Episode 23 | Sarah Cooper

Episode 23 | Sarah Cooper

Author: Scott Dikkers October 5, 2016 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.


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 49 | Dan Povenmire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:34
Writer, director, cartoonist, and voice artist Dan Povenmire talks about his adventures in Hollywood creating the enormously successful Phineas and Ferb for Disney.
Episode 48 | Alex Stevenson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:42
Cartoonist and writer Alex Stevenson talks about developing her web comic "Cartoons Hate Her" on social media, pushing boundaries, and building a fanbase.
Episode 47 | JaMarr John Johnson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:15
"Entrepremedian" JaMarr John Johnson talks with Scott about how comedians can exploit Web3 and Crypto to make more money, starting by helping Scott create his "Jim Key" to turn fans into owners.
Episode 46 | Sean Tejaratchi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:42
LiartownUSA.com is the Internet's funniest, most original, and most undiscovered treasure. Scott chats with its creator, Sean Tejaratchi, to find out where it came from and how it can be so funny.
Episode 45 | Justine Bateman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:18
Actress, writer, and director Justine Bateman talks about fame, being on the top sitcom in the country, getting older in show business, and why it's important to take comedy seriously.
Episode 44 | Patton Oswalt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:24
Patton Oswalt is an Emmy- and Grammy-winning comedian and actor known for insightful comedy specials and roles in hit TV shows and movies like The King of Queens, Ratatouille, and the new M.O.D.O.K. on Hulu.
Episode 43 | Mike Sacks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:51
Mike Sacks is the bestselling author of Stinker Lets Loose, Passable in Pink, and the excellent comedy-writer interview books Here's the Kicker and Poking a Dead Frog.
Episode 42 | Anne Libera [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:13
Founder of the Comedy Studies program at Columbia College and comedy professor Anne Libera talks comedy history, comedy theory, and why it all matters.
Episode 41 | Michael Gerber [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:44
Michael Gerber talks about his hard-won career in comedy writing for TV, writing parody novels, and finally editing and publishing The American Bystander magazine.
Episode 40 | Margaret Cho [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:17
Veteran stand-up comic, writer and actress Margaret Cho talks about getting started in the 80s comedy boom, her TV show, and her thoughts on writing and performing stand-up.