In this episode of Awkward Silence, comedian and KOMP 92.3 DJ Brandon “Gooch” Hahn clarifies Brandt’s tendencies toward performing in the nude and explains the difference between a DJ who does comedy versus a comedian who is also a DJ. Show notes:

• Writing for the audience vs. yourself
• Is comedy fun when it’s your job?
• Where material comes from
• Could you get fired for your material (for either day job or other gigs)?
• Headliner Brandon “Gooch” Hahn
• Brandt + naked on stage = yes
• The Beach (club in Vegas)
• Gooch endorses “Blue Labeled” beer
• Friars Club faux pas (yes, I looked up the spelling)
• Comics who are DJ vs. DJs who are comedian
• Ron Shock interview with Gooch
• Internet has trashed radio
• Performing with Larry the Cable Guy
• The best compliment ever
• Dirty vs. clean (caution)
• “Back of the room” comedians
• Comedic mentors
• Hell Gig

“. . .Awkward Silence is the best. . .”

Comedian, filmmaker, and one-time rickshaw driver/owner John Bizarre is among the most popular (and successful) comedians in Las Vegas. In this episode of Awkward Silence, we learn of the three “h’s” hash, hookers and headlining. Show notes:

• Fit or FAT +2
• Brandt’s porn star story
• Comedian John Bizarre
• Prison guard
• Tonight show gig
• Pastry chef and producer
• Rickshaw driving in Amsterdam
• Hash and Hookers
• Marketing yourself
• Starting in New York
• Being on Netflix
• Craig T. Nelson
• Advice to new comics
• Hell Gig

“If I would have bought gold instead of coke. . .”

A regular in the Boston comedy scene, this week’s headliner Dave Russo (U.S.O., Comedy Central, The Today Show, E! The Entertainer) gives Brandt some dating advice and explains how to deal with a comedian who steals your material. Show notes:

• Shaving accidents
• Brandt is in LA
• Porno chicks
• Viper room
• Comic heros
• Tip of the week
• Fit or FAT (-1lbs)
• Headliner Dave Russo
• Pitching ideas
• Wayne Newton “The Entertainer”
• Boston comedy scene
• Acting class
• Gary is still a dick
• Performing for the troops via the USO
• Producing your own stand-up comedy shows
• Ideal careers
• Tips for new comics
• Hell Gig

“It was a shaving accident.”

Awkward Silence returns to its regularly scheduled programming and welcomes headliner Vince Morris (HBO, NBC, Late Late Show) who explains why comics are bitter, how he got a surprise gig with George Wallace, and racial harmony (or lack there of) in the comedy scene. Show notes:

• New comedian tips
• Fit or FAT (+1lbs)
• Headliner Vince Morris
• Working with George Wallace
• Never ask a man how long he’s been in comedy. . .or his weight
• Changing
• Comics are bitter
• Producing your own show
• Being on the road
• Bowling alley gig (a great gig!)
• First TV spot
• Racial harmony in the business
• Writing for others
• Biggest mistake new comedians make
• Last Comic Standing
• Getting new gigs
• Supporting the family
• The comedy business and salaries
• Self promotion and social media
• Ideal career
• Corporate politics
• “Negro Night”
• The ideal comedy club
• Hell Gig

“More chicken wings and Hennessy!”

Besides hosting Let’s Bet!, our headliner Scott Pritchard is an up-and-coming stand-up comedian here in Las Vegas. Today’s episode of Awkward Silence looks into the steps Scott has taken to get his comedy career off the ground. Show notes:

• Brandt has left the building (we think)
• Fit or FAT (+1lbs)
• Headliner Scott Pritchard
• Open mics are no one’s idea of fun
• Performing for other comics
• Clean comics and bookers
• “Know where the funny part is”
• Advice for 22 students learning standup
• Relying on crowd work
• Dealing with hecklers and drunk people
• How much material equals 5 minutes of comedy
• Have you ever performed drunk?
• “No one cares what you do.” – Brandt Tobler
• How to get re-hired as a host
• Pritchard’s plans

“Have either of you ever performed drunk?” – Chatroom question