Mark interviews comedian Mike Koutrobis about the art and business of comedy through a wide-ranging conversation on writing, performance, and audience connection. The discussion covers the process of creating a comedy special, the importance of authenticity, and the impact of generational shifts on humor. Mark and his guest also examine the evolving role of AI in comedy, the value of community in the stand-up scene, and the challenges of teaching and performing in today’s landscape. Reflections on parenting, personal growth, and cultural influences round out a thoughtful look at how comedians shape - and are shaped by - their work.

Follow Mike on TikTok and Instagram and visit his websites, mikekcomic.com and Mike'd Up Comedy!

Check out Mike's new special on YouTube!

Learn more about Steve Sweeney's upcoming events on his website!

Bleed for This on IMDB

Takeaways

• You must deliver jokes with the same excitement every time.
• Creating a comedy special pushes comedians to write new material.
• Authenticity in comedy comes from evolving your material over time.
• Performance is crucial; delivery can make or break a joke.
• Generational differences affect what people find funny.
• Navigating sensitive topics in comedy is a significant challenge.
• Writing comedy is about finding your unique voice.
• Improv skills enhance a comedian's ability to engage the audience.
• AI can assist in the writing process but should not replace creativity.
• The comedy scene is saturated; finding quality shows can be difficult.
• AI challenges our perception of reality and authenticity.
• Comedy provides a unique connection and joy to audiences.
• Investing in quality venues enhances the comedy experience.
• Teaching comedy skills is essential for nurturing talent.
• Understanding show formats is crucial for successful performances.
• Being an older parent brings unique challenges and rewards.

Chapters

• 02:32 Creating a Comedy Special: The Journey of Writing
• 04:51 Authenticity in Comedy: Evolving Material Over Time
• 07:32 The Role of Performance: Engaging the Audience
• 10:19 Understanding Humor: Generational Differences
• 12:50 The Challenge of Making People Laugh: Navigating Sensitivity
• 15:04 The Process of Writing Comedy: Finding Your Voice
• 17:54 Improv and Comedy: The Element of Surprise
• 20:23 The Influence of AI in Comedy Writing
• 23:09 The Comedy Scene: Open Mics and Real Shows
• 25:37 The Journey of a Comedian: Early Influences and Experiences
• 28:05 The Importance of Community in Comedy
• 30:51 Teaching Comedy: Learning Through Sharing
• 33:29 The Balance of Writing and Performance in Comedy
• 35:50 The Future of Comedy: Adapting to Change
• 45:02 The Reality of AI and Authenticity
• 46:41 The Joy of Comedy and Audience Connection
• 48:34 Upcoming Comedy Events and Open Mics
• 49:19 Teaching Comedy: Classes and Skills
• 50:46 Improving Comedy Venues and Experiences
• 51:51 Understanding Comedy Show Formats
• 55:02 Challenges of Comedy Performance
• 56:36 Personal Growth and Conflict Resolution
• 01:01:35 Parenting and Life Lessons
• 01:04:01 The Experience of Being an Older Parent
• 01:07:12 The Art of Comedy and Relatability
• 01:09:54 Influences in Comedy and Pop Culture
• 01:14:59 The Importance of Music in Life
• 01:18:19 The Future of Comedy and Podcasting

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