The boys are back talking the yak yaks for season 7. It was a long hiatus but we finally kicked it off live at The Riot Comedy Festival in Houston, TX held March 23-26, 2023 with some of our festival headliners sharing what they think makes a great comedy festival.

The Riot Comedy Festival 2 has been announced and submissions are open until August 31st. Submit early and get extra discounts, no need to submit videos until later. It will be held April 4 – 7, 2024 in Houston, TX. https://riotcomedyfestival.com

In this episode:

Joe Machi https://joemachi.com/

Ian Lara https://www.ianlaralive.com/

Cipha Sounds https://www.instagram.com/ciphasounds/

Brian Gendron https://thebriangendron.com

Drew Jordan https://www.drewistalkward.com/

The boys are joined by NYC comedian, actor, and writer Katie Hannigan. Coming off the release of her latest comedy album “Feeling of Emptiness”, Katie is building up her new material while exploring other passionates such as screen acting.

Her writing processes are inspiring including transcribing other comedians material she likes to figure out the writing, writing exercises before working on material, scanning past social media posts, and so many more great tips! Everything began to click for Katie once she was able to establish a consistent voice for all of her material. If you feel stuck in writing, struggling with your point of view, or would like to get some new inspiration, check out this fun conversation with Katie!

Website: https://www.katiehannigan.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/katiehannigan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiehanniganforever/

No, we’re not debating wearing shorts on stage, we’re talking digital shorts… Are you making them? Are you struggling getting eyes on them? How can you level up? Have you considered submitting them to festivals? Sarah has been perfecting the craft of DIY production of her sketches and has recently found success with her digital short “Sleepover Mom” being accepted to the 2022 Just For Laughs “Eat My Shorts” film competition directed by none other than Breaking Down Bits own Drew Jordan!

We also talk building new standup material post special recording and post pandemic and talk about her major role in the Joe List & Louis CK film “Fourth of July” Just released nationwide. Give it a listen! And check out some of Sarah’s work on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/SarahTollemache7

Comedian and writer Alex English joins the guys to talk comedy! Alex has come a long way in the last decade in the game since being unknowingly signed us for an open mic to just be completing his first season of writing for Saturday Night Live! Admittedly he says he feels like had to start over in comedy as a new SNL writer but embraces the challenge and is optimistic about how he will grow while continuing his standup at the Comedy Cellar and clubs around New York and across the country.

Alex encourages you to visit different cities and audiences, find input from news (CNN and Fox News) have experiences and use all this to define your comedy writing and character on stage and listen to all your sets, not just the good ones if you want to grow faster!

If you take away anything from Adam it is to grind it out and hustle. For five years he was barking at a club in New York in exchange for stage time. Then fought for each opportunity he got including three times getting passed on NBC’s Last Comic Standing but only making it on to the next round the third time when he stood up for himself.

He has always run his own room, even to this day running a room in LA and came up in an era alongside so many greats sharing stories and wisdom he gathered along the way. Most recently he has had success working for the UFC and his platform “MMA Roasted” after pitching a show idea in a chance run in with Dana White. Inspiring, informative, fun, check out this talk with Adam!

So much great advice shared by David! Work Hard and don’t skip any steps! It’s a cumulative effect of all the progress of the work you put in. Some things that help, start a mic or a showcase where your comfortable and work out new jokes. Start a podcast and not necessarily a comedy podcast. If you like comedy and like getting better, work hard and don’t be in such a hurry the breaks will come!

Follow David: https://www.instagram.com/cool

guyjokes87/

Check out his podcast: All Fantasy Everything – https://headgum.com/all-fantasy-everything

The guys are joined by LA comedian, writer, and actress Kimberly Congdon! Kim’s first two standup sets ever were both at the World Famous Comedy Store. She rolled the Pot Luck open mic spot into a spot on the new (at the time) Kill Tony Show where she became one of the first show regulars.

If we can learn anything from Kim, it is to network, even when it’s out of your comfort zone. She later made connections to that got her onto the Comedy Central Roast Battle, a writer for the Impractical Jokers, and so many other opportunities. Kim shares a unique writing tip (especially if you have a podcast, and if you don’t she gives you a good reason to start one) Great episode for any comic, at any level!

Find Kim:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimcongdon

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimberlycongdon

Broad Topix Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/c/broadtopix

This Bitch Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSifmAaKVbhYtPzCbZILVHQ

Brian and Drew sit down with CEO and founder of “Don’t Tell Comedy” Kyle Kazanjian-Amory to dig into one thing… How to start and produce successful comedy shows. The boys exchange what they have learned over the years of running their comedy room “The Riot” in Houston with Kyle who has built a comedy empire runing shows in over 40 markets producing upwards of 20-30 comedy shows each weekend across the country plus dozens of high quality comedy specials.

Whether you are considering starting a show or taking your production to the next level, this is over an hour packed with tips, best practices, and secrets that can help you get your comedy show to the next level.

Check out Don’t Tell Comedy to see when they may be in a city near you!

https://donttellcomedy.com