Robby Hoffman: Growing Up Poor Never Leaves You | The Interview

I've never heard the word growing up. I've never heard the word growing up. Comfortable. Comfortable. Comfortable. What? We're not comfortable. Nobody is What? We're not comfortable. Nobody is What? We're not comfortable. Nobody is comfortable. This is the interview. I'm Lulu Garcia This is the interview. I'm Lulu Garcia Navaro. Comedian Robbie Hoffman seems to Navaro. Comedian Robbie Hoffman seems to Navaro. Comedian Robbie Hoffman seems to be everywhere these days. be everywhere these days. be everywhere these days. >> Robbie Hoffman. >> Robbie Hoffman. >> Robbie Hoffman. Robbie Hoffman. Everybody. Robbie Hoffman. Everybody. Robbie Hoffman. Everybody. >> She's been praised for her scene >> She's been praised for her scene >> She's been praised for her scene stealing role in Hacks. Last week I was stealing role in Hacks. Last week I was stealing role in Hacks. Last week I was a casidic labavich Jew living in Crown a casidic labavich Jew living in Crown a casidic labavich Jew living in Crown Heights, New York. Now I'm in LA. I'm Heights, New York. Now I'm in LA. I'm Heights, New York. Now I'm in LA. I'm gay and probably an atheist. Till last gay and probably an atheist. Till last gay and probably an atheist. Till last week I never even seen a movie. week I never even seen a movie. week I never even seen a movie. >> Huh. And in Steve Carell's HBO comedy >> Huh. And in Steve Carell's HBO comedy >> Huh. And in Steve Carell's HBO comedy Rooster, where she plays a blunt, Rooster, where she plays a blunt, Rooster, where she plays a blunt, protective roommate. protective roommate. protective roommate. >> Permission to be frank. Break up. Let's >> Permission to be frank. Break up. Let's >> Permission to be frank. Break up. Let's wrap this up. Go home. wrap this up. Go home. wrap this up. Go home. >> Hoffman grew up poor in a hidic >> Hoffman grew up poor in a hidic >> Hoffman grew up poor in a hidic community. The seventh of 10 children community. The seventh of 10 children community. The seventh of 10 children with a lot of trauma. He was physically with a lot of trauma. He was physically with a lot of trauma. He was physically abusive to my mother for years. I abusive to my mother for years. I abusive to my mother for years. I remember some bad fights he would speak remember some bad fights he would speak remember some bad fights he would speak to us after and say, you know, but I to us after and say, you know, but I to us after and say, you know, but I would never hit you. But it's like, but would never hit you. But it's like, but would never hit you. But it's like, but you hit ma.

you hit ma. you hit ma. It's like, you hit ma. There's so much I It's like, you hit ma. There's so much I It's like, you hit ma. There's so much I wanted to talk to her about money, fame, wanted to talk to her about money, fame, wanted to talk to her about money, fame, marriage, and what it all means in our marriage, and what it all means in our marriage, and what it all means in our celebrity and wealth obsessed culture. celebrity and wealth obsessed culture. celebrity and wealth obsessed culture. Here's my interview with the singular Here's my interview with the singular Here's my interview with the singular Robbie Hoffman. Robbie Hoffman. Robbie Hoffman. >> Okay. And action. >> Okay. And action. >> Okay. And action. >> Robbie Hoffman. Yeah. Can you imagine? >> Robbie Hoffman. Yeah. Can you imagine? >> Robbie Hoffman. Yeah. Can you imagine? >> We're actually in your home. >> We're actually in your home. >> We're actually in your home. >> It's weird because you guys said and I I >> It's weird because you guys said and I I >> It's weird because you guys said and I I was saying this a bit. You said, "Oh, was saying this a bit. You said, "Oh, was saying this a bit. You said, "Oh, they have to do it at your house cuz we they have to do it at your house cuz we they have to do it at your house cuz we want the the person to be comfortable." want the the person to be comfortable." want the the person to be comfortable." But what you do is you come to the house But what you do is you come to the house But what you do is you come to the house and you totally rip apart like this is and you totally rip apart like this is and you totally rip apart like this is not not not >> like do you know what I mean? It's like >> like do you know what I mean? It's like >> like do you know what I mean? It's like you want me to be comfortable, but the you want me to be comfortable, but the you want me to be comfortable, but the couch isn't where the couch like the couch isn't where the couch like the couch isn't where the couch like the whole house is moved. whole house is moved. whole house is moved. >> Yes. So it's kind of counterintuitive. >> Yes. So it's kind of counterintuitive. >> Yes. So it's kind of counterintuitive. We want we want the subject to be We want we want the subject to be We want we want the subject to be comfortable, but then you come in the comfortable, but then you come in the comfortable, but then you come in the house and you move everything that's house and you move everything that's house and you move everything that's right. And I did notice sometimes when right. And I did notice sometimes when right. And I did notice sometimes when you see an interview, you see them you see an interview, you see them you see an interview, you see them sitting in the middle of a room in their sitting in the middle of a room in their sitting in the middle of a room in their chair and I go, "That's their living chair and I go, "That's their living chair and I go, "That's their living room. How weird to walk in, but now I room. How weird to walk in, but now I room. How weird to walk in, but now I understand they move everything. I have understand they move everything. I have understand they move everything. I have these chairs. These are my chairs." But these chairs. These are my chairs." But these chairs. These are my chairs." But normally they're there. They're very normally they're there. They're very normally they're there. They're very nice chairs.

nice chairs. nice chairs. >> They're very nice chairs. >> They're very nice chairs. >> They're very nice chairs. >> The house is beautiful. >> The house is beautiful. >> The house is beautiful. >> They're beautiful. Do you feel >> They're beautiful. Do you feel >> They're beautiful. Do you feel comfortable? comfortable? comfortable? >> No. >> No. >> No. >> Fair. Um, >> Fair. Um, >> Fair. Um, >> but I'm not comfortable a lot, so don't >> but I'm not comfortable a lot, so don't >> but I'm not comfortable a lot, so don't worry. I'm comfortable being worry. I'm comfortable being worry. I'm comfortable being uncomfortable. uncomfortable. uncomfortable. >> Are you comfortable making people >> Are you comfortable making people >> Are you comfortable making people uncomfortable, too? uncomfortable, too? uncomfortable, too? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. >> Great. Then we're in for a fun >> Great. Then we're in for a fun >> Great. Then we're in for a fun conversation. conversation. conversation. >> We're in for it. >> We're in for it. >> We're in for it. >> All right. So, um, we're going to talk >> All right. So, um, we're going to talk >> All right. So, um, we're going to talk about more of this later, but as you about more of this later, but as you about more of this later, but as you have often talked about, you grew up have often talked about, you grew up have often talked about, you grew up really poor. And I wanted to start really poor. And I wanted to start really poor. And I wanted to start though with what is the weirdest thing though with what is the weirdest thing though with what is the weirdest thing now about finding yourself now about finding yourself now about finding yourself >> with money and fame? >> with money and fame? >> with money and fame? >> You know, I don't know if weird is the >> You know, I don't know if weird is the >> You know, I don't know if weird is the word. I I think it's tremendous. It's word. I I think it's tremendous. It's word. I I think it's tremendous. It's amazing. It's everything I've ever amazing. It's everything I've ever amazing. It's everything I've ever wanted was to make a living doing what I wanted was to make a living doing what I wanted was to make a living doing what I love doing. Um, love doing. Um, love doing. Um, you know, life is weird you know, life is weird you know, life is weird everywhere. I my weird doesn't you know everywhere. I my weird doesn't you know everywhere. I my weird doesn't you know me seeing stuff you know me seeing stuff you know me seeing stuff you know it it doesn't change it it doesn't change it it doesn't change necessarily necessarily necessarily based on my socioeconomic status now I based on my socioeconomic status now I based on my socioeconomic status now I just see rich people in their weirdness just see rich people in their weirdness just see rich people in their weirdness I was poor I saw us I you know what I I was poor I saw us I you know what I I was poor I saw us I you know what I mean and I saw them now I see new weird mean and I saw them now I see new weird mean and I saw them now I see new weird things you know it's like you go to a things you know it's like you go to a things you know it's like you go to a different level of a of a video game different level of a of a video game different level of a of a video game there's other challenges and there's there's other challenges and there's there's other challenges and there's other weirdness other weirdness other weirdness how would you compare the rich weird to how would you compare the rich weird to how would you compare the rich weird to the poor weird.

the poor weird. the poor weird. >> The rich weird is way weirder and worse. >> The rich weird is way weirder and worse. >> The rich weird is way weirder and worse. Um because it Um because it Um because it there's like a a humanity that's that is there's like a a humanity that's that is there's like a a humanity that's that is missing. Uh my favorite is a people like missing. Uh my favorite is a people like missing. Uh my favorite is a people like me who who who grew up poor and then by me who who who grew up poor and then by me who who who grew up poor and then by the grace of God got some money and now the grace of God got some money and now the grace of God got some money and now we could be like, "Oh my god, how weird we could be like, "Oh my god, how weird we could be like, "Oh my god, how weird are these rich people who've been like are these rich people who've been like are these rich people who've been like this since birth or whatever, right?" this since birth or whatever, right?" this since birth or whatever, right?" You know, small things like when you go You know, small things like when you go You know, small things like when you go into a rich person's house and nobody's into a rich person's house and nobody's into a rich person's house and nobody's allowed to go in the fridge, right? The allowed to go in the fridge, right? The allowed to go in the fridge, right? The poor have much less, but it's like when poor have much less, but it's like when poor have much less, but it's like when you go to their house, it's like of take you go to their house, it's like of take you go to their house, it's like of take take. You want a Coke? You want a take. You want a Coke? You want a take. You want a Coke? You want a Sprite? Like we just everybody went in Sprite? Like we just everybody went in Sprite? Like we just everybody went in the fridge, but the rich, they have so the fridge, but the rich, they have so the fridge, but the rich, they have so they have the biggest fridge, but nobody they have the biggest fridge, but nobody they have the biggest fridge, but nobody can go in the fridge. Right? So, it's a can go in the fridge. Right? So, it's a can go in the fridge. Right? So, it's a small thing like that that paints a small thing like that that paints a small thing like that that paints a bigger picture, a bigger problem of bigger picture, a bigger problem of bigger picture, a bigger problem of generosity, right? Generosity seems like generosity, right? Generosity seems like generosity, right? Generosity seems like a small thing, but um I've only uh I've a small thing, but um I've only uh I've a small thing, but um I've only uh I've mostly seen generosity in poor um mostly seen generosity in poor um mostly seen generosity in poor um households. Uh, it's not to say it households. Uh, it's not to say it households. Uh, it's not to say it doesn't exist, but it is notable. doesn't exist, but it is notable. doesn't exist, but it is notable. Whenever I meet a rich person and they Whenever I meet a rich person and they Whenever I meet a rich person and they actually were helpful or great, I actually were helpful or great, I actually were helpful or great, I mention it. It's worth mentioning. Are mention it. It's worth mentioning. Are mention it. It's worth mentioning. Are there things that have stayed with you there things that have stayed with you there things that have stayed with you about having really struggled? Because about having really struggled? Because about having really struggled? Because my mom came as a political refugee from my mom came as a political refugee from my mom came as a political refugee from Cuba Cuba Cuba >> with basically a suitcase and no matter >> with basically a suitcase and no matter >> with basically a suitcase and no matter how comfortable she is.

how comfortable she is. how comfortable she is. >> No, no, no. Yeah, >> No, no, no. Yeah, >> No, no, no. Yeah, >> she's a hoarder. She is a hoarder >> she's a hoarder. She is a hoarder >> she's a hoarder. She is a hoarder because she says it's because she lost because she says it's because she lost because she says it's because she lost everything so young. everything so young. everything so young. >> Um, she can't throw anything away. It's >> Um, she can't throw anything away. It's >> Um, she can't throw anything away. It's she's 87 now and that has stayed with she's 87 now and that has stayed with she's 87 now and that has stayed with her. Is there anything like that for her. Is there anything like that for her. Is there anything like that for you? you? you? >> Everything. Everything stays with you. >> Everything. Everything stays with you. >> Everything. Everything stays with you. Um the way that I am is entirely Um the way that I am is entirely Um the way that I am is entirely informed by how I grew up. Um informed by how I grew up. Um informed by how I grew up. Um everything stays with me. I joke about everything stays with me. I joke about everything stays with me. I joke about it often times, but you know, that's why it often times, but you know, that's why it often times, but you know, that's why I like being with Gab. We both kind of I like being with Gab. We both kind of I like being with Gab. We both kind of grew up meager beginnings and we speak grew up meager beginnings and we speak grew up meager beginnings and we speak the same language. I equate it to the same language. I equate it to the same language. I equate it to literally dating outside of the faith. literally dating outside of the faith. literally dating outside of the faith. Um, I Gabby and I getting married, we Um, I Gabby and I getting married, we Um, I Gabby and I getting married, we dated inside our faith. No, she's not dated inside our faith. No, she's not dated inside our faith. No, she's not Jewish. Nothing to do with that, but she Jewish. Nothing to do with that, but she Jewish. Nothing to do with that, but she grew up meager. So did I. And that helps grew up meager. So did I. And that helps grew up meager. So did I. And that helps our dayto-day. We speak the same our dayto-day. We speak the same our dayto-day. We speak the same language. If we're grocery shopping, language. If we're grocery shopping, language. If we're grocery shopping, raspberries are $7.99 for a little raspberries are $7.99 for a little raspberries are $7.99 for a little thing, and I'm not in the mood to spend thing, and I'm not in the mood to spend thing, and I'm not in the mood to spend that. I don't care if the money's in the that. I don't care if the money's in the that. I don't care if the money's in the account. I'm not in a place emotionally account. I'm not in a place emotionally account. I'm not in a place emotionally to drop $7.99 USD on a little thing of to drop $7.99 USD on a little thing of to drop $7.99 USD on a little thing of raspberries. We move on. She's She raspberries. We move on. She's She raspberries. We move on. She's She agrees. We move on. This thing that you agrees. We move on. This thing that you agrees. We move on. This thing that you just said is so interesting to me that just said is so interesting to me that just said is so interesting to me that you're not emotionally in the place to you're not emotionally in the place to you're not emotionally in the place to spend $7.99.

spend $7.99. spend $7.99. >> I think it's criminal. I'm moving on. >> I think it's criminal. I'm moving on. >> I think it's criminal. I'm moving on. >> But what does that mean for What does >> But what does that mean for What does >> But what does that mean for What does that mean for you? I I just I've never that mean for you? I I just I've never that mean for you? I I just I've never heard that. heard that. heard that. >> This is crazy. I mean, I had a great >> This is crazy. I mean, I had a great >> This is crazy. I mean, I had a great uncle and I don't know the the the the uncle and I don't know the the the the uncle and I don't know the the the the comparison, but you know, gas right now comparison, but you know, gas right now comparison, but you know, gas right now in LA is seven is $7. in LA is seven is $7. in LA is seven is $7. >> Close to Yeah. >> Close to Yeah. >> Close to Yeah. >> Okay. Now, when I was a kid, I think in >> Okay. Now, when I was a kid, I think in >> Okay. Now, when I was a kid, I think in Montreal goes by um liter gallon. Montreal goes by um liter gallon. Montreal goes by um liter gallon. >> Mhm. And I think like it used to be >> Mhm. And I think like it used to be >> Mhm. And I think like it used to be like.7 cents or something. When it like.7 cents or something. When it like.7 cents or something. When it reached a dollar, he didn't leave the reached a dollar, he didn't leave the reached a dollar, he didn't leave the house. house. house. Like he was like like I'd be like, Like he was like like I'd be like, Like he was like like I'd be like, "Uncle Eddie, could you take me to my "Uncle Eddie, could you take me to my "Uncle Eddie, could you take me to my friend's house?" He's like, "Are you friend's house?" He's like, "Are you friend's house?" He's like, "Are you kidding? Gas is a dollar. I'm going to kidding? Gas is a dollar. I'm going to kidding? Gas is a dollar. I'm going to be downstairs." And he just didn't leave be downstairs." And he just didn't leave be downstairs." And he just didn't leave his room. I grew up like those like like his room. I grew up like those like like his room. I grew up like those like like the day in and the day out. Um the day in and the day out. Um the day in and the day out. Um I don't know. It just affects me. It's I don't know. It just affects me. It's I don't know. It just affects me. It's how I you know, even the way I purchase how I you know, even the way I purchase how I you know, even the way I purchase things. If I'm going to buy something, things. If I'm going to buy something, things. If I'm going to buy something, it's I got I I I sold out a tour. I I it's I got I I I sold out a tour. I I it's I got I I I sold out a tour. I I sold a show. I'm writing a book. sold a show. I'm writing a book. sold a show. I'm writing a book. Whatever it is, I take a little off the Whatever it is, I take a little off the Whatever it is, I take a little off the top. I make sure it's something I love I top. I make sure it's something I love I top. I make sure it's something I love I have forever have forever have forever and I buy it. And then the rest of it I and I buy it. And then the rest of it I and I buy it. And then the rest of it I try and be careful with.

try and be careful with. try and be careful with. >> What's the last thing you bought that >> What's the last thing you bought that >> What's the last thing you bought that you loved? you loved? you loved? >> Uh >> Uh >> Uh probably my backpack. probably my backpack. probably my backpack. >> Cool. >> Cool. >> Cool. >> I bought a designer backpack for tour. >> I bought a designer backpack for tour. >> I bought a designer backpack for tour. Um, and uh, you know, as a dyke like me, Um, and uh, you know, as a dyke like me, Um, and uh, you know, as a dyke like me, I don't buy purses or anything like I don't buy purses or anything like I don't buy purses or anything like that, but a backpack is a kin. I've had that, but a backpack is a kin. I've had that, but a backpack is a kin. I've had it almost a year and and I I don't see it almost a year and and I I don't see it almost a year and and I I don't see it slowing down. it slowing down. it slowing down. >> That's a good investment. >> That's a good investment. >> That's a good investment. >> Yeah. Really good. No. >> Yeah. Really good. No. >> Yeah. Really good. No. >> Really good. >> Really good. >> Really good. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> All right. Um, you grew up the seventh >> All right. Um, you grew up the seventh >> All right. Um, you grew up the seventh of 10 kids um, in an ultraorththodox of 10 kids um, in an ultraorththodox of 10 kids um, in an ultraorththodox acidic family. acidic family. acidic family. >> You've described growing up in pretty >> You've described growing up in pretty >> You've described growing up in pretty brutal terms. brutal terms. brutal terms. >> Brutal. >> Brutal. >> Brutal. What are your earliest memories of your What are your earliest memories of your What are your earliest memories of your life in Crown Heights? life in Crown Heights? life in Crown Heights? >> Really bad. >> Really bad. >> Really bad. >> I don't speak too much to this, but I >> I don't speak too much to this, but I >> I don't speak too much to this, but I can a little bit. Um, Crown Heights is can a little bit. Um, Crown Heights is can a little bit. Um, Crown Heights is beautiful now. Um, but there were a lot beautiful now. Um, but there were a lot beautiful now. Um, but there were a lot of robberies when we were kids, and I do of robberies when we were kids, and I do of robberies when we were kids, and I do remember, um, the summers are very hot remember, um, the summers are very hot remember, um, the summers are very hot in New York for those, you know, as the in New York for those, you know, as the in New York for those, you know, as the New York Times. I never get See the New New York Times. I never get See the New New York Times. I never get See the New York Times mug. Are you getting that on York Times mug. Are you getting that on York Times mug. Are you getting that on camera? I never You ask me if I'm camera? I never You ask me if I'm camera? I never You ask me if I'm comfortable. The New York Times is in my comfortable. The New York Times is in my comfortable. The New York Times is in my house. No, I'm not comfortable. I'm house. No, I'm not comfortable. I'm house. No, I'm not comfortable. I'm always excited. The Times is the times.

always excited. The Times is the times. always excited. The Times is the times. So, no, I'm not comfortable, but I'm So, no, I'm not comfortable, but I'm So, no, I'm not comfortable, but I'm excited. I don't need to be so excited. I don't need to be so excited. I don't need to be so comfortable. Back to the question. comfortable. Back to the question. comfortable. Back to the question. We in the summer didn't have air We in the summer didn't have air We in the summer didn't have air conditioning, but my parents had in conditioning, but my parents had in conditioning, but my parents had in their bedroom one air conditioner in the their bedroom one air conditioner in the their bedroom one air conditioner in the window, and it was so hot. Must have window, and it was so hot. Must have window, and it was so hot. Must have been over 100°. Everybody was sleeping been over 100°. Everybody was sleeping been over 100°. Everybody was sleeping in their underwear. My parents had the in their underwear. My parents had the in their underwear. My parents had the 10 kids on the floor. Some in the bed 10 kids on the floor. Some in the bed 10 kids on the floor. Some in the bed and others of us like on couch pillows and others of us like on couch pillows and others of us like on couch pillows like you know quasi made mattresses and like you know quasi made mattresses and like you know quasi made mattresses and we would sleep on the floor in our we would sleep on the floor in our we would sleep on the floor in our underwear. I had you know memories. I underwear. I had you know memories. I underwear. I had you know memories. I was very afraid of my father. My my my was very afraid of my father. My my my was very afraid of my father. My my my my mother was uh my father was abusive my mother was uh my father was abusive my mother was uh my father was abusive um to my mother. Uh you know I try um to my mother. Uh you know I try um to my mother. Uh you know I try speaking about this now I try and give speaking about this now I try and give speaking about this now I try and give grace too. Not too much grace but not grace too. Not too much grace but not grace too. Not too much grace but not you know my parents were very young when you know my parents were very young when you know my parents were very young when they had us. You know my father was 35 they had us. You know my father was 35 they had us. You know my father was 35 with 10 kids. My mother was 30 with 10 with 10 kids. My mother was 30 with 10 with 10 kids. My mother was 30 with 10 kids. So they were under a lot of kids. So they were under a lot of kids. So they were under a lot of pressure and stress. I'm not excusing pressure and stress. I'm not excusing pressure and stress. I'm not excusing him but I don't know that he had the him but I don't know that he had the him but I don't know that he had the proper resources to deal with anything.

proper resources to deal with anything. proper resources to deal with anything. And I'm not sure how he was told to And I'm not sure how he was told to And I'm not sure how he was told to manage his family in in in in the manage his family in in in in the manage his family in in in in the systems that he was a part of the systems that he was a part of the systems that he was a part of the religious systems. Um so that's that religious systems. Um so that's that religious systems. Um so that's that said he was very abusive and we kind of said he was very abusive and we kind of said he was very abusive and we kind of made of him. made of him. made of him. >> What does that mean if I if you don't >> What does that mean if I if you don't >> What does that mean if I if you don't mind my asking and you don't have to say mind my asking and you don't have to say mind my asking and you don't have to say >> he was physically abusive to my mother >> he was physically abusive to my mother >> he was physically abusive to my mother >> for years and so I kind of always >> for years and so I kind of always >> for years and so I kind of always avoided him. Now he would he was not avoided him. Now he would he was not avoided him. Now he would he was not physically abusive to us and in fact I physically abusive to us and in fact I physically abusive to us and in fact I remember some bad fights he would speak remember some bad fights he would speak remember some bad fights he would speak to us after and say you know but I would to us after and say you know but I would to us after and say you know but I would never hit you but it's like but you hit never hit you but it's like but you hit never hit you but it's like but you hit ma ma ma it's like you hit ma it's like you hit ma it's like you hit ma >> and my mother was the sweetest you know >> and my mother was the sweetest you know >> and my mother was the sweetest you know unbelievable wouldn't hurt a fly so it's unbelievable wouldn't hurt a fly so it's unbelievable wouldn't hurt a fly so it's like well you you know it's like I don't like well you you know it's like I don't like well you you know it's like I don't know we kind of like I just like I know we kind of like I just like I know we kind of like I just like I remember seeing my f like I remember remember seeing my f like I remember remember seeing my f like I remember once walking to the kitchen I was in once walking to the kitchen I was in once walking to the kitchen I was in five six I don't even know young I five six I don't even know young I five six I don't even know young I wanted an orange juice or snack and I wanted an orange juice or snack and I wanted an orange juice or snack and I saw him sitting there and I saw him and saw him sitting there and I saw him and saw him sitting there and I saw him and I go, "Oh, didn't see you there." And I, I go, "Oh, didn't see you there." And I, I go, "Oh, didn't see you there." And I, you know, and I would walk away like we you know, and I would walk away like we you know, and I would walk away like we didn't have that sort of a relationship. didn't have that sort of a relationship. didn't have that sort of a relationship. I saw him and I'm like, "Oh, sorry. I I saw him and I'm like, "Oh, sorry. I I saw him and I'm like, "Oh, sorry. I didn't see you there. I'll come back."

didn't see you there. I'll come back." didn't see you there. I'll come back." >> You know, so that was kind of a tiptoe >> You know, so that was kind of a tiptoe >> You know, so that was kind of a tiptoe time for sure. time for sure. time for sure. >> When did you realize you were funny? >> Probably >> Probably later. later. later. >> Later. Uh but my whole family, everybody >> Later. Uh but my whole family, everybody >> Later. Uh but my whole family, everybody was funny. was funny. was funny. >> We just were all funny. My father was >> We just were all funny. My father was >> We just were all funny. My father was very funny and my mother is hysterical. very funny and my mother is hysterical. very funny and my mother is hysterical. So everybody was funny. It was always So everybody was funny. It was always So everybody was funny. It was always brutal and funny brutal and funny brutal and funny >> like this. >> like this. >> like this. And yeah, we laughed at each other. We And yeah, we laughed at each other. We And yeah, we laughed at each other. We laughed at ourselves. We laughed at laughed at ourselves. We laughed at laughed at ourselves. We laughed at everyone and anything. There was nothing everyone and anything. There was nothing everyone and anything. There was nothing off limits. And if you saw something off limits. And if you saw something off limits. And if you saw something funny nowadays that like, oh, you funny nowadays that like, oh, you funny nowadays that like, oh, you shouldn't laugh at that. Like my brother shouldn't laugh at that. Like my brother shouldn't laugh at that. Like my brother would hit you. See, look at this. Look, would hit you. See, look at this. Look, would hit you. See, look at this. Look, you know, like we would always catch you know, like we would always catch you know, like we would always catch funny with each other. Like, oh, look, funny with each other. Like, oh, look, funny with each other. Like, oh, look, look what's going on there. Look what's look what's going on there. Look what's look what's going on there. Look what's going on there. So, we were pointing, we going on there. So, we were pointing, we going on there. So, we were pointing, we were looking, we were laughing. were looking, we were laughing. were looking, we were laughing. >> Was funny a way to deal with the hard >> Was funny a way to deal with the hard >> Was funny a way to deal with the hard things?

things? things? >> I'm sure. I'm sure it's cultural. I'm >> I'm sure. I'm sure it's cultural. I'm >> I'm sure. I'm sure it's cultural. I'm sure. Um, sure. Um, sure. Um, >> and you need to have rough There's a >> and you need to have rough There's a >> and you need to have rough There's a roughness to comedy. It's It isn't roughness to comedy. It's It isn't roughness to comedy. It's It isn't polite all the time. It's not sensitive polite all the time. It's not sensitive polite all the time. It's not sensitive all the time. It's It's just funny. If all the time. It's It's just funny. If all the time. It's It's just funny. If you grow up that way, you grow up that way, you grow up that way, >> um politeness and decorum is kind of to >> um politeness and decorum is kind of to >> um politeness and decorum is kind of to the side because you can't you you can't the side because you can't you you can't the side because you can't you you can't invest in those things necessarily. I invest in those things necessarily. I invest in those things necessarily. I had a joke early on in my career, which had a joke early on in my career, which had a joke early on in my career, which my friend Jess gives me a hard time my friend Jess gives me a hard time my friend Jess gives me a hard time about. My sister worked at Starbucks about. My sister worked at Starbucks about. My sister worked at Starbucks and she and she and she and sometimes I would meet her after and sometimes I would meet her after and sometimes I would meet her after work and she would close up the shop. So work and she would close up the shop. So work and she would close up the shop. So sometimes at midnight whenever I don't sometimes at midnight whenever I don't sometimes at midnight whenever I don't know if it was 24 hours but it was like know if it was 24 hours but it was like know if it was 24 hours but it was like till midnight till midnight till midnight and she would she lived in an apartment and she would she lived in an apartment and she would she lived in an apartment four subway stops away and she would four subway stops away and she would four subway stops away and she would walk home. She had two very long scary walk home. She had two very long scary walk home. She had two very long scary blocks dead of the winter snow dark that blocks dead of the winter snow dark that blocks dead of the winter snow dark that she would have to walk home. Not too she would have to walk home. Not too she would have to walk home. Not too far, but not a comfortable walk home. far, but not a comfortable walk home. far, but not a comfortable walk home. But she would walk home in a very But she would walk home in a very But she would walk home in a very unflattering, and I don't know how to unflattering, and I don't know how to unflattering, and I don't know how to say this that wouldn't be disgusting, say this that wouldn't be disgusting, say this that wouldn't be disgusting, that wouldn't be rude, that wouldn't be that wouldn't be rude, that wouldn't be that wouldn't be rude, that wouldn't be offensive, but she would walk home in a offensive, but she would walk home in a offensive, but she would walk home in a way that mimics somebody with um way that mimics somebody with um way that mimics somebody with um physical disability.

physical disability. physical disability. >> Okay? She would limp or do something >> Okay? She would limp or do something >> Okay? She would limp or do something really crazy for the entire two walks to really crazy for the entire two walks to really crazy for the entire two walks to make herself quote unquote less make herself quote unquote less make herself quote unquote less desirable for a sexual predator. And desirable for a sexual predator. And desirable for a sexual predator. And it's too bad that that's the way the it's too bad that that's the way the it's too bad that that's the way the world is, but these are the safety world is, but these are the safety world is, but these are the safety concerns she did. And I used to say that concerns she did. And I used to say that concerns she did. And I used to say that as a joke and I used to do her walk. I as a joke and I used to do her walk. I as a joke and I used to do her walk. I don't do the walk anymore. But of don't do the walk anymore. But of don't do the walk anymore. But of course, course, course, comedy isn't always comfortable. It's comedy isn't always comfortable. It's comedy isn't always comfortable. It's her safe. It's like that was a defense. her safe. It's like that was a defense. her safe. It's like that was a defense. That was a protective defense mechanism. That was a protective defense mechanism. That was a protective defense mechanism. Okay. If sexual predators mostly men, Okay. If sexual predators mostly men, Okay. If sexual predators mostly men, thank you. They're mostly into young thank you. They're mostly into young thank you. They're mostly into young able-bodied girls. She has to be not able-bodied girls. She has to be not able-bodied girls. She has to be not that. So, it's not always it's not always polite and it's not it's not always polite and it's not always comfortable. I think the idea of always comfortable. I think the idea of always comfortable. I think the idea of comfort generally, even when you ask me comfort generally, even when you ask me comfort generally, even when you ask me if I'm comfortable, is a rich thing. if I'm comfortable, is a rich thing. if I'm comfortable, is a rich thing. >> These are concepts. Even if you ask >> These are concepts. Even if you ask >> These are concepts. Even if you ask somebody how they grew up, they won't somebody how they grew up, they won't somebody how they grew up, they won't even tell you rich. They'll say, "We even tell you rich. They'll say, "We even tell you rich. They'll say, "We were comfortable."

were comfortable." were comfortable." I've never heard the word growing up. I've never heard the word growing up. I've never heard the word growing up. Comfortable. Comfortable. Comfortable. What? We're not comfortable. Nobody is What? We're not comfortable. Nobody is What? We're not comfortable. Nobody is comfortable. There's roaches in the comfortable. There's roaches in the comfortable. There's roaches in the [ __ ] sink. I'm not comfortable. The [ __ ] sink. I'm not comfortable. The [ __ ] sink. I'm not comfortable. The snow is coming through the window. I got snow is coming through the window. I got snow is coming through the window. I got to put cellophane on it. Nobody is to put cellophane on it. Nobody is to put cellophane on it. Nobody is comfortable, right? And we're very comfortable, right? And we're very comfortable, right? And we're very comfortable being uncomfortable. But the comfortable being uncomfortable. But the comfortable being uncomfortable. But the rich are not and they dictate what is rich are not and they dictate what is rich are not and they dictate what is comfortable and what isn't. They are comfortable and what isn't. They are comfortable and what isn't. They are uncomfortable often. They don't talk uncomfortable often. They don't talk uncomfortable often. They don't talk about things. Things like money they about things. Things like money they about things. Things like money they don't talk about. They don't talk about don't talk about. They don't talk about don't talk about. They don't talk about politics. Money whether I wanted to talk politics. Money whether I wanted to talk politics. Money whether I wanted to talk about it or not. As a kid, we had one about it or not. As a kid, we had one about it or not. As a kid, we had one one phone in the in the main when you one phone in the in the main when you one phone in the in the main when you walk into the house, it was a table with walk into the house, it was a table with walk into the house, it was a table with a phone on it. That was the phone. And a phone on it. That was the phone. And a phone on it. That was the phone. And my mother was screaming about money on my mother was screaming about money on my mother was screaming about money on that phone from the morning till night. that phone from the morning till night. that phone from the morning till night. She doesn't have it. What's going to be? She doesn't have it. What's going to be? She doesn't have it. What's going to be? What's the how much does the bus passes? What's the how much does the bus passes? What's the how much does the bus passes? We heard everything. It's not like if I We heard everything. It's not like if I We heard everything. It's not like if I didn't want to hear about it, it's it's didn't want to hear about it, it's it's didn't want to hear about it, it's it's like the rich have their own siloed like the rich have their own siloed like the rich have their own siloed rooms. It's not like I could go into the rooms. It's not like I could go into the rooms. It's not like I could go into the other room and not hear her.

other room and not hear her. other room and not hear her. >> Mhm. I heard her. It's basically one >> Mhm. I heard her. It's basically one >> Mhm. I heard her. It's basically one room and the walls are thin as hell. room and the walls are thin as hell. room and the walls are thin as hell. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. >> Adjust the mic. One second. Robbie, >> Adjust the mic. One second. Robbie, >> Adjust the mic. One second. Robbie, >> I hope you didn't lose all that. Nobody >> I hope you didn't lose all that. Nobody >> I hope you didn't lose all that. Nobody lost anything. lost anything. lost anything. >> Did you lose that, Joe? Joe, did you >> Did you lose that, Joe? Joe, did you >> Did you lose that, Joe? Joe, did you lose all that? lose all that? lose all that? >> No, not at all. >> No, not at all. >> No, not at all. >> Joe Bill just won an Emmy. Are you >> Joe Bill just won an Emmy. Are you >> Joe Bill just won an Emmy. Are you kidding? Muzzle top, my man. kidding? Muzzle top, my man. kidding? Muzzle top, my man. >> I saw your Emmy over there. >> I saw your Emmy over there. >> I saw your Emmy over there. >> Yeah, I got an Emmy over. >> Yeah, I got an Emmy over. >> Yeah, I got an Emmy over. >> Exactly. That's why I mentioned Yeah. >> Exactly. That's why I mentioned Yeah. >> Exactly. That's why I mentioned Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> No, totally. >> No, totally. >> No, totally. >> I hope you didn't lose that, Joe. >> I hope you didn't lose that, Joe. >> I hope you didn't lose that, Joe. >> No, we >> No, we >> No, we >> now that you got your Emmy, I hope >> now that you got your Emmy, I hope >> now that you got your Emmy, I hope you're not relaxing. You know what I you're not relaxing. You know what I you're not relaxing. You know what I mean? Cuz then you go, I already got it. mean? Cuz then you go, I already got it. mean? Cuz then you go, I already got it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, what do we care if the sound works >> So, what do we care if the sound works >> So, what do we care if the sound works or not? I'm kidding. or not? I'm kidding. or not? I'm kidding. >> We're good. >> We're good. >> We're good. >> All right. I I want to stay with your upbringing I I want to stay with your upbringing because I do think it's a source of a because I do think it's a source of a because I do think it's a source of a lot of your comedy. lot of your comedy. lot of your comedy. >> Nothing uncomfortable. Are you going to >> Nothing uncomfortable. Are you going to >> Nothing uncomfortable. Are you going to kill me? kill me? kill me? >> No. I I think it's actually really um >> No. I I think it's actually really um >> No. I I think it's actually really um insightful. Go on. insightful. Go on. insightful. Go on. >> Okay. Thank you. Poor people know how to >> Okay. Thank you. Poor people know how to >> Okay. Thank you. Poor people know how to chill. Once we are Okay, the house is a chill. Once we are Okay, the house is a chill. Once we are Okay, the house is a [ __ ] hole. It's a dump. But it's Friday [ __ ] hole. It's a dump. But it's Friday [ __ ] hole. It's a dump. But it's Friday night. People back from work, school's night. People back from work, school's night. People back from work, school's out, whatever it is. You get into a poor out, whatever it is. You get into a poor out, whatever it is. You get into a poor person's house. You got the the chips on person's house. You got the the chips on person's house. You got the the chips on the table. Everybody's got a Coke or a the table. Everybody's got a Coke or a the table. Everybody's got a Coke or a Sprite, whatever they want. Take take.

Sprite, whatever they want. Take take. Sprite, whatever they want. Take take. You're sitting outside. You're shooting You're sitting outside. You're shooting You're sitting outside. You're shooting the [ __ ] It's a lot more comfortable to the [ __ ] It's a lot more comfortable to the [ __ ] It's a lot more comfortable to hang in a poor house than when I go to hang in a poor house than when I go to hang in a poor house than when I go to the rich houses. Like I hate Somebody the rich houses. Like I hate Somebody the rich houses. Like I hate Somebody offered me, they said, "Oh, these people offered me, they said, "Oh, these people offered me, they said, "Oh, these people are going to Italy. You should come to are going to Italy. You should come to are going to Italy. You should come to the pool. Their house is going to be the pool. Their house is going to be the pool. Their house is going to be empty. They're going to Italy." It's empty. They're going to Italy." It's empty. They're going to Italy." It's like, I don't want to go to that pool. I like, I don't want to go to that pool. I like, I don't want to go to that pool. I don't want to be in somebody's house. don't want to be in somebody's house. don't want to be in somebody's house. They're not there. And then I got to They're not there. And then I got to They're not there. And then I got to like I don't know if this, you know, like I don't know if this, you know, like I don't know if this, you know, it's just it's it's it's just a little it's just it's it's it's just a little it's just it's it's it's just a little bit bizarre. I'll probably go to the bit bizarre. I'll probably go to the bit bizarre. I'll probably go to the pool, pool, pool, >> but it's not, you know what I mean? It's >> but it's not, you know what I mean? It's >> but it's not, you know what I mean? It's not like the most not like the most not like the most >> I don't know if I believe you that >> I don't know if I believe you that >> I don't know if I believe you that you're not going to the pool. you're not going to the pool. you're not going to the pool. >> I might go to the pool, but I'm just >> I might go to the pool, but I'm just >> I might go to the pool, but I'm just saying it's not like I'm like, ah, saying it's not like I'm like, ah, saying it's not like I'm like, ah, >> if one day is my pool, I'll be like a >> if one day is my pool, I'll be like a >> if one day is my pool, I'll be like a little bit more ah, but I don't know if little bit more ah, but I don't know if little bit more ah, but I don't know if I would do a pool anyway. It's a whole I would do a pool anyway. It's a whole I would do a pool anyway. It's a whole other conversation. I think it's a lot other conversation. I think it's a lot other conversation. I think it's a lot of maintenance probably. of maintenance probably. of maintenance probably. >> It is probably. Um, I want to ask you >> It is probably. Um, I want to ask you >> It is probably. Um, I want to ask you one more thing about this period. one more thing about this period. one more thing about this period. Eventually, Eventually, Eventually, you leave Crown Heights. You move down you leave Crown Heights. You move down you leave Crown Heights. You move down to Florida. You're there for a little to Florida. You're there for a little to Florida. You're there for a little bit and then your grandfather. bit and then your grandfather. bit and then your grandfather. >> Wow. How did you hear the Florida piece?

>> Wow. How did you hear the Florida piece? >> Wow. How did you hear the Florida piece? I always skipped the Florida piece. We I always skipped the Florida piece. We I always skipped the Florida piece. We were there for like a year, but Okay. were there for like a year, but Okay. were there for like a year, but Okay. You did your research. You did your research. You did your research. >> She's not [ __ ] around. She knows her >> She's not [ __ ] around. She knows her >> She's not [ __ ] around. She knows her [ __ ] We're at the New York Times, baby. [ __ ] We're at the New York Times, baby. [ __ ] We're at the New York Times, baby. Okay. Go ahead. So your grandfather then Okay. Go ahead. So your grandfather then Okay. Go ahead. So your grandfather then comes and rescues your mother from your comes and rescues your mother from your comes and rescues your mother from your abusive father and you all move to abusive father and you all move to abusive father and you all move to Canada. You leave your dad behind. Canada. You leave your dad behind. Canada. You leave your dad behind. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Did you become more secular at that >> Did you become more secular at that >> Did you become more secular at that moment? Was that moment? Was that moment? Was that >> what was it like to sort of move from a >> what was it like to sort of move from a >> what was it like to sort of move from a religious community to a less religious religious community to a less religious religious community to a less religious environment? environment? environment? >> So it wasn't overnight. Yeah, exactly. >> So it wasn't overnight. Yeah, exactly. >> So it wasn't overnight. Yeah, exactly. Transition is the exact word. You said Transition is the exact word. You said Transition is the exact word. You said it good there. I was kosher till 19. it good there. I was kosher till 19. it good there. I was kosher till 19. >> Right. So I was still we were definitely >> Right. So I was still we were definitely >> Right. So I was still we were definitely kosher in the house like you know I got kosher in the house like you know I got kosher in the house like you know I got a muza here. I mean I'm not an animal so a muza here. I mean I'm not an animal so a muza here. I mean I'm not an animal so there's still things you know I don't there's still things you know I don't there's still things you know I don't need a d like like there's still need a d like like there's still need a d like like there's still remnants. I don't know that I totally remnants. I don't know that I totally remnants. I don't know that I totally transitioned out when we left. We transitioned out when we left. We transitioned out when we left. We weren't immediately weren't immediately weren't immediately not religious. We were still religious.

not religious. We were still religious. not religious. We were still religious. We moved to Montreal. In fact we moved We moved to Montreal. In fact we moved We moved to Montreal. In fact we moved to a Montreal neighborhood that was the to a Montreal neighborhood that was the to a Montreal neighborhood that was the same sect. You know, the the biggest same sect. You know, the the biggest same sect. You know, the the biggest difference was not having the father in difference was not having the father in difference was not having the father in the home, the home, the home, >> which meant my mother took on all of the >> which meant my mother took on all of the >> which meant my mother took on all of the male religious commandments. She did the male religious commandments. She did the male religious commandments. She did the the kdish, the kdish, the kdish, >> which is Friday night uh blessing over >> which is Friday night uh blessing over >> which is Friday night uh blessing over the wine. Um and Saturday, she did the the wine. Um and Saturday, she did the the wine. Um and Saturday, she did the habda, which is the the the service at habda, which is the the the service at habda, which is the the the service at the end of the Sabbath. Um she did all the end of the Sabbath. Um she did all the end of the Sabbath. Um she did all the male things. And that is that is the the male things. And that is that is the the male things. And that is that is the the the the law is if the father is not the the the law is if the father is not the the the law is if the father is not in the home that the mother takes on um in the home that the mother takes on um in the home that the mother takes on um you know a lot of the responsibilities. you know a lot of the responsibilities. you know a lot of the responsibilities. So was it something that you wanted to So was it something that you wanted to So was it something that you wanted to break from the the religious break from the the religious break from the the religious you know kind of um strictctures or was you know kind of um strictctures or was you know kind of um strictctures or was it something that you were battling it something that you were battling it something that you were battling against or did you against or did you against or did you >> Well I did with my family this was just >> Well I did with my family this was just >> Well I did with my family this was just >> this is really you're asking about my >> this is really you're asking about my >> this is really you're asking about my mother's battle. Yeah, mother's battle. Yeah, mother's battle. Yeah, >> my mother is the one who took us out of >> my mother is the one who took us out of >> my mother is the one who took us out of that insular community. It's really her that insular community. It's really her that insular community. It's really her story, that part of it. I was born into story, that part of it. I was born into story, that part of it. I was born into it. So, I don't know that it was such a it. So, I don't know that it was such a it. So, I don't know that it was such a battle. I just This was life. This was battle. I just This was life. This was battle. I just This was life. This was the day in and the day out of life. For the day in and the day out of life. For the day in and the day out of life. For my mother, my mother, my mother, >> she was starting to open up and say, >> she was starting to open up and say, >> she was starting to open up and say, >> "Is this what I want for my life? Is >> "Is this what I want for my life? Is >> "Is this what I want for my life? Is this what I want for my kids' life?" My this what I want for my kids' life?" My this what I want for my kids' life?" My brothers, for instance, were not brothers, for instance, were not brothers, for instance, were not learning English. They were learning learning English. They were learning learning English. They were learning Yiddish and they were learning the Bible Yiddish and they were learning the Bible Yiddish and they were learning the Bible Torah and they were not and my mother is

Torah and they were not and my mother is Torah and they were not and my mother is proficient in English. My mother is proficient in English. My mother is proficient in English. My mother is potentially the be the most well- readad potentially the be the most well- readad potentially the be the most well- readad person I've ever met in my whole life. person I've ever met in my whole life. person I've ever met in my whole life. So, she had a big dissonance between her So, she had a big dissonance between her So, she had a big dissonance between her kids not being able to read the classics kids not being able to read the classics kids not being able to read the classics later on. and like what am I doing to later on. and like what am I doing to later on. and like what am I doing to these boys that they're only learning these boys that they're only learning these boys that they're only learning Bible and they're not learning their own Bible and they're not learning their own Bible and they're not learning their own language. language. language. >> So there were things like that that my >> So there were things like that that my >> So there were things like that that my mother has shared later that led her to mother has shared later that led her to mother has shared later that led her to be like I don't want my kids living like be like I don't want my kids living like be like I don't want my kids living like this beyond her own abuse and what she this beyond her own abuse and what she this beyond her own abuse and what she was facing. She was thinking about what was facing. She was thinking about what was facing. She was thinking about what kind of people are we going to be? kind of people are we going to be? kind of people are we going to be? >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> You end up going to a private Jewish >> You end up going to a private Jewish >> You end up going to a private Jewish school on scholarship. Um, you said in school on scholarship. Um, you said in school on scholarship. Um, you said in an interview that you had to find your an interview that you had to find your an interview that you had to find your voice, that you had been sounding jappy voice, that you had been sounding jappy voice, that you had been sounding jappy and those were your words in order to and those were your words in order to and those were your words in order to fit in at high school. fit in at high school. fit in at high school. >> Okay. I wouldn't use such language. I >> Okay. I wouldn't use such language. I >> Okay. I wouldn't use such language. I would never use it. Shout out kidding. would never use it. Shout out kidding. would never use it. Shout out kidding. Yes. Yes. Yes. Go ahead. Yes. Yes. Yes. Go ahead. Yes. Yes. Yes. Go ahead. >> [ __ ] shout out to the my Japanese fans. >> [ __ ] shout out to the my Japanese fans. >> [ __ ] shout out to the my Japanese fans. Nothing to do with you. Jewish American Nothing to do with you. Jewish American Nothing to do with you. Jewish American princess. princess. princess. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> It's a derogatory term for Jewish girls, >> It's a derogatory term for Jewish girls, >> It's a derogatory term for Jewish girls, which I can use. Go ahead. Does anyone which I can use. Go ahead. Does anyone which I can use. Go ahead. Does anyone give you a hard time back in the give you a hard time back in the give you a hard time back in the interview? Oh, friend. Oh, really? Oh interview? Oh, friend. Oh, really? Oh interview? Oh, friend. Oh, really? Oh yeah. Name names.

yeah. Name names. yeah. Name names. Not Not Not >> okay. After. Okay. Oh, I can't wait for >> okay. After. Okay. Oh, I can't wait for >> okay. After. Okay. Oh, I can't wait for the tea. the tea. the tea. >> Um I was curious about when you gave up >> Um I was curious about when you gave up >> Um I was curious about when you gave up that sort of pretense of trying to fit that sort of pretense of trying to fit that sort of pretense of trying to fit in with that crowd and that you had kind in with that crowd and that you had kind in with that crowd and that you had kind of adopted this persona. of adopted this persona. of adopted this persona. >> It was another transition, >> It was another transition, >> It was another transition, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> It's also a teenage thing. It >> It's also a teenage thing. It >> It's also a teenage thing. It >> I think many teenagers want to fit in. I >> I think many teenagers want to fit in. I >> I think many teenagers want to fit in. I was already poor. I was the outsider. I was already poor. I was the outsider. I was already poor. I was the outsider. I was going to this nice school which was going to this nice school which was going to this nice school which still was a huge opportunity in the end still was a huge opportunity in the end still was a huge opportunity in the end was a net positive and really did teach was a net positive and really did teach was a net positive and really did teach me a lot. me a lot. me a lot. >> Okay, it was hard socio economically to >> Okay, it was hard socio economically to >> Okay, it was hard socio economically to not fit in and feel looked down upon but not fit in and feel looked down upon but not fit in and feel looked down upon but it also created a fire in me but it also created a fire in me but it also created a fire in me but um it was a transition. I remember I um it was a transition. I remember I um it was a transition. I remember I really tried I got so lucky. So I'm really tried I got so lucky. So I'm really tried I got so lucky. So I'm going to the school. going to the school. going to the school. I'm pretty I had a great figure. So I I'm pretty I had a great figure. So I I'm pretty I had a great figure. So I tried to really there was two things. tried to really there was two things. tried to really there was two things. Not only was I hiding where I came from Not only was I hiding where I came from Not only was I hiding where I came from and and my and and my and and my uh the classism of it all, but I was uh the classism of it all, but I was uh the classism of it all, but I was also hiding the boyishness of it all.

also hiding the boyishness of it all. also hiding the boyishness of it all. >> I wanted to be feminine and girly and >> I wanted to be feminine and girly and >> I wanted to be feminine and girly and don't I was always a loud kid. I was don't I was always a loud kid. I was don't I was always a loud kid. I was always annoying. I hated these things always annoying. I hated these things always annoying. I hated these things about me. I still hate being annoying about me. I still hate being annoying about me. I still hate being annoying and I'm working on it, but it is what it and I'm working on it, but it is what it and I'm working on it, but it is what it is. Um, but it wasn't for girls to be is. Um, but it wasn't for girls to be is. Um, but it wasn't for girls to be like if you were like if you were like if you were like if you were like if you were like if you were outspoken as a girl or you it was just outspoken as a girl or you it was just outspoken as a girl or you it was just like unladylike like unladylike like unladylike and and and still like not hot, not and and and still like not hot, not and and and still like not hot, not cool. So, I was kind of pushing that, cool. So, I was kind of pushing that, cool. So, I was kind of pushing that, too. And I kind of went the other way. too. And I kind of went the other way. too. And I kind of went the other way. Also, one of my good friends sat me down Also, one of my good friends sat me down Also, one of my good friends sat me down probably in ninth grade and said like, probably in ninth grade and said like, probably in ninth grade and said like, I'm bringing down the group that like I I'm bringing down the group that like I I'm bringing down the group that like I can't wear a backpack anymore. I got to can't wear a backpack anymore. I got to can't wear a backpack anymore. I got to I got to have a purse, a tote. We're I got to have a purse, a tote. We're I got to have a purse, a tote. We're putting all our [ __ ] in a tote. We're putting all our [ __ ] in a tote. We're putting all our [ __ ] in a tote. We're not doing school bags anymore. not doing school bags anymore. not doing school bags anymore. >> And I was like, but these books are so >> And I was like, but these books are so >> And I was like, but these books are so heavy. I can't do a one shoulder. heavy. I can't do a one shoulder. heavy. I can't do a one shoulder. >> I need both shoulders. I almost need the >> I need both shoulders. I almost need the >> I need both shoulders. I almost need the clip here. You mean like these math clip here. You mean like these math clip here. You mean like these math books? Are you kidding me? books? Are you kidding me? books? Are you kidding me? So, I remember she was like, "No, we got So, I remember she was like, "No, we got So, I remember she was like, "No, we got you got to get a purse." Like, you got to get a purse." Like, you got to get a purse." Like, >> you're bringing down the group.

>> you're bringing down the group. >> you're bringing down the group. >> You're bringing down the group. And >> You're bringing down the group. And >> You're bringing down the group. And there was signs early on because the there was signs early on because the there was signs early on because the purse I got was from Levis's. It was a purse I got was from Levis's. It was a purse I got was from Levis's. It was a used Levis. It was a green cordurerized used Levis. It was a green cordurerized used Levis. It was a green cordurerized Levis's with a Levis's pocket. Levis's with a Levis's pocket. Levis's with a Levis's pocket. Um, and I would try and do things. I Um, and I would try and do things. I Um, and I would try and do things. I wanted to, you know, and um wanted to, you know, and um wanted to, you know, and um I I I I I tried like looking better or I I I I I tried like looking better or I I I I I tried like looking better or more feminine or whatever and leaning more feminine or whatever and leaning more feminine or whatever and leaning into my my uh into my my uh into my my uh my looks and you know, and also talking my looks and you know, and also talking my looks and you know, and also talking different, you know, cuz when I moved, I different, you know, cuz when I moved, I different, you know, cuz when I moved, I would say words like would say words like would say words like orange, but you say orange. orange, but you say orange. orange, but you say orange. >> So, I remember doing that. Well, I'm >> So, I remember doing that. Well, I'm >> So, I remember doing that. Well, I'm going to say orange. Not going to say going to say orange. Not going to say going to say orange. Not going to say orange anymore. Orange is for losers, orange anymore. Orange is for losers, orange anymore. Orange is for losers, right? They know you're poor. If you say right? They know you're poor. If you say right? They know you're poor. If you say orange, they know you're poor. orange, they know you're poor. orange, they know you're poor. Orange is Orange is Orange is oat, oat, oat, >> right? So, stuff like that. And I did >> right? So, stuff like that. And I did >> right? So, stuff like that. And I did that for a while. And I was kind of that for a while. And I was kind of that for a while. And I was kind of always checking myself. And I think this always checking myself. And I think this always checking myself. And I think this is teenagehood in general, too. How I is teenagehood in general, too. How I is teenagehood in general, too. How I sat to be feminine. Like, right, I sat to be feminine. Like, right, I sat to be feminine. Like, right, I wouldn't sit like this cuz that's wouldn't sit like this cuz that's wouldn't sit like this cuz that's boyish. So I would try and sit like boyish. So I would try and sit like boyish. So I would try and sit like this. I would catch myself. I was always this. I would catch myself. I was always this. I would catch myself. I was always thinking how I look, how I sound, how I thinking how I look, how I sound, how I thinking how I look, how I sound, how I look, how I sound, how I look, how I look, how I sound, how I look, how I look, how I sound, how I look, how I sound.

sound. sound. >> And over time, >> And over time, >> And over time, as I came out, as I started standup, it as I came out, as I started standup, it as I came out, as I started standup, it was all about like leaning back in. It was all about like leaning back in. It was all about like leaning back in. It was all about like we're just going was all about like we're just going was all about like we're just going 100%. I'm still When you're on stage, it 100%. I'm still When you're on stage, it 100%. I'm still When you're on stage, it gives you an excuse to be a,000% you. gives you an excuse to be a,000% you. gives you an excuse to be a,000% you. Another big transition for you. You were Another big transition for you. You were Another big transition for you. You were actually outed when you were 17. In a actually outed when you were 17. In a actually outed when you were 17. In a way that sounds like something out of way that sounds like something out of way that sounds like something out of Mean Girls. Mean Girls. Mean Girls. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Bro, this was brutal. >> Bro, this was brutal. >> Bro, this was brutal. So, I had a girlfriend, Italian, and So, I had a girlfriend, Italian, and So, I had a girlfriend, Italian, and this girl wanted to be out of the closet this girl wanted to be out of the closet this girl wanted to be out of the closet with me, and I was like, "I'm not being with me, and I was like, "I'm not being with me, and I was like, "I'm not being [ __ ] gay. Are you out of your mind? [ __ ] gay. Are you out of your mind? [ __ ] gay. Are you out of your mind? There's no way. I didn't look. I'm not There's no way. I didn't look. I'm not There's no way. I didn't look. I'm not doing that. I I'm compete. I'm I'm doing doing that. I I'm compete. I'm I'm doing doing that. I I'm compete. I'm I'm doing well in school, getting a great job, and well in school, getting a great job, and well in school, getting a great job, and that's going to be the end of that. I'm that's going to be the end of that. I'm that's going to be the end of that. I'm not going to be doing all this gay [ __ ] not going to be doing all this gay [ __ ] not going to be doing all this gay [ __ ] in my head. in my head. in my head. And so she would say fine. And so she would say fine. And so she would say fine. And I just like wouldn't talk to her in And I just like wouldn't talk to her in And I just like wouldn't talk to her in public. You didn't want to come out at public. You didn't want to come out at public. You didn't want to come out at this point because this point because this point because you just didn't feel like it was you just didn't feel like it was you just didn't feel like it was anyone's business or you were anyone's business or you were anyone's business or you were >> and I don't even think I don't know how >> and I don't even think I don't know how >> and I don't even think I don't know how long this is going to go.

long this is going to go. long this is going to go. >> As soon as I found out I was gay, I was >> As soon as I found out I was gay, I was >> As soon as I found out I was gay, I was already living on my own. I was already already living on my own. I was already already living on my own. I was already having to make rent. I was in school having to make rent. I was in school having to make rent. I was in school full-time. I was working basically full full-time. I was working basically full full-time. I was working basically full full-time, too. full-time, too. full-time, too. I was living a really grown-up life and I was living a really grown-up life and I was living a really grown-up life and I just could not have another thing, I just could not have another thing, I just could not have another thing, >> you know, and I was a very good kid by >> you know, and I was a very good kid by >> you know, and I was a very good kid by this point. I was taking school very this point. I was taking school very this point. I was taking school very seriously. So, I didn't go out too much, seriously. So, I didn't go out too much, seriously. So, I didn't go out too much, but I went out. This is where it gets but I went out. This is where it gets but I went out. This is where it gets sloppy. So, we went to the student bar sloppy. So, we went to the student bar sloppy. So, we went to the student bar and I was with all my friends and I was with all my friends and I was with all my friends and and and she was with hers. So, then at some she was with hers. So, then at some she was with hers. So, then at some point, I think she texted me her in the point, I think she texted me her in the point, I think she texted me her in the bathroom. So, I went to meet her in the bathroom. So, I went to meet her in the bathroom. So, I went to meet her in the bathroom. So, we went into the stall bathroom. So, we went into the stall bathroom. So, we went into the stall together. There's a line, you know, the together. There's a line, you know, the together. There's a line, you know, the bathroom. So, finally, we got a stall. bathroom. So, finally, we got a stall. bathroom. So, finally, we got a stall. We get in the stall together and we're We get in the stall together and we're We get in the stall together and we're making out in the stall. We're 17. Who making out in the stall. We're 17. Who making out in the stall. We're 17. Who cares? And uh the door sprung open cares? And uh the door sprung open cares? And uh the door sprung open and in and and so we were left like we and in and and so we were left like we and in and and so we were left like we pulled our embrace apart pulled our embrace apart pulled our embrace apart and a girl that I had gone to school and a girl that I had gone to school and a girl that I had gone to school with part of the Jewish community saw me with part of the Jewish community saw me with part of the Jewish community saw me this popular girl this popular girl this popular girl >> didn't see me kissing but something was >> didn't see me kissing but something was >> didn't see me kissing but something was what was going on and yeah by the next what was going on and yeah by the next what was going on and yeah by the next day it felt like everybody knew it felt day it felt like everybody knew it felt day it felt like everybody knew it felt like the scene from a walked to her.

like the scene from a walked to her. like the scene from a walked to her. Remember I was just walking through the Remember I was just walking through the Remember I was just walking through the cafeteria and everybody was like cafeteria and everybody was like cafeteria and everybody was like >> like she's [ __ ] gay. >> like she's [ __ ] gay. >> like she's [ __ ] gay. >> So really I really thought I'm like >> So really I really thought I'm like >> So really I really thought I'm like lucky to be here. I really thought I I lucky to be here. I really thought I I lucky to be here. I really thought I I it was the worst time in my life. I lost it was the worst time in my life. I lost it was the worst time in my life. I lost all my friends overnight all my friends overnight all my friends overnight at 17. at 17. at 17. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Yeah. All but two. My friends told me >> Yeah. All but two. My friends told me >> Yeah. All but two. My friends told me they thought it was just weird. they thought it was just weird. they thought it was just weird. And uh I don't know, it was yeah, they And uh I don't know, it was yeah, they And uh I don't know, it was yeah, they just thought it was weird. And again, it just thought it was weird. And again, it just thought it was weird. And again, it wasn't a time where nobody was gay. It wasn't a time where nobody was gay. It wasn't a time where nobody was gay. It just we were in still a pretty just we were in still a pretty just we were in still a pretty conservative environment. And then I had conservative environment. And then I had conservative environment. And then I had uh a couple friends, my friend Malay, uh a couple friends, my friend Malay, uh a couple friends, my friend Malay, shout out to Malay, she messaged me, "Yo shout out to Malay, she messaged me, "Yo shout out to Malay, she messaged me, "Yo dog, like I don't care what's going on. dog, like I don't care what's going on. dog, like I don't care what's going on. Here to talk if you want." And then my Here to talk if you want." And then my Here to talk if you want." And then my friend Ally, whose mother was always friend Ally, whose mother was always friend Ally, whose mother was always nice, she was like, "I don't give a nice, she was like, "I don't give a nice, she was like, "I don't give a [ __ ] Whatever. I hear stuff's going on. [ __ ] Whatever. I hear stuff's going on. [ __ ] Whatever. I hear stuff's going on. I don't have You can talk to me. You I don't have You can talk to me. You I don't have You can talk to me. You don't have to talk to me." There was a don't have to talk to me." There was a don't have to talk to me." There was a couple people who were a bit of a couple people who were a bit of a couple people who were a bit of a lifeline.

lifeline. lifeline. >> That's terrible. >> That's terrible. >> That's terrible. >> It was really bad. >> All right. You eventually go to McGill. >> All right. You eventually go to McGill. You study accounting. You study accounting. You study accounting. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> You started doing standup. >> You started doing standup. >> You started doing standup. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And you were getting your um first >> And you were getting your um first >> And you were getting your um first steady paychecks as an accountant after steady paychecks as an accountant after steady paychecks as an accountant after you graduated. But you continued doing you graduated. But you continued doing you graduated. But you continued doing standup going by Rifka, your given name, standup going by Rifka, your given name, standup going by Rifka, your given name, at work, and Robbie in the comedy clubs. at work, and Robbie in the comedy clubs. at work, and Robbie in the comedy clubs. Can you talk me through that? Was that Can you talk me through that? Was that Can you talk me through that? Was that like an alter ego? You saw them as two like an alter ego? You saw them as two like an alter ego? You saw them as two different people or different people or different people or >> No. No, it wasn't like a Beyonce Sasha >> No. No, it wasn't like a Beyonce Sasha >> No. No, it wasn't like a Beyonce Sasha Fierce. It was literally a practical Fierce. It was literally a practical Fierce. It was literally a practical decision. Um, my name was Rifka, but I decision. Um, my name was Rifka, but I decision. Um, my name was Rifka, but I didn't want the accounting firm to think didn't want the accounting firm to think didn't want the accounting firm to think that I did stand up or I wasn't living that I did stand up or I wasn't living that I did stand up or I wasn't living for the firm because it was a very big for the firm because it was a very big for the firm because it was a very big culture at these professional jobs that culture at these professional jobs that culture at these professional jobs that like you live and die for this firm. like you live and die for this firm. like you live and die for this firm. Like, so when I started standup, I Like, so when I started standup, I Like, so when I started standup, I didn't want really people knowing that I didn't want really people knowing that I didn't want really people knowing that I was leaving to do standup, like leaving was leaving to do standup, like leaving was leaving to do standup, like leaving at 7:00 p.m. to go do standup shows. So, at 7:00 p.m. to go do standup shows. So, at 7:00 p.m. to go do standup shows. So, I just didn't want my name on any flyers I just didn't want my name on any flyers I just didn't want my name on any flyers or anything. So, that's why I went with or anything. So, that's why I went with or anything. So, that's why I went with Robbie.

Robbie. Robbie. >> Um, it was my uncle's name. It was an R >> Um, it was my uncle's name. It was an R >> Um, it was my uncle's name. It was an R initial. initial. initial. >> I watched a TEDex talk you gave in 2014. >> I watched a TEDex talk you gave in 2014. >> I watched a TEDex talk you gave in 2014. >> I hate that that's still up there. It's >> I hate that that's still up there. It's >> I hate that that's still up there. It's It makes me cringe beyond. But go ahead. It makes me cringe beyond. But go ahead. It makes me cringe beyond. But go ahead. I don't know why I I don't know why I I don't know why I >> as someone who researched you, I found >> as someone who researched you, I found >> as someone who researched you, I found this to be very first of all, it was this to be very first of all, it was this to be very first of all, it was poignant. It was good. Good job, younger poignant. It was good. Good job, younger poignant. It was good. Good job, younger Rob. I don't know why I'm salty about Rob. I don't know why I'm salty about Rob. I don't know why I'm salty about [ __ ] I shouldn't even be salty about. I [ __ ] I shouldn't even be salty about. I [ __ ] I shouldn't even be salty about. I look for problems. This is what I do. To look for problems. This is what I do. To look for problems. This is what I do. To complain is to enjoy for me. And and so complain is to enjoy for me. And and so complain is to enjoy for me. And and so I can't even look at something good and I can't even look at something good and I can't even look at something good and say, "You know what? That was a good say, "You know what? That was a good say, "You know what? That was a good thing. Fine. thing. Fine. thing. Fine. >> So, one thing you said is comedy chooses >> So, one thing you said is comedy chooses >> So, one thing you said is comedy chooses you. Oh, yeah. you. Oh, yeah. you. Oh, yeah. >> And you also said the stage understands >> And you also said the stage understands >> And you also said the stage understands me and it's where I'd like to live. me and it's where I'd like to live. me and it's where I'd like to live. >> It's crazy cuz I'm like the most >> It's crazy cuz I'm like the most >> It's crazy cuz I'm like the most uncomfortable to bring it back to uncomfortable to bring it back to uncomfortable to bring it back to comfort. Like probably one-on-one, comfort. Like probably one-on-one, comfort. Like probably one-on-one, probably like little small talks or kind probably like little small talks or kind probably like little small talks or kind of little dinner parties or something of little dinner parties or something of little dinner parties or something like that where I can be a little bit like that where I can be a little bit like that where I can be a little bit socially. But on stage when everything socially. But on stage when everything socially. But on stage when everything goes black in the room and the lights goes black in the room and the lights goes black in the room and the lights are on me, I feel like I'm in a womb. I are on me, I feel like I'm in a womb. I are on me, I feel like I'm in a womb. I feel like like I'm free and I always feel like like I'm free and I always feel like like I'm free and I always worked small and then bigger bigger worked small and then bigger bigger worked small and then bigger bigger bigger and now I'm working in large. I bigger and now I'm working in large. I bigger and now I'm working in large. I feel like you know like there's some feel like you know like there's some feel like you know like there's some artists who paint still lives on on 8 artists who paint still lives on on 8 artists who paint still lives on on 8 by10 canvases and small works and then by10 canvases and small works and then by10 canvases and small works and then there's like the Jackson Pollocks that there's like the Jackson Pollocks that there's like the Jackson Pollocks that need like a bucket of paint splashing need like a bucket of paint splashing need like a bucket of paint splashing from here to the other room onto a from here to the other room onto a from here to the other room onto a canvas the size of this rug.

canvas the size of this rug. canvas the size of this rug. >> And I feel like I'm like these stages >> And I feel like I'm like these stages >> And I feel like I'm like these stages are those I'm working ma in massive are those I'm working ma in massive are those I'm working ma in massive scale now much bigger scale. And I feel scale now much bigger scale. And I feel scale now much bigger scale. And I feel at [ __ ] home really. at [ __ ] home really. at [ __ ] home really. >> I'm like these theaters are my [ __ ] >> I'm like these theaters are my [ __ ] >> I'm like these theaters are my [ __ ] >> Why do you think that is? >> Why do you think that is? >> Why do you think that is? >> I don't know. It's amazing. I I don't >> I don't know. It's amazing. I I don't >> I don't know. It's amazing. I I don't know how to explain it better than that. know how to explain it better than that. know how to explain it better than that. But um I do think that comedy chooses But um I do think that comedy chooses But um I do think that comedy chooses you. you. you. >> I think you can choose it and the people >> I think you can choose it and the people >> I think you can choose it and the people who choose it, you know, some of them who choose it, you know, some of them who choose it, you know, some of them you can tell they chose it and it didn't you can tell they chose it and it didn't you can tell they chose it and it didn't choose them and you know, it's choose them and you know, it's choose them and you know, it's everybody's on their own journey. But I everybody's on their own journey. But I everybody's on their own journey. But I also, you know, it's very difficult cuz also, you know, it's very difficult cuz also, you know, it's very difficult cuz as soon as I started standup, I was as soon as I started standup, I was as soon as I started standup, I was like, I got to do this now. like this is like, I got to do this now. like this is like, I got to do this now. like this is really throwing a wrench into my plan. I really throwing a wrench into my plan. I really throwing a wrench into my plan. I was going to marry good, get a good job, was going to marry good, get a good job, was going to marry good, get a good job, and just live and just live and just live like like middle class, like whatever, like like middle class, like whatever, like like middle class, like whatever, like like you know, just just like like you know, just just like like you know, just just consistently live. consistently live. consistently live. maybe have a condo, maybe have a condo, maybe have a condo, have a husband that now I'm gay, now the have a husband that now I'm gay, now the have a husband that now I'm gay, now the job's going, now I got to I have to job's going, now I got to I have to job's going, now I got to I have to really consider pursuing art, which really consider pursuing art, which really consider pursuing art, which seemed like the poorest thing you could seemed like the poorest thing you could seemed like the poorest thing you could do.

do. do. >> And I'm trying not to be poor anymore. >> And I'm trying not to be poor anymore. >> And I'm trying not to be poor anymore. And now I'm like, I could be really And now I'm like, I could be really And now I'm like, I could be really poor. Like, this is no joke, Rob. But I poor. Like, this is no joke, Rob. But I poor. Like, this is no joke, Rob. But I just I felt like it was a calling just I felt like it was a calling just I felt like it was a calling because Yeah. I I don't want to I wanted because Yeah. I I don't want to I wanted because Yeah. I I don't want to I wanted not to be but but it was like well I do not to be but but it was like well I do not to be but but it was like well I do have this shot and I do have it so have this shot and I do have it so have this shot and I do have it so I I can't believe it but I have to do I I can't believe it but I have to do I I can't believe it but I have to do this. You said earlier that growing up this. You said earlier that growing up this. You said earlier that growing up nothing was too taboo to joke about and nothing was too taboo to joke about and nothing was too taboo to joke about and you know in your comedy it is true you know in your comedy it is true you know in your comedy it is true nothing is off limits in your material. nothing is off limits in your material. nothing is off limits in your material. You said in a recent interview that You said in a recent interview that You said in a recent interview that anyone can do anything. anyone can do anything. anyone can do anything. I just want to explore a little bit I just want to explore a little bit I just want to explore a little bit about like how you think about about like how you think about about like how you think about >> your your comedy. >> your your comedy. >> your your comedy. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Okay. Yeah. >> You know, do you mean you don't have to >> You know, do you mean you don't have to >> You know, do you mean you don't have to be part of a group to make fun of it? be part of a group to make fun of it? be part of a group to make fun of it? You know, You know, You know, >> I think anyone could do anything, but >> I think anyone could do anything, but >> I think anyone could do anything, but you're at your own risk. you're at your own risk. you're at your own risk. >> So, for instance, Chappelle can joke >> So, for instance, Chappelle can joke >> So, for instance, Chappelle can joke about trans people. He's not trans. It's about trans people. He's not trans. It's about trans people. He's not trans. It's not on the trans spectrum, but he can he not on the trans spectrum, but he can he not on the trans spectrum, but he can he can do it. But people can clap back. M I can do it. But people can clap back. M I can do it. But people can clap back. M I don't think there's I think you can do don't think there's I think you can do don't think there's I think you can do whatever the hell you want, but also whatever the hell you want, but also whatever the hell you want, but also know that it could perceive be perceived know that it could perceive be perceived know that it could perceive be perceived by people however the hell they want.

by people however the hell they want. by people however the hell they want. How do you think about what you would or How do you think about what you would or How do you think about what you would or wouldn't do? Because you've joked about wouldn't do? Because you've joked about wouldn't do? Because you've joked about AIDS, pedophilia, late term abortions. AIDS, pedophilia, late term abortions. AIDS, pedophilia, late term abortions. Um Um Um >> is there something that Yeah, I know >> is there something that Yeah, I know >> is there something that Yeah, I know that that's quite a list. that that's quite a list. that that's quite a list. >> You got to go listen to the jokes. You >> You got to go listen to the jokes. You >> You got to go listen to the jokes. You can't just can't just can't just >> No, exactly. I I want to I want to make >> No, exactly. I I want to I want to make >> No, exactly. I I want to I want to make that clear. Yeah. that clear. Yeah. that clear. Yeah. >> Got to go listen to the jokes. >> Got to go listen to the jokes. >> Got to go listen to the jokes. >> It's hard to talk about comedy actually >> It's hard to talk about comedy actually >> It's hard to talk about comedy actually out of context. I will. out of context. I will. out of context. I will. >> Thank you. Please. >> Thank you. Please. >> Thank you. Please. >> I want I want to say, but is there >> I want I want to say, but is there >> I want I want to say, but is there something that you won't joke about or something that you won't joke about or something that you won't joke about or haven't found the right way to joke haven't found the right way to joke haven't found the right way to joke about? about? about? >> I'm sure I I don't know how to answer >> I'm sure I I don't know how to answer >> I'm sure I I don't know how to answer that. Um I I really joke about jokes that. Um I I really joke about jokes that. Um I I really joke about jokes come to you. It's it's it's come to you. It's it's it's come to you. It's it's it's divine. It's it's I don't choose idea. divine. It's it's I don't choose idea. divine. It's it's I don't choose idea. Where do idea it gets philosophical. Where do idea it gets philosophical. Where do idea it gets philosophical. Where does an idea come from? Yes, it, Where does an idea come from? Yes, it, Where does an idea come from? Yes, it, you know, you're informed by your life you know, you're informed by your life you know, you're informed by your life and all of the experiences and then one and all of the experiences and then one and all of the experiences and then one day you're walking, you're like, "Oh, day you're walking, you're like, "Oh, day you're walking, you're like, "Oh, that would be funny." Oo, can I do that? that would be funny." Oo, can I do that? that would be funny." Oo, can I do that? Can I not? Well, I have to try. Can I not? Well, I have to try. Can I not? Well, I have to try. >> Is there like a Robbie Hoffman >> Is there like a Robbie Hoffman >> Is there like a Robbie Hoffman joke? Like, is there because you have a joke? Like, is there because you have a joke? Like, is there because you have a very distinctive style. All the great very distinctive style. All the great very distinctive style. All the great comics do, right? Like, I'm I'm just comics do, right? Like, I'm I'm just comics do, right? Like, I'm I'm just trying to get trying to get trying to get >> you be you'd be better able to describe >> you be you'd be better able to describe >> you be you'd be better able to describe what Robbie Hoffman comedy is like than what Robbie Hoffman comedy is like than what Robbie Hoffman comedy is like than me. It's very hard for me to objectively me. It's very hard for me to objectively me. It's very hard for me to objectively see myself.

see myself. see myself. >> It's fair. >> It's fair. >> It's fair. >> You know, it's like whatever I talk >> You know, it's like whatever I talk >> You know, it's like whatever I talk about, it's cuz it came to me. It there about, it's cuz it came to me. It there about, it's cuz it came to me. It there wasn't it wasn't that deep. Um it can go wasn't it wasn't that deep. Um it can go wasn't it wasn't that deep. Um it can go deep as I explore the topic. Um and deep as I explore the topic. Um and deep as I explore the topic. Um and often times probably I've been told that often times probably I've been told that often times probably I've been told that it's like not what you expect. it's like not what you expect. it's like not what you expect. >> How do you feel about being >> How do you feel about being >> How do you feel about being controversial? Because you said that controversial? Because you said that controversial? Because you said that people can be make jokes and people also people can be make jokes and people also people can be make jokes and people also have a right to clap back. I mean, you have a right to clap back. I mean, you have a right to clap back. I mean, you know, there is this continuum where the know, there is this continuum where the know, there is this continuum where the more famous you get, the more scrutiny more famous you get, the more scrutiny more famous you get, the more scrutiny you get, the more backlash you get. Um, you get, the more backlash you get. Um, you get, the more backlash you get. Um, I can see that throughine in your career I can see that throughine in your career I can see that throughine in your career already. I mean, you just had the already. I mean, you just had the already. I mean, you just had the Celiacs come after you. Celiacs come after you. Celiacs come after you. >> Yeah. The only two community >> Yeah. The only two community >> Yeah. The only two community the only two communities that have come the only two communities that have come the only two communities that have come after me hysterically enough have been after me hysterically enough have been after me hysterically enough have been the pitbull community after the uh the pitbull community after the uh the pitbull community after the uh special in which I said some of the I special in which I said some of the I special in which I said some of the I talked about some of the topics you talked about some of the topics you talked about some of the topics you listed so elegantly a couple a couple listed so elegantly a couple a couple listed so elegantly a couple a couple minutes ago. Um the pit bulls came out minutes ago. Um the pit bulls came out minutes ago. Um the pit bulls came out of all the things I said in that special of all the things I said in that special of all the things I said in that special raising the age of abortion till 10 raising the age of abortion till 10 raising the age of abortion till 10 years old.

years old. years old. The pitbull people came after me. Turns The pitbull people came after me. Turns The pitbull people came after me. Turns out they're as scary as the dog. I did out they're as scary as the dog. I did out they're as scary as the dog. I did not know this. Okay. My only thing not know this. Okay. My only thing not know this. Okay. My only thing really with the pitull was always like really with the pitull was always like really with the pitull was always like it's always the first time, right? The it's always the first time, right? The it's always the first time, right? The dog never attacked nobody before. dog never attacked nobody before. dog never attacked nobody before. I come to find out a week later the dog I come to find out a week later the dog I come to find out a week later the dog ms the girl to [ __ ] death. They don't ms the girl to [ __ ] death. They don't ms the girl to [ __ ] death. They don't know. know. know. They don't know what happened. The only They don't know what happened. The only They don't know what happened. The only other people to come after me is the other people to come after me is the other people to come after me is the celiac community. I mean, you can't make celiac community. I mean, you can't make celiac community. I mean, you can't make this stuff up, right? And celiac is a this stuff up, right? And celiac is a this stuff up, right? And celiac is a real disease that affects mostly real disease that affects mostly real disease that affects mostly white women who are privileged to have white women who are privileged to have white women who are privileged to have health care to get the diagnosis, right? health care to get the diagnosis, right? health care to get the diagnosis, right? Um people of color uh tend to be Um people of color uh tend to be Um people of color uh tend to be less aware or not diagnosed with these less aware or not diagnosed with these less aware or not diagnosed with these things as much because they lack health things as much because they lack health things as much because they lack health care unfortunately in this country. So care unfortunately in this country. So care unfortunately in this country. So it was a funny, you know, I was asked a it was a funny, you know, I was asked a it was a funny, you know, I was asked a silly question about it. I was asked silly question about it. I was asked silly question about it. I was asked about gluten in a in a hard-hitting about gluten in a in a hard-hitting about gluten in a in a hard-hitting interview with Color Daddy and I interview with Color Daddy and I interview with Color Daddy and I responded jokingly as I always do, but responded jokingly as I always do, but responded jokingly as I always do, but uh nothing more serious than that. But uh nothing more serious than that. But uh nothing more serious than that. But of course, rich white women came after of course, rich white women came after of course, rich white women came after me as you know, they're at the helm of me as you know, they're at the helm of me as you know, they're at the helm of both the pitbull and the celiac both the pitbull and the celiac both the pitbull and the celiac community. So that made sense for me.

community. So that made sense for me. community. So that made sense for me. But of all the things that I've ever But of all the things that I've ever But of all the things that I've ever said, said, said, >> rich white women are at the head of the >> rich white women are at the head of the >> rich white women are at the head of the pitbull community. pitbull community. pitbull community. >> Yeah. They like to rescue dogs. which is great. I'm just joking, right? which is great. I'm just joking, right? Uh just like I joked about those other Uh just like I joked about those other Uh just like I joked about those other things, you know, they're not upset. things, you know, they're not upset. things, you know, they're not upset. It's amazing that It's amazing that It's amazing that more people from other communities more people from other communities more people from other communities haven't. It's always like the people who haven't. It's always like the people who haven't. It's always like the people who are like are like are like I I don't know. I have a problem, too. I I don't know. I have a problem, too. I I don't know. I have a problem, too. It's like, yeah, we all have problems, It's like, yeah, we all have problems, It's like, yeah, we all have problems, [ __ ] It's fine. You know, it's kind [ __ ] It's fine. You know, it's kind [ __ ] It's fine. You know, it's kind of like of like of like I shouldn't get in trouble. I will get I shouldn't get in trouble. I will get I shouldn't get in trouble. I will get in trouble for this, but in trouble for this, but in trouble for this, but it's kind of like how I feel about it's kind of like how I feel about it's kind of like how I feel about anti-semitism. Like anti-semitism is anti-semitism. Like anti-semitism is anti-semitism. Like anti-semitism is bad. I don't want anti-semitism. I get bad. I don't want anti-semitism. I get bad. I don't want anti-semitism. I get that. that. that. But is it the worst thing? But is it the worst thing? But is it the worst thing? No. To me, right now it's not. No. To me, right now it's not. No. To me, right now it's not. especially living in a country where especially living in a country where especially living in a country where there's massive anti-Mexican there's massive anti-Mexican there's massive anti-Mexican sentiment and Mexican people are sentiment and Mexican people are sentiment and Mexican people are currently being rounded up or made to currently being rounded up or made to currently being rounded up or made to fear that they're going to be rounded fear that they're going to be rounded fear that they're going to be rounded up. So, sorry if I'm not screaming as up. So, sorry if I'm not screaming as up. So, sorry if I'm not screaming as much about anti-semitism as you want me much about anti-semitism as you want me much about anti-semitism as you want me to. Right now, I have bigger focuses on to. Right now, I have bigger focuses on to. Right now, I have bigger focuses on on some of my neighbors that are going on some of my neighbors that are going on some of my neighbors that are going through horrendous through horrendous through horrendous anti- um you know, anti-Mexican anti- um you know, anti-Mexican anti- um you know, anti-Mexican sentiment. So, yes, it's bad, but I'm sentiment. So, yes, it's bad, but I'm sentiment. So, yes, it's bad, but I'm not such a person that thinks, "Oh, I'm not such a person that thinks, "Oh, I'm not such a person that thinks, "Oh, I'm going to live a life free of any

going to live a life free of any going to live a life free of any problems." You ask me about being problems." You ask me about being problems." You ask me about being offended with my comedy and all this offended with my comedy and all this offended with my comedy and all this stuff. Okay? stuff. Okay? stuff. Okay? I don't think being offended is the I don't think being offended is the I don't think being offended is the worst thing. I think being poor is worst thing. I think being poor is worst thing. I think being poor is for me. for me. for me. >> Offended. Some people expect to go >> Offended. Some people expect to go >> Offended. Some people expect to go through a life of not being offended, I through a life of not being offended, I through a life of not being offended, I guess. Not me. I was born offended. My guess. Not me. I was born offended. My guess. Not me. I was born offended. My whole circumstance was [ __ ] whole circumstance was [ __ ] whole circumstance was [ __ ] offensive. offensive. offensive. Again, like I said, if I hit your Again, like I said, if I hit your Again, like I said, if I hit your community, I'm also hitting my community, I'm also hitting my community, I'm also hitting my community. They're hitting me. You're community. They're hitting me. You're community. They're hitting me. You're hitting me. It's all fair game. It hitting me. It's all fair game. It hitting me. It's all fair game. It doesn't mean anything more than that, doesn't mean anything more than that, doesn't mean anything more than that, but that it's a more inclusive approach. but that it's a more inclusive approach. but that it's a more inclusive approach. I'm including everybody. Nobody is I'm including everybody. Nobody is I'm including everybody. Nobody is above. I was asked a question. Would I above. I was asked a question. Would I above. I was asked a question. Would I go out of my way to talk about celiacs? go out of my way to talk about celiacs? go out of my way to talk about celiacs? Never in a million years. I don't even Never in a million years. I don't even Never in a million years. I don't even want to know about it. Okay, that said, want to know about it. Okay, that said, want to know about it. Okay, that said, did I happen to bring more awareness to did I happen to bring more awareness to did I happen to bring more awareness to Celiac than everybody than anybody else Celiac than everybody than anybody else Celiac than everybody than anybody else has? Look what that did in the end. how has? Look what that did in the end. how has? Look what that did in the end. how many people are more aware of it. So many people are more aware of it. So many people are more aware of it. So look at God. He sends us gifts in ways look at God. He sends us gifts in ways look at God. He sends us gifts in ways we don't understand. But yeah, we don't understand. But yeah, we don't understand. But yeah, everything is fair game. Um and I don't everything is fair game. Um and I don't everything is fair game. Um and I don't expect to live a life not being expect to live a life not being expect to live a life not being offended. And I don't think I think it's offended. And I don't think I think it's offended. And I don't think I think it's okay for something to bristle you and to okay for something to bristle you and to okay for something to bristle you and to make you think something or feel make you think something or feel make you think something or feel something or react somehow.

something or react somehow. something or react somehow. >> Well, you're articulating a Robbie >> Well, you're articulating a Robbie >> Well, you're articulating a Robbie Hoffman joke. I mean in in a real way Hoffman joke. I mean in in a real way Hoffman joke. I mean in in a real way you're articulating something you're articulating something you're articulating something >> that you >> that you >> that you >> like to make people I don't like. I just >> like to make people I don't like. I just >> like to make people I don't like. I just do. I guess my existence it's not like I do. I guess my existence it's not like I do. I guess my existence it's not like I like I didn't set out to do anything. like I didn't set out to do anything. like I didn't set out to do anything. I'm acting in the moment reacting to I'm acting in the moment reacting to I'm acting in the moment reacting to stuff that you know it's not that stuff that you know it's not that stuff that you know it's not that serious. I'm not a journalist. I'm not serious. I'm not a journalist. I'm not serious. I'm not a journalist. I'm not from the New York Times. I'm a comedian. from the New York Times. I'm a comedian. from the New York Times. I'm a comedian. You know what I mean? So I might not You know what I mean? So I might not You know what I mean? So I might not know everything and I'm wrong a lot and know everything and I'm wrong a lot and know everything and I'm wrong a lot and that's fine too. I'm not expecting to be that's fine too. I'm not expecting to be that's fine too. I'm not expecting to be right all the time. not expecting to right all the time. not expecting to right all the time. not expecting to live an offensive free life. I just live an offensive free life. I just live an offensive free life. I just don't have expectations like this. don't have expectations like this. don't have expectations like this. >> So, I guess just to bring it back. >> So, I guess just to bring it back. >> So, I guess just to bring it back. >> So, I'm not trying to do anything but >> So, I'm not trying to do anything but >> So, I'm not trying to do anything but just be me. just be me. just be me. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And when I get an idea, bring it to you. >> And when I get an idea, bring it to you. >> And when I get an idea, bring it to you. >> All right. Um, we only have a few >> All right. Um, we only have a few >> All right. Um, we only have a few minutes left. minutes left. minutes left. >> Love you. I'm have a good time, >> Love you. I'm have a good time, >> Love you. I'm have a good time, actually. actually. actually. >> Good. Me, too. >> Good. Me, too. >> Good. Me, too. >> Um, you're in the TV show Hacks, which >> Um, you're in the TV show Hacks, which >> Um, you're in the TV show Hacks, which just ended. just ended. just ended. >> What's the experience meant for you? >> What's the experience meant for you? >> What's the experience meant for you? >> Oh, amazing. It changed my life.

>> Oh, amazing. It changed my life. >> Oh, amazing. It changed my life. >> I mean, it changed my life. I'm Emmy >> I mean, it changed my life. I'm Emmy >> I mean, it changed my life. I'm Emmy nominated actor now. nominated actor now. nominated actor now. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> Um, thank you. Six lines, an Emmy by the >> Um, thank you. Six lines, an Emmy by the >> Um, thank you. Six lines, an Emmy by the grace of God. grace of God. grace of God. Um, and yeah, it's just it's been an Um, and yeah, it's just it's been an Um, and yeah, it's just it's been an amazing experience. I don't know. It's amazing experience. I don't know. It's amazing experience. I don't know. It's just it's everything you would want. A just it's everything you would want. A just it's everything you would want. A part written for you and gets you an part written for you and gets you an part written for you and gets you an Emmy nom. It's amazing. Emmy nom. It's amazing. Emmy nom. It's amazing. >> I have no complaints there. >> I have no complaints there. >> I have no complaints there. >> I was really entertained by a recent >> I was really entertained by a recent >> I was really entertained by a recent article. article. article. >> Oh, good. um where I saw the headline, >> Oh, good. um where I saw the headline, >> Oh, good. um where I saw the headline, how hacks botched its Yiddish line. It how hacks botched its Yiddish line. It how hacks botched its Yiddish line. It was in response to a cutaway gag from was in response to a cutaway gag from was in response to a cutaway gag from one of the last episodes of Hacks, the one of the last episodes of Hacks, the one of the last episodes of Hacks, the scenes, just a few seconds and you say scenes, just a few seconds and you say scenes, just a few seconds and you say line in Yiddish. And the author wrote line in Yiddish. And the author wrote line in Yiddish. And the author wrote that the line was grammatically that the line was grammatically that the line was grammatically incorrect and then said very archly incorrect and then said very archly incorrect and then said very archly quote as any fluent Yiddish speaker will quote as any fluent Yiddish speaker will quote as any fluent Yiddish speaker will confirm. >> I asked my mother how to say what was it >> I asked my mother how to say what was it free? I was using the word fry and my free? I was using the word fry and my free? I was using the word fry and my mother said machinum.

mother said machinum. mother said machinum. So I add the first part of the line So I add the first part of the line So I add the first part of the line which maybe was grammatically incorrect. which maybe was grammatically incorrect. which maybe was grammatically incorrect. Who cares? A comedia. It's not a very Who cares? A comedia. It's not a very Who cares? A comedia. It's not a very used word in Yiddish to say a comedy used word in Yiddish to say a comedy used word in Yiddish to say a comedy show. It's kind of an Englishism in show. It's kind of an Englishism in show. It's kind of an Englishism in Yiddish. So it's like Yiddish. So it's like Yiddish. So it's like this is what annoys me about Jews. It's this is what annoys me about Jews. It's this is what annoys me about Jews. It's like they want me to speak about like they want me to speak about like they want me to speak about anti-semitism. We get Yedish onto the anti-semitism. We get Yedish onto the anti-semitism. We get Yedish onto the show and then this Jewish publication show and then this Jewish publication show and then this Jewish publication has an issue with the Yiddish. So yeah, has an issue with the Yiddish. So yeah, has an issue with the Yiddish. So yeah, I may have gotten the grammar wrong on I may have gotten the grammar wrong on I may have gotten the grammar wrong on there, but my mother got the word right there, but my mother got the word right there, but my mother got the word right and it's like which any Yiddish speaker and it's like which any Yiddish speaker and it's like which any Yiddish speaker would know. My mother is fluent in would know. My mother is fluent in would know. My mother is fluent in Yiddish. She I asked her one word on the Yiddish. She I asked her one word on the Yiddish. She I asked her one word on the phone. She doesn't need to be indicted phone. She doesn't need to be indicted phone. She doesn't need to be indicted for this. Feels like it hurt you. for this. Feels like it hurt you. for this. Feels like it hurt you. >> No. Bothered me. Annoyed. You see, it >> No. Bothered me. Annoyed. You see, it >> No. Bothered me. Annoyed. You see, it goes to your thing of like uh with more goes to your thing of like uh with more goes to your thing of like uh with more fame, you know, you have like the fame, you know, you have like the fame, you know, you have like the scrutiny and you know, my little sister scrutiny and you know, my little sister scrutiny and you know, my little sister gets excited about all these things cuz gets excited about all these things cuz gets excited about all these things cuz she's like, "We're going up up up up she's like, "We're going up up up up she's like, "We're going up up up up up." You know, when you have the hater, up." You know, when you have the hater, up." You know, when you have the hater, she's like, "You have to start having." she's like, "You have to start having." she's like, "You have to start having." So, she gets excited with all these list So, she gets excited with all these list So, she gets excited with all these list because it means they care, because it means they care, because it means they care, >> right? Like, if they if I'm being >> right? Like, if they if I'm being >> right? Like, if they if I'm being scrutinized, well, I'm not a nobody to scrutinized, well, I'm not a nobody to scrutinized, well, I'm not a nobody to be scrutinized anymore. They wouldn't be scrutinized anymore. They wouldn't be scrutinized anymore. They wouldn't scrutinize me if I was a nobody, but I'm scrutinize me if I was a nobody, but I'm scrutinize me if I was a nobody, but I'm somebody now. Everything I say is did somebody now. Everything I say is did somebody now. Everything I say is did she did she come on we have other fish she did she come on we have other fish she did she come on we have other fish to fry.

to fry. to fry. >> All right we are going to talk again but >> All right we are going to talk again but >> All right we are going to talk again but Thursday Thursday Thursday >> for now. >> for now. >> for now. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much. Thank you guys. >> Thank you so much. Thank you guys. >> Thank you so much. Thank you guys. >> On the interview we talked to our guest >> On the interview we talked to our guest >> On the interview we talked to our guest twice. So a few days later I spoke with twice. So a few days later I spoke with twice. So a few days later I spoke with Robbie Hoffman again and asked her about Robbie Hoffman again and asked her about Robbie Hoffman again and asked her about the pressure of becoming more famous, the pressure of becoming more famous, the pressure of becoming more famous, her high-profile relationship with her her high-profile relationship with her her high-profile relationship with her wife Gabby Wendy and more. wife Gabby Wendy and more. wife Gabby Wendy and more. Hi. Nice to see you again. Hi. Nice to see you again. Hi. Nice to see you again. >> Nice to see you again. >> Nice to see you again. >> Nice to see you again. >> You're stretching cuz you're on the >> You're stretching cuz you're on the >> You're stretching cuz you're on the you're on the East Coast now. you're on the East Coast now. you're on the East Coast now. >> Yes, I worked last night. >> Yes, I worked last night. >> Yes, I worked last night. >> Um, what does that mean? Were you doing >> Um, what does that mean? Were you doing >> Um, what does that mean? Were you doing standup? standup? standup? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Oh, fun. How was it? >> Oh, fun. How was it? >> Oh, fun. How was it? >> Really good, actually. It's been good. >> Really good, actually. It's been good. >> Really good, actually. It's been good. It was It was a late night, but it was a It was It was a late night, but it was a It was It was a late night, but it was a good night. Oh, this is pulling, but I'm good night. Oh, this is pulling, but I'm good night. Oh, this is pulling, but I'm good. I'm good. I'm good. good. I'm good. I'm good. good. I'm good. I'm good. >> Okay. Um, you know, one of the reasons I >> Okay. Um, you know, one of the reasons I >> Okay. Um, you know, one of the reasons I wanted to talk to you is not only wanted to talk to you is not only wanted to talk to you is not only because I've admired your work, but I'm because I've admired your work, but I'm because I've admired your work, but I'm also really interested in transition also really interested in transition also really interested in transition periods in people's lives. And we spoke periods in people's lives. And we spoke periods in people's lives. And we spoke about sort of many of yours in our first about sort of many of yours in our first about sort of many of yours in our first conversation conversation conversation and about how this moment you've become and about how this moment you've become and about how this moment you've become a lot more famous and there's a real big a lot more famous and there's a real big a lot more famous and there's a real big period of transition for you now.

period of transition for you now. period of transition for you now. >> Yeah, that's true. And I, you know, and >> Yeah, that's true. And I, you know, and >> Yeah, that's true. And I, you know, and I just sort of wondered because of that, I just sort of wondered because of that, I just sort of wondered because of that, you know, we did talk about in our first you know, we did talk about in our first you know, we did talk about in our first conversation some of the criticism that conversation some of the criticism that conversation some of the criticism that you might have received. And I wonder if you might have received. And I wonder if you might have received. And I wonder if it just feels hard to deal with. it just feels hard to deal with. it just feels hard to deal with. I would say, you know, I'm so used to so I would say, you know, I'm so used to so I would say, you know, I'm so used to so many changes. My career has again been many changes. My career has again been many changes. My career has again been very slow and steady. I think that by very slow and steady. I think that by very slow and steady. I think that by the time you're ready for a promotion, the time you're ready for a promotion, the time you're ready for a promotion, it might be too late. So, I think I I'm it might be too late. So, I think I I'm it might be too late. So, I think I I'm ready. But it is interesting. You know, ready. But it is interesting. You know, ready. But it is interesting. You know, the whole point is I'm new to this. I the whole point is I'm new to this. I the whole point is I'm new to this. I think people are curious about that. Um think people are curious about that. Um think people are curious about that. Um I'm new to this and you know, I don't I'm new to this and you know, I don't I'm new to this and you know, I don't want anyone or I don't need anyone want anyone or I don't need anyone want anyone or I don't need anyone coming for me. But I think what the the coming for me. But I think what the the coming for me. But I think what the the big thing for me as I navigate this next big thing for me as I navigate this next big thing for me as I navigate this next level is like what why am I successful? level is like what why am I successful? level is like what why am I successful? Why are my shows successful? Why does Why are my shows successful? Why does Why are my shows successful? Why does everybody come together? And I think everybody come together? And I think everybody come together? And I think it's because I don't need to be a part it's because I don't need to be a part it's because I don't need to be a part of like this big machine of of of, of like this big machine of of of, of like this big machine of of of, you know, this big machine of like you know, this big machine of like you know, this big machine of like dividing us by having us squabble about dividing us by having us squabble about dividing us by having us squabble about this and that, the red and the blue of this and that, the red and the blue of this and that, the red and the blue of it all. You know what I mean? I'm like, it all. You know what I mean? I'm like, it all. You know what I mean? I'm like, it's enough partaking in petty squables it's enough partaking in petty squables it's enough partaking in petty squables when we have bigger [ __ ] going on.

when we have bigger [ __ ] going on. when we have bigger [ __ ] going on. >> You know what I mean? And if you want >> You know what I mean? And if you want >> You know what I mean? And if you want the us versus them, at my core, it's the us versus them, at my core, it's the us versus them, at my core, it's always been about always been about always been about the rich versus the poor. the rich versus the poor. the rich versus the poor. >> And that's what we, you know, I think we >> And that's what we, you know, I think we >> And that's what we, you know, I think we need to to focus on. I always bring it need to to focus on. I always bring it need to to focus on. I always bring it back to that. You know, I think struggle back to that. You know, I think struggle back to that. You know, I think struggle brings us together. And I've just been brings us together. And I've just been brings us together. And I've just been screaming about this since growing up screaming about this since growing up screaming about this since growing up the way I grew up. And whenever somebody the way I grew up. And whenever somebody the way I grew up. And whenever somebody tries to like grab me into their thing, tries to like grab me into their thing, tries to like grab me into their thing, it's no problem. I'm happy to be a part it's no problem. I'm happy to be a part it's no problem. I'm happy to be a part of a billion communities, but I don't of a billion communities, but I don't of a billion communities, but I don't need to get lost in the tit for tat. need to get lost in the tit for tat. need to get lost in the tit for tat. Part of your fame is also compounded by Part of your fame is also compounded by Part of your fame is also compounded by your relationship with Gabby Wendy, who your relationship with Gabby Wendy, who your relationship with Gabby Wendy, who you married last year. you married last year. you married last year. >> She's unbelievable. Thank God for her. >> She's unbelievable. Thank God for her. >> She's unbelievable. Thank God for her. >> Yeah, she was on the Bachelor and >> Yeah, she was on the Bachelor and >> Yeah, she was on the Bachelor and Bachelorette. Um, and she was also a Bachelorette. Um, and she was also a Bachelorette. Um, and she was also a Breakout on the Traders, which I love. Breakout on the Traders, which I love. Breakout on the Traders, which I love. The Bambies. Um, The Bambies. Um, The Bambies. Um, >> oh yeah, yeah, yeah. >> oh yeah, yeah, yeah. >> oh yeah, yeah, yeah. >> Okay, I've got a question first. Did you >> Okay, I've got a question first. Did you >> Okay, I've got a question first. Did you think she was traitor material or did think she was traitor material or did think she was traitor material or did you always see her as a faithful? you always see her as a faithful? you always see her as a faithful? >> I thought she was a faithful. She >> I thought she was a faithful. She >> I thought she was a faithful. She doesn't need all the stress of lying. doesn't need all the stress of lying. doesn't need all the stress of lying. The problem is we can't really lie. The problem is we can't really lie. The problem is we can't really lie. That's probably why we get in trouble That's probably why we get in trouble That's probably why we get in trouble sometimes. We say this, we say that.

sometimes. We say this, we say that. sometimes. We say this, we say that. Some people ask me like, "Oh, you would Some people ask me like, "Oh, you would Some people ask me like, "Oh, you would be on the show." I'd be out first. Like, be on the show." I'd be out first. Like, be on the show." I'd be out first. Like, I would literally be out first. First of I would literally be out first. First of I would literally be out first. First of all, I'd be like, "I'm a traitor. You all, I'd be like, "I'm a traitor. You all, I'd be like, "I'm a traitor. You got to get rid of me." Like, I would be got to get rid of me." Like, I would be got to get rid of me." Like, I would be too nervous. Like, I would need to go too nervous. Like, I would need to go too nervous. Like, I would need to go home. I don't have the temperament for, home. I don't have the temperament for, home. I don't have the temperament for, you know, I'm simultaneously, again, the you know, I'm simultaneously, again, the you know, I'm simultaneously, again, the most nervous and confident person. I most nervous and confident person. I most nervous and confident person. I don't know how that happened either, but don't know how that happened either, but don't know how that happened either, but I'm always this dichomous I'm always this dichomous I'm always this dichomous not I'm always non-binary. Not just in not I'm always non-binary. Not just in not I'm always non-binary. Not just in the gender sense. I'm Canadian. I'm the gender sense. I'm Canadian. I'm the gender sense. I'm Canadian. I'm American. I'm nervous. I'm confident. American. I'm nervous. I'm confident. American. I'm nervous. I'm confident. The whole thing is a disaster. So, I The whole thing is a disaster. So, I The whole thing is a disaster. So, I don't think I have the temperament for don't think I have the temperament for don't think I have the temperament for that show. That said, she is a fighter. that show. That said, she is a fighter. that show. That said, she is a fighter. She did amazing. And I said when she She did amazing. And I said when she She did amazing. And I said when she would call, I got one one call a week would call, I got one one call a week would call, I got one one call a week with her and I was just safe. Just take with her and I was just safe. Just take with her and I was just safe. Just take the money and come home. [ __ ] them. Just the money and come home. [ __ ] them. Just the money and come home. [ __ ] them. Just This is a game and that's that. This is a game and that's that. This is a game and that's that. >> I don't know if you can swear. >> I don't know if you can swear. >> I don't know if you can swear. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Really? Oh, I'm I'm stuck again, Seth. >> Really? Oh, I'm I'm stuck again, Seth. >> Really? Oh, I'm I'm stuck again, Seth. My hair is stuck. My hair is stuck. My hair is stuck. >> Seth will come and save you. >> Seth will come and save you. >> Seth will come and save you. >> He keep I have a man in my hotel room.

>> He keep I have a man in my hotel room. >> He keep I have a man in my hotel room. It's been a minute, I got to say, since It's been a minute, I got to say, since It's been a minute, I got to say, since I've had a man in my hotel room. I've had a man in my hotel room. I've had a man in my hotel room. >> I lost my virginity actually with a man >> I lost my virginity actually with a man >> I lost my virginity actually with a man in a New York City hotel room. in a New York City hotel room. in a New York City hotel room. >> I think the bobby pin's doing the job. >> I think the bobby pin's doing the job. >> I think the bobby pin's doing the job. So, I'm just going to remove this clip So, I'm just going to remove this clip So, I'm just going to remove this clip alto together. alto together. alto together. >> Okay, fantastic. You got it. >> Okay, fantastic. You got it. >> Okay, fantastic. You got it. Okay. Sorry about that. Okay. Sorry about that. Okay. Sorry about that. >> Thank you for sharing that. >> Thank you for sharing that. >> Thank you for sharing that. >> Yeah. Um >> Yeah. Um >> Yeah. Um >> fine. Three thrusts maybe. >> Okay. Um so back to Gabby, your wife. Um >> Okay. Um so back to Gabby, your wife. Um I've seen you talk about her with so I've seen you talk about her with so I've seen you talk about her with so much love um and so much respect. It's much love um and so much respect. It's much love um and so much respect. It's it's actually incredibly beautiful. it's actually incredibly beautiful. it's actually incredibly beautiful. >> Thank you. Have you had to figure out >> Thank you. Have you had to figure out >> Thank you. Have you had to figure out what a good relationship looks like what a good relationship looks like what a good relationship looks like because of the chaos of your upbringing, because of the chaos of your upbringing, because of the chaos of your upbringing, the chaos of her upbringing? Yeah, of the chaos of her upbringing? Yeah, of the chaos of her upbringing? Yeah, of course. I mean, I'm, you know, we met in course. I mean, I'm, you know, we met in course. I mean, I'm, you know, we met in our 30s because of the ways we grew up. our 30s because of the ways we grew up. our 30s because of the ways we grew up. Like, I grew up, yes, single mom Like, I grew up, yes, single mom Like, I grew up, yes, single mom household, poor, but I did have a, in a household, poor, but I did have a, in a household, poor, but I did have a, in a way, a pretty stable I know I moved from way, a pretty stable I know I moved from way, a pretty stable I know I moved from New York to Montreal and there was that New York to Montreal and there was that New York to Montreal and there was that stint to Miami, which you caught Lulu stint to Miami, which you caught Lulu stint to Miami, which you caught Lulu doesn't miss anything. But um my mother doesn't miss anything. But um my mother doesn't miss anything. But um my mother was home was home was home >> 24/7. Every day this woman was cooking >> 24/7. Every day this woman was cooking >> 24/7. Every day this woman was cooking and cleaning, cooking and cleaning, and cleaning, cooking and cleaning, and cleaning, cooking and cleaning, cooking and cleaning. I knew every day cooking and cleaning. I knew every day cooking and cleaning. I knew every day where my mother was to this day. If I where my mother was to this day. If I where my mother was to this day. If I got to go find my mother, I know exactly got to go find my mother, I know exactly got to go find my mother, I know exactly where she is. Gab didn't have that.

where she is. Gab didn't have that. where she is. Gab didn't have that. Gab didn't have that. Gab had, you know, Gab didn't have that. Gab had, you know, Gab didn't have that. Gab had, you know, maybe, you know, a parent who was not maybe, you know, a parent who was not maybe, you know, a parent who was not there. oftentimes didn't know where the there. oftentimes didn't know where the there. oftentimes didn't know where the parent was, parent was, parent was, you know, then went to live with her you know, then went to live with her you know, then went to live with her dad. But I'm just saying she didn't have dad. But I'm just saying she didn't have dad. But I'm just saying she didn't have that consistency. So Gab used to think that consistency. So Gab used to think that consistency. So Gab used to think that bringing up something with me would that bringing up something with me would that bringing up something with me would be that I would leave if she had if she be that I would leave if she had if she be that I would leave if she had if she thought I was annoying, which we've thought I was annoying, which we've thought I was annoying, which we've established I've long been annoying and established I've long been annoying and established I've long been annoying and I apologize. I apologize. I apologize. So she used to like if if something hurt So she used to like if if something hurt So she used to like if if something hurt her feelings or if I don't know, she her feelings or if I don't know, she her feelings or if I don't know, she didn't like the way that I did didn't like the way that I did didn't like the way that I did something. if I left the cabinet open something. if I left the cabinet open something. if I left the cabinet open some. It could be tiny. She just some. It could be tiny. She just some. It could be tiny. She just wouldn't say because she wouldn't want wouldn't say because she wouldn't want wouldn't say because she wouldn't want me to go away. But I was like, I'm not. me to go away. But I was like, I'm not. me to go away. But I was like, I'm not. Babe, I'll close the cabinets. It's just Babe, I'll close the cabinets. It's just Babe, I'll close the cabinets. It's just insane. We can't live like this. Try me. insane. We can't live like this. Try me. insane. We can't live like this. Try me. Try me. So, she had to get comfortable Try me. So, she had to get comfortable Try me. So, she had to get comfortable trusting that. And I had to get trusting that. And I had to get trusting that. And I had to get comfortable that she was tepid about comfortable that she was tepid about comfortable that she was tepid about everything. So, um, it just worked. It's everything. So, um, it just worked. It's everything. So, um, it just worked. It's kind of like it's not our job to heal kind of like it's not our job to heal kind of like it's not our job to heal each other. Um but each other. Um but each other. Um but you know through the relationship we are you know through the relationship we are you know through the relationship we are healing each other. It's not the job but healing each other. It's not the job but healing each other. It's not the job but it's the cherry and it's just really it's the cherry and it's just really it's the cherry and it's just really nice to like design kind of the life you nice to like design kind of the life you nice to like design kind of the life you want to live. It's like I've said with want to live. It's like I've said with want to live. It's like I've said with Gab when I was a kid and I hated my Gab when I was a kid and I hated my Gab when I was a kid and I hated my brothers. I would just come home and brothers. I would just come home and brothers. I would just come home and complain about my brothers all the time complain about my brothers all the time complain about my brothers all the time and my mother would say, "You don't and my mother would say, "You don't and my mother would say, "You don't choose your family. They're your choose your family. They're your choose your family. They're your brothers."

brothers." brothers." And then I realized there's a loophole. And then I realized there's a loophole. And then I realized there's a loophole. If I marry Gabby, I choose my family. If I marry Gabby, I choose my family. If I marry Gabby, I choose my family. That's the one time you choose your That's the one time you choose your That's the one time you choose your family. family. family. >> Choose wisely. >> Choose wisely. >> Choose wisely. >> Last question. Um, >> Last question. Um, >> Last question. Um, the theme the theme the theme >> Oh, that's it. Last question. >> Oh, that's it. Last question. >> Oh, that's it. Last question. >> Yeah. Yeah. Hey, we're just so um >> Yeah. Yeah. Hey, we're just so um >> Yeah. Yeah. Hey, we're just so um >> the thing that you've made clear I think >> the thing that you've made clear I think >> the thing that you've made clear I think throughout our entire conversation is throughout our entire conversation is throughout our entire conversation is that class is at the center of how you that class is at the center of how you that class is at the center of how you want to communicate um your comedy, your want to communicate um your comedy, your want to communicate um your comedy, your work. And you know, it made me really work. And you know, it made me really work. And you know, it made me really reflect about in many ways how America reflect about in many ways how America reflect about in many ways how America always wants to present itself as so always wants to present itself as so always wants to present itself as so aspirational and to hide the ugliness, aspirational and to hide the ugliness, aspirational and to hide the ugliness, the trauma, the poverty that underlies the trauma, the poverty that underlies the trauma, the poverty that underlies it all. And I think what makes you so it all. And I think what makes you so it all. And I think what makes you so provocative is that you are really provocative is that you are really provocative is that you are really trying to put that front and center in a trying to put that front and center in a trying to put that front and center in a way that I don't think many people are. way that I don't think many people are. way that I don't think many people are. Um, have you felt that dissonance? Have Um, have you felt that dissonance? Have Um, have you felt that dissonance? Have you um do you feel you um do you feel you um do you feel >> Yes, I do feel it that especially doing >> Yes, I do feel it that especially doing >> Yes, I do feel it that especially doing more oats or elites publications. That's more oats or elites publications. That's more oats or elites publications. That's why I'm nervous like with the times or why I'm nervous like with the times or why I'm nervous like with the times or things like this. You know, I'm always things like this. You know, I'm always things like this. You know, I'm always You asked me if I was comfortable in my You asked me if I was comfortable in my You asked me if I was comfortable in my own house last time. No, I'm not own house last time. No, I'm not own house last time. No, I'm not comfortable. So, I just think that like comfortable. So, I just think that like comfortable. So, I just think that like I'm cognizant to just always be me, I'm cognizant to just always be me, I'm cognizant to just always be me, stand what I stand for no matter what.

stand what I stand for no matter what. stand what I stand for no matter what. And we can start really changing the And we can start really changing the And we can start really changing the focus to not be distracted and to focus focus to not be distracted and to focus focus to not be distracted and to focus on on on us, not you versus me or this or that. us, not you versus me or this or that. us, not you versus me or this or that. It's just classism affects everybody. It's just classism affects everybody. It's just classism affects everybody. the conversation. Basically, to answer the conversation. Basically, to answer the conversation. Basically, to answer your question simply, it shouldn't be a your question simply, it shouldn't be a your question simply, it shouldn't be a new conversation. It's it's a big new conversation. It's it's a big new conversation. It's it's a big conversation and it's the conversation. conversation and it's the conversation. conversation and it's the conversation. >> I don't know if that's even more >> I don't know if that's even more >> I don't know if that's even more succinct. succinct. succinct. >> That's very succinct. >> That's very succinct. >> That's very succinct. >> What do you think, Seth? He nodded. Do >> What do you think, Seth? He nodded. Do >> What do you think, Seth? He nodded. Do you think that's succinct? you think that's succinct? you think that's succinct? >> Py? What's pathy and succinct? >> Py? What's pathy and succinct? >> Py? What's pathy and succinct? >> Py is short. Succinct is also short. >> Py is short. Succinct is also short. >> Py is short. Succinct is also short. >> I'm glad the producer I'm glad >> I'm glad the producer I'm glad >> I'm glad the producer I'm glad >> Seth shout out to Seth who's literally >> Seth shout out to Seth who's literally >> Seth shout out to Seth who's literally sitting on the floor in my hotel room. I sitting on the floor in my hotel room. I sitting on the floor in my hotel room. I wish. Can we pull the camera here? wish. Can we pull the camera here? wish. Can we pull the camera here? >> All right. Um, Robbie Hoffman, thank you >> All right. Um, Robbie Hoffman, thank you >> All right. Um, Robbie Hoffman, thank you so much. I've really appreciated your so much. I've really appreciated your so much. I've really appreciated your time. That's it. time. That's it. time. That's it. >> Okay. Oh my god, we're finally done. >> Okay. Oh my god, we're finally done. >> Okay. Oh my god, we're finally done. Okay. Thank you, Lulu. Thank you to Okay. Thank you, Lulu. Thank you to Okay. Thank you, Lulu. Thank you to everyone. Uh, Joe, Emmy winning Joe. everyone. Uh, Joe, Emmy winning Joe. everyone. Uh, Joe, Emmy winning Joe. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. I appreciate you. >> Thank you. I appreciate you. >> Thank you. I appreciate you. >> I appreciate you. Thanks, guys. >> I appreciate you. Thanks, guys. >> I appreciate you. Thanks, guys. >> I'm Lulu Garcia Navaro. and I'm David >> I'm Lulu Garcia Navaro. and I'm David >> I'm Lulu Garcia Navaro. and I'm David Maresy Maresy Maresy >> and we're the hosts of the interview, an >> and we're the hosts of the interview, an >> and we're the hosts of the interview, an audio and video podcast from the New audio and video podcast from the New audio and video podcast from the New York Times. York Times. York Times. >> Every week we interview fascinating and >> Every week we interview fascinating and >> Every week we interview fascinating and influential people from all walks of influential people from all walks of influential people from all walks of life. life. life. >> Subscribe to our YouTube channel so >> Subscribe to our YouTube channel so >> Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you'll never miss an episode.