I wasn’t going to blog or mention anything about Stand up Bootcamp until I completed the entire experience, but I’m in the mood to write so fuck it. Plus I might as well crack out the stories while they are hot since I’m on this kick to blog every single day lately.
I’m currently in Los Angeles California attending Louie Anderson and Kyle Cease‘s Standup Bootcamp. I thought this event would be a great experience and opportunity to try something new and so far my hunch is correct.
Ever since I was a young kid I’ve always been fascinated with stand up comedy. My first crush as a kid was actually on Rosie O’Donnell back when she used to host Stand Up Spotlight on VH1. She was incredibly hilarious. Lots of people talk trash about her, but screw em. That chick did some serious time on the mic, and as a young kid I dug her.
Anyways, I’ve been following Kyle Cease’s comedy and online shenanigans ever since I met him at a Tony Robbins Date With Destiny seminar a few years ago. I instantly liked the guy and could tell he was a good and genuine soul. His comedy was hilarious too.
So when I saw that he and Louie were throwing a bootcamp in LA for comics I figured it would be a great adventure and I knew I could learn a ton of valuable info from some of the best working comedians in the business. Day 1 didn’t disappoint.
The day started out with Louie and Kyle giving a bit of background about themselves and their motivation for doing Stand Up Bootcamp. It’s obvious to me that this camp was created with a deep passion and desire to help comics that want to get better. There are no promises of fame, stardom or even paying gigs. But it’s clear that these guys care immensely about the people that want to seriously take their comedy to the next level.
The only goal here is to help people leave being a bit better than when they came. Ideally everyone would get a bunch of gigs and their own Comedy Central special, but I think the crowd understands realistic expectations and they are aware this isn’t the easiest business to crack. There are thousands of funny comics in this country that couldn’t put meals on the table on a consistent basis. You have to be beyond just good and funny. There are a lot of variables that need to fall in line to really become successful in this business. A small few may get some lucky breaks, but most of the guys on top are there for a reason. They busted their ass.
To be honest, I’m not sure I’d want to go on the road and do club after club after club. I kind of like just hanging out at the beach and doing my thing with the homies. My intentions and goals for this bootcamp are probably a lot different than many of the attendees. I just want to laugh and make others do the same and help out good people where I can. Whatever happens after that, we’ll see. I’m totally open to whatever the universe has in store for me.
Louie and Kyle really spilled their guts and gave some heart felt words that were very appropriate for the intro day. Most of it was about mastering your inner game and having the confidence to do what was necessary to achieve your goals in this industry. Then they brought out the guest speakers for the day.
Up first was a very impressive man by the name of Tim Sanders. Tim is a master networker, business genius, author and dynamic keynote speaker. One of his better known books is called The Likeability Factor.
Tim gave an inspirational speech about the importance of giving without the expectations of reciprocity. The examples he used were clear indications that if you just do right by the people you are trying to serve, eventually all your hard work will pay off in a dramatic fashion. The things he was saying were so simple, yet so smart. However, in a world of me, me, me, me, me, sometimes the simple and right things to do aren’t so clear and obvious.
One thing Tim said that resonated deeply with me was… “Stop analyzing the usefulness of people. Instead, make people useful and powerful” (I hope I remembered the quote accurately).
That saying packed some serious weight with me. I love taking the responsibility of success off other people and placing it directly onto your own shoulders. It’s much easier for growth when your willing to blame yourself instead of others when shit doesn’t work out.
It was a real joy meeting Tim and within short time I could really tell he was a quality individual.
Up next was a man named Shore Slocumb. Shore provided some incredible motivation for the group and took us through a variety of exercises that proved our bodies can often do more than what our minds think they are limited to. His name instantly rang a bell in my head and I realized that I had met his wife a few years ago at a Tony Robbins event. She is a super rad lady, so it only made sense that he was going to be a champion as well. Shore lived up to the expectations. He rocked the mic.
It was awesome to talk to Shore because he’s the kind of guy that has a ton of passion for life and helping people. Listening to his stories about how he came up from being an electronic salesman to a motivational guru was very inspiring. Shore is the kind of guy that goes way above and beyond of what is expected of him to ensure others get the change they so desperate need. He’s truly a man with a big heart and I was super glad to have the chance to meet up with him.
It just so happens that Shore and I share a bunch of the same friends, so I’m sure I’ll see him again at some point in my travels.
Last, but definitely not least Ralphie May came up and crushed the mic. He gave a raw and unedited speech about the real expectations of the comedy world. There was no holding back here at all. His stories weren’t fuzzy layered feel good stuff that was intended to make the comics all giddy. He truly spilled his guts that was insanely insightful.
Ralphie didn’t have to do a gig like this. He wasn’t being paid. It was done out of the kindness of his heart and to help a few friends out. I think we were all so lucky we had a chance to see Ralphie on day one. It was a stark contrast from the feel good rah rah stuff that Tim and Shore delivered, but he’s a comic, not a personal development guy.
And holy shit is Ralphie funny. I mean this guy is beyond hilarious. Massively inappropriate too. The insight he gave about crowd control and working the mic was so valuable. You can tell he’d poured his blood, sweat and tears into this craft and he was damn serious about it.
His talk was more like a verbal beatdown for comics and I think it was just what we needed to hear. Nothing was held back and we really got to see the real Ralphie totally exposed. It was a gem and I felt very lucky to be able in attendance.
Here’s a clip of Ralphie below. You may remember him from being the runner up on Last Comic Standing quite a few years ago. The dude totally should of won, but hey, 2nd place ain’t bad. And if you compare his career against the guy who did win, I think we’d all say that Ralphie still won. Thanks for being you Ralphie.
I don’t appreciate your filthy language and cavalier approach to civil communication. You need to GROW UP beyond the juvenile phase you’re stuck in at the moment. Your stupid letter’s very questionable worth is totally erased by your insensitivity to others’ sense of value. Please don’t contact me again…. H E Lafferty, Hagerstown MD
Is this for real? Don’t subscribe or read if you don’t like it. haha
H E, unsubscribe dude. This is my house, not yours. I don’t censor or cushion my words for other people. No one is forcing you to read my emails or blog. You are the one that signed up.
And to be honest, growing up sounds like the worst fucking advice I’ve gotten in months. Wow, maybe I can grow up and be a MD? Maybe get a real job? Sounds like a great life.
Best of luck fella.
So it’s true, Hagerstown MD really is full of fucking douchebags.
Haha, my dumb ass read MD as a medical doctor not Maryland. Hahahahahhahhahahaha. Damn glad I don’t live in Hagerstown. Or Maryland.
I read MD as the same thing! well at now there are two dumb asses.
What a dick! $20 says he doesn’t unsub and reports you for spam because he doesn’t know how…
I too thought it meant Medical Doctor. Maybe this is H E’s way of showing his comedy skills 🙂 I mean, the name is H E Lafferty– as in… he laughs 🙂
Other than Door to Door Pussy, your letter didn’t contain too much vulgarity… although, there was that “So fuck that”.
Anyways… People talking shit aside, I think it’s fucking awesome that you’re following your passion. What I got out of this post is inspiration. I’ve always loved comedy (as all of you that know me know… it’s difficult to have a conversation with me and not hear some jokes), so seeing you take a workshop… well, that just rocks. I’d like to attend as well. Guess I’ll see how funny you come out 🙂
I think your coverage is both interesting and thorough– as far as telling us who’s covering what – and generous… since you’re super-kind in description on all of them…. unlike your comments to Lafferty. So, either you’re really nice (which I know you are), or they got really incredible people working this show (which from what you wrote also seems to be the case).
Congrats! And I can’t wait to see the video of your standup! Most inspiring — even at your level of success, you’re still pushing your comfort zone… which is probably why you’re at the level of success.
Waaahhhh… Winners never whine and whiners never win. What a feminine hygiene product you are Doc!
(there now, was that better than just calling you a douchebag?)
Nice one Jason, looking forward to reading another installment. This looks like an awesome bootcamp to be on and it might even make you funny 😛 Joking man, enjoy it
Right on dude. Can’t wait to see if they can actually make you funny.
Ralphie is hilarious.
They should have made the clip longer
so we could hear the rest of the joke.
Jason, you’re a pretty funny guy yourself
(at least when you’re drinking).
Best Wishes.
Carl Willoughby
Hey Carl,
You can just search Ralphie’s name on YouTube and there is a ton of more videos available.
the first guy up “Mr. Lafferty” needs to work on his timing and delivery not to mention his material just totally bombed !
Yo Keith
Who is Mr Lafferty? Was he part of the Standup Boot Camp?
Mr Lafferty is the Hagerstown MD douchebag !
Get it, “the first guy up” was the first commenter, his material bombed.
I was trying to take the standup comedy theme with the douchebag that left the first post and twist it into comedy gold.
ask Louie where I went wrong
Yo Yo,
I got to meet Louie Anderson, a few years back when I was a bellman at the St. Regis Monarch Beach, and he wanted to teach me stand up..I should have taken him up on his offer, because he was one of the coolest guys I ever met. He actually sent me a signed copy of his book, You should check it out. Dear Dad: Letters from an Adult Child
Can you send me the information to this workshop I would love to attend, and meet up with Louie Anderson again…and peruse my dream in Comedy.
Great Post..
Travis
Hey Travis, great story. Louie really is a good dude. You can find out more info at http://www.standupbootcamp.com
JMO,
Dude, I think this is a killer blog post, a great read, and a great video to watch at the end of your writing. Ralphie is Funny. So cool that you attended that workshop. BTW, I was working out in San Diego about two weeks ago. Now I know why you live there…what a great place. Have a great day dude.
Brad | Orlando, FL
Great post, your encouragement to bust out of our comfort zone and try something new is awesome. It encourages old and young to keep stretching. Humor is health, you make me feel better every time i read your stuff. B Bop
The most intelligent humor, is humor that clean and family friendly.
Anybody can make others laugh with filthy language and dirty talk.
When you are ready to grow up and possibly raise a family of your own, you may change your mind too!
Who is real a comedian? If they can make others laugh with “G” content – they win the contest!!
Thank you – I will unsubscribe.
Is today National Fucking Dork Day?
Later.
Cathy,
I agree with you that clean humor is the best of all. If I were doing the Tonight Show I’d do clean stuff. However, this blog is a representation of me and it would be silly of me to alter my true self to appease you or others. I’m here to be myself and that’s it.
I actually rarely find ‘G Rated’ comedy entertaining but that’s just me and my personality. Everyone likes different stuff. Nothing wrong with that.
Oh and I fucking hate the Tonight Show. Oh wait…no I just hate Jay Leno. I loved Conan because he pushed the lines of vulgarity.
You just wanna fuck the masturbating bear.
Dude, that made me bust up. I think you really have a knack for this comedy thing. And I’m with Lana on this one. I also rarely find G rated stuff funny. Maybe if I put a stick up my rear it would be better.
shhhhh that was a secret.
G rated content? Really?
Really?
Can I unsubscribe from certain people that somehow got on your list Jason?
The best comedy is the comedy that makes people laugh.
I ? Dave Chapelle, Joe Rogan, Chris Rock and a slew of other ‘questionable’ comedians.
I don’t find Tim Allen, or David Schwimmer even remotely interesting, let alone funny.
Funny, like truth, like belief, like faith, like knowledge is epistemic.
I believe what I believe, you believe what you believe. Because I believe something, doesn’t mean you should/need to believe it.
Truth and comedy are self evident. Nothing more, nothing less.
Hey Jason,
I use to live in MD, not a bad place as long as you do not live next to Mr. Censorship. 🙂
Ok this boot-camp sounds really cool but what is even more cool is the fact that you are doing something like this. I’m jealous, although I’m not sure I would feel comfortable jumping up to the mic to give a skit or whatever they are called.
Good stuff and keep these interesting post a coming!
Jason, the line Rosie O’Donnell “That chick did some serious time on the mic”, knowing your story telling that sounds like something out of an XXX Video.
Jason this is a Warning,
Do not draw a picture in your mind of Rosie on the mic, Don’t do it. LOL I warned you.
It is funny how the keyword of ON change my view of the sentence.
You have a way with words. Is it whiskey or wit? Both I’m sure
Written or spoken words are a way of inner human communication. Words are joyful magic if used correctly. We sometimes forget the true craft learned us by parents and teachers alike and it’s simply
“our language”. You my friend remain a true craftsman in the art of “words and humor“.
Keep on keeping people laughing. It is who you are and what you do. Truly master the craft of being a comic and you will be rewarded more than any money can buy.
As to the comment by H E Lafferty, who is he to tell you what the fuck to right. Or how to write it.
Hey Jason,
I was a standup comic from when I was 17, lying about my age to work clubs. It was fun, but a lot of hard work, and you really must be bitter and enraged at prior failure, to drive yourself forward. That’s what drives most comics. I’m glad not to be doing it any more. Now, I produce movies, and pay for it by buying and selling real estate, and by IM.
Your friend Ralphie May is very funny. I can’t believe he was “runner-up,” (especially after looking up the “winner’s” set on YouTube. Wow.) but he’s used that to drive himself forward. You do what you can. Ralphie’s great.
I think you are very funny, Mr. Moffat man! I enjoy your emails and blog posts. You have a good heart and brain, and it shows through. I hope you enjoy your Comedy Experience. Best of luck to you.
Sincerely,
Sam Longoria
Producer
Hollywood CA USA
Funniest US show I’ve seen for a long time is ‘Curb your Enthusiasm’, and people who equate polite conversation with maturity would get a wake up call from watching that show, created by former stand up, Larry David, of course.
Interesting path you are on, Jason, yours is certainly the most entertaining “IM” related blog these days.
Rich
UK
JMO
That must be awesome, I don’t know if Stand-up is for me but I would love to do some impromptu classes – step out of my comfort zone
Way to go dude, inspiring… really good post
Keep em coming 😉
Phil
P.S. Isn’t there a “Dork filter” in Aweber…lol
Hey Phil, see if they have a Comedy Sportz in your neighborhood. They throw some amazing classes.
OMG That shit is funny! If you have haters at least it means you’re doing something right! lol
Jason,
I have seen you on stage at Frank’s in San Diego, I think you would be
a great comedian!
Keep up the great writing!
Michael
Bakersfield, CA
Ha! happened to me once. A guy in my list and a habitual WSO buyer.
Doesn’t like my header on my squeeze page because it says C**P (literally like that) which is also the header in my opt in list. Well then apparently the first line of the email I sent I think said shit something like that.
So this was his response..”I like ALL of what you send. But ANYONE using foul language in a business setting is making a big mistake! It shows a lack of class, and is particularly inappropriate for a woman. That’s just a fact of life. Not some lone opinion. You NEVER see foul language used in ANY correspondence by the truly successful in America. If that’s “just you” then take heed and think about it. If you offend ONE person in business, that’s one too many! I am NOT writing any of this to be critical, just to be helpful. Think about it. And THANKS again for the valuable 99.9% that you send!!”
Good stuff, Huh?
Gina Gray
Hmm how many times have you overheard politicians swear on mic?
And didn’t Dan Kennedy say if your not offending someone your not doing something right!
Like “grown ups” have all the answers. 🙂
My wife is always asking when I’m going to grow up.
I answer by giving her a Dutch Oven.
Saw Louie Anderson not long ago here in Las Vegas at a benefit for animals. Awesome 2nd row seats. there were a bunch of comedians but Louie Anderson was like the one who stood out to me as one of the funnest. Now this was a family event so they all had to tone it down a bit so I’m sure it was a challenge.
This was the others in the main line up, Sammy Shore, Bobby Slatton, George Wallace, Pauly Shore, Lance Burton, Terry Fator, Kathleen Dunbar, Pam Matteson, Frankie Scinta, Jeff Hobson, Vinnie Favorito, Dean Napolitano, and Pete Barbutti.
Awesome cool
Get funny!
Hey O’l Cuzin Mo! (learn that from Kern ) …Does Kern also watch or study such things? ( standup comedy )….
How can I apply this in my online business?
thanks,
Red ( 17 yrs old, fan of yours, hope to meet you soon, from philippines. wew.. )
It seems that most comedians are the ones that live in the moment and can recount those moments with hilarity. You are well on your way just by being “yerself” and giving your worldview of things.
I think the negative comment set this thread on FIRE!
Well done spinning that.. with a little point, counter-point action.
Maybe you should consider becoming a political campaign manager?
-rs
Jason, you asked for comedy recommendations… if you haven’t seen his work yet, you really should see anything/everything Louis C. K. has done. He’s painfully honest, even (or especially) when he’s vulgar, and his intelligence and heart shows in everything he does. I think his stuff would really resonate with you.
Oh yeah, big fan of his stuff. Thanks for chiming in.
Well, Jason did worked out on the article and it seems to be fun reading it.
this is something different than other articles, nice work dude..