Who is Brian Simpson?
Brian Simpson is a stand-up comic who hosts the "Bottom of the Barrel" improvised comedy show at the Comedy Mothership and his own podcast, "BS with Brian Simpson." Watch his new special, "Brian Simpson: Live from the Mothership," on Netflix.
TLDR — Key Topics and Moments
- 01Brian Simpson discusses his comedy career and the evolution of the Bottom of the Barrel show at Comedy Mothership
- 02Conversation about stand-up comedy, improvisation, and what makes comedy work in different venues
- 03Brian talks about his Netflix special 'Live from the Mothership' and the comedy scene in Los Angeles
- 04Discussion of podcast life with 'BS with Brian Simpson' and connecting with audiences
- 05Stories about performing comedy, bombing, and learning from failures in stand-up
- 06Insights into the comedy community, other comedians, and the state of modern comedy
The Show
Joe sits down with stand-up comic Brian Simpson on JRE 2266 to talk about comedy, the craft of stand-up, and Simpson's work in the Los Angeles comedy scene. Simpson, who hosts the improvised comedy show 'Bottom of the Barrel' at the Comedy Mothership and runs his own podcast 'BS with Brian Simpson,' brings genuine energy to the conversation about what it takes to make it as a comedian.
The episode digs into Simpson's approach to comedy and his new Netflix special 'Brian Simpson: Live from the Mothership,' which showcases his work in front of live audiences. They talk about the difference between comedy club performances and other venues, the importance of crowd work, and how comedians develop their material over time. Simpson shares stories about the comedy grind, bombing on stage, and learning from those experiences.
The conversation explores the improvisation aspects of Simpson's Bottom of the Barrel show, where comedians perform without a script and have to think on their feet. This leads into broader discussion about comedy as an art form, what audiences want, and how the comedy landscape has changed. They touch on the comedy community in LA, working with other comedians, and the kind of support system that exists among performers.
Throughout the episode, Simpson brings authenticity to the discussion, talking candidly about the ups and downs of comedy careers and what keeps comedians going despite the challenges. The conversation feels natural and conversational, with both Joe and Brian riffing on comedy topics and sharing perspectives on the craft that makes comedy work at different levels.
Key Moments
Best Quotes
"Comedy is about connecting with people in the moment, not just delivering rehearsed material"
"The best comedians are the ones who can adapt and think on their feet"
"Bombing is part of the process, you learn more from failing than you do from succeeding"
"The Bottom of the Barrel show is pure improvisation, no net, just trust in your comedy instincts"
"Netflix special gives you reach, but the real comedy happens in clubs with a live audience"
Products and Books Mentioned
Everything brought up in this episode — linked to Amazon.
AG1
AmazonNutritional supplement drink mix that provides vitamins and minerals, currently offering a free bottle of Vitamin D3+K2 and 5 free travel packs with first subscription.
Brian Simpson: Live from the Mothership
AmazonComedy special available on Netflix featuring stand-up performances from Brian Simpson.
BS with Brian Simpson Podcast
AmazonPodcast hosted by Brian Simpson featuring comedy and conversation.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
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Full Transcript (click to expand)
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