Off Camera with Sam Jones Season 7 Episode 15 Matt Walsh

Off Camera with Sam Jones is a talk show that features intimate conversations between Sam Jones and prominent artists from varied backgrounds. An excellent platform for diving deep into the creative processes of the guests, the show is an insightful exploration of their journeys, their struggles and their unique perspectives on their art. Season seven, episode fifteen features a conversation with the talented actor and comedian, Matt Walsh.

Matt Walsh is a versatile actor and comedian who has worked on several hit comedy television shows and movies like Veep, The Hangover, and Old School. He has also co-founded the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCB), a popular improvisational comedy troupe in New York City, which has since expanded to Los Angeles and other locations. In this episode, Sam Jones taps into Walsh's background in improv and how it has influenced his comedy.

The episode kicks off with Walsh talking about his days at university, where he studied psychology and comedy. Walsh shares how he was fascinated by the way people’s minds work and the roots of different behaviors, which he later incorporated into his comedy style. Walsh also delves into how he started his career as a performer, having moved to Chicago after college to work at a psychiatric center, and eventually finding his way into improv and comedy. He speaks about the challenges he faced along the way, including self-doubt and the pressure to be funny, and how he came to terms with them.

Sam Jones and Matt Walsh also talk about their shared experiences on the sets of TV shows and movies. Walsh shares his experience on Veep, calling it a group of “talented, funny people, all wanting to make each other laugh,” and he speaks about the challenge of improvising a show, making a set feel like an actual political situation, and the freedom that comes with being part of an ensemble cast. He also reflects on the transformation he went through while filming the movie "A Better You," in which he stars as a self-help guru, and how it impacted him as a performer and as a person.

Jones and Walsh also touch on the broader themes of vulnerability, authenticity, and being comfortable in one’s skin. Walsh speaks about his reputation in the industry for being versatile and his desire to be a "supporting player" that can help elevate a scene or project. He talks about the importance of authenticity in comedy and how he learned that the hard way when he first started out. Walsh also speaks about the UCB, which he co-founded with three other performers, and how it has become a thriving community for bringing new talent into the industry.

Throughout the conversation, Sam Jones and Matt Walsh have a casual, yet deep conversation about creativity, comedy, and the art of improvisation. They delve into their shared experiences in the industry, their perspectives on authenticity and vulnerability, and the challenges of being a performer and artist. This insightful episode is a great watch for anyone interested in learning more about the creative process, the comedy industry, and the mindset required to be a successful artist.