Developing bits, Doing the small things, and Dry Bar Specials with "The Dented Can" Dobie Maxwell

The Funny Muscle Podcast

#Podcasting Education #Comedy #Mike Lukas and Chris Stiffler #Chris Stiffler #Mike Lukas

19:15

Can AI compress the years long research time of a PhD into seconds? Research scientist Max Jaderberg explores how “AI analogs” simulate real-world lab work with staggering speed and scale, unlocking new insights on protein folding and drug discovery. Drawing on his experience working on Isomorphic Labs' and Google DeepMind's AlphaFold 3 — an AI model for predicting the structure of molecules — Jaderberg explains how this new technology frees up researchers' time and resources to better understand the real, messy world and tackle the next frontiers of science, medicine and more. For a chance to give your own TED Talk, fill out the Idea Search Application: ted.com/ideasearch . Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links: TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou TEDAI Vienna: ted.com/ai-vienna Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

about a year ago 1:25:12

MP3•Episode home

Stopping by the Funny Muscle Podcast is “The Dented Can” Dobie Maxwell.

He is a comedian, actor, radio personality, comedy instructor, comedy writer and author.

His passion for comedy and mentoring is quickly apparent.

We chat about how he earned his set on the Late Late Show, his comedy lens, joke development, his recent Dry Bar Special, and doing the small things---outside the jokes----that can help your career as a comic.

Dobie also gives us some lessons on comedy from an unexpected source: pro wrestling.

*** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)

46 episodes

The Funny Muscle Podcast

Developing bits, Doing the small things, and Dry Bar Specials with "The Dented Can" Dobie Maxwell

The Funny Muscle Podcast

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Stopping by the Funny Muscle Podcast is “The Dented Can” Dobie Maxwell.

He is a comedian, actor, radio personality, comedy instructor, comedy writer and author.

His passion for comedy and mentoring is quickly apparent.

Dobie also gives us some lessons on comedy from an unexpected source: pro wrestling.

*** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)

46 episodes

#Podcasting Education #Comedy #Mike Lukas and Chris Stiffler #Chris Stiffler #Mike Lukas

All episodes

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Feel Something, Say Something: Turning Topics Into Premises Using Emotions 43:44

6 weeks ago43:44

43:44

On this episode of Funny Muscle , the team tackles one of the most important — and often overlooked by new comics — steps in joke creation: assigning an emotion to a topic. Because “air travel” isn’t funny. But your deep personal betrayal by a TSA muffin confiscation ? That’s a premise. They look at how pros use an emotional POV to instantly transform a generic idea into a living, breathing premise that’s ready for punchlines.…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Hour A Day to Write Comedy? 12 Comics' Advice (part 2) 26:30

12 weeks ago26:30

26:30

In this episode, we cornered a dozen comedians—some voluntarily—and asked: “If you had one hour a day to train your comedy off-stage, what would you do?” There’s a wide range of answers. One practices in front of a mirror. One writes down everything that irritates them until they become punchlines. One looks up 20 facts about a topic. And yes—several review their sets like it’s game tape, pausing to say things like “Here’s where I lost Iowa.” This episode will give comedy training ideas for you to try out.…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Work to the Top of Your Intelligence with Jimmy Shubert 1:05:15

15 weeks ago1:05:15

1:05:15

Nationally touring comedian, actor, and verbal hurricane Jimmy Shubert stops by the Funny Muscle Pod to talk about his legendary career, offer some top-shelf joke-writing advice, and reveal his secret weapon: the “20 Facts, 20 Jokes” method. Basically, he starts with facts and then writes jokes about them. That’s it. That’s the system. And it works, because he's Jimmy Freakin’ Shubert . Described by some as a “renegade wordsmith who works to the top of his intelligence” Jimmy shares wisdom, war stories, and maybe a few borderline-illegal punchlines. Also, he’s dropped four albums that sound like either comedy specials or monster truck rallies: “Animal Instincts,” “Pandemonium,” “Alive & Kickin’,” and “Zero Tolerance”—plus a Comedy Central special. Take notes. Jimmy did not come here to mess around.…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
The Business Side of Stand-Up 45:37

18 weeks ago45:37

45:37

Here at the Funny Muscle Pod, we chat a lot about the skills in crafting jokes, but in this episode, we take a hard turn to the business side of comedy. And although the business of stand-up is as glamorous as a motel continental breakfast, it’s needed. We grill Mike, a seasoned touring comedian, on crucial survival skills, such as how to avoid burnout on the road (step one: don’t live entirely on gas station taquitos), why you need an EPK (which we promise is not a new cryptocurrency), and the dark, mysterious science of venue pricing. Also, we talk about selling merch, because nothing says 'comedy legend' like convincing strangers to buy a T-shirt with your face on it.…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Marketing Your Comedy Brand with David Uribe 45:26

20 weeks ago45:26

45:26

How do you market your comedy brand? How do you get more likes, shares, and followers without resorting to bribery or adopting an emotional support ferret for viral content? The biggest comics know the secrets of online marketing—like how to trick the algorithm into showing your jokes to more than just your mom and that one guy from high school. To help us crack the code, we invited David Uribe—marketing consultant at comedybranding.com, dabbler in comedy, and full-time knower of things—to our podcast. David shares expert tips on how to grow your brand, land gigs, attract fans, and—most importantly—monetize your humor so you can finally afford something fancier than gas station burritos.…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Comedy Competitions with Kenny Lee 52:31

21 weeks ago52:31

52:31

Join us on the Funny Muscle Pod as we sit down with Kenny Lee, winner of the 2024 Purvis Wilson Funniest Stand-Up in Dallas Competition. Known for his sharp, cunning comedy, Kenny (@KennyLee270) takes us behind the scenes of his joke-writing process, shares how he developed his comedic persona, and talks about the power of working clean. Plus, he breaks down the strategy behind competing in stand-up competitions and how he crafted his sets to win each round.…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Not Giving Up on a Bit with CAIN 52:46

22 weeks ago52:46

52:46

In this episode of the Funny Muscle Pod , we sit down with rising Dallas comic CAIN (@funnycain_) to talk comedy, persistence, and the art of refining bits. He shares valuable advice on not giving up on jokes, reworking material, and navigating the Dallas open mic scene. Plus, CAIN reveals how he draws inspiration from professional wrestling and magic to elevate his act. Don't miss this insightful conversation.…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Punch Lines and Cruise Ships with Brad Tassell 50:51

23 weeks ago50:51

50:51

Comedian and author Brad Tassell joins the Funny Muscle Podcast to talk about joke writing, performing comedy on cruise ships, and how the comedy scene today compares to the 90s. As the creator and co-host of the Virtual Comedy Show , Brad brings years of experience and insight into crafting punchlines—sharing advice that’s simple yet often overlooked.…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Find the Funny and Never be Annoyed: Payton Payne 43:10

25 weeks ago43:10

43:10

What better person to teach us how to do your first year of comedy more efficiently than someone who recently did her first year of comedy very efficiently. Payton Payne, a Dallas comic, joins the Funny Muscle Pod to teach us how she uses stage time to craft jokes, and how, when you constantly are looking for ways to make things funny, typically annoying instances no longer bother you.…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Get Better at Comedy Faster with Paul Varghese 52:43

26 weeks ago52:43

52:43

Paul Varghese is a comedian and actor who appeared on the reality show Last Comic Standing 2. He’s toured with Joan Rivers and Gabriel Iglesias. He has been doing stand-up since 2001 and lives in Dallas Texas, so Mike (also in Dallas) had some questions about the local scene. We talk a lot about comedy writing, what it’s like being a comic of Indian descent, and the evolution of comedy over the past 3 decades. Paul has a completely innovative way that he uses to get his mind into the comedy-flow-state-writing zone. Tune in to find it out.…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Being Yourself on Stage with Dwayne Kennedy 1:15:44

27 weeks ago1:15:44

1:15:44

In this episode we chat with Dwayne Kennedy, a stand-up comedian, actor and writer. Dwayne has also written for The Arsenio Hall Show and The Orlando Jones Show. He has played roles in such classic series as Seinfeld, Martin, 227, and Amen. Having done comedy for more than 3 decades, Dwayne is in the unique position to talk about the state of comedy today. His advice on “being yourself” on stage is a great tip for younger comedians.…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Blue Man Comedy with Jeffrey Nicholas Brown 57:14

29 weeks ago57:14

57:14

The Funny Muscle Podcast welcomes our first Blue Man in this episode. Which is challenging since the Blue Man Group doesn't talk. Fortunately, this Blue Man is also Nickelodeon Famous. Jeffrey Nicholas Brown is most known for his role as "Jake Hart" on Nickelodeon's Henry Danger. (So, he can talk and does so during the interview) Jeffrey also does stand-up. His advice about getting laughs without talking like he does as a Blue Man is great for new comics.…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Million Words Writing Challenge 58:33

31 weeks ago58:33

58:33

Chris travels to Dallas for this one. He joins Mike's comedy office hours on Wednesday at the Dallas Comedy Club to workshop material with students. They talk about crafting comedy bits in a group setting. They also chat about Mike's journey to improve his writing using a challenge: The Ice Bucket Writing Challenge which involves writing Hemingway-like prose or taking an ice bath. (Kidding! Though such prose would look like “I took the bucket of ice. It chilled me to the bone. But a man must endure. A man must prevail.” ). Mike's challenge involved writing 1,000,000 words. There's great advice in this one for new comedy writers looking to develop better writing habits. Click to read: Ten Ways the Million Words Challenge Made Me a Better Writer…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Comedy as a Booker, Teacher, Mom and Comic: Magen King 56:33

33 weeks ago56:33

56:33

The Funny Muscle Podcast chats with a comedian, a storyteller, an award-winning radio host, a mom and a comedy teacher in this episode. And they are all the same person: Magen King. She was a finalist in the World Series of Comedy and a finalist for three consecutive years in the Funniest Comic in Texas. She teaches at the Dallas Comedy Club. We talk about booking talent in the Dallas area, her tips on writing new material, her comedy lens as a mom of three teenagers, and some advice she obtained along the way from other comedians.…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Comedy Song Writing with Tim Cavanagh 1:03:52

35 weeks ago1:03:52

1:03:52

The Funny Muscle welcomes to the podcast its first guitar. And accompanying that guitar is comedian and songwriter Tim Cavanagh, who has been in the comedy business for almost four decades. His first CD, “Sounds Like Fun!” was released in 1997. Tim tells us how he credits deadlines and his weekly segment called “The One Minute Song” on “The Bob & Tom Show” for his ability to create laughs. Tim gives us advice on finding connections for joke writing, turning a premise into a song, and replicating his creative process. We also get to hear the guitar during several of his songs.…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Creating Distinct Voices with Darren McStay 59:51

36 weeks ago59:51

59:51

To improve their character voices, Mike and Chris chat with actor, musician, filmmaker and voice coach Darren McStay whose Youtube channel “Improve Your Voice” has millions of downloads. Darren teaches warm up techniques, why it’s important to commit to a character and tips on sticking with that character. Maybe the best advice Darren teaches during the episode is how to use physicality and body-focus to perfect your voices. If all your characters sound the same, this episode is perfect for you. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Turning Topics into Premises 44:39

37 weeks ago44:39

44:39

"Cats" is a topic, but it's not until you say something like "Cats bother me as an economist." have you transformed your material into a premise. In this episode we make that distinction. We also learn how Mike's comedy teaching classes in Dallas are coming alone. And we talk about Mike's aha moment during improv training. Listen to this episode if you're unclear how to morph a topic into a premise, if you want improv advice, or you want to learn how Mike's brain works when punching up jokes for someone else's writing. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
An Hour a Day to Write Jokes? Here's What the Pros Do (Advice from 12 Comedians) 21:20

41 weeks ago21:20

21:20

We asked each of our last 12 comedy pro guests what they'd tell new comedians to do if they had an hour a day to write jokes. Here's a compilation of their best advice. Lenny Schmidt Nathan Timmel Steph Clark Kevin Rogers Dan Bakkedahl Dan Carlson Doby Maxwell Tom Clark Dr. Caleb Warren Jake Vevera Rich Talarico Adam Bloom *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Comedy Drills and Comedy Specials with Jake Vevera 51:33

42 weeks ago51:33

51:33

New York comedian and co-host of the podcast “Idiots on Parade” Jake Vevera (@jakevevera) stops by the Funny Muscle Podcast to talk about his upcoming comedy special, which is about to be released on YouTube. Jake is full of advice for new comedians like his three-sentence joke writing drill and his advice on stage time. Find out why Jake also tells new comics to pretend that their audience doesn’t speak English. (hint: It forces you to work on your cadence and timing.) *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Comedy on Cruises with Lenny Schmidt 1:08:02

44 weeks ago1:08:02

1:08:02

Lenny Schmidt stops by the Funny Muscle Podcast to teach us about the logistics of planning comedy material for 5 nights in a row on a cruise ship (hint: you got to keep track of your call-back jokes). Lenny, who has been doing comedy since the 1980s, also studied improv in Chicago. You may recognize Lenny in movies like “Joe Dirt” and “The Ugly Truth”, and TV shows; “Castle”, “True Blood”, “Big Love”, “ER”, and “Desperate Housewives.” The episode is full of great advice on how Lenny brainstorms, writes, organizes and perfects his comedy craft. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Corporate Gigs and Comedy for the Troops with Nathan Timmel 1:14:29

45 weeks ago1:14:29

1:14:29

Headlining comedian, author, and host of the podcast “Idiots on Parade” Nathan Timmel invades the Funny Muscle Podcast to talk about the current state of comedy, to tell us tricks for doing corporate gigs, and to tell us stories about performing for troops overseas. As always, we get his advice on writing and creating new material for new comics. You can find his latest comedy special “Unapologetic” on YouTube. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Writing Comedy Monologues with Ben Alper 50:53

47 weeks ago50:53

50:53

We learn about writing monologue jokes with Ben Alper who has written jokes for several decades and has seen them performed by the likes of Jay Leno and Dave Letterman. We discuss his recently published book: Live from the Beginning of Time: Late Night Comedy Monologues Through the Ages. The book imagines if there were late-night talk show hosts during things like the discovery of fire and the development of democracy. The episode will give you tips on writing jokes for topical news stories. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Mike's first set in 10 years and Book 3 Flexing Your Funny Muscle 53:40

49 weeks ago53:40

53:40

On the same week that Mike released the third book in the Funny Muscle series, he did something he hasn’t done in 10 years: he strolled on stage and performed a 5-minute set. We talk all about it in this episode. We also dust off the Humor Blueprint to diagram a few pro comics’ bits to give the listener practice identifying joke structure, humor heightening devices, and misdirection. And we debut our Humor Blueprint jingle. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Booking Talent with Dan Carlson 1:09:24

51 weeks ago1:09:24

1:09:24

Comedian, Director of the Chicago Comedy Festival, and former General Manager of Zanies Comedy Club in Rosemont, Dan Carlson, stops by the Funny Muscle Podcast. Dan teaches us how to capture a booker’s attention in the first minute of a set, how the finances between the comic and club work, and when to know if you are ready to jump from opener to middle to headliner. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
An Academic Look at Why Things are Funny: Benign Violation Theory with Dr. Caleb Warren 1:07:03

1 year ago1:07:03

1:07:03

Dr. Caleb Warren joins the podcast to give Mike and Chris an academic and research-based look at why things are funny using a framework known as the “Benign Violation Theory.” Dr. Warren is a professor in the Marketing Department at the University of Arizona and one of the authors of a paper called “Benign violations: Making immoral behavior funny.” His particular areas of research focus on what makes things funny, what makes things cool, and what helps people reach their goals. We put his humor theory to the test chatting about tinkling, roasts, and comedy crowds. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
The Comic and Booker's Advice with Steph Clark 1:06:18

1 year ago1:06:18

1:06:18

We chat with comedian Steph Clark who is also the owner of Funny Girl Events. So, we get advice from a comic's perspective as well as a booker. We learn some dos and don'ts of impressing a comedy booker, what it's like to be married to a comedian, and regional differences in comedy as Steph performs frequently in the LA area and the Midwest. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Restarting Stand-up; Copywriting and Comedy with Kevin Rogers 1:12:44

1 year ago1:12:44

1:12:44

New comics will appreciate the advice from touring comedian Kevin Rogers, who took 12 years off to build a family and business, who then had to turn his comedy creation machine back on to create 20 minutes of new material in a new generation with a whole new comedy lens. Kevin Rogers is a comedian, business guru, and author who helps businesses write the words that hook customers and boost sales. Kevin steps into Funny Muscle world to teach us how the skills of stand-up comedy augment the art of copywriting and vice versa. We also break down his new material and how he crafted it---the clips are interspersed throughout the interview. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Improv in Acting with Dan Bakkedahl (aka Congressman Roger Furlong) 1:15:30

1 year ago1:15:30

1:15:30

Actor and improvisational comedian Dan Bakkedahl stops by the podcast to chat about acting, improv, auditioning for roles, starting out in Chicago, and heightening comedy scenes. Dan is known for his role on the sitcom Life in Pieces, as Congressman Roger Furlong on the series VEEP, and as Steven Nugent in the series Legit. He also worked as a correspondent on three seasons of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Developing bits, Doing the small things, and Dry Bar Specials with "The Dented Can" Dobie Maxwell 1:25:12

1 year ago1:25:12

1:25:12

Stopping by the Funny Muscle Podcast is “The Dented Can” Dobie Maxwell. He is a comedian, actor, radio personality, comedy instructor, comedy writer and author. His passion for comedy and mentoring is quickly apparent. We chat about how he earned his set on the Late Late Show, his comedy lens, joke development, his recent Dry Bar Special, and doing the small things---outside the jokes----that can help your career as a comic. Dobie also gives us some lessons on comedy from an unexpected source: pro wrestling. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Chatting with the "Bad" Boy of Comedy: Tom Clark 1:18:40

1 year ago1:18:40

1:18:40

The "Bad" Boy of Comedy from Wisconsin Tom Clark joins the Funny Muscle Podcast to talk about: * What’s it like to do a set on Conan *Tips of doing clean comedy (especially in Utah) *How he added vulnerability to his comedy persona *Advice he learned from doing New Faces in the Montreal Comedy Festival Tom has appeared on Conan, Netflix, Comedy Central, HBO, NBC, ABC, FOX, and CBS. He starred in two comedy specials in the same year, "Outraged" on Amazon Prime & "I'm a Rescue" on Dry Bar Comedy. Tom (@TomClarkComedy) helps Mike (@mlukas1111) and Chris (@econ_comic) analyze play-by-play parts of his comedy specials. The clips are interspersed into the podcast. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
What a Weak Premise Lacks 43:48

1 year ago43:48

43:48

A comedian starts a joke by making an interesting assertion. The audience wonders, “How will they ever prove that to us with their unique take?" Mike and Chris talk about the tactics to make that happen as they break down some pro comic bits and teach how to write jokes with "premise intrigue." Like play-by-play sports analysts, they also freeze frame and diagram comic material (Louis C.K, Bill Burr, Tom Papa) by pointing out the humor blueprint elements and heightening devices those pros used to get their laughs. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
In the Writers Room at Key and Peele: Chatting with Rich Talarico 57:25

1 year ago57:25

57:25

I spill my drink, and my friend says, “Ya done messed up Ay-Ay-Ron!” My friend is quoting the viral Key and Peele sketch: The Substitute Teacher. In this episode of the Funny Muscle Podcast, we got to chat with the writer who came up with that sketch: Rich Talarico. He’s a Peabody Award-winning writer/producer with four Emmy and four WGA Award nominations, as well as an improviser, comedy teacher and stand-up comedian. We get to learn about sketch writing, the importance of writing for a specific comedy persona, what it’s like to be in the writing room on SNL and Key and Peele. He’s written for Jay Leno and has a great Carson impression. He’s also in one of the most memorable root beer commercials. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
How to Get Booked as a New Comedian 54:46

1 year ago54:46

54:46

In an effort to show how a comedian's brain instantly "blows up" a situation to notice the funny, Chris and Mike practice some improv drills at the beginning of the episode. This might send you Googling, "What are Tiddleywinks?" Then Mike tells some stories from the beginning of his comedy career to teach the tips and tactics on how a new comedian can get their first booking. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Advice from Two Veteran Comedians: Part 2 with Adam Bloom 45:53

1 year ago45:53

45:53

In part 2 of the conversation with Adam Bloom (@adambloomcomedy) we get deeper into the pedagogical side of comedy and go deeper into Adam’s book: Finding Your Comic Genius: An in-depth guide to the art of stand-up comedy.” Mike (@mlukas1111) and Chris (@econ_comic) also learn about Adam’s thoughts on comedy in the US compared to the UK, how rap and rhythm impacts comedy, and writing exercises new comedians can use to generate more material. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Finding Your Comic Genius with Adam Bloom 54:46

1 year ago54:46

54:46

Mike (@mlukas1111) and Chris (@econ_comic) chat with British comedian, writer, and author of “Finding Your Comic Genius: An in-depth guide to the art of stand-up comedy” Adam Bloom. In part 1 of the conversation with Adam (@adambloomcomedy), we chat about the self-publishing process, Adam’s first gig, and how his comedy persona has evolved since that first gig. We also hear about Adam’s process on generating new material and adding “toppers.” In the same way a veteran comic’s brain works out new material out loud, you can see Adam’s brain in action, as we chat, working out the perfect wording on advice for new comedians. His book is filled with this great advice. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Handling Hecklers: "Buff your head for a nickel!" 39:27

1 year ago39:27

39:27

“Buff your head for a nickel!” might not be a heckle you’re likely to get, but it is for Mike Lukas. And he knows how to handle it masterfully. We hear all about that funny anecdote in this episode of the Funny Muscle Podcast. Mike (@mlukas1111) arms Chris’s comedy tool belt with tools and tactics to deal with hecklers. And the lessons aren’t just for comics. These crowd-shepherding skills work in all types of situations (work presentations, weddings speeches, parole board hearings). *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Things I Learned in the First Year of Comedy I Didn't Know at the Start 58:38

1 year ago58:38

58:38

Fact checking comedy is often a fool's errand. (Well sir, I checked, and the phrase "a bushy bushy blonde hairdo, surfin' USA" does not in fact appear in the Declaration of Independence.) But sometimes it's needed. Like now. Chris (@econ_comic) and Mike (@mlukas1111) workshop a premise at the end of the episode about the famous Everest-climbing quote "because it's there," which Mike mistakenly attributed to Davy Crockett. (Kidding). We thought it was Edmund Hillary, when in fact it was George Mallory who said it. In this episode, as one of Mike's pupils, Chris reflects on what he's learned in his first year doing comedy. You can find the article at Funnymuscle.com. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Warming Up a Cold Crowd 48:07

1 year ago48:07

48:07

Forty years ago, the emcee of a comedy show would likely have been the most experienced comedian, who didn’t need any help capturing an audience. Today’s model, however, has a newer comic playing that role. So being skilled at warming up a cold crowd is an important skill for a new comic. Mike walks us through some tactics on how to get an audience’s attention before springing jokes on them. The best advice might be to think of warming up a crowd like foreplay. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Mistakes a New Comic Makes 42:54

1 year ago42:54

42:54

You’ve probably envisioned yourself performing in a crowded room, but what about a completely empty one? We get to hear about one of Mike’s successful auditions that took place in front of no one. He admits he got the gig not because he was the funniest, but because he used some tactics that a new comic often overlooks. We talk about those tactics (mic etiquette, eye contact and respecting your allotted time) as Mike gives us the top mistakes a new comedian makes. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
10 Things a New Standup Comic Needs to Do 39:53

1 year ago39:53

39:53

Does your outfit support your comedic persona? Wait! Have you even developed your unique persona? Do you have a set list? Do your jokes have misdirection? How do open mics even work? How do veteran comics deal with nerves before a performance? Mike (@mlukas1111) and Chris (@econ_comic) answer these questions and more in this episode of the Funny Muscle Podcast while giving learners a top 10 checklist to prepare for their first 5-minute open mic.…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Heightening Bits with Sound Effects and by Overstating the Obvious 41:28

1 year ago41:28

41:28

What does a golf club sound like being thrown across the course? We learn how Mike (@mlukas1111) made the frustrated golfer come alive with the humor heightening device sound effects. We also introduce "overstating the obvious" (wherein you emphasize the glaringly apparent, obviously) and "made up institutions" while discussing truth in comedy. Chris (@econ_comic) learns how to not turn your audience away by claiming to have done something you hadn't. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Expanding Your Bits with These Devices: Anthropomorphize, Contrast, Cut Back To 51:40

1 year ago51:40

51:40

Mike (@mlukas1111) and Chris (@econ_comic) talk about 3 more humor heightening devices in this episode: anthropomorphize, contrast, and cut back to. We listen to and learn about Mike’s talking alarm clock while we learn why it’s not enough to give something a voice, you must give it an attitude/opinion as well. We also learn how contrasts work with a bit about asking for the directions in New York vs. the Midwest. And we cut back to Mike’s first kiss. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
Bait and Switch, Cut Forward To, Funny Specifics (Deep Dive into Humor Heightening) 46:47

1 year ago46:47

46:47

In the previous episode Mike threw a bunch of humor heightening devices at Chris’s Plane PDA bit to show how to transform a 20 second joke into a 2-3 minute bit, but they never gave a full explanation of each heightening device. In this episode, Mike (@mlukas1111) and Chris (@econ_comic) take a deep dive into 3 specific heightening devices (bait and switch, cut forward to, and funny specifics) while dissecting a bit by Wanda Sykes and by pointing out the humor devices in the writing of David Sedaris. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
How to Heighten Your Bits 41:51

1 year ago41:51

41:51

Mike sees it all the time at open mics: a new comic does a good bit but leaves it under-developed. That 20 second joke could turn into 3 great minutes of material if the open mic-er would learn to use what Mike has dubbed the “humor heightening devices.” In this episode, Chris (@econ_comic) brings a fresh joke idea to Mike (@mlukas1111) who then runs it through the humor heightening devices to produce more and more material. We see techniques like anthropomorphizing, extension, exaggeration, different perspectives and bait and switch. This episode will give you a hands-on look at the humor heightening devices in action. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
The Humor Blueprint 52:48

1 year ago52:48

52:48

Misdirection is at the heart of getting laughs. That’s one piece of advice often overlooked by fledgling comics. In this episode, Mike (@mlukas1111) teaches how comics can use misdirection to their advantage. He does so with a tool/template he’s dubbed the Humor Blueprint. Mike teaches the Humor Blueprint, then Chris (@econ_comic) runs some famous bits through the Blueprint as practice. *** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)…

The Funny Muscle Podcast

1
The Comedy Lens 52:42

2 years ago52:42