Joe Rogan Experience #2557 - Yakov Smirnoff
Yakov Smirnoff joins Joe Rogan to talk about escaping Soviet Russia, breaking into American comedy, and rebuilding his career in Branson, Missouri after the Cold War ended.
The gist
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When his Soviet-era comedy became irrelevant overnight, Smirnoff moved to Branson and eventually performed for over 6 million people by serving that community's specific needs.
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A Miller Light commercial got Smirnoff discovered after a TV producer said he would never appear on Carson, leading to multiple Tonight Show appearances.
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Smirnoff earned a master's from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate from Pepperdine while doing 400 or more shows a year in Branson.
"I went to University of Pennsylvania, got my master's degree in psychology, got my doctorate degree at Pepperdine. I mean, I was digging in."
▶ Play at 17:40What they recommend · 6 picks
"Have you ever seen the television show on Amazon, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel? It's really good, man. The first season is incredible. It's about a young woman who's married and de..."
"People today, young people especially listening, don't understand what a big deal it was to be on Carson. And I think the only thing that's close today is Kill Tony. Kill Tony i..."
"I went to University of Pennsylvania, got my master's degree in psychology, got my doctorate degree at Pepperdine. I mean, I was digging in."
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See what they all swear by Or pick your own peopleYakov Smirnoff
4 picks · guest
"I went to University of Pennsylvania, got my master's degree in psychology, got my doctorate degree at Pepperdine. I mean, I was digging in."
"I went all Tony Robbins. All of his trainings. I needed to become — I wasn't that strong person. I was more like my dad and I needed to become who I wanted to be."
"I go to the comedy store and I get on the open mic list. Mitzi liked you. She owns the comedy store. Go talk to her. She says, 'You're very funny. Stay in Los Angeles. There is ..."
Joe Rogan
2 picks · host
"Have you ever seen the television show on Amazon, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel? It's really good, man. The first season is incredible. It's about a young woman who's married and de..."
"People today, young people especially listening, don't understand what a big deal it was to be on Carson. And I think the only thing that's close today is Kill Tony. Kill Tony i..."
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