Starting Out: From Open Mics to Comedy Gold

Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is

In the inaugural episode of the “Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is” podcast, hosts Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell delve into their comedic paths. Dobie, a stand-up comedy instructor at Zanies Comedy Club in Chicago, reflects on mentoring Vince, who transitioned from music to comedy after being inspired by family comedy specials. Vince shares his early experiences, including writing jokes in high school and facing challenges at the Second City Training Center. Dobie recounts joining a competitive improv group in Milwaukee and navigating the tough beginnings of stand-up, such as finding venues and crafting material.

Vince’s first open mic experience at the Red Lion Pub in 2001 is highlighted, as well as Dobie’s first experience, where a spontaneous joke about a football player marked a turning point in his commitment to comedy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of taking risks and making small choices in pursuing one’s passions.

The discussion covers the necessity for resilience when performing for varied audiences, addressing common misconceptions about the pressures of comedy, particularly in corporate settings. They stress the importance of relatability and effective engagement techniques, such as storytelling and voice modulation. The hosts also explore how humor relies on surprise and the evolution of self-assessment in performance, noting that audience perceptions often differ from performers’ critiques.

As experienced comedians, Vince and Dobie aim to support those new to public speaking through their podcast, advocating for progress over perfection and sharing insights to help listeners enhance their speaking skills in future episodes.