The Comment Section with Drew Afualo
Hosted by Drew Afualo
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
Drew Afualo hosts stand-up comedian and artist Mateo Lane on this episode to discuss his eighteen-year career in comedy, growing up in a large, brutally honest Italian and Mexican family, and how the rise of internet culture changed the comedy landscape. Lane shares stories from his early days in Chicago open mics, his background as an illustrator, and the realities of touring internationally. Throughout the conversation, the guest and host trade childhood anecdotes, recount hilarious tour mishaps, and emphasize the importance of maintaining an authentic creative voice despite online negativity.
The episode opens with Drew Afualo introducing the show and a series of sponsor advertisements for health, beauty, and lifestyle products.
Drew welcomes comedian Mateo Lane, setting the stage for a conversation about comedy, family, and personal experiences.
Both hosts explore how online platforms have altered the trajectory of comedians, offering exposure but also changing material development.
Mateo reflects on being a gay comedian, the challenges of representation, and how the industry often reduces performers to a single identity.
Drew shares his personal struggles with intrusive thoughts and OCD, offering insight into coping strategies for listeners.
The conversation shifts to the host’s challenging experiences touring in Ohio, recounting mishaps, hecklers, and the city’s unpredictable nature.
The hosts discuss the realities of touring: travel, isolation, and the balance between performance and personal life.
They dive into their favorite video games, streaming habits, and the camaraderie of gaming communities.
The host talks about past voice acting work, current ambitions in musical theater, and the challenges of pursuing a singing career.
The hosts share personal anecdotes, including a severe food poisoning incident and a controversial cabaret performance in a strip club.
They wrap up by offering practical advice to up-and-coming comedians, emphasizing work ethic, friendship, and perseverance.
Starting Stand-Up in Chicagostory
The guest explains how he entered stand-up comedy in Chicago after watching performers like Margaret Cho and Kathy Griffin, bringing thirty-four family members to his first set.
Dealing With Internet Hecklersstory
The guest shares a story about a drunk man shouting a slur in New York, and how he deflected it with a quick, humorous comeback.
The Good and Bad of the Internetinsight
The guest argues that while the internet provides essential exposure for marginalized comics, it can also lead younger performers to put out material too quickly without proper development.
International Tour Reactionsinsight
The guest discusses the vastly different reactions he gets from crowds around the world, noting that French audiences are extremely polite and quiet during shows.
Multi-Lingual Backgroundinsight
The guest reveals he speaks four languages, noting that when he speaks Spanish, it comes out with a heavy Italian accent.
Severe Food Poisoning in Spainstory
The guest recounts getting severe blistering on his skin after eating octopus in Spain, which required two weeks of high-dose prednisone.
Advice for Aspiring Comicsstrategy
The guest advises aspiring comedians to focus on loving their jokes, building a strong work ethic, and getting on stage as much as possible.
“I was like, I just want to try stand-up.”
“I had no idea what that meant.”
“OCD is highly treatable with the right kind of specialized therapy.”
“I don't have any other giant ambitions. I'd love to do things I'd love to do would to be able to play like Amy Sedaris characters.”
The iconic Matteo Lane is on the show this week! Drew and Matteo get into a deep dive on unintentionally funny relatives, Matteo’s qualms with Ohio and Pokemon, emotionally distressing your Sims, why Matteo used to sing Ave Maria at weddings and funerals, getting mystery blisters from seafood in Spain, and so much more. Follow Matteo on IG: https://www.instagram.com/matteolane/?hl=en Follow The Comment Section on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thecommentsection/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
17,172 words · 3 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
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