Pre-COVID podcast “Adulting with Michelle Buteau and Jordan Carlos” recently made its live, post-pandemic comeback at Brooklyn’s Bell House, where the pair of stand-ups proved that even after two years, there’s no way to lose the magic when you’re coming with humor, heart and authenticity.
“I don’t feel like we lost a godd–n thing,” Buteau, 44, shared before their return show Sunday night. “We are professionals and we are sincere, so whether we are on an airplane or stuck in line somewhere, or in our basement, it’s going to be fun.”
While the original incarnation of the podcast heavily relied on fielding audience questions and “kiki” sessions with guests — including Jerry O’Connell, Samantha Bee and Vanessa Williams — Carlos, 43, says the new format is, “a little more intimate, you can really hear what people are saying.”
“Personally, I thrive off of the live show, ” the Texas native continued. “I was raised in church as a kid, and I love communing with other people, I missed that when I moved to the city.”
It’s in the name that “Adulting” examines some of the more awkward and difficult to discuss aspects of adulthood, including how to let a longtime friend go once the relationship has turned sour.
For buddies Buteau and Carlos, the question has yet to arise, as the latter joked of his star sign not allowing him to truly go toe-to-toe with his “sibling” — or just about anyone.
“I’m an Aquarius, so I’m not into conflict unless you’re into conflict, then I’m into conflict,” he explained. “So, I’m hard to argue with, but she keeps me very honest and I love that about her, and there’s very few people that do that, so I know it’s important to hold on to a friend like Michelle, come what may, and she’s easy to be friends with.”
After blushing from the shout-out, Buteau added that she’s never had a major issue with her fellow comedy writer, but on the rare occasion that they do disagree, it usually “comes from a good place.”
“We talk it out when we have something,” she said, adding, “If I’m still talking to you, you know I care.”
Things are usually tricker for audience members, who, according to the team, often ask relationship questions to which they already know the answer.
“A lot of ppl want to know if they should stay in a relationship, but they also realize their self-worth is being compromised and their personality is diminishing,” Buteau claimed.
“We’re just like, ‘but you know what to do, because you’re asking,’ and that’s f–ked up. Some people don’t listen to their friends because they assume they’re being petty or there’s bias or hate there, but when a perfect stranger tells you, “bitch, run!” maybe you should listen?”
Things can also get quite heavy, with the pair recalling an episode where a guest shared her traumatizing experience of having a stillborn baby at 9 months pregnant — the day before her birthday.
“Somebody on our team was like, ‘we shouldn’t share this because it’s not funny,’” Buteau revealed, “and I’m like, ‘we don’t have to be funny, but we have to be important.’”
In addition to the podcast, both star in BET+ series “First Wives Club,” alongside Jill Scott, Ryan Michelle Bathe and Michelle Mitchenor. The show is based on the 1996 film of the same name starring Diane Keaton, Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn.
“I don’t think they’ve seen it, but I’m pretty sure they’ve heard about it because they definitely tagged the s–t [on social media],” Buteau shared. “I wish we could have a viewing party together, I’d definitely dust off my white suit!”
No need to just yet, as “Adulting” is their focus at the moment, with Jordan saying the pod has made him feel “less alone.”
“No one knows anything about retirement, no one knows what a Roth IRA is, no one knows how to get rid of a friend when the relationship has run its course, and it’s good to know I’m not alone in some of these feelings.
“We may not come up with all the answers, but we know we’re in the same storm together. Are we in the same boat? No, but we are in the same storm,” he eloquently stated, leading Jersey girl Michelle to exclaim, “Okay Texas! Come through with the poetry!
“I think it’s time to pass that donation basket!”
