Joe Matarese, a seasoned comedian renowned for weaving his life's intricate tapestry into laughter-inducing performances, hails from Cherry Hill, NJ. Today, he resides just outside New York City in the suburbs with his wife, a psychologist, and their two children. True to his roots, Joe’s comedy is a candid exploration of his subtly dysfunctional Italian family, his personal neuroses, the life-altering effects of medication like Celexa and Adderall, the chaos of raising two young kids, and the dynamics of being married to a mental health professional.
Joe has honed the art of transforming everyday struggles into comedy gold, earning him spots on some of the most prestigious TV and radio platforms. He's made memorable appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and Comedy Central Presents, among others. Notably, his stint on America’s Got Talent won him a standing ovation from both the celebrity judges and a 2000-strong audience. His talent and life journey have also been encapsulated in his critically acclaimed one-hour special, "Medicated."
Joe's prowess extends beyond television; he was featured on Bravo’s reality series Better Half, where he mentored his wife in stand-up comedy, leading to their grand prize victory. With appearances at the Montreal Comedy Festival four times, he has forged two development deals with major television networks, amplifying his influence in the comedy scene.
At the heart of Joe's comedic journey is his podcast, "Fixing Joe," which drops new episodes every Friday on iTunes and various other platforms. Now in its third season, the podcast offers a unique blend of humor and candid introspection. Each episode kicks off with fresh standup relating to a personal issue Joe is grappling with, followed by a comedian round table and listener interactions providing advice and sharing similar experiences. The show often wraps up with Joe's classic stand-up bits, resonating with real-life issues that capture the essence of his humor.
Throughout its journey, "Fixing Joe" has welcomed an array of guests, including comedy luminaries like Craig Ferguson, Artie Lange, Jay Mohr, and Phil Rosenthal. As the podcast evolves, Joe continues to hope that by sharing his personal journey towards self-improvement, he inspires listeners to fix a little of themselves along the way.
standing ovation on America’s Got Talent
won Bravo’s Better Half