Episode 2: How to Handle Getting Heckled?

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to stand on stage and face a heckler, this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is is a must-listen. Hosted by Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell, this episode titled Getting Heckled and How to Handle dives deep into one of the most feared (and strangely fascinating) parts of being a comedian: handling hecklers.

Whether you're a stand-up comic or someone looking to add humor to your presentations, this episode is packed with valuable insights and hilarious stories. Let's break it down.

What Is a Heckler?

Hecklers are those unexpected audience members who feel compelled to interrupt a comedian’s performance. Sometimes it’s out of excitement, sometimes it’s jealousy, and other times... well, they’re just trying to steal the spotlight. Vince and Dobie break down the different types of hecklers and why their need to disrupt stems from something much deeper than just wanting a laugh.

Pro Tip: Not every comment from the audience is a heckle. Some people just want to connect, while others are trying to sabotage the show. Knowing the difference is key.

Handling Hecklers Like a Pro

Both Vince and Dobie have been performing comedy for decades, and as they share in this episode, no matter how long you’ve been doing it, hecklers will still find you. From smart comebacks to emotional restraint, they talk about how to manage hecklers without derailing the entire show.

Vince even talks about how his approach has changed over the years—once he would go for the jugular, now he tries to disarm the heckler with humor while still keeping the show intact. Dobie adds that understanding where the heckler is coming from can sometimes reveal deeper emotional struggles—something Vince learned the hard way after meeting a particularly memorable heckler after one of his early shows.

Pro Tip: Always try to bring the audience back on your side. Acknowledge the heckler, but don’t let them take control.

Lessons from the Trenches

Both Vince and Dobie share their first heckler stories in this episode. Vince recalls a moment early in his career when a heckler stood inches from his face, leaving him shell-shocked. Dobie shares an emotional encounter with a heckler named Drugstore Bob, whose tragic life was only revealed after Dobie’s relentless comebacks hit a little too close to home.

Pro Tip: Hecklers are often jealous or want the attention you’re getting on stage. The key is to not take it personally, though it can be tough in the moment.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode

There’s something uniquely fascinating about hearing comedians talk about the chaos that happens on stage. This episode not only offers a behind-the-scenes look at stand-up comedy, but it also offers valuable insights for anyone who faces public speaking challenges. Whether you're a comic, a speaker, or just someone looking to inject a little humor into your life, this episode will leave you laughing—and learning.

You can subscribe to Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is on your favorite podcast platform to hear more episodes like this, and don’t forget to check out our website at thefunnypodcast.com for additional content and updates.

Follow us on social media:

Join our email list for updates! Sign up here.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Episode 3: How Do Comedians Survive Life on the Road?

Episode 6: What Makes a Great Performance?

Episode 4: What’s Considered Offensive In Comedy?