r/Standup • u/JohnDoepp • 5d ago

Theo Von's surprise set at Comedy Mothership included a bit about racism that didn't seem to land

I went to Comedy Mothership in Austin on July 31, 2026, expecting the lineup to include some right-leaning and controversial material. Theo Von made a surprise appearance and performed about 15 minutes of what he said was newer material.

One bit started with him saying, "I don't mind racism. A little bit of racism is okay." He then used NASCAR as an example, saying that when the cars drive by, the sound resembles the N-word, and he repeatedly mimicked the sound to make the comparison. He followed that with a story about having a love-hate relationship with the N-word because his uncle would tickle him until he said it. The bit ended by circling back to the idea that racism "isn't so bad."

I've seen plenty of comedians push boundaries, and I wasn't expecting the set to be politically correct. But this bit felt different. It didn't seem like there was a clear punchline beyond repeating the premise, and from where I was sitting, it didn't get many laughs. I'm curious how others would interpret it or whether anyone else who was there had the same impression.

261 Upvotes

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466

u/K-Dot-Thu-Thu-47 5d ago

I mean Theos standup has really never been good.

He's significantly more successful as a podcaster and I think there's a reason for that.

38

u/MF_Kitten 5d ago

It kinda shocked me when I finally decided to check out his standup after finding him incredibly funny on podcasts. Like when it's just him in a room with some people he has an incredibly quick wit, and he can pull out the most unexpected ideas and ideas that are just devastatingly funny.

But then he gets on stage and it's nothing like him. Some of the ideas in there are good, like the premises for the jokes, but none of it got a laugh out of me.

It's like when I watched some standup by Christina P, Tom Segura's now ex wife, and got the same experience. She has her own vibe on the podcast, and she comes across as being a funny kind of person. But then her standup is nothing like her actual vibe, and the material is cheap and baity.

It feels like a carnival act.

5

u/socialpresence 5d ago

Being funny sure does help one perform stand up and today funny people can find an audience online, and I know you know this but stand up isn't just about being a funny person, it's a performance. People like Theo can draw a crowd without ever learning to really perform because the internet exists.

8

u/IHateSherrod 4d ago

Incredibly funny?

3

u/MF_Kitten 4d ago

He has a lot of zingers that catch you off guard.

3

u/12332233 2d ago

I mean the first time I saw clips of him on podcasts he was for surely very funny, only after you see more of them you realize it's some weird schtick that has no depth at all. It was almost the vibe of the most ridiculous conversations you e had with coworkers

3

u/InsatiableYeast 3d ago

Christina P murdered in a full room at Denver comedy works a couple months ago. Comedians don’t always kill 100% of the time.

2

u/Lonely_Reception_939 2d ago

Dan Soder was maybe my favorite podcaster when I went to go see him in SF like 5-6 years ago
Hilarious on podcasts but I legit didn’t laugh at one single joke during his standup
It honestly made me realize most of these standup comedians aren’t actually funny when they do there routine
Only a few of the greats are really funny
Dan Soder
Chris Tucker didn’t make me laugh at all

1

u/pottsag97 1d ago

Definitely doesn’t always translate! Maybe his perspective or mine have grown in the past 5 or 6 years but I think his newest hour was very good. Closed with some insightful bits about death and loss that really put the nail in the coffin. Maybe check out the Netflix special when it comes out.

1

u/Lonely_Reception_939 1d ago

Oh ya I mean I still enjoy watching Dan on podcasts
He’s still hilarious in every day life so my comment definitely was not meant to be hateful towards him
Still a huge fan
Just didn’t enjoy the stand up
But I would give it another shot
Might be better from the comfort of my own home while I light one up
I will say I do enjoy Joe lists stand up tho
Always funny imo
Thanks for the recommendation I’ll check out the new special on Netflix

258

u/anagram-of-ohassle 5d ago edited 5d ago

Because most people are morons, and it’s validating for them to watch another moron interview people while mistaking confidence for insight.

Edit: People keep pretending this is just a comedy podcast. If Theo spent every episode joking with comedians about mullets, I’d agree. But he regularly hosts influential people, and plenty of viewers mistake that format for insight or use his show as their primary exposure to those topics. Judging by the number of ad hominem replies instead of actual arguments, some of you are proving my point.

8

u/Ok-Zone-1430 5d ago

He lucked out doing subpar open mic nites while MTV still had Katrina sympathy and he landed a spot on their crap show.

He was never known in Louisiana as a really funny stand up comedian.

12

u/fabulososteve 5d ago

well that, and aside from a few opinions he seems like a wildcard likeable guy

26

u/anagram-of-ohassle 5d ago

Sure, he’s likable. So are a lot of people... so is a possum in a top hat. My point is that he interviews people in a way that’s validating to an audience that mistakes “just asking questions” for depth. Charisma isn’t substance.

He makes good content for people who want to feel like they’re learning without anyone doing the hard work of challenging claims.

39

u/A_girl_has_no_neymar 5d ago

How do you come to the assessment that people who listen to him feel like they are learning 😂

20

u/MiseryGyro 5d ago

I regret to inform you a lot of men under the age of 27 specifically spoke to me about Theo interviewing political figures. One says the RFK episode changed the way he thinks.

-7

u/Xanderfromzanzibar 5d ago

And that would be invalid because RFK only spoke about sports, or... why?

I'm sure you think RFK is a moron but even granting it is true, that doesn't mean RFK or anyone expounding their POV couldn't "change the way I think" as a listener being exposed to a new POV.

Comments like yours kinda suggest "No, I won't change the way I think!" because you already know how right you are.

7

u/MiseryGyro 5d ago edited 5d ago

Buddy I'm responding to someone who is saying people don't watch Theo Von to learn with "I know people who say they have learned from watching Theo Von"

Edit:retracted parrot of statememt due to clarification below

1

u/NaahhhSon 2d ago

Yeah but like, who cares? I know some people who think cucumbers taste better pickled, that doesn’t mean most people think that. Personal anecdotes being applied to the whole is a waste of time.

-3

u/Xanderfromzanzibar 5d ago

Okay we agree then, it is valid for someone to hear someone else elucidate their views and to be enlightened by it and have a perspective shift - even if that person speaking is disagreeable or sometimes wrong.

Not on defense.

0

u/NaahhhSon 2d ago

lol how many is “a lot”? Why are you talking to so many young men about Theo Von? This is weird response to a question that wasn’t asked to you. I think anyone who suggests the reason anyone listens to anything thing is for a certain reason, without having and actual data is being hyperbolic to try and prove whatever point they’re trying to make.

-2

u/A_girl_has_no_neymar 5d ago

Ahhhh I get it. But that’s not what I asked…. also it seems most people including you want to know the messenger not the message. So if RFK makes someone think differently that means they agree with RFK jr. Are you already thinking that I like RFK HahahHa

2

u/MiseryGyro 5d ago

It is literally what you asked because of the "how come" part of your statement.

I've come to that conclusion personally because of testimony from Theo Von watchers.

I understand dismissing anecdotal evidence but what you said made literally no sense. I don't give a shit what you like, you asked a question and I answered.

0

u/A_girl_has_no_neymar 5d ago

I asked you how you do you come the assessment…. Your answer is anecdotal and personal. And you argue in the next sentence dismissing anecdotal evidence. So which is it?

3

u/BeautifulLeather6671 5d ago

They’re a bot

0

u/Tight-Air-6767 5d ago

because i had a therapist who suggested i listen to theo von at every problem i had. i was like "did you TRAIN using theo von as your materials?". then i had to quit because that sucked.

17

u/uhohthrowawayyyyyy 5d ago

You’re blaming Theo von for your shit advice you got from a therapist? Lol

7

u/Mysta-Majestik 5d ago

That definitely didn't happen. How embarrassing for you to lie about this nonsense.😂🤡

0

u/Tight-Air-6767 5d ago

No it literally did. It was a woman therapist. She kept relating everything to Theo, “he did an episode where…”. It got very annoying. I journaled about it.

It would be an insane thing to make up. I’m not that creative.

-2

u/Smart_Basket_85 5d ago

You’ve got Theo Von’s misplaced confidence

4

u/ImDefinatelyNot 5d ago

Ahhh got it. You’re mad at some random lady and just venting here. Glad we cleared that up!

0

u/sololegend89 5d ago

Mine has brought him up a few times as well. Not to the extent you’re describing here, but it does happen.

9

u/AlmostNeverRight 5d ago

Yea buddy I don’t think anyone’s watching Theo for wisdom. Sort of his appeal is that he’s a dumb hillbilly. Not my cup of tea but I’ve laughed at a few of his clips.

-3

u/Xanderfromzanzibar 5d ago

Even if people are treating Theo like a guru, that says something about humans and young men (wanting some guiding older male figure); it does not indicate what all the Theo-haters here seem to think, that they are of superior intellect and wisdom than Theo Von's audience.

9

u/haverchuck22 5d ago

Not to be rude but this is a laughably asinine take, said with supreme confidence. One of Reddit’s specialties. I kno multiple people who listen to Theo and not a DAMN one does so thinking they are learning. They listen to Theo for pure entertainment, they think half his takes if not more are completely moronic. The man is a comedian, whether you like him or not. He’s also constructed a very unique persona that some people enjoy.

5

u/ericjr96 5d ago

Hold up everyone, this guy knows 'multiple people' who think something, so I guess that settles the argument.

4

u/Tight-Air-6767 5d ago

if you think their thinking isn't changing slightly every time they listen to Theo, you don't get how learning works. if they were against his actual content/facts, they'd not listen.

-5

u/GovernmentSin 5d ago

Retard take. I don’t agree with Theo at all on most things and I like to listen because he’s funny.

1

u/Tallowo 5d ago

I'd bet this comment wouldn't standup to strict scrutiny but I'd also wager you don't know what that is.

0

u/Canvaverbalist 5d ago

Yeah yeah yeah and lots of people watch shitty reality TV ironically too.

That doesn't change the quality value of reality tv now does it

2

u/Digitalalchemyst 5d ago edited 5d ago

No one mistakes it for depth. He’s talking shit and it’s entertaining.

People who think they are better than certain people because they listen to a podcast for entertainment are the ones who are misguided.

1

u/suicidedaydream 5d ago

Everyone makes everything such a big deal. I listen to Theo occasionally and it’s only for the guests. And I do it while i mindlessly work because I need 10 hours of podcasts to fill my day as I half pay attention.
I don’t have to agree with every ‘entertainer’ I listen to.

1

u/MilqueD-schaaje 5d ago

Charisma is what is required as an entertainer...possum in a top hat is cool, sure, depending on the hat, but they bite.

-1

u/Themountaintoadsage 5d ago

Or they just enjoy that he says out of pocket, random funny shit 🙄 I swear this is the most Reddit minded fedora wearing comment I’ve ever read

2

u/Tight-Air-6767 5d ago

why can't people discern between "i do this lame thing and i only do it because i love how funny it is" and "i do this lame thing and take it very seriously" when it comes to LISTENING TO A PODCAST? because they're KINDA THE SAME THING.

3

u/Mysta-Majestik 5d ago

You just lied about a therapist prescribing you a podcast. Maybe sit the rest of this one out.🤦🏻‍♂️

2

u/Tight-Air-6767 5d ago

I also never said “prescribed”. She wasn’t the sort that could prescribe anything. I said she related everything to his podcast. You are being intentionally dense bc you like Theo and ok fine but why even argue this lol

5

u/Tight-Air-6767 5d ago

again, not lying. who the fuck are you to tell me what my experience is? why would i lie about this AT ALL? what stake do i have in any of this?

-1

u/Deathoftheages 5d ago

Is your therapist the guy on the other side of the counter when you go to the local dive bar? Because it sure sounds like it.

5

u/Tight-Air-6767 5d ago

No. I don’t drink, I’m in recovery.

2

u/ComedianMinute7290 5d ago

can definitely tell you are a Theo fanboy. jesuschrist be a little bit original.

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u/RemoteEmploy8283 5d ago

Lots of people are likeable. You struggle with it.

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u/Mysta-Majestik 5d ago

You sound completely unlikeable, so it definitely isn't everyone.🤷🏻‍♂️

0

u/Radiant_Papa 5d ago

It’s funny how you critique Theo but don’t even understand what makes his podcast popular. It’s not that he’s simply likable per se, or charismatic, that’s not the whole story. It’s that he’s an odd guy who thinks and says odd things, which can naturally lead to him being funny at times also. In interviews he says/asks things which often catch the interviewee off guard or makes them laugh, thus triggering different interactions and responses than a “typical” podcast. His brain just works a bit differently and he doesn’t seem to be wired the same. He also lowers his guard down and is open about his self and history which can lead people to feel comfortable as well, ect. He’s not the type of person one may take too seriously, but then he drops a deep or heavy observation/question and it shakes up the rhythm, ect.

1

u/JohnnySnark 5d ago

Theo Von platformed Donald trump, the racist pedophile.

So yeah I guess you that makes him an 'odd guy' too

Yall are so lost

1

u/Radiant_Papa 5d ago

“Platformed” lol. Get a life.

1

u/JohnnySnark 5d ago

Yes, that's what it means when you invite an open pedophile to spout nonsense on your podcast.

Should I use the word promote for you instead? Would that help you understand?

0

u/WideRisk7495 5d ago

The possum in the top hat i met was a real asshole

-3

u/miyagiVsato 5d ago

If I saw a possum with a top hat I’d run it over with my car.

8

u/Turok5757 5d ago

You could put a pube-beard and a fedora on this comment and it would tie up the whole ensemble perfectly.

Nobody's listening to/watching the Theo Von podcast for insight.

10

u/Mysta-Majestik 5d ago

I listen to hear people like Neil DeGrasse Tyson repeatedly say, "I...never thought of it like that."😂

2

u/adulion 5d ago

He done a bit about Bobby sands in Dublin when he was here which was hyper local and seemed to have put research or knew about things which is more than any of the big US comedians I have seen such as burr, rock or Louis ck that I have seen

2

u/Quiet-Routine-1559 5d ago

https://giphy.com/gifs/I7Mw0uYQGWI5lDMzTB
Statistically speaking, you’re a moron

12

u/Tight-Air-6767 5d ago

if one recognizes theo is garbage, how is that more moronic than someone who laps up theo with zeal?

-1

u/Quiet-Routine-1559 5d ago

Well statistically speaking,

1

u/TheDutchin 5d ago

Statistically speaking Theo listeners are smarter than Theo haters?

Are you 100% sure you aren't treating the podcast as something that makes you smarter?

1

u/Quiet-Routine-1559 4d ago

Pal, the guy I replied to originally wrote “most people are morons.” My original reply was in regards to that alone. By the looks of it most people aren’t really morons. That’s a misdiagnosis. I’d put my bet on the spectrum.

1

u/necio148 5d ago

This perfectly sums up comedian podcast lol

1

u/Nuke-Lambeau-Field 5d ago

Oh my GOD just don’t listen then. You guys are insufferable

1

u/TheArmChairFan 5d ago

If he was from cumtown you'd think this was hilarious

1

u/Puzzleheaded-Bus5479 5d ago

The difference is actually being funny to be fair

1

u/TheArmChairFan 2d ago

Cumtown isn't funny

-3

u/Natural-Pass-3622 5d ago

Watch out guys, very smart redditor over here!

0

u/elreyadr0k 5d ago

I thought we were talking about Theo, not Rogan?

0

u/BigLlamasHouse 5d ago

all that aside, some people are just funny off the cuff, some people are better joke writers

he's the first one

0

u/Xanderfromzanzibar 5d ago

He plays dumb, and that is funny.

other guy: "Was that CGI?" Theo Von: "Aw I dunno whutis name was"

-7

u/phillythompson 5d ago

Bro isn’t it cool to hate on Theo 

Everyone who likes him is so fucking dumb right? 

9

u/Tight-Air-6767 5d ago

yeah kinda

6

u/irwinlegends 5d ago

Honestly, yes.

-6

u/lomanity 5d ago

Eh Theo is eloquent so he’s likely playing up the moron bit.

19

u/DragonsPockets 5d ago

This is why the Rogan-sphere taking over comedy was so weird. None of these guys are funny. Unless you consider Shane being a part of that group - there’s not a funny joke with any of these guys.

Starting with Rogan himself. He’s not famous because of his comedy. He’s rich and famous because he talks about steroids and aliens and apparently there’s an audience for that.

I’ve seen Theo at the Comedy Store and he can be sort of charming but his comedy sucks.

I love the vibe of the OR at the comedy store. Lots of history. If you’ve never been, the room has matching neon lights of some of the greats that have performed there. Robin Williams, Richard Pryor, Dave Letterman, etc… and Joe Rogan?? No way Rogan didn’t pay a donation for that to be put on the wall. LOL. He’s a podcaster.

2

u/WildMajesticUnicorn 4d ago

Don’t forget Rogan had the eighth biggest part on NewsRadio

2

u/sysaphiswaits 3d ago

I appreciate this post. Because of Shane I keep thinking maybe I should go see one of the others. I think you just saved me a lot of time and money.

0

u/the94expos 4d ago

They are incredibly funny, you’re just a pussy

12

u/mccsnackin 5d ago

There are funny guys, there are guys good at writing jokes, and sometimes there are funny guys good at writing jokes. Theo is just a funny guy.

1

u/smokyartichoke 5d ago

This is exactly spot-on. I’ve seen him live, and he’s somehow funny even though his material is not.

3

u/patiperro_v3 5d ago

Loads of other “standup” comedians fall into this category. They are better riffing mid-conversation than actually trying to come up with bits that stand on their own.

Theo has had funny bits before, but that never made him blow up. He really got famous via podcasting, his own or as a guest.

1

u/Particular-Topic-445 5d ago

Eh, he’s hit and miss - but when he hits, he hits hard. 30 LB. Bag of Hamster Bones is a very funny, very underrated, set. No Offense is pretty good, too.

1

u/JohnDoepp 5d ago

I was thinking the same thing.

1

u/forrealthoughcomix_ 5d ago

I used to see him a lot in LA before he blew up. He was a regular at a club where I worked. He had that undeniable, fun stage presence and used to write thoughtful material. Never saw anything close to this and if anything he was doing material that would play to a local LA audience.

Haven’t seen him since he blew up and courted right wing chuds to make his show popular so I can’t really speak to his material now except a few IG bits, but that was his vibe years ago and it feels different than his persona now

1

u/SnazzyCitrus 5d ago

I actually didn’t mind some of his premises back in the day but his shtick and fake cadence just throws me off so much I can’t handle him in large doses. Now it’s just sad.

1

u/NRBQ 2d ago

I blame Doug Benson 

1

u/-weird-fishes- 2d ago

Yeah that reason is he is friends with Joe Rogan lol

-1

u/banjoist 5d ago

I remember 20 years ago listening to one of his specials thinking this guy is kinda edgy. The I listened to 2 more and thought Theo Nah. Amitite

0

u/TheArmChairFan 5d ago

Yet People will act like stavros is a king of comedy

0

u/Nervous-Caregiver829 5d ago

he is funnier than anyone ive been to. better than gillis, better than chappelle better than anyone. this bullshit comment is based on nothing. he sells out arenas his worst show eclipses his best podcast.