WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.759 Welcome, Deep Divers, to another journey into 00:00:02.759 --> 00:00:07.620 the truly unique and multifaceted careers that 00:00:07.620 --> 00:00:10.740 so often defy conventional wisdom. They really 00:00:10.740 --> 00:00:13.339 do. Today, we're plunging into a story that starts 00:00:13.339 --> 00:00:16.440 with a John Belushi -like madman. Well, at least 00:00:16.440 --> 00:00:17.960 that's how the New York Times once described 00:00:17.960 --> 00:00:20.620 him. Quite a description. It is. But his actual 00:00:20.620 --> 00:00:24.120 public performance career began in a far more, 00:00:24.120 --> 00:00:27.780 well, furry fashion as a college mascot. Yes. 00:00:28.039 --> 00:00:30.140 You heard that right. It's just one, you know, 00:00:30.519 --> 00:00:33.020 fascinating, unexpected thread in the incredible 00:00:33.020 --> 00:00:35.320 tapestry that is Matt McCarthy. And what's truly 00:00:35.320 --> 00:00:38.020 remarkable about Matt McCarthy, an American comedian, 00:00:38.420 --> 00:00:41.320 actor, writer, improviser, now based out in Los 00:00:41.320 --> 00:00:44.079 Angeles, is not just his dynamic energy, which 00:00:44.079 --> 00:00:46.439 is undeniable. Oh, absolutely. You feel it. But 00:00:46.439 --> 00:00:48.719 it's the sheer breadth and impact of his career. 00:00:48.979 --> 00:00:51.479 He truly embodies the modern, multi -hyphenate 00:00:51.479 --> 00:00:53.799 entertainer. That's a perfect term for it. Someone 00:00:53.799 --> 00:00:56.380 who excels in many different creative roles, 00:00:56.700 --> 00:00:59.200 often simultaneously weaving them into a really 00:00:59.200 --> 00:01:02.880 distinctive personal brand. Exactly. So our mission 00:01:02.880 --> 00:01:05.359 today is to really unpack that remarkable journey. 00:01:05.609 --> 00:01:08.269 We're going to explore how his incredibly diverse 00:01:08.269 --> 00:01:11.049 experiences, I mean everything from his very 00:01:11.049 --> 00:01:13.370 specific Rhode Island roots. Right down to the 00:01:13.370 --> 00:01:16.790 street name. To his intense work as a WW creative 00:01:16.790 --> 00:01:19.489 writer, his role as a beloved podcast host and 00:01:19.489 --> 00:01:22.390 his breakout as a sitcom star. How all that has 00:01:22.390 --> 00:01:25.090 profoundly shaped his unique comedic voice and 00:01:25.090 --> 00:01:27.799 his incredibly versatile career. And we're here 00:01:27.799 --> 00:01:30.239 to extract the key insights from the sources 00:01:30.239 --> 00:01:32.780 you've provided us, connecting the dots in a 00:01:32.780 --> 00:01:35.700 way that highlights those often unforeseen paths 00:01:35.700 --> 00:01:38.500 to creative success. Yeah, showing how seemingly 00:01:38.500 --> 00:01:41.159 disparate interests can actually build a powerhouse 00:01:41.159 --> 00:01:43.079 talent. It's not always the straight line, is 00:01:43.079 --> 00:01:45.599 it? Rarely ever, especially in creative fields. 00:01:46.120 --> 00:01:48.680 From a broader perspective, this deep dive is 00:01:48.680 --> 00:01:50.680 an opportunity to understand that success is 00:01:50.680 --> 00:01:52.840 often about how different skills, passions, and 00:01:52.840 --> 00:01:55.599 seemingly unrelated experiences converge. They 00:01:55.599 --> 00:01:57.799 become the foundational elements for a truly 00:01:57.799 --> 00:02:01.060 distinctive, enduring talent. It's about recognizing 00:02:01.060 --> 00:02:03.519 the value in every single step, no matter how 00:02:03.519 --> 00:02:05.560 unconventional it might seem at the time. And 00:02:05.560 --> 00:02:08.979 for you, our curious listener, this deep dive 00:02:08.979 --> 00:02:11.319 is for anyone who's ever wondered about the many 00:02:11.319 --> 00:02:14.240 hats a modern entertainer wears or how those 00:02:14.240 --> 00:02:17.240 unrelated skills can actually become your unique 00:02:17.240 --> 00:02:20.439 superpower. Yeah, prepare for some serious aha 00:02:20.439 --> 00:02:24.360 moments. Definitely. About perseverance, about 00:02:24.360 --> 00:02:27.599 following genuine passion, and about the undeniable 00:02:27.599 --> 00:02:30.960 power of just embracing every single opportunity 00:02:30.960 --> 00:02:33.659 that comes your way. So let's get into it. Let's 00:02:33.659 --> 00:02:35.599 unpack this, starting right at the very beginning, 00:02:35.740 --> 00:02:37.759 tracing those formative years. Where else do 00:02:37.759 --> 00:02:41.840 you start? Indeed. To truly grasp the essence 00:02:41.840 --> 00:02:44.939 of a performer's comedic voice, it's often essential 00:02:44.939 --> 00:02:47.620 to understand their origins, you know, the environment 00:02:47.620 --> 00:02:49.780 that first shaped them. Totally. Matt McCarthy 00:02:49.780 --> 00:02:53.000 was born Matthew McCarthy on November 9th, 1979, 00:02:53.580 --> 00:02:55.379 right in Providence, Rhode Island. OK. And not 00:02:55.379 --> 00:02:57.199 just Providence, but specifically at the Old 00:02:57.199 --> 00:02:59.539 Women and Infants Hospital, on a very precise 00:02:59.539 --> 00:03:02.639 spot, Maude Street. Maude Street. I love those 00:03:02.639 --> 00:03:04.900 precise geographical details. They truly root 00:03:04.900 --> 00:03:06.539 him, don't they? I paint such a clear picture. 00:03:06.599 --> 00:03:08.939 It really does. So he grew up as the youngest 00:03:08.939 --> 00:03:11.379 of three in a classic Irish Catholic home in 00:03:11.379 --> 00:03:13.639 Rumford, Rhode Island, attending St. Margaret's 00:03:13.639 --> 00:03:17.979 School and then LaSalle Academy. So, OK, if we 00:03:17.979 --> 00:03:21.099 look at that profile, classic New England upbringing, 00:03:21.280 --> 00:03:24.159 youngest of three, Irish Catholic. What might 00:03:24.159 --> 00:03:26.860 that background suggest about his early development, 00:03:27.080 --> 00:03:29.479 especially concerning a personality that would 00:03:29.479 --> 00:03:32.060 later gravitate towards performance? Well, being 00:03:32.060 --> 00:03:34.180 the Ingest of Three, especially in an Irish Catholic 00:03:34.180 --> 00:03:36.439 family, and particularly in that specific New 00:03:36.439 --> 00:03:39.360 England cultural context, it often means growing 00:03:39.360 --> 00:03:43.159 up in an environment rich in storytelling. a 00:03:43.159 --> 00:03:45.400 quick wit, maybe a certain kind of resilient 00:03:45.400 --> 00:03:47.340 humor. Right, that makes sense. There's often 00:03:47.340 --> 00:03:50.120 a cultural inclination towards anecdote and, 00:03:50.120 --> 00:03:52.659 you know, verbal sparring, which can be fertile 00:03:52.659 --> 00:03:54.879 ground for a comedian. Definitely. And the youngest 00:03:54.879 --> 00:03:57.340 sibling frequently develops a personality geared 00:03:57.340 --> 00:03:59.780 towards performance or seeking attention, maybe 00:03:59.780 --> 00:04:01.819 to distinguish themselves amidst older siblings 00:04:01.819 --> 00:04:03.979 or just carve out their own space, you know. 00:04:04.020 --> 00:04:07.419 Trying to get noticed. Exactly. This could subtly 00:04:07.419 --> 00:04:10.620 but significantly influence his comedic perspective, 00:04:11.139 --> 00:04:14.120 giving me unique lens through which to view familial 00:04:14.120 --> 00:04:17.319 interactions, community quirks, societal norms, 00:04:17.920 --> 00:04:20.959 all constant fodder for comedy, and the specific 00:04:20.959 --> 00:04:24.879 details like Rumford, Rhode Island, really ground 00:04:24.879 --> 00:04:27.800 his initial observations of the world. It offers 00:04:27.800 --> 00:04:30.879 a particular regional flavor that often translates 00:04:30.879 --> 00:04:33.160 into a comedian's voice. You can sort of hear 00:04:33.160 --> 00:04:35.379 the play sometimes. That makes perfect sense. 00:04:35.500 --> 00:04:37.379 You're just absorbing all these observations, 00:04:37.560 --> 00:04:39.500 developing your voice and your own way of seeing 00:04:39.500 --> 00:04:41.660 the world. Maybe even before you consciously 00:04:41.660 --> 00:04:43.199 realize you're going to use them professionally. 00:04:43.379 --> 00:04:46.240 Absolutely. And these early roots, this foundation. 00:04:46.900 --> 00:04:49.660 absolutely set the stage for some truly energetic 00:04:49.660 --> 00:04:52.759 and frankly unexpected collegiate experiences. 00:04:53.079 --> 00:04:54.620 Because it wasn't just about attending classes 00:04:54.620 --> 00:04:56.579 at Fordham University, was it? No, not at all. 00:04:56.620 --> 00:04:59.160 It was far more public, far more physical, and 00:04:59.160 --> 00:05:01.779 looking back, surprisingly foundational for his 00:05:01.779 --> 00:05:04.100 later career. Yeah. Before his stand -up career 00:05:04.100 --> 00:05:06.720 properly took off, McCarthy served as Fordham 00:05:06.720 --> 00:05:10.019 University's mascot, the Ram. The Ram. From 1999 00:05:10.019 --> 00:05:12.939 to 2001. Yeah. I can already picture the high 00:05:12.939 --> 00:05:16.139 -energy antics. This isn't just some quirky anecdote, 00:05:16.279 --> 00:05:19.240 though. I see this as a real foundational performance 00:05:19.240 --> 00:05:22.160 skill builder. Oh, definitely. If you're a mascot, 00:05:22.600 --> 00:05:25.420 you're intrinsically engaged in physical comedy, 00:05:25.560 --> 00:05:27.420 right? You're constantly engaging an audience, 00:05:27.579 --> 00:05:31.040 often a huge, roaring crowd with incredibly high 00:05:31.040 --> 00:05:33.699 energy. Lonstop. You're reacting spontaneously, 00:05:34.279 --> 00:05:36.579 embodying a character without uttering a single 00:05:36.579 --> 00:05:39.660 word. What kind of, like, accidental masterclass 00:05:39.660 --> 00:05:42.579 is that? for a future comedian and actor? What 00:05:42.579 --> 00:05:45.259 skills are you honing in that suit? That's a 00:05:45.259 --> 00:05:47.740 truly insightful question because the role of 00:05:47.740 --> 00:05:50.519 a mascot, while it might seem frivolous on the 00:05:50.519 --> 00:05:53.100 surface, offers an accidental master class and 00:05:53.100 --> 00:05:55.660 several critical performance skills. Right. The 00:05:55.660 --> 00:05:58.579 anonymity of being inside that costume combined 00:05:58.579 --> 00:06:01.399 with the physical demands, maintaining character, 00:06:01.480 --> 00:06:04.319 high energy, it would have taught him to project 00:06:04.319 --> 00:06:07.740 emotion, narrative, even personality purely through 00:06:07.740 --> 00:06:11.319 movement. Wow. Without words. Exactly. You learn 00:06:11.319 --> 00:06:13.500 to gauge audience reaction, to work a crowd, 00:06:13.680 --> 00:06:16.019 to command attention without relying on dialogue 00:06:16.019 --> 00:06:19.180 at all. These are core competencies for any performer, 00:06:19.459 --> 00:06:21.500 particularly those who excel in sketch or physical 00:06:21.500 --> 00:06:24.240 acting. Yeah. It quite literally forces you to 00:06:24.240 --> 00:06:27.220 develop a robust stage presence and an understanding 00:06:27.220 --> 00:06:30.709 of nonverbal communication. It probably prepared 00:06:30.709 --> 00:06:33.889 him for that high -energy, almost madman delivery 00:06:33.889 --> 00:06:35.910 that critics would later describe in his stand 00:06:35.910 --> 00:06:37.889 -up. Yeah, that energy had to come from somewhere. 00:06:38.129 --> 00:06:41.910 It's about being present, reactive, and physically 00:06:41.910 --> 00:06:44.990 expressive. And talk about uninhibited. Our sources 00:06:44.990 --> 00:06:47.870 even point to a specific, vivid example that 00:06:47.870 --> 00:06:50.949 really captures that early, raw energy. Oh, this 00:06:50.949 --> 00:06:54.509 is great. A YouTube video from February 15, 2009, 00:06:54.769 --> 00:06:57.910 titled, Fordham Ram Feels Up Rudy Giuliani on 00:06:57.910 --> 00:07:00.709 Morning News. That's specific. I mean, that just 00:07:00.709 --> 00:07:02.810 screams early, uninhibited performance style, 00:07:02.829 --> 00:07:04.889 doesn't it? He was already comfortable making 00:07:04.889 --> 00:07:07.889 a memorable, if not maybe slightly chaotic, impact 00:07:07.889 --> 00:07:10.170 in front of an audience, even a television one. 00:07:10.470 --> 00:07:12.709 Right, absolutely. That kind of spontaneous, 00:07:13.250 --> 00:07:15.810 perhaps even mischievous, engagement with public 00:07:15.810 --> 00:07:18.959 figures and a live camera is... Well, it's a 00:07:18.959 --> 00:07:21.100 hallmark of a natural performer, isn't it? It 00:07:21.100 --> 00:07:23.220 really is. It's about tapping into that raw, 00:07:23.439 --> 00:07:25.980 impulsive energy and finding creative ways to 00:07:25.980 --> 00:07:28.100 connect with an audience and make a splash, even 00:07:28.100 --> 00:07:30.920 from inside a giant ram head. It shows a certain 00:07:30.920 --> 00:07:32.920 fearlessness that would serve him well. Definitely. 00:07:33.100 --> 00:07:35.639 So from the roar of the crowd and the physical 00:07:35.639 --> 00:07:38.480 demands of mascot work, he then transitioned 00:07:38.480 --> 00:07:41.519 to a more structured, yet maybe equally chaotic 00:07:41.519 --> 00:07:44.379 and demanding form of comedy, improvisation. 00:07:44.459 --> 00:07:46.860 A classic bath. Right. After Fordham, he made 00:07:46.860 --> 00:07:49.410 a very intense decision to study improvisation 00:07:49.410 --> 00:07:51.910 at the renowned Upright Citizens Brigade Theater 00:07:51.910 --> 00:07:54.810 in New York. UCB. And for you, the learner, this 00:07:54.810 --> 00:07:57.629 isn't just some random improv class. UCB is the 00:07:57.629 --> 00:08:00.389 training ground for so many of today's top comedians, 00:08:00.569 --> 00:08:02.649 writers, and actors. What's the significance 00:08:02.649 --> 00:08:05.750 of that specific rigorous training there? UCB 00:08:05.750 --> 00:08:08.350 is significant because its methodology is incredibly 00:08:08.350 --> 00:08:12.250 specific and frankly effective. It emphasizes 00:08:12.250 --> 00:08:15.470 game -based improv, active listening, and really 00:08:15.470 --> 00:08:18.649 strong collaborative scene work. Okay, game -based 00:08:18.649 --> 00:08:21.189 improv. Break that down a little. Sure. For those 00:08:21.189 --> 00:08:24.610 unfamiliar, game -based improv basically means 00:08:24.610 --> 00:08:27.829 finding a recurring pattern or comedic mechanism 00:08:27.829 --> 00:08:30.889 within a scene, essentially. The unspoken game 00:08:30.889 --> 00:08:33.549 or premise. The funny thing. Yeah, the core funny 00:08:33.549 --> 00:08:36.110 thing. And then exploiting and heightening it 00:08:36.110 --> 00:08:39.830 for maximum comedic effect. It teaches you not 00:08:39.830 --> 00:08:42.470 just to be funny on the spot, but to build on 00:08:42.470 --> 00:08:45.539 others' ideas. to find the underlying comedic 00:08:45.539 --> 00:08:48.139 structure and to fully commit to a character 00:08:48.139 --> 00:08:51.240 or premise. So it's structured chaos, almost. 00:08:51.500 --> 00:08:53.720 In a way, yes. And these aren't just techniques 00:08:53.720 --> 00:08:56.059 for making up funny scenes on the fly. They're 00:08:56.059 --> 00:08:58.000 critical skills that translate directly into 00:08:58.000 --> 00:09:00.799 comedic writing. Understanding joke structure, 00:09:01.059 --> 00:09:04.080 escalation, acting fully inhabiting a character, 00:09:04.139 --> 00:09:06.259 and just the ability to think quickly and adapt 00:09:06.259 --> 00:09:08.539 in any performance scenario, whether live on 00:09:08.539 --> 00:09:11.399 stage or in front of a camera. It refines raw 00:09:11.399 --> 00:09:15.649 talent into a powerful adaptable skill set. Collaboration 00:09:15.649 --> 00:09:18.110 is key. And quick witted intelligence, definitely. 00:09:18.690 --> 00:09:20.830 So he's got the physical comedy and audience 00:09:20.830 --> 00:09:24.269 engagement from his mascot days. And now the 00:09:24.269 --> 00:09:27.090 quick thinking, active listening, and collaborative 00:09:27.090 --> 00:09:31.169 skills from UCB. These are all truly fundamental 00:09:31.169 --> 00:09:33.570 billing blocks for a multifaceted entertainer. 00:09:33.740 --> 00:09:35.799 absolutely laying the groundwork. But before 00:09:35.799 --> 00:09:38.080 he really hit the established comedy circuit, 00:09:38.679 --> 00:09:41.480 there was an early, somewhat serendipitous TV 00:09:41.480 --> 00:09:43.919 appearance that sort of foreshadowed his future 00:09:43.919 --> 00:09:46.200 in front of the camera. Maybe a little hint of 00:09:46.200 --> 00:09:49.299 things to come. Yes. A rather unexpected, lighthearted 00:09:49.299 --> 00:09:51.240 detour into the world of game shows, actually. 00:09:51.519 --> 00:09:53.659 Oh. He appeared as a contestant on an episode 00:09:53.659 --> 00:09:56.440 of Cash Cab. Cash Cab? No way. Which aired on 00:09:56.440 --> 00:10:00.620 June 26th, 2006. That's a fun, memorable detail 00:10:00.620 --> 00:10:02.759 for a lot of people. It's certainly a lighthearted 00:10:02.759 --> 00:10:05.740 footnote, but maybe it does showcase an early 00:10:05.740 --> 00:10:07.379 comfort with being on television and thinking 00:10:07.379 --> 00:10:10.019 on his feet, even if it wasn't strictly comedic. 00:10:10.360 --> 00:10:12.519 Exactly. Just another step in getting comfortable 00:10:12.519 --> 00:10:15.379 in front of the lens, understanding pacing, reacting 00:10:15.379 --> 00:10:17.940 under pressure. It all adds up. Yeah, you got 00:10:17.940 --> 00:10:20.059 to start somewhere. And these initial forays 00:10:20.059 --> 00:10:22.360 into television, even as a game show contestant, 00:10:22.440 --> 00:10:24.399 they quickly led to more intentional commercial 00:10:24.399 --> 00:10:27.700 work, which for many performers is a vital proving 00:10:27.700 --> 00:10:30.460 ground. That's absolutely right. The visibility 00:10:30.460 --> 00:10:33.039 gained from early television appearances, even 00:10:33.039 --> 00:10:36.039 minor ones, can often open unexpected doors. 00:10:36.059 --> 00:10:38.840 Right. And for many emerging talents, commercials 00:10:38.840 --> 00:10:41.379 become an essential proving ground. They offer 00:10:41.379 --> 00:10:44.480 national exposure and a chance to develop a very 00:10:44.480 --> 00:10:47.370 specific kind of comedic craft. And he landed 00:10:47.370 --> 00:10:49.730 some pretty big ones early on. We see him in 00:10:49.730 --> 00:10:51.649 a St. Patrick's Day commercial for Guinness in 00:10:51.649 --> 00:10:54.149 2008. That's huge visibility. A massive brand. 00:10:54.250 --> 00:10:56.529 And then he became the cable guy in a series 00:10:56.529 --> 00:10:59.230 of very memorable Verizon Fios commercials in 00:10:59.230 --> 00:11:01.750 2009. Oh, I remember those. Yeah. These weren't 00:11:01.750 --> 00:11:04.309 just local ads. These were national spots reaching 00:11:04.309 --> 00:11:06.769 millions of viewers. And what's truly fascinating 00:11:06.769 --> 00:11:09.389 here is how commercials function is that vital 00:11:09.389 --> 00:11:12.120 proving ground. They offer national visibility 00:11:12.120 --> 00:11:15.080 and crucially demand the development of succinct 00:11:15.080 --> 00:11:18.179 comedic timing and highly defined character work. 00:11:18.320 --> 00:11:20.379 30 seconds to make an impact. Exactly. You have 00:11:20.379 --> 00:11:23.500 to convey a personality, a situation, and a comedic 00:11:23.500 --> 00:11:26.620 beat in an incredibly short time frame. These 00:11:26.620 --> 00:11:29.580 roles likely allowed McCarthy to translate that 00:11:29.580 --> 00:11:32.899 energetic, almost madman persona that was already 00:11:32.899 --> 00:11:36.019 brewing from his improv and mascot days into 00:11:36.019 --> 00:11:39.620 memorable bite -sized performances that resonated 00:11:39.620 --> 00:11:43.299 with a massive mainstream audience. Think about 00:11:43.299 --> 00:11:47.519 how many millions saw the cable guy. It cemented 00:11:47.519 --> 00:11:49.740 his face and style in the national consciousness. 00:11:49.899 --> 00:11:52.259 Yeah, you saw those ads constantly. Naming the 00:11:52.259 --> 00:11:55.120 brands Guinness, Verizon, Fios, and that specific 00:11:55.120 --> 00:11:58.120 character, the cable guy, really helps us visualize 00:11:58.120 --> 00:12:01.139 these early impactful acting gigs. Definitely 00:12:01.139 --> 00:12:03.240 grounds it. And these commercial spots were just 00:12:03.240 --> 00:12:05.899 the beginning of his foray into widely accessible 00:12:05.899 --> 00:12:08.360 media, especially as the digital landscape was 00:12:08.360 --> 00:12:11.480 just exploding, right? New platforms were emerging 00:12:11.480 --> 00:12:13.899 as powerful conduits for comedy. Oh, absolutely. 00:12:13.940 --> 00:12:15.759 This is where he really started making significant 00:12:15.759 --> 00:12:17.379 waves. is sort of building his own creative engine. 00:12:17.440 --> 00:12:19.759 Yeah, taking control. Absolutely. This period 00:12:19.759 --> 00:12:22.340 was pivotal, coinciding precisely with the dawn 00:12:22.340 --> 00:12:25.220 of viral video and the democratization of content 00:12:25.220 --> 00:12:28.200 creation. McCarthy wasn't just present. He was 00:12:28.200 --> 00:12:30.820 really at the forefront. OK. He co -founded the 00:12:30.820 --> 00:12:33.740 sketch video group Front Page Films, or FPF, 00:12:33.899 --> 00:12:36.919 with fellow comedians and creators, notably including 00:12:36.919 --> 00:12:39.320 his frequent collaborator, Pete Holmes. OK, let's 00:12:39.320 --> 00:12:43.840 unpack this. Because. FPF and groups like it, 00:12:44.120 --> 00:12:46.919 this was a truly revolutionary moment in digital 00:12:46.919 --> 00:12:49.409 comedy, wasn't it? It really was. FPF wasn't 00:12:49.409 --> 00:12:52.029 just making casual home videos, they were creating 00:12:52.029 --> 00:12:54.970 high quality sketches, commercials, and genuinely 00:12:54.970 --> 00:12:57.370 viral content for major brands and platforms. 00:12:57.809 --> 00:13:00.090 We're talking Doritos, Crunch Fitness, College 00:13:00.090 --> 00:13:03.049 Humor, even Comedy Central. Big names? He starred 00:13:03.049 --> 00:13:05.649 in many College Humor shorts, and their FPF videos 00:13:05.649 --> 00:13:08.370 were regularly featured on prominent early digital 00:13:08.370 --> 00:13:11.490 platforms like Adam .com, and even got highlighted 00:13:11.490 --> 00:13:14.210 on Comedy Central's Tosh .0. Yeah, getting major 00:13:14.210 --> 00:13:17.029 pickup. This was essentially pioneering viral 00:13:17.029 --> 00:13:19.269 comedy, crafting content specifically for that 00:13:19.269 --> 00:13:21.389 exploding online audience. And if we connect 00:13:21.389 --> 00:13:23.789 this to the bigger picture, sketch comedy groups 00:13:23.789 --> 00:13:26.690 like FPF were truly revolutionary because they 00:13:26.690 --> 00:13:29.230 fundamentally shifted the paradigm. They allowed 00:13:29.230 --> 00:13:31.730 comedians to bypass the traditional gatekeepers, 00:13:31.870 --> 00:13:33.789 the networks, the studios. Right, the old way. 00:13:34.169 --> 00:13:36.649 And directly connect with massive audiences, 00:13:36.990 --> 00:13:40.490 sometimes millions, on their own terms. The collaborative 00:13:40.490 --> 00:13:44.309 nation was intense. rapid idea generation, writing, 00:13:44.570 --> 00:13:47.250 filming, editing, often on tight budgets, for 00:13:47.250 --> 00:13:49.970 immediate digital consumption. Wow, fast turnaround. 00:13:50.529 --> 00:13:53.490 It honed a very specific and incredibly valuable 00:13:53.490 --> 00:13:58.470 set of skills. Speed, relevance, direct audience 00:13:58.470 --> 00:14:00.610 engagement. So it's not just about being funny, 00:14:00.730 --> 00:14:02.950 it's about being incredibly agile, understanding 00:14:02.950 --> 00:14:05.629 what resonates online, being able to pivot, and 00:14:05.629 --> 00:14:07.450 making something inherently shareable, right? 00:14:07.629 --> 00:14:10.330 Exactly. It was a direct, unfiltered line to 00:14:10.330 --> 00:14:12.750 the audience and a proving ground for a different 00:14:12.750 --> 00:14:14.549 kind of comedic entrepreneurship. Building your 00:14:14.549 --> 00:14:17.580 own platform. Precisely. The skills honed in 00:14:17.580 --> 00:14:19.779 creating viral content, understanding audience 00:14:19.779 --> 00:14:22.659 psychology, writing punchy material, mastering 00:14:22.659 --> 00:14:24.639 efficient production would become indispensable 00:14:24.639 --> 00:14:27.120 in the modern entertainment landscape. It was 00:14:27.120 --> 00:14:29.659 a true pioneering moment. That adaptability is 00:14:29.659 --> 00:14:32.179 key. Yeah, demonstrating an extraordinary adaptability 00:14:32.179 --> 00:14:34.379 to new media platforms that would continue to 00:14:34.379 --> 00:14:36.720 define much of his career. This kind of direct 00:14:36.720 --> 00:14:39.259 -to -consumer content creation was a huge accelerator. 00:14:39.450 --> 00:14:41.970 So for you, our listener, this segment is a perfect 00:14:41.970 --> 00:14:44.649 illustration of how adapting to and excelling 00:14:44.649 --> 00:14:47.889 in new media platforms can be a powerful accelerator 00:14:47.889 --> 00:14:50.610 for a creative career. It's not just waiting 00:14:50.610 --> 00:14:52.789 for a gatekeeper, it's building your own door, 00:14:52.789 --> 00:14:55.029 often with your friends. Yeah, take an initiative. 00:14:55.330 --> 00:14:57.970 And one specific example that really drives home 00:14:57.970 --> 00:15:02.370 the impact of FPF is their Doritos Super Bowl 00:15:02.370 --> 00:15:06.230 XL3 commercial, New Flavor Pitch, which aired 00:15:06.230 --> 00:15:09.779 back in January 2009. Super Bowl. That's Super 00:15:09.779 --> 00:15:12.580 Bowl ad territory from an online sketch group. 00:15:12.860 --> 00:15:14.799 Incredible reach and validation right there. 00:15:14.919 --> 00:15:17.600 Indeed. It vividly highlights the commercial 00:15:17.600 --> 00:15:20.080 viability and mainstream penetration of their 00:15:20.080 --> 00:15:22.679 digitally native work. They weren't just on YouTube. 00:15:23.039 --> 00:15:25.620 They were directly impacting national ad campaigns. 00:15:25.740 --> 00:15:27.960 Amazing. And beyond commercial and digital shorts, 00:15:28.340 --> 00:15:30.740 McCarthy's diverse and often surprising interests 00:15:30.740 --> 00:15:33.220 began to surface in unique hosting and creative 00:15:33.220 --> 00:15:35.399 roles, pushing the boundaries of what a comedian 00:15:35.399 --> 00:15:37.740 could do. And one of his deepest, most enduring 00:15:37.740 --> 00:15:39.759 passions. which might seem a little niche for 00:15:39.759 --> 00:15:41.559 a mainstream comedian, but has actually informed 00:15:41.559 --> 00:15:43.980 so much of his work, is professional wrestling. 00:15:44.279 --> 00:15:46.559 Ah, yes, the wrestling connection. He's not just 00:15:46.559 --> 00:15:49.240 a casual fan, he's a self -proclaimed avid pro 00:15:49.240 --> 00:15:51.620 wrestling enthusiast. And this wasn't just a 00:15:51.620 --> 00:15:53.720 casual interest, he actually translated that 00:15:53.720 --> 00:15:55.779 passion into a professional capacity. He went 00:15:55.779 --> 00:15:59.179 pro, basically. Yeah. He had two distinct and 00:15:59.179 --> 00:16:01.720 significant stints as a creative writer for the 00:16:01.720 --> 00:16:04.720 WWE That's huge first from 2011 to 2012 and then 00:16:04.720 --> 00:16:08.039 again from 2016 to 2018. This is a big deal What's 00:16:08.039 --> 00:16:09.960 truly fascinating here is what it means to be 00:16:09.960 --> 00:16:13.720 a creative writer for WWE It's it's a unique 00:16:13.720 --> 00:16:18.000 and incredibly demanding blend of skills. I narrative 00:16:18.000 --> 00:16:21.139 storytelling character development Dialogue crafting 00:16:21.139 --> 00:16:23.600 for live performance and an intuitive understanding 00:16:23.600 --> 00:16:26.840 of live audience dynamics It's essentially like 00:16:26.840 --> 00:16:29.720 writing a continuous, sprawling theatrical soap 00:16:29.720 --> 00:16:32.399 opera. Like a muscle opera. Exactly. A modern 00:16:32.399 --> 00:16:34.799 gladiatorial drama, but with incredibly high 00:16:34.799 --> 00:16:37.679 stakes, improvisational elements, and immediate, 00:16:38.159 --> 00:16:40.879 visceral audience feedback. This isn't just fan 00:16:40.879 --> 00:16:43.740 -level engagement. It demonstrates a deep, analytical 00:16:43.740 --> 00:16:46.779 understanding of a Nijap passion. He's applying 00:16:46.779 --> 00:16:49.399 his comedic timing and storytelling skills to 00:16:49.399 --> 00:16:52.399 a very specific, high -pressure, uniquely theatrical 00:16:52.399 --> 00:16:55.419 medium. He's a storyteller in multiple arenas. 00:16:55.480 --> 00:16:59.919 So this raises an important question. How might 00:16:59.919 --> 00:17:03.279 the high stakes, dramatic, and often incredibly 00:17:03.279 --> 00:17:05.720 comedic storytelling of pro wrestling, you know, 00:17:05.720 --> 00:17:08.599 with its exaggerated characters, clear heroes 00:17:08.599 --> 00:17:11.440 and villains, intricate long form narratives, 00:17:11.759 --> 00:17:13.960 how might that influence a comedian's approach? 00:17:14.359 --> 00:17:16.880 Their narrative, character work, even their stage 00:17:16.880 --> 00:17:19.579 presence. Wrestling is all about big personas, 00:17:19.700 --> 00:17:22.059 right? It truly is a master class in theatrical 00:17:22.059 --> 00:17:23.960 performance and character commitment, albeit 00:17:23.960 --> 00:17:27.299 a very specific type. From a storytelling perspective, 00:17:27.380 --> 00:17:29.960 you're constantly building anticipation, creating 00:17:29.960 --> 00:17:32.579 compelling heroes and villains, crafting narrative 00:17:32.579 --> 00:17:36.460 arcs over weeks, months, even years. For comedian, 00:17:36.619 --> 00:17:38.460 this translates into a refined understanding 00:17:38.460 --> 00:17:41.279 of pacing. how to escalate tension effectively, 00:17:41.579 --> 00:17:43.720 how to deliver a powerful payoff, whether that's 00:17:43.720 --> 00:17:46.180 a laugh, a gasp, or a roar. Right, manipulating 00:17:46.180 --> 00:17:48.579 emotion. It's about building personas that connect, 00:17:49.059 --> 00:17:51.559 knowing how to elicit specific reactions, understanding 00:17:51.559 --> 00:17:54.799 the rhythm of a crowd. It's raw, immediate, and 00:17:54.799 --> 00:17:56.900 incredible theatrical. Makes sense. And the two 00:17:56.900 --> 00:17:59.480 separate periods of his WWE involvement also 00:17:59.480 --> 00:18:02.390 show a consistent... valued contribution. He 00:18:02.390 --> 00:18:03.769 wasn't just a flash in the pan there. Right, 00:18:03.769 --> 00:18:06.309 they brought him back. So his passion for wrestling 00:18:06.309 --> 00:18:08.829 wasn't just behind the scenes, it also became 00:18:08.829 --> 00:18:11.849 a fantastic platform for his comedic voice in 00:18:11.849 --> 00:18:15.089 another burgeoning medium, podcasts. Yes, this 00:18:15.089 --> 00:18:17.410 is where he could truly merge those passions. 00:18:18.309 --> 00:18:20.890 Leveraging his deep -seated interest, in 2013, 00:18:21.509 --> 00:18:23.990 McCarthy launched the We Watch Wrestling podcast, 00:18:24.670 --> 00:18:26.950 co -hosted with fellow stand -up comedians Vince 00:18:26.950 --> 00:18:29.650 Averill and Tom Sibley and produced by Rob Sibley. 00:18:29.660 --> 00:18:32.059 This is such a great example of that modern creative 00:18:32.059 --> 00:18:34.759 hustle, finding your niche, the power of podcasts 00:18:34.759 --> 00:18:37.299 for comedians to explore niche interests, build 00:18:37.299 --> 00:18:40.539 a dedicated audience, and showcase their unscripted 00:18:40.539 --> 00:18:43.359 chemistry. It's immense. It really is. This project 00:18:43.359 --> 00:18:46.059 allowed McCarthy to organically merge his deep 00:18:46.059 --> 00:18:48.359 wrestling knowledge with his distinct comedic 00:18:48.359 --> 00:18:50.680 talent, creating something unique and authentic. 00:18:51.000 --> 00:18:53.200 And that collaborative aspect with other standups 00:18:53.200 --> 00:18:55.019 probably just sharpens their collective wit, 00:18:55.160 --> 00:18:57.599 right? Oh, absolutely. It ensures a dynamic, 00:18:57.799 --> 00:19:00.579 unscripted flow that listeners love. It's a natural 00:19:00.579 --> 00:19:03.500 extension of improv skills into this audio format. 00:19:03.859 --> 00:19:06.359 And for you, the listener, this is a strong example 00:19:06.359 --> 00:19:09.680 of how pursuing a genuine, even seemingly niche 00:19:09.680 --> 00:19:13.240 personal passion can lead to a surprisingly successful 00:19:13.240 --> 00:19:16.440 and creatively fulfilling venture. Authenticity 00:19:16.440 --> 00:19:18.680 resonates. It really does. It creates a deeper, 00:19:18.900 --> 00:19:21.339 more loyal connection and a podcast allows for 00:19:21.339 --> 00:19:23.339 that unvarnished connection to flourish. It's 00:19:23.339 --> 00:19:25.839 still going, right? Yep. Long running, speaks 00:19:25.839 --> 00:19:28.500 volumes about the dedication and genuine love 00:19:28.500 --> 00:19:31.019 he has for it. Absolutely. And while he was building 00:19:31.019 --> 00:19:33.359 this successful niche podcast and contributing 00:19:33.359 --> 00:19:36.279 creatively to WWE, he also stepped into a more 00:19:36.279 --> 00:19:39.160 traditional hosting role on television, further 00:19:39.160 --> 00:19:41.640 broadening his on -screen persona. Right. Another 00:19:41.640 --> 00:19:45.200 facet. In 2010, he hosted AMC's Action Pack alongside 00:19:45.200 --> 00:19:47.460 Nick Stevens. This wasn't strictly comedy, was 00:19:47.460 --> 00:19:49.460 it? Sounds like a different kind of public presence. 00:19:49.759 --> 00:19:52.000 No, it wasn't strictly a comedic vehicle. And 00:19:52.000 --> 00:19:55.099 that's precisely what makes it significant. Hosting 00:19:55.099 --> 00:19:57.380 Action Pack. which likely involved discussing 00:19:57.380 --> 00:20:01.539 action films, movie news, related topics. It 00:20:01.539 --> 00:20:04.000 demonstrates his versatility beyond pure sketch 00:20:04.000 --> 00:20:06.640 or stand -up. Showing another side. Exactly. 00:20:07.079 --> 00:20:10.319 It showcases his ability to lead a show, maintain 00:20:10.319 --> 00:20:13.299 a conversational flow, engage an audience in 00:20:13.299 --> 00:20:16.160 a non -comedic yet still entertaining context. 00:20:16.430 --> 00:20:20.250 It adds another important layer to his TV presentation 00:20:20.250 --> 00:20:22.890 experience. Proving he could pivot from being 00:20:22.890 --> 00:20:26.170 the madman character to a more composed yet still 00:20:26.170 --> 00:20:28.710 engaging and knowledgeable host. Capable of carrying 00:20:28.710 --> 00:20:31.089 a different kind of show, yeah. So these diverse 00:20:31.089 --> 00:20:33.910 experiences, writing for WWE, hosting on AMC, 00:20:33.930 --> 00:20:36.170 building a podcast, were all building immense 00:20:36.170 --> 00:20:39.009 momentum alongside and maybe feeding into his 00:20:39.009 --> 00:20:40.950 burgeoning stand -up career. Definitely feeding 00:20:40.950 --> 00:20:42.809 it into it. Because at the core of it all, at 00:20:42.809 --> 00:20:45.130 the foundation of his public persona, Matt McCarthy 00:20:45.130 --> 00:20:47.079 is a stand -up character. comedian. This is where 00:20:47.079 --> 00:20:49.559 he truly earned his stripes and forged that unique 00:20:49.559 --> 00:20:53.420 voice. Indeed, the crucible of the New York City 00:20:53.420 --> 00:20:56.640 standup scene. That's where so many comedians 00:20:56.640 --> 00:21:00.160 truly prove themselves. And it's a path characterized 00:21:00.160 --> 00:21:04.819 by relentless effort and often significant challenge. 00:21:05.099 --> 00:21:07.559 Oh yeah. McCarthy began performing comedy in 00:21:07.559 --> 00:21:10.539 New York City in 2003, starting with the arduous, 00:21:10.720 --> 00:21:14.220 often brutal path of open mics, barker shows, 00:21:14.759 --> 00:21:16.680 and the dreaded brayer shows. Okay, let's just 00:21:16.680 --> 00:21:19.220 pause on that for a second because open mics, 00:21:19.420 --> 00:21:23.240 barker shows, bringer shows... That is the comedian's 00:21:23.240 --> 00:21:24.819 boot camp. For anyone maybe not familiar, this 00:21:24.819 --> 00:21:27.559 is the absolute grind. It really is. You're testing 00:21:27.559 --> 00:21:29.640 raw material often for like five people who might 00:21:29.640 --> 00:21:31.279 not even want to be there, or you're literally 00:21:31.279 --> 00:21:33.259 on a street corner trying to convince strangers 00:21:33.259 --> 00:21:35.579 to come inside a club to watch you. Barking, 00:21:35.599 --> 00:21:37.660 yeah. And bring our shows. You have to guarantee 00:21:37.660 --> 00:21:39.700 an audience just to get five minutes on stage. 00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:42.240 It's tough, it's humbling, and it's where you 00:21:42.240 --> 00:21:44.319 learn resilience. Absolutely. But he quickly 00:21:44.319 --> 00:21:46.539 found a home in the East Village at the now defunct 00:21:46.539 --> 00:21:49.359 Comedy Social, featuring a weekly showcase at 00:21:49.359 --> 00:21:52.730 the gritty Sin Sin Bar. and later he hosted stand 00:21:52.730 --> 00:21:55.329 -up at Moe Pitkin's House of Satisfaction. Legendary 00:21:55.329 --> 00:21:59.109 spots. These are almost mythical venues in NYC 00:21:59.109 --> 00:22:02.589 comedy lore. And this section vividly portrays 00:22:02.589 --> 00:22:05.390 that dues paying phase, which is pretty much 00:22:05.390 --> 00:22:07.769 non -negotiable for most aspiring stand -ups. 00:22:07.849 --> 00:22:09.950 Gotta do it. Open mics for the lab, where you 00:22:09.950 --> 00:22:13.049 test jokes, find your rhythm. Barker shows force 00:22:13.049 --> 00:22:15.230 you to be an energetic salesperson for yourself 00:22:15.230 --> 00:22:18.460 and the show. Grab attention. Instantly. And 00:22:18.460 --> 00:22:20.799 bringer shows push you to build a personal following 00:22:20.799 --> 00:22:23.539 from day one. Consistent performance in these 00:22:23.539 --> 00:22:26.140 often unforgiving venues is critical for developing 00:22:26.140 --> 00:22:29.500 material, stage presence, and the kind of confidence 00:22:29.500 --> 00:22:31.420 that only comes from facing down in different 00:22:31.420 --> 00:22:34.119 crowds. Yeah, trial by fire. And naming specific 00:22:34.119 --> 00:22:37.900 spots like Sin Sin Bar and Moe Pitkins adds that 00:22:37.900 --> 00:22:40.759 historical gritty authenticity to his early grind. 00:22:41.130 --> 00:22:44.470 You feel the underground NYC comedy scene. It 00:22:44.470 --> 00:22:46.650 paints such a clear picture of the hustle, and 00:22:46.650 --> 00:22:48.630 his dedication and hard work during this period 00:22:48.630 --> 00:22:51.109 soon led to more ambitious self -produced projects 00:22:51.109 --> 00:22:53.289 and ultimately wider recognition beyond just 00:22:53.289 --> 00:22:55.650 the club circuit. That's absolutely right. As 00:22:55.650 --> 00:22:58.130 his voice solidified, he began crafting more 00:22:58.130 --> 00:23:01.390 substantial, curated experiences. He had a month 00:23:01.390 --> 00:23:04.269 -long run of his solo show, McCarthyism, at the 00:23:04.269 --> 00:23:07.230 infamous Rafifi Cinema Classics. Infamous Rafifi 00:23:07.230 --> 00:23:09.369 sounds edgy. Which sounds like an appropriately 00:23:09.369 --> 00:23:11.730 edgy venue for him, yeah. Following that, he 00:23:11.730 --> 00:23:14.289 had a multi -month run of the Matt McCarthy stand 00:23:14.289 --> 00:23:17.509 -up comedy show at Comics NY. McCarthyism at 00:23:17.509 --> 00:23:19.410 the infamous Rafifi. That just sounds like a 00:23:19.410 --> 00:23:21.569 comedian fully embracing his persona and pushing 00:23:21.569 --> 00:23:24.809 boundaries. What's the significance of developing 00:23:24.809 --> 00:23:27.269 a full -length solo show like that? Moving beyond 00:23:27.269 --> 00:23:29.470 the 10 -minute set, what does it demand? A full 00:23:29.470 --> 00:23:32.549 -length solo show signifies a major inflection 00:23:32.549 --> 00:23:35.640 point. It requires thematic coherence, strong 00:23:35.640 --> 00:23:38.160 writing that can sustain an hour plus, and an 00:23:38.160 --> 00:23:40.039 undeniable command of the stage for that whole 00:23:40.039 --> 00:23:42.119 time. It's a statement. It's about presenting 00:23:42.119 --> 00:23:44.960 a fully formed comedic vision, moving beyond 00:23:44.960 --> 00:23:47.380 just a collection of jokes to a more cohesive 00:23:47.380 --> 00:23:50.059 narrative or perspective. Gotcha. And then beyond 00:23:50.059 --> 00:23:53.660 that, in 2011, he took it a step further by creating 00:23:53.660 --> 00:23:56.779 Marking Out, a monthly comedy extravaganza in 00:23:56.779 --> 00:23:59.259 Manhattan. Okay, marking out. Wrestling term, 00:23:59.579 --> 00:24:02.750 right? Exactly. This is a prime example of his 00:24:02.750 --> 00:24:05.710 ability to creatively integrate his deep personal 00:24:05.710 --> 00:24:08.529 interests, specifically wrestling, directly into 00:24:08.529 --> 00:24:11.529 his comedy, carving out a truly unique niche, 00:24:11.970 --> 00:24:14.309 attracting both comedy and wrestling fans. Mark! 00:24:14.599 --> 00:24:17.339 combining passions. And yeah, that word infamous 00:24:17.339 --> 00:24:20.359 associated with Rafifi just adds that touch of 00:24:20.359 --> 00:24:23.160 edgy underground history, suggesting a willingness 00:24:23.160 --> 00:24:25.980 to experiment and challenge norms early on. So 00:24:25.980 --> 00:24:28.759 he's not just doing short sets. He's crafting 00:24:28.759 --> 00:24:31.299 immersive experiences and building a brand around 00:24:31.299 --> 00:24:34.319 his unique interests. How do these self -produced 00:24:34.319 --> 00:24:37.000 shows allow a comedian to really define their 00:24:37.000 --> 00:24:39.539 identity, moving beyond those short club sets? 00:24:40.119 --> 00:24:42.230 Well, they provide total creative control. which 00:24:42.230 --> 00:24:44.410 is invaluable. Without the external constraints 00:24:44.410 --> 00:24:46.450 of a club's lineup, a comedian can experiment 00:24:46.450 --> 00:24:48.930 fearlessly with format, explore deeper themes, 00:24:49.470 --> 00:24:52.289 develop longer narrative, and fully develop characters 00:24:52.289 --> 00:24:54.769 or stylistic choices that might not fit a typical 00:24:54.769 --> 00:24:57.029 10 - or 20 -minute set. It's where a distinct, 00:24:57.130 --> 00:24:59.509 comedic voice truly solidifies, and where the 00:24:59.509 --> 00:25:01.549 artist can present their vision entirely on their 00:25:01.549 --> 00:25:04.309 own terms. It leads to a more integrated, authentic 00:25:04.309 --> 00:25:06.819 performance. A statement of artistic intent, 00:25:06.980 --> 00:25:09.200 like you said. Exactly. And the momentum from 00:25:09.200 --> 00:25:12.059 these focused, self -produced efforts quickly 00:25:12.059 --> 00:25:14.339 carried him to national television appearances 00:25:14.339 --> 00:25:17.119 and performances at renowned comedy festivals. 00:25:17.279 --> 00:25:19.759 And that kind of national exposure is, for any 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:22.380 comedian, truly a game changer. His stand -up 00:25:22.380 --> 00:25:25.519 TV performances include a spot on Season 3 of 00:25:25.519 --> 00:25:28.240 Live at Gotham. Big showcase. And a coveted appearance 00:25:28.240 --> 00:25:30.660 on John Oliver's New York stand -up show on Comedy 00:25:30.660 --> 00:25:33.599 Central. Those are massive platforms for a stand 00:25:33.599 --> 00:25:36.269 -up. Absolutely. These national TV spots are 00:25:36.269 --> 00:25:39.390 genuinely career -defining, offers massive exposure 00:25:39.390 --> 00:25:42.029 beyond the clubs. It's a definitive stamp of 00:25:42.029 --> 00:25:44.250 industry validation. Signals you've arrived at 00:25:44.250 --> 00:25:46.529 a certain level. Right. But his reach didn't 00:25:46.529 --> 00:25:49.549 stop there. He performed at a truly impressive 00:25:49.549 --> 00:25:52.069 list of prestigious festivals. Just for laughs 00:25:52.069 --> 00:25:54.609 in Montreal. The big one. All Tomorrow's Parties. 00:25:55.130 --> 00:25:58.109 Sasquatch. Music Festival. Outside Lands. Bonnaroo. 00:25:58.250 --> 00:26:00.950 Wow, that is a list of heavy hitters, basically 00:26:00.950 --> 00:26:03.849 a who's who of major comedy and music festivals. 00:26:04.269 --> 00:26:06.690 Performing at those must solidify a comedian's 00:26:06.690 --> 00:26:10.329 reputation significantly. Huge crowds, diverse 00:26:10.329 --> 00:26:14.410 audiences, often alongside major music acts. 00:26:14.890 --> 00:26:17.049 And you're networking at the highest levels of 00:26:17.049 --> 00:26:19.210 the industry. It's another level entirely of 00:26:19.210 --> 00:26:22.150 recognition. Yeah. And then to cap it off, in 00:26:22.150 --> 00:26:24.730 2014, LA Weekly recognized him as one of their 00:26:24.730 --> 00:26:27.390 comics to watch. That's a significant industry, 00:26:27.509 --> 00:26:30.869 Nadra. Particularly significant. A clear indicator 00:26:30.869 --> 00:26:34.150 that his relentless hard work, unique voice and 00:26:34.150 --> 00:26:37.049 consistent output were resonating powerfully 00:26:37.049 --> 00:26:39.349 and being noticed by influential critics and 00:26:39.349 --> 00:26:42.269 industry tastemakers. a strong endorsement. So 00:26:42.269 --> 00:26:44.990 for you, the learner, this segment powerfully 00:26:44.990 --> 00:26:47.309 illustrates that essential blend of perseverance, 00:26:47.750 --> 00:26:49.950 undeniable talent, and strategic exposure needed 00:26:49.950 --> 00:26:52.509 for a comedian to achieve widespread recognition. 00:26:52.730 --> 00:26:55.390 It's often a long, deliberate climb up that ladder, 00:26:55.670 --> 00:26:58.069 not usually a single lucky jump. Absolutely. 00:26:58.150 --> 00:26:59.990 It's not just being funny in a club. It's getting 00:26:59.990 --> 00:27:02.190 that meticulously crafted material out there 00:27:02.190 --> 00:27:04.289 and gaining broader recognition through every 00:27:04.289 --> 00:27:06.609 available avenue. And while his stand -up career 00:27:06.609 --> 00:27:09.130 was flourishing, gaining traction, his acting 00:27:09.130 --> 00:27:11.990 career was also steadily building, brick by brick, 00:27:12.369 --> 00:27:14.890 leading to significant and diverse roles on both 00:27:14.890 --> 00:27:18.339 small and big screens. showcasing his range. 00:27:18.519 --> 00:27:20.779 Yeah, his acting journey really intensified with 00:27:20.779 --> 00:27:23.339 that deepening collaboration with P. Holmes from 00:27:23.339 --> 00:27:25.900 their front page films days. Right, coming full 00:27:25.900 --> 00:27:28.880 circle. McCarthy took on a truly pivotal role 00:27:28.880 --> 00:27:31.740 as a series regular and writer on the P. Holmes 00:27:31.740 --> 00:27:35.319 show on TBS. Okay. Which aired in a very prestigious 00:27:35.319 --> 00:27:39.339 time slot, right after Conan, from October 2013 00:27:39.339 --> 00:27:43.099 through June 2014. That's a huge step up, a really 00:27:43.099 --> 00:27:45.619 substantial role. Being both a performer and 00:27:45.619 --> 00:27:48.230 a writer on a network show like that. suggests 00:27:48.230 --> 00:27:50.490 profound creative involvement. Oh, absolutely. 00:27:50.650 --> 00:27:52.049 He wasn't just reading lines. He was helping 00:27:52.049 --> 00:27:54.549 shape his own on -screen persona and the material 00:27:54.549 --> 00:27:57.930 itself. And that slot after Conan indicates real 00:27:57.930 --> 00:28:00.309 network confidence. Big 10. How does that dual 00:28:00.309 --> 00:28:02.809 role of writer -performer allow for a more integrated, 00:28:03.049 --> 00:28:05.470 maybe more authentic comedic output, kind of 00:28:05.470 --> 00:28:08.029 blurring the lines between creation and execution? 00:28:08.470 --> 00:28:11.490 Well, the dual role creates this incredibly powerful 00:28:11.490 --> 00:28:14.809 synergistic feedback loop. Performance informs 00:28:14.809 --> 00:28:18.660 writing. Writing elevates performance. As a writer, 00:28:19.000 --> 00:28:21.299 your crafting material tailored to your unique 00:28:21.299 --> 00:28:23.460 strengths, your sensibilities, your delivery. 00:28:23.559 --> 00:28:26.519 You know how you'll say it. Exactly. Which almost 00:28:26.519 --> 00:28:29.079 invariably results in a more authentic, impactful 00:28:29.079 --> 00:28:31.119 output. You understand the characters' rhythms 00:28:31.119 --> 00:28:33.680 because you helped create them. It also gives 00:28:33.680 --> 00:28:35.720 you a deeper understanding of the show's overall 00:28:35.720 --> 00:28:38.460 voice and direction. Makes sense. And this substantial, 00:28:38.559 --> 00:28:41.700 high -visibility role then truly opened the floodgates 00:28:41.700 --> 00:28:44.759 for a steady stream of diverse acting opportunities 00:28:44.759 --> 00:28:48.359 across the TV landscape. a testament to his versatility. 00:28:48.539 --> 00:28:51.339 And the list is extensive, genuinely showcasing 00:28:51.339 --> 00:28:54.240 that versatility across genres and styles. We're 00:28:54.240 --> 00:28:56.779 talking everything from gritty HBO comedies to 00:28:56.779 --> 00:28:59.640 network sitcoms to late night sketch. It's an 00:28:59.640 --> 00:29:02.420 incredible, varied body of work. His television 00:29:02.420 --> 00:29:04.980 appearances are truly remarkable in their breadth 00:29:04.980 --> 00:29:07.539 and consistency. We see him in memorable guest 00:29:07.539 --> 00:29:10.099 roles on acclaimed shows like Bored to Death 00:29:10.099 --> 00:29:13.619 as Tiger in 2011 and that particularly iconic 00:29:13.619 --> 00:29:16.559 Baseball Heckler on Curb Your Enthusiasm in 2011. 00:29:16.750 --> 00:29:20.130 Oh, perfect casting. A role perfectly suited 00:29:20.130 --> 00:29:23.849 for his energetic, slightly unhinged style. His 00:29:23.849 --> 00:29:25.849 improv skills would shine there. Absolutely. 00:29:26.089 --> 00:29:28.009 He was also a Union soldier in White as Kids 00:29:28.009 --> 00:29:32.099 U. Now that same year, actor Louie on Louie in 00:29:32.099 --> 00:29:35.539 2012, Mr. Cooper on White Collar in 2012. Covering 00:29:35.539 --> 00:29:38.380 the bases. A bowling team buddy in Adam Devine's 00:29:38.380 --> 00:29:41.940 House Party in 2013, Armin on Brooklyn Nine -Nine 00:29:41.940 --> 00:29:45.440 in 2015, and Flanny on Black Monday in 2019. 00:29:45.700 --> 00:29:48.619 That's a serious range of guest spots. A baseball 00:29:48.619 --> 00:29:51.180 heckler on curb for many comedians. That's a 00:29:51.180 --> 00:29:52.779 dream role. You know you're going to get to bring 00:29:52.779 --> 00:29:54.759 some of that Madman energy and really play off 00:29:54.759 --> 00:29:57.160 Larry David. Perfect for his background. Totally. 00:29:57.519 --> 00:29:59.619 And then beyond these one -offs, what's even 00:29:59.619 --> 00:30:02.200 more telling is his list of recurring and multi 00:30:02.200 --> 00:30:04.940 -episode roles speaks to sustained contributions. 00:30:05.079 --> 00:30:06.559 Right. They liked him enough to keep bringing 00:30:06.559 --> 00:30:09.299 him back. Indeed. These multi -episode roles 00:30:09.299 --> 00:30:11.440 highlight his consistency and ability to build 00:30:11.440 --> 00:30:13.799 out a character. He's a striking union man, and 00:30:13.799 --> 00:30:17.410 then, memorably, Joe Craig. Crazy Vesavitz for 00:30:17.410 --> 00:30:19.710 four episodes on Adam Ruins, everything from 00:30:19.710 --> 00:30:22.789 2015 to 2017. Crazy Kaysavitz, the name alone. 00:30:23.089 --> 00:30:24.609 Tells you a lot about the comedic sensibility, 00:30:24.650 --> 00:30:27.369 right? Yeah. And crucially, he was a recurring 00:30:27.369 --> 00:30:30.369 sketch performer on Conan for years, from 2015. 00:30:30.670 --> 00:30:34.309 all the way to 2021. Wow, long run. He also played 00:30:34.309 --> 00:30:37.150 Jon Snow on Bad Internet in 2016 and Richard 00:30:37.150 --> 00:30:40.130 for four episodes on corporate from 2018 to 2020. 00:30:40.349 --> 00:30:42.710 That long running, recurring role as a sketch 00:30:42.710 --> 00:30:44.910 performer on Cornyn directly connects back to 00:30:44.910 --> 00:30:47.609 his improv and FPF sketch roots, doesn't it? 00:30:47.930 --> 00:30:49.730 Foundational training put to use on a national 00:30:49.730 --> 00:30:52.430 stage. Absolutely. And then a true pinnacle for 00:30:52.430 --> 00:30:54.990 any television actor, a series regular role. 00:30:55.490 --> 00:30:57.829 He played Carl for 11 episodes on How We Roll 00:30:57.829 --> 00:31:01.670 in 2022. That's a significant milestone. Consistency, 00:31:02.029 --> 00:31:04.910 commitment. The sheer breadth, depth, and consistency 00:31:04.910 --> 00:31:08.230 of this television work demonstrates truly remarkable 00:31:08.230 --> 00:31:11.029 adaptability and robust comedic sensibility. 00:31:11.549 --> 00:31:13.950 He clearly has the range to slot seamlessly into 00:31:13.950 --> 00:31:16.680 various comedic tones and roles. Yeah. For you, 00:31:16.799 --> 00:31:19.539 the learner, this exhaustive list is a powerful 00:31:19.539 --> 00:31:21.880 illustration of the often episodic incremental 00:31:21.880 --> 00:31:24.339 nature of an actor's career. It shows how consistent 00:31:24.339 --> 00:31:26.980 high quality work across varied projects builds 00:31:26.980 --> 00:31:29.400 a significant body of work and leads progressively 00:31:29.400 --> 00:31:32.480 to larger opportunities. Building a resume brick 00:31:32.480 --> 00:31:36.180 by brick, each role adds to the portfolio. Exactly. 00:31:36.299 --> 00:31:39.319 It's truly a masterclass in staying busy, constantly 00:31:39.319 --> 00:31:42.220 honing your craft, and embracing every opportunity, 00:31:42.339 --> 00:31:45.059 even smaller roles, because each one builds to 00:31:45.059 --> 00:31:47.599 the next. Absolutely. And beyond the small screen, 00:31:48.079 --> 00:31:50.400 McCarthy has also made his presence felt in feature 00:31:50.400 --> 00:31:53.039 films, demonstrating his ability to adapt to 00:31:53.039 --> 00:31:56.349 cinematic storytelling, including... a notable 00:31:56.349 --> 00:31:58.970 foray into voice acting. Yes, his filmography 00:31:58.970 --> 00:32:01.670 includes a mix of roles, showcasing his range 00:32:01.670 --> 00:32:04.190 again. He appeared in The Other Guys as Therapy 00:32:04.190 --> 00:32:07.329 Cop Hashtag 2 in 2010. Fun role. The music never 00:32:07.329 --> 00:32:10.279 stopped his carl in 2011. The normals as OSSAP 00:32:10.279 --> 00:32:14.519 in 2012, and All That I Am as Pat in 2013. Expose 00:32:14.519 --> 00:32:16.519 your different directors, different styles. So 00:32:16.519 --> 00:32:18.819 a healthy mix of comedic and maybe more dramatic 00:32:18.819 --> 00:32:21.240 leaning roles there, further proving his versatility. 00:32:21.559 --> 00:32:23.660 But the one that really stands out for its unique 00:32:23.660 --> 00:32:26.380 demands and massive reach is his voice acting 00:32:26.380 --> 00:32:29.220 role in the Angry Birds movie. Oh yeah, the pigs. 00:32:29.420 --> 00:32:32.099 He lent his voice to both Rodney Pig and Acrobat 00:32:32.099 --> 00:32:35.019 Pig in 2016. That's a major animated feature, 00:32:35.279 --> 00:32:38.500 global audience. This role truly highlights the 00:32:38.500 --> 00:32:40.680 unique demands of voice acting. You have to convey 00:32:40.680 --> 00:32:44.220 character, emotion, comedic timing, personality 00:32:44.220 --> 00:32:47.539 solely through your voice. No physical presence, 00:32:47.960 --> 00:32:50.319 no facial expressions to lean on. Totally different 00:32:50.319 --> 00:32:52.920 skill set. His dual role in a major animated 00:32:52.920 --> 00:32:55.720 feature like Angry Birds speaks volumes about 00:32:55.720 --> 00:32:58.259 his versatility and ability to create memorable 00:32:58.259 --> 00:33:01.279 characters through voice alone. another testament 00:33:01.279 --> 00:33:03.819 to adapting performance skills to different mediums. 00:33:04.140 --> 00:33:07.339 And his continued presence in features is evident 00:33:07.339 --> 00:33:09.880 with his upcoming film, Companion, where he plays 00:33:09.880 --> 00:33:13.460 Sid set for 2025, suggests a healthy ongoing 00:33:13.460 --> 00:33:16.369 career in cinema. An upcoming 2025 film means 00:33:16.369 --> 00:33:18.750 he's still actively working in that space, which 00:33:18.750 --> 00:33:21.650 is fantastic. It really shows a full, well -rounded 00:33:21.650 --> 00:33:24.829 career in both TV and film, continuously evolving. 00:33:24.910 --> 00:33:27.309 Definitely. And throughout all these very performances, 00:33:27.589 --> 00:33:29.750 Matt McCarthy has also consistently captured 00:33:29.750 --> 00:33:32.109 his evolving comedic voice and perspective on 00:33:32.109 --> 00:33:34.529 record, giving listeners a direct window into 00:33:34.529 --> 00:33:37.809 his artistic growth. Yes. His recorded legacy 00:33:37.809 --> 00:33:40.730 offers a very compelling chronological look at 00:33:40.730 --> 00:33:43.970 his evolution as a standup. He has three distinct 00:33:43.970 --> 00:33:46.750 stand -up albums, each marking a particular period. 00:33:46.769 --> 00:33:48.990 Okay, what are they? Come Clean, released back 00:33:48.990 --> 00:33:52.029 in 2010. Then Pro Wrestling Fan, released in 00:33:52.029 --> 00:33:55.150 2016. And Sober Dad, which came out in 2020. 00:33:55.269 --> 00:33:57.490 These album titles themselves tell a fascinating 00:33:57.490 --> 00:34:00.670 story, don't they? Come Clean. Maybe an early, 00:34:00.849 --> 00:34:03.509 unfiltered style. Confessional. Could be. Raw, 00:34:03.529 --> 00:34:06.130 maybe. Pro Wrestling Fan, that's a clear, unabashed 00:34:06.130 --> 00:34:09.230 dedication to his passion. Integrating that personal 00:34:09.230 --> 00:34:11.530 interest directly into his act, making it a central 00:34:11.530 --> 00:34:13.889 pillar. Owning it completely? It's Sober Dad, 00:34:14.210 --> 00:34:16.929 potentially signals a shift, right? More mature, 00:34:17.130 --> 00:34:19.329 observational comedy informed by significant 00:34:19.329 --> 00:34:21.730 life changes like sobriety and fatherhood, a 00:34:21.730 --> 00:34:24.550 new perspective. It certainly suggests an evolution. 00:34:24.989 --> 00:34:27.769 This raises an important question. How does a 00:34:27.769 --> 00:34:30.309 comedian's discography serve as a public chronicle 00:34:30.309 --> 00:34:33.550 of their evolving material, insights, personal 00:34:33.550 --> 00:34:36.469 experiences? Like an audible biography. Exactly. 00:34:36.650 --> 00:34:39.349 It offers a unique longitudinal view of their 00:34:39.349 --> 00:34:42.250 artistic development. You can trace not just 00:34:42.250 --> 00:34:44.989 the jokes, but the broader themes. the changing 00:34:44.989 --> 00:34:47.789 perspectives, the personal growth that becomes 00:34:47.789 --> 00:34:50.389 central to their work over time. It's not just 00:34:50.389 --> 00:34:52.650 an album. It's a timestamp of where they are 00:34:52.650 --> 00:34:55.369 in life and career and how that influences their 00:34:55.369 --> 00:34:58.630 comedic lens. Yeah, exactly. So for you, our 00:34:58.630 --> 00:35:01.210 listener, this demonstrates how artists document 00:35:01.210 --> 00:35:04.110 their journey and evolving perspectives, provides 00:35:04.110 --> 00:35:06.449 deeper insight into their personal and professional 00:35:06.449 --> 00:35:09.409 growth. It's a chance to truly hear the evolution. 00:35:09.510 --> 00:35:11.489 Makes you appreciate the journey. Definitely. 00:35:11.800 --> 00:35:13.860 Now let's bring all these incredible threads 00:35:13.860 --> 00:35:16.340 together and consider the bigger picture of Matt 00:35:16.340 --> 00:35:18.960 McCarthy's remarkable trajectory. We've truly 00:35:18.960 --> 00:35:21.840 covered an extraordinary breadth and depth. We've 00:35:21.840 --> 00:35:24.420 traced his journey from those spirited, unforgettable 00:35:24.420 --> 00:35:27.480 beginnings as a college mascot in Rhode Island. 00:35:27.519 --> 00:35:30.400 The Ram. Through the intense, formative grind 00:35:30.400 --> 00:35:33.199 of the NYC stand -up scene to becoming a prolific 00:35:33.199 --> 00:35:36.150 and versatile actor in film and TV. We've seen 00:35:36.150 --> 00:35:39.030 him as a deeply engaged creative writer for WWE, 00:35:39.690 --> 00:35:42.710 and a beloved host of that niche, yet impactful 00:35:42.710 --> 00:35:45.849 podcast. And what truly defines him, what connects 00:35:45.849 --> 00:35:49.150 all these seemingly disparate dots, is that John 00:35:49.150 --> 00:35:52.239 Belushi -like madman energy. That description 00:35:52.239 --> 00:35:55.019 again? Coupled with a truly remarkable ability 00:35:55.019 --> 00:35:58.099 to collaborate, innovate, and adapt across wildly 00:35:58.099 --> 00:36:00.059 different entertainment mediums. It's not just 00:36:00.059 --> 00:36:02.039 that he's done a lot. It's that he's consistently 00:36:02.039 --> 00:36:04.619 excelled in so many varied areas. Proving the 00:36:04.619 --> 00:36:06.960 true talent isn't confined to a single lane. 00:36:07.139 --> 00:36:09.780 Not at all. The core insight of this deep dive 00:36:09.780 --> 00:36:13.219 is precisely this. Matt McCarthy's success isn't 00:36:13.219 --> 00:36:15.940 simply about possessing one singular talent. 00:36:16.219 --> 00:36:19.239 It's about the incredibly synergistic blend of 00:36:19.239 --> 00:36:21.739 seemingly disparate skills and passions. The 00:36:21.739 --> 00:36:24.059 combination. Think about it. The raw physical 00:36:24.059 --> 00:36:26.380 comedy from being a mascot, the quick thinking 00:36:26.380 --> 00:36:29.519 and collaboration from UCB improv, the understanding 00:36:29.519 --> 00:36:32.679 of viral content from front page films, the intricate 00:36:32.679 --> 00:36:35.800 narrative development from WWE writing, the authentic 00:36:35.800 --> 00:36:38.139 connection from his wrestling podcast. All those 00:36:38.139 --> 00:36:40.739 pieces. All these unique elements converged, 00:36:40.960 --> 00:36:43.000 interwove, strengthened each other, building 00:36:43.000 --> 00:36:45.260 a performer who is uniquely versatile, compelling. 00:36:45.449 --> 00:36:48.869 and enduringly relevant. His career is a masterclass 00:36:48.869 --> 00:36:50.769 in cross -pollination. That's a great way to 00:36:50.769 --> 00:36:54.550 put it. So what does Matt McCarthy's incredible 00:36:54.550 --> 00:36:58.309 journey ultimately teach us about the value of 00:36:58.309 --> 00:37:00.849 truly embracing all your passions, even the ones 00:37:00.849 --> 00:37:04.070 that don't seem to fit together in forging a 00:37:04.070 --> 00:37:07.409 truly unique and successful creative path? And 00:37:07.409 --> 00:37:09.849 perhaps for all of us, how can we bring a little 00:37:09.849 --> 00:37:12.650 more of that madman passion, that fearless pursuit? 00:37:12.860 --> 00:37:15.300 of our varied interests to our own pursuits, 00:37:15.440 --> 00:37:17.860 whatever they may be. It's a powerful thought 00:37:17.860 --> 00:37:21.159 to chew on I think. for anyone navigating their 00:37:21.159 --> 00:37:24.800 own career or creative path. Definitely. It genuinely 00:37:24.800 --> 00:37:27.300 encourages us to look beyond conventional wisdom 00:37:27.300 --> 00:37:29.980 and recognize that our unique blend of interests 00:37:29.980 --> 00:37:33.159 and skills can, in fact, be our greatest asset, 00:37:33.619 --> 00:37:36.019 creating an uncopyable blueprint for success. 00:37:36.340 --> 00:37:38.280 Absolutely. So whether you're curious about that 00:37:38.280 --> 00:37:40.440 fascinating intersection of comedy and pro wrestling, 00:37:40.599 --> 00:37:42.659 or you just want to see some top -tier comedic 00:37:42.659 --> 00:37:45.139 acting, or here's some truly insightful stand 00:37:45.139 --> 00:37:47.139 -up. There's a lot to choose from. We highly 00:37:47.139 --> 00:37:49.320 encourage you to explore Matt McCarthy's work 00:37:49.320 --> 00:37:51.940 further. Check out the We Watch Wrestling podcast. 00:37:52.199 --> 00:37:54.219 Listen to his stand -up albums like Sober Dad 00:37:54.219 --> 00:37:56.820 for a glimpse into his personal evolution. See 00:37:56.820 --> 00:38:00.039 that journey. Or revisit some of his many memorable 00:38:00.039 --> 00:38:03.420 film and television appearances. Curb. Conan, 00:38:03.880 --> 00:38:06.400 how we roll to witness the full scope of his 00:38:06.400 --> 00:38:09.380 remarkable talents. You definitely won't be disappointed. 00:38:09.500 --> 00:38:11.480 There's a rich tapestry of work waiting for you 00:38:11.480 --> 00:38:13.659 to discover and enjoy. Thanks for diving deep 00:38:13.659 --> 00:38:15.360 with us today. Until next time.