Episode 48: Tim Martin - From Journalism to Jokes

Tim Martin is a stand-up comedian based in New York City.

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(00:00) Couch banter & “great couch” cold open

(01:05) UCB tour sparks NYC move (2004–06)

(03:25) College journalism → DC public-TV; Sikh community segment

(08:55) “That’s me” moment; post-9/11 heaviness

(11:35) Leaving DC & wiping jokes from work PC

(13:30) First NYC gigs: PA on The Ten + odd jobs

(18:55) UCB path: classes → auditions → team call & Wolfmother dance

(22:40) Two–three years to cast; nine-year weekend run & real-audience lessons

(28:10) Chekhov Ivanov gun misfire story

(31:00) Team turnover; pandemic shuts it all down

(34:00) 2020 lockdown walks; commercials rebound via improv-friendly director

(37:40) Pivot to improvised stand-up; Rory Scoville influence

(41:10) Starting over at open mics (Greenwich, Flop House)

(45:00) Getting better: chasing laughs, staying loose

(48:25) Instagram & output pressure: viral sketches vs sanity

(51:10) NYC improv & stand-up shout-outs

(54:05) Advice for newcomers: do it, find your people, be patient

(56:20) Closing gratitude & wrap-up