COVID Dispersed LA Comedy

Brendan Schaub reflects on how the pandemic dramatically changed the LA comedy scene, particularly focusing on the dissolution of what he calls the "Comedy Rap Pack" - a tight-knit group of comedians who supported each other's growth and success.

Key Points:

• Pre-Pandemic Comedy Scene:

  • Centered around the Comedy Store in LA
  • Led by Joe Rogan as the "team captain"
  • Featured a close-knit group including Theo Von, Chris D'Elia, Andrew Santino, Bobby Lee
  • Group operated with a supportive "no tear down" philosophy
  • Members regularly appeared on each other's podcasts and shows

• The Golden Age:

  • Comedians would gather in the Comedy Store parking lot
  • Regular interactions and collaboration between shows
  • Strong sense of community and mutual support
  • "I didn't realize at the moment that that was the golden age"

• Pandemic Impact:

  • Joe Rogan left LA (moved to Texas)
  • Comedy Store shut down
  • Mass exodus of key figures:
    • Tom Segura left
    • Joey Diaz left
    • Tim Dillon left
    • Theo Von left
  • Additional challenges:
    • Brian Callen faced Me Too movement issues
    • Chris D'Elia faced Me Too movement issues

• Current State:

  • "Those days are over"
  • Everyone's "made it" and operating in their own lane
  • Less collaborative environment
  • Still maintain group chats but rarely see each other
  • Describes feeling nostalgic when visiting Comedy Store now
  • "I wish 5-6-7 years ago somebody would've tapped us on the shoulder and said 'hey fellas, in 2 years this is all gone'"

• Personal Impact:

  • Left alone "on this island by myself"
  • Heartbroken by the dissolution of the community
  • Keeps photos from that era in his man cave as remembrance
  • Recognizes it as "the best time ever" in retrospect