Take it from comedy queen Phoebe Robinson: 'I get my best material in the shower'
We chatted with the co-host of the acclaimed podcast "2 Dope Queens."
Great ideas happen in the shower. Or at least, that's what comedian Phoebe Robinson says.
"I have to bring jokes and bring the funny to people and one of the ways I do that is, I like to think about jokes in the shower," Robinson told "Good Morning America." "Even if you have a kind of weird thought, you're like, that could be a joke... I hope."
Whatever Robinson is doing to "bring the funny," it's working. As co-host of the acclaimed podcast "2 Dope Queens," Robinson and her partner in comedy crime, Jessica Williams, have interviewed just about everyone, including Michelle Obama.
"When we first started taping the podcast, we would joke around that Michelle Obama listens to this, and it turned out she did," said Robinson. "Just the fact that she knew who we were and she listened to our podcast, we were kind of like, 'Is this correct?'"
In addition to being a comedian, Robinson is also a New York Times best-selling author and is traveling the country for her first stand-up tour "Sorry, Harriet Tubman." But before Robinson hit the road, she opened up about the highlights of her career which have helped pave the way for black women in comedy.
1. You never know who's listening
"Oh, Mich. She's the best," cried Robinson.
(FYI, Robinson and Obama are on a first name basis after their epic "2 Dope Queens" podcast taping.)
"She invited us to come to D.C. and just the fact that she knew who we were and listened to our podcast, it was just really cool to see this woman who's this icon and be in the same room as her."
The episode was an important one for Robinson and Williams. The duo got to sit down with one of their idols and "kept it real" while breaking down barriers about being a bold black woman in the public eye.
"You never know who's paying attention to you," Robinson told "GMA." "A lot of times, people that you love and respect are noticing you."
Robinson says what we all already know but would never dare to say out loud...
2. Your parents are always right
"I can admit that now in my 30s," laughed Robinson "When I was a teenager I was like, 'They are wrong, my parents know nothing,' but my parents were always right."
When it comes to her sense of humor, Robinson said she got it from her mama.
"She's very quick, she's really fun and she's not afraid to make fun of herself, which I think is a huge part of comedy," Robinson said.
3. Comedy can connect people
Speaking of family, Robinson is super close with her older brother, Phillip.
"My brother actually just got elected as state representative for District 6 in Ohio," Robinson told "GMA." "And I'm so proud of him."
Despite the fact that the two siblings chose completely different career paths, Robinson notes that both comedy and politics can inspire social change.
"The fact that he's now entering politics and trying to shape peoples lives is really important. And I think what I bring to the table is that I can be really funny so people can let their guard down and have open conversation," said Robinson.
"I think humor and politics is a good way for us to feel like we're in this together," she said.
4. Never dim your light
"'2 Dope Queens' changed our lives in so many way," said Robinson.
The podcast has earned Robinson and Williams a No. 1 spot on the iTunes podcast charts and a four-episode HBO special.
"Both Jess and I started out in improv and she'd be the only black person on her team and likewise for me," said Robinson. "We felt like we weren't represented."
One thing that made the show so special was that it elevated underrepresented voices by allowing guests to be the stars of their own stories.
"It means a lot to let everyone have their moment to shine and prove that everyone's story is valid."
5. Great ideas happen in the shower
Robinson, who revealed that her strokes of comedic genius happen in the shower, is now a spokeswoman for Schick Intuition. She said she got involved with the #ShaveThoughts campaign with Schick Intuition f.a.b. in part because she knows the importance of self-care.
"I think it's very important to have self-care," said Robinson. "Whether it's going out to get a massage, or being at home in a bath, you're able to just feel good about yourself and just do something that's all about you."
Considering that Robinson will be on the road with her "Sorry, Harriet Tubman" tour for the rest of 2019, she'll need to find some solo time to unwind. The shower is her sacred space.
"It's the best. No one's bothering you, you can be alone and have that moment of zen."
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