November 4, 2024 • 1hr 9min
#860 - Sam Morril - Travis Kelce, OnlyFans & New York Chaos
Modern Wisdom
Key Takeaways
- New York City Life: Living in NYC requires adjusting to constant noise, crowds, and a unique energy - residents develop a distinct confidence and rhythm moving through the city
- Comedy Career Insights: Success in comedy requires living a real life to draw material from, not just talking about comedy clubs and airports
- Social Media Evolution: The speed of meme cycles and news stories has accelerated dramatically, with major stories being forgotten within weeks
- Dating Apps & Modern Romance: Dating apps have made meeting people easier but potentially more shallow, focusing on photos over personality
- Content Creation Challenges: Social media platforms' increasing censorship and content restrictions are making it difficult for comedians to share their work
Introduction
Sam Morril is a stand-up comedian, writer, and podcaster based in New York City. In this wide-ranging conversation, he discusses his experiences growing up in NYC, his evolution as a comedian, observations about modern culture and social media, and insights into the current state of comedy and entertainment.
Topics Discussed
Life in New York City (1:20)
Sam shares his perspective on living in New York City and how it shapes residents' worldview and behavior:
- Constant State of Irritation: Describes NYC as keeping residents in a "constant state of irritation but always grateful"
- Adaptation to Noise: Many New Yorkers need white noise machines to sleep due to constant city sounds
- Infrastructure Challenges: Regular building maintenance and repairs are constant, including "Section 11 law" requiring drilling to prevent loose bricks
- Transportation: Most natives rely on subway and walking, with Sam noting he rarely drives despite having a license
Comedy Career Development (5:39)
Discussion of how comedians develop their material and maintain authenticity:
- Material Development: "You don't want to be that comedian where after every show a guy walks out and you're like 'a guy came up to me after a show' and that's your whole act," Sam explains
- Family Reactions: Shares stories about his mother's discomfort with certain material
- Authenticity: Emphasizes the importance of being genuine rather than just "working things out" on stage
Modern Dating and Relationships (17:03)
Sam discusses the current state of dating and relationships:
- Dating App Impact: Notes how apps have made meeting people easier but potentially more shallow
- Celebrity Relationships: Discusses high-profile couples like Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift
- Public Scrutiny: Reflects on the challenges of maintaining relationships under public attention
Social Media and Content Creation (54:35)
Discussion of how social media has changed entertainment and content creation:
- Platform Restrictions: Details increasing censorship and content limitations on major platforms
- Alternative Platforms: Discusses Punch Up Live as a solution for uncensored comedy content
- Meme Cycles: Notes how quickly major news stories and memes are forgotten
9/11 Memories and NYC Resilience (43:00)
Sam shares his personal experience of 9/11 as a New Yorker:
- Personal Experience: Was 15 years old and in school when the attacks occurred
- Community Response: Describes how New Yorkers came together to help, including lining up to donate blood
- City Recovery: Reflects on the resilience of New York and its people
Current Projects and Future Plans (1:04:32)
Sam discusses his current work and upcoming projects:
- New Special: "You've Changed" available on Prime Video
- Tour Plans: Announcing new theater tour starting February
- Business Ventures: Discusses Bodega Cat Whiskey brand development
Conclusion
The conversation provides a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a working comedian and New York native, touching on everything from the evolution of comedy in the digital age to the unique challenges of living in one of the world's most dynamic cities. Sam's insights into how social media and technology are changing entertainment, combined with his personal experiences and observations about modern culture, offer valuable perspective on how society continues to evolve in the digital age.