Clean Contest Winner Helen Anderson - Conquering Perfectionism, How to Write Clean Jokes, + MORE

Hot Breath! (Learn Comedy from the Pros)

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2M ago 20:14

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This episode of Hot Breath! features the winner of the February 2025 Clean Comedy Contest, Helen Anderson. Helen shares her experience crafting a brand-new 60-second comedy set, battling perfectionism, and embracing self-promotion. We dive into the writing process, the power of deadlines, and how clean comedy can open doors to more opportunities. Helen also talks about performing for 3,000 people at a corporate Christmas party and the lessons she has learned on her comedy journey.

Join this month's contest here: https://buy.stripe.com/aEU7tv9v08GHbfO28a

Follow Helen on social media here: https://www.instagram.com/helenandersoncomedy/

If you’re a comedian looking to sharpen your writing skills, gain confidence in your material, and take advantage of clean comedy gigs, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights.

Key Takeaways

The Power of Deadlines – Helen submitted her set just two minutes before the deadline, proving that pushing past perfectionism can lead to success.
Writing Process – She used Scott Dikkers’ "Funny Filters" to refine her material and workshop it with other comics.
Community Matters – Engaging in comedy groups and contests provides valuable feedback and motivation.
The Value of Clean Comedy – Helen’s clean material helped her land a gig in front of 3,000 people, showing that “clean is green” in the comedy world.
Self-Promotion is Key – Helen overcame her hesitation and actively promoted her contest entry—something all comics should embrace.
Consistency Wins – Building a comedy career takes persistence, and setting small, regular writing goals can help comics stay on track.

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