Mike Vecchione is a 20+ year comedy veteran with appearances on everything from his Comedy Central special to Jimmy Fallon and all his award winning albums.
This episode is a rare peak behind the mindset of a seasoned professional comic still trying to “figure it out.” Mike speaks candidly about his own personal struggles but also reveals writing and performing techniques he’s learned the hard way over 20 years of trial and error. Below is an insightful breakdown of his recent appearance on Hot Breath! Podcast. Enjoy and share!
When do you know it's time to kill a joke?
“It hurts to do it and you’ll fight yourself but at the end of the day with enough times of the joke getting a soft laugh you have to admit this is not funny enough.” (9:40)
How do you handle tough audiences?
“You can’t shit on them too much…You’re not helping yourself by downing them…Don’t pander and don’t give them the power. You lead them." (22:50)
How do you prepare for a show?
“Go up with the mindset of I’m going to have fun…I used to go up with the mindset “I’m going to win them over with these jokes.” Now it’s I’m going to work the jokes and if you have fun, the audience will have fun.” (39:50)
Mike learned all of these tips over 20 years of trial and error but the fact he was so generous with these “comedy secrets” is a testament to the comradery within comedy. Whether you are 20 minutes or 20 years into your comedy career, there is always something to be learned.
As comedians, we all share the same ups and downs, wins and losses, kills and bombs. So even though comedy is a single player game on stage, comedians are all on the same team and should remember to support each other. We can all win.
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Written by: Joel Byars, Host of Hot Breath! Podcast