No One Tells You to Be a Comedian with Josh Johnson
2/18/20261 hr 15 min
Comedian and writer Josh Johnson joins Michelle and Craig to talk about how he got his start in comedy, the funny people who helped raise him, and his incredibly popular Flowers Tour. Josh gives a masterclass on creating live comedy that demands our full attention in a world of dwindling focus, and shares how he’s using his stardom to support systems that help American communities thrive.
Have a question you want answered? Write to us at imopod.com.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsCraig Robinson· Host0:00
The thing that ends up happening with comedy is that n- almost no one asks you to start, you know? [laughs] So it's like, you do- It wasn't your family around the table? They weren't- They didn't [laughs] They didn't sit me down, and they were like, "This is the only hope." [laughs] You know what I mean? Like, it's not like playing basketball. Like, basketball is something where it's like- [laughs] ... your family might sit you down and be like, "Listen, listen, you're tall."
Michelle Obama· Host0:20
Right.
Craig Robinson· Host0:20
[laughs] [laughs] "All right? You're coordinated- [laughs] ... and we are in a bad situation."
Michelle Obama· Host0:25
Right.
Craig Robinson· Host0:25
"All right? I can't pay the car note- Right. ... you're gonna have to start dunking. All right? [laughs] And you gotta take it seriously, okay? Pass your classes if it means you get to dunk for the scouts- [laughs] ... all right? 'Cause we need this money," right? And it's like, with comedy, it's not like that at all.
Michelle Obama· Host0:39
[upbeat music] This episode is brought to you by Theraflu. Hey, Mr. Blazer.
Craig Robinson· Host0:52
Hey, how are you?
Michelle Obama· Host0:53
Yeah, you're fine.
Craig Robinson· Host0:53
You like this blazer?
Michelle Obama· Host0:54
Yeah, yeah. Is... Now, is that new, your blazer?
Craig Robinson· Host0:58
This blazer has not been worn until today.
Michelle Obama· Host1:02
So d- d- does that mean you've had it, and you're just now wearing it- I've had it ... or you just never w- or is it a new, brand-new purchase?
Craig Robinson· Host1:10
It- it's brand new, but I... It, it was... It's not like I bought it last week.
Michelle Obama· Host1:15
G- got it.
Craig Robinson· Host1:16
I should say Kelly bought it last week.
Michelle Obama· Host1:17
Yeah, yeah, we know.
Craig Robinson· Host1:18
Yeah.
Michelle Obama· Host1:18
We know you have nothing to do- This is- ... with how you dress.
Craig Robinson· Host1:21
This is a- [laughs] Hey, you know why I like this? 'Cause it goes well with jeans.
Michelle Obama· Host1:24
Yeah, no, it's a good... It's a, it's a- Yeah ... good sort of casual Friday look.
Craig Robinson· Host1:29
Yeah.