School Of Laughs

Latest Episodes:

DUSTY SLAY: KIMMEL, CLUBS AND COUNTRY MUSIC [EP. 165] Apr 01, 2018

Show notes

Dusty Slay joins me on the podcast today to discuss all things comedy. Dusty was born and raised in Alabama. He moved to Charleston, SC and got started at first by performing Improv comedy. He tried a little stand-up comedy. His first set was great. But then the following shows were not that good and he took a four year break before trying again. Lucky for us, the second time around stuck and he has been onstage since 2008. So, ten years into comedy is where we pick up today.

DUSTY SLAY SHOW NOTES:

Specifically, Dusty Slay and I talk about:

Growing up (and writing about) living in a trailer park
Learning to write about real life
How real life comedy is easier to remember
Performing sober since 29 years old
Moving to Nashville to be more geographically centered
Landing in a new town with an hour of solid material
Moving up into headlining at comedy clubs
Resetting the stage when following high energy
Experimenting with crowd work
Adjusting delivery for different types of audience
Slowing down enough to allow the audience to react
Accepting comics who are different than you
What led up to Dusty's Jimmy Kimmel appearance
The role comedy festivals played in the appearance
The value of keeping a five minute set handy
Developing a YouTube channel

and much, much more!

DUSTY SLAY ONLINE:

Dusty Slay on Jimmy Kimmel: https://youtu.be/o5j4Y5pcbr0

Dusty Slay web site: http://dustyslay.com

Dusty Slay Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlqb-g3sQjQ

DUSTY SLAY BIO

Slay has appeared on several network shows including ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! NBC's "Last Comic Standing", the popular program "Laughs on FOX" and he was a featured comedian on "TMZ". Dusty's comedy is regularly showcased on many nationally syndicated radio programs including Sirius XM, Pandora Radio and "The Bob and Tom Radio Show". He's also been invited to numerous comedy festivals across America including: The Bridgetown Comedy Festival 2017, The Laughing Skull Festival 2015-16, The Charleston Comedy Festival and The Cape Fear Comedy Festival. Dusty won both the "Fight Night Competition" and the "Almost Famous Competition" at the Charlotte Comedy Zone in 2014. During his years in Charleston, SC Slay won The Charleston Comedy Festival Stand Up Competition two years in a row and was voted "Best Local Comic" by the readers of the Charleston City Paper in 2013 and 2014.

Episode Sponsors ...

We are sponsored today by the Clean Comedy Challenge (www.CleanComedyChallenge.com) and Patreon supporter Brad Ber. Visit PATREON to learn how you can support the podcast through a small, recurring monthly donation.

RELEASING A CD - INDY OR LABEL? [EP. 164] Mar 15, 2018

Show notes

You know the biggest decision you have when releasing a CD - Independent or Label? That is the decision I was faced with on my new release "Thinking Real Loud". This is my tenth CD. The previous nine I had done it all by myself. The recording, mixing, promoting, distribution - everything. This time around I thought about trying it a different. way. After much research I have found the pro's and con's of recording a CD independently versus working with a record label are fairly equal in risk and reward. You should weight both against each other honestly before you make your decision. There was one major factor, though, that led to my decision. Listen in for that.

Releasing a CD Show Notes We cover several points today concerning releasing a CD. Here are several things to consider when choosing a label or doing it all by yourself include:

Who has control of the experience?
Do you have the ability to set deadlines realistically and effectively?
How will Parkinson's Law apply to project completion?
What does the American Picker's have in common with comedy?
Can you get it recorded in one night?
Why you shouldn't be like Chili's
Are you able to choose, book and reserve a venue?
Are you a skilled at the technical side of recording?
Are you adept at marketing and promoting the CD
Can you handle distribution?
Can you collect royalties?

As you can see releasing a CD can be quite a process. Below are links to my project if you are interested on how it turned out and what it looks like to have a record label produce your project. Live before 3/16: https://800PGR.lnk.to/RikRobertsPreorderWE Live beginning 3/16: https://800PGR.lnk.to/RikRobertsWE RELATED PODCASTS Episode 048 about Sound Exchange Episode 065 about Discmakers Episode 152 with the founders of Third Coast Comedy Club Episode 070: With the producer of my previous CD "HALF FOOL", Nathan Meckel The record label I talked about in the episode is 800 POUND GORILLA. Episode Sponsors ...

We are sponsored today by the Clean Comedy Challenge (www.CleanComedyChallenge.com) and Patreon Supporter Bruce Bradford-Royle. Visit PATREON to learn how you can support the podcast through a small, recurring monthly donation

COMEDIC VOICE, HECKLERS & AGENTS [EP. 163] Mar 01, 2018

Show notes

Finding your comedic voice is like finding and ATM that prints money without asking for your PIN number. It is the sweetest piece of information you will never have as a comedian. Your comedic voice is that little accent that goes on all of your material. The comedic voice is your brand, style and uniqueness all rolled into one. When will you find your comedic voice? It all depends. The more times you get on stage the better chance you will have to discover it. Just doing a couple of open mics a month probably won't lead to any incredible discoveries.

It's often been said that it can take about 7 years of constant, consistent and relentless stage time to find that golden nugget. Do you have the patience and drive to push through? Will you have the same drive and recognition a few years later to notice that your voice has changed a little? Can you go through that process again? In this episode we talk about finding your comedic voice, hecklers & agents. The questions come from students of mine in Nashville, TN after a recent writing class.

SPONSORS

We are sponsored today by the Clean Comedy Challenge (www.CleanComedyChallenge.com) and by Patreon member Sean Sellers. Visit PATREON to learn how you can support the podcast through a small, recurring monthly donation

Learn more about LIVE and ONLINE comedy classes at www.SchoolofLaughs.com

KENN KINGTON IS A COMEDY PROBLEM SOLVER [EP. 122] Feb 15, 2018

Show notes

You better grab a pen and get ready to take some notes. This episode is like a mini-business course with comedian Kenn Kington. Kenn spent early years as a sales person for a Fortune 500 company. When he ventured into comedy he took that same work ethic and created a career that now spans over 30 years.

Beginning by producing his own Incredible Ultimate Date Night Comedy Events at churches across the country, Kenn finds a need and solves it. Very few comedians think this way. Instead, most have shows and need someone to solve the problem of an empty calendar. Flipping your mindset into a problem solver will pay dividends every time.

Kenn shares with us a lot of tips, including:

Meeting his wife after a DVD taping Encountering Tim Hawkins really, really early on Using video to showcase your skill set to buyers Thinking ahead and seeing others Avoiding the bait and switch approach to date nights Duct Tape Date Night conception The value of giving something away A tip he picked up from me for after shows Why you should announce your vision more than you ask for gigs I know you are going to love this episode and probably listen to it more than once. Get to know Kenn through the links below.

Kenn Kington Resources List ...

KENNWORKS.com

Follow Kenn Kington …

Website: http://www.kennkington.com

Twitter: @KennKington

School of Laughs (c) (p)

www.SchoolOfLaughs.com

VIDEO TIPS WITH BRIAN KOHATSU [EP 161] Feb 01, 2018

Show notes

Brian Kohatsu joins us today to talk about the comedy scene in Arizona. And, there is more going on than you might think. From the Improv in Tempe to the Orpheum in Flagstaff and everything in between, the comedy scene is alive and well.

Brian has a background in Improv comedy, stand-up and lucky for us - videography!

We spend a good deal of the episode going over "down and dirty" tips on how to get high quality video without spending a ton of money. Lots of times, you have tools at your disposal already and just need tap into it.

Included in the conversation ….

Tips we picked up from Dennis Miller
Full list of clubs in the Arizona area
Recording from the mixing board
How to mic the audience
Having multiple options for audio
Using your cell phone for audio, video or editing
Trouble shooting the showroom in advance
Recording easy in the week to get the settings right
Spending money when it counts
The evolution from reel to reel, to mini-disc to SD cards
Vinyl making a come back
Selling 8-Tracks after shows

The YouTube link to the "Video Tips for Comedians with Brian Kohatsu"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV3651ndKrU

Brian teaches Improv at Stir Crazy Comedy Club https://stircrazycomedyclub.com/

OTHER AZ CLUBS:

The Tempe Improv: www.tempeimprov.com

Stand Up Live: www.standuplive.com/

Rick Bronson's House of Comedy: https://moa.houseofcomedy.net/

Comedy Spot (Scottsdale): thecomedyspot.net/

Laff's Cafe (Tuscon): https://www.laffstucson.com/

The Orpheum (Flagstaff): https://www.orpheumflagstaff.com/

Follow Brian Kohatsu …

Here is Brian's Website: https://www.briankohatsu.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/brian.kohatsu

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/briankohatsu/

Twitter https://twitter.com/BrianKohatsu

YouTube

Sponsors ...

This episode was sponsored by the CLEAN COMEDY CHALLENGE and PATREON supporter NEIL RITTLE.

JASON MICHAELS - ACCOMPLISH THE IMPOSSIBLE [EP. 160] Jan 15, 2018

Show notes

Jason Michaels joins us today to talk about performing as a magician and … overcoming Tourette Syndrome. Accomplishing the impossible can seem daunting. Impossible, even. But what is impossible anyway? Often times it is a self-limiting thought revolving around our mind. We feel trapped by it and allow it to keep us from our fun potential.

Jason Michaels has learned to overcome such limitations and proves it every time he steps on stage.

We cover quite about of ground in this episode. Specifically, we talk about:

Getting started in magic
How acting helped him notice he could focus
Learning he had Tourettes syndrome
Key to getting good volunteers on stage
Discovering his show is not about him
A mentor to helped him tell his story
His new book
Creating a web site that sells

For more on Jason Michaels check out:

BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Impossible-Too-Professional/dp/099892900X

Stephen Bargatze's episode link

https://schooloflaughs.com/093-stephen-bargatze-i-hate-kids-podcast/

WebSite: https://www.jasonmichaelsmagic.com/

TED talk: https://youtu.be/Z6BXeIjnaYE"?rel=0"

Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by Patreon supporter Jason Dux and by the Clean Comedy Challenge.

Visit www.CleanComedyChallenge.com for more info on the locations and dates for this event.

And, if you would like to sponsor the show through a monthly donation on Patreon, visit www.SchoolOfLaughs.com/Patreon for more info.

BEST AND WORST OF 2017 [EP. 159] Jan 01, 2018

Show notes

Today I am joined by Jonnie W. and Brian Bates to discuss our best and worst of 2017. We kick it off with the worst shows because let's face it that is more interesting!

As years change we find ourselves reflecting back on the good, the bad, and the ugly. Regardless of how hard you plan ahead there'll always be a few surprises along the way. Even after 26 years as a full-time Comedian there are surprises. That is what makes it a fun career.

We talk about the value of a great and commanding introduction. And how a lack of one can set you up for failure. Rick wonders allowed if one of his speeches resulted in the firing of the one who hired him. Brian Bates just got out of jail. And lots of guys there thanked him for visiting.

We also talk about what lies ahead in 2018. Each of us have set forth a goal for the new year. From writing more biblically-based material, to being more fearless, we establish a target for the year ahead.

So what was your best and worst of 2017? I would love to hear from you about your successes and failures. And what is your goal for 2018? Comment below, or send an email to schooloflaughs@gmail.com. Let me know if I can read them on the air.

Do you want to get more laughs in 2018? Maybe your writing needs to be punched up. Or maybe you just need to get started from scratch. Check out the online writing class available or attend one of the live courses in Nashville. Half the battle is knowing what not to do. The other half is developing great habits early in your career. There is no need to go it alone when there are so many resources available online. Whether it is my course or another one do yourself a favor and save many years of frustration by looking at the roadmap first.

This episode of the school last podcast is brought to you by Patreon supporter Seth Knorr. To learn how you can support the podcast through a small, recurring monthly donation check out www.schooloflaughs.com/PATREON.

STARTING YOUR OWN COMEDY SHOW [EP. 158] Dec 15, 2017

Show notes

Today I am joined by students who want to know insights on starting your own comedy show, how to get started when you are an introvert, getting spots on booked shows and writing for others.

Learn more about upcoming comedy classes and workshops at www.SchoolOfLaughs.com

Send your questions to SchoolOfLaughs@gmail.com and I will answer them on an upcoming show.

JOSH NOVEY A COMEDIAN ON THE MOVE [EP. 157] Dec 01, 2017

Show notes

Josh Novey is a self proclaimed "Fat Veteran". I would describe more like a gentle bear of a comedian. At almost 8 years into his comedy journey Josh has found his groove and is putting in the work to make it more than full time job. Having just recorded a DVD despite strep throat and laryngitis, Josh sits down to talk all things comedy.

Specifically, we discuss:

Overcoming the juvenile tendencies of most open mics How a comedy seminar fast tracked his ability to go pro Creating your own shows The comedy scene in Des Moines, IA Preparing his DVD before and after the recording Reaping the rewards of high quality video footage His upcoming move to Los Angeles

And much, much more.

An Iraq War veteran, Josh has used his humor and easy-going stage presence to entertain thousands of people. Josh is a clean comedian, so every time he goes on stage you know the whole family will be able to enjoy. Your mom will love his charm and find him endearing and your dad will think he's tough because he was in the Army. He has performed across the United States at corporate events, fundraisers, clubs, coffee shops, colleges, churches and veterans groups.

Find out more about Josh at:

http://joshnovey.com

https://www.facebook.com/joshnoveycomedy

LAUGH HARDER WITH DEVIN HENDERSON [EP. 156] Nov 15, 2017

Show notes

Devin Henderson joins me to day to talk about corporate entertaining. He started magic at 11 years old. After college he went full speed ahead after his dream. Not full speed, he slows down to have kids - 5 of them - from time to time.

This episode is brought to you by Patreon Supporter Seth Knorr.

We met up at the National Speakers Association conference this past year. Specifically, we talked about:

His audition for America's Got Talent
Transitioning from purely doing magic into more comedy and speaking
What happened when I did a slide show with no slides
How his daughters inspire his comedy
The Girl Talk Song
Going #8
Not comparing yourself to others
Investing in yourself
The Christian Comedy Association

Devin Henderson takes humor seriously. He teaches that humor in the workplace isn't just nice to have, it's a must-have for any organization looking to boost overall creativity, productivity, camaraderie and fun. An organization with happy people makes happy customers. Devin isn't just a funny speaker who makes people laugh, he helps people learn to engage their sense of humor as a useful life skill. If you're looking for a hilarious and interactive motivational speaker to address humor in a way that will help your people deal with difficult situations and difficult people, Devin Henderson is the keynote speaker for you.

Find him on Facebook

on YOUTUBE

On Line: http://devinhenderson.com

"Hold" music provided by https://www.bensound.com

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected