Comedian, actress, and South Side Chicago native Joy Gamby joins me for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious, controversial, and inspiring. From debating the Black Sitcom Mount Rushmore to unpacking cancel culture, Monique’s legacy, and Amanda Seales’ reputation, this episode dives deep into comedy, culture, and truth-telling on stage.

We also explore Joy’s journey from theater to standup, the challenges Black women face in comedy, and why she believes laughter is a form of healing. If you love sitcom debates, unfiltered comedy talk, and a little bit of shade, you won’t want to miss this.

🎧 Listen in and let us know YOUR Black Sitcom Mount Rushmore!
📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mF3kYTMKbxQ

Timestamps
0:00 – Intro & Toast
2:30 – Black Sitcom Mount Rushmore explained
3:15 – Joy’s picks: Martin, The Parkers, Living Single, Ms. Pat Show
7:45 – Micah’s picks: Martin, Jamie Foxx Show, Living Single, A Different World
10:00 – Is Insecure a sitcom or a drama?
12:30 – Monique’s influence & Black women in comedy
14:45 – Cancel culture & Chrisette Michele
16:45 – Amanda Seales and why outspoken Black women get labeled “too much”
18:30 – Joy’s comedy journey: from theater to standup
22:00 – Micah’s first time opening for TS Madison
23:00 – When jokes don’t hit (and how comedians recover)
25:30 – Comedy mentors: Monique, Just Nesh, Corey Bell, MaryLee
27:45 – Why Chicago produces some of the best comedians
32:00 – Black women as the foundation of comedy
33:30 – Martin, Jamie Foxx & cross-dressing in sitcoms
36:00 – What’s too far? Offense vs hate in comedy
39:30 – Comedy as healing & spiritual connection
42:00 – Joy’s vision for the future: acting, producing & politics
45:30 – Final toast & closing thoughts