Ralphie May: Stand-up Master Class

Don't bang the waitstaff & if you do...for sure don't talk about it during ur set.

[@talbrott]

"I'm not here to inspire, I'm here to give you real shit."

[@magnetsoldiercephas331]

Greatest answer ever

[@mswinslow2396]

Whoever dug this up, thank you! I. have learned so much in a short time!

[@JanderGray]

YW!

[@JanderGray]

Glad to be able to share it. Ralphie throws out the most solid advice a comic could hope for.

[@cameronragsdale1402]

I miss ralpie.

[@adamburdt8794]

This is one of the best ones I've seen. If not THE best

[@ghadrackpotato960]

Jesus Christ! I feel like I learned more about a craft in that hour and a half than I learned in college.

[@michelegoodes7051]

Never heard comedy dissected like this-watched him from his beginning to his end. What a gift he was. RIP Ralphie.

[@Downs-Indroam]

So impressed watching this!

[@InappropriateShorts]

its hard to look at 😬

[@notthecoolwhip]

@@InappropriateShortswhat does that mean?

[@InappropriateShorts]

@@notthecoolwhip dude is like 70% body fat.

[@aaronsmith4806]

He’s healthier in here than he was. Still very obese but has been worse. It’s sad because he was so talented

[@antonquintus578]

One of the things that impresses me the most about this is that Ralfie did his absolute best to teach instead of just make them laugh

[@jackieshoemaker6962]

I noticed that, too. I noted that he barely smiled. I was impressed not only with how much wisdom he had---like others have said, a lot of this could be life advice---but also how seriously he took this and his responsibility to contribute to the new comics.

[@EmmaWillmann1]

Totally

[@BlakkSmyth]

@@EmmaWillmann1 n Mmmmmm no mmm mom m

[@andrewmarino4309]

I mean it was a seminar not a stand up set, he was supposed to teach

[@jakevizcarra4072]

Its so strange to see Ralphie come out and shoot it straightforward no bull. He's brutally honest and genuinely helpful. Thanks Ralphie. I appreciate the laughs and its great to see a new side to you. RIP.

[@BiPolar_BeaR.]

This was better n funnier then most people's specials.. 💯😂😂.. RIP Ralphie May.. 👊👊

[@marchatesyou1]

the comedian with the pottery factory in mexico was Ron White.

[@patrickcarrington7515]

Thanks bro!

[@michaelkinaman3483]

Yep I knew who it was instantly lol

[@jondaley2894]

No way! lol

[@jimb5837]

I was searching through to find this exact comment. Thank you. I love Ron White.

[@edward6902]

first guess

[@LouieNeira]

I like how he gets tough with his “students.” He doesn’t pull any punches, does he? A lot of what he says can be applied to any creative process.

[@jameshastings5779]

Absolutely. If you want any kind of career, then you need to be SERIOUS about it. That's the difference between a career and a job.

[@dudejrryan]

The beauty of this is that a great deal of his class can be translated to any endeavor you are passionate about. Being availible when others don't show, overcoming fear, failing & learning from it,appreciating what you have & the value of time & money. Pearls of wisdom, RIP Ralphie

[@artofsoul]

While watching this I teared up because I never realized how intelligent Ralphie May truly was. This man could have been a professor is he chose that profession. His breakdown of comedy was thoroughly refreshing. R.I.P. Professor May

[@ChristopherLeeComedy]

I watch this atleast once a week. Miss you Ralph RIP

[@johnko2455]

You know what is incredible about this? You know from watching his comedy specials just how smart Ralphie is......but watching this video only confirms his genius. He is talking about very complicated things...without referring to any notes....He's just talking off the top of his head.

[@acurarsxtype-s5129]

The Quintessential Comedy Class. Wow, Ralphie was always hilarious and smart, but now I see what a true genius was. So much he says here, is true, analytical, strong, real, funny. Thank you for this Ralphie. This is gold, much wisdom here, for comics and non-comics alike. R.I.P. to a Legend.

[@edgardaniels1402]

Ron White White served in the United States Navy. According to his own account, White joined the service at age 17 and served on the auxiliary rescue and salvage ship USS Conserver near the end of the Vietnam War. From a young age his dream was to become a comedian. *He lived in Mexico for a brief period and bought a pottery factory there before returning to the U.S. to pursue comedy.*

[@Zen_Modeling]

😮

[@leejganderson7827]

👍yep . Peace ✌️🕊️✌️ 10.9.2022

[@daltonwade7908]

I knew it, thanks for confirming

[@jakehopgood7446]

Thanks!

[@No_ReGretzky99]

Who was this confirmed by

[@NickFerry]

from start to finish, had my attention and I picked up a ton along the way - it translates past comedy

[@Zen_Modeling]

His respect for the “BUSINESS ASPECT” of the craft was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ RIP Ralphie

[@johnkeller9738]

Ralphie was blunt, worked tenaciously, and always kept a pursuit of improvement and excellence to his craft. He had such a generosity of heart and a zest for life. Such a legend and this valuable footage shows viewers his incredible preparation and depth of character.

[@jasonsteve3865]

I saw him three times and he killed it every time. It always seems to be the great ones that get stolen away too soon.

[@chrisr8159]

U one lucky fucker

[@JoRock-kj7qh]

This guy killed him self with a spoon and a fork let’s get real! He also was a heavy boozer and liked his drugs. Great talented guy, but he wasn’t stolen. He wrote his own ticket.

[@NJ-os3rn]

It's like Patrice O'Neal. Incredibly funny guys but couldn't help themselves when it came to food.

[@wesleyoneal1176]

I'm watching this 8/24. All i can think is i wish he could have hooked with rogan and got on health journey so he'd be here today. His masterclass is almost as funny as his comedy. This is something I didn't know even existed. What a great watch and lesson.

[@EwokPanda]

For those who don't know, the "drunk who quit comedy for pottery in Mexico" was Ron White (it became publicly known after this was filmed). And the friends who brought him back? The Blue Collar Comedy Tour.

[@inoiz8395]

wasnt hard to guess lmao

[@vickielawson3114]

The point he makes around 14:00 about tightening the wording of your act by eliminating unnecessary words and simplifying things is an extremely good point. I first read of this in Jay Sankey's excellent book, "Zen and the Art of Standup Comedy". That's an excellent book on standup and I highly recommend it. It's inexpensive, too.

[@Crossword131]

i.e. brevity is the soul of wit?

[@ldobbs2384]

@@Crossword131 i.e.

[@AndrewJamesMagic]

Jay is my favourite magician. Bought his stand up cassette in 1999!

[@jeanclod8810]

Man… this is a real treat for those who know what this is. His brilliance is unquestionable

[@perfectfan2006]

this guy is one of the greats no gags no bit shots just pure stand up

[@rude.comments]

I literally can't believe this was filmed all the way back on August 94, 2010

[@yetti399]

I put this on at 230 am to fall asleep to its now 416 and ive never been more awake Ralphie was awesome

[@apathy772]

5:53am for me

[@philweeks8459]

Has anyone heard someone as honest and open as this guy, sharing his passion? The main lesson I heard? No matter what you want to do, to be successful you have to work for it. Saddens me he's no longer with us.

[@philweeks8459]

I do stand up myself. Just the open mic stuff mostly, just for fun, although I have had a few paying gigs and have been known to write for some comedians. With that being said, Ralphie scolded that comics shouldn't "hang out with other comics." I disagree! To be honest, it's the other comics I ONLY feel comfortable around. It's like the same mentality as cops only hanging with cops, if that makes sense.

[@daddydoza5164]

I’ve only been doing some open mics around when I’m not studying. And I fucking love comics.

[@philweeks8459]

@@daddydoza5164 If what you say is true, I don't care if its really your name or how many drinks you buy me, I ain't callin' you "Daddy!"

[@willmartinez1606]

yo he was dropping knowledge of his craft. legit all he said was life is more than what you can see. his vision was tremendous

[@williambare8172]

I just learned a lifetime of knowledge from Ralphie. You are missed and may you rest in peace. Truly my loss for never seeing him in person. Godspeed...

[@anyoneToday1]

most of what he says is applicable to life in general - always loved this dude

[@JimiCeleste]

This is the best talk I’ve ever heard on stand-up. I did stand-up for over 16 years and never made it past a feature act. Why? Because I did EVERYTHING he said NOT to do! I was funny…I'm still funny, but I spent more time getting high and trying to get laid than I did on comedy. I felt I was entitled to be great because I was funny. I felt I didn’t have to do the work because a magic wand was going to make me a star. I never knew Ralphie… I am familiar with him, I knew he was great and this is an eye opening talk that still holds up in 2023. Nowadays there are a lot of different venues to work on comedy like Instagram, TikTok, KZbin… but the bottom line is, you have to do the work. This comic Matthew Rife was a middle of the road act until he blew up on TikToK. Now he’s one of the top draws in the country. You have to do the work. I am so happy I found this video. Thank you, Ralphie May. RIP….

[@OrficeMagmar]

16 years!??!?!

[@DLKUNATHIII]

I smoke weed for Jesus, sorry but going to have to borrow that one, but full credit to you Ralphie, you were a star that burned too bright for this world

[@Jerryd2713]

Loved this dude, he said "I am not politically correct; I am just correct." Perfectly executed. R.I.P RALPHIE MAY

[@Matylda87]

Awwwe, I just realized he was talking to Louie Anderson in the crowd. Miss you both!

[@DesignRhythm]

That was absolutely incredible. Cool to see the no nonsense side of comedy. I think the lessons taught here can actually apply across many different career landscapes.

[@magnetsoldiercephas331]

This is the most invaluable info I’ve probably heard in years. As someone who has stage fright, this is legendary lesson. Just got to grab the cajones, grab a mic and get this stupid sickness out of my head. I hate how my mind just shuts down. It’s humiliating and not how I feel just happens. Miss out on moments and memories hate it.

[@danadane2501]

I'm only 20 minutes in and not only is Ralphie May giving great standup advice. He's giving great advice for any live performer as well as public speaker.

[@Studio152ENT]

He's awesome for doing this. Especially on his own time. U don't see success stories giving back that much anymore. R.I.P. Ralphie May

[@GunnergregSS8]

As much as I like and respect Americans I’ve never got their humour and have never come across a comedian from across the pond that has made me laugh , but then I came across this fella and wow he’s absolutely hilarious. I continually watch his stand up shows on KZbin and he cracks me up every time, he seems a really nice fella too , shame he was taken away at such a young age . RIP Ralphie . Ps love a bit of Bill Burr too .

[@mrblaze187]

Try Bill Hicks

[@Fourtune1]

“Their humor” as if there isn’t over 300 million people of different cultures, backgrounds, and comedy styles 😂

[@Thulgore]

This is a LEGITIMATE masterclass..........HOLY SHIT! This is amazing, and I never thought nor have any aspirations to become a comedian.

[@P1Gman]

This is gold like we will never see again. Ralphie was legendary. I'm still salty he didn't win LCS, I watched it for him.

[@damiete23]

Epic, this was an ACTUAL masterclass. What a legend, no corny bullshit, just straight up insights, facts, and actionable information. This dude is/was a God send. RIP to the legend.

[@colbythom223]

I was young at the peak of ralphies career. I find this very interesting when compared to the modern comedy landscape we hear about from podcasts. The guy was so bright.

[@michaelmcardle4096]

This is so true I did my first stand up a week ago. Meaning first time in front of people I didn't know. I was a bartender and my crowd was friends and regulars that was easy. I learned making tricks and true life stories but stangers will judge you and I was scared but said fk it is like a girl out and she said no. RIP RM I love your stand up and I did well but gained confidence.

[@michaelmcardle4096]

@Quentin Hapsburg Been writing and memories willl go again It is fun

[@ackrite2883]

How much of that man's body is heart ? At least 98% he's upstairs with Jesus now.. R.I.P miss you Ralphie !!

[@christophercrochet5454]

Just from watching this, I see there was so much more to Ralphie that met the eye. He knew his stuff. I remember seeing him at a hotel i was working at at the time. I recognized him, but didn't say anything. maybe i felt like i would be bothering him, or felt it inappropriate since i worked there. Anyway, i think about that a lot now that he's gone. RIP Ralphie. Sorry i didn't say hi.

[@Protectobot]

What’s interesting is it sounds like he prefers to be around non-comedians: at least partially cos he said he wants to make sure he doesn’t steal their jokes.

[@rashaunakovacich1979]

This man was a genius. I hang on every damn word. Cuz he was a genuine , real , awesome human! I hope one day i can be as awesome as this beautiful soul was. RIP RALPHIE MAY❤

[@arzabael]

We learn about life, truly, through windows like these. It doesn’t matter what the subject is about, it will teach you more about life than anyone can, when someone sits down, and gives you the straight dope.

[@galacticwarlock2271]

I love Ralphie. He is a beautiful person, life must have been so hard for someone this great.

[@djlansing2724]

Chairs were definitely hard for him

[@tomkee4479]

Why?? Like damn

[@galacticwarlock2271]

He's a sensitive man.

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

I'm a songwriter, and just began my journey to get my songs heard by an audience about a year ago; I can relate to every minute of this. Thanks for sharing! 🐰❤️🎸🎵✨🤝✌️

[@leejganderson7827]

*Good luck too you* Peace 🕊️☮️🕊️ .10.9.2033

[@danialhowe9814]

this should be set aside for ALL future comics to see

[@6thwatergateplumber]

I found this guy late in life, and thank God for video that's all I can say. I was very sorry to hear he passed. Amen Ralphie.

[@sandochello]

Glad I ran across this. As a lifetime comedy fan it’s good to hear about the business and art form from one of the best comics ever. Great to hear Louie Anderson’s voice in this video. Their legend live forever

[@-Greetings-Earthlings-]

✨This is pure gold 💛 thanks, Ralphie May ✨

[@t-money10]

Man . I really miss him. One of my favorites

[@briansherrick1708]

RIP Ralphie. Tremendous talent, greatly missed.

[@jimmyjump8335]

Tremendous!

[@thegreatbarrerquief7473]

Class act. Ralphie was the real deal! Sad I never got to see him live. The fact that he did this and the way he did purely shows what an amazing human being he was. RIP Big Fella❤

[@Kevin-cy4qn]

I still to this day can't comprehend how Ralphie came in 2nd on The OG Last Comic Standing! On his worst day, Ralphie is funnier than Dat Phan ever could be! I watched Live & threw the remote, & it still urks me to this day!

[@ryannarby4519]

He answers it in here: simply no way they were giving a production deal to someone 650 Lbs.

[@SouthwestFloridaCircus]

Remember watching this years ago, glad I found it here on KZbin. It’s pure gold

[@duckywenselcomedy]

For Anyone wondering who the comedian was he was talking about, it was Ron White. He talked about this on a Joe Rogan Podcast.

[@Crossword131]

At what point in the video?

[@neogigo]

Pottery factory 🏭 in Mexico is definitely Ron White

[@jeffernoodle8652]

@@Crossword131 25 minutes in

[@Crossword131]

@@jeffernoodle8652 love both you guys for tellin me. Gonna have to learn more...i still love Ron tho

[@wookieelover9103]

I knew it!!

[@TheSouthCarolinians]

"There are so many paths to the top of the mountain." Such an awesome quote!

[@ctdieselnut]

Anyone can appreciate this level of honesty; a real heart to heart. Learning more about comedy from this than yrs upon yrs of podcasts from so called 'comedians' who forget theyre comedians. If you can't make me laugh, or secondarily, teach me something in an hr of podcast, why am i listening to you? I feel this way with far too many podcasts/specials. But dammit, not this vid. Rip R.M.

[@LouieNeira]

I’ll have to listen to this again and next time, take notes. Ralphie was a genius. Fact.

[@magic80just14]

1 million points for this set. Rip Ralphie

[@amorfati9861]

I don't want to be a comic, not even an artist, but this is pur gold man :-) thank you !

[@arielmedley]

Best lesson ever. Thank you Ralphie ❤🙏🏽 RIP brother.

[@FACEGRINDproductions]

RIP Ralphie. This was so great.

[@danger_mouse_]

"Stand-up Master Class", that is the perfect title for this video. Really a fascinating watch!

[@henrygross7802]

you’ll never be real unless at sometime in your life you’ve been punched in the face and bought a lunch. Ralph is here is the realest real deal you’ll ever see. Brilliant!!! And generous with his wisdom! RIP!

[@miento754]

Damn man there’s so much more to comedy then I thought. Man was a professional. Rip

[@travisnamath7549]

Thank you for sharing this, Ralphie is truly missed

[@prauwnsauce]

It’s amazing I can still watch this, thanks Ralphie.

[@TheSunshineGroup]

This is actually incredibly insightful. As a musician I feel like I’ve been following some of these teachings but man is this a different world from musicianship. Ive been putting in so much time and effort but I guess I still gotta do more. This journey is brutal but fuck it, it’s all I got. Thanks for the upload

[@Lizzypoohxo]

The amazing thing is his advice can be applied to literally anything. A little different nowadays but it all stands true.

[@aferg1986]

So glad I got to meet him and see him live! Rip Ralphie, you’re missed!

[@jakeodom1313]

This just made my night . So glad I came across it .

[@robinjoy2789]

Watching this during the 2020 virus to stay sane and I love Ralphie May. RIP to him

[@Cyber_Cowboy]

What a gift Ralphie left us. RIP brother!!

[@Matt_menard2020]

Thanks for posting this, Ralphie is a national treasure. I never met the man, but I feel a kinship to Ralphie.

[@jimcapone2593]

Short lived and a brilliant mind!

[@Ziggy_Rotten]

Thank God this wisdom was recorded.

[@ToriHartman]

Thank you for posting this Jander. I discovered Ralphie May after his death. I lived in Los Angeles for the same years he was there and never knew of him then. Watching this, I can see he channeled the brilliance of painful accuracy & at the same time gave us permission to laugh at what today would be insulting. We laugh at the irony of our ethnic weirdness. He reminds me how fragile life is, and how freedom of speech once gave us permission to laugh together. RIP Ralphie May.

[@paulredinger420]

RIP! Ralphie May!! Bet God, Jesus, the disciples, and the saints are loving you daily shows brother!!

[@jeffreyjosephcomedyfun]

Thank you for this video, Ralphie May is the best in my eyes. Can't wait to see you do a show in heaven!

[@laajos300]

Great stuff, not only for comedy but for all creative industries and life in general. R.I.P. my man!

[@patsymardis3700]

He was the best, always funny and wasn't afraid to tell it like it really is!! What a loss!!

[@l.a7710]

Thank you for uploading . Ralph May was my all time favorite, watched him many times. This is GOLD

[@frenchfried7701]

Just real, the man was a legend!

[@mrboatshoe]

JET SKI BROUGHT ME HERE AND I'M 10 MIN IN AND THIS IS AMAZING!!

[@jasonjenkins9584]

Brilliant. RIP Ralphie. We miss you

[@michaelmcardle4096]

I want to be a stand up comic and still watching it and I have learned more then any comedy class you pay 300 bucks for. RM is a great guy and so glad I am watching this.

[@modelworkzseo]

We miss you Ralphie, Rest In Peace in Heaven, God Bless

[@salvadorhpo2030]

His work had so much momentum I am watching in 2021...

[@oui-nonmaybe2127]

I can see it now, Ralphie May and Jesus and Mother Mary smoking up some ribs with a bail of Holy Mary~Jane, while they all philosophize over life and their personal observations , interpretations from their own their lives on earth, just... shootin the breeze~ I hope you ve taken a load off your feet dear Ralphie May and thanks for having the courage to share your funny bones with us in spite of all the not so great stuff that comes with the job. Thank you for the download Jander :) Much Appreciated. Stay Well.

[@canadianwolverine2447]

AMEN! Very well said 👍

[@oui-nonmaybe2127]

@@canadianwolverine2447 Amen~ and I think so too : ) Stay Well Brandon!

[@leejganderson7827]

😮ralphie got extreme Anxiety about falling asleep at night afraid that he would . die in his sleep . . he told on a jiey Diaz Podcast Especially after he had gotten "sick and had trouble breathing. ..I don't know what that's called but a lot of people suffer from that and that's an awful way to have a anxiety too. Peace 11.21.2022

[@cameronlamb1869]

Rest in peace king. What an incredible resource this video is

[@paulcesargonzalez3331]

God gave me this video today. Thank you Ralphie you legend.

[@cmirtschin]

That was a very cool video. Honesty and work ethic got Ralphie to the upper reaches of comedy. I've heard he was a nice bloke, and this seminar just proves it.

[@CharlesBryan1]

Thanks for the post. A Master Class before the time of Master Class. Awesome.

[@jon4915]

So awesome he did this before he passed... in hindsight prob the best thing could ever do to pass it on

[@mikearenas4605]

This was amazing incite into the stand-up comic world. The late great Ralphie has his PHD in comedy.

[@ldobbs2384]

Also pretty good insight.