Key Insights
Why did Colin Quinn move to Astoria, New York, after growing up in Brooklyn?
Colin moved to Astoria because his friend got an apartment there, and he found it convenient despite the inconvenience.
How did Colin Quinn describe the dynamic between shock jocks and comedians during his early career?
Colin described a hostile dynamic where shock jocks resented comedians, especially those who refused to tailor their bits for radio audiences, creating a back-and-forth tension.
What was Colin Quinn's experience with local radio in terms of promoting his comedy shows?
Colin found local radio to be the only effective way to promote his comedy shows, as it was the only medium that significantly boosted ticket sales.
How did Colin Quinn describe the transition of Saturday Night Live from its early days to its current status?
Colin described SNL as evolving from a countercultural show that resonated with pot-smoking audiences in the 70s to becoming one of the most established media properties today.
What was Colin Quinn's opinion on the MTV generation and their influence on his career?
Colin viewed the MTV generation as a significant cultural force that influenced his career, noting how being associated with MTV made him popular and opened doors with networks, though he often sabotaged those opportunities.
How did Colin Quinn handle the comedown from his MTV fame?
Colin described the comedown as tough, having to adjust from the high-profile MTV lifestyle back to regular life, including moving back in with his mother and dealing with the stark contrast in public recognition.
What was Colin Quinn's approach to dealing with the pressure of being a comedian in the entertainment industry?
Colin admitted to being delusional and having a defiant attitude, which he believes is necessary for comedians to persist despite the odds against them and the harsh realities of the industry.
How did Colin Quinn describe his early creative pursuits as a child?
Colin recalled being funny and making people laugh from a young age, and he mentioned creating a comedy show with his sister on a tape recorder, playing characters like Johnny Borsum and Raquel Welch.
What advice did Colin Quinn give to a caller whose wife is upset about not receiving responses to the memes she sends?
Colin advised the caller to address the issue directly with his wife, emphasizing that ignoring her memes is rude and that he should make an effort to respond, even if it's just a token response to show he cares.
What did Colin Quinn suggest as a solution for a man dealing with a coworker who may have romantic feelings for him?
Colin suggested the man create a fake relationship or use other tactics to subtly convey that he is not interested romantically, while still maintaining a friendly work relationship.
Chapters
- Colin Quinn started in stand-up before moving to MTV.
- He had a bad attitude during network meetings, sabotaging potential opportunities.
- Quinn transitioned back to stand-up and focused on one-man shows.
Shownotes Transcript