More Life with Carl Radke - Ali Kolbert on stand-up and falling in love with single life

Episode Date: February 17, 2026

Carl sits down with comedian Ali Kolbert. Ali opens up about being closeted while performing standup, how Lexapro changed her life, her addictive patterns in relationships, and a year of being happily single. They unpack comedy, relationships, and the difference between performing for laughs and living truthfully. This episode explores humor, identity, and how authenticity can bring more life - on and off the stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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On his podcast Chasing Life, I'm Dr. Sanjay Gupta. CNN's chief medical correspondent brings you the secrets of the happiest and healthiest people on the planet so that you can live your best life. Are some people just born happier than others? And what might they be doing that the rest of us aren't? Follow Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Apple, Spotify, IHeard Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, guys, I'm Carl Radke. Welcome to More Life on today's show. We have an incredible guest, Allie Colbert.

You might have seen her on Jimmy Fallon. She's a writer. She's a comedian. She's absolutely hilarious. She's been a friend. I've known her for a few years. I'm so happy to have her on. She's coming in today live here at Soft Bar in Greenpoint Brooklyn.

Hope you guys check it out. We're like seated and like this feels like Frost Nixon. Like I feel like and you have those fucking little cards. This feels like a late night interrogation of Watergate. Do you know what I mean? The body. I now realize that that is accurate, but that's not the point. Okay.

Really happy to be here. They're like, where were you, Mr. President? We're going to jump right into it. Allie Colbert, welcome to more life. Yay. Thank you for being here. I'm so happy to be here. She's already off to the hot start.

She's an amazing comedian. She is someone that I've got actually known back in 2019 through... I feel like it was longer than that. 2018, 2019. Okay. Through a mutual friend of ours, Hannah Burner. Shout out to Hannah. So I'm just curious, just for our audience.

How did you end up opening for Hannah? I mean, I have known Hannah forever. I have known Hannah pre-Summerhouse days when she was at Betches. Betches. Okay, that's fine. Okay. I remember when her and Paige got cast on the show because Hannah and I were doing sketches when she was at Betches, which you... I actually went into Betches, season two of Summerhouse, to do an interview with Hannah.

Hannah interviewed me about Summerhouse, and she was working at Betches at the time. And she had a flamingo that looks like a beer bong. Okay. And we drank at the Betches' office. She interviewed us and ripped on Summerhouse the whole time. She was funny, but it was like, we walked out of there and we were like, damn, she hates us. And then a year later, she's on the show. Is that how she got on the show from that?

I think there was a connection to Betches' office to our show because of Stephen, McGee, who had been on the seasons one and two and worked at Petsch's as well. Okay. So I think Stephen kind of put a good word in about Hannah and Page originally. Okay. And as I've told you, though, I've never seen. Summerhouse. Allie's never seen Summerhouse.

We're not going to hold it against her. I actually respect you more for that. I haven't seen it because I've met you guys and Hannah I'm very close with and I was like, I don't want to see what they're doing. I think they've, I don't know, but I don't believe anything I see on this show. They've killed it.

So I'll just trust how I know you guys in real life. So Hannah and I were doing these sketches. Then when she left Summerhouse, she became a massive standard comedian. Like literally, she's like our generation's Chelsea Handler. It's kind of insane. and she's selling out huge fucking theaters. You were just at Carnegie Hall, right?

We did Carnegie Hall. She's one of my best friends, and I was like, take me with you. It's amazing to see, like, the rise. I mean, I'm blown away about what they've accomplished. Radio City? Incredible. And she sold it out multiple times.

It's amazing. It's insane. But you get to open for her, which is a tremendous thing. Since I got to know you, this is my recollection. We were at the Fuck Jerry offices. I remember that day.

Around 2018 or 2019. Luke. Luke, yeah, because Luke was there. Anna, you and myself, we recorded these kind of funny sketches. Yeah. I don't know if I was funny. They're on Instagram somewhere. And I remember thinking you were really funny.

I just always thought you had like just your wit and you were very intelligent. And then I followed you. And since I've been a fan of your work and so glad you're here because I think you're funny and I think you're great. But I do want to get to know you a little bit more. Yes, get to know me. I am curious a little bit more about yourself. Just so you know, this podcast is called More Life. I do know that.

Something I used to say a lot drunkenly on TV. but it's still something I love. It's more of a mantra that I try to embody. Do you have a favorite phrase? Let's talk and then I'll come back to my face. So we're going to have Allie come up with her phrase. If I had to think of, because you're saying, I said this a lot drunkenly nine years ago. If I'm thinking about something I said drunkenly and a lot nine years ago, it would probably be, are you sure not gay? That would probably be the phrase. Like I was probably like, no, I'm just one kiss. That could have been what I was rocking with. But I'm trying to think of a phrase. You know what my dad says a lot? My dad says, suck the mirror.

which I guess is his way of just being like just fucking get as like take it for all it's worth enjoy it suck the marrow yeah bone marrow yeah I don't know why he says that is he a physician no he's like a retired insurance guy but like suck the marrow what does he even mean let's call him at the end of the marrow what just like take advantage of life and just get every squeeze every drop out of yeah he's like suck the marrow it's kind of gross now that I think about sure you're not gay and suck the marrow yeah it's both weird I'm gonna think Keep thinking. I mean, I would have to imagine being a comedian is similar to some of the reality TV based on what you truthfully share or more what you're talking about.

I'm sure you're talking about personal things. I mean, I know you are. How truthful do you like to be in your comedy, would you say? It's a good question. When I first started doing stand-up, I was not telling the truth on stage. The first time I ever did stand-up, I was 17. and it was my first year at NYU. And I remember because I did it like welcome week.

I was like really excited to get to NYU. And I went up at an open mic at Carolines on Broadway, which is since closed. Yeah. And at that point in time, I was closeted and lying to myself about being in love with my best friend. And so going on stage, you can't really tell the truth because I'm lying in my personal life. Ooh, okay. So I was like, even if you watch my first Tonight Show set, I think I mentioned, like,

dating a guy, but I had a girlfriend at the time. Like, that was not, it was all a mess. Sure. And I remember, like, even when I came out in my personal life, I still wasn't out in my act. Mm. And now, thankfully, like, my life and my act are teed up. They're aligned.

Like, I'm living, and then my stand-up is much better because of that. Because that honestly. But the first eight years, you're, like, you're watching me do stand-up. I'm like, not the first eight. Well, how did that feel like not maybe being as honest or like that internal debate? I mean, is that hard? It's not just about it being hard on stage. I was so depressed about being gay forever until I wasn't.

Like it just took me Lexapro and telling my parents that I was bisexual over like brunch in Belize. And I was crying. That's such an important. thing. I was crying and they were like, it's fine. They were like, get over. Like, it's fine. They're nice liberal parents who love me. It was me. I was like, I hate gay people. I was terrible. Oh, man. And then finally, I, like, dated this girl for years. And then I was like, okay, I'm kind of like. The cat's out of the bag. Yeah, yeah. So did you go to NYU to say, because you wanted to explore the comedy world? Did you know that in the back of your mind? Yes, I did.

I was like, I wanted to be a... Did you look at any other colleges or schools? Yeah, I did look at other schools, but I wanted to go to NYU. I wanted to be like Sarah Silverman. She had went to NYU and dropped out. I wanted to go to NYU and drop out. But like she and that special, Jesus is magic, were so meaningful, I think, to a lot of... It's a great special. I'm a big Sarah fan. And Sarah's Street. Is she? Yes. I'm a huge fan of Sarah. So the connections that you're bringing up are, I love that you kind of try to model how she kind of jumped in. Well, I was just inspired by her. So you were 17 stepping on a stage? Do you remember any of your first jokes? Yeah. Were they all bad or any of Any ones that you've used at 17 that have now come back on?

I actually wrote one joke in the first few, in the first like year of doing stand-up that I did on the Tonight Show because when you do like late night sets, they have to be so clean. And then very quickly I found filth. But the joke was my dog was diagnosed with diabetes. And I was like, what are we going to do? I guess we have to put him down.

But my grandpa's diabetes, we didn't put him down. So I said it better. But that was, you know. I love it. It was almost like I was doing more of like a character and like a different thing when I was on stage in the early earlier days. Now I feel more comfortable going on stage and just like I can like be myself. I feel more myself on stage. I love that.

Well, getting into like before you were at NYU and before you're doing the comedy thing, I would imagine you've drawn on some of your personal experiences from your childhood or just where you grew up. But I like to ask this question of our guests. What's the most trouble you've ever been in? Whether it's childhood, whether it's in the last 15 years. Do you mean like, what is your definition of trouble? Have you been arrested? Have you ever? You mean trouble with the law? That or have you been fired from a company?

No. I'm getting up to a different kind of trouble. I'm not coming up against corporate, you know, in handcuffs. My trouble is all interpersonal trouble, drama I've created with women, self-hate. That's enough trouble. I don't need to be fired for my job. I hate myself. You know what I mean? No, I think that's important to talk about

because I think, you know, some people, it can be a variety of troubles. And all of our trouble could, it's still, I think, on the same scale. Like, my trouble may be a little bit different than yours, but, you know, just your perspective and what you've been through. You know, it's like when you go to the hospital

and they say on a scale of one to 10, what's your pain? It's like, I'm only ranking my pain from pain I've had. If I imagine 10 as being burned alive, I'm always going to be a four. Three. Two. I'm not even close. But it's like every, this is all relative.

You know what I mean? So my trouble is the realest trouble for me. But your trouble is very valid. Yes. Very valid. Yeah. So I just want to make sure we clear that up. Oh, yeah.

I guess like when you were 17, you're doing the comedy thing. You're closeted and trying to figure out yourself and understand, you know, where you're going with your life. And I'm sure you remember when you were 17 and closeted. I'm still 17 in closet Was there ever a moment of your life where you thought Okay like something needs to change Like when did you have that kind of realization Where you're like I can't live like

Quasited or putting out this front in my comedy That I'm a straight person I remember my I don't know when Maybe my sophomore year at NYU I was crying in the Whole Foods and Union Square I've also cried in the Whole Foods and Union Square Because I got kicked out of it

for trying to sell lover boy to the store manager. Oh, see, you're always bumping up against, like, the administration's holding you down. Yes, exactly. Interesting. Okay. You should talk about it. Okay, so you're crying.

I was crying in Whole Foods, and I called my mom, and I was like, I'm hysterical. And she was like, you need to go on Lexa bro. And I was like, okay, fine, I'll do it. I was, like, so afraid of antidepressants. And how has that experience been? Because we've had some guests on who've been very open about their experience. I personally am not on antidepressants.

however, I've been presented the option. I just don't want to be in pills because I used to abuse them. But they're not like that. Of course. But it's something I've been looking at and exploring, but I'm curious, like, how has your Alexa Pro journey been? Also, I had. There's something else here now. Something new.

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This feeling of like, I'm not going to be on pills. I'm not going to do drugs. Is that how you did it in the... No, but it's like, this is what people say where they're like, I'm not touching that stuff. And it's like, it's really nothing. I mean, it's not nothing. It changed my life.

But it's not like an addictive thing where I'm like, oh, where's my soul? I was just sad and I started taking Lexbrook and it felt like a storm cloud moved and I was finally like oh by the way it's not that I'm not upset ever I'm upset all the time I'm just more like I less want to kill myself over it and would you say like was that an immediate like reaction or feeling that you had when you started taking oh my god it's just like the cloud moved within like a few weeks I was like oh my god this is so much better I remember I went to work one day and I was like I was like I went to work one day and I was like I was like I was like to work one day and I was like I was like I was like I was like I was to work one day and I was. I was interning at Louis. Louis Vuitton? No, C.K. Oh, yes, got it. I was interning at the TV show, Louis, this guy.

Baton. He's confused. I was interning at Louis C.K. And I walked into the place. I sat down on my desk and I was like, huh, I'm not upset. I was like, it's okay. I don't want to be here, but it's fine. It's amazing.

And I'm like, so, yeah, I was on Lexapro forever. And then I switched to Zoloft. Shout out Big Z. Love Zoloft. So Lexopro, not as good as Zoloft. My mother's on Zoloft. She loves Zoloft. And I saw her last night and she said hi.

Lexapro. She's good. Lexapro was great until I, but I then, like, I think I suck the marrow. You know, I needed to move on to Zol. So our listeners can understand it. What was that, just, if you can share, getting Lexapro? Like, did you go to a psychologist? Did you go to your family doctor?

Back alley. 50 bucks. Yeah, they'll give you 30 days worth. I just kept going. This guy named Poncho. But I went to the NYU. psychiatrist. Okay, good. I was going to say, usually university services. I went to Syracuse's student. That's right. You did. Student thing to actually to get prescribed Adderall in college.

The Newhouse School. Correct. Because the girl I liked growing up went to Newhouse. Really? So I would visit all the time and I was very good friends with the Tri-Deltas. I love Trideltz. Adeluk. Tried Elts. I don't know if I'm going to get through this because this is so funny. I think you're just so funny. That's what they say. So, okay. You know, you know, But you went to your university psychologist service? Yes. At least talk about that process. Yes, I talked to the therapist about it.

I was still actually, I think, not being honest about being gay because I was like just, it wasn't like I was like, I'm going to fool another one. I was like more just like so much self, oh, just like a feedback loop with myself where I was like, maybe I'm not. Let me find. I got to find the right guy. And it was just, what are you doing? But then I went on the Lexa Pro and then I had sex with a woman and then I was like, I was like, I was. So you went on the antidepressants or SSRIs. And then did you kind of unlock that strength to come out?

It wasn't as like, I like the narrative you're shaping that the, I'm gay because Alexa pro. No, you came out because you had the, you had the, it wasn't as cleanly cut as that, but I went on Lexapro and then I think I dated guys and I was like, this sucks. And then I, years later, I met a woman. Like, so it wasn't, you know. Wasn't a linear path. It wasn't as linear.

But it was just, I honestly was just like my 20s of like, it. you know, where you were, I don't know, you're getting kicked out of stores and God knows what you were doing. I was doing that. I love it. Well, I think, I mean, mental health, comedy, addiction, some of my favorite comedians certainly draw upon childhood or addiction experiences. I'm a big fan. I mean, John Mullaney's been very open about some of his ups and downs recently, which I relate to just the alcohol and cocaine story. Well, I relate to the addict stuff because I feel that way about women.

Can you elaborate a little more? I feel that I'm addictive around certain women. Like, even, like, last... Like you become obsessed with women? Obsessed sounds like I'm stalking them. I more so feel like the addicty sensation of, like, high from certain dynamics with women. Sure.

Like, it's interesting. A lot of my friends are sex and love addicts. Okay. And, you know, they're all... And I appreciate your honesty for that. I think that's a topic that people are open about alcohol or drugs, but the sex addiction or porn addiction. Well, they overlap a lot.

But it's hard to admit it. With the other addiction. And this is fresh on my mind because I just read all the way to the river, which is Elizabeth Gilbert's new book, which I don't know if you know, but Elizabeth Gilbert wrote this book, Eat, Pray, Love. And it's basically she was lost and then she was found. And then after that, behind the scenes, leaves the husband, comes out as gay, and realizes she's a sex and love addict.

And that's the second book. Wow. So it's like really crazy. And sex and love addicts are also using the big book. So it's really all the same language. of addiction. And I feel like comedy is like, comedy is like a tool that a lot of addicts use. Yeah. Is it like a place that they can get some healing from or? It just feels like relief, which is such addicty language.

And sometimes laughing at some of the challenges or difficult things in your past or in your life, there's like healing around that. Like I joke around a lot about my past alcohol or cocaine problem because it feels easier to like laugh versus be like angry about it. Oh, well, that's been like a huge healing thing for me around. Growing up, like, I would find these moments that I was, like, filled with so much shame, and I would, like, dare myself to say them on stage, and then they would get a huge laugh. Like, there's this joke I do where I talk about how, I don't really do it anymore, but growing up, my friends would be like, oh, my God, like you guys, like groups of girls were like,

you will be bridesmaids at my wedding one day. And I wanted one of them to be my bride. And I, like, started doing that on stage. It sounds different of it. But like, then that was hitting. And I was like, oh, I don't have to, if I'm like, if I own something, it's nothing wrong with having been, having felt that or being, whatever your story is around shame or should not, like,

talking about it is a really cool way of, like, disarming. So that uncomfortable thing you were maybe like afraid to share actually was the thing that hit the most. Totally. Because at the time, I was like, if anyone found this out, they'd think you're sick, you're terrible. You're disgusting, awful. And then 10 years later, I stayed on stage and people were like,

That's amazing. It's so funny. That's so important because I think my next question was kind of how have you experienced the intersection of mental health and addiction with comedy? And I think inserting maybe your own personal perspective, but also just behavior like you're getting some healing or something internally out of it. Of course, the laughter is probably what you're seeking to or. Yeah, I mean, no. The laughter feels good. Obviously, I have a problem. Obviously, if you think about stand up, it's so sick that I'm like, I know these things got to laugh.

so I'm going to go say them to a random group of people so that they can be like, oh. Like that's so psycho. So yes, the laugh always feels good. Obviously, I'm chasing the laugh. I can't get through a conversation with you without trying to make you laugh. Like, there's something wrong with me, 100%.

But the more powerful part of stand-up is probably just saying the thing in a room full of people. And like, that is very free. There's something powerful in just that entire exercise. Yeah, you're like, I was honest about something. It felt liberating and people took, like, If there was ever something scary about it, it's not anymore.

What, like, what would you say that the idea that you have to be depressed or anxious or come from an addiction background to actually be funny? No, it's not true. It's so not true. Do you appreciate comedy more where it's coming from that authentic place or people almost play, like, a character of it? I mean, I can, I don't connect with comedians where they're, where I don't feel that there's deep unhappiness underneath or, like, pain.

Not even that they're actively unhappy, but, like, if you've never, If you don't have like that, like, body of trauma or hurt, like, I don't, it's harder for me to get on board. Like, I, I just identify more with, that's why, like, don't, I don't know, some, like, white dude comics. I'm kind of like. Yeah, and I... Like, what's going on that's so, whatever. Yeah, like, what's so hard in his life? Why, like, where is he drawing?

Like, a stunning white guy. I'm like, just, I always have this argument. You can't be a good-looking white male comedian. Well, it's, like, Malaney, you can because he's, like, not okay. Yeah, he's, like, really messed up. In like the best ways. I think there's a guy Matt Rife, who's like a pretty decent looking guy. I know Matt Rife.

I opened for him. Some girlfriends of mine are like, he's hot, but he's so funny. I'm like, I feel like that's the first time you see like the intersection of comedy with like a more of attractive white male. And look what it's, look at his career. So more hot white guys should do comedy. That's what we need. What would you say the role comedy plays in your dating life and or family life?

Dating life. I mean, are you the same version we see on stage as you see off? No. No, that's just like a moment. Yeah. My mom does not think I'm funny, like interpersonally. I think that's funny, though. I'm like, she's still, she just, she's like, I don't get that.

Do you draw any of your characteristics from your mother at all in your comedy? Like, is there elements of her personality that you embody? The neuroses of, but that's just, it's not, it's not intentionally embodying it. My mom gave me neuroses and anxiety. And also good hair. So, but thank you. But when I hang out with my mom, she's just like, she's always getting offended by me.

Or she's just already heard all your stuff. No, no, it's not that. She's just offended, doesn't like it, doesn't care. My dad, on the other hand, he like can see that it's fun. My dad is fun and my mom is unintentionally funny. But it's my sisters that are really funny. So do you get your comedic chops from your dad or your mom would you say? I mean, my mother.

Your mother. She's so funny without meaning to be. Just in the way she complains, in the way she like, She has these like minutia that she picks apart, like, but she doesn't even know she's doing it. She is funny. And I love women that are like that. There are people in general that are just funny unintentionally.

Yeah. But like, but I should say. They're just true characters. My father, my grandfather's first cousin, great grandfather's first cousin is a very famous comedian, George Burns. Yes. So I might have some of it in my blood.

It's comedy genetic. I have to throw it out. I love that. Genetic, it's Jewish. Jewish. There you go. Shout out to George Burns. Shout out to George Burns.

Let's get to dating. I've seen some of your honesty and videos online about dating. What is your dating advice for a straight guy like me? I feel like you have some pretty hot takes, and I'm willing to take it. Well, what's going on with you dating right now? I've been single. I was engaged two years ago. I was engaged too. Oh, that's right. Yeah, so three months before the wedding, I told her it wasn't right. Sorry. It really wasn't. And since then, I will say, the proof is in like how things evolved after. Yeah. And she moved on and had a lot of happiness and she had a child. I'm remembering that's really good.

And then I've moved on. I've opened this business. I've been doing a lot of great things. Over the last year, I've been like dating a little bit, but it's been harder for me because I'm so focused on this and just finding. I'm trying not to chase. I'm trying to attract. Yeah.

Where do you meet women? I've been trying to meet women through just the communities I'm part of, which is running or fitness, even some of like the sports world here at soft bar, the sober community. Sober dating, brutal. It's tough. Well, sober hooking up is even weirder.

That is just a nightmare. And that's something I've, as I've been, I'm almost five years sober now. Mazel. Thank you. And even when I'm like interested in someone like overcoming that little awkwardness. But you know what I found? So I don't drink that much. But when I'm around my friends who are alcoholics, I step it up and I drink.

But usually I don't drink that much. And I was going out for a minute with this girl who was sober a while ago. But we like went out a few times. And I remember, because she was sober, I was like, well, I'll date sober. I'll date her sober. I'm not going to be fucked up on it. It's weird. Yeah.

And I ended up feeling like it enhanced, like everything. It enhanced the whole experience. Like I felt like the static and like the chemistry. And like it was just so much more present and intense. Yes. And of course, because of that, I never saw her again. But no, but it was fun. Like some of that was really fun.

It was like the good stuff. Yeah, like because you're really present. your body's feeling everything. Yeah, it was really good. It can be a little overwhelming. Yeah. But is there, like, for me, like, I do, you know, I've been on a TV show now for 10 years. I'm very lucky with the exposure.

I do meet a lot of people. But sometimes meeting someone that, I don't know, isn't thirsty for some of the world I'm in and or understanding of the world I come from. It's like a double-edged sword. Like, I've met women that are kind of anti-reality TV, and that's totally understandable. Then I've met women that are, like, all about it. And it's like, too much. Yeah.

No, you don't want to date someone who like, that's the issue with, like, all of the exposure in social media. It's like, you don't want to date someone who's, like, consumed a bunch of your, like, stuff and, like, knows stuff. I mean, it's not so different than just going on Google and see it. But they get to experience you in a way where you're like, you know too much. They already know too much, and they already think they know you. And I add another element of the show, which people really have feeling like they know you.

And there's a beautiful thing. You have to date someone who hasn't seen Summer House. Well, I've been talking to someone that hasn't necessarily, like, isn't a big watcher all that stuff, which is kind of like attractive. Of course. And also you can really earn it then. Yes. Because you don't want to date someone who's just like dying to fuck someone on Summer House, which is also like really sad.

And sadly, there's, you know, there's DMs. And I'm curious, like, do you get people coming to your shows and like, hey, Allie, I thought you were great last night? Sure. Yeah. How do you handle that? Rosen lasagna, medium power. 15 minutes. Sounds like, Ojo time. Let's play. Feel the fun with Playojo. The online casino with all the latest slot

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So true. I don't ever do that, really. I mean, no. I don't. Here's my addiction that I have spent a year not being in a relationship. I date women that are confused about their sexuality. So you're like the whisper? Sure.

Or I'm just like the idiot. Do you like projects? No, it's not even that I like projects. It's more like I want a woman that's like who's not sure of stuff but sure, like chooses me. And it does a lot for my ego. So that would be my like addictive loop that like I have to not. I have to date someone who knows that they're bisexual, knows that they're a lesbian, like is actualized in that way.

But I end up magnetizing, you know, this other group of women. I appreciate the honesty. Which is really fun, but it's like a shitty drug and then you kind of crash out. Yeah. So like, I mean, are you single currently? I've been single for 13 months. Oh, wow. Because I remember I didn't want to maybe bring it up if you weren't.

Bring up anything you want. the, I remember I'd been following along, I think, about your relationship and then I think I saw now, have you been dating it all recently? You saw that relationship? Yes. Yeah. She gets mad when I talk about it on podcasts, which I don't know if you've met a comedian. It makes me want to talk about it more and more.

Yes. Makes me want to never stop talking about it. Of course. You have a safe space here. No, it's just like, I'm not going to stop. I just can't stand this thing that people, that people who muck up relationships do, or they go, well, why are you telling people? It's like, if you do me, if, you do me, if, you.

me, if you don't want me to write bad songs about you, don't do bad things to me. Well, said, would you say, did you heal properly? Are you still taking time to heal? This has been the best, the best year of my life. Like, after a breakup, like, do you think taking time is important or do you think jumping in? Like, what's your? I've never taken time before. This is my first year taking time. And it was the best year of my life. Do you hear that? Take some time. Heal. Don't bring a whole bag of shit into the next thing. No, but now I'm like, oh my God, I can't imagine.

imagine being in a relationship. My whole 20s, it was back-to-back World Wars. And I just kept doing it. Two and a half, two and a half, three. Like I was just like, jumping into the next one. Yeah. And then now I'm like, I don't know, I'm really hitting a sweet spot.

And now it's making me like almost disinterested in dating. I think that's powerful because you really, you have a lot of confidence and strengthen your own self. Like can you hang out by yourself comfortably? Yeah. I won't, I don't, I can't hang out with anyone comfortably other than myself. In more intense relationship, like, you kind of have to adjust to, like, obviously just being by yourself more. I didn't even realize, like, how much work I was doing, like, energy expense of just being in relationship.

I didn't realize how amazing it could be to be alone. Wow. I love that. Yeah. Is dating harder or easier when you're funny for a living? Literally, I can't imagine how hard it would be if I wasn't funny. Maybe I would have, well, I would probably swap. If I wasn't funny, I would probably have a higher-paying job.

So I'd be rich. So I'd just get girls that way. Yeah, you'd make up for it in a different way. So, but I have to tell you, humor is like, that is the best thing ever. Humor is one of the best. I'm like, women really fall for humor. They do. I mean, if you can be funny, you don't need to be tall.

You don't need to be rich. You don't need to, you don't even need a house. You just be funny, you can close with a 12th. And you got, I mean. You just need swag. You got swag. Yes. You have, like.

I got swag and a credit. card, let's go. But you're, like, you're intelligent. You have, like, a balance. Like, you're not, like, you're not chaotic. Well, because stupid people aren't funny intentionally. Sure. Was there someone did you first remember saying to you that you were funny and that you were like, like their acknowledgement of your humor meant everything to you? Is there anybody in particular over the years that was like, hey, Allie, you're actually really funny. Oh, that's interesting. I don't know specifically, but I remember, like, when I was little, my dad thinking I was funny and he would have me go up to people in restaurants

and, like, he would whisper something into my ear and he'd be a go say it. I remember I would go, like, we'd be at a diner, and there'd be, like, a group of old women having breakfast, and my dad would have me go over, and I'd be, like, seven, and I'd be like, can I take one of you ladies to prom? And I remember that feeling.

It's so adorable. Of, like, the heat in my stomach and, like, my face when they, and I just, that did it for. Did you get a whole table of laughs, I would imagine? People were freaking out because he would have, Let me say like stuff like that, exactly like that. Like most like harmless, adorable benign here. I love it.

So shout out to the ladies at the diner. Yeah. How are you doing, you beautiful young things? Like just like. So good. I mean, listen, it seems like you have your, you've been through a lot of stuff just as far as your comedy career coming out and just like finding your own voice, your own confidence.

Is there something like you've done to stay grounded and protect your mental health? Like, do you go to a therapist? Oh my God. I have been in therapy my whole life. You have. Amazing. I started therapy when I was in seventh grade because I kept having panics about how like the world's going to end one day.

I was like, I don't get it. How long is forever? And my mom's like, you should see a doctor. It was a very important question. So I went to therapy and then I was in therapy in high school. It took a break. Found the NYU college therapist shout out. When you were like, let's say seventh or eighth grade or in high school, were you

telling your close friends like I'm going to therapy or were you open about that? No, I don't think I was telling it. That was, I can't even remember any thoughts I had at that time. No, seventh grade telling my, I'll have to do therapy tonight. Maybe it's different in like 20, 25, but when, in 2002. What I'm getting at is I used to go to therapy in age fifth and sixth grade. And were you telling people? Hell no.

Yeah, no. But the reason I wasn't is because I would have been made fun of. Yeah, no. You're crazy. You know, you're screwed up. Yeah. It's kind of the impetus that you would get, or I thought from telling someone you were in therapy. But now over time, I'm like, no.

like it's almost like a badge of honor I think yeah I would imagine it's a bit different now things have evolved yeah society was not like but you're still actively going to therapy you love no I took a break from therapy six months ago because I've been in therapy for so long and I was like I'm gonna just try taking the just let me bowl without the gutters for like or whatever this was it called bumpers for like five seconds like and I've been good I still see a psychiatrist every couple months for because I'm on Zoloft is there any other things you do for just yourself that isn't comedy, isn't maybe the dating? Like, what does Allie do just for her own sanity? First of all, I always try and hit 10,000 steps. Hell yeah. I'm obsessed with walking. Do you have

routes in the city that you like? I just like the area where I live, redacted, redacted, and especially when it's nice out. Yeah. And that's what I really love about New York is, like, if you spend the day just like walking around and I see my friends as much as possible, it's just like the best. Like, I love. of my friends and that's something that I never truly like appreciated to the extent that I think I could have until I was single. Wow. Where I was like they're like my family?

So you have like a real strong friend group? Yeah. Where would you say you like are they comedians? Are they friends from home? No. They're like not comedians. Not comedians. They all do different sort of passion projects for work.

Who's your favorite comedian? You said Sarah Silberin? Is that your? Sarah Silverman was like the most meaningful and important comedian of my like adolescence. Have you met Sarah? bunch, she's always meeting me the first time. I'm meeting her like second, third, fourth, fifth time, but she's every time is the first time. But that's because it's so special. Um, but I adore her. I've sadly been that way with a few people in the Bravo world. She's so, I don't expect to remember me.

I love, actually one of Sarah's best friends, Todd Barry, I think is like so funny. He was similarly impactful for me. Like his way on stage is incredible. And there's this other comedian, um, Jessica Carson, who is just, she can make you tears, will stream. down your face. Powerful. Oh my God. And is just getting her kind of moment in the last few years and she has been doing stand-up for so long. Amy Schumer opened for her. She's, I don't know how old she is, but it's like, it's her, it's her time. It's her time. Yeah. And you've been doing, how long would you say you've actually been doing stand-up comedy now? Ten years, longer? No, not, I mean, actually doing stand-up. That's so weird. I mean, yeah, probably, it's probably

10 years. Did you ever think you'd make it 10 years doing this? Or you thought you'd be going, Yeah, I never thought I would not. You never thought you would not. No. There are other things in your career outside of doing just straight stand-up. Like, I could see you being on, like, scripted or film. Thanks, Carl. Have you entertained or looked at any of that?

Yeah, I have a bunch of different projects that I'm in the hell-scape of developing. But as anyone knows, it takes so long, and it's a million different things. But you do all this stuff behind the scenes, and one day, one of them pops. One day. So for the rest of this winter, where are you going to be on tour? You're going to be still with Hannah? Yeah, I'm going to be with Hannah starting the end of January, but I'll be in L.A., mostly L.A., January and February. And then we'll leave from there because we're doing, like, all the West Coast spots.

So are you, how does the tour, like, work? Like, are you with a group of comedians? Is it just you on your own? No, it's just me and Hannah. Wow. And we spend a lot of time together. I love it. And we get there.

We do a show. Have you ever helped Hannah write any jokes? Or do you guys, I guess my question is, have you ever, like, given Hannah a joke? or has Hannah ever given you something that you've used? We make ourselves laugh the whole time. Yeah. Like, because we're listening to each other's acts every night. So, like, if she comes off, I'll be like, oh, if you say after that, she's like,

oh, yeah, it's a great idea. And then I come off. She's like, you need to talk about. So, and then the whole day we're just laughing. And like, we'll do sessions where, like, we're writing stuff and coming up with stuff because that's what you do before a show. Is there every time you've been about to go on stage and you're just like, fuck, I'm scared, I'm nervous.

any ever hesitation at all. I mean, every time I go on stage, I'm like, I have a feeling of like, why do you do this? But then I'm also like, oh, of course you do this. But like even last night, I performed actually right next door, Rule of Thirds. Yes, love the Rule of Thirds. And I was like, what are you doing? Why do you do this? And I even got on stage and I was like, why do I do this?

And no one really laughed. But I think I'm scared. I'm more nervous, I should say, like more butterfly jittery. Sure. If someone I know is there. and I want them to like me. Or if it's like a, if it's like really important, it's like a film.

Otherwise, you're being good. It's okay. Even like a big audience, like I would imagine Hannah's crowds and your crowds on tour. That's like, it's like, it's almost less. It's almost harder in a smaller room, would you say? Yeah, yeah, because it's more confronting in a smaller room.

You maybe are talking to the people. You can hear everything. In these big rooms, it feels different. You're not talking to the crowd. Like, it's less, it's more of like a. Actually, I'm glad you brought up talking to the crowd, which is something I wanted to bring up, because I feel like you do incredible crowdwork. Oh, thank you. Can you talk to me about what that feels like when you're in the moment?

You've got a, you know, you're set in mind. You probably have 10, 15 minutes however long you're going to be up. But then someone is derailing you with laughing too loud or saying something weird. How do you navigate the crowds? And I've seen you rip and roast very effectively. You know, I used to when I first started doing crowd work, I was too mean. and I remember I would lose the audience because it wasn't funny, it was just mean.

Just mean. And now I've kind of found like a little bit of a sweet spot with certain things. Is there like anything you can share with our, is like self deprecation like ripping on yourself? That really helps. Yeah. But like other times I'll have moments where like,

you know, I really am like, I don't know what to do with them. And I find just kind of saying what you think is just the answer. Have you ever had any of the hecklers or any awkward things after the show? But they come up and think, hey, I'm sorry, Allie. Like, no, if anything, like, I've had people come up to me and be like, come up to me and be like, you like really destroyed me at a show years ago and like, like, can I hug you? Oh, they like like like it. They like it. Because I'm such an unimposing figure. I'm like a American girl doll. I'm like a cunty American girl doll. Do you know what I mean? So like. I actually bought my niece

at American girl a couple years ago. They're awesome. They're awesome. But I would buy the cunty alley. Exactly. But you might feel different if I was like a big, scary dude. Sure. But that's a part of the way I'm able to sell it. But I think that's what makes also your humor so interesting is, you know, just like what you're looking at is like this sweet, in my opinion, sweet, cute, well put together girl. But then you have like, she's kind of crass and got a little bit of an edge. Right. And then I'm kind of way to get pussy, girl. And then she's going to like rip you to shreds.

Right. I think that's the appeal. But I think that's what gives you so much interest and dynamic of what you do. Sometimes I think about that when I think about my height because I'm tiny, I'm 5-2. And I think about how if I was like, I'm like, because. I always want to be taller. I'm like, God, can't you be five, six? It seems like such a good number.

But I'm like, if I was like five, seven with this personality, people would be like, ah. Yeah, it'd be like too much. Like, what are you doing, five, seven acting like this? I'm more of like a pocket dyke. Do you know what I mean? I've learned a lot today. Yeah.

And in the best way. Okay, good. I'm loving this. I think you're so funny. It's so awesome. Just to kind of wrap things up. Yep. In summary.

Well, I remember I asked you at the beginning. President Nixon, where are you at the Watergate Hotel? Is this conversation being recorded? We asked about your kind of mantra and saying, I know you gave me some suck the marrow. You sure you're not gay. You know, I'll give you another one. I'll give you another one.

There's got to be another aliasm that we could. It's not an aliasm, but it's something I always think about, and I'm going to be earnest because I can feel that even though you like my humor, you're very earnest, and ultimately you are a soft boy. So I think this is, I watched the Steve Jobs commencement speech years ago, It's my favorite commencement speech of all time. And he says something in a speech that I always quote. And he talks about how you can only connect the dots retrospectively.

Meaning you have to believe in something. You have to believe in fate, destiny, astrology, the stars, your dreams, whatever it is. Because when you look back, of course it all makes sense. It was what you were just saying about your relationship and then looking back and seeing the paths. And I think that is the philosophy to live by. I love that. And also more life. More life.

Well said. Allie Colbert, you're an incredible guest. Where can our friends and watchers, where can they catch you socially or in your next show is coming up? I'm at Ali Colbert, A-L-I-Colbert with a K on everything. Please follow me because if you don't follow me, I feel sick about it. Are we going to see you on late night coming up at all this spring? Hopefully, 2026. Hell yeah.

Yeah. You've done Fallon. You've done... I've done Fallon. The rounds? I've done different things. Is there one that you really want to get on that you haven't been on yet? I mean, I would have. Would you ever have dreams to be on an SNL?

Of course. Have you ever auditioned? Of course. Everyone has dreams of being on Saturday. I even want to be on Saturday Life. Yeah, it's the most fun. I was at the show this past weekend. It is the most electric, cool thing in the world.

It's such a great. I got to know Punky Johnson, who was a former cast. Hilarious. She'd make like shrimp and Cajun. Yeah, I remember that on like a stove top. Yes, like a hot plate. And I got to know her through a mutual friend. And she invited me in and I saw the whole operation.

It's the best. It's so cool to see. It's so cool. But I didn't make it to the after party till. I went to the after party till four and I, Steven Spielberg and Paul Rudd walked in and they looked at me really weird and I'm like, I gotta go.

Yeah. But that whole world, I'm like fascinated by. I can see you in that world for sure. Oh. Now, do you write a lot too? I mean, for stand-up. Would you write scripted or film? Yeah, yeah, yeah.

That's a whole other conversation. Carl and we're winding down. I know. I just want to make sure we plug that. No, I do. I do. But you'll see. You guys are going to, you'll see.

You'll see. You have no idea. You've had so much good stuff. Your honesty is. just incredible, but also I think you're so funny. Thank you. Keep going. Good luck with it. Your career. Thank you. It's been awesome to watch you rise. Right back at you.

Thank you. And for everybody who wants to check out More Life, you can follow, like, subscribe. Also follow Allie. Like, subscribe to all of her stuff. She's an amazing guest. Thank you guys for being here today on More Life. Cheers. Thank you to Allie Colbert.

She's an incredible guest. I just, I'm laughing still. I'm so touched and just warmed by everything she shared. but really she opens up about antidepressants. It wasn't a limine of your path, but she gave me some advice about not being afraid of pills and antidepressants, because that's something I've certainly been afraid of

and my sobriety. So thank you to Allie. Thank you for hanging with me today on MoreLife. Cheers. More Life is produced by Annie Siegel and executive produced by Adam Reynolds of Denham Pictures. This episode was directed by Annie Siegel,

edited by Mike U.R.T. and recorded at Soft Bar Studios in Brooklyn, New York. More Life is a production of Sony Music Entertainment. From Sony, our executive producers are Chris Skinner and Joanna Clay. Original music by Function Adams. Set designed by Michael Ignacio. Publicity by Caitlin Healy. Additional support from Abby Sharp.

Special thanks to Allison Shano and Joanna Orland. New episodes drop every Tuesday. We'll see you next time.