Messed-Up To Set-Ups - A MichaelHalcomb.Live Podcast

Discussing The Messed-Up Things That Make Life Funny
  • 0.0 (0)
  • STAND-UP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Reflections on Comedy, Stand-Up or Otherwise, from Michael Halcomb. Discussing The Messed-Up Things That Make Life Funny. www.michaelhalcomb.live

  1. 2D AGO

    You Gotta Stay Fresh & Obsessed

    Hello, Friends! In this episode of The Messed-Up To Set-Ups podcast, I sit down with the absolutely hilarious Lee Hardin, a fellow comedian from Nashville, Tennessee. We get into Lee’s journey from being a class clown to a touring comedian. We also talk about the comedy scene in Nashville, the golden era of SNL, and the art of joke writing. Lee opens up about his experiences, from performing in nursing homes to headlining theater shows, and the importance of obsession in comedy. We also touch on the challenges of staying fresh and the joy of flipping prank calls on their heads. If there’s one to watch, it’s this one. Tune in! “ESSENTIALS OF COMEDY” COURSE BUNDLE: For a limited time only (through 2/15/26), you can purchase “The Joke Writer’s Lab” course and “The Comedian’s Memory Lab” course as a bundle. Just click on one of the courses below, scroll down, and click the “Add all to cart” button. JOKE WRITING COURSE: By the way, if you have any interest at all in learning about your persona, how to write some jokes, or doing stand-up comedy, check out my online joke writing course, “The Joke Writer’s Lab,” HERE. JOKE MEMORY COURSE: My companion course to “The Joke Writer’s Lab” is now live: “The Comedian’s Memory Lab.” Learn how to conceptualize, organize, and memorize your entire comedy set. This method works for 10 jokes or 100, a set that’s 3 minutes of 1 hour. You can get it HERE. MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe

    34 min

  2. 6D AGO

    The First Left-Handed Caveman

    Hey, Friends! Episode 93 of The Messed-Up To Set-Ups Podcast is here! In this one, I get into the creative chaos of joke writing with the absolutely hilarious Johnny Watson. We talk about the absurdity of the first left-handed caveman and brainstorm some wild scenarios where prehistoric life meets modern comedy. Johnny shares the origins of his unique joke concepts and some thoughts on how everyday conversations spark comedic gold. After punching up his joke, we do some on-the-spot comedy and explore the art of improvisation. As always, listeners and viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the comedic process. Whether you’re a seasoned comic or just love a good laugh, you won’t wanna miss this one. Tune in! “ESSENTIALS OF COMEDY” COURSE BUNDLE: For a limited time only (through 2/15/26), you can purchase “The Joke Writer’s Lab” course and “The Comedian’s Memory Lab” course as a bundle. Just click on one of the courses below, scroll down, and click the “Add all to cart” button. JOKE WRITING COURSE: By the way, if you have any interest at all in learning about your persona, how to write some jokes, or doing stand-up comedy, check out my online joke writing course, “The Joke Writer’s Lab,” HERE. JOKE MEMORY COURSE: My companion course to “The Joke Writer’s Lab” is now live: “The Comedian’s Memory Lab.” Learn how to conceptualize, organize, and memorize your entire comedy set. This method works for 10 jokes or 100, a set that’s 3 minutes of 1 hour. You can get it HERE. MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe

    30 min

  3. FEB 7

    Clean Comedy & Big Opportunities

    Hello, Friends! It’s episode 92 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups podcast. So, join me, comedian Michael Halcomb, as I sit down with fellow comedian Johnny Watson (as seen on SNL!) to dig into his journey from being a military MC to a comedy veteran. We talk about the hilarious story of how a chaotic night in Kona, Hawai’i, kickstarted Johnny’s stand-up career. We also get into his unique approach to improvisation and storytelling. We talk about his method of reading audiences in real time and discuss why starting with clean comedy can open more doors. Plus, Johnny offers insider tips for aspiring comedians on how to jump into stand-up with confidence. Whether you’re a comedy fan or dreaming of your first open mic, this episode is packed with some great insights and laughs. Tune in! “ESSENTIALS OF COMEDY” COURSE BUNDLE: For a limited time only (through 2/15/26), you can purchase “The Joke Writer’s Lab” course and “The Comedian’s Memory Lab” course as a bundle. Just click on one of the courses below, scroll down, and click the “Add all to cart” button. JOKE WRITING COURSE: By the way, if you have any interest at all in learning about your persona, how to write some jokes, or doing stand-up comedy, check out my online joke writing course, “The Joke Writer’s Lab,” HERE. JOKE MEMORY COURSE: My companion course to “The Joke Writer’s Lab” is now live: “The Comedian’s Memory Lab.” Learn how to conceptualize, organize, and memorize your entire comedy set. This method works for 10 jokes or 100, a set that’s 3 minutes of 1 hour. You can get it HERE. MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe

    28 min

  4. FEB 3

    Turning Troubles Into Triumphs

    Hello, Friends! I’m stoked to share Episode #91 of The Messed-Up to Set-Ups podcast with you. In this one, I sit down with Michael Saltz, a New York-based comedian, and we take a dive into jokes. We kick things off with his hilarious tale of getting stuck in a water slide and then we workshop that story and try to punch it up. We also chat about how everyday chaos is comedy gold. Lastly, we have a blast with some live, on-the-spot, joke exercises where we riff on everything from ancient undersea walls to celebrity antics. This episode is super fun and has some great advice. Tune in! JOKE WRITING COURSE: By the way, if you have any interest at all in learning about your persona, how to write some jokes, or doing stand-up comedy, check out my online joke writing course, “The Joke Writer’s Lab,” HERE. JOKE MEMORY COURSE: My companion course to “The Joke Writer’s Lab” is now live: “The Comedian’s Memory Lab.” Never get nervous about blanking on stage again! This method works for 10 jokes or 100, a set that’s 3 minutes of 1 hour. You can get it HERE. MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe

    27 min

  5. JAN 31

    Balancing Work, Life, & Comedy

    Hello, Friends! I’m stoked to share Episode #90 of The Messed-Up to Set-Ups podcast with you. In this episode, I sit down with Michael Saltz, a New York-based nurse, firefighter, and clean comedian. During our chat, we get into how he first got started at a firehouse comedy show, the value of capturing attention quickly, and the challenge of balancing comedy with the busyness of life. We also talk about the importance of honest feedback, embracing vulnerability, and why supporting fellow comedians is essential. This episode is packed with practical advice on what it takes to succeed in comedy. Tune in! JOKE WRITING COURSE: By the way, if you have any interest at all in learning about your persona, how to write some jokes, or doing stand-up comedy, check out my online joke writing course, “The Joke Writer’s Lab,” HERE. JOKE MEMORY COURSE: My companion course to “The Joke Writer’s Lab” is now live: “The Comedian’s Memory Lab.” Never get nervous about blanking on stage again! This method works for 10 jokes or 100, a set that’s 3 minutes of 1 hour. You can get it HERE. MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe

    22 min

  6. JAN 28

    The Beauty of Doing Comedy Together

    Hi, Friends! In episode 89 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups podcast, I sit down with the incredibly talented comedian Jeremi George. We get into faith and comedy and Jeremi shares some stories that range from the absurd to the deeply personal. We workshop a joke about a handicap healing service then make up some jokes right on the spot from random prompts. Along the way, Jeremi’s insights are at times equally hilarious and insightful. Join us for a chat filled with laughter, wisdom, and a few funny-as-crap surprises along the way. Tune in! JOKE WRITING COURSE: By the way, if you have any interest at all in learning about your persona, how to write some jokes, or doing stand-up comedy, check out my online joke writing course, “The Joke Writer’s Lab,” HERE. JOKE MEMORY COURSE: My companion course to “The Joke Writer’s Lab” is now live: “The Comedian’s Memory Lab.” Learn how to conceptualize, organize, and memorize your entire comedy set. This method works for 10 jokes or 100, a set that’s 3 minutes of 1 hour. You can get it HERE. MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe

    29 min

  7. JAN 24

    Turning Struggles Into Stand-Up Success

    Hi Friends! It’s Episode 88 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups podcast. In this one, I sit down with comedian Jeremi George. As he shares his journey into stand-up comedy, we also discuss the challenges and joys of performing, the importance of supportive relationships, and the personal pain that often fuels comedic material. Jeremi shares some valuable advice for aspiring comedians, especially around networking, and reflects on the business side of it all. Tune in! BREAKING - “THE COMEDIAN’S MEMORY LAB” COURSE: I haven’t even made a post about it here on my site yet, but I wanted to go ahead and share the news that my newest comedy course is now live! It’s called “The Comedian’s Memory Lab” and it contains about an hour-and-a-half worth of material that shows, step by step, how to conceptualize, organize, and memorize your entire comedy set. This method I’ve developed works for 10 jokes or 100. It works for a set that’s 3 minutes of 1 hour. You can get it HERE. (More to come soon!) JOKE WRITING COURSE: By the way, if you have any interest at all in learning about your persona, how to write some jokes, or doing stand-up comedy, check out my online joke writing course, “The Joke Writer’s Lab,” HERE. MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe

    25 min

  8. JAN 20

    When Weird Things Become Comedy Gold

    Hey, Friends! It’s episode #87 of the Messed-Up to Set-Ups podcast. In this one, my guest, comedian Dewayne White and I, pull back the curtain and give you a front row seat into the world of comedy. We explore the absurdity of Civil War reenactments and other peculiar hobbies and discuss the comedic potential of these topics. We crack tons of jokes along the way and share some helpful insights. Tune in! JOKE WRITING COURSE: By the way, if you have any interest at all in learning about your persona, how to write some jokes, or doing stand-up comedy, check out my online joke writing course, “The Joke Writer’s Lab,” HERE. MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe

    36 min
See All (93)

About

Reflections on Comedy, Stand-Up or Otherwise, from Michael Halcomb. Discussing The Messed-Up Things That Make Life Funny. www.michaelhalcomb.live

Information