Unlocking the Secrets of Comedy with Joel Morris

Summary

In this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball delves into the intricacies of comedy with Joel Morris, the prolific comedy writer behind beloved characters like Paddington Bear and Philomena Cunk.

Joel discusses his book, 'Be Funny or Die,' shedding light on the rhythm of humour, the similarities between jokes and music, and the universal nature of comedy. They explore how jokes are constructed, the importance of setup and timing, and the challenges of creating comedy in today's diverse media landscape.

Whether you're a professional speaker or simply someone who loves a good laugh, this episode offers invaluable insights into the craft of comedy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Joel Morris and His Comedy Craft

01:20 Discussing 'Be Funny or Die'

01:44 The Mechanics and Philosophy of Comedy

02:54 Comedy as a Universal Language

06:16 The Journey of a Comedy Writer

11:53 The Role of Persona in Comedy

17:16 Writing Process and Inspirations

23:02 Mocking Doc and Shakespeare

23:36 Philomena Cunk's Interviewing Skills

23:40 Favourite Person to Write For

25:33 Comedy at the BBC

32:14 The Craft of Comedy Writing

36:03 Advice for Adding Humour

40:44 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

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