Will Sasso: Comedy, MADtv, AI, Friendship, Madness, and Pro Wrestling | Lex Fridman Podcast #323

TL;DR

Comedian Will Sasso discusses his experiences in comedy, his friendship with Bobby Lee, and his new podcast, Doozy, which is curated by an AI.

Transcript

once this whole thing falls apart and we are climbing the Kudzu vines that spiral up the Sears Tower like they say in Fight Club Bobby will go back to his gatherer form and be happy as a pig and [ __ ] just walking around the loincloth with his bird hanging out tracking jokes to people and climbing up on them for a stool lap dance or whatever he do... Read More

Key Insights

• 👻 Doozy is a podcast curated by an AI that generates premises and segments for the hosts, Will Sasso and Chad Culchin.
• 🤗 Will Sasso opens up about his struggles with depression and the importance of therapy and medication in managing his mental health.
• 🎮 Sasso discusses his friendship with comedian Bobby Lee and their shared love for video games like Skyrim.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the idea for Doozy, an AI-curated podcast, come about?

The concept for Doozy came from a company that wanted to explore the future of podcasting with an AI that could generate podcast ideas and segments for hosts like Will Sasso and Chad Culchin.

Q: What do Sasso and his co-host Chad Culchin enjoy about Doozy?

They enjoy the freedom and liberation that comes from having an AI-generated premise for each episode. It allows them to focus on improvisation and riffing off each other's humor.

Q: How has Sasso dealt with his struggle with depression?

Sasso discusses the importance of therapy, medication, and having a supportive fiancée in managing his depression. He believes in removing the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting open conversations about it.

Q: What was the experience like working on the Three Stooges movie with Larry David?

Sasso describes Larry David as a comedic genius and an incredible improviser. Working with him on the set of the Three Stooges movie was a fun and memorable experience.

Summary

In this video, Lex Friedman interviews comedian Will Sasso. They discuss a range of topics, including Sasso's career in comedy, his aversion to wearing suits, his thoughts on stand-up comedy, his experiences working with dragons on Game of Thrones, and his insights on loneliness and friendship. Sasso also talks about his own struggles with depression and the importance of mental health awareness.

Questions & Answers

Q: What type of man does a suit make you?

Wearing a suit makes me feel like a guy who is too busy to get it dry cleaned, but still wants to look presentable. I prefer shorts, but sometimes special occasions call for pants.

Q: Do you wear suits often?

I hate wearing suits. The suit I wore for the recent podcast episode was a statement of reverence and dedication to Lex and our newfound friendship.

Q: When did you start on Mad TV?

I started on Mad TV in 1997. It was a great experience and the cast was incredibly talented. The show has had a significant impact on my career.

Q: What was it like working with dragons on Game of Thrones?

Working with dragons on Game of Thrones was fascinating. In reality, the dragons were tennis balls on c-stands, but it was still exciting. I have always been intrigued by mythical creatures like dragons.

Q: What do dragons represent in mythology?

Dragons represent something larger than life, something humans can't fully comprehend. They are often associated with power and mystery. It's interesting how these creatures show up in myths and legends across different cultures.

Q: What makes Bobby Lee funny?

Bobby Lee is one of the funniest people I know because he is unapologetically himself. He embraces his unique brand of humor and is willing to take risks on stage. He embodies metaphor and is not afraid to push boundaries.

Q: Why don't you do stand-up comedy?

I've always respected stand-up comedy as an art form, but it's not something that personally connects with me. I find more fulfillment in acting and comedic roles that allow me to hide behind a character. It's just not my thing.

Q: Do you think some level of craziness is required for comedy?

To some extent, yes. Comedy often comes from a place of authenticity and vulnerability. Many of the best comedians have their own unique quirks and perspectives on the world. Being a little "crazy" can certainly contribute to comedic genius.

Q: What makes the movie "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" work?

"Planes, Trains and Automobiles" is a classic film because it captures both comedy and deep, underlying loneliness. The characters, played by John Candy and Steve Martin, are fundamentally lonely individuals who find companionship in their unexpected friendship. The movie combines humor with genuine emotion.

Q: What does it mean to be a good friend?

Being a good friend means being present for others and genuinely caring about their well-being. In a busy city like LA, it can be challenging to make time for everyone, but making an effort to stay connected and support each other is crucial.

Q: What was the story behind the "10 Minute Podcast"?

The "10 Minute Podcast" was a podcast I did with Brian Callen and Chris D'Elia for several years. It was a fun and absurd show where we could let loose and be ourselves. The dynamic between the three of us made it work, and we had a great time making people laugh in just 10 minutes.

Takeaways

Will Sasso opens up about his experiences as a comedian, actor, and podcaster. He discusses his aversion to wearing suits, his thoughts on stand-up comedy, and his close friendships with fellow comedians like Bobby Lee. Sasso also shares his own personal struggles with depression and emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness. Through his conversations and insights, it's clear that Sasso values authenticity, connection, and the power of laughter.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Will Sasso discusses his career in comedy, including his time on Mad TV and his love for acting.

• He talks about his friendship with comedian Bobby Lee and their shared love for video games.

• Sasso opens up about his struggles with depression and the importance of therapy and medication in managing it.