My 1-Year Comedy Anniversary

10 Reflections & Tips

It wasn’t until around 9pm last night that I remembered: Today is my 1-year comedy anniversary. So, since I missed posting about it yesterday, which is fine because I released a new podcast episode on joke-writing, I wanted share about it today. One year ago, I made the commitment on 12/28/23 to jump into stand-up. I’d been wanting to do it for years but never really had the guts. So, full of nerves, excitement, and more than a little doubt I went for it and, honestly, it was also the start of something I’ve come to love even more. Comedy has a way of humbling you fast and rewarding you slowly. It’s taught me so much in just one year, and today, I want to share ten lessons, despite there being hundreds more, I’ve learned along the way.

1. Be a student first.
   If you’re not willing to invest in yourself, don’t expect anyone else to. Comedy is a craft, and like any craft, it takes time, effort, and education. I’ve taken classes, read books, listened to audiobooks, and gone to countless shows by professional comedians. You can learn so much just by watching people who are good at what they do. My mindset is: The more you invest in learning, the more your comedy grows.

2. Learn the hard art of writing jokes.
   Writing jokes isn’t just about being funny—it’s about learning the mechanics. Start with the basics: setups, punchlines, tags, openers, closers. Learn the terminology. Study joke structures, comedic triggers, and techniques. Writing jokes is a skill, not a magical talent, and the only way to get better is to practice. The number one problem I find with most fresh comics who grab the mic and take the stage is they have funny ideas or premises but the jokes lack structure and technique.

3. Be patient.
   This one’s tough, but it’s crucial. Don’t call yourself a comedian after an open mic or two. Don’t post your first set online expecting it to go viral. Wait. Give yourself time to grow and figure out if comedy is something you’re really committed to. If you stick with it, consistency and patience, which are best friends, will become your best friends.

4. Find your voice.
   In comedy, your voice is everything. Sure, you’ll probably start by imitating the comedians you admire—that’s natural. But don’t let imitation overshadow who you are. Your perspective, your experiences, your style—that’s what makes you unique. It takes time to find your voice, but once you do, it’ll feel like coming home. And, frankly, I don’t buy the common saying that it takes at least 5 years to find your voice/persona. It may, but that’s not a given; it can happen faster.

5. Be obsessed.
   Comedy for someone who wants to get serious about it can’t just be a part-time hobby; it’s got to be a full-time obsession. Read the books. Watch the specials. Listen to the podcasts. Study the sets. If you’re driving, listen to comedy. If you’re at home, watch it. Don’t waste time scrolling aimlessly when you could be learning and laughing.

6. Accept feedback.
   Feedback is how you grow. Whether it’s affirmation or critique, learn to be hungry for it. But remember, not all feedback is created equal. Some advice will help you improve, and some will miss the mark entirely. Learn to filter it, take what’s helpful, and leave the rest.

7. Know your audience.
   Connecting with your audience is everything. I’ve seen comedians bomb because they didn’t read the room. One guy, despite me warning him about a 14-year-old in the front row, opened with ten minutes of profanity-laced material in front of a crowd of families. It was painful to watch. Comedy isn’t just about telling jokes—it’s about knowing who’s listening.

8. Stay true to yourself.
   Comedy can be a wild world. There’s almost no moral code except “don’t steal jokes,” and the drinking and drugs are real. But I know who I am, what I believe, and what my goals are. I stick to my values, and I don’t let anything—or anyone—deter me from them.

9. Set goals.
   You need to know where you’re going if you ever want to get there. For 2025, I’ve got two main goals: increase my online presence and perform more. Every other goal I set will serve those two larger objectives. Keep your goals realistic and clear, and let them guide your decisions.

10. Get organized.
    Write like crazy. Ideas are everywhere, but they don’t stick around unless you capture them. Use an app or keep a notebook with you at all times. If something funny comes to mind, write it down—no matter where you are or what you’re doing. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

This first year of comedy has been a rollercoaster, and I’ve learned so much more than I can fit into one post. But these ten lessons stand out as the ones I keep coming back to. Comedy is hard work, but it’s also some of the most fun I’ve ever had. Here’s to year two—let’s keep going.

PS: If you’re willing to help me out in this comedy venture, please subscribe/follow me on one of your favorite platforms or all of the following: Substack (here or the form below) for blogs/podcasts, Spotify or Apple for podcasts, X for jokes, Facebook or Instagram for memes, and/or YouTube for podcasts and clips/promos. Thank you!