Driving With Mike Schmidt
I recently took a road trip from California to Maine where I am now. On my way, I listened to a lot of podcasts which has led me to this story.
Awhile back I was talking with Paul Gilmartin, who I have become friends with since last fall. I asked him if he could hook me up with some comedians and of course I was asking about the big headliners with HBO shows, etc. . He said to me that he knows about everyone in comedy, but the top people are usually so busy, they most likely will not be available. He later said to me that he knows some great comedians that have not made it big, yet should and probably will with the strength of their talent. I quickly agreed that I would love to talk to those people. That is how I found the guy who is the topic of this blog.
Check out the interview I did with Mike by clicking his image.
My mistake was not listening to Mike’s podcast before I recorded with him. I had no idea what kind of talent I was talking to. Mike has teased me, both on his podcast and on the Gentlemen’s Club Podcast about my sound quality of my phone system. He said it sounds like he is talking through a blender. I paid big bucks for the system, but he is right, it sucks. Fellow podcaster Giovanni (podcast here) has given me some great advice for crystal clear recording through a Skype program, which I should have set in place soon.
Mike Schmidt has a podcast called “The 40 Year Old Boy, (click here) and I highly recommend checking it out. He records at his producer’s home, who he often refers to as “recording in a stripper’s kitchen”. The “stripper” is Lili VonSchtupp, a noted burlesque performer. You can hear Lili laughing off mic, and she laughs a lot. I thought that part was going to be annoying at first, and now after listening to all of 2011’s podcasts, I would not have it any other way. I actually think Lili adds to the podcast now.
About Mike: I would imagine if Mike were to take an IQ test, he would surprise even himself. I believe he is one of the best comical storytellers alive. He could go head to head with some of the long gone greats, like Mark Twain and come out a true competitor. I cannot really portray how skilled at the storytelling craft Mike is. This is something you will have to hear for yourself. To know there is no preparation for his shows, makes it even more impressive.
You may hear what often sounds like self-degradation from Mike, but he puts forth brutal honesty and exposes his vulnerabilities. In a world with huge egos in people such as himself, it is very refreshing to listen to him. Oftentimes Mike is introspective, touching on traits that he does not like about himself, and it hits me that I feel the same way he does about certain things. I guess you could say, he gives me therapeutic laughs.
Mike does a monolog podcast that is usually 2 hours long. If I had read this like you are now, I don’t know if I would have even listened for the first time. Let me assure you that if it were 4 hours, I would happily listen to it, at no point have I found it unentertaining.
I cannot talk about Mike without bringing up the fact that he is funny as hell. I must have looked like an idiot, driving on Highway I-80 laughing my ass off.
I think Paul Gilmartin was 100% correct, Mike Schmidt has everything it takes to make it big, and I hope we all get to see that day.
My wish is that you, the reader will sample Mike’s podcast and see for yourself. I suggest finding it on the iTunes store for free automatic downloads. I am thankful I had Mike to listen to and entertain me on my 3,000 mile trek. His podcast is free, and he has his past three seasons available at reasonable prices.
Give one of his podcasts a listen and see why I say “two thumbs way up!”
Click image for podcast site.
ADAM CAROLLA: We just got confirmation that Adam will be joining us on Monday December 6th. I have read his book and it was very well written and enjoyable. One of the reasons I like Adam so much, is he is not a pretentious celebrity, he is down to earth. Before he turned 30 years old, he was out there like any one of us, swinging a hammer and just getting by. Besides his uncanny sense of humor and very high intellect, he had the fire in his belly to go somewhere, so he did. There was and still is a great radio show called LoveLine that Adam co-hosted for over 10 years with Dr. Drew. At one time it was on TV and that is where I first saw and heard Adam. I listened to the smart and well balanced advice he was giving a caller. Besides making people laugh, he has helped countless people develop just by trying to steer them on the right path.