My second stand-up comedy open mic at Mesquite Street Comedy in Corpus Christi! In this episode, I share what I learned about trimming the fat (fixing bits to make them better), stretching jokes longer, and being uncomfortable when the audience doesn't laugh. I almost didn't go up—sat in my car second-guessing myself until my wife encouraged me. Learn about recording your sets on your phone to analyze later, getting advice from local comics like Anna Ramirez, Lito Cortez, Miguel(ito), Marri Garcia (awesome host), Chris Longoria, and Roland Alaniz who told me "they're just jokes bro, what's the worst that can happen?" I discuss watching 15-16 comics before going up, reminding myself "nobody is me—I'm the only person who can do me," learning comedy terminology (bits, punchlines), and discovering you have to put on your own shows to get longer than 5-minute open mic sets. Real talk about stage time being irreplaceable, practicing your craft in front of people, having backup ideas when jokes don't land, and learning to listen to the audience. The difference between authentic laughs and pity laughs. Enjoying the process of learning stand-up comedy. Recorded November 2025.