Explore every episode of the podcast Messed-Up To Set-Ups - A MichaelHalcomb.Live Podcast

Hello, Friend! This week on Messed-Up to Set-Ups, the tables get turned, and I’m the one in the hot seat as Dr. Joe Martin and his college journalism class hijack a classroom and grill me with questions. We cover how I, a guy with five degrees, ended up telling jokes on stage, why my wife got to pick our next big move, and what really separates a Sunday morning congregation from a Saturday night comedy crowd. I also talk about a terrible night on stage, why I’m not scared of bombing, and the hard seasons I’ve had to laugh my way through. I also share the practical stuff I wish I’d known sooner, like why joke writing is a learnable craft and how to keep moving forward when you feel stuck. If you’re someone who loves comedy, wants to get better at what you do, and refuses to plateau, this one’s for you. Tune in!

By the way, one of the things I wish I’d understood much earlier is that joke writing isn’t some mysterious ability you’re either born with or you’re not. There’s actual craft underneath it, and craft can be studied, practiced, tested, and improved. That’s a huge part of why I created my self-paced, online course The Joke Writer’s Lab. If you’re trying to get better at turning ideas into actual jokes instead of waiting around hoping something funny magically appears, come join me and nearly 100 other students working on the craft.

Hello, Friend! It’s episode 157 and I’m back with comedian Von Sprecken. This was a spur-of-the-moment chat that we decided to record where we talk about comedy persona, voice(s), and turning the complicated parts of who you are into material that connects. We get into how Von’s curious outsider perspective became part of his act, and why the best stories often start with something weird, hard, or uncomfortable. I also wrestle with a question close to home: How do I bring my decades of Bible study and the fact that I’m a mess-up onto the stage in a way that’s honest, funny, and humble? Von also shares some great advice about storytelling, evolving as a performer, and finding the heart of a bit instead of forcing a punchline. If you’re working on your comedy, your persona, your voice(s), or simply trying to keep growing without pretending you have it all figured out, this episode of Messed-Up to Set-Ups is for you. Tune in!

By the way, I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to figure out who I am onstage. The more I work on it, though, the less I think comedy persona is about inventing a character and the more interested I become in noticing what’s already there. That’s why I built the Comedian Persona Finder app. It helps identify some of the recurring patterns, perspectives, tensions, and characteristics that might already be shaping the way you naturally do comedy. Check it out.

Hello, Friend! It’s episode 156 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups podcast and Garrett McDonald is back in the lab with me. In this one, we spend our time in a comedy-writing session workshopping jokes. We take a handful of rough ideas and see what they might become: A dad confronting his kids about Mario Kart while eating corn on the cob; the intricacies of being in a “fine” relationship; a playful idea about Jesus healing a man; and, a premise about why people can openly say they don’t like kids. Along the way, we talk about testing old jokes in front of an audience, writing fresh material for specific crowds, and the value of letting a joke grow instead of giving up too soon. This episode is a hilarious and honest look at the messy middle of creating. Tune in!

I love finished jokes, but I’m way more fascinated by everything that happens BEFORE they’re finished. That’s where I spend most of my time anyway: Finding angles, trying connections, cutting things, adding things, and occasionally wondering why I thought any of this was funny. That’s also what my self-paced, online course “The Joke Writer’s Lab” is built around. If you want practical methods for taking premises and turning them into actual material, you can join nearly 100 other students and jump into the course anytime.

Hello, Friend! In episode 155 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast, I’m back in the lab with comedian Garrett McDonald. He’s actually my first repeat guest! In Part 1 of our chat, we have a real conversation about getting better without getting stuck in somebody else’s version of how comedy is supposed to work. We talk about the divide between online success and stage time, why “How long have you been doing comedy?” can miss the point, and the small performance changes that help a joke breathe. Garrett shares how his school-counselor perspective is shaping his comedy, what he’s learning about act-outs, and how social media became an unexpected creative outlet. We also get into the highs and lows of the past year, a show with one ticket sold, a corporate gig we did together that turned into complete mayhem, and the surprising ways comedy can help us keep moving through hard seasons. If you’re building a creative life while juggling work, family, and the fear of becoming stagnant, this episode of Messed-Up to Set-Ups is for you. Tune in!

By the way, I’m building my comedy career alongside a full-time job, family, writing, podcasting, producing shows, and all the other stuff that apparently requires me to own a calendar. Because of that, I’m always interested in sustainable progress rather than somebody else’s definition of what a comedy career has to look like. That’s a lot of what I share each week in my FREE, weekly comedy newsletter, The Round-Up. If you’re building your own version of a comedy life and want practical ideas, things I’m learning, experiments I’m trying, and occasional evidence that I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing, subscribe for FREE. When you sign up, I’ll also send you my FREE 17-page Joke Blueprint Playbook.

Hello, Friend! It’s episode #154 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast and I’m back with “Glacier” Ray Lloyd. In this one, we dig deep into the surprising similarities between pro wrestling and stand-up comedy. We get into persona, backstory, and how performers create an illusion the audience wants to believe in. We also talk about the role of emotion and making people feel something, protecting the fan experience, giving a crowd more than they paid for, kayfabe, the danger of chasing cheap laughs at an audience member’s expense, and the value of clean comedy. If you’re working on your craft and striving to make every performance count, you’ll love this episode. Tune in!

And hey, if you’re working on figuring out who you are when you step onto the comedy stage, try my Comedian Persona Explorer app. It’ll help you think through your comedic voice, perspective, and the version of yourself you want audiences to meet. Give it a try and see what you discover about the comedian you’re becoming.

Hello, Friend! In this first half of my conversation with Glacier Ray Lloyd, we travel from his wrestling-loving childhood in Brunswick, Georgia, through college football, WCW, and the nerve-racking leap into stand-up comedy. Ray shares how a couple of wrestling connections changed his path, why the stage scared him in a whole new way, and what finally helped him stop putting the comedy dream on hold. We also talk about building momentum one idea at a time, keeping notes so inspiration doesn’t disappear, and the delightfully wild story behind his wrestling-inspired movie, The Unbreakable Bunch. If you’re working toward something that feels intimidating, or trying to keep growing without losing your love for the journey, I think you’ll enjoy this episode of Messed-Up to Set-Ups. Tune in!

Oh, and hey, if you’re working on figuring out who you are when you step onto the comedy stage, try my Comedian Persona Explorer app. It’ll help you think through your comedic voice, perspective, and the version of yourself you want audiences to meet. Give it a try and see what you discover about the comedian you’re becoming.

Hello, Friend! In this solo episode of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast, I’m digging into the concept of “timing” or, more specifically, “comedic timing.” I talk about why a joke that isn’t landing may just need a different pause, rather than a rewrite. Using a scholarly study, I’ll look at how rhythm, audience expectations, surprise, and timing shape the way people respond to a punchline. Connected to this, I’ll also share practical ways to experiment with pause length and delivery, so you can keep growing as a performer instead of getting stuck repeating the same approach. Whether you’re working on your first open-mic set or refining material you’ve performed for years, I hope these ideas give you something useful to try the next time you take the stage. Tune in!

Got an idea for a joke but can’t figure out where to take it? Grab my FREE Joke Blueprint Playbook and start turning those everyday experiences into material you can actually use onstage.

Hello, Friend! In Episode 151 of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I’m back in the lab with comedian and producer Chris Tester. This time, we’re seeing how much comedy we can squeeze out of something as ordinary as a person’s name. We workshop name jokes, experiment with different angles, and explore how a single idea can grow into an entire stand-up routine. Along the way, we talk about internet troubles, crowd work, a strange church interaction, and the ridiculous things that happen when ordinary conversations take unexpected turns. If you’ve ever wondered how comedians turn everyday experiences into material, come hang out with us. Tune in!

Got an idea for a joke but can’t figure out where to take it? Grab my FREE Joke Blueprint Playbook and start turning those everyday experiences into material you can actually use onstage.

Hello, Friend! I’ve made it to Episode 150 of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast. How cool is that?!?! In this episode, I sit down with comedian Chris Tester for a hilarious and surprisingly practical conversation about turning everyday frustrations into stand-up material, surviving bombing, connecting with an audience, and finding momentum when your comedy feels stuck. We talk about audience interaction and get into the creative process behind building a stronger comedy set without losing what makes it personal. Chris and I also explore how a simple joke can keep evolving, why the best material often comes from ordinary life, and how timing, variation, and persistence help comedians grow. Whether you’re an open-mic comedian, a creative, or someone trying not to become stagnant, this episode of Messed-Up to Set-Ups brings plenty of laughs, honest insights, and encouragement to keep moving forward. Tune in!

Got a joke that’s pretty good but you know could be better? That’s exactly the kind of thing I help comedians work through in my self-paced, online course The Joke Writer’s Lab. Learn how to develop stronger setups, sharpen punchlines, and turn promising ideas into jokes that actually work. Also, check out the FREE companion Facebook Group where you can get feedback from Michael and others on your clean material. Sign up HERE.

Hello, Friend! In Episode 149 of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I’m back in the lab with comedian Casey Peruski. In Part 2 of our chat, we do a live joke-workshopping session. Casey brings in premises about his daughter’s punishment for perfect attendance, his son being asked to provide proof that he was sick, the unexpected costs of high school basketball, and the impossible challenge of disciplining a millionaire college athlete. We look for stronger angles, sharper tags, surprising comparisons, and helpful callbacks. We cover the messy process of writing jokes, bombing, staying true to an idea, and learning why even great comedians have to test material that doesn’t work yet. So, join us for a funny and honest behind-the-scenes look at how comedians find momentum one premise at a time.

Of course, none of this means being funny doesn’t matter. The professionalism might help get me through the door, but I still need jokes that work once I get onstage. If that’s the part of the equation you’re working on right now, download my FREE 17-page Joke Blueprint Playbook. It walks through joke-writing process I use to turn ideas into setups and punchlines, and you can grab your copy for free below.

Hello, Friend! In Episode 148 of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I’m in the lab with Florida-based comedian, producer, and Dry Bar Comedy performer Casey Peruski. Casey talks about how he went from a first terrifying open mic to producing comedy shows at the Sunrise Theatre for fifteen years, working with major comedians, and building a comedy career while raising a family. We talk about the lessons he’s learned as a comedian and booker, including what producers look for, and why being funny is only part of getting booked. We also get into how professionalism and self-promotion can create momentum, and why comedians who complain, overstay their time, or fail to support themselves may be making their own careers harder. Casey also shares some hilarious and humbling stories about bombing, getting nervous enough to throw up before a show, as well as learning to work clean as a Christian comedian. We also discuss consistency, creating a great experience for audiences, the changing comedy business, and how the internet has opened new doors for comedians willing to build their own platform. It’s an honest, funny, and practical conversation about staying in the game long enough to grow. Tune in!

Of course, none of this means being funny doesn’t matter. The professionalism might help get me through the door, but I still need jokes that work once I get onstage. If that’s the part of the equation you’re working on right now, download my FREE 17-page Joke Blueprint Playbook. It walks through joke-writing process I use to turn ideas into setups and punchlines, and you can grab your copy for free below.

Hello, Friend! In Episode 146 of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I’m back in the lab with comedian and humor researcher Von Sprecken. We dive back into the psychology of comedy, mental health, confidence, failure, and what it really takes to survive and succeed onstage. We also talk about the dark side of comedy, the strange role of delusion in creative work, how pre-show nerves can become a superpower, why every comedian needs reliable pivots and saves, and how cognitive reframing can help us handle setbacks without spiraling after a performance. Plus, we explore why humor lives somewhere between sense and nonsense and why even AI struggles to understand what makes something truly funny. It’s one of my most thought-provoking conversations on Messed-Up to Set-Ups yet. Tune in!

Wanna get better at finding the messed-up stuff hiding inside your own premises? Check out The Joke Writer’s Lab, my online course built to help comedians generate, develop, and strengthen their material.

Why does a joke actually work? That’s a much more complicated question than it initially appears. I recently sat down with comedian and humor researcher Von Sprecken, and what began as a conversation about stand-up quickly became an exploration of psychology, memory, emotion, trauma, cognitive reframing, and what happens when an audience encounters a punchline. It’s exactly the kind of conversation I love because it moves beyond simply asking whether something is funny and starts asking what’s happening underneath the laugh. If you’re interested in comedy, psychology, creativity, or how people process ideas and emotions, there’s a lot to think about in this one. Tune in!

Wanna get better at finding what’s hiding inside your own premises? Check out The Joke Writer’s Lab, my online course built to help comedians generate, develop, and strengthen their material.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I’m back with Brad Brauser for a live joke-writing session that gets deep into therapy bits, self-trolling, and the weird little voice in your head that can turn a rough day into a laugh. We also dig into a hilariously overinflated Arby’s bit that keeps spiraling into catering chaos, billboard-sized disappointment, false hope, and one of the funniest fast-food takedowns you’ll hear today. If you love comedy that’s honest, smart, clean, and built around real-life frustration, this conversation is packed with punchlines, callbacks, and practical joke writing and editing advice. Tune in!

Wanna get better at finding what’s hiding inside your own premises? Check out The Joke Writer’s Lab, my online course built to help comedians generate, develop, and strengthen their material.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I’m get to hang out with comedian Brad Brauser. This is a super fun, honest, and practical conversation about comedy, joke writing, and the little messes that turn into real laughs. We talk about how Brad got started, why he keeps a daily writing habit, how self-deprecating humor can become a powerful tool, and what it’s like building momentum as both a performer and producer in a smaller market. If you love clean comedy, smart banter, and behind-the-scenes insight into how jokes actually get built, this one’s packed with stories, ideas, and tons of laughs from start to finish. Tune in!

If you’re trying to grow as a comedian, I write about what I’m learning along the way. Subscribe to my FREE newsletter for practical ideas on writing, performing, producing, and building momentum.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I’m joined again by Shannon Sullivan, and we get into some of the most practical and eye-opening conversations I’ve had lately about comedy, mindset, and momentum. Shannon brings her perspective as a nurse and holistic nurse coach to a discussion about why comedians think the way they do, how to handle the emotional hangover after a bad set, and why so much of growth comes down to learning how to stop making every moment mean something bigger than it is. We also talk about noise, boundaries, resilience, and the hidden psychological battles that happen before, during, and after comedian’s step on stage, all in a way that I think will really speak to anyone trying to grow in comedy in particular or life in general. Tune in!

AND…if this kind of conversation helps, subscribe to Messed-Up to Set-Ups by clicking the button below. Twice a week, I’m talking with comedians and other interesting people about what it takes to get better at this weird thing we call stand-up. We’re not just workshopping the comedy; we’re workshopping the comedian.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I’m joined by Shannon Sullivan, a nurse and holistic nurse coach. So, why would I have a nurse on my comedy podcast? Well, she’s an aspiring comedian but, even more than that, she’s interested in the psychology of comedy. So, right from the start we get into the overlap between comedy, mindset, and how comedians can stay grounded when life gets messy. We talk about Shannon’s background, how she moved from traditional nursing into a more holistic approach, and why she’s so fascinated by the way comedians think, process feedback, and turn awkward or painful moments into something funny and meaningful. We also dig into the psychology of bombing, the pressure that can build before and after a set, why crowds are usually rooting for comedians, and how easy it is to let fear, ego, or other people’s noise steal momentum if one’s not careful. It’s a warm, honest conversation about growth, resilience, and learning how to keep moving forward, especially when the story in your head wants to make things bigger than they are. Tune in!

Now, one last thing while you’re still here: Recently, I created a new app, a tool I wish I’d have had early on: Comedian Persona Explorer. It can help comedians figure out what they didn’t realize they were missing regarding their persona. Whether you begin with a single report or continue using it as you grow, my goal in creating it is simple: I hope you’ll spend more time becoming the comedian only you can be. Check it out HERE.

Along the same lines, let me just say that, if reflections and tools like these are helpful to you, that’s also exactly why I wrote Comedy Mindhacks. My goal isn’t simply to help comedians write better jokes. It’s to help comedians understand the invisible thinking behind better comedy. Every mental model becomes another tool for building momentum, and over time those small shifts in thinking have a way of producing much bigger shifts on stage.

This entire book is built around helping comedians identify the mental obstacles, hurdle over them, and boost their momentum. If this article resonated with you, you’ll find a lot more like it inside the book. You can check out sample pages HERE. If you’re not yet a subscriber, use code MH10LIVE at checkout HERE for 10% off. Free subscribers automatically receive 15% off, and paid subscribers receive 35% off because I’m a big believer in rewarding people who invest in themselves. 👉 Click HERE to grab the book.

And if you’re ready to double down in a BIGGER way, consider joining my Comedy Vault. It’s my private collection of premium resources, trainings, workshops, and tools designed to help comedians continue growing long after the initial excitement fades. The first bet gets you into the game. Doubling down is what changes who you become.👉 Click HERE to unlock the Comedy Vault.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, Bassil Kamas is back in the lab! This time, we dig into something every joke writer eventually deals with: What do we do when we know there’s something funny in a premise but we just can’t seem to finish the joke? We work through several of Bassil’s bits in real time, including one about a school fire in Lodi and a wildly dark suicide-hotline premise. Along the way, we explore the gap between expectation and reality, exaggeration, escalation, and what happens when we keep pushing an idea instead of settling for the first punchline. If you’ve ever had a joke that felt like it should work but couldn’t quite figure out what it was missing, this episode gives you a front-row seat to two comedians trying to solve that exact problem. Tune in!

Also, I’d love to encourage you to check out a new app I just created, an app I wish I’d have had years ago: Comedian Persona Explorer. Whether you begin with a single report or continue using it as you grow, my goal is simple: I hope you’ll spend less time chasing someone else’s identity and more time becoming the comedian only you can be. Check it out HERE.

Along the same lines, let me just say that, if reflections and tools like this are helpful to you, that’s also exactly why I wrote Comedy Mindhacks. My goal isn’t simply to help comedians write better jokes. It’s to help comedians understand the invisible thinking behind better comedy. Every mental model becomes another tool for building momentum, and over time those small shifts in thinking have a way of producing much bigger shifts on stage.

This entire book is built around helping comedians identify the mental obstacles, hurdle over them, and boost their momentum. If this article resonated with you, you’ll find a lot more like it inside the book. You can check out sample pages HERE. If you’re not yet a subscriber, use code MH10LIVE at checkout HERE for 10% off. Free subscribers automatically receive 15% off, and paid subscribers receive 35% off because I’m a big believer in rewarding people who invest in themselves. 👉 Click HERE to grab the book.

And if you’re ready to double down in a BIGGER way, consider joining my Comedy Vault. It’s my private collection of premium resources, trainings, workshops, and tools designed to help comedians continue growing long after the initial excitement fades. The first bet gets you into the game. Doubling down is what changes who you become.👉 Click HERE to unlock the Comedy Vault.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I chat with comedian Bassil Kamas about the value of getting in on both sides of a comedy show: Performing and Producing. We get into what comedians can learn from creating opportunities instead of only waiting for them, how producing changes the way we understand audiences and other performers, and why both experiences can make us better comedians. Along the way, we also get into his journey from Iraq to California, explore why the gap between expectation and reality is so important in stand-up, and deal with some dark premises. If you’re trying to build momentum in comedy instead of simply waiting for someone else to give you opportunities, there’s a lot in this one worth thinking about. Tune in!

Also, I’d love to encourage you to check out a new app I just created, an app I wish I’d have had years ago: Comedian Persona Explorer. Whether you begin with a single report or continue using it as you grow, my goal is simple: I hope you’ll spend less time chasing someone else’s identity and more time becoming the comedian only you can be. Check it out HERE.

Along the same lines, let me just say that, if reflections and tools like this are helpful to you, that’s also exactly why I wrote Comedy Mindhacks. My goal isn’t simply to help comedians write better jokes. It’s to help comedians understand the invisible thinking behind better comedy. Every mental model becomes another tool for building momentum, and over time those small shifts in thinking have a way of producing much bigger shifts on stage.

This entire book is built around helping comedians identify the mental obstacles, hurdle over them, and boost their momentum. If this article resonated with you, you’ll find a lot more like it inside the book. You can check out sample pages HERE. If you’re not yet a subscriber, use code MH10LIVE at checkout HERE for 10% off. Free subscribers automatically receive 15% off, and paid subscribers receive 35% off because I’m a big believer in rewarding people who invest in themselves. 👉 Click HERE to grab the book.

And if you’re ready to double down in a BIGGER way, consider joining my Comedy Vault. It’s my private collection of premium resources, trainings, workshops, and tools designed to help comedians continue growing long after the initial excitement fades. The first bet gets you into the game. Doubling down is what changes who you become.👉 Click HERE to unlock the Comedy Vault.

In this episode 139 of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, Paula Jane Newman is back in the lab with me for Part 3 of our chat. In this one, we pull back the curtain once again on the joke writing process. We take rough jokes and premises apart, test punchlines, tighten wording, debate tags, and slowly shape ideas into jokes that might actually work or, at the least, work better. If you've ever wanted to see how comedians think through a joke or a bit instead of just performing the finished version, this episode gives you a front-row seat. Tune in!

Also, I’d love to encourage you to check out a new app I just created, an app I wish I’d have had years ago: Comedian Persona Explorer. Whether you begin with a single report or continue using it as you grow, my goal is simple: I hope you’ll spend less time chasing someone else’s identity and more time becoming the comedian only you can be. Check it out HERE.

Along the same lines, let me just say that, if reflections and tools like this are helpful to you, that’s also exactly why I wrote Comedy Mindhacks. My goal isn’t simply to help comedians write better jokes. It’s to help comedians understand the invisible thinking behind better comedy. Every mental model becomes another tool for building momentum, and over time those small shifts in thinking have a way of producing much bigger shifts on stage.

This entire book is built around helping comedians identify the mental obstacles, hurdle over them, and boost their momentum. If this article resonated with you, you’ll find a lot more like it inside the book. You can check out sample pages HERE. If you’re not yet a subscriber, use code MH10LIVE at checkout HERE for 10% off. Free subscribers automatically receive 15% off, and paid subscribers receive 35% off because I’m a big believer in rewarding people who invest in themselves. 👉 Click HERE to grab the book.

And if you’re ready to double down in a BIGGER way, consider joining my Comedy Vault. It’s my private collection of premium resources, trainings, workshops, and tools designed to help comedians continue growing long after the initial excitement fades. The first bet gets you into the game. Doubling down is what changes who you become.👉 Click HERE to unlock the Comedy Vault.

Hello, Friend! In Episode 138 of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I’m back with Paula Jane Newman for Part 2 of our conversation, and this one is all about shaping jokes in real time, finding the funny in British-to-American misunderstandings, and turning awkward ideas into stronger punchlines. We workshop everything from Bridgerton and Ted Lasso to auctions, accents, body image, and cultural power dynamics. And somehow…somehow it all keeps circling back to comedy that feels honest and clever and deeply human. This episode is packed with laughs and lots of insight. Tune in!

Also, I’d love to encourage you to check out a new app I just created, an app I wish I’d have had years ago: Comedian Persona Explorer. Whether you begin with a single report or continue using it as you grow, my goal is simple: I hope you’ll spend less time chasing someone else’s identity and more time becoming the comedian only you can be. Check it out HERE.

Along the same lines, let me just say that, if reflections and tools like this are helpful to you, that’s also exactly why I wrote Comedy Mindhacks. My goal isn’t simply to help comedians write better jokes. It’s to help comedians understand the invisible thinking behind better comedy. Every mental model becomes another tool for building momentum, and over time those small shifts in thinking have a way of producing much bigger shifts on stage.

This entire book is built around helping comedians identify the mental obstacles, hurdle over them, and boost their momentum. If this article resonated with you, you’ll find a lot more like it inside the book. You can check out sample pages HERE. If you’re not yet a subscriber, use code MH10LIVE at checkout HERE for 10% off. Free subscribers automatically receive 15% off, and paid subscribers receive 35% off because I’m a big believer in rewarding people who invest in themselves. 👉 Click HERE to grab the book.

And if you’re ready to double down in a BIGGER way, consider joining my Comedy Vault. It’s my private collection of premium resources, trainings, workshops, and tools designed to help comedians continue growing long after the initial excitement fades. The first bet gets you into the game. Doubling down is what changes who you become.👉 Click HERE to unlock the Comedy Vault.

Hello, Friend! Welcome to Episode 137 of Messed-Up to Set-Ups! In this first part of three (something that’s never happened on the podcast before!), I kick off my conversation with the absolutely hilarious Paula Jane Newman. We start by diving into her comedy origin story which is pretty fascinating. We get into her journey from England to the United States and discuss the unlikely path that led her into stand-up, acting, and wellness-focused humor. Along the way, Paula opens up about the pain, resilience, and personal growth that shaped her, plus we dig into how laughter became more than just entertainment to her; it became recognition, connection, and a real source of healing. If you’re into clean comedy, honest storytelling, and conversations with purpose, you’re going to love the way this episode sets the stage for everything that follows. Tune in!

Also, I’d love to encourage you to check out a new app I just created, an app I wish I’d have had years ago: Comedian Persona Explorer. Whether you begin with a single report or continue using it as you grow, my goal is simple: I hope you’ll spend less time chasing someone else’s identity and more time becoming the comedian only you can be. Check it out HERE.

Along the same lines, let me just say that, if reflections and tools like this are helpful to you, that’s also exactly why I wrote Comedy Mindhacks. My goal isn’t simply to help comedians write better jokes. It’s to help comedians understand the invisible thinking behind better comedy. Every mental model becomes another tool for building momentum, and over time those small shifts in thinking have a way of producing much bigger shifts on stage.

This entire book is built around helping comedians identify the mental obstacles, hurdle over them, and boost their momentum. If this article resonated with you, you’ll find a lot more like it inside the book. You can check out sample pages HERE. If you’re not yet a subscriber, use code MH10LIVE at checkout HERE for 10% off. Free subscribers automatically receive 15% off, and paid subscribers receive 35% off because I’m a big believer in rewarding people who invest in themselves. 👉 Click HERE to grab the book.

And if you’re ready to double down in a BIGGER way, consider joining my Comedy Vault. It’s my private collection of premium resources, trainings, workshops, and tools designed to help comedians continue growing long after the initial excitement fades. The first bet gets you into the game. Doubling down is what changes who you become.👉 Click HERE to unlock the Comedy Vault.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I sit down again with comedian Chris Crawford for a hilarious live joke-workshopping session. In this one, we build, punch up, and reshape ideas in real time. We get into names, wordplay, farts, potlucks, and a nice little bit that keeps getting sharper as we go. If you love clean comedy, joke construction, and seeing how a premise goes from rough idea to something actually usable, this one is packed with laughs and practical takeaways. Messed-Up to Set-Ups is all about momentum through honest creative work, and this episode gives you a front-row seat to the process. Tune in!

Just as I show in this video, one of my main goals is to help comedians write better jokes. But I also want to help comedians understand the invisible thinking behind better comedy and build momentum. I want to help them generate small shifts in their everyday thinking that’ll produce bigger shifts on stage. That’s exactly why I wrote Comedy Mindhacks.

This entire book is built around helping comedians identify the mental obstacles, hurdle over them, and boost their momentum. If this article resonated with you, you’ll find a lot more like it inside the book. You can check out sample pages HERE. If you’re not yet a subscriber, use code MH10LIVE at checkout HERE for 10% off. Free subscribers automatically receive 15% off, and paid subscribers receive 35% off because I’m a big believer in rewarding people who invest in themselves. 👉 Click HERE to grab the book.

And if you’re ready to double down in a BIGGER way, consider joining my Comedy Vault. It’s my private collection of premium resources, trainings, workshops, and tools designed to help comedians continue growing long after the initial excitement fades. The first bet gets you into the game. Doubling down is what changes who you become.👉 Click HERE to unlock the Comedy Vault.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I sit down with Texas-based comedian, Chris Crawford, for a funny, thoughtful conversation about clean comedy, finding your voice, and building momentum without compromising who you are. We talk about his military background, how he accidentally got pulled into stand-up, why he chose to go fully clean, and what it takes to build a comedy career in the right rooms with the right people. Tune in!

Along the same lines, let me just say that, if reflections like this are helpful to you, that’s exactly why I wrote Comedy Mindhacks. My goal isn’t simply to help comedians write better jokes. It’s to help comedians understand the invisible thinking behind better comedy. Every mental model becomes another tool for building momentum, and over time those small shifts in thinking have a way of producing much bigger shifts on stage.

This entire book is built around helping comedians identify the mental obstacles, hurdle over them, and boost their momentum. If this article resonated with you, you’ll find a lot more like it inside the book. You can check out sample pages HERE. If you’re not yet a subscriber, use code MH10LIVE at checkout HERE for 10% off. Free subscribers automatically receive 15% off, and paid subscribers receive 35% off because I’m a big believer in rewarding people who invest in themselves. 👉 Click HERE to grab the book.

And if you’re ready to double down in a BIGGER way, consider joining my Comedy Vault. It’s my private collection of premium resources, trainings, workshops, and tools designed to help comedians continue growing long after the initial excitement fades. The first bet gets you into the game. Doubling down is what changes who you become.👉 Click HERE to unlock the Comedy Vault.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of Messed-Up To Set-Ups, comedian Demoine Kinney is back in the lab. This episode feels like something of a masterclass in blending stand-up comedy with real-life grit. We workshop some jokes about Demoine running for office and going up against a local cheesecake lady and the strangest funeral services you’ve ever heard of (he owns a funeral home business). From battling self-doubt to working new content, Demoine, who’s also the only comedian I know that brings a saxophone on stage, also shares how his eclectic life fuels his comedy. Y’all, this one’s really good. Tune in!

One last thing… I’d love for you to check out my new book: Comedy Mindhacks: 100 Mental Shifts To Help Comedians & Creatives Succeed.

This entire book is built around helping comedians identify the mental obstacles, hurdle over them, and boost their momentum. Again, if this podcast resonated with you, you’ll find similar tips inside the book. You can check out sample pages HERE. If you’re not yet a subscriber, use code MH10LIVE at checkout HERE for 10% off. Free subscribers automatically receive 15% off, and paid subscribers receive 35% off because I’m a big believer in rewarding people who invest in themselves. 👉 Click HERE to grab the book.

And if you’re ready to double down in a BIGGER way, consider joining my Comedy Vault. It’s my private collection of premium resources, trainings, workshops, and tools designed to help comedians continue growing long after the initial excitement fades. The first bet gets you into the game. Doubling down is what changes who you become.👉 Click HERE to unlock the Comedy Vault.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I sit down with the one and only Demoine Kinney for a hilarious, honest, and surprisingly inspiring conversation about comedy, creativity, and the wild road that led him from a small town in South Carolina to Atlanta stages, saxophone in hand. We talk about navigating many of comedy’s hidden battles (pressure, self-doubt, etc.) and discuss the mentors who shaped Demoine, the discipline behind writing every day, and the power of staying true to your voice when everybody wants to box you in. For anybody chasing growth in comedy or in life, my advice is: Tune in!

One last thing… I’d love for you to check out my new book: Comedy Mindhacks: 100 Mental Shifts To Help Comedians & Creatives Succeed.

This entire book is built around helping comedians identify the mental obstacles, hurdle over them, and boost their momentum. Again, if this article resonated with you, you’ll find a lot more like it inside the book. You can check out sample pages HERE. If you’re not yet a subscriber, use code MH10LIVE at checkout HERE for 10% off. Free subscribers automatically receive 15% off, and paid subscribers receive 35% off because I’m a big believer in rewarding people who invest in themselves. 👉 Click HERE to grab the book.

And if you’re ready to double down in a BIGGER way, consider joining my Comedy Vault. It’s my private collection of premium resources, trainings, workshops, and tools designed to help comedians continue growing long after the initial excitement fades. The first bet gets you into the game. Doubling down is what changes who you become.👉 Click HERE to unlock the Comedy Vault.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I’m back in the lab with Queen Aaliyah. In this one, we spend most of our time doing what comedians do best: Turning absurd real-life problems into something hilarious and relatable. Aaliyah brings some true stories about a job interview and a crazy dating mishap, and we workshop them together to turn them into jokes. Live and in real time, we put on display the art of finding punchlines in life’s messy situations. And we do it all while talking through the craft of clean comedy, storytelling, and the momentum that keeps a comic growing. If you’re curious about how comedians work and you love laughing, this one’s for you. Tune in!

And, hey, if you’re looking for a place to grow your skillset, I recently published Comedy Mindhacks: 100 Mental Shifts To Help Comedians & Creatives Succeed for exactly that reason.

This entire book is built around helping comedians identify the mental obstacles that quietly slow their growth and steal their momentum. If this article resonated with you, I think you’ll find a lot more of that inside the book. You can check out sample pages HERE. If you’re not yet a subscriber, use code MH10LIVE at checkout HERE for 10% off. Free subscribers automatically receive 15% off, and paid subscribers receive 35% off because I’m a big believer in rewarding people who invest in themselves. 👉 Click HERE to grab the book.

And if you’re ready to double down in a BIGGER way, consider joining my Comedy Vault. It’s my private collection of premium resources, trainings, workshops, and tools designed to help comedians continue growing long after the initial excitement fades. The first bet gets you into the game. Doubling down is what changes who you become.👉 Click HERE to unlock the Comedy Vault.

Hello, Friend! It’s episode 131 of the Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I sit down with the absolutely brilliant and hilarious Queen Aaliyah Ford. Our conversation is jam-packed with comedy wisdom, clean humor, real-life stories, and shared laughs as we talk about the grind of stand-up, the power of collaboration, and what it takes to keep growing without losing your voice. We get into Queen Aaliyah’s name, her Chicago roots, her move to North Carolina, the early days of building a room and earning respect, why bully crowd work misses the mark, how family chaos became comedy gold, and the kind of momentum that keeps a comedian moving forward. At its heart, this is an honest conversation about laughter, craft, and staying sharp. Tune in!

And, hey, if you’re looking for a place to grow your skillset, I recently published Comedy Mindhacks: 100 Mental Shifts To Help Comedians & Creatives Succeed for exactly that reason.

This entire book is built around helping comedians identify the mental obstacles that quietly slow their growth and steal their momentum. If this article resonated with you, I think you’ll find a lot more of that inside the book. You can check out sample pages HERE. If you’re not yet a subscriber, use code MH10LIVE at checkout HERE for 10% off. Free subscribers automatically receive 15% off, and paid subscribers receive 35% off because I’m a big believer in rewarding people who invest in themselves. 👉 Click HERE to grab the book.

And if you’re ready to double down in a BIGGER way, consider joining my Comedy Vault. It’s my private collection of premium resources, trainings, workshops, and tools designed to help comedians continue growing long after the initial excitement fades. The first bet gets you into the game. Doubling down is what changes who you become.👉 Click HERE to unlock the Comedy Vault.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I’m back in the lab with Phillip Anthony for a hilarious, insightful, and surprisingly practical conversation about comedy and growth but all as we workshop some jokes together. Along the way Phillip also shares some hard-earned wisdom on failing well, staying professional, learning from veteran comedians, and building a career with a business mindset instead of just a dream. If you’re into joke writing, we pull back the curtain and give you an up-close-and-personal look. This episode will make you laugh and think at the same time. Tune in!

And, hey, if you’re looking for a place to grow your skillset, I recently published Comedy Mindhacks: 100 Mental Shifts To Help Comedians & Creatives Succeed for exactly that reason.

This entire book is built around helping comedians identify the mental obstacles that quietly slow their growth and steal their momentum. If this article resonated with you, I think you’ll find a lot more of that inside the book. You can check out sample pages HERE. If you’re not yet a subscriber, use code MH10LIVE at checkout HERE for 10% off. Free subscribers automatically receive 15% off, and paid subscribers receive 35% off because I’m a big believer in rewarding people who invest in themselves. 👉 Click HERE to grab the book.

And if you’re ready to double down in a BIGGER way, consider joining my Comedy Vault. It’s my private collection of premium resources, trainings, workshops, and tools designed to help comedians continue growing long after the initial excitement fades. The first bet gets you into the game. Doubling down is what changes who you become.👉 Click HERE to unlock the Comedy Vault.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I sit down with comedian Phillip Anthony for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious, intelligent, and encouraging as we dig into his journey from the Bronx to Massachusetts, the wild moment that accidentally launched his comedy path, and the hard-earned lessons that helped him build real momentum on stage. We talk about finding your voice, turning your messy life experiences into laughter, and why the adage “perfect your five” matters so much. We also get into how crowd work, mentorship, and clean, relatable truth can shape a comedian’s future. If you’re a comedian, a creative, or just someone who loves a good story with practical wisdom and plenty of laughs, this one’s for you. Tune in!

And, hey, if you’re looking for a place to grow your skillset, I recently published Comedy Mindhacks: 100 Mental Shifts To Help Comedians & Creatives Succeed for exactly that reason.

This entire book is built around helping comedians identify the mental obstacles that quietly slow their growth and steal their momentum. If this article resonated with you, I think you’ll find a lot more of that inside the book. You can check out sample pages HERE. If you’re not yet a subscriber, use code MH10LIVE at checkout HERE for 10% off. Free subscribers automatically receive 15% off, and paid subscribers receive 35% off because I’m a big believer in rewarding people who invest in themselves. 👉 Click HERE to grab the book.

And if you’re ready to double down in a BIGGER way, consider joining my Comedy Vault. It’s my private collection of premium resources, trainings, workshops, and tools designed to help comedians continue growing long after the initial excitement fades. The first bet gets you into the game. Doubling down is what changes who you become.👉 Click HERE to unlock the Comedy Vault.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I’m joined once again by comedian Joel Brill. This is Part 2 of our conversation, and we do what comedians love most: Take messy real-life frustrations and turn them into laughs with live joke-workshopping and quick riffing. We build some momentum by digging into technology that seems to hate us, autocorrect disasters, Siri and Alexa behaving like jealous housemates, and a pile of playful tangents that somehow keep getting funnier as we go. If you enjoy clean, clever comedy, practical joke-building, and a behind-the-scenes look at how raw thoughts become tighter bits, you’re going to have a great time with this episode. Tune in!

And, hey, if you’re looking for a place to grow your skillset, I recently published Comedy Mindhacks: 100 Mental Shifts To Help Comedians & Creatives Succeed for exactly that reason.

This entire book is built around helping comedians identify the mental obstacles that quietly slow their growth and steal their momentum. If this article resonated with you, I think you’ll find a lot more of that inside the book. You can check out sample pages HERE. If you’re not yet a subscriber, use code MH10LIVE at checkout HERE for 10% off. Free subscribers automatically receive 15% off, and paid subscribers receive 35% off because I’m a big believer in rewarding people who invest in themselves. 👉 Click HERE to grab the book.

And if you’re ready to double down in a BIGGER way, consider joining my Comedy Vault. It’s my private collection of premium resources, trainings, workshops, and tools designed to help comedians continue growing long after the initial excitement fades. The first bet gets you into the game. Doubling down is what changes who you become.👉 Click HERE to unlock the Comedy Vault.

Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast, I sit down with the “Loveable Curmudgeon,” comedian Joel Brill, and step into his comedy world. We chat about everything from his early inspirations to the art of storytelling. We get into the challenges of balancing family life with a comedy career and why, sometimes, a decade-and-a-half hiatus might be necessary. Joel also shares his unique insights on how the comedy scene has evolved in the last decade, the impacts of social media, and the delicate dance of crowd work. It’s a conversation packed with good laughs, good stories, and good wisdom. Tune in!

And before you tune in, I’d be so grateful and honored if you’d order a copy of my new book: Comedy Mindhacks: 100 Mental Shifts To Help Comedians & Creatives Succeed.

If you click HERE, you can see some sample pages. If you don’t yet subscribe to this site, you can still get a 10% discount at your purchase with the code: MH10LIVE. But, if you become a FREE Subscriber, you can automatically get a 15% discount.

If you sign up as a paid subscriber, I’ll send you a 35% discount. Also, when you join that inner circle, you’ll instantly unlock my entire premium comedy vault.

👉 Click HERE to Upgrade Your Subscription & Unlock the Vault.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast, I chat with the super kind and absolutely hilarious Bonnie Works Gardner. We workshop some jokes in real time, talk about how she creates song parodies to share personal stories, and do some on-the-spot riffing on headlines and cliches. We also discuss Bonnie’s take on clean comedy and her knack for turning life’s messed-up moments into humor. Plus, I share insights from my new book, Comedy Mind Hacks. Tune in!

Oh, and if you’d like to show some love, I’d be so grateful and honored if you’d order a copy of said book: Comedy Mindhacks: 100 Mental Shifts To Help Comedians & Creatives Succeed.

If you click HERE, you can see some sample pages. If you don’t yet subscribe to this site, you can still get a 10% discount at your purchase with the code: MH10LIVE. But, if you become a FREE Subscriber, you can automatically get a 15% discount.

If you sign up as a paid subscriber, I’ll send you a 35% discount. Also, when you join that inner circle, you’ll instantly unlock my entire premium comedy vault.

👉 Click HERE to Upgrade Your Subscription & Unlock the Vault.

Hello, Friend! Welcome to Episode 125 of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast. In this one, I sit down with the incredibly talented and funny Bonnie Works Gardner. We get into her comedy journey, discuss her unique knack for crafting hilarious song parodies, and the personal stories that fuel her humor. Bonnie also shares insights on clean comedy, the open mic scene, and even her first-hand take on diabetes! Whether you’re a comedy fan or comedian, this episode is packed with laughs and insights. Tune in!

Hey, before you go, let me say “Thanks!” for reading. And, if you’d like to show some love, please order a copy of my new book. Here’s the link: Comedy Mindhacks: 100 Mental Shifts To Help Comedians & Creatives Succeed.

If you click HERE, you can see some sample pages. If you don’t yet subscribe to this site, you can still get a 10% discount at your purchase with the code: MH10LIVE. But, if you become a FREE Subscriber, you can automatically get a 15% discount.

If you sign up as a paid subscriber, I’ll send you a 35% discount. Also, when you join that inner circle, you’ll instantly unlock my entire premium comedy vault, including FREE access to one of my classes (see below) and access to “The Green Room” content.

But that’s not all, there’s way more:

* The Joke Writer’s Lab Video Course: Unrestricted access to my step-by-step joke writing course on Udemy.

* The Green Room: Access to all my private posts that look behind the scenes.

* The Comedian Spotlight: A feature and promotion to my entire audience in an upcoming newsletter!

* The Joke Blueprint Playbook: My 17-page manual for structuring your thoughts and polishing your jokes.

* The Premium “Round-Up” Newsletter: My exclusive weekly deep-dive delivered every Sunday.

* The Round-Up Repository: Full access to my private database containing every past and future newsletter.

👉 Click HERE to Upgrade Your Subscription & Unlock the Vault.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of “Messed-Up to Set-Ups,” I continue my chat with the hilarious Dr. Terry Lindvall about everything from holy mocking to the humor of Jesus. We get into the art of satire, the great cussing debate, and even share some laugh-out-loud stories from church history. After checking this out, you may leave with a new perspective on comedy and faith. Tune in!

And…before you go, check this out…my new book is ready for preorder: Comedy Mindhacks: 100 Mental Shifts To Help Comedians & Creatives Succeed. Secure your copy HERE. It goes live on 6/8/26.

If you click HERE, you can see some sample pages. If you don’t yet subscribe to this site, you can still get a 10% discount at your purchase with the code: MH10LIVE. But, if you become a FREE Subscriber, you can automatically get a 15% discount.

If you sign up as a paid subscriber, I’ll send you a 35% discount. Also, when you join that inner circle, you’ll instantly unlock my entire premium comedy vault:

* The Joke Writer’s Lab Video Course: Unrestricted access to my step-by-step joke writing course on Udemy.

* The Comedian Spotlight: A feature and promotion to my entire audience in an upcoming newsletter!

* The Joke Blueprint Playbook: My 17-page manual for structuring your thoughts and polishing your jokes.

* The Premium “Round-Up” Newsletter: My exclusive weekly deep-dive delivered every Sunday.

* The Round-Up Repository: Full access to my private database containing every past and future newsletter.

👉 Click HERE to Upgrade Your Subscription & Unlock the Vault.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of “Messed-Up to Set-Ups,” I chat with the hilarious Dr. Terry Lindvall about the surprising humor hidden in the Bible, church history, and the life of Jesus. We also get into Terry’s unique career path, his many books, and his connections to Hollywood. While we discuss the comedic twists in Genesis, we also dive into Dr. Lindvall’s book, God Mocks, which is what led me to him in the first place. In addition to all that, we explore the art of joke writing, and share laughs about Noah’s Ark and more. Terry’s insights are as enlightening as they are entertaining. Seriously, while this episode’s a bit out of the norm, trust me, you’re not gonna want to miss it.

And…before you go, check this out…my new book is ready for preorder: Comedy Mindhacks: 100 Mental Shifts To Help Comedians & Creatives Succeed. Secure your copy HERE.

If you click HERE, you can see some sample pages. If you don’t yet subscribe to this site, you can still get a 10% discount at your purchase with the code: MH10LIVE. But, if you become a FREE Subscriber, you can automatically get a 15% discount.

If you sign up as a paid subscriber, I’ll send you a 35% discount. Also, when you join that inner circle, you’ll instantly unlock my entire premium comedy vault:

* The Joke Writer’s Lab Video Course: Unrestricted access to my step-by-step joke writing course on Udemy.

* The Comedian Spotlight: A feature and promotion to my entire audience in an upcoming newsletter!

* The Joke Blueprint Playbook: My 17-page manual for structuring your thoughts and polishing your jokes.

* The Premium “Round-Up” Newsletter: My exclusive weekly deep-dive delivered every Sunday.

* The Round-Up Repository: Full access to my private database containing every past and future newsletter.

👉 Click HERE to Upgrade Your Subscription & Unlock the Vault.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of “Messed-Up to Set-Ups,” I chat with humorist and economist, Chris Stiffler, about his unique journey from in the world of comedy. We share helpful insights that inspire growth in humor writing and momentum for stand-up. We explore the art of writing long articles, the power of specificity, and how to find creativity in unexpected places. Whether you’re seeking laughs or practical wisdom, this episode is packed with stories and insights to keep you moving forward. Tune in!

Oh, and if you want to hear real, raw, and candid thoughts about some of my journey in stand-up comedy, before you go, be sure to download your copy of my brand new audiobook, Road Chronicles of a Comedian: 30 Hours to Somewhere for just $3.99. Click the image below, or click HERE.

I also want to invite you to upgrade to a paid subscriber of MichaelHalcomb.Live today. When you join the inner circle, you instantly unlock my entire premium comedy vault:

* The Joke Writer’s Lab Video Course: Unrestricted access to my step-by-step joke writing course on Udemy.

* The Comedian Spotlight: A feature and promotion to my entire audience in an upcoming newsletter!

* The Joke Blueprint Playbook: My 17-page manual for structuring your thoughts and polishing your jokes.

* The Premium “Round-Up” Newsletter: My exclusive weekly deep-dive delivered every Sunday.

* The Round-Up Repository: Full access to my private database containing every past and future newsletter.

👉 Click HERE to Upgrade Your Subscription & Unlock the Vault.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of “Messed-Up to Set-Ups,” I chat with the brilliant and hilarious Christopher Stiffler. We get into just about everything, from the unpredictable weather to the art of teaching economics with humor. We dive into his journey from a high school quipster to a humor columnist, explore the influence of comedic legends like Dave Barry, and try to work a fun rhetorical device into the conversation along the way. Want some insights from a humor columnist? Tune in! And…

Before you go, be sure to download your copy of my brand new audiobook, Road Chronicles of a Comedian: 30 Hours to Somewhere for just $3.99. Click the image below, or click HERE.

I also want to invite you to upgrade to a paid subscriber of MichaelHalcomb.Live today. When you join the inner circle, you instantly unlock my entire premium comedy vault:

* The Joke Writer’s Lab Video Course: Unrestricted access to my step-by-step joke writing course on Udemy.

* The Comedian Spotlight: A feature and promotion to my entire audience in an upcoming newsletter!

* The Joke Blueprint Playbook: My 17-page manual for structuring your thoughts and polishing your jokes.

* The Premium “Round-Up” Newsletter: My exclusive weekly deep-dive delivered every Sunday.

* The Round-Up Repository: Full access to my private database containing every past and future newsletter.

👉 Click HERE to Upgrade Your Subscription & Unlock the Vault.

Hello, Friend! It’s episode 120 of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast. In part 2 of my chat with comedian Hal Wilson, we get into his journey from thinking he was a gangster to embracing stand-up comedy. We dive into hilarious stories from the 90s, explore the concept of emotional truth in comedy, and even create some jokes on the spot. Hal shares his unique perspective on suburban life and the unexpected humor it brings.

Hey, before you tune into the episode, let me share a short story with you. About 18 months ago, I went to an open mic in Hawai’i. Not a single actual audience member showed up. The room was just filled with other comedians, arms crossed, waiting for their turn. Maybe you’ve encountered something similar. Anyway, since all these comedians had already heard my material several times, I decided to throw my jokes out and use my 7 minutes to practice crowd work. Yes, crowd work on other comedians.

It pissed one guy off so badly that he started cussing at me, while I was on stage, in front of the booker and other comedians. He was furiously telling me to “do real comedy” and to stop wasting everyone’s time. The fact is, he was wasting my time on the mic. Y’all, comedy can be cutthroat, and even open mics can be a battlefield!

The truth is, many comedians operate on a toxic, “limited good” mindset. They believe that if you get stage time or fame, you are stealing it from them. So, they try to stop you. They criticize you to weed you out. It sucks!!! I’m trying to create the opposite: an environment of encouragement and camaraderie. Anyway, I confronted that guy in the parking lot that night right to his face, but the real victory came months later. We ended up booked on the same lineup for a weekend string of five real shows for Don’t Tell Comedy. Afterward, he came up to me, shocked that I had actual jokes and that I completely killed. He actually apologized, which is rare in comedy.

In that moment, I realized something vital: I could’ve shrunk back during that set where he interrupted me weeks earlier. I could’ve been a weasel in that parking lot. I could’ve quit. But I didn’t let his criticism determine my ending, nor did I let his apology determine my future. Why? Because I was sure of myself. And I was sure of myself because I know joke mechanics, joke structure, and I have an unmatchable work ethic.

I left the open mic scene about a year ago. It’s just not for me. Maybe you want to get out of that scene, too. Well, you can. If you are tired of toxic open mics and want access to the exact, field-tested tools I’ve used, tools that have helped me bypass the gatekeepers, haters, and critics and turn raw thoughts into great jokes and sets, I want to invite you to upgrade to a paid subscriber of MichaelHalcomb.Live today.

When you join the inner circle, you instantly unlock my entire premium comedy vault:

* The Joke Writer’s Lab Video Course: Unrestricted access to my step-by-step joke writing course on Udemy.

* The Comedian Spotlight: A feature and promotion to my entire audience in an upcoming newsletter!

* The Joke Blueprint Playbook: My 17-page manual for structuring your thoughts and polishing your jokes.

* The Premium “Round-Up” Newsletter: My exclusive weekly deep-dive delivered every Sunday.

* The Round-Up Repository: Full access to my private database containing every past and future newsletter.

👉 Click HERE to Upgrade Your Subscription & Unlock the Vault.

Hello, Friend! It’s episode 119 of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast. In this episode, I chat with the hilarious Hal Wilson about his journey from teaching to tackling the comedy stage. We dive into his first open mic in Hollywood, the art of clean comedy, and the unexpected challenges of crowd work. Hal also shares his comedic influences and offers advice for aspiring comedians. Plus, we explore the unique vibe of performing in Savannah, GA and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Hey, before you tune into the episode, let me share a short story with you. About 18 months ago, I went to an open mic in Hawai’i. Not a single actual audience member showed up. The room was just filled with other comedians, arms crossed, waiting for their turn. Maybe you’ve encountered something similar. Anyway, since all these comedians had already heard my material several times, I decided to throw my jokes out and use my 7 minutes to practice crowd work. Yes, crowd work on other comedians.

It pissed one guy off so badly that he started cussing at me, while I was on stage, in front of the booker and other comedians. He was furiously telling me to “do real comedy” and to stop wasting everyone’s time. The fact is, he was wasting my time on the mic. Y’all, comedy can be cutthroat, and even open mics can be a battlefield!

The truth is, many comedians operate on a toxic, “limited good” mindset. They believe that if you get stage time or fame, you are stealing it from them. So, they try to stop you. They criticize you to weed you out. It sucks!!! I’m trying to create the opposite: an environment of encouragement and camaraderie. Anyway, I confronted that guy in the parking lot that night right to his face, but the real victory came months later. We ended up booked on the same lineup for a weekend string of five real shows for Don’t Tell Comedy. Afterward, he came up to me, shocked that I had actual jokes and that I completely killed. He actually apologized, which is rare in comedy.

In that moment, I realized something vital: I could’ve shrunk back during that set where he interrupted me weeks earlier. I could’ve been a weasel in that parking lot. I could’ve quit. But I didn’t let his criticism determine my ending, nor did I let his apology determine my future. Why? Because I was sure of myself. And I was sure of myself because I know joke mechanics, joke structure, and I have an unmatchable work ethic.

I left the open mic scene about a year ago. It’s just not for me. Maybe you want to get out of that scene, too. Well, you can. If you are tired of toxic open mics and want access to the exact, field-tested tools I’ve used, tools that have helped me bypass the gatekeepers, haters, and critics and turn raw thoughts into great jokes and sets, I want to invite you to upgrade to a paid subscriber of MichaelHalcomb.Live today.

When you join the inner circle, you instantly unlock my entire premium comedy vault:

* The Joke Writer’s Lab Video Course: Unrestricted access to my step-by-step joke writing course on Udemy.

* The Comedian Spotlight: A feature and promotion to my entire audience in an upcoming newsletter!

* The Joke Blueprint Playbook: My 17-page manual for structuring your thoughts and polishing your jokes.

* The Premium “Round-Up” Newsletter: My exclusive weekly deep-dive delivered every Sunday.

* The Round-Up Repository: Full access to my private database containing every past and future newsletter.

👉 Click HERE to Upgrade Your Subscription & Unlock the Vault.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of “Messed-Up to Set-Ups,” I chat once again with comedian Yoshee So. This episode’s all about the craft of joke writing. We pull back the curtain, show you our process, and share some laugh-out-loud stories about HOA presidency. Plus, we discuss the levels of friendship and the privilege paradox. This is a fun episode full of insights and laughs. Tune in!

Alright…before you go, let me ask: Are you ready to level up in your comedy journey? If so, I would highly recommend checking out these resources:

* FREE - “The Round-Up”: My weekly comedy newsletter, choc-full of insights from videos, articles, and so on. This’ll also give you FREE access to “The Joke Blueprint Playbook.” Get the newsletter HERE.

* FREE - The Joke Blueprint Playbook: Act now and get an exclusive, 17-page toolkit that I designed specifically to solve some of the biggest joke-writing struggles comedians have. This comprehensive guide is packed with actionable advice, and it’s entirely exclusive to this community. Get it HERE.

* The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.

* The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of “Messed-Up to Set-Ups,” I dive into the hilarious world of friendship hierarchies with Atlanta-based comedian, Yoshee So. We get into his comedy journey, his writing process, and some advice for other comedians. We also get into the comedic levels of friendship, from the casual “water their plants” kinda buddy to the ultimate “ride-or-die” partner who knows all your secrets. This episode has lots of laughs as we share stories about bad bets, questionable choices, and an infamous “spring break rash.” If you watch/listen, you may learn why your closest friend might know more about you than your spouse. Tune in!

Alright…before you go, let me ask: Are you ready to level up in your comedy journey? If so, I would highly recommend checking out these resources:

* FREE - “The Round-Up”: My weekly comedy newsletter, choc-full of insights from videos, articles, and so on. This’ll also give you FREE access to “The Joke Blueprint Playbook.” Get the newsletter HERE.

* FREE - The Joke Blueprint Playbook: Act now and get an exclusive, 17-page toolkit that I designed specifically to solve some of the biggest joke-writing struggles comedians have. This comprehensive guide is packed with actionable advice, and it’s entirely exclusive to this community. Get it HERE.

* The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.

* The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast, I, Michael Halcomb, dive back into the world of Southern humor with the hilarious comedy duo Austin & Leb (although, mostly just Leb, due to Austin’s nuisance of an internet connection - please ignore a couple parts where his lagging audio causing a little audio friction). We explore the quirks of Southern mamas and papas, and try to turn the typical stereotypes into some comedy gold. From “Bless your heart!” to truck brand loyalty, we riff on it all. You’ll also get hear about and see our creative processes live and in real time. So, whether you’re a comedy fan or just love a good laugh, this episode is packed with fun and insights. Tune in!

Oh…and before you go, let me ask: Are you ready to level up in your comedy journey? If so, I would highly recommend checking out these resources:

* FREE - “The Round-Up”: My weekly comedy newsletter, choc-full of insights from videos, articles, and so on. This’ll also give you FREE access to “The Joke Blueprint Playbook.” Get the newsletter HERE.

* FREE - The Joke Blueprint Playbook: Act now and get an exclusive, 17-page toolkit that I designed specifically to solve some of the biggest joke-writing struggles comedians have. This comprehensive guide is packed with actionable advice, and it’s entirely exclusive to this community. Get it HERE.

* The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.

* The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE.

Hello, Friend. If you missed The Joke Writer’s Lab live stream #4 today, you can watch it again at your leisure. In this session, I take a random, half-formed idea and turn it into a fully structured story bit using what I call “The W Method,” showing in real time how a simple premise about buying and trying to sell/trade in a car can evolve into something funny. I also offer insight into a powerful rhetorical device (epistrophe), which can help sharpen punchlines and control audience misdirection. So, once again, I pull back the curtain on my process and let everyone see the messy, practical, behind-the-scenes process of joke writing. Tune in - the replay video is below.

Oh…and before you go, let me ask: Are you ready to level up in your comedy journey? If so, I would highly reccommend checking out these resources:

* FREE - “The Round-Up”: My weekly comedy newsletter, choc-full of insights from videos, articles, and so on. This’ll also give you FREE access to “The Joke Blueprint Playbook.” Get the newsletter HERE.

* FREE - The Joke Blueprint Playbook: Act now and get an exclusive, 17-page toolkit that I designed specifically to solve some of the biggest joke-writing struggles comedians have. This comprehensive guide is packed with actionable advice, and it’s entirely exclusive to this community. Get it HERE.

* The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.

* The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast, I, Michael Halcomb, sit down with the hilarious, Tennessee-based comedy duo Austin & Leb. We get into their journey from church skits to tours, to sharing insights on improv, to crowd work, to the art of keeping audiences engaged. We also discuss their viral Facebook Live moment and how they turn pure chaos into comedy gold. (I featured for them last weekend and, honestly, they’re really really good at it!) Whether you’re a comedy enthusiast or just love a good laugh, this episode is packed with humor and insight. Tune in!

Oh…and before you go, let me ask: Are you ready to level up in your comedy journey? If so, I would highly recommend checking out these resources:

* FREE - “The Round-Up”: My weekly comedy newsletter, choc-full of insights from videos, articles, and so on. This’ll also give you FREE access to “The Joke Blueprint Playbook.” Get the newsletter HERE.

* FREE - The Joke Blueprint Playbook: Act now and get an exclusive, 17-page toolkit that I designed specifically to solve some of the biggest joke-writing struggles comedians have. This comprehensive guide is packed with actionable advice, and it’s entirely exclusive to this community. Get it HERE.

* The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course taken by nearly 100 students, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.

* The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE.

NOTE: As of this episode, I’m no longer posting my podcasts on YouTube as I’ll be using that platform only for comedy clips and YT Shorts. Going forward, podcast episodes will be found at MichaelHalcomb.Live/Podcast, but also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and most other dedicated podcast platforms.

Hello, Friend! In this episode of “Messed-Up to Set-Ups",” I sit down again with Herb Kay. We workshop some jokes by digging into the insanity surrounding holidays and some of the traditions connected to them. We also get into the comedic potential of Easter, you know, things like six-foot bunnies and what the future of Valentine’s Day would look like if it were a day of revenge. Here in Part 2 of our chat we also do some on-the-spot comedy and riff on things in the headlines. Tune in!

And…before you go, let me ask: Are you ready to level up in your comedy journey? If so, check out these resources:

* FREE - “The Round-Up”: My weekly comedy newsletter, choc-full of insights from videos, articles, and so on. This’ll also give you FREE access to “The Joke Blueprint Playbook.” Get the newsletter HERE.

* FREE - The Joke Blueprint Playbook: Act now and get an exclusive, 17-page toolkit that I designed specifically to solve some of the biggest joke-writing struggles comedians have. This comprehensive guide is packed with actionable advice, and it’s entirely exclusive to this community. Get it HERE.

* The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.

* The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE.

Hello, Friend! It’s Episode #113 of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast. In this one, I with NC-based comedian, Herb Kay, who states that AI is revolutionizing his joke writing. Herb also shares his journey from a fifth-grade joke writer to stepping on stage. In addition, we get into the importance of timing and crowd work, and Here shares some of the unexpected ways he thinks AI can mimic or even out-funny human comedians. For fresh insights, good laughs, and some perspective on the future of stand-up, tune in!

Before you go, let me ask: Are you ready to level up in your comedy journey? If so, check out these resources:

* FREE - “The Round-Up”: My weekly comedy newsletter, choc-full of insights from videos, articles, and so on. This’ll also give you FREE access to “The Joke Blueprint Playbook.” Get the newsletter HERE.

* FREE - The Joke Blueprint Playbook: Act now and get an exclusive, 17-page toolkit that I designed specifically to solve some of the biggest joke-writing struggles comedians have. This comprehensive guide is packed with actionable advice, and it’s entirely exclusive to this community. Get it HERE.

* The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.

* The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE.

Hello, Friends! In this episode of “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast, I team up once again with comedian Phil “Grampy” Ketron. We explore “The Art of Escalation” and dive headfirst into the comedic chaos of everyday life, from automated 911 calls to FaceTime fiascos. We also reveal how to turn life’s absurdities, such as these, into comedy gold. Discover some of our techniques for crafting jokes, the value of comedy coaching, and how to elevate your routine. Whether you’re a seasoned comedian or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights and laughs you won’t wanna miss. Tune in!

Are you ready to level up in your comedy journey? Check out these resources:

* FREE - “The Round-Up”: My weekly comedy newsletter, choc-full of insights from videos, articles, and so on. This’ll also give you FREE access to “The Joke Blueprint Playbook.” Get the newsletter HERE.

* FREE - The Joke Blueprint Playbook: Act now and get an exclusive, 17-page toolkit that I designed specifically to solve some of the biggest joke-writing struggles comedians have. This comprehensive guide is packed with actionable advice, and it’s entirely exclusive to this community. Get it HERE.

* The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.

* The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE.