Shawn Stockman's On That Note

Comedian Jo Koy joins Shawn Stockman on On That Note for an in-depth conversation about comedy, culture, family, representation, and the journey that took him from selling $5 DVDs to performing in arenas and stadiums.

Jo opens up about his brand-new Netflix special, Blue in the Face, including the deeply personal story behind the title and how the special pays tribute to his late stepfather, Sergeant Fred Harrison, whose influence helped shape Jo and his family. He also reflects on growing up with limited resources and how those experiences became part of the stories that connect him with audiences around the world.

The conversation also dives into Jo’s mission to create greater Filipino representation in entertainment, from his work on the Broadway musical Here Lies Love to DreamWorks’ Easter Sunday and his efforts to bring Filipino American talent to larger platforms.Shawn and Jo also share a fascinating conversation about Michael Jackson, with Sean recalling his experiences visiting Jackson’s home and discussing the legendary entertainer’s work ethic, business mindset, and advice about knowing your own worth.

Jo gets candid about the realities of the comedy business, including Hollywood’s historical barriers for Black, Asian, and Latino comedians, the legendary Fat Tuesdays comedy scene, and the comedians who emerged from those difficult environments, including Bernie Mac, Steve Harvey, Chris Tucker, and Bill Bellamy.

He also tells the story of how he turned a Netflix rejection into an opportunity, self-funding and filming Live from Seattle before eventually getting Netflix’s attention. Jo discusses the lessons he learned from comedy legends like Eddie Murphy, Paul Mooney, and Cedric the Entertainer, and reveals his upcoming project Pass the Mic, created with Martin Lawrence to spotlight comedians who deserve a bigger platform.

From comedy and music to Hollywood, representation, and the importance of staying focused on your own journey, this is a wide-ranging conversation with one of entertainment’s most recognizable voices.

Watch Jo Koy’s new Netflix special, Blue in the Face, and check out the full conversation now.
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In this episode of On That Note, Shawn Stockman sits down with Josh Johnson — the sharp, thoughtful, and relentlessly prolific comedian, writer, and performer known for his work on The Daily Show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and his viral topical stand-up comedy.
Josh opens up about the creative process behind his weekly stand-up output, how he balances politics, race, relationships, family, money, and modern America in his material, and why comedy can be both a release and a form of truth-telling.

He also talks about growing up in Alexandria, Louisiana, discovering music through Disney soundtracks and vinyl records, and the lessons that shaped his voice as an artist.

This conversation goes deep on:

• Josh Johnson’s career journey from writer to on-air correspondent
• His approach to topical stand-up and releasing comedy consistently
• The power of social commentary, honesty, and timing in comedy
• Why the best comedians make audiences laugh and think
• Childhood memories, music, physical media, and family influence
• Advice Josh would give his younger self

If you love Josh Johnson interviews, stand-up comedy, late night writers, comedy podcasts, political humor, Black comedy, and thoughtful conversations about entertainment and culture, this episode is for you.
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Chart topping artist KEM joins On That Note for a conversation about overcoming some of life's challenges early on and his enormous success in music . The Motown artist speaks on his chart topping success and tells some industry stories of his along the way. He speaks on the opportunity to meet one of his inspirations, Al Jarreau, and how KEM was still bussing tables at the Ritz Carlton when it happened.

Fast forwarding a bit the singer-songwriter has amassed ten number one records such as “Love Calls,” "It's You," "Lie to Me," and more which has made him a pillar in R&B. His albums, KEM, KEM Album II, and Intimacy, all earned him platinum and gold certifications.

Taking it back to his childhood he attributes names like Tom Browne and "Jamaica Funk" as a record that impacted his musical trajectory. KEM mentions his parents having Jazz records in the house and musicians like Michael Franks being a lot of what he listened to. KEM also discusses the parts of him he had to leave behind. After struggling with addiction he discusses using his faith to overcome alcohol and drug addiction which in turn changed his life.

KEM now owns and operates a non-profit organization called Mack & Third Foundation, dedicated to aiding homelessness in Detroit. KEM tells the story of the inspiration of the name and his time at the Detroit Rescue Mission back in the 90's that all played a part in his anthropological journey. He has been actively giving back to communities in Detroit.
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The Beauty in Black star sits down and has a fun conversation with Shawn Stockman full of laughs. The two discuss her acting career, starring in shows like , All American: Homecoming, Snowfall, and most recently as Kimmie in the Tyler Perry Netflix Series Beauty in Black. Getting her start back in 2008, she has worked alongside some of the biggest names in the industry like Martin Lawrence, Cedric The Entertainer, Mike Epps, James Earl Jones, and Margaret Avery.

That set the bar very high for the young star's acting career. Shawn also asks some in depth questions in regards to her role in Divorce in the Black, where she played Rona the voice of reason to Meagan Good's character Ava. Taylor mentions her experience as Kimmie on Tyler Perry's Netflix Series Beauty in Black and how she handled such a central role. She speaks on her character's transformation and development throughout the series. She even gives five songs on her "Kimmie" playlist that help her get in the right headspace for the role.

Outside of acting Taylor has also volunteered for the Peace For Kids Foundation, crediting a film titled Night Comes On, directed by Jordana Spiro and co-written with Angelica Nwandu. The film premiered at Sundance and upon meeting Angelica, she was inspired by her story and volunteered for the organization herself.

Other topics include a speed round jam packed with questions on Taylor's preferences, being cast in Season Four of Reasonable Doubt, her advice to her younger self, and two musical performances including T-Pain's "Buy You A Drank" and Boyz II Men's "On Bended Knee."
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Lecrae sits down and has a deep conversation with Shawn about an unorthodox way to mix music and faith. The two discuss Lecrae's childhood, growing up in Houston, TX. Lecrae gives some of his earliest memories in music, and listening to names like The Parliaments, Funkadelic, and Ohio Brothers.

The Houston native spent his summers in Southern California with this grandmother, and he attributes a lot of his appreciation of music to Dr. Dre. His grandmother's heavy religious influence on his life caused him to go through a spiritual awakening at the early age of 19-20. He even mentions studying Rastafarianism as part of his journey.

The Billboard Top 200 artist speaks on his achievement, with his album Anomaly, and both the love he received as well as some of the pushback from the church. With names like Paul Wall on the album, it sparked caused controversy as to what traditional "gospel" music should sound like. Lecrae goes in depth on what it is like to be not just an artist but a culture creator, and how pushing boundaries in his career turned into some of his greatest successes.

Stick around until the end for an acoustic rendition of Lecrae's song "I'll Find You"
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