This Love Story Reaches New Heights

In this performance at Vicar Street in Dublin, comedian Josh Johnson explores the absurdity of modern relationships, weddings, and bizarre social interactions. The set is broken down into several key themes:

• Celebrity Weddings and Fame: Johnson kicks off by discussing the over-the-top nature of modern celebrity weddings, specifically joking about the rumored scale of a potential Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding compared to other billionaires (1:00 - 3:27). He also shares a personal anecdote about a misunderstanding with paparazzi while appearing on the Jimmy Kimmel show, reflecting on the reality of fame (4:36 - 6:17).

• The Competition of Proposals: He shifts to the viral story of a couple climbing the Empire State Building to propose, joking about the pressure this places on everyday people to make their own proposals unique and the frustration it causes for friends planning to propose (6:25 - 15:26).

• Worst Second Date Stories: Johnson shares a story from his time in Chicago, where he attended an improv show and participated in a group discussion about "worst ever second date" stories (15:37 - 17:32). This leads to a series of shocking stories, including:

  • The Planned Wedding: A woman’s story about a man who, after only one date, invited her to his house for a "second date" that was actually a full-blown surprise wedding for his family (17:44 - 26:57).
  • The Missing Teeth: A story about a woman who left a man at the altar because he had knocked out his front teeth at a bachelor party, and she couldn't imagine having kids with him (29:06 - 33:57).
  • The Dog Switch: The story Johnson himself told at the table about a date who casually revealed that her father had accidentally killed their family dog and replaced it with an identical one without telling the rest of the family (34:10 - 39:57).

How Do You Lose A Giraffe?

In this comedy special recorded in Amsterdam, comedian Josh Johnson discusses the cultural differences between the United States and the rest of the world, specifically focusing on the surreal nature of American life.

Key highlights from the performance:

• Exotic Animal Ownership: Josh expresses his disbelief that people in Texas and Florida own exotic animals like giraffes and tigers, noting how viral reports of lost giraffes seem perfectly consistent with the rest of the world's perception of the US (0:55 - 1:17, 8:36 - 10:45).
• Petting Zoo Experiences: He shares humorous anecdotes about the potential dangers of petting zoos, recounting a childhood memory involving an unpredictable miniature horse and a snake (20:57 - 25:35).
• Cultural Observations: He humorously critiques American portion sizes—comparing a bowl of ramen to a bathtub (13:39 - 14:15)—and shares his observations on Amsterdam as a tourist, particularly his anxiety about the city's bicycle culture and elevation (7:48 - 8:30, 26:00 - 28:05).
• New York Rats: Josh compares the nature of New York City rats to those in Europe, joking that American rats are becoming increasingly intelligent and difficult to outsmart with traditional traps (28:37 - 32:06).

Druski Had Everyone Thinking JAY-Z Was Coming Out | BET Awards '26

This video features a humorous moment at the 2026 BET Awards where the comedian Druski interrupts Ice Cube during an introduction to perform a comedy skit.

Key highlights include:

• The Setup: Ice Cube takes the stage to introduce the next performer, Baby Keem, but is quickly interrupted by Druski (0:02 - 0:20).
• The Comedy Sketch: Druski engages in a fake-out, acting as if he is an A-list star—specifically channeling JAY-Z—while joking about hosting duties, his nomination status, and his connections to Brooklyn and the Marcy Projects (0:20 - 1:25).
• The Introduction: After the bit concludes, Ice Cube resumes his hosting duties to properly introduce the Grammy Award-winning artist Baby Keem for his upcoming performance (1:28 - 1:43).

Durand Bernarr Has Everyone Crying Laughing in This Coulda Been Records Skit | BET Awards '26

This video features a hilarious sketch from the 2026 BET Awards starring Durand Bernarr as the CEO of "Coulda Been Records" (0:02-0:09). The skit focuses on his search for new talent during the awards ceremony, leading to several comedic encounters:

• The "Gangster" Rapper: A performer arrives claiming to be a "gangster" while showing off a BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift), which creates a bizarre clash of aesthetics that Durand and his security team reject (0:17-1:55).
• The Musical Pivot: After rejecting the previous act, Durand eventually finds a performer who actually impresses him with smooth, soulful vocals, prompting a shift in his attitude (2:03-2:32).
• The Ending: The sketch concludes with Durand reverting to his no-nonsense persona, instructing security to remove everyone, ending the talent search on a chaotic note (2:33-2:41).

I’m leaving the Sidemen KSI

In this emotional video, KSI announces his departure from the Sidemen (0:31-0:40), stating that his final appearance on the group's channel will be the video released on the 31st of May (0:40-0:47).

Key Takeaways:

• Reasons for Leaving: KSI explains that the decision is entirely his own (3:28-3:30) and stems from feeling overwhelmed by his many commitments. He mentions losing his life balance, struggling to find time for his health, family, and partner, and realizing he can no longer give the Sidemen the 100% commitment they deserve (3:36-5:00, 12:05-12:34).
• Reflecting on the Journey: He looks back at the group's journey over the last 12-13 years—growing from filming random GTA videos in their early days to selling out stadiums, breaking records, and creating Netflix content (1:06-2:25).
• Heartfelt Tributes: KSI shares individual, touching messages for each of the other Sidemen members—Simon, Vik, Ethan, Harry, Tobi, and Josh—thanking them for their friendship, support, and the role they played in his life (5:34-10:23).
• Gratitude: He expresses deep appreciation for the behind-the-scenes team, including editors, cameramen, and sound designers (10:23-11:00), as well as the fans who have supported them from the bedroom days to the present (11:12-11:42).
• Future Outlook: While he is stepping away, KSI encourages fans to continue supporting the remaining members, noting that he will be watching their future content alongside the audience (11:38-11:56).

Did Trump Sell America to China?

In this comedy special recorded at ComedyWorks South in Denver, Josh Johnson explores a variety of observational and political topics:

Denver Altitude and Athletics:

• Johnson opens with a humorous take on visiting Denver, admitting that the high altitude makes him feel physically out of shape compared to the locals (1:25 - 4:32).

Political Satire and Diplomacy:

• Much of the set is dedicated to critiquing Donald Trump's diplomatic approach, specifically his trip to China (5:16). He compares Trump's negotiating style to an unreliable friend who makes things worse during a crisis (7:46 - 16:53).
• He highlights the absurdity of international diplomacy, joking about Trump's comments regarding the prevalence of Chinese restaurants in the US (18:12) and his revealing statements about state-sponsored cyber espionage (25:08 - 29:24).

Personal Dreams and Failures:

• Johnson shares a relatable, comedic struggle about wanting to learn a backflip later in life (32:16), despite his friends' concerns and his own lack of progress (33:42).
• He delves into the nuances of being a supportive friend, discussing how he balances honesty with encouragement when friends have unrealistic dreams, such as becoming a famous singer (36:23 - 45:08).

Reflections on Music and Life:

• The set concludes with a reflection on how hearing a friend's off-key singing made him re-evaluate his own sense of musicality and realize he wasn't as tone-deaf as he previously thought (45:42 - 47:00).

Hulk Hogan is America

In this comedy special, Josh Johnson explores various topics through his unique perspective, blending personal anecdotes with observations on American culture and societal absurdities. He touches on the frustrations of doctor visits, the chaotic nature of backyard wrestling, and the complications of navigating fights as a non-fighter.

Key Highlights:

• Injury Stories: Josh shares humorous, often embarrassing stories about sustaining injuries, including walking into a ceiling fan while distracted by his phone (2:32) and getting hit by a cyclist at night (5:24).
• Backyard Wrestling: He discusses the 'American tradition' of putting friends through folding tables (8:39), noting how these moments feel uniquely surreal and reckless (9:14).
• Hulk Hogan and Race: Josh reflects on his childhood admiration for Hulk Hogan, admitting he mistakenly believed Hogan was a Black wrestler until he grew older (25:58). He uses this as a springboard to discuss the difference between the 'American Dream' and reality (35:43).
• The 'Hulk' vs. 'Terry' Analogy: He draws parallels between Hulk Hogan and his real-life persona, Terry, and how that compares to the public perception versus the reality of America today (33:25).
• Skepticism of Authority and Systems: Josh critiques various aspects of modern life, including the political system, the reliance on steroids/supplements (54:14), and the absurdity of recent financial scams, such as the NFT bubble (13:35) and the soldiers caught gambling on military intel (107:02).

Josh concludes by noting that while he cannot offer expert solutions to the nation's problems, he advocates for giving time and attention to those who are organizing and working toward a better, more equitable future (116:20).

Hantavirus & the Fever That Followed

In this stand-up special recorded at Comedy on State in Madison, Wisconsin, comedian Josh Johnson weaves together observations on human behavior, social anxiety, and health concerns. The performance covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Social Interactions and Observations: Josh discusses the earnest nature of people in Madison (1:52), his discomfort with overly enthusiastic reactions from liberal strangers (2:47), and his experiences with bizarre behaviors, such as a man eating an apple from the bottom up (9:05) and a friend eating a kiwi skin-on (16:11).
• Parental Influences: He reflects on how our personalities are shaped by our upbringing and the habits we inherit from our parents (26:05), leading to a commentary on the awkwardness of interacting with friends' young children (21:47).
• Hygiene and Public Health: A major theme is the lack of public hygiene, which Josh frames through the lens of office politics (30:48) and the anxiety surrounding viral outbreaks like Hantavirus (36:45). He expresses a cynical, yet relatable, view on how people behave when sick (31:12).
• Pandemic Reflection: He compares the collective memory of the COVID-19 pandemic to the repetitive nature of rebooting the Spider-Man film franchise (46:58) and critiques societal failures in communication and public behavior (47:35).
• Public Figures: The special concludes with sharp commentary on figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., using his public persona to illustrate the feeling of being nervous about current events and the state of public health (56:34).

Spirit Shutdown: Stranded, Stuck & Scrambling

Dignitaries, Drinks & Ducking: Correspondents Dinner Chaos

In this stand-up comedy special recorded at Hilarities in Cleveland, comedian Josh Johnson explores the absurdities of the White House Correspondents' Dinner and broader cultural reactions to public security events. Throughout the set, Johnson uses humor to critique the lack of awareness in modern emergency situations and the bizarre behaviors of people during moments of crisis.

Key themes and highlights include:

• The Correspondents' Dinner Incident: Johnson breaks down the chaotic response at the White House Correspondents' Dinner (4:07), noting the peculiar delay in people reacting to gunshots and the prioritization of certain figures by Secret Service during the evacuation (7:42 - 9:03).
• Security and Surveillance Failures: He mocks the poor quality of the released security footage (18:36 - 19:40) and highlights how easily the shooter was able to bypass security measures compared to the strict protocols he observed during his time writing for The Tonight Show (20:39 - 22:55).
• Social Commentary: Johnson delves into the phenomenon of group dynamics, specifically how and why people start chants like "USA" (27:05 - 28:03) or perform a "slow clap" (28:41 - 30:00), using personal anecdotes to illustrate the awkwardness of misreading a situation.
• The Absurdity of Protocol: He satirizes the reactions of public figures and the general public, including people stealing champagne and snacks during an emergency (48:35 - 50:15) and the bizarre decision to continue the dinner after a shooting (50:19 - 51:12).
• Reflections on Modern Culture: The set concludes with a reflection on how desensitized society has become to violence, suggesting that the public's reaction to the dinner incident felt more like skepticism of the event's authenticity than genuine fear (59:35 - 1:00:15).

Looksmaxxing Is Making Men Miserable

In this stand-up special recorded at The Comedy Zone in Charlotte, NC, comedian Josh Johnson explores the absurdity of modern pressures—particularly those placed on men regarding their appearance—while weaving in personal anecdotes about growing up and self-discovery.

Key Themes and Segments:

• The Struggles of Vision: Johnson opens with a humorous take on the difficulty of needing glasses, the fear of losing them in public, and the overwhelming sensory experience of getting a new prescription (0:43–11:42).
• The Pressure of "Looksmaxxing": A central focus of the set is the current online trend of "looksmaxxing." Johnson critiques the toxic, performative nature of this movement, noting how it subjects young men to the same impossible beauty standards that have long affected women, leading to unnecessary anxiety and even harmful cosmetic procedures (30:14–56:00).
• The Myth of External Perfection: Johnson highlights the futility of chasing perfection through material status or physical appearance. He shares stories about people who project an image of success while living in chaotic, "slob"-like personal environments, reminding the audience that intimacy requires looking past the facade (46:17–49:30).
• Growing Up and Misguided Advice: He reflects on his own experiences with "rites of passage," such as a hilariously traumatic fishing trip with a mentor where he tried too hard to fulfill his idea of "manhood" (22:36–30:11). He draws a parallel between this and how young men today are being misled by "authorities" online who sell them manufactured insecurities.
• Technology and Connection: Johnson touches on how the internet has warped our perception of reality, contrasting it with the more "immediate" and organic lives of previous generations, even acknowledging the comedic side of learning about his grandparents' unconventional love stories (1:07:00–1:09:00).

The performance concludes with reflections on his time in Chicago and a final, self-deprecating story about his experiences with dating and dressing, reinforcing his message that it is human to look "dumb" sometimes and that we should focus on the substance of our characters rather than the metrics of our appearance.

Right Wing Media Turns on Trump. The MAGA Civil War

In this comedy special recorded at The Comedy Zone in Charlotte, NC, Josh Johnson explores the chaotic state of American politics, focusing on the perceived incompetence and scandalous behavior within the Trump administration.

Key themes and segments include:

• Administrative Scandals: Johnson humorously critiques the performance of various officials, including Kristi Noem and Pam Bondi (3:11-30:08). He highlights their struggles with transparency, mishandling of government funds for ads, and public relations blunders regarding Epstein files.
• The "Guardian of the Americas": Johnson mocks the branding and appointment of officials, comparing the titles to failed superheroes and questioning their actual duties (11:32-13:19).
• The FBI Under Cash Patel: The comedian describes the declining prestige of the FBI under Cash Patel, citing bizarre incidents like private jet usage for personal reasons, security lapses, and being hacked by foreign entities (42:03-55:48).
• Melania Trump's Press Conference: He analyzes Melania Trump's unexpected press address, likening it to a poorly executed attempt to "get ahead" of a story, while joking about the mystery surrounding her correspondence (56:14-1:07:31).
• The MAGA Civil War: Johnson details how prominent right-wing figures, including Tucker Carlson, Megan Kelly, and Alex Jones, began criticizing Trump over a controversial war-related social media post. He reads and reacts to Trump's furious, "thumb-written" response on Truth Social, where the former president labels his critics as "losers" with "low IQs" (1:09:34-1:25:59).

Are Algorithms Raising Modern Men?

In this stand-up special recorded at the Houston Improv, comedian Josh Johnson explores a variety of relatable experiences and societal observations. The video is structured around several distinct segments:

• Airport Struggles: The special opens with Johnson detailing the chaos of modern air travel, including overcrowded airports, confusing security lines, and his humorous observation of a woman dealing with a messy incident near a 'touchless' security line (0:18-20:00).

• Travel Antics: He continues with stories about passenger behavior at security checkpoints—like people bringing banned items or failing to understand the concept of metal (20:03-26:00).

• Observations of Life: Johnson shares a bizarre real-world anecdote about witnessing an argument between a woman and her pimp, who was using a wheelchair, which highlights the absurdity of some public encounters (31:04-35:28).

• The 'Manosphere' and Online Influence: A significant portion of the set is dedicated to discussing the modern 'manosphere'—online spaces that influence young men. Johnson critiques how these influencers often perform a specific, exaggerated version of masculinity for the camera that doesn't align with their personal lives, and how they exploit impressionable young men by selling hollow courses (35:32-45:20, 56:18-59:50, 1:07:20-1:13:04).

• Nostalgia and Tech: Interspersed with these critiques, he delivers a comedic segment on the frustrations of early internet technology, specifically the transition from 'internet on CDs' to high-speed connections, and his own attempt to 'become a man' by working out and struggling to open a massive jug of protein powder (45:20-55:30, 59:50-1:07:20).

Throughout the set, Johnson emphasizes the importance of community, critical thinking, and the need to look past the curated, performative nature of online gurus.