Episodes
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In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell take the stage togetherâliterallyâfor the very first time on video, live from Zanies Comedy Club in Rosemont. What starts as a fun Q&A quickly evolves into a revealing and hilarious look at how two very different comics found their way to the mic.
Vince opens up about using humor to fit in as a kid, battling stage fright before his graduation set, and learning to embrace ranting as his signature style. Dobie shares stories of getting kicked out of class for cracking jokes, a life-changing compliment from a heckler, and how growing up with his cold German grandmother shaped his comedic instincts.
Through laughs, reflection, and a few shared jabs, the duo delivers a backstage pass into the formative years that made them the comics they are today.
Key Points Discussed:
Why Vince almost bailed on his comedy graduation show
Dobie's first standing ovation from a heckler named Drugstore Bob
How ranting styles emerged out of fear of silence
Why comedians donât always want to be the funny guy offstage
The long game of comedyâand why connection now matters more than laughs
This episode is raw, funny, and filled with unexpected vulnerability. Itâs perfect for anyone curious about the comedy grind, early failures, and what it really takes to stick with it long enough to find your voice.
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In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell dig into the one thing every comic will faceâdisappointment.
Whether itâs a set that fell flat, an audience that didnât respond, or a career milestone that didnât happen the way you hoped, disappointment is baked into the journey. Vince opens up about how he responds to those moments in real timeâand why he's learning not to let them define him. Dobie reflects on decades of unmet expectations, and how heâs learned to separate who he is from how the night goes.
Together, they unpack the emotional landmines comedians face when things donât go as plannedâand why resilience, detachment, and self-awareness are just as critical as punchlines.
Key Points Discussed:
The mindset behind letting go of audience validation
How to emotionally recover from a show that doesnât go well
Learning to be disappointed without becoming bitter
The importance of not letting one night affect your whole week
Why disappointment is tied to expectation
Processing disappointment before reacting publicly
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell pull back the curtain on one of the biggest hurdles for any performer: stage fright.
Whether you're a comic, speaker, or someone terrified of giving a work presentation, this episode will hit home. Vince shares how close he came to quitting comedy entirely just hours before his graduation set at Zanies. Dobie opens up about bombing as a child ventriloquistâand how both moments shaped their path forward.
Together, they reflect on the mental games, physical symptoms, and internal battles that come with fear of the stageâand how to overcome it with preparation, repetition, and the right mindset.
Key Points Discussed:
The difference between nervousness and stage fright
Why passion can override fear
Why bringing friends to your first show is a terrible idea
Physical tricks to calm your nerves before speaking
The power of reframing stage time: âItâs not about you, itâs about them.â
This episode is a relatable and honest look at what it takes to push past fear and step into your spotlightâno matter what stage youâre standing on.
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In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell break down what it really takes to succeed behind the scenes in comedyâfrom the green room to the booker's inbox.
You can crush your set⊠and still never get invited back. Why? Because talent alone isn't enough. This episode unpacks the unspoken rules of the business, how to build (or blow) relationships, and how to navigate the politics of comedy without losing your soul.
Vince and Dobie share real stories of comics who wonâand others who self-sabotagedâbased not on talent, but on how they played the game.
Key Points Discussed:
What âcomedy politicsâ really meansHow to handle egos, green rooms, and comedy condosThe difference between professionalism and being a kiss-assHow bookers, staff, and other comics impact your careerReal stories of mistakes, missed chances, and big winsWhether youâre just starting out in comedy or years deep into Whether you're just starting out or have years behind the mic, this episode is your cheat code to playing the long gameâand winning it.
Tune in now and learn how to master the moves that matter.
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In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell tackle one of the biggest taboos in stand-up comedyâstealing material.
For comedians, joke theft isnât just unethicalâitâs a career killer. But what really counts as stealing? How do you protect your material while making sure youâre not unintentionally copying someone else? Vince and Dobie share real-life stories of joke theft, the fine line between parallel thinking and plagiarism, and how stealing can destroy a comedianâs reputation.
Key Points Discussed:
What counts as stealing a jokeâand what doesnât?The difference between "parallel thinking" and straight-up joke theftWhy audiences donât care if a joke is stolenâbut comedians doHow to handle it if you realize youâve accidentally used someone elseâs materialReal stories of comedians who stole jokesâand what happened to themHow to develop a unique voice so your material canât be easily copiedVince and Dobie also discuss the ethics of buying jokes, how major comedians have been accused of joke theft, and whether stolen jokes can ever be taken back.
đŹ Have you ever heard a comedian use a joke you KNOW came from someone else? Whatâs your take on joke theft?
đ§ Listen now and find out why stealing material is the ultimate comedy crime!
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In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell break down the artâand the challengesâof crafting topical humor that lands with an audience before the news cycle moves on.
Topical comedy can make a comedian seem sharp and in-the-moment, but it comes with risks. A joke that kills today might be irrelevant tomorrow. Vince and Dobie discuss how to write and deliver timely jokes while avoiding material that ages too quickly. They also dive into how topical humor plays differently in clubs, late-night shows, and social media.
Key Points Discussed:
The difference between topical, observational, and evergreen comedyHow to write jokes that stay fresh without becoming outdated overnightThe biggest mistakes comedians make when tackling current eventsWhy some topical jokes age well and others die instantlyHow late-night comedy writers approach topical humor differently than club comicsWhether youâre a comedian trying to sharpen your material or just curious about how humor reacts to the news cycle, this episode gives you the inside scoop on making topical humor work.
Listen now and learn how to make your jokes timely, sharp, and effective!
Drop your favorite (or worst) topical joke in the comments! Then hit play
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In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell break down one of the most essential tools in a comedianâs arsenalâthe five-minute set.
From auditions and TV spots to festival submissions and surprise guest sets, a strong five-minute chunk can open doors in comedy. But crafting one isnât as easy as it sounds. Vince and Dobie discuss why five-minute bits are the foundation of a great act and how to write, refine, and structure them for maximum impact.
Key Points Discussed:
â Why every comedian needs multiple five-minute sets â and how to build them over time
â How to break larger bits into tight five-minute chunks for late-night, festivals, and club auditions
â The âSequel & Prequelâ method â a unique way to expand your material
â How to handle being put on the spot with five minutes of unexpected stage time
â Vinceâs real-life story of being thrown back on stage at the Improv with five minutes to fillVince and Dobie also share their own struggles with writing in five-minute increments, explaining why itâs not their natural styleâbut why itâs a necessary skill for every comedian.
đ€ If youâve ever struggled to cut your material downâor wondered how to structure the perfect five-minute setâthis episode is a must-listen!
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In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell tackle one of the toughest realities of stand-up comedyâhandling criticism.
Whether itâs an angry audience member, a harsh review, or a troll on social media, every comedian will face negative feedback at some point. But how you handle it can make or break your career. Vince and Dobie share their best and worst experiences dealing with criticism, offering insights into when to stand your ground and when to just walk away.
Key Points Discussed:
Why comedians fixate on the ONE audience member not laughing (even in a packed room)How to respond when someone tells you, "You were funny, butâŠ"The reality of social media trolls & why deleting comments is often the best moveStories of hecklers, bad post-show interactions, and handling them with class (or not)When criticism is actually helpfulâand when itâs just noiseVince also plays a real-life recording of an angry audience member tearing him apart post-show, and Dobie shares how one audience member completely misinterpreted his jokeâdemanding he stop telling it forever.
If youâve ever struggled with taking criticismâor want to know how to handle it betterâthis episode is a must-listen.
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In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell take you inside the messy, frustrating, and rewarding process of building a brand-new hour of comedy.
Vince shares how he develops a fresh set, why not every joke makes the cut, and how he balances writing with testing material on stage. Dobie reflects on the differences between past comedy eras and today, exploring how the industry has changed from the 500-show grind of the â80s to the current expectation of releasing a new hour every two years.
Key Points Discussed:
How to shape a new hour without forcing material The importance of testing bits in front of real audiences Why comedians need to evolve their material over time How Vince learned to âwrite on stageâ and refine his stories The difference between polishing a set vs. continuously creatingVince also reveals the working theme for his next special, discussing how he organizes ideas and chooses what fits (and what gets scrapped). Whether youâre writing your first set or working toward a full special, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and real talk about the creative process.
đ€ Tune in now and learn how to turn new ideas into a killer hour of comedy!
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In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell break down one of the most overlooked yet essential skills in stand-up comedy—hosting.
Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned headliner, learning how to run the show, set the tone, and keep the audience engaged is a game-changer. Dobie shares his experiences as a seasoned Emcee, while Vince reflects on the challenges of adjusting his high-energy style to fit the hosting role.
Key Points Discussed:â The true role of a comedy host—why you’re the most important person in the lineupâ Why being a great MC can boost your career and incomeâ Biggest hosting mistakes that ruin the flow of a comedy showâ How to transition seamlessly between comics and control the crowdâ What every host should (and shouldn’t) say when introducing comedians
From learning how to handle rowdy crowds to understanding why hosting is an underrated path to success, this episode is packed with insider knowledge, hilarious stories, and practical advice.
đ€ Tune in now and level up your hosting game! -
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell break down one of the most crucial elements of stand-up comedy: the closing bit.
Your closer isn’t just another joke—it’s the exclamation point on your performance, the moment that leaves the audience with a lasting impression. Vince and Dobie discuss what makes a great closing bit, share legendary examples, and reveal how their own closers have evolved over time. From callbacks to summation, they unpack the different techniques that help comedians craft the perfect ending to their sets.
Vince shares the thought process behind the closer in his Bad Father special and how a long-form personal story became his ultimate show-ender. Dobie reflects on his own experiences with closers—what worked, what bombed, and how audiences will always tell you when it’s time to get off stage.
Key Points Discussed:
What separates a strong closer from a weak one
The role of summation, callbacks, and exclamation points in a closing bit
Legendary closing bits from comics like Ellen DeGeneres, Bill Burr, and George Carlin
Why your closer should signal the end organically—without you saying "Goodnight!"
How to avoid common mistakes, including rambling, weak endings, and bad merch pitches
Whether you're a new comic trying to build your first set or a seasoned performer refining your closer, this episode delivers practical insights, personal stories, and a few laughs along the way. -
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell dissect one of the most crucial elements of any comedian’s set: the opening bit.
They discuss why the opening of your set is the most important moment to grab attention, build trust, and establish your comedic style. Vince shares his approach to structuring an opening bit, using his Bad Father special as an example of connecting with audiences through relatable, topical humor. Dobie reflects on his tried-and-true “Mr. Lucky” opener, offering advice on creating rhythm and earning that first big laugh.
Whether you're a seasoned comic or stepping on stage for the first time, this episode dives into the building blocks of a memorable opening bit. It provides actionable tips for leaving a lasting first impression.
Key Points Discussed:
The difference between an opening line, an opening bit, and a theme
How to build rhythm, trust, and connection in the first three minutes
Why non-controversial openers often work best
Tips to avoid common pitfalls like asking questions or meandering setups
Personal examples from Vince and Dobie on how to grab attention fast
This episode is your guide to starting strong, setting the tone, and structuring an opener that hooks your audience from the moment you step on stage. -
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell lay out the blueprint for turning dreams into achievable goals with their signature blend of humor and hard-earned wisdom.
Vince opens up about his meticulous planning process, sharing how he uses a mix of OCD and ADD to set clear, measurable goals that drive his success. Dobie reflects on the lessons learned from 40 years in comedy, including the pitfalls of winging it and the importance of building a strong foundation through repetition and resilience.
Together, they break down the art of crafting a "Day 1 Plan" that balances big-picture ambitions with actionable daily steps, whether you're starting out or looking to level up your craft.
Key Points Discussed:
How to set SMART goals that keep you on track
The value of breaking goals into micro and macro steps
Why planning for both on-stage and off-stage growth is critical
Lessons from Dobie’s early days on the road and Vince’s disciplined approach to producing new material
Whether you’re a comedian, entrepreneur, or anyone chasing a dream, this episode delivers practical advice, relatable stories, and plenty of laughs to inspire your next big move. -
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell share their comedic hopes, dreams, and unforgettable lessons from the stand-up trenches.
Vince recounts his surreal experience thinking he was auditioning for Saturday Night Live, only to realize it was for an extra role—and how the trip changed his comedic approach forever. Dobie reflects on his early aspirations, his heartbreak after bombing his first paid gig, and how failures shaped his path.
Together, they explore the evolution of their dreams, what it takes to succeed in comedy, and why resilience is the secret ingredient to turning hopes into reality.
Key Points Discussed:
The importance of mentors and learning from failures
How Vince’s SNL "audition" became a turning point
Dobie's story of persevering after early rejections
Balancing life’s responsibilities while chasing big dreams
Whether you’re an aspiring comedian or simply curious about the craft, this episode is packed with relatable moments, humor, and actionable lessons on embracing the highs and lows of pursuing your passion. -
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone shares an unforgettable story about how a childhood comedic idol, David Spade, inspired his comedy journey—and how that journey took an unexpected turn when Vince was bumped from a feature slot for Spade's show. This personal tale takes a surprising twist when Vince’s resilience leads to an unbelievable opportunity with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Joined by Dobie Maxwell, the duo dives into the emotional highs and lows of show business, offering insight into handling setbacks and seizing unexpected opportunities. They break down lessons in resilience, professionalism, and staying composed when things don’t go your way.
Key Points Discussed:
How Vince’s admiration for David Spade shaped his early career
The heartbreak of being removed from the show and how he handled it
The importance of professionalism when faced with disappointment
How Vince’s standout performance at the Improv led to a call from the Chicago Blackhawks
Lessons on building trust and maintaining relationships in the comedy and corporate world
This episode is a raw and inspiring reminder that setbacks can set the stage for extraordinary comebacks. Tune in for laughter, lessons, and a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how resilience can open the door to life-changing opportunities. -
In this EPICsode, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell unpack a legendary moment from Dobie's career—his now-famous blunder with Jeff Foxworthy that will have you laughing and shaking your head at the same time. From wild road stories to missed opportunities and life-changing lessons, this episode is a rollercoaster of humor and insight for anyone navigating the world of comedy—or just life itself.
Highlights include:
Dobie’s hilarious misjudgment of the “You Might Be a Redneck” concept—and how it shaped his career.
Lessons learned from trusting your instincts and betting on yourself.
The importance of relationships and connections in the comedy world.
How to handle unexpected challenges, like performing an hour for a crowd waiting on a headliner.
Why taking risks can lead to unexpected rewards.
This EPICsode is more than a backstage pass; it’s a masterclass in resilience, humility, and finding the funny in life’s curveballs. Tune in to hear Dobie’s heartfelt account and Vince’s sharp insights as they uncover the lessons behind the laughs. -
In this second installment of our two-part series on Show Business, we shift the focus to the Business—the behind-the-scenes essentials every comedian needs to succeed. Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell break down the practical strategies and foundational habits comedians must master to thrive offstage.
This episode is full of actionable advice and real-world insights as Vince and Dobie discuss how to build your comedy career beyond the laughs. From recording your sets to networking effectively, they share the tools and mindset needed to navigate the business side of show business.
Key Points Discussed:
Record Your Sets
Get a Web Presence
Record Your Financials
Get Yourself Booked
Network
Whether you're just starting or looking to level up your career, this episode will give you the blueprint for making comedy a sustainable and professional business. If you missed Part 1 on mastering the Show, go back and listen—because success in comedy takes both halves of the equation! -
In this first installment of our two-part series on Show Business, we focus on the Show—the onstage side of being a professional comedian. Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell break down the essential habits and rules every comedian needs to follow to master the art of performing and leave a lasting impression.
This episode is packed with practical advice and real-life stories, as Vince and Dobie discuss the unspoken expectations of comedians and why professionalism on stage is just as important as making people laugh.
Key Points Discussed:
Do Your Time
Do Your Material
Watch the Show
Read the Room
Dress the Part
This episode sets the stage for becoming a true professional in comedy, offering insights that every comedian—from rookies to veterans—needs to hear. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive into the Business side of show business! -
In this honest and unfiltered episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell dive into the gritty reality of being a comedian during the holidays. They explore how comedy can cut through life’s toughest moments, bringing laughs when they’re needed most and offering a brief escape from the chaos.
With personal stories and sharp humor, Vince and Dobie break down the responsibility comedians carry to connect with their audiences, even when the weight of the season is heavy. This episode is a reminder that comedy isn’t just about jokes—it’s about finding light in the dark and giving people a reason to laugh, no matter what. - Show more
