How To Write Funny

Guest Dan Povenmire, writer, director, cartoonist, and voice artist, talks about creating Phineas and Ferb, recognition in the entertainment industry, compensation for their work, overcoming writer's block, and their journey in animation.

Cartoonist and writer Alex Stevenson shares her unconventional journey of starting her comics on the internet and using memes to gain a large following. They discuss creating memes, trolls, and funny characters on the internet, as well as the challenges of navigating edgy comedy and potential offense. They also talk about promoting their work, the challenges of the traditional comics industry, preemptive apologies in comedy, interacting with fans, and the issues of appearance and content creation.

JaMarr John Johnson, an Entrepremedian, talks with Scott about how comedians can exploit Web3 and Crypto to make more money, leveraging humor for business opportunities, investing in NFTs and Web3 platforms, creating a community and rewarding customers in capitalism, leveraging comedy skills for keynote speaking, the bonuses of buying an NFT and being part of a comedy community, and creating a top 10 podcast.

Scott chats with Sean Tejaratchi, creator of LiartownUSA.com. They discuss the difference between parody and satire, living in different places, organizing books and fonts, working in NYC, the genesis of Liertown, art vs entertainment, and balancing work and social life.

Actress, writer, and director Justine Bateman discusses fame, challenges of being famous, importance of hard work, pursuing projects and overcoming ageism, understanding human behavior in comedy, and the true meaning of success.

Patton Oswalt, Emmy-winning comedian and actor, discusses the importance of hard work in comedy, the art of storytelling, love for obscure content, and reflections on comedy and talk shows.

Mike Sacks, bestselling author of Stinker Lets Loose and Here’s the Kicker, discusses his fascination with 1970s CB and trucking movies, the importance of seizing opportunities, frustrations with traditional publishing, building an email list, and the importance of pursuing projects you love.

Anne Libera, founder of the Comedy Studies program at Columbia College, discusses comedy history, theory, and the importance of well-rounded professionals. They explore comedy cross-training, the art and craft of comedy, controlling context in comedy, transitioning from Second City to creating a comedy school, the history of comedy, the impact of comedy as a commodity, and comedy levels and intentionality.

Michael Gerber, comedy writer and editor of The American Bystander magazine, discusses his career in comedy writing for TV, writing parody novels, and editing and publishing The American Bystander magazine. Topics include distribution challenges, using the internet for promotion, The Onion's success, finding your voice in comedy, challenges of getting published, creating a book that fills a gap in culture, and career in comedy and helping others.

Margaret Cho, a veteran stand-up comic, writer, and actress, shares her experiences in the comedy industry. Topics discussed include her start in the 80s comedy boom, thoughts on writing and performing stand-up, the challenges faced by women in comedy, the disappearance of a renowned comedian, and the art of writing for plays.