Joe Helped Nate Bargatze Get Onstage the First Time

Episode Summary

Main Topics Discussed

• Nate Bargatze's First Time Onstage: Nate recounts how Joe Rogan was instrumental in getting him his first significant spot performing comedy at The Comedy Store in 2003 or 2004, just a year into his comedy career.
• The Power of Early Encouragement: Both Nate and Joe reflect on how crucial positive feedback and a "nudge" from established comedians were in their formative years, helping them push through challenges and solidify their commitment to comedy.
• Joe Rogan's Own Mentorship Story: Joe shares a similar anecdote about receiving pivotal praise from veteran comedian Lenny Clark early in his career, which fueled his determination for years.
• A Memorable Gig Gone Wrong: Joe recalls a road gig where he earned an impressive $500 cash but then humorously lost it, leading to a long-standing inside joke with his wife.

Key Insights & Memorable Moments

• Nate Bargatze, then a new comic from Chicago, was visiting LA when Joe Rogan, after watching Nate perform elsewhere, arranged for him to get an open mic slot at The Comedy Store, bypassing the usual sign-up process.
• The introduction of Nate as "one of Joe Rogan's best friends" caused visible "fury" among other comics, which Nate now finds amusing given they had just met.
• Lenny Clark's simple compliment, "Kid, you're really funny," after Joe opened for him, provided Joe with immense validation and motivation for approximately three years.
• Joe's story about earning $500 cash from a successful gig opening for Tony V, only to lose it later that night, highlights the unpredictable nature of road life and the lingering memory of such events.

Notable Quotes or Revelations

• Nate Bargatze to Joe Rogan: "you were responsible for basically the first time i ever went on stage... you got me on stage that you called and said hey he's just in town doing this."
• Nate on his introduction at The Comedy Store: "They brought me up they go uh this next uh one of joe rogan's best friends and they were i mean other comics are just furious."
• Lenny Clark to Joe Rogan: "Kid, you're really funny."
• Joe Rogan on the impact of Clark's praise: "man that powered me through like years for three years I was I was like oh man I'm doing this like I'm I'm never quitting now like lenny clark said I'm funny... yeah I'm good."
• Joe Rogan on losing the $500: "at the time i was like were you ever going to remember this 500 like i always kind of live by that motto like i'll get another 500 I bring it up still i mean it's been 15 years and i still just go you remember that 500 like just to make that point."

Overall Themes

• Mentorship and Support: The episode powerfully illustrates the profound and lasting impact that established figures can have on aspiring artists, providing crucial opportunities and validation.
• The Journey of a Comedian: It delves into the early struggles, pivotal moments, and the significance of encouragement in shaping a comedian's career path and resilience.
• Comedy Community Dynamics: The anecdotes touch upon the competitive nature of comedy, the hierarchy, and the often-unspoken rules of the craft, alongside the camaraderie.
• Humor in Reflection: Both comedians use humor to look back on significant, sometimes frustrating, moments from their past, demonstrating how experiences, both good and bad, become part of their personal and professional narratives.