Reps Over Years: Xavier Cardona on Crowd Work, Austin’s “Comedy Gym,” and NYC Stories | CKC EP27

Comedian Xavier Cardona (@xaviercardonaofficial) lands on Cody Kai Cast fresh off a New York run to talk shop: why reps beat years, how to do crowd work with purpose (not filler), and what it really means to read the room. From Austin’s nightly mic grind (“open gyms, 24/7”) to Village Underground and the Cellar ecosystem, Xavier breaks down calibration vs. pandering, being in on the joke, and why there’s no practice room in comedy—only stage time.

What’s inside:

• Austin as a 24/7 comedy gym (more reps, faster growth)

• Crowd work as a tool to segue—Patrice O’Neal’s influence, Big Jay/Nate Jackson shout-outs

• Reading the room: switching the “set list,” calling audibles, and seamless transitions

• NYC notes: Blue Note nights, Village spots, the Cellar walk-in culture

• Edinburgh Fringe chaos (the infamous “cheese” show) & audience psychology

• Social media vs. stage readiness: followers ≠ 15 clean minutes

If you’re serious about stand-up craft—reps, flow, and fearless riffing—this episode is a blueprint.

🎧 Watch/Listen: YouTube • Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Music

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