Share

cover art for Chris Distefano's Comedy Career started with a 9/11 story... and one Fight that changed EVERYTHING

Club 30™ with Henrik Lundqvist

Chris Distefano's Comedy Career started with a 9/11 story... and one Fight that changed EVERYTHING

Ep. 35

In this episode of Club 30, Henrik and Jay sit down with comedian Chris Distefano for a hilarious and deeply personal conversation. Chris opens up about his unlikely path from pediatric physical therapist to stand-up comic, how 9/11 shaped his career, and the viral story that changed everything. They talk about bombing on stage, finding your voice in the brutal NYC comedy scene, and what it takes to work legendary venues. Chris also shares his dad’s unforgettable advice, why being likable beats being clever, and how he balances fatherhood with life on the road.


Club 30 is presented by Verizon.


📲Follow Club 30 on Social Media!

📹Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@club30pod

📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/club30pod/

🐦X: https://twitter.com/club30pod/


Brought to you by MSG Sports and Rain Delay Media.

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 40. He Built Lucali as a Neighborhood Pizza Spot… Then Jay-Z, Beyoncé & Taylor Swift Showed Up

    55:16||Ep. 40
    In this season finale of Club 30, Henrik Lundqvist sits down with Lucali founder Mark Iacono to talk about the accidental rise of one of NYC’s most iconic pizza spots. Mark shares how a construction project turned into Jay-Z’s favorite late-night hang, why he still doesn’t call himself a chef, and the emotional moments that keep him grounded. It’s a story about fame, humility, and staying true to your roots — even when 30 Escalades pull up to your door.TIMECODES:07:15 - Lucali’s Origin Story: $5K and a Dream 11:28 - How Word of Mouth Made Lucali a Hit Overnight 18:27 - Pivoting in Miami & Learning to Let Go 23:02 - Lucali Isn’t a Restaurant. It’s Family. 24:32 - Mark’s Favorite Lucali Moments 27:44 - That One Night with Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, and Serena 34:38 - From No Experience to Pizza Perfection 40:40 - Rolling Dough with a Wine Bottle 44:52 - Imposter Syndrome in a Chef’s World 47:04 - The Hidden Struggles of Running a Restaurant 50:16 - Will Lucali Expand or Stay a Unicorn? 52:26 - Mark’s Dream Retirement: 4 Tables, 1 Oven 54:45 - Knicks Hope, NYC Pride, and the Future 58:00 - Season Wrap Club 30 is presented by Verizon.📲Follow Club 30 on Social Media!📹Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@club30pod📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/club30pod/🐦X: https://twitter.com/club30pod/Brought to you by MSG Sports and Rain Delay Media.
  • 39. Alexander Skarsgård on Becoming Murderbot, Winning Succession & Loving a Soccer Team that Never Wins

    58:28||Ep. 39
    On this episode of Club 30, Henrik Lundqvist sits down with Alexander Skarsgård for a candid and funny conversation about fame, failure, and finding joy in unexpected places. He opens up about his new role in Murderbot, how he hijacked Succession’s final season, and why he’ll never give up on his scrappy hometown soccer team. From child actor to international star, this episode reveals the heart and humor behind one of Sweden’s most iconic exports.Club 30 is presented by Verizon.📲Follow Club 30 on Social Media!📹Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@club30pod📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/club30pod/🐦X: https://twitter.com/club30pod/Brought to you by MSG Sports and Rain Delay Media.
  • 38. Steve Schirripa on The Sopranos, Fear of Getting Whacked & Earning Gandolfini’s Respect

    01:02:20||Ep. 38
    On this episode of Club 30, Henrik Lundqvist sits down with Sopranos star Steve Schirripa to talk about joining the show at 40, the fear of getting whacked every season, and how playing Bobby Bacala changed his life. Steve opens up about working with James Gandolfini, behind-the-scenes stories from set, and what it meant to earn the respect of the cast and real-life mobsters alike.TIMECODES 2:40 - Steve Schirripa Joins the Show 4:30 - Getting Recognized as 'Bobby' 9:00 - Why His Agent Told Him Not to Take the Role 13:00 - Becoming an Actor at 40 19:30 - Always Worried About Being Killed Off 25:30 - Lessons from Uncle Junior & Working with Gandolfini 28:30 - Favorite Behind-the-Scenes Sopranos Story 30:50 - Looking Back on The Sopranos, Fame & Pressure 54:30 - Mobsters Watched the Show—and Had Notes Club 30 is presented by Verizon.📲Follow Club 30 on Social Media!📹Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@club30pod📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/club30pod/🐦X: https://twitter.com/club30pod/Brought to you by MSG Sports and Rain Delay Media.
  • 37. Patrick Ewing Reflects on ’90s Knicks, Bird’s Trash Talk, Jalen Brunson & Navigating NYC

    59:18||Ep. 37
    In this episode of Club 30, Patrick Ewing joins Henrik Lundqvist to reflect on the iconic era of the ’90s New York Knicks. From physical playoff battles to Dream Team memories, Ewing opens up about facing legends like Shaq, Hakeem, and Bird—and why Madison Square Garden still feels like home. He shares what makes Jalen Brunson so special, and delivers a masterclass on handling the pressure of the New York media spotlight. This conversation is full of stories, wisdom, and that trademark Ewing gritTIMECODES01:32 – Welcome to Club 30, Patrick Ewing03:55 – Draft Day & Arriving in NYC07:00 – First NBA Moments vs. Dr. J & Moses Malone09:15 – Becoming the Face of the Knicks13:00 – Surviving the NY Media17:50 - What Made the 90s Knicks so Beloved 20:30 - Facing Shaq, Hakeem & 90s NBA Legends23:40 - From 12-Year-Old Immigrant to NBA Star28:45 - Favorite Career Moments at MSG33:00 - Inside the Dream Team36:40 - Larry Bird the Comedian 42:00 - Watching Jalen Brunson Grow Into a Star49:30 - Interview Process for Georgetown HC51:15 - Role as Knicks Ambassador Today 56:20 - Closing RemarksClub 30 is presented by Verizon.📲Follow Club 30 on Social Media!📹Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@club30pod📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/club30pod/🐦X: https://twitter.com/club30pod/Brought to you by MSG Sports and Rain Delay Media.
  • 36. Guenther Steiner on F1’s Explosion, Life After Haas, and Why He’ll NEVER Change

    01:03:03||Ep. 36
    In this episode of Club 30, Henrik and Jay sit down with Guenther Steiner for a wide-ranging conversation on life after Haas, how Drive to Survive changed Formula 1 forever, and why staying authentic matters more than ever. From building an F1 team out of his kitchen to becoming one of the most beloved personalities in motorsport, Guenther opens up about leadership, fame, passion — and why he’s just getting started. Plus: hilarious stories about forgetting he was mic’d up, why he refuses to watch Drive to Survive, and why he’s excited to help bring even more energy to Formula 1 as an ambassador for the 2024 Miami Grand Prix.Club 30 is presented by Verizon.📲Follow Club 30 on Social Media!📹Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@club30pod📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/club30pod/🐦X: https://twitter.com/club30pod/Brought to you by MSG Sports and Rain Delay Media.
  • 34. Kenny Albert Might Be the Hardest-Working Broadcaster in Sports (and Now the Voice of the Rangers!)

    01:09:46||Ep. 34
    In this episode of Club 30, Henrik and Jay sit down with Kenny Albert — the hardest-working voice in sports and the newly named lead play-by-play announcer for the New York Rangers. They talk about his journey behind the mic, calling games across every major league, and growing up in a legendary broadcasting family. From Victor Cruz’s 99-yard touchdown to Jose Bautista’s iconic bat flip, Kenny shares his favorite calls and the voices that inspired him. He also opens up about the meticulous prep that keeps him ready for anything — including pulling Henrik’s first career shutout notes from 2005. Plus, stories from 250 broadcast partners, a fake interview with Mayor Bloomberg, and what it really takes to stay sharp in the booth.TIMECODES00:00 - Intro01:51 - Kenny Albert02:55 - Growing up an Albert & First Gig9:40 - Difference Between Radio & TV13:30 - Most Challenging Sport to Call16:00 - Favorite Calls20:10 - Preparation that Goes into this Job26:30 - Opening up the Rangers Archives34:25 - Is there “Chemistry” in the Booth?41:30 - New Voice of the Rangers TV Broadcast?45:58 - Behind his book “A Mic for All Seasons”54:10 - Did Henrik & Kenny Ever Contemplate a Different Career Path?1:02:20 - Does Marv Give Kenny Feedback?1:09:25 - Closing Remarks Club 30 is presented by Verizon.📲Follow Club 30 on Social Media!📹Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@club30pod📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/club30pod/🐦X: https://twitter.com/club30pod/Brought to you by MSG Sports and Rain Delay Media.
  • 33. Pete Davidson & Bill Murray: Two Eras of Comedy on SNL, Stand Up, Fame's Chaos & the Future of Film

    01:06:53||Ep. 33
    In this season 5 premiere of Club 30, Henrik and Jay are joined by two comedy icons, Pete Davidson and Bill Murray, for an unforgettable conversation about their incredible careers and the generational differences that shaped their comedic paths. They explore their time on SNL, the unpredictable chaos of fame, and how stand-up comedy influenced their journey. Bill shares his perspective on what makes a movie truly great, while Pete reflects on the challenges and rewards of balancing stand-up with acting. Plus, they discuss their upcoming projects and the future of comedy. Tune in for a legendary episode you won’t want to miss!TIMECODES: 00:00 - Trailer01:30 - Intro06:30 - Welcoming Bill & Pete to Club 3013:08 - The Importance of Chemistry on Set19:10 - Bill & Pete’s Riff Raff Experience25:43 - What’s Next for Pete Davidson?31:10 - How Bill Murray Chooses His Roles34:10 - What Drives Bill Murray After 50 Years in Film?36:20 - The Future of Cinema39:13 - Behind the Scenes at SNL44:50 - Navigating the Chaos of Fame49:30 - "Make It in NYC, Make It Anywhere"51:11 - The Comedians Who Make Bill & Pete Laugh the Most56:30 - Talking Sports with Bill & Pete1:04:00 - OutroClub 30 is presented by Verizon.📲Follow Club 30 on Social Media!📹Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@club30pod📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/club30pod/🐦X: https://x.com/club30podBrought to you by MSG Sports and Rain Delay Media.
  • 32. Taylor Kitsch is Obsessed with Hockey and Wolves

    52:52||Ep. 32
    On the latest episode of Club 30, Henrik + Jay catch up with their old friend, actor Taylor Kitsch. They bond over their shared love of hockey, reminiscing about playing late-night street hockey and riding motorcycles together. Taylor talks about his latest project, creating a rehab center for veterans and children in Montana, and his passion for tracking wolves in the wild. He also talks about what it’s like to be injured on set, giving his insight into the often-overlooked challenges of the industry. Plus, we hear all about his new show American Primeval. Don’t miss this one—it’s packed with powerful stories!Club 30 is presented by Verizon.Become a member of Club 30 by subscribing to our YouTube channel and following us on Instagram and Twitter.Brought to you by MSG Sports and Rain Delay Media.
OSZAR »