Worklife with Adam Grant Steve Martin on finding your authentic voice
90 snips
May 4, 2023 
Steve Martin, the award-winning comedian and multifaceted artist, joins prolific New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik for an insightful conversation. They discuss the art of finding authenticity through imitation, exploring how personal experiences shape humor and creativity. Their banter touches on mastering comedy, the importance of failure, and the balancing act between success and meaningful friendships. Listeners will enjoy their rapid-fire insights that reveal how embracing new opportunities can lead to unexpected artistic growth.
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Steve Martin's Comedy Beginnings
- Steve Martin wasn't a natural at stand-up comedy, only truly loving the craft.
- He learned by trial and error, observing comedians like Wally Bogue and later Jerry Seinfeld.
The Importance of Story in Comedy
- Comedians should focus on story, as it sustains audience engagement even without constant laughs.
- A strong story provides structure and allows for unexpected comedic elements to emerge.
The Value of Not Knowing
- Not knowing the direction of a screenplay can enhance audience engagement.
- Unforeseen elements embedded during writing can be discovered and developed later.
