Navigating the Comedy Scene with Jeremy Hotz

Join hosts Sarah J Halstead and Rich Chassler for a hilarious and honest conversation with legendary Canadian comedian Jeremy Hotz! In this episode, Jeremy opens up about living with generalized anxiety disorder while maintaining a successful comedy career, his viral TikTok explosion in Africa, why he travels with his emotional support chihuahua Shaq, and the real story behind his career-defining moments on Letterman and The Tonight Show. From writing for The Daily Show to starring in the iconic Canadian series "The Newsroom," Jeremy shares behind-the-scenes stories from Speed 2, working with Sandra Bullock, and why comedy competitions don't work. Plus: hilarious tales from the Melrose Gelson's, parking lot muggings at the Improv, and why New York summers are unbearable. Whether you're a comedy fan, aspiring comedian, or just love authentic conversations about mental health and show business, this episode delivers laughs and real talk in equal measure. Featured Guest Jeremy Hotz is an internationally renowned stand-up comedian, actor, and former writer for The Daily Show. Known for his neurotic, observational comedy style, Jeremy has performed on Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and starred in the critically acclaimed Canadian series "The Newsroom" (which won multiple awards). His film credits include Speed 2: Cruise Control with Sandra Bullock. Despite living with generalized anxiety disorder, Jeremy has built a thriving international comedy career, recently experiencing viral success on TikTok throughout Africa. He tours extensively in Canada and is planning his first-ever African tour. Jeremy never travels without his emotional support chihuahua, Shaq. Find Jeremy Hotz: Official Website: JeremyHotz.com TikTok: @JeremyHotz (HUGE following in Africa!) Instagram: @JeremyHotz Twitter/X: @JeremyHotz YouTube: Jeremy Hotz Comedy Chapters 0:00 - Welcome Back & Recent Updates 2:50 - Introducing Jeremy Hotz 5:00 - Why Beer Instead of Wine 6:30 - Living with Anxiety & Social Situations 9:15 - Meet Shaq: The Emotional Support Chihuahua 12:20 - The Newsroom & Speed 2 Stories 16:45 - Lucky Break: Episode 13 Award Win 19:30 - Starting Stand-Up at 18-19 22:40 - Getting Letterman & Tonight Show 27:15 - Finding Your Comedy Voice 31:20 - New York vs LA Life 36:50 - Comedy Club Stories & Improv Tales 41:30 - Going Viral on TikTok in Africa 45:20 - Auditions & Industry Advice 49:40 - Television Industry Problems 53:15 - Celebrity Stories & Gelson's Tales 56:30 - Upcoming Tour Dates 58:45 - Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up   FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS! Sarah IG @sarahhalstead https://www.instagram.com/sarahhalstead/?hl=en  FB @sarahjhalsteadcomic https://www.facebook.com/sarahjhalsteadcomic/ X @sarahjhalstead  https://twitter.com/sarahjhalstead  Rich IG @richchassler https://www.instagram.com/richchassler/ FB @chasslerfans https://www.facebook.com/Chasslerfans/ X @richchassler https://x.com/richchassler    #JeremyHotz #StandUpComedy #MentalHealthAwareness #ComedyPodcast #AnxietyAndSuccess #TikTokComedian #DrinkingDuringBusinessHours #CanadianComedy #EmotionalSupportDog #LettermanStories