Overview of Fan Favorite Ep.541 — Bert Kreischer
This episode features comedian Bert Kreischer in a long-form conversation with the hosts (from Thiccc Boy Studios / PodcastOne). Topics range from the immediate impact of COVID-19 on touring and canceling shows, to comedy-business strategy (clubs vs. theaters, ticketing, Netflix special craft and placement), to personal stories about drinking, family life on the road, and classic backstage/road anecdotes involving Joe Rogan, Bill Burr, Norm MacDonald, Tom Segura, Dane Cook and others. The tone is candid, humorous, and often reflective—mixing industry advice with personal regret and storytelling.
Topics discussed
- COVID-19 and live comedy: decisions to cancel shows, public responsibility, and audience behavior.
- Touring logistics and economics: clubs vs. theaters, guarantees, added shows, and the tour-bus decision.
- Ticket sales strategy and direct-to-fan marketing (social media, mailing lists, local promos).
- Netflix special Hey Big Boy: filming details (Cleveland, Agora), bit placement, and editing strategy.
- Comedy relationships and mentorship: Joe Rogan, Bill Burr, Louis C.K., Tom Segura, Norm MacDonald, Stanhope, Dane Cook.
- Road life vs. family life: missing kids, guilt, balancing work and fatherhood.
- Personal routines and vices: drinking habits, workouts, nicotine, sleep, and how those affect performance.
- Party/games and storytelling: “mustard hands,” holding pints contest, racing stories, and other road-era antics.
- Media & podcasting power: how podcasts and social media changed comedy trajectories.
Notable stories & anecdotes
- Canceling shows during COVID-19: Bert describes the gut decision to cancel to avoid being responsible for spreading the virus—even when ticket sales were still strong—and his frustration at mixed guidance from authorities.
- Netflix special strategy: Bert moved his best material earlier in the special because people stop watching after ~28 minutes on streaming platforms. He filmed in Cleveland (Agora) and pushed to open with strong bits to hook viewers.
- The Machine origin: Joe Rogan encouraged Bert to tell “The Machine” story on stage and promoted the story during early shows, which helped build Kreischer’s mythos.
- Opening for/working with other comics: awkwardness and politics of opening for big names (e.g., declined opportunity to open for Rogan to avoid the “employee” label; falling out and issues with Jay Mo).
- Theater economics explained: first theater show often pays but rents the production (first show covers fixed costs), second show is where real theater profit occurs—so adding shows is highly profitable.
- Family moment: an emotionally resonant anecdote about Bert’s teenage daughter making a breakfast sandwich so they could talk—used to highlight road-parent guilt.
- Praise for Norm MacDonald and other veterans: several segments express admiration for Norm, Bill Burr, Joe Rogan, and Dane Cook for their influence and craft.
Key insights & takeaways
- Public safety vs. business: Cancelling shows during a health crisis is ethically complex—ticket demand can remain high, but risk to vulnerable populations and venue staff matters.
- Special placement matters: Streaming viewers often drop off ~28 minutes in—lead with your strongest material to hook the audience.
- Ticket sales are promotional responsibility: Artists should actively market shows (social media, promos, mailing lists, targeted content). Don’t assume fans will know dates without direct outreach.
- Club vs. theater strategy:
- Clubs are better for reps and consistent income; theaters can be lucrative but require different marketing and often multiple shows to be profitable.
- The first theater show often covers fixed venue costs; the second show becomes profit (so successful theater runs often expand from added shows).
- Podcasting and social media changed careers: Rogan, Dane, and others shifted the industry—podcasts and online platforms can be powerful for exposure.
- Touring lifestyle carries trade-offs: financial success and professional growth often come at the cost of family time; many comics wrestle with guilt and logistical compromises.
- Mentorship and community matter: supportive peers (Rogan, Burr, Tom Segura, Justin) can accelerate opportunities and provide candid career advice.
Recommendations / action items (for comedians & promoters)
- If producing a streaming special: put your best material earlier; trim “fat” and test set order to secure viewer retention.
- For touring artists:
- Use local, direct promotion (Instagram stories, targeted clips, radio appearances) to move tickets quickly.
- Consider adding extra shows in a market rather than swapping markets—extra shows often maximize profit and build momentum.
- If transitioning to theaters, plan for two-show blocks so fixed costs are covered and profit is realized on additional performances.
- Use podcasts and influencer partnerships (Barstool, Pat McAfee, Rogan-type platforms) to reach demos that will convert to tickets.
- Be transparent and humble in marketing—avoid gloating “sold out” posts that can alienate local fans; instead promote availability and call-to-action.
Notable quotes
- “The best case scenario is that we overreacted.” (a doctor friend on pandemic precautions)
- “Put your best shit at the front and everything else will catch up.” (advice about special placement)
- “The first theater show covers your nuts. The second show is where you make your money.” (on theater economics)
- On canceling: “If somebody gets it there and it goes like that and then they go home and it goes like that then I'm responsible. I just can't.”
Episode details
- Guest: Bert Kreischer (stand-up comedian, Netflix special “Hey Big Boy”)
- Hosts / Producer: Thiccc Boy Studios | PodcastOne (episode appears as Fan Favorite Ep.541)
- Key promo: Bert’s Netflix special Hey Big Boy (filmed at Cleveland’s Agora) — streaming now.
Who will get value from this episode
- Comedians and performers planning specials, tours, or theater transitions.
- Promoters and agents interested in ticketing strategy and show economics.
- Fans of Bert Kreischer and comedy podcast listeners who enjoy candid backstage tales and industry inside baseball.
- Anyone interested in how touring artists balance publicity, production, and family.
Summary: the episode is a wide-ranging, candid mix of business advice, pandemic-era touring choices, and long-form, often hilarious road/party/family stories—useful both for entertainment and as a practical primer on specials, ticket sales, and the costs (emotional and logistical) of life on the road.