Hot Breath! (Learn Comedy from the Pros)

274
Stand-Up #60

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."

Recent Episodes
  • April Contest Winner Scott Shanahan - How to Write One Liners, Finding Your Comedic Voice, + MORE
    Apr 27, 2025 – 42:02
  • #053 - Interviewing Doug Stanhope, Garage Comedy Shows, Developing Stage Prescence + MORE - comedy podcast
    Apr 21, 2025 – 39:22
  • #052 - How to Balance Life and Comedy, What are Bookers Looking For? - comedy podcast
    Apr 14, 2025 – 48:17
  • #051 - The Harsh Reality of Being a "Full-Time" Comedian
    Apr 7, 2025 – 38:32
  • Clean Comedy Contest Winner Joan Fuchsman - How to Write Clean Comedy, Conquering Anxiety, + MORE
    Apr 2, 2025 – 24:11
  • Derrick Stroup - Lessons from Nate Bargatze and Bert Kreischer, How to Find Your Comedic Voice, Clean Comedy, + MORE - comedy podcast
    Mar 24, 2025 – 38:13
  • #050 - Working with Derrick Stroup, How to Break Writer's Block, When to Do Old vs. New Material
    Mar 17, 2025 – 57:21
  • #049 - Analyzing Andrew Schultz's Netflix Special + Comic Q&A - comedy podcast
    Mar 10, 2025 – 44:13
  • #048 - Differents Types of Clean Comedy, How to Book More Gigs, More Matt Rife Stories + MORE
    Mar 3, 2025 – 01:02:53
  • Clean Contest Winner Helen Anderson - Conquering Perfectionism, How to Write Clean Jokes, + MORE
    Mar 2, 2025 – 20:14
  • #047 - Top 3 Lessons Learned Opening for Matt Rife - comedy podcast
    Feb 24, 2025 – 01:29:24
  • #046 - Working with Matt Rife, Comedy Networking Tips, The Ups and Downs of Comedy - comedy podcast
    Feb 17, 2025 – 59:23
  • #045 - Are Comedians the New Rockstars?, The #1 Skill Comics Need (Not Stage Time), The Power of Clean Comedy,+ MORE
    Feb 10, 2025 – 48:02
  • What's next for Hot Breath! in 2025?
    Jan 9, 2025 – 04:26
  • HB! Live #043 - Bill Burr's Take on Modern Comedy, Corporate Comedy Stories, + MORE
    Dec 5, 2024 – 39:21
  • Corporate Comedy Masterclass with Stephan Dyer
    Dec 4, 2024 – 01:10:05
  • Unlocking the Secrets of Sketch Comedy: Tips from Sam Brown's 20+ Years of Experience
    Nov 27, 2024 – 01:07:23
  • $100 Joke Contest Winner Mitchell Marroquin - How to Break Stage Fright, Best Writing Techniques + MORE
    Nov 26, 2024 – 31:23
  • HB! Live #042 - When to start posting clips, How to organize your sets, Deliver more naturally + MORE - comedy podcast
    Nov 21, 2024 – 54:11
  • HB! Live #041 - Finding Your Comedic Style, The Highs and Lows of Comedy, EPK Tips + MORE
    Nov 14, 2024 – 58:17
  • HB! Live #040 - Our Favorite Pens, How to Break Writer's Block, Hosting Tips + MORE
    Nov 7, 2024 – 55:27
  • The AI Comedy Playbook with Mike Todasco: Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Comedians
    Oct 31, 2024 – 55:38
  • $100 Joke Contest Winner Bob Kirk - How to Write New Jokes FAST!
    Oct 29, 2024 – 16:36
  • HB! Live #039 - Marketing Your Comedy, Finding Authenticity on Stage, + MORE
    Oct 26, 2024 – 49:13
  • HB! Live #038 - How Benny Blue Turned His Mother's Funeral into Stand-Up Special
    Oct 10, 2024 – 01:06:30
  • HB! Live #037 - Cory Kahaney: 30 Years of Comedy Advice in 55 Minutes
    Oct 3, 2024 – 55:36
  • HB! Live #036 - Phil Wang - Finding Your Comedic Voice, Recording Netflix Specials, Young Comic Mistakes + MORE
    Sep 25, 2024 – 43:22
  • HB! Live #035 - Stephan Dyer Comedy Business Masterclass
    Sep 23, 2024 – 01:02:32
  • HB! Live #034 - Ahir Shah - Netflix Special Process, US vs. UK Comedy, How to Stand Out in Comedy + MORE
    Sep 18, 2024 – 53:17
  • HB! Live #033 - Ginny Hogan Reveals the Data Science of Comedy Writing
    Sep 4, 2024 – 50:21
  • HB! Live #032 - Yoshee Performs in a Theatre, Joel's Big Announcement + Live Q&A
    Aug 28, 2024 – 56:59
  • HB! Live #031 - How to Break Writer's Block, How to Write One Liners, Young Comic Advice + MORE
    Aug 21, 2024 – 48:39
  • HB! Live #030 - How to Produce Your Own Show, Contacting Bookers, Finding Your Voice, + MORE
    Aug 14, 2024 – 47:47
  • HB! Live #029 - How to Book Road Work, Should You Post Jokes on Social Media?, Editing Apps, + MORE
    Aug 7, 2024 – 01:00:08
  • HB! Live #028 - Winston Hodges Joins Us to Talk His Don't Tell Special, Crowd Work Tips, + MORE
    Jul 31, 2024 – 01:02:54
  • HB! Live #027 - How to Get on Stage First Time, How to Sell Merch, Earthquake's Best Comedy Advice, + MORE
    Jul 24, 2024 – 50:19
  • HB! Live #026 - Show Production Tips, Joke Theft Stories, How to Memorize Your Set + MORE
    Jul 17, 2024 – 41:21
  • HB! Live #025 - How to Find Your Comedic Voice, Rehearsal Tips, Making the Most of Stage Time + MORE
    Jul 10, 2024 – 56:42
  • HB! Live #024 - Is AI Ruining Comedy?, Getting Away with Edgy Comedy, How to Run a Comedy Show + MORE
    Jul 3, 2024 – 49:08
  • HB! Live #023 - Keith Robinson Joins Us for a Comedy Masterclass
    Jun 26, 2024 – 55:14
  • HB! Live #022 - How to "Do" Open Mics for Young Comics, Overcoming Self Doubt, Having Fun on Stage + MORE
    Jun 19, 2024 – 54:33
  • HB! Live #021 - How to Find Your Comedic Voice, Breaking Writer's Block, Writing Likeable Jokes + MORE
    Jun 12, 2024 – 49:51
  • Adam Muller - Producing Two Comedy Specials in Seven Years of Comedy
    Jun 7, 2024 – 53:13
  • HB! Live #020 - How to Organize Your Jokes, Getting on Stage for the First Time, Finding Local Open Mics + MORE
    Jun 5, 2024 – 35:40
  • HB! Live #019 - First Open Mic Tips, How to Conquer Stage Fright, How to Write Authentic Material + MORE - comedy podcast
    May 29, 2024 – 45:07
  • HB! Live #018 - How to Generate Joke Ideas, How to Structure Your Sets, Handling Heckler Tips + MORE - comedy podcast
    May 22, 2024 – 45:30
  • HB! Live #017 - Are Comedy Festivals Worth It?, Comedy Club Etiquette, Preparing for Competitions + MORE
    May 15, 2024 – 51:56
  • HB! Live #016 - The Tom Brady Roast, How to Analyze Your Sets, Are Comedy Classes Worth It? + MORE
    May 8, 2024 – 49:28
  • HB! Live #015 - Comedy Special Masterclass with Felicia Madison and Slade Ham
    May 1, 2024 – 51:48
  • HB! Live #014 - Richie Satori's Sober Comedy Journey, Joel Performs in Cayman Islands, Yoshee Heckler Story, + MORE
    Apr 24, 2024 – 01:08:12
Recent Reviews
  • b showers 19888
    Brendan Shaub is a liar
    Spotify’s stock price has decreased by 34% since they acquired the Joe Rogan podcast not increased as Brendan claims. Also his lawsuit against that YouTuber is for copyright infringement not defamation. Any podcast that unironically has that guy on as a guest is questionable
  • Andrew S from Queens
    Great!
    Insightful and a must for any new comedian or comedy fan!
  • JKlark216
    Perfect Podcast
    Perfect podcast to continue working on your craft as a comedian. Don’t sleep on the hotbreathaverse!
  • 15_vs_15
    The Blueprint
    This podcast is a great playbook for everything in the comedy community.
  • Dr. Goad
    A Funny Generous Comic
    It’s all good but what I like most about Joel’s Hot Breath! Podcast is that he’s generous with information and seems to really want other people to succeed. That’s the way it should be. Super interesting, fun, and full of info.
  • Sasha in Bartlett, IL
    COMEDY!
    An amazing source for stand up comedy knowledge. Get advice, tips, tricks, lessons, and stories from some of the best comedians around. Joel Byars is a great host and I would give this podcast 6 stars if he would stop dabbing.
  • KingVon7
    Cracking me up
    Joel is a genius. The community and quality of laughs is pure Genius! Top level content and quality content!
  • Allaboutsports
    JOEL THE GENIUS!!!
    Joel is such a open book. Giving so much free knowledge and tools to help comedians in their journeys. Don’t know if there is any platform such as this for comedians. From every angle there is info on everything you might have questions about concerning comedy. No way you “can not” find this info valuable.
  • GasHouseGorrilla173
    Loving this podcast!
    The Episode with Roy Wood jr was gold! I found this podcast recently and have been binging it. Well worth my time and yours!!!
  • Frank Debuke
    Say word
    I just got hip to this podcast and this is long overdue for the entire stand up comedy community. Stay humble and genuine cause what you’re doing is next level.
  • John Chapps
    Learn Comedy HERE
    If you are new or well experienced in comedy this is the place for you to get better! There are so many great insights, tips and advice from so many great comedians. I can’t say enough about Joel’s passion for learning more and teaching others about comedy! It’s inspiring to see someone creat so much for the comedy community and do it all for the love of the art!
  • Craig_S
    Highly Recommend
    Great podcast! Joel is not only a comedian and all around likable guy, but he is a student of comedy and brings on some great guests. It is obvious that Joel puts in the work to research his guests with the payoff being thoughtful questions and deep discussions on all things comedy. If you are a comedian wanting to learn and grow, or if you are simply a fan of standup comedy, I highly recommend this podcast! Click subscribe and join the Hot Breathaverse!
  • Rin0_0Dee
    Super helpful
    Very fun and engaging podcast for anyone who is interested in stand-up comedy.
  • joshistyping
    The definition of a hidden gem
    If you even casually like comedy, listen to this podcast and hear a comedian speak passionately on it. I am continually amazed at the guests and content this podcast gets vs. the amount of people who know about it. Is it the niche? Does Joel need to get himself out there more? I can’t understand it, but I know for a fact that it can’t stay that way.
  • Stefalufagus
    The Hot and Fresh
    The hot breath of Joel and his guests is so captivating that I can almost feel it on my face. A must listen for anyone interested in comedy.
  • r-lynch
    Funny, Insightful, and Very Funny!
    Joel is a very likeable and authentic comic, and he shines as a podcast host and interviewer. I came across his interviews to comics on YouTube and that led me to downloading a podcast and I have been a fan of his ever since! As a comic I take a lot of notes for my own comedy career. There is a lot here to be learned, while being entertained! Thanks Joel for an awesome job!
  • Irie Chat
    Funny Episodes
    This is a funny podcast. Look up the episodes with Ms. Pat and Dolcé Sloan if you don’t believe me.
  • HotBreathFan
    Comedy Gold!
    The perfect podcast for both comics and comedy fans!
  • djcycisl
    Help for Comics
    I’m so glad to have found the Hot Breathaverse! It’s the best podcast out there for comedians. Joel is a fantastic interviewer, who asks great questions and gives great tips for comics. It’s an invaluable resource! Much love to the Hot Breathern and Sisteren!
  • real_clemente
    Hands down best podcast for comedians
    Joel picks the brains of legends and pulls out incredible wisdom every time. He’s doing the Lord’s work.
  • ADROIDURLUKIN4
    Great comedy talk
    Awesome podcast if you’re a comedian or just a fan of comedy. Great tips and advice that you can’t find anywhere else this conveniently.
  • Crystallera
    If you are a comedian - this is a must listen.
    Very helpful tips from the pros - and also others at the same level you’re at. The dynamic perspectives really help inspire new approaches to writing, producing shows, getting booked - you name it! Great job Joel!!
  • Ft moneyb
    The Best
    Joel is the best. Every comic (or really anyone) should listen to this to make themselves funnier.
  • brad pittman
    So much good info. No one tells you this stuff.
    I am learning so much that no one tells you in the business by listening to Joel and his guests. It is helping me grow as a comedian.
  • Notlovingit608
    Just skip the first five minutes...
    Great advice but his intro material is not so enjoyable and the way he says the podcast name makes chills run down my spine and not in a good way.
  • jamesearljonesluvscak
    Insightful and funny, thank you
    Please keep making shows ! -the AWSTAT team
  • Stitchin Christin
    Love this show!
    Great insight on comedy! Must listen for anyone who wants to be in comedy or just loves comedy.
  • rue d bwoi
    LISTEN!!
    If you’re interested in the comedy universe - comedian, speaker, fan, podcaster, podcast junkie, student of life - you’ll enjoy this podcast!! So LISTEN, and don’t let the name fool you. Your friend, Comedian, RueD
  • Yarginsoffle
    Awesome!
    Best comedy podcast out!
  • Bored on the job
    A must listen for comics on the come up
    When you consider the work it takes to put out a good podcast it’s great that comics can get this in-depth knowledge for free. These great educational conversations serve as a great roadmap for comics “in the game”.
  • TaraBrownComedy
    Comedian
    This has become my absolute favorite podcast. I listen to it every day on my commute to and from work. As a comedian, it’s great to hear, and learn from the veterans of our industry. Joel also does an incredible job in researching his guests, asking all of the right questions, and letting the moment be the moment. “Hot Breath” is must listening for any comedian looking to take their career to the next level!
  • Outrageous413
    Joel is a REAL ONE
    these interviews are more like going to “class” every week. I’ve been listening now for 4 months, and Joel gets better with every interview. The comedians he brings on always Keep it REAL, and give GREAT insight To the business and to this art. Joel....you a REAL ONE. I appreciate what you do every week with this.
  • eat@joes2020
    Comedy Master Class
    This is a great podcast! Joel peals back the curtain weekly, and digs deep with comedians, writers and producers alike. Here you get pure truth about a comedians life, the ins and outs of the entire industry! Well worth the listen and follow! Totally a fan. Plus he’s a great guy all around!
  • AJ4Wrestling
    I dig the insight
    Plenty of laughs and awesome insight
  • SoxSphereBlog
    Great Work!
    Excellent podcast and very well produced! Keep it up!
  • Swissdogg
    Awesome!
    I am a huge comedy fan...and this podcast is right up my alley. Keep up the good work! Highly recommended!
  • Jakeobs
    Comedy isn’t always funny
    I’ve been a fan of comedy in all of it’s many forms for basically my entire 48 year life, so needless to say, I find the behind the scenes of it extremely fascinating (which might explain why my current favorite podcast is comedian Earl Skakel’s Inappropriate Earl). Joel Byars’ Hot Breath! Podcast is a very entertaining and insightful look behind the scenes of comedy and what it takes to be successful in comedy. Highly recommended.
  • BlackBastardMM
    One of the two podcast I subscribe too!
    Love it!! Well done, I am so proud of Joel!
  • Johnny T1234
    Great Resource for Comics
    This podcast is a great resource for comedians. Showing comedians how to not only learn the craft, but how to navigate the industry. I also highly recommend taking Joel’s standup class and watching his weekly show at Java Monkey
  • Shannoncook902
    Excellent interviewer with really relevant tips for upcoming comics.
    As a comic myself I look for any small tip I can about stand up comedy. This podcast has at least one thing I can use in every episode. People he interviews are really interesting also.
  • VCed
    Welcome to Class
    This might be the second review I’ve ever written on here and I should write more. Joel deserves it so much that it even penetrated my little brain. So here I am to tell you that Joel Byars is the man. He is a really good dude that I found on Instagram before I heard the podcast. He helped me with A LOT of great advice. He went out of his way to provide me with some great feedback and I will always appreciate that. Then I heard the podcast and it’s top notch. No question about it. Joel likes to exaggerate and call it interviews but they always end up in to great conversations that are super helpful and entertaining. Always in depth and funny. Perfect combo. Definitely give this podcast a whirl in your skull.
  • Fuzzlyn989
    Love it!
    This is a great podcast for fans of comedy who want to hear about the Atlanta comedy scene and the inner workings of comedians. It's really funny, the host is excellent, and you'll learn a lot about comedy! Definitely recommend.
  • LiButticus
    Excellent show if you’re a comic or aspiring comedian
    As a comedian this was a treat to listen to, not only was it a lot of fun but there are some valuable insights into what goes into being a comic at various levels. There’s a lot to learn from here. Whether you’re a current comedian, aspiring comedian, or just fascinated by the world of stand up comedy, this is one that you’ll want to check out. 5 Stars, subscribed and can’t wait to binge the rest.
  • bcmaze
    Great insight into the comedic process!
    Engaging conversations with funny people. How could you go wrong? The host is a natural at interviewing, who really lets his guests shine. Lots of laughs and learning. If you are interested in comedy you should definitely check this show out!
  • Keeemmo
    Great
    Great interview. You didn't over talk your guest and you did you research. Asked great questions.
  • afunnychristian
    Excellent Work!
    Joel is a very nice, warm and friendly down to earth dude. And not to mention a hilarious comedian. And all of those qualities come across in these excellent and well crafted interviews. I’ve learned and laughed so much from spending countless hours listening and enjoying each and every episode. As a fan and aspiring comedian, thank you Joel for all of your hard work. Your fans will enjoy seeing you on Conan soon enough, I’m sure of it! Lots of blessings, bud!!!!!!
  • @KennardBright
    Reviews from the 6
    I love the Hot Breath Podcast !!! I listen to every episode. Always fun, informative, and keeps me engaged throughout the entire interviews. Makes me feel like I’m in the same room as them. Keep killing the game Hot Breath 🔥🔥 Joel Byars is that guy !!!!
  • Hot Breathren
    Awesome Podcast!
    I love it!
  • Nick namesq
    One of the best podcasts out there
    I'm sorry it took me so long to get around to leaving a review, this podcast deserved 5 stars right out of the gate. It's always a fascinating listen. Joel is a wonderful interviewer. He does his research and gives the guest a real chance to talk. His gentle guidence keeps the conversations flowing, but he isn't afraid to really dig in to uncover a weath of information. This is a funny and more than that, informative podcast. I'm always looking forward to the next episode. Congratulations on your run to-date and I'm looking forward to many more.
  • Conrad Bromberek
    Entertaining, Informative, and Doggonit I Have Fun
    Joel Byars has definitely cracked the formula for Podcasts with Hot Breath! Joel has a way of getting the best information out of his guests. His guests are the best in their fields, so you know you're getting the best information possible. Very insightful for young and veteran comics alike. Joel keeps the focus on the guest rather than trying to self serve his brand. He's like a spring board for conversations. A fan for life of Hot Breath!
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