She Shed Comedy: Empowering Your Comedy Career

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

Show notes

"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

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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

Show notes

"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

Show notes

"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

Show notes

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:

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

Connect with Linda Schwartz:

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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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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:

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