The Funny Muscle Podcast

Guided by the belief that anyone can learn to become funnier once they understand what to practice, the Funny Muscle Podcast aims to break down how pro comics get their best laughs. Comedian turned author Mike Lukas and cohost Chris Stiffler, an economics professor and open mic-er, use the game plan and concepts outlined in the Funny Muscle Book series to give listeners a better idea of how original (and funny) jokes are crafted.

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Episodes

How to Heighten Your Bits

Thursday Feb 08, 2024

Thursday Feb 08, 2024

Mike sees it all the time at open mics: a new comic does a good bit but leaves it under-developed. 
That 20 second joke could turn into 3 great minutes of material if the open mic-er would learn to use what Mike has dubbed the “humor heightening devices.”  
In this episode, Chris (@econ_comic) brings a fresh joke idea to Mike (@mlukas1111) who then runs it through the humor heightening devices to produce more and more material. 
We see techniques like anthropomorphizing, extension, exaggeration, different perspectives and bait and switch.
This episode will give you a hands-on look at the humor heightening devices in action. 
*** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)

The Humor Blueprint

Thursday Feb 01, 2024

Thursday Feb 01, 2024

Misdirection is at the heart of getting laughs.
That’s one piece of advice often overlooked by fledgling comics. 
In this episode, Mike (@mlukas1111) teaches how comics can use misdirection to their advantage.
He does so with a tool/template he’s dubbed the Humor Blueprint.
Mike teaches the Humor Blueprint, then Chris (@econ_comic) runs some famous bits through the Blueprint as practice.
*** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)

The Comedy Lens

Wednesday Jan 24, 2024

Wednesday Jan 24, 2024

Why is understanding your Comedy Lens a critical first step to learning how to do standup comedy?
What’s your unique take? What’s your persona? 
The comedy lens gives you a port hole through which to view the world. 
This helps in narrowing your focus when writing material. 
A clear comedy lens also increases the chances that your audience will remember you. 
The discussion concludes with some take-away homework for the listener by providing 4 questions to answer to get you started developing your own comedy lens.
*** If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to give us a share, like, and follow! Thanks :)

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