This episode explores the often unseen and unglamorous side of being a stand-up comedian. Mike takes listeners on a journey through the gritty world of open mic nights and the reality of performing in less-than-ideal venues. You'll discover the humor and resilience required to face an audience, the challenges of delivering jokes that land in silence, and the unique camaraderie amongst comics behind the scenes. Gain insights into the perseverance needed to survive the 'comedy Hunger Games' and the small victories that keep comedians returning to the stage. Whether you're an aspiring comic or simply a fan of comedy, this episode offers a candid look at what it truly means to chase laughs in the stand-up world.

In this episode, we explore Everything You've Heard About Open Mics is Wrong (Here's the Truth). Join us for insights and actionable advice that you can apply in your daily life.

In this episode, Brittney and I dive into our personal experiences of bombing on stage as comedians. We share the lessons learned from those awkward moments, like understanding crowd dynamics and the importance of delivery. We also talk about how embracing failure can lead to discovering your unique voice in comedy.

Alright, here's the lowdown: hecklers are like that weird uncle at Thanksgiving—uninvited, a bit obnoxious, but secretly pushing you to be your best self. I’ve spent too much of my life dodging their verbal tomatoes, and now you’re gonna hear about it. In this episode, I’m breaking down why these chaotic elements might just be the secret sauce to your comedic growth. I mean, handling a heckler is like playing mental dodgeball—dodge, weave, and zing. Let’s dive into why these unasked-for guests might be the best free training a comic can get. Buckle up, it's gonna be a bumpy ride!

I've been thinking way too much about social media fame, and let me tell you, it's a rabbit hole of absurdity. From your grandma outpacing you on TikTok to cats becoming more famous than their owners, it's like the Wild West out there. And why do people think one viral video equals a Kardashian lifestyle? I'm breaking down why all those hashtags and likes are just a digital mirage. Oh, and don't even get me started on pets stealing the spotlight—my cat's got a better social life than me!

I've spent way too much time dissecting why relationships should come with a comedy warning label, and frankly, it's because they're like assembling IKEA furniture without the manual. I mean, who knew "We need to talk" could sound like "You're under arrest" or that "Do what you want" really means "Try it and see what happens"? Join me as I navigate the hilarious minefield of love, from meeting the parents to surviving Netflix betrayals. Spoiler alert: relationships might be the only thing more complicated than your phone's user guide.

You ever been in Target, just living your life, when suddenly you hear your name over the intercom? It's like an unexpected plot twist where the prize is a panic attack! I’m breaking down why hearing your name in Target sends you into a spiral that makes you question everything from your shopping list to your life choices. Is it about those extra ketchup packets you pocketed, or did you forget your wallet in the toothpaste aisle? And why does it always feel like you’re on a catwalk of shame heading to guest services? Join me as I unravel the layers of anxiety we all face in the aisles of temptation and suggest why Target might need in-store support groups next to Starbucks. Trust me, you'll never look at your cat tote the same way again.

You ever feel like you need a PhD to figure out your shower temperature? I swear, I've paid my taxes and still can't avoid getting scalded by my own bathroom. It's like every shower knob is trying to challenge me to some twisted game of "Hot Potato." And those hotel showers? Designed by people who think "comfort" is a setting on their toaster. Join us as we dive into the hilarity of perpetual wet confusion, because finding the perfect shower temp is like trying to find Bigfoot—everyone talks about it, but no one's ever nailed it down.

I've spent way too much time thinking about the mental gymnastics we perform to pretend we didn't see someone we know in public. It's like an Olympic event where no one wins, but somehow, we all lose. I mean, just last week I was hiding behind adult diapers in Walgreens—talk about a crappy situation! From the fake phone call to the intense interest in tampons, we all have our stealth moves. Let's break down why this whole scenario is actually insane when you think about it. Spoiler: it’s like a spy thriller where you’re the secret agent avoiding detection, only armed with a cart full of cheese and wine.

You ever feel like self-checkout machines are secretly plotting against you? I mean, seriously, who designed these things? It's like they were programmed by someone who failed human empathy 101. I spent way too much time thinking about these contraptions, and now you have to hear about it. From "unexpected item in the bagging area" to playing credit card roulette, these machines are the passive-aggressive roommates of the grocery world. Let's break down why these self-checkout machines are actually insane when you think about it. And don't worry, I'm not just venting—I'm bringing the laughs.

You know what's scarier than a horror flick? Accidentally liking an old Instagram photo. It's like social media's way of having a heart attack without the medical bill. I've spent way too much time overthinking this digital faux pas, and now you have to hear about it. From the panic-inducing notification to the frantic undo attempts that feel like defusing a bomb, let's break down why this is the modern-day equivalent of stepping on a social landmine. Spoiler: it's as funny as it is terrifying.

I spent way too much time thinking about those quirky habits we all swear we don’t have, and now you have to hear about it. Seriously, why do we act like we're masterminds in a heist the moment someone catches us talking to our reflection or narrating our own cooking shows? And don't even get me started on the imaginary Oscars we all deserve for our grocery store slow-mo scenes. Let's face it, we're all secretly living in musicals and pretending to understand "evocative brushwork." Trust me, your coffee maker and I have some things in common.

I spent way too much time thinking about awkward encounters at the grocery store and now you have to hear about it. Ever locked eyes with someone over broccoli and felt like you were planning a wedding? Or had a standoff in the cereal aisle that felt like a scene from a Western? Yeah, me too. Let's break down why grocery shopping feels more like a sitcom and less like a simple errand. From the existential crises in aisle six to the checkout line paranoia, and those self-checkout machines that could double as interrogation devices, it's time to laugh at the absurdity of it all.

I've spent way too much time thinking about why my parents think ordering DoorDash is a sign of wealth. I mean, they act like I'm rolling in cash just because I opt for delivery instead of hunting my own food like we're still living in the Ice Age. It's like they think my DoorDash driver is a butler and that I pay him in yacht shares. Meanwhile, I'm over here tipping with whatever change I find in my couch cushions. My thoughts on why ordering takeout is the new gold standard of luxury that nobody asked for but you're getting anyway. Tags: "DoorDash", "stand up comedy", "comedy", "funny", "relatable", "viral comedy", "comedian", "jokes"

I've been stuck in the rut of "My Dad Still Prints Out Emails to Read Them" jokes for years, thinking it was my ticket to easy laughs. Spoiler: it wasn't. After countless bombs at open mics, here's the deal - you gotta make it relatable but unique. Share those painfully specific, real-life moments when your dad organized printed emails like top-secret documents. And remember, if your tech joke goes south, pivot fast with some self-deprecating humor. Trust me, I've been there, wondering if the mic cutting out was part of my act at The Chuckle Hut. Tags: email jokes, stand up tech jokes, comedy dad jokes, how to personalize comedy, bombing at open mics, relatable humor in stand up, physical comedy tips, self-deprecating humor

I spent too many nights at open mics thinking "My Mom Texts Me 'Call Me' With No Context and I Think Someone Died" was enough to get a laugh. Turns out, just throwing it out there isn’t comedy gold—it's comedy purgatory. After bombing at The Laughing Skull Lounge, I learned you need to build tension and bait the audience with their own relatable fears before delivering the punchline. Let’s dissect why this joke often fails and how to make it work. Tags: mom texts joke, stand up mom texts, comedy mom texts, how to joke about mom texts, mom texts advice, open mic mom texts, mom texts techniques, better joke delivery