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. 2d ago

    #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

  2. Aug 25

    Ep 14 - Cape Cod Is the Jersey Shore If Everybody Went to Therapy

    Joe is back from a week on Cape Cod—and he’s ready to decide whether it can compete with the Jersey Shore. In Episode 14 of Road Back to Philly, Joe and Dan compare two very different versions of an East Coast summer vacation. Cape Cod brings lobster rolls, clam chowder, quiet beaches, cool sleeping weather, rustic scenery, and nights that end suspiciously early. The Jersey Shore counters with cheesesteaks, pizza, boardwalks, live music, rides, and the unmistakable energy of Philly people on vacation. Joe recounts his family’s stay in a massive $15,000 rental house complete with six bedrooms, two kitchens, a pool, a volleyball court, an outdoor shower, and a ping-pong table hidden where nobody wanted to use it. He also shares the aftermath of some questionable oysters, his surprisingly enthusiastic endorsement of colonoscopies, and why the first meal after the procedure might be the greatest breakfast of your life. The conversation moves from Anthony Bourdain and the Wellfleet Drive-In to fiercely competitive family volleyball, unfamiliar yard games, homemade tzatziki, and Joe’s refusal to learn yet another complicated card game. Finally, Joe delivers his verdict: Where would he vacation with his wife? Where would he take the whole family? And if he could buy a beach house anywhere, would the host of Road Back to Philly stay loyal to the Jersey Shore—or defect to Cape Cod? It’s a hilarious debate about family vacations, getting older, raising teenagers, and figuring out where “home” might eventually be.

  3. Aug 18

    Ep 13 Ray Didinger and How a Childhood Dream Led to a Hall of Fame Tribute

    Philly sports fans, get ready for a thrilling ride! In this episode, Joe Matarese sits down with the legendary Ray Didinger, a Hall of Fame sportswriter, to unpack the soul of Philadelphia sports. If you’ve ever yelled at the TV during a game or felt the electric energy of a Philly crowd, this conversation is for you. Joe dives deep into the heart of what makes Philly fans unique, sharing anecdotes and insights from his own experiences. You’ll discover the pivotal moments in Ray’s career that shaped his legendary status, along with hilarious stories about sports icons like Harry Callis and Merrill Reese. Joe and Ray don’t just talk about sports; they explore the passion and effort that define the Philadelphia spirit. You’ll hear Ray’s thoughts on the importance of authenticity in sports journalism and how true fans connect with the game on a visceral level. They break down the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being a Philly fan and why effort matters more than anything else. Plus, Ray shares what it’s like to be honored in the Hall of Fame, giving listeners a rare glimpse into the life of a sports writing legend. This episode is not just for die-hard sports fans; it’s for anyone who understands the power of passion and community. Joe and Ray highlight the unique bond between fans and the narrative of a city that thrives on resilience and pride. Don't miss this essential listening experience that celebrates the heart of Philadelphia. Perfect for sports enthusiasts, aspiring writers, and anyone looking to feel inspired by the stories behind the games we love. Tune in and join the conversation that captures the essence of what it means to be a Philadelphia fan!

  4. Aug 11

    RE-RUN: Pilot episode of Road Back to Philly

    Joes on vacation so this weeks podcast is a re airing of the pilot episode of Road Back To Philly - Keep calling in with your Philly S Jersey topics you’d like to hear us riff about on our VM # 914-721-0008.  Joe and I will have a new episode next Tuesday with Joe’s guest Philadelphia HOF sports writer, and sports commentator Ray Didinger. ___ Joe Matarese spent over 30 years chasing comedy from Queens to LA to Hoboken to Westchester. Now at 58, with his son in college and his daughter four years from finishing high school, he's done the math — and the answer keeps coming up Philadelphia.But it's not that simple. His wife's family is all in Westchester. Their house has nearly doubled in value. And the fans? They've got opinions. Loud ones.In the first episode of Road Back to Philly, Joe lays out exactly why he wants to make the move, what the plan looks like, and then opens the voicemail line — and his superfans from South Jersey, Cherry Hill, Delaware, and Center City all weigh in on where he should (and absolutely should not) land.Timestamps:0:00 — Intro4:01 — Why Joe is starting this podcast: the full backstory5:35 — The NBC deal, LA, and how it all fell apart7:11 — Meeting his wife, Hoboken, and the long road to Westchester11:36 — The Philly fan base is growing — and that changes the math14:19 — How the show works: voicemails, the phone number, what to expect15:56 — Voicemails begin: fans weigh in on where Joe should land24:22 — Why the Main Line is a hard no for a working comedian38:45 — The Ardmore debate and what "Philly suburb" really means47:44 — Cape May County, the Jersey Shore, and why retirement isn't on the table52:11 — The log cabin rabbit hole: Medford Lakes and South Jersey farmland59:32 — Final voicemails2:07:33 — Joe wraps it upLeave a voicemail for the show: 914-721-0008Follow Joe: @thejoematarese on Instagram and Facebook

  5. Aug 4

    EP 12 - Why Social Media Fame Doesn’t Equal Comedy Success

    In this episode of 'Road Back to Philly', Joe Matarese and Danny Rubio discuss the evolution of comedy in the age of social media, they jump into various topics, including the Mummers. Wawa, and so much more. Hire Danny: https://swiftpeakproductions.com/ ----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. Jul 28

    EP 11 - LeBron James Signs with the 76ers and AI decorates my patio

    Join us for Episode 11 as we dive into the latest Philly sports buzz, including LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, and explore a mix of humorous takes and observations about sports, AI, and relationships. Whether you're a basketball fanatic or just enjoy the banter, this episode offers insights, jokes, and a whole lot of personality. In this episode: The significance of LeBron James joining the Sixers and how it might change the team dynamic The culture clash between LA and Philly: effort versus access in sports Humorous commentary on sports effort, effort disparities, and Philly’s love for Rocky The role of AI in everyday tasks and relationships—ChatGPT as a decorating assistant and relationship proxy Stand-up moments about movies, sports on stage, and personal quirks and so much more Resources & Links: ChatGPT - AI assistant and creativity partner The Filipino Day - Cultural context reference Hustle (Movie) - Sports film about obsession and effort Perfect Days (Film) - Japanese film praised for cinematography La La Land (Movie) - Cinema reflection on journeys, dreams Connect with the Hosts: Joe Matteres -https://joematarese.com/ Dan Rubio - https://swiftpeakproductions.com/lets-talk/ Note: For voicemails and listener calls, dial 914-721-0008 to leave your thoughts, jokes, or questions—available 24/7. Enjoy the episode and keep the conversation going. Thanks for listening!

  7. Jul 21

    EP 10 - Ice Wooder In Philly: The Homerun Derby, Espresso Martinis, I Play Rocky

    Comedian Joe Matarese and co-host Danny Rubio hit Episode 10 with a funny, fast-moving ride through Philly sports, live comedy, and the year's most talked-about movie trailer. Joe recaps a packed Medford, NJ show, an unreal slice from Johnny's Pizza, and the chaos of running BYOB comedy nights where the crowd gets a little too loose. Then the guys dig into All-Star Week in Philadelphia and a Home Run Derby fans are calling one of the best ever — rookie Jordan Walker shocking Kyle Schwarber, the magenta ball controversy, Barry Bonds' surprise endorsement, and an emotional MLB tribute film that had Joe tearing up. They riff on why baseball is the ultimate romantic sport (Moneyball, The Sandlot), react to killer listener voicemails, and break down the new trailer for "I Play Rocky," Peter Farrelly's film about the making of Rocky — starring Anthony Ippolito as a Stallone who somehow isn't involved. 🎤 Catch Joe live: Stone Harbor (July 26), Medford (Aug 6), Hammonton, NJ (Aug 7). Tickets and sponsorship info at JoeMatarese.com.

  8. Jul 14

    EP 9 - Why Comfort and Proximity Are More Important Than You Think for Making Life-Long Friends

    Get ready for a rollercoaster of witty banter, sports rants, and friendship philosophy, all dressed up in a talk radio vibe! Ever wonder how to turn casual calls into a lively show and what it really means to hold onto friends as life gets busier? Yup, we've got that and a whole lot more. Plus, some hilarious technical mishaps that prove even pros struggle sometimes!Main takeaways: The charm of talk radio and going full classic with call-ins (and how to technically pull it off)The passion that fuels soccer fans and how the World Cup is more than just a game—it's a global love festThe mysterious art of turning acquaintances into BFFs and why some friendships need a little more heavy liftingWhy proximity, consistency, and shared experiences are the cornerstones of real friendshipThe secret to keeping friendships alive: just make the damn call, even if it’s awkwardHow families, wives, and even casual sports teams can be the accidental catalysts for lifelong bondsThe wild truth about American athletes, culture, and why US soccer is perpetually not quite there yetThe curious phenomenon of passion in sports and how it can suck you into caring about teams you never thought you’d root forRiverside.fm — Your remote podcast recording heroGameTime App — Last-minute tickets that don’t break the bankJoe Matteries Comedy Tickets — Catch him live!Joe Matteries - Twitter | InstagramTimestamps: 00:00 - Welcome! Dive into episode nine—talk radio style and full of personality 02:19 - How the podcast mimics late-night sports talk and calling in 04:14 - Riverside & tech talk: recording with pros 06:24 - Why the World Cup is a magnet (even for the soccer-averse) 09:00 - Comparing soccer passion to the pressure of stand-up comedy 12:17 - The state of US men’s and women’s soccer—why the women kick butt 18:09 - Why US teams are rarely European-level—culture, money, and tradition 23:07 - The nuances of soccer rules and why they’re strange to Americans 27:43 - The real secret to friendship—proximity, effort, and shared fun 34:02 - Growing old, building friendships, and the importance of doing things together 44:34 - The legendary "Mafia Invitational" and big group friendships 55:04 - Ice skating and hockey: the sport that keeps you young 59:02 - How to create or strengthen friendships—tips from real guys 67:50 - Final thoughts: making the first move and living your best social lifeResources & Links:Connect with the host:Special shoutout to all callers and the chaotic tech moments that remind us everyone struggles sometimes!

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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

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