WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.560 Welcome, deep divers, to another journey into 00:00:02.560 --> 00:00:05.299 the captivating stories behind the names you 00:00:05.299 --> 00:00:08.160 know. Today, we're embarking on a deep dive into 00:00:08.160 --> 00:00:10.980 the fascinating world of Ricky Velez. He's an 00:00:10.980 --> 00:00:14.080 American stand -up comedian, writer, actor, really 00:00:14.080 --> 00:00:16.039 making waves right now. We're going to go beyond, 00:00:16.039 --> 00:00:18.980 you know, the quick headlines and viral clips 00:00:18.980 --> 00:00:21.500 to truly understand the man behind the laughs 00:00:21.500 --> 00:00:25.739 and the often kind of intensely personal journey 00:00:25.739 --> 00:00:27.600 he's taken to get where he is today. That's a 00:00:27.600 --> 00:00:29.739 great way to put it. Yeah. Ricky Valiz's story 00:00:29.739 --> 00:00:33.950 is... particularly compelling because it offers 00:00:33.950 --> 00:00:37.429 a sort of modern archetype for success in comedy 00:00:37.429 --> 00:00:39.350 and entertainment. You know, it's this narrative 00:00:39.350 --> 00:00:42.549 arc. It traces his path from like humble beginnings 00:00:42.549 --> 00:00:45.090 through navigating some really significant personal 00:00:45.090 --> 00:00:47.490 struggles all the way to acclaimed collaborations, 00:00:47.590 --> 00:00:49.729 some huge names in the industry, and ultimately 00:00:49.729 --> 00:00:52.649 that highly praised HBO special. What we're aiming 00:00:52.649 --> 00:00:54.729 to do today is kind of dissect his unique voice. 00:00:54.909 --> 00:00:57.299 It feels so authentically his own. and understand 00:00:57.299 --> 00:01:00.179 how that raw authenticity is woven into every 00:01:00.179 --> 00:01:02.219 piece of his work, shaping not just his comedy 00:01:02.219 --> 00:01:04.659 but his whole artistic persona, really. Precisely. 00:01:05.079 --> 00:01:07.579 Our main source today is a really comprehensive 00:01:07.579 --> 00:01:11.219 Wikipedia entry, which actually offers a surprisingly 00:01:11.219 --> 00:01:13.780 rich tapestry of his life and career. These are 00:01:13.780 --> 00:01:16.420 plenty to work with. Our mission for you, our 00:01:16.420 --> 00:01:19.500 listener, is to unearth those key moments, the 00:01:19.500 --> 00:01:23.420 pivotal relationships, and those profound insights 00:01:23.420 --> 00:01:26.280 that have truly shaped Ricky Velez. We want to 00:01:26.280 --> 00:01:28.400 give you a complete, well -rounded picture of 00:01:28.400 --> 00:01:31.140 his remarkable rise. So settle in, because we're 00:01:31.140 --> 00:01:33.400 going to unpack his journey, explore the nuances 00:01:33.400 --> 00:01:36.159 of his comedic voice, and really get to the why 00:01:36.159 --> 00:01:39.340 behind his rapidly rising star. It's a story 00:01:39.340 --> 00:01:42.200 of grit, humor, and... well, profound self -discovery. 00:01:42.480 --> 00:01:44.540 To truly grasp the essence of Ricky Pélez, we 00:01:44.540 --> 00:01:46.219 got to start right at the beginning with his 00:01:46.219 --> 00:01:49.040 foundational years, his Queen's roots and early 00:01:49.040 --> 00:01:51.319 life. Our sources tell us he was born in 88 or 00:01:51.319 --> 00:01:54.219 89, making him, what, 35 or 36 now? Right on 00:01:54.219 --> 00:01:56.260 there. And proudly raised in Queens, New York. 00:01:56.299 --> 00:01:58.340 This isn't just a simple geographical detail, 00:01:58.480 --> 00:02:00.379 is it? Well, not at all. We learn he comes from 00:02:00.379 --> 00:02:02.340 what's described as a blue -collar family, has 00:02:02.340 --> 00:02:05.120 two brothers. And quite interestingly, his heritage 00:02:05.120 --> 00:02:07.560 is a blend half Puerto Rican and half Irish. 00:02:07.939 --> 00:02:10.719 Right. And that seemingly simple cluster of facts, 00:02:10.780 --> 00:02:13.580 it offers a tremendous amount of context, shapes 00:02:13.580 --> 00:02:17.080 everything that follows. That blue collar Queen's 00:02:17.080 --> 00:02:19.520 upbringing is absolutely critical. It grounds 00:02:19.520 --> 00:02:22.620 his entire perspective, infuses his comedy with 00:02:22.620 --> 00:02:26.919 this raw, relatable authenticity. When you listen 00:02:26.919 --> 00:02:29.479 to Velez, you often hear humor that's not just 00:02:29.479 --> 00:02:32.639 witty, but sometimes kind of gritty, born from 00:02:32.639 --> 00:02:35.099 understanding everyday struggles, the kind of 00:02:35.099 --> 00:02:38.000 hard work that defines those communities. It's 00:02:38.000 --> 00:02:40.430 not polished Exactly. It's not the polished, 00:02:40.430 --> 00:02:42.650 distant humor of someone disconnected from daily 00:02:42.650 --> 00:02:45.270 life. This is humor from the streets, from the 00:02:45.270 --> 00:02:47.389 family dinner table, from those shared neighborhood 00:02:47.389 --> 00:02:49.969 experiences. It means his observations carry 00:02:49.969 --> 00:02:53.370 this weight of lived experience. Makes them universally 00:02:53.370 --> 00:02:55.930 understood, even when they're specific. And that 00:02:55.930 --> 00:02:58.629 mixed heritage, half Puerto Rican, half Irish, 00:02:58.710 --> 00:03:00.909 that's got to offer a really unique lens, doesn't 00:03:00.909 --> 00:03:03.389 it? Through which he views culture, identity. 00:03:03.490 --> 00:03:05.990 Oh, absolutely. That lens can't help but influence 00:03:05.990 --> 00:03:08.090 his comedic voice, the observations he makes 00:03:08.090 --> 00:03:09.939 about the world and crucially about himself. 00:03:10.099 --> 00:03:12.500 For sure. Yeah. It's far more than just a demographic 00:03:12.500 --> 00:03:15.280 detail. It's like a profound wellspring for unique 00:03:15.280 --> 00:03:18.659 comedic material and perspective. Imagine the 00:03:18.659 --> 00:03:21.419 cultural touchstones, right? The distinct family 00:03:21.419 --> 00:03:24.319 stories, traditions, maybe even the occasional 00:03:24.319 --> 00:03:26.599 clash of expectations from both sides. Totally. 00:03:26.860 --> 00:03:29.500 All of that becomes fertile ground for observational 00:03:29.500 --> 00:03:33.599 humor. Like he might craft a bit contrasting 00:03:33.599 --> 00:03:36.879 the specific maybe boisterous celebrations of 00:03:36.879 --> 00:03:39.479 his Puerto Rican family with the more reserved 00:03:39.479 --> 00:03:41.900 or you know, maybe equally boisterous but different 00:03:41.900 --> 00:03:44.060 traditions of his Irish relatives. Yeah, I can 00:03:44.060 --> 00:03:46.479 picture that. This kind of stuff allows him to 00:03:46.479 --> 00:03:49.259 highlight universal family dynamics through culturally 00:03:49.259 --> 00:03:52.419 specific lenses. Creates this powerful humor 00:03:52.419 --> 00:03:55.060 of recognition for listeners who navigate similar 00:03:55.060 --> 00:03:58.000 cultural mixes, or just appreciate family complexities. 00:03:58.400 --> 00:04:00.400 This dual identity gives him a vantage point 00:04:00.400 --> 00:04:03.219 many comedians just don't have. Allows him to 00:04:03.219 --> 00:04:05.620 bridge different experiences with a unique voice. 00:04:06.599 --> 00:04:08.800 And yeah, the detail about Two Brothers might 00:04:08.800 --> 00:04:12.000 seem small. But it hints at early social dynamics, 00:04:12.159 --> 00:04:15.159 you know, potential rivalries, sibling camaraderie, 00:04:15.319 --> 00:04:17.100 all those foundational influences that shape 00:04:17.100 --> 00:04:20.300 a young person. The family unit is always a comedian's 00:04:20.300 --> 00:04:22.939 first and often most enduring source of material 00:04:22.939 --> 00:04:25.000 and character development. OK, here's where it 00:04:25.000 --> 00:04:27.079 gets really interesting about those early influences. 00:04:27.839 --> 00:04:31.019 Our source gives this specific anecdote. One 00:04:31.019 --> 00:04:33.699 of his brothers played a pivotal role, introduced 00:04:33.699 --> 00:04:35.889 him to stand -up comedy. Mm -hmm. We're talking 00:04:35.889 --> 00:04:38.750 those half -hour specials on Comedy Central iconic 00:04:38.750 --> 00:04:41.410 shows like The Daily Show. That's not just passive 00:04:41.410 --> 00:04:43.870 consumption, right? That's an early organic connection. 00:04:44.480 --> 00:04:46.800 must have truly sparked something deep within 00:04:46.800 --> 00:04:49.839 him, planted a very important seed. You're absolutely 00:04:49.839 --> 00:04:51.639 right. It's incredibly significant. It wasn't 00:04:51.639 --> 00:04:54.300 just stumbling upon comedy. It was an active, 00:04:54.500 --> 00:04:57.000 maybe even enthusiastic introduction by family, 00:04:57.420 --> 00:04:59.220 which often gives it a different kind of personal 00:04:59.220 --> 00:05:01.759 weight, you know? It's just this early, almost 00:05:01.759 --> 00:05:04.019 unconscious immersion into the world of comedy. 00:05:04.680 --> 00:05:07.139 Watching those specials, The Daily Show, wouldn't 00:05:07.139 --> 00:05:08.699 just have been entertainment. They'd serve as 00:05:08.699 --> 00:05:11.040 foundational lessons in timing, the art of the 00:05:11.040 --> 00:05:14.000 punchline, satire, the craft of storytelling. 00:05:14.199 --> 00:05:17.000 Yeah, like learning the language. Exactly. This 00:05:17.000 --> 00:05:18.839 wasn't a kid who just decided out of the blue 00:05:18.839 --> 00:05:21.220 to be a comedian. This was someone who grew up 00:05:21.220 --> 00:05:23.180 with the art form kind of woven into the fabric 00:05:23.180 --> 00:05:26.439 of his home life, suggests a very natural, almost 00:05:26.439 --> 00:05:29.540 destined path toward the stage. It indicates 00:05:29.540 --> 00:05:31.939 comedy became a language he understood and appreciated 00:05:31.939 --> 00:05:34.459 really young, long before he even thought of 00:05:34.459 --> 00:05:36.800 it as a career. So we've got this rich foundation 00:05:36.800 --> 00:05:40.040 late in Queens, blue collar roots, vibrant cultural 00:05:40.040 --> 00:05:42.680 mix, early exposure to comedy via his brother. 00:05:43.230 --> 00:05:45.769 But the path to becoming a stand -up wasn't exactly 00:05:45.769 --> 00:05:48.129 a straight line, was it? No, definitely not. 00:05:48.470 --> 00:05:50.930 With that home life as our backdrop, let's explore 00:05:50.930 --> 00:05:54.629 his formative education and some truly unexpected 00:05:54.629 --> 00:05:57.610 detours he took. Indeed. His journey was anything 00:05:57.610 --> 00:06:00.250 but a straight shot. Velez studied drama at the 00:06:00.250 --> 00:06:02.170 Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, 00:06:02.329 --> 00:06:04.949 Queens. OK, that's a big deal. Yeah, it's a crucial 00:06:04.949 --> 00:06:07.750 detail. Immediately tells us he had an early, 00:06:07.910 --> 00:06:10.850 innate inclination towards performance, storytelling. 00:06:11.720 --> 00:06:13.879 Attending a renowned art school isn't just a 00:06:13.879 --> 00:06:16.819 casual hobby. It means he was actively honing 00:06:16.819 --> 00:06:20.360 fundamental skills. Stage presence, vocal projection, 00:06:20.779 --> 00:06:23.660 understanding character, grasping narrative structure. 00:06:24.120 --> 00:06:26.000 Long before he ever picked up a mic for stand 00:06:26.000 --> 00:06:28.120 -up. Right, those weren't wasted years. Not at 00:06:28.120 --> 00:06:30.360 all. They were a foundational education in the 00:06:30.360 --> 00:06:33.329 craft of engaging an audience. allowing him to 00:06:33.329 --> 00:06:36.689 command a stage, project his unique voice, structure 00:06:36.689 --> 00:06:38.990 a joke like a mini -narrative, ensuring even 00:06:38.990 --> 00:06:41.050 his personal stories have a clear beginning, 00:06:41.490 --> 00:06:44.149 middle, punchy end, not just rambling thoughts. 00:06:44.790 --> 00:06:47.110 That formal training undoubtedly gave him a professional 00:06:47.110 --> 00:06:50.189 edge later on. But then, after high school, things 00:06:50.189 --> 00:06:52.449 took a different turn. Attended college for less 00:06:52.449 --> 00:06:54.689 than a year, common enough story, figuring things 00:06:54.689 --> 00:06:56.670 out. But then returned to Queens, and here's 00:06:56.670 --> 00:06:58.949 where it gets kind of unexpected. He attempted 00:06:58.949 --> 00:07:01.560 to join the military, but was denied. Wow. And 00:07:01.560 --> 00:07:04.019 then worked a variety of odd jobs, including 00:07:04.019 --> 00:07:06.060 for a friend's carpet company where he would 00:07:06.060 --> 00:07:08.160 lay carpet for red carpet events. That's quite 00:07:08.160 --> 00:07:10.800 the image, isn't it? The contrast feels almost 00:07:10.800 --> 00:07:14.139 designed for a comedian. It is, and it's incredibly 00:07:14.139 --> 00:07:16.000 insightful into his character and development. 00:07:16.459 --> 00:07:19.220 The grief, college stint, the military denial. 00:07:19.870 --> 00:07:22.350 They aren't just footnotes. They indicate this 00:07:22.350 --> 00:07:24.629 significant period of searching, uncertainty, 00:07:25.170 --> 00:07:27.790 maybe some frustration. Yeah, relatable. Totally. 00:07:28.089 --> 00:07:30.790 So many people relate to that post high school 00:07:30.790 --> 00:07:33.629 struggle. Not finding your right path, doors 00:07:33.629 --> 00:07:36.689 closing unexpectedly. These detours likely instilled 00:07:36.689 --> 00:07:39.209 a profound sense of resilience in him, taught 00:07:39.209 --> 00:07:42.370 him to adapt, persist, more importantly, probably 00:07:42.370 --> 00:07:44.490 gave him a deeper, more empathetic understanding 00:07:44.490 --> 00:07:47.670 of life outside conventional routes, broadened 00:07:47.670 --> 00:07:49.870 his perspective, fueled the desire. for self 00:07:49.870 --> 00:07:52.170 -definition. It's experience that grounds you, 00:07:52.170 --> 00:07:54.670 gives you unique material, solidifies that blue 00:07:54.670 --> 00:07:56.930 -collar work ethic. And that carpet company job. 00:07:57.129 --> 00:07:59.269 Laying carpet for red carpet events. The sheer 00:07:59.269 --> 00:08:01.470 irony is almost too perfect. Oh yeah. He was 00:08:01.470 --> 00:08:04.069 literally on the red carpet, but totally unseen 00:08:04.069 --> 00:08:06.810 by the glamorous fidgets walking it. It's a fantastic 00:08:06.810 --> 00:08:10.149 contrast. It's laden with significance. Offers 00:08:10.149 --> 00:08:13.129 a goldmine of observations. Imagine the unique 00:08:13.129 --> 00:08:15.370 perspective that job would give you. He was on 00:08:15.370 --> 00:08:17.689 the periphery of fame, witnessing the staging, 00:08:17.850 --> 00:08:19.899 the spectacle from the ground up. Literally. 00:08:20.379 --> 00:08:23.740 Right. This undoubtedly gave him a unique, maybe 00:08:23.740 --> 00:08:26.560 even a bit cynical or satirical view on celebrity 00:08:26.560 --> 00:08:28.860 in the entertainment industry. It's the ultimate 00:08:28.860 --> 00:08:31.560 behind -the -curtain experience, but for someone 00:08:31.560 --> 00:08:35.159 laying the very floor for the show. This anonymity, 00:08:35.399 --> 00:08:38.039 this role as an unseen observer likely shaped 00:08:38.039 --> 00:08:41.100 his eventual public persona, gave him an outsider's 00:08:41.100 --> 00:08:43.120 eye on the very world he'd later inhabit as a 00:08:43.120 --> 00:08:45.570 performer. He saw the illusion being created, 00:08:45.889 --> 00:08:47.889 the work involved, the stark difference between 00:08:47.889 --> 00:08:50.509 the set -up reality and the event glamour. Teaches 00:08:50.509 --> 00:08:53.029 you humility. Exactly. Humility and the value 00:08:53.029 --> 00:08:55.230 of hard work, which as we said, hallmarks of 00:08:55.230 --> 00:08:57.669 his Queen's roots. I can't help but wonder how 00:08:57.669 --> 00:09:00.690 these early experiences, especially that military 00:09:00.690 --> 00:09:03.830 denial, might have specifically channeled his 00:09:03.830 --> 00:09:06.389 need for expression, maybe pushed him towards 00:09:06.389 --> 00:09:08.529 a different kind of challenge, towards the spotlight. 00:09:08.789 --> 00:09:11.830 The contrast between the anonymity of laying 00:09:11.830 --> 00:09:14.049 carpet and being a stand -up comedian is just 00:09:14.049 --> 00:09:17.450 so stark. You can almost imagine him observing, 00:09:17.669 --> 00:09:20.230 collecting material during those hours. That's 00:09:20.230 --> 00:09:22.330 a great observation. The military denial might 00:09:22.330 --> 00:09:24.710 have closed one door, but it very likely nudged 00:09:24.710 --> 00:09:27.669 him towards others, perhaps subconsciously. We 00:09:27.669 --> 00:09:29.830 have that deep need for expression, for challenge, 00:09:29.929 --> 00:09:32.649 for purpose, and one conventional path is blocked. 00:09:33.529 --> 00:09:35.809 You seek another. The anonymity of the carpet 00:09:35.809 --> 00:09:37.870 job, like you said, wouldn't stifle his observations, 00:09:37.950 --> 00:09:40.460 it'd sharpen them. He was an observer, a silent 00:09:40.460 --> 00:09:42.779 collector of data points on human behavior, on 00:09:42.779 --> 00:09:45.080 the absurdity of spectacle, on the vast disparity 00:09:45.080 --> 00:09:47.259 between those laying the carpet and those walking 00:09:47.259 --> 00:09:50.220 it. All of that becomes invaluable material for 00:09:50.220 --> 00:09:53.259 a comedian, offering a unique, often ironic, 00:09:53.759 --> 00:09:55.539 deeply human perspective that makes his voice 00:09:55.539 --> 00:09:58.679 distinctive. These early experiences didn't just 00:09:58.679 --> 00:10:01.580 lead him back to Queens. They propelled him with 00:10:01.580 --> 00:10:04.289 this unique arsenal of insights. Towards the 00:10:04.289 --> 00:10:06.149 very beginnings of his stand -up career, he was 00:10:06.149 --> 00:10:08.350 building his comedic toolkit long before he knew 00:10:08.350 --> 00:10:11.389 it. So we've seen the groundwork laid, the detour 00:10:11.389 --> 00:10:14.029 is taken, and now we arrive at a truly pivotal 00:10:14.029 --> 00:10:16.690 point, the genesis of Ricky Velez the comedian. 00:10:17.149 --> 00:10:19.909 Our sources tell us that at like 19, after returning 00:10:19.909 --> 00:10:21.690 to Queens, he started working at the Broadway 00:10:21.690 --> 00:10:24.210 Comedy Club. And this wasn't just any job. He 00:10:24.210 --> 00:10:25.929 was taking tickets while performing stand -up 00:10:25.929 --> 00:10:28.549 nightly. That sounds intense. A relentless grind. 00:10:29.029 --> 00:10:31.029 It absolutely does. And it immediately highlights 00:10:31.029 --> 00:10:33.740 that pay your dues mentality. so common, often 00:10:33.740 --> 00:10:36.419 essential in stand -up. Working the door while 00:10:36.419 --> 00:10:38.659 performing reflects an incredibly deep commitment. 00:10:39.179 --> 00:10:41.200 It means he was utterly immersed in that environment, 00:10:41.879 --> 00:10:44.059 breathing the air of live comedy, watching others, 00:10:44.179 --> 00:10:46.240 learning the rhythm of the room, and then stepping 00:10:46.240 --> 00:10:49.159 onto that stage himself night after night, trying 00:10:49.159 --> 00:10:51.600 out his own material. It's an apprenticeship. 00:10:51.759 --> 00:10:54.519 in its rawest form. The learning never stops. 00:10:55.159 --> 00:10:57.980 This period alone speaks volumes about his dedication, 00:10:58.480 --> 00:11:01.059 his resilience, shows a person willing to literally 00:11:01.059 --> 00:11:03.820 work his way from the club's periphery to the 00:11:03.820 --> 00:11:06.460 stage's center. He was living and breathing comedy, 00:11:06.740 --> 00:11:09.700 absorbing it through every pore. What's particularly 00:11:09.700 --> 00:11:12.179 insightful here is the candidness about his personal 00:11:12.179 --> 00:11:14.620 struggles during this time. The source explicitly 00:11:14.620 --> 00:11:16.940 states he was dealing with depression and felt 00:11:16.940 --> 00:11:19.139 he needed the instant gratification that stand 00:11:19.139 --> 00:11:21.500 -up gives. That's powerful, isn't it? It really 00:11:21.500 --> 00:11:24.259 is. Transforms comedy from just a career choice 00:11:24.259 --> 00:11:26.779 into something far more personal, therapeutic, 00:11:27.259 --> 00:11:30.259 a lifeline almost. This is truly a powerful insight. 00:11:30.779 --> 00:11:33.340 And it's where Velez's profound vulnerability, 00:11:34.299 --> 00:11:37.460 a hallmark of his success, really starts to shine. 00:11:38.340 --> 00:11:40.740 Acknowledging depression, finding solace in the 00:11:40.740 --> 00:11:43.620 instant gratification of stand -up, immediately 00:11:43.620 --> 00:11:46.539 creates a deeper connection with audiences. Because 00:11:46.539 --> 00:11:48.580 so many can relate to seeking an outlet during 00:11:48.580 --> 00:11:51.350 tough times. It tells us that for him, comedy 00:11:51.350 --> 00:11:53.409 isn't just about getting laughs or building a 00:11:53.409 --> 00:11:56.549 career. It's a vital personal outlet. Right. 00:11:56.669 --> 00:11:59.429 A way to process emotions, find meaning, receive 00:11:59.429 --> 00:12:02.029 immediate validation, that laughter, that connection, 00:12:02.250 --> 00:12:04.830 which can be incredibly therapeutic, affirming 00:12:04.830 --> 00:12:07.370 when you're struggling internally. This kind 00:12:07.370 --> 00:12:09.289 of honesty, the internal drive it represents, 00:12:09.490 --> 00:12:11.850 is a core part of what makes his voice so authentic, 00:12:11.929 --> 00:12:14.289 so resonant. It's not just performance. It's 00:12:14.289 --> 00:12:16.909 self expression and healing. Many comedians talk 00:12:16.909 --> 00:12:18.850 about that instant gratification. It's almost 00:12:18.850 --> 00:12:20.789 addictive, right? That immediate feedback loop. 00:12:21.669 --> 00:12:24.090 Your words elicit a direct, tangible response. 00:12:24.529 --> 00:12:26.129 For someone battling depression, that loop can 00:12:26.129 --> 00:12:28.690 be vital. Affirmation, connection. It was at 00:12:28.690 --> 00:12:30.889 this very Broadway comedy club that he met Pete 00:12:30.889 --> 00:12:33.049 Davidson, who, as we now know, would later become 00:12:33.049 --> 00:12:35.750 his roommate. This is truly pivotal, isn't it? 00:12:36.110 --> 00:12:39.070 Monumental. A true turning point. Where a significant 00:12:39.070 --> 00:12:41.509 friendship began to form. A connection that would 00:12:41.509 --> 00:12:44.090 ripple through his career for years. Yeah, this 00:12:44.090 --> 00:12:46.490 friendship became a bedrock for future collaborations. 00:12:47.190 --> 00:12:50.899 Mutual support, shared experiences. invaluable 00:12:50.899 --> 00:12:53.720 in a field like comedy, so competitive, often 00:12:53.720 --> 00:12:56.700 solitary. Think about the late nights, the shared 00:12:56.700 --> 00:12:59.159 dreams, the struggles of two young, ambitious 00:12:59.159 --> 00:13:01.840 comedians trying to make it in New York, navigating 00:13:01.840 --> 00:13:04.700 the grind. That kind of camaraderie, especially 00:13:04.700 --> 00:13:06.279 when you're both dealing with personal challenges 00:13:06.279 --> 00:13:09.419 like Velez was, forms an incredibly strong bond. 00:13:10.000 --> 00:13:12.580 It demonstrates the profound importance of community, 00:13:13.100 --> 00:13:15.639 informal mentorship. in creative field. These 00:13:15.639 --> 00:13:17.259 weren't just two guys sharing rent. They were 00:13:17.259 --> 00:13:19.799 two artists shaping each other's understanding 00:13:19.799 --> 00:13:22.360 of the craft, the industry, becoming each other's 00:13:22.360 --> 00:13:24.580 first most honest audience. They were building 00:13:24.580 --> 00:13:26.580 a foundation for future creative partnership, 00:13:26.639 --> 00:13:28.759 maybe without even realizing it then. You can 00:13:28.759 --> 00:13:31.139 almost imagine the energy of that Broadway comedy 00:13:31.139 --> 00:13:34.000 club at night. Dim lights, sticky floors, clinking 00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:36.240 glasses, the buzz from the audience, and then 00:13:36.240 --> 00:13:38.440 the raw vulnerability of these young comedians 00:13:38.440 --> 00:13:42.149 on stage performing their hearts out. And amidst 00:13:42.149 --> 00:13:44.350 all that, the camaraderie forming backstage, 00:13:44.629 --> 00:13:46.610 that crucible must have been incredibly formative. 00:13:46.830 --> 00:13:48.809 Absolutely. It's a vivid image. Picture it. The 00:13:48.809 --> 00:13:50.809 pressure of bombing, the exhilaration of landing 00:13:50.809 --> 00:13:54.389 a joke, the diverse crowds, then the quiet conversations 00:13:54.389 --> 00:13:57.429 backstage, shared frustrations, celebrated small 00:13:57.429 --> 00:13:59.870 victories. That's where lifelong bonds are forged 00:13:59.870 --> 00:14:02.309 and where a comedian truly finds their voice 00:14:02.309 --> 00:14:05.129 for a performer. This is where you learn to read 00:14:05.129 --> 00:14:07.889 a room, to fail publicly, to pick yourself up 00:14:07.889 --> 00:14:10.230 or find your material under fire. It's an environment 00:14:10.230 --> 00:14:13.129 that strips away pretense, demands authenticity, 00:14:13.669 --> 00:14:15.870 which, as we're seeing, is a core characteristic 00:14:15.870 --> 00:14:19.710 of Velez's appeal. This early grind, this significant 00:14:19.710 --> 00:14:22.590 friendship, would soon lead to much broader recognition, 00:14:22.990 --> 00:14:25.269 opportunities beyond the club circuit. And those 00:14:25.269 --> 00:14:27.629 broader opportunities certainly came knocking. 00:14:28.570 --> 00:14:31.230 We move now to what I'm calling the ascent. a 00:14:31.230 --> 00:14:33.509 period marked by significant competition wins, 00:14:34.250 --> 00:14:37.429 valuable TV exposure. Our sources highlight a 00:14:37.429 --> 00:14:40.649 big moment in 2014. Velez won the prestigious 00:14:40.649 --> 00:14:42.750 New York's funniest stand -up competition at 00:14:42.750 --> 00:14:44.730 the New York Comedy Festival. That's more than 00:14:44.730 --> 00:14:46.950 just a trophy, isn't it? It's a major statement. 00:14:47.149 --> 00:14:50.509 That win was absolutely a major validation, a 00:14:50.509 --> 00:14:53.269 clear demarcation point in his career. Not just 00:14:53.269 --> 00:14:55.970 a trophy, it catapulted him into the professional 00:14:55.970 --> 00:14:58.730 comedy scene. Significant visibility within the 00:14:58.730 --> 00:15:00.870 industry. This was a clear signal to agents, 00:15:01.049 --> 00:15:03.649 bookers, producers. Velez was a talent to watch, 00:15:03.970 --> 00:15:05.950 proving his mettle in a highly competitive environment. 00:15:06.809 --> 00:15:08.889 For any comedians, winning a comp like that is 00:15:08.889 --> 00:15:10.889 often the moment. Years of grinding in clubs 00:15:10.889 --> 00:15:13.840 finally pays off. opens doors previously shut, 00:15:14.139 --> 00:15:16.320 moves them from local talent to a recognized 00:15:16.320 --> 00:15:18.639 legitimate force in the New York comedy landscape. 00:15:19.019 --> 00:15:21.080 Gives you a platform, a stamp of approval that 00:15:21.080 --> 00:15:23.720 truly matters. And as a direct result of that 00:15:23.720 --> 00:15:26.159 win, he landed a role as one of the contributors 00:15:26.159 --> 00:15:28.889 for the nightly show with Larry Wilmore. ran 00:15:28.889 --> 00:15:32.450 from 2015 to 2016. That's national television, 00:15:32.750 --> 00:15:36.450 a dream gig for many. Huge. However, interestingly, 00:15:36.769 --> 00:15:39.129 Velez himself expressed that the experience taught 00:15:39.129 --> 00:15:41.470 him he didn't actually enjoy making daily television. 00:15:41.970 --> 00:15:44.429 That's a surprising and rather mature piece of 00:15:44.429 --> 00:15:46.330 self -reflection. It's an incredibly insightful 00:15:46.330 --> 00:15:48.629 piece of self -awareness. Speaks volumes about 00:15:48.629 --> 00:15:51.049 his artistic priorities, his time on the nightly 00:15:51.049 --> 00:15:55.080 show. invaluable experience. National TV setting, 00:15:55.460 --> 00:15:58.559 exposure, platform many dream of, gained first 00:15:58.559 --> 00:16:01.000 -hand experience, working fast -paced, high pressure, 00:16:01.399 --> 00:16:04.139 learning topical humor, demands of a daily broadcast 00:16:04.139 --> 00:16:07.259 schedule, but his realization that he didn't 00:16:07.259 --> 00:16:09.789 enjoy it. Crucial for understanding his long 00:16:09.789 --> 00:16:12.129 -term career path. Yeah. Shows a mature understanding 00:16:12.129 --> 00:16:14.409 of what kind of work truly energizes him versus 00:16:14.409 --> 00:16:16.509 what might just be a stepping stone. Easy to 00:16:16.509 --> 00:16:18.490 get caught up in the allure of daily TV, right? 00:16:18.730 --> 00:16:21.129 But knowing yourself well enough to step back, 00:16:21.350 --> 00:16:24.110 redirect your energy. Sign of immense strength. 00:16:24.450 --> 00:16:27.090 Commitment to maintaining his unique voice passion 00:16:27.090 --> 00:16:29.289 allowed him to pivot to forms of comedy that 00:16:29.289 --> 00:16:31.570 felt more authentic, fulfilling. Okay, here's 00:16:31.570 --> 00:16:34.690 where this period takes a truly profound, heartbreaking 00:16:34.690 --> 00:16:38.429 turn. Tragically, his mother died in 2016. a 00:16:38.429 --> 00:16:40.110 few months before the nightly show was canceled. 00:16:40.610 --> 00:16:43.070 The source describes this as a particularly tough 00:16:43.070 --> 00:16:46.149 period, understandably so. But what stands out 00:16:46.149 --> 00:16:48.570 is how he used his stand -up performances, particularly 00:16:48.570 --> 00:16:50.730 at the New York Comedy Club, as part of his healing 00:16:50.730 --> 00:16:53.610 process. That's a powerful testament to the role 00:16:53.610 --> 00:16:56.110 of art in personal grief. This profound connection, 00:16:56.450 --> 00:16:58.529 his mother's death, the show's cancellation, 00:16:58.629 --> 00:17:01.330 his return to stand -up for healing, it's incredibly 00:17:01.330 --> 00:17:04.210 moving. Speaks volumes about the depth of Ricky 00:17:04.210 --> 00:17:07.910 Velez. Highlights comedy's dual role. career, 00:17:08.069 --> 00:17:10.990 and profound, almost primal coping mechanism. 00:17:11.450 --> 00:17:13.710 For many artists, their craft isn't just a job. 00:17:14.029 --> 00:17:15.789 It's intrinsically linked to their emotional, 00:17:15.829 --> 00:17:18.069 psychological well -being, a space where they 00:17:18.069 --> 00:17:20.130 can process life's most difficult experiences. 00:17:20.529 --> 00:17:22.730 Using the stage, a public platform, to process 00:17:22.730 --> 00:17:25.650 such immense grief and loss demonstrates remarkable 00:17:25.650 --> 00:17:28.450 vulnerability. Resilience shows he wasn't just 00:17:28.450 --> 00:17:31.029 performing jokes. He was channeling his deepest, 00:17:31.369 --> 00:17:34.349 rawest personal experiences into his art. which 00:17:34.349 --> 00:17:36.869 inevitably makes his performances richer, more 00:17:36.869 --> 00:17:40.130 authentic, deeply resonant for an audience. This 00:17:40.130 --> 00:17:42.730 period underscores the raw emotional power underlying 00:17:42.730 --> 00:17:45.849 much of his comedy, transforming pain into shared 00:17:45.849 --> 00:17:48.470 human experience through humor. I'm curious, 00:17:48.650 --> 00:17:51.269 how might the intensity of the structured nature 00:17:51.269 --> 00:17:54.410 of daily television have contrasted with the 00:17:54.410 --> 00:17:57.710 more personal, flexible nature of standup, especially 00:17:57.710 --> 00:18:00.069 for someone relying on it for emotional processing 00:18:00.069 --> 00:18:02.470 during such a difficult time? What does this 00:18:02.470 --> 00:18:05.009 period reveal about the resilience needed in 00:18:05.009 --> 00:18:06.970 creative careers? That's an excellent point. 00:18:07.349 --> 00:18:09.869 Daily television, especially topical shows, demands 00:18:09.869 --> 00:18:12.289 a certain detachment. You're analyzing headlines, 00:18:12.650 --> 00:18:14.730 crafting jokes on current events, often hitting 00:18:14.730 --> 00:18:17.269 specific beats, maintaining a persona. within 00:18:17.269 --> 00:18:19.769 tight external deadlines, structured external 00:18:19.769 --> 00:18:22.210 facing driven by the new cycle. Stand -up, particularly 00:18:22.210 --> 00:18:24.809 in a club setting, offers completely different 00:18:24.809 --> 00:18:27.789 freedom, deeply personal, allows for improv, 00:18:28.369 --> 00:18:31.970 raw emotional expression, direct unmediated connection 00:18:31.970 --> 00:18:34.630 with the audience. For someone processing immense 00:18:34.630 --> 00:18:37.470 grief, the structured, maybe impersonal nature 00:18:37.470 --> 00:18:41.369 of daily TV might have felt restrictive, superficial 00:18:41.369 --> 00:18:44.359 even. inauthentic to his internal state. Whereas 00:18:44.359 --> 00:18:47.019 stand -up would provide an immediate unfiltered 00:18:47.019 --> 00:18:49.619 outlet for his pain, his vulnerability. Makes 00:18:49.619 --> 00:18:52.359 sense. The resilience here isn't just about continuing 00:18:52.359 --> 00:18:55.099 to perform. It's about discerning which medium 00:18:55.099 --> 00:18:57.880 best serves his personal and artistic needs during 00:18:57.880 --> 00:19:01.319 a crisis. About adapting his craft to his deepest 00:19:01.319 --> 00:19:04.299 emotional requirements. A powerful act of self 00:19:04.299 --> 00:19:06.980 -preservation, artistic integrity. This discernment 00:19:06.980 --> 00:19:09.220 is key to why his career path feels so authentic. 00:19:09.519 --> 00:19:11.720 And it wasn't just the nightly show keeping him 00:19:11.720 --> 00:19:14.079 busy, he also played guest roles in various TV 00:19:14.079 --> 00:19:16.220 shows during this period, including an episode 00:19:16.220 --> 00:19:18.960 of Crashing in 2018. So even as he was figuring 00:19:18.960 --> 00:19:21.119 out his preferred medium, coping with loss, he 00:19:21.119 --> 00:19:23.119 was still building his resume, honing his craft 00:19:23.119 --> 00:19:25.839 in different formats. You're right. These guest 00:19:25.839 --> 00:19:28.299 roles are essential for any rising performer. 00:19:28.839 --> 00:19:31.380 Provide exposure, allow him to gain experience 00:19:31.380 --> 00:19:33.859 on different sets, keep him visible within the 00:19:33.859 --> 00:19:37.099 industry, demonstrate range, versatility, crashing 00:19:37.099 --> 00:19:39.559 especially. Being a show about stand -up comedians 00:19:39.559 --> 00:19:42.019 would have been a natural valuable fit. Offering 00:19:42.019 --> 00:19:44.299 networking opportunities within the very world 00:19:44.299 --> 00:19:46.640 he was so committed to, it's all part of building 00:19:46.640 --> 00:19:49.589 momentum. Even while navigating profound personal 00:19:49.589 --> 00:19:52.130 challenges, clarifying his artistic direction 00:19:52.130 --> 00:19:55.029 shows he was always moving forward, always learning. 00:19:55.339 --> 00:19:58.259 So from late night TV contributor grappling with 00:19:58.259 --> 00:20:00.779 immense personal loss, Ricky Velez's journey 00:20:00.779 --> 00:20:03.240 now takes a significant turn towards Hollywood, 00:20:03.759 --> 00:20:05.799 bringing him back together with a longtime friend 00:20:05.799 --> 00:20:08.359 for a major film collaboration. And this next 00:20:08.359 --> 00:20:10.779 chapter is indeed significant, marks a clear 00:20:10.779 --> 00:20:13.140 upward trajectory. We're talking the Hollywood 00:20:13.140 --> 00:20:14.980 partnership that brought us the King of Staten 00:20:14.980 --> 00:20:18.970 Island, released in 2021. semi -biographical 00:20:18.970 --> 00:20:20.890 story about, yeah, his friend Pete Davidson, 00:20:21.450 --> 00:20:23.690 directed by the legendary Judd Apatow. What's 00:20:23.690 --> 00:20:26.109 truly notable here is Velez's deep involvement. 00:20:26.650 --> 00:20:29.190 Co -starred as Oscar, but also served as a writer 00:20:29.190 --> 00:20:32.789 and producer on the film. That's a powerful multifaceted 00:20:32.789 --> 00:20:35.640 role. That's a huge step, isn't it? From grinding 00:20:35.640 --> 00:20:38.680 in comedy clubs, contributing to TV shows, to 00:20:38.680 --> 00:20:41.160 being co -star, co -writer, co -producer on a 00:20:41.160 --> 00:20:44.720 major Hollywood film, really showcases his talents 00:20:44.720 --> 00:20:47.079 extending far beyond just stand -up. And the 00:20:47.079 --> 00:20:50.240 story behind his casting is quite personal. Cast 00:20:50.240 --> 00:20:53.440 in June 2019 after Pete Davidson, his longtime 00:20:53.440 --> 00:20:55.819 best friend, personally asked him to audition. 00:20:56.000 --> 00:20:58.880 For the part of one of his close friends, specifically 00:20:58.880 --> 00:21:01.420 one who's a bad influence on Davidson's character, 00:21:01.759 --> 00:21:03.839 that's a candid reflection of their real -life 00:21:03.839 --> 00:21:06.700 dynamic brought to screen. This project genuinely 00:21:06.700 --> 00:21:09.420 represents a truly significant multi -faceted 00:21:09.420 --> 00:21:12.740 leap for Velez, demonstrates profound trust from 00:21:12.740 --> 00:21:15.420 both Apatow and Davidson, shows they recognize 00:21:15.420 --> 00:21:17.700 his capabilities extended far beyond just performing 00:21:17.700 --> 00:21:20.440 on stage. Being co -star, co -writer, co -producer 00:21:20.440 --> 00:21:22.180 means he wasn't just an actor for hire, he was 00:21:22.180 --> 00:21:24.680 integral, shaping the narrative, the creative 00:21:24.680 --> 00:21:27.029 vision. The story of Davidson personally asking 00:21:27.029 --> 00:21:30.289 him to audition for a role mirroring their friendship, 00:21:30.930 --> 00:21:33.650 testament to their deep bond, Belize's authentic 00:21:33.650 --> 00:21:37.009 personality. The bad influence detail adds that 00:21:37.009 --> 00:21:40.200 layer of humor. reality to their dynamic, reflects 00:21:40.200 --> 00:21:43.299 the complex, often messy, but deeply loyal nature 00:21:43.299 --> 00:21:45.839 of real friendships. It's a profound full circle 00:21:45.839 --> 00:21:48.059 moment, right? Struggling roommates to collaborating 00:21:48.059 --> 00:21:50.420 on a major Hollywood production, drawing directly 00:21:50.420 --> 00:21:53.180 from their shared history, underscores how deep 00:21:53.180 --> 00:21:55.660 personal relationships can fuel significant artistic 00:21:55.660 --> 00:21:57.960 endeavors. What's also highlighted is Velez's 00:21:57.960 --> 00:21:59.880 excitement about dealing with topics like mental 00:21:59.880 --> 00:22:02.220 health in the film. Ties directly back to his 00:22:02.220 --> 00:22:04.619 personal experiences. His use of comedy for healing 00:22:04.619 --> 00:22:07.210 reinforces that authenticity, doesn't it? It 00:22:07.210 --> 00:22:08.869 absolutely does. It's a crucial thread through 00:22:08.869 --> 00:22:11.529 his entire career. His excitement to address 00:22:11.529 --> 00:22:13.630 mental health themes isn't just a passing comment. 00:22:13.950 --> 00:22:16.930 It's a direct echo of his own journey. Using 00:22:16.930 --> 00:22:20.029 standup to cope with depression, grief, reinforces 00:22:20.029 --> 00:22:22.390 the idea that for Velez, art is intrinsically 00:22:22.390 --> 00:22:24.430 intertwined with personal experience, healing. 00:22:25.059 --> 00:22:27.160 Shows he's not just interested in surface level 00:22:27.160 --> 00:22:29.359 entertainment, but using his platform to explore 00:22:29.359 --> 00:22:32.079 meaningful, vulnerable issues, resonating with 00:22:32.079 --> 00:22:34.779 a wide audience. This commitment to authenticity, 00:22:35.240 --> 00:22:37.619 this desire to turn personal struggle into shared 00:22:37.619 --> 00:22:40.400 understanding, core part of his artistic identity, 00:22:41.019 --> 00:22:42.900 explains why his work connects so deeply. He 00:22:42.900 --> 00:22:45.799 wants to talk about the messy, real stuff. The 00:22:45.799 --> 00:22:48.000 King of Staten Island provided an ideal vehicle. 00:22:48.059 --> 00:22:49.940 And as if that wasn't enough career momentum, 00:22:50.299 --> 00:22:53.730 in 2021, a big industry stamp of approval. Velez 00:22:53.730 --> 00:22:56.589 was signed by William Morris Endeavor WME, major 00:22:56.589 --> 00:22:58.710 talent agency. That's a clear signal, isn't it, 00:22:58.829 --> 00:23:00.890 when you know you've truly arrived on the national 00:23:00.890 --> 00:23:04.430 stage. Signing with WME is an unequivocal indicator, 00:23:05.109 --> 00:23:08.029 rapidly rising profile, significant industry 00:23:08.029 --> 00:23:10.609 recognition. It's the kind of move that marks 00:23:10.609 --> 00:23:13.170 an artist as a significant talent with broad 00:23:13.170 --> 00:23:15.599 potential. Signals the industry sees him not 00:23:15.599 --> 00:23:17.799 just as a comedian, but as a versatile performer, 00:23:17.940 --> 00:23:19.980 writer, producer with a promising future across 00:23:19.980 --> 00:23:22.599 multiple platforms. Opens doors to even bigger 00:23:22.599 --> 00:23:25.500 projects, further collaborations, solidifies 00:23:25.500 --> 00:23:28.380 his position as a serious player. This transition, 00:23:28.920 --> 00:23:32.259 club stages, TV contributions, to multi -hyphenate 00:23:32.259 --> 00:23:35.099 role in a major film, then securing representation 00:23:35.099 --> 00:23:38.420 with a top agency. classic trajectory of a burgeoning 00:23:38.420 --> 00:23:40.940 star, shows his hard work, talent, authentic 00:23:40.940 --> 00:23:43.839 voice were now undeniable to the industry's gatekeepers. 00:23:44.180 --> 00:23:46.299 So this film collaboration, testament to his 00:23:46.299 --> 00:23:48.500 friendship with Davidson, plus the agency signing, 00:23:49.019 --> 00:23:51.759 truly set the stage for Ricky Velez's most significant 00:23:51.759 --> 00:23:54.319 personal introduction to the world. A moment 00:23:54.319 --> 00:23:56.180 years in the making. And that introduction arrived 00:23:56.180 --> 00:23:58.960 in a truly impactful way. Judd Apatow, clearly 00:23:58.960 --> 00:24:00.799 recognizing Velez's talent, their collaborative 00:24:00.799 --> 00:24:02.920 chemistry on King of Staten Island, stepped in 00:24:02.920 --> 00:24:04.700 to help Velez release his first stand -up special. 00:24:04.910 --> 00:24:08.089 Ricky Velez. Here's everything. HBO, October 00:24:08.089 --> 00:24:11.529 2021. Huge platform. Massive. And the fact it 00:24:11.529 --> 00:24:13.849 was executive produced by both Apatow and Pete 00:24:13.849 --> 00:24:16.970 Davidson. Really. underscores their strong belief 00:24:16.970 --> 00:24:20.109 in Velez's comedic voice, his material, his unique 00:24:20.109 --> 00:24:22.609 ability to connect, powerful endorsement from 00:24:22.609 --> 00:24:25.230 two titans of comedy. This HBO special feels 00:24:25.230 --> 00:24:26.849 like the culmination of everything we've talked 00:24:26.849 --> 00:24:29.769 about. Queen's roots, struggles, resilience, 00:24:30.109 --> 00:24:32.750 friendships. The special directly addresses themes 00:24:32.750 --> 00:24:35.170 of mental health, his family, and Velez himself 00:24:35.170 --> 00:24:37.670 described it as me introducing myself to the 00:24:37.670 --> 00:24:39.970 world. That's such an intimate, revealing statement 00:24:39.970 --> 00:24:42.750 for a first major special, isn't it? Suggests 00:24:42.750 --> 00:24:45.119 profound vulnerability. It truly is the culmination. 00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:48.000 Years of hard work, personal growth, and critically, 00:24:48.420 --> 00:24:50.500 industry support from those who recognized his 00:24:50.500 --> 00:24:53.220 unique talent. The thematic focus on mental health, 00:24:53.460 --> 00:24:56.680 family, not incidental, reinforces the deeply 00:24:56.680 --> 00:24:59.000 personal, vulnerable nature of his comedy. It's 00:24:59.000 --> 00:25:00.799 what allows him to connect with audiences on 00:25:00.799 --> 00:25:03.440 profoundly human issues, turning his specific 00:25:03.440 --> 00:25:05.579 experiences into universally understood insights. 00:25:05.980 --> 00:25:08.200 His description, introducing myself to the world, 00:25:08.440 --> 00:25:10.460 perfectly captures that intimate, revealing tone. 00:25:10.539 --> 00:25:12.859 Right. He's not just telling jokes. He's laying 00:25:12.910 --> 00:25:16.109 bear his experiences, struggles, heritages, everything, 00:25:16.309 --> 00:25:18.490 you know, inviting the audience to understand 00:25:18.490 --> 00:25:21.430 him on a deeper, more empathetic level. This 00:25:21.430 --> 00:25:24.470 kind of honesty is incredibly disarming, powerful, 00:25:25.089 --> 00:25:27.150 forges a deep connection beyond mere laughter. 00:25:27.430 --> 00:25:30.230 He's saying, this is who I am, entirely flaws 00:25:30.230 --> 00:25:32.690 and all. There's a memorable detail about the 00:25:32.690 --> 00:25:35.279 filming location too. Originally, he tried to 00:25:35.279 --> 00:25:37.119 film it at his high school alma mater, Frank 00:25:37.119 --> 00:25:39.279 Sinatra School of the Arts, but the Board of 00:25:39.279 --> 00:25:41.319 Education didn't permit it. Oh, wow. Eventually 00:25:41.319 --> 00:25:43.720 filmed over two shows at Brooklyn Steel, August 00:25:43.720 --> 00:25:46.640 28, 2021. Most footage used from the second show, 00:25:46.839 --> 00:25:48.940 quite the journey just to get it filmed facing 00:25:48.940 --> 00:25:51.500 hurdles even then. That anecdote is fantastic, 00:25:51.680 --> 00:25:53.920 speaks volumes about Velez's clear desire to 00:25:53.920 --> 00:25:56.640 connect back to his roots. To film this deeply 00:25:56.640 --> 00:25:59.519 personal intro in a place that specifically shaped 00:25:59.519 --> 00:26:02.299 him. Even though the vision wasn't fully realized, 00:26:02.720 --> 00:26:05.359 the intention is palpable. Tells us about his 00:26:05.359 --> 00:26:07.640 enduring connection to his past. And the fact 00:26:07.640 --> 00:26:09.599 it was eventually filmed at Brooklyn Steel after 00:26:09.599 --> 00:26:11.819 touring for five months prior to develop and 00:26:11.819 --> 00:26:14.420 refine material. And did so during the height 00:26:14.420 --> 00:26:18.119 of the COVID -19 pandemic. Highlights incredible 00:26:18.119 --> 00:26:20.539 dedication, resilience. Yeah, during the pandemic. 00:26:20.839 --> 00:26:23.430 Crazy. Imagine honing your craft. Testing new 00:26:23.430 --> 00:26:26.190 material, performing live, connecting with audiences 00:26:26.190 --> 00:26:29.069 in such challenging, isolating times, when the 00:26:29.069 --> 00:26:31.210 world itself was grappling with unprecedented 00:26:31.210 --> 00:26:34.250 uncertainty, that rigorous process, touring, 00:26:34.589 --> 00:26:36.269 refining, especially during a global crisis, 00:26:36.650 --> 00:26:38.410 would undoubtedly infuse the material with even 00:26:38.410 --> 00:26:40.990 greater urgency, introspection, raw honesty, 00:26:41.730 --> 00:26:44.009 making the eventual special that much more potent, 00:26:44.430 --> 00:26:46.329 relatable to an audience that had also experienced 00:26:46.329 --> 00:26:48.940 profound disruption. And the reception to all 00:26:48.940 --> 00:26:51.400 that hard work, dedication, personal vulnerability 00:26:51.400 --> 00:26:55.319 was overwhelmingly positive, received glowing 00:26:55.319 --> 00:26:57.700 reviews. Jason Zineman of the New York Times 00:26:57.700 --> 00:27:00.539 described it as a solid introduction to a spiky 00:27:00.539 --> 00:27:03.640 propulsive comedy, as I praise, confirms his 00:27:03.640 --> 00:27:06.880 arrival as a significant voice. That positive 00:27:06.880 --> 00:27:08.940 critical reception, especially from the Times, 00:27:09.339 --> 00:27:11.539 isn't just a nice comment. It solidifies his 00:27:11.539 --> 00:27:14.640 standing, validates his unique style. Zineman's 00:27:14.640 --> 00:27:17.390 description. Spiky hints at its sharp edges, 00:27:17.829 --> 00:27:20.190 willingness to tackle uncomfortable truths, puncturing 00:27:20.190 --> 00:27:22.470 norms or pretensions with a quick, incisive line, 00:27:22.890 --> 00:27:24.809 and propulsive. Could describe his energetic 00:27:24.809 --> 00:27:26.730 delivery, how he builds momentum with cadence, 00:27:27.049 --> 00:27:29.190 pacing, driving towards a comedic revelation 00:27:29.190 --> 00:27:31.150 or poignant punchline without letting the audience 00:27:31.150 --> 00:27:33.769 disengage. This critical endorsement, after years 00:27:33.769 --> 00:27:36.289 of grind, personal challenges, unwavering commitment, 00:27:36.849 --> 00:27:38.690 confirmed his authentic, vulnerable approach 00:27:38.690 --> 00:27:41.289 was resonating. Not just with audiences, but 00:27:41.289 --> 00:27:43.880 with tastemakers, critics, too. It was the moment 00:27:43.880 --> 00:27:46.480 the world truly met Ricky Velez and liked what 00:27:46.480 --> 00:27:49.299 it saw. I'm left thinking about how touring and 00:27:49.299 --> 00:27:51.720 refining his material during the isolation, the 00:27:51.720 --> 00:27:54.559 uncertainty of a pandemic, might have particularly 00:27:54.559 --> 00:27:57.000 influenced the introspective, deeply personal 00:27:57.000 --> 00:27:59.839 nature of that special. What does it mean for 00:27:59.839 --> 00:28:01.779 a comedian to finally introduce themselves to 00:28:01.779 --> 00:28:04.200 a mass audience after so many years of development, 00:28:04.619 --> 00:28:06.740 especially when the world is in such a strange, 00:28:06.859 --> 00:28:09.400 vulnerable place? That's a profound question. 00:28:10.200 --> 00:28:12.640 Adds incredible depth to the special's impact. 00:28:12.839 --> 00:28:15.940 The pandemic era stripped away usual distractions, 00:28:16.440 --> 00:28:19.380 forced deeper introspection for everyone. For 00:28:19.380 --> 00:28:21.440 a comedian like Velez already drawing heavily 00:28:21.440 --> 00:28:23.599 from personal life, that period of collective 00:28:23.599 --> 00:28:26.460 isolation, uncertainty, would have intensified 00:28:26.460 --> 00:28:29.359 his focus on internal experiences, universal 00:28:29.359 --> 00:28:31.660 human struggles, might have made his material 00:28:31.660 --> 00:28:34.980 even more raw, more honest, more relatable. Because 00:28:34.980 --> 00:28:37.079 everyone was experiencing a form of communal 00:28:37.079 --> 00:28:39.579 vulnerability. Right, shared experience. Exactly. 00:28:39.859 --> 00:28:42.019 To finally introduce yourself to the world after 00:28:42.019 --> 00:28:44.460 such a period when collective grief, anxiety, 00:28:44.779 --> 00:28:47.720 were so palpable, means you're presenting a fully 00:28:47.720 --> 00:28:50.000 formed, deeply considered version of yourself. 00:28:50.319 --> 00:28:52.660 Honed in a crucible of both personal and global 00:28:52.660 --> 00:28:55.019 challenges, it's an introduction imbued with 00:28:55.019 --> 00:28:58.519 weight, wisdom, fierce authenticity, creating 00:28:58.519 --> 00:29:01.299 an immediate powerful bond with an audience more 00:29:01.299 --> 00:29:03.339 receptive to genuine connection than ever before. 00:29:03.599 --> 00:29:06.700 And with his introduction complete, Velez clearly 00:29:06.700 --> 00:29:09.579 wasn't resting. He continues to expand his presence 00:29:09.579 --> 00:29:11.900 across different media. And that expansion truly 00:29:11.900 --> 00:29:14.400 shows diverse roles, personal milestones since 00:29:14.400 --> 00:29:17.160 the special. In 2023, for instance, Velez portrayed 00:29:17.160 --> 00:29:19.720 Alice in the TV comedy Single Drunk Female, not 00:29:19.720 --> 00:29:22.220 just a one -off, recurring character. Former 00:29:22.220 --> 00:29:24.119 boss, eventual boyfriend of the main character, 00:29:24.279 --> 00:29:26.940 Sam, across six episodes. That's significant 00:29:26.940 --> 00:29:29.079 growth as an actor, more developed character 00:29:29.079 --> 00:29:31.730 arc, showcasing a different side. It absolutely 00:29:31.730 --> 00:29:34.450 is. Demonstrates his increasing versatility beyond 00:29:34.450 --> 00:29:37.029 stand -up. Taking on a recurring role like Alex 00:29:37.029 --> 00:29:39.369 with a developed arc shows he's not just limited 00:29:39.369 --> 00:29:41.750 to comedic guest spots or playing versions of 00:29:41.750 --> 00:29:44.490 himself. Capable of embodying a character who 00:29:44.490 --> 00:29:47.710 evolves, navigates complex relationships, contributes 00:29:47.710 --> 00:29:50.430 meaningfully to a storyline. This versatility 00:29:50.430 --> 00:29:53.789 across film, TV highlights his range beyond purely 00:29:53.789 --> 00:29:56.490 comedic roles. Though his natural humor undoubtedly 00:29:56.490 --> 00:29:59.269 informs how he approaches these parts, it's a 00:29:59.269 --> 00:30:02.119 strategic move. broaden his appeal, demonstrate 00:30:02.119 --> 00:30:04.359 his acting chops, show he can inhabit a character 00:30:04.359 --> 00:30:06.740 for an extended period, bring nuance to a more 00:30:06.740 --> 00:30:09.119 dramatic, leaning comedy. Beyond Single Drunk 00:30:09.119 --> 00:30:11.660 Female, the source lists quite a few other film 00:30:11.660 --> 00:30:14.779 and TV appearances. Films like I Love My Dad, 00:30:14.920 --> 00:30:18.460 The Listener in 2022, even Scrawny Boon in Good 00:30:18.460 --> 00:30:22.779 Burger 2 in 2023. On TV, Master of None, Paws 00:30:22.779 --> 00:30:25.339 with Sam Jay, Bupkis, even Voice Work for 10 00:30:25.339 --> 00:30:28.240 -year -old Tom. This consistent presence across 00:30:28.240 --> 00:30:30.720 varied projects really highlights a strong work 00:30:30.720 --> 00:30:33.279 ethic, doesn't it? Desire to explore all facets 00:30:33.279 --> 00:30:36.240 of the industry. It truly does. This comprehensive 00:30:36.240 --> 00:30:38.960 list isn't just about accumulating roles. It 00:30:38.960 --> 00:30:41.200 indicates a consistent, disciplined presence, 00:30:41.660 --> 00:30:43.859 shows he's always working, always pushing his 00:30:43.859 --> 00:30:46.500 boundaries, highlights a strong work ethic, clear 00:30:46.500 --> 00:30:48.819 commitment to expanding his career beyond the 00:30:48.819 --> 00:30:52.440 standup stage. Each role big or small, contributes 00:30:52.440 --> 00:30:54.559 to his experience, allows him to work with different 00:30:54.559 --> 00:30:57.039 directors, actors, keeps him visible to casting 00:30:57.039 --> 00:30:59.480 agents. Playing a scrawny goon in Good Burger 00:30:59.480 --> 00:31:02.200 2 might seem small, but shows willingness to 00:31:02.200 --> 00:31:05.339 embrace varied comedic roles, tapping into more 00:31:05.339 --> 00:31:07.759 physical or character -driven humor. Different 00:31:07.759 --> 00:31:10.279 muscles. Exactly. Different from his observational 00:31:10.279 --> 00:31:12.880 standup. His appearance in Bupkis alongside Pete 00:31:12.880 --> 00:31:15.460 Davidson again underscores that enduring collaborative 00:31:15.460 --> 00:31:18.099 spirit. Mutual support in his circle shows how 00:31:18.099 --> 00:31:20.539 those early bonds continue to bear fruit professionally. 00:31:20.730 --> 00:31:22.710 It's a smart way to build a sustainable, multi 00:31:22.710 --> 00:31:25.309 -faceted career, showcasing ability to adapt 00:31:25.309 --> 00:31:28.170 to various genres, formats, voice work to film 00:31:28.170 --> 00:31:30.849 cameos. And then, circling back to his personal 00:31:30.849 --> 00:31:33.910 life, we get more nuanced details, at even more 00:31:33.910 --> 00:31:36.230 depth. The period when he was roommates with 00:31:36.230 --> 00:31:38.809 Pete Davidson in Brooklyn Heights. Velez was 00:31:38.809 --> 00:31:43.039 21, described as fun but unhealthy. That's a 00:31:43.039 --> 00:31:44.900 very honest reflection, especially looking back 00:31:44.900 --> 00:31:47.759 on younger years. It's incredibly honest, adds 00:31:47.759 --> 00:31:50.220 another crucial layer of realism to their friendship 00:31:50.220 --> 00:31:53.099 narrative, reflects a realistic growth from wild 00:31:53.099 --> 00:31:55.779 youth to more mature adulthood, a journey many 00:31:55.779 --> 00:31:58.599 people can relate to. Those early adult years, 00:31:59.059 --> 00:32:02.240 often chaotic mix. exhilarating freedom, questionable 00:32:02.240 --> 00:32:05.240 choices, intense self -discovery. Acknowledging 00:32:05.240 --> 00:32:07.660 that period as fun but unhealthy speaks to a 00:32:07.660 --> 00:32:10.079 level of self -awareness, maturity that enriches 00:32:10.079 --> 00:32:12.539 his personal story, shows he's reflected on his 00:32:12.539 --> 00:32:15.000 past with an honest eye. paint some more complete 00:32:15.000 --> 00:32:17.619 picture of who he was, how he's evolved, which 00:32:17.619 --> 00:32:19.980 again, makes him more relatable, authentic, implies 00:32:19.980 --> 00:32:22.380 a journey of learning, navigating pitfalls of 00:32:22.380 --> 00:32:24.759 youth, ultimately striving for self -improvement, 00:32:25.039 --> 00:32:28.319 a healthier path, powerful insight into the foundations 00:32:28.319 --> 00:32:31.099 of his friendship with Davidson, forged not just 00:32:31.099 --> 00:32:33.380 in fun, but in navigating challenges together. 00:32:33.599 --> 00:32:36.059 And we've touched on his mother's death in 2016, 00:32:36.500 --> 00:32:38.640 how standup became part of his healing during 00:32:38.640 --> 00:32:41.220 that tough time. But the source adds a really 00:32:41.220 --> 00:32:44.259 important detail. During the pandemic, when standup 00:32:44.259 --> 00:32:47.220 wasn't available as an outlet due to lockdowns, 00:32:47.440 --> 00:32:50.380 Velez started attending therapy. That's a powerful 00:32:50.380 --> 00:32:53.259 statement about mental wellbeing. Commitment 00:32:53.259 --> 00:32:56.000 to self -care. Tremendously important detail. 00:32:56.400 --> 00:32:58.779 Speaks directly to his ongoing commitment to 00:32:58.779 --> 00:33:01.579 mental wellbeing beyond just relying on his art. 00:33:01.740 --> 00:33:04.660 When his primary coping mechanisms stand up that 00:33:04.660 --> 00:33:06.819 instant gratification was curtailed by the pandemic, 00:33:07.759 --> 00:33:10.240 he proactively sought professional help. This 00:33:10.240 --> 00:33:12.539 not only demonstrates personal growth, conscious 00:33:12.539 --> 00:33:14.380 commitment to his own health, but also plays 00:33:14.380 --> 00:33:16.960 a significant role in destigmatizing therapy, 00:33:17.460 --> 00:33:18.980 seeking help for mental health challenges. Yeah, 00:33:19.000 --> 00:33:20.960 that's huge. For a public figure to share this 00:33:20.960 --> 00:33:24.359 honestly sends a powerful message. It's okay, 00:33:24.559 --> 00:33:27.079 even necessary, to seek professional support 00:33:27.079 --> 00:33:29.259 when you need it. Rather than just relying on 00:33:29.259 --> 00:33:31.920 previous coping mechanisms, reinforces the depth 00:33:31.920 --> 00:33:33.920 of personal honesty that's core to his appeal, 00:33:34.420 --> 00:33:36.940 shows willingness to adapt, grow, even facing 00:33:36.940 --> 00:33:39.519 new challenges. It's a real act of courage. And 00:33:39.519 --> 00:33:42.880 finally, a truly heartwarming detail. He has 00:33:42.880 --> 00:33:46.039 a son, born in 2018, who can actually be seen 00:33:46.039 --> 00:33:48.880 playing guitar at the end of his 2021 HBO special. 00:33:49.079 --> 00:33:51.960 Such a poignant touch. Connecting his personal 00:33:51.960 --> 00:33:54.140 life directly to his most significant artistic 00:33:54.140 --> 00:33:57.160 output. Glimpse into his world as a father. It's 00:33:57.160 --> 00:33:59.740 a beautiful full circle moment. Provides a deeply 00:33:59.740 --> 00:34:02.460 human touch to his public persona. The detail 00:34:02.460 --> 00:34:04.259 about his son, especially his appearance at the 00:34:04.259 --> 00:34:07.119 end of the HBO special. Profoundly heartwarming. 00:34:07.480 --> 00:34:10.139 Poignant. Reveals a softer, more grounded side 00:34:10.139 --> 00:34:13.139 to Velez. Signals a new chapter, new motivations. 00:34:13.679 --> 00:34:16.300 Provides a tangible emotional link between his 00:34:16.300 --> 00:34:18.559 intensely personal life and artistic output. 00:34:18.840 --> 00:34:21.880 Having a child fundamentally changes perspective, 00:34:21.940 --> 00:34:23.960 priorities, and certainly material. Oh, yeah. 00:34:24.119 --> 00:34:26.320 Likely infuses his comedy with a new layer of 00:34:26.320 --> 00:34:28.500 vulnerability to responsibility humor only fatherhood 00:34:28.500 --> 00:34:31.039 can bring, allowing him to tap into a whole new 00:34:31.039 --> 00:34:33.920 wellspring of relatable experiences. It's a powerful 00:34:33.920 --> 00:34:36.119 visual testament to how his personal life intertwines 00:34:36.119 --> 00:34:38.380 with his public performance, glimpsed into the 00:34:38.380 --> 00:34:40.400 depth of his character beyond the jokes, into 00:34:40.400 --> 00:34:42.719 the profound joy grounding that family provides. 00:34:43.079 --> 00:34:45.380 So if we consider his entire journey from that 00:34:45.380 --> 00:34:47.860 fun but unhealthy living situation with Pete 00:34:47.860 --> 00:34:50.780 Davidson, Through navigating immense personal 00:34:50.780 --> 00:34:54.179 loss to embracing fatherhood and therapy, how 00:34:54.179 --> 00:34:56.360 do you think that progression potentially influences 00:34:56.360 --> 00:34:59.039 his comedic perspective and material now? What 00:34:59.039 --> 00:35:01.280 does it say about finding balance, maturity, 00:35:01.500 --> 00:35:03.679 while somehow maintaining that sharp artistic 00:35:03.679 --> 00:35:06.019 edge we know him for? It speaks volumes about 00:35:06.019 --> 00:35:08.460 his evolution as an artist and a person. The 00:35:08.460 --> 00:35:11.420 journey from fun but unhealthy period to embracing 00:35:11.420 --> 00:35:14.309 fatherhood, actively attending therapy. suggests 00:35:14.309 --> 00:35:17.170 profound shift in priorities, deeper engagement 00:35:17.170 --> 00:35:19.889 with self -reflection, growth. This evolution 00:35:19.889 --> 00:35:21.969 likely provides him with richer, more complex 00:35:21.969 --> 00:35:24.369 material. His comedy can now draw from wisdom 00:35:24.369 --> 00:35:26.650 gained through mistakes, the profound joys and 00:35:26.650 --> 00:35:29.090 daily frustrations of parenting, insights gleaned 00:35:29.090 --> 00:35:31.550 from therapy, allowing him to find humor in both 00:35:31.550 --> 00:35:33.730 the past wildness and present responsibilities, 00:35:34.289 --> 00:35:36.289 creates a more balanced, nuanced, comedic voice. 00:35:36.329 --> 00:35:38.610 Yeah, makes sense. He doesn't lose his spiky, 00:35:38.670 --> 00:35:41.369 propulsive edge. Rather, that authenticity is 00:35:41.369 --> 00:35:43.940 still there. But it's now when formed by greater 00:35:43.940 --> 00:35:46.539 maturity, empathy, a more rounded perspective 00:35:46.539 --> 00:35:49.079 on life's complexities. He's not softening his 00:35:49.079 --> 00:35:51.840 edge, he's broadening its scope, making his observations 00:35:51.840 --> 00:35:54.519 more resonant, his humor more profound, precisely 00:35:54.519 --> 00:35:56.840 because it's rooted in a more complete understanding 00:35:56.840 --> 00:35:59.320 of the human experience. It's about evolving 00:35:59.320 --> 00:36:01.860 as a person, allowing that evolution to fuel 00:36:01.860 --> 00:36:04.719 his art, not diminish it, making his work even 00:36:04.719 --> 00:36:07.389 more layered, compelling. What an incredible 00:36:07.389 --> 00:36:09.989 trajectory we've explored today. Ricky Velez's 00:36:09.989 --> 00:36:12.869 journey, truly a testament to resilience, relentless 00:36:12.869 --> 00:36:15.849 dedication, and above all, authenticity. We've 00:36:15.849 --> 00:36:17.889 seen him rise from a blue collar upbringing in 00:36:17.889 --> 00:36:20.489 Queens, navigate the intense world of comedy 00:36:20.489 --> 00:36:22.909 clubs, confront profound personal struggles, 00:36:23.309 --> 00:36:26.110 and ultimately emerge as a celebrated comedian, 00:36:26.489 --> 00:36:29.849 writer, actor with that major HBO special significant 00:36:29.849 --> 00:36:32.889 film and TV roles. It's a journey filled with 00:36:32.889 --> 00:36:36.409 both grit and grace. Indeed. What makes Ricky 00:36:36.409 --> 00:36:38.530 Velez truly stand out, what we've seen consistently, 00:36:39.010 --> 00:36:41.789 is his profound authentic vulnerability. His 00:36:41.789 --> 00:36:44.469 unwavering willingness to weave his entire personal 00:36:44.469 --> 00:36:47.469 narrative, mental health, deep grief, family, 00:36:47.929 --> 00:36:50.210 complex friendships, struggles of self -discovery 00:36:50.210 --> 00:36:53.039 into the very fabric of his comedy. His unique 00:36:53.039 --> 00:36:55.400 ability to take everything from his life, distill 00:36:55.400 --> 00:36:58.599 those raw, often messy experiences into relatable, 00:36:58.860 --> 00:37:01.440 spiky, propulsive comedy, is precisely what resonates 00:37:01.440 --> 00:37:04.519 so deeply with his audience. He's a living, breathing 00:37:04.519 --> 00:37:06.639 testament to how deeply personal experience, 00:37:07.099 --> 00:37:09.639 shared with such honesty, courage, comedic skill, 00:37:10.000 --> 00:37:12.380 can be transformed into universal art that truly 00:37:12.380 --> 00:37:15.409 connects, heals. And that brings us to a thought 00:37:15.409 --> 00:37:17.869 for you, our listener, to mull over long after 00:37:17.869 --> 00:37:20.469 this deep dive concludes. Ricky Velez's journey, 00:37:20.630 --> 00:37:22.949 his special Here's Everything, remind us that 00:37:22.949 --> 00:37:25.250 true insight often comes from embracing our whole, 00:37:25.309 --> 00:37:27.789 complicated selves, courageously sharing our 00:37:27.789 --> 00:37:29.670 personal stories, finding the humor and healing 00:37:29.670 --> 00:37:32.630 in our own messiness. So what parts of everything 00:37:32.630 --> 00:37:35.110 in your life are waiting to be explored, understood, 00:37:35.369 --> 00:37:37.909 and perhaps even shared? A powerful and reflective 00:37:37.909 --> 00:37:40.440 thought to end on. Yeah. We deeply encourage 00:37:40.440 --> 00:37:43.119 you to seek out Ricky Velez's work, whether it's 00:37:43.119 --> 00:37:45.420 this critically acclaimed HBO special, Here's 00:37:45.420 --> 00:37:47.760 Everything, his film appearances or his various 00:37:47.760 --> 00:37:50.579 television roles to experience his unique voice 00:37:50.579 --> 00:37:53.159 firsthand. Thank you for joining us on this deep 00:37:53.159 --> 00:37:55.579 dive into the remarkable and inspiring world 00:37:55.579 --> 00:37:57.099 of Ricky Velez. We'll catch you next time.