Jamie Kaler on Comedy, Acting, and Life Lessons: From Homeschooled Special to Working with Legends

In this captivating discussion, comedian and actor Jamie Kaler (known for My Boys, How I Met Your Mother, and Forgetting Sarah Marshall) opens up about his journey in stand-up comedy and acting, including his pandemic-born special "Homeschooled." He shares behind-the-scenes stories from performing in intimate venues, collaborating with comedy icons like Gene Wilder and Bob Saget, and the unique dynamics of working on sitcoms. Kaler dives into why comedy is harder than drama and reveals key career lessons every aspiring performer should know.

The conversation also explores dark humor, grief, and modern parenting, blending laughter with deep personal reflections. From the art and business of comedy to the importance of staying present, Kaler and the hosts exchange wisdom, ending with heartfelt advice to their younger selves—emphasizing empathy, inclusion, and resilience.

Jamie's Socials

IG: @jamiekaler https://www.instagram.com/jamiekaler/

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YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/jamiekaler

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:28 Jamie Koehler's Comedy Journey 03:30 The Process of Creating 'Homeschooled' Special 05:49 Experiences in Sitcoms and Live Performances 07:00 Working with Legends: Gene Wilder and Bob Saget 11:43 The Challenges of Comedy vs. Drama 13:35 Improvisation in Sitcoms 16:00 The Art of Dialogue and Exposition 18:12 The Influence of Storytelling in Comedy 20:09 The Evolution of Comedy Venues 22:55 Reflections on Comedy and Loss 27:47 Finding Humor in Grief 30:00 The Complexity of Dark Humor 33:11 Navigating Modern Parenting Challenges 36:26 The Art and Business of Comedy 37:30 Behind the Scenes of Acting 46:40 The Importance of Being Present 50:15 Advice to My Younger Self Takeaways

📍Jamie Koehler has a diverse career in comedy and acting.

📍His special 'Homeschooled' was created during the pandemic while homeschooling his kids.

📍Koehler prefers intimate comedy shows over large arenas.

📍He emphasizes the importance of writing and polishing material in a vacuum.

📍Koehler shares insights on the collaborative nature of sitcoms.

📍He recounts his experiences working with comedy legends like Gene Wilder and Bob Saget.

📍Koehler believes comedy is harder than drama.

📍Improvisation is a key part of his performance style.

📍He discusses the challenges of delivering scripted dialogue in dramatic roles.

📍Koehler reflects on the evolution of comedy venues and the importance of live performance.

📍Humor can be a coping mechanism in times of grief.

📍Dark humor often serves to highlight the absurdity of tragedy.

📍Parenting today involves navigating complex social dynamics.

📍The art of comedy is intertwined with the business of entertainment.

📍Improvisation can lead to unexpected success in acting.

📍Being present in the moment enhances performance and creativity.

📍Inclusivity and empathy are vital lessons for personal growth.

📍Success in comedy is subjective and varies for each individual.

📍It's never too late to pursue your passions and dreams.

📍The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and ever-evolving.

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