Worst Gigs, Tough Crowds Seafood and More! Comedian Mike Black and Darren Carter EP 242

·53 min·5 clips

Mike Black chokes down shrimp at Thanksgiving to avoid hurting his friend's chef father's feelings.

Host Darren Carter opens the episode with energetic banter, calling guest Mike Black, who quickly shifts into performance mode. They discuss how Carter's mother has become a fan of the podcast, particularly its recent Elvis Presley focus. The conversation turns to the somber mood at the Comedy Store following a young comic's passing, which leads them to discuss their worst gigs. Mike Black first recalls an early, terrible performance at a Bay Area car dealership Christmas party, where only his Yugo car jokes landed. He then details a profoundly awkward Thanksgiving with friend Duncan Trussell, where he was forced by Duncan's chef father to eat multiple seafood dishes he despises to avoid offense. This act of politeness later earned him an invitation to a charity celebrity golf tournament in Mobile, Alabama. There, he met Elvis associate Red West and enjoyed the event until showtime. The producer unexpectedly asked him to perform 45 minutes after local comic Killer B's, who then delivered a masterful 15-minute set. Mike bombed for the full 45 minutes in front of a crowd including the governor. The episode winds down with discussions of food aversions, family dinner stories, and old jokes, including one about a priest and whiskey. They reflect on the growth of podcasting and the motivations behind comedy before closing with thanks and promotional details.

As heard by us

Mike Black recalls an awkward stand-up booking as Darren Carter talks him through the introductions.

Darren Carter calls Mike Black, and the talk settles on a stand-up booking in Mobile, Alabama. Mike says another headliner backed out before arriving. A performer who had done the show the year before tells Mike he has a lot to live up to, then says he is joking.

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Why you'd press play

You want a backstage story where a visiting comic feels the pressure before a show in Mobile.

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