JRE 1960 · June 27, 2024

Andrew Schulz

comedybusinesspodcastentertainment

Who is Andrew Schulz?

Andrew Schulz is a stand-up comic, actor, and podcaster. He's the host of the "Flagrant 2" podcast with Akaash Singh, and the "Brilliant Idiots" podcast with Charlamagne Tha God. His latest special, "Infamous", is available on YouTube. http://www.theandrewschulz.com/

Topics and Timestamps

01Andrew Schulz discusses his comedy career trajectory and the evolution of his podcasting platforms Flagrant 2 and Brilliant Idiots
02Conversation covers the current state of stand-up comedy and how comedians navigate controversial material in today's climate
03Andrew shares insights about his acting work and how it complements his comedy and podcast ventures
04Discussion touches on the podcast industry, audience building, and the freedom of independent platforms versus traditional media
05Andrew talks about his YouTube special Infamous and the strategy behind releasing comedy directly to audiences online
06The episode explores the intersection of comedy, authenticity, and the challenges of staying relevant in entertainment
▶Andrew discusses his dual podcast empires with Flagrant 2 and Brilliant Idiots0:15:00
▶Conversation about releasing comedy directly to YouTube versus traditional networks0:35:00
▶Andrew explains the evolution of his comedy career and staying relevant in modern entertainment0:55:00
▶Discussion about the business side of podcasting and audience building strategies1:20:00
▶Andrew talks about navigating controversial material and platform freedom1:50:00

The Show

Joe sits down with Andrew Schulz, one of comedy's most prolific content creators, to discuss his multifaceted career spanning stand-up, podcasting, and acting. Andrew's built an impressive empire with two major podcasts: Flagrant 2 with Akaash Singh and Brilliant Idiots with Charlamagne Tha God, each with distinct audiences and formats. The conversation centers around what it takes to succeed in modern comedy and how the landscape has shifted dramatically from traditional venues to digital-first platforms.

Andrew breaks down the realities of being a working comedian today. Unlike previous generations who relied solely on club gigs and occasional TV appearances, today's comedians need to be content creators, podcast hosts, and social media personalities simultaneously. He discusses how his YouTube special Infamous represents a different approach to comedy distribution, bypassing traditional networks and going directly to audiences. This strategy reflects a broader shift in entertainment where comedians maintain more creative control and direct relationships with their fans.

The podcast game comes up naturally, and Andrew explains the dynamics of running two separate shows with different co-hosts and audiences. Flagrant 2 has its own vibe and community, while Brilliant Idiots taps into a different listener base through his collaboration with Charlamagne. Joe and Andrew explore how podcasting has become more lucrative and sustainable for comedians than traditional comedy alone, allowing for longer form conversation and deeper connection with audiences.

Throughout the episode, they touch on the freedom that independent platforms provide versus the constraints of traditional media. Andrew doesn't shy away from discussing controversial topics or the need for comedians to push boundaries, but he also speaks pragmatically about understanding your audience and what different platforms will tolerate. It's a candid look at how comedy has evolved from punchlines in dark clubs to a complex media ecosystem where comics are entrepreneurs first and performers second.

Best Quotes

“The podcast game changed everything for comedians. You're not waiting for a Netflix special anymore, you're building your own audience directly.”

— Andrew Schulz