School Of Laughs

Latest Episodes:

SIX-IN-ONE COMEDY PODCAST BONANZA [EP. 175] Sep 01, 2018

Show notes

Happy Labor Day weekend, America. And to everyone else – Hello! This is a comedy podcast about other comedy podcasts. Follow me?

Thanks to our sponsors HOT BREATH podcast with Joel Byars and Patreon supporter B. Ellen Wesley!

As I was thinking about taking a week off of podcasting to celebrate the holiday, I decided to do something a little different. I'll give you SIX podcasts instead! Yes, it's true. Although only partially true. Fuzzy math, fake news. But real podcasts.

In short, I am sharing with you six OTHER podcast episodes on which I have been interviewed. YES – THIS IS A SIX IN ONE COMEDY PODCAST BONANZA! You will hear some info that you have not picked up on the School of Laughs podcast before. And, you may hear a couple of stories for the second time. Either way, lots of fun conversations with some excellent hosts. Let's get into the details!

My Peeps Show Episode #4 "RIK ROBERTS"

First we go way back to my appearance as a guest on the MY PEEPS SHOW podcast with Anthony Rece. Aside from having the catchiest theme song of any show I've been a guest on, Anthony is a genuinely curious host who gets the most out of his guests. We covered a lot of ground on the show and I know you'll dig it!

In this episode I get to know the very talented Rik Roberts.Rik has been doing stand up for 27 years and whether its Riks great comedic storytelling or his 2nd to none Barney impression from the Andy Griffith Show his talent is unquestioned.

5 AM Miracle Episode #211 Traveling Like a Pro with Comedian Rik Roberts

Next up you can check out the 5 AM Miracle with Jeff Sanders. It wold be a miracle if I got up at 5 AM for sure. Jeff's podcast is focused on achieving more with your day and I share how I stay productive on the road. Some ninja tips in here for maximizing your time away from home.

Is it possible to be a highly-productive road warrior? In this week's episode of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast I chat with comedian Rik Roberts about his extensive travel schedule and how he manages to stay wildly productive.

Hot Breath Episode #105 Rik Roberts Reveals How to Find Your "Ultimate" Audience, Creating a Corporate Keynote

Rik Roberts is an almost 30 year comedy veteran with an inspirational business instinct he candidly shares with the Hot Breathiverse. Listen and learn how to get more business in your show business. Enjoy this comedy podcast.

On Faith's Edge Episode #99 The Art and Business of Clean Comedy – Comedian, Rik Roberts

http://bit.ly/podcastRIKOnFaithsEdge099

After you've tuned up your productivity, listen to Joe Taylor and the ON FAITH'S EDGE podcast. Joe is a former atheist who is searching for answers and learning his way to heaven. We get a little deep on this one! I think this is a great episode for both atheists and believers alike. We got to hang out at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville, ate some yogurt and recorded this conversation.

We got to hang out at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville, ate some yogurt and recorded this conversation.

We talk about:

- HIs latest project THINKING REAL LOUD
- What it takes to be a comedian. Here's a hint, it's more than thinking you're funny
- How he intertwines his faith when he performs at bars and clubs
- His path away from God and how he reconnects with God now.
- The moment when he prayed for direction and the incredible answer he received
- and did Comedian Daren Streblow steal from Rik to buy Herbal Life?

School of Hard knock Knocks Episode #65 Rik Roberts – Comedy under Christian constraints

Need a little more religion? How about this interview from Australian Morry Morgan? Morry hosts the School of Hard Knock Knocks podcast. Sorry wonders how you can be a Christian and still make fun of things? Aren't there too many constraints? You'll hear my perspective on finding the funny within the beliefs of Christianity, and how being squeaky clean can be great for business.

The Art of Bombing Episode #59 RIK ROBERTS

Lastly, lets be honest, all the gigs aren't valet parking and standing ovations. On THE ART OF BOMBING comedy podcast, Dave Blublitz explores the dark reality of failure. Lucky for us, there are lots of lessons in the lack of laughs!

"Do you ask questions before you agree to a gig? Or are you so desperate for stage time that you take every gig offered? This week I'm joined by Rik Roberts from the "School Of Laughs". Rik has a couple of great stories about bombing at a corporate gig and bombing with a whole Improv troupe in front of 3,000 people. We talk about asking lots of questions before accepting gigs, pros & cons of self producing projects, having a marketing plan, and more."

EPISODE SPONSORS …

This episode is sponsored by "https://schooloflaughs.com/patreon-a-way-for-you-to-support-the-podcast/">PATREON supporter B. Ellen Wesley and the "HOT BREATH" PODCAST with JOEL BYARS. Hot Breath focuses on Stand-Up just like the School of Laughs. Trust me, you will dig it!

CLICK HEREto find your preferred listening method and SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

CREATE A LOCAL PRESENCE WITH SCOTT LONG [EP. 174] Aug 15, 2018

Show notes

Comedian Scott Longjoins us today to talk about creating a local presence in your market. If you haven't realized the importance of becoming a resource in your own community - you are missing out.

I've known Scott Long for over 25 years. We started roughly the same time in similar cities. He lived in Indianapolis, the home of mega successful "The Bob and Tom Show." I started in Columbus, OH, the most successful location of the Funny Bone Comedy Clubs. Both were cities with great local comedy scenes. Because of that, the competition for stage time was strong. I believe that made us each a better comedian. Both of us are still at it, although we have done it in slightly different ways.

Today, Scott is a known commodity in his city. He has strategically positioned himself as the "go to guy" for comedy fundraisers, corporate events and more in Indianapolis. On the show he shares specifics on how to create opportunities that serve both your community and yourself.

SCOTT LONG SHOW NOTES: Specifically, Scott Long and I talk about:

The importance of re-creating yourself in comedy
Producing your own shows
Creating your own opportunities
How to get a LOT of media exposure
Using tough gigs to prepare for bigger opportunities
Choosing not to move to L.A. or N.Y.C.
His inspiration to try more corporate events
Involving his daughter in his comedy
The pressure of self-producing your own events

And a whole lot more!

Learn more about Scott Long: Website Facebook Twitter THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY PATREON SUPPORTER Rory Gardener and The Hot Breath Podcast … SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

NAZARETH HAS LAUGHS FOR ALL [EP. 173] Aug 01, 2018

Show notes

Comedian Nazareth joins us today and talks about his journey from Palestine to Kuwait to … Toledo and then Hollywood.

His passion for comedy ignited when he asked himself one day"What do I want to do in life that if I never get paid for itI'd still do it to the best of my ability?" Making people laugh was the only thing that came to mind. The next day he signed up at a California comedy club for open-mike night. He took the stage before a crowd of nine drunks. Nazareth recalls them laughing so hard that one of them fell off their chair. From the moment that he discovered his talent for bringing comic relief his desire to do it for a living was without question.

COMEDIAN NAZARETH SHOW NOTES: Today we talk about many things, including:

Being a Christian Palestinian born in … Nazareth
Deciding what jokes to put into a TV set
Moving to Kuwait when he was 3 yrs old
Transplanting to Toledo for college
Impressions of America before arrival
Going from accounting to comedy
Using comedy as a tool to create acceptance
Starting comedy in Hollywood
How he started "Laughter for All" Stadium shows
How he keeps his family close when he is away
His new book "Hope in 24 hours"

And a whole lot more!

Learn more about Nazareth: Website: https://www.nazarethusa.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyeEDxcMLTM Episode Sponsors ...

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY PATREON SUPPORTER RHONDA COREY AND THE ART OF BOMBING PODCAST ... SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

KRISTIN WEBER - A SOUND COMEDIENNE [EP. 172] Jul 15, 2018

Show notes

KRISTIN WEBER is a funny lady who not only does comedy, but she also performs with an accordion. Take that Judy Tenuta!

Kristin started her comedy journey around 2010. She took sketch classes with the Groundlingsand when she needed to develop a character she picked up the accordion as part of that process. She now travels the country performing at a range of events including churches, fund raisers, youth retreats and women's conferences.

Now based in Atlanta, GA, Kristin is getting more comfortable delivering her comedy, despite the fact the act of getting onstage in front of an audience is genuinely terrifying.

KRISTIN WEBER SHOW NOTES: Today we talk about many things, including:

Overcoming a series of bad shows by taking time off
Her fear of being in front of an audience
The benefit of being in your thirties as an entertainer
Focusing on sharing the gift of comedy
Learning to enjoy the variety of gig opportunities
Her Craig's Listaccordion transaction
The art of song parodies
The difference between a stand up and an improvisational comedian
Her top tip for new comics
The benefit of an opening song

And a whole lot more!

LEARN MORE ABOUT KRISTIN WEBER AT HER WEBSITE: http://www.kristinweberonline.com

Episode Sponsors ...

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY PATREON SUPPORTER ALLEN-MICHAEL HARBER AND THE ART OF BOMBING PODCAST ... SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

FOLLOW ART OF BOMBING ON TWITTER: https://twitter.com/artofbombingpod

FOLLOW ART OF BOMBING ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/artobpodcast/ RIK'S UPCOMING LIVE PUBLIC APPEARANCES Jul 17, 27 AUGUST 3, 10, 17 2018 6:ooPM

TBN Studios Hendersonville, TN(Just North of Nashville)

Tickets are FREE but must be reserved.

Tickets for HUCKABEE in Hendersonville from ShowClix

https://www.showclix.com/event/huckabee

REQUESTING TICKETS. All available live taping dates for the HACKABLE show are listed on the calendar as they are confirmed one month out. Please choose the taping date you are interested in and follow the prompts. If the date you choose is already at capacity, feel free to enter as standby or choose a future date.

MIKE GOODWIN - HAVE FUN, BLESS THE PEOPLE [EP 171] Jul 01, 2018

Show notes

Mike Goodwin is a refreshingly funny comedian, speaker, and leader. His signature bowtie is a nod to his expectation-defying brand of comedy that leaves a variety of audiences - from corporate events to swanky galas - laughing hysterically and completely inspired, without a foul or vulgar word spoken. A native of Camden, South Carolina, Mike was raised in a family that had its share of dysfunction. He learned at an early age how to use laughter to pierce through tension and in some cases, ease pain. As a result, he developed an affinity for comedy and used it as a way to cope through difficult situations he faced as a child. After graduating from high school, Mike enlisted in the United States Army, where he served for a total of 12 years - four in active duty, and the balance as an ROTC cadet and commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Reserves. While attending college at Lander University in Greenwood, SC, he became active on campus and honed his leadership skills by serving as a campus ambassador, hosting events, and joining his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi.

MIKE GOODWIN SHOW NOTES: Today we talk about many things, including:

Pacing Your Set
Getting started with Akintunde
Taking the focus off of him at the beginning of the set
Having Fun and Blessing the People
Leadership
Speaking Gigs

All of this and more in this episode of the Rik Roberts School of Laughs!

LEARN MORE ABOUT NMIKE GOODWIN:

WEBSITE: https://www.edwileycomedy.com Episode Sponsors ...

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY PATREON SUPPORTER KAY DODD AND THE ART OF BOMBING PODCAST ... SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

ED WILEY ... 60 GOATS + 6 KIDS = 1 FUNNY MAN [EP. 170] Jun 15, 2018

Show notes

Ed Wiley is a comedian who weaves spot-on impressions and music into a traditional stand-up act.

A native Georgian, Ed lives on a south Georgia farm with his wife, six children, eight cats, a dog, umpteen goats, two rabbits, and a healthy supply of antacids. In other words, it's a homeschool paradise.

Ed blends just the right mix of stand-up, guitar, improv, and impressions to bring a clean, relevant show with something for everyone. His act reaches across generations and backgrounds to connect with people of all ages.

ED WILEY SHOW NOTES: Today we talk about many things, including:

His previous life as a Elvis Impersonator
Six Children / Sixty Goats
The subjectivity of Stand up comedy
Derrick Tenant's "Bleep Free" Comedy Show
Family open mics on the farm
Having three different pieces go viral on Facebook
Civil War Mix Tape
Trump hands on April the Giraffe
Trump on staff at your church video clip with 6 million views
How tweets don't always translate to the stand-up show
Dealing with trolls and haters
Driving two and half hours (each way) to do an open mic, every week
Doing impressions in grade school to get out of trouble

All of this and more in this episode of the Rik Roberts School of Laughs!

LEARN MORE ABOUT ED WILEY: WEBSITE: https://www.edwileycomedy.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/edwileycomedy TWITTER: https://twitter.com/EdWiley Episode Sponsors ...

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY PATREON SUPPORTER BRAD BER AND THE ART OF BOMBING PODCAST ... SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

FOLLOW ART OF BOMBING ON TWITTER: https://twitter.com/artofbombingpod

FOLLOW ART OF BOMBING ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/artobpodcast/ RIK'S UPCOMING LIVE PUBLIC APPEARANCES June 15, 19 | July 13, 17, 27 | 6:ooPM

TBN Studios Hendersonville, TN(Just North of Nashville)

Tickets are FREE but must be reserved.

Tickets for HUCKABEE in Hendersonville from ShowClix

https://www.showclix.com/event/huckabee

REQUESTING TICKETS. All available live taping dates for the HUCKABEEshow are listed on the calendar as they are confirmed one month out. Please choose the taping date you are interested in and follow the prompts. If the date you choose is already at capacity, feel free to enter as standby or choose a future date.

COMEDY - ROASTED OR GRILLED? [EP. 169] Jun 01, 2018

Show notes

Today I am joined by former School of Laughs students and full time comedians Jonnie W.and Brian Bates. Over some tasty BBQ we discuss the recent happenings in the world of comedy. Specifically, Michelle Wolfe and the White House Correspondents Dinner, Netflix Comedy Specials and the passing of a fellow comedian.

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY PATREON SUPPORTER NEIL RITTLEAND THE CLEAN COMEDY CHALLENGE. You would think that an occupation such as comedy would be relatively stress-free. After all, it's all about the laughs, right? Well, sort of yes and sort of no. You see every joke has a target. I could be the traffic, the drivers, the car or the police. Sometimes, the comedian hits on a target and the reaction is bigger than the joke. Or, even an unintended response from a misinterpreted punch line. Other times, the comedian is challenged for not being "sensitive" or "politically correct" with their material. Despite freedom of speech, as comedian is not free form judgement. In today's world, we are quick to celebrate the mistakes of others. Comedy is no different. It makes it hard for the comedian to do their job when every word is picked apart and mass distributed over a network of trigger-happy-texters and social media rabble-rousers. What is a comic to do? The three of us share our takes on Michelle Wolfe and the 2018 White House Correspondents Dinner roast. The good, bad and ugly as well as the reaction, opportunity and results. Also on the agenda is a quick discussion about the proliferation of NETFLIXcomedy specials. Is having so many specials good or bad for the comedy marketplace? Are great comedians putting out subpar specials just to grab a handful of cash? Am I only mad because I don't have a NETFLIX special? And, finally, we talk about the long-lasting feeling of connection to other comedians. When one of our own passes away, we feel like we just saw them yesterday. But, we may not have worked with or talked to them in over a decade. What is it about the brotherhood and sisterhood of comedy that connects us?

All of this and more in this episode of the Rik Roberts School of Laughs!

WWW.SCHOOLOFLAUGHS.COM

WEED AND FEED - TIPS FOR A HEALTHIER ACT [EP. 168] May 15, 2018

Show notes

Today we are going to weed and feed our act, business and relationships.

Spring is a time of fresh rain, budding flowers and horrific, crippling allergies. Ahh, soak it in. Don't look now but I see some weeds popping up. Daggone it! My beautiful yard is all covered with chickweed, ribwort and quack grass.

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY PATREON SUPPORTER SEAN SELLERS AND THE CLEAN COMEDY CHALLENGE.

As I walked around the year this year I thought, enough is enough. Time to weed and feed. In the past I tolerated the weeds because green is green and honestly, they dominated a good portion of the lawn. But, they kept spreading and now there is more weed than grass. And, uhm, this ain't COLORADO.

Within a week of application I saw the weeds starting to turn yellow. By the second week (after a little rain and ninety degree temperatures) the fertilizer kicked in and boosted the grass noticeably. The weeds we now dead and brown.

As I wandered around the yard it occurred to me that this would be a great metaphor for shoring up my act. Clean out the junk and let the good stuff grow deep. The lawn product directions said to "apply to lawn while wet". I advise you think about your act soon after a performance. When you do, here are some things to consider:

WEED AND FEED - TIPS FOR A STRONGER ACT SHOW NOTES

Take a long look at your opening and closing bits Search out any wordy or unnecessarily long stories Be objective and pull any "hacky" or "entry level" jokes Ask yourself, would I write this joke today? If not, YANK IT! Spend more time on bits and see if you can "deepen the roots" If you have trouble, do this exercise with another comedian Now apply this "weeding" to your business approach Use the PARETO PRINCIPLE to direct your focus Shine the sun on what's delivering the biggest payoff Rid your business of time consuming / low return practices When in a rut, help someone else Weed and feed your relationships End toxic relationships and focus on solid mutually beneficial friends

Episode Sponsors ...

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

RIK'S UPCOMING LIVE PUBLIC APPEARANCES May 18 & 24 / 2018 6:ooPM

TBN Studios Hendersonville, TN(Just North of Nashville)

Tickets are FREE but must be reserved.

Tickets for HUCKABEE in Hendersonville from ShowClix

https://www.showclix.com/event/huckabee

CLAYBURN COX - CLEAN, CLEVER AND UNIQUE [EP. 167] May 01, 2018

Show notes

This week I sit and talk with the creative and hilarious Clayburn Cox. Clayburn is based in Auburn, AL where he teaches Photoshop to high school students. Those students torture him with those very skills. Clayburn and I first met in 2008 at a Christian Comedy Association conference in Murfreesboro TN. That conference introduced Clay and myself to a new group of comedians that would eventually become our friends.

Clayburn Cox show notes:

Specifically, we talk about ...

Trying out jokes and stories on his students
Balancing work, family and comedy
The Toothbrush Story
Putting on your own shows in a smaller town
His new love for hecklers
The intricacies of the craft of stand up comedy
One liners and stories
How Clayburn develops stories
The group mentality of a comedy club audience
Overcoming a gap between stage and the audience
Seeing his humor in his children
The potential for a family-filled comedy show
Using a "strum stick" to break up the performance
His DVD recording in Auburn
The next CD project coming soon

To learn more about Clayburn Cox visit:

WEBSITE: http://clayburncoxcomedy.com

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/theclayburncox/

Episode Sponsors ...

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

RIK'S UPCOMING LIVE PUBLIC APPEARANCES

TBN Studios Hendersonville, TN (Just North of Nashville)

May 3, 4, 18, 24 - 2018 6:ooPM

Tickets are FREE but must be reserved.

Tickets for HUCKABEE in Hendersonville from ShowClix

https://www.showclix.com/event/huckabee

MARK KLEIN - IT'S WHAT YOU DON'T SAY [EP. 166] Apr 15, 2018

Show notes

Comedian Mark Klein joins us today to discuss coming up in the 1980's comedy boom, how it has changed and what stays the same.

Living in a sellers market in the 1980's
Being part of a comedy duo with Bob Batch
Keys to making a corporate event a success
Creating a clean show separate from his nightclub act
Discovering laughs that were once masked by language
The benefits of working on a cruise ship (yay - no cell phones!)
Tapping into "Hidden World" comedy situations
Learning to think about "Who's Not Hiring Me?"
A couple of thingS he wishes he would have done earlier
The benefits (and limits) of having an agent
What we are really paid for as comedians
Dropping hints and planting business tips in your show
Switching the focus from income to impact
Producing a comedy show for cable TV and other outlets

To learn ore about Mark Klein visit:

WEBSITE: CorpJester.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/corpjester

Episode Sponsors ...

THE RIK ROBERTS SCHOOL OF LAUGHS www.SchoolOfLaughs.com

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

THIS PODCAST IS PRODUCTION OF THE RIK ROBERTS SCHOOL OF LAUGHS. ANY MISUSE, REPRODUCTION OR UNAUTHORIZED ACTIVITY IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. (C) (P)

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected