Podcast appearances and mentions of kevin hackenberg

Fellow comedy director Christopher Shawn Shaw joins Kevin Hackenberg on the podcast. The trailer for Christopher's feature film directorial debut just broke ONE MILLION VIEWS on the “Church People Movie” Facebook Page! The film in in theatres within weeks.

John Katrina and Kevin Hackenberg working for a Republican trying to get elected in Philadelphia. Now they are both mercenaries for a great discussion.

Earnest Schooley and our host Kevin Hackenberg sat near each other from Kindergarten to the 4th grade at Maranatha Christian School in Turbotville PA. Earnest and Kevin haven't talked to each other for 37 years until recently seeing each other at a funeral and then a great conversation after last week's content that led us here.

Your host with the most Kevin Hackenberg sits down to talk directly to you, the viewer, to give a brief history of his life and spiritual journey. Support the show, and see next week's episode a week early http://patreon.com/funnyandamen

A great place to start, your host, Kevin Hackenberg, gives a short intro detailing why we started this podcast. Welcome to our show. Support the show (http://patreon.com/funnyandamen)

Kevin Hackenberg is a producer, director & cinematographer who has been telling stories and making people laugh on 6 continents for over 20 years. Kevin has worked with many celebrities, athletes, and media icons but is also comfortable directing real people. He is a trusted source for any size project and is known as one of the East Coasts premier DP’s for his beautiful visuals, steadicam and drone work. Kevin started his career apprenticing under Hollywood directors like M. Night Shamalyan and Jonathan Demme on feature films such as The Sixth Sense and Beloved and in 2003, Kevin started the thriving high-end film and video production company, Get-Kinetic, in the Philadelphia and New York City markets. Most recently Kevin founded the 501(c)3 non-profit, Funny & Amen, to produce edgy faith-based comedy films and short content. Kevin’s other hobbies include watching his famous beekeeping father on documentaries and “60 Minutes” and traveling with his wife Meg, daughter Asher, and son Jake around the world. http://kevinhackenberg.com/ https://www.funnyandamen.com/

Kevin Hackenberg is a producer, director & cinematographer who has been telling stories and making people laugh on 6 continents for over 20 years. Kevin has worked with many celebrities, athletes, and media icons but is also comfortable directing real people. He is a trusted source for any size project and is known as one of the East Coasts premier DP’s for his beautiful visuals, steadicam and drone work. Kevin started his career apprenticing under Hollywood directors like M. Night Shamalyan and Jonathan Demme on feature films such as The Sixth Sense and Beloved and in 2003, Kevin started the thriving high-end film and video production company, Get-Kinetic, in the Philadelphia and New York City markets. Most recently Kevin founded the 501(c)3 non-profit, Funny & Amen, to produce edgy faith-based comedy films and short content. Kevin’s other hobbies include watching his famous beekeeping father on documentaries and “60 Minutes” and traveling with his wife Meg, daughter Asher, and son Jake around the world. http://kevinhackenberg.com/ https://www.funnyandamen.com/

This week have Kevin Hackenberg of Funny and Amen. Discussing his comedy production company. Also on the show, we discuss disinterested therapists. On Ferret Rescue of the Week, we meet Daryl who was found bloated and over sugared in a Dairy Queen. 

Today’s episode Steve Martin Martin Short is brought to you by Patreon Supporter Amy Lynch. To learn how you can support the podcast visit www.SchoolOfLaughs.com/Patreon. We are also brought to you by Funny&Amen.com. If you need help with video production check out Kevin Hackenberg and his team at Funny&Amen.com. STEVE MARTIN MARTIN SHORT  Every once in awhile a concert comes along you just can’t pass up. When I saw the Steve Martin Martin Short concert was headed for Nashville, I jumped at the chance to see these two funny legends. To top it off, the show was at the historic Grand Ole Opry. Done! In full disclosure I should tell you that I am 48 years old. When Steve Martin performed “King Tut” and “Wild & Crazy Guy” on Saturday Night Live I instantly became a comedy fan. It was probably the first time I saw a grown man act like a child and it was infectious. It was pre-VCR days in the Roberts household, so I would place my cassette recorder (the rectangular, black, five button kind) next to the TV and magically capture the insanity. I listened back so much I wore that tape out.   So, what did I think of the live show? It was great. Non-stop laughs for two hours does a body good. They delivered and it was worth my $91 upper balcony ticket. Yes, ninety-one dollars. I have missed out on too many great shows by being frugal. No more. Just like they mention in their show, this was the “See ‘em Before They Die” tour I love the experience of being in the audience. I think it’s important for every performer to sit, watch and enjoy other performances. No matter how hard I try, though, I can’t just sit and enjoy a show. Being a stand-up comedian for going on twenty-seven years just gets in the way sometimes. The good news, as I was enjoying the show I was making mental notes of what I could learn from the experience. Hopefully you will find some value in the specifics I list below. A more detailed analysis is posted at www.schooloflaughs.com . Here are “9 Showbiz Lessons From Steve Martin & Martin Short in Concert” #1) KEEP WORKING These two guys continue to work and those gigs lead to more gigs. They stay on the radar. They stay relevant. As tempting as it is to fold up the circus tent and quit comedy, you can always get better if you keep working.   #2) A COMEDY BUDDY KEEPS YOU HUMBLE A comedy buddy can help keep you from getting too arrogant. In the show the two comedians trade affectionate barbs and reminders of their failures and miscues. They also keep each other rooted in reality. A comedian who stays isolated can begin to think they are bigger or better than they actually are. #3) YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD, OR TOO BIG Martin short just turned 67 and Steve Martin is 72. Just like the characters in the Three Amigos these two guys could have cashed out many years ago and rode off into the sunset. Instead, they continue to explore their age and experiences for new bits, characters and laughs.   #4) USE YOUR WHOLE LIFE AS MATERIAL Many jokes and stories during the concert were about experiences these fellows had before making it big. A quick slideshow full of childhood photos allowed them both to use their razor sharp wit to comment on the “pre-Hollywood” versions of themselves. Giving an audience a glimpse into their early days is both fun and endearing. #5) DEVELOP A “SECOND SKILL” I love artists who are multi-dimensional. Steve Martin’s ability to play banjo, tell jokes, act, write, perform and interject off the cuff remarks make his performances satisfying. Martin Short can sing, dance, embody a character, perform and captivate with the best of them. Had this just been two hours of story telling or joke slinging, it wouldn’t have had nearly the impact. #6) SHINE YOUR SPOTLIGHT ON SOMEONE ELSE The loudest, longest standing ovation during the show wasn’t for Steve or Marty. No, the incredible show of appreciation was for fiddle player Nicky Sanders. And it was well deserved. With Short and Martin offstage the band kicked into high gear and Sanders took over like Charlie Daniels on triple mocha latte. He even wove in a few notes of “Johnnie B. Goode” to pay homage to Chuck Berry who passed away just days earlier. #7) KNOW WHO AND WHAT YOU ARE As an entertainer evolves, so does his or her stage persona. At least, if you are truly an artist it will. Knowing who and what you are means being in touch with where you are NOW. #8) CONTINUE TO GROW ARTISTICALLY These two artists continue to grow and explore their gifts. Although Steve Martin has been playing banjo for most of his life, it wasn’t until 10 years ago he played onstage with other musicians. It’s not as easy as it sounds. It was a risk, one that paid off. Martin Short continues to develop characters and star in shows such as “Marty & Maya” where he and Maya Rudolph take on hipsters, nature lovers and everyone in between. #9) UPDATE YOUR PROMO PHOTO In one of the funnier early moments Steve Martin congratulates Martin Short on his promo photo. He said he had asked for a digital copy of it but it was taken before the digital age. Indeed, the headshot was at least fifteen years old. Short told Steve he had advantage because he has looked the same sine he was thirty years old. But it was indeed a jab that landed because it was 100% true.   IN SUMMARY Overall, the concert was a truly satisfying experience. I would definitely recommend it to any current or aspiring entertainer (comedy or otherwise). It definitely motivated me to write more, take more chances and develop more bits. Luckily for me, my head shot is good to go (I must say). LINKS AND PARTING NOTES Steve Martin is offering a master class in comedy. If you are interested, here is a link:  STEVE MARTIN MASTER CLASS If you would like to read more about Martin Short check out his book, “I Must Say, My Life As a Humble Comedy Legend” In this engagingly witty, wise, and heartfelt memoir, Martin Short tells the tale of how a showbiz- obsessed kid from Canada transformed himself into one of Hollywood's favorite funnymen, known to his famous peers as the "comedian's comedian." I highly recommend Steve Martin’s biography, “Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life (Unabridged)” Martin illuminates the sacrifice, discipline, and originality that made him an icon and informs his work to this day. To be this good, to perform so frequently, was isolating and lonely.   AUSTIN, TX SCHOOL OF LAUGHS APPEARANCE If you are in the Austin, TX area, please come out for a crash course in stand-up comedy techniques. On April 4th, I’ll be visiting the NSA AUSTIN Chapter Visit this link for more details http://nsa-austin.com     In order to reach a bigger audience you need partners. When it comes to a video partner, you have to partner with FunnyandAmen.com  Funny&Amen has over 20 years experience producing, directing, and shooting feature films, commercials, and LIVE recordings and is now producing clean comedy content.  The team at Funny&Amen recently filmed me and it's some of the best video I have to promote my business. Check out the work of Kevin Hackenberg and his team at FunnyAndAmen.com . CLUB 52 IS THE ONLY WEEKLY PROGRAM DESIGNED 100% FOR COMEDIANS! "Club 52" is a 52 week, email based stand-up program. It will include a weekly challenge designed to help you become a better comedian. This year long program will feature an email every Friday from me. I will ask you to take a serious look at some of your business practices, writing processes, performance techniques, branding, marketing and a whole lot more. The program starts the week you join and continues for 52 weeks as long as you are still supporting the podcast through Patreon at the $7 a month level. Questions? Email me (Rik) at SchoolOfLaughs@gmail.com. Or call 1-888-895-8549. Or, if you are ready, head on over to www.Patreon.com/SchoolOfLaughs to get started.

Today’s "After School Special" podcast is brought to you by Patreon supporter John Hill. To learn how you can support podcast through a small, monthly donation, visit Patreon.com/SchoolOfLaughs after school special After School Special I am joined today by a group of School of Laughs students after a recent comedy writing class. We had a fun bunch this last round and they stuck around to find out some answers to questions hat have been burning in their minds. Specifically, students ask questions about: John ask about tips on making a great story funnier Matt wonders who much creative license you have onstage Jeffrey wants to how to define your stage persona when you first start Charity wants to know what its like living the life of a comedian Find out more about our comedy classes both live and online at www.SchoolOfLaughs.com     FUNNYANDAMEN.COM In order to reach a bigger audience you need partners. When it comes to a video partner, you have to partner with FunnyandAmen.com Funny&Amen has over 20 years experience producing, directing, and shooting feature films, commercials, and LIVE recordings and is now producing clean comedy content. The team at Funny&Amen recently filmed me and it's some of the best video I have to promote my business. Check out the work of Kevin Hackenberg and his team at FunnyAndAmen.com .   CLUB 52 IS THE ONLY WEEKLY PROGRAM DESIGNED 100% FOR COMEDIANS! "Club 52" is a 52 week, email based stand-up program. It will include a weekly challenge designed to help you become a better comedian. This year long program will feature an email every Friday from me. I will ask you to take a serious look at some of your business practices, writing processes, performance techniques, branding, marketing and a whole lot more. The program starts the week you join and continues for 52 weeks as long as you are still supporting the podcast through Patreon at the $7 a month level. Questions? Email me (Rik) at SchoolOfLaughs@gmail.com. Or call 1-888-895-8549. Or, if you are ready, head on over to www.Patreon.com/SchoolOfLaughs to get started.

  Grinding It Out While Still At A Day Job I’m joined today by former School of Laughs student Lee Hardin to discuss what it’s like 3 years into the grind. Still working a day job to pay the bills, Lee has started to get some traction in his act and is now getting some bookings. He allows us a peek inside his progress. Specifically, we talk about: His early love of comedy His transition into being more conversational onstage What he learned at a recent showcase at Zanies  in Chicago How cumulative stage time has paid off A bad habit he noticed he picked up Learning what material works where Making your material accessible Booked shows that go nowhere Performing in Jackson, TN at South Street Hustling gigs on the phone Building a website on Square Space Using “Bands in Town” to list upcoming dates Getting paid gigs Working with Hacksaw Jim Duggan Getting rid of debt Working a flexible job to accommodate last minute bookings We also mentioned Nora Canfield who does incredible photography for comedians. Find out more about Lee at www.LeeHardinComedy.com and how he is grinding it out and cranking up the laughs.     Today’s podcast "Grinding It Out While Still At A Job" is brought to you by Patreon supporter John Schuster. To learn how you can support podcast through a small, monthly donation, visit Patreon.com/SchoolOfLaughs    Also, we are proud to welcome Kevin Hackenberg and his team over at FunnyAndAmen.com.   In order to reach a bigger audience you need partners. When it comes to a video partner, you have to partner with FunnyandAmen.com  Funny&Amen has over 20 years experience producing, directing, and shooting feature films, commercials, and LIVE recordings and is now producing clean comedy content.  The team at Funny&Amen recently filmed me and it's some of the best video I have to promote my business. Check out the work of Kevin Hackenberg and his team at FunnyAndAmen.com . CLUB 52 IS THE ONLY WEEKLY PROGRAM DESIGNED 100% FOR COMEDIANS! "Club 52" is a 52 week, email based stand-up program. It will include a weekly challenge designed to help you become a better comedian. This year long program will feature an email every Friday from me. I will ask you to take a serious look at some of your business practices, writing processes, performance techniques, branding, marketing and a whole lot more. The program starts the week you join and continues for 52 weeks as long as you are still supporting the podcast through Patreon at the $7 a month level. Questions? Email me (Rik) at SchoolOfLaughs@gmail.com. Or call 1-888-895-8549. Or, if you are ready, head on over to www.Patreon.com/SchoolOfLaughs to get started.

Facebook Fan Page Strategies Would you like to know how one listener took his Facebook fan page from 1500 to 40,000 likes? I thought so! I first met Bob Moher a couple of years ago in Texas. As we knocked back some brisket tacos, he told me he had been getting into Facebook marketing. This was intimidating. Bob was in his sixties and knew more than this 40 something would ever understand about Facebook. Bob told me about boosting posts, driving up his fan page “likes”, and getting some outhouse people to attend his shows. He even created a Facebook page to hep others learn how to go about it: Using Facebook To Market Your Comedy . I was intriqued. But I didn’t like the idea of paying 5-10 dollars a day to boost my posts just to increase likes on my Facebook fan page. Bob didn’t either, and he discovered a system for “sharing” his and others memes to get maximum results. No boost budget necessary. Today, Bob is kind enough to share his sharing tips with us. These same strategies have taken his fan page likes form 1500 to over 40,000. Boom! That is no small accomplishment. I’ve been following Bob’s progress and knew I had to share him with you! We cover a lot of ground in this episode. Specifically we talk about: How to stop boosting and start sharing your memes for maximum engagement How watching a Holly Homer Youtube Video changed everything Why its “Hip” to be square on your Facebook fan page The proper dimensions for making the meme most sharable Why he prefers to use a simple background vs a photo in the background How you can you drive traffic to your website with a meme Using memes to create merchandise The best share ratio of your memes and other people’s memes The best share frequency to generate results for your Facebook fan page Why Bob likes to use https://www.picmonkey.com and a whole lot more. You can learn more about Bob Moher at: www.BobMoher.com His Facebook FAN PAGE and of course, visit the Using Facebook To Market Your Comedy page to see all this in action. SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: In order to reach a bigger audience you need partners. When it comes to a video partner, you have to partner with FunnyandAmen.com  Funny&Amen has over 20 years experience producing, directing, and shooting feature films, commercials, and LIVE recordings and is now producing clean comedy content.  The team at Funny&Amen recently filmed me and it’s some of the best video I have to promote my business. Check out the work of Kevin Hackenberg and his team at FunnyAndAmen.com . CLUB 52 IS THE ONLY WEEKLY PROGRAM DESIGNED 100% FOR COMEDIANS! “Club 52” is a 52 week, email based stand-up program. It will include a weekly challenge designed to help you become a better comedian. This year long program will feature an email every Friday from me. I will ask you to take a serious look at some of your business practices, writing processes, performance techniques, branding, marketing and a whole lot more. The program starts the week you join and continues for 52 weeks as long as you are still supporting the podcast through Patreon at the $7 a month level. Questions? Email me (Rik) at SchoolOfLaughs@gmail.com. Or call 1-888-895-8549. Or, if you are ready, head on over to www.Patreon.com/SchoolOfLaughs to get started.  

  As we look back at 2016 for the final time, I wanted to make sure I admitted some mistakes, misconception and missteps. We can all learn from a mistake. If you don't, then that mistake becomes a habit and you will soon commit it again. You can (and will) make mistakes at every level of the comedy business. To give some extra depth to the topic, I brought in two former students who are now full time to see what they learned as well. Jonnie W. and Brian Bates each share some hard earned stand up comedy lessons from the past year. Jonnie is a fixture in the Christian comedy world. Brian is also in that field but spends a majority of his time in the comedy club scene. I am fairly entrenched in corporate comedy.   So, the perspectives come from three comedians in three different markets. And also from a single fellow, a married fellow, and a fellow married with two kids. We cover 3 lessons each in this episode. Specifically we talk about: How easy it is to lose focus on your health How over communicating may not be enough When one of us should have "Thought Bigger" How many gigs is too many gigs? How much new comedy material we should work up Why being the fastest joke slinger isn't necessarily a good thing Looking at the data to see what you are actually doing best at Having a bigger impact with the gift of stand up comedy and a whole lot more.   In order to reach a bigger audience you need partners. When it comes to a video partner, you have to partner with FunnyandAmen.com  Funny&Amen has over 20 years experience producing, directing, and shooting feature films, commercials, and LIVE recordings and is now producing clean comedy content.  The team at Funny&Amen recently filmed me and it's some of the best video I have to promote my business. Check out the work of Kevin Hackenberg and his team at FunnyAndAmen.com . CLUB 52 IS THE ONLY WEEKLY PROGRAM DESIGNED 100% FOR COMEDIANS! This week's episode "9 stand up comedy lessons learned in 2016" is also brought to you by Patreon supporter Kay Dodd Stokes. To learn how you can support podcast through a small, monthly donation, visit Patreon.com/SchoolOfLaughs  "Club 52" is a 52 week, email based stand-up program. It will include a weekly challenge designed to help you become a better comedian. This year long program will feature an email every Friday from me. I will ask you to take a serious look at some of your business practices, writing processes, performance techniques, branding, marketing and a whole lot more. The program starts the week you join and continues for 52 weeks as long as you are still supporting the podcast through Patreon at the $7 a month level. Questions? Email me (Rik) at SchoolOfLaughs@gmail.com. Or call 1-888-895-8549. Or, if you are ready, head on over to www.Patreon.com/SchoolOfLaughs to get started.