School Of Laughs

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START YOUR BIG PODCAST with DAVID HOOPER [EP. 195] Jul 01, 2019

Show notes

PODCAST TIPS FROM DAVID HOOPER

David Hooper has released "BIG PODCAST – Grow Your Podcast Audience, Build Listener Loyalty & Get Everybody Talking About Your Show". This book has changed the way I think about doing interviews and producing my show. If you are considering releasing a podcast, you are going to love this interview!

We cover a lot of ground, specifically:

Determining WHY you want to do a show
Landing on a s STYLE and PERSONALITY for your podcast
Advantages of a podcast over stage show
The influence of reviews on potential listeners
Frequency of release
Value of consistency
Understanding you need to have a point
Using an outline – or not?
Discovering your audience
Sharing your philosophy and opinions
A simple format for putting together an episode
Equipment set up and choices
How to make the files sound good and get smaller
Where to host your podcast

And much, much more!

Link not working? Try HERE instead.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DAVID HOOPER

Want to buy Dave's book? Purchase BIG PODCAST on AMAZONtoday!

Get the QUICK START PODCAST GUIDE FOR FREE AT bigpodcast.com

David Hooper has also appeared on MARKETING, A MUSIC BUSINESS TAKE where we cover how to use examples fro the music industry to apply to your comedy career.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT:

This episode is brought to you by Patreon supporter JEREMY LEEand CLUB 52.

Club 52 is a one-year program designed to challenge you to get bigger, better and more bookable. You will be prompted to examine your material, performance and business practices via email each week.

CLICK PIC FOR MORE DETAILS

You will define your stage persona, style and point of view. You will learn how to create expectations through your marketing, branding and introductions. From nailing your elevator pitch, to refining your value proposition, you will learn how to make it easier for bookers to hire you.

Meet comics from around the country during a quarterly online "hangout". As a group, we tackle our top struggles and how to approach overcoming them. Think of it as your personal monthly mastermind group. Over the course of the year you will learn how to get more gigs, and leverage every opportunity that comes your way.

Sound good?

Club 52 is available to anyone supporting the podcast through Patreon at $7 a month or more. To learn more about Patreon, just click here. Or go to SchoolOflaughs.com/Patreon

ANDREW STANLEY - DARK IN A LIGHT PLACE [EP. 194] Jun 15, 2019

Show notes

Andrew Stanley graduated from college with a finance degree. He always thought he was funny but didn't know how to explore writing comedy. A mutual friend introduced Andrew to Scott Dunn, who writes for a lot of great comedians (Listen to Scott's Episode of the podcast here). Scott recommended Andrew write five minutes of jokes, and then go do them at the local comedy club open mic.

Andrew hesitated at first because of a fear of speaking in public. His father and grandfather are well known and respected pastors. Yet, he didn't see himself as someone who would stand in front of strangers and talk for a living. But he mustered up a few jokes and attended an open mic at the Laughing Skull in Atlanta.

With 20 comedians doing five minutes each, he remembers leaving there thinking he wasn't the best, but wasn't the worst. He decided to keep at it. Lucky for us he did.

We cover a lot of ground on the podcast, including:

How his father Andy Stanley influenced my podcast
How the School of Laughs podcast influenced Andrew's early days
How Lace Larabee encouraged him to pursue comedy
Inviting friends out to see you perform
Transitioning out of work and into Stand-Up Comedy
Who was the last one to decide he should go into comedy full time
Balancing church and comedy club events
Being dark in the light place and light in the dark place
Early successes that have led to more work
The Catalyst Conference
The blessings of family
The benefits of clean comedy
Confusing family-friendly with clean comedy
Venn diagram of what works in comedy environments
Building material that works in all places
Starting with a punchline and building the joke from there
The necessity of stage time
Exploring writing processes
Learning when and how to say "no" to wrong opportunities

AND A WHOLE LOT MORE!

Follow Andrew Stanley:

https://twitter.com/andrewWstanley

https://www.facebook.com/andrew.stanley.986

https://www.instagram.com/andrewwstanley/

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT:

This episode is brought to you by Patreon supporter DUSTIN CRIDERand CLUB 52.

Club 52 is a one-year program designed to challenge you to get bigger, better and more bookable. You will be prompted to examine your material, performance and business practices via email each week.

Sound good?

Club 52 is available to anyone supporting the podcast through Patreon at $7 a month or more. To learn more about Patreon, just click here. Or go to SchoolOflaughs.com/Patreon

STAGE FRIGHT, STOLEN JOKES, GETTING PAID [EP. 193] Jun 01, 2019

Show notes

Stage Fright, Stolen Jokes, Getting Paid

On this "After School Special" I take questions from a handful of students (along with a spouse of a student) about comedy.

Matt asks about the best way to get a joke out of your notebook and on to the stage. And, he also asks how many jokes I've written since I began stand-up comedy? I tackle those questions and if you want to know more you can listen to STAND UP COMEDY FIRST STEPS [EP. 144] for more tips!

Chris wants to know when should a comedian expect to start making some money? The real answer is "how soon can you develop 15-20 solid minutes?" Along with the answers on this podcast you might be interested in listening to HOW DO I GET PAID TO DO COMEDY? [EP. 015] and PAID WORK AT A COMEDY CLUB – AM I READY? [EP. 014] .

Sheila asks about ways to overcome the fear of performing. Stage fright is the product of fear. Some fear is rational. Other fear ... totally ridiculous! Listen in for the answer. If you would like even more tips, you might like OVERCOMING STAGE FRIGHT [EP. 054] .

How do you protect your material from being stolen?, asks Dave. It's a great question. We've tackled it before in JOKE THIEVES – STOLEN LAUGHTER [EP. 031] if you would like a deeper answer.

And Chris' wife asks for tips on how to be a supportive spouse. I think this is great! How awesome it is for Chris to have the support of his wife as he pursues a dream. We discuss the role of support here. And for a wider look at the topic, you may like STARTING COMEDY LATE IN LIFE [EP. 108] and COMEDY CAREER-HOME LIFE BALANCE [EP. 013] .

Other Q & A Podcast Episodes

If you like this type of Q & A format, here are some more episodes you might enjoy:

12 TIPS COMEDIANS CAN’T IGNORE [EP. 002]

AFTER SCHOOL SPECIAL [EP. 016]

MAIL BAG, FIX-A-JOKE [EP. 091]

LISTENER EMAIL QUESTIONS [EP. 107]

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT:

This episode is brought to you by Patreon supporter KATIE SHAFERand CLUB 52.

Club 52 is a one-year program designed to challenge you to get bigger, better and more bookable. You will be prompted to examine your material, performance and business practices via email each week.

CLICK PIC FOR MORE DETAILS

Sound good?

Club 52 is available to anyone supporting the podcast through Patreon at $7 a month or more. To learn more about Patreon, just click here. Or go to SchoolOflaughs.com/Patreon

KERRI POMORALLI COMEDY PRO TIPS [EP. 192] May 15, 2019

Show notes

Kerri Pomarolli joins us today to discuss tips for beginning comedians. Kerri is a talented stand-up, writer and performer. She has penned five books, sold two scripts to the Hallmark Channeland also coaches new comedians through her site TheLaughDr.com

Kerri is based in Los Angeles. She has appeared in over 75 stage productions and had recurring roles on Port Charles, and The Young and The Restless and "General Hospital". She has been in motion pictures such as "DeadLock", and her latest is on Netflix, "The Brennan Manning Story"

All that to say, listen to her tips!!!

Kerri Pomarolli Show Notes

We cover a lot of useful information fro new comedians today. Including,

Why writing is the KEY to comedy
How taking classes or having a mentor is crucial to a quick start
The one thing there is NO SUBSTITUTE for if you want to be a great comedian
How many shows she thinks it takes to get your feet wet in comedy
Her comedy barometer for getting to the punch line
Why TAGS are so great
Why a joke is like a telegram
When it is a good idea to TURN DOWN an agent
Comedy crowds versus church audiences
How to dress for a show
Script writing tips
How to pitch a script

and so much more!

If you enjoy listening to Kerri, check out this previous episode where we discuss how to recognize and take advantage of opportunity.

BE OPEN TO OPPORTUNITY W/ KERRI POMAROLLI [EP. 125]

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT:

This episode is brought to you by Patreon supporter Paul Swann and CLUB 52.

Club 52 is a one-year program designed to challenge you to get bigger, better and more bookable. You will be prompted to examine your material, performance and business practices via email each week.

DO BUSINESS BETTER WITH DAMIAN MASON [EP. 191] May 01, 2019

Show notes

DAMIAN MASON

Do Business Better is the new book from Speaker/Author Damian Mason. The goal of the book is to fine tune your Traits, Habits and Actions to help you succeed. As entrepreneurs we can get bogged down with "tasks" instead of business. Our very nature has us chasing squirrels and looking for the next thing. After reading this book, I've been able to get that focus back and identify what has been working and what has not.

Damian Mason and I go back a few years. I've watched him develop three separate programs to serve his clients. This latest book is an offshoot of his new program.

If the name sounds familiar, it's because I had Damian on the show abc in episode 150 talking about THE BUSINESS OF CREATIVITY. It's definitely worth another listen.

DO BUSINESS BETTER WITH DAMIAN MASON Show Notes

We cover a lot of ground in this fast-paced interview. Including:

How to serve your clients well
Being prepared to develop the next thing before it's necessary
Identifying your strengths and weaknesses
How you can tap into your TALENT STACK
The benefits of breaking down tape of your set/program
And much, much more

In fact so much more, that is you are a Patreon Club 52 member - there is a bonus podcast waiting for you! Just head on over to PATREONright now to listen.

And this is me on his podcast (click pic to listen):

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DAMIAN MASON

Web SIte: https://www.damianmason.com

Facebook

Twitter

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT:

This episode is brought to you by Patreon supporter JOSH LISTONand CLUB 52.

Club 52is a one-year program designed to challenge you to get bigger, better and more bookable. You will be prompted to examine your material, performance and business practices via email each week.

CLICK PIC FOR MORE DETAILS

Sound good?

Club 52 is available to anyone supporting the podcast through Patreon at $7 a month or more. To learn more about Patreon, just click here. Or go to SchoolOflaughs.com/Patreon

AARON SORRELS THE UNEMPLOYED ALCOHOLIC [EP. 190] Apr 15, 2019

Show notes

AARON SORRELS

Aaron Sorrels "The Unemployed Alcoholic" approaches comedy, speaking and recovery support in a nonthreatening way.He shares stories and lessons he's learned while respecting other peoples' boundaries and decisions. After years of struggling with alcohol and the results of its impact, he got clean, got focused and got funny. Aaron uses humor to facilitate the steps of recovery. He takes the stage with a purpose to bring the laughs and work through the struggles associated with addiction and recovery.

He's developed the REAL Supportmodel and will not judge, criticize or attempt to control people. Click here to read more about REAL Support.

AARON SORRELS Show Notes

We talk about a variety of things including:

The lifestyle and decisions that led to the point of recovery
How a podcast host showed up at his first attempt at stand-up
How to navigate performing in bars as a recovering alcoholic
The value of connecting with other comedians
Making sure he maintains a Christ-Centered walk
Creating stage time with CleanComedyTime.com
Building relationships in comedy

And a whole lot more!

In fact so much more, that is you are a Patreon Club 52 member - there is a bonus podcast waiting for you! Just head on over to PATREONright now to listen.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT AARON SORRELS

Web SIte: theUnemployedAlcoholic.com

Join his newsletter list: https://theunemployedalcoholic.com/noteworthy

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT:

This episode is brought to you by Patreon supporter ALLEN-MICHAEL HARBER and CLUB 52.

Club 52 is a one-year program designed to challenge you to get bigger, better and more bookable. You will be prompted to examine your material, performance and business practices via email each week.

Sound good?

Club 52 is available to anyone supporting the podcast through Patreon at $7 a month or more. To learn more about Patreon, just click here. Or go to SchoolOflaughs.com/Patreon

PUNCHLINES IN PAJAMAS WITH MARTY SIMPSON [EP. 189] Apr 01, 2019

Show notes

Join us for an online open mic night! Yes - you can do time or just sit back and watch/listen. It will be a blast and is really easy to be part of the fun. Just click here and follow the three simple steps to signing up:

https://www.martysimpson.com/punchlines-in-pajamas.html

MARTY SIMPSON Show Notes

We talk about a variety of things including:

Playing for the South Carolina Gamecocks
Coaching at a private school
First time onstage emceeing a 5 hour talent show
Harsh realties of Last Comic Standing
Networking with comics by helping them
Influences including Horace H. B. Sanders and Mike Goodwin
Why it takes awhile to know Marty Simpson
The incredible value of other comedians insight
How to take suggestions and turn them into applause breaks
Punchlines in Pajamas - an online open mic

And a whole lot more!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MARTY SIMPSON

YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Web SIte: https://www.martysimpson.com

Keys / Kids joke ... start at the 5:28 mark

https://youtu.be/vrHIRrCQzxo?t=280 Lying slowly the old way: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPyFfMJbAYY The newer way with the added lines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkDimYFLDfo

This episode is brought to you by Patreon supporter Jenny Locklin and CLUB 52.

Club 52 is a one-year program designed to challenge you to get bigger, better and more bookable. You will be prompted to examine your material, performance and business practices via email each week.

Sound good?

Club 52 is available to anyone supporting the podcast through Patreon at $7 a month or more. To learn more about Patreon, just click here. Or go to SchoolOflaughs.com/Patreon

LISA MILLS HYBRID COMEDIAN SPEAKER [EP. 188] Mar 15, 2019

Show notes

Lisa Mills spent years of working in social service programs and nonprofit organizations. By honing her skills talking to those groups she also found her sense of humor. Using that humor she discovered she could connect and break the ice with the families she was helping. Her comedy shined bright at a conference she had helped plan. As the conference neared, Lisa and the event planners realized that some of the subject matter was going to be pretty heavy. They decided someone should lighten up the group between messages. That someone was Lisa Mills.

She wrote ten minutes of material the night before and she instantly caught the comedy bug.

LISA MILLS SHOW NOTES

We cover a lot of ground in this episode, Specifically we talk about:

Searching out comedy mentors on Youtube
Hiring Kerri Pomarollii (past guest) to help her with her material
How she works out new material onstage
How (and why) she skipped open mics
The unlikely benefit of having no local comedy community
Meeting up with Chonda Pierce and Kelly Swanson
Putting on the SHECON conference with Kay Dodd
How she preps for events with clients
The number one thing she tells new speakers

and a whole lot more!

Visit her website: https://www.lisamillsspeaks.com/

MORE ABOUT LISA MILLS

Lisa is an award-winning comedian, motivational speaker, actor, and author. Her acting debut was working alongside network television's favorite military gal, Catherine Bell on the Lifetime Channel's hit show, Army Wives. As an in-demand keynote speaker, she is known for her message of Transforming Ordinary Into Extraordinary. Her always funny, laser-sharp wit has been featured on the Lifetime Network, NOW Network, Impact Network, Netflix, the Dove Channel, and iHeart Radio. She can be seen headlining venues around the country while touring and promoting her latest book, Lord Did I Really Shave My Legs For This?

Lisa Mills resides just outside the city of Atlanta with her awesome husband and two amazing sons.

DAN WHITEHURST - FROM COP TO COMEDY [EP. 187] Mar 01, 2019

Show notes

Dan Whitehurst talks about going from cop to comedy. Dan is a friend of mine from nearly the first few weeks I moved to Nashville in 1999. I knew al little about his backstory, but have always wanted to learn more about the man behind that impressive beard.

DAN WHITEHURST Show Notes

We talk about a variety of things including:

Past jobs as prison guard, detective and national guard
Learning to tell stories and how he hones them
Trying to do comedy during a basketball game
An odd show at the Loft in Georgia with Keith Alberstadt
The trade off of fun and money in the feature spot
The hustle behind performing in Branson
A shout out to Joey I.L.O.
Why he moved out to the country ... and then back
How the Nashville comedy scene has changed
Working cleaner

And a whole lot more!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DAN WHITEHURST

Watch his clip on why he left the police force from Huckabee on TBN: https://youtu.be/WzU4Vz7S-aU

Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by John McCormack and CLUB 52.

Club 52 is a one-year program designed to challenge you to get bigger, better and more bookable. You will be prompted to examine your material, performance and business practices via email each week.

CLICK PIC FOR MORE DETAILS

Sound good?

Club 52 is available to anyone supporting the podcast through Patreon at $7 a month or more. To learn more about Patreon, just click here. Or go to SchoolOflaughs.com/Patreon

HITTING RESET WITH COMEDIAN KAY DODD [EP. 186] Feb 15, 2019

Show notes

Kay Dodd shares how she hit the reset button on her career after she decided "clean" was the way to go. Early in her journey she worked with Jeff Foxworthy on a few dates and he encouraged her to have a clean act. It took tossing out the old show and starting anew. Lucky for us, she is every bit as funny and able to perform anywhere with her current show.

KAY DODD SHOW NOTES

We talk about a variety of things including:

Discovering the Christian Comedy Association thanks to a friend's email
Taking a comedy class that helped her jump full time into comedy after just a year
Leaving her office job to pursue comedy
Getting her foot in the door at the Punchline and other clubs
Working for Aubrey Pippin at The Comedy House Theater in the 90's
How CHT would "rate the audience" and why
Setting up a Quarterly Fundraiser

And a whole lot more!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT KAY DODD:

http://www.kaydodd.com

@KayDoddComedy on Twitter

Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by John McCormack and CLUB 52.

Club 52 is a one-year program designed to challenge you to get bigger, better and more bookable. You will be prompted to examine your material, performance and business practices via email each week.

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