As a rotating host of The Daily Show, an Emmy-nominated writer, and one of today's fastest-rising comedians, Josh Johnson has built a devoted following through his sharp observations, viral weekly stand-up sets, and ability to find humor in everything from breaking news to everyday life. His HBO comedy special, Symphony, debuted earlier this year and quickly climbed into the platform's Top 10, further cementing Johnson as one of comedy's most compelling voices.
Ahead of his return to Nashville (September 25 and 26, 2026) at the Ryman for his Comedy Band Camp Tour, we caught up with Johnson to talk about why Nashville remains one of his favorite cities to perform in, how he processes the relentless news cycle, and what lessons he's taken from creating Symphony. We also discussed local comedy talent, country music, and his long-standing love affair with Nashville hot chicken.
Q&A
Q: You're back in Nashville this week. When you visit Music City, are there any favorite spots you always make time for?
Josh Johnson: I can't leave Hattie B's alone. It is a problem. But I also love just walking around. I like going to the art museum and everything. Really, as much as I can, I like going to shops that are just in Nashville. I really like going to The Great Escape. It reminds me of when I was growing up and how you had these catch-all stores that had every type of novelty. For them to have comic books, vinyl, cassettes, books, and everything else, I'm a huge fan of that place.
Q: You've performed all over the world. How would you describe a Nashville audience?
JJ: Nashville is great because there are plenty of places you go where there's a little bit of that, "I'm used to a lot of entertainment, impress me" energy. New York can be like that sometimes. Nashville has more of an earnestness to it. People are out there to see a show. It's a little less "impress me" and more giving people a more-than-fair shot of what you've got. There's a willingness to be entertained. Everyone's not necessarily there to critique.
Q: Nashville is known for songwriters constantly testing new material. Does stand-up work the same way for you?
JJ: It depends. When I'm doing multiple nights at a club, there's definitely some things where I'm like, "Oh, this is something I think is fun. Let's see how people feel about it." When you're doing something as historic as the Ryman, you're a bit more like, "I need to make sure the show meets the moment."
Q: Are there any Nashville comedians people should have on their radar?
JJ: Dusty is probably the number one, Dusty Slay. Amber Autry is great. I'm trying to think of some more, but whenever you get asked a question, all the names disappear.
Nashville is becoming a bigger and bigger comedy place. There's a huge amount of comedy coming out of Nashville, and there's a nice community there. Whenever I'm in town and people come to the show, comics will swing by. It seems like a really thoughtful community from the outside looking in.
Q: One thing that always impresses me is how quickly you're able to process the news and turn it into comedy, whether on The Daily Show or YouTube. How do you do that?
JJ: I appreciate it. That's really kind.
I think a lot of it is making decisions about how you feel as things are happening. I do my best to stay open to changing my opinion as new information comes in. I don't try to act like I know everything or know what's right. I give my opinion on what I think is interesting, funny, and correct.
From there, you do as much as you can to silence the second-guessing. As a writer, you know edits are where a lot of the magic is made. But there's a certain amount of editing that's a protection of ego rather than a service to the work. Sometimes you can edit yourself to the point where it slows you down.
Q: Is that also why you're able to cover such a wide range of topics?
JJ: I write all week, and I'm reading and watching the news all week. But I'm also taking in lots of different media all the time. I'd like to believe that through the practice of what I'm doing, people are open to hearing what I have to say about just about anything.
There's a randomness in there that I think people appreciate. Sometimes it doesn't always come through on the internet because of algorithms. There are people who think I only talk about one thing, but I actually try to talk about everything.
Being able to have the freedom to be as random as possible with what you're interested in helps you cover more ground, as opposed to boxing yourself into only talking about a few topics.
Q: I loved Symphony. Has creating that project changed the way you write and perform now?
JJ: Thank you. Shout-out to Jacob Menache, who directed it. He really was the bulldog that helped us stay in line with the initial vision we talked about. He was passionate about film and the overall aesthetic of the project.
I think the big change is that I'm writing in a way that has a little more music in it, even though I'm not playing any music. The way that I try to bring things back is a little like making your callbacks a refrain. I'm paying even more attention to how I word things because intention can cut through so much more clearly if it's spoken with the right intention.
There are always going to be people who willfully misunderstand what you're trying to say. But if you've expressed yourself in an authentic, direct way, you've left as little room as possible for misinterpretation. And you've gotten to the joke or the funny part in the most efficient way possible.
Q: What can fans expect from your Nashville shows this weekend?
JJ: They'll have a little bit of national color to them. I've been reading and watching some of the local news. It'll also have a bigger-show feel than the last time I was there. It's going to get the full Comedy Band Camp experience.
I can't wait. My hope and intention is that people are really blown away by what I bring because I'm always trying to come back even more memorable than the last time. That's the groundwork I've laid for this show.
Lightning Round
Q: Nashville hot chicken. Yes or absolutely not?
JJ: Yes. The stomach ends up saying absolutely not, but the heart, the soul, and the mouth are all in alignment that this is happening.
Q: Broadway. Fun night out or personal nightmare?
JJ: Fun night out.
Q: Country music. Fan or not really your thing?
JJ: I am getting into it more. Admittedly, my depth is pretty shallow when it comes to country music. I'm kind of like someone who doesn't listen to any hip-hop and says, "I hear Tupac's great." That's me with Johnny Cash. I'm like, "Wow, this Kacey Musgraves is really something."
Q: Have you ever been on a pedal tavern?
JJ: I have not. They look like a good time, but I have not.