Published by Hot Breath! Media
Every Monday listeners get exclusive access to the most influential minds in comedy. Award winning comedian and host Joel Byars captures the inspiring stories and insightful techniques behind your favorite comics with interviews NPR describes as "discovering the desire to be a comedian, their craft and their unifying bond found within the world of stand up comedy."
Listen on Apple Podcasts21 min
This month's contest winner Johnny B joins us to share the surprising connection between music and comedy and how you can start writing better jokes faster. Join next month's contest here: https://cleancomedycontest.com/ More info about John Here: https://laughwithjohnnyb.com/ Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com
25 min
First time winner Colin Chapman joins the show to share his unique approach to churning out so many jokes in just two weeks. Join next month's contest here: https://cleancomedycontest.com/ Colin's Website: https://www.hypnosisisamazing.com/
22 min
February contest winner John Manasco joins us to share his creative process behind writing a winning set in just two weeks. He shares a lot of great writing techniques to help you generate ideas quickly. We also go deep on how to organize your jokes and keep track of all your ideas. This is definitely worth a listen! Join next month's contest here: https://cleancomedycontest.com/ John's website: https://www.showyourbits.com/ https://www.instagram.com/john_manasco/
19 min
The January contest winner Dan Ratner joins us to share his writing process to creating a tight set in just two weeks. We also discuss how to find time to write and perform while balancing your real life obligations. Enjoy! Join next month's contest here: CleanComedyContest.com Follow Dan here: https://www.instagram.com/thedanofthehour/
1 min
Get the Clean Comedy Workshop here : https://stan.store/Joelbyarscomedy/p/learn-clean-comedy-now
29 min
Our November Clean Comedy Contest winner Chris Shull joins us to share his unique writing process, how to balance a day job and comedy + MORE. More info about Chris Here: https://www.facebook.com/chris.shull.302397/ Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com
37 min
Ian Lara describes the real, uneven path of a touring comic: some cities sell out, others are thin, and that’s normal. He emphasizes controlling what you can like stage craft, content output, and gratitude all while resisting comparison spirals from social media. He breaksdown his storytelling style with every line being a joke. Online, he favors clipping strong material over chasing crowd-work virality and insists stand-up must remain the priority even if podcasting takes off. More info about Ian Here: https://www.ianlaralive.com/ Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod What you’ll learn The “sold-out then 12 people” reality of touring in the clip era Writing punchy stories (a laugh nearly every line) Crowd work vs. material: when it helps—and when it cheats The New York grind: 5–7 nights, 2–5 sets… and finding your way +MORE Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com
23 min
Greg Warren joins us to share his 20+ years of comedy expertise for comics to learn and apply to their own careers. He shares his favorite writing techniques and how his viral peanut butter bit took over two decades to perfect. We also dive into behind the scene of touring with Nate Bargatze and Leanne Morgan. More info about Greg Here: https://www.gregwarrencomedy.com/ Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com
35 min
Rafi Bastos joins us to share his journey from starting comedy in Brazil to become the country's most famous comedian before moving to America and rebuilding his fanbase from scratch. This is masterclass is finding your voice and most authentic self. Learn more about Rafi Bastos: https://www.rafibastos.com/ Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com
1 hr 14 min
This episode of Hot Breath! dives deep into the DIY spirit of comedy with punk-rock veteran turned stand-up, Joe Sib . From fronting bands and opening for Metallica to touring with Jim Breuer, Joe breaks down how a lifelong performer reinvents himself in the most brutally honest art form of stand-up. He and Joel riff on everything from bombing in front of Metallica fans to finding authenticity on stage, why comics can’t “fake the funny,” and how comedy’s new punk rock era (YouTube, self-releasing specials, podcasting) gives comics more freedom than ever. If you’re a comedian trying to balance the grind, stay authentic, and not lose your mind in the process then Joe’s stories and lessons are pure rocket fuel. Connect with Joe here: https://www.joesib.com/ Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod Top 10 Takeaways from Joe Sib: Host often — it’s the fastest way to get multiple reps and real crowd interaction in one night. Listen to your audience — the laughter (or silence) tells you exactly what to fix. Film every set — you can’t improve what you don’t watch. Write from truth — audiences can spot fake stories instantly. DIY your career — start your own show, mic, or podcast instead of waiting for permission. Keep a “bomb journal” — track what failed, why, and how you’ll adjust. Surround yourself with better comics — iron sharpens iron. Find joy in the grind — comedy rewards the ones who keep showing up. Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com
50 min
Morgan Gallo breaks down her 3-year sprint from writing-room newbie to Denver studio owner with 100K+ followers. We get into filming every set, turning trauma into bits, branding like a social pro, and building community that levels you up. If you’re a 0–5 year comic, this is your blueprint. Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod Top Takeaways: Film every set; post the best 30–60 seconds—weekly, no excuses. Consistency beats “algorithm hacks”—show up more than you optimize. Look bookable early: simple website, dates listed, headshots, clean captions Treat social like your résumé Don’t chase going viral; build a library for people to discover After a bomb, write three lessons and move on to next show Join or build community (writing room/new-material show) to level up faster. Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com
26 min
Our October Clean Comedy Contest winner Sandy Bernstein joins us to share How to Turn Dirty Jokes Clean, New Comic Writing Tips, Conquering Stage Fright + MORE. More info about Sandy Here: https://www.sandybernsteincomedy.com/ Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com
57 min
Caitlin Peluffo tells Joel Byars how she went from grinding 30+ open mics a week to crushing at the Comedy Cellar—while keeping her act protected in a clip-drunk world. She breaks down actionable goal-setting (not dream credits), balancing clean vs. dirty, why she won’t chase crowd-work virality, and the habits (structure, therapy, sobriety, gym) that keep the funny sharp. Plus: the whiskey-throw heckler story, her three-strike rule, and the meet-and-greet tactic she learned touring with Fortune Feimster and Matteo Lane. Support the show on our Patreon here: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod What you’ll learn in this episode: - Clean when it pays, dirty when it slays—how to rewrite without losing yourself - Why protecting new material grows fans who return - A simple crowd control framework (playful shut-down → sincere warning → bounce) - The pre-show ritual that primes presence and consistency - How to write on stage—and the hour-per-week stage-time hack - Touring lessons from Fortune & Matteo: build markets, shake hands, stay humble Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ Watch the full Caitlin Peluffo interview on Hot Breath! for more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6At_3wH3pk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Watch the full Caitlin Peluffo interview on Hot Breath! for more. Subscribe for more comedy interviews and tips: https://www.youtube.com/c/HotBreathPod?sub_confirmation=1 Join our email list: https://hotbreathpodcast.com/vip Classes and workshops: https://hotbreathmedia.com
5 min
Here's a quick update on what to expect from Hot Breath! moving forward. Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod DM me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/joelbyarscomedy/ Email me here: Byars.Joel@gmail.com
27 min
Bob Kirk returns with his second contest win in a row to help comics write better jokes faster. Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod Get Jerry Corley's book here: https://comedyclinic.samcart.com/referral/CTqBjMqN/ZBD41W0ekdY1mdCk More info about Bob Here: YouTube: Bob Kirk Comedy https://www.youtube.com/@BobKirkComedy/shorts TikTok: @bobkirkcomedy https://www.tiktok.com/@bobkirkcomedy Facebook: Bob Kirk Comedy https://www.facebook.com/people/Bob-Kirk-Comedy/100081179486384/ Instagram: @bobkirk.comedy https://www.instagram.com/bobkirk.comedy/ Reggies Comedy Out of the Way Players 1 hr 12 minutes Filmed Concordia University Montreal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P1-dAhQuVE&t=16s Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com
30 min
KevOnStage gets radically honest about staying relevant, balancing family with the road, and the content strategy that turned him into a household name. We dive into why Sinbad belongs on more “GOAT” lists, how today’s algorithm rewards volume and variety, and why building community (not just views) is the real moat. Plus: the mindset behind his new book Successful Failure and the math behind posting ~7,000 pieces of content a year. Get Kev's book here: https://amzn.to/48CzwOT Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod What you’ll learn: - A practical social media strategy for comedians and creators - How to balance touring with parenting (and what “being home” looks like) - Community-building that actually scales (simple daily actions that compound) + MORE
34 min
Hot Breath! is back with some hot topics heating up the comedy world. Jimmy Kimmel gets fired after his Charlie Kirk and Donald Trump jokes goes viral Nate Bargatze gets roasted by the media for "bombing" at the Emmys Kam Patterson books SNL all from Kill Tony Listen and learn from comics talking comedy. If you'd like to support the show, join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod
1 hr 4 min
My OG comedy mentor Akintunde joins the Hot Breathiverse to share his 30+ years of comedy experience. We dive deep on the business of comedy and how to monetize your funny TODAY. One of my favorite quotes is "every piece of content is digital real estate you can monetize." This episode will change your approach to the comedy business and help you get paid faster. Join his contest here: searchfortheone.com https://joke-farm.com/ Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod Tip Joel here: Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/joel-byars PayPal: paypal.me/JoelByarsComedy
23 min
This month's contest winner Bob Kirk joins us to share how he wrote a killer 60 second set in just two weeks. Join our contest on Patreon here: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod YouTube: Bob Kirk Comedy https://www.youtube.com/@BobKirkComedy/shorts TikTok: @bobkirkcomedy https://www.tiktok.com/@bobkirkcomedy Facebook: Bob Kirk Comedy https://www.facebook.com/people/Bob-Kirk-Comedy/100081179486384/ Instagram: @bobkirk.comedy https://www.instagram.com/bobkirk.comedy/ Get Jerry Corley's book: https://comedyclinic.samcart.com/referral/CTqBjMqN/ZBD41W0ekdY1mdCk Send us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/HotBreathPod Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ Join our email list here: https://hotbreathpodcast.com/vip Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com
1 hr 0 min
We're back with another Hot Breath! answering all of your comedy questions. Don't forget to join our Patreon for more exclusive content! Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod Send us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/HotBreathPod Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ Join our email list here: https://hotbreathpodcast.com/vip Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com
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