School Of Laughs

Latest Episodes:

BEING OPEN TO OPPORTUNITY (EP. 125] Nov 02, 2016

Show notes

Kerri Pomarolli has a diverse background in comedy. With experience in Sketch, TV, Stand-UP and Speaking, she stays open to opportunities in a variety of areas of show business. After moving to L.A. in her early twenties, she soon started to find work in all kinds of areas. Now a mother of two, she continues to bring the laughs and shows no signs of slowing down.

Specifically we talk about:

Learning improv and sketch with the Groundlings and Second City
Appearing in over 25 sketches on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Being married to a comedian
Having her babies on stage (with her) sometimes
Working with people ahead of where you are to get better
The benefits of groups like CCA and NSA
Why you should always be nice to the folks in hair and makeup
Taking classes from Judy Carter
How feedback from a manager at the Improv helped fuel her drive
Advice for beginning comedians

Follow Kerri Pomarolli!

You can find out a lot more about Kerri Pomarolli on her website: http://www.kerripom.com.

Follow her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube today!

SPONSORS:

This episode is brought to you by PATREON SPONSOR BRIAN BATES and by Audible. Visit www.audibletrial.com/schooloflaughs for a free audio download and 3o day trial!

OUR SPONSORS

"Club 52" is a 52 week, email based stand-up program. It will include a weekly challenge designed to help you become a better comedian. This year long program will feature an email every Friday from me. I will ask you to take a serious look at some of your business practices, writing processes, performance techniques, branding, marketing and a whole lot more.

The program starts the week you join and continues for 52 weeks as long as you are still supporting the podcast through Patreon at the $7 a month level.

Questions? Email me (Rik) at SchoolOfLaughs@gmail.com. Or call 1-888-895-8549. Or. if you are ready, head on over to www.Patreon.com/SchoolOfLaughs to get started.

=========

ROAD DOG TRAVEL TIPS [EP. 124] Oct 26, 2016

Show notes

Travel tips from our road dog listeners will have you traveling in good company and avoiding major stresses and hassles. Following this list of travel tips and I guarantee you will enjoy the road a little more!

I've been on the road since 1991. "Back in the day" I had no cell phone, GPS or satellite radio. It was a drag. Late nights with the gas tank running on empty, long drives on low budgets - the grind was on and the road was a challenge.

Top Travel Tips

Luckily, today there are a lot fo great apps, and options for getting to the gig in style. Apps like Gas Buddy, Waze and Google Maps help take some of the guesswork out of getting to and from the gig.

And the cell phone itself, can be a huge asset in case you find yourself broke down or lost. In fact, it can be a huge asset in documenting your trip details. Use the camera to take a picture of your starting and ending mileage. Snap a shot of that dent in your rental car before you drive off the lot. In the hotel, take a photo of the hotel phone (which has the room number, address and hotel name) and text to your loved ones so they know where you are and how to get in touch with you in case of an emergency.

There are more than 50 insightful tips on this episode that you can't afford not to hear.

As the list is delivered I will also share some of my insane travel habits and possibly illegal actions on staying treated on the road. Want more? Okay - this episode contains three of my original comedy songs about traveling as well!

Did we miss something? Shoot your best travel tips to schooloflaughs@gmail.com and I'll include it in the next travel podcast.

OUR SPONSORS

This episode is brought to you by our PATREON sponsors and by Audible. Visit www.audibletrial.com/schooloflaughs for a free audio book download and 3o day trial!

The program starts the week you join and continues for 52 weeks as long as you are still supporting the podcast through Patreon at the $7 a month level.

Questions? Email me (Rik) at SchoolOfLaughs@gmail.com. Or call 1-888-895-8549. Or, if you are ready, head on over to www.Patreon.com/SchoolOfLaughs to get started.

NINE MONTHS INTO STAND-UP COMEDY [EP. 123] Oct 19, 2016

Show notes

Today I am joined by one of my students "Straussie". Straussie took the Stand-Up Comedy Level One: Writing class back in February. Then he followed through with the Level Two: Performance Class and the Business of Comedy Class. I could tell right away this guy doesn't mess around. He is serious about things and is now nine months into stand-up comedy.

We talk a little about his growing up in Australia and his move ten years or so ago to America to pursue the music business. He is still part of that industry as a production manager for a country music artist. That job has served him well as he has made many connections with folks who are gifted in a variety of skills that compliment his development as a comedian.

We talk about the ups and downs and challenges of getting yourself started in the world of stand-up comedy. Specifically, we talk about:

Taking the comedy writing class and seeing what goes into being a great comedian
Utilizing friendships and connections to help with his web site
Using SquareSpace to host his site
Hiring a rock and roll photographer to shoot his pictures
Using a white background so he could easily photoshop them
Hiring out his graphics through Fiverr
One message his site is sending that he didn't see coming
The challenge of finding time for everything that goes into stand-up
Producing his own comedy show "Straussie With Mates" in Nashville
The benefit of hosting that show
The format and the style of the show
How he promoted the show and how many turned out
What he learned form the experience
The importance of creating deadlines
Parkinson's Law and how it applies to the comedy business
Developing his YouTube channel, uploading videos
What he learned at the CLEAN COMEDY CONFERENCE in San Diego
Some advice he got that he needs to now implement
What he has planned for the remainder of the year

and a whole lot more!

This episode is brought to you by PATREON SPONSOR CHELLE BAXTER and by Audible. Visit www.audibletrial.com/schooloflaughs for a free audio download and 3o day trial!

JOIN CLUB 52!!!

The program starts the week you join and continues for 52 weeks as long as you are still supporting the podcast through Patreon at the $7 a month level.

Questions? Email me (Rik) at SchoolOfLaughs@gmail.com. Or call 1-888-895-8549. Or. if you are ready, head on over to www.Patreon.com/SchoolOfLaughs to get started.

BEING VULNERABLE ONSTAGE [EP. 122] Oct 12, 2016

Show notes

Today I meet up with clean comedian and radio show host Daren Streblow. I've known Daren for awhile and he has always been super funny and extremely gracious. Today we talk a lot about the inner mind workings of a stand-up comedian. And we talk in depth about being vulnerable onstage.

Specifically we talk about:

Finding your point of view
Sharing personal stories on stage
Being vulnerable onstage to the point of being terrified
Where the focus should be early on in your career (not what you think)
One trait that great clean AND dirty comics share

and much, much more!

This episode is brought to you by Jonathan Wright and by Audible. Visit www.audibletrial.com/schooloflaughs for a free audio download and 30 free day trial!

Visit www.SchoolOFLaughs.com for info on online, live and one-on-one personal comedy classes. You can email, schooloflaughs@gmail.com to ask a question to be answered on the show.

DUSTIN NICKERSON IS PATIENT [EP. 121] Oct 06, 2016

Show notes

Today's episode with Dustin Nickerson is brought to you by our Patreon Sponsors. And also by AUDIBLE.COM, where you can download a free audio book and enjoy a free 30 day trial by going to www.AudibleTrial.com/SchoolOfLaughs.

Dustin Nickerson is a San Diego based comedian. He's clean, clever and committed to the journey and wherever it may lead. At 31 years old he is married with there kids. He and his wife work at a SALVATION ARMY Recreation Center and he pursues stand-up comedy on the side.

We cover a lot of ground in this episode, including:
Seeing Mike Bribiglia while in College (University of Washington)
Absorbing a ton of Comedy Central Half Hour Specials
Moving to San Diego from Seattle to work at another church
Checking off stand-up comedy from his bucket list
Catching the comedy bug after his first 3 minute set
How his curiosity fueled his development
The benefit of being a little older
Understanding the business side of things
The need to be excellent especially when at a new club
How hard work, timing and dumb luck all play into getting booked
Why not to be overeager when you are just starting out
How many funnier comics are ahead of Dustin Nickerson in L.A.
The "Ferris Wheel" of obligation
The hard work of being an EMCEE for events outside of the club
Why he's in no hurry to go "full time"
The NEGATIVE aspects of going full time
The goals he has as he works his way towards being excellent

And then we both offer up some new comedy concepts to work on in the next few weeks

About Dustin Nickerson

Dustin Nickerson performs in clubs, colleges, corporate events, churches, casinos, and colleges throughout the country. Dustin brings you into his life through his jokes about marriage, kids, culture, childhood, and being called "Justin" his whole life. Original, candid, poignant, observational, relatable, and engaging are words often used to describe Dustin's brand of comedy.

FOLLOW DUSTIN ON TWITTER

Born and raised in Seattle, but now adjusting to life in Southern California, Dustin is a humble yet intelligent comic. He's been seen on the Fox, the PBS Comedy Hour, Hulu, Rooftop Comedy, ComedyTime TV, UT-TV, and is a weekend regular at dozens of clubs across the country. He's showcased for Comedy Central Up Next, the Christian Comedy Association National Conference, has been heard on the Daren Streblow Comedy Show, KSDW 88.9FM, as well as the Scott and BR Show on 1090AM.

He describes himself as "the world's most average person" but is far from it when on stage.

LINKEDIN STRATEGIES WITH DAVE DELANEY [EP. 120] Sep 28, 2016

Show notes

This episode is brought to you by all of our Patreon sponsors and Audible.com!

Today I talk with digital marketing consultant Dave Delaney (FutureForth.com) about the power of LinkedIn strategies for comedians and speakers.

The Nashville Business Journal calls him a "power leader of technology in Nashville". He is the recipient of the prestigious Digital Media Champion AIM Award by the American Marketing Association in Nashville.

So, he gets it. Fortunately for us, we can pick his brain a little and try to absorb some of that knowledge.

We cover a lot of ground, specifically we talk about:

LinkedIn Strategies for leveraging our "connections"
Making sure our profile is "keyword rich"
Why SEO is important even on LinkedIn
One aspect of LInkedIN we probably aren't tapping into
Using SLIDESHARE to get videos onto LInkedIN
Creating mini e-books
Ways to ask for recommendations
How to leave a recommendation
Search tips including how to reach decision makers
Using Gumroad to accept money for products
Advanced search options
Exporting our connections (including their emails) for marketing
Using a CRM like Contactually to help organize "buckets" of leads
Judd Apatow's book "Sick in the head" and Dave's article that summarizes it

and much, much more. If you are in need of LinkedIn Strategies then this is the episode yo'v been waiting for! Grab a pen, paper and headphones and listen in!

ABOUT DAVE DELANEY ...

Dave Delaney is a popular keynote speaker, author and digital marketing consultant. When he is not focusing on his clients, he can be found hanging with his family, and writing here and on his personal blog.

Delaney is best recognized for his work in the digital marketing, social media strategy, and business networking spaces. Delaney is the author of the acclaimed book, New Business Networking, and has a bi-monthly column in The Tennessean newspaper.

Delaney has been featured in Billboard Magazine as a digital marketing expert to follow on Twitter. In 2015, Forbes featured him as a professional networking expert to watch. Delaney has also appeared in articles in USA Today, BBC, Entrepreneur, Mashable, Venture Beat, The Tennessean, Nashville Business Journal, and Toronto Globe and Mail.

Follow Dave on TWITTER, or FACEBOOK

OUR SPONSORS

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR STAND-UP COMEDY TO BE ON THE PODCAST?

I am looking for a few listeners who have new premises they would like to brainstorm. If you have the ability to RECORD your set, I would love to have you on the show! We will brainstorm over a Google Hangout, then you will need to bring back an audio clip within two weeks to include in the show.

Limited time 20% off coupon code for online courses!

Use coupon code "20POD20" for 20% off any online comedy writing class during the month of September, 2016. Just enter that coupon code at check out to reduce your investment by 20%. Visit THIS PAGE to view the course offerings.

STAND UP COMEDY EXAMINED [EP. 119] Sep 22, 2016

Show notes

This episode is brought to you by Patreon sponsor Al Smith.

Today we dig knee deep into how to turn a funny thought into a full blown comedy bit. I am interviewed by Rick Altizer on his radio show which airs here in Nashville Saturday mornings at 9:30 on 106.3 FM. Rick is a songwriter, recording artist, music producer, film director and all around phenomenal talent. He produced the feature film Chonda Pierce - Laughing In The Dark and is working on her next movie as we speak.

He picks my brain on what makes comedians tick. Specifically we talk about:

The definition of a Christian comedian
Reading an audience and picking the best material
How I added teaching and coaching to my stand-up comedy career
Why isolating laugh triggers helped me move from middle act to headliner
How comics can layer techniques into their punchline to guarantee a laugh
Exploring a punchline to see where you can take the joke further
The process of writing and the importance of letting things "marinade"
Examining your material to see how you can parlay the punch line into something more powerful
The importance of creating a true connection
The right amount of self-deprecating humor and when to pull back
Why making fun of yourself first is necessary before picking on others
What is truly shocking in today's comedy world
Using comedy to open the door to deeper conversations

And so much more ...

ABOUT RIK ALTIZER:

The Rick Altizer Show is a weekly 30-minute program that interviews Nashville artists, directors, song writers and industry leaders. Host Rick Altizer is himself part of the entertainment industry—as a songwriter, recording artist, music producer and film director. This program focuses on how the truth of the Gospel is communicated through the entertainment medium in today's culture.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE ON THE PODCAST?

Limited time 20% off coupon code for online courses!

FROM VOICE TO A VISION [EP. 118] Sep 15, 2016

Show notes

This episode is brought to you by Patreon sponsor Jeff Roberts. To learn how you can support the podcast, visit www.SchoolOfLaughs.com/Patreon.

Sandi Joy Chadwick turned what could have been a major disappointment (loss of her singing voice) into a victory when she switched her focus to comedy. It took a little encouragement from others to take that initial step. Another nudge from a co-worker led to some bigger breaks.

Today Sandi is 20 some odd months into her journey as a full time comedian. We cover a lot of ground, including:

The differences between singing and stand-up
Why WalMart worked out for her
Winning a nationwide talent show
Appearing at the same event as Tom Cruise
Connecting and building rapport with the audience
The importance of networking
The one thing you can't outsource as a comedian
Taking chances during a show
The benefit of a supportive family
Going full time and the challenges associated with it

and much, much more!

Learn more about Sandi Joy Chadwick!

Visit her WEBSITE: SandiJoyComedy.com

Instagram: SandiJoyFul

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE ON THE PODCAST?

Limited time 20% off coupon code for online courses!

3 NEW JOKES [EP. 117] Sep 09, 2016

Show notes

This "3 NEW JOKES" episode is brought to you by Patreon sponsor Jeana Medlin. To learn how you can support the podcast, visit www.SchoolOfLaughs.com/Patreon.

We follow up last week's premise session with Jonnie W. and Brian Bates. They both pop back by the headquarters with audio clips. Last week's premises are now jokes. But, how solid are they?

We listen to Jonnie's clip about Church Nurseries and wonder ...

Would this joke work as a cold opener?
Is it okay to drop babies on their head?
Can the set-up be little shorter?

We listen to Brian's clip about Critters and wonder ...

Is there a t-shirt idea sitting in the punch line?
Could the joke concept be a book?
Where can we take it next?

We listen to my clip about 3D Printers and ponder ...

Do I really need to ask the audience a question to set it up?
Am I putting myself in the audience's shoes?
What is the next direction for the joke?

In all, we each learned that our instincts were fairly in tune with our choice of wording and phrasing in the initial joke. We also discovered that sometime pausing and giving the audience a chance to think can lead to a bigger laugh. We welcome your input and ideas as well. Feel free to send any ideas for these jokes to SchoolOfLaughs@gmail.com and I'll pass it along to the fellas.

DVD PROJECT FOLLOW UP

We also follow up with Jonnie W. about his DVD project. What went right? What went wrong? Where could he have better spent his money? How did the IndieGoGo aspect work out? And much more. Very insightful and honest info that can help you in your next project. To order Jonnie's DVD of CD, visit www.JonnieW.com.

Brian Bates is also in the final stage of releasing his first CD "Easy Out". Brain's site is www.BrianBatesComedy.com.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE ON THE PODCAST?

Limited time 20% off coupon code for online courses!

PREMISE, PREMISE, PREMISE [EP. 116] Sep 01, 2016

Show notes

This episode is brought to you by Patreon sponsor Kevin Hardy!

Today I am joined by former students (and now full time comedians) Jonnie W. and Brian Bates. We frequently hangout and run jokes and ideas past each others. I thought we should record this and let you in on the process. It's not rocket science. But, it is insightful to see how different people find humor in different areas of a premise.

The premise is the absolute most important part of your joke. It is the horse that the laughs rode in on. It is the structure that the bit is built upon. It's the tree limb that helps bear the fruit of funny.

After we clarify our premises we walk through ideas for punch lines, tags and other sub-premises that the idea can lead to. It is a fun time.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE ON THE PODCAST?

Next week we will follow up with results from this session. We each will bring in a recording of the joke in front of a live audience. After we listen we will trouble shoot any dead spots and see if we can add some more to each joke.

We welcome your input and ideas as well. Feel free to send any ideas for these jokes to SchoolOfLaughs@gmail.com and I'll pass it along to the fellas.

Limited time 20% off coupon code for online courses!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected