Episode 58: Taboo Topics - What Not to Say on Stage

In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell take on one of comedy’s biggest challenges - what not to say. Whether you’re a professional comedian, a keynote speaker, or the person tasked with lightening up a corporate meeting, this episode shows you how to be funny without being fired.

Drawing from decades of road experience, corporate gigs, and real-world mishaps, Vince and Dobie break down how to navigate sensitive topics, manage audience expectations, and keep humor relatable. They cover everything from reading the room and checking with HR to poking fun at yourself — and why “safe” doesn’t have to mean “boring.”

This is a crash course in the art of smart comedy - understanding boundaries, connecting through laughter, and leaving the room smiling instead of squirming.

Key Points Discussed:

• What not to say at a comedy show, meeting, or company event
• Why “punching down” can backfire — and how to avoid it
• How to work with a company’s tone, culture, and mission statement
• The difference between being relatable and being reckless
• How to use humor safely in speeches or presentations
• Real-world examples of when crossing the line cost comedians work
• Why self-deprecation and humility are your safest tools