She Shed Comedy: Empowering Your Comedy Career

Watch her special

S2E17: REPLAY: The Best Nuggets From Season 1 Dec 23, 2022

S2E16: REPLAY: Going PRO - What It Means To Be A Professional Comedian Dec 16, 2022

-If you are going to do this, just decide to be a professional. Learn some skills; give it some time. It's not going to be easy; set proper expectations, go out there and give it your best and just keep doing it.- 'Go Pro' by Eric Worre.

For some people, being professional is synonymous with having years of experience on stage. For others, it could be the aura you emit, the way you carry yourself, what style you show up with, your outfit, and a host of others.

Robin Williams said, "Comedy is the only art form that you can use everything you know."

In this episode, Linda Schwartz takes us through a significant experience in network marketing that changed her mindset and set her on the path to going pro. She shares tips to help set you on your journey to becoming a professional comic.

You can be perceived as a professional during your first performance! Tune in to this episode as Linda talks about how you can stack the deck in your favor even if you haven't stepped foot on stage.

You might want to grab a book and pen for this!

Topics discussed in this episode.

1:09 Lessons from Network Marketing Companies.

6:42 What it means to be a professional comedian.

7:44 Set a standard of excellence.

8:18 Respect people's time always.

10:25 Learn a skill. Talent doesn't guarantee success.

12:50 Treat people nicely.

14:35 Tips on how to exude professionalism as a newbie comedian.

I would love you to help us 'stay on air' by posting a review about this podcast and what you've learned from it on the apple podcast page. Thank you!

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

S2E15: REPLAY: Pt2 Going From A Tight 5 to Tight 7 - Deconstructing My 7 Min Set Dec 09, 2022

Standup comedy is a personal development course in action, according to our host, Linda Schwartz. Her comedy is a work in progress, as is she, but she’s sharing her (cringeworthy) experiences to help you improve, too.

On the last episode of She Shed Comedy, we dissected Linda’s tight five from her 2022 Pretty Funny Women show. Today, we’re taking a look at her seven-minute set, so get ready for some laughs and a few lessons!

Perhaps one of the most important things to remember about crafting a set is that the time of a set isn’t how much time you actually have. This is comedy, after all, so you’ll need to pause to leave room for laughs.

From “trimming the fat” to adding new jokes, Linda was able to achieve more cohesion and expand her set from five minutes to seven minutes. She’ll explain how she did it by deconstructing the changes she made, and why she made them.

Linda also discusses her favorite way to end a set, listening to the audience, and her fears sharing these sets. Hear all this and more on this episode!

Topics discussed in this episode:

Linda’s tight five from the Pretty Funny Women show

Linda’s seven-minute set expanded from the tight five
Linda explains what changes were made and why
The new jokes added to the seven-minute set
Paying attention to where people are laughing
Following the line of logic
Ending your set with a callback
The importance of not rushing your set
Sets are a work in progress
Reflecting on a Jim Carrey quote
Linda’s self-care prompt, personal prompt, and comedy prompt for the week

Want to watch Linda bomb and see how far she has come? Take a look at her Stand Up Comedy Showcase Set (and prepare to cringe)!

For more episodes, click here!

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

S2E14: REPLAY: Going From A Tight 5 To A Tight 7 - Deconstructing My 5 Min Set Dec 02, 2022

Every comic starts out with a five-minute set or what the industry refers to as a ‘tight five’. This tight five will evolve over time and eventually expand into a seven-minute set, then a 15-minute set, then a 45-minute set, and so on.

Since Linda started performing, her set has evolved constantly, with minor tweaks from show to show. Today, we deconstruct her tight five and take a look at how she put her set together to get it as tight and structurally cohesive as possible.

This episode offers insight into the methodology behind crafting a set using Linda’s performance from the Pretty Funny Women show in May 2022 as an example. We take a look at the essential elements of this tight five, from setups to callbacks, and share some tips for cutting the fat (and keeping the laughs coming!)

If you’re in your head, you’re not connecting with your audience. That’s why we want to help you get so comfortable with preparation, precision, and timing that you don't even have to think about it in the moment. Tune in today for all this and more!

Topics discussed in this episode:

A cringe-worthy bombing experience (and what you can learn from it)
The methodology and intention that goes into crafting a set
Linda’s tight five from the Pretty Funny Women show in May 2022
Benefits of recording your live performances
An understanding of word economy and sticky phrases
Tips for getting a laugh within the first three seconds
Creative context, setups, educational bits, and the rule of three
Why you should keep a running tab of funny observations
Deconstructing the set piece and the callback
How to play on the assumptions of your audience
A reminder that every set is a work in progress
Giving your audience permission to laugh
Your 2-in-1 self-care and personal development prompt
This week’s recommended comedy prompt on Netflix

Want to watch Linda bomb and see how far she has come? Take a look at her Stand Up Comedy Showcase Set (and prepare to cringe!)

Recommended Resources: Brian Simpson on Season 3 of 'The Standups’

For more episodes, click here!

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

S2E13: REPLAY: Bombing Pt 1: Why You Must Embrace This To Get Better Nov 25, 2022

A comic’s biggest fear is going on stage and hearing crickets, or worse, heckles.

Bombing on stage is quite traumatic, it can stay with you for years to come and even be the reason you leave comedy all together. However, chances are, most comics WILL bomb, it’s just the name of the game.

So how can we look at bombing differently and reframe our perspective to make it work for us? On today’s episode, you will be hearing 5 different women comic’s takes on their bombing experience, what they felt when it was happening, and what they learned from it.

These incredible women share their vulnerable stories that not many would want to share, but is crucial to our personal development. If these incredibly talented comics can bomb, anyone can, so why not find the lesson in the experience and use it to grow?

Tune in to hear how you can change the way you think about bombing and steps you can take if it happens to you to help you become a better comic and a better you!

Topics discussed in this episode:

What is it about bombing that makes us shake in our boots?
Esme Gregson’s experience bombing at a nightclub in LA
How Anastasia Washington reframes her experience bombing
The way Lin Sun gauges her audience and navigates her set to bring the crowd back
Kristel DeLa Rosa’s explanation of how she lost the crowd because she lost herself
Meryl Klemow’s take on how to handle yourself when the stars don’t align in your favor
Self-care, personal development, and comedy prompts!

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

S2E12: REPLAY: How To Mine Your Life For Comedic Gold Nov 18, 2022

We’ve heard this from women time and time again, “I don’t want to become my mother”. This begs the question, why are mother-daughter relationships so complicated?

This is a tricky question, especially if you’ve grown up with a mother who was abusive, narcissistic, and neglectful. As a comic, you would think, wow, these traumatic events could be comedic gold, because comedy equals tragedy plus time right?

Well, there is a missing piece to this equation, and that is the part in between tragedy and time, which is, reconciliation. To not retraumatize yourself as a comic, and actually convert your tragedy into comedy in a cathartic way, the healing and breakthroughs need to happen before you hit the stage armed with anecdotes about your trauma.

This is what Linda discovered after a trip to Bali that changed her life forever. After living a life of resentment toward her mother, when Linda returned from Bali she decided it was time to reconcile once and for all, because she knew her future was living on the other side of healing her mother wound.After a ton of perseverance, Linda was able to make amends with her mother that allowed for a deep healing, not only in her relationship with her mother, but within herself too.

This type of healing takes ripping through triggers and fear that have been solidified for years and making bold courageous moves in the direction that is in alignment with your highest self.

Maybe that alignment is on the other side of a really tough conversation.Tune in to hear Linda’s story of how she broke through 31 years of resentment and trauma with one conversation which has made her the comic she is today.

Topics discussed in this episode:

Linda’s past relationship with her mother
How a spiritual trip to Bali changed Linda’s perspective
Linda’s doubts around reconciling with her mother
What made Linda persevere in fixing her relationship with her mother
The conversation that turned things around
What happened after the breakthrough
The beauty of healing pain and turning it into comedy
A writing exercise
Weekly self care and personal development prompt

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

S2E11: REPLAY: Funny Mom? Start Here… This Episode is For YOU. Nov 11, 2022

“You can’t pour from an empty cup”, is a quote our host Linda Schwartz now lives by.

Linda lived this reality when realizing she had abandoned herself and her creative pursuits after diving headfirst into motherhood. However, being a mother and a wife doesn’t mean you stop being you.

This is a fact Linda wants to drive home to you listeners by hearing her journey how she came back to herself to become the comic she is today.

In today’s episode, Linda gives her backstory of becoming a mother and living with guilt and regret only to realize at the age of 40 that she wasn’t fulfilled and wanted to do something about it. She took action toward what she knew was true to her and is now booking shows all over San Diego and LA.

This episode is particularly for all the mothers out there. She wants you to know, you are doing a great job, regardless of what you keep telling yourself, and that you can fulfill your dreams.

It’s actually so important that you do because it can only benefit your family in the long run, because well, you can’t pour from an empty cup, and your family deserves the best version of you. Better yet, you deserve the best version of you.

Tune in to hear an inspiring story packed with a 3 point framework you can use to change your mindset as well as tips to get you there. There is also an activity at the end of the episode that you don’t want to miss!

Topics discussed in this episode:

Why Linda held off on her career as a comic
How family obligations took center stage
Intrusive thoughts of guilt and regret
What inspired Linda to start comedy again
3 things all creative moms need
The benefits of implementing this framework
3 tips on self care, personal development, and comedy
Take home activity

Jim Carrey’s motivational speech ‘Life Happens For You’.

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

S2E10: News News News: NEW YORK & Holiday Hiatus Nov 04, 2022

As Fall rolls through, it's time for us to slow down and get settled into a space of reflection. As Linda heads to NY next week for the NY Comedy Festival, we are winding down the year with a Holiday Hiatus and will not be producing new episodes until the new year. If you're in NY and want to attend a show Linda's performing in, please buy tickets here.

Until NEXT YEAR, Stay safe, Stay Happy, & Stay Healthy!

S2E9: Pausing: Why Letting Your Set Breathe(by doing THIS) Is So Important Oct 28, 2022

Have you ever been out to dinner with a group of friends and after a bunch of chit chat the table falls to a dead silence…

And as that awkward feeling starts creeping up your shoulders someone starts babbling again and relief washes over you?

What is it about silence that gets to people?

I think that we are so used to being bombarded by sound, that when silence arrives, it’s so unfamiliar that we have an unconscious need to fill it back up.

Why?

Because nature abhors a vacuum.

We have an unconscious need to fill empty space.

What does this have to do with comedy?

Well, It’s been said that “music happens in the silence between the notes”.

This is also true for comedy.

Comedy happens in the pause.

And if we look at our job as being a conductor on stage, then we get to create magic between ourselves and the audience

And if you can master this one thing, it will make you a better comic in no time.

In fact, if you’re new and you build this in to your set straight from the gate, you’ll give off the essence of being a pro.

That’s how powerful this is.

Today, we’re joined by Bobbie Oliver, author of The Tao of Comedy – Embrace The Pause

And it was in her book, that I first read about the importance of pausing.

You'll hear first hand how pausing on and offstage will help you build confidence and a commanding stage presence.

Read Bobbie's book, The Tao of Comedy

Connect with Bobbie:

Watch her special

S2E8: The Best Nuggets From Season 1 Oct 21, 2022

S2E7: Going PRO What It Means To Be A Professional Comedian Oct 14, 2022

-If you are going to do this, just decide to be a professional. Learn some skills; give it some time. It's not going to be easy; set proper expectations, go out there and give it your best and just keep doing it.- 'Go Pro' by Eric Worre.

For some people, being professional is synonymous with having years of experience on stage. For others, it could be the aura you emit, the way you carry yourself, what style you show up with, your outfit, and a host of others.

Robin Williams said, "Comedy is the only art form that you can use everything you know."

In this episode, Linda Schwartz takes us through a significant experience in network marketing that changed her mindset and set her on the path to going pro. She shares tips to help set you on your journey to becoming a professional comic.

You can be perceived as a professional during your first performance! Tune in to this episode as Linda talks about how you can stack the deck in your favor even if you haven't stepped foot on stage.

You might want to grab a book and pen for this!

Topics discussed in this episode.

1:09 Lessons from Network Marketing Companies.

6:42 What it means to be a professional comedian.

7:44 Set a standard of excellence.

8:18 Respect people's time always.

10:25 Learn a skill. Talent doesn't guarantee success.

12:50 Treat people nicely.

14:35 Tips on how to exude professionalism as a newbie comedian.

I would love you to help us 'stay on air' by posting a review about this podcast and what you've learned from it on the apple podcast page. Thank you!

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

S2E6: Expanding Your Set, Going From A Tight 5 to 7 Deconstruction Pt2 Oct 07, 2022

Standup comedy is a personal development course in action, according to our host, Linda Schwartz. Her comedy is a work in progress, as is she, but she’s sharing her (cringeworthy) experiences to help you improve, too.

On the last episode of She Shed Comedy, we dissected Linda’s tight five from her 2022 Pretty Funny Women show. Today, we’re taking a look at her seven-minute set, so get ready for some laughs and a few lessons!

Perhaps one of the most important things to remember about crafting a set is that the time of a set isn’t how much time you actually have. This is comedy, after all, so you’ll need to pause to leave room for laughs.

From “trimming the fat” to adding new jokes, Linda was able to achieve more cohesion and expand her set from five minutes to seven minutes. She’ll explain how she did it by deconstructing the changes she made, and why she made them.

Linda also discusses her favorite way to end a set, listening to the audience, and her fears sharing these sets. Hear all this and more on this episode!

Topics discussed in this episode:

Linda’s tight five from the Pretty Funny Women show

Linda’s seven-minute set expanded from the tight five
Linda explains what changes were made and why
The new jokes added to the seven-minute set
Paying attention to where people are laughing
Following the line of logic
Ending your set with a callback
The importance of not rushing your set
Sets are a work in progress
Reflecting on a Jim Carrey quote
Linda’s self-care prompt, personal prompt, and comedy prompt for the week

Want to watch Linda bomb and see how far she has come? Take a look at her Stand Up Comedy Showcase Set (and prepare to cringe)!

For more episodes, click here!

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

S2E5: Going From a Tight 5 To A Tight 7 - Deconstructing my Tight 5 Pt 1 Oct 01, 2022

Every comic starts out with a five-minute set or what the industry refers to as a ‘tight five’. This tight five will evolve over time and eventually expand into a seven-minute set, then a 15-minute set, then a 45-minute set, and so on.

Since Linda started performing, her set has evolved constantly, with minor tweaks from show to show. Today, we deconstruct her tight five and take a look at how she put her set together to get it as tight and structurally cohesive as possible.

This episode offers insight into the methodology behind crafting a set using Linda’s performance from the Pretty Funny Women show in May 2022 as an example. We take a look at the essential elements of this tight five, from setups to callbacks, and share some tips for cutting the fat (and keeping the laughs coming!)

If you’re in your head, you’re not connecting with your audience. That’s why we want to help you get so comfortable with preparation, precision, and timing that you don't even have to think about it in the moment. Tune in today for all this and more!

Topics discussed in this episode:

A cringe-worthy bombing experience (and what you can learn from it)
The methodology and intention that goes into crafting a set
Linda’s tight five from the Pretty Funny Women show in May 2022
Benefits of recording your live performances
An understanding of word economy and sticky phrases
Tips for getting a laugh within the first three seconds
Creative context, setups, educational bits, and the rule of three
Why you should keep a running tab of funny observations
Deconstructing the set piece and the callback
How to play on the assumptions of your audience
A reminder that every set is a work in progress
Giving your audience permission to laugh
Your 2-in-1 self-care and personal development prompt
This week’s recommended comedy prompt on Netflix

Want to watch Linda bomb and see how far she has come? Take a look at her Stand Up Comedy Showcase Set (and prepare to cringe!)

Recommended Resources:Brian Simpson on Season 3 of 'The Standups’

For more episodes, click here!

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

S2E4: Bombing Pt2: An Audience Member's Perspective Sep 23, 2022

You don’t have to be a comic to be part of the comedy circuit. Having an intense passion for the art and creating a buzz around open mics to get people excited to see shows is a great way to be part of the scene without having to get on stage.

This is what our guest on today’s episode has done. As a standup super fan, she is skilled in discovering new comedic voices and shows around the San Diego area, so much so that she has created a sought after Instagram page, Paradox Comedy.

People flock to her page to find where the hottest shows are and who will be performing, so it takes the guesswork out of trying to find a good show, because she has already found it!Vanessa's journey to comedy wasn’t an easy one. She battled with alcohol addiction and found herself in situations she knew she couldn’t stay in. Vanessa picked herself up out of her lowest point and made the changes necessary to carry on and live a beautiful life.

A life now where she has found deep meaning through comedy, being a great resource for comics and fans to discover open mics and shows in and around San Diego.

Tune in to hear a story of triumph and perseverance in the face of some pretty big obstacles. You won’t want to miss this story of an incredible, strong, woman!

Topics discussed in this episode:

Vanessa’s battle with alcoholism
What made Vanessa reach out for help
How Vanessa’s sponsor helped her stay sober
The self-confrontation to transformation
How comedy came into Vanessa’s life
Paradox’s mission and how it started
Vanessa’s definition of bombing as an audience member
What advice Vanessa would give to comics who are bombing

Head to Vanessa’s Instagram page to discover open mics in San Diego!

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

S2E3: Bombing Pt 1: Why You Must Embrace This To Get Better Sep 16, 2022

A comic’s biggest fear is going on stage and hearing crickets, or worse, heckles.

Bombing on stage is quite traumatic, it can stay with you for years to come and even be the reason you leave comedy all together. However, chances are, most comics WILL bomb, it’s just the name of the game.

So how can we look at bombing differently and reframe our perspective to make it work for us?On today’s episode, you will be hearing 5 different women comic’s takes on their bombing experience, what they felt when it was happening, and what they learned from it.

These incredible women share their vulnerable stories that not many would want to share, but is crucial to our personal development. If these incredibly talented comics can bomb, anyone can, so why not find the lesson in the experience and use it to grow?

Tune in to hear how you can change the way you think about bombing and steps you can take if it happens to you to help you become a better comic and a better you!

Topics discussed in this episode:

What is it about bombing that makes us shake in our boots?
Esme Gregson’s experience bombing at a nightclub in LA
How Anastasia Washington reframes her experience bombing
The way Lin Sun gauges her audience and navigates her set to bring the crowd back
Kristel DeLa Rosa’s explanation of how she lost the crowd because she lost herself
Meryl Klemov’s take on how to handle yourself when the stars don’t align in your favor
Self-care, personal development, and comedy prompts!

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

S2E2: How To Mine Your Life For Comedic Gold Sep 09, 2022

We’ve heard this from women time and time again, “I don’t want to become my mother”. This begs the question, why are mother-daughter relationships so complicated?

This is a tricky question, especially if you’ve grown up with a mother who was abusive, narcissistic, and neglectful. As a comic, you would think, wow, these traumatic events could be comedic gold, because comedy equals tragedy plus time right?

Well, there is a missing piece to this equation, and that is the part in between tragedy and time, which is, reconciliation. To not retraumatize yourself as a comic, and actually convert your tragedy into comedy in a cathartic way, the healing and breakthroughs need to happen before you hit the stage armed with anecdotes about your trauma.

This is what Linda discovered after a trip to Bali that changed her life forever. After living a life of resentment toward her mother, when Linda returned from Bali she decided it was time to reconcile once and for all, because she knew her future was living on the other side of healing her mother wound.After a ton of perseverance, Linda was able to make amends with her mother that allowed for a deep healing, not only in her relationship with her mother, but within herself too.

This type of healing takes ripping through triggers and fear that have been solidified for years and making bold courageous moves in the direction that is in alignment with your highest self.

Maybe that alignment is on the other side of a really tough conversation.Tune in to hear Linda’s story of how she broke through 31 years of resentment and trauma with one conversation which has made her the comic she is today.

Topics discussed in this episode:

Linda’s past relationship with her mother
How a spiritual trip to Bali changed Linda’s perspective
Linda’s doubts around reconciling with her mother
What made Linda persevere in fixing her relationship with her mother
The conversation that turned things around
What happened after the breakthrough
The beauty of healing pain and turning it into comedy
A writing exercise
Weekly self care and personal development prompt

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

S2E1: Funny Mom? Start Here! This Episode is FOR YOU! Sep 02, 2022

“You can’t pour from an empty cup”, is a quote our host Linda Schwartz now lives by.

Linda lived this reality when realizing she had abandoned herself and her creative pursuits after diving headfirst into motherhood. However, being a mother and a wife doesn’t mean you stop being you.

This is a fact Linda wants to drive home to you listeners by hearing her journey how she came back to herself to become the comic she is today.

In today’s episode, Linda gives her backstory of becoming a mother and living with guilt and regret only to realize at the age of 40 that she wasn’t fulfilled and wanted to do something about it. She took action toward what she knew was true to her and is now booking shows all over San Diego and LA.

This episode is particularly for all the mothers out there. She wants you to know, you are doing a great job, regardless of what you keep telling yourself, and that you can fulfill your dreams.

It’s actually so important that you do because it can only benefit your family in the long run, because well, you can’t pour from an empty cup, and your family deserves the best version of you. Better yet, you deserve the best version of you.

Tune in to hear an inspiring story packed with a 3 point framework you can use to change your mindset as well as tips to get you there. There is also an activity at the end of the episode that you don’t want to miss!

Topics discussed in this episode:

Why Linda held off on her career as a comic
How family obligations took center stage
Intrusive thoughts of guilt and regret
What inspired Linda to start comedy again
3 things all creative moms need
The benefits of implementing this framework
3 tips on self care, personal development, and comedy
Take home activity

Jim Carrey’s motivational speech ‘Life Happens For You’.

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

E30: Your Uniqueness Is Your Biggest Creative Asset - Anastasia Washington Aug 26, 2022

There’s a lot you can’t control in the comedy world as a comic, but the aspects you can control, should be prioritized.

These are fixed opportunities for success that can help propel your career forward, even if it doesn’t seem like it at first. Like showing up on time, or even early, and dressing appropriately, not like you just rolled out of bed like many comics do.

Setting a standard of excellence puts you into a different category and can be a few of the factors why you are chosen to be booked over another comic.

To speak on this we have invited Anastasia Washington. She is an award-winning biracial actress, comedian, podcaster, and filmmaker. She has set a standard for herself in the industry where she has been determined to break the barriers between what it means to be a comic.

Pretty women can be funny, and you don't have to look like you just rolled out of bed to be funny either. Anastasia talks to us about how she has reframed her mindset about what it means to bomb a show or if that is even a real thing, and how she embraced being biracial and made it work for her

Topics discussed in this episode:

How Anastasia got into comedy and jump started her career
The standard of performance set by ‘Pretty Funny Women’
Importance of being early to a gig for your mental state
What about comedy that Anastasia loves and respects so much
How Anastasia veers away from the shock factor
The importance of standing in your truth in comedy and life
Do we really know if we’ve bombed?
The idea of reframing your mindset

Connect with Anastasia:Instagram

Twitter

YouTube

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

Visit https://getlaughpass.com/ and use coupon code “SHESHED” for discounts on live comedy shows in your area!

E29: Not Heavily Connected In The Industry? You Must Do THIS - Summer Moore Aug 19, 2022

The pandemic hit everyone hard, where everyone was expected to innovate and pivot in a whole new direction in a moment’s notice. This isn’t easy in any industry, let alone in show business where you have to be creative, and as we all know, creativity can’t always be summoned.

However, after a chance conversation with a colleague, actor, writer, producer, film maker, Summer Moore created ‘Pandemic Pillow Talk’, as a means to create during the shut downs, which ended up being a huge success. Summer is wildly talented so this doesn’t come as a surprise, but it takes a special knowing and understanding to create from a place you’ve never been before.

In today’s episode we discuss how Summer created ‘Pandemic Pillow Talk’, as well as an important conversation about the power of reciprocity. Giving back, helping, doing good for others expecting nothing in return, but receiving tenfold. This mindset and philosophy is what helped get Summer where she is now, and continues to live by the laws of karma that will surely help catapult her to new heights.

Tune in to hear a story of success in the midst of the pandemic and to learn about the power of reciprocity as well!

Topics discussed in this episode:

How Summer got into comedy
The fruition of Pandemic Pillow Talk
Developing a social media following as an actor
The power in reciprocity
The struggle for artists to switch to being business minded
How Summer figured out the business side of show business
Summer’s words of wisdom for anyone pursuing comedy
The importance of helping other women

To watch ‘Pandemic Pillow Talk’ head to their website or connect via Instagram.

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

iTunesVisit https://getlaughpass.com/ and use coupon code “SHESHED” for discounts on live comedy shows in your area!

E28: The Importance of Knowing Who You Are & Trusting Your Instinct Aug 12, 2022

Authentic expression is cultivated through self work and perseverance in the face of shame and doubt. Pushing through those moments where you feel less than, and becoming unapologetically yourself, is palpable for anyone that comes in contact with you. This is true for comics that come on stage and tell jokes that are true to them. The audience knows when it’s not truthful, it is felt through the room. That is because there is a certain reciprocity that happens between comic and audience that is unsaid but felt very strongly.

This is something our guest on today’s episode understood early on, and has been able to work through her own insecurities and self doubt by going on stage and just being herself. Cindy Ann Boisson is a standup comedian born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, and is now based in Florida. Cindy lets us in on her pre-show rituals and how she overcame stage fright in a very unique and profound way.

Tune in to hear someone who is grounded in their authentic self, and for some sage advice you can use on and off stage.

Topics discussed in this episode:

How Cindy started comedy
Cindy’s experience with stage fright
What it means to stand in your discomfort
Importance of authenticity when on stage
The importance of time when turning tragedy to comedy
Cindy’s rituals before she goes on stage
How Cindy remains authentic
Cindy’s most sage advice

Connect with Cindy:Instagram

Website

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

Visit https://getlaughpass.com/ and use coupon code “SHESHED” for discounts on live comedy shows in your area!

E27: Take A Chance on THIS and The Rest Will Take Care of Itself - Kalea McNeill | Stand Up Comic Aug 05, 2022

“If you continue to operate at a level of excellence, then someone is gonna figure you out.” - Kalea McNeil

Creating connection, being personable, and being authentic, are not the first things you think about when you think of surviving the comedy circuit. The industry is known to be cut throat, so you would think you would need to meet it with the same energy. However, being a jerk, won’t get you very far in any industry. People want to book comics who they like, who they can sit down and have a beer with. Being self-aware and real can take you places being a jerk never could, because let's face it, there are a lot of funny people that want to be comics, but aren’t anywhere to be found. This is such a shame, however, our guest on today’s episode realized this early on, and it has helped propel her career forward by just being genuine. It also helps that she is incredibly hilarious too!

With a bachelor's degree in theater arts from Clark Atlanta University, guest star on many popular television shows, and has performed at her fair share of legendary comedy clubs, actor and stand up comedian Kalea McNeil joins us on today's episode to talk about her journey to comedy. Specifically how she navigated the murky waters of the comedy scene by being unapologetically herself and making genuine connections with the right people. This has landed her some big gigs, and has helped her to produce her own shows. She is a force in the scene with some great advice for anyone new or seasoned comic.

Topics discussed in this episode:

How Kalea got into comedy
Spiritual kick in the pants to move forward
The moments of affirmation that helped Kalea move forward in comedy
The importance of being personable and kind when networking
How creating genuine connections can take you far in comedy
What life is like on the road like for a comic
One of the biggest lessons Kalea has learned as a comic
Making sure the people around you are elevating you
How Kalea created her own shows after abandoning open mics
Benefits of using bullet points when writing for comedy

Connect with Kalea:Instagram

Website

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

Visit https://getlaughpass.com/ and use coupon code “SHESHED” for discounts on live comedy shows in your area!

E26: Embracing the Stage at 61 - Ruth Brandt | Stand Up Comic Jul 29, 2022

“I'm giving a message, from myself to others who don't know me. So I want my message to be authentic and I wanna be the best version of myself when I'm speaking” - Ruth Brant

Becoming a comic doesn’t have to be a childhood dream, it can sometimes grow into a passion when you accidentally stumble into your own genius and realize, “hey, I’m funny!”. Call it serendipity, a calling, natural ability, whatever it is, if you feel inspired to make people laugh, no matter what stage of your life, DO IT! It would be a disservice to yourself and others not to.The funniest people are the ones in comedy for no reasons other than its fun and they see the hilarity in the mundane. If this sounds like you, it’s time to write down those jokes living in your head and get them out there!

If you’re still on the fence, then be sure to tune in to today’s episode to meet one of the most authentic and naturally hilarious comics Ruth Brandt, who didn’t even know she wanted to do comedy until she, well, became one. Ruth is an LA based comedian who decided to write a story, and the story ended up being pretty funny. After performing and winning a competition for her comedic monologue, she has been performing for audiences in Southern California and New York. Her story is inspiring, and has some beautiful insights to share about healing trauma through comedy.

Tune in to hear how Ruth became a successful comedian in a short period of time while enjoying every second of her journey.

Topics discussed in this episode:

How Ruth got into comedy
The cathartic experience through comedy
Sense of community through comedy
Where Ruth finds inspiration for her material
Ruth’s thoughts on dealing with trauma through comedy
How Ruth structures her jokes in a set
Where Ruth gets her confidence on stage
Lessons in humility on an bad night on stage
What keeps Ruth going in this industry
Biggest lesson Ruth has learned in comedy

Connect with Ruth Brandt:

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

Visit https://getlaughpass.com/ and use coupon code “SHESHED” for discounts on live comedy shows in your area!

E25: Connecting w/Your Audience - Lin Sun | Stand Up Comic | Jul 22, 2022

“You are your own big break. You can make your own opportunities. It doesn't take a million people to believe in you. It just takes one person.” - Lin Sun

Being a mother is one of the hardest jobs in the world. It can also be the motivating factor to start a comedy career. This is what our guest on today’s episode experienced after giving birth to her son. She created an outlet for herself in being a comic and became an absolute powerhouse. So much so that she now has a 30 minute special on Peacock! She also went viral on laugh factory’s instagram, getting over one million views on her video.

Lin Sun joins us on today’s episode to share some laughs and advice for young comics and women trying to make it in this male dominated industry. From stories about her super interesting past, to how she got her big break, Lin gives us an authentic look into what it takes to make it in comedy by being yourself, connecting to the audience, and allowing yourself to be vulnerable. As well as a discussion about healing through the process of learning to become a comic and the personal development that inevitably happens along the way.

Tune in to hear useful tips from someone who has been there and done that, or just to hear Lin’s infectious laugh!

Topics discussed in this episode:

Lin’s advice on how to connect to the audience
The power of the pause
Advice for new comics about new material
How Lin got into comedy
Importance of comedy classes
How Lin’s comedy special came about
Lin’s biggest lessons in comedy
Different jokes for different mediums
Comedy as a healing modality
Vulnerability as a comic
How Lin got into producing
Tips for women comics in a male dominated industry

Connect with Lin:

TikTokWatch Lin Sun’s comedy special Comedy InvAsian for FREE on Peacock!

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

Visit https://getlaughpass.com/ and use coupon code “SHESHED” for discounts on live comedy shows in your area!

E24: To Win As A Woman Comic, We Must BE... - Lace Larrabee | Stand Up Comic | Jul 15, 2022

Making it in comedy can be tricky, especially if you’re a woman. Navigating the male dominated industry, along with the outdated perspectives of what it means to be a female comic, can create invisible barriers around entering and/or staying in the scene. Women are funny. Hilarious even. It would be a disservice to the art to stop any woman from doing comedy. We need women in the circuit. So how do we combat this outdated, untrue, bias of thinking only men are funny enough to do comedy?

This is what our guest on today’s show is here to talk about and she has a great solution! Join us in conversation today with the brilliantly talented, co-host of hit podcast Cheaties, creator of the super successful Laugh Lab in Atlanta, Georgia, former beauty queen, and you may have also seen her on Netflix, Lace Larrabee.

Coming off an insanely successful show (our host can’t stop raving about it), Lace joins us to talk about her experience creating an album and special, while also dealing with gender biases in the scene. She also talks about what she’s doing to combat it, which is starting Laugh Lab for women. Her goal is to arm women comics with the education and tools to enter into the comedy arena and remain there.

This is a fun and empowering conversation that will be sure to inspire any woman or girl to try their hand at comedy!

Topics discussed in this episode:

Lace’s journey creating an album
How being cheated on was the catalyst for a podcast
What is taught in a Laugh Lab comedy class
Why she started Laugh Lab for women
Sexism in the comedy circuit
Tips for new comics
Why it's important for women to stay immersed in comedy
The power of preparation and education
Info about module offerings

Connect with Lace:

Instagram Facebook

Twitter YouTube

WebsiteListen to Lace co-host on the Cheaties podcast.To learn more about upcoming Laugh Lab classes go here!

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

Instagram Facebook YouTube

Visit https://getlaughpass.com/ and use coupon code “SHESHED” for discounts on live comedy shows in your area!

E23: What Every New Comic Needs to Know - Alfie Noakes | MC/Promoter | Jul 08, 2022

You don’t have to be a comedian if you want to have a career in comedy. If you want to make an impact in comedy while also understanding the craft and business, you can have a career in comedy without needing to go on stage. Our guest today has an impressive CV making a major splash in comedy. He is the host of “We Are Funny Project” in London, England which is currently in its 9th year, MC, promotor, and comedy tutor. What isn’t on his CV is, comic. Alfie Noakes has played an influential role in the comedy world and has helped many new comics make a name for themselves through his courses and workshops.

In today’s episode, we discuss how Alfie decided on a career in comedy and why he doesn’t call himself a comic. Since Alfie is heavily involved in live shows, we ask him how the digital age has impacted live shows, and if they are doomed because of it, as well as a host of other questions our listeners are sure to benefit from.

Tune in for a closer look at what Alfie offers in his workshops and courses, as well as many helpful tips to new and up and coming comics.

Topics discussed in this episode:

How Alfie became a comedy tutor and promoter
How Alfie conducts his workshops and curriculum
Empower people to pursue comedy as a career
Why open mic is important to a new comic
Impact of social media ie. TikTok and Instagram on comedy
Are live comedy shows doomed in the digital age?
Managing nerves on stage
Comedy festivals and their importance for comics
Tips for up and coming comics

Connect with Alfie Noakes and the “We Are Funny Project”:

Website

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

Visit https://getlaughpass.com/ and use coupon code “SHESHED” for discounts on live comedy shows in your area!

E22: Command Presence: Make the Stage "Your House" - Aaron Thompson | Stand Up Comic Jul 01, 2022

What does a police officer and a comedian have in common? The answer doesn’t seem too obvious, but it was a natural transition for today’s guest, Aaron Thompson. Former Los Angeles police officer turned comedian, joins us today to share his heartwarming journey from protecting LA to touring the world with Katt Williams.

Not only has he been successful as a comedian, he is a proud husband and father who wanted to create a life where he was truly fulfilled, not only for himself, but for his family too. Using his natural ability to make people laugh, Aaron showed up to open mics, made connections, and took his capacity of being able to command a room to create the life he has always wanted for himself and his family.

Listen in while Aaron takes us through his life's journey from childhood to his success on stage to learn how he made it to the big stage and what he believes are the most important aspects of his journey that helped elevate his career as a comedian.

Topics discussed in this episode:

How Aaron decided to become a comedian
Aaron’s storytelling process and how to tighten up the act
How being a police officer helped Aaron in comedy
Importance of improvisation
Business side of comedy
Influence of social media on comedy

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

Connect with Aaron Thompson: