TRAP 4: “AUTHORITY FIGURE ISSUES” YOU: “I don’t like how you’re leading this workshop. I quit. (And I know it’s non-refundable, but can I have my money back?)” ME: “You may not like me, and you may find my leadership style irritating. I seem bossy and maybe you don’t like how Read more…
TRAP 3: “LIFE IS SUDDENLY AMAZING“ YOU: “I suddenly realize I don’t really have time for this creative stuff. I’ve suddenly got SO much on my plate, and it’s really… self-indulgent. For my kids/career/partner/other creative project/suddenly amazing new job offer, I just don’t have time!” ME: “I do notice when Read more…
TRAP 2: “THIS ISN’T QUITE IT.” YOU: “I can’t seem to say what I really want to say, in just the way I really want to say it. I quit!” ME: “Ugh, that must feel really uncomfortable! Some part of you knows just how it should feel, and it’s like an Read more…
Having done standup comedy since college, I struggled for a long time to get the hang of writing, being on stage, and putting myself out there. I was inconsistent. I was self-sabotaging. I was often paralyzed with fantasies of grandiosity. I was so frustrated that I hadn’t “made it” yet. Read more…
I went to a plein-air poetry night on Saturday and was invited to read. Didn’t think about preparing. Found a story I’d written and only performed once, back at the Zen Center in SF. A modern-day parable, mixing The Princess and The Pea with The Prodigal Son. About coming home. Read more…
“Do you get stage fright?” is the question people always ask me when they learn I’m a comedian. Or… “Wow, you’re so brave to get up and do comedy in front of people!” (“I could never do that!”) The truth is that even professional performers sometimes get performance anxiety before getting Read more…
The Real Secret So here’s the other thing that happened that set the stage for my break down and breakthrough. Alien visitation. No I’m kidding. What actually happened was that after years of soldiering through on my own, I made a plan in advance to have a friend greet me Read more…
The Gift of Total Breakdown I recently had a complete breakdown on stage during a comedy show. And it was one of the best experiences of my performing life. I say that because during my breakdown which included swearing and crying and generally having a rough time, I was being Read more…
Check out an exploration I did live with an actor named Leah, who’s never done comedy before, and see how we find our way toward the funny together.
People will tell you things that are not helpful, for the sake of being helpful. Especially if you’re an artist, entrepreneur, activist, or person inspiring change… Sometimes they may even say it in the form of a question, so your answer appears to be your own, but your conclusion might Read more…