A Night in The Life of an Austin Comedian (Comedy Vlog #1)

A true behind the scenes from the night in the life of Austin comedian Joe Begley. I ran around Austin with my friend Ramon and then cut this thing together for you guys.

Filmed By: Ramon Mejia (@resolute_media_)
Edited By: Joe Begley (@thejoebegs)

This comedy vlog follows Joe through a high-stakes night as he performs three separate stand-up sets across Austin's comedy scene, experiencing both highs and lows along the way. The journey begins with Joe at home, where he discusses the plan for the night, dives into his bit system, and curates a setlist, setting an introspective tone as he prepares for a busy evening. He soon heads out, arriving first at the East Austin Comedy Club, where he joins fellow comics Ben Gordon, Joe McNamara, Raza Jaffri, and Evan Lopez.

The night kicks off with Joe’s first set at East Austin. Unfortunately, it doesn’t go as planned, and Joe admits that he bombed. He reflects on the experience post-set, giving viewers an inside look at the doubts and self-criticism that can emerge after a rough performance. On the drive downtown, Joe replays his set, breaking down what didn’t work as he prepares mentally for his next spot.

As he arrives downtown, Joe stops by comedy venues like The Creek and The Cave, Esther's Follies and The Velveeta Room, where he encounters Pat Dean. There’s a brief pause on Sixth Street, capturing the calm before the wild Austin nightlife takes over, and then it’s off to the Comedy Mothership, where he catches up with Sam Prickett and Heath Cordes. He takes a walk with Ehsan Ahmad to Black Rabbit Comedy Club. Joe’s next show at Sunset Strip brings a complete turnaround. Backstage with Matty Stu, Bill Dawes, and Colton Dowling, he seems ready to redeem himself, and this time, he does. The strong response from the crowd lifts his spirits, changing his energy and confidence for the rest of the night. He reflects on how this performance altered his outlook, allowing him to interact more naturally with everyone he encounters afterward.

Joe’s confidence carries him into his final set at East Austin Comedy Club. Unfortunately, this one doesn’t land as well either. But rather than dwell on it, Joe and fellow comic Matt Ross find humor in the rough performance, laughing it off together and turning it into a lighthearted moment that rounds out the night.

Joe’s vlog captures the emotional rollercoaster of a stand-up comic's night, from the vulnerability after bombing a set to the highs of a successful show and the camaraderie that makes the journey worthwhile. The episode wraps up with a stand-up bonus clip, leaving viewers with a taste of the dedication and resilience that define a comedian’s life on the road.
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00:00 Intro
00:58 Joe’s House
02:45 What are we going to talk about tonight
05:23 The bit system
08:15 Making the setlist
10:10 Leaving for the club
13:30 Arriving in East Austin (featuring Ben Gordon, Joe McNamara, Raza Jaffri, and Evan Lopez)
14:45 At East Austin Comedy Club Before The Set
21:50 Set Number One at East Austin
26:45 Post set (I did not do well)
28:03 Driving downtown and listening to my set
32:10 Arriving Downtown
33:10 A brief request
34:50 The Creek and The Cave
36:30 Esther’s Follies / The Velveeta Room (featuring Pat Dean)
40:30 Sixth Street Before the chaos begins
43:40 The Comedy Mothership (featuring Sam Prickett and Heath Cordes)
45:30 Sunset Strip
49:30 A Walk with Ehsan Ahmad
53:15 Black Rabbit
55:02 Back to Sunset Strip
55:45 Bill Dawes
1:00:25 Colton Dowling
1:02:50 Back Stage Pre-Show (featuring Matty Stu)
1:04:30 Set Two at Sunset Strip
1:11:42 Back Stage After Set
1:12:13 Sixth Street Chaos
1:16:30 Back to The Creek
1:17:45 Driving Back to The East Side
1:23:25 Before The East Austin Comedy Club Set
1:24:20 Set Three East Austin Comedy Club
1:27:30 After East Austin (featuring Matt Ross)
1:29:35 Standup Bonus