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/ 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialJamieKaler/ 

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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Book Keith on cameo at www.cameo.com/keithreza

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