From Crack to Comedy Clubs: Rich Vos on Sobriety, Self-Sabotage & Staying Sharp at 67

Hey everyone,

This episode features veteran stand-up comedian Rich Vos, known for his raw, honest, and often self-deprecating humor. He's a regular on the comedy scene, co-hosts podcasts like "My Wife Hates Me" with his wife, comedian Bonnie McFarland, and has a new special "Rich Vos: Anonymous" on YouTube.

The conversation is a freewheeling dive into the life of a road comic, touching on Rich's personal struggles with addiction and recovery, his views on the comedy industry, his past experiences (including some wild stories from his early days and interactions with other famous comedians like Bill Hicks and Adam Sandler), and his observations on current events, particularly the Israel-Palestine conflict and the rise of anti-Semitism. Joe and Rich also discuss aging, self-sabotage, the nature of success and respect in comedy, and Rich's ongoing pursuit of improvement, both personally and professionally.

Here are the detailed key insights and takeaways:

Comedy, Career & the Industry:

• The Drive for More: Despite a long career and seven albums, Rich expresses a feeling of "not enough," a common trait among performers always striving for the next thing.

• Respect vs. Accomplishment: Rich values respect from his peers and the industry more than just external markers of success.

• The Club Comic Life: Discusses the grind, the numbers game in clubs, and the often-strained relationship between comics and club owners. He shares anecdotes about working with legends and the unique culture of comedy, especially in places like the Comedy Cellar.

• Navigating the Industry: Rich touches on the challenges of getting specials, the power dynamics, and how some comics sabotage themselves, often due to unresolved personal issues or being "comfortable being uncomfortable."

• The "Ventriloquist Outlaw" Bit: Rich workshop a new bit idea about a ventriloquist who puts a handkerchief over his dummy's mouth like an old-timey bank robber.

• Decline of Variety Acts: Observes the decline of prop comics and musical acts in stand-up, with fewer new acts emerging in those styles.

Personal Struggles & Reflections:

• Addiction & Recovery: Rich is very open about his past struggles with drug addiction (crack, heroin) and his 39 years of sobriety. He shares harrowing stories from his past, including his "bottom" moment that led to rehab.

• Anxiety: Discusses his lifelong battle with anxiety, including a hospitalization in his youth, and how he's learned to manage it, recognizing that it often passes.

• Self-Sabotage & Mindset: Joe and Rich explore the idea of unconsciously self-sabotaging or having a mindset accustomed to failure, making success feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable.

• Aging & Physicality: At 67, Rich discusses maintaining his physical health, working out, and the desire to keep performing and improving.

• Relationships: Touches on his marriage to Bonnie McFarland, also a comedian, and the unique dynamics of two comics in a relationship.

Observations on Current Events (Israel/Palestine & Anti-Semitism):

• Concern over Campus Protests: Rich, who is Jewish, expresses deep concern about the rise of anti-Semitism and the atmosphere on college campuses where some Jewish students feel unsafe.

• Media & Narratives: Discusses the role of social media bots and organized efforts in shaping narratives around the conflict.

• Historical Context: Joe and Rich touch on the long and complex history of the region, the persecution of Jews in Europe, and the founding of Israel.

• Free Speech & Protest: While believing in free speech, Rich argues against protesters covering their faces, citing public safety concerns.

Wild Anecdotes & Comedy History:

• Bill Hicks Story: Recounts a story of Bill Hicks bombing at Catch a Rising Star and his candid, self-aware reaction.

• Adam Sandler Story: Shares an early career story where Adam Sandler chose money over coke offered by a club owner, while Rich took the coke.

• Dangerfield Prom Shows: Reminisces about the infamous "prom shows" at Dangerfield's, all-night events for high schoolers.

• The "Opie & Anthony" Era: Discusses the wild, anything-goes atmosphere of the Opie & Anthony show, especially after it moved to XM radio, and the brutal roasting culture among comics like Patrice O'Neal, Bill Burr, Colin Quinn, and Jim Norton.

• David Spade Crack Story: Tells a (possibly embellished, but acknowledged by Spade) story about David Spade being an unwilling passenger during Rich and Frankie Bastille's drug-fueled antics early in their careers.

Final Thought:

This episode is a candid, often hilarious, and sometimes poignant look into the life and mind of Rich Vos. It’s a journey through the highs and lows of a long career in comedy, marked by personal battles, strong opinions, and an enduring passion for stand-up. While Rich’s takes on current events are unfiltered, the core of the conversation is a deep dive into the craft of comedy, the bonds between comedians, and the relentless pursuit of staying relevant and true to oneself in a demanding industry.

Find the Guest:

• Website: https://www.richvos.com

• Special "Rich Vos: Anonymous" on YouTube: https://amzn.to/3NQJ2T0

• Podcasts: "My Wife Hates Me" & "For Worse"

Until next time,
The Podcast Notes Team