Hey all you cool cats and kittens, 

I did my first full hour on stage last weekend, and learned some value lessons I wanted to pass along. Seriously, setting yourself up for success will help you tremendously. 

There are two different kinds of performers who explore this artform of ours. Artists and Entertainers. It's okay to be an artist. Don't let anyone pressure you into commercializing your comedy if you aren't interested in making it a career. 

But, if you want to get booked you're gunna have to sell out. 

I am spilling some Tea, and I have no doubt some people are going to be pissed. 

If you working a small scene like I do, you will probably recognize one of these toxic booking styles. Hell, I have recognized myself in a couple of them. 

You don't control how bookers make decisions as a comic. You are stuck having to work with people like this. So, I break down what I think the common toxic booking styles are and good strategies to get passed by them if you don't have a choice. (Or, they work a room you REALLY want to perform in.) 

Send all your hate mail to [email protected].  

I was talking to a couple comics from the scene recently. They felt like they had to "perfect" at open mic. There seems to be this idea that open mics are like mini showcases and you have to have to have a perfectly polished five minutes. 

This is completely, and utterly, false. Disagree with me? @me about it. 

So, I rant about why for 25 minutes. 

There is only one part of your "Open Mic Trajectory" that you should feel pressure whatsoever when performing at an open mic. Listen to find out when that is. So you know when you can just do a shot or two and enjoy hanging with your teammates. 

As always email me at [email protected] or send me a message on social media. (Let's be honest, if you're reading this or listening to the podcast you probably know how to reach me.)

Yes! I am trying to get back into the swing of things! Like any parental unit, I constantly think about how to keep the comedians and audience safe when producing live shows right now. I've been lucky enough to partially reopen my production company with an open mic and showcases. So, let's talk about what steps you can take to help keep yourself safe when performing in this dystopian world of viruses and wildfires. 

Oh! And one thing I forgot to mention. Hand sanitizer. I know. Duh. 

Follow the Comedy Mom Podcast on Instagram at @comedymompodcast. E-mail me at [email protected]. Let me know you are listening and any topic you want to talk about! Also, I am thinking of putting together a 10 day (or 5 or 7 day) writing workshop. If you might be interested in that, let me know! 

Yes, I am back and trying to get in the podcast swing again. It has been a weird time for everyone. And, I am serious that THIS SONG has become my theme song. 

I did this interview with Niko Lukoff a few days ago as part of a training for local comedians who work with my production company, Ipockolyptic Productions. Niko created the breakout hit facebook group Displaced Comedians. We listen to Niko's orgin story and learn the basics of virtual/steam/zoom shows:

- What equipment you might need

- How a zoom show compares to live

- Ways to adjust to a virtual performance environment

- What opportunities you might find out in the digital scene

Got a question for your comedy mom! E-mail me at [email protected]!

I know, sh*t as really gone south. Let's talk about advice about virtual/streaming shows and what you can do to set yourself up for success in this innovative time for comedy!

When people think about getting into stand up comedy, they think about the glory. The crowds, the attention, the IG fans. Everyone thinks about being the next Joe Rogan, Dan Stanhope and Amy Schumer. In order to get that glory, you have to go all in. Comedy is going to take over you life. It is going to demand every second of free time you have. 

Got a question for your comedy mom? email us at [email protected]. You can find us on instagram at @comedymompodcast

It is competition season for my comedy scene, which always flares up everyone's competitive nature. Here's the thing: The idea that Stand Up Comedy is somehow a competitive thing, is absolutely bullshit. You aren't competing against your fellow comics. You are only competing against yourself. You are competing against your last set, your own work ethic, and your own fears. Be resilient. 

I also go on a rant about comedy competitions, and tell the hard truth about them. As a producer of a competition, I understand their true nature and purpose. Other producers are going to hate my honesty. But, someone needs to be honest with you about it. It's not about competing against each other, it's about competing against yourself. Plus, there's an easy way to hack almost any competition. 

Want some advice from your Comedy Mom? E-mail us at [email protected]! Also, follow us on Instagram at @comedymompodcast! Send us a DM!