You Can't Laugh At That

If you were to make a mockumentary for your company, what would it look like? How would you poke fun at workplace norms, demotivating leaders, and most importantly, yourselves? Many leaders scoff at the idea of getting their teams together to create content rooted in irreverence, but PDQ.com did just that (3 times, actually) with tongue-in-cheek documentary-style videos on their website. Where most companies post self-inflating videos about how awesome it is to work there, PDQ.com takes the opposite route, while somehow proving that it's a place where you CAN laugh at work. Co-founder Shawn Anderson joins the podcast to talk about these videos, the value of irreverence in leadership, creating content for HUMANS, and his "Grandpa Story" that asks the question "Do you cartwheel into work AND backflip out?" Check out the mockumentary videos below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezZg3ZC_-5g&t=316s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7HKpgT42Ew https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl63Vz9Lo3U Learn more about PDQ.com at... well... pdq.com About The Podcast: You Can't Laugh At That is a podcast launched by comedians David Horning and Steve Mers to prove that anything can be funny in a world that often takes itself too seriously. David and Steve are obsessed with the art and science of comedy and why we laugh, so this podcast was started to prove that when approached with the right intent, perspective, and delivery, you CAN laugh at that. You Can't Laugh At Work was started as part of David's mission to prove that having a sense of humor is not only nice to have, it's crucial, so he invites leaders of top workplaces to share their stories of disruption, failure, and thinking outside the box to prove that with the right culture, you CAN laugh at work. Support the podcast and our guests by visiting watercoolercomedy.org/podcast and purchasing an album, book, or your own podcasting equipment Visit patreon.com/youcantlaughpod and become a Patron for exclusive access to bonus content. Follow us on social media for updates, clips, and comedy tips: twitter.com/youcantlaughpod facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thedavidhorning Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedavidhorning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watercoolerdavid Produced by Water Cooler Comedy - http://watercoolercomedy.org​ Music by Producedbyzip - https://producedbyzip.bandcamp.com

Even if you're the CEO of a software company that saves lives, a little bit of humor goes a long way as a leader. Inspired by a freak incident involving his daughter, a cancer scare, and Sour Patch Kids, Rod Reasen founded Springbuk, a company that helps other companies prevent disease with data. Through radical people-first acts like honesty (gasp!), recognition (shock!), and natural curiosity (wha-??), Indianapolis-based Springbuk has built a culture of innovation that incorporates the elements of humor in unexpected ways. There's a reason they're consistently on top workplace lists, and it's because they've proven time and again that you CAN laugh at work. Find out more about Springbuk: https://springbuk.com Follow them on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/springbuk/ Follow Rod on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodreasen/ About The Podcast: You Can't Laugh At That is a podcast launched by comedians David Horning and Steve Mers to prove that anything can be funny in a world that often takes itself too seriously. David and Steve are obsessed with the art and science of comedy and why we laugh, so this podcast was started to prove that when approached with the right intent, perspective, and delivery, you CAN laugh at that. You Can't Laugh At Work was started as part of David's mission to prove that having a sense of humor is not only nice to have, it's crucial, so he invites leaders of top workplaces to share their stories of disruption, failure, and thinking outside the box to prove that with the right culture, you CAN laugh at work. Support the podcast and our guests by visiting watercoolercomedy.org/podcast and purchasing an album, book, or your own podcasting equipment Visit patreon.com/youcantlaughpod and become a Patron for exclusive access to bonus content. Follow us on social media for updates, clips, and comedy tips: twitter.com/youcantlaughpod facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thedavidhorning Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedavidhorning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watercoolerdavid Produced by Water Cooler Comedy - http://watercoolercomedy.org​ Music by Producedbyzip - https://producedbyzip.bandcamp.com Support this podcast

Welcome to Callbacks, a special episode of You Can't Laugh At That where six previous guests return to the show to prove each others' topics are funny. Each guest was given 24 hours to write a brand new joke about a topic from another episode, proving that there is more than one way to find the humor in any given situation, no matter how dark it may seem. Recorded live at the 14th annual Cleveland Comedy Festival. In this episode: -Tim Cornett takes on curse words (From Episode 2 with Dave Flynt) -Dave Flynt sets his sights on suicide (From Episode 10 with Joe Graham) -Ryley Nezballa approaches assassinations (From Episode 26 with Tim Cornett) -Joe Graham wrangles relationships (From Episode 4 with John Armstrong) -Brett Thomas comes for Catholic priests (From Episode 12 with Ryley Nezballa) -John Armstrong deals with death (From Episode 7 with Brett Thomas) Listen to Episode 2, Curse Words, with Dave Flynt: https://bit.ly/2ZWEOUC Follow Dave on IG: https://instagram.com/daveflynt Listen to Episode 4, Relationships with John Armstrong: https://bit.ly/3pxIrsK Follow John on IG: https://instagram.com/johnarmstrongcomedy Listen to episode 7, Death, with Brett Thomas: https://bit.ly/3IhbA4h Follow Brett on IG: https://instagram.com/brettthomas1896 Listen to Episode 10, Suicide, with Joe Graham: https://bit.ly/3DoL8BX Follow Joe on IG: https://instagram.com/joesdumbjokes Listen to Episode 12, Catholic Priests, with Ryley Nezballa: https://bit.ly/3IkVQgD Follow Ryley on IG: https://instagram.com/ryleyjohnphilip Follow Ryley on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RJP_comedy Listen to Episode 26, Assassinations, with Tim Cornett: https://bit.ly/3lBUwvY Follow Tim on IG: https://instagram.com/timcornettusa Follow Tim on Twitter: https://twitter.com/timcornettusa Support our podcast and gain access to hours of bonus footage from most of our episodes at https://patreon.com/youcantlaughpod Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on IG: https://instagram.com/thedavidhorning Follow David on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@horningallthetime? Follow David on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thedavidhorning Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/merscomedy Follow Steve on Instagram: https://instagram.com/stevemers Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - https://watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio - https://goldenoxstudio.com Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

Whether you're on the red team, the blue team, both teams, or you hate the fact that there are teams in the first place, you've got an opinion on politics. And typically, to each person, that opinion is gospel. Yet, a vital role of comedy in society is to challenge the authority of gospel -- especially the people who perpetuate an us-vs.-them status quo: politicians. Comedian Andrew Rudick joins us to prove that, even if it's one with whom you agree, you CAN laugh at politicians. In this episode, we discuss: -Andrew's bit about politicians on his album, “A Well-Behaved Young Man.” -Why Andrew approached the topic in the first place. -Level-setting with the audience before approaching political material. -Turning fear of politicians into funny. -Being hard to joke about politics if you have rigid beliefs. -Getting in your own head and overthinking onstage. -Reading a room without catering your material to the audience. -The incongruity of dealing with comedy being both art and entertainment. And more! Learn more about Andrew at https://andrewrudick.com Follow Andrew on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewjrudick/ Follow Andrew on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndrewRudick Get Andrew's album: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B09FS1KT2D? Support our podcast and gain access to hours of bonus footage from most of our episodes at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on Twitter & Instagram: @thedavidhorning Follow David on TikTok: @horningallthetime Follow Steve on Twitter: @merscomedy Follow Steve on Instagram: @stevemers Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio - goldenoxstudio.com Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

They unite and divide, distracting from what's important while being equally important. Sports are integral to the fabric of our society, but there are some fans who take it too far. Comedian Jessica Keenan (HBO, Netflix) joins us to discuss the humor that's built into sports fandom, her perspective of how passionate her husband is about sports, and how sports can impact our relationships, all while proving that you CAN laugh at sports fans. In this episode, we talk about: -Dating men that happen to be really into sports. -Writing about the things that annoy you. -Starting a bit by introducing conflict to create tension with the audience. -Jessica's writing process. -Thinking about sports as a religion. -Fantasy football. -Taking the risk of letting the audience deliver a punchline for you. -Growing up with sports. -Holiday traditions centered around the guys watching football. -Leaving people out of conversations by talking sports. -Superfans. -Getting violent over sports. And More!!! Learn more about Jessica at jkeenancomedy.com Follow Jessica on Instagram & Twitter: @jkeenancomedy Support our podcast and gain access to hours of bonus footage from most of our episodes at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on Twitter & Instagram: @thedavidhorning Follow David on TikTok: @horningallthetime Follow Steve on Twitter: @merscomedy Follow Steve on Instagram: @stevemers Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio - goldenoxstudio.com Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

Infotech is the rare 40+ year-old tech startup that is not only still open for business, but they're still growing. What is it that makes this company's culture so special? Tara Blythe (VP Of Talent, Strategy, And Communications) and Darcy Herlihy (Communications Specialist) share how InfoTech is a family (no eye-roll), how they've been able to create a safe space for human conversations, and how they've broken down barriers across all levels of the company. On this episode, Tara, Darcy, and I talk about the qualities that great leaders and great comedians share, proving that you CAN laugh at work. We chat about: -Having a message about WHO Infotech is and being proud to be a great workplace. -Figuratively building bridges while literally building bridges. -Boiling down what they do to keeping the promises they've made to their people. -How Infotech is actually a family, rather than that being a platitude. -Creating space to have human, personal conversations, and the barriers they've overcome by approaching it from a place of vulnerability. -Having open dialogue at company-wide town halls. -How Tara would approach a new CEO resistant to the people-first culture Infotech has built. -What challenges are ahead for Infotech. -Hackathon and the last time the team laughed together. -The unique, human way Infotech breaks down silos. And more! Find out more about Infotech: infotechinc.com Follow them on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/infotech-inc/ About The Podcast: You Can't Laugh At That is a podcast launched by comedians David Horning and Steve Mers to prove that anything can be funny in a world that often takes itself too seriously. David and Steve are obsessed with the art and science of comedy and why we laugh, so this podcast was started to prove that when approached with the right intent, perspective, and delivery, you CAN laugh at that. You Can't Laugh At Work was started as part of David's mission to prove that having a sense of humor is not only nice to have, it's crucial, so he invites leaders of top workplaces to share their stories of disruption, failure, and thinking outside the box to prove that with the right culture, you CAN laugh at work. Support the podcast and our guests by visiting watercoolercomedy.org/podcast and purchasing an album, book, or your own podcasting equipment Visit patreon.com/youcantlaughpod and become a Patron for exclusive access to bonus content. Follow us on social media for updates, clips, and comedy tips: twitter.com/youcantlaughpod facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thedavidhorning Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedavidhorning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watercoolerdavid Produced by Water Cooler Comedy - http://watercoolercomedy.org​ Music by Producedbyzip - https://producedbyzip.bandcamp.com Support this podcast

As president of Indiana-based perennial top workplace BLASTmedia, Lindsey Groepper's emphasis on storytelling has set the tone for a culture filled with people who enjoy their work and the people they do it with. Storytelling in comedy is obvious, but it's an often overlooked aspect of leadership. What stories are you telling yourself as a leader? What stories are you communicating with your team? ARE you communicating with your team? On the inverse: what stories are your employees telling themselves about their work? Your leadership? On this episode, Lindsey and I talk about the qualities that great leaders and great comedians share, proving that you CAN laugh at work. We chat about: -Using creativity through storytelling. -Teaching creativity by reducing employees' fear and being genuinely curious. -The north star of creating a place of work where people enjoy the work they do and the people they do it with, and using transparency and trust to build that togetherness. -Balancing managing the business while keeping it people-over-profit. -Creativity as figuring out how to pivot and present ideas in new ways. -Overcoming creativity roadblocks. -Knowing when and when not to trust people for feedback. -When high performers are no longer a cultural fit. -Building a culture where people matter. -And more! Find out more about BLASTmedia: blastmedia.com Follow them on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blastmedia/ And on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BLASTmedia Listen to Lindsey's podcast, SaaS Half Full: https://saashalffull.com About The Podcast: You Can't Laugh At That is a podcast launched by comedians David Horning and Steve Mers to prove that anything can be funny in a world that often takes itself too seriously. David and Steve are obsessed with the art and science of comedy and why we laugh, so this podcast was started to prove that when approached with the right intent, perspective, and delivery, you CAN laugh at that. You Can't Laugh At Work was started as part of David's mission to prove that having a sense of humor is not only nice to have, it's crucial, so he invites leaders of top workplaces to share their stories of disruption, failure, and thinking outside the box to prove that with the right culture, you CAN laugh at work. Support the podcast and our guests by visiting watercoolercomedy.org/podcast and purchasing an album, book, or your own podcasting equipment Visit patreon.com/youcantlaughpod and become a Patron for exclusive access to bonus content. Follow us on social media for updates, clips, and comedy tips: twitter.com/youcantlaughpod facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thedavidhorning Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedavidhorning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watercoolerdavid Produced by Water Cooler Comedy - http://watercoolercomedy.org​ Music by Producedbyzip - https://producedbyzip.bandcamp.com Support this podcast

Cleveland comedian and resident Dave Chappelle expert John Armstrong fills in for Steve to break down Chappelle's 5th Netflix special "The Closer" to prove that you CAN laugh at that. Instead of asking the simple binary questions that everyone else is asking like "Is it offensive or not?" "Should Dave be 'cancelled?'" "Is it funny or not?" we address it from a nuanced angle of curiosity about Dave Chappelle the man, the joke writing, the topic of trans rights, the societal constructs that limit these kinds of conversations and more. Support our podcast and gain access to hours of bonus footage from most of our episodes at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on Twitter & Instagram: @thedavidhorning Follow John Armstrong on Instagram: @johnarmstrongcomedy Follow Steve on Twitter: @merscomedy Follow Steve on IG: @stevemers Follow Gheramy on Twitter: @demerygheramy Follow Gheramy on Instagram: @gheramy_demery Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio - goldenoxstudio.com Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

David wanted to take a moment while on the road and share why this podcast exists and to offer one bit of advice when it comes to taking risks or trying something new: do it - even if it isn't perfect. Before we start a new chapter in this podcast, browse through the 101 episodes we DO have, find a topic that connects with you on some level, give it a listen, and get to work finding the opportunities to laugh that surround you. Support our podcast and gain access to hours of bonus footage from most of our episodes at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on Twitter & Instagram: @thedavidhorning Follow Steve on Twitter: @merscomedy Follow Steve on IG: @stevemers Follow Gheramy on Twitter: @demerygheramy Follow Gheramy on Instagram: @gheramy_demery Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio - goldenoxstudio.com Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

A stand-up comedian will often take a pain, stress, or life tragedy, frame it as a setup, and eventually create a punchline that connects with their audience. Robert Herzog, the founder and CEO of ZogSports, isn't a comedian, but LIKE a comedian, he was able to take a massive tragedy, discover his why, and then transform that into a company that brings joy to countless organizations from tech companies to law firms. Though not a traditional punchline, Robert's discovery has led to many laughs in workplaces all over the country through team sports and team building. In this episode, we talk about Robert's surviving of 9/11 and how it inspired his life's work, how the pandemic has led to massive growth, and how having a clear grasp of your why can drive your success in the face of adversity, uncertainty, and even tragedy. We also discuss: -Redefining play in the realm of doing your job. -Ideas to facilitate connection at work through something as simple as a conversation prompt. -Using your core values as a starting point for creating positive energy for coworkers and clients. -Gauging an applicant's fit through a less formal interview process focused on connection, communication, and play. -The importance of knowing your why in turning bad luck into positive returns. And more!!! Find out more about ZogSports: zogsports.com Find out more about ZogCulture: zogculture.com Follow them on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zogculture/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/zogsports/ And on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZogSports Follow Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-herzog-994615/ About The Podcast: You Can't Laugh At That is a podcast launched by comedians David Horning and Steve Mers to prove that anything can be funny in a world that often takes itself too seriously. David and Steve are obsessed with the art and science of comedy and why we laugh, so this podcast was started to prove that when approached with the right intent, perspective, and delivery, you CAN laugh at that. You Can't Laugh At Work was started as part of David's mission to prove that having a sense of humor is not only nice to have, it's crucial, so he invites leaders of top workplaces to share their stories of disruption, failure, and thinking outside the box to prove that with the right culture, you CAN laugh at work. Support the podcast and our guests by visiting https://watercoolercomedy.org/podcast and purchasing an album, book, or your own podcasting equipment Visit https://patreon.com/youcantlaughpod and become a Patron for exclusive access to bonus content. Follow us on social media for updates, clips, and comedy tips: https://twitter.com/youcantlaughpod https://facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Reframe Retention And Create A Killer Culture Webinar Sign-Up: https://watercoolercomedy.org/whatsakiller Follow David on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thedavidhorning Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedavidhorning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watercoolerdavid Produced by Water Cooler Comedy - http://watercoolercomedy.org​ Music by Producedbyzip - https://producedbyzip.bandcamp.com Support this podcast

Washington DC-based comedian Matt Bergman (DryBar, Comedy Central) proves you CAN laugh at the obituaries by framing them in a way that gets the audience to discover the nuance in the things we do and say about people after they die. There is a push and pull between fear and acceptance that exists when discussing death, but when it's discussed within a non-threatening context, a conversation about death can turn lighthearted and hilarious. We also talk about: -Steve's new credit. -Approbation Constante; Matt's album title. -Matt's bit proving you CAN laugh at the obituaries. -Why older people enjoy reading the obituaries so much. -Honest obituaries. -Adding a fun framework to make a dark premise more approachable. -Print newspaper. -The impersonal cliches of most obituaries. -When an obituary doesn't match the reality. -Writing our own obituaries. -The perfect age to die. -Finding humor in the word ‘obituary' itself. -The word ‘slaughter' -The afterlife. -Dying while performing. - Putting a memorial in the spot where someone dies vs. where they loved going. -Diving deeper into fears and what makes us uncomfortable instead of avoiding it. -Being buried alive. And more! Buy Matt's album, Approbation Constante: https://music.apple.com/us/album/approbation-constante/1565172412 Learn more about Matt at mattbergmancomedy.com Follow Matt on Instagram & Twitter: @bergmancomedy Support our podcast and gain access to hours of bonus footage from most of our episodes at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on Twitter & Instagram: @thedavidhorning Follow Gheramy on Twitter: @demerygheramy Follow Gheramy on Instagram: @gheramy_demery Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio - goldenoxstudio.com Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

NYC Comedian and Tonight Show writer Chloe Radcliffe proves you CAN laugh at your own insecurities by saying the thing that's on everyone's mind, but is being left unsaid as a way to release the tension. The birthmark on Chloe's face is an obvious distinguishing feature, so she has multiple hilarious bits about the awkward way she dealt with it as a kid, the things she can't do because of it, and why she knows what it's like to be a supermodel. We also talk about: -How stand-up experience could help improv, rather than the other way around. -Chloe's history in speech and debate impacting her stand-up. -Addressing her birthmark at the beginning of a set and if it's starting to get tiresome. -Getting catcalled. -Chloe's bit about the naïve way she countered being called “a freak” as a kid. -Being a specific brand of nerd in high school. -Getting a laugh on a joke that isn't done yet. -The inauthenticity of manufacturing body language and intonation onstage. -Dealing with being so recognizable because of a distinguishable facial feature. -Chloe's perfect response to trolling comments on TikTok. -The mean comments that DO get to Chloe. -Why people are mean on the internet. -Releasing the tension by saying the thing that is unsaid. -The phoniness of false confidence. And more! Learn more about Chloe at chloeradcliffe.com Follow Chloe on Instagram & Twitter: @chloebadcliffe Support our podcast and gain access to hours of bonus footage from most of our episodes at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on Twitter & Instagram: @thedavidhorning Follow Gheramy on Twitter: @demerygheramy Follow Gheramy on Instagram: @gheramy_demery Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio - goldenoxstudio.com Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

6AM City is a media company focused on activating communities through daily email newsletters that aggregate the most positive, impactful local stories. No politics, no murders, no toxicity. And that's exactly the kind of culture that co-founder Ryan Heafy has built (murders at work tend to do a number on morale). In this episode, we talk about disrupting the media and how that impacts the culture of 6AM City, how his company has maintained a low turnover rate, and how they're managing with massive amounts of sudden growth. In fact, it was announced the day of our conversation that they were selected as one of the country's Best And Brightest Places To Work, which is proof that if you want to build a company like 6AM City, you CAN laugh at work. Oh, and did I mention they're hiring? In this episode, we talk about: -How 6AM City is disrupting the doom and gloom style reporting of traditional media. -How focusing on uplifting stories has impacted the culture at 6AM City. -The secret to retaining nearly 100% of your staff. -The fun ways you can use Slack to communicate, contribute ideas, and feel connected even if they're working remotely. -Making space and time to really listen to employees. -Learning to build a top workplace culture by watching other people fail. -Building credibility by owning up to mistakes. -When a poop emoji goes wrong and being able to laugh. -Managing exponential growth. -The types of applicants 6AM City is looking for. And more!!! Find out more about 6AM City: 6amcity.com Apply to work for 6AM City: 6amcity.com/jobs Follow them on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6am-city/ And on Twitter: https://twitter.com/6amcity About The Podcast: You Can't Laugh At That is a podcast launched by comedians David Horning and Steve Mers to prove that anything can be funny in a world that often takes itself too seriously. David and Steve are obsessed with the art and science of comedy and why we laugh, so this podcast was started to prove that when approached with the right intent, perspective, and delivery, you CAN laugh at that. You Can't Laugh At Work was started as part of David's mission to prove that having a sense of humor is not only nice to have, it's crucial, so he invites leaders of top workplaces to share their stories of disruption, failure, and thinking outside the box to prove that with the right culture, you CAN laugh at work. Support the podcast and our guests by visiting watercoolercomedy.org/podcast and purchasing an album, book, or your own podcasting equipment Visit patreon.com/youcantlaughpod and become a Patron for exclusive access to bonus content. Follow us on social media for updates, clips, and comedy tips: twitter.com/youcantlaughpod facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thedavidhorning Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedavidhorning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watercoolerdavid Produced by Water Cooler Comedy - http://watercoolercomedy.org​ Music by Producedbyzip - https://producedbyzip.bandcamp.com Support this podcast

NYC Comedian Brian Parise (JFL, Last Week Tonight, Patriot Act) proves you CAN laugh at immigrants by layering his bit with jokes about his Italian immigrant father, parodying absurd perceptions of immigrants, and discovering the true meaning behind a classic American folk song. We also talk about: -Moving to New York with 6 years of comedy experience and a JFL credit. -Brian's decision to release his album on Election Day 2020. -Brian's bit about his Italian dad. -Doing the bit in liberal and conservative rooms. -When a joke distracts from a bit. -Dads sleeping during movies. -Getting touchy about Italian pride. -Gheramy's theory as to why Italian immigrants are more widely accepted than Mexican immigrants. -Humanizing instead of painting immigrants with broad strokes. -Brian's bit about the meaning behind a classic American folk song. -When an audience member falls asleep and has night terrors during your album recording. -Finding the balance of framing a bit around making a point and hitting punchlines. -Being honest vs. telling the truth onstage. -Forcing jokes just to be edgy. And more! Learn more about Brian at brianparise.com Follow Brian on Instagram & Twitter: @parisecomedy Get Brian's album: https://amzn.to/3A6UCkH Support our podcast and gain access to hours of bonus footage, including 10 extra minutes from this episode at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on Twitter & Instagram: @thedavidhorning Follow Gheramy on Twitter: @demerygheramy Follow Gheramy on Instagram: @gheramy_demery Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio - goldenoxstudio.com Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

After David got COVID a second time and wasn't in the mood to laugh, he, Steve, and Gheramy ask and attempt to answer the question “How can we get through to those with fixed beliefs on ‘the other side' when it comes to vaccinations and masks?” and discover that a sense of humor, or thinking like a comedian, may be vital in building that connection. David even finds a joke, albeit simple, in his current situation by the end of the episode. We discuss: -The irony interwoven in anti-vaccine/anti-mask arguments. -Lack of nuance in COVID discussions. -Empathy as an evolutionary technique, and how lack of empathy has led to many of today's conflict. -The powerful reframing act of questioning beliefs. -Why conservatives and liberals think differently. -The limited worldview of the theocratic mindset. -Making the shift from making judgments to asking questions. -Using the scientific method as the joke writing process. -Mind hacks that can trick our brains into performing better. -The fallacy of coming to a solution. -And more! Support our podcast and gain access to hours of bonus footage at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on Twitter & Instagram: @thedavidhorning Follow Steve on Twitter: @merscomedy Follow Steve on Instagram: @stevemers Follow Gheramy on Twitter: @DemeryGheramy Follow Gheramy on Instagram: @gheramy_demery Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio - goldenoxstudio.com Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

When it comes to white people, Chicago comic Sohrab Forouzesh doesn't want to have to keep making jokes, but when there seems to be an eternal fountain of content coming from the same group of people, it's hard to resist. Joking about white people has been a recently touchy topic, whether it's being offended by the comedian's perspective, it feels unfair, or it's perceived as hack, there is definitely a wrong way to approach the topic. Sohrab proves that there are so many right ways you CAN laugh at that. In this episode, we talk about: -Moving to the US from Iran as a kid. -The endless fountain of funny that is white people behavior. -When white people make jokes about other cultures without doing any research. -How tonality and intent can turn an edgy joke into something more palatable for audiences. -Sohrab's bit about white people recorded at The Laugh Factory in Chicago. -Discovering new jokes through riffing at shows, vs. at open mics. -White people's obsession with their dogs. -The meaninglessness of pride in genealogy. -Storytelling. -A trick to disarm a white audience before telling white people jokes. -A secret for winning a crowd over when a consistently killer joke doesn't work. -LaCroix, lacrosse, and LaCoste -Comics challenging Sohrab's white people jokes. -Fake crowd work. -Doing new jokes vs. getting bored with old material. -Sohrab's 2 thematic rules in stand-up. -Working silliness into a bit about race as a disarming technique. -The importance of doing research to improve your stand-up. -When people approach you about not liking your jokes. And more! Learn more about Sohrab at sohrabisbrown.com Follow Sohrab on Instagram & Twitter: @sohrabisbrown Subscribe to Sohrab's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKD86zu2lgWrGtXZH0v9EnQ Support our podcast and gain access to hours of bonus footage at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on Twitter & Instagram: @thedavidhorning Follow Steve on Twitter: @merscomedy Follow Steve on Instagram: @stevemers Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio - goldenoxstudio.com Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

When you name your company "Fully Accountable," you've given yourself some big expectations to fill, from both clients and employees. Enter Vinnie Fisher, CEO of Fully Accountable, a fast growing outsourced accounting and finance firm based out of Fairlawn, Ohio, who lives up to the name he's given his company. From owning mistakes and failures, (including the closing of an 8-figure company), to upholding company values, to making sure any wisecracks are delivered at the right time with the right intent, Vinnie's leadership has made Fully Accountable a top-rated workplace, including being recognized in the Inc. 5000. Looking at their continued success and rapid growth, if there were ever doubt that it's okay to laugh at yourself as a CEO, Fully Accountable is proof that you CAN laugh at work. Find out more about Fully Accountable: fullyaccountable.com Follow them on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fully-accountable/ And on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FullyAccount Follow Vinnie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinniefisher/ And on Twitter: https://twitter.com/VinnieFisher Get Vinnie's book, "The CEO's Mindset: How To Break Through To The Next Level:" https://amzn.to/3gqLzTQ About The Podcast: You Can't Laugh At That is a podcast launched by comedians David Horning and Steve Mers to prove that anything can be funny in a world that often takes itself too seriously. David and Steve are obsessed with the art and science of comedy and why we laugh, so this podcast was started to prove that when approached with the right intent, perspective, and delivery, you CAN laugh at that. Support the podcast and our guests by visiting watercoolercomedy.org/podcast and purchasing an album, book, or your own podcasting equipment Visit patreon.com/youcantlaughpod and become a Patron for exclusive access to bonus content. Follow us on social media for updates, clips, and comedy tips: twitter.com/youcantlaughpod facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thedavidhorning Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedavidhorning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watercoolerdavid Produced by Water Cooler Comedy - http://watercoolercomedy.org​ Music by Producedbyzip - https://producedbyzip.bandcamp.com Support this podcast

Our first live recording is in the books, and we featured 3 hilarious comics from DC, Minneapolis, and Detroit respectively. On this episode, Franqi French joins to prove you CAN laugh at white women (mostly the Jens), Alex Avery proves you CAN laugh at one-liners (and self-discovery), and Connor Meade proves you CAN laugh at being bi-curious (and the fears that arise from self-discovery). We also talk about: -Franqi French's start in comedy. -The art of NOT writing and remembering. -Franqi's psycho white friend Jennifer Beaver. -White girl wasted vs. black girl up for work -Creating a mental picture for the audience in just one sentence. -Franqi's worst bomb. -Opening with 30 minutes of new material. -Franqi's parents meeting Jeffrey Dahmer's parents on a plane. -Alex Avery starting as a one-liner comedian. -Jim Gaffigan being a one-liner comic. -Growing into the acceptance of being dumb. -Falling into the trap of impersonating well-known comics. -Balancing building connection with the audience or getting to the funny part more quickly. -Connor Meade's bit on being bi-curious. -Overcoming fears through the use of humor. And MORE!!! Learn more about Franqi at franqifrench.com Follow Franqi on IG & Twitter: @FranqiFrench Follow Alex on IG & Twitter: @AlexSavoryJokes Follow Connor on IG & Twitter: @connormeadian Check Out Connor's podcast, Each Other's Mothers: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80YjBkMzJlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwj4jsbunLfyAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAg&hl=en Support our podcast and gain access to hours of bonus footage at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Brought to you by Golden Ox Studio - goldenoxstudio.com Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

A 4-day workweek. Embracing patience while still being a disruptor. Being openly manipulative to build a great workplace culture. Upon first look, these things feel like they'd be detrimental to a growing company, but at web-based marketing software company Feathr, they're a key cog in the growth. CEO Aleks Levental joins David to discuss Feathr's mindset and culture, as well as his approach to leadership that isn't all too different from the way a great comedian approaches their audience with an edgy topic: meeting them where they are, making sure the messaging connects without ruffling feathers too much, and being openly self-deprecating. Looking at Feathr's success and growth is proof that you CAN laugh at work. Find out more about Feathr: feathr.co Follow them on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/feathr/ And on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Feathr Follow Aleks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alevental/ And on Twitter: https://twitter.com/alevental About The Podcast: You Can't Laugh At That is a podcast launched by comedians David Horning and Steve Mers to prove that anything can be funny in a world that often takes itself too seriously. David and Steve are obsessed with the art and science of comedy and why we laugh, so this podcast was started to prove that when approached with the right intent, perspective, and delivery, you CAN laugh at that. Support the podcast and our guests by visiting watercoolercomedy.org/podcast and purchasing an album, book, or your own podcasting equipment Visit patreon.com/youcantlaughpod and become a Patron for exclusive access to bonus content. Follow us on social media for updates, clips, and comedy tips: twitter.com/youcantlaughpod facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on IG and Twitter: @THEdavidhorning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watercoolerdavid Produced by Water Cooler Comedy - http://watercoolercomedy.org​ Music by Producedbyzip - https://producedbyzip.bandcamp.com Support this podcast

Do you run consistently late? Do you hate when other people run consistently late? It's stressful, it's annoying, it's rude, but could it also be... funny? Comedian Sam Evans has a bit on his album, Sweet Baby Boy, that proves when you're running late, you can laugh at that. In this episode, which IS getting released on time, we talk about: -Hustle culture. -Existential angst that comes from being late. -Being late for work. -Excuses to justify lateness. -Having a favorite part of a joke when you can FEEL the audience connect with it. -The pain points of being late: embarrassment, letting people down, self-identity, ego -Using an old stand-up clip for being late. -The time David was 5 hours late for work. -Steve's job where he CAN'T be late. -The motive behind self-identifying as a piece of shit. -Leaning into the freedom of being late for work. -The 4-day work week. -A world where being late for work for positive reasons. -Simone Biles and calling off for mental health. -If Jess Bezos is self-aware enough to know that the world hates him. -What Sam would do if he's ever met with an audience offended by his bit about being late. -And more!!! Learn more about Sam at reallysamevans.com Buy Sam's album, Sweet Baby Boy: https://amzn.to/3ykMs7l Follow Sam on social media: Instagram & Twitter: @reallysamevans Support our podcast and gain access to hours of bonus footage at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

Bob Kingery is the CEO and co-founder of Southern Energy Management, a North Carolina-based leader in renewable energy and a certified B-Corp recognized for being a top workplace. Not only is Southern Energy innovative in their technology as they continue their mission of pushing for a cleaner world, but Bob's leadership style is innovative in the way he frames himself as "the boss:" someone willing to openly share mistakes, just as much as he's willing to share victories. Bob's nuanced approach to leading his people isn't all too different from the way a great comedian approaches their audience: looking to meet them where they are, build a connection, and run forward as they disrupt the energy industry with a workplace culture that proves you CAN laugh at work. Find out more about Southern Energy Management: southern-energy.com Follow them on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/southern-energy-management/ About The Podcast: You Can't Laugh At That is a podcast launched by comedians David Horning and Steve Mers to prove that anything can be funny in a world that often takes itself too seriously. David and Steve are obsessed with the art and science of comedy and why we laugh, so this podcast was started to prove that when approached with the right intent, perspective, and delivery, you CAN laugh at that. Support the podcast and our guests by visiting watercoolercomedy.org/podcast and purchasing an album, book, or your own podcasting equipment Visit patreon.com/youcantlaughpod and become a Patron for exclusive access to bonus content. Follow us on social media for updates, clips, and comedy tips: twitter.com/youcantlaughpod facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on IG and Twitter: @THEdavidhorning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watercoolerdavid Produced by Water Cooler Comedy - http://watercoolercomedy.org​ Music by Producedbyzip - https://producedbyzip.bandcamp.com Support this podcast

For the first time since the beginning of COVID, we didn't have an episode in the chamber ready to go, so we did something different for this episode. Instead of breaking down a bit by a guest and discussing why it's funny, we listen to and exchange notes on one of David's bits he's been working out at open mics. Even though comedy is a solo act, sometimes getting insights, questions, and tags from fellow comics can lead to breakthroughs, and it's a fun process to see play out, so we thought we'd share it with you. Do Steve and Gheramy even like the bit? Can David learn from Jarret Berenstein's appearance on the podcast and make a joke about being a sex offender funny? Listen in and find out! Support our podcast and gain access to bonus footage from nearly every episode at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod Listen to an episode you liked and you want to support our guest? Buy their album at watercoolercomedy.org/podcast Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on Instagram and Twitter: @thedavidhorning Follow Steve on Instagram (@stevemers) and Twitter (@merscomedy) Follow Gheramy on Instagram and Twitter: @gheramy_demery Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

Cleveland comedian Bill Squire joins the podcast to break down his hilarious bit about baptisms from his new album Bam Bam to prove that you CAN laugh at indoctrination. Though this episode explores what's funny about the religious ceremonies and stories that have indoctrinated (and killed) millions over the centuries, we have to be able to question the societal and social stories that have been drilled into our heads since we were kids too. It's hard to question the identities we've build around these stories, but the moment you start to take a step back, it's hard not to laugh about the double standards and silliness that exist just under the surface. Sometimes all it takes is a good baptism joke to do it. In this episode, we also talk about: -Making boring topics dark. -How Bill's baptism bit is funny first to distract from the controversial stance he's taking. -Boring old ceremonies like graduations, weddings, and baptisms. -Adding your own flavor to traditional ceremonies. -The origin of many major religious ceremonies and traditions. -Relating Mormonism to mainstream Christian religion. -Thrusting the responsibility of choosing a religion and baptism on 8 year-olds. -The dark story behind why many faiths baptize babies. -The fear of sinning as a kid. -Not having the answers, but having to have AN answer. -Astrology. -New ceremonies and traditions on social media. -Joking about generational differences. -The Good Samaritan. -Using reasoning and critical thinking to challenge pre-conditioned beliefs. -Having a counterpoint of not liking science. -Starting a religion. -Questioning and challenging your conditioning instead of questioning and challenging the questioning and challenging in order to improve the conditioning for the next generation. And more!!! Learn more about Bill at billsquire.com Buy Bill's new album, Bam Bam: https://amzn.to/3hMiLG9 Listen to The Bill Squire Show: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1248-the-bill-squire-show-63493488/ Follow Bill on social media: Instagram & Twitter: @billsquire Support our podcast and gain access to 6 minutes of bonus footage from this episode at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod Listen to an episode you liked and you want to support our guest? Buy their album at watercoolercomedy.org/podcast Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

Travis Terrell is the CEO and co-founder of Soundstripe, a music licensing company based out of Nashville, where their mission is for the creatives to keep creating. Whether it's the artists making the music Soundstripe sells, or the accounting team crunching numbers, he pushes for a culture that tries new ways of doing things, and it has made the company a top workplace in Tennessee. Travis' approach to leadership isn't all too different from a comedian's approach to the way they approach the world: in a nuanced and curious fashion. This is just one reason why Travis helps us prove that you CAN laugh at work. Follow Travis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-bohnert-4a3aaa2/ Learn more about Travis: travisterrell.live Find out more about Soundstripe: soundstripe.com Follow them on Twiter: @SoundstripeApp Follow them on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soundstripe/ About The Podcast: You Can't Laugh At That is a podcast launched by comedians David Horning and Steve Mers to prove that anything can be funny in a world that often takes itself too seriously. David and Steve are obsessed with the art and science of comedy and why we laugh, so this podcast was started to prove that when approached with the right intent, perspective, and delivery, you CAN laugh at that. Support the podcast and our guests by visiting watercoolercomedy.org/podcast and purchasing an album, book, or your own podcasting equipment Visit patreon.com/youcantlaughpod and become a Patron for exclusive access to bonus content. Follow us on social media for updates, clips, and comedy tips: twitter.com/youcantlaughpod facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on IG and Twitter: @THEdavidhorning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watercoolerdavid Produced by Water Cooler Comedy - http://watercoolercomedy.org​ Music by Producedbyzip - https://producedbyzip.bandcamp.com Support this podcast

Comedian Anthony DeVito has a hilarious bit about his grandmother that takes down a whole generation's bigotry and resistance to change by... calling out the people who call it out? His fresh perspective on the greatest generation, and old people in general, challenges our perceptions on their sensitivity to jokes about them and proves that you CAN laugh at the elderly. We also talk about: -Why The Rad Dudecast ended. -Anthony's new podcast, “Baseball Times” with Ken Burns. -Canceling or leaning into "ageist" jokes. -Where SNL lacks in diversity. -Why people are resistant to laughing about the elderly. -The benefit of having older voices in writers rooms. -Old audiences that are fun jaded. -Anthony's bit about his grandmother from his album “Dream Occupation.” -Fear of death and resistance to talking about it. -The unfair expectation of holding the elderly to modern societal standards. -Being able to hide the point of a bit. -Loving your characters, even if the goal is for the audience to turn on them. -Closing bits with platitudes, clichés, and quotes to disrupt the audience's pattern detection. -The fun you can have with a bit once you have the thesis down. -Giving the audience breadcrumbs to get to big punchlines. -Using simplicity to introduce characters while still giving the audience enough information to create an image. -Taking creative liberties to make yourself part of the story you're describing. -And more!!! Learn more about Anthony at anthonydevitocomedy.com Buy Anthony's album: https://amzn.to/36eoTkc Listen to Anthony's podcast (RIP), "The Rad Dudecast:" https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVRLD8Bp9aIPnDDVWTxiOMA Follow Anthony on social media: Instagram: @comediananthonydevito Twitter: @anthonydevito_ Support our podcast and gain access to 14 minutes of bonus footage from this episode at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod To support our guests, you can buy their albums at watercoolercomedy.org/podcast Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

One of the biggest benefits of renting is that when something breaks or goes wrong, someone else fixes it at no cost to you. Meanwhile, one of the biggest detractors of renting is that when something breaks or goes wrong, you're at the mercy of your landlord. Whether they blame you for the problem, keep you waiting for an unreasonable amount of time, or end up in your apartment without a head's up, having a bad landlord can make you feel powerless... so you've just got to laugh. Sarah Tollemache once had a landlord like this, and not only has she found the funny in the frustration, she turned it into a hilarious bit that proves you CAN laugh at that. Even on the first of the month. In this episode, we talk about: -If doing Zoom shows is worth it. -The bit from Sarah's album, Voluptuous Boy, about her landlord. -Comparing living in New York City to camping. -Sarah's writing process. -Thinking of jokes about inappropriate situations, like when Sarah joked about the Challenger disaster at 8 years old. -Using humor and heightening a situation when you feel powerless. -Turning microaggressions into material. -Developing some empathy for the things landlords have to deal with. -Making the unreasonable characters in your bits likable to punch up the humor. -The difficulties of finding a place in New York and moving. -Driving pet peeves. -Paying rent on time. -Landlords cutting corners when fixing little things like light switches and hot and plumbing. -Mice. -Weird roommates. -Joke placement. -Dealing with technical difficulties. -The necessity of conflict for growth. -Writing what you feel. -The savages who flush their tampons. -And more!!! Learn more about Sarah at sarahtcomedy.com Buy Sarah's album: https://amzn.to/3qLpmDK Listen to Sarah's podcast, "Vadge:" https://soundcloud.com/vadge78 Follow Sarah on social media: Facebook: facebook.com/ComedianSarahTollemache Instagram: @stollemache TikTok: @stollemache Twitter: @stollemache Support our podcast and gain access to 16 minutes of bonus footage from this episode at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod To support our guests, you can buy their albums at watercoolercomedy.org/podcast Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

Life is full of contradictions and unfair double standards, and when they're systemically baked into societal constructs, such as policing in black neighborhoods, lack of healthy food in low income areas, etc. they can be extra frustrating. Comedy is about releasing the tension caused by these things with a laugh, because laughter can point these incongruities out in a non-threatening way, and connect people with differing opinions. Comedian Andre D. Thompson (Tonight Show, Stand Up NBC) joins us to prove that you CAN laugh at that, but in doing so, you can bridge the gap between human beings by breaking our complex society down to its most basic human level. In this episode, we talk about: -Andre's appreciation for music and admiration for rap. -The secret side effect of the vaccine: rappers lose their flow. -The power of different groups of people laughing together. “In order to laugh, you gotta let go. That's the only way to let laughter happen.” -People trying to put on an image of cleanliness, resisting a dirty universe. -The evolution of comedy away from being jokey toward questioning societal constructs. -Georgia's voter suppression bill restricting the handing out of water. -Intentional food deserts and myth of “convenience.” -Societal overcomplication of nutrition. -The War On Drugs and the absurd amount of resources put into distributing cocaine and crack in certain neighborhoods instead of books, health food, or even an enlightening mind altering substance like LSD, shrooms, or weed. -Andre's bit about not having healthy food in his neighborhood. -Feeling what you're saying onstage, choosing words that fit the feeling, and getting that idea across to the audience. -Addressing the audience when a joke doesn't work. -Boiling down conversations to a purely human level. -The unwritten agreement of going to a comedy show. -Finding humor in the conflict between the cops and black people. -A potato chip metaphor about the incongruities and ironies of existence. And more!!! Learn more about Andre at andredthompson.com Listen to Andre's podcast, "Slouch Theory:" https://www.authenticpodcastnetwork.com/ourpodcasts/slouch-theory Follow Andre on social media: Instagram: @andredthompson Twitter: @andredthompson Support our podcast and gain access to 16 minutes of bonus footage from this episode at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod To support our guests, you can buy their albums at watercoolercomedy.org/podcast Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

Today's guest is Victor Bohnert, CEO of Innovatis Group, an association management company that has leaned into the human side of building a vibrant workplace culture, based around entrepreneurial energy, fun, and hard work. The growth of Innovatis Group can be attributed to Victor's leadership, as he has fostered a culture where his team can feel like owners, be creative, fail, learn, grow, and have fun doing it. Uncertainty is a daunting unknown that can paralyze, but Victor encourages his team to stay mentally and strategically sharp by demanding the instability that comes with trying new things - no different from the anxiety that comes when a comedian tries a new joke. Victor's values and actions making Innovatis Group a Top Workplace two years running proves that you CAN laugh at work. In this episode, we talk about: -What separates Innovatis from competitors. -Bringing people together to form a sense of community through two-way dialogue. -Making the big seem small. -Belief in the power of the collective experience, knowledge, and power of an organization or community. -How employee behavior drives engagement strategy. -Demanding instability in the environment to stay mentally and strategically sharp through the trust and support of the team. -Incorporating fun into instability. -How fun ends up being work when incorporating it into a virtual setting. -The question of engagement as the organization grows – how many dogs in the office is too many? -How a very serious Zoom meeting turned silly. -Laughter as an outcome of creating a culture of engagement and joy. -Turning fear of uncertainty into momentum. And more!!! Follow Victor on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-bohnert-4a3aaa2/ Twitter: @victorbohnert Find out more about Innovatis Group: innovatisgroup.com Follow them on Twiter: @innovatisgroup Follow them on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovatisgroup About The Podcast: You Can't Laugh At That is a podcast launched by comedians David Horning and Steve Mers to prove that anything can be funny in a world that often takes itself too seriously. David and Steve are obsessed with the art and science of comedy and why we laugh, so this podcast was started to prove that when approached with the right intent, perspective, and delivery, you CAN laugh at that. Support the podcast and our guests by visiting watercoolercomedy.org/podcast and purchasing an album, book, or your own podcasting equipment Visit patreon.com/youcantlaughpod and become a Patron for exclusive access to bonus content. Follow us on social media for updates, clips, and comedy tips: twitter.com/youcantlaughpod facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on IG and Twitter: @THEdavidhorning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watercoolerdavid Produced by Water Cooler Comedy - http://watercoolercomedy.org​ Music by Producedbyzip - https://producedbyzip.bandcamp.com Support this podcast

As kids, we learn what it means to be a boy or a girl, and when we act in a way that defies those standards - like an individual - it's met with resistance, from being disciplined, to being bullied, to feeling like we're not enough. Comedian Caitlin Peluffo joins the podcast to help us prove that you CAN laugh at the gender norms that, in some cases can cause lifelong trauma. Not only is Caitlin comfortable with the fact that she's "softball skinny" and not the stereotypical woman propagated in cosmetic ads, she owns it. In this episode, we talk about: -Why Caitlin chose New York over LA. -Caitlin's onstage energy and experience on Colbert. -Being critical of old footage. -Caitlin's bit that subverts gender expectations. -Aiming for practicality over being pretty. -Growing up with being handy and playing sports. -Getting an “aww” from the audience when talking about being confident in her body type. -Pay disparity in men's vs. women's soccer. -Being comfortable being yourself and all of the discomfort on the way there. -Getting corn rows. -Being called a beast at sports. -Not having a set writing process. -How to be present and think on your feet onstage, even when you're having a panic attack. -Connecting with a lower energy audience as a high energy comedian. -Strength being more powerful than beauty. -Being self-deprecating while being self-aware and self-confident. -Calling out men's low standards. -Why we break down humor on the podcast. And more!!! Learn more about Caitlin at caitlinpeluffo.com Listen to Caitlin's podcast, "Good Time Gal:" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-time-gal-with-caitlin-peluffo/id1506844357 Follow Caitlin on social media: Instagram: @caitlinpeluffo Twitter: @caitlinpeluffo Support our podcast and check out bonus episode footage at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod To support our guests, you can buy their albums at watercoolercomedy.org/podcast Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

Wait, you CAN laugh at a violent conflict destabilizing a region, displacing an entire race of people, and uprooting the lives of millions for the better part of a century? Comedian Sammy Obeid (Conan, says yes and proves it with a bit about the Israel-Palestine conflict that went viral earlier this year. According to Sammy, not only can anything be funny, but some of the skills that make an effective comedian can even be used to bring people together to solve differences. In this episode, we talk about: -Starting comedy by doing characters. -Sammy's viral bit on the Israel-Palestinian conflict to an organization with an anti-Palestinian bias. -Connecting with an audience that doesn't agree with you. -The importance of our brains' pattern detection to connecting with the audience. -Having fun with building tension in a room. -Using the perspective of a child to reveal humor in a complex premise. -9/11, the American media's portrayal of Palestinians, and its impact on Sammy's identity. -Why more Americans have recently developed a sympathy to the Palestinian plight. -The role comedy could play in geopolitical relationships and building arguments. -What comedians do that modern politicians can't. -Not letting the silence and judgment of a group who disagrees with your point derail your set. -How to connect the humor in a touchy topic with a wide audience. -Wrapping your personal experience around a topic as a way to approach any touchy topic. And more!!! Learn more about Sammy at sammyko.com Buy Sammy's album, Orjanic: https://amzn.to/3cEjTbX Follow Sammy on social media: Instagram: @sammyobeid Twitter: @sammyobeid Support our podcast and gain access to bonus footage at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod To support our guests, you can buy their albums at watercoolercomedy.org/podcast Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

Today's guest is Lynda Murdock, executive director of HR (and fun!) for Professional Billing Services West, a radiology billing company that has leaned into the human side of building a vibrant workplace culture. Lynda is not your typical HR professional, as she has leaned into the fact that she doesn't take herself too seriously, which has transformed the HR function at PBS West into one that cultivates happiness, creativity, and connection between employees. From her off-the-wall "FriYAY" updates, to outside-of-the-box virtual contests, to kickass potlucks, Lynda has truly contributed to a culture that proves you CAN laugh at work. In this episode, we talk about: -The culture of adulting Lynda has created and what it means. -Getting her coworkers to reframe HR to “happy resources” by filling the role of spreading positivity. -Inspiring employees to be comfortable sharing their ideas by cultivating relationships starting from the interview. -Translating this culture and relationship cultivation to a virtual stage upon the onset of COVID. -Lynda's ideas for Friyay updates to keep people engaged virtually. -Keeping the culture fun in a virtual setting. -A renewed focus on mental health. -To keep the camera on or off? -The opportunities created by transitioning to a remote work environment. And more!!! Follow Lynda on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndamurdock/ Find out more about Professional Billing Services West: pbswest.com About The Podcast: You Can't Laugh At That is a podcast launched by comedians David Horning and Steve Mers to prove that anything can be funny in a world that often takes itself too seriously. David and Steve are obsessed with the art and science of comedy and why we laugh, so this podcast was started to prove that when approached with the right intent, perspective, and delivery, you CAN laugh at that. https://you-cant-laugh-at-that.captiv...​ patreon.com/youcantlaughpod twitter.com/youcantlaughpod facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on IG and Twitter: @THEdavidhorning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watercoolerdavid Produced by Water Cooler Comedy - http://watercoolercomedy.org​ Music by Producedbyzip - https://producedbyzip.bandcamp.com Support this podcast

In today's world, where it seems like people either have one opinion or the opposite, any sort of challenge to where we stand is taken as a personal slight, a fireable offense, or downright offensive. We won't get into the science of questioning our own beliefs and values that it provides, but we DO invite comedian Neko White (TruTV, MTV2, Vice News) onto the podcast to share his bit that challenges the fixed beliefs of a popular social movement by asking the question, "What if it was you?" This episode dives into the societal constructs of speaking up inside of an echo chamber, why laughing releases us from the stresses of always-or-never thinking, and exploring the gray area of a world pretending to be black or white, proving you CAN laugh at having your beliefs challenged. In this episode, we talk about: -How one of his teachers inspired Neko to start comedy at such a young age. -Neko's bit about a conversation he had regarding the “Believe All Women” movement. -The lack of meaningful dialogue between conflicting perspectives around the #MeToo Movement. -The limitations of believing something 100% of the time. -How comedy plays in the gray areas of a black and white-focused world. -Intention behind jokes. -Being forced into taking a side, when life isn't that simple. -The rhythm of stand-up and being unconsciously influenced by hip hop. -Personifying the audience in stories and jokes so that if they laugh, they're laughing at themselves. -Embellishing stories to raise the tension. -Using your voice as an instrument. -Running shows with the intent of supporting the comics. -Neko's writing process. -The subjectivity of people based on what they take away from hearing a bit or joke. -The media agitating fear and conflict within people. And more!!! Watch Neko's special, Dark Out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZJVEEjJ7E0 Buy Neko's album, Marscellus: https://amzn.to/3uQLz3O Follow Neko on social media: Instagram: @nekowhite93 Twitter: @neko_white93 Clubhouse: @nekowhite Support our podcast and gain access to bonus footage at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod To support our guests, you can buy their albums at watercoolercomedy.org/podcast Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

Maddy Smith is a NYC comedian who is a featured performer on Wild N Out, a Comic To Watch in the New York Comedy Festival, and wrote for The Comedy Central Roast Of Alec Baldwin, but she also has a hilarious act-out bit about role playing with her boyfriend. And yes, you CAN laugh at that. Comedy is about creating a connection with an audience, and in a sense, sex is all about connection with a partner, but what happens when it doesn't go according to plan? In our exploration of the seemingly limited topic of role playing, we dive into the importance of commitment in comedy - especially in act-outs - and connection with your audience. In addition, we also talk about: -Finding out the Easter Bunny isn’t real. -Going from roast battles to Wild N Out. -Roasting the crowd. -Maddy’s podcast, “That Time Of The Week.” -Secretly starting comedy, just in case it doesn't go well. -When trying a new style of joke works and how energizing that can be. -Maddy’s bit on role playing with her boyfriend. -Going beyond the obvious joke. -Spoon-feeding crowds vs. trusting them to put the joke together. -The mistakes that can come from assessing an audience before getting onstage. -The common (and lazy) way comics turn the crowd against the performers. -When act-outs don’t get momentum with the crowd. -Committing to the bit without over-committing. -David’s role-playing fantasy. -Consuming comedy as a comedian. -The toxicity of social media. -When it’s okay to read new material onstage. And more!!! Support our podcast and gain access to bonus footage at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod To support our guests, you can buy their albums at watercoolercomedy.org/podcast Follow Maddy on Social Media: Twitter: @somaddysmith Instagram: @somaddysmith To learn more about Maddy and listen to her podcast, "That Time Of The WEEK," visit her website: maddysmithcomedy.com Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

Everybody has at least one bad habit they resist or feel shame about, and as a result of that shame, don't feel right laughing about. Not only is it okay to laugh, laughing about our shame can bring about the change we need to put it in the past. Joining this episode of the podcast is NYC comedian Jay Welch, to share how he found the funny in his fast food habit and the shame he felt in justifying his choices, turning it into a hilarious bit that we break down in this episode. Jay's insights into joke writing really broke down why it's okay to laugh at our shame -- in this case, food shame. Comics: get out your pens. There's a lot of good joke writing tips in this one. We also talk about: -Why Jay quit doing roasts. -Working local references into a joke. -Using hunter/gatherer skills while living in a city. -Adding funny wrinkles into longer setups. -The psychological edge joking about yourself gives you with an audience. -Racial power dynamics in comedy. -Seasonal jokes. -If eating ice cream in the winter is acceptable. -Being self-conscious about what you eat and finding the humor in the compulsion. -Leaving breadcrumbs so the audience shares the powerful experience of everyone getting the joke at the same time. -Stock lines that get laughs in conversation at parties. -The art of showing instead of telling. -Why some people can’t find the funny in their food shame. -Finding the funny in rationalizing bad habits and lying to ourselves to ease the tension of cognitive dissonance. -The potential consequences of trying a new joke on Twitter. And more!!! Support our podcast and gain access to bonus footage at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod Follow Jay on Social Media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/welchjay Instagram: https://instagram.com/welchjay Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

Our goal as a podcast has been to prove that anything can be made funny, and sometimes we have to point out the times that DON'T work. Comedian and host of the Kill Tony Podcast, Tony Hinchcliffe, found himself in hot water after video surfaced of him using a racial slur and several stereotypes when referring to Chinese comedian Peng Dang immediately after taking the mic from Dang onstage at the Vulcan Gas Company in Austin. Instead of our scheduled episode, we decided to devote a special episode to consider the situation from multiple angles, and ask: What didn't work? Why? What could've worked? How could everyone have handled the situation better? We also talk about: -Why Tony's jabs at Peng Dang and Chinese culture created an uproar. -Trying to find the funny in culturally insensitive riffing. -Playing devil's advocate. -Poking holes in outrage. -How words unintentionally empower action. -If Peng should've reached out to Tony personally before posting the infamous clip. -Examples of equally cringeworthy and hilarious social commentary from people like Sacha Baron Cohen and Eric Andre. -How nuance is conditioned out of people and replace by thinking in absolutes. -Far right comedians profiting off of ignorance. -And more! Support our podcast and gain access to bonus footage at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Support our guests by purchasing their albums and books: https://watercoolercomedy.org/podcast Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

It's a trauma and a whirlwind of emotions that can happen to anybody, but having a miscarriage carries with it a social stigma that must be picked apart and laughed at, and we know just who to bring onto the show to do it. Genevieve Rice of the https://www.facebook.com/birdcitycomedy/?__cft__[0]=AZUJuJubz5tCuYrDFoiYBxpth7i8X5yRuezm941x5D7QKduNZw3ruqHsrNT-M7d2obDLyUopv9h-zjBnBp3tNyBqjHOaUNAH2vS7UooXkmqzrGTi6QNpTgxYBo_aDy0kHMNIAKR6JJISzeQi-d0Xcan0jMRJeT5aOVEF_YqDDA1w9K9xcmjjzBV3paETWEA-qnk&__tn__=kK-R (Bird City Comedy Festival) joins us to share her experiences with miscarriage, how she discovered the funny and laughed to cope with the situation, and how she has made audiences laugh at a situation where most of the time, mum's the word. It turns out, you CAN laugh at having a miscarriage, and there's more than one way to do it. In this episode, we talk about: Genevieve’s Golden Girls podcast, “Thank You For Being A Podcast.” Having to cancel the 2020 Bird City Comedy Festival. The blessing and curse of having a good first open mic experience. Being a woman in comedy in 2008 vs. today. Why the world needs comedy. Reasons why people aren’t more open about having miscarriages. What inspired Genevieve’s miscarriage bit. Tips and tricks for performing on a virtual show. Using the English language as a toy onstage. Pop culture references. The idea of preferring your child be a certain gender. Genevieve’s obsession with raccoons. Elevating the silliness of a bit to soften the impact of the heavier material. Leaving distance between tragedy and joking about it. Being attacked for parenting choices by fellow moms on social media. The parallels between parenting and comedy. When audience members approach you with unsolicited advice about how you should approach your own experiences. Performing comedy while pregnant. Ali Wong’s bit on having a miscarriage. The psychological side effects of not addressing personal traumas. And more! Support our podcast and gain access to bonus footage at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod Follow Genevieve on Social Media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/genevieverice Instagram: https://instagram.com/genevieverice Visit Genevieve's website at https://genevieverice.com/ Learn more about The Bird City Comedy Festival at birdcitycomedyfestival.com Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

Today’s guest is Brenda Hines, senior director of professional development for Parks Realty, a Brentwood, TN based company consistently featured on Best Place To Work Lists. What intrigued me about Brenda was her background in improvisational comedy and how that came to play at work, but what I found was more than just Yes, and… Brenda asks questions that not only connect her to the other person, but help the other person connect their own ideas to solve problems. Fun fact: when we solve a problem, the same parts of our brain light up as when we get a joke. In this episode, we talk about: -Brenda’s theatre and improv background. -Improv’s impact on working in real estate. -Taking on different roles to adapt to a client’s personality type. -4 basic personality types: power, party, peace, perfection. -Teaching her team the power of questions to develop listening skills. -The fear of going “off-book.” -Using questions instead of presenting to train and develop new employees. -How ‘ninja’ is a verb at Parks Realty. -Helping team members get clear about their goals and their why by asking questions. -Brenda’s vision for the future of Parks Realty. -Learning to overcome perfectionism to laugh at herself. -And more! Follow Brenda on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendahines/ Find out more about Parks Realty: parksathome.com Follow Parks Realty on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parksrealty Twitter: https://twitter.com/parksathome LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bob-parks-realty/ About The Podcast: You Can't Laugh At That is a podcast launched by comedians David Horning and Steve Mers to prove that anything can be funny in a world that often takes itself too seriously. David and Steve are obsessed with the art and science of comedy and why we laugh, so this podcast was started to prove that when approached with the right intent, perspective, and delivery, you CAN laugh at that. https://you-cant-laugh-at-that.captiv...​ patreon.com/youcantlaughpod twitter.com/youcantlaughpod facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on IG and Twitter: @THEdavidhorning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watercoolerdavid Produced by Water Cooler Comedy - http://watercoolercomedy.org​ Music by Producedbyzip - https://producedbyzip.bandcamp.com Support this podcast

Cristian Duran (New York Comedy Festival) joins the podcast to talk about our formative years of high school: that awkward, sometimes traumatizing period in our lives where we’re trying to figure ourselves out based on what other people think of us. In many cases, it's easy to look back and laugh at the idiotic things we did to be cool or fit in, but for some people, high school is a memory that's best left in the past. Of course, we found the funny once we found ourselves, and can prove that you CAN laugh at that. In this episode, we talk about: -How Cristian’s high school experience led him to comedy. -Deciding to start in comedy. -Cristian’s first bomb ruined the show he was on. -The importance of doing open mics in front of other comics. -Getting laughs in high school classes. -When Steve used to hate talking in front of crowds. -When high school burnouts become successful. -People projecting their experience onto others. -Trusting yourself enough to relax and riff. -Communicating your feelings about the moment to the audience to level-set. -Laughing off high school traumas in hindsight. -What happened to the people who peaked in high school. -Cristian’s bit about his awkward stage in high school. -Recording an album. -One of the few moments in stand-up where it’s good that the audience is ahead of you. -Prom shows. -Being held accountable for what you said in high school. -And more! Support our podcast and gain access to bonus footage at patreon.com/youcantlaughpod Follow Cristian on Social Media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/cduranduran Instagram: https://instagram.com/cristianduransvp Visit Cristian's website at cristiandurancomedy.com Support Cristian - buy his album: https://amzn.to/3xEfeQm Check out Cristian's podcast with Bret Raybould and Nick Whitmer: https://anchor.fm/ohdear Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

He's performed in festivals all over the country and he's not in Al Qaeda: comedian and cohost of the Mango Bae podcast Pranav Behari joins us to prove that you CAN laugh at Indian stereotypes, even if the stereotype is misplaced, misinformed, or lazy. In this episode, we talk about: -Why nothing is funny on Twitter. -Tragedy + time = comedy: what are the variables that make laughing at the negative okay? -Pranav’s start in comedy. -Being present while delivering a joke for the 9000th time. -Remembering that comedy is a job. -The illusion of having fun being drunk onstage. -The sweeping racial generalizations Pranav has experienced, including his experience with a white supremacist. -The progression of words in historical spelling bees. -Pranav’s bit on Indians and spelling bees. -When an audience wears "comedy Kevlar." -Making authentic connections across barriers. -When trying to make a connection goes too far. -Twitter running things into the ground. -Why don’t we see a ton of conservative comics? -And more! Visit patreon.com/youcantlaughpod for exclusive access to bonus footage. Follow Pranav on Social Media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/pranahaha Instagram https://instagram.com/pranahaha You can check out Pranav's podcast with Usama Siddiquee, Mango Bae, here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy6bxCzM7NDY252Ci7QPDkA https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mango-bae/id1457454653 https://mangobae.com Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

Being an effective leader and being a great comedian, believe it or not, take many of the same skills, and that's why David Horning is setting out to prove that you CAN laugh at work, one leader at a time. Tammy Rutherford is the managing director of Rustici Software. A Franklin, Tennessee-based eLearning software company that has appeared on Nashville Business Journal's Best Places To Work List for ten years running. How? They work to help their customers and have fun doing it. But having fun at work when your team is all under one roof is much simpler than translating that fun onto a virtual platform, but Tammy and her team figured it out. Sure, Tammy is no comedian, but her willingness to pivot based on the environment around her to give her audience (her team) a positive work experience involves some of the same skills that your favorite comics use to connect with the crowd, no matter how messy it may get. In this episode we talk about: -Rustici Software’s actual messy 2020. -Turning a new hire’s first day into an event, and what did (and didn't) work virtually. -Translating in-person spontaneous fun onto a virtual platform. -Ideas to keep people engaged and have fun virtually. -Measuring the success of engagement strategies through feedback. -Leaning into failing. -Growth BECAUSE of Covid. -Learning to adapt to unexpected disruptions. -The importance of striking up conversations for the sake of striking up conversations. -The shifts Rustici Software has made to help them achieve their retention goals. Follow Tammy on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-wise-rutherford-932556/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/tammyrutherford Find out more about Rustici Software: rusticisoftware.com Follow Airship on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rusticisoftware Twitter: https://twitter.com/rusticisoftware LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rustici-software/ About The Podcast: You Can't Laugh At That is a podcast launched by comedians David Horning and Steve Mers to prove that anything can be funny in a world that often takes itself too seriously. David and Steve are obsessed with the art and science of comedy and why we laugh, so this podcast was started to prove that when approached with the right intent, perspective, and delivery, you CAN laugh at that. https://you-cant-laugh-at-that.captiv...​ patreon.com/youcantlaughpod twitter.com/youcantlaughpod facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on IG and Twitter: @THEdavidhorning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watercoolerdavid Produced by Water Cooler Comedy - http://watercoolercomedy.org​ Music by Producedbyzip - https://producedbyzip.bandcamp.com Support this podcast

In the beginning, David Horning and Steve Mers created a podcast to prove that anything can be funny. Then they said "Let there be laughs," and there were laughs, and they saw that it was good. 56 episodes later, former religion major and comedian Geoffrey Asmus (JFL, "Laughs," LOL Network) joins the podcast to share his revelation that you CAN laugh at that sacred text over 2 billion people around the world have attached themselves to: The Bible. From the obscure characters, to the absurd rules, and the belief systems based off of the human interpretations of this sacred text, laughing at a book that set the course of history for nearly 2 centuries may seem sacrilegious in itself. At one point, people would be executed for simply questioning the dogma of it. In reality, challenging the fixed beliefs that come with the book by pointing out the absurdities within it and creating new perspective has moved society forward by leaps and bounds, so in this episode, we talk about: -Getting away with more onstage by visibly having fun. -Getting a religion degree. -The Qur’an. -Going to a Catholic school. -Geoffrey’s start in stand-up. -The laziness of comics pontificating against religion onstage. -Geoffrey’s bit breaking down if Jesus were white. -The origin of Christianity. -Red flags when a religion claims to be the only one with THE right answers. -Geoffrey’s bit about Shamgar, a Bible character who deserves his own book. -Why people get offended when comics joke about The Bible. -A trick for connecting an obscure bit with the audience. -Bible absurdities and obscure rules. -And more! Visit patreon.com/youcantlaughpod for exclusive access to bonus footage. Visit whitecomedian.com to learn more about Geoffrey. Follow Geoffrey on Social Media Twitter: @geoffreyatm Instagram @geoffreyatm You can also get Geoffrey's album, The Prodigal Little Bitch, here: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3giMZjN%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0rkKuk1ovBIOAEjNd68FMvIMtQ3NZa8qtD_-TiQSJtp2I4ZfRQZFla564&h=AT0enDIQt7tnHFO-oBeQlt-06pg8cjkYA629PmsPmG-qV6-NxWud9K64qkOz6YtLnqyDfQhMPaEEIrIwCPkxKPj6VkriQwuPq0VcR72YqfQxlV3dmjGiwd-e94-pT202a15gnvhiRTcNBMD42bGzBA&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3ITISDF1VWuOj0k4dw-Lvitu8iEuv3ZpPkhiLsgwOji9ckhjQqiFyrkqnAemYZ3AXffjvCDUOhnt1514cbHJv3dC57MKZFwL0-XgqXpt2_Wkzo2-uNrkDtlmX9iNNQwQsSRMpyxAxLpyevFAdjrwZnl8uOUQ4U_Zu0vAgb7BK9LmXe6XkjNXqfhA0uJmgFX3noceST9aMZEoeveA (https://amzn.to/3giMZjN) Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Podchaser link: OTLws079LXAgaosxcn9w Support this podcast

"You can't say anything anymore!" is a lament repeated by many a seasoned stand-up comedian in a cancel culture-obsessed world, but are they right? On this episode of the podcast, joke-writing savant and eccentrically hilarious Martin Urbano (Kimmel, Comedy Central, Vulture's Comics To Watch) breaks down how to make the audience "feel something interesting" with his unique delivery of edgy one-liners that weave in and out of edgy topics like pedophilia, Hitler, and murder. In this episode, we talk about: -Steve and Martin’s comedic influences. -Martin’s set from Kimmel. -Listening to the audience so you can tell what’s too far. -Following a joke-writing format. -Martin’s set from Comedy Central. -Twisting hack premises to turn them into good jokes. -The importance of educating yourself to be a better comedian. -Tension and release. -Why people laugh at edgy jokes. -The definition of comedy. And more!!! Visit patreon.com/youcantlaughpod for exclusive access to bonus footage. Visit martinurbanocomedy.com to learn more about Martin. Follow Martin on Social Media Twitter: @MartinUrbano Instagram @MartinUrbanoJr Check out "Who Wants $2.69?": https://www.planetscum.live/269 Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

Being an effective leader and being a great comedian, believe it or not, take many of the same skills, and that's why David Horning is setting out to prove that you CAN laugh at work, one leader at a time. Trent Kocurek is the co-founder and CEO of Airship, a growing Birmingham, Alabama-based app developer that consistently appears on top workplace lists. Though not funny in and of itself, their passion for their people is evident in their creative culture, where they stress the importance of asking questions, connecting in new ways, and laughing at their mistakes as a team. How does Trent support this culture as its leader? By using some of the same skills as a stand-up comic. Sure, Trent is no comedian, but his willingness to openly share his mistakes, focus on what he can control, and consider fresh perspectives of problems are part of both a comedic and leadership skillset that is vital to creativity, connection, and collaboration. In this episode we talk about: -When to look at the big picture vs. when to tinker and focus on the details. -Connecting employees with their purpose, even remotely. -The 3 words Trent would use to describe his mantra over the past year. -Connecting with the human side of his employees. -Being "selectively detailed." -Airship's creative process with clients and the power of asking questions. -Being comfortable laughing at your own mistakes. -The innovative way L&D is build into Airship's time. Follow Trent on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trentkocurek/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/trentkocurek Find out more about Airship: teamairship.com Follow Airship on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teamairship Twitter: https://twitter.com/teamairship LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airship-llc/ About The Podcast: You Can't Laugh At That is a podcast launched by comedians David Horning and Steve Mers to prove that anything can be funny in a world that often takes itself too seriously. David and Steve are obsessed with the art and science of comedy and why we laugh, so this podcast was started to prove that when approached with the right intent, perspective, and delivery, you CAN laugh at that. https://you-cant-laugh-at-that.captiv...​ patreon.com/youcantlaughpod twitter.com/youcantlaughpod facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on IG and Twitter: @THEdavidhorning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watercool...​ Produced by Water Cooler Comedy - http://watercoolercomedy.org​ Music by Producedbyzip - https://producedbyzip.bandcamp.com Support this podcast

Getting rejected is never easy, and there are any number of ways to deal with it, but referring to it as "getting friend zoned" might be one of the most toxic, self-victimizing ways of doing it. Comedian Brendan Sagalow (Sirius XM, MTV, New York's Funniest finalist) joins the podcast to break down his bit on getting "friend zoned" as we poke holes in this stupid defense mechanism to prove that you can DEFINITELY laugh at that. In this episode, we talk about: -Learning to deal with rejection. -Brendan's bit on the ways women "friend zone" guys. -Side hugs. -Recording his album outside. -Our personal rejection stories. -How badly insecure men handle rejection. -Forcing friendships with exes. -Getting "friend zoned" AFTER getting laid. -Sexual tension power dynamics. -The toxicity of dating apps. -Future projecting rejection. -Taking being funny too far when trying to impress women. -The standards of joking about exes. -Comedian Alex Falcone's bit on getting "friend zoned." -The unfortunate transactional perspective some people have toward relationships. And more! Visit patreon.com/youcantlaughpod for exclusive access to bonus footage. Visit brendansagalow.com to learn more about Brendan. Follow on Twitter & Instagram @Brendansagalow Get Brendan's album, "Not Now More Than Ever:" https://amzn.to/3cLDnvU Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

Corporate comedy can get a bad rap in the club circuit, but just like not all jokes are for all people, not all comedy gigs are for all comedians. Keynote speaker, corporate comedian, author, and podcaster John Garrett joins the podcast to dispel misconceptions about all things corporate, and proves that you CAN laugh at that. In this episode, we talk about: -John’s start in comedy. -Stories from the road. -Dealing with hecklers. -Incorporating your passion into your material to connect with your audience. -Transitioning to corporate gigs. -Comparing a corporate show with a Friday late show. -Working out new material as a speaker or corporate comedian. -Telling the difference between joke helpers vs. hecklers. -Bombing at corporate gigs. -The business side of being a corporate entertainer. -Tips for making the most out of your experience working a corporate gig. -Making yourself marketable by writing clean. -The stigma of clean and corporate comics by some comedians. -Writing truthfully. -David’s initial failures doing characters as a corporate speaker. -Making the transition from stand-up to corporate comedy to becoming a speaker. -The importance of having friends outside of comedy. -Translating the finding of your voice as a comic to finding your message as a speaker. -Learning through stand-up how to deliver a challenging message as a speaker. -Paralleling comedy with winemaking. And more! John Garrett is a nationally recognized speaker and emcee who draws on his condition as a recovering Big Four CPA to deliver messages that hit home with corporate audiences. This professional member of the National Speakers Association is on a mission to shatter the definition of “stereotypical professional” and in the meantime, show organizations how to create a stronger culture that increases engagement and reduces turnover. John has performed for leading companies ranging from “Big Four” accounting firms to banks and technology companies to professional associations seeking an outside-of-the-box way to engage their audiences.​ Learn more about John: thejohngarrett.com Follow on Twitter @The_johngarrett Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohngarrett/ Get John's book, "What's Your And?" https://amzn.to/3ctrkDe Listen to John's podcast: https://thejohngarrett.com/podcast/ 45 minutes of additional bonus footage with John available if you become a Patron. Visit patreon.com/youcantlaughpod for exclusive access. Improve your audio and lighting for Zoom calls and for YOUR podcast and support our guests: https://watercoolercomedy.org/podcast Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

Being an effective leader and being a great comedian, believe it or not, take many of the same skills, and that's why David Horning is setting out to prove that you CAN laugh at work, one leader at a time. Reid Carr is the founder and CEO of Red Door Interactive, a marketing agency in San Diego and Denver known for its 100% jerk-free culture. Though not funny in and of itself, this cultural cornerstone lays out an expectation of openness, creativity, and trust where employees are free to be themselves and apply what they're best at to their work, without fear of judgment. How does Reid support this culture as its leader? By using some of the same skills as a stand-up comic. Sure, Reid is no comedian, but this skillset that is vital to top-notch writing and performing becomes even more crucial when it's used as a leadership tool. In this episode we talk about: -The definition of meaning. -Identifying when an employee isn't connecting meaningfully to his or her work. -Humanity in the workplace and building trust and connection to retain and inspire employees. -Adapting creativity for commercial purposes. -When "Yes, and..." goes too far and how to constructively get creative conversations back on the rails. -Transparency during crisis. Follow Reid on social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rdicowboy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reidcarr/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/icowboy Check out Reid's TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsuCaYvJeMA Find out more about Red Door Interactive: reddoor.biz Follow RDI on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reddoorinteractive/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/reddoor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reddoorinteractive/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/red-door-interactive/ About The Podcast: You Can't Laugh At That is a podcast launched by comedians David Horning and Steve Mers to prove that anything can be funny in a world that often takes itself too seriously. David and Steve are obsessed with the art and science of comedy and why we laugh, so this podcast was started to prove that when approached with the right intent, perspective, and delivery, you CAN laugh at that. https://you-cant-laugh-at-that.captivate.fm patreon.com/youcantlaughpod twitter.com/youcantlaughpod facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Follow David on IG and Twitter: @THEdavidhorning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watercoolerdavid/ Produced by Water Cooler Comedy - http://watercoolercomedy.org Music by Producedbyzip - https://producedbyzip.bandcamp.com Support this podcast

Racial and religious stereotypes are low-hanging fruit when it comes to comedy, but it doesn't take 8 days to realize there's a better way to address cultural differences in a joke, even if it's your own culture. All it takes is one listen to NYC comedian Raanan Hershberg's perspective on how to make sure your Jewish jokes are funny, relatable, and authentic. Though the episode is centered around proving you can laugh at Jewish jokes, we tackle so many other topics that can be applied to that theme. We also discuss: -Metaphors that lower the stakes. -Raanan's “offensive to Jews” joke. -Roald Dahl’s anti-Semitism. -Interpretations of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory. -The unintentional harm of trigger warnings. -Intent of a joke or bit. -Religion serving as a connection to the immortal to make us feel safe or powerful, and the ironic consequences of it. -The comedy advice that has stuck with Raanan his whole career. -How specifics can be more relatable than generalizations. -The fear of being a hack comedian. -Raanan’s bit on his experience being Jewish. -Personifying punchlines to connect something unrelatable with certain audiences. -The fun of using callbacks. -Switching from screenwriting to stand-up. -And more! Raanan has been featured on https://www.facebook.com/The-Late-Late-Show-with-James-Corden-191132101228543/?__cft__[0]=AZW0ByDUlQShOQ_40gx-l-jnUtvuUsjZlrcRVuDmA3Y2D4NOivya5ZOieMuMEgk6GJrF9avCKXVGf-8eivTFwJOjimr9pAZRFk11j7RGTPPrfiuxz_p2kqKubCTdOH78lBH4VQ9nf_NYNRT95AgUTUN-ZEF58g970GBpEWmZhvDYnE6QTd98Zpb90hgqKoVerWY&__tn__=kK-R (The Late Late Show with James Corden), comedy festivals across the country, and his album "Downhill Ever Since" is available wherever you get your albums. Improve your audio and lighting for Zoom calls and for YOUR podcast and support our guests by purchasing their albums: https://watercoolercomedy.org/podcast 25 minutes of additional bonus footage with Raanan available if you become a Patron. Visit patreon.com/youcantlaughpod for exclusive access. Visit raananhershberg.com to learn more about Raanan. Follow on Twitter & Instagram @Raanancomedy Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Support this podcast

Times are tough. Millions of people are out of work, the income gap continues to widen, and a worldwide pandemic rages on, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel: comedy is starting to make a comeback, and with it... getting paid with drink tickets and well wishes. Comedian Carmen Lagala (The Late Show) joins David and Steve to find the funny in the very real experience of being broke, including perceptions of money hoarders, some of the crafty ways we get by, wasting money, and so much more. Turns out, being broke as a joke isn't as bad when being broke IS a joke since being able to laugh is a step toward doing something about it. In this episode, we also talk about: -Starting comedy in Vermont. -Carmen’s process for getting to the punchline. -Preparing for her set on The Late Show. -Dynamics of performing in different sized rooms with different sized audiences. -If money buys happiness. -Having panic attacks and overcoming nerves onstage. -Carmen’s bit about eating at an expensive restaurant. -Meal hacks if you're broke. -The difference between poor and broke. -Dave Chappelle’s bit about poverty mindset. -Spending money like you have it. -Sharing tags with fellow comics. -And more! Improve your audio, get the Samson Q2U mic: https://amzn.to/3vqNqO8 Additional bonus footage available if you become a Patron. Visit patreon.com/youcantlaughpod for exclusive access. Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Visit carmenlagala.com to learn more about Carmen. Follow on Twitter @carmenlagala Follow on Instagram @carmstagrams Become a Patron for exclusive access to bonus footage: patreon.com/youcantlaughpod Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org

Both stand-up comedy and leadership involve embracing change and connecting with an audience. In this case, the change is COVID-19 and the remote working that comes with it, and the audience is the team at Paycor. Karen Crone is the CHRO of the 2,000 person HR tech company, and is one leader who is passionate about building stronger connections between all 2,000 people there. From recognition and appreciation, to open communication, to her own outside-of-the-box ideas, Paycor is widely regarded as a great place to work, and much of that has to do with Karen's mantra of living in the future in order to build emotional intelligence for when sudden change and conflict arise. Though Karen may not be a comedian, this skillset is vital when it comes to writing and performing, but it's even more crucial as a leadership tool. In this bonus episode, we chat about: -The analogy of leadership being like performing stand-up comedy. -Paycor's concept of “Living in the future” to adapt more quickly to change. -Creating the connective cultural energy of working in the same building while people are working from home. -The value of bonding over the human condition as part of work. -Karen’s outside of the box idea to guide her 2,000 people into making connections with one another across hierarchies. -Recognition and gratitude at Paycor. -Pushing to keep things moving. -Making change palatable by reaching out to the people on the front lines. -And more! Follow Karen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlcrone/ Follow Karen on Twitter: https://twitter.com/klcrone Check out Karen's articles on Forbes: https://profiles.forbes.com/members/hr/profile/Karen-Crone-CHRO-Paycor-Inc/e1be3e86-2128-4e3d-8652-91498adffba0 Find out more about Paycor: paycor.com About The Podcast: You Can't Laugh At That is a podcast launched by comedians David Horning and Steve Mers to prove that anything can be funny in a world that often takes itself too seriously. David and Steve are obsessed with the art and science of comedy and why we laugh, so this podcast was started to prove that when approached with the right intent, perspective, and delivery, you CAN laugh at that. Follow David on IG and Twitter: @THEdavidhorning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-horning-7b636176/ patreon.com/youcantlaughpod twitter.com/youcantlaughpod facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Produced by Water Cooler Comedy - http://watercoolercomedy.org Music by Producedbyzip - https://producedbyzip.bandcamp.com

Now that we have 50 episodes in the bag (not counting the bonus episodes), producer Gheramy Demery joins David and Steve for a look back at what we've learned. We've had 49 hilarious and insightful guests who have helped us fine tune our writing and improve as comedians, so we discuss some of the more poignant pointers, perspectives, and pieces of advice over the past year. Whether you're a comedian learning to step up your game, you're interested in what's behind the curtain when it comes to stand-up comedy, or you're interested in learning how to find the humor in a specific topic, there's 50 episodes that prove you CAN laugh at that. In this episode, we talk about: -Why Steve even agreed to do the podcast. -Cursing. -Tips for starting a podcast. -Pivoting to virtual. -The topics we haven’t covered yet. -The things we’ve learned. -Body language and confidence. -Why the Cleveland comedy scene should explode after the pandemic. -Trans jokes. -Jokes about the power of words. -The most important relationship a comedian can have. -Joking about politics without being political. -Using humor to cope with addictions. -Tips for overcoming writer’s block. -Looking back on 50 episodes. And more!!! Additional bonus footage available if you become a Patron. Visit patreon.com/youcantlaughpod for exclusive access. Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org

If you're convicted of a sex crime with a victim, absolutely you should have to register as a sex offender in order to help keep your neighborhood safe. But if you end up on the sex offender registry for something as harmless as relieving yourself in public, engaging in sexual acts in a public place (with no one around, of course), or taking innocuous photos of your kid in the tub... that can be fertile ground for humor. Which is why we invited TimeOut NY's Critics' Choice Jarret Berenstein, who has a killer joke about this exact topic. In this episode, we talk about: -Jarret's novel, "The Kellyanne Conway Technique." -Megan’s Law. -Jarret’s bit about the sex offender registry. -Changing the location of a joke for a stronger punchline. -Re-framing your life as a sitcom where you're the main character. -The places we've had sex in public. -Establishing morality when approaching a controversial topic. -Developing an onstage persona to get away with certain material. -The kind of adult who brags about sexual conquests. -If famous speakers throughout history bragged about getting laid. -Easing the audience into dark topics. -David Britton’s joke about registering to be a sex offender. -The Mr. Show sketch about Larry Kleist, rapist. -Parents taking harmless naked pictures of their kids and ending up as sex offenders. -Some of the other innocuous ways people have been labeled as sex offenders. -When your closing joke bombs. And more!!! Additional bonus footage available if you become a Patron. Visit patreon.com/youcantlaughpod for exclusive access. Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip Visit jarretberenstein.com to learn more about Brendan Follow on Twitter @justjarret Follow on Instagram @jarretberenstein Follow on TikTok @jarretberenstein Listen to his podcast, "Is This Anything?": https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-this-anything/id1529847258 Subscribe to his YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jarretberenstein Get Jarret's book, "The Kellyanne Conway Technique" https://www.jarretberenstein.com/kc-book Become a Patron for exclusive access to bonus footage: patreon.com/youcantlaughpod Follow us on Twitter @Youcantlaughpod Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/youcantlaughatthat Brought to you by Water Cooler Comedy - watercoolercomedy.org