Rising Comic Andrew Stanley on Resilience, Bombing, and Finding the Punchline

You're just constantly going on stage You're just constantly going on stage and you don't get to practice in the and you don't get to practice in the and you don't get to practice in the garage like a musician and bring it out garage like a musician and bring it out garage like a musician and bring it out when it's ready. It's you're constantly when it's ready. It's you're constantly when it's ready. It's you're constantly building it in you know low stake building it in you know low stake building it in you know low stake environments. You're still performing in environments. You're still performing in environments. You're still performing in front of people, but I'm going to the front of people, but I'm going to the front of people, but I'm going to the Laughing Skull open mic in Atlanta for 4 Laughing Skull open mic in Atlanta for 4 Laughing Skull open mic in Atlanta for 4 minutes to try three new things. If it minutes to try three new things. If it minutes to try three new things. If it doesn't go well, I go cool. Yeah, it's doesn't go well, I go cool. Yeah, it's doesn't go well, I go cool. Yeah, it's not supposed if it's going well all the not supposed if it's going well all the not supposed if it's going well all the time I'm not taking enough risks. time I'm not taking enough risks. time I'm not taking enough risks. Welcome to the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Welcome to the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Welcome to the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast. Today, one of the things I'm Podcast. Today, one of the things I'm Podcast. Today, one of the things I'm really fascinated about is comedians. really fascinated about is comedians. really fascinated about is comedians. Like how do they do what they do? I can Like how do they do what they do? I can Like how do they do what they do? I can talk for 40 minutes. I can't do 2 talk for 40 minutes. I can't do 2 talk for 40 minutes. I can't do 2 minutes of stand-up. So we sit down with minutes of stand-up. So we sit down with minutes of stand-up. So we sit down with Andrew Stanley. Not Andy, but Andrew. Andrew Stanley. Not Andy, but Andrew. Andrew Stanley. Not Andy, but Andrew. He's a rising comic. I mean, watch for He's a rising comic. I mean, watch for He's a rising comic. I mean, watch for him if you haven't seen his stuff yet. him if you haven't seen his stuff yet. him if you haven't seen his stuff yet. It's amazing. And we filmed him after he It's amazing. And we filmed him after he It's amazing. And we filmed him after he delivered a bring down the house stand delivered a bring down the house stand delivered a bring down the house stand up 40-minute set at the Art of up 40-minute set at the Art of up 40-minute set at the Art of Leadership Live in Dallas this Leadership Live in Dallas this Leadership Live in Dallas this September. So I sat down with him on September. So I sat down with him on September. So I sat down with him on stage in front of a live audience. If stage in front of a live audience. If stage in front of a live audience. If you were there, you're really going to you were there, you're really going to you were there, you're really going to enjoy it. And I'm really hoping you enjoy it. And I'm really hoping you enjoy it. And I'm really hoping you enjoy this conversation with Andrew. enjoy this conversation with Andrew. enjoy this conversation with Andrew. So wherever you're watching this, make So wherever you're watching this, make So wherever you're watching this, make sure you like, subscribe, and follow.

sure you like, subscribe, and follow. sure you like, subscribe, and follow. And now to my conversation with Andrew And now to my conversation with Andrew And now to my conversation with Andrew Stanley. We are going to get to hear now Stanley. We are going to get to hear now Stanley. We are going to get to hear now from Andrew from Carey in a podcast from Andrew from Carey in a podcast from Andrew from Carey in a podcast style interview. Can we please make some style interview. Can we please make some style interview. Can we please make some noise for Carey Nieuwhof and Andrew noise for Carey Nieuwhof and Andrew noise for Carey Nieuwhof and Andrew Stanley? Stanley? Stanley? [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] Get around that. I was just saying we Get around that. I was just saying we Get around that. I was just saying we could go Rogan tonight. Keep you guys could go Rogan tonight. Keep you guys could go Rogan tonight. Keep you guys here till 11, 12, 1. here till 11, 12, 1. here till 11, 12, 1. I don't know I don't know if he's I don't know I don't know if he's I don't know I don't know if he's sitting on backless stools for 3 and 1/2 sitting on backless stools for 3 and 1/2 sitting on backless stools for 3 and 1/2 hours, hours, hours, but but but Andrew, thanks for making us laugh Andrew, thanks for making us laugh Andrew, thanks for making us laugh tonight. We needed that. I needed that. tonight. We needed that. I needed that. tonight. We needed that. I needed that. Oh, thank you for laughing. It doesn't Oh, thank you for laughing. It doesn't Oh, thank you for laughing. It doesn't always doesn't always go. It's like always doesn't always go. It's like always doesn't always go. It's like every preacher is like, "Thank you for every preacher is like, "Thank you for every preacher is like, "Thank you for laughing. Thank you for like getting the laughing. Thank you for like getting the laughing. Thank you for like getting the joke." joke." joke." >> Yeah, it was a Jeb Bush's thing. It's >> Yeah, it was a Jeb Bush's thing. It's >> Yeah, it was a Jeb Bush's thing. It's like, "Thanks for thanks for Please like, "Thanks for thanks for Please like, "Thanks for thanks for Please clap." Just like clap." Just like clap." Just like I feel like that all the time. So I feel like that all the time. So I feel like that all the time. So I wanted to you said we should talk I wanted to you said we should talk I wanted to you said we should talk about this. So shortly after you know about this. So shortly after you know about this. So shortly after you know that thing I said about you know being that thing I said about you know being that thing I said about you know being with your dad at an event with your dad at an event with your dad at an event Your dad was busy signing books. The the Your dad was busy signing books. The the Your dad was busy signing books. The the host brought a lot of people over host brought a lot of people over host brought a lot of people over to meet your dad. And I was standing in to meet your dad. And I was standing in to meet your dad. And I was standing in the background in the green room and I the background in the green room and I the background in the green room and I saw you were there and we were just saw you were there and we were just saw you were there and we were just chatting and you're like, "Yeah, I just chatting and you're like, "Yeah, I just chatting and you're like, "Yeah, I just quit my job. Like I literally just quit quit my job. Like I literally just quit quit my job. Like I literally just quit finance finance finance doing comedy full-time." Yeah, like one doing comedy full-time." Yeah, like one doing comedy full-time." Yeah, like one week before that I had quit my job.

week before that I had quit my job. week before that I had quit my job. And I I didn't have anywhere to go. So And I I didn't have anywhere to go. So And I I didn't have anywhere to go. So he I was like, "I'm going to speak in he I was like, "I'm going to speak in he I was like, "I'm going to speak in Chicago. Want to come?" I'm like, "Oh, I Chicago. Want to come?" I'm like, "Oh, I Chicago. Want to come?" I'm like, "Oh, I can go places on a Wednesday now. This can go places on a Wednesday now. This can go places on a Wednesday now. This is great. Yeah." is great. Yeah." is great. Yeah." So we were there. So we were there. So we were there. >> to be there on a Wednesday. >> to be there on a Wednesday. >> to be there on a Wednesday. So we were there and shortly after that So we were there and shortly after that So we were there and shortly after that we ended up in Phoenix together. we ended up in Phoenix together. we ended up in Phoenix together. And you and I were doing a church And you and I were doing a church And you and I were doing a church planning event and you're you're you planning event and you're you're you planning event and you're you're you were still doing like open mic nights were still doing like open mic nights were still doing like open mic nights and and and trying to get some bookings and that trying to get some bookings and that trying to get some bookings and that kind of thing. And you said to a couple kind of thing. And you said to a couple kind of thing. And you said to a couple of us backstage of us backstage of us backstage This is what? 2018 maybe? Yes, I think This is what? 2018 maybe? Yes, I think This is what? 2018 maybe? Yes, I think it was 2018. it was 2018. it was 2018. >> been you'd quit your job for 3 months. >> been you'd quit your job for 3 months. >> been you'd quit your job for 3 months. And you're like, "Hey, I'm doing an open And you're like, "Hey, I'm doing an open And you're like, "Hey, I'm doing an open mic tonight. Do you want to come?" mic tonight. Do you want to come?" mic tonight. Do you want to come?" So we said yes. I'm going to let you So we said yes. I'm going to let you So we said yes. I'm going to let you pick up the story of what happened. pick up the story of what happened. pick up the story of what happened. >> Yes, and I love you'll you'll know why >> Yes, and I love you'll you'll know why >> Yes, and I love you'll you'll know why Carey just gave a disclaimer of like, Carey just gave a disclaimer of like, Carey just gave a disclaimer of like, "Andrew said we should talk about this." "Andrew said we should talk about this." "Andrew said we should talk about this." But at the end of the story you're like, But at the end of the story you're like, But at the end of the story you're like, "That's why Carey said that." Um yes, I "That's why Carey said that." Um yes, I "That's why Carey said that." Um yes, I was MCing this conference that you were was MCing this conference that you were was MCing this conference that you were one of the keynote speakers for. And one of the keynote speakers for. And one of the keynote speakers for. And it's like a 3-day conference in Phoenix. it's like a 3-day conference in Phoenix. it's like a 3-day conference in Phoenix. S2. Really cool conference. And S2. Really cool conference. And S2. Really cool conference. And one of the night one of the days the one of the night one of the days the one of the night one of the days the session ended at like 5:00 p.m. and then session ended at like 5:00 p.m. and then session ended at like 5:00 p.m. and then there was nothing the rest of the night.

there was nothing the rest of the night. there was nothing the rest of the night. And so I was like, "Cool, I'm going to And so I was like, "Cool, I'm going to And so I was like, "Cool, I'm going to go try to get on stage somewhere and go try to get on stage somewhere and go try to get on stage somewhere and work on jokes." work on jokes." work on jokes." And you heard me say that backstage and And you heard me say that backstage and And you heard me say that backstage and you're like, "Wait, if you're going to you're like, "Wait, if you're going to you're like, "Wait, if you're going to do that, I want to go and see you do that, I want to go and see you do that, I want to go and see you perform." I forgot about that. And I was perform." I forgot about that. And I was perform." I forgot about that. And I was like, "Oh, please come. That'll be like, "Oh, please come. That'll be like, "Oh, please come. That'll be great. I'll show you show you what I can great. I'll show you show you what I can great. I'll show you show you what I can do." do." do." And uh And uh And uh And then my high school small group And then my high school small group And then my high school small group leader was also in town at co-MCing the leader was also in town at co-MCing the leader was also in town at co-MCing the conference with me, Joseph Sojourner. So conference with me, Joseph Sojourner. So conference with me, Joseph Sojourner. So Joe was there. I remember that. And then Joe was there. I remember that. And then Joe was there. I remember that. And then one of my other friends from high school one of my other friends from high school one of my other friends from high school just happened to be there. So I was just happened to be there. So I was just happened to be there. So I was like, "You guys all come see me do like, "You guys all come see me do like, "You guys all come see me do stand-up comedy." And it was at a club stand-up comedy." And it was at a club stand-up comedy." And it was at a club there. there. there. And I had emailed them and said, "Hey, And I had emailed them and said, "Hey, And I had emailed them and said, "Hey, I'm in town. I'm a comedian. I'd love to I'm in town. I'm a comedian. I'd love to I'm in town. I'm a comedian. I'd love to do your I just saw they had a show." And do your I just saw they had a show." And do your I just saw they had a show." And I said, "I'd love to just do some time I said, "I'd love to just do some time I said, "I'd love to just do some time on the show if you'll have me." And they on the show if you'll have me." And they on the show if you'll have me." And they said, "Sure, yeah. Come on down." I said, "Sure, yeah. Come on down." I said, "Sure, yeah. Come on down." I thought this was like a normal comedy thought this was like a normal comedy thought this was like a normal comedy show. Yeah, it was not. show. Yeah, it was not. show. Yeah, it was not. >> Um it was this like very specific type >> Um it was this like very specific type >> Um it was this like very specific type of show where these two guys, who are of show where these two guys, who are of show where these two guys, who are very funny comedians, would get on stage very funny comedians, would get on stage very funny comedians, would get on stage and basically do like a weekend update and basically do like a weekend update and basically do like a weekend update kind of news report thing. Like this kind of news report thing. Like this kind of news report thing. Like this projector screen would come down and projector screen would come down and projector screen would come down and they would do like topical jokes. And they would do like topical jokes. And they would do like topical jokes. And then they would go back and sit behind then they would go back and sit behind then they would go back and sit behind their desks on the stage and have open their desks on the stage and have open their desks on the stage and have open mic comedians come up, perform, and then mic comedians come up, perform, and then mic comedians come up, perform, and then they would interrupt the comedians with they would interrupt the comedians with they would interrupt the comedians with like questions and stuff. It was like like questions and stuff. It was like like questions and stuff. It was like the worst possible comedy situation of the worst possible comedy situation of the worst possible comedy situation of all time.

all time. all time. And so the show starts and I'm realizing And so the show starts and I'm realizing And so the show starts and I'm realizing that I've invited Carey, my new friend, that I've invited Carey, my new friend, that I've invited Carey, my new friend, to come see this like insane show, which to come see this like insane show, which to come see this like insane show, which is filthy by the way. is filthy by the way. is filthy by the way. >> Yeah, not clean comedy. Not clean >> Yeah, not clean comedy. Not clean >> Yeah, not clean comedy. Not clean comedy. And I'm waiting for my 5 minutes comedy. And I'm waiting for my 5 minutes comedy. And I'm waiting for my 5 minutes in the back. And eventually it's my turn in the back. And eventually it's my turn in the back. And eventually it's my turn and I decided, "All right, I'm just and I decided, "All right, I'm just and I decided, "All right, I'm just going to start talking to these guys as going to start talking to these guys as going to start talking to these guys as soon as I get I'm not going to wait for soon as I get I'm not going to wait for soon as I get I'm not going to wait for them to interrupt me. I'm just going to them to interrupt me. I'm just going to them to interrupt me. I'm just going to like start So I start talking to them. like start So I start talking to them. like start So I start talking to them. And then I start doing jokes. And I get And then I start doing jokes. And I get And then I start doing jokes. And I get to a joke to a joke to a joke that's about like me growing up that's about like me growing up that's about like me growing up sheltered. sheltered. sheltered. And one of the guys interrupts me and And one of the guys interrupts me and And one of the guys interrupts me and goes, "Hey, Andrew, so like you're goes, "Hey, Andrew, so like you're goes, "Hey, Andrew, so like you're sheltered like did you ever watch like sheltered like did you ever watch like sheltered like did you ever watch like porn growing up?" porn growing up?" porn growing up?" And before I could even answer And before I could even answer And before I could even answer he signals to his guy in the back of the he signals to his guy in the back of the he signals to his guy in the back of the room that's been operating the projector room that's been operating the projector room that's been operating the projector screen screen screen and says, "Go to the porn website." And and says, "Go to the porn website." And and says, "Go to the porn website." And all of a sudden all of a sudden all of a sudden pornography is on my shirt. pornography is on my shirt. pornography is on my shirt. >> Uh-huh. >> Uh-huh. >> Uh-huh. And all I'm thinking is Carey Nieuwhof And all I'm thinking is Carey Nieuwhof And all I'm thinking is Carey Nieuwhof is watching pornography off of my body. is watching pornography off of my body. is watching pornography off of my body. All I'm thinking All I'm thinking All I'm thinking >> My white shirt. Like I knew >> My white shirt. Like I knew >> My white shirt. Like I knew I was the perfect projector screen for I was the perfect projector screen for I was the perfect projector screen for this. And I'm just standing there like, this. And I'm just standing there like, this. And I'm just standing there like, "Uh "Uh "Uh Please turn it off. Uh Please turn it off. Uh Please turn it off. Uh I was like, "Is this a good time to let I was like, "Is this a good time to let I was like, "Is this a good time to let everybody know I'm in town performing at everybody know I'm in town performing at everybody know I'm in town performing at a church conference that we start a church conference that we start a church conference that we start tomorrow morning at 9:30 if anybody want tomorrow morning at 9:30 if anybody want tomorrow morning at 9:30 if anybody want to know." And meanwhile just like who to know." And meanwhile just like who to know." And meanwhile just like who knows and uh knows and uh knows and uh It was awful.

It was awful. It was awful. >> And Carey was afterwards was so nice and >> And Carey was afterwards was so nice and >> And Carey was afterwards was so nice and he was just like, "So is that like what he was just like, "So is that like what he was just like, "So is that like what normally goes on at these shows?" And every time I've seen you since I And every time I've seen you since I feel like you're like, "Has that ever feel like you're like, "Has that ever feel like you're like, "Has that ever happened to you?" And I'm like, "No, happened to you?" And I'm like, "No, happened to you?" And I'm like, "No, Carey. That is not a normal thing to Carey. That is not a normal thing to Carey. That is not a normal thing to have You saw a one-off." have You saw a one-off." have You saw a one-off." >> All I could think of is your mom and >> All I could think of is your mom and >> All I could think of is your mom and your dad. Like, "Oh my gosh." Like your dad. Like, "Oh my gosh." Like your dad. Like, "Oh my gosh." Like But you know what was so cool is you you But you know what was so cool is you you But you know what was so cool is you you won't tell this part of the story. I won't tell this part of the story. I won't tell this part of the story. I don't know how long that went on. You don't know how long that went on. You don't know how long that went on. You know when you see stuff in slow motion know when you see stuff in slow motion know when you see stuff in slow motion and you're like, "I can't believe this and you're like, "I can't believe this and you're like, "I can't believe this is happening." But it was happening. It is happening." But it was happening. It is happening." But it was happening. It was embarrassing for everybody in the was embarrassing for everybody in the was embarrassing for everybody in the room. room. room. You didn't break your clean act. You do You didn't break your clean act. You do You didn't break your clean act. You do clean humor. You They were like baiting clean humor. You They were like baiting clean humor. You They were like baiting you to try to cross the line as a you to try to cross the line as a you to try to cross the line as a preacher's kid cuz they figured out you preacher's kid cuz they figured out you preacher's kid cuz they figured out you were preacher's kid. were preacher's kid. were preacher's kid. And by the end And by the end And by the end they were like, "Respect." They shut it they were like, "Respect." They shut it they were like, "Respect." They shut it off. They were kind to you. I think you off. They were kind to you. I think you off. They were kind to you. I think you could have invited them to church and could have invited them to church and could have invited them to church and they would have come. I'm pretty sure. they would have come. I'm pretty sure. they would have come. I'm pretty sure. It was amazing. It was a total change of It was amazing. It was a total change of It was amazing. It was a total change of heart. And you might not have seen that heart. And you might not have seen that heart. And you might not have seen that on stage. So Joe and me and your friend, on stage. So Joe and me and your friend, on stage. So Joe and me and your friend, we saw that in the audience. That was so we saw that in the audience. That was so we saw that in the audience. That was so cool. You just stayed in character well cool. You just stayed in character well cool. You just stayed in character well character, stayed true to yourself, character, stayed true to yourself, character, stayed true to yourself, didn't break that, and it was really didn't break that, and it was really didn't break that, and it was really cool. So that that was like one of our cool. So that that was like one of our cool. So that that was like one of our first experiences I have not worn a first experiences I have not worn a first experiences I have not worn a white t-shirt since that night. I am white t-shirt since that night. I am white t-shirt since that night. I am just too I'm too scared. Yeah, our just too I'm too scared. Yeah, our just too I'm too scared. Yeah, our projector is broken half the night, but projector is broken half the night, but projector is broken half the night, but Um so that was pretty much That was Um so that was pretty much That was Um so that was pretty much That was pretty much Yeah, thanks.

pretty much Yeah, thanks. pretty much Yeah, thanks. That was in my rider. I was like, "No That was in my rider. I was like, "No That was in my rider. I was like, "No projector." People are always like, "Why projector." People are always like, "Why projector." People are always like, "Why would Why would that even be in there?" would Why would that even be in there?" would Why would that even be in there?" I was like, "Ah, it's a long story." I was like, "Ah, it's a long story." I was like, "Ah, it's a long story." Uh Um but yeah, I Uh Um but yeah, I Uh Um but yeah, I Yeah, that was like our second time Yeah, that was like our second time Yeah, that was like our second time meeting. So you So we were when we were meeting. So you So we were when we were meeting. So you So we were when we were in the green room, in the green room, in the green room, you were talking about your voice memos. you were talking about your voice memos. you were talking about your voice memos. And you have this very like you keep all And you have this very like you keep all And you have this very like you keep all of your stand-up acts. I was saying of your stand-up acts. I was saying of your stand-up acts. I was saying Well, I was asking the question, "Why do Well, I was asking the question, "Why do Well, I was asking the question, "Why do comedians always have stools?" And you comedians always have stools?" And you comedians always have stools?" And you said cuz you don't really use them. said cuz you don't really use them. said cuz you don't really use them. >> Yeah, normally it's cuz we're jumping on >> Yeah, normally it's cuz we're jumping on >> Yeah, normally it's cuz we're jumping on stage and we toss our phone on the stool stage and we toss our phone on the stool stage and we toss our phone on the stool doing a voice memo so we can go back and doing a voice memo so we can go back and doing a voice memo so we can go back and listen to it later. Listen to your set. listen to it later. Listen to your set. listen to it later. Listen to your set. Which now I'm thinking maybe we should Which now I'm thinking maybe we should Which now I'm thinking maybe we should go find that one. I wonder if I recorded go find that one. I wonder if I recorded go find that one. I wonder if I recorded that one. that one. that one. We'll we'll send it to all of you if we We'll we'll send it to all of you if we We'll we'll send it to all of you if we can find it. can find it. can find it. >> That's right. Yeah. Offline. We'll put >> That's right. Yeah. Offline. We'll put >> That's right. Yeah. Offline. We'll put it in the in the gift basket. QR QR it in the in the gift basket. QR QR it in the in the gift basket. QR QR code. code. code. You've really changed. Like your your You say that's all your guests. You say that's all your guests. >> I don't think >> I don't think >> I don't think I don't think we're airing this. Anyway, I don't think we're airing this. Anyway, I don't think we're airing this. Anyway, Um Yeah, this is not plugged into Um Yeah, this is not plugged into Um Yeah, this is not plugged into anything in the room.

It's also the first time I've ever worn It's also the first time I've ever worn this type of microphone before. Why are this type of microphone before. Why are this type of microphone before. Why are we doing both? we doing both? we doing both? >> Love it. >> Love it. >> Love it. So we have this this like over ear and So we have this this like over ear and So we have this this like over ear and we got these big mics. we got these big mics. we got these big mics. >> going to be so proud that I wore one of >> going to be so proud that I wore one of >> going to be so proud that I wore one of these cuz I've never done it. He's going these cuz I've never done it. He's going these cuz I've never done it. He's going to be like, "You're one of us." I'm to be like, "You're one of us." I'm to be like, "You're one of us." I'm like, "Ah, you should listen to the like, "Ah, you should listen to the like, "Ah, you should listen to the episode." How has your comedy evolved? What's How has your comedy evolved? What's changed over the last 7 or 8 years? I changed over the last 7 or 8 years? I changed over the last 7 or 8 years? I mean, you know, you hope you've gotten mean, you know, you hope you've gotten mean, you know, you hope you've gotten funnier. You get getting comfortable on funnier. You get getting comfortable on funnier. You get getting comfortable on stage is the hardest part when you're stage is the hardest part when you're stage is the hardest part when you're starting. I mean, probably same for any starting. I mean, probably same for any starting. I mean, probably same for any kind of communication where the first if kind of communication where the first if kind of communication where the first if you we were going to listen to my voice you we were going to listen to my voice you we were going to listen to my voice memos from 2016 memos from 2016 memos from 2016 they probably are all identical because they probably are all identical because they probably are all identical because I would not go off script. I was like, I would not go off script. I was like, I would not go off script. I was like, "I'm saying the words that are written "I'm saying the words that are written "I'm saying the words that are written down." And then if there's something down." And then if there's something down." And then if there's something that happens in the room, I will ignore that happens in the room, I will ignore that happens in the room, I will ignore it and just try to get back on script. it and just try to get back on script. it and just try to get back on script. And then just getting comfortable enough And then just getting comfortable enough And then just getting comfortable enough on stage to where you can actually learn on stage to where you can actually learn on stage to where you can actually learn like here's the best way for that people like here's the best way for that people like here's the best way for that people want to hear me say my jokes versus just want to hear me say my jokes versus just want to hear me say my jokes versus just saying the words. saying the words. saying the words. And kind of trying to find what your And kind of trying to find what your And kind of trying to find what your persona is going to be.

persona is going to be. persona is going to be. It's usually your natural self plus a It's usually your natural self plus a It's usually your natural self plus a couple of things and you're kind of couple of things and you're kind of couple of things and you're kind of always always always And nice thing about stand-up is the And nice thing about stand-up is the And nice thing about stand-up is the audience let you lets you know what audience let you lets you know what audience let you lets you know what works. Very works. Very works. Very you know, there's not it's not subtle. you know, there's not it's not subtle. you know, there's not it's not subtle. Um which can be This is the hard part Um which can be This is the hard part Um which can be This is the hard part and the easy part. I mean, I think most and the easy part. I mean, I think most and the easy part. I mean, I think most people in their jobs would l- people in their jobs would l- people in their jobs would l- If they could turn on immediate feedback If they could turn on immediate feedback If they could turn on immediate feedback for a day for a day for a day you'd you grow a lot faster because it's you'd you grow a lot faster because it's you'd you grow a lot faster because it's so much information about how you're so much information about how you're so much information about how you're doing it all the time. doing it all the time. doing it all the time. Well, I think that's one of our great Well, I think that's one of our great Well, I think that's one of our great fears. You have a ton of communicators fears. You have a ton of communicators fears. You have a ton of communicators in this room. in this room. in this room. We're afraid of bombing so to speak, We're afraid of bombing so to speak, We're afraid of bombing so to speak, right? Like a message that isn't right? Like a message that isn't right? Like a message that isn't connecting. Most of us try to use humor connecting. Most of us try to use humor connecting. Most of us try to use humor a little bit or try to tell a story that a little bit or try to tell a story that a little bit or try to tell a story that we're really hope lands. What do you do we're really hope lands. What do you do we're really hope lands. What do you do when like tonight when we stepped out of when like tonight when we stepped out of when like tonight when we stepped out of the room, you're like, "Oh man, they the room, you're like, "Oh man, they the room, you're like, "Oh man, they were really reacting really reacting were really reacting really reacting were really reacting really reacting well." I was watching the room and like well." I was watching the room and like well." I was watching the room and like people are laughing at different parts. people are laughing at different parts. people are laughing at different parts. You had us in stitches. Brought down the You had us in stitches. Brought down the You had us in stitches. Brought down the house a couple times. Like it was really house a couple times. Like it was really house a couple times. Like it was really I think a great show, great audience. I think a great show, great audience. I think a great show, great audience. Doesn't always go that way. So, what Doesn't always go that way. So, what Doesn't always go that way. So, what happens inside you and then how do you happens inside you and then how do you happens inside you and then how do you get back on track when it's not going get back on track when it's not going get back on track when it's not going the way it went tonight? Yeah, no, you the way it went tonight? Yeah, no, you the way it went tonight? Yeah, no, you guys were an awesome crowd. I appreciate guys were an awesome crowd. I appreciate guys were an awesome crowd. I appreciate it. It doesn't doesn't always go like it. It doesn't doesn't always go like it. It doesn't doesn't always go like that, like you said. I am always so that, like you said. I am always so that, like you said. I am always so curious about how pastors know when curious about how pastors know when curious about how pastors know when they're bombing.

they're bombing. they're bombing. Cuz I know when I'm bomb it's so clear Cuz I know when I'm bomb it's so clear Cuz I know when I'm bomb it's so clear to everyone in the room when it's like to everyone in the room when it's like to everyone in the room when it's like this guy is not doing well. Like this guy is not doing well. Like this guy is not doing well. Like And I know you guys can feel it, but I'm And I know you guys can feel it, but I'm And I know you guys can feel it, but I'm like at least everybody in the room like at least everybody in the room like at least everybody in the room might not know. might not know. might not know. So, I don't know. I I appreciate that I So, I don't know. I I appreciate that I So, I don't know. I I appreciate that I get to know how it's going. get to know how it's going. get to know how it's going. And I'm sure you guys can tell as well. And I'm sure you guys can tell as well. And I'm sure you guys can tell as well. Especially when you try you know when a Especially when you try you know when a Especially when you try you know when a joke doesn't work. joke doesn't work. joke doesn't work. >> a joke and it doesn't work. >> a joke and it doesn't work. >> a joke and it doesn't work. >> Yeah. But um >> Yeah. But um >> Yeah. But um the bombing is just like such a the bombing is just like such a the bombing is just like such a necessary part of stand-up because necessary part of stand-up because necessary part of stand-up because you're always working on new stuff and you're always working on new stuff and you're always working on new stuff and it's it has to make people laugh for it it's it has to make people laugh for it it's it has to make people laugh for it to be good. You can say something that's to be good. You can say something that's to be good. You can say something that's funny but if it doesn't make people funny but if it doesn't make people funny but if it doesn't make people laugh it's not really good to keep in. laugh it's not really good to keep in. laugh it's not really good to keep in. So, you're just constantly going on So, you're just constantly going on So, you're just constantly going on stage and you don't get to practice in stage and you don't get to practice in stage and you don't get to practice in the garage like a musician and bring it the garage like a musician and bring it the garage like a musician and bring it out when it's ready. It's you're out when it's ready. It's you're out when it's ready. It's you're constantly building it in you know constantly building it in you know constantly building it in you know low-stake environments. You're still low-stake environments. You're still low-stake environments. You're still performing in front of people, but I'm performing in front of people, but I'm performing in front of people, but I'm going to the Laughing Skull open mic in going to the Laughing Skull open mic in going to the Laughing Skull open mic in Atlanta for 4 minutes to try three new Atlanta for 4 minutes to try three new Atlanta for 4 minutes to try three new things. And if it doesn't go well, I go things. And if it doesn't go well, I go things. And if it doesn't go well, I go cool, yeah. It's not supposed if it's cool, yeah. It's not supposed if it's cool, yeah. It's not supposed if it's going well all the time I'm not taking going well all the time I'm not taking going well all the time I'm not taking enough risks. Mhm. So, I'm almost built enough risks. Mhm. So, I'm almost built enough risks. Mhm. So, I'm almost built building into my building into my building into my content generation like I'm supposed to content generation like I'm supposed to content generation like I'm supposed to fail this amount.

fail this amount. fail this amount. And if I'm not, then I'm not really And if I'm not, then I'm not really And if I'm not, then I'm not really trying anything scary. trying anything scary. trying anything scary. So, it still feels awful to get on stage So, it still feels awful to get on stage So, it still feels awful to get on stage and people are just like we don't and people are just like we don't and people are just like we don't understand what you're doing. Um understand what you're doing. Um understand what you're doing. Um And I usually don't put myself in a And I usually don't put myself in a And I usually don't put myself in a position for it to be that way all the position for it to be that way all the position for it to be that way all the time. Like if I'm doing a 10-minute set time. Like if I'm doing a 10-minute set time. Like if I'm doing a 10-minute set at a club, I'll open with something that at a club, I'll open with something that at a club, I'll open with something that works and then try stuff and then close works and then try stuff and then close works and then try stuff and then close with something that works. So, at least with something that works. So, at least with something that works. So, at least starts good and ends good. Yeah. You you starts good and ends good. Yeah. You you starts good and ends good. Yeah. You you started with new material, stuff we were started with new material, stuff we were started with new material, stuff we were talking about in the green room. Um You talking about in the green room. Um You talking about in the green room. Um You know, we had you as a mystery guest. We know, we had you as a mystery guest. We know, we had you as a mystery guest. We didn't announce that you were coming. didn't announce that you were coming. didn't announce that you were coming. Somebody guessed in in our chat, George Somebody guessed in in our chat, George Somebody guessed in in our chat, George W. Bush. So, you kind of riffed off W. Bush. So, you kind of riffed off W. Bush. So, you kind of riffed off that. Why did you open that way? Cuz it that. Why did you open that way? Cuz it that. Why did you open that way? Cuz it >> worked. It worked. Yeah. All right. All >> worked. It worked. Yeah. All right. All >> worked. It worked. Yeah. All right. All right. George W. Bush. Well, he does right. George W. Bush. Well, he does right. George W. Bush. Well, he does live up the road, right? Also an artist. live up the road, right? Also an artist. live up the road, right? Also an artist. So, you close. Yeah. You think he'd wear one of these? Yeah, You think he'd wear one of these? Yeah, I think he would. I think he would. I think he would. >> he's a I think he's a handheld guy. >> he's a I think he's a handheld guy. >> he's a I think he's a handheld guy. I don't know. We'll see. I don't know. We'll see. I don't know. We'll see. See you next year at Leadership Live. See you next year at Leadership Live. See you next year at Leadership Live. Now Carrie knows who you guys are Now Carrie knows who you guys are Now Carrie knows who you guys are craving. Oh.

craving. Oh. craving. Oh. That's a good That's a good way to That's a good That's a good way to That's a good That's a good way to figure out who to book next year is go figure out who to book next year is go figure out who to book next year is go guess who the guest is this year. guess who the guest is this year. guess who the guest is this year. And then you just get Oh, I didn't even And then you just get Oh, I didn't even And then you just get Oh, I didn't even have to think of anyone. Everybody did have to think of anyone. Everybody did have to think of anyone. Everybody did it for me. Right. Yeah. it for me. Right. Yeah. it for me. Right. Yeah. What was the question? How did you How do you deal with How did you How do you deal with bombing? No, no, no, no. You started bombing? No, no, no, no. You started bombing? No, no, no, no. You started with fresh material that you didn't know with fresh material that you didn't know with fresh material that you didn't know would work. So, I'm always curious. would work. So, I'm always curious. would work. So, I'm always curious. Like, you know, and I've talked to John Like, you know, and I've talked to John Like, you know, and I've talked to John Acuff a lot about this. Like that thing. Acuff a lot about this. Like that thing. Acuff a lot about this. Like that thing. Like you just notice things differently Like you just notice things differently Like you just notice things differently than most people. So, you made a couple than most people. So, you made a couple than most people. So, you made a couple of connections about, you know, George of connections about, you know, George of connections about, you know, George Bush. But you went on. So, why did you Bush. But you went on. So, why did you Bush. But you went on. So, why did you open that way? open that way? open that way? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. The uh And salt. The uh And salt. The uh And salt. >> Yeah. I mean like like you guys know as >> Yeah. I mean like like you guys know as >> Yeah. I mean like like you guys know as communicators like sometimes, especially communicators like sometimes, especially communicators like sometimes, especially when you're walking into a room to when you're walking into a room to when you're walking into a room to perform for people that a lot of them perform for people that a lot of them perform for people that a lot of them probably don't even know who you are. probably don't even know who you are. probably don't even know who you are. Like Like Like you have to kind of prove like, "Hey, you have to kind of prove like, "Hey, you have to kind of prove like, "Hey, I'm in this room with you." before you I'm in this room with you." before you I'm in this room with you." before you just launch into what you've planned to just launch into what you've planned to just launch into what you've planned to say. say. say. And like I've learned that it just makes And like I've learned that it just makes And like I've learned that it just makes a huge difference a huge difference a huge difference to whether it's I'm doing a corporate to whether it's I'm doing a corporate to whether it's I'm doing a corporate event or a fundraiser or volunteer event or a fundraiser or volunteer event or a fundraiser or volunteer appreciation at a church. Like appreciation at a church. Like appreciation at a church. Like I do a thing at churches where I I open I do a thing at churches where I I open I do a thing at churches where I I open the shows usually and I read negative the shows usually and I read negative the shows usually and I read negative reviews from the church from Google.

reviews from the church from Google. reviews from the church from Google. And I don't pick any like bad ones, but it's I don't pick any like bad ones, but it's always like the neighbors are always like the neighbors are always like the neighbors are complaining about the traffic and the complaining about the traffic and the complaining about the traffic and the music and you know, it's there's some music and you know, it's there's some music and you know, it's there's some there's some fun ones. Um but that's a there's some fun ones. Um but that's a there's some fun ones. Um but that's a even something like as dumb as that is even something like as dumb as that is even something like as dumb as that is like a fun way to be like, "We're all like a fun way to be like, "We're all like a fun way to be like, "We're all here together doing this together. It's here together doing this together. It's here together doing this together. It's not just me pressing play on something I not just me pressing play on something I not just me pressing play on something I wrote a year ago." like So, wrote a year ago." like So, wrote a year ago." like So, the most fun part of me for any show the most fun part of me for any show the most fun part of me for any show like this is like this is like this is 10 minutes before the show trying to 10 minutes before the show trying to 10 minutes before the show trying to think of like what already happened in think of like what already happened in think of like what already happened in this room that I can mention this room that I can mention this room that I can mention to get a laugh but also prove that like to get a laugh but also prove that like to get a laugh but also prove that like I've been paying I didn't just get off I've been paying I didn't just get off I've been paying I didn't just get off the plane and come here to press play on the plane and come here to press play on the plane and come here to press play on the stuff I've written. the stuff I've written. the stuff I've written. You do, speaking of things that connect, You do, speaking of things that connect, You do, speaking of things that connect, things that don't. We were talking things that don't. We were talking things that don't. We were talking earlier. Um You will do nights or earlier. Um You will do nights or earlier. Um You will do nights or weekends where you have a 5:00 p.m. weekends where you have a 5:00 p.m. weekends where you have a 5:00 p.m. show, an 8:00 p.m. show or an 8:00 and a show, an 8:00 p.m. show or an 8:00 and a show, an 8:00 p.m. show or an 8:00 and a 10:30, that kind of thing. And a lot of 10:30, that kind of thing. And a lot of 10:30, that kind of thing. And a lot of us have multiple services, right? So, us have multiple services, right? So, us have multiple services, right? So, you're not up just not once on a Sunday you're not up just not once on a Sunday you're not up just not once on a Sunday but two times, three times, five times but two times, three times, five times but two times, three times, five times sometimes. And we all know every crowd sometimes. And we all know every crowd sometimes. And we all know every crowd is different. Every congregation is is different. Every congregation is is different. Every congregation is different. You know, your Saturday night different. You know, your Saturday night different. You know, your Saturday night is going to feel Sunday different than is going to feel Sunday different than is going to feel Sunday different than the first Sunday is going to feel the first Sunday is going to feel the first Sunday is going to feel different than the last service on different than the last service on different than the last service on Sunday.

Sunday. Sunday. And the crowd is different. What do you And the crowd is different. What do you And the crowd is different. What do you do when you get different reactions from do when you get different reactions from do when you get different reactions from the same material with different crowds? the same material with different crowds? the same material with different crowds? What goes on in your head and then how What goes on in your head and then how What goes on in your head and then how do you respond? do you respond? do you respond? I think when you're doing stand-up, I I think when you're doing stand-up, I I think when you're doing stand-up, I mean if it's at a comedy club, there the mean if it's at a comedy club, there the mean if it's at a comedy club, there the main difference between the 8:00 show main difference between the 8:00 show main difference between the 8:00 show and the 10:30 show is how much they've and the 10:30 show is how much they've and the 10:30 show is how much they've been drinking. At a lot of churches, been drinking. At a lot of churches, been drinking. At a lot of churches, too. too. too. >> generally at some churches >> generally at some churches >> generally at some churches I've noticed uh I've noticed uh I've noticed uh And And And for comedy you learn, okay, for comedy you learn, okay, for comedy you learn, okay, someone who is drinking a lot is not someone who is drinking a lot is not someone who is drinking a lot is not going to catch my little subtle little going to catch my little subtle little going to catch my little subtle little jokes. So, you got to be like, "Maybe jokes. So, you got to be like, "Maybe jokes. So, you got to be like, "Maybe I'll do some more overt punchlines I'll do some more overt punchlines I'll do some more overt punchlines versus like hope they catch the thing versus like hope they catch the thing versus like hope they catch the thing I'm slipping in there." And um so, you I'm slipping in there." And um so, you I'm slipping in there." And um so, you adjust the material to fit the audience adjust the material to fit the audience adjust the material to fit the audience to a degree, but also to a degree, but also to a degree, but also I'm doing my act. And so, you kind of I'm doing my act. And so, you kind of I'm doing my act. And so, you kind of like it or you don't. And if and if I'm like it or you don't. And if and if I'm like it or you don't. And if and if I'm if it's really not going well, you'll if it's really not going well, you'll if it's really not going well, you'll you'll mix certainly mix it up. Um but you'll mix certainly mix it up. Um but you'll mix certainly mix it up. Um but um um um crowd work becomes an option for crowd work becomes an option for crowd work becomes an option for comedians. I don't know. I mean you have comedians. I don't know. I mean you have comedians. I don't know. I mean you have to see any uh preachers just open it up to see any uh preachers just open it up to see any uh preachers just open it up to crowd work if it's not going well.

to crowd work if it's not going well. to crowd work if it's not going well. I think that's a fun That would be a fun I think that's a fun That would be a fun I think that's a fun That would be a fun move to see at the church. Cuz that's move to see at the church. Cuz that's move to see at the church. Cuz that's what comedians do. It's like, "Oh, you what comedians do. It's like, "Oh, you what comedians do. It's like, "Oh, you guys aren't liking my jokes? What if I guys aren't liking my jokes? What if I guys aren't liking my jokes? What if I figure out what your jobs are? Do you figure out what your jobs are? Do you figure out what your jobs are? Do you like that?" like that?" like that?" "What if we talk specifically about "What if we talk specifically about "What if we talk specifically about you?" And then sometimes that will reset you?" And then sometimes that will reset you?" And then sometimes that will reset a room to where they're like, "Oh, he's a room to where they're like, "Oh, he's a room to where they're like, "Oh, he's talking to us." Like, "Oh, perk up." And talking to us." Like, "Oh, perk up." And talking to us." Like, "Oh, perk up." And then you once you've tricked them into then you once you've tricked them into then you once you've tricked them into thinking you're all talking, you just go thinking you're all talking, you just go thinking you're all talking, you just go back into your material and hope they back into your material and hope they back into your material and hope they don't notice. Yeah. don't notice. Yeah. don't notice. Yeah. This episode is brought to you by The This episode is brought to you by The This episode is brought to you by The Art of Leadership Live. So, this Art of Leadership Live. So, this Art of Leadership Live. So, this conversation with Andy Stanley was conversation with Andy Stanley was conversation with Andy Stanley was recorded live at The Art of Leadership recorded live at The Art of Leadership recorded live at The Art of Leadership Live, which is a three-day in-person Live, which is a three-day in-person Live, which is a three-day in-person experience that my team and I host every experience that my team and I host every experience that my team and I host every year at the conference. So, we gather a year at the conference. So, we gather a year at the conference. So, we gather a couple hundred high-capacity leaders for couple hundred high-capacity leaders for couple hundred high-capacity leaders for three days of learning, connection, and three days of learning, connection, and three days of learning, connection, and growth. It's a space to wrestle with big growth. It's a space to wrestle with big growth. It's a space to wrestle with big ideas, to build a powerful personal ideas, to build a powerful personal ideas, to build a powerful personal network, and yes, network, and yes, network, and yes, to even have a few laughs along the way. to even have a few laughs along the way. to even have a few laughs along the way. So, So, So, you think about all the conferences you think about all the conferences you think about all the conferences you've been to, okay? Instead of sitting you've been to, okay? Instead of sitting you've been to, okay? Instead of sitting around for 8 hours for three days of around for 8 hours for three days of around for 8 hours for three days of keynote after keynote after keynote, no. keynote after keynote after keynote, no. keynote after keynote after keynote, no. We do some keynotes, but really we We do some keynotes, but really we We do some keynotes, but really we structured this in-person event for you structured this in-person event for you structured this in-person event for you to find the right idea, have meaningful to find the right idea, have meaningful to find the right idea, have meaningful conversations with other leaders around conversations with other leaders around conversations with other leaders around your table, and then turn those insights your table, and then turn those insights your table, and then turn those insights into action. We give you plenty of time into action. We give you plenty of time into action. We give you plenty of time and lots of space to process. So, if and lots of space to process. So, if and lots of space to process. So, if that sounds like the type of bespoke that sounds like the type of bespoke that sounds like the type of bespoke event you'd like to attend, what do you event you'd like to attend, what do you event you'd like to attend, what do you do? Well, right now just stay tuned for do? Well, right now just stay tuned for do? Well, right now just stay tuned for more information about The Art of more information about The Art of more information about The Art of Leadership Live 2026. We'll be Leadership Live 2026. We'll be Leadership Live 2026. We'll be announcing details and opening announcing details and opening announcing details and opening registration very soon. Best way to stay

registration very soon. Best way to stay registration very soon. Best way to stay up to date is by subscribing to my email up to date is by subscribing to my email up to date is by subscribing to my email list and listening to future episodes of list and listening to future episodes of list and listening to future episodes of the podcast. This episode is brought to the podcast. This episode is brought to the podcast. This episode is brought to you by Gloo. Hey friends, you know, I've you by Gloo. Hey friends, you know, I've you by Gloo. Hey friends, you know, I've got a question for you. What if got a question for you. What if got a question for you. What if technology actually helped people technology actually helped people technology actually helped people flourish? I mean right now it seems to flourish? I mean right now it seems to flourish? I mean right now it seems to be doing the opposite, but that's the be doing the opposite, but that's the be doing the opposite, but that's the question Gloo is working to answer. question Gloo is working to answer. question Gloo is working to answer. We're living through one of the most We're living through one of the most We're living through one of the most exciting times in history. Technologies exciting times in history. Technologies exciting times in history. Technologies like AI, robotics, and quantum computing like AI, robotics, and quantum computing like AI, robotics, and quantum computing are reshaping what's possible for are reshaping what's possible for are reshaping what's possible for humanity, humanity, humanity, but they also bring a lot of challenges but they also bring a lot of challenges but they also bring a lot of challenges and signs there are already signs that and signs there are already signs that and signs there are already signs that they could be heading in the wrong they could be heading in the wrong they could be heading in the wrong direction. So, Gloo is working to ensure direction. So, Gloo is working to ensure direction. So, Gloo is working to ensure that technology becomes a force for that technology becomes a force for that technology becomes a force for good. By training artificial good. By training artificial good. By training artificial intelligence on values-aligned content, intelligence on values-aligned content, intelligence on values-aligned content, helping church leaders measure health helping church leaders measure health helping church leaders measure health and engagement, and connecting an and engagement, and connecting an and engagement, and connecting an ecosystem of over 450,000 ecosystem of over 450,000 ecosystem of over 450,000 organizations, Gloo is building the most organizations, Gloo is building the most organizations, Gloo is building the most trusted technology platform for the trusted technology platform for the trusted technology platform for the faith ecosystem. Together, Gloo and its faith ecosystem. Together, Gloo and its faith ecosystem. Together, Gloo and its partners are creating a world where partners are creating a world where partners are creating a world where every person can flourish and where they every person can flourish and where they every person can flourish and where they can all become who they were born to be.

can all become who they were born to be. can all become who they were born to be. That's high-tech for a higher purpose. That's high-tech for a higher purpose. That's high-tech for a higher purpose. You can learn more at gloo.com/kerry. You can learn more at gloo.com/kerry. You can learn more at gloo.com/kerry. That's gloo.com/kerry. That's gloo.com/kerry. That's gloo.com/kerry. [Music] I want You know, it's funny. I always I want You know, it's funny. I always watch timers. That's just a pet peeve of watch timers. That's just a pet peeve of watch timers. That's just a pet peeve of mine or a hobby of mine. And so, we had mine or a hobby of mine. And so, we had mine or a hobby of mine. And so, we had a timer at the back and I'm just like, a timer at the back and I'm just like, a timer at the back and I'm just like, "Wow." And I looked at it. I think we "Wow." And I looked at it. I think we "Wow." And I looked at it. I think we had 35 minutes for you or whatever. had 35 minutes for you or whatever. had 35 minutes for you or whatever. We're 6 minutes into the set. You've We're 6 minutes into the set. You've We're 6 minutes into the set. You've already got people laughing really hard. already got people laughing really hard. already got people laughing really hard. There's 25 minutes left. Listen, I have There's 25 minutes left. Listen, I have There's 25 minutes left. Listen, I have no problem with doing a 45-minute no problem with doing a 45-minute no problem with doing a 45-minute keynote. I can do that easily. When I keynote. I can do that easily. When I keynote. I can do that easily. When I think about comedy, it's like, "Oh my think about comedy, it's like, "Oh my think about comedy, it's like, "Oh my gosh. Like what are you going to do?" gosh. Like what are you going to do?" gosh. Like what are you going to do?" And you did it right up until the last And you did it right up until the last And you did it right up until the last minute. So, when you're putting a set minute. So, when you're putting a set minute. So, when you're putting a set together like that, it all has to flow. together like that, it all has to flow. together like that, it all has to flow. A goes to B goes to C goes to D, so on. A goes to B goes to C goes to D, so on. A goes to B goes to C goes to D, so on. I I'd love for you to explain a little I I'd love for you to explain a little I I'd love for you to explain a little bit more about how you write that and bit more about how you write that and bit more about how you write that and then how you remember that. then how you remember that. then how you remember that. Yeah, it's um Yeah, it's um Yeah, it's um one of the advantages comedians have one of the advantages comedians have one of the advantages comedians have over pastors is that we get to do the over pastors is that we get to do the over pastors is that we get to do the same, you know, same, you know, same, you know, message for as long as we want. And just message for as long as we want. And just message for as long as we want. And just go to different cities and preach. We're go to different cities and preach. We're go to different cities and preach. We're like traveling preachers back in the day like traveling preachers back in the day like traveling preachers back in the day where it's like, "Yeah, I got my two where it's like, "Yeah, I got my two where it's like, "Yeah, I got my two talks and I'll just zip around."

talks and I'll just zip around." talks and I'll just zip around." Um Um Um And so, you're always working on your And so, you're always working on your And so, you're always working on your act. So, it's usually an hour is kind of act. So, it's usually an hour is kind of act. So, it's usually an hour is kind of standard, you know, headliner act. So, standard, you know, headliner act. So, standard, you know, headliner act. So, you kind of are always either you kind of are always either you kind of are always either you know, you once you finish your act, you know, you once you finish your act, you know, you once you finish your act, you record it and put it out and then you record it and put it out and then you record it and put it out and then you kind of stop doing that and you move you kind of stop doing that and you move you kind of stop doing that and you move on to the next one. But while you're on to the next one. But while you're on to the next one. But while you're building one, you're always tweaking and building one, you're always tweaking and building one, you're always tweaking and reordering and making sure you have good reordering and making sure you have good reordering and making sure you have good transitions all the way through it. My transitions all the way through it. My transitions all the way through it. My wife's a big She's always helping me get wife's a big She's always helping me get wife's a big She's always helping me get better transitions. She's always like, better transitions. She's always like, better transitions. She's always like, "Those are two funny jokes, but like you "Those are two funny jokes, but like you "Those are two funny jokes, but like you didn't connect There's You just jumped didn't connect There's You just jumped didn't connect There's You just jumped right to the next thing." So, she always right to the next thing." So, she always right to the next thing." So, she always lets me know when I do that. Um lets me know when I do that. Um lets me know when I do that. Um But, you know, I just taped a special But, you know, I just taped a special But, you know, I just taped a special back in February that's not out yet. Um back in February that's not out yet. Um back in February that's not out yet. Um And it was an hour of really tight And it was an hour of really tight And it was an hour of really tight material that all I figured out, you material that all I figured out, you material that all I figured out, you know, this is exactly the order that it know, this is exactly the order that it know, this is exactly the order that it should go. That here's the transitions should go. That here's the transitions should go. That here's the transitions between every single one. between every single one. between every single one. Um and it's not out yet. And so, like Um and it's not out yet. And so, like Um and it's not out yet. And so, like was like a combination of stuff from was like a combination of stuff from was like a combination of stuff from that and new stuff. that and new stuff. that and new stuff. And so, it's like, "Okay, great. Yeah, And so, it's like, "Okay, great. Yeah, And so, it's like, "Okay, great. Yeah, these are I I know all these jokes, but these are I I know all these jokes, but these are I I know all these jokes, but I don't know their connections." I don't know their connections." I don't know their connections." So, it's like, "All right, I have the So, it's like, "All right, I have the So, it's like, "All right, I have the jokes memorized that I'm going to do jokes memorized that I'm going to do jokes memorized that I'm going to do tonight, but what I'm really focused on tonight, but what I'm really focused on tonight, but what I'm really focused on on the plane here is being like, all on the plane here is being like, all on the plane here is being like, all right, so this is the order I want to do right, so this is the order I want to do right, so this is the order I want to do them. How do I get from this one to that them. How do I get from this one to that them. How do I get from this one to that one?"

one?" one?" And the cool The great thing about And the cool The great thing about And the cool The great thing about comedy is that the best transition is a comedy is that the best transition is a comedy is that the best transition is a big laugh from the audience. big laugh from the audience. big laugh from the audience. Cuz they forgot what you said and you Cuz they forgot what you said and you Cuz they forgot what you said and you can just start a new thing. But, if can just start a new thing. But, if can just start a new thing. But, if they're not laughing, everybody can they're not laughing, everybody can they're not laughing, everybody can really see that you don't have really see that you don't have really see that you don't have transitions. transitions. transitions. [Laughter] [Laughter] [Laughter] So, there's no That's why bad shows are So, there's no That's why bad shows are So, there's no That's why bad shows are helpful sometimes cuz you really notice helpful sometimes cuz you really notice helpful sometimes cuz you really notice when you're lacking good transitions cuz when you're lacking good transitions cuz when you're lacking good transitions cuz there's a lot of dead air around them there's a lot of dead air around them there's a lot of dead air around them and it feels like you just panicked and and it feels like you just panicked and and it feels like you just panicked and started talking about something started talking about something started talking about something different. Um different. Um different. Um And I'm sure in sermons it feels that And I'm sure in sermons it feels that And I'm sure in sermons it feels that way all the time cuz people are not way all the time cuz people are not way all the time cuz people are not laughing between every time you laughing between every time you laughing between every time you you shift. But, um you shift. But, um you shift. But, um But, yeah, I mean, it's it's a But, yeah, I mean, it's it's a But, yeah, I mean, it's it's a constantly evolving act that you're constantly evolving act that you're constantly evolving act that you're working on. And right now I'm in an working on. And right now I'm in an working on. And right now I'm in an in-between phase. So, it's in-between phase. So, it's in-between phase. So, it's it's fun to if it's fun to find a good it's fun to if it's fun to find a good it's fun to if it's fun to find a good transition and then I go, "Well, transition and then I go, "Well, transition and then I go, "Well, in the actual final product, those two in the actual final product, those two in the actual final product, those two jokes will never be together, but for jokes will never be together, but for jokes will never be together, but for the next few shows, I have a good the next few shows, I have a good the next few shows, I have a good transition for those." transition for those." transition for those." So, you grew up listening to your dad, So, you grew up listening to your dad, So, you grew up listening to your dad, listening to your grandfather, you know, listening to your grandfather, you know, listening to your grandfather, you know, Andy, Charles Stanley, listening to all Andy, Charles Stanley, listening to all Andy, Charles Stanley, listening to all kinds of great communicators. How did kinds of great communicators. How did kinds of great communicators. How did that How did that or how does that that How did that or how does that that How did that or how does that influence influence influence your communication?

your communication? your communication? I think that growing up in church is I think that growing up in church is I think that growing up in church is really good for anybody that wants to be really good for anybody that wants to be really good for anybody that wants to be a communicator of any kind because you a communicator of any kind because you a communicator of any kind because you really are like I When I thought about really are like I When I thought about really are like I When I thought about it, I was like, I was going to church it, I was like, I was going to church it, I was like, I was going to church like, you know, three times on a Sunday. like, you know, three times on a Sunday. like, you know, three times on a Sunday. I was like leading a middle school group I was like leading a middle school group I was like leading a middle school group and then going to big church and then, and then going to big church and then, and then going to big church and then, you know, one other time during the you know, one other time during the you know, one other time during the week. And so, it's like you're seeing so week. And so, it's like you're seeing so week. And so, it's like you're seeing so much public communication all the time. much public communication all the time. much public communication all the time. And I If you're not going to church, I And I If you're not going to church, I And I If you're not going to church, I don't know where you're getting that as don't know where you're getting that as don't know where you're getting that as much. much. much. And so, I think just being exposed to And so, I think just being exposed to And so, I think just being exposed to communicators, communicators, communicators, seeing being able to kind of clock like, seeing being able to kind of clock like, seeing being able to kind of clock like, "Okay, that was kind of clunky." Versus "Okay, that was kind of clunky." Versus "Okay, that was kind of clunky." Versus like, "That guy was so, you know, like, "That guy was so, you know, like, "That guy was so, you know, time flew by." And you kind of just time flew by." And you kind of just time flew by." And you kind of just start to subconsciously absorb like what start to subconsciously absorb like what start to subconsciously absorb like what makes a good sermon or a good speech. makes a good sermon or a good speech. makes a good sermon or a good speech. And um I think just being around it so And um I think just being around it so And um I think just being around it so much probably helped me learn things I much probably helped me learn things I much probably helped me learn things I didn't have to didn't have to didn't have to learn at the very beginning of starting learn at the very beginning of starting learn at the very beginning of starting to do this. But, that said, I had no to do this. But, that said, I had no to do this. But, that said, I had no desire to be on stage growing up. I got desire to be on stage growing up. I got desire to be on stage growing up. I got a As he mentioned, a finance accounting a As he mentioned, a finance accounting a As he mentioned, a finance accounting degree in degree in degree in When school projects, I would do more When school projects, I would do more When school projects, I would do more work so I didn't have to present. Like I work so I didn't have to present. Like I work so I didn't have to present. Like I There's nothing in me that wanted to be There's nothing in me that wanted to be There's nothing in me that wanted to be on stages. And so, on stages. And so, on stages. And so, I was not trying to learn how to do it, I was not trying to learn how to do it, I was not trying to learn how to do it, but I think that anybody who grows up in but I think that anybody who grows up in but I think that anybody who grows up in church is going to have a leg up when it church is going to have a leg up when it church is going to have a leg up when it comes to being a communicator.

comes to being a communicator. comes to being a communicator. So, we talked a little bit with the So, we talked a little bit with the So, we talked a little bit with the origin of like how you became a comedian origin of like how you became a comedian origin of like how you became a comedian when you were on the show before. Uh and when you were on the show before. Uh and when you were on the show before. Uh and if you're interested, you can go back if you're interested, you can go back if you're interested, you can go back and pick that up on another episode. and pick that up on another episode. and pick that up on another episode. But, where I want to pick it up today, But, where I want to pick it up today, But, where I want to pick it up today, you know, what do you wish communicators you know, what do you wish communicators you know, what do you wish communicators would do differently? I'm not asking you would do differently? I'm not asking you would do differently? I'm not asking you to pick on your dad or your grandfather, to pick on your dad or your grandfather, to pick on your dad or your grandfather, but just you've heard a million but just you've heard a million but just you've heard a million preachers. You've heard more preachers preachers. You've heard more preachers preachers. You've heard more preachers than most people at your age and stage. than most people at your age and stage. than most people at your age and stage. And when you think about the church, And when you think about the church, And when you think about the church, what do you think we're missing? What do what do you think we're missing? What do what do you think we're missing? What do you think we should do differently? you think we should do differently? you think we should do differently? Man, it's so it's so hard such a hard Man, it's so it's so hard such a hard Man, it's so it's so hard such a hard question to answer cuz I feel like I question to answer cuz I feel like I question to answer cuz I feel like I don't go to that many churches, you don't go to that many churches, you don't go to that many churches, you know? Like I go to my church. So, it's know? Like I go to my church. So, it's know? Like I go to my church. So, it's like hard to like say like the big like hard to like say like the big like hard to like say like the big church should do this more. I I think church should do this more. I I think church should do this more. I I think the crowd work thing would be fun. Um the crowd work thing would be fun. Um the crowd work thing would be fun. Um I think I think the one sermon a week I think I think the one sermon a week I think I think the one sermon a week could be the crowd work sermon. And just could be the crowd work sermon. And just could be the crowd work sermon. And just be like, "If you want to hear what I be like, "If you want to hear what I be like, "If you want to hear what I wrote, come to this 11:00 at noon. We're wrote, come to this 11:00 at noon. We're wrote, come to this 11:00 at noon. We're doing a Q&A." doing a Q&A." doing a Q&A." Um Um Um I don't know. I really don't have a good I don't know. I really don't have a good I don't know. I really don't have a good answer for that. I think that um answer for that. I think that um answer for that. I think that um I think that communicators are better I think that communicators are better I think that communicators are better than ever. than ever. than ever. I mean, I think that there's certainly I mean, I think that there's certainly I mean, I think that there's certainly things that bother me when I hear preach things that bother me when I hear preach things that bother me when I hear preach I don't like when preachers like are I don't like when preachers like are I don't like when preachers like are looking for an applause break.

looking for an applause break. looking for an applause break. That always bothers me when it feels That always bothers me when it feels That always bothers me when it feels like, "Oh, yeah, you orchestrated that." like, "Oh, yeah, you orchestrated that." like, "Oh, yeah, you orchestrated that." That's In your notes, it says applause That's In your notes, it says applause That's In your notes, it says applause break, you know? break, you know? break, you know? Um that's always felt weird to me, but Um that's always felt weird to me, but Um that's always felt weird to me, but that's just a more of a preference. that's just a more of a preference. that's just a more of a preference. Um Um Um But, uh yeah, I don't have a great But, uh yeah, I don't have a great But, uh yeah, I don't have a great answer for that. answer for that. answer for that. Your career has gotten a lot of momentum Your career has gotten a lot of momentum Your career has gotten a lot of momentum from like open mics and I'll do anything from like open mics and I'll do anything from like open mics and I'll do anything to this summer you were with Colin Jost. to this summer you were with Colin Jost. to this summer you were with Colin Jost. You have been on Nate Bargatze. You've You have been on Nate Bargatze. You've You have been on Nate Bargatze. You've been at different festivals. You've been been at different festivals. You've been been at different festivals. You've been working with John Crist, etc., etc. working with John Crist, etc., etc. working with John Crist, etc., etc. Leanne Morgan. Leanne Morgan. Leanne Morgan. Talk to us a little bit about that Talk to us a little bit about that Talk to us a little bit about that trajectory. trajectory. trajectory. And how it's developed because every And how it's developed because every And how it's developed because every once in a while you catch a break, once in a while you catch a break, once in a while you catch a break, sometimes you don't catch a break. sometimes you don't catch a break. sometimes you don't catch a break. Things have gone really well lately. Things have gone really well lately. Things have gone really well lately. It's so fun. It's so fun to get an It's so fun. It's so fun to get an It's so fun. It's so fun to get an opportunity to work with people like opportunity to work with people like opportunity to work with people like that that you're like a fan of and then that that you're like a fan of and then that that you're like a fan of and then all of a sudden you get a phone call and all of a sudden you get a phone call and all of a sudden you get a phone call and it's like, "I'm so-and-so's tour it's like, "I'm so-and-so's tour it's like, "I'm so-and-so's tour manager. Are you available all these manager. Are you available all these manager. Are you available all these You're like, "Oh my gosh." Um You're like, "Oh my gosh." Um You're like, "Oh my gosh." Um And there's nothing There's not like a And there's nothing There's not like a And there's nothing There's not like a regular job where you apply for that regular job where you apply for that regular job where you apply for that stuff. Yeah. Um you don't even know to stuff. Yeah. Um you don't even know to stuff. Yeah. Um you don't even know to want it. I don't even I didn't even know want it. I don't even I didn't even know want it. I don't even I didn't even know Colin did was doing stand-up. Like Yeah.

Colin did was doing stand-up. Like Yeah. Colin did was doing stand-up. Like Yeah. And uh And uh And uh it's just doing it's just doing it's just doing In comedy, it's just doing comedy as In comedy, it's just doing comedy as In comedy, it's just doing comedy as much as possible in front of as many much as possible in front of as many much as possible in front of as many people as possible. And as you get people as possible. And as you get people as possible. And as you get better, the opportunities just come to better, the opportunities just come to better, the opportunities just come to you because you because you because um um um comedians are always talking to each comedians are always talking to each comedians are always talking to each other. And I've also learned that being other. And I've also learned that being other. And I've also learned that being clean has has really gotten me a lot of clean has has really gotten me a lot of clean has has really gotten me a lot of opportunities, not just opening for some opportunities, not just opening for some opportunities, not just opening for some of those people, but even comedians that of those people, but even comedians that of those people, but even comedians that aren't clean like to have clean opening aren't clean like to have clean opening aren't clean like to have clean opening acts cuz it helps them stand out more. acts cuz it helps them stand out more. acts cuz it helps them stand out more. So, I've got So, I've got So, I've got I've gotten open for some people where I I've gotten open for some people where I I've gotten open for some people where I got messages the next day just like, "I got messages the next day just like, "I got messages the next day just like, "I went to that Marc Maron show and I could went to that Marc Maron show and I could went to that Marc Maron show and I could not believe who walked My pastor's son not believe who walked My pastor's son not believe who walked My pastor's son walked out on stage. walked out on stage. walked out on stage. I was already nervous. Like I shouldn't I was already nervous. Like I shouldn't I was already nervous. Like I shouldn't be here. And then I feel like I got be here. And then I feel like I got be here. And then I feel like I got caught cuz Andy's son walked out." caught cuz Andy's son walked out." caught cuz Andy's son walked out." And I'm like, "Well, I'm getting paid to And I'm like, "Well, I'm getting paid to And I'm like, "Well, I'm getting paid to listen to him." listen to him." listen to him." Um Um Um And um it's really fun. I am And um it's really fun. I am And um it's really fun. I am It's a unique spot in stand-up. You get It's a unique spot in stand-up. You get It's a unique spot in stand-up. You get to really meet those people early on. to really meet those people early on. to really meet those people early on. Because even the people at that level Because even the people at that level Because even the people at that level are needing stage time and really are needing stage time and really are needing stage time and really wanting to be working on stuff cuz it's wanting to be working on stuff cuz it's wanting to be working on stuff cuz it's the only way to get better. So, you end the only way to get better. So, you end the only way to get better. So, you end up just in a green room with people that up just in a green room with people that up just in a green room with people that are miles ahead of you very early on.

are miles ahead of you very early on. are miles ahead of you very early on. And I've learned that if you can just And I've learned that if you can just And I've learned that if you can just not be weird in the green room, that can not be weird in the green room, that can not be weird in the green room, that can lead to some good opportunities. lead to some good opportunities. lead to some good opportunities. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But, um but no, it's mostly just Yeah. But, um but no, it's mostly just Yeah. But, um but no, it's mostly just um getting recommended by people. Like um getting recommended by people. Like um getting recommended by people. Like Nate's recommended me to Nate's never Nate's recommended me to Nate's never Nate's recommended me to Nate's never had me open for him, but he's had me open for him, but he's had me open for him, but he's recommended me to a lot of other people recommended me to a lot of other people recommended me to a lot of other people to open for. Right. to open for. Right. to open for. Right. Right. Every time I text him, I'm like, Right. Every time I text him, I'm like, Right. Every time I text him, I'm like, "Who am I opening for this week?" "Who am I opening for this week?" "Who am I opening for this week?" Um but it's a ton of fun. It's very Um but it's a ton of fun. It's very Um but it's a ton of fun. It's very rewarding. And I really like to go open rewarding. And I really like to go open rewarding. And I really like to go open for folks like that cuz it's really a for folks like that cuz it's really a for folks like that cuz it's really a cool glimpse into like what my goals cool glimpse into like what my goals cool glimpse into like what my goals are. are. are. Like it's really fun to go do a bunch of Like it's really fun to go do a bunch of Like it's really fun to go do a bunch of theater shows with one of them and be theater shows with one of them and be theater shows with one of them and be like, "Okay, yeah, this is where I want like, "Okay, yeah, this is where I want like, "Okay, yeah, this is where I want to get to." And I get a little taste of to get to." And I get a little taste of to get to." And I get a little taste of it. I get to go on stage for 20 minutes it. I get to go on stage for 20 minutes it. I get to go on stage for 20 minutes in front of someone else's fans, but in front of someone else's fans, but in front of someone else's fans, but it's the same room and it's the same it's the same room and it's the same it's the same room and it's the same setup that I want to have one day for setup that I want to have one day for setup that I want to have one day for when I can do my own tour. And so, it's when I can do my own tour. And so, it's when I can do my own tour. And so, it's a great It's very motivating to me a great It's very motivating to me a great It's very motivating to me to get to go do stuff like that cuz you to get to go do stuff like that cuz you to get to go do stuff like that cuz you can really see can really see can really see what it looks like and feel what it what it looks like and feel what it what it looks like and feel what it feels like when you get to that level. feels like when you get to that level. feels like when you get to that level. And I'm somebody that needs extra And I'm somebody that needs extra And I'm somebody that needs extra motivation cuz I'm motivation cuz I'm motivation cuz I'm naturally not the most ambitious. So. naturally not the most ambitious. So. naturally not the most ambitious. So. When you started, you were single. You When you started, you were single. You When you started, you were single. You got married a few years ago. Now you're got married a few years ago. Now you're got married a few years ago. Now you're a dad. You have a 3-month-old.

a dad. You have a 3-month-old. a dad. You have a 3-month-old. Road life, like when I look at your tour Road life, like when I look at your tour Road life, like when I look at your tour dates, I look at John Crist's tour dates, I look at John Crist's tour dates, I look at John Crist's tour dates, or even Nate Bargatze, who's dates, or even Nate Bargatze, who's dates, or even Nate Bargatze, who's definitely having a moment right now. definitely having a moment right now. definitely having a moment right now. Yeah. He just literally last night Yeah. He just literally last night Yeah. He just literally last night hosted the Emmys. Yeah. Anybody watch hosted the Emmys. Yeah. Anybody watch hosted the Emmys. Yeah. Anybody watch that? that? that? No, it was yeah. Couple of us did. Uh I No, it was yeah. Couple of us did. Uh I No, it was yeah. Couple of us did. Uh I mean, he is the biggest comedian in the mean, he is the biggest comedian in the mean, he is the biggest comedian in the world right now, I think. You know, world right now, I think. You know, world right now, I think. You know, clean comedy is having a moment, which I clean comedy is having a moment, which I clean comedy is having a moment, which I think is amazing. think is amazing. think is amazing. But, I look at that, you know, a lot of But, I look at that, you know, a lot of But, I look at that, you know, a lot of us come into an event like this and us come into an event like this and us come into an event like this and we're tired. Why are we tired? Cuz we've we're tired. Why are we tired? Cuz we've we're tired. Why are we tired? Cuz we've been working. We've been working hard. been working. We've been working hard. been working. We've been working hard. We got services. We're working five, We got services. We're working five, We got services. We're working five, six, sometimes seven days a week. When six, sometimes seven days a week. When six, sometimes seven days a week. When you think about road life, you know, you think about road life, you know, you think about road life, you know, probably easier when you're single, but, probably easier when you're single, but, probably easier when you're single, but, you know, just go on look at Andrew's you know, just go on look at Andrew's you know, just go on look at Andrew's tour dates. Look at John Crist's tour tour dates. Look at John Crist's tour tour dates. Look at John Crist's tour dates. It's insane. And it's not just dates. It's insane. And it's not just dates. It's insane. And it's not just big stages, it's little stages, small big stages, it's little stages, small big stages, it's little stages, small towns. And then you said there's all the towns. And then you said there's all the towns. And then you said there's all the private events that never make the tour private events that never make the tour private events that never make the tour schedule. schedule. schedule. When you think about the grind of being When you think about the grind of being When you think about the grind of being a comedian, give us a glimpse into that a comedian, give us a glimpse into that a comedian, give us a glimpse into that life. And then I want to ask you a life. And then I want to ask you a life. And then I want to ask you a couple of other questions about how do couple of other questions about how do couple of other questions about how do you manage it? you manage it? you manage it? You're absolutely right. It is when I You're absolutely right. It is when I You're absolutely right. It is when I was single and starting out, I was like, was single and starting out, I was like, was single and starting out, I was like, "Yeah, get me on stage every single "Yeah, get me on stage every single "Yeah, get me on stage every single night." It was You had nothing holding night." It was You had nothing holding night." It was You had nothing holding you. And it was it's really I feel very you. And it was it's really I feel very you. And it was it's really I feel very fortunate that I got to start doing fortunate that I got to start doing fortunate that I got to start doing stand-up before I met my wife, before I stand-up before I met my wife, before I stand-up before I met my wife, before I was in a relationship, and I could just was in a relationship, and I could just was in a relationship, and I could just give everything I had to it for like 2 give everything I had to it for like 2 give everything I had to it for like 2 years because if I tried to start doing years because if I tried to start doing years because if I tried to start doing stand-up as a married man with a child, stand-up as a married man with a child, stand-up as a married man with a child, it would be the most irresponsible it would be the most irresponsible it would be the most irresponsible decision I could ever make cuz you have decision I could ever make cuz you have decision I could ever make cuz you have to be gone You have to be on stage at to be gone You have to be on stage at to be gone You have to be on stage at night, you know, you When you're night, you know, you When you're night, you know, you When you're starting out, you need to be on stage starting out, you need to be on stage starting out, you need to be on stage five times a week. I mean, early on I five times a week. I mean, early on I five times a week. I mean, early on I was doing I was getting on stage like

was doing I was getting on stage like was doing I was getting on stage like 240 times a year. Wow. 240 times a year. Wow. 240 times a year. Wow. >> Um and I would track it. And now it's >> Um and I would track it. And now it's >> Um and I would track it. And now it's less. less. less. You know, um and then you get you fall You know, um and then you get you fall You know, um and then you get you fall in love and you start dating somebody in love and you start dating somebody in love and you start dating somebody and it slows down a little. And you and it slows down a little. And you and it slows down a little. And you start to Then all of a sudden you being start to Then all of a sudden you being start to Then all of a sudden you being gone costs you more where it used to gone costs you more where it used to gone costs you more where it used to cost me nothing. And then we're married. cost me nothing. And then we're married. cost me nothing. And then we're married. And then now we have a baby. And like And then now we have a baby. And like And then now we have a baby. And like every night away from home is costing me every night away from home is costing me every night away from home is costing me more and more. more and more. more and more. Um and so, managing that is something Um and so, managing that is something Um and so, managing that is something I'm still very much learning how to do. I'm still very much learning how to do. I'm still very much learning how to do. It's the thing I'm most worried about in It's the thing I'm most worried about in It's the thing I'm most worried about in my whole career is how to be gone as my whole career is how to be gone as my whole career is how to be gone as much as I need to be gone and still be a much as I need to be gone and still be a much as I need to be gone and still be a good husband and dad. Um and I asked my good husband and dad. Um and I asked my good husband and dad. Um and I asked my my buddy um Dustin Nickerson, who's very my buddy um Dustin Nickerson, who's very my buddy um Dustin Nickerson, who's very funny comedian and has I think four funny comedian and has I think four funny comedian and has I think four kids. And every time I see him, I'm just kids. And every time I see him, I'm just kids. And every time I see him, I'm just immediately like, "How do you do it? How immediately like, "How do you do it? How immediately like, "How do you do it? How do you be a good dad and husband and do do you be a good dad and husband and do do you be a good dad and husband and do all this?" And he's um he's just like, all this?" And he's um he's just like, all this?" And he's um he's just like, "You know, you're going to miss stuff "You know, you're going to miss stuff "You know, you're going to miss stuff that other parents miss, but you can be that other parents miss, but you can be that other parents miss, but you can be there for stuff that other parents are there for stuff that other parents are there for stuff that other parents are not going to be there for them. not going to be there for them. not going to be there for them. And get all your work done while you're And get all your work done while you're And get all your work done while you're traveling. So, when you get home, you traveling. So, when you get home, you traveling. So, when you get home, you can be fully home. So, when you're in can be fully home. So, when you're in can be fully home. So, when you're in your hotel room, don't go out and your hotel room, don't go out and your hotel room, don't go out and you know, explore. you know, explore. you know, explore. Get all your emails done. Get all your Get all your emails done. Get all your Get all your emails done. Get all your writing done. Get all the stuff done so writing done. Get all the stuff done so writing done. Get all the stuff done so so that when you get home, so that when you get home, so that when you get home, you're not having to go to work.

you're not having to go to work. you're not having to go to work. Um and so that's what I'm trying to do Um and so that's what I'm trying to do Um and so that's what I'm trying to do now. I'm very new at that, but um the now. I'm very new at that, but um the now. I'm very new at that, but um the grind is is grind is is grind is is is a lot. It's um it's a lot of is a lot. It's um it's a lot of is a lot. It's um it's a lot of flying places for one night, flying out flying places for one night, flying out flying places for one night, flying out the next day to somewhere else, flying the next day to somewhere else, flying the next day to somewhere else, flying out the next day to somewhere else, and out the next day to somewhere else, and out the next day to somewhere else, and then home for one night, and then gone then home for one night, and then gone then home for one night, and then gone again. again. again. And there's peaks and valleys throughout And there's peaks and valleys throughout And there's peaks and valleys throughout the year, but um the year, but um the year, but um I love it and travel when I'm traveling I love it and travel when I'm traveling I love it and travel when I'm traveling alone, it doesn't exhaust me that much. alone, it doesn't exhaust me that much. alone, it doesn't exhaust me that much. When I'm traveling with literally anyone When I'm traveling with literally anyone When I'm traveling with literally anyone else, it wears me out so much. Cuz else, it wears me out so much. Cuz else, it wears me out so much. Cuz you're introverted so you're introverted so you're introverted so >> Cuz you're on like some No, cuz I'm on >> Cuz you're on like some No, cuz I'm on >> Cuz you're on like some No, cuz I'm on someone else's itin- I like to do things someone else's itin- I like to do things someone else's itin- I like to do things at the airport. I know how I like to at the airport. I know how I like to at the airport. I know how I like to move at the airport. I like to go I need move at the airport. I like to go I need move at the airport. I like to go I need I want to go to that that lounge. I want I want to go to that that lounge. I want I want to go to that that lounge. I want to go get my flight at this many minutes to go get my flight at this many minutes to go get my flight at this many minutes before. And if I can be on like before. And if I can be on like before. And if I can be on like autopilot, I've learned that that that autopilot, I've learned that that that autopilot, I've learned that that that helps a lot. But um but it's a lot to be helps a lot. But um but it's a lot to be helps a lot. But um but it's a lot to be gone so much. Yeah, when you think about gone so much. Yeah, when you think about gone so much. Yeah, when you think about it, there's managing your time, there's it, there's managing your time, there's it, there's managing your time, there's managing your energy, and you've got to managing your energy, and you've got to managing your energy, and you've got to show up and be ready for the show, show up and be ready for the show, show up and be ready for the show, right? Which is almost always at night. right? Which is almost always at night. right? Which is almost always at night. If you're a morning person, I'm sure If you're a morning person, I'm sure If you're a morning person, I'm sure you're not anymore, but you know, if you you're not anymore, but you know, if you you're not anymore, but you know, if you were morning person, that'd be really, were morning person, that'd be really, were morning person, that'd be really, really difficult because all of a really difficult because all of a really difficult because all of a sudden, you know, I'm a morning person, sudden, you know, I'm a morning person, sudden, you know, I'm a morning person, but here we are, you know, 14 hours but here we are, you know, 14 hours but here we are, you know, 14 hours after after after you know, my peak hours and that kind of you know, my peak hours and that kind of you know, my peak hours and that kind of thing. How do you manage your energy thing. How do you manage your energy thing. How do you manage your energy when you've got demands that high?

when you've got demands that high? when you've got demands that high? Thankfully, I'm a low-energy comedian. Thankfully, I'm a low-energy comedian. Thankfully, I'm a low-energy comedian. I don't know how, I don't know how, I don't know how, you know, John Mulaney gets on stage and you know, John Mulaney gets on stage and you know, John Mulaney gets on stage and bounces around bounces around bounces around like for three shows or whatever. like for three shows or whatever. like for three shows or whatever. Um because that I think would be hard. Um because that I think would be hard. Um because that I think would be hard. Thankfully for me, I mean, I used to do Thankfully for me, I mean, I used to do Thankfully for me, I mean, I used to do jokes about being jokes about being jokes about being you know, so uncomfortable on stage you know, so uncomfortable on stage you know, so uncomfortable on stage and people would always go, "Oh, and people would always go, "Oh, and people would always go, "Oh, man, your uncomfortable character you're man, your uncomfortable character you're man, your uncomfortable character you're doing on stage is so great." And I'm doing on stage is so great." And I'm doing on stage is so great." And I'm like, "It is not a character. I am so like, "It is not a character. I am so like, "It is not a character. I am so uncomfortable." uncomfortable." uncomfortable." And I think being lower energy on stage And I think being lower energy on stage And I think being lower energy on stage helps me with that cuz I'm not having to helps me with that cuz I'm not having to helps me with that cuz I'm not having to amp myself up. It almost helps if I'm a amp myself up. It almost helps if I'm a amp myself up. It almost helps if I'm a little bit kind of As long as I'm little bit kind of As long as I'm little bit kind of As long as I'm mentally sharp enough, I don't have to mentally sharp enough, I don't have to mentally sharp enough, I don't have to be moving around. But um there are times be moving around. But um there are times be moving around. But um there are times you get on stage and you're just like, you get on stage and you're just like, you get on stage and you're just like, "Did I already say that?" Like I know "Did I already say that?" Like I know "Did I already say that?" Like I know you guys who are doing multiple you guys who are doing multiple you guys who are doing multiple services, you're just like, "Did I just services, you're just like, "Did I just services, you're just like, "Did I just say that?" Did I just say that? say that?" Did I just say that? say that?" Did I just say that? >> on autopilot for 5 minutes. What did I >> on autopilot for 5 minutes. What did I >> on autopilot for 5 minutes. What did I say? This I think they laughed, but I say? This I think they laughed, but I say? This I think they laughed, but I don't remember what I said. don't remember what I said. don't remember what I said. And um And um And um the worst for me is waking up in the the worst for me is waking up in the the worst for me is waking up in the morning in a hotel room and being like morning in a hotel room and being like morning in a hotel room and being like taking me 3 minutes to remember what taking me 3 minutes to remember what taking me 3 minutes to remember what city I'm in. Yeah. That happens to me a city I'm in. Yeah. That happens to me a city I'm in. Yeah. That happens to me a lot.

lot. lot. I've been there. Walking out of the I've been there. Walking out of the I've been there. Walking out of the parking lot, it's like, "What car did I parking lot, it's like, "What car did I parking lot, it's like, "What car did I rent?" Yeah, what car did I rent? What rent?" Yeah, what car did I rent? What rent?" Yeah, what car did I rent? What city What airport? Where am I going? city What airport? Where am I going? city What airport? Where am I going? >> Yeah. Um >> Yeah. Um >> Yeah. Um what's the part of being a comedian what's the part of being a comedian what's the part of being a comedian nobody sees? nobody sees? nobody sees? What's the part that none of us would What's the part that none of us would What's the part that none of us would really be aware of? really be aware of? really be aware of? Um the biggest thing that after I quit Um the biggest thing that after I quit Um the biggest thing that after I quit my job, my friends are like, "Andrew, so my job, my friends are like, "Andrew, so my job, my friends are like, "Andrew, so like, what do you do during the week?" like, what do you do during the week?" like, what do you do during the week?" Like, you just like watching TV and Like, you just like watching TV and Like, you just like watching TV and stuff?" I'm like, "No, it's like a real stuff?" I'm like, "No, it's like a real stuff?" I'm like, "No, it's like a real job. I got to manage like a whole job. I got to manage like a whole job. I got to manage like a whole business. It's like it's a lot of business. It's like it's a lot of business. It's like it's a lot of emails, a lot of contracts, it's a lot emails, a lot of contracts, it's a lot emails, a lot of contracts, it's a lot of writing, it's a lot of editing, it's of writing, it's a lot of editing, it's of writing, it's a lot of editing, it's a lot of videos, or your social I have a lot of videos, or your social I have a lot of videos, or your social I have to be my own social media person. So, to be my own social media person. So, to be my own social media person. So, it's definitely a lot of it's definitely a lot of it's definitely a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff that's not as behind-the-scenes stuff that's not as behind-the-scenes stuff that's not as glamorous, but the travel's the main glamorous, but the travel's the main glamorous, but the travel's the main thing, which we just talked about, but thing, which we just talked about, but thing, which we just talked about, but um um um you know, you know, you know, I've heard comedians say, you know, "I I've heard comedians say, you know, "I I've heard comedians say, you know, "I get paid to travel get paid to travel get paid to travel and then the stand-up is fun." The and then the stand-up is fun." The and then the stand-up is fun." The show's never the part that feels like show's never the part that feels like show's never the part that feels like work. The day of traveling is what feels work. The day of traveling is what feels work. The day of traveling is what feels like work. But um like work. But um like work. But um the other stuff behind the scenes, the the other stuff behind the scenes, the the other stuff behind the scenes, the really fun part behind the scenes is, really fun part behind the scenes is, really fun part behind the scenes is, you know, I'll be at the Laughing Skull you know, I'll be at the Laughing Skull you know, I'll be at the Laughing Skull Lounge in Atlanta, which is a showcase Lounge in Atlanta, which is a showcase Lounge in Atlanta, which is a showcase club, so it's just every night it's just club, so it's just every night it's just club, so it's just every night it's just you see eight comedians do 10 minutes, you see eight comedians do 10 minutes, you see eight comedians do 10 minutes, so so so the green room there is like the most the green room there is like the most the green room there is like the most fun place on earth. There's a lot of fun place on earth. There's a lot of fun place on earth. There's a lot of times that the show's going fine, but times that the show's going fine, but times that the show's going fine, but the green room is the green room is the green room is the real show.

the real show. the real show. And uh getting to hang out with And uh getting to hang out with And uh getting to hang out with comedians is like the most fun part. Oh, comedians is like the most fun part. Oh, comedians is like the most fun part. Oh, cool. That is really fun. People I mean, cool. That is really fun. People I mean, cool. That is really fun. People I mean, Nate Nate used to say in interview one Nate Nate used to say in interview one Nate Nate used to say in interview one time, I think somebody was like, "Oh, time, I think somebody was like, "Oh, time, I think somebody was like, "Oh, thanks for being clean. Like thanks for being clean. Like thanks for being clean. Like we love we love how clean you are. You we love we love how clean you are. You we love we love how clean you are. You know, we hate those dirty comedians." know, we hate those dirty comedians." know, we hate those dirty comedians." And he goes, "Yeah, well, those are some And he goes, "Yeah, well, those are some And he goes, "Yeah, well, those are some of my best friends." But uh of my best friends." But uh of my best friends." But uh Wow. You talked about you got a special Wow. You talked about you got a special Wow. You talked about you got a special coming out. Can you say anything about coming out. Can you say anything about coming out. Can you say anything about it? And yeah, what what are you working it? And yeah, what what are you working it? And yeah, what what are you working on right now? on right now? on right now? Um yeah, the special's been very Um yeah, the special's been very Um yeah, the special's been very consuming the last really year and a consuming the last really year and a consuming the last really year and a half kind of planning it, shooting it. half kind of planning it, shooting it. half kind of planning it, shooting it. We recorded in Atlanta at the Buckhead We recorded in Atlanta at the Buckhead We recorded in Atlanta at the Buckhead Theater. Theater. Theater. Um I hired a guy that makes Netflix Um I hired a guy that makes Netflix Um I hired a guy that makes Netflix specials to come make it. So, it's going specials to come make it. So, it's going specials to come make it. So, it's going to look really good. We'll see if to look really good. We'll see if to look really good. We'll see if anybody watches it, but it's going to anybody watches it, but it's going to anybody watches it, but it's going to look really good. Um right now we're look really good. Um right now we're look really good. Um right now we're finishing the editing and then we'll finishing the editing and then we'll finishing the editing and then we'll take it out and pitch it to the take it out and pitch it to the take it out and pitch it to the streamers and see if anybody picks it streamers and see if anybody picks it streamers and see if anybody picks it up. up. up. >> And um >> And um >> And um and it's crazy now there's some YouTube and it's crazy now there's some YouTube and it's crazy now there's some YouTube comedy specials that have like comedy specials that have like comedy specials that have like 20 million views. So, worst case we'll 20 million views. So, worst case we'll 20 million views. So, worst case we'll put it on YouTube and last you'll be put it on YouTube and last you'll be put it on YouTube and last you'll be I'll be hearing from me about sharing I'll be hearing from me about sharing I'll be hearing from me about sharing it. it. it. Um but it's like it's my first one. It's Um but it's like it's my first one. It's Um but it's like it's my first one. It's like um for musicians, you know, their like um for musicians, you know, their like um for musicians, you know, their first album's always really special and first album's always really special and first album's always really special and it's you have as long as you want to it's you have as long as you want to it's you have as long as you want to work on your first one. I'm sure it's work on your first one. I'm sure it's work on your first one. I'm sure it's the same for books and things like that the same for books and things like that the same for books and things like that where it's like nobody's demanding where it's like nobody's demanding where it's like nobody's demanding anything from you, so you can take your anything from you, so you can take your anything from you, so you can take your time and it really was time and it really was time and it really was 8 and 1/2 years of doing stand-up comedy 8 and 1/2 years of doing stand-up comedy 8 and 1/2 years of doing stand-up comedy that culminated in like this is my that culminated in like this is my that culminated in like this is my favorite hour and I'm ready to put it favorite hour and I'm ready to put it favorite hour and I'm ready to put it out. So, I'm really excited about that out. So, I'm really excited about that out. So, I'm really excited about that and terrified about having a whole new and terrified about having a whole new and terrified about having a whole new one one one cuz cuz cuz All your material's out.

All your material's out. All your material's out. >> about the special doing really well and >> about the special doing really well and >> about the special doing really well and a demand for a tour immediately and I'm a demand for a tour immediately and I'm a demand for a tour immediately and I'm like, "Oh, man, my newest stuff is as like, "Oh, man, my newest stuff is as like, "Oh, man, my newest stuff is as good, but I don't think it's as good as good, but I don't think it's as good as good, but I don't think it's as good as the 8 and 1/2 years developed one." the 8 and 1/2 years developed one." the 8 and 1/2 years developed one." Right. Right. Right. >> So, it's a really working on the release >> So, it's a really working on the release >> So, it's a really working on the release and figuring out where that's going to and figuring out where that's going to and figuring out where that's going to land and then also starting to go and land and then also starting to go and land and then also starting to go and generate the next the next act. generate the next the next act. generate the next the next act. How do you not How do you not How do you not >> dog stuff you guys love so much. >> dog stuff you guys love so much. >> dog stuff you guys love so much. It's going to be all about dogs. It's going to be all about dogs. It's going to be all about dogs. How do you keep eyes out for new How do you keep eyes out for new How do you keep eyes out for new material? Cuz I think a lot of us get material? Cuz I think a lot of us get material? Cuz I think a lot of us get wedded to stories and patterns and

to stories and patterns and >> of my calendar's private events. I'm >> of my calendar's private events. I'm >> of my calendar's private events. I'm getting hired to go do these all very getting hired to go do these all very getting hired to go do these all very fun events like this, which I love to fun events like this, which I love to fun events like this, which I love to do, but my calendar's do, but my calendar's do, but my calendar's determined by who wants to hire me when. determined by who wants to hire me when. determined by who wants to hire me when. And I don't really get to plan my year. And I don't really get to plan my year. And I don't really get to plan my year. It's a lot of like, all right, they want It's a lot of like, all right, they want It's a lot of like, all right, they want me here, there. I'm going to Florida, me here, there. I'm going to Florida, me here, there. I'm going to Florida, then California, then Florida again. And then California, then Florida again. And then California, then Florida again. And it's like, it's like, it's like, "Do you think if I could reorder that?" "Do you think if I could reorder that?" "Do you think if I could reorder that?" Um so to get to the point where I can Um so to get to the point where I can Um so to get to the point where I can just kind of hey, here's my tour and I'm just kind of hey, here's my tour and I'm just kind of hey, here's my tour and I'm deciding when I'm going to be where and deciding when I'm going to be where and deciding when I'm going to be where and I'm taking this month off to be with my I'm taking this month off to be with my I'm taking this month off to be with my family. Like I would love to get to the family. Like I would love to get to the family. Like I would love to get to the point where I could call my own shots to point where I could call my own shots to point where I could call my own shots to where where where the family time balance would be the family time balance would be the family time balance would be completely up to me. completely up to me. completely up to me. I don't think you're far off at all. Oh, I don't think you're far off at all. Oh, I don't think you're far off at all. Oh, I appreciate Andrew, thank you so much. I appreciate Andrew, thank you so much. I appreciate Andrew, thank you so much. Really, really appreciate you. Really, really appreciate you. Really, really appreciate you. >> very much. >> very much. >> very much. So fun. Thank you, Carey.