Joe Matarese's Road Back to Philly

Joe Matarese
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Joe Matarese’s Road Back To Philly: Road Back to Philly is comedian Joe Matarese’s hilarious and heartfelt journey back to his roots. After moving to New York in 1995 to chase his comedy dream—building a career full of ups and downs, getting married, and raising two kids—Joe is now setting his sights on returning home to South Jersey or Philly, right off Exit 4 on the NJ Turnpike, once his youngest graduates high school in four years. Each episode blends sharp comedy with real nostalgia, as Joe dives into stories from growing up in Philly and South Jersey, revisits the legendary spots that

  1. 4d ago

    #22 The Voices of Philly: Joe Conklin on WIP, Comedy, and the City

    Joe Conklin joins Joe Matarese for a Philly-heavy conversation about a career built on radio, stand-up, and unmistakable impressions. He looks back at breaking into Philadelphia radio, talks about turning fast-moving sports stories into comedy, and brings out voices like Merrill Reese, Charles Barkley, and Joel Embiid. The conversation wanders through Philly’s blunt, roast-your-friends personality, traveling fans, and what it’s like performing for a room full of athletes. Plus, Conklin gives Joe advice on the Philly-area move he’s been considering. A funny, affectionate look at the city and the voices that make it sound like itself.

  2. Oct 13

    # 21 Severing the cord

    I went to Parents Weekend at the University of Tampa, spent $400 on dinner, got two Miller Lites in return, and still almost cried saying goodbye to my son. My wife says there were no tears. Apparently, now I need proof.Danny Rubio joins me to talk about watching your kids grow up, letting them leave home, and trying to stop giving advice nobody asked for. We get into college nightlife, why these kids have no game, and my attempt to turn my son’s apartment lounge into a podcast studio—which my wife shut down immediately.Plus, making friends as an adult, why Philly still feels like home, and the Eagles heartbreak I’m convinced I caused by texting my brother too soon.If you’ve ever struggled to let go of your kids—or blamed yourself for your team losing—you’ll understand.Have a story about your kids leaving home or carrying on your Philly sports obsession? Leave a voicemail at 914-721-0008. Your message could be featured on a future episode.I've been seen or heard on The Howard Stern Show, WTF with Marc Maron, The Late Show with David Letterman, Comedy Central Presents Joe Matarese (His Own 1/2 Hour Special), The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn and Craig Ferguson, Americas Got Talent, and his three Specials on Youtube The Poster's Wrong, Medicated, and Mullets and Mixtapes. Click here to watch my newest special Mullets and Mixtapes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiWVYa9ps48 Follow me on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/TheJoematareseFollow Me On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejoematareseFollow Me On Facebook: https://Facebook.com/TheJoematareseTo Book Me For An Event Go To: https://Joematarese.com/contact To See Where I'm Performing: https://Joematarese.com

  3. Oct 6

    #20 Cipha Sounds on the Philly Comedy Scene | Road Back to Philly | Road Back to Philly

    Cipha Sounds joins Joe Matarese on Road Back to Philly to talk Dave Chappelle, his journey from hip-hop DJ to stand-up comedian, and why Philadelphia crowds are a whole different animal. Cipha shares how Dave Chappelle encouraged him to try stand-up while he was DJing on Chappelle’s Show, what DJing taught him about reading a comedy crowd, and stories from Hot 97, touring with Lil’ Kim, and the Comedy Cellar. Then we get into the important stuff: Philly cheesesteaks, dating in Philadelphia, and why wearing the wrong team’s jersey can destroy your set before your first joke. Plus, we talk Shane Gillis, Michael Che, and Cipha’s hilarious encounter with Bootsy Collins. 🎟️ SEE CIPHA SOUNDS AT PUNCH LINE PHILLY — OCTOBER 9–10 Use promo code LIKEABLE for 50% off tickets! October 9 tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/cipha-sounds-philadelphia-pennsylvania-10-09-2026/event/020064BCD8587753 October 10 tickets: https://www.livenation.com/event/vvG1FZ_5SbbEqn/cipha-sounds 🎤 COME SEE JOE MATARESE LIVE! Get off the couch. Come laugh with me in person. OCTOBER 24, 2026 — MEDFORD, NJ Studio 67 — 7 PM Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/joe-matarese-live-at-studio-67-in-medford-nj-tickets-1996050074505 OCTOBER 24, 2026 — MEDFORD, NJ Studio 67 — 9 PM Show details and ticket availability: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/joe-matarese-live-at-studio-67-in-medford-nj-tickets-1996063047307 NOVEMBER 7, 2026 — PHILADELPHIA, PA Stagecrafters Theater, Chestnut Hill — 7:30 PM Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chestnut-hill-comedy-night-with-joe-matarese-from-americas-got-talent-tickets-1991930482695 DECEMBER 26, 2026 — HAMMONTON, NJ Eagle Theatre — 4:30 PM Tickets — select the afternoon show: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hammonton-holiday-comedy-night-with-joe-matarese-tickets-1996171416442 DECEMBER 26, 2026 — HAMMONTON, NJ Eagle Theatre — Evening show Tickets — select the evening show and check the start time: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hammonton-holiday-comedy-night-with-joe-matarese-tickets-1996171416442 MORE FROM JOE & CIPHA Joe Matarese — shows, podcast and comedy specials: https://joematarese.com/ Cipha Sounds — official social links, shows and specials: https://linktr.ee/ciphasounds Subscribe for more episodes of Road Back to Philly, give this video a like, and tell us in the comments: where should Cipha get his next Philly cheesesteak? #CiphaSounds #JoeMatarese #RoadBackToPhilly

  4. Sep 29

    #19 — Bad Calls Make Good Entertainment

    Joe loves the Phillies—until their playoff run starts costing him comedy ticket sales. This week on Road Back to Philly, Joe and Danny debate whether robot umpires, instant replay, and the quest for perfect calls are taking the fun out of sports. Plus, Joe questions his own AI-written comedy scripts, listeners weigh in, and one question ties it all together: are we making things better, or just losing what makes them human?I've been seen or heard on The Howard Stern Show, WTF with Marc Maron, The Late Show with David Letterman, Comedy Central Presents Joe Matarese (His Own 1/2 Hour Special), The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn and Craig Ferguson, Americas Got Talent, and his three Specials on Youtube The Poster's Wrong, Medicated, and Mullets and Mixtapes. Click here to watch my newest special Mullets and Mixtapes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiWVYa9ps48 Follow me on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/TheJoematareseFollow Me On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejoematareseFollow Me On Facebook: https://Facebook.com/TheJoematareseTo Book Me For An Event Go To: https://Joematarese.com/contact To See Where I'm Performing: https://Joematarese.com

  5. Sep 22

    # 18 Negadelphia: Why Philly Is Wired to Complain

    Joe breaks down "Negadelphia," the theory that growing up in Philly and South Jersey wires you for negativity no matter how good things are going. He and Dan dig into where it comes from (family, geography, the "yeah, but" reflex), Joe's bit about dating a woman with a PhD and getting called out by his brother for "quitting dumb cold turkey," and the documentary "Three Identical Strangers" as a real-world case study on nature vs. environment. Plus: Joe's cheap $45 AI-adjacent tour poster win, why he fired his artwork guy, and upcoming shows in Pottstown, Chestnut Hill, and his "Home for the Holidays" special taping in Collingswood.I've been seen or heard on The Howard Stern Show, WTF with Marc Maron, The Late Show with David Letterman, Comedy Central Presents Joe Matarese (His Own 1/2 Hour Special), The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn and Craig Ferguson, Americas Got Talent, and his three Specials on Youtube The Poster's Wrong, Medicated, and Mullets and Mixtapes. Click here to watch my newest special Mullets and Mixtapes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiWVYa9ps48 Follow me on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/TheJoematareseFollow Me On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejoematareseFollow Me On Facebook: https://Facebook.com/TheJoematareseTo Book Me For An Event Go To: https://Joematarese.com/contact To See Where I'm Performing: https://Joematarese.com

  6. Sep 18

    # 17 Cheesesteaks, Comedy and Chaos

    Joe shares exciting updates about his upcoming shows, including a new residency at the Cherry Hill Performing Arts Center and a unique live podcast format at Soundplex that promises to blend stand-up with engaging discussions. He dives into the intricacies of maintaining a schedule amidst the chaos of life, emphasizing the importance of staying focused and tight in his creative endeavors. You’ll discover how Joe plans to integrate celebrity guests and topical monologues into his live shows to create a fresh experience for his audience. Why does this matter? In an age where authenticity and connection are paramount, understanding the dynamics of live performance and storytelling can set you apart in any creative field. Joe’s candid insights and Danny’s engaging questions create a rich tapestry of conversation that inspires and entertains. Get ready for a blend of laughter, insights, and the real talk that every aspiring entertainer needs to hear. Perfect for fans of comedy, storytelling, and those looking to break into the performing arts. Tune in now to catch all the action!I've been seen or heard on The Howard Stern Show, WTF with Marc Maron, The Late Show with David Letterman, Comedy Central Presents Joe Matarese (His Own 1/2 Hour Special), The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn and Craig Ferguson, Americas Got Talent, and his three Specials on Youtube The Poster's Wrong, Medicated, and Mullets and Mixtapes. Click here to watch my newest special Mullets and Mixtapes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiWVYa9ps48 Follow me on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/TheJoematareseFollow Me On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejoematareseFollow Me On Facebook: https://Facebook.com/TheJoematareseTo Book Me For An Event Go To: https://Joematarese.com/contact To See Where I'm Performing: https://Joematarese.com

  7. Sep 8

    # 16 I might need a Philly apartment

    Joe and Danny are back talking about what happens when comedy starts turning into an actual business.Joe breaks down the gamble of adding a second Medford show, the headaches of selling your own tickets, and why Phillies playoff games might suddenly become a financial problem. He also starts seriously thinking about whether it makes sense to buy or rent a small place in Philly as the Road Back to Philly becomes a little more real.They also get into Eagles tickets, Philly sports, SiriusXM adding WIP, cheesesteaks at Home Depot, living inside a mall, therapy getting ridiculously expensive, and the challenge of balancing writing comedy with actually running a comedy career.Plus, Joe puts the word out: if you've got a Philly sports hookup, he wants to hear from you.Follow Joe, join the email list, and grab upcoming show tickets at JoeMatarese.com.

  8. Sep 5

    #15 The Surprising Secret to Selling Out Shows Without Ads

    Join Joe as he shares his recent experiences on tour, discussing sold-out shows and the thrill of performing in front of enthusiastic crowds. You'll discover the unconventional strategies he's using to drive ticket sales without relying heavily on ads. It’s a candid look at the life of a comedian, where timing, location, and audience engagement can make or break a performance. Joe and Danny break down key insights on how to leverage social media effectively, including: - The art of understanding your audience and their preferences - Why experimenting with new material is essential, even for seasoned performers - The impact of local connections and community on ticket sales - How Joe navigated a unique gig for teachers, turning a standard event into a comedic success I've been seen or heard on The Howard Stern Show, WTF with Marc Maron, The Late Show with David Letterman, Comedy Central Presents Joe Matarese (His Own 1/2 Hour Special), The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn and Craig Ferguson, Americas Got Talent, and his three Specials on Youtube The Poster's Wrong, Medicated, and Mullets and Mixtapes. Click here to watch my newest special Mullets and Mixtapes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiWVYa9ps48 Follow me on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/TheJoematareseFollow Me On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejoematareseFollow Me On Facebook: https://Facebook.com/TheJoematareseTo Book Me For An Event Go To: https://Joematarese.com/contact To See Where I'm Performing: https://Joematarese.com

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5
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2 Ratings

About

Joe Matarese’s Road Back To Philly: Road Back to Philly is comedian Joe Matarese’s hilarious and heartfelt journey back to his roots. After moving to New York in 1995 to chase his comedy dream—building a career full of ups and downs, getting married, and raising two kids—Joe is now setting his sights on returning home to South Jersey or Philly, right off Exit 4 on the NJ Turnpike, once his youngest graduates high school in four years. Each episode blends sharp comedy with real nostalgia, as Joe dives into stories from growing up in Philly and South Jersey, revisits the legendary spots that

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