In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell tackle one of comedy’s most loaded questions: what happens when free speech meets the stage? Using the recent Jimmy Kimmel controversy as a springboard, they dig into the long history of censorship in comedy, from Lenny Bruce getting arrested for obscenity to George Carlin’s infamous “Seven Dirty Words” Supreme Court battle.

But this isn’t just a history lesson. Vince and Dobie share raw personal stories of being censored on the road, from getting banned at clubs to being cut off mid-show, and even losing radio and tour opportunities because of a single joke.

Together, they explore the fine line between freedom of expression and real-world consequences, why some comics thrive by pushing boundaries, and how audiences’ expectations shape what’s acceptable on stage.

Key Points Discussed:

• Why censorship has always existed in comedy, from vaudeville to today
• The impact of Lenny Bruce and George Carlin on free speech in stand-up
• Vince’s stories of getting censored at clubs and shows
• Dobie’s Tuscaloosa story and getting banned from Bob & Tom
• How “dirty,” “clean,” and “filthy” are often audience and venue expectations
• The difference between free speech and freedom from consequences

This episode is part history, part confession, and all comedy, a reminder that every laugh comes with a line, and it’s the comic’s job to find it.

In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell break down one of the most overlooked keys to success in stand-up: the order of your set. Whether it’s comedy, boxing, baseball, or music, structure determines whether the audience feels the flow — or senses something’s off.

Vince opens up about the discipline behind preparing his eighth special (It’s Not All Peaches), including what it takes to cut material you love and why his earlier special No Complaints became an editing nightmare because of order mistakes. Dobie brings the mentor’s perspective, explaining how newer comics often throw everything into five minutes without realizing how placement affects laughs.

Together, they show how order turns a collection of jokes into a cohesive ride that builds trust, momentum, and impact — and why the audience can always feel it, even if they can’t explain why.

Key Points Discussed:

• Why order matters as much as the jokes themselves
• How Vince cut down his hour for MGM and built in “buffer time”
• Lessons learned from No Complaints and other specials
• How to avoid continuity mistakes that kill flow
• Why openers and closers aren’t enough — the middle matters
• Using boxing, baseball, and music as guides for structuring a set
• Why audiences feel when it’s wrong, even if they don’t know why

In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone rings in his 43rd birthday with rants, reflections, and the kind of honesty only a comic can bring. From getting older as a dad and performer to looking back on what’s changed — and what hasn’t — Vince doesn’t hold back on how it feels to be grinding through your forties.

Joined by Dobie Maxwell, the two comics use Vince’s birthday as a springboard to talk about comedy longevity, midlife realities, and finding humor in the chaos of family, aging, and career. It’s personal, funny, and raw — just like every birthday should be.

Key Points Discussed:

• What turning 43 feels like as a comic, dad, and husband
• Why aging changes your perspective on time, health, and priorities
• How comedy evolves as life responsibilities stack up
• Balancing nostalgia for the past with energy for what’s ahead
• Finding humor in midlife chaos, from family to career to self-reflection