Jordan Klepper has become the least enviable person on The Daily Show. Most of his time on the show is spent away from it, interviewing crazed MAGA fans. He goes to rallies, gun shows, and anti-vax protests (also known as Germ Gatherings). However, there was a time when Klepper was just a fresh-faced correspondent, who got to spend his first night on the show chatting with Jon Stewart.

In a world before the current writers’ strike, Klepper was guest hosting The Daily Show and took some questions from the audience. He talked about the first night he was on the show; he was nervous, sweaty, and anxious, but luckily so was his on-air persona!

Klepper auditioned for the show and was invited back four days later. It wasn’t all deluxe apartments in the sky. He had to bring his own suit, but he was going to be on TV! According to Klepper, he was living in poverty before this big break.

While you can tell Klepper is nervous, he’s also clearly excited. All of his skills and talent were there from the beginning. You can see why he was hired. You can also see why he has lasted as long as he has.

Watching Jordan Klepper be contemplative and thoughtful about his career is deeply interesting. I didn’t notice it before, but he feels like he’s ready to move on. Maybe I’m reading too much into things, but he speaks with the fondness of someone who knows they’re about to leave. He would be greatly missed, but I’d be thrilled to see what he does next.