Today I sat down with Ike Rafferty — stand-up comedian, improviser, and head writer of The Absolute Show. Ike’s comedy blends absurdist theater, live sketch chaos, and unconventional stand-up.We talk about why he’s leaving Austin for New York, what it’s like co-writing one of the city’s most unhinged live shows, and how his dream projects include everything from fringe theater to off-Broadway clown work. Ike also shares his thoughts on finding a creative voice, balancing stand-up with sketch, and why some comics thrive in chaos while others freeze the second you hand them a prop.Along the way we get into the grind of producing a weekly talk show, how Austin’s comedy scene has evolved, and whether podcasts could one day be “passed down” like late-night hosting gigs.📍 Chapters00:00 – Introducing Ike Rafferty & His Big Move02:19 – Leaving Austin for New York: The Real Reason04:31 – Big City Dreams & The Alt Comedy Itch06:46 – Off-Broadway, Fringe Theater & Weird Characters09:07 – Johnny Gash and Prison Shows10:05 – The Birth of The Absolute Show12:29 – How to Build a Weekly Comedy Monster15:23 – Live Energy vs. Watching Online16:58 – Orchestrating Chaos: Ike as Head Writer19:20 – Stand-Up vs. Sketch Brains21:27 – Finding Your Voice Without Overengineering It24:16 – Balancing Fun, Risk, and Bombing26:24 – Dressing for the Scene: Suits, Sleeves & Stage Presence28:44 – Comedy Competition in Austin vs. New York31:26 – Could Podcasts Become the New Late Night?34:01 – Passing the Mic: The “Two Bears” Theory36:18 – Why Some Comics Should Stay Behind the Camera38:03 – Austin’s Comedy Bubble: Bursting or Evolving?41:25 – The Future: SNL Dreams, TV Writing & Staying Weird👇 Follow Ike Rafferty📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ikerrafferty/🎥 The Absolute Show: https://www.instagram.com/theabsoluteshow/💥 Support the Show & Unlock Bonus ContentPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thejimmyclifford🧢 Follow Jimmy CliffordInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejimmyclifford/Twitter: https://x.com/notjimcliffordTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejimmyclifford📢 SPONSORSWant to sponsor Pastor Bullsht? Hit us up: Jimmy@arrogantmenace.com⚠️ DISCLAIMERThe views and jokes expressed are for comedy and entertainment only. Don’t sue us—we're comedians, not your lawyer.
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