It’s episode #51 y’all! Join me, comedian Michael Halcomb, and comedian/roast battler Mike Byrd, as we turn up the heat in a lively roasting session on the “Messed Up the Setups” podcast. Watch as we try to navigate the fine line between humor and insult. This episode is packed with laughter, clever slams, and a masterclass in the art of roasting. In other words, it’s perfect for anyone who loves a good-natured ribbing and wants to learn how to deliver a roast with style.

If you’re interested in learning to roast and/or write jokes, check out my Udemy Course titled “The Joke Writer’s Lab” HERE.

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It’s Episode #50 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups Podcast! How sick is that?!?! 50 episodes and they’re all FREE! And, for this milestone, we’ve got a killer episode. Join me as I sit down with Mike Byrd, a NC-based comedian, an insanely talented roaster, and one of the few guys I know who’s about as obsessed with joke structure as I am. We dive into his journey into comedy but also get into the nuts and bolts of it all, from comedic persona to joke writing to performing stand-up. This is a super fun episode that gives you insight into the comedy life. Tune in!

And…if you’re interested at all in learning to write jokes, check out my online course titled “The Joke Writer’s Lab,” which you can get HERE.

MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

It’s Episode #49 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups Podcast, which means we’re only 1 episode away from #50! That’s sick!!! Make sure you’re subscribed! For now, join me as I sit down with Karina Fabian, a comedian, author, and speaker, for a lively conversation where we work on one of her jokes and make up a bunch of jokes on the spot. This is a really fun one that lets you peek behind the curtains of what comedians actually do. Tune in!

And…if you’re interested at all in learning to write jokes, check out my online course titled “The Joke Writer’s Lab,” which you can get HERE.

MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

It’s Episode #48 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups Podcast. Join me, comedian Michael Halcomb, as I sit down with Karina Fabian, a comedian, author, and speaker, for a lively conversation about balancing comedy with personal life. Discover how Karina's unique experiences, from living near rocket launches to her journey into stand-up comedy, shape her humor and perspective. This episode offers a delightful mix of laughter, storytelling, and insights into the art of finding humor in everyday life. Tune in for a fun chat about what it means to live a life full of comedy and creativity.

MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

It’s Episode 47 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups Podcast! Here comedians Michael Halcomb and Jerry Morrison dive into an impromptu joke-writing session. Watch as they challenge each other with spontaneous prompts, crafting punchlines on the fly. This segment is a testament to their quick wit and creativity, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the comedic process. Tune in for some great laughs, unexpected twists, and a glimpse into the playful world of joke crafting/writing!

Oh, you should also check out Michael’s joke-writing course titled “The Joke Writer’s Lab.” It’s 4.5-hours of content you’re sure to find useful.

MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In the 46th episode of the Messed-Up to Set-Ups podcast, comedians Michael Halcomb and Jerry Morrison enjoy some great laughs while they dive into the nuances of comedy styles. Jerry, an actual rock star (bass player in the band Bleach), shares his journey in the Nashville comedy scene, emphasizing the importance of kindness in humor and how it contrasts with the often ambiguous standards of clean comedy. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on how comedians navigate labels and craft their unique comedic voices. Don’t miss this engaging discussion that, in some pretty fun ways, challenges the conventional boundaries of comedy!

Also, check out Michael’s joke writing course, The Joke Writer’s Lab, HERE.

MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In Episode #43 of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast, I talk with comedian Chrysalis Goring about the dynamic world of improv and the benefits of it for stand-up comedians. Also, Chrysalis shares her journey from stage combat to stand-up, revealing how her background in acting and improv has equipped her with the confidence to engage audiences in real-time. We also discuss the challenges and rewards of balancing scripted jokes with spontaneous crowd interactions, and learn why crowd work is becoming an essential skill for modern comedians. Tune in for a fun discussion filled with fun, insights, and a few laughs along the way. Watch on YouTube HERE.

MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Hi Friends, I’m stoked to share Episode #43 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups Podcast with you. In this episode I continue my chat with Indiana-based comedian Hayden Yes. Episode 1 is causing quite a stir over on YouTube (see HERE). So, Part 2 is probably gonna get some attention. Lol! That’s because, in this episode, Hayden Yes brings an original joke about gossip, drama, and small town life, and we spend time workshopping it. As someone who grew up in a small Kentucky town, I know many of the tropes and stereotypes. We have some good laughs. Be sure to check it out AND, before you get worked up, choose to laugh. Then subscribe both here (see the button below) and on YouTube. Thanks for your wonderful support!

MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In the last day-and-a-half, I’ve spent nearly 11 hours on the road. I gave a lecture at a conference in Louisville, Ky, but also did stand-up at the conference. I crushed. So, all the travel has me a bit behind on posting here. I’m glad to start catching up a bit today. Thus, here it is: Episode #42. In this episode of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups podcast, comedian Michael Halcomb interviews comedian Hayden Yes. In Part 1 of this 2-part chat, Hayden Yes, with all her firey and bubbly personality, talks about how she got into comedy. She also shares about how she’s transforming a dormant church in Farmersburg, Indiana, into a theater. The two comedians discuss the challenges of renovation, community reactions, creating spaces for artistic expression, and the intersection of comedy and religion. Be sure to check it out AND subscribe both here and on YouTube. Thanks for your wonderful support!

MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Episode #41 has arrived! THIS…is the Messed-Up To Set-Ups podcast and, in this episode, I continue my chat with Tennessee-based comedian, Garrett McDonald. We kick things off with Garrett bringing an original joke. He tells us its origin story and then we spend some time workshopping and punching it up. From there, we start the clock and make up jokes on the spot and in real time from a bunch of random prompts. Like our first discussion, this one was really fun! So, be sure to check it out AND subscribe below as well as on YouTube. And if you could or would, please share the podcast around. That would be absolutely wonderful. Thanks, friends, for your support!

MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.