Erin Gibson and Bryan Safi Talk Texas, Comedy and LA

Erin Gibson and Bryan Safi work together on Current TV’s Infomania, lending their comedic skills to the regular segments Modern Lady and That’s Gay, where they call out advertisers and NBA players and Walmart and anyone else who needs a good calling out. Bryan’s also written for people like Ellen DeGeneres and Will Farrell, and Erin pops up regularly on the awesomest shows, like Parks and Recreation. The duo are gearing up to take their show on the road: they’ll be speaking at colleges and doing live shows at UCB in LA. Erin and Bryan talked to us about growing up in Texas, risking your life (the two are related) and where they can be found around Los Angeles.

You both grew up in Texas, correct? What do you miss about it?
BRYAN: I miss the slower pace. So relaxed, and also, extremely friendly. Well,  if you’re closeted. I grew up in El Paso, so I miss how fun it was lie to your parents at 15 and go to Juarez, Mexico. And make it back alive. I miss risking my life I guess.
ERIN: I miss the obstacles to getting an abortion. I love abortions! But there are good things about Houston, which is where I grew up. The tacos from Goode Company and anything from Mai’s Vietnamese. After I would slut around Westheimer, we’d go to Mai’s at 2AM and fill up on yummy vermicelli and cafe su da. How much do I sound like a white asshole right now? “We’d get drunk on expensive drinks then eat ethnic food.” Oh boy, I kind of hate myself right now. Throw this away. Immediately.

What are the top three reasons to live in LA?
ERIN: The weather, talking to strangers dressed as Marilyn Monroe about your traumatic childhood, and if you love the idea of never owing a home, LA is a great place for that. I guess it’s pretty good if you want to be in entertainment. Better than Boise.
BRYAN: Yup, the weather.
Oh, you want two more? Okay. Close proximity to the beach, which I never go to. But still, it’s beautiful. And the amazing hikes, which I never go on. But still, are breathtaking. The Getty is nice. Well, I’ve heard. Oh, you have to go to the Griffith Observatory! I know several people who have been. Can’t vouch for it myself.

What’s a good spot for a friend date?
ERIN: I love taking friends to Bryan’s apartment. He always has fancy wine. But sometimes he’s not home, so, rather than break in, I have to go to Vintage Enoteca, on Sunset. Smart ladies own that place, and they will drop wine knowledge on you all the live long day. They also have yummy food.
BRYAN: Wurstkuche. A sausage place that’s ideal for delicious beer, exotic sausages, big tables, and friends. And relax, they have vegetarian sausages. It’s LA.

And for a sexy-times date?
ERIN: Terroni –  they have reasonable portions for Italian. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to carb load before I get “busy,” Bobby Brown style. I also like casual dining, and there’s not a better place to take a date than Al Gelato on Robertson. It’s small, they have delicious homemade everything, and their devil’s food cake is so good, you’re gonna want to punch someone in the face.
BRYAN: Sizzler. Obviously. But second place is probably the cemetery screenings at Hollywood Forever. This was the most recent sexy-times date I went on, and it was perfect. They do them every summer in the cemetery in the middle of Hollywood, so it’s full of dead celebrities! Which sounds creepy. But you can picnic and it’s beautiful outside and the movies are always excellent. An old-school picnic is so sexy because it’s a date that someone put some thought and effort into. I like that. And I don’t like anything, so you know it’s fun.

Is UCBLA the best place to do and see live comedy in the city?
ERIN: Not if you count my living room at 3AM on a Tuesday. Bryan and I slow dance to the theme song to “Tootsie”. And we cry. It’s very funny.
BRYAN: We don’t do that. A lot. UCB is great because it’s the most eclectic. They have shows by established comedians and up-and-comers. UCB is the dirtiest – literally – they probably have the stickiest stage in LA. And a sticky stage means you had fun. Also means you might be pregnant.

Do you two work together outside of Infomania?
BRYAN: Besides working Hollywood Boulevard together? Erin makes excellent cash on that street.
ERIN: I do. I sell bracelets. I hope you didn’t think I sold my sex.
BRYAN: If you wanna see Erin and I do live, in the flesh jokes, you should come see us August 14th at 9:30 at UCB Theater in “Entertainment Hollywood.”
ERIN: It’s Hollywood’s only live entertainment gossip show. We play idiot gossip show hosts. I know that’s hard to imagine being that there are literally no examples of people like this anywhere in this city, but you can use your imagination.
BRYAN: Plus, we’ll be shooting Botox into each other’s faces, so should be fun.