Episode 8 of The Pro-Laugh Podcast is scheduled to drop on 8/31/25. Each of our episodes (watch & sub HERE) is choc-full of comedy ideas and tips and, in this one, my pal Brandon and I talk about one simple tool every comedian needs: a solid bio to hand to the host before the show. What follows is a sort of “Top 10 List” of reasons why a bio is important.
Having a bio makes life infinitely easier for the host. They no longer have to scramble through Google results like a detective to figure out who you are. Instead of embarrassing you or themselves, instead of fumbling around for words to say, when you give them a readymade bio they get to shine a little bit and move on.
A bio prevents your host from roasting you into oblivion out of lack or desperation. Without your own self-deprecating material on hand, they’ll be forced to riff on your name or appearance. Save them from awkward silence and, at the same time, save yourself from becoming that evening’s Mystery Meat.
Sharing a bio stops the host from mischaracterizing you entirely. No more being introduced as “the guy who used to run a grooming business in Kalamazoo” (a descriptor that could be taken multiple ways!). With a bio you get to control the narrative instead of starring in someone else’s bad improv.
Providing your bio keeps hosts from stealing the very jokes you planned to use on stage, especially self-roasts. By giving the host a very specific bio they won’t veer from, you’ll get to keep your punchlines about yourself for yourself.
A clear bio prevents the host from biasing the crowd against you. If you arrive without context they might warn the audience you’re a nervous rookie looking for validation. Hand over a punchy bio and suddenly you can come across as a seasoned comedian.
A funny bio warms up the room before you even step on stage. When the host reads your bio and it has some jokes, which it absolutely should, the audience is primed to laugh. You get your first few laughs in the bag and, when you grab the mic, all you have to do is keep the momentum you generated from your bio rolling.
Supplying your bio makes the host look like you have comedy wits about you. When a host gets to introduce you with flair instead of clawing through their notes, they’ll usually appreciate it. A grateful host often remembers who made them look good and that means you’ll stand a better chance of sliding back onto the list in the future.
Handing in your bio sends a message that you’re a professional. Bookers, hosts, and fellow comedians will likely pick up on it. The audience may, too. When you give a bio, you’re no longer the open-mic wanderer but the comedian who knows how to play the game.
A well-written bio makes you sound like somebody. When other comedians show up empty-handed and you arrive with your polished credentials, you instantly gain street cred. The crowd and the club will assume you belong on stage rather than in the parking lot complaining about cover charges.
Finally, a bio helps frame your persona before you speak your first word. Whether you’re the self-deprecating underdog or the sharp-tongued truth teller, the audience is already aligned with your vibe. The jokes and info in your bio set the tone, shape expectations, and turn potential confusion into instant connection.
If you want more on this comedy mindhack, tune in to the Pro-Laugh Podcast on 8/31/25. Until then, listen to/watch previous episodes HERE. Also, go draft that bio! Then, take it with you, hand it over, then watch as your host, your audience, and your set all start off on the right foot.