In this episode of the Art of Bombing presents: Between Bombs, Dan and Larry call back episode 317 with Douglas Widick. They break down earning a laugh versus cheating a laugh (many examples arise), and how building synergy in an improv group is similar to building synergy with the audience. The two of them dive deep into the importance of having the act before going off script, Dan shares his thoughts on why stand-ups should consider taking improv classes, and theatre ghosts!

If you have a spooky story, send it in or post it on the Bomb Squad Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17EGMwazis/


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Art of Bombing:

"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-guide-to-stand-up-comedy--5788059/support.

Hosts:

Dan Bublitz Jr: http://www.danbublitz.com/
Larry Smith: https://larrysmithcomedy.com/

Dan gets the chance to talk with sketch and improv artist Douglas Widick. They talk Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the difference between English and Scottish audiences, the relationship between improv and standup, making sure you “have an act” before you riff, the fun of watching a GOOD bomb, and theatre ghosts! Additionally, the fact that sometimes you're playing for an audience of three or a sold-out crowd, earning a laugh versus cheating one, and more!

Douglas Widick

Douglas Widick is a founding member of the Hip-Hop Improv group, North Coast, which was named one of Timeout NY’s Top 10 Comedy Shows of 2014 and tours internationally. He recently wrapped his one-man musical Paperclip at the Soho Playhouse. He is the founder of Suite Tea Studio, and you can watch his many comedy videos at douglaswidick.com. When he’s not at the studio, you can find Doug catching a wave at Rockaway Beach or walking through Fort Greene Park with his Scottish Terrier, Skylar.

www.douglaswidick.com






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Art of Bombing:

"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-guide-to-stand-up-comedy--5788059/support.

Hosts:

Dan Bublitz Jr: http://www.danbublitz.com/
Larry Smith: https://larrysmithcomedy.com/

In this episode of Between Bombs: Callbacks, Dan and Larry revisit their conversation with Ben Katzner for a lively and insightful chat about growth on stage. They explore the fine line between confidence and cockiness (featuring a hilarious pigeon chess analogy), and how recording your sets can actually build confidence. Plus, they dive into why stepping outside your comfort zone is one of the best ways to grow as a performer.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-comedy-podcast--5788059/support.

Art of Bombing:

"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-guide-to-stand-up-comedy--5788059/support.

Hosts:

Dan Bublitz Jr: http://www.danbublitz.com/
Larry Smith: https://larrysmithcomedy.com/

In this episode, Dan is joined by Minneapolis-based comedian Ben Katzner, and they discuss actively avoiding each other, how you can get stuck in a “pocket” in a larger scene, and the importance of getting out of that comfort zone. In addition, Dan and Ben talk about the plague of vanishing clubs, allowing overconfidence to get in the way of doing a good show, being able to read the room and positioning yourself right with the audience, (once again) picking the right clothes, and the eternity that is 27 minutes of silence and the loneliness that follows. Additionally, the importance of recording everything and making that part of the routine.

Ben Katzner

A stand-up comedian and writer, Ben Katzner blends a subversive style, biting observational humor, and skilled storytelling to deliver a one-of-a-kind live show that's equal parts charming, smart, and relatable. 

Katzner regularly opens for comedian Kelsey Cook and has opened for a variety of performers, including Chad Daniels, Josh Johnson, Zainab Johnson, and Kyle Kinane. 

Besides performing in clubs and theaters across the country, Katzner has also participated in numerous comedy festivals, including the Limestone Comedy Festival, 10,000 Laughs Comedy Festival, Let's Fest, the Harlem Comedy Festival, and the Raleigh Comedy Festival. In 2025, Ben will be releasing his debut comedy album via Blonde Medicine's label, along with a coinciding comedy special on YouTube. 

Katzner is also a burgeoning talent in the graphic novel space. His debut graphic novel, "Hello, My Name is Poop," was published by Wonderbound Books in 2021. His second graphic novel, Muddy Waters Too (co-written with legendary rapper Redman), is set to be released in the summer of 2025. 

When he's not on a stage or behind a keyboard, Ben co-hosts the Troll Hole Podcast with comedian Mike Lester. Equal parts playful and painful, during the fast-paced show, the quick-witted duo of Lester and Katzner invite guests to discuss internet trolls, life in the public eye, and much more.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/shaqkatzner

Supple Harlot: https://youtu.be/KXf02vKB70k?si=qt56tFpmF8sabxki


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Art of Bombing:

"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-guide-to-stand-up-comedy--5788059/support.

Hosts:

Dan Bublitz Jr: http://www.danbublitz.com/
Larry Smith: https://larrysmithcomedy.com/

In this Between Bombs: Callbacks episode, Dan and Larry circle back to Ep 315 with Taylor Soderborg for a lively chat about comedy’s secret weapons—likability and trust. They break down how reading the room can turn a good set into a great one, and why sometimes your set isn’t nearly as bad as you thought. With laughs, insights, and a few surprises, this episode is all about finding confidence on stage. Tune in to learn how to win over a crowd and maybe even yourself!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-comedy-podcast--5788059/support.

Art of Bombing:

"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-guide-to-stand-up-comedy--5788059/support.

Hosts:

Dan Bublitz Jr: http://www.danbublitz.com/
Larry Smith: https://larrysmithcomedy.com/

Taylor discusses starting as a comedy nomad, the idea that comedy has to balance itself, taking responsibility for the audience (even if the audience is bad and should feel bad), and learning to read the room. She and Dan also discuss weird audiences, ensuring you’re in charge of the room, and building likability and trust so the audience will follow you.

Taylor Soderborg

Taylor Soderborg is a doctor turned comic. With both an MD and a PhD, she is proof you can go to too much school. Blending education and humor, she uses her science and medical experiences to inspire her comedy. Taylor is passionate about science communication and is the Executive Director of Science Riot, a non-profit science outreach program that turns scientists into engaging speakers and comedians through immersive training in comedy writing and performance.

@doctortaycomedy










Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-comedy-podcast--5788059/support.

Art of Bombing:

"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-guide-to-stand-up-comedy--5788059/support.

Hosts:

Dan Bublitz Jr: http://www.danbublitz.com/
Larry Smith: https://larrysmithcomedy.com/

In this Between Bombs: Callbacks episode, Dan and Larry circle back to their conversation with Joe Scrocca from Episode 314! They dig into why solid notes are a comedian’s secret weapon, the value of researching local references to land stronger laughs, and what makes for an effective writing process. It’s a fun deep dive that blends practical comedy tips with plenty of insight for both new and seasoned comics.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-comedy-podcast--5788059/support.

Art of Bombing:

"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-guide-to-stand-up-comedy--5788059/support.

Hosts:

Dan Bublitz Jr: http://www.danbublitz.com/
Larry Smith: https://larrysmithcomedy.com/

Dan returns with New Jersey comic Joe Scrocca. They cover everything from biker bars to making sure you do your regional research before a road gig, and ways to put the comedy puzzle together. They also discuss the art of exaggeration while maintaining realism, the value of good notes, and Joe’s whiteboard process.

Joe Scrocca

Joe started doing comedy on 12/14/2023—no prior experience in entertainment. He woke up one morning in December '23 and was tired of dating crazy women. Joe wanted to do something fun, so why not stand-up comedy? He was 62 at that time and did his first open mic on 12/14/2023 at what turned out to be a biker bar.

www.scroccaentertainmentgroup.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-comedy-podcast--5788059/support.

Art of Bombing:

"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-guide-to-stand-up-comedy--5788059/support.

Hosts:

Dan Bublitz Jr: http://www.danbublitz.com/
Larry Smith: https://larrysmithcomedy.com/

It’s the season finale, and what better way to wrap it up than with Dan and Larry talking about the comedy nightmare that is the after-prom! Is it a rite of passage or a special torture you should say “no” to? They bring up crowd work, Bill Hicks, Robin Williams, and the importance of The Act before you try improvisation on stage. Also, Larry’s new nickname, Dan’s accomplishment, and some other silliness that these two get sidetracked on. 

Don’t forget, as a season finale push, the first ten people who leave five stars with an actual review will get a silly sketch from Larry. 

Art of Bombing:

"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-guide-to-stand-up-comedy--5788059/support.

Hosts:

Dan Bublitz Jr: http://www.danbublitz.com/
Larry Smith: https://larrysmithcomedy.com/

Art of Bombing:

"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-guide-to-stand-up-comedy--5788059/support.

Hosts:

Dan Bublitz Jr: http://www.danbublitz.com/
Larry Smith: https://larrysmithcomedy.com/

In this Between Bombs: Callbacks episode, Dan and Larry revisit their chat with the hilarious Jim Tews from Episode 312! They dive into the strange experience of hearing other comics who sound just like you (and how that lights a fire under your feet), the superhuman levels of embarrassment comedians endure on the regular, and how comedy clubs that used to pop off seven nights a week just aren't what they used to be. It's a laugh-filled look at the evolution of comedy and the mental toughness it takes to survive it.

Art of Bombing:

"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-guide-to-stand-up-comedy--5788059/support.


Hosts:

Dan Bublitz Jr: http://www.danbublitz.com/
Larry Smith: https://larrysmithcomedy.com/


Art of Bombing:

"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-guide-to-stand-up-comedy--5788059/support.

Hosts:

Dan Bublitz Jr: http://www.danbublitz.com/
Larry Smith: https://larrysmithcomedy.com/