At the risk of sounding ridiculous and terribly insincere, yesterday was one of the most memorable days in my life because I had the chance to be part of the audience for a taping of my favorite television show, The Daily Show.
Along with my brother and sister-in-law I spent the day in Manhattan's Hells Kitchen where the studio is located, picking up our tickets, eating a leisurely lunch and then returning to the studio.
Jon Stewart has always been a favorite of mine since replacing Craig Kilborn on The Daily Show, changing its direction toward seeing the hypocrisy in journalism while also finding the emotion in key topical issues.
I continue to be impressed by how bright he is. He has to be. Whether interviewing heads of state, renowned journalists, musicians or businessmen, Stewart always holds his own while keeping the interview entertaining and whimsical.
Yesterday I was not disappointed.
When I walked from the lobby into the main studio, my first steps felt as if I was walking onto hallowed ground.
Sitting in the front row, it was fun watching the crew and getting warmed up by the comedian Vince August. August engaged with the audience, using his own brand of humor to get us roaring with laughter.
NOTE: I should have thought twice before he asked me what I do for a living. When I told him I write he asked me what I write about. When I told him disability (I should have said midlife; it's funnier) he said, "Oh, good way to bring the audience down." Then I added, "but about ability", so he made a joke (I think I must have been nervous because I don't remember what he said), and then he asked the audience to give me a round of applause.
Phew.
Jon Stewart is a regular guy, only he's so much more than regular. When he first walked onto the stage, he graciously walked a few feet in front of us, asking us for any questions, telling us some funny stories, and after the show he came back to thank us for coming.
He's a real mensch.
With his guest, Nate Silver, the statistician and writer who analyzes sports and elections (think Moneyball), Jon conducted an interview that let us in on the funny side of algorithms, while allowing us to see the human side of genius.
My one regret is that I didn't have the nerve to say something I thought would be funny but complimentary. It would have gone something like this:
"When you helped to induct Bruce Springsteen into the Kennedy Center Honors, you said Bruce must be the illegitimate child of James Brown and Bob Dylan. I think you must be the illegitimate child of Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks."
Do you think he would have laughed?
OMG I am SO jealous! I LOVE him. You one lucky girl!
I love Jon Stewart, and can only imagine how much fun it must have been to be there in person! Thanks for letting me live vicariously through you!
Yes I think he would have laughed and been flattered. What a fun day!
Sounds like a wonderful time, Cathy. It's amazing to watch them tape the shows. I had the opportunity to attend a David Letterman Show years ago.
What a great post! Love the pictures too. You brought us along with you!
I went with my husband to see The Daily Show when we first moved into Manhattan. Unfortunately, we went on one of the coldest windiest nights I can remember. We had to wait outside on line for at least 90 minutes. We considered leaving many times but the longer we stayed, the harder it was to leave. We were frozen to the bone. And when we finally got in, nobody said anything, no sorrys. It was a good show, but maybe because of the cold, Jon Stewart didn't kid around on breaks or before or after the show. All we saw was the TV show live with nothing else. I still love him, but we were very disappointed.
Wow, a round of applause from the audience at the Daily Show... That is about as close to perfect as it gets! I am officially in complete awe of your awesomeness!
How fun for you!
So jealous!
Met friends in DC for the Weekend for Sanity. We had no idea what was going to happen but Stewart and Colbert leading a rally. Uh yes!!!!!! It was incredible.
What a great memory to have. Glad you had such a great time!
Sounds like a great time! I had occasion to run into Jon Stewart once and he was as unassuming and down-to-earth as could be.
I too am always amazed at how articulate he is on each of his topics. Even if he has notes he knows such a vast amount of information, went to a top notch school, is hysterical, humble, yup he is the whole package. How cool is it you went!! Wow!
Haven't bump in to your blog for while. Sound like you had quite the day or should I say fun.
Coffee is on
sounds fun, fun, fun! I adore Jon Stewart, I enjoyed him as an actor as well.
He might have laughed. I love this. I love Jon.
We got my SIL and brother tickets years ago because she loves Lewis Black. They didn't get to see him but loved the show, and I sooo want to go sometime. Glad you had a blast!
What fun!
Many years ago I went to the taping of the David Letterman show while visiting NY for the first time. "Letterman? Who's he?" I asked my father as he booked the tickets. (Yikes.) As we watched the taping, I realized that I knew the cue card guy. We had done a show together in Santa Cruz. Small world!
Yes I agree....I think he would have laughed too. Like you said he seems like a sharp and brilliant man with a huge heart. I so-so-so appreciate his insights on so much of what is going on in the world. So how did you get tickets? I was thinking in the one post you said you weren't able to get them? Either way I'm sure this was a big bucket list item that you can now cross off the list! ~Kathy
He's so funny and I'm thrilled to hear you had an amazing time Cathy!
Yes! I think he would have laughed and I think he would have been secretly tickled and honored to be recognized with those two icons 🙂 Sounds like soooo much fun!
OH THIS IS SOOOO COOL!!! I would have been frozen in fear if he approached me and asked me any questions!! I love that he is as awesome off camera as he is on...
I am so glad you had this wonderful amazing day and experience Kathy!!!
And I think he would have LOVED that line. Tweet him. Ya never know...
What a great day! Thanks for capturing it all for posterity!
I'm a Jon Stewart fan too (didn't even know the show was on before he hosted). Next time, I'm in New York I'll try to get to the taping; sounds like a great time!
That would have been a great joke! I am so jealous, front row. Who did you have to trip, bribe, know to get those tickets? What a fun day Cathy!
Sounds like you had a great time and front row too! I do think he would have laughed. Thanks for sharing
I am SO jealous. I love Jon Stewart. He is brilliant and funny. And I saw the episode you were at!! I have no doubt he would have laughed.
I know I would have laughed! What a fantastic experience! I'm SO envious!
Cathy, I have to admit I don't watch his show, but I think he would have enjoyed your joke. The audience warm-up guy clearly didn't know what to say--so I'm glad you educated him. Glad you had such a good time.
Estelle