Comedian Beth Stelling of ‘Crashing’ just wants to talk about what’s on her mind

Beth Stelling is a completely autobiographical stand-up.

The comic, who writes for Pete Holmes’ HBO series “Crashing,” cracks wise about what she knows. Stelling, who will perform Oct. 4-6 at Goodnights, reveals her comic idols, what it’s like to work with iconic “Crashing” producer/director Judd Apatow, and what she would do if she weren’t a comic.

Q: Since “Crashing” is about the life of a comedian, is the material based on your own experiences as a comic?

A: So much of the show is inspired by our own experiences as comics and the people we’ve met along the way. Typically the general area of being a road comic is a shared experience once you get to a certain level because we are all traveling to the same comedy clubs with the same waitstaff, same club manager, same local radio personality, you get it. So when I bring up a particularly treacherous car ride with Dave in Kirkland, another comic knows the exact lunatic I’m speaking of and usually has a story that trumps mine.

Q. What’s it like working with Judd Apatow?

A: It’s an honor. Judd’s shown me how a television show is made. He’s also taught me the importance of standing up for what I believe in, in a clear and positive way.

Q: Can you offer some insight into what its like to work with him?

A: The writers and Pete can spend hours, days, weeks even, breaking an episode, and Judd will come in and say something like, “Maybe the season ends with Pete and Leif sharing the same hotel bed.” And everything we came up with is out the window in order to find a logical way to get Pete and Leif in a queen.

Q: That was a heck of a set at South By Southwest last spring. What are some of the subjects you will tackle?

A: I’m sure I’ll continue to to talk about whatever you saw in order to polish those jokes. I’ve been doing stand-up a little over 10 years now without relying heavily on sexual material because I felt pressure to represent women in a non-stereotypical way but now I’d rather not limit myself. I just want to talk about what’s on my mind and it’s sex, baby. It’s other things too.

Q. Who are your comedic idols?

A: Sarah Silverman, Maria Bamford, Tiffany Haddish, Carol Burnett, Robin Williams, Jim Carrey, Adam Sandler, Mike Birbiglia.

Q: What’s the greatest challenge about writing for the quirky “Another Period” on Comedy Central?

A: You have to be very clear about what you want to tackle before essentially coming at it from the other side. Also the show’s jargon doesn’t exactly roll off the fingertips for those just coming into it.

Q: What’s on your comedic bucket list?

A: I’m in awe of where comedy has taken me and I need to update my goals. I’m usually just so happy to be living my dream of making my living being funny. Things that come to mind: my next stand-up special, performing in London, more late-night sets, writing more television, more acting, writing a book, hmmm... Broadway?!

Q: If you weren’t a comedian, you would be?

A: I wanted to be veterinarian as a kid, but med school isn’t easy, did you know that?

Details

Who: Beth Stelling

When: 8 p.m. Oct. 4, 7 and 10 p.m. Oct. 5-6

Where: Goodnights, 861 W. Morgan St., Raleigh

Tickets: $17 to $24

Info: 919-828-5233, goodnightscomedy.com

This story was originally published October 4, 2018 at 2:50 PM.