School Of Laughs

Every road comic knows the frustration of leaving town with hours to spare only to find themselves stuck in traffic, construction or an airport for a rediculous amount of time.

On the road, time is your enemy and technology is your friend. We discuss some of our favorite travel apps. We also discover a few new ones thanks to our friends in a few different Facebook groups (shout outs included).

We discuss:

• Great apps for storing your confirmation numbers for all of your reservations
• Driving apps to help you save gas, find a place to fill up,
• Alternatives to Taxis and how to beat the traffic
• Why I haven’t tried Uber or Lyft ... yet
• Flying apps to track your flight and reduce stress in making your connections
• Subway apps for going subterranean like a mole with MapQuest
• Hotel apps for saving cash on bookings and dodging the bed bugs
• Why I will never stay at a “Bed and Breakfast” again
• How to make the most out of your trip by going “local”
• How to never miss the “World’s Largest Ball of Twine”
• Staying safe in foreign countries - and online
• And how to shush the noisy room next door with some white noise

We took the notes for you ...

Want a handy reference sheet with all the apps we discuss in this episode? Just subscribe to the bi-monthly "Insider Tips Newsletter" by sending an email to [email protected] and put “Travel Apps/Insider Tips” in the subject header. If you don’t mind, also include your name, where you are located and how you found out about the podcast.

Included in each edition are:

• posts
• podcast recaps
• comedy news
• and a specific writing or performing "challenge" to take your comedy to the next level

Every road comic knows the frustration of leaving town with hours to spare only to find themselves stuck in traffic, construction or an airport for a rediculous amount of time.

On the road, time is your enemy and technology is your friend. We discuss some of our favorite travel apps. We also discover a few new ones thanks to our friends in a few different Facebook groups (shout outs included).

We discuss:

We took the notes for you ...

Want a handy reference sheet with all the apps we discuss in this episode? Just subscribe to the bi-monthly "Insider Tips Newsletter" by sending an email to [email protected] and put “Travel Apps/Insider Tips” in the subject header. If you don’t mind, also include your name, where you are located and how you found out about the podcast.

 Included in each edition are:

Be funny. That’s really the only rule in stand-up comedy, right? It is a biggie, and it trumps everything. The funnier you are the more you can get away with, no doubt.

But there are countless unwritten rules of comedy. Most of these unspoken expectations are unsaid because you think only an idiot would have to be told to abide by them. Fair enough. But I broke nearly every one of these rules – one as recently as two weeks ago. And I knew better.

We cover a small portion of the most frequently broken guidelines in this episode. Including:

• Two tips to consider when performing at an open mic
• A thought or two on dressing for the stage
• Respecting the sanctity of the “green room”
• Golden rules of the stage
• Getting along with the staff at the club
• Correct Condo Courtesy
• And a reminder on material and “your” jokes

And a few more tips that fall somewhere in between.

This episode was a lot of fun and I appreciate the input from members of the Louisville Comedy & D.C. Comedy Writing Facebook groups.

We only had a little time, what "unwritten rules" should we have included? E-mail them to us at [email protected].

===

Never miss out on a post. Just send a quick e-mail to [email protected] with “Insider Tip Sheet” in the subject line. I’ll keep you in the loop with a monthly email full of goodies.

Be funny. That’s really the only rule in stand-up comedy, right? It is a biggie, and it trumps everything. The funnier you are the more you can get away with, no doubt.

But there are countless unwritten rules of comedy. Most of these unspoken expectations are unsaid because you think only an idiot would have to be told to abide by them. Fair enough. But I broke nearly every one of these rules – one as recently as two weeks ago. And I knew better.

We cover a small portion of the most frequently broken guidelines in this episode. Including:

And a few more tips that fall somewhere in between.

This episode was a lot of fun and I appreciate the input from members of the Louisville Comedy & D.C. Comedy Writing Facebook groups.

We only had a little time, what "unwritten rules" should we have included? E-mail them to us at [email protected].

===

Never miss out on a post. Just send a quick e-mail to [email protected] with “Insider Tip Sheet” in the subject line. I’ll keep you in the loop with a monthly email full of goodies.

Great comedians come in all shapes and sizes. And they all excel in one or more of these “traits of the greats.” Some combine three or more traits, while others get by with just one or two. What traits are we talking about?

• Brilliant Material
• Ability to connect with an audience
• Perseverance
• Unique Delivery
• Sharp Comic Voice
• Strong Point of View
• Perseverance

Which of these traits best describe you? What traits did we leave out?

While you can definitely learn (and teach) editing, techniques, formulas and more, the traits we talk about in this episode by and large cannot be taught. You can certainly develop them, be aware of them and do things to help you get better in your weak areas. But sometimes you either “got it or you don’t.”

Compared to our other episodes, this is a little on the lighter side and more of a discussion as opposed to a “lesson.” So sit back and enjoy a conversation about our favorite comedians and what makes them special. And PLEASE comment on the FB group where you saw this posted (or post it on the School Of Laughs Facebook Group Page).

I want to know what you like about your favorite comics.

===

NEVER MISS A PODCAST OR POST

Subscribe to the monthly School of Laughs “Insider Tips” email and get exclusive information delivered right to your inbox. It’s fast, free useful and fun.

Just email: [email protected] and put “insider tip sheet” in the subject header. I’ll make sure you get the official tip sheet and I promise to keep your email anonymous and spam.

If you enjoy this PODCAST please subscribe in iTunes or STITCHER and leave a comment and ranking.

Great comedians come in all shapes and sizes. And they all excel in one or more of these “traits of the greats.” Some combine three or more traits, while others get by with just one or two. What traits are we talking about?

Which of these traits best describe you? What traits did we leave out?

While you can definitely learn (and teach) editing, techniques, formulas and more, the traits we talk about in this episode by and large cannot be taught. You can certainly develop them, be aware of them and do things to help you get better in your weak areas. But sometimes you either “got it or you don’t.”

Compared to our other episodes, this is a little on the lighter side and more of a discussion as opposed to a “lesson.” So sit back and enjoy a conversation about our favorite comedians and what makes them special. And PLEASE comment on the FB group where you saw this posted (or post it on the School Of Laughs Facebook Group Page).

I want to know what you like about your favorite comics.

===

NEVER MISS A PODCAST OR POST

Subscribe to the monthly School of Laughs “Insider Tips” email and get exclusive information delivered right to your inbox. It’s fast, free useful and fun.

Just email: [email protected] and put “insider tip sheet” in the subject header. I’ll make sure you get the official tip sheet and I promise to keep your email anonymous and spam.

If you enjoy this PODCAST please subscribe in iTunes or STITCHER and leave a comment and ranking.

Understanding your value is the only way to be confident in charging a "full fee" for your show. In the comedy clubs, you have very little (if any) leverage. You are told what they have to pay and you take it or leave it.

If you are pursuing corporate, fundraiser, college, church or other private event shows, you are in charge of setting your fee. Don't short change yourself. When you do, you undervalue the rest of the performers to follow.

That said, every performer wonders, how much should I charge?

Have you ever taken a gig for less than your "normal rate" because the show is on a Tuesday? Why? Do you wake up on Tuesday feeling like your talent is half as good as it is on a Friday night? Stop beating yourself up and take pride in your show and honor your talent.

We talk about taking an honest inventory of your skill and pricing accordingly. No one can tell you what you should charge. But you should have no problem telling others what your show (and time) is worth.

In this episode, we specifically discuss:

•Referring other comedians for shows you are not ready to do

•A few questions to ask before you quote a price

•How to get your foot in the door in niche markets

•How to position yourself so the "buyer" understands your uniqueness

•Opportunity cost

•Charging more depending on the "hassle factor"

•The .69 cent business card

•Leveraging the event for more opportunities

•Making sure the gigs line up with your goals

And much more ...

So if you have ever wondered, "How much should I charge?" This episode is for you!

This episode is dedicated to the memory of one of my favorite broadcasters, Tom Magliozzi. Tom was one half of the "Car Talk" duo "Click and Clack." The shows producer Doug Berman included my song "It's A Rental" on one of their compilation CD's after it aired on the show many years ago. Tom passes away this past month at the age of 77 and is survived by his younger brother Ray.

Understanding your value is the only way to be confident in charging a "full fee" for your show. In the comedy clubs, you have very little (if any) leverage. You are told what they have to pay and you take it or leave it.

If you are pursuing corporate, fundraiser, college, church or other private event shows, you are in charge of setting your fee. Don't short change yourself. When you do, you undervalue the rest of the performers to follow.

That said, every performer wonders, how much should I charge?

Have you ever taken a gig for less than your "normal rate" because the show is on a Tuesday? Why? Do you wake up on Tuesday feeling like your talent is half as good as it is on a Friday night? Stop beating yourself up and take pride in your show and honor your talent.

We talk about taking an honest inventory of your skill and pricing accordingly. No one can tell you what you should charge. But you should have no problem telling others what your show (and time) is worth.

In this episode, we specifically discuss:

•Referring other comedians for shows you are not ready to do

•A few questions to ask before you quote a price

•How to get your foot in the door in niche markets

•How to position yourself so the "buyer" understands your uniqueness

•Opportunity cost

•Charging more depending on the "hassle factor"

•The .69 cent business card

•Leveraging the event for more opportunities

•Making sure the gigs line up with your goals

And much more ...

So if you have ever wondered, "How much should I charge?" This episode is for you!

This episode is dedicated to the memory of one of my favorite broadcasters, Tom Magliozzi. Tom was one half of the "Car Talk" duo "Click and Clack." The shows producer Doug Berman included my song "It's A Rental" on one of their compilation CD's after it aired on the show many years ago. Tom passes away this past month at the age of 77 and is survived by his younger brother Ray.

===

NEVER MISS A PODCAST OR POST

If you enjoy this PODCAST please subscribe in iTunes or STITCHER and leave a comment and ranking.

Better yet, subscribe to the monthly School of Laughs “Insider Tips” email and get exclusive information delivered right to your inbox. It’s fast, free useful and fun.

Just email: [email protected] and put “insider tip sheet” in the subject header. I’ll make sure you get the official tip sheet and I promise to keep your email anonymous and spam free.

===

NEVER MISS A PODCAST OR POST

If you enjoy this PODCAST please subscribe in iTunes or STITCHER and leave a comment and ranking.

Better yet, subscribe to the monthly School of Laughs “Insider Tips” email and get exclusive information delivered right to your inbox. It’s fast, free useful and fun.

Just email: [email protected] and put “insider tip sheet” in the subject header. I’ll make sure you get the official tip sheet and I promise to keep your email anonymous and spam free.