People, Not Plot

This episode looks at words.  Specifically, words in sentences.  The sentence: the essential unit of the writer’s tradecraft.  Conveying the complete idea.  Where would we be without sentences?  Up shit creek, that’s where.

This episode deals with my personal insecurities about how to approach me when I get off stage.  When is it appropriate to give someone positive feedback?  Is it always the right choice to be nice, or are you better off skewering me in a forthright, deliberate fashion?

This episode expounds on the virtues of speaking softly and carrying a big stick.  It contradicts the advice of the episode immediately preceding it.  What can I say?  Comedy is full of contradictions.

This episode tackles why stand-up comedy feels the absolute best and also the absolute worst.  Emotions run high; how can they be corralled and redirected?  Why is something funny to one group of people, but not to another?  You’re just going to have to let that go.  Let it go.  It’s out of your hands.

This episode investigates the vital importance of projecting confidence on stage without being delusional.  You have to get this balance right, as the only things worth saying on stage require confidence.

This episode treats you like a sedated feral cat.  If you find that insulting, don’t go to a comedy show.  Sometimes it’s nice to be a sedated feral cat.

This episode is brought to you by Adam Sandler’s comedy special 100% Fresh, available exclusively on Netflix.  Why is it brought to you by that?  Because that comedy special is a perfect example of how to make joyful art.  You should strive to make joyful art.

This episode was inspired by an interview with Shia LaBeouf in which he noted his favoritism toward people over plot in stories.  Stand-up comedy needs people and plot too, but I agree with Shia that it needs people more.  That’s where the juice is.  Write about people.

This episode discusses overcoming the trickery of the stage and the spotlight in order to protect the integrity of your inner court jester.  Are you an entertainer or an artist? Hopefully some mix of both…but don’t let it go to your head!  The audience is watching.

This episode discusses writing believable characters into your jokes.  You can’t deliver a performance that feels authentic if you aren’t writing authentic human beings for you to tell stories about.  Don’t write and paint caricatures.  Make art like the Ninja Turtles (Leonardo, Michelangelo, etc…)