Joe Rogan Experience #2455 - Donnell Rawlings
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
Donnell Rawlings (58) experiences digestive problems with steak and red meat, unlike pasta. He washes it down with Titos vodka and tonic, noting it resembles water. Joe Rogan eats mostly meat without issues. Donnell jokes about needing a partner to manage his diet as he ages, calling it a geriatric phase where men fall in love for help with pills, diet, and mashing food.
Donnell notes appearing on the show during Black History Month. Joe clarifies Donnell asked to come on; Joe reached out and moved another guest (possibly Michael Jai White) for him.
They share Neuro gum. Joe advises seeing a doctor for red meat issues, suggesting it might be accompaniments, not the meat. Donnell plans to check it due to age-related considerations. He gets cardio from sex but feels past his peak (2000s were best). Prefers holidays like Valentine's Day, Christmas, Kwanzaa for peak performance due to rest and incentive.
Donnell gets exercise mainly from sex. Joe recommends a trainer; Donnell thinks he needs a therapist first for mindset, but Joe insists body first fixes mind (100%).
Donnell smokes Marlboro Lights (or Marlboros), brought a pack. Joe quit but notes nicotine is a cognitive enhancer used by intellectuals, professors, academics, writers. Smoking provides potent effect but health costs. A doctor claimed Marlboro Lights and American Spirits less harmful than others.
American Spirit (Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, RJ Reynolds) marketed as all natural, additive-free, including organic styles. Sales rose 86% (2009-2014) vs. industry decline of 17%. Lawsuit claims they add ammonia to boost freebase nicotine, making them more addictive, not healthier.
Donnell gets high from occasional cigarettes. Newports (menthol) worse for body. Targeted black community via potent appeal, advertising, cheaper prices, generational loyalty. Menthol (from peppermint or synthetic) cools/numbs airways, suppresses cough, masks harshness, increases deep inhalation and addiction. Kools called "cool cigarette"; higher value in prison (traded for Doritos). Tang, Doritos, honey buns valuable in prison; candy bars imply sexual invitation.
Prison items: cigarettes (only overt drug), hooch (homemade alcohol). Joe notes deceptive advertising evil.
Forever 21 (Korean founders) studied colors, sales for quick, cheap turnover. Lemon pepper on anything sells to black people (wings, fries). White people linked to bland foods: macaroni and cheese (say "mac and cheese," not full name, or uninvited to cookout), mashed potatoes, mayonnaise. Italians prefer spicy flavors like baked ziti.
Lack of seasoning can save lives; soul food heavy on salt. Salt essential, not bad (iodized salt adds iodine). Excess causes issues, but misinformation blames salt for high blood pressure.
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Sugar industry (1950s/60s, Harvard scientists bribed) blamed saturated fat for heart disease to deflect from sugar. Type 2 diabetes from excess sugar, especially liquid (not natural). 1L Pepsi: 115g sugar (25 tsp, 35 cubes, 138% daily value). Coca-Cola uses cocaine leaf flavor. Orange juice: high sugar, no fiber. Fruit sugar (fructose) better with fiber (e.g., apple). Higher diseases in black community from diet: processed food, sugary drinks (Pepsi targeted).
Bible (Genesis) doesn't specify fruit from tree of knowledge as apple (Hebrew: perry, general fruit). Not fig, grape, etc. European tradition added apple via wordplay. Eve never heard God directly; Adam told her (or not).
Common ideas that an apple developed later in European tradition helped by word play in Latin and old French where the words evil and apple or fruit sounded or were spelled similarly. It's not necessarily an apple. Joe Rogan expresses uncertainty about what to believe and feels he gets more information from these discussions. Donnell Rawlings recently learned from reading the Bible that there's no reference to Adam telling Eve not to eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God created Adam, told him to name all the animals, then created Eve, but the Bible never says Adam told Eve not to eat the fruit.
The Bible was an oral tradition for a long time before being written down in ancient Hebrew and Aramaic, then translated to Latin, Greek, and other languages. Translations miss nuances. Ancient Hebrew is complicated; numbers double as letters, so words have numerical values.
People connect to the Bible wanting to believe in something. Jesus Christ's teachings lead to a better life, make you a better person and community member. People who live that way are better examples. Other religions lack these aspects, yet people believe deeply, even in Scientology, written by L. Ron Hubbard, a bad science fiction author who banged out first-draft books and wrote more fiction than anyone.
Duski did a viral skit mocking mega churches. These churches give people something to believe in but charge them. Donnell questions if inspiring people to change their lives entitles leaders to a cut, like agencies. Joe sees them preying on the need to believe, predatory, flying private jets, driving Rolls-Royces, living in mega mansions on ranches off donations from people barely getting by. It's a legal scam; in a just society, it wouldn't be legal. Televangelists are the worst, telling broke people to borrow money to donate and God will pay back tenfold, with call-in stories of people borrowing $100, now driving Rolls-Royces— all horseshit from desperate people, like those spending $30 daily on lottery for 50 years.
Lottery is another scam. If three people buy $100 tickets ($300 total), payout isn't even $300. Winners get money over time; lump sum is significantly less. Epstein's company, Zoro Trust, won an $80 million lottery jackpot right after arrest for underage sex offenses. They took $30 million lump sum payout. Way more than $80 million spent on tickets. Lotteries are state-regulated; ~50% of ticket revenue goes to prize pool, government takes 50%. For $200 million in sales for $100 million jackpot, 2/3-3/4 to jackpot, rest lower prizes—jackpot typically 1/3 of sales. Taxes on winnings too. They can't lose; legalized gambling where house always wins, stealing from desperate people.
Young lady won lottery: $2-3 million upfront or $20,000 monthly for life. Smart choice considering life expectancy.
They pump winning tickets into neighborhoods to addict people. Epstein's win suspicious. Whitey Bulger, South Boston mob boss (1980s-90s, basis for The Departed with Leonardo DiCaprio and Jack Nicholson), won Mass Millions lottery. Ordered real winner Michael Linsky to sign over ticket, paid $700,000 cash for 50% of winnings ($2.3 million total paid to Linsky and associates); Linsky had no choice or risked life. Way to launder money—pay community winner for ticket, claim legit income. Businesses legitimize wealth.
Donnell's father posed as real estate agent but was DC heroin kingpin.
Whitey Bulger was FBI informant, let get away with crimes by ratting others. Snitch vs whistleblower distinction; Bulger was snitch turning in others as kingpin. "Snitches get stitches" across communities, but black community used to keep quiet on crimes, like mafia—guys went to jail without ratting, rewarded after. Changed with John Gotti, Sammy the Bull snitching; Donnie Brasco (Joe Pistone, undercover FBI for 7 years, Johnny Depp movie) infiltrated mob. Now loyalty dead; people snitch immediately, no repercussions, live normally.
Mob enforced silence by killing rats and families, burning houses.
Social media sells beef, negativity over positivity. Joe Rogan's platform not known for that; others game engagement by riling people. Destructive long-term. Comedians now go on podcasts to expose/diss others instead of being funny. Those doing it lack talent. Exception Katt Williams, exposing snakes/liars, done funny.
Shannon Sharpe podcast with Katt: people park outside Diddy's house watching. What changes? Hollywood won't. Joe left Hollywood. Exposing Diddy freak parties with baby oil—Diddy's in jail now. Donnell rode with Diddy for music. Sex trafficking definition: transport woman across state lines for commercial sex act induced by force, fraud, coercion. Flying girl out ("flued out") could fit if paying/buying gifts like shoes/bags seen as coercion. Joe calls it horseshit; normal dating.
Negative comedians never bigger/better than targets, jealous, want their position. Many who shit-talk were once Hollywood-favored with agencies/agents but fell out of favor for something the industry didn't like.
Donnell discusses how liking certain people too much leads to everything being messed up, with opportunities only available through sexual favors. He questions where to draw the line. It's not sexual favors but criticizing others' work, calling them bad. Joe notes Donnell gets labeled a coattail rider because he rides with Dave Chappelle, who's number one, despite being a great comic. > Everybody does not have to be Batman. I don't have a problem with being Robin. Cuz Robin got the same amount of screen time as Batman.
Donnell is upset about comments from the Kill Tony audience, like being called Chappelle's butt plug. Joe advises ignoring haters, as engaging with them—who have unhappy, negative lives—leads to madness. Good criticism helps evaluate and become undeniable. Donnell kills on stage, sells out everywhere, so critics mean nothing.
Joe mentions Donnell had one bad show where he walked off after going back and forth, possibly drunk. Donnell denies it was bad, accuses Joe of provoking him because of his Kill Tony shirt. Joe changes his shirt to a Benny the Jet shirt. Donnell explains he never wanted to do the show in Austin during the pandemic.
During pandemic, people came to Joe's podcast but left to avoid COVID, stranding Tony without guests. Tony had an all-black band. Tony asked Donnell to stay as a guest. Donnell stayed for two and a half hours despite having other plans. Another black comic roasted him; Donnell gave advice but felt messed up because they were on the same team. Video edited to make it look like he walked off—he had other commitments. Tony and Joe doubled down, calling it a walk-off; comments ran with it.
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Donnell told Tony he had something later but stayed. Black comic roasted him; Donnell advised but comic kept going to get off stage. Video shows comic talking, then Donnell leaves with two other comics on stage (one he roasted), then exit shown. Kill Tony audience called it a walk-off. Donnell came back for second episode with Rob Schneider, which Tony called one of the best ever. Red Ban (Red Band) called it the most epic comeback in Kill Tony history. Donnell argues it wasn't a comeback—they edited it that way.
Post-Kill Tony, Jamie wore leather jacket with flipped collar like Dice, shirt open to this button, gold chains, boots, ponytail with moose, hands in pockets, Fonzie attitude.
Donnell prepared by addressing past issues: no drinks (but had some), understood formula—not interrupting one-minute sets. Tony's rule: let them talk for a minute. Second time with Rob Schneider, didn't interrupt, was supportive. Praised older woman regular: saw passion, hard to start career later in life. Got caught in one act: Wanita (transgender woman) sang "We Will Praise You." Donnell, after drinks, said > We will [__] you, probably true until you find out she has a dick.
Audience laughed; brothers can't tell. White guys check first. Donnell: > I was trying to be nice. Wanita asked if she's been with black man; half-black. Donnell thought she looked like Midwest Dollar General women, caught off guard.
Helped warm up Rob Schneider, who started crushing. Platform not for real feelings. Owes Tony apology for missing RNC roast—politics made it testy. Joe advised against it; publicist warned of political perception. Stood at Joe's condo balcony watching show, felt bad, apologized to Tony. At end of Kill Tony, wanted to apologize seriously for not supporting; Rob kept corny joke at Donnell's expense during serious moment about friendship/loyalty.
Joe: Stop worrying about what others think, be yourself. Donnell uses Kid Rock example.
Met Kid Rock at Cornfield shows in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Kid Rock is provocateur, doesn't believe half he says, knows what moves headlines. Hung out at his Nashville house. At conference, people avoided him. On river run (peach thing in nature), kayaking, smoking joint; Kid Rock: > Man, it feel like I just had 13 hours of anger management. Flipped burgers after. Did Kid Rock's Nashville comedy festival: only black guy among seven comedians, all MAGA crowd. Last performer, got standing ovation. Can separate, perform without shucking/jiving. At end of show, me and Kid Rock, or in this
Kid Rock wasn't backstage, but Bobby was. He said, "Man, I think we just brought this country back together, right?" Response: "Well, don't separate it, motherfucker." He said, "Okay." Two weeks later, he did something stupid. When Trump got elected, people checked his page. He posted a video showing two sides: Kid Rock crotch-grabbing "fuck you," then Bobby in shorts, no American flags, baseball cap, reading glasses. He played the victory music, said we won but not time to gloat, much to do, all sides want the same place with different ideas. Suggested he do Nina Simone's Feeling Good (misunderstood in transcript), but his base might call him soft.
Tony Hinchcliffe is a good friend. Wanted to apologize on Kill Tony because friendships stronger than that. Rob Schneider took away from the moment. Kill Tony reminds of Def Jam era: platform for undiscovered talent, spectacle, people without headline skills getting seen. Travels country, now it's "I got to get on Kill Tony" like Letterman or Carson. Some ready, some only have 2-3 minutes, but gives hope. Three people traveled across country hoping for it. Wants fan base excited, but career goal: be around best comedians perform. In New York, wanted past Comedy Cellar—not to dwell, but validation. Few Black comedians working there: Greer Barnes, Keith Robinson (RIP), William Stephenson, Patrice, Dave Chappelle. Barry Katz had Boston Comedy Club Black night Sundays. Black comedians asked, "How the fuck did you get in the Cellar?" Got in by hanging out, recommendations, showcased well. After passing, didn't care to work there all time, just validated.
Same with Comedy Store, Joe Rogan podcast. Greg/Greer Barnes underappreciated talent, known 30 years, always funny. Not underrated by comics, underappreciated by audiences due to no social media presence. Solid comic, solid guy. Era where talented people not getting shots without evolving/promoting. David Tell (likely David Tell/Tail/Spade? context David T.) one funniest ever, best comic history, does clubs/theaters, should sell arenas, no social media except specials. Insomniac late-night show before others, went to bars. Comfort zone 250-500 people, murders arenas like Bert. Focused on craft, props from comedians/podcasts fuel popularity, word of mouth. Doesn't have phone, flip phone, iPhone stored away. In Epstein files because on lineup Epstein attending at Cellar; Louis J. Gomez too. David T. incognito, turns over material constantly, forces others. Deion Cole works out at Hollywood Improv 3x/week Monday nights. When working out new material, deal with silence/failure. Malik S. in LA same passion, always new stuff. David T. respected for flipping material.
Some focused on social media, guy films wild things, edits with music. Comedians with full production crews on stage intros. Gets attention but distracts from working on material. David T. has none. Identifies special people. Pool guy has special coming out—everyone does. Specials not special anymore. No other art calls it "special"; Taylor Swift concert video just performance video. Special now means from special people: Sebastian, Tom. Many 45-min no beginning/middle/end/point of view, joke dumps like photo dumps.
Dave Chappelle butt plug reference (joke). People evolve over 35-40 year careers. Can't always rip-roaring funny; some position where people listen. Dave Chappelle specials 20 years from now show world events chronologically—like albums vs singles. Sebastian evolved too. Accept changing perspectives with age.
Black community much dumb beef; only white beef known is Joe Rogan's with Ben (likely Ben something, context Cat Williams?). Real problem with Ben: after Dave left Chappelle's Show, Chappelle's Show successor on Comedy Central copied sketches (white guy white paint wig). History of sketch comedy has that, but right after same slot. Dave said it. Dave doesn't talk shit. Worse: watched open mics, stole material; comics did crowd work when light flashed knowing he was there. Nobody exposed before because no balls; Joe did, got banned from store, lost agent despite fame (Fear Factor, rich). Came back stronger. Dave real artist, disappeared 12 years post-Comedy Central, did park shows Seattle no money.
Charlie Barnett: set speaker Washington Square Park, built audience technique—hold attention one joke, involve, build. Got SNL but couldn't read. Gangster: yelled at Boston Comedy Club "DON'T GO IN THERE. I'M DOING MY SHOW IN FIVE MINUTES," whole club came out.
Victims of vices destroy. Kevin Hart got out mud via work ethic, passion turning talent to money. Many saxophonists talented but no business. Upsets: platforms talk shit. Comedian saw Martin Lawrence casino, said not funny. Martin made man, legend ruled 5-7 years everywhere (movies, comedy star). Followed Richard Pryor (RIP) 6 weeks Comedy Store wheelchair, sold out. Every Black comic wanted Hustle Man audition on Martin show for career boost. Now Martin puts on young talent. How dare talk shit about Kevin Hart, who did comment cards with Nate Smith (RIP), 20k Twitter, did Black/white rooms New York. Katt Williams said strange Kevin from New York got TV/movie—happened via Just For Laughs (JFL) showcase: Kevin, Mo'Nique, Dave products. Left with $500 bank, quarter million development deal. New York comics grind harder than LA (fewer stages). Rule: let Hollywood call, grind NY for stand-up.
Everyone's own path, work act. Problem: worrying what others think vs achieving. Don't read comments. White comedians beef rare, usually failures not doing well.
At Comedy Store two months ago, good friends Bill Burr (Rich Vos tour with Charlie Murphy), Mark Maron (great podcast, alternative comedy favorite). Doing Annie Wood show, green room smoking incredible weed, cracking jokes with Bill, Mark by door. Nobody laughing much, then gentle white argument popped off.
They had beef but were gentle about it. Difference between white beef and black beef: never felt like getting shot, felt safe. Expected lawsuits, defamation, slander the next morning, but it was entertaining Caucasian-on-Caucasian beef.
Mark Maron had the number one podcast, then dropped out of top 200. Bill Burr's career took off, doing arenas, killing it. Mark criticizes others doing better, thinks he deserves more.
Not provocation; it's bitterness, jealousy, focusing on others instead of self. Mark upset when they left Comedy Store, taking crowds. He was on marquee but crowds not coming for him because he's not doing well. Podcast was number one, fun to hang with when killing it—happy, validated. Did each other's podcasts, hugged, had beef before but were friends. Problem: others succeeded, he dropped off.
Narcissist wants moment always about him, talks shit when others do better. Phil had problem with it. Narcissism fuels determination, not caring what others think, self-respect, ego for quality output—good. But making it all about you, not appreciating others' work—crazy. Others doing well inspires you. Be happy for friends killing it, figure out why you're not.
Door is open, get on stage, put out specials. Podcast dropped from #1 to not top 200—no arrest, scandal. Figure it out instead of bitterness.
Andrew Schultz story: Maron confronted John Stewart for TV show, called sellout. Stewart left, they hired Maron for same show.
Few podcasts back then. Killed by opening rant: long, rambling, self-obsessed, not entertaining. Confrontational interviews, picking on comedians he felt below him.
Confrontational style doesn't work long-term. People want to like you, good person. Want train wrecks for 15-30 second Instagram clips, not primary listen in traffic. Podcasters chasing clickbait, virality—not talented, only method for attention. Entertaining podcasts focus on that.
Focus: who do I want to talk to? Not controversy, hate, wild shit. Has non-famous interesting people—books, documentaries stimulate curiosity.
Don't think about salacious interviews. Dave Chappelle echoed: don't think about that shit. Focus/attention like 100 points/day. Spending 30 on haters, bitter people, others doing better robs your life.
Family, friends, loved ones, interests, hobbies, comedy, podcasts, UFC. Don't think negative: bitter minds tear down successes out of comparison. Transparent, attracts simple-minded. Waste of resources—spend on interesting, beneficial, curiosity-exciting things. Living engaged in beefs = anxiety, stress, bitter.
Majored in psychology briefly to manage mind while fighting. Success helps calmness—not giving fuck if enough money to disappear. Concentrate on loved ones, friends, fun. Life short, 58 years old, more than halfway dead. Why concentrate on disliked people unless wronging you (stealing, lying)?
With John Hamm post-Dave show in San Francisco: "What do you really want? TV? Movies?" "Doing exactly what I want: wake up, no boss, call shots, fair wage, care for family, enjoy friends, God-given talent. Bonus beyond that." Appreciative vs. class not doing as well or unhappy. Not caught up in others' possessions—happy, comfortable, doing what wants. Living others' dreams as reality.
Easy to get caught in someone else's dream (Dave), forget reality: be Donnell Rawlings, support family. Rolling with Dave (Jets, etc.) but separate to continue career.
Dave considers him top five. Respect each other, push better when working. True friend. Fond memories of lockdown shows—nobody doing it, community, mutual respect. Pandemic appreciated life, freedom, ability to do shows. Outdoor masked shows, tested.
Dave made village safe: testing machines, hotel staff tested. Did 55 shows, no positives. Extended week, bubble popped. First positive: guys did another podcast, didn't test. Cena got it. Backstage emptied. Dave cancelled sold-out Stubbs show despite masks. Hotel floor lockdown like "corona co-row," chickenpox party—vitamins, tested negative in 8-9 days, did more shows.
Broke Tacoma Dome record, 25,000-27,000. Laughter like helicopters. In the round, walking through crowd to stage. Donnell introduced as from The Wire, BMF, Chappelle Show—crowd crazy. Felt like Tyson entering.
CNN turned face green over Nashville cancellation after Florida COVID. Took ivermectin, felt fine day 3. Media pushed vaccine only.
Immunity from getting it. Variants diminished, more transmissible but less potent—like cold strain.
Pandemic made appreciate freedom, nature. Bought house in Yellow Springs for trees, woods—became bird watcher (cardinal vs. blue jay), hurts street cred.
Didn't freak out, did shows, good time, after parties at Line with DJ.
Donnell Rawlings recalls after-parties at The Line with a DJ, laughing until 2-3:30 AM. His girlfriend at the time couldn't believe he was just hanging out with Dave Chappelle and Joe Rogan, talking and laughing—no sex involved, just brohood. They realized how special it was to do this while the world was locked down during the pandemic. Donnell was embarrassed to show pictures to his mother, who warned him to be careful; he got tested frequently. Joe got tested every day for podcasts. Donnell did Joe's show once and remembers the strict testing protocol before entering.
They had a couple people test positive and had to remove them. Donnell tested positive once. Taking precautions allowed isolating cases and shutting them down. Jamie got COVID early, before vaccines or treatments, taking a week off—maybe explaining his attitude. They did the Kanye podcast that week, which Jamie missed. Jokes about Jamie's Steven Seagal-style ponytail and Diddy party look, oiled up. Donnell clarifies he has a photo but never went to a Diddy party.
People will be wiser if something like COVID happens again; Joe believes it will 100%, with theories it was engineered for the largest upward wealth transfer in history—small businesses destroyed while others like Zoom exploded. Donnell met a doctor in Naples who introduced Zoom for a podcast when it was nerdy for business people only; pandemic made it household. Now used as an excuse not to talk on the phone. Zoom podcasts aren't a term anymore; other platforms exist, like Clubhouse, where people gained a million followers in days but it was bad podcasting.
Versus battles started by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland during pandemic: artists compete head-to-head (mostly hip-hop/R&B, like Cash Money vs No Limit), entertaining despite technical issues. Now huge, even at Madison Square Garden. No white versus battles. Pandemic led to many new businesses as people got laid off, started online ventures, quit jobs realizing no security.
Podcasts showed no need for Hollywood by early 2010s; realized around 2013-2014. Old school: had to be in New York or LA—no producers scouting Toledo, Ohio. No real comedy communities outside NY/LA; Denver had good openers. Austin became a hub due to pandemic—people moved for better quality of life, lower costs, no traffic, nicer people, no Hollywood bullshit. LA poisoned by fame culture, bad for art; great comics succeeded despite LA.
Austin's appeal: Kill Tony launches careers—even for comics with 3-4 years experience. Examples: Cam Patterson on SNL, William Montgomery, David Lucas selling out roads, Ari Matti. Nobody wanted to be Joe Rogan 25 years ago; people skip the grind, want accolades. Tony kept Kill Tony going during pandemic. Successful people talk about struggles (e.g., driving Toyota Corolla with $10 left), not just yachts/mansions.
Friend from childhood wanted The Wire number to audition as Omar—Donnell refused, wanting him to get the busy signal and respect the grind. Kill Tony started 2013 with empty crowds; Tony did it for fun, improved weekly. Podcast cost money for years. Early goal: be good first, rewards follow. Social media comics get perks early ($50-100K/month after 2 years), hard to tell them to improve craft—they don't have to. Some figure it out; others have distorted success views.
Success definition: Happiness—doing enjoyable, challenging work well, improving, with friendship/love/struggle. Incentive to perform: fun, especially green room at Mothership Tuesdays/Wednesdays with Ron White, Shane Gillis, Tony. Community. Donnell considers joining tomorrow but prioritizes son (can give Roblox money). As older dad, son could be grandson—no time for deep morals, just candy/McDonald's.
Donnell wanted Rogan connection based on being funny first, not name-drops. Respect from stage work, then as man/character. Barry Katz: separates road comics by if you're a good hang. Story: Moved from DC Chitlin circuit to NY for mainstream. Barry saw him control hostile El Flamingo crowd. At Comedy Cellar (~1997), Barry had huge roster. Donnell asked for mainstream club help; Barry said: > "Darnell, just rip. Be undeniable."
Consistency: blow roof off every set, managers come to you—not one good set amid bad ones. Delusional comics blame lack of sitcoms. Defining moments in bad rooms when others bomb—you elevate. Comedy Store late nights: tourists fatigued by 12:30 AM, then someone tears it apart for 50 people.
Early open mics: 25 people, bumped down for talking shit—naively took 7th spot, ignoring fatigue. Made him strong. Dopest set Dave Chappelle seen: Hollywood Bowl (~3 years ago, pre-attack), Jeff Wills/Live Nation. 18K capacity, started on time with 700 people. Donnell took mic, jumped off big stage into sparse audience, worked each person despite locked phones. Everyone from green room (Dave) came out; Dave would use as standup class example of owning it.
Another time (with Joe/Dave?): Outdoor theater, daytime, supposed to be break before him/Dave—had to perform until dark.
Donnell had to perform during daytime at an outdoor show outside San Francisco, California, before Joe Rogan went on. Jeff told him he had to go up immediately. He performed until it got dark, buying time as the crowd arrived. By the time Rogan took the stage, everyone was seated and it was dark. Donnell emphasized doing what others won't: > "certain times where you got to do what the next person is not going to do. You can't bitch about shit. And at the end of the day, you got to be a soldier."
Shitty Time Slots with Dave Chappelle
Donnell got the shittiest slots on shows with Dave Chappelle, like at 30% capacity where half the audience wouldn't see him. His attitude: the people who do see him will remember it. Rogan called it a good, healthy attitude.
Conversation productive for mental health, except lies about Jamie. Donnell plans to take videos. References Jamie looking like fake Jamie without leather jacket. Compares to Family Matters' Urkel and Stefan Urquelle—geeky Urkel and cool alter ego, same person played by Jaleel White. Jaleel White sells good weed now, including purple strain; made joints with spiral Italian noodle filters. Spent time with him in cornfields; he has a talk show and got jacked. Wants to do comedy but lacks heart; hard to start as already famous. Rogan respects Charlie Murphy starting despite fame.
Donnell started Charlie Murphy's standup. During Chappelle's Show, cast underpaid due to contract locking pay despite popularity. Donnell, Charlie, and Dave were biggest names. Suggested "I'm Rich Bitch" tour to agent Mike Berkowitz (now head of WME/Morris). Initially two-man with Donnell and Charlie; added Bill Burr, who was underpaid then but destined to blow up. Charlie had no material, talked shit but was punk under mic. Needed 10 minutes for Laugh Factory in Times Square, NYC. Charlie so hot, crowd yelled his name for five minutes; he MC'd. Did tour for a year; Charlie grew into storyteller, not compared to brother Eddie. Chappelle's Show legacy: when Charlie died, headlines said "Charlie Murphy passed away," not Eddie's brother.
Tour Dynamics and Bill Burr Stories
Me, Charlie, Bill Burr toured, arguing and fighting. Bill bought 12-piece Popeye's chicken knowing Donnell and Charlie would eat it and pass out for 15 minutes; he'd laugh at them. Great time seeing careers born. Bill remembers first regular good money; headliners did $800 weekends or $2,000 deals with $500 bonus at 300 tickets sold, not every weekend, clubs lied about counts (e.g., 298 not 300, no bonus). Clubs wonder why big comics don't return.
Did 1.5-year tour following Bill Burr nightly, no days off. Comment cards: > "I DON'T KNOW WHY THE WHITE BOY DIDN'T GO LAST." Kept him sharp. Bill did mainstream and griest spots, building character. Philly rant from Opie and Anthony tour; their "pests" crowds brutal, like pre-Kill Tony.
Dom Irrera (legend, now with neurological condition, not good) booed badly; crowd wanted failure. Bill went up: > "Fuck you," and ranted insanely.
Bernie Mac's Def Jam Moment
Bernie Mac on Def Jam, hosted by Martin Lawrence. Comics bombed, including DC's Butch Burns (bombed hard, crowd throwing shit; Martin couldn't save). Bernie encouraged Butch: > "Hold your head up, man. The sun might not shine on your day, but you'll have another opportunity to shine." Bernie dressed hipper (graffiti jeans) to connect with young audience vs. prior suit. Did simple jokes powerfully after saying > "I ain't scared of you motherfuckers." Rhythm and > "Fuck y'all" charged audience.
Rogan saw Bernie Mac fire at Comedy Connection, Faneuil Hall, Boston. Donnell first saw at Greenbelt. Others: George Wallace (100% door deal, just drinks/chicken wings; ripped 30 mama jokes after someone did one). Rich Vos destroyed black club with ponytail like Jamie's; first white comedian Donnell saw kill there.
Joke Stealing Admission
Donnell stole one Rich Vos joke once: > "You know what they say, once you go black, you never go back. Yeah, cuz your father won't let you back in the house." Saved bombed set; called Vos to apologize—he was cool.
Accomplished a lot; therapy for Donnell—stay out of comments. References past podcast with Rizza where Rogan advised don't read comments. Donnell did it early after 2.5 weeks not seeing son, straight from road. Rogan invited him to hang and join Rizza pod (thought fun after good prior pod). Donnell was leaving for son but Rizza called him "Ashy Larry," delaying. Rizza pitched bad jokes pre-pod. Fun time despite backlash. Promote tour: donnellrawlings.com. > "A joke could be too soon, but it never could be too soon for a funny observation." Thanks; Jamie stay sexy.
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