Episode 20 | Matt Abramson

Episode 20 | Matt Abramson

Author: Scott Dikkers June 27, 2016 Duration: 54:51

Matt Abramson's company Cap Gun produced a funny web series called Teachers, which is now a series on TV Land. Scott spoke to Matt when the show was just a pilot. They talk about how to build success with a web series, and how ties with advertisers can be a help or a hinderance.


Ever wonder how the people who make you laugh actually do it? How To Write Funny pulls back the curtain on the craft, hosted by Scott Dikkers. As the founder of TheOnion.com and its longtime editor-in-chief, Scott has spent decades at the heart of satirical writing. In this podcast, he sits down with a range of voices from the comedy world-celebrated performers, seasoned writers, and behind-the-scenes creators-for conversations that go much deeper than just trading jokes. Each episode explores the guest’s unique path into comedy, the principles that guide their work, and the often messy, personal process of generating humor. You’ll hear about the doubts, the breakthroughs, and the specific techniques used to turn an idea into something that genuinely connects with an audience. It’s less a formal tutorial and more a series of revealing workshops, offering a rare look at the discipline and thought hiding behind the punchlines. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a comedy fan, or just curious about the mechanics of what makes something funny, this podcast provides a sustained, insightful listen into an art form that is often taken for granted.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 49

How To Write Funny
Podcast Episodes
Episode 29 | Caitlin Kunkel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:52
Guest Caitlin Kunkel talks about her road to success writing humor for McSweeney's and The New Yorker, as well as landing her first book deal. She and Scott discuss the mindset and discipline of making a writing career.
Episode 28 | Christopher Titus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:08
Scott talks with stand-up comedian Christopher Titus about his comic persona, performing and writing on stage, creating his Fox TV show "Titus," and his feature film, "Special Unit."
Episode 27 | Kurt Luchs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:16
Kurt Luchs, founder and editor of The Big Jewel, talks with Scott about his unusual and varied comedy career. Kurt's new book , "It's Funny Until Someone Loses an Eye (Then It's Really Funny)," just hit bookstores.
Episode 26 | Steve Kaplan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:10
Scott talks comedy nuts and bolts with Steve Kaplan, Hollywood's most sought-after comedy teacher.
Episode 25 | Lee Camp [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:17
Political comedian and activist Lee Camp sits down with Scott to talk comedy, activism, and creating his weekly political comedy TV show, "Redacted Tonight."
Episode 24 | Kevin Avery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:24
Scott talks with Emmy-winning writer Kevin Avery. Kevin is a successful bay-area stand-up comic who got into TV writing with his friend and writing-partner W. Kamau Bell. He joined the original staff of John Oliver's sho…
Episode 23 | Sarah Cooper [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:19
Scott talks with Sarah Cooper, founder of The Cooper Review, who parlayed a viral humor article into a 3-book deal. Her first book, 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings, comes out this week.
Episode 22 | Seth Reiss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:22
Late Night with Seth Meyers staffer and former Onion head writer Seth Reiss talks with Scott about his humor-writing process, mindset, and how he landed the best internships in comedy.
Episode 21 | Dave Eggers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:34
Scott talks with Dave Eggers, founder of McSweeney's, Might magazine, and 826 National, the non-profit with the cool storefronts that tutors kids and encourages them to write. His latest novel is "Heroes of the Frontier,…
Episode 19 | Steve Dildarian [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:31
TV and commercial copywriter Steve Dildarian enjoyed three seasons of his own funny and critically acclaimed animated series on HBO, The Life and Times of Tim.