reSee.it Podcast Summary
Theo Von sits down with Joe Gatto. They kick off with numbers: new tour dates across the Midwest and beyond and a reminder to get tickets at theo.com. Joe highlights his latest projects: a new stand‑up special on YouTube called Messing with People, and a children’s book called Barry, Where’s Barry? He also mentions that his dog Spon travels with him on the road and that he runs a senior dog rescue in New York with an adoption center and volunteers.
They reflect on their longtime friendship and the Jokers era. Joe explains that missing the touring dynamic has made appointment friendships harder to maintain; he recalls tapings with Sal and Q attending, and how Radio City and the Huntington show were memorable. They laugh about past pizza runs in Milwaukee and a long practice of being on tour together.
The conversation shifts to family life. Joe describes his split from his wife and their two kids, who were young at the time. He details living alone for a period, feeling it was rough, and the moments of reflection that led to reconciliation. They talk through the process of forgiveness, open communication, and deciding to try again. Joe explains how they began rebuilding their relationship, how dinners with the family continued, and how they planned a few dates thereafter. He emphasizes the importance of saying what you feel rather than assuming others know your thoughts. He shares how his kids participate in his performances and how proud he is of their support.
The talk then moves to his dogs. Joe discusses rescuing senior dogs, the adoption center, and the role his wife plays in running the program. He explains some of the medical side of pet care, including uses of trazodone for anxious dogs, and describes how eight dogs sleep in his bed. He notes how petting dogs reduces stress and improves sleep, citing recent research about REM and cortisol. He also describes his fans’ gifts, including jewelry, paintings, and even a jewel-encrusted photograph, and how people sometimes tattoo his face or signatures on themselves.
Joe’s adventure stories accompany a long digression about storms, rescues, and community. They talk about the strength and generosity of communities in the wake of disasters, the way people pull together in the South, and the humor of trying to navigate chaos with compassion. They touch on homelessness, urban resilience, and unusual local stories like a makeshift White House in Seattle.
A thread about science and space erupts when they discuss SpaceX’s rescue mission of stranded astronauts. They joke about interviewing the astronauts and speculate about what would happen if private companies or the government had to bring people home. They reflect on Boeing’s woes and the unpredictable future of space travel.
Back to comedy, Joe shares what he’s learned about creating a stand-up hour: deciding which stories to keep, how to shift the material when it isn’t as funny as expected, and how parenthood stories can land differently on stage. He mentions Star Wars rides with his kids and the joy of turning real-life moments into material while staying authentic.
The episode closes with updates on Joe’s schedule, his two podcasts, and a note of thanks to Theo for years of entertainment. They celebrate the ongoing friendship and creative work that keeps them connected, including Theo’s live events and Joe’s family‑friendly projects, with plans for more touring, more books, and more laughter to come.