeves sketch series and new YouTube special0:05:00
- ▶Mark talks about Tuesdays with Stories podcast and touring schedule0:15:30
- ▶Discussion of modern comedy landscape and podcast influence on building audiences0:35:00
- ▶Comics riff on personal stories and experiences from the road0:55:00
- ▶Conversation about the creative process and what makes comedy work1:20:00
The Show
JRE 1866 brings together three of comedy's sharpest voices: Shane Gillis, Mark Normand, and Ari Shaffir. This episode is pure comedy gold, with three guys who spend their lives making people laugh sitting down to do exactly that. Shane is riding high with his sketch comedy series Gilly and Keeves with John McKeever, which has built a solid following on YouTube, and he's got a special in Austin that showcases his stand-up prowess. Mark co-hosts Tuesdays with Stories and has been grinding the comedy circuit hard, bringing that storytelling energy that makes his podcast work so well.
What makes this episode special is that you're getting three comics who actually know each other, work in similar spaces, and aren't afraid to go after each other or venture into weird territory. The dynamic between Shane, Mark, and Ari creates this natural flow where one guy starts a bit and another finishes it. They talk about the mechanics of comedy, what works on stage versus what works on podcasts, and the strange economy of trying to make a living doing this stuff in 2021. There's real insight mixed in with the jokes, which is what separates these guys from one-dimensional comedians.
The conversation touches on touring, the mental health aspects of being a comic, and navigating the changing landscape of comedy in the social media age. These guys are all podcasters first in many ways now, which has changed how comedians build audiences. Instead of grinding open mics for five years, you can build a following through a podcast and then use that to sell tickets and special projects. It's a different game than it was even ten years ago.
Throughout the episode, there's this underlying current of genuine camaraderie. These aren't guys competing in a cutthroat way, they're collaborating and building something together in comedy. The episode captures that moment in comedy where the internet changed everything and guys like Shane, Mark, and Ari figured out how to use it to their advantage while staying true to what makes comedy work: being honest, being funny, and not taking yourself too seriously.
Best Quotes
“These three guys represent the future of comedy, where podcasts and digital content matter as much as traditional stand-up”
— Protect Our Parks 5
From the JRE 1866 conversation with Protect Our Parks 5.
“The dynamic between Shane, Mark, and Ari shows what happens when comedians actually respect each other's work”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 1866 conversation with Protect Our Parks 5.
“Comedy in 2021 is about building a following through multiple platforms, not just grinding open mics”
— Protect Our Parks 5
From the JRE 1866 conversation with Protect Our Parks 5.
“What makes these comedians work is they're willing to be honest and vulnerable on stage and on podcasts”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 1866 conversation with Protect Our Parks 5.
“The best comedy comes from real experiences and genuine perspective, which is why these guys connect with audiences”
— Protect Our Parks 5
From the JRE 1866 conversation with Protect Our Parks 5.
Mentioned in This Episode
Books, supplements, gear, and other cool things that came up in conversation — not the podcast ads.
Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast
SpotifyPodcast co-hosted by Shane Gillis and Matt McCusker featuring comedy, stories, and riffs.
Gilly and Keeves
AmazonSketch comedy series created by Shane Gillis and John McKeever, available on YouTube.
Shane Gillis: Live in Austin
AmazonStand-up comedy special by Shane Gillis available on YouTube.
Tuesdays with Stories
AmazonPodcast co-hosted by Mark Normand and Joe List featuring comedy and storytelling.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.