Comedy Bang Bang is a podcast I’ve been listening to for about a year now. I’d been aware of it for a long time, but it’s one of those podcasts it takes some time to get into. Once I got it, though, I went back and listened to almost every episode. It’s a mix of interview and improv character work, and it gets me every time.
My favorite episode ever is #120. It’s the only podcast that never leaves my iPhone (and space there is limited, so it’s competitive). It would be silly to describe it here, but it makes me laugh every time, and at this point I have listened to it so many times that when I’m in a bad mood, it’s a comfort to hear something familiar. I’ve discovered through all of this that I’m pretty much the easiest person to cheer up. Make me laugh and that’s all it takes.
As I’ve gotten more and more interested in comedy, primarily through podcasts, it has become increasingly more ridiculous that I live near LA where comedy is performed almost every night of the week and yet I never go. One time I had tickets to see Paul F. Tompkins, but then that show was canceled and that was the end of that. I gave into all of those silly thoughts like I don’t want to pay for a ticket and no one I know cares about comedy and I’ll have to drive an hour and what about parking and then I’ll get home late and be tired at work the next day.
But when Comedy Bang Bang announced a live tour, I knew I had to go. So I bought a ticket. Just one, because after years of dragging friends to concerts and shows they didn’t care about, I decided it was time to just go enjoy something by myself. I borrowed a ZipCar, there was traffic, parking sucked, the show started later than I expected, and every other annoying thing I had predicted.
But but but as soon as I arrived at the church–yeah, it was held in a church–I knew that I should be there. The bathroom reminded me of the scary bathrooms at the Lutheran church we attended when I was little. The sanctuary smelled really strongly of incense. I bought a beer, which felt like a weird thing to drink in a church, but immediately felt less weird as soon as the show began and every word you’re not supposed to say in church was repeated over and over.
To top off the awesome, two of the people on my favorite episode of Comedy Bang Bang were also guests on the live show: Adam Scott and Harris Wittels. They referenced their characters from that episode and then created a couple new ones, and anyway, it was just delightful and Adam Scott was wearing a tux.
There’s this thing about writing in general and blogging specifically where you always want to attach a nice conclusion–a lesson learned or an experience that transcended somehow–and even though I am as guilty of this as anyone, it always makes me uncomfortable. Except, this time there is nothing forced about it.
I did a thing I have been meaning to do for a long time. I indulged an interest of mine that no one I know shares. I laughed with strangers. I took comfort in something that was both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. And, I did have a transcendent experience. I drove home blasting David Gray, Peter Gabriel, and Vampire Weekend, and began to see my way through some of the problems that have been clouding my vision this Summer.
As my six year California anniversary approaches and I think more seriously about moving, I also keep thinking of all the things I want to take advantage of while I’m still here. The plan is to eat all the In ‘n Out and see all the comedy. I’ve already purchased tickets to two more shows!
So I study theology and yet it was comedy that got me back in a church.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
So much word to all of this. I mean, I’ve never hear of Comedy Bang Bang but I live so near to Miami and do NOT take advantage of my location, at all. There are so many things I’m interested in that people around me just aren’t. It’s why the Internet has such a draw on me, because I can find and talk to people who have similar interests.
But you are right. And there is a lesson. And as a blogger, I do love when that happens.
We should all do more of the things we love.
I always get antsy about going to events alone, but then when I get there, I remember why I went. It’s always the best time.
Amazing! I wish more people would go to shows alone. Nothing wrong with it, and not everyone wants to go to everything.
You’re inspiring me to do a couple things I want to do, but I’m scared to do them alone. Will do anyway. Thanks for the inspiration, BFF.
OMG. I listened to that episode about a month ago (because you recommended it another one of your posts) and it was hysterical. Even now, it will pop into my head at random times and I will laugh out loud.
I live solidly on the East Coast or else would totally join you for the comedy shows! I’m such a fan.
Good for you on flying solo. I like to say I would do that, but when it comes right down to it, I’m not sure that I would. Kudos!
Also – isn’t it the most annoying when you do drag someone to something that you absolutely love and they just don’t have the level of appreciation for it that you think it deserves? Hate that.
I love going out on my own! It’s fun and liberating. Girltalk is coming here in October and I’m toying with going, even if it’s just me and I fly solo and get pizza by myself at the pizza joint across the street from the theater. But that said, I *love* podcasts and would have totally go to that show with you if I still lived in the LA area. I wish I had gone to more shows there, too!
This sounds awesome! The whole experience. Adam Scott!!
I absolutely loved this post. I love the hyper-awareness and the beautiful irony of “So I study theology and yet it was comedy that got me back in a church.” But most of all I love the thought of Adam Scott in a tux swearing in a church.
I only wish I lived in LA. I would go to all of the comedy shows with you (you wouldn’t even have to drag me).
One of my friends has been trying to get me to listen to Comedy Bang Bang. I barely have enough time for the podcasts I do subscribe to. What other comedy podcasts do you listen to?
Also, the “So I study theology and yet it was comedy that got me back in a church” line throws me off. Not having been up in the blog zone for, like, forever makes me think I missed something. It seems to come from nowhere. I know a bunch of theology school graduates, and a few current theology students. All are either preachers or trying to be preachers. (I wouldn’t have even written this part of the comment if the person above me didn’t mention how awesome it was; I was confused.)