JRE 2149 · May 10, 2024

Sebastian Maniscalco

comedybusinessfilm

Who is Sebastian Maniscalco?

Sebastian Maniscalco is a comedian, actor, and host of the podcast, "The Pete and Sebastian Show" alongside Pete Correale. Watch his latest TV series, “Bookie” on Max. Catch his highly anticipated 2024 tour, “It Ain’t Right,” this coming July.

Topics and Timestamps

01Sebastian Maniscalco discusses his comedy career trajectory and how he built his brand through relentless touring
02The conversation covers his acting roles including the Max series 'Bookie' and how comedy led to acting opportunities
03Sebastian talks about his podcast 'The Pete and Sebastian Show' with Pete Correale and the dynamics of their partnership
04Discussion about his 2024 tour 'It Ain't Right' and what audiences can expect from his current material
05Sebastian shares insights about observational comedy and finding humor in everyday Italian-American experiences
06The episode covers the business side of comedy including touring economics and building a loyal fan base
▶Sebastian discusses building his comedy career through touring0:05:30
▶Discussion about his Max series 'Bookie' and transition to acting0:18:45
▶Sebastian explains the dynamics of 'The Pete and Sebastian Show' podcast0:32:10
▶Conversation about his 2024 tour 'It Ain't Right' and current material0:48:20
▶Sebastian talks about observational comedy and Italian-American influences1:05:15

The Show

Joe Rogan welcomes comedian Sebastian Maniscalco to JRE 2149 for a conversation about his career in comedy, acting, and podcasting. Sebastian has built an impressive career by staying true to his observational comedy style while expanding into television and film. The conversation kicks off with Joe asking about Sebastian's approach to comedy and how he's managed to maintain relevance in an industry that's constantly evolving.

Sebastian emphasizes the importance of touring as the foundation of a comedian's career. He explains how performing night after night in clubs and theaters honed his craft and built him a dedicated audience before social media was even a factor. This old-school approach to building a career contrasts with today's TikTok and YouTube driven comedy landscape, but Sebastian argues that the stage is still where comedians truly develop their voice.

The discussion shifts to Sebastian's acting career, particularly his role in the Max series 'Bookie'. He explains how his success in comedy opened doors to acting opportunities and how the two crafts complement each other. Sebastian notes that comedy has given him confidence in front of cameras and an understanding of timing that translates well to dramatic roles.

Sebastian and Joe dive into the world of podcasting, specifically 'The Pete and Sebastian Show' that he hosts with Pete Correale. Sebastian describes the chemistry he has with Pete and how their different perspectives create natural comedy and genuine conversation. The podcast has become successful because it maintains the same authenticity that made their stand-up comedy work.

The conversation touches on the material Sebastian is developing for his 2024 tour 'It Ain't Right'. He describes how his comedy has evolved over the years while staying rooted in his observational style. Sebastian talks about drawing from his Italian-American background and experiences, but in a way that's relatable to audiences of all backgrounds.

Joe and Sebastian explore the economics of touring in today's comedy landscape. Sebastian explains how touring has become even more important for comedians now that streaming has fragmented the audience for comedy specials. He talks about the dedication required to maintain a tour schedule and how it keeps comedians sharp and connected to their audiences.

Best Quotes

“The stage is where you really develop as a comedian. Nothing replaces that connection with a live audience.”

— Sebastian Maniscalco