Hot Breath! (Learn Comedy from the Pros)

Every Monday listeners get exclusive access to the most influential minds in comedy. Award winning comedian and host Joel Byars captures the inspiring stories and insightful techniques behind your favorite comics with interviews NPR describes as "discovering the desire to be a comedian, their craft and their unifying bond found within the world of stand up comedy."

Greg Warren - Touring with Nate Bargatze, How to Write Viral Jokes, Joke Writing Techniques + MORE

Greg Warren joins us to share his 20+ years of comedy expertise for comics to learn and apply to their own careers. He shares his favorite writing techniques and how his viral peanut butter bit took over two decades to perfect. We also dive into behind the scene of touring with Nate Bargatze and Leanne Morgan. More info about Greg Here: https://www.gregwarrencomedy.com/Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpodJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

11-24
23:02

Rafi Bastos -Finding Your Comedic Voice, Building a Fanbase Online + MORE

Rafi Bastos joins us to share his journey from starting comedy in Brazil to become the country's most famous comedian before moving to America and rebuilding his fanbase from scratch. This is masterclass is finding your voice and most authentic self. Learn more about Rafi Bastos: https://www.rafibastos.com/Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpodJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

11-20
35:38

Joe Sib - Touring with Jim Breuer, Opening for Metallica, DIY Comedy Grind + MORE

This episode of Hot Breath! dives deep into the DIY spirit of comedy with punk-rock veteran turned stand-up, Joe Sib. From fronting bands and opening for Metallica to touring with Jim Breuer, Joe breaks down how a lifelong performer reinvents himself in the most brutally honest art form of stand-up.He and Joel riff on everything from bombing in front of Metallica fans to finding authenticity on stage, why comics can’t “fake the funny,” and how comedy’s new punk rock era (YouTube, self-releasing specials, podcasting) gives comics more freedom than ever.If you’re a comedian trying to balance the grind, stay authentic, and not lose your mind in the process then Joe’s stories and lessons are pure rocket fuel.Connect with Joe here: https://www.joesib.com/Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpodTop 10 Takeaways from Joe Sib:Host often — it’s the fastest way to get multiple reps and real crowd interaction in one night.Listen to your audience — the laughter (or silence) tells you exactly what to fix.Film every set — you can’t improve what you don’t watch.Write from truth — audiences can spot fake stories instantly.DIY your career — start your own show, mic, or podcast instead of waiting for permission.Keep a “bomb journal” — track what failed, why, and how you’ll adjust.Surround yourself with better comics — iron sharpens iron.Find joy in the grind — comedy rewards the ones who keep showing up.Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

11-10
01:14:53

Morgan Gallo - Expert Social Media Tips, Getting Booed by 6K People, How to Write Consistently + MORE

Morgan Gallo breaks down her 3-year sprint from writing-room newbie to Denver studio owner with 100K+ followers. We get into filming every set, turning trauma into bits, branding like a social pro, and building community that levels you up. If you’re a 0–5 year comic, this is your blueprint.Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpodTop Takeaways:Film every set; post the best 30–60 seconds—weekly, no excuses.Consistency beats “algorithm hacks”—show up more than you optimize.Look bookable early: simple website, dates listed, headshots, clean captionsTreat social like your résuméDon’t chase going viral; build a library for people to discoverAfter a bomb, write three lessons and move on to next showJoin or build community (writing room/new-material show) to level up faster.Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

11-03
50:51

October Contest Winner Sandy Bernstein - How to Turn Dirty Jokes Clean, New Comic Writing Tips, Conquering Stage Fright + MORE

Our October Clean Comedy Contest winner Sandy Bernstein joins us to share How to Turn Dirty Jokes Clean, New Comic Writing Tips, Conquering Stage Fright + MORE.More info about Sandy Here: https://www.sandybernsteincomedy.com/Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpodJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

10-27
26:37

Caitlin Peluffo - Viral Social Media Tips, Crowd Work Advice, Doing 30 Mics Per Week + MORE

Caitlin Peluffo tells Joel Byars how she went from grinding 30+ open mics a week to crushing at the Comedy Cellar—while keeping her act protected in a clip-drunk world. She breaks down actionable goal-setting (not dream credits), balancing clean vs. dirty, why she won’t chase crowd-work virality, and the habits (structure, therapy, sobriety, gym) that keep the funny sharp. Plus: the whiskey-throw heckler story, her three-strike rule, and the meet-and-greet tactic she learned touring with Fortune Feimster and Matteo Lane.Support the show on our Patreon here: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpodWhat you’ll learn in this episode:- Clean when it pays, dirty when it slays—how to rewrite without losing yourself- Why protecting new material grows fans who return- A simple crowd control framework (playful shut-down → sincere warning → bounce)- The pre-show ritual that primes presence and consistency- How to write on stage—and the hour-per-week stage-time hack- Touring lessons from Fortune & Matteo: build markets, shake hands, stay humbleJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Watch the full Caitlin Peluffo interview on Hot Breath! for more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6At_3wH3pk~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Watch the full Caitlin Peluffo interview on Hot Breath! for more.Subscribe for more comedy interviews and tips: https://www.youtube.com/c/HotBreathPod?sub_confirmation=1Join our email list: https://hotbreathpodcast.com/vipClasses and workshops: https://hotbreathmedia.com

10-20
57:25

Hot Breath! is Changing (again)

Here's a quick update on what to expect from Hot Breath! moving forward. Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpodDM me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/joelbyarscomedy/Email me here: Byars.Joel@gmail.com

10-13
05:04

Contest Winner Bob Kirk - How to Write Better Jokes Faster

Bob Kirk returns with his second contest win in a row to help comics write better jokes faster. Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpodGet Jerry Corley's book here: https://comedyclinic.samcart.com/referral/CTqBjMqN/ZBD41W0ekdY1mdCkMore info about Bob Here: YouTube: Bob Kirk Comedyhttps://www.youtube.com/@BobKirkComedy/shortsTikTok: @bobkirkcomedyhttps://www.tiktok.com/@bobkirkcomedyFacebook: Bob Kirk Comedyhttps://www.facebook.com/people/Bob-Kirk-Comedy/100081179486384/Instagram: @bobkirk.comedyhttps://www.instagram.com/bobkirk.comedy/ Reggies Comedy Out of the Way Players 1 hr 12 minutes Filmed Concordia University Montrealhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P1-dAhQuVE&t=16sJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

10-05
27:58

KevOnStage - How to Make Money on Social Media and Treat Comedy Like a Business

KevOnStage gets radically honest about staying relevant, balancing family with the road, and the content strategy that turned him into a household name. We dive into why Sinbad belongs on more “GOAT” lists, how today’s algorithm rewards volume and variety, and why building community (not just views) is the real moat. Plus: the mindset behind his new book Successful Failure and the math behind posting ~7,000 pieces of content a year.Get Kev's book here: https://amzn.to/48CzwOTJoin our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpodWhat you’ll learn:- A practical social media strategy for comedians and creators- How to balance touring with parenting (and what “being home” looks like)- Community-building that actually scales (simple daily actions that compound)+ MORE

09-29
30:05

#066 - Jimmy Kimmel Getting Cancelled, Nate Bargatze "Bombing" the Emmys, Kam Patterson SNL

Hot Breath! is back with some hot topics heating up the comedy world. Jimmy Kimmel gets fired after his Charlie Kirk and Donald Trump jokes goes viralNate Bargatze gets roasted by the media for "bombing" at the EmmysKam Patterson books SNL all from Kill TonyListen and learn from comics talking comedy.If you'd like to support the show, join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod

09-22
34:07

Comedian Akintunde - The Big Business of Content, How To Make Money From Comedy

My OG comedy mentor Akintunde joins the Hot Breathiverse to share his 30+ years of comedy experience. We dive deep on the business of comedy and how to monetize your funny TODAY.One of my favorite quotes is "every piece of content is digital real estate you can monetize." This episode will change your approach to the comedy business and help you get paid faster. Join his contest here: searchfortheone.comhttps://joke-farm.com/Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpodTip Joel here: Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/joel-byarsPayPal: paypal.me/JoelByarsComedy

09-18
01:04:59

Contest Winner Bob Kirk - How to Write More Jokes Faster, Best Joke Writing Prompts + MORE

This month's contest winner Bob Kirk joins us to share how he wrote a killer 60 second set in just two weeks. Join our contest on Patreon here: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpodYouTube: Bob Kirk Comedyhttps://www.youtube.com/@BobKirkComedy/shortsTikTok: @bobkirkcomedyhttps://www.tiktok.com/@bobkirkcomedyFacebook: Bob Kirk Comedyhttps://www.facebook.com/people/Bob-Kirk-Comedy/100081179486384/Instagram: @bobkirk.comedyhttps://www.instagram.com/bobkirk.comedy/Get Jerry Corley's book: https://comedyclinic.samcart.com/referral/CTqBjMqN/ZBD41W0ekdY1mdCkSend us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/HotBreathPodJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Join our email list here: https://hotbreathpodcast.com/vipSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

09-08
23:39

#065 - Marc Maron vs. Joe Rogan, How to Read a Room, Church Comedy vs. Club Comedy + MORE

We're back with another Hot Breath! answering all of your comedy questions. Don't forget to join our Patreon for more exclusive content!Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpodSend us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/HotBreathPodJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Join our email list here: https://hotbreathpodcast.com/vipSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

08-25
01:00:49

#064 - The Best PA Speakers, Producing Your Own Show Tips, Joel Performs at an 80th Birthday Party

We're back with another Hot Breath! answering all of your comedy questions. Don't forget to join our Patreon for more exclusive content!Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpodSend us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/HotBreathPodJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Join our email list here: https://hotbreathpodcast.com/vipSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

08-18
41:05

#063 - Dusty Slay's Netflix Special Review, Why You Need to do Act-Outs, + MORE

We're back with another Hot Breath! answering all of your comedy questions. Don't forget to join our Patreon for more exclusive content!Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpodSend us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/HotBreathPodJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Join our email list here: https://hotbreathpodcast.com/vipSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

08-11
49:17

#062 - How to Book More Gigs, Networking Tips, Measuring Your Comedy Progress

We're back with another Hot Breath! answering all of your comedy questions. Don't forget to join our Patreon for more exclusive content!Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpodSend us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/HotBreathPodJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Join our email list here: https://hotbreathpodcast.com/vipSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

08-04
48:21

Sandy Bernstein - July Clean Comedy Contest Winner

July Clean Comedy Contest Winner Sandy Bernstein joins us to share her journey from being a primarily dirty comic to learning the skill of clean comedy and now booking more gigs than ever. Join next month's contest here: http://cleancomedycontest.com/Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpodGet the clean comedy workshop here: https://joelbyarscomedy.gumroad.com/l/cleancomedyworkshopJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Join our email list here: https://hotbreathpodcast.com/vipSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

07-28
30:47

#061 - Why Your Jokes Aren't Working, Colbert Getting Cancelled, Shane Gillis Espy's

We're back with another Hot Breath! answering all of your comedy questions. Don't forget to join our Patreon for more exclusive content!Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpodMessage us your questions here: https://www.speakpipe.com/HotBreathPodNate Jackson podcast: https://www.theringer.com/podcasts/larry-wilmore-black-on-the-air/2025/07/14/nate-jackson-on-nate-jackson-super-funnyJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Join our email list here: https://hotbreathpodcast.com/vipSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

07-21
35:00

#060 - Bouncing Back from a Bomb, Show Production Tips, Joke Workshop + MORE

We're back with another Hot Breath! answering all of your comedy questions. Don't forget to join our Patreon for more exclusive content!Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpodGet tickets to our Sandy Springs show here: https://www.sandyspringspac.com/events/detail/funny-fridays-with-joel-byars-1Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Join our email list here: https://hotbreathpodcast.com/vipSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

07-14
41:42

Teacher Turned Comedian June Contest Winner Chris Shull

We're back with this month's Clean Comedy Contest winner Chris Shull!Join next month's contest here: http://cleancomedycontest.com/Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpodJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Join our email list here: https://hotbreathpodcast.com/vipSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

06-29
23:50

J.P. Comedy

#rat don’t have to have “the talk” with said rat

03-02 Reply

Steven Rivera

LOVE THIS CHANNEL!!

10-07 Reply

Recommend Channels