Andrew Santino | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #621

Comedian Andrew Santino discusses the intense pressure and emotional toll of taping a stand-up special, navigating media scrutiny, and the challenges of modern life and technology.

• Taping a comedy special involves immense emotional and external pressures, making it a uniquely challenging experience.

• Modern media and technology often create negativity and can erode personal autonomy, requiring conscious efforts to find balance and prioritize community.

• Human connection and personal growth, rather than external judgment, are essential in navigating life's complexities and fostering a positive impact.

Andrew Santino recounts the overwhelming experience of taping his special 'White Noise' for Hulu, detailing the emotional and external pressures that led him to doubt the outcome. He and Theo Von explore the complexities of media perception, the evolving nature of technology, and the importance of community and personal growth amidst life's changes. Santino emphasizes the need for self-care and positivity in a world often driven by negativity and criticism.

Special Taping Pressures

• 00:02:11 Taping a comedy special involves immense stress, as Andrew Santino experienced with 'White Noise.' Switching off antidepressants to achieve more emotional depth, combined with public backlash from a misconstrued DHS video and general paranoia, created an overwhelming environment. The numerous external factors and 'too many cooks in the kitchen' significantly impacted his performance and confidence during the recording.

Challenges of Live Performance

• 00:04:28 Taping a stand-up special introduces many elements not present in live shows, making it distinct from the 'straight from the tap' experience of podcasts or club performances. Santino describes constantly tweaking jokes and feeling a loss of confidence when material didn't land as expected on camera, often leading to self-doubt and an inability to fully commit to punchlines during the high-stakes taping process.

The Overwhelming Media Landscape

• 00:08:44 The internet and media outlets frequently sensationalize events, creating narratives that focus on drama rather than positive experiences. Santino recalls waking up to a barrage of online negativity after his special taping, highlighting how these 'bottom feeder' websites profit from controversy. Both comedians agree that this media environment makes it difficult to share genuine experiences without them being twisted for a 'better story'.

Finding Personal Balance

• 00:17:23 To counter the constant negativity and noise, Santino emphasizes the importance of simple, grounding routines like drinking coffee and playing with his dog, leaving his phone behind. Theo Von also discusses the challenges of finding personal space and the complexities of life decisions like buying a home, reflecting on the difficulty of planning for future family needs while maintaining individual pursuits.

Redheads & Genetics

• 00:23:28 The conversation humorously touches on the unique status of redheads, dispelling a false claim about their extinction by 2060. It is noted that red hair, resulting from recessive MC1R gene mutations, will continue to reappear across generations when two carriers have children, making it a powerful and unique genetic trait.

The Future of Technology

• 00:45:57 Rapid technological advancements, from genetic engineering in children to kinetic energy sidewalks in Japan, are changing society in profound ways. The comedians express concern about potential negative impacts, such as smart toilets monitoring health, smart beds overheating due to cloud outages, and self-driving cars potentially being hijacked, suggesting a future where technology could diminish human autonomy and personal decisions.

The Role of Community

• 01:18:50 The importance of human connection and community is highlighted, as both Santino and Von discuss how life changes, like marriage and children, can affect friendships. Santino values social interactions, only enjoying activities like drinking when with others, while Von actively seeks out older couples for companionship as his friends are busy with young families. They agree that strong relationships and shared experiences are essential for well-being.

Comedy and Social Responsibility

• 01:29:08 Andrew Santino reflects on the backlash from the comedy festival in Riyadh, emphasizing that comedians aim to bring humor and love, not to engage in infighting or be judged by impossible standards. He argues that in a hypocritical world, individual growth and a focus on positive intentions are key, rather than yielding to media-fueled criticism. Santino believes his responsibility is to spread joy and entertainment, while also using his platform for charitable efforts like 'Ho Ho Homers' for the Special Olympics.