Episode 9: How Do You Handle Bombing?

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE

Why Bombing on Stage is Every Comedian’s Rite of Passage

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a comedy set goes completely sideways, Episode 9 of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is pulls back the curtain on one of the most challenging aspects of stand-up comedy: bombing. Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell get raw and real about their experiences with jokes falling flat, tough crowds, and those nights every comedian dreads.

But here’s the twist—bombing isn’t the end of the world. It’s a critical part of the journey for every comedian. Here’s a deeper dive into the episode and the lessons that come from failing with flair.

What Does Bombing Really Mean?

Bombing isn’t just about a joke not landing—it’s about the silence that follows, the awkwardness that fills the room, and the sinking feeling of knowing the audience isn’t with you. Vince and Dobie explore the emotional toll of those moments but also highlight how they view bombing as a learning opportunity.

As Dobie puts it: “Every comedian bombs—it’s not if, it’s when.” It’s a rite of passage that shapes better performers and, ultimately, funnier material.

The Role of Resilience in Comedy

One of the most valuable lessons from bombing is learning how to bounce back. Vince shares how he channels post-show frustration into refining his material, ensuring every misstep becomes a stepping stone. Dobie reflects on the resilience required to get back on stage after a bad set, emphasizing that failure isn’t final—it’s just feedback.

Key takeaway? Bombing is a badge of honor. It’s proof you’re taking risks, trying new material, and pushing the boundaries of your craft.

Environmental Disasters: When It’s Not Your Fault

Not every bomb is a comedian’s fault. Vince and Dobie delve into the environmental factors that can sabotage even the best sets—bad sound systems, unprepared venues, or rowdy crowds. These moments test not only a comedian’s material but also their ability to adapt and keep the audience engaged despite the odds.

Pro Tip from the Episode: Sometimes, you can’t control the room, but you can always control how you react to it.

Turning Bombs Into Gold

The magic of bombing lies in what happens afterward. Vince and Dobie share how their worst nights on stage became some of their best material. By analyzing what went wrong and tweaking their approach, they’ve managed to turn failures into laughs.

For aspiring comedians, this part of the episode is pure gold. It’s not just about surviving a bad set—it’s about thriving because of it.

Lessons for Aspiring Performers

This episode isn’t just for comedians; it’s for anyone who’s ever failed at something and wondered how to move forward. Whether you’re a public speaker, a performer, or someone looking to build resilience, the lessons from this episode apply across the board:

  • Embrace the Bomb: Failure is part of the process. Don’t fear it—learn from it.
  • Stay Self-Aware: Reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and why.
  • Control What You Can: Some factors are out of your hands, but how you handle them matters.

Why You Should Listen to Episode 9

Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is continues to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of stand-up comedy, and this episode is no exception. Vince and Dobie’s stories are as entertaining as they are insightful, reminding us that every comedian’s journey is filled with ups, downs, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Whether you’re a seasoned comic, an aspiring performer, or just someone curious about what happens when jokes don’t land, this episode is a must-listen.

Follow us on social media:


Join our email list for updates! Sign up here.
Location: Chicago, IL, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Episode 15: Is Dobie Smarter Than a Redneck 5th Grader?

  CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE Dobie's Blunder with Jeff Foxworthy: Lessons in Comedy and Business In this EPICsode of  Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is ,  Vince Carone  and  Dobie Maxwell  take listeners on an unforgettable journey through one of Dobie’s most defining moments—his famous blunder involving Jeff Foxworthy and the now-iconic “You Might Be a Redneck” bit. This story isn't just a laugh-out-loud tale; it's packed with insights into resilience, self-belief, and the power of hindsight in both comedy and business. From wild road stories to practical tips, this episode is a deep dive into the lessons learned from success, failure, and everything in between. Whether you're a comedian, a speaker, or simply someone chasing a dream, there’s something here for everyone. Trust Your Gut: Recognizing Opportunities When Jeff Foxworthy first floated the idea for his “You Might Be a Redneck” bit, it was easy to dismiss as a niche concept. But what see...
Read more

Episode 8: Where Do You Get Your Material?

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE In the latest episode of  Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is ,  Dobie Maxwell  and I ( Vince Carone ) take on one of the questions every comedian gets: “Where do you get your material?” If you’ve ever wondered how we turn the quirks of daily life into laughs on stage, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the journey from observation to punchline. Everyday Life: Mining the Ordinary for Laughs It may sound simple, but some of the best material comes from the ordinary moments that people overlook. We talk about how comedians see the world a bit differently, always watching and listening for situations, reactions, or phrases that might inspire a joke. As Dobie likes to put it, there’s comedy gold in the half-witted moments of daily life—if you know how to find it. Rants, Raves, and the Power of Frustration For me, a lot of my comedy comes from life’s annoyances, frustrations, and things that just don’t make sense. Rants are m...
Read more

Episode 13: How Do You Approach the 'Show' in Show Business?

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE How to Approach the "Show" in Show Business The term "Show Business" is often split into two equally important aspects: the Show (the art of performance) and the Business (the strategy behind the scenes). In Episode 13 of  Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is ,  Vince Carone  and  Dobie Maxwell  tackle the Show side of the equation, offering practical advice and hard-earned lessons for comedians looking to elevate their professionalism on stage. From respecting stage time to mastering the art of reading the room, this episode is a deep dive into what it takes to approach the Show with the discipline and preparation of a true professional. Do Your Time: Respect the Clock Comedy is a collaborative art form. Every show is a finely tuned machine, with each performer’s set designed to fit into the larger flow of the night. When you go over your time, you disrupt that rhythm—not just for the audience, but for your fellow com...
Read more