Episoder
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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
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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
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Manglende episoder?
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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