Comedian Steph Tolev reveals a hostile and toxic atmosphere at Joe Rogan’s Mothership comedy club in Austin, describing misogyny and homophobia backstage.

In a recent episode of Andrew Santino’s popular podcast, Whiskey Ginger, comedian Steph Tolev opened up about her unsettling experience at Joe Rogan’s Mothership comedy club in Austin, Texas, sparking a wave of controversy and debate within the comedy community.

Tolev’s candid remarks shed light on the atmosphere of the club and the broader implications for the Austin comedy scene, which has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years.

Tolev, who has made a name for herself in the comedy world, did not hold back when discussing her feelings about the Mothership.

She described the vibe as unwelcoming and even hostile, revealing that she had been reprimanded for being in the green room without permission.

“I got in trouble for being in the green room apparently,” she recounted, expressing her disbelief at being ousted by security after a brief encounter with Rogan himself. “He knows who you are,” Santino pressed, but Tolev insisted, “No, he doesn’t. I met him that day.”

Despite her initial excitement about performing at such a renowned venue, Tolev’s experience quickly soured. She described the atmosphere as rife with misogyny and homophobia, noting that the other comedians fostered a toxic environment.

“It was very misogynistic and homophobic,” she stated, adding that the jokes made by fellow performers often targeted women and marginalized groups. “I haven’t disagreed with one thing you’ve said so far,” Santino remarked, echoing Tolev’s sentiments.

While Tolev acknowledged the impressive setup of the Mothership, with its state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant bar scene, she couldn’t shake the discomfort she felt while watching other comedians perform.

“I killed; I destroyed,” she said, reflecting on her own successful set. However, the enjoyment was overshadowed by the negative energy surrounding her.

“I have to listen to comics make fun of another gay comic for 15 minutes,” she lamented, highlighting the bizarre behavior she witnessed on stage.

Tolev’s revelations come at a time when the Austin comedy scene is under fire, with many prominent comedians voicing their concerns about the direction it has taken since Rogan’s arrival.

Notably, Marc Maron has been vocal about his criticisms of the scene, suggesting that it has become increasingly tribalized and exclusionary.

Maron’s remarks resonate with Tolev’s experience, as both comedians express dismay over the treatment of marginalized voices in a space that should be inclusive and diverse.

As Rogan continues to attract a variety of comedians to his club, the implications for the Austin comedy scene are profound.

Tolev’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among comedians who feel that the culture at the Mothership is not conducive to healthy artistic expression.

“I love Joe Rogan, but I think he’s created a sort of army of people that think they know comedy,” Maron noted, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced understanding of the art form.

The tension surrounding Rogan’s club is further compounded by the broader societal issues that comedians now grapple with in their routines.

As marginalized communities face increasing challenges and threats, many comedians are left questioning the appropriateness of their material.

“When do you stop with the jokes?” Maron asked, raising an important point about the responsibility of comedians to consider the impact of their words.

In the wake of Tolev’s revelations, the Austin comedy scene finds itself at a crossroads. While Rogan’s Mothership has become a hub for comedic talent, it also risks alienating those who feel unwelcome or marginalized within its walls.

The criticisms from both Tolev and Maron highlight a significant divide in the community, with some comedians embracing the freedom of speech that Rogan champions, while others feel that this freedom comes at the expense of inclusivity and respect for all performers.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the Austin comedy scene will evolve in response to these criticisms. Will Rogan take note of the concerns raised by comedians like Tolev and Maron, or will the Mothership continue to operate under a banner of unchecked freedom?

One thing is clear: the conversations sparked by Tolev’s candid remarks are far from over, and the future of comedy in Austin hangs in the balance.

As the comedy world watches closely, Tolev’s experience serves as a reminder that the stage is not just a platform for jokes, but a space where voices from all walks of life should be heard and respected.

The challenge now lies in creating an environment where comedians can thrive without fear of judgment or exclusion, ensuring that the comedy scene remains a vibrant and inclusive space for all.