Former student Mike James drops by today to catch up. I met Mike James back in 2005 or so and he was starting to get his set together. Writing, tweaking and performing his material constantly has improved his consistency. Now, he is a full time funnyman traveling across the country doing the job he loves. We…
Stephen Bargatze joins us today. If that name sounds familiar it may be because you saw him in Las Vegas, caught him at Opryland, perhaps he visited your school or maybe because he is the father of Nate Bargatze. Regardless of whether you knew him before or not, you will love his generous and insightful interview.…
Are you trying to emulate your favorite comedians? Have you already determined your comedic style before your third open mic? If so, you may be limiting yourself and shortchanging your potential. In this episode, Dan Swartwout (or “Swarty” as his friends call him) and I discuss how our influences are like training wheels. They help at…
This episode is all about YOU. That’s right. I opened the mail bag and found a bunch of great questions and some jokes that … well, you wanted fixed. Join me as we answer the following questions … Do you have any tips on writing every day? Specifically, is there a place or web site…
Monty Mitchell Wrangled Snakes Have you ever driven 6 hours (one way) to an open mic for a quick 5 minute set and then headed home as the sun was coming up? Do you chip away at your vacation benefits one hour a a time so you can pursue your calling? Monty Mitchell has! Monty…
Have you ever struggled with alcohol, depression or meaningfulness in your pursuit of a comedy career? You’re alone. Numerous comedians and entertainers get sidetracked by self-destructive behavior. Fortunately for us audiences everywhere, Jeff Allen was able to get his act together on and off the stage. This veteran comedian started in 1978 and weathered many…
NEW AT COMEDY? YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING … Do you have beginning comedy questions about stand-up? Are you just dipping your toes in the waters of writing and performing? Today I am joined by three current writing students in this “after school special”. They each bring forth a slew of excellent questions. I am willing…
Have you performed for birthday parties, marines, comedy club audiences and judges for America’s Got Talent? Have you ever swallowed a balloon (well, not during a border crossing)? Our guest today has, too! I talk with Anthony Maze about his magic/comedy combo performances and the opportunities he has taken advantage of lately. Based in San…
Have you ever thought that you have more to offer an audience than laughter? Being a comedian is perfectly admirable all by itself. No doubt. But do you have more to offer? Feel like you are missing out on your calling? Today, as I was catching up with former student Chris Cherry, one random question…
Have you ever dismissed the idea of going full time into stand-up comedy? Did you get overwhelmed by the enormity of it all? Today, Paulina Combow joins us to discuss how she broke down the full time goal into bite size pieces. With an outline, a plan and a deadline in place she is targeting…