Episode 64: Max Fine - Killing Booze, Killing Crowds

Max Fine is a stand-up comedian based in New York City.

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(00:00) Atlanta Roots and Moving to New York

(03:05) Falling in Love with Standup as a Teenager

(06:40) The Dirtbag Years: Comedy, Bars, and Blackouts

(10:15) Chasing the Lifestyle Instead of the Craft

(13:50) Health Scares, Mushrooms, and the Last Night Drinking

(17:30) Life Levels Up Fast Without Booze

(20:45) Did Drugs Make the Comedy Better?

(24:10) Detox, AA, and Choosing to Quit Alone

(27:55) Bushwick Hell Apartment and the Creek in the Cave

(31:30) Road Gigs, Delusion, and Watching Others Pass You By

(35:05) Ego, Early Confidence, and Actually Getting Good

(38:40) Honesty on Stage and What Makes Great Comics

(42:00) Comedy as Community and Losing It During COVID

(45:10) Treating Comedy Like a Real Business and Career

(48:30) The Comedy Cellar Audition and Getting Passed

(52:10) Living Up to the Cellar and Constantly Improving

(55:30) Weed, Hot Yoga, and Building Better Habits

(58:45) The Comedian’s Role, Politics, and Redefining Success