Sick of being told he was the funniest guy off-stage, something had to change for lightning-fast wise-cracker Jimmy Pardo.  Fortunately it did, and he became the “self-deprecating blowhard” America knows and loves today.  We talk about the pros and cons of opening for Conan O’Brien, and explore the irresistible allure of TV, even in the face of new media.  But can you ever escape feeling like you can’t write a joke?

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Filed Under: Alison Rosen, Andy Richter, Comedy Central, Compere/MC/Hosting, Conan, Craig Ferguson, Criticism, Improv, Interview, Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel, Kyle Kinane, LA Podfest, Never Not Funny, Podcasting, Rachel Quaintance, Stage Persona, Storytelling, Structure, Success, Todd Barry, Todd Glass, USA, Writing On Stage

In this second part of our conversation, blisteringly funny Todd Glass issues a passionate call to people to “keep evolving”. He also details the cash wager with comedian David Cross that saw him push a piece of material to its limits, and reveals a cunning plan for some technological trickery to make his arguments onstage more resonant…

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Filed Under: Andy Kindler, Blake Wexler, Brian Regan, Comedy Central, David Cross, Eddie Pepitone, Fear, George Carlin, Inspiration, Interview, LA Podfest, Netflix, Observational Comedy, Phil Donahue, Podcasting, Quality Control, Stage Persona, Storytelling, Structure, Success, The Todd Glass Show, USA, Will Ferrell, Writing Jokes, Writing On Stage

Todd Glass is a runaway train; stoked by righteous anger, coupled together by a natural warmth. Known for coming out of the closet some thirty years into his career, he talks here about the ramifications of that announcement, his propensity to be “always on”, and how rage can fuel liberalism.

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Filed Under: Andy Kindler, Bill O'Reilly, Bobby Miyamoto, Comedy Central, Controversial, Criticism, Eddie Pepitone, George Carlin, Howard Stern, Inspiration, Interview, James Adomian, Jen Kirkman, Jimmy Carr, LA Podfest, Lenny Bruce, Marc Maron, Paul F Tompkins, Podcasting, Risk, Stage Persona, Stand Up, Storytelling, Success, USA

Charismatic, stubborn and powerful, Jackie Kashian might have started off life as a “spooky reading girl”, but is now the rallying champion of nerd comedy. Head Ranger of The Dork Forest podcast, and writing partner of Maria Bamford, she produces very funny and robust material that stands up for the weakest in society. But how can you become a Zen comic like her?

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Filed Under: Baron Vaughn, Bill Hicks, Comedy Central, Dark Humour, David O’Doherty, Fear, Greg Proops, LA Podfest, Maria Bamford, Paul Gilmartin, Podcasting, Quality Control, Setlist, Stage Persona, Stewart Lee, Storytelling, Structure, Success, The Nerdist, Tig Notaro, USA, Writing On Stage

Perhaps the nearest the USA has to a true “comedian’s comedian”, Andy Kindler has been railing at audiences (and his own supposed lack of performance ability) for nearly 30 years. A regular at the “Just For Laughs” Comedy Festival in Montreal, where he annually gives his scathing “State of the Industry Address”, Andy occupies a unique and hilarious position as the industry’s conscience.  We discuss identifying and overcoming the many formulae of comedy detailed in his “Hack’s Handbook”, why he’s mad at Jerry Seinfeld; as well as exploring the lingering fear of abandonment that drives a comic to be “always on”…

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Filed Under: Ben Stiller, Billy Crystal, Brian Posehn, Criticism, David Letterman, Inspiration, James Adomian, Jay Leno, Just For Laughs, Mitch Hedburg, New York, NY Times, Richard Gere, Robin Williams, Stage Persona, Steven Wright, Success, USA, Zach Galifianakis

A strong contender for Stu’s favourite comic of all time, Patton Oswalt is a behemoth of invention, imagination and creativity. Live from Montreal, at which he won “Stand-up Comedian of the Year”, we discuss what lifts a comic above being “funny but who gives a fuck?”  We also discuss issues of richness, legacy and whether the road gigs are worth it after all; but will Stu manage not to swoon like an Edwardian lady?

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Filed Under: 11/22/63, Alan Moore, Bill Hicks, Dave Chappelle, Directing, Down Periscope, Festival, Interview, James Joyce, King of Queens, Kyle Kinane, Live, Louis CK, Ratatouille, Risk, Silver Screen Fiend, Stage Persona, Stand Up, Star Wars, Success, The Beatles, USA, VEEP, Writing On Stage

From the “Just For Laughs” Comedy Festival in Montreal, Jen Kirkman breaks down the elements of her personality that create such a thrilling dynamic in her stage and screen performance.  Relentlessly analytical of her emotions, she’s very candid about her self-criticism, the crisis of creating a comedy special about her marriage whilst knowing deep down she wanted that union to end, and how she connects so deeply with her audience…

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Filed Under: Bill Burr, Chelsea Handler, Chortle, Dave Chappelle, David Letterman, Eddie Pepitone, Festival, Hail To The Freaks, I Seem Fun, Interview, Isolation, Just For Laughs, Kurt Metzger, Louis CK, Marc Maron, Maria Bamford, Melbourne Comedy Festival, Mr Show, Podcasting, Reviews, Stage Persona, Steve Bennett, Storytelling, USA, Writing Jokes, Writing On Stage

In the second part of our conversation, standup and comic actor David Cross explores offence, outrage and sensitivity.
We also talk about his work on Arrested Development and Mr Show, and dig into his process, his struggle to write jokes, and how to regard an audience as a living breathing thing…

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Filed Under: Andy Kaufman, Arrested Development, Bigger And Blacker, Happy Mondays, Interview, Jerry Seinfeld, John Benjamin, Lenny Bruce, Marilyn Quail, Mr Show, Political Comedy, Robin Williams, Steve Martin, Steven Wright, Tobias Funke, Touring Comedian, TV Comedy, USA