07 Apr 2026
44m

Comic Jeff Ross on roasting, loss and his epic bar mitzvah

Podcast cover

Fresh Air

Jeff Ross, known as the Roastmaster General, discusses his new Netflix comedy special, "Take a Banana for the Ride," which delves into personal and autobiographical material. Ross shares stories about his family's catering hall, Clinton Manor, and his experiences working there. He reflects on his mother's death from leukemia when he was young, his father's later passing, and becoming his grandfather's caregiver. Ross also opens up about being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer and his experience with alopecia, a condition that caused him to lose his hair. He recounts his early career, including his first appearance on The Letterman Show, and the influence of comedians like Buddy Hackett and Don Rickles.

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction, Early Life

Part 2: Family, Hardship, Resilience

Part 3: Comedy Career, Influences

Part 4: Grief, Legacy, Roasting

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