Beyond the Jokes: The World According to Jackie ‘The Joke Man’ Martling

Diving into the heart of humor with Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling, comedy’s enduring maestro and the legendary former head writer of “The Howard Stern Show,” Pot Culture Magazine uncovers the layers behind the laughs in an exclusive, no-holds-barred interview. With a career that spans the grit of New York’s comedy scene to the gleam of national radio, Martling opens up about the journey that made him a household name, his friendships with icons of comedy and music, and the untold stories that have colored his life. Through his characteristic blend of humor and sincerity, Martling invites us into his world, offering a glimpse beyond the jokes to the profound experiences that have shaped his remarkable journey in comedy.

PotCultureMagazine: Jackie, your journey from the comedy clubs to “The Howard Stern Show” and beyond is fascinating. What motivated you to chronicle these experiences in your autobiography and the documentary ‘Joke Man‘?

Jackie Martling: The urge to write a book, I think, hits everyone at some point. My adventure with writing began in the ’70s, picked up again in the ’90s, and didn’t stop until I landed a book deal. The arrival of the internet was like opening a new stage for me; I started pouring my stories online, which eventually formed the backbone of my book. I aimed to share the laughter, clear the air about some Stern show myths, and just maybe, set the record straight. When Ian Carr suggested a documentary, it felt like the right next step. It was an opportunity to add another layer to my story in a very visual and immediate way. The response, especially at our sold-out screening, was more than I could have hoped for. It’s been a hell of a ride, and I’m glad we captured some of it on film.

PCM: Throughout your career, you’ve had some memorable encounters with legends like Rodney Dangerfield and Willie Nelson. Could you share some insights from those interactions?

Jackie: Rodney Dangerfield crashing into my life in the early ’80s was a game-changer. He saw me perform and predicted big things, and suddenly, I was opening for him, soaking up the genius of his timing and punchlines. It was like being enrolled in the college of comedy, with Rodney as the dean. Then there’s Willie Nelson, a bond that started over music and bloomed into a deep friendship. Our story stretches over decades, filled with shared jokes and memorable moments, like finding myself on his famous bus, laughing and sharing stories. These encounters weren’t just brush-ups with fame; they were foundational experiences that deeply influenced my path and perspective.

PCM: ‘Joke Man’ offers a more intimate look at your life than many fans might expect. What do you hope people take away from it?

Jackie: Above all, I want people to see the real me, not just the persona from the Stern show. A narrative painted me in a certain light there, but my life and my comedy are richer and more nuanced than that. The documentary and my book are my way of speaking directly to the audience, sharing the laughter, the struggles, and the moments that have shaped me. If ‘Joke Man’ can challenge some preconceptions and offer a few good laughs along the way, then I’ve done what I set out to do.

PCM: How does Jackie Martling offstage compare to the larger-than-life persona we’ve seen on stage and on air?

Jackie: The man behind the mic and the one offstage aren’t all that different. Sure, the energy and the non-stop barrage of jokes are amped up for the audience, but the core of who I am remains constant. I’m a storyteller, a joker, whether I’m under the spotlight or sharing a beer with friends. It’s all about making those connections, sharing a laugh, and maybe making the world a little brighter, one joke at a time.

PCM: The documentary unveiled aspects of your life and career that many were unaware of. Did anything surprise you during its making?

Jackie: The generosity of spirit from friends and colleagues like Anthony Cumia, Artie Lange, and even Mark Cuban was deeply moving. Their words, their respect, it was affirming in a way I hadn’t expected. And yet, despite the revelations and the new light shed on old stories, the biggest takeaway for me was the reminder of how much more there is to tell. My story, like everyone’s, is ongoing, a work in progress. The documentary scratched the surface, but there’s a wealth of tales still untold, waiting for their moment.

PCM: Jackie, from the vibrant scenes of your youth, playing in bands and avoiding cannabis, to the profound shifts in your relationship with it over the years, how do you reflect on the evolution of your cannabis journey, especially considering the societal changes around its perception and legality?

Jackie: My relationship with cannabis, much like my comedy, has evolved organically over time. In my youth, life was so packed with excitement and activities, from being in a band to being captain of the soccer team, that pot just wasn’t on my radar. It wasn’t until a fateful night between my freshman and sophomore years of college that I took my first hit, and it felt like I was floating above the dance floor. That moment was a pleasant detour, not a derailment, marking the start of a casual and gradual exploration into cannabis. Fast forward to today, after years on the Stern show, where I was the guy known for a bit of pot and too much drink, my connection to cannabis has deepened. I’ve been cultivating my own plants, mainly Gorilla Glue, and sharing the bounty with friends, including veterans who find relief in it. It’s been a fascinating shift, witnessing and participating in the changing societal views on cannabis, from the fringes to mainstream acceptance.

And for fans looking for a more personalized chuckle, Jackie is crafting personal videos over at cameo.com/jackiemartling. It’s the perfect opportunity to get a little piece of his humor for yourself or as a unique gift for someone special.

PCM: In your extensive experience with cannabis, have you found yourself drawn to cultivating specific strains? What’s the story behind your choice?

Jackie: My choice in cultivation leans heavily towards Gorilla Glue, a decision rooted in both personal preference and the quality of the strain itself. I initially acquired my seeds from Amsterdam, opting for what I believed would thrive in my gardening conditions and suit my tastes. Over the years, I’ve experimented, allowing the garden to evolve naturally, with some plants yielding descendants that continue to surprise and delight me and my circle. The process is less about strict adherence to specific strains and more about the joy of cultivation and the communal pleasure it brings.

PCM: Beyond the humor and the highs, your engagement with cannabis has also taken on a philanthropic angle, especially with your donations to veterans. Could you share more about this aspect of your life?

Jackie: My approach to cannabis has always been communal; I grow not just for personal use but to share. Discovering that a friend was distributing part of my harvest to veterans in need was a pivotal moment. It transformed my casual hobby into a gesture of support and solidarity. The therapeutic benefits of cannabis for those struggling with PTSD and other service-related challenges are well-documented, and being able to contribute in this small way adds a layer of purpose to my cultivation efforts.

PCM: Reflecting on the diverse experiences and the seemingly random paths life has taken you on, how do you view these experiences now, especially in light of the broader narrative of your life shared through your autobiography and documentary?

Jackie: The trajectory of my life, from the early days filled with music and sports to the heady times on the Stern Show and my subsequent adventures in comedy and cannabis cultivation, underscores a journey marked by laughter, learning, and an unyielding curiosity about the world. Each chapter, each detour, has been a lesson in living fully and embracing the unexpected. The documentary ‘Joke Man’ and my autobiography are not just retrospectives; they’re invitations to explore the multifaceted life I’ve been lucky enough to lead, a life filled with incredible people, transformative experiences, and, of course, endless jokes.

PCM: As someone who has navigated the waves of success, controversy, and change, particularly in the public eye, what insights or advice would you offer to those looking to carve out their own paths in the creative world or beyond?

Jackie: My journey teaches resilience, the importance of authenticity, and the value of humor as a tool for connection and survival. To those carving their own paths, I’d say: Embrace your unique voice, remain open to life’s serendipities, and never underestimate the power of a good laugh to break barriers and build bridges. Life is a grand, unpredictable comedy. Play your part with gusto, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride.

As we wrapped up our captivating interview, Jackie ‘The Joke Man’ Martling left us with a generous dose of laughter and a parting gift that embodied his spirit—a generous sample from his personal garden, affectionately dubbed “Joke Man” by our team. Its effects were as uplifting and light-hearted as the tales he shared.

For those eager to experience a slice of the humor and history that Jackie brings to the world, mark your calendars. On Friday, April 5th, the Boulton Center will be screening “Joke Man,” a close-up look at the man behind the laughter. Details for the event can be found at jokeland.com.

Crafting this piece has been a journey through the rich tapestry of comedy, life, and the ever-resilient laughter that Jackie ‘The Joke Man’ Martling has spread throughout his career. It’s not just an interview; it’s a slice of comedic history, a labor of love, and indeed, a masterpiece of mirth.

**Update — June 23, 2025**

Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling can now be seen, briefly and hilariously, in The Better Sister, a new 8-episode murder mystery series streaming on Amazon Prime. The show premiered May 29, and while Jackie jokes that his role is “verrry small,” his house also makes a cameo. Worth it for the walls alone.

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