Messed-Up To Set-Ups - A MichaelHalcomb.Live Podcast
by Discussing The Messed-Up Things That Make Life Funny
Is this your podcast?Insights from recent episode analysis
Audience Interest
Podcast Focus
Publishing Consistency
Platform Reach
Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
Total monthly reach
Estimated from 6 chart positions in 6 markets.
By chart position
- 🇺🇸US · Stand-Up#9830K to 100K
- 🇨🇦CA · Stand-Up#1945K to 30K
- 🇩🇪DE · Stand-Up#1945K to 30K
- 🇪🇸ES · Stand-Up#1411K to 10K
- 🇳🇴NO · Stand-Up#533K to 10K
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
14K to 57K🎙 Daily cadence·109 episodes·Last published yesterday - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
47K to 190K🇺🇸53%🇨🇦16%🇩🇪16%+3 more - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
19K to 76K
Market Insights
Platform Distribution
Reach across major podcast platforms, updated hourly
Total Followers
—
Total Plays
—
Total Reviews
—
* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
On the show
Recent episodes
Most Comedians Skip This Step
Jun 23, 2026
26m 29s
Where Good Jokes Come From
Jun 21, 2026
30m 09s
The Joke Writer's Lab (Live Stream #6)
Jun 20, 2026
30m 37s
On The Mic After 14 Years
Jun 16, 2026
29m 13s
Songwriting In Comedy
Jun 13, 2026
22m 38s
Social Links & Contact
Official channels & resources
Official Website
Login
RSS Feed
Login
| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/23/26 |  Most Comedians Skip This Step | Hello, Friend! In this episode of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I sit down with comedian Phillip Anthony for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious, intelligent, and encouraging as we dig into his journey from the Bronx to Massachusetts, the wild moment that accidentally launched his comedy path, and the hard-earned lessons that helped him build real momentum on stage. We talk about finding your voice, turning your messy life experiences into laughter, and why the adage “perfect your five” matters so much. We also get into how crowd work, mentorship, and clean, relatable truth can shape a comedian’s future. If you’re a comedian, a creative, or just someone who loves a good story with practical wisdom and plenty of laughs, this one’s for you. Tune in!And, hey, if you’re looking for a place to grow your skillset, I recently published Comedy Mindhacks: 100 Mental Shifts To Help Comedians & Creatives Succeed for exactly that reason.This entire book is built around helping comedians identify the mental obstacles that quietly slow their growth and steal their momentum. If this article resonated with you, I think you’ll find a lot more of that 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. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 26m 29s | ||||||
| 6/21/26 |  Where Good Jokes Come From | Hello, Friend! In this episode of Messed-Up to Set-Ups, I’m joined once again by comedian Joel Brill. This is Part 2 of our conversation, and we do what comedians love most: Take messy real-life frustrations and turn them into laughs with live joke-workshopping and quick riffing. We build some momentum by digging into technology that seems to hate us, autocorrect disasters, Siri and Alexa behaving like jealous housemates, and a pile of playful tangents that somehow keep getting funnier as we go. If you enjoy clean, clever comedy, practical joke-building, and a behind-the-scenes look at how raw thoughts become tighter bits, you’re going to have a great time with this episode. Tune in!And, hey, if you’re looking for a place to grow your skillset, I recently published Comedy Mindhacks: 100 Mental Shifts To Help Comedians & Creatives Succeed for exactly that reason.This entire book is built around helping comedians identify the mental obstacles that quietly slow their growth and steal their momentum. If this article resonated with you, I think you’ll find a lot more of that 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. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 30m 09s | ||||||
| 6/20/26 |  The Joke Writer's Lab (Live Stream #6) | Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 30m 37s | ||||||
| 6/16/26 |  On The Mic After 14 Years | Hello, Friend! In this episode of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast, I sit down with the “Loveable Curmudgeon,” comedian Joel Brill, and step into his comedy world. We chat about everything from his early inspirations to the art of storytelling. We get into the challenges of balancing family life with a comedy career and why, sometimes, a decade-and-a-half hiatus might be necessary. Joel also shares his unique insights on how the comedy scene has evolved in the last decade, the impacts of social media, and the delicate dance of crowd work. It’s a conversation packed with good laughs, good stories, and good wisdom. Tune in!And before you tune in, I’d be so grateful and honored if you’d order a copy of my new book: Comedy Mindhacks: 100 Mental Shifts To Help Comedians & Creatives Succeed.If you click HERE, you can see some sample pages. If you don’t yet subscribe to this site, you can still get a 10% discount at your purchase with the code: MH10LIVE. But, if you become a FREE Subscriber, you can automatically get a 15% discount.If you sign up as a paid subscriber, I’ll send you a 35% discount. Also, when you join that inner circle, you’ll instantly unlock my entire premium comedy vault.👉 Click HERE to Upgrade Your Subscription & Unlock the Vault. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 29m 13s | ||||||
| 6/13/26 |  Songwriting In Comedy | Hello, Friend! In this episode of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast, I chat with the super kind and absolutely hilarious Bonnie Works Gardner. We workshop some jokes in real time, talk about how she creates song parodies to share personal stories, and do some on-the-spot riffing on headlines and cliches. We also discuss Bonnie’s take on clean comedy and her knack for turning life’s messed-up moments into humor. Plus, I share insights from my new book, Comedy Mind Hacks. Tune in!Oh, and if you’d like to show some love, I’d be so grateful and honored if you’d order a copy of said book: Comedy Mindhacks: 100 Mental Shifts To Help Comedians & Creatives Succeed.If you click HERE, you can see some sample pages. If you don’t yet subscribe to this site, you can still get a 10% discount at your purchase with the code: MH10LIVE. But, if you become a FREE Subscriber, you can automatically get a 15% discount.If you sign up as a paid subscriber, I’ll send you a 35% discount. Also, when you join that inner circle, you’ll instantly unlock my entire premium comedy vault.👉 Click HERE to Upgrade Your Subscription & Unlock the Vault. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 22m 38s | ||||||
| 6/10/26 |  Finding Your Comedy Lane | Hello, Friend! Welcome to Episode 125 of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast. In this one, I sit down with the incredibly talented and funny Bonnie Works Gardner. We get into her comedy journey, discuss her unique knack for crafting hilarious song parodies, and the personal stories that fuel her humor. Bonnie also shares insights on clean comedy, the open mic scene, and even her first-hand take on diabetes! Whether you’re a comedy fan or comedian, this episode is packed with laughs and insights. Tune in!Hey, before you go, let me say “Thanks!” for reading. And, if you’d like to show some love, please order a copy of my new book. Here’s the link: Comedy Mindhacks: 100 Mental Shifts To Help Comedians & Creatives Succeed.If you click HERE, you can see some sample pages. If you don’t yet subscribe to this site, you can still get a 10% discount at your purchase with the code: MH10LIVE. But, if you become a FREE Subscriber, you can automatically get a 15% discount.If you sign up as a paid subscriber, I’ll send you a 35% discount. Also, when you join that inner circle, you’ll instantly unlock my entire premium comedy vault, including FREE access to one of my classes (see below) and access to “The Green Room” content. But that’s not all, there’s way more:* The Joke Writer’s Lab Video Course: Unrestricted access to my step-by-step joke writing course on Udemy.* The Green Room: Access to all my private posts that look behind the scenes.* The Comedian Spotlight: A feature and promotion to my entire audience in an upcoming newsletter!* The Joke Blueprint Playbook: My 17-page manual for structuring your thoughts and polishing your jokes.* The Premium “Round-Up” Newsletter: My exclusive weekly deep-dive delivered every Sunday.* The Round-Up Repository: Full access to my private database containing every past and future newsletter.👉 Click HERE to Upgrade Your Subscription & Unlock the Vault. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 22m 39s | ||||||
| 6/7/26 |  Can You Roast Without Being A Jerk? | Hello, Friend! In this episode of “Messed-Up to Set-Ups,” I continue my chat with the hilarious Dr. Terry Lindvall about everything from holy mocking to the humor of Jesus. We get into the art of satire, the great cussing debate, and even share some laugh-out-loud stories from church history. After checking this out, you may leave with a new perspective on comedy and faith. Tune in!And…before you go, check this out…my new book is ready for preorder: Comedy Mindhacks: 100 Mental Shifts To Help Comedians & Creatives Succeed. Secure your copy HERE. It goes live on 6/8/26.If you click HERE, you can see some sample pages. If you don’t yet subscribe to this site, you can still get a 10% discount at your purchase with the code: MH10LIVE. But, if you become a FREE Subscriber, you can automatically get a 15% discount.If you sign up as a paid subscriber, I’ll send you a 35% discount. Also, when you join that inner circle, you’ll instantly unlock my entire premium comedy vault:* The Joke Writer’s Lab Video Course: Unrestricted access to my step-by-step joke writing course on Udemy.* The Comedian Spotlight: A feature and promotion to my entire audience in an upcoming newsletter!* The Joke Blueprint Playbook: My 17-page manual for structuring your thoughts and polishing your jokes.* The Premium “Round-Up” Newsletter: My exclusive weekly deep-dive delivered every Sunday.* The Round-Up Repository: Full access to my private database containing every past and future newsletter.👉 Click HERE to Upgrade Your Subscription & Unlock the Vault. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 29m 16s | ||||||
| 6/6/26 |  Why Comedians Freeze During Crowd Work | Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 38m 31s | ||||||
| 6/2/26 |  God Laughs?! And...Roasts?! | Hello, Friend! In this episode of “Messed-Up to Set-Ups,” I chat with the hilarious Dr. Terry Lindvall about the surprising humor hidden in the Bible, church history, and the life of Jesus. We also get into Terry’s unique career path, his many books, and his connections to Hollywood. While we discuss the comedic twists in Genesis, we also dive into Dr. Lindvall’s book, God Mocks, which is what led me to him in the first place. In addition to all that, we explore the art of joke writing, and share laughs about Noah’s Ark and more. Terry’s insights are as enlightening as they are entertaining. Seriously, while this episode’s a bit out of the norm, trust me, you’re not gonna want to miss it. And…before you go, check this out…my new book is ready for preorder: Comedy Mindhacks: 100 Mental Shifts To Help Comedians & Creatives Succeed. Secure your copy HERE.If you click HERE, you can see some sample pages. If you don’t yet subscribe to this site, you can still get a 10% discount at your purchase with the code: MH10LIVE. But, if you become a FREE Subscriber, you can automatically get a 15% discount.If you sign up as a paid subscriber, I’ll send you a 35% discount. Also, when you join that inner circle, you’ll instantly unlock my entire premium comedy vault:* The Joke Writer’s Lab Video Course: Unrestricted access to my step-by-step joke writing course on Udemy.* The Comedian Spotlight: A feature and promotion to my entire audience in an upcoming newsletter!* The Joke Blueprint Playbook: My 17-page manual for structuring your thoughts and polishing your jokes.* The Premium “Round-Up” Newsletter: My exclusive weekly deep-dive delivered every Sunday.* The Round-Up Repository: Full access to my private database containing every past and future newsletter.👉 Click HERE to Upgrade Your Subscription & Unlock the Vault. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 28m 00s | ||||||
| 5/30/26 |  The Power of Specificity | Hello, Friend! In this episode of “Messed-Up to Set-Ups,” I chat with humorist and economist, Chris Stiffler, about his unique journey from in the world of comedy. We share helpful insights that inspire growth in humor writing and momentum for stand-up. We explore the art of writing long articles, the power of specificity, and how to find creativity in unexpected places. Whether you’re seeking laughs or practical wisdom, this episode is packed with stories and insights to keep you moving forward. Tune in!Oh, and if you want to hear real, raw, and candid thoughts about some of my journey in stand-up comedy, before you go, be sure to download your copy of my brand new audiobook, Road Chronicles of a Comedian: 30 Hours to Somewhere for just $3.99. Click the image below, or click HERE.I also want to invite you to upgrade to a paid subscriber of MichaelHalcomb.Live today. When you join the inner circle, you instantly unlock my entire premium comedy vault:* The Joke Writer’s Lab Video Course: Unrestricted access to my step-by-step joke writing course on Udemy.* The Comedian Spotlight: A feature and promotion to my entire audience in an upcoming newsletter!* The Joke Blueprint Playbook: My 17-page manual for structuring your thoughts and polishing your jokes.* The Premium “Round-Up” Newsletter: My exclusive weekly deep-dive delivered every Sunday.* The Round-Up Repository: Full access to my private database containing every past and future newsletter.👉 Click HERE to Upgrade Your Subscription & Unlock the Vault. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 25m 21s | ||||||
Want analysis for the episodes below?Free for Pro Submit a request, we'll have your selected episodes analyzed within an hour. Free, at no cost to you, for Pro users. | |||||||||
| 5/26/26 |  Insights From A Humor Columnist | Hello, Friend! In this episode of “Messed-Up to Set-Ups,” I chat with the brilliant and hilarious Christopher Stiffler. We get into just about everything, from the unpredictable weather to the art of teaching economics with humor. We dive into his journey from a high school quipster to a humor columnist, explore the influence of comedic legends like Dave Barry, and try to work a fun rhetorical device into the conversation along the way. Want some insights from a humor columnist? Tune in! And…Before you go, be sure to download your copy of my brand new audiobook, Road Chronicles of a Comedian: 30 Hours to Somewhere for just $3.99. Click the image below, or click HERE.I also want to invite you to upgrade to a paid subscriber of MichaelHalcomb.Live today. When you join the inner circle, you instantly unlock my entire premium comedy vault:* The Joke Writer’s Lab Video Course: Unrestricted access to my step-by-step joke writing course on Udemy.* The Comedian Spotlight: A feature and promotion to my entire audience in an upcoming newsletter!* The Joke Blueprint Playbook: My 17-page manual for structuring your thoughts and polishing your jokes.* The Premium “Round-Up” Newsletter: My exclusive weekly deep-dive delivered every Sunday.* The Round-Up Repository: Full access to my private database containing every past and future newsletter.👉 Click HERE to Upgrade Your Subscription & Unlock the Vault. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 30m 48s | ||||||
| 5/23/26 |  Everyday Life Is Your Material | Hello, Friend! It’s episode 120 of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast. In part 2 of my chat with comedian Hal Wilson, we get into his journey from thinking he was a gangster to embracing stand-up comedy. We dive into hilarious stories from the 90s, explore the concept of emotional truth in comedy, and even create some jokes on the spot. Hal shares his unique perspective on suburban life and the unexpected humor it brings. Hey, before you tune into the episode, let me share a short story with you. About 18 months ago, I went to an open mic in Hawai’i. Not a single actual audience member showed up. The room was just filled with other comedians, arms crossed, waiting for their turn. Maybe you’ve encountered something similar. Anyway, since all these comedians had already heard my material several times, I decided to throw my jokes out and use my 7 minutes to practice crowd work. Yes, crowd work on other comedians.It pissed one guy off so badly that he started cussing at me, while I was on stage, in front of the booker and other comedians. He was furiously telling me to “do real comedy” and to stop wasting everyone’s time. The fact is, he was wasting my time on the mic. Y’all, comedy can be cutthroat, and even open mics can be a battlefield!The truth is, many comedians operate on a toxic, “limited good” mindset. They believe that if you get stage time or fame, you are stealing it from them. So, they try to stop you. They criticize you to weed you out. It sucks!!! I’m trying to create the opposite: an environment of encouragement and camaraderie. Anyway, I confronted that guy in the parking lot that night right to his face, but the real victory came months later. We ended up booked on the same lineup for a weekend string of five real shows for Don’t Tell Comedy. Afterward, he came up to me, shocked that I had actual jokes and that I completely killed. He actually apologized, which is rare in comedy.In that moment, I realized something vital: I could’ve shrunk back during that set where he interrupted me weeks earlier. I could’ve been a weasel in that parking lot. I could’ve quit. But I didn’t let his criticism determine my ending, nor did I let his apology determine my future. Why? Because I was sure of myself. And I was sure of myself because I know joke mechanics, joke structure, and I have an unmatchable work ethic.I left the open mic scene about a year ago. It’s just not for me. Maybe you want to get out of that scene, too. Well, you can. If you are tired of toxic open mics and want access to the exact, field-tested tools I’ve used, tools that have helped me bypass the gatekeepers, haters, and critics and turn raw thoughts into great jokes and sets, I want to invite you to upgrade to a paid subscriber of MichaelHalcomb.Live today.When you join the inner circle, you instantly unlock my entire premium comedy vault:* The Joke Writer’s Lab Video Course: Unrestricted access to my step-by-step joke writing course on Udemy.* The Comedian Spotlight: A feature and promotion to my entire audience in an upcoming newsletter!* The Joke Blueprint Playbook: My 17-page manual for structuring your thoughts and polishing your jokes.* The Premium “Round-Up” Newsletter: My exclusive weekly deep-dive delivered every Sunday.* The Round-Up Repository: Full access to my private database containing every past and future newsletter.👉 Click HERE to Upgrade Your Subscription & Unlock the Vault. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 31m 49s | ||||||
| 5/20/26 |  Starting Comedy At 50 | Hello, Friend! It’s episode 119 of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast. In this episode, I chat with the hilarious Hal Wilson about his journey from teaching to tackling the comedy stage. We dive into his first open mic in Hollywood, the art of clean comedy, and the unexpected challenges of crowd work. Hal also shares his comedic influences and offers advice for aspiring comedians. Plus, we explore the unique vibe of performing in Savannah, GA and the importance of staying true to oneself. Hey, before you tune into the episode, let me share a short story with you. About 18 months ago, I went to an open mic in Hawai’i. Not a single actual audience member showed up. The room was just filled with other comedians, arms crossed, waiting for their turn. Maybe you’ve encountered something similar. Anyway, since all these comedians had already heard my material several times, I decided to throw my jokes out and use my 7 minutes to practice crowd work. Yes, crowd work on other comedians.It pissed one guy off so badly that he started cussing at me, while I was on stage, in front of the booker and other comedians. He was furiously telling me to “do real comedy” and to stop wasting everyone’s time. The fact is, he was wasting my time on the mic. Y’all, comedy can be cutthroat, and even open mics can be a battlefield!The truth is, many comedians operate on a toxic, “limited good” mindset. They believe that if you get stage time or fame, you are stealing it from them. So, they try to stop you. They criticize you to weed you out. It sucks!!! I’m trying to create the opposite: an environment of encouragement and camaraderie. Anyway, I confronted that guy in the parking lot that night right to his face, but the real victory came months later. We ended up booked on the same lineup for a weekend string of five real shows for Don’t Tell Comedy. Afterward, he came up to me, shocked that I had actual jokes and that I completely killed. He actually apologized, which is rare in comedy.In that moment, I realized something vital: I could’ve shrunk back during that set where he interrupted me weeks earlier. I could’ve been a weasel in that parking lot. I could’ve quit. But I didn’t let his criticism determine my ending, nor did I let his apology determine my future. Why? Because I was sure of myself. And I was sure of myself because I know joke mechanics, joke structure, and I have an unmatchable work ethic.I left the open mic scene about a year ago. It’s just not for me. Maybe you want to get out of that scene, too. Well, you can. If you are tired of toxic open mics and want access to the exact, field-tested tools I’ve used, tools that have helped me bypass the gatekeepers, haters, and critics and turn raw thoughts into great jokes and sets, I want to invite you to upgrade to a paid subscriber of MichaelHalcomb.Live today. When you join the inner circle, you instantly unlock my entire premium comedy vault:* The Joke Writer’s Lab Video Course: Unrestricted access to my step-by-step joke writing course on Udemy.* The Comedian Spotlight: A feature and promotion to my entire audience in an upcoming newsletter!* The Joke Blueprint Playbook: My 17-page manual for structuring your thoughts and polishing your jokes.* The Premium “Round-Up” Newsletter: My exclusive weekly deep-dive delivered every Sunday.* The Round-Up Repository: Full access to my private database containing every past and future newsletter.👉 Click HERE to Upgrade Your Subscription & Unlock the Vault. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 29m 00s | ||||||
| 5/16/26 |  Real-Time Joke Writing | Hello, Friend! In this episode of “Messed-Up to Set-Ups,” I chat once again with comedian Yoshee So. This episode’s all about the craft of joke writing. We pull back the curtain, show you our process, and share some laugh-out-loud stories about HOA presidency. Plus, we discuss the levels of friendship and the privilege paradox. This is a fun episode full of insights and laughs. Tune in!Alright…before you go, let me ask: Are you ready to level up in your comedy journey? If so, I would highly recommend checking out these resources:* FREE - “The Round-Up”: My weekly comedy newsletter, choc-full of insights from videos, articles, and so on. This’ll also give you FREE access to “The Joke Blueprint Playbook.” Get the newsletter HERE.* FREE - The Joke Blueprint Playbook: Act now and get an exclusive, 17-page toolkit that I designed specifically to solve some of the biggest joke-writing struggles comedians have. This comprehensive guide is packed with actionable advice, and it’s entirely exclusive to this community. Get it HERE.* The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.* The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 28m 42s | ||||||
| 5/12/26 |  Clean Comedy = More Opps | Hello, Friend! In this episode of “Messed-Up to Set-Ups,” I dive into the hilarious world of friendship hierarchies with Atlanta-based comedian, Yoshee So. We get into his comedy journey, his writing process, and some advice for other comedians. We also get into the comedic levels of friendship, from the casual “water their plants” kinda buddy to the ultimate “ride-or-die” partner who knows all your secrets. This episode has lots of laughs as we share stories about bad bets, questionable choices, and an infamous “spring break rash.” If you watch/listen, you may learn why your closest friend might know more about you than your spouse. Tune in!Alright…before you go, let me ask: Are you ready to level up in your comedy journey? If so, I would highly recommend checking out these resources:* FREE - “The Round-Up”: My weekly comedy newsletter, choc-full of insights from videos, articles, and so on. This’ll also give you FREE access to “The Joke Blueprint Playbook.” Get the newsletter HERE.* FREE - The Joke Blueprint Playbook: Act now and get an exclusive, 17-page toolkit that I designed specifically to solve some of the biggest joke-writing struggles comedians have. This comprehensive guide is packed with actionable advice, and it’s entirely exclusive to this community. Get it HERE.* The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.* The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 29m 25s | ||||||
| 5/10/26 |  Southern Comedy Unleashed | Hello, Friend! In this episode of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast, I, Michael Halcomb, dive back into the world of Southern humor with the hilarious comedy duo Austin & Leb (although, mostly just Leb, due to Austin’s nuisance of an internet connection - please ignore a couple parts where his lagging audio causing a little audio friction). We explore the quirks of Southern mamas and papas, and try to turn the typical stereotypes into some comedy gold. From “Bless your heart!” to truck brand loyalty, we riff on it all. You’ll also get hear about and see our creative processes live and in real time. So, whether you’re a comedy fan or just love a good laugh, this episode is packed with fun and insights. Tune in!Oh…and before you go, let me ask: Are you ready to level up in your comedy journey? If so, I would highly recommend checking out these resources:* FREE - “The Round-Up”: My weekly comedy newsletter, choc-full of insights from videos, articles, and so on. This’ll also give you FREE access to “The Joke Blueprint Playbook.” Get the newsletter HERE.* FREE - The Joke Blueprint Playbook: Act now and get an exclusive, 17-page toolkit that I designed specifically to solve some of the biggest joke-writing struggles comedians have. This comprehensive guide is packed with actionable advice, and it’s entirely exclusive to this community. Get it HERE.* The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.* The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 21m 03s | ||||||
| 5/9/26 |  Replay: The Joke Writer's Lab Live Stream #4 | Hello, Friend. If you missed The Joke Writer’s Lab live stream #4 today, you can watch it again at your leisure. In this session, I take a random, half-formed idea and turn it into a fully structured story bit using what I call “The W Method,” showing in real time how a simple premise about buying and trying to sell/trade in a car can evolve into something funny. I also offer insight into a powerful rhetorical device (epistrophe), which can help sharpen punchlines and control audience misdirection. So, once again, I pull back the curtain on my process and let everyone see the messy, practical, behind-the-scenes process of joke writing. Tune in - the replay video is below.Oh…and before you go, let me ask: Are you ready to level up in your comedy journey? If so, I would highly reccommend checking out these resources:* FREE - “The Round-Up”: My weekly comedy newsletter, choc-full of insights from videos, articles, and so on. This’ll also give you FREE access to “The Joke Blueprint Playbook.” Get the newsletter HERE.* FREE - The Joke Blueprint Playbook: Act now and get an exclusive, 17-page toolkit that I designed specifically to solve some of the biggest joke-writing struggles comedians have. This comprehensive guide is packed with actionable advice, and it’s entirely exclusive to this community. Get it HERE.* The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.* The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 37m 03s | ||||||
| 5/5/26 |  Improv Comedy Duo | Hello, Friend! In this episode of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast, I, Michael Halcomb, sit down with the hilarious, Tennessee-based comedy duo Austin & Leb. We get into their journey from church skits to tours, to sharing insights on improv, to crowd work, to the art of keeping audiences engaged. We also discuss their viral Facebook Live moment and how they turn pure chaos into comedy gold. (I featured for them last weekend and, honestly, they’re really really good at it!) Whether you’re a comedy enthusiast or just love a good laugh, this episode is packed with humor and insight. Tune in!Oh…and before you go, let me ask: Are you ready to level up in your comedy journey? If so, I would highly recommend checking out these resources:* FREE - “The Round-Up”: My weekly comedy newsletter, choc-full of insights from videos, articles, and so on. This’ll also give you FREE access to “The Joke Blueprint Playbook.” Get the newsletter HERE.* FREE - The Joke Blueprint Playbook: Act now and get an exclusive, 17-page toolkit that I designed specifically to solve some of the biggest joke-writing struggles comedians have. This comprehensive guide is packed with actionable advice, and it’s entirely exclusive to this community. Get it HERE.* The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course taken by nearly 100 students, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.* The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 28m 50s | ||||||
| 5/2/26 |  Using Comedy for Revenge? | NOTE: As of this episode, I’m no longer posting my podcasts on YouTube as I’ll be using that platform only for comedy clips and YT Shorts. Going forward, podcast episodes will be found at MichaelHalcomb.Live/Podcast, but also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and most other dedicated podcast platforms.Hello, Friend! In this episode of “Messed-Up to Set-Ups",” I sit down again with Herb Kay. We workshop some jokes by digging into the insanity surrounding holidays and some of the traditions connected to them. We also get into the comedic potential of Easter, you know, things like six-foot bunnies and what the future of Valentine’s Day would look like if it were a day of revenge. Here in Part 2 of our chat we also do some on-the-spot comedy and riff on things in the headlines. Tune in! And…before you go, let me ask: Are you ready to level up in your comedy journey? If so, check out these resources:* FREE - “The Round-Up”: My weekly comedy newsletter, choc-full of insights from videos, articles, and so on. This’ll also give you FREE access to “The Joke Blueprint Playbook.” Get the newsletter HERE.* FREE - The Joke Blueprint Playbook: Act now and get an exclusive, 17-page toolkit that I designed specifically to solve some of the biggest joke-writing struggles comedians have. This comprehensive guide is packed with actionable advice, and it’s entirely exclusive to this community. Get it HERE.* The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.* The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 25m 40s | ||||||
| 4/29/26 |  A.I. and Joke Writing | Hello, Friend! It’s Episode #113 of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast. In this one, I with NC-based comedian, Herb Kay, who states that AI is revolutionizing his joke writing. Herb also shares his journey from a fifth-grade joke writer to stepping on stage. In addition, we get into the importance of timing and crowd work, and Here shares some of the unexpected ways he thinks AI can mimic or even out-funny human comedians. For fresh insights, good laughs, and some perspective on the future of stand-up, tune in!Before you go, let me ask: Are you ready to level up in your comedy journey? If so, check out these resources:* FREE - “The Round-Up”: My weekly comedy newsletter, choc-full of insights from videos, articles, and so on. This’ll also give you FREE access to “The Joke Blueprint Playbook.” Get the newsletter HERE.* FREE - The Joke Blueprint Playbook: Act now and get an exclusive, 17-page toolkit that I designed specifically to solve some of the biggest joke-writing struggles comedians have. This comprehensive guide is packed with actionable advice, and it’s entirely exclusive to this community. Get it HERE.* The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.* The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 24m 22s | ||||||
| 4/26/26 |  The Art of Escalation | Hello, Friends! In this episode of “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast, I team up once again with comedian Phil “Grampy” Ketron. We explore “The Art of Escalation” and dive headfirst into the comedic chaos of everyday life, from automated 911 calls to FaceTime fiascos. We also reveal how to turn life’s absurdities, such as these, into comedy gold. Discover some of our techniques for crafting jokes, the value of comedy coaching, and how to elevate your routine. Whether you’re a seasoned comedian or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights and laughs you won’t wanna miss. Tune in!Are you ready to level up in your comedy journey? Check out these resources:* FREE - “The Round-Up”: My weekly comedy newsletter, choc-full of insights from videos, articles, and so on. This’ll also give you FREE access to “The Joke Blueprint Playbook.” Get the newsletter HERE.* FREE - The Joke Blueprint Playbook: Act now and get an exclusive, 17-page toolkit that I designed specifically to solve some of the biggest joke-writing struggles comedians have. This comprehensive guide is packed with actionable advice, and it’s entirely exclusive to this community. Get it HERE.* The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.* The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 25m 21s | ||||||
| 4/21/26 |  Comedy Branding 101 | Hello, Friends. Welcome to episode 110 of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast. In this episode, I chat with Phil “Grampy” Ketron about the art of character comedy and the power of branding. We also get into how Phil's “Grampy” persona evolved from a simple idea into a strategic market positioning tool that he uses to help keep his act fresh and memorable. We share insights into niche audiences, discuss the importance of consistency, and reflect on the art of saying “No.” Also, Phil shares practical advice for comedians looking to stand out. Whether you’re at the open mic level or doing paid gigs, this conversation is packed with wisdom and humor that you won’t want to miss. Tune in!Are you ready to level up in your comedy journey? Check out these resources:* FREE - “The Round-Up”: My weekly comedy newsletter, choc-full of insights from videos, articles, and so on. This’ll also give you FREE access to “The Joke Blueprint Playbook.” Get the newsletter HERE.* FREE - The Joke Blueprint Playbook: Act now and get an exclusive, 17-page toolkit that I designed specifically to solve some of the biggest joke-writing struggles comedians have. This comprehensive guide is packed with actionable advice, and it’s entirely exclusive to this community. Get it HERE.* The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.* The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 39m 17s | ||||||
| 4/18/26 |  What To Do When Jokes Don't Work | Hello, Friends! Welcome to episode 110 of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast! Today I’m thrilled to have Paul Snyder back for Part 2 of our conversation. In this episode, we dig deeper into the art of joke writing and workshopping, focusing on a particular joke Paul has been crafting for over a year, part of which just hasn’t been working. Can we get over the hump? Join us as we brainstorm punchlines, discuss the Pavlovian response to “Hey, Babe!” and share laughs over joke writing exercises. Whether you’re new to all this, a long-time comedy enthusiast, a working comedian, or just love a good laugh, this episode is packed with insights and humor. Tune in!Are you ready to level up in your comedy journey? Check out these resources:* FREE - “The Round-Up”: My weekly comedy newsletter, choc-full of insights from videos, articles, and so on. This’ll also give you FREE access to “The Joke Blueprint Playbook.” Get the newsletter HERE.* FREE - The Joke Blueprint Playbook: Act now and get an exclusive, 17-page toolkit that I designed specifically to solve some of the biggest joke-writing struggles comedians have. This comprehensive guide is packed with actionable advice, and it’s entirely exclusive to this community. Get it HERE.* The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.* The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE.MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 32m 21s | ||||||
| 4/14/26 |  From Open Mics to Dry Bar Comedy | Hello, Friends! Welcome to episode 109 of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast! In this episode, I sit down for a chat with the talented comedian, Paul Snyder, who’s based in Charlotte, North Carolina. We get into Paul’s comedy journey, starting with road trips with his dad listening to classic comedy tapes to discovering his passion for stand-up. We discuss the grind of the comedy world, the importance of staying focused, and the art of using silence on stage. Paul shares his experiences with comedy classes, the decision to work clean, and the value of having a strong support system. Whether you're a seasoned comedian or just starting out, this episode is jam packed with insights and laughs. Tune in!Are you ready to level up in your comedy journey? Check out these resources:* FREE - “The Round-Up”: My weekly comedy newsletter, choc-full of insights from videos, articles, and so on. If you subscribe, you’ll get access to “The Joke Blueprint Playbook.” Get it HERE.* FREE - The Joke Blueprint Playbook: Act now and get an exclusive, 17-page toolkit that I designed specifically to solve some of the biggest joke-writing struggles comedians have. This comprehensive guide is packed with actionable advice, and it’s entirely exclusive to this community. Get it HERE.* The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.* The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE.MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 36m 24s | ||||||
| 4/11/26 |  The Secret To Comedy Success? | A small update: I’ll continue publishing daily posts on Substack, but beginning April 13th I’ll no longer send daily emails. Instead, and in an attempt to clutter up folks’ inboxes, I’m going to try sending out a weekly newsletter with links to and brief overviews of all the new posts.Hello, Friends! It’s episode 108 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups podcast. In this episode, I chat with industry insider, Barry Katz, who reveals how legendary comedians are masterful snake oil salesmen, convincing audiences that their material is worth passing on. We also get into why the puzzle of a joke must stay just out of reach for the audience to keep laughing. Barry also shares practical mindset tips that’ll help drown out noise, doubt, and negativity, all with stories about legends like Rodney Dangerfield and Andy Huggins. Whether you’re an aspiring comedian or a seasoned performer, this conversation will urge you keep fighting, laughing, and improving. Ready to craft jokes that puzzle and captivate? Hit play and step into the mindset of one of comedy’s best. Tune in!Fact: The two biggest fears for any comedian are staring at a blank page without a punchline, and standing under a hot spotlight and completely forgetting the next joke. So, I built two completely online, self-paced courses to solve both of these problems permanently. Join the growing community of working comedians and first-timers who’ve already used these labs to completely bulletproof their sets:* The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.* The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE.MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to MichaelHalcomb.Live at www.michaelhalcomb.live/subscribe | 21m 17s | ||||||
Showing 25 of 132
Sponsor Intelligence
Sign in to see which brands sponsor this podcast, their ad offers, and promo codes.
Chart Positions
6 placements across 6 markets.
Chart Positions
6 placements across 6 markets.