Episode 058 PAIN – Patrick Holbert: “Who is doing the emotional lifting?”

Episode 058 PAIN – Patrick Holbert: “Who is doing the emotional lifting?”

Author: Jeff McBride & Harrison Tweed March 16, 2020 Duration: 1:42:41
The delightful charm monster, Patrick Holbert, joins us to pick away at PAIN in stand-up comedy. We talk about how pain is the source of much of stand-up, both physical and emotional, and how usually the audience needs to know that the pain is ultimately “ok” in order to laugh. We cover generational pain, the occupational hazards of talking about pain, how to refocus personal pain onto a “shared” experience rather than just making it about you, and how Patrick went about talking about his painful experiences the first time. It’s a fun talk with old friends about a major element of comedy as a whole, and stand-up in particular, which we trace through a few key bits from Patrick’s own material and a seminal late night set by Gary Gulman.

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!
Podcast Episodes
Episode 000 – Jeff and Harrison Introduce The Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:55
This is the inaugural episode. Harrison said, "Dude, we should talk and stuff about stuff." Jeff interpreted that to mean that the hosts should record an episode that explains who we are because, without the backdrop of…
Bonus Episode 003 – Patrick Holbert [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:35
Jeff McBride and Sandip Sen host this early episode, and they have a blast diving into Patrick's bit about how he is keenly aware of his desire for attention and how he can relate it to a very taboo subject...but no spoi…
Bonus Episode 002 – Kevin Froleiks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:03
Jeff McBride and Sandip Sen hosted this early episode, and they couldn't get over how clever Kevin's abstract associations were in his bit, "The Boys From Brazil." They talk about how long it can take to make those conne…
Bonus Episode 001 – Ben Rosenfeld [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:11
Ben Rosenfeld joins Sandip Sen and Jeff McBride as they dig into work by George Carlin and David Cross. They also touch on writing material from outrage and working toward funny, through which Ben's dark humor "shines" w…