The Three Questions with Andy Richter Anthony Jeselnik
5 snips
Jan 20, 2026 
Stand-up comedian Anthony Jeselnik, known for his edgy humor and Netflix specials, joins the conversation to explore his unique career. He opens up about leaving roasts after feeling they shifted into a clip culture, discusses his creative journey from a Catholic upbringing in Pennsylvania to pursuing comedy in L.A., and reveals his latest venture: the Jeselnik Book Club, a mission to encourage men to read. With insights on developing his infamous stage persona, Jeselnik shares lessons on trusting instincts and embracing one's identity.
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First Big Laugh Was In Second Grade
- Anthony remembers making a teacher laugh in second grade after a sarcastic postcard joke about Allentown, which got his parents called by the teacher.
- That early laugh hooked him on comedy and showed him the power of making authority figures crack up.
Seinfeld Documentary Sparked His Start
- Jerry Seinfeld's documentary Comedian inspired Anthony to try standup after seeing a top comic bomb and start again from scratch.
- That film convinced him that bombing was part of the process and motivated relentless open-micing.
Experimenting To Find His Voice
- Early on Anthony tried character bits and even lied about being 500 pounds to test an angle and learned audiences react strongly to committed bits.
- He experimented with one-liners and dark twists until he found his comedic voice.
