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

Hey, Friends! I’m thrilled to share Episode #61 of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast with you. In this episode, I get to sit down, once again, with comedian Adam Minnick. In Part 2 of our chat, we dive into the art of joke writing, exploring the genesis and evolution of one of Adam’s original jokes. We also share some laughs as we struggle to create jokes on the spot, and give you a behind-the-sc...

Y’all, it’s Episode #60 of The Messed-Up to Set-Ups Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with comedian Adam Minnick and we dig into his 20-year journey in stand-up comedy. We discuss the challenges of balancing family life with late-night gigs, the value of working clean, and the art of crowd work. Adam shares his experiences from bombing his first open mic to finding his comedic voice, and offers...

Hi, Friends! I’m thrilled to have comedian Brandon Latack back on the “Messed-Up to Set-ups” Podcast. In this episode (#59), we dive deep into the art of joke crafting and storytelling. Brandon shares a hilarious true story about his time on a men’s hockey team and the epic prank his coworkers pulled on him. We break down the layers of comedy, explore the importance of framing, and even throw in s...

In Episode #58 of the Messed-Up to Set-Ups Podcast, my buddy, fellow podcast host (The Pro-Laugh Podcast), and Minnesota-based comedian Brandon Latack joins me. We get into the art of stand-up comedy, discuss the nuances of joke writing, and the challenges of performing on stage. We also have a candid discussion about Brandon’s comedic journey and whether online comedy classes really help. In addi...

In Episode #57 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast, I continue my chat with comedian Brinn Daniels. Here, in Part 2 of our conversation, we dive into the art of crafting jokes. We discuss Brinn’s unique takes on family, superheroes, and the quirks of life in Florida. We workshop one of Brinn’s jokes, make up some jokes on the spot, and get into some playful banter about Marvel. This episode is p...

Join me, Michael Halcomb, for as I chat with the hilarious Brinn Daniels about her unique path from teaching to doing stand-up comedy. In Part 1 of this two-part interview, we discuss Brinn’s experiences in Nashville’s vibrant and growing comedy scene as well as her time as an intern at SNL, and how it’s all influenced her comedy career. Also, you’ll want to hear our thoughts on “clean comedy” and...

In my second chat with comedian, John Schaefer, we explore the intricacies of joke writing as John brings an original joke and we workshop it. We also discuss the science behind crafting the perfect punchline. In the midst of that, we also discuss the importance of brevity, the art of crowd work, and share personal anecdotes about our comedic influences. The landscape of comedy is evolving, which...

Heyyyo! It’s Episode #54 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” Podcast. In this episode, I chat with CA-based comedian, John Schaefer, and we get into his fascinating journey from improv to stand-up comedy. We discuss how years of improvisation shaped John’s unique comedic style and the challenges he faced transitioning to the stand-up stage. Along the way, we also talk about the art of joke writing and t...

It’s Episode #53 of “The Messed-Up To Set-Ups” Podcast, which means it’s also part 2 of my chat with comedian Daniel Quintero. In this episode, we engage in a lively discussion about the intricacies of joke writing, we workshop one of Daniel’s original jokes, then we spend some time making up jokes on the spot. Tune in for a pretty candid conversation filled with humor, insights, and practical tip...

In episode #52 of the “Messed Up the Setups” podcast, I chat with Weird-Al-Inspired comedian, Daniel Quintero (aka Arriba Dude). We dive into the unique challenges of performing in various venues ,from the intimate settings of church events to the bustling atmosphere of comedy clubs. We discuss, among other things, how different environments shape our performances. Tune in to hear our thoughts on...

It’s episode #51 y’all! Join me, comedian Michael Halcomb, and comedian/roast battler Mike Byrd, as we turn up the heat in a lively roasting session on the “Messed Up the Setups” podcast. Watch as we try to navigate the fine line between humor and insult. This episode is packed with laughter, clever slams, and a masterclass in the art of roasting. In other words, it’s perfect for anyone who loves...

It’s Episode #50 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups Podcast! How sick is that?!?! 50 episodes and they’re all FREE! And, for this milestone, we’ve got a killer episode. Join me as I sit down with Mike Byrd, a NC-based comedian, an insanely talented roaster, and one of the few guys I know who’s about as obsessed with joke structure as I am. We dive into his journey into comedy but also get into the nuts a...

It’s Episode #49 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups Podcast, which means we’re only 1 episode away from #50! That’s sick!!! Make sure you’re subscribed! For now, join me as I sit down with Karina Fabian, a comedian, author, and speaker, for a lively conversation where we work on one of her jokes and make up a bunch of jokes on the spot. This is a really fun one that lets you peek behind the curtains of w...

It’s Episode #48 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups Podcast. Join me, comedian Michael Halcomb, as I sit down with Karina Fabian, a comedian, author, and speaker, for a lively conversation about balancing comedy with personal life. Discover how Karina's unique experiences, from living near rocket launches to her journey into stand-up comedy, shape her humor and perspective. This episode offers a delightf...

It’s Episode 47 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups Podcast! Here comedians Michael Halcomb and Jerry Morrison dive into an impromptu joke-writing session. Watch as they challenge each other with spontaneous prompts, crafting punchlines on the fly. This segment is a testament to their quick wit and creativity, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the comedic process. Tune in for some great laugh...

In the 46th episode of the Messed-Up to Set-Ups podcast, comedians Michael Halcomb and Jerry Morrison enjoy some great laughs while they dive into the nuances of comedy styles. Jerry, an actual rock star (bass player in the band Bleach), shares his journey in the Nashville comedy scene, emphasizing the importance of kindness in humor and how it contrasts with the often ambiguous standards of clean...

In Episode #43 of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast, I talk with comedian Chrysalis Goring about the dynamic world of improv and the benefits of it for stand-up comedians. Also, Chrysalis shares her journey from stage combat to stand-up, revealing how her background in acting and improv has equipped her with the confidence to engage audiences in real-time. We also discuss the challenges and rewar...

Hi Friends, I’m stoked to share Episode #43 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups Podcast with you. In this episode I continue my chat with Indiana-based comedian Hayden Yes. Episode 1 is causing quite a stir over on YouTube (see HERE ). So, Part 2 is probably gonna get some attention. Lol! That’s because, in this episode, Hayden Yes brings an original joke about gossip, drama, and small town life, and we s...

In the last day-and-a-half, I’ve spent nearly 11 hours on the road. I gave a lecture at a conference in Louisville, Ky, but also did stand-up at the conference. I crushed. So, all the travel has me a bit behind on posting here. I’m glad to start catching up a bit today. Thus, here it is: Episode #42. In this episode of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups podcast, comedian Michael Halcomb interviews comedian...

Episode #41 has arrived! THIS…is the Messed-Up To Set-Ups podcast and, in this episode, I continue my chat with Tennessee-based comedian, Garrett McDonald. We kick things off with Garrett bringing an original joke. He tells us its origin story and then we spend some time workshopping and punching it up. From there, we start the clock and make up jokes on the spot and in real time from a bunch of r...

Friends, Episode #40 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups podcast is now live! In this episode, I chat with Tennessee-based comedian, Garrett McDonald. We discuss the importance of writing daily, finding your voice, working clean, and more. We also dive into Garrett’s comedy journey, what his wife thinks about it, and his life as a middle school counselor. This was really fun! So, check it out and subscrib...

Hiya, Friends! I’m back with Episode #39 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups Podcast. This is Part 2 of my interview with Indiana native and comedian, Amanda Hacker . In this episode, Amanda brings a joke about Barbie. We workshop it and try to punch it up. After that, we take on some random prompts and see how many jokes we can make on the spot. As with the first episode , this one was a fun. So, check t...

It’s been a minute, but I’ve finally got a new episode up for the Messed-Up To Set-Ups Podcast. That’s right, episode #38 is live. This is Part 1 of my interview with comedian, Amanda Hacker , who is based out of Indiana. In this episode, we talk about laughing through tough times. Amanda grew up in a funeral home and also spent much of her youth in a rest home with her ailing mother. In addition...

I’ve been a bit too busy to post this past week, but I’m pleased to finally share Episode #37 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast. This episode is Part 5 in a short, 5-part, mini course. In it, I share a simple map for writing your first joke. This is a sweet, simple, step-by-step method for writing story-jokes. Watch/listen. Also, despite the fact that I’m currently in Facebook jail for some re...

Here we go! Episode #36 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast is now live. This episode is Part 4 in a short, 5-part, mini course. In it, I share a simple map for writing your first joke and place emphasis on how to build it. As I’ve said already, this is a sweet, simple, step-by-step method for writing story-jokes. Watch/listen. Also, stop what you’re doing right now and go sign up for FREE “The...