Bill, thanks for taking the time to do an interview with Born Standing Up. Have you read Born Standing Up?

Yes, I read Born Standing Up. I got it for Christmas, that and the, “Slash” autobiography.

 

What stuck out to you?

There were countless things that stuck out. Here’s a quick list. The story Martin told about moving out and not calling home because he didn’t know he was suppose to. The loneliness of being on the road. The fact that he already had a writing job, but had the nerve to walk away and try and make it as a comic. I was also unaware of how many tickets he sold. He sold out Nassau Coliseum three times! I’m old enough to remember seeing Eddie Murphy on the Raw tour so I was aware of the big venues he played. But I was completely unaware of how big Steve Martin was. It made me wonder if they compared arena tour memories on the set of “Bowfinger.”

 

     “You ever play the Kingdom?”

 

     “Yeah, 4 shows. Good gig but sound was f**ked up.”

 

     “I know, I couldn’t hear myself.”

 

How old were you when you started comedy?

I was 23 years old when I did my first open mic night at Nick’s Comedy Stop in Boston.

 

How long did it take you before you felt like you were funny onstage?

Well that depends on what kind of funny you mean. As far as funny in a “getting the job done” for a 10 minute guest set: That took about two years. To become a solid middle act in hell rooms was another two years.

Seven years to be a decent B room closer. And I don’t think I began to find my voice until year number 12. (I just hit year 16 last month).

 

What is the best advice you ever received?

That’s a tough one. I’ve gotten a lot of great advice from other comics over the years. I think the best stand up advice I’ve gotten is to say what you think is funny. I always found it weird when a comic would say something hysterical and then every comic would go, “You should do that on stage.” And nine times out of ten the response would be, “Nah...I can’t get away with that. That joke isn’t me.” How can that joke not be you? You just thought it and then you said it. People always talk about finding their voice on stage. You don’t have to find it. You just have to listen to it.

 

Who do you think is funny?

Too many to list. Everyone from Foster Brooks and Don Rickles to guys I saw when I first came to NYC like Dave Attel, Louie CK, Dave Chappelle, Tracy Morgan.

Somebody recently showed me a clip on youtube called Derek and Clive -The Prince of Whales. I’m ashamed to say that I had never heard of Peter Cook and I was blown away by the guy. Also it was great to see Dudley Moore being that evil. I heard when he began doing movies that he was worried that the Derek and Clive stuff would surface ruin his career.

 

What advice do you have for up and coming comics?

Get on stage as much as possible and challenge yourself to find new levels in confidence and performance so you continue to grow.

 

If you ever had a bad set, how did you deal with that?

Any time I have a bad set I think about killing myself until the next time I get on stage and have a good set. Actually now that I’ve done stand up for as long as I have, I only hate myself for about an hour after a bad set.

What are your future aspirations?

Try and get better as a comic.

 

What is the difference between a good comic and a great comic?

 When I watch a great comic, I don’t feel like a comedian in that moment. I feel like a member of the audience. When I watch a good comic, I’m just thinking, “How much time is he doing?”

 

Describe your writing process?

When I started out I wrote everything down. But as you continue to perform you get more and more comfortable on stage. So eventually you stop writing and switch over to riffing. Since I switched to that style, I find that I rarely listen to tapes of my set anymore. I have a lot of stuff that is hit or miss, but for some reason (laziness) I can’t seem to get the discipline to sit down and work it out.

 

My writing process as of today is: When I see something funny, I turn my watch around backward. Then later on in the day, when I look down at my watch and I see it’s backwards, it reminds me to talk about the funny thing that I saw or thought earlier.

When I’m in a comedy club and I think of something, I’ll write the subject down on a cocktail napkin and take it up on stage. Then at some point during the set I’ll see the napkin and start talking about whatever I wrote down. Hence, there is a lot of bombing.

 

Who do you see as a new and up coming comic?

I like Joe DeRosa, Kevin Shea, Jay Oakerson, Kurt Metzker (Don’t know about the spelling on those last two names.

 

Do you have any good stories from being on the road that you would like to share?

Last weekend during a show at Giggles in Seattle, a hefty woman fell down one step and dumped a full beer right on her crotch, before the show even started. By the time I got on stage, she was hammered. As I told my jokes, she wouldn't laugh. She would just yell “Whoooooooooooooooo!!!!” like she was on a roller coaster or something. So after 20 minutes of this, I say in a very nice way to stop going “Whoooooooooooo!!!!” after every joke. I tell her if something is funny: laugh. If it isn't, just sit there.I thought I said it in a nice way, but next thing I know she's just sort of staring at me while simultaneously giving me the finger. She held it close to her chest so no one else could see what she was doing. Thus it felt much more intimate and hurtful. It was like she was whispering "Fuck you" at me, as the rest of the crowd was listening to me tell the next joke.

 

So for some stupid reason I felt like I had to address it. We ended up having a little back and forth discussion and then people in the back started telling her to "Shut the Fuck up."

 

So she told all of them to "Shut the Fuck up." and it started to get ugly.

 

I finished out my set and as I was standing up at the bar she got in my face and demanded her 20 dollars back. I told her I didn't have the power to make that happen. She then told me that she WAS a big fan of mine but NOW she wasn't.

 

At that point somebody else yelled at her: "Why don't you shut up! Nobody likes you!"

 

Then she flipped out and shrieked, "PEOPLE LIKE ME! I'M A GOOD PERSON!!!!"

 

Then it was just fuckin' weird. She eventually stormed out of the club and proceeded to get into a hair pulling, earring flying cat fight in front of the club.

 

And the best part was that I know she woke up the next day and at no point did she think: "Wow. The comedian said I was annoying. Twenty six people in the crowd said I was annoying. I spilled a full beer right on my twat and then I got into a fight in front of the club. I really need to calm down and figure out what I'm doing with my life."

 

I'll bet any amount of she called her friends up and her first statement was: "Can you believe those people?"

December 13, 2011 at 11:22 AM

 
Have you read Born Standing Up?

I have read it, yes.

What stuck out to you?

I'm always interested in people's journeys. I found his dedication to his job at Knott's Berry Farm (wasn't it?) something I could relate too- working so much at something seemingly so small, yet it sticks with you. Comedians are always comedians, even before they are famous, so it's always interesting to see what jobs/steps they took on the way to their goal, if they even had one.

How old were you when you started comedy?

I started stand up comedy 3 years ago, so around 22.

How long did it take you before you felt like you were funny onstage?

I've always felt funny onstage...that's a grammar joke. I've always felt like I was funny onstage, which is why I got into stand up partly. I was funny on my high school improv troupe, college sketch troupe and stand up came naturally. I obviously wasn't as good 3 years ago as I am now, and I won't be near as bad as I am now in three years...it's a process.

What is the best advice you ever received?

I don't know, I was always so busy talking I guess I never paid enough attention. jk. I have found that proverbs like "this too shall pass" or "honesty is the best policy" you know, common age old expressions are a great way to sort of get the Cliffs notes on life- if so many people are saying something, it has to be true...unless everyone says I suck, that one I refuse to believe. I try to treat others the way I would want to be treated- but, in Hollywood, people will treat you how they would want you to treat them if they were in your position, be it one of power or status. "Be nice" is always a good one, it's a good starting point- it's boring, but a little kindness goes a long way, for sure. It stays with people.

Who do you think is funny?

My dad

What advice do you have for up and coming comics?

Here is my sage wisdom having done stand up for 3 years, haha.
Put your heart and soul into it. Put it into your efforts in your constant hustle for stage time, your business relationships with others, your discipline in writing and in your material. Be relentless in your pursuit of auditions, meetings and stage time. Don't take breaks, don't fool yourself into not going up one that week because you are taking time off to write, you won't- you'll stay home, drink, party and never get any work done. Get up on stage AS MUCH AS YOU CAN- take every gig- drive 2 hours for 10 minutes of stage time- this will make you stronger. Cater to an audience, never pander. Never go for a cheap laugh, always maintain your integrity because that is the foundation of peoples perception of your work. Even if you fail, at least you did it on your own terms.

If you ever had a bad set, how did you deal with that?

I'd love to sound like I'm so above it all and I can not do great and just leave it all on stage. I sort of toil in my perceived failure for a while (comics either think they killed when they didn't or think they died when they did fine) until something comes along to distract me. Fact is, unless it's a huge showcase, no one really cares how you did. It's 7, 12 or 15 minutes in the course of an evening, it's not worth upsetting yourself over...unless you bomb for like, an hour straight...then you have to ask yourself if it's you or them- and beat yourself up over it for a little. Best way to shake off a bad set? Do another set.

What are your future aspirations?

To continue to do stand up on a larger and larger scale. Hopefully soon I will be able to do movies- I love to create and write and I'd love to create my own show, be it a talk show, sketch show or something on film. I also want to get a dog someday.

What is the difference between a good comic and a great comic?

Perception.

Describe your writing process?

I come up with a premise or joke and I usually type it into the calendar on my phone and alert myself to write it down the next day in a book I carry with me. Then I try flushing it out 5 minutes before I get on stage that night and then flush it out more on stage. The busier I get, the less time I have to actually sit down and write, a tactic that not all comics use. Sometimes I'll run a thought by one of 3 people I trust- but most of the time the joke writes itself onstage and I have to run off and remember what I said. I guess it works.

Who do you see as a new and up coming comic?

That's a tricky question because most of my friends have been doing comedy longer than I have, so to call them new feels weird.

BUT, if you're asking me comics who I think should be huge or will be huge or just people that make me laugh- here is a list of a few:

Bret Ernst
Sebastian
Dov Davidoff
Mark Ellis
J Chris Newberg
Chris D'elia
Ben Gleib
Sam Tripoli
Jodi Miller

Do you have any good stories from the road that you would like to tell?

I killed a hooker.

What do you think makes your set unique?

I think I bring an enthusiasm and energy to my topics that not a lot of comics possess. I think I have a certain likability that makes me fun to listen to and, if you don't like me from the start, I think I'm good at winning a crowd over. Basically, I am what makes my set unique. It's hard to answer that without sounding full of myself, really.

How important is networking?

It's very important. It's important to stay relevant. When people know who you are, because of your talent, not because you're the dude who threw up onstage at the Improv, then they keep you in mind for shows/projects. It's not about sucking up or hanging out with people you don't like- but the people that make up the industry, on stage and off are your business- no one is going to go to bat for you if they don't know you. People like to hire people they know and like and everybody wants to know someone who is good at what they do.

For those who want to be a comic how important are people skills and maintaining long term relationships?

Most comics are crazy... Many famous comics are crazy and maybe not even that likeable- were they always like this? I don't know. Does fame make them crazy, maybe. One of the most important and calming things in life is being around people who have known you from the beginning- these people know you and, most likely, love you on some level. Again, people hire their friends. The ability to make friends and keep them isn't one that all people have. If you don't its ok, because if you are a creative genius, enough people will suck up to you that you will never be alone. For the rest of us- I like the idea that my comedian friends are comics who have been in the trenches with me- they did the crappy shows with me, drove to other cities for little to no pay, met the same jerky bookers and comics- when you go through that, through tough times with people, it bonds you.

 
Dave: What are you watching on Netflix?
 
John Holmberg: I’m watching that Jeffery Epstein documentary. I’m two episodes in. 
 
Dave: Do you have a book recommendation?
 
John Holmberg: I like the audio book “Me Talk Pretty Some Day,” by David Sedaris
 
Dave: There is a great essay in there called, “Big Boy.” I remember that one. Anyway, do you recommend any podcast out there? 
 
John Holmberg: I like Frank Caliendo’s. And my friend Jimmy has one, “Small Town Murder.” I like that one. 
 
Dave: Where are you from? Aren’t you from here?
 
John Holmberg: My dad moved us around a lot. He was a contractor. I’m from Indian. We moved here when I was 11. I say I’m from here. It’s nice here. 
 
Dave: So how do you go from Indiana to the greatest radio personality in Phoenix for the last, what 20 years?
 
John Holmberg: Extreme talent! (Holmberg says tonged and cheek). I actually don’t know. I have no idea what works I just keep doing it. I’m waiting for someone to come along and say, ‘hey that guy has no idea what he’s doing. I’m always waiting for the other shoe to fall. So don’t hex it. 
 
Dave: I don’t want to hex anything. I’m here to help. I’m glad you are here. 
 
John Holmberg: It’s nice here. 
 
Dave: Once you get comfortable here it’s hard to want to live somewhere else. I lived in Chicago and feels aged like it needs to be sandblasted.
 
John Holmberg: Phoenix is a hidden jem. It feels new.
 
Dave: It may always feel new here. If a building is 30 years old they tear it down and build a new one. 
 
John Holmberg: They build everything out of wood. It’s all wood and steel. It falls apart in 30 years. Back there they build out of brick. It’s going to be there forever. But you are right Phoenix is always renewing itself. It’s like Kim Kardashian.
 
Dave: Hold on I’m writing that down. Give me a second. Ok, so, why don’t you do more standup?
 
John Holmberg: I like riffing. I like making stuff up. If I had an act I would get bored. I don’t want to write and hone. I like riffing. Not all the time. I do 30 min at the Happy Ending show. I like that and a few shows I do here and there. I really like long form improv. That’s fun. It’s just 45 min. of just...its fun.  
 
Dave: I produce the Arizona Improv Festival. Would you be opposed to doing that show?
 
John Holmberg: No, I would like that. 
 
Dave: Well thank you for your time and you’ve given me a lot of your time. I really appreciate it. I hope our paths cross again soon, hopefully on stage. 
 
https://98kupd.com/holmbergs-morning-sickness/page/2/
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/crime-in-sports/small-town-murder
https://www.frankcaliendo.com/podcasts/
https://www.amazon.com/Me-Talk-Pretty-One-Day/dp/0316776963
 
 

 
Arj Barker Interveiw with Dave Thurston

Have you read Born Standing? 

A few pages.... I've started it, but kind’a got hooked on another book and can't put it down at the moment. (Blood Meridian, by Cormack McCarthy) 

What stuck out to you? 

I only got a couple chapters in, so not much so far. He's still working at Disneyland when I left off. 

How old were you when you started comedy? 
I was about 19. 7 or so... 

How long did it take you before you felt like you were funny onstage? 
I'm not bragging, but I think I got real laughs on my first show. I didn't kill, but I could feel a potential there and I was hooked instantly. 

What is the best advice you ever received? 
Never encourage a college audience in Idaho to send you shots onstage. You'll live to regret it - if you're lucky. I never actually received this advice, but I wished I had. 

What do you think is funny? 
That which is unexpected which makes me laugh, so given this, further detail is not possible. And farts. 

What advice do you have for up and coming comics? 
Don't worry too much about what other comics are doing - it can be a slippery slope. No one can do what you do, so work on your own shit. Never stop trying stuff out. Never think a joke can't get better or longer. Try out new material as often as possible and don't worry if it doesn't kill it at first - I find that a mediocre or downright crappy premise often leads to decent or exceptional one (NOT ALWAYS THOUGH :)) 

Why don’t comics support other comics more? 
Because they're scared that they'll get shown up and no one will love them. In reality though, when you help other comics out, it will come back to you double (unless you are doing it solely for this reason in which case the magic might not work) 

If you ever had a bad set, how did you deal with that? 
The easiest thing is just to blame it on the audience. Otherwise, I just try to shake it off, and do another one as soon as possible to get the taste out my mouth. 

What are your future aspirations? 
Get me a little macadamia farm in Australia and have me a few dogs, maybe a wife. 

What is the difference between a good comic and a great comic? 
A few drinks. 

Describe your writing process? 
Don't rightly have one that I can say. It's a combination of jotting ideas down as they come and trying them out onstage, the combination of which forms my act. I think. 

Who do you see as a new and up coming comic? 
Nathan Habib out of the Bay Area. Look out for him 


My main website is: ArjBarker.Com 

My cartoon series is at: ArjAndPoopy.Com 

http://www.myspace.com/arjbarker 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Mike Lukas interview with Dave Thurston
 
How did you get involved with Second City?
 
 
Initially we were set up after a few drinks by a mutual friend, we did a few 'scenes', and then our involvement went beyond that.  Actually, I blame my Uncle Jim, a True Chicago Guy - he brought me to see SC in the eighties when George Wendt, Steven Colbert & Steve Carell and many more talents were there.  I fell in love with Improv immediately, and made it my goal to perform for the SC Theatre. 
 
 
Tell me about your experience in with Second City, Las Vegas?
 
 
Nothing but fond, hazy black around the edges memories about that amazing experience. That was my first 'main stage' invite from the company - working with John Farley, Jason Sudekis (my roommate), Kay Cannon and other just as talented players.  We ate that town up - including a weekly free sold out long-form show at a UNLV Coffee Shop.
 
 
I learned so much from my cast mates that year / lessons that still affect my version of stand up to this day.  Plus I taught classes in Improv and Standup, which challenged me to understand what I do.
 
 
How much of your standup is improvised?
 
 
42.67 % , plus or minus 9.
 
 
It depends on the crowd, really - I am bilingual, meaning I speak standup and improv fluently...so I use each when and where it's needed. That causes my shows to constantly change.
 
 
What is a, “Superfan?”
 
 
I have about a half dozen fans from Chicago, IL and Detroit MI who would take a rubber bullet for me, since the 90's.  They force me to write new material and dress well.
 
 
Do you have any advice for up and coming standup comics?
 
 
Truth. Exaggerate & demonstrate the funny truths of your actual life.  If you don't know what that means, have fun w dating alien bits and fighting Centaur diatribes.
 
 
Who were your major influences?
 
 
Lenny Bruce, Bill Cosby, Steve Martin, Richard Pryor, Mitch Hedburg, Tom Rhodes, Bob Newhart, Louis CK, and hundreds more...
 
 
We book Dan Bakkedahl as an improviser. You know Dan. How do you two know each other?
Dan is one of the fastest, funniest people I've ever worked with.
He used to perform & write at the Vegas Second City show, star on the radio show 'Crackin' Up' and do long form with us at the UNLV Coffee shop shows. He's someone I'd like to do a movie with - always -110%, despite my 62%.
 
 
In most of the books about Del Close, “Guru” and, “Funniest Person in The Room” he seems to be very concerned with how to get people to get along with each other. Have you seen people’s careers help or hindered by one’s own ability to get along? Furthermore, how important are people skills in this industry?
 
 
Del Close coached a team I was on at the 'Improv Olympic' and stopped a scene to compliment the choices and scenes I had come up with and slam my mates' choices.  Embarrassing. The rest of my team hated me from that moment on, and basically mocked me for being complimented by DC. When you're part of a team, it's best to support each other, even if their ideas are weak. Be the one to touch a truth.
 
 
What made you want to go into comedy?
 
 
I graduated from UDayton w major in computers in 1987. It was obvious that career was going nowhere and the big money was in making laughs.  Always stay a few steps ahead of the game.
 
 
If someone watched your show twice, back to back, what would they see the second time that they didn’t see the first time? In other words, what would be different the second time?
 
 
First, I assume if be wearing different clothing. So right there it's worth coming back.
I gear each show to the particular audience who showed up.  Each show, expect bits that are re-geared to you and the freaks around you.
 
 
Do you recommend any books on comedy that might be useful to up and coming comics?
 
 
Truth in Comedy, Del Close and Charna Halpren
Steve Martin and George Carlin’s latest books.
 
 
Describe you writing process?
 
 
I write on stage spontaneously and tag the bits till they're done.
 
 
What makes one of your shows really great for you?
 
 
If I make ME laugh - not an easy feat.
 
 
What was it like the first time you did standup comedy?
 
 
I $hit myself all week and proceeded to kill the room.  Success?  Yeah.
 

 
Doug Stanhope Interview by David Michael Thurston

How long did it take you before you felt like you were funny onstage?
It feels like a rollercoaster and still does. Sometimes you think you're the best in the world and the next day you can't imagine how you ever got a single laugh. It's that down time that keeps you in check and keeps you writing and trying to improve.
 
How old were you when you started comedy?
23.
 
What is the best advice you ever received?
To never give or take advice, because you only tell people how to be like you.
 
What advice do you have for up and coming comics?
See above answer.
 
Who do you think is funny?
Sean Rouse, pound for pound I like the best. And of course Dave Attell. And I just recently caught on to Rick Shapiro who's brilliant. And a lot more.
 
Why don’t comics support other comics more?
I hear that a lot but I have never seen comics as being generally unsupportive. Maybe it's different in the Mouth and Asshole cities of NY & LA, but on the road I've always found comics incredibly supportive overall - and that's from the time I started to now.
Open mics can get a bit karaoke-cunty, but generally I'd say that if you've found comics to be unsupportive, it's probably because you're a shit log on some level.
 
If you ever had a bad set, how did you deal with that?
The same way I deal with troubled relationships, unpaid bills, new shoes, plane delays or coming in last place.
I drink.
 
What are your future aspirations?
I haven't had aspirations in years. I'd like to torture-rape Nancy Grace, but you'd need AIDS to do it professionally and I can't catch.
 
What is the difference between a good comic and a great comic?
Early death.
 
Describe your writing process?
At this point I probably have 25-30 notebooks full of anything from phrases to fully written bits, but I only go through ‘em every now and then. I'll sit with a set list and see what bits fit with what like a crossword puzzle until I have a set and I'll use that as a basic skeleton and that will gradually lose some stuff as it gains other shit.
 
So if you see me over a course of weeks, it'll be a lot of the same stuff, but in six months or a year it'll be mostly new. You'll see where roots of bits are now... sorry I just realized how uninteresting this is.
 
Who do you see as a new and up coming comic?
New comics in my world, new guys are ones who've only been doing it 12 or 14 years. We're all old and going. But as long as we're making each other laugh, that's all that counts.
So I'll say Brendon Walsh so as to not ruin your question. I think he's the newest of our old, bitter group.
 

TJ Jagodowski Interview

by David Michael Thurston

How many shows do you think you've done?

2,500?

You play at Second City, IO and Annoyance. Do you change how you play at each place?

I may change show to show, depending on the form, time of day, time allowed for show, size of cast, flow of evening, temperature in the room, whether they had dessert or not, how we are dressed, changing mood, changing moment, half second, and what flashed in the corner of my eye, but I don't change the way I play in any of those three theaters i love and love playing in.

Do you have favorite book about improv?

I like Mick's book (Improvise) and I read The Compass.

What did you learn from that book?

I really liked his (Mick Napier) journal on directing. I learned things like how to behave. Like don't yawn. Just about everything I know about directing I stole from that.

What is the best advice you ever received?

I had some anxiety issues when I was at Second City. Andrew (Alexander) pulled me in his office. He asked, "What's wrong?"

I said, "I get nervous and shaky."

"What's the worst that could happened"

"I get nervous and pass out - ruin the show."

"So what!" was his reply.

I don't know if that's advice, but to have the guy in charge of it all say, "So what" was enlightening.

Also, I've had the fortune to play with so many people so I've collected a lot of things.

Dave (Pasquesi) taught me that if anything goes wrong it's because you didn't listen. Listen more.

What advice do you have for up and coming improvisers?

If you love to play, play everywhere all the time with anyone.

And figure out what you want from this experience because that is what you will find. If you look to find the politics of it you will find it. If you look to find the joy of this then that is what you will find.

(*this next statement was not a question asked but a statement made in conversation that I wanted to include in the interview.)

Right after a show I have to take a few minutes to re-engage the real world. It's like a SCUB-diver right after a dive. You need to take a little while to adjust.

If you ever had a bad show, how did you deal with that?

I look for a back door. Throw a few rocks at a dumpster out in the alley. Try to figure out what I did to mess it all up and then end up blaming the audience. Find whatever I can point at as to how I messed it up. Try and make a promise "all right this time I'll never do it again"…for the 200th time.

What is the difference between a good improviser and a great improviser?

A certain level of charisma. The great ones have less fear. Emotional smarts. They don't get lazy. They are easy to be around. I don't think you can be a great improviser if you aren't a great person. Pay attention to like the real world and then lastly there is a level of accessibility to them. The audience feels that they are one of them, that they are a member of their gang.

What do you mean by lazy?

They don’t phone shows in they don't drop back on easy bits. They challenge themselves. I guess they are like artist in their bones and they can't help themselves but try to do better every time.

Phone it in?

Not make an edit because you just aren't paying attention so you leave your friends out to dry because you are tired or you don't know what you're going to do. They don't bring their emotional self to the table that night. Another way is to get commenty. That's a lazy fall back.

And what do you mean by commenty?

Saying things about their scene partner that aren't scene appropriate. "Oh, this from a guy who wears his hair like (insert pop culture figure)". Stuff like that.

You mentioned "Emotional Smarts" Can you define that and give an example of good emotional smarts?

There are different kinds of IQ's: book smarts, street smarts, spatial, and musical. If one could include an understanding of human emotion among those, that would be what I mean.

Who was your favorite instructor and what did you learn from them?

Napier is as good as anyone I've ever seen. Stuff like what needs to be said and what doesn't need to be said, but that's more teacher/director. How to establish a safe, but really creative environment. How to phrase a note of instruction for the person who is receiving it. How many avenues are worthy of more exploration.

#COVID #COVID19 #Tiktok #foryou #best #Comedy #standupcomedy #standup #improv #thingstodo #quarantine #joerogan #money #business #success #improv #sketch #comedyclasses
 
 

Greg Fitzsimons from The Howard Stern Show Interviewed

How old were you when you started comedy? 
10. I made an acceptance speech for coming in last in a swim race at at awards ceremony. 


How long did it take you before you felt like you were funny onstage? 
Years. (4?) 


What is the best advice you ever received? 
Tape your sets 


Who do you think is funny? 
Dave Attell, Louis CK, Nick Di Ppaolo, Brian Regan, Kevin Meaney, Maria Bamford, Todd Glass 


What advice do you have for up and coming comics? 
Be respectful and understand that only doing good sets over time will move you forward. And it will. 


Why don’t comics support other comics more? 
I don’t agree with the premise of your question. 


If you ever had a bad set, how did you deal with that? 
Get really angry at myself and be funnier next time. 


What are your future aspirations? 
Just keep doing what I do. Make choices that allow me to use my time creatively. 


What is the difference between a good comic and a great comic? 
A good comic is able to consistently make almost any audience laugh. 
A great comic can do it using only material that comes from what THEY think is funny and not what they think the audience will like. 

Describe your writing process? 
Read a lot. Try new life experiences. Try to be completely honest about my life and how I see the world. The writing is the easy part. The hard part is to keep challenging yourself as a person so that you have something new to say. 


Who do you see as a new and up coming comic? 
John Mulrooney (or did he already come?) 

For Greg’s Tour Dates you can go to his myspace page http://www.myspace.com/fitzdog 


#COVID #COVID19 #Tiktok #foryou #best #Comedy #standupcomedy #standup #improv #thingstodo #quarantine #joerogan #money #business #success 

 
Chris Lamont founded the Phoenix Film Festival, teaches film at ASU, wrote an independent film just pick up by Lifetime called “The Au Pair Mightmare,” and most recently penned the script for the latest Bruce Willis movie “Open Source,” now filming. https://deadline.com/2020/02/bruce-willis-thriller-open-source-vertical-entertainment-1202863462/
            Chris is an Arizona native having attended Thunderbird Highschool. Right out of high school he worked at B of A. He was always taking time off to work on film projects. Eventually management made him decide between the bank and movie projects. That was the last, “real job,” he had, back in ’97. 
            His body of work speaks for itself on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0483645/?ref_=rvi_nmcertainly his talent would have been lost on the bank. Suck it, “The Man.”
            In 2000, Chris started the Phoenix Film festival. In 2003 he started teaching film at ASU, teaching full time starting in 2014. 
            You’ve got questions. I’ve got answers folks.
            Is he married? Yes, 20 years. 
Kids? 
Yes.
Is he my hero? 
Yes, in a couple of ways?
Are all the people I interview my hero?
Yes, or else why would I interview them?
Did he write “Open Source,” with Bruce Willis alone?
No, Joe Russo, is also credited as a writer. He super talented. I wish I could have been there to witness the collaboration. 
What is “Open Source” about?
It’s about a tech billionaire in the AI space, played by B.W. (Bruce Willis). His daughter is kidnapped and there are lots of guns. 
Is it filmed in Minnesota?
No, it’s being filmed in Cincinnati.  
When I asked Chris about the future of movies he went on romantically about the experience of going to the movies. I agreed with him. I, the interviewee, love looking forward to a release date of a good movie and the experience of going out. 
I’m paraphrasing because our discussion really slowed the pace of this interview. In summary, movies are fun to go to and there are billions of dollars in the industry. You’ll probably always be able to go to a movie somewhere close by. 
Moving on, the Phoenix Film Festival will happen whenever things open up and it will be the 20^thanniversary. 
Moving on even more, ASU is opening a full fledged film school in Spring of ‘22. LaMont gushed with gratitude for Dr. Crowe and his support of film. Again, it really slowed the pace of this interview, so, just know LaMont is one appreciative dude. 
Today there are 620 film students and they are anticipating 700 by 2022. I anticipate 1,000 because film is fun and awesome. What else are you going to do? Work at a bank?
Chris is open to doing a screenwriting workshop for the Outliars one of these days. So get ready to fork over $50,000 each or whatever the market suggests. 
What an honor to get to chat with someone I look up to for so long, someone whose name I heard for so many years, someone who has done so much for film in AZ. Hero!
 
*One of my quarantine goals was to interview people. I wrote down that goal, made one phone call and got one interview. I’ll be doing one interview a day. I hope you have quarantine goals and you act on them. And that is why these are called the “quarantine chronicles,” and…because “quarantine interviews” sounded dumb. 
 
*This is an Outliars publication. The author can be reached at 480-784-7258
 
#movies #screenwriting #outliars #fun #quarantine #covid #covid19 #tigerking #tiktok
 
 
 

Josh McDermitt interview by Dave Thurston 
  
Have you read Born Standing Up Y/N?
            Yup
 
If so what stuck out to you?
            His act was organic and not forced. I liked how you could see where it came from in his life. Some comics do comedy and say, “I’m going to be an angry comic” or “… goofy and jump around on stage” not because that’s who they ARE, but because that’s what they like to watch.
 
How old were you when you started comedy?
            24 when it was for me; although, I was writing jokes for others since I was 15 at a radio and tv station.
 
How long did it take you before you felt like you were funny onstage?
            It comes and goes – 1st time up I felt like I was hilarious. 4th time I felt like I was an unfunny piece of crap.
 
What is the best advice you ever received?
            Do what YOU think is funny – don’t tailor your act to what you think the audience will like.
 
Who do you think is funny?
            Mike O’Connell, Joe Rogan, Harland Williams
 
What advice do you have for up and coming comics?
            Don’t bitch – we’re all in the same boat. Even comics you think have “made it” struggle with insecurities and the same crap you do. Nobody wants to hear it. Also, develop your act BEFORE you move to LA or NY.
 
Why don’t comics support other comics more?
            I think comics support comics who are funny and original and aren’t douche bags. In terms of promoting other comic’s shows – it’s hard enough to promote your own show and get people to come – let alone to come see your buddy at a crappy one-nighter.
 
If you ever had a bad set, how did you deal with that?
            I let the depression and anger ride on my shirt sleeve until I have a good show. Which is sometimes several months down the road.
#comedy #standup #standupcomedy #comedywriting #joshrules

What are your future aspirations?
            To do a documentary about someone who had gastric bypass surgery reversed.
 
What is the difference between a good comic and a great comic?
            Great comics are honest and write about what they fear… and they have a distinct point-of-view. Good comics are on a path to find that.
 
Describe your writing process?
            My buddys come over and we run through our jokes at a roundtable and help each other punch them up. It’s very unselfish and it works better than waiting to be inspired. Then we get naked and beat the crap out of each other.
 
Who do you see as a new and up coming comic?
            Taylor Williamson and me.
 
#comedy #standup #standupcomedy #comedywriting #joshrules
 

Alozon Boden Interview 
Alonzo Boden interview by Dave Thurston
 
Have you read Born Standing Up?
YES
 
What stuck out to you?
A FEW THINGS DOING 16TONIGHT SHOWS BEFORE CONSIDERING HIMSELF A STAR AND HOW HE BUILT UP TO ARENAS
 
How old were you when you started comedy?
30 I GOT A LATE START
 
How long did it take you before you felt like you were funny onstage?
ALWAYS MADE THEM LUAGH CONFIDENCE CAME IN 3-4 YEARS , STILL NOT CONTENT AND I KNNOW I CAN GET BETTER
 
What is the best advice you ever received?
DONT THINK ONSTAGE
 
Who do you think is funny?
COSBY, ROCK, CHAPELLE, LEWIS BLACK, DOM IRRERA, JEREMY HOTZ THERE ARE MANY MORE, MY FAVORITES TO WATCH ARE THOSE WHO ARE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM ME

What advice do you have for up and coming comics?
GET STAGE TIME
 
There is a group of comics in Phoenix committed to reposting bulletins on myspace for each other. In addition to that what can comics do to support other comics?
LISTEN ADN WATCH EACH OTHER AND HELP WITH TAGS AND JOKES
 
If you ever had a bad set, how did you deal with that?
GET BACK ONSTAGE WE ALL HAVE BAD SETS WITH TIME YOU LEARN FROM THEM
 
What are your future aspirations?
MORE TV AND AN HBO SPECIAL
 
What is the difference between a good comic and a great comic?
GREAT COMICS ARE REMEMBERED, GOOD ONES JUST MAKE YOU LAUGH, I'M WORKING ON GREAT
 
Describe your writing process?
IDEA THEN AN OUTLINE OF WHAT MAKES ME LUAGH THEN REFINING IT ONSTAGE
 
Who do you see as a new and up coming comic?
NOT SURE THERE ARE MANY, I LIKE KYLE CEASE
 
Do you have any good stories from being on the road that you would like to share?
THERE ARE LOTS OF ROAD STORIES , READ" I KILLED "A BOOK A FEW FRIENDS COMPILED THAT IS ALL ROAD STORIES
 
#comedy #standup #standupcomedy #comedywriting #alonzoboden #alonzorules
 

Dobie Maxwell Interview
Dobie tell us a little bit about yourself. 
My mother was a stripper and my father was a biker. I’m not clever enough to make that up. I’m a dented can. Most comics are. 

Have you read Born Standing Up? 
Yes. Enthusiastically loved it. It was probably therapeutic for Steve Martin. 

If so what stuck out to you? 
At the end when his father is laying on his death bed and said, “You did everything I wanted to do.” And then Steve replies, “I didn’t have the heart to tell him that I did it because of him.” 
It’s a treat for the fans to give his perspective. He had some failures to and I just loved it. 

How old were you when you started comedy? 
By 23 I was full time. When I was opening I was making 300-400 bucks a week working 40-45 weeks a year. Today it’s hard to make a living even as a middle. 

What is the best advice you ever received? 
Quite the business. I ran into the guy that told me that not to long ago. I tell everybody that today because if they don’t quite then they are they doing something right. 

Who do you think is funny? 
Dave Atell, Doug Stanhope, Dennis Miller and Rodney, whom I met right before he died. He was depressed and unhappy. 

What advice do you have for up and coming comics? 
Pick some certain clubs that you can go to and be terrible. Don’t go everywhere as an opener. Your first impression matters. Don’t go to the big clubs until you are ready. 
And stay way from the king brothers: smoking, drinking, fucking. 

What can comics do to support other comics? 
It’s the dented can thing. All comics are dented cans in some way. And it’s the fictitious pie thing. Everyone what’s a piece of the pie. It’s the perception that someone who has something you don’t is a threat. I remember Frank Caliendo opened for me, this is years ago, and he was doing impressions of people that are living. I told him, “Kid you got the golden ticket you’re at the right place at the right time. In a year I’m not going to be able to get you on the phone. Just let me be your pool boy when you get there.” Not long after I can’t get the guy on the phone. Comics need to read Tony Robinson and Zigglar. At the end of the day it is a good thing when comics make it. 

If you ever had a bad set, how did you deal with that? 
Take it like a man. You got to shake it off. Now, I’ve been doing it long enough that I know it’s not me anymore. That’s not being cocky that’s just experience. I know when a sets not going well and I like to try to scramble and come up with something. I think it’s good for you. Just try not to have it be a TV set. 

What are your future aspirations? 
I’m realistic enough to realize that at 45 it may not happen to me, but it did happen for Lewis Black when he was older than me. However, at this point I need to pay the bills. I’m thinking more entrepreneurially. Colonel Sanders didn’t invent fried chicken, he put his face on the bucket. I’m doing the same thing with comedy paraphanalia: whoopee cushions, comedy t-shirts, etc. My web site will be up soon www.uranusfactoryoutlet.com It’s always funny when it comes from your anus. I’m going to get famous through your anus. It’s branding of comedy material. I am the king of Uranus. www.uranusfactoyoutlet.com 

Do you have any good stories from the road that you would like to share?
I’m in the book “I Killed.” One story that’s not in there is about this booker that did me wrong and if you are in this business long enough you will have this experience. Some on will short you when you need the money the most. It happens to everyone. Anyway, I do a show for this guy and I haven’t gotten paid. I get in a car accident that changed my life. I’m in the hospital it was a bad deal. I need money for bills in addition to the medical bills. I was hurting, literally. This is they time when that guys decides to stiff me. And I told the guy, “I’m going to get you back for this one day.” He’s say, “Okay, we’ll see.” So a few years later the guy has a heart attack and he’s in the same hospital I was in. He’s recovering and getting better. So I go to the store, I buy a carton of Crisco, cheese wiz, a pound of bacon and mail it to him. This is in the days before there was email of course. And I sent a card that said, “Enjoy your desert. I’ll see you in hell.” The phones light up across the country. “Did you hear, Dobie sent a Crisco to the guy” People were talking about me around the country. A little while later I was doing a radio show with Doug Stanhope. Were talking and the story came up and I told him, “I’m the guy that sent the Crisco. He said ecstatically, “You’re the guy.” He called me, “The Count of Mailing Crisco.”  
I talked to my good friend Bert about it. I trust Bert. I respect what he says. And he told me, “You know when I first heard about the Crisco I was on your side because I see the interpersonal relationship for what it is. But then I thought you know, look, the people that know you already love you. The people that don’t like already don’t like you. It’ the 95% of the other people that are going to hear about how Dobie sent Crisco to a guy that had a heart attack. That’s not what you want.” 
I said, “But Bert, it’s a personal thing between him and me.” 
“I know you’re a good person, but that’s not what people who don’t know the situation are going to hear,” Bert said. 
And he was right. To this day, 12 years later there are still people that wont book because of the Crisco thing. 
I have some more stories in the book, “I Killed.” You should check that out as well. 

You teach classes at Zanies as well. Can you talk about that? 
The next classes start October 6th. There’s never been a class that didn’t get together and go to a cubs game. A couple met and got married in my class. Many people have taken the class 5 or 6 times just because they like hanging around. It’s a good social net work. It’s great. And I love teaching man. It’s so much fun. We have a graduation. They get up and do their set. They are scared shitless. They do great. It’s such self esteem builder. 

What do you think makes your set unique? 
Miles Davis said, “I play some of the songs all the time but not in the same order.” I’m kind of like that. I like changing it around. I can read an audience well, after 20 years of doing it, and I adapt. I talk pretty fast. I list stuff. I’ve had people come up to me after shows and they say, “I’ve seen you so many times and I like to watch how you change things around. It’s fun to watch.” 

Dobie thanks for taking the time to talk with us here at Born Standing Up. 

Dobie can be seen at Zanies in Chicago every Monday night as the host of the Chicago showcase at 8:30. For reservations you can call: 312-337-4027 

Jimmy Shubert Interview
Have you read Born Standing Up? 
Yes, absolutely. 

How old were you when you started comedy? 
18. 

How long did it take you before you felt like you were funny onstage? 
9 years. 

What is the best advice you ever received? 
Work to the top of your intelligence. 

Who do you think is funny? 
Anyone who makes me laugh. 

What advice do you have for up and coming comics? 
Stage time, stage time, stage time, and write, write, write. 

There is a group of comics in Phoenix committed to reposting bulletins on myspace for each other. In addition to that what can comics do to support other comics? 
We Comedians should support each other, but some how they think they are in competition with each other which is silly. You should be in a competition with yourself. Stand up is not a team sport. 

If you ever had a bad set, how did you deal with that? 
I got booed by 10,000 people I just don't let it bother me anymore. You’er never that good and you’re never that bad. No one bats 500 during the season. 

What are your future aspirations? 
To Act, and write. 

What is the difference between a good comic and a great comic? 
Callbacks. 

Describe your writing process? 
Trial and error. I over write and scale it back better to have to much than not enough. 

Who do you see as a new and up coming comic? 
That depends what you mean there are so many new up and comers I can't keep track. 

Do you have any good stories from being on the road that you would like to share? 
You can read them in the book I am working on. 

Jimmy thank you for taking the time to do your little interview. You are one of my personal favorite comics. Good luck with your move “Alive and Kicking.” 
 

Dave Thurston Interview with Matt Besser (UCB Founder and Awesome guy)
 
You do both standup and improv. Do you know a lot of guys that do both? Most people to one or the other. Why is that?
 
They are different muscles in the brain. I got back in to standup for Lu Pig Suie. As I was doing that show my improv got worse. When you focus on one the one goes.
 
 What was the first thing you did on stage?
 
            I did a standup, contest in college to win free trip to Jamaica.
 
Have you read “Born Standing Up?”
 
            I want to. I’m a huge fan of Steve Martin.
 
When did you first go to Chicago?
 
I’m from Arkansas. I went to Denver to do Standup. I heard Chicago has a ton of stand-up. So I moved there. When I got there I saw Chris Fraley in a show and I started taking classes. I performed with the Family then started UCB sketch simultaneously did stand-up and moved to sketch classes.
 
 Have you read “Funniest Person in the Room?”
 
It’s a must have. It shows how improv started. 
 
 How do you feel about religion?
 
Everyone has their own personal religion.
 
Is there anything good that can be taken away from the stories in the bible?
 
            It’s a good read. It gets a little boring in the middle.
 
Do you have any shows coming up?
 
            Yes, The Del Close Marathon at NY Aug 8th – Aug 10th. It’s 72 hour of straight  improv.
 
 Anything else we need to know about?
 
             Go to UCBcomedy.com   It’s the back room. It’s the new third stage of the theater. We have a show 
case coming up. It’s going to be awesome.
 
 www.MattBesser.com
www.UCBtheater.com
www.UCBcomedy.com   
 (This interview took place in 2008)

Doug Benson Interview

By David Michael Thurston

Have you read Born Standing Up?

I bought it because Steve Martin was one of my favorite comedians growing up. 

If so what stuck out to you?

I started reading it, and I will definitely finish it eventually, but I stopped when he wrote that a comedian shouldn't enjoy him or her self on stage. I couldn't disagree with that more. My approach is that if I'm having fun, the audience will be having fun. It's easy to have too much fun and lose the crowd, but for the most part I feel audiences respond positively to someone who likes what they are doing. 

How old were you when you started comedy?

22 

How long did it take you before you felt like you were funny onstage?

I got laughs, but I didn't feel I was really good at it until I was almost 30. And I didn't get great until a couple weeks ago. 

What is the best advice you ever received?

Listen to advice, but don't follow all of it. You have to make your own way. 

Who do you think is funny?

Lots of people - Dave Attell, Louis CK, Sarah Silverman, Zach Galifianakis, Paul F. Tompkins, Patton Oswalt, Brian Posehn, Maria Bamford, Jimmy Pardo, Graham Elwood, Todd Glass... coincidentally, they are all friends of mine. And there are many more. From the old school types, I love Don Rickles. 

What advice do you have for up and coming comics?

Same advice I mentioned above. 

Why don’t comics support other comics more?

It's very competitive. It bums me out that Johnny Carson gave Letterman and Leno their big breaks, and that those guys don't do that very much for young comics themselves. But can you blame them? Carson was the only game in town. He didn't have to worry about some upstart becoming his competition. 

If you ever had a bad set, how did you deal with that?

Do another set. 

What are your future aspirations?

I try not to have goals. Harder to be dissappointed that way. 

What is the difference between a good comic and a great comic?

Some are just more gifted than others. But time and experience are the most important contributors to excellence. 

Describe your writing process?

I think of something, or say something in conversation, that I think might make people laugh, and then I write it down. My pockets are always full of jottings that may or may not make it to the stage or the page. 

Who do you see as a new and up coming comic?

Anyone who gets on stage can be that person. I tend to notice them when they've already got their shit together.
 

 
Interview with Bret Ernst 
By David Michael Thurston 

Dave Chapelle, Joe Rogan, Nick Swardson, Bill Burr, Jim Gaffigan and Bret Ernst, we all have our favorite comic's and these are mine. There are a lot of good comics out there. These are my top six. 
That is why it is such a pleasure to get to sit down and have a cup of coffee with Bret at my favorite Starbucks in the country. He's headlining Zanies this weekend and I got to sit down with him. He's done it all. And when I say "all" I mean all the things I hope to do some day. He was in movie with Vince Vaughn, tours the country selling out the biggest clubs with a show that really tells you about who he is. 
Bret doesn't 'talk' about anything. He passionately and emphatically describes everything with an informed opinion. Whenever Bret has something to say he sits up on the edge of his seat and sucks you into the conversation regardless of the topic. Our conversation ranged from comedy and Richard Pryor to politics and the importance of the independent movement to the change that is coming to this country because of the election of a new president whom he firmly supports though he, like myself, is a registered independents. 

Where are you from? 

Hold on one second buddy. (Bret kindly excused himself from the shameless self promotion interview to open both sets of double doors for a lady pushing a baby carriage. Bret is a lot of things I wish I could be. Add to the list a gentlemen and sweetheart.) 

Sorry about that. I was born in Princeton New Jersey moved Passaic then moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for high school. I went back and forth between Florida and Jersey. I consider Florida my home. I was kind of raised in both places, but when people ask where I'm from I always say South Florida, Plantation, Florida, which is the Fort Lauderdale area. 
In the movie (Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Show) Vince introduces me from a different place every night. And, by the way, Vince is hands down one of the nicest, sweetest, funniest guys. And for him to put it out there like that with his own money and people you don't know…he's great. To put unknown comics in the national spot light like that is great. 

Have you read Born Standing Up? 

Yes. 

What stuck out to you? 

What I love about Born Standing Up is that it's about his comedy. It's different than Richard Pryor's book "Pryor Convictions" which is about Richard. By the end of the book you know him. You know who he is. Martin in open as well but Pryor's book is al lot more open. Both books are indicative of their styles of comedy. Martin entertains you and makes you laugh, he tells you about the relationship with his father and that's revealing, but it's mostly about the events that led up to comedy. So it is open to a degree but Pryor's book and his comedy takes you to the most vulnerable places possible. It's about his experience, his thoughts and feelings. 
There are two types of comics, comics you want to listen to and comics you want to hang out with. In other words there are writers and there are performers, Carlin on one end of the spectrum and Pryor on the other end. Both are great. One's about the words the other is about who they are as people. 
One example of Pryor's experience's, in his book, Pryor had to blow a guy when he was a kid. When he got older he thought about what he would do to that guy if he ever met him in his adult life. Then one day the guy shows up on his door step and asks him for an autograph. Pryor freezes and gives him an autograph. That's his experience. That's who he is. That's not a story just about his comedy career. That's about him. 
I love Jay Leno's book, "Leading with The Chin." There's a part when his father is jumped by five guys and limped ever since. Leno's father spent his whole life trying to find those guys and beat the shit out of them. He found four of them and got even with those four. On his death bed he made Jay promise that if he found that fifth guy he would kick the shit out of him. Jay said he would do it. 

Do you have a story like Pryor or Leno? 

I don't have an abuse story, but I have a lot of small time crime and fight stories. So not really…well, ok my father killed himself when I was eleven. If you saw the Wild West Comedy movie, I lost my older too. I was raised by a single mom. 
I don't make excuses but, when I was younger I acted out a lot. I grew up with a lot of punks. I see someone picking on a little kid and the bully thinks he can get away with it. I'm going to step in. I don't pick fights, but I'll protect anyone who is being disrespected. I'll go toe to toe with anyone that messes with one of my pals. 
I would go out with my friends and we did stupid shit together. If anyone messed one of my friends…what can I say, I don't back down. I'm not tough guy but, I don't back down from anyone when one of my pals are in trouble. Hey, you don't have to be a genius to get your ass kicked. 

(At this point in the interview I was thinking to myself, 'fight stories' why does baby carriage door opener guy talk about fights twice in thirty minutes. If there are lovers and fighters which side does baby carriage bell boy lean towards? He wouldn't hurt a fly. It seemed so out of place. That's not who this guy is. Later in the interview I figured out why he keeps telling himself these stories.) 

You seem like the type of person who is really grounded in who you are, aren't you? 

I'll take two days in the hospital over two months of losing sleep because me or one of my buddies were disrespected. I like to be respected of it will bother me. Same with meeting a girl, if see a hot girl and I don't talk to her it will bother me. Comedy too, I have to do it or it will bother me. 
I have to go 100% at what I do. I hate loosing more than I like winning. Failure is not OK. I played football in college. I played 2A. I knew I wasn't going to the NFL, but I took it as far as I could go. I can live with that. 
Now with standup when I'm on stage and I do well, that's what I'm supposed to do. I'm not impressed. That's my job. 

Where did you cut your comedy teeth? 

I cut my teeth at the Comedy Store even though I perform at the Improv and Laugh Factory regularly; I'm a Comedy Store Comic. That's where I came up. 

What do you mean by coming up? 

There are miles stones. These are the mile stones: 6, 11, 15 years. 
Six, at six years you start to see the matrix. And I mean six years of consistently doing standup. You have to figure things out for yourself. You have to keep getting up, as many times as possible. I get up every night if I can, unless I'm in a relationship. Only five nights a week if I'm in a relationship. 
Speed squares it self. If you go sky diving and jump out of a plane you start falling faster and faster. That's an example of speed squaring itself. Comedy is the same way, but with plateaus. It's the same with fucking. In the beginning you're doing something, but then you get comfortable and start trying things. 
Eleven years in you're 'in it'. You are accepted in the roll. For example…If I'm in the NFL and I'm covering Jerry Rice my first thought is, I can't believe Jerry Rice is right there. Eventually that wears off. You're not star struck you're there to do a job you love. You get to a point where you accept yourself in that roll. That's a big mile stone. 
At that point all you have to worry about is trying to out do your last performance. It's like golf in that you're playing against yourself. 
Fifteen years reach Jedi status. It's just working on your material and getting stuff done.  

I can see in like five or six years I can see you being one of the best comics ever? 

I'm only 11 years in. But look, I'm the type of person that will sulk over a bad set way more that go out and celebrate a good one. 

(That's when I figured it out. That's why I keep hearing fight stories from this gentle giant. This is how he's keeping himself psyched up. This is how this guy confronts challenges.) 

I look at it like hitting a punching bag. I'm not going to mess around with something I spent my whole life building. 

Who do you think people should go see? 

Nick Swardson, John Caparulo, Ahmed Ahmed, Sebascitian Maniscalco , Dov Davidoff, Brian Callen, Maz Jabroni, Mike Young, Neal Brennen, Ian Edwards, Sam Trippley, Chris Spencer, Bill Burr, Tony Roberts, Jay Phillips, Steve Travino, Steve Simone, Jimmy Shubert, Billy Gardell, Anthony Jeselnik, Luca Palanca, Butch Bradley, and many many more especially Keith Ernst, he's one of my favorite comic and I'm not just saying that because he's my brother. I love Doug Stanhope, Joe Rogan, Robert Kelley there's so many good comics right now.  

What is the best advice you ever received? 

I wouldn't say advice, but what I see in other comics, I see patterns. I respect Dice because he had no fear. 

Can you describe your writing process? 

I see my jokes in scenes not in words. I put them into words later, but I can't really...I mean, I don't know what else to say other than that. Just be honest. Be honest with your material, with yourself. I don’t talk out of both sides of my mouth. 
Self awareness, accountability, these are the things that make you successful. I take what I do seriously, but I don't take myself seriously. 
Comics are a luxury. Have you ever played that socially game where you are in charge of an island and you got pick who you want to take with you on your island: doctor, lawyer, firemen, teacher, actor, comedian. 
If I were in that game the comic and the actor are don't make it to the island. 
If a mechanic that doesn't get a literary reference it doesn't mean he's stupid. At least he's actually doing something. You got to know yourself, what you do and where you stand. When you are on the road its easy to feel like everybody is a dick but you. That's not how it is. You have to see things how they are.  

Are you talking about perception? 

Well, let me put it this way. Florida drivers can cause accidents and then complain about the driving. I'm a goof ball, but I know it. I know my self and where I stand. If you're an actor your life is important because you can be someone else. What does that tell you? 
It's ridiculous, as a comic, to attempt to act like you're just like everybody else. I'm just a comedian. You know who had it right, Elvis. Elvis, when asked about the Vietnam war said, 'I'm just and entertainer.' 

So you're saying know your place? 

We don't need Paris Hilton to tell us to vote. If you voted because Paris told you to vote your vote doesn't count. 

Good answer. 

We've become a reality TV based society. I heard someone say that they liked O'Bama because he's young and charismatic. Well if you want young and charismatic why not get Hanna Montana to run the country. 
I'm glad he's President. I like what he said about if people keep messing around with the United States that 'we will come get you.' It's nice to see someone be Presidential.  

Do you have any advice for up and coming comics? 

Advice I could give? Care about your audience, but don't cater to the audience. 
I'll talk about illegal immigration and if it offends some one it offends some one, but you can't be afraid of that. On the other hand you can't just get up and masturbate, but you can't pander. You just can't. 
I just shot one mic stand. I do a bit about how blacks are better athletes. I grew up with brothers my whole life. I'm telling my story. Black crowds love it. White crowds tense up. I grew up that way. At my high school we had "cracker knock out day" where the black kids knock out a white kid. But if I'm afraid to tell my story…you shouldn't ever hold back your truth you have to tell your story. 
I don't do baby rape stories. The day Kennedy died people did jokes on that. It's not my style. But I do a bit about how I hit my baby sitter with an ax. I've been told not to do that bit, but it's a true story. 

What are your future aspirations? 

I am in development, with Rod Lurie and Mark Fridman and the writer is Nick Bakay. I would like to get that sold. I would like to keep doing what I’m doing. Just make more money. 
I associate with my Italian side of the family. The other side is German. My ancestors were colonist. Keith, my brother, is the same way. That's where my passion for politics must come from, even though I don't talk to that side of the family. My real father was a lobbyist. I never spent time with him. 
My family is half criminal, half government. So I grew up with a complex. If I weren't a comic I would be a cop or maybe enlist. I'm sitting here talking about my country and guys like Pat Tillman, the last great American, are out there. 
It's so easy to get caught up in the, 'let's make as much money as fast as possible with as little work as possible.' 
In World War II, Audie Murrphy took a hill by himself. They asked him who did you do it? He said, "It was easy my friends were over there." They don't make them like that any more. 
The Vietnam, disco, generation screwed it up for everybody. 

How important is net working, making contacts and meeting the right people? 

I don't net work maybe that's why I'm not famous. 

Yes, you are famous. 

No I'm not. 

You're famous to me. 

I appreciate that, but what I'm saying is, you make a good product people will buy it. The difference between Backstreet Boys and Led Zeppelin. There's people that market themselves and people that promote themselves. I'll promote. I send out flyers. I'll do interviews. But at the end of the day everything comes through genuine friendships. It's your friends. 
Everything I've got I got through standup I met Vince by doing standup. I new Ahmed. He knew Vince, but it all starts with doing well on stage. 
I tried to network when I first got to LA, but I couldn't even get laid, let alone an agent. No agent, no manager, I couldn't get anything. So I sent all my PR packages out. I spent 300 dollars. Nothing happened. 
But I'm doing a show at 10 o'clock 10 people are in the audience and one of them is a manager who liked me. That's one way it happens. 
I went to Montreal 2003. After my show I had every manager coming up to me offering this and that. 
The key is to put yourself in the right place to be seen. You got to put yourself in the right pool to be successful, and then when you shine in that pool you got something. 
It's like saying I have the best screen play ever, but I don't want any one to read it. 

How is doing comedy different in LA? 

LA crowds are tough because they are industry people. They laughed all day watching dailies. 
And by the way, you should see Heckler. 
You need to have 3 sets. 
TV set has to be clean 
You have to have an Industry set. 
Night club set no holds bared. Say what you really want to say, but make it funny. 
There are different types of comics just like music. You have Jim Morrison, Beatles, and Elvis. They are all geniuses, but not all must music is meant for you to think about and not all music is made to dance. 
Comedy is the most objective thing in the world. People laugh at death. People laugh at pie in the face. Standup is the best thing in the world. 
Asked people who they love. Its' different for everybody. I like Murphy when I was younger, more than Pryor. As I got older I started to appreciate Pryor more. 
It's polarizing. People that love Joe Rogan wont pay to see carrot top. But its' great for comedy when you get all one sentence Bill Burr, Rogan, Carrot Top. Fashion is the same way. 

 
Nick Swardson Interview
Have you read Born Standing Up? 

Yes. 

What stuck out to you? 

How long it took him to find his voice and his tenacity. 

How old were you when you started comedy? 

19. 

How long did it take you before you felt like you were funny onstage? 

4 years. 

What is the best advice you ever received? 

Don't move to Los Angeles too early. 

Who do you think is funny? 

Bill Burr and Daniel Tosh. 

What advice do you have for up and coming comics? 

Be prepared to struggle. 

Why don’t comics support other comics more? 

Comics support original good comics. They don't support hacks and thieves. 

If you ever had a bad set, how did you deal with that? 

Booze and Halo? 

What are your future aspirations? 

Find an exit strategy for Iraq. 

What is the difference between a good comic and a great comic? 

Taking risks...and sweet hair. 

Describe your writing process? 

Retarded. 

Who do you see as a new and up coming comic? 

Bill Cosby 

Dave On Dave, an interview about Improvisation
 
By David Michael Thurston
 
Q: Do you really think you can build the funniest comedy club in the world?
 
A: If we aren’t trying to be the best in the world at what we do then we are probably already on the wrong track. To answer your question, yes, yes I do.
 
Q: Are you going to answer any of these questions in the first person?
 
A: We’ll see.
 
Q: What makes you think you can build the best improvisational comedy club ever?
 
A: Well, as it is, if you want to be the best comedic actor in the world you have to be funnier than Michael Cera.
 
Q: Oh, well, when you put it that way. On to my next question; why are you teaching Improvisation? Are you even
qualified to do so?
 
A: Well I love it and I have a lot of training. I studied at Second City in Chicago, The Annoyance (under Mick Napier) and the IO. I was a performer and director at Theater 168 in Scottsdale for 7 years. I loved ever second to that. The most fun I ever had in my life was directing the student show there on Thursday nights. I’ve always been trying to get back there. I was so happy then. I really loved that experience. I may not be the best instructor but I know I have more passion than anyone else and that counts for something.
 
Q: Good job on that first person thing.
 
A: Thanks.
 
Q: This is show business. You have a business degree from Keller. Do you think that will help you run a comedy club?
 
A: It hasn’t helped so far.
 
Q: What is your greatest fear about running a comedy club?
 
A: That someone like me will want to take classes from me. That day is coming and I’m dreading it.
 
Q: What do you think of the immigration issue?
 
A: (17 minutes of silence) I’m trying to be more savvy these days. I like humor that brings people together over other kinds of humor.
 
Q: How so? Can you give an example?
 
A: Will Rogers had a famous line, “Let’s not blame the President. He doesn’t understand what is going on right now.” It’s
a great line anyone can laugh at.
 
Q: Why did you pick Runway 21 Studios to teach your classes?
 
A: It’s a great facility, I’m surrounded by good people and they gave me the best offer. I had my pick of where I wanted to be.
 
Q: What do you look for in a girl?
 
A: Someone who is positive and supportive. If you got that all the other details get worked out.  
 
Q: Have you ever been in love?
 
A: No. But I could have if I would have let myself fall.
 
Q: Do you prefer standup or improv?
 
A: There seems to be a season that comes and goes for each. There are times where all I want to do is improvise but then that time passes and a new season comes and all I want to do is stand-up. My desire to change from one to the other is usually determined by how much new material I have written recently. If I have a lot of new jokes I want to get on stage and work on them. But when they get old to me I want to go back to improvising. Right now all I want to do is teach improvisation. That’s all I want to do.
 
Q: If you are such an expert on comedy shouldn’t this interview be funnier?
 
A: (17 minutes of silence.) Do you have any other questions?
 
Q: Do you really think there is a market for Improvisation in Arizona?
 
A: Well, look how many Borders book stores and Barnes and Nobles there are. And I don’t even know anyone who likes
to read. Improvisation is fun and you meet people. I there isn’t a huge market here in 5 years it’s because I didn’t work hard enough to create one. As a city there is a lot of momentum because there are a ton of good people doing great work. That makes everything better for everyone. Oh and another example, there’s a yoga studio on every corner. I can’t touch my toes can you? There has to be a place for an improv comedy club somewhere if not 10 of them.  Additionally Phoenix today looks a lot like Chicago 50 years ago when the Second City started. It’s the right time for us. We have to build it and we have to build it fast. We have an opportunity as a community to build the greatest creative talent in the country. The only mistake that anyone can make is to not give it everything we’ve got. Now is the time for everyone artist, comedian, improviser, blogger, dancer, musician to put their shoulders into the work and push. We will get recognized, we will dominate the scene, send a message, we will be a creative force that the nation will have to deal with.