You Know I'm Right

Hurrdat Entertainment Network

Hosts Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese uncover the origin stories of some of the biggest names in sports, media, entertainment, and pop culture. #YKIR

  1. 1d ago

    You Know I'm Right, Episode 425: Comedian Jimmy Della Valle

    On the 425th episode of You Know I'm Right, host Nick Durst is joined by comedian Jimmy Della Valle on the Carnival Venezia. Nick Durst sits down with comedian Jimmy Della Valle aboard the Carnival Venezia to talk about his journey from New York comedy clubs to cruise ships, the importance of point of view in stand-up, and why clean comedy has become a major part of his act. Jimmy also shares stories about landing a role on The Sopranos, navigating the entertainment industry, and staying committed to his career. In this episode, Jimmy explains how being kicked out of Catholic school helped shape his voice, why a strong point of view matters in comedy, and how social media is changing the stand-up business. He also talks about writing new material, working on cruise ships, and building a career by staying ready for every opportunity. Key topics: Jimmy’s last name, its pronunciation, and how it became part of his stage identityGetting kicked out of Catholic school and being placed in the janitor’s closetWhy school never felt like the right fitThe importance of point of view in stand-upHow TikTok comics and social media have changed the comedy industryChoosing representation that aligns with his goalsPerforming on cruise ships and adapting to life on the roadBuilding an audience through clean comedyWriting new material and using crowd work as one part of a setAuditioning for and landing a role on The SopranosDealing with online critics and trollsMeeting his wife before 9/11 and believing in fate Timestamps: 00:07 — Nick introduces the podcast and Jimmy aboard the Carnival Venezia00:31 — Jimmy corrects the pronunciation of his last name01:34 — Why comic introductions—and getting to the stage—matter03:12 — Getting kicked out of Catholic school and the story of the closet04:38 — Why Jimmy hated school and didn’t go to college05:16 — Early open mics and how “Jimmy D” became his stage name07:27 — Finding your point of view in stand-up08:22 — Mentors, Kevin Hart, and the challenge of being honest onstage10:11 — TikTok comics, followers, and the difference between online fame and a full set11:49 — What Jimmy wants from management14:36 — The loss of a manager who believed in him15:48 — Why he loves cruise ship audiences—and dislikes the travel16:34 — New York weather, Palm Springs, and life on the road18:18 — New York comedy memories and a favorite pizza spot20:12 — Clean Comedy Kings and reaching audiences without swearing21:19 — The Comedy Store and earning respect onstage23:25 — Comedy, writing, and Jimmy’s other ways to unwind24:09 — Why he sees crowd work as a skill, not a substitute for material25:19 — Writing new bits and developing a comedy special27:48 — Why a strong point of view travels anywhere28:42 — Joke similarities, originality, and calling comics directly31:38 — Jimmy’s response to online critics33:39 — The story of auditioning for The Sopranos39:15 — The callback with David Chase that helped him land the role44:28 — Commercial auditions, residuals, and memories of 9/1148:26 — Why good work leads to more work51:12 — A last-minute cruise ship show for an audience of 1453:47 — Following his dream of stand-up despite being discouraged56:15 — Meeting his wife before 9/11 and the story behind Come From Away57:46 — The first conversation that ended with “You’re not funny at all”58:25 — Where to follow Jimmy and find his work

    You Know I'm Right, Episode 425: Comedian Jimmy Della Valle
  2. Oct 21

    You Know I'm Right, Episode 423: Comedian Jill Kimmel

    On the 423rd episode of You Know I'm Right, host Nick Durst is joined by Jill Kimmel on the Carnival Venezia. Comedian Jill Kimmel joins the show from the Carnival Venezia to talk about her Brooklyn childhood, growing up in Las Vegas, and how those places shaped her voice on stage. She also breaks down how she builds different sets for PG crowds, adult crowds, theater shows, and military audiences, plus the personal decision that changed her life offstage.In this episode, Jill shares how she went from acting and office work to stand-up in 2006, why she loves the rhythm of cruise ship comedy, and how she uses crowd work to make every show feel one of a kind. She also talks openly about weight loss surgery, losing 145 pounds, and pushing ahead despite other people's doubts. 00:00 - Intro from the Carnival Venezia and welcoming Jill Kimmel00:35 - Jill's Brooklyn roots and family connection through Aunt Joan01:20 - Why she still identifies as a New Yorker02:16 - East Coast vs West Coast culture and what feels more real02:50 - Las Vegas growing up and why she no longer wants that lifestyle04:41 - How Jill got started in comedy in July 200605:32 - Why the comedy community helped her find momentum06:02 - Cruise ship comedy as a steady, travel-heavy career07:07 - How she adjusts sets for PG, adult, and theater audiences08:13 - Late-night cruise crowds and knowing when to go dirtier08:47 - Why her style depends on the crowd, not a fixed script09:23 - How crowd work really works beyond basic questions09:56 - Stock crowd bits, shoe jokes, and finding a unique story10:55 - Making every show feel original and impossible to duplicate11:23 - Favorite venues: Jimmy Kimmel's Comedy Club and the Tempe Improv11:43 - Why military tours are meaningful, even when turnout varies12:40 - The “You Know I'm Right” moment: choosing weight loss surgery

    You Know I'm Right, Episode 423: Comedian Jill Kimmel
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Hosts Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese uncover the origin stories of some of the biggest names in sports, media, entertainment, and pop culture. #YKIR