Ep 369 Brett Davey "Employee Of The Quarter Goes Full Circle"

·1 hr 16 min·5 clips

Brett Davey reveals he once presented Ace Aceto with an employee-of-the-quarter plaque at Roger Williams Hospital over 25 years ago.

The episode begins with hosts Scott Higgins and Ace Aceto introducing their guest, comedian Brett Davey. Brett reveals a surprising past connection with Ace: over 25 years ago, while working in PR at Roger Williams Hospital, he presented Ace with an employee-of-the-quarter plaque. Brett started comedy decades ago by taking a class at the Learning Connection with Frank O'Donnell, where he ended up as the only student, performing the same set repeatedly. He left comedy for years, making independent films, and returned two years ago after bombing at a comedy contest at Askew in Providence. His contest set involved a story about finding his OBGYN roommate's stash of pregnant women porn titled 'Ready to Drop.' The hosts and guest discuss the challenges of comedy today versus the past, noting how booking has shifted from mailing press kits to digital EPKs. They critique inexperienced bookers who charge high ticket prices for weak lineups or book shows in unsuitable venues. Brett shares how mentors like Bill Simons and John Parada helped him get stage time. The conversation turns to infamous bad gigs: Ace recounts bombing at a corporate gala for Providence Community Health Center's 50th anniversary after dessert was announced, emptying the room. Brett describes a show where an audience member collapsed and was stretchered out during his set, followed by him noticing many wheelchair-bound attendees. They also touch on the importance of lineup variety and comic professionalism for fundraisers. The episode wraps with Brett promoting his upcoming shows and discussing the immediate feedback of stand-up versus the lengthy process of filmmaking.

As heard by us

A rough contest set turns into a candid story about bombing, advice, and choosing to improve.

Brett Davey's comedy story centers on a contest set that did not land the way he hoped. After telling a "Ready to Drop" bit, he realized the room found it more unsettling than funny, then got direct advice from a judge who liked his presence but told him he needed more jokes.

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Why you'd press play

Press play for a basement comedy conversation where Brett Davey turns a misunderstood porn title story into a choice: quit, or get better at stand-up.

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