Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco joins the host to discuss his slow-burn career trajectory, from waiting tables at the Four Seasons for seven years to selling out Madison Square Garden and starring in films. They explore his traditional Italian upbringing in the suburbs of Chicago, his transition into parenting young children while wrestling with balancing work and family time, and his new Sirius XM channel. Maniscalco reflects on the humbling realities of bombing on stage, the importance of physical comedy, and finding joy in everyday moments rather than constantly chasing the next big milestone.
The host welcomes listeners and introduces comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, setting the stage for the interview.
The conversation turns to how Maniscalco navigates time between career, parenting, and personal joy.
Maniscalco explains his transition to podcasting, the creation of his Sirius XM channel, and his interview style.
He shares details about his suburban upbringing, family dynamics, and how these shaped his comedic voice.
Maniscalco discusses his approach to raising his children, the balance of discipline and joy, and the impact of modern parenting norms.
The interview explores how Maniscalco handles the demands of a comedy career while maintaining family life and personal well‑being.
He reflects on the significance of performing at Madison Square Garden and how he embraces those rare moments.
The host and guest wrap up the episode, sharing final thoughts on joy, work, and life balance.
The hosts talk about Garth Brooks’ career break and Chris Rock’s advice on making an entrance.
Sebastian shares what brings him joy, focusing on family, home life, and the Crust Club gatherings.
The conversation turns to time management, the "time pie" exercise, and the challenge of balancing multiple roles.
Sebastian talks about slowing down, and the hosts showcase a farm-to-table cooking demo with Anna Katsis.
Starting a Sirius XM Channelinsight
The guest explains why he launched his own Sirius XM channel and talk show, stating he got tired of talking about himself on other podcasts and wanted to interview interesting people instead.
Air Travel Fashion Standardsinsight
The guest expresses bewilderment at modern travel attire, questioning why passengers wear slippers and casual loungewear in public airports.
Dealing With Puppy Accidentsstory
The guest shares a humorous anecdote about receiving a stressful text right before the interview that one of their new puppies had urinated on the bed.
The guest details working the early shift at the Four Seasons hotel bar for seven years from 1998 to 2005 to supplement his income while pursuing stand-up comedy at night.
Humbling First Stage Experiencestory
The guest recounts his very first time performing stand-up at a college contest where the audience relentlessly heckled him and shouted for the Sandman.
Reflecting On Selling Out Madison Square Gardeninsight
The guest discusses what it felt like to headline Madison Square Garden and admits his past mistake of immediately asking what is next instead of relishing the moment.
An 80-Year-Old Father Still Workinginsight
The guest describes his 80-year-old father who still works as a hairstylist every day, noting that working is his primary purpose and hobby.
“I have a problem right now with my dogs. I’m not into my dogs at all.”
“I think we spend so much of our lives waiting for the big moments. The birthdays, the vacations, the milestones. But the truth is, some of the happiest moments show up on the most ordinary days.”
“I think Garth Brooks took like 14 years off to go raise his family.”
“Joy is when you open your eyes in the morning, and you look around, and you're just full and overflowing, just for what you have, you don't need something else to be put on the plate to feel it.”
“I love having people at my home, I love making people feel good when I'm not on stage, and how I do that is cooking and entertaining, so, we have a little thing at the house called the Crust Club.”
“The more food that we can make ourselves or that we know where it grows, the longer it's going to help us live.”
"I told my second grade teacher this is what I wanted to do... And I got laughed at, and people were like snickering, because everybody wanted to be a policeman, a firefighter, a doctor... And I said I wanted to be a stand-up comedian." -Sebastian Maniscalco Joy 101 with Hoda Kotb is Presented by CVS. Shop your local CVS, right around the corner. Experience the full conversation on the "Joy 101 podcast with Hoda Kotb" wherever you listen to podcasts. For more information, please visit us at www.joy101.com/podcast https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.joy101.com%2Fpodcast&data=05%7C02%7CBrianBurton%40iheartmedia.com%7Cead080eeece14daa561b08df2bd2cb6f%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C639277856490716185%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=58GoDsGGmcB52GgbpHaL8avWqFGLybFacthXynk1e%2B4%3D&reserved=0 See omnystudio.com/listener https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10,965 words · 7 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
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