Best Lenny Schmidt Podcasts (2024)

1
Comedy as a Booker, Teacher, Mom and Comic: Magen King 56:33

9d ago56:33

56:33

The Funny Muscle Podcast chats with a comedian, a storyteller, an award-winning radio host, a mom and a comedy teacher in this episode. And they are all the same person: Magen King. She was a finalist in the World Series of Comedy and a finalist for three consecutive years in the Funniest Comic in Texas. She teaches at the Dallas Comedy Club. We ta…

1
Comedy Song Writing with Tim Cavanagh 1:03:52

21d ago1:03:52

1:03:52

The Funny Muscle welcomes to the podcast its first guitar. And accompanying that guitar is comedian and songwriter Tim Cavanagh, who has been in the comedy business for almost four decades. His first CD, “Sounds Like Fun!” was released in 1997. Tim tells us how he credits deadlines and his weekly segment called “The One Minute Song” on “The Bob & T…

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS105) Jeff Harms 1:11:40

27d ago1:11:40

1:11:40

Finally... The season Two Finale... Started this podcast to talk to other live entertainers about whta they do, why, how, =I love the behind thew scenes stuff. What goes into a show; The prep, the writing, thought process, structure... I kind of geek on on it. No matter what kind of live entertainment you bring to the table. My favorite, of course,…

1
Creating Distinct Voices with Darren McStay 59:51

29d ago59:51

59:51

To improve their character voices, Mike and Chris chat with actor, musician, filmmaker and voice coach Darren McStay whose Youtube channel “Improve Your Voice” has millions of downloads. Darren teaches warm up techniques, why it’s important to commit to a character and tips on sticking with that character. Maybe the best advice Darren teaches durin…

1
Turning Topics into Premises 44:39

1M ago44:39

44:39

"Cats" is a topic, but it's not until you say something like "Cats bother me as an economist." have you transformed your material into a premise. In this episode we make that distinction. We also learn how Mike's comedy teaching classes in Dallas are coming alone. And we talk about Mike's aha moment during improv training. Listen to this episode if…

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS104) Jimmy Shubert 1:18:52

2M ago1:18:52

1:18:52

Total Schmidt Show - 2TSS104 - Jimmy Shubert This was supposed to be on time. Why? Jimmy Shubert, myself and Rick D'Elia are all in Vegas working at Brad Garretts Comedy Club this week. Tonight through the weekend. So, Jimmys on this week, Rick next week..... Bottom line, you're in Vegas, coem on by and watch three headliners knock it out of the pa…

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS103) Jason Andors / El Tiguere Vacano 1:02:41

2M ago1:02:41

1:02:41

We're on time, take that!! EP 2TSS103 comes in with Jason Andors / El Tiguere Vacano. Jason is a comice from NY. Buddy of mine for about 10-11 years. Guy makes me laugh my ass off. On and off stage. You'll see here. Whether it's our travels, careers, or his numerous physical ailments.... nobody puts it all in perspective like he does. El Tiguere Va…

1
An Hour a Day to Write Jokes? Here's What the Pros Do (Advice from 12 Comedians) 21:20

2M ago21:20

21:20

We asked each of our last 12 comedy pro guests what they'd tell new comedians to do if they had an hour a day to write jokes. Here's a compilation of their best advice. Lenny Schmidt Nathan Timmel Steph Clark Kevin Rogers Dan Bakkedahl Dan Carlson Doby Maxwell Tom Clark Dr. Caleb Warren Jake Vevera Rich Talarico Adam Bloom *** If you enjoy the podc…

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS102) Will Marfori 1:10:33

2M ago1:10:33

1:10:33

2TSS102 with Will Marfori. We know it's late, let's just move on. I've known Will for over ten years. He's easily one of the most intelligetnt comics I've ever known. His live show is a brilliant balance of dick jokes and clever humor. He's literally a genius. Great guy to hang with, spend sometime on a ship of off. He's also a great father of two …

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS101P) Jason Bird 1:08:06

2M ago1:08:06

1:08:06

Jason Bird (Magician) Magic time. Ran across @MagicofJasonBird on the Celebrity Reflection. Great show. Saw hi. twice. Funny. Love a magician who is funny. We hung out, had a few laughs, talked about balacing family and ship life... as he says "We are survivors of teenage daughters" That's not only from his show, but why got alomng so well for the …

1
Comedy Drills and Comedy Specials with Jake Vevera 51:33

2M ago51:33

51:33

New York comedian and co-host of the podcast “Idiots on Parade” Jake Vevera (@jakevevera) stops by the Funny Muscle Podcast to talk about his upcoming comedy special, which is about to be released on YouTube. Jake is full of advice for new comedians like his three-sentence joke writing drill and his advice on stage time. Find out why Jake also tell…

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS100P) Patrick Duffy 52:40

3M ago52:40

52:40

2TSS100 Our 100th episode... YAY... No one better than my buddy Patrick Duffy for episode 100. Performing regularly in Vegas, traveling the world as a piano bar king.... he did my theme song for christ sake!! Patrick played in Ventura a while back. I caught up with him.. even sang a song with him. (clip is in the show, sorry) We discuss his travels…

1
Comedy on Cruises with Lenny Schmidt 1:08:02

3M ago1:08:02

1:08:02

Lenny Schmidt stops by the Funny Muscle Podcast to teach us about the logistics of planning comedy material for 5 nights in a row on a cruise ship (hint: you got to keep track of your call-back jokes). Lenny, who has been doing comedy since the 1980s, also studied improv in Chicago. You may recognize Lenny in movies like “Joe Dirt” and “The Ugly Tr…

1
Corporate Gigs and Comedy for the Troops with Nathan Timmel 1:14:29

3M ago1:14:29

1:14:29

Headlining comedian, author, and host of the podcast “Idiots on Parade” Nathan Timmel invades the Funny Muscle Podcast to talk about the current state of comedy, to tell us tricks for doing corporate gigs, and to tell us stories about performing for troops overseas. As always, we get his advice on writing and creating new material for new comics. Y…

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS99P) Lucas Bohn 1:31:26

3M ago1:31:26

1:31:26

Ran in to Lucas Bohn on the NCL Bliss. One of my favorite runs through Alaska. Lucas is an old pro. Working stand-up from all sides. 90 minutes of some real solid insight to the business side of things. Talked about his own production company / record label Bojo Entertainment. Balancing the social media posts, live shows, and really promoting yours…

1
Writing Comedy Monologues with Ben Alper 50:53

3M ago50:53

50:53

We learn about writing monologue jokes with Ben Alper who has written jokes for several decades and has seen them performed by the likes of Jay Leno and Dave Letterman. We discuss his recently published book: Live from the Beginning of Time: Late Night Comedy Monologues Through the Ages. The book imagines if there were late-night talk show hosts du…

1
Total Schmidt Show w/ Jimmy Denning (2TSS98) 1:06:15

4M ago1:06:15

1:06:15

Jimmy Denning Rocks! Really, he just rocks. A great musician and powerful vocalist. He's traveled the world and played Vegas with "Tenors of Rock." Currently touring with "Rebel." I caught up with him on the @celebritycruises Reflection by accident.... we were double booked! I win... and my win is your win. Jimmy's got stories man. Like cool "Rock …

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS97) Austin Brooks 44:44

4M ago44:44

44:44

Magician Austin Brooks and I go back about thirty years. One of my bestfriends I've been dying to get him on the pod. We toured together on the early stand-up circuit. Worked together on numerous projects, shot dozens of of hours on internet content.... almost got our own video content company off the ground, By almost I mean nothing happened of co…

1
Mike's first set in 10 years and Book 3 Flexing Your Funny Muscle 53:40

4M ago53:40

53:40

On the same week that Mike released the third book in the Funny Muscle series, he did something he hasn’t done in 10 years: he strolled on stage and performed a 5-minute set. We talk all about it in this episode. We also dust off the Humor Blueprint to diagram a few pro comics’ bits to give the listener practice identifying joke structure, humor he…

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS95) Louis Johnson 1:11:12

4M ago1:11:12

1:11:12

Louis is and old Pro. Works the road, ships, he's produced numerous tours and theater shows, been over seas to perform for the troops.. He has seen comedy from every angle. This is my favorite kind of show. Louis and I talked shop for most of it. Our writing process, others we know of.. (Chris Rock, George Carlin) Everything from notecards, to pens…

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS95) Tony Esposito 1:30:24

4M ago1:30:24

1:30:24

TSS is back. A three week hiatus to support the release of "Fire Sign" the full comedy special. (info below) But, ne we are back at full speed. Tony Esposito is one of those comics that I've known for several years, but have never worked with. Many ships only book one comic at a time. So, we can go years without working together. But, weird schedul…

1
Booking Talent with Dan Carlson 1:09:24

4M ago1:09:24

1:09:24

Comedian, Director of the Chicago Comedy Festival, and former General Manager of Zanies Comedy Club in Rosemont, Dan Carlson, stops by the Funny Muscle Podcast. Dan teaches us how to capture a booker’s attention in the first minute of a set, how the finances between the comic and club work, and when to know if you are ready to jump from opener to m…

1
An Academic Look at Why Things are Funny: Benign Violation Theory with Dr. Caleb Warren 1:07:03

5M ago1:07:03

1:07:03

Dr. Caleb Warren joins the podcast to give Mike and Chris an academic and research-based look at why things are funny using a framework known as the “Benign Violation Theory.” Dr. Warren is a professor in the Marketing Department at the University of Arizona and one of the authors of a paper called “Benign violations: Making immoral behavior funny.…

1
The Comic and Booker's Advice with Steph Clark 1:06:18

5M ago1:06:18

1:06:18

We chat with comedian Steph Clark who is also the owner of Funny Girl Events. So, we get advice from a comic's perspective as well as a booker. We learn some dos and don'ts of impressing a comedy booker, what it's like to be married to a comedian, and regional differences in comedy as Steph performs frequently in the LA area and the Midwest. *** If…

1
Total Schmidt show (2TSS94P) Fire Sign is out 3:12

5M ago3:12

3:12

Let's talk about my newest stand-up comedy special "Fire Sign" out and available now. OVER 25,000 VIEWS on YouTube!!! Buy an your own MP3 copy of "Fire Sign" here: https://800PGR.lnk.to/firesignID Watch it here: https://youtu.be/wMkw6DYdJRU?si=eTv8HbtYf-4OA_RX @800pgm production All the content on the "Lenny Schmidt Comedy Network" is financially s…

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS93) Richie Holliday 1:17:10

5M ago1:17:10

1:17:10

Richie is the perfect guest. I love talking stand-up, technique, prep.... opening up the hood and seeing hjow it all works. Love working with him too. Funny dude. Great talk. All the content on the "Lenny Schmidt Comedy Network" is financially supported by our subscribers/followers/supporters. Want to help out? Several ways to throw cash at us. (Ve…

1
Restarting Stand-up; Copywriting and Comedy with Kevin Rogers 1:12:44

5M ago1:12:44

1:12:44

New comics will appreciate the advice from touring comedian Kevin Rogers, who took 12 years off to build a family and business, who then had to turn his comedy creation machine back on to create 20 minutes of new material in a new generation with a whole new comedy lens. Kevin Rogers is a comedian, business guru, and author who helps businesses wri…

1
Improv in Acting with Dan Bakkedahl (aka Congressman Roger Furlong) 1:15:30

6M ago1:15:30

1:15:30

Actor and improvisational comedian Dan Bakkedahl stops by the podcast to chat about acting, improv, auditioning for roles, starting out in Chicago, and heightening comedy scenes. Dan is known for his role on the sitcom Life in Pieces, as Congressman Roger Furlong on the series VEEP, and as Steven Nugent in the series Legit. He also worked as a corr…

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS92) Mike Siegel 57:20

6M ago57:20

57:20

Mike and I go back many years. Many, many, many... we're old. We're both comedians, travel the world, work on ships, we even each have our own podcasts about travel, entertainment and stuff. Today, we talk about just that. Also, his past a a sportswriter, and youth athletics and the changes they've mad since we were young... and of course, performi…

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS91) Brittany Hydra 57:58

6M ago57:58

57:58

Not often I get a Cruise Director on this show. Actually, this is only #4. Brittany Hydra was nice enough to sit with me on the @celebritycruises Reflection. Not any easy thing to do. CD's move at 100 MPH and have ZERO free time. She explains it all here. She is also one of the best I've worked with. Check her out: IG @Brittanyfromcanda All the con…

1
Developing bits, Doing the small things, and Dry Bar Specials with "The Dented Can" Dobie Maxwell 1:25:12

6M ago1:25:12

1:25:12

Stopping by the Funny Muscle Podcast is “The Dented Can” Dobie Maxwell. He is a comedian, actor, radio personality, comedy instructor, comedy writer and author. His passion for comedy and mentoring is quickly apparent. We chat about how he earned his set on the Late Late Show, his comedy lens, joke development, his recent Dry Bar Special, and doing…

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS290P) - Johnny Cardinale 1:00:19

6M ago1:00:19

1:00:19

Johnny and Lenny get together and talk about the Titanic, Comedy at the "Sandtrap" in Beaumont, CA, The pros and cons of therapy.... and agree to disagree about couple therapy. Check out Johnny on: IG - https://www.instagram.com/johnnycardinale/ FB - https://www.facebook.com/johnnycardinale Threads - https://www.threads.net/@johnnycardinale All the…

1
Chatting with the "Bad" Boy of Comedy: Tom Clark 1:18:40

6M ago1:18:40

1:18:40

The "Bad" Boy of Comedy from Wisconsin Tom Clark joins the Funny Muscle Podcast to talk about: * What’s it like to do a set on Conan *Tips of doing clean comedy (especially in Utah) *How he added vulnerability to his comedy persona *Advice he learned from doing New Faces in the Montreal Comedy Festival Tom has appeared on Conan, Netflix, Comedy Cen…

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS89) Francisco Ramos 59:40

6M ago59:40

59:40

@Framoscomedy and I worked together in #lasvegas. Really great week over at #BradGarrettsComedyClub in the @mgmgrandlv Funny dude, smart cat when in comes to Comedy and the Biz. We had a great chat... here it is!. All the content on the "Lenny Schmidt Comedy Network" is financially supported by our subscribers/followers/supporters. Want to help out…

1
What a Weak Premise Lacks 43:48

6M ago43:48

43:48

A comedian starts a joke by making an interesting assertion. The audience wonders, “How will they ever prove that to us with their unique take?" Mike and Chris talk about the tactics to make that happen as they break down some pro comic bits and teach how to write jokes with "premise intrigue." Like play-by-play sports analysts, they also freeze fr…

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS88P) Duo Distanza (Duo) 1:10:50

7M ago1:10:50

1:10:50

This is a slightly edited version of the initial Podcast One of the coolest most original acts I've ever seen Jenna Knight and Francisco Arango are "Duo Distanza." Aerial, visual, original... It's a fantastic performance that isn'y just a show, but the story of the two of them and how it all came together. The show itself is beautiful. The conversa…

1
In the Writers Room at Key and Peele: Chatting with Rich Talarico 57:25

7M ago57:25

57:25

I spill my drink, and my friend says, “Ya done messed up Ay-Ay-Ron!” My friend is quoting the viral Key and Peele sketch: The Substitute Teacher. In this episode of the Funny Muscle Podcast, we got to chat with the writer who came up with that sketch: Rich Talarico. He’s a Peabody Award-winning writer/producer with four Emmy and four WGA Award nomi…

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS87P) Paige Thompson 55:56

7M ago55:56

55:56

Magic, Illusion, Prestidigitation... Paige Thompson is a magician playing the World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood 2NITE!! May 28-June 2. We worked together on the #norwegiancruiseline #NCLPrima last month. I'm actually heading out the door to see @PaigesMagic live 2nite. You should too. Your welcome. All the content on the "Lenny Schmidt Comedy …

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS86) Mike Lukas 1:16:22

7M ago1:16:22

1:16:22

Mike Lukas makes his triumphant return to the LSCN on 2TSS86 - - A second city alum, freelance writer, podcaster, husband and a father... We talk old second city stories, Chicago Improv, and about @mikelukas book series "Find Your Funny Muscle" All the content on the "Lenny Schmidt Comedy Network" is finacially supported by our subscribers/follower…

1
How to Get Booked as a New Comedian 54:46

7M ago54:46

54:46

In an effort to show how a comedian's brain instantly "blows up" a situation to notice the funny, Chris and Mike practice some improv drills at the beginning of the episode. This might send you Googling, "What are Tiddleywinks?" Then Mike tells some stories from the beginning of his comedy career to teach the tips and tactics on how a new comedian …

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS85) The Mighty Quinn 50:33

7M ago50:33

50:33

I love street performers.. Buskers...whatever you want to call them. I think it takes a perfect combination of incredible talent. balls, and charm to build a crowd on a street, and keeopm them entertained. Some cities have a great Busker community.. Melbourne, AUS.... NY... Venice Beach, California... I've always been really blown away by that. I m…

1
Advice from Two Veteran Comedians: Part 2 with Adam Bloom 45:53

7M ago45:53

45:53

In part 2 of the conversation with Adam Bloom (@adambloomcomedy) we get deeper into the pedagogical side of comedy and go deeper into Adam’s book: Finding Your Comic Genius: An in-depth guide to the art of stand-up comedy.” Mike (@mlukas1111) and Chris (@econ_comic) also learn about Adam’s thoughts on comedy in the US compared to the UK, how rap an…

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS84P) The Magic of Gabriel 38:07

7M ago38:07

38:07

It was the @celebritycruises Constellation where I ran in to Gabriel and and Alessandra Nicastro. Gabe's show has everything from close-up magic, to crowd work, to card tricks, to an enourmous breathtaking stunt. It really hits all the levels They are both from Italy. Worked in the circus together before coming out to the ships. It's the story I al…

1
Finding Your Comic Genius with Adam Bloom 54:46

8M ago54:46

54:46

Mike (@mlukas1111) and Chris (@econ_comic) chat with British comedian, writer, and author of “Finding Your Comic Genius: An in-depth guide to the art of stand-up comedy” Adam Bloom. In part 1 of the conversation with Adam (@adambloomcomedy), we chat about the self-publishing process, Adam’s first gig, and how his comedy persona has evolved since th…

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS83P) Quinn Patterson 53:32

8M ago53:32

53:32

This weeks show is an edited version of the TSS (PATREON ONLY) Live stream. Become a member and get access to more live stream. Podcasts and stand-up shows. Cleveland comedian and Second city alum Quinn Patterson sat down with Lenny on the Norwegian Prima. They talk process, performance, writing... If you're a of the art of live stand-up, you'll lo…

1
Handling Hecklers: "Buff your head for a nickel!" 39:27

8M ago39:27

39:27

“Buff your head for a nickel!” might not be a heckle you’re likely to get, but it is for Mike Lukas. And he knows how to handle it masterfully. We hear all about that funny anecdote in this episode of the Funny Muscle Podcast. Mike (@mlukas1111) arms Chris’s comedy tool belt with tools and tactics to deal with hecklers. And the lessons aren’t just …

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS82) Dan Gabriel 1:03:53

8M ago1:03:53

1:03:53

Dan Gabriel and I worked together. We tlaked about kids, ships, comedy, and some baseball... anong other things. You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/K7oJOZREK8Q All the content on the "Lenny Schmidt Comedy Network" is finacially supported by our subscribers/followers/supporters. Want to help out? Several ways to throw cash at us. (Venmo …

1
Things I Learned in the First Year of Comedy I Didn't Know at the Start 58:38

8M ago58:38

58:38

Fact checking comedy is often a fool's errand. (Well sir, I checked, and the phrase "a bushy bushy blonde hairdo, surfin' USA" does not in fact appear in the Declaration of Independence.) But sometimes it's needed. Like now. Chris (@econ_comic) and Mike (@mlukas1111) workshop a premise at the end of the episode about the famous Everest-climbing quo…

1
Total Schmidt Show (2TSS81P) Josh Christina 56:39

8M ago56:39

56:39

Ever want to hear a kick ass musician play some honky tonk, rock out, and talk about the Blues....? You're welcome. Josh Christana flat out stomps. He talks with Lenny about playing all kinds of music, perforrming live, and his (obvious) influences. Ya gotta see hime live, man. Ya gotta see him live. @JoshChristinaOfficial Again You're welcome All …

1
Warming Up a Cold Crowd 48:07

8M ago48:07

48:07

Forty years ago, the emcee of a comedy show would likely have been the most experienced comedian, who didn’t need any help capturing an audience. Today’s model, however, has a newer comic playing that role. So being skilled at warming up a cold crowd is an important skill for a new comic. Mike walks us through some tactics on how to get an audience…

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