Hello, Friend! In this episode of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I chat with comedian Bassil Kamas about the value of getting in on both sides of a comedy show: Performing and Producing. We get into what comedians can learn from creating opportunities instead of only waiting for them, how producing changes the way we understand audiences and other performers, and why both experiences can make us better comedians. Along the way, we also get into his journey from Iraq to California, explore why the gap between expectation and reality is so important in stand-up, and deal with some dark premises. If you’re trying to build momentum in comedy instead of simply waiting for someone else to give you opportunities, there’s a lot in this one worth thinking about. Tune in!
Also, I’d love to encourage you to check out a new app I just created, an app I wish I’d have had years ago: Comedian Persona Explorer. Whether you begin with a single report or continue using it as you grow, my goal is simple: I hope you’ll spend less time chasing someone else’s identity and more time becoming the comedian only you can be. Check it out HERE.
Along the same lines, let me just say that, if reflections and tools like this are helpful to you, that’s also exactly why I wrote Comedy Mindhacks. My goal isn’t simply to help comedians write better jokes. It’s to help comedians understand the invisible thinking behind better comedy. Every mental model becomes another tool for building momentum, and over time those small shifts in thinking have a way of producing much bigger shifts on stage.
This entire book is built around helping comedians identify the mental obstacles, hurdle over them, and boost their momentum. If this article resonated with you, you’ll find a lot more like it inside the book. You can check out sample pages HERE. If you’re not yet a subscriber, use code MH10LIVE at checkout HERE for 10% off. Free subscribers automatically receive 15% off, and paid subscribers receive 35% off because I’m a big believer in rewarding people who invest in themselves. 👉 Click HERE to grab the book.
And if you’re ready to double down in a BIGGER way, consider joining my Comedy Vault. It’s my private collection of premium resources, trainings, workshops, and tools designed to help comedians continue growing long after the initial excitement fades. The first bet gets you into the game. Doubling down is what changes who you become.👉 Click HERE to unlock the Comedy Vault.
