Episode 116 — Comedy, Speaking, and Podcasting with Phil Johnson

2-Minute Talk Tips

2-Minute Tip: Cross the Screw It Line

We can prepare and prepare all we want, but at a certain point before a talk, we’ve done all that we can do.

The anxiety we may feel in going out on stage is less helpful on stage.

There comes a point, where we just have to say to ourselves, “Screw it.” (Or a less family friendly version of that). At that point it’s time to go execute. You’ve done everything you could to be ready. Once you get to that line, you have to trust that you’ve done enough.

And if not? Well, screw it. You’ve got a job to do.

Post Tip discussion: Meet Phil Johnson

I like talking with comedians because they are not just interesting people to chat with. The one-on-one conversations may not be the laugh-fest you might think, especially considering how many are introverts.

But I really like talking with them because comedy is such a precise craft. It involves understanding language, timing, and storytelling at a deep level.

Most public speakers understand these topics at a basic level, but we can be successful by wielding them in broad strokes — almost clumsily. Sometimes we can land our points and message like we are using a paint roller.

Comedians however, can’t use a paint roller. They have to use a fine tip touch up brush because their success relies on precise timing, wording and even emphasizing the right syllable. So there’s a lot we can learn from them.

Bio

Phil Johnson is a man who gets mistaken for a woman, but only by those not paying attention. That revelation kicks off a battle for self-awareness where comedy and music are the weapons of choice. It’s a battle that has taken Phil to such esteemed festivals as the Edinburgh Fringe and Sundance Film Festivals and the Top 8 Finals of the World Series of Comedy.

“I’ve always been the guy who isn’t quite what people expect,” says Phil. Using that experience, Phil pokes holes in the medical marijuana argument, discusses being a white guy at a hip hop show (and the innocent gestures that can get him in trouble), and reveals why Hawaii isn’t the paradise we think it is.

From Shakespearean bees to redneck vampires to anthropomorphic cell phones with weight issues, Phil Johnson fills the stage with quirky characters that combine social satire with absurdist flights of fancy. Then the guitar comes out and kicks the show into an even higher gear with songs about the bright future (and dark past) of babies and what he would do if he woke up one morning as an actual woman.

On stage, Phil’s playful humor and likeable, endearing manner allow him to shake things up without antagonizing the audience. In the end we can only be who we are, try to understand others, and hope they understand us.

RA Curtain CallRoadside Attraction comes from leader Phil Johnson’s twin careers in music and comedy. “The idea here is songs that are musically interesting and challenging, but also funny, and understandable by a casual music listener,” says Johnson. It’s more eclectic than Stephen Lynch, funnier than Prince, and more palatable than Frank Zappa, though influences of all three abound.

“Afrodizzyac” is their take on Blaxploitation film themes. This one is about an international super spy (Afrodizzyac) saving the women of the world from his archenemy, Left Nut. “Brown Ring Around The Collar” is a happy tirade about the stupid people we meet every day. And “Hella Good Day” is Phil Johnson’s own musing on what would make his perfect day. “I wrote it during a really bad day and it helped cheer me up. I don’t expect people to personally relate to each lyric. But I hope it will make them think about what would make them happier.”

Two of the greatest forms of release are live music and a hearty laugh. And Roadside Attraction delivers in spades as evidenced by the audience of young and old, and every ethnicity you’ll find in the audience. Roadside Attraction play by their own rules, and doing everything they can to help you loosen up.

Phil’s Upcoming Tour Dates

Here’s where you can see Phil in June 2019.

For more appearances, check out the list on his website here.

Phil in Action

These videos highlight Phil’s comedy. You might not want to play them loudly in your office.

Other Conversations with Comedians

Way back in Episode 3, I talked with my good friend Jon Clarke about his experience as a musician, comedian and advertising creative.

You can find that here.

In Episode 62, I spoke with British comedian, host, and podcaster Iszi Lawrence about the power of storytelling.

You can find that episode here.

Trina Talks Podcast

I had the privilege of being the first man to appear on the Trina Talks podcast.

Trina Talks is a podcast with inspirational talk based on wisdom gained through Trina’s life experiences for women who want motivation and inspiration to go to the next level in their lives, whether personal or professional. Trina L. Martin is a motivational speaker, leader, and cyber tech expert.

I share my stroke story and journey as we talk about the challenges, signs and causes of stroke, and some of the specific challenges women face. You can listen below or subscribe to Trina Talks for free in your favorite podcast app.

Links

Phil’s website

www.RoadsideAttraction.com

Phil’s Tour Dates

https://www.roadsideattraction.com/tour-dates/

Under the Crossbones — Phil’s Pirate Podcast

https://www.underthecrossbones.com/

Phil Interviews Anne Chambers about Grace O’Malley

https://www.underthecrossbones.com/anne-chambers-grace-omalley/

Phil Johnson on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/philjohnsoncomedy

Phil Johnson on Twitter

https://twitter.com/roadsidephil

Phil Johnson on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/philjohnsoncomedy/

Phil Johnson on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/user/roadside2

Phil Johnson on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1zWnuRQeVtq50JDArw5PtF

Lynn Ruth Miller

http://lynnruthmiller.net/

2-Minute Talk Tips Episode 003 — Meet Jon Clarke

http://2minutetalktips.com/2017/01/10/episode-003-skip-the-opening-joke-and-meet-jon-clarke/

2-Minute Talk Tips Episode 062 — Tell A Story to Add Value and Meet Iszi Lawrence

http://2MinuteTalkTips.com/Iszi

Call To Action

• To learn more about Phil, his comedy, his Pirate podcast, and more, visit http://www.RoadsideAttraction.com or check out the links above.
• Share this episode with a friend, colleague, or relative by giving them the link http://2MinuteTalkTips.com/Phil
• Subscribe for free to 2-Minute Talk Tips in your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode.
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2-Minute Talk Tips is the public speaking podcast that help you become a more effective speaker in as little as 2 minutes a week.