Episode 048 THE SETUP – Geoffrey Asmus: “A master of trickery”

Episode 048 THE SETUP – Geoffrey Asmus: “A master of trickery”

Author: Jeff McBride & Harrison Tweed February 18, 2019 Duration: 1:36:32
Undeniably funny, whitely awkward Geoffrey Asmus joins us to explore THE SETUP in stand-up comedy. Like most things in life, most of the work goes into setting up. If the punchline is the slide, and the setup is the stairs to the top. What is a setup? How can you rework a setup to fix a joke? And even more comedy nerd questions! We also have a great time listening to and frog-dissecting material from two opposite ends of the stand-up spectrum: Rodney Dangerfield and Ari Shaffir.

Ever wonder what really happens in the green room or how a joke evolves from a scribble on a napkin to a roaring crowd? That’s the territory Let's Talk About Sets! explores. Hosted by New York City comedians Jeff McBride and Harrison Tweed, this podcast feels more like a late-night conversation after a show than a formal lecture. They peel back the curtain on the so-called "science" behind stand-up, treating the craft with both reverence and a healthy dose of playful skepticism. Each episode digs into the mechanics of writing, the psychology of performing, and the sheer unpredictability of live comedy. You’ll hear from fellow comics in candid interviews that are less about grand career stories and more about the specific, often messy, details of building a set. It’s an education in comedy, but one filled with laughter, failed punchlines, and genuine curiosity. Whether you're an aspiring performer or just someone who loves to understand how the magic is made, this podcast offers a unique, insider’s view of the work that goes into making people laugh. Tune in for a mix of shop talk, personal stories, and practical insights, all delivered with the easy rapport of two friends who live and breathe this world.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 68

Let's Talk About Sets!
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Bonus Episode 006 – Thank You! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16
This is just a whispered "thank you" to everyone who's listened over the first year of the podcast.