The Art of Bombing: A Comedy Podcast
In the Art of Bombing podcast, comedians talk about comedy and how it does not always go as planned. Hosts Dan Bublitz Jr & Larry Smith talk to comedians about their worst performances and give tips on what to do and NOT to do when performing and how to cope with failure. Whether you are an aspiring comedian or a comedy nerd, The Art of Bombing has something for everyone! Ranked in the top 100 on Apple Podcast Comedy charts and top 50 on Good Pod's Stand-Up Comedy podcast charts, the Art of Bombing is available wherever you get your podcasts.Become a...
JIm Tews (Just For Laughs) - Just Another Day at the Office

Jim Tews has spent more than half his life on stage making people laugh. From being inspired by Dave Attell’s “Insomniac” to his first days doing comedy in a strip mall sports bar, Jim knew he had to do it to keep from losing his mind.Â
He and Dan chat about the level of judgment comedians are under and how it would horrify a “normal person,” bigger markets equal higher stakes, and the hell that college gigs can be, especially when pizza is the bigger draw.
Jim Tews
Jim Tews is a co...
Between Bombs Ep 311 Callbacks - Your Persona

What makes a joke work—and what do you do when it doesn’t? In this episode of the Art of Bombing Between Bombs: Callbacks, Dan and Larry call back episode 311 with Kimberly Koester! They break down joke mechanics, how to craft a stage persona that feels authentic, and why a bombed bit might be the best thing for your growth. Finally, we figure out why Larry is so spicy this week!
Art of Bombing:
"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/albu...
Kimberly Koester (Kill Tony) - A Lil Kill Tony Bump

Kimberly Koester is a comic with a unique perspective—one she works at! She discusses her “Killy Tony Bump,” the Mothership open mic, the importance of forced networking, and how important the book “How to Kill at Comedy” has been to her. She also touches on the comic’s persona, handling a joke that doesn’t land, and the importance of learning joke structure.
Kimberly Koester
Kimberly’s comedy explores themes of starting over, single parenting, and navigating life’s unexpected turns. With a style that’s both reflective and surprising. Kimberly’s performances are aut...
Between Bombs Ep 310 Callbacks - Quality Over Quantity

In this episode of the Art of Bombing Between Bombs: Callbacks, Dan and Larry call back episode 310 with Clay Foley! They drop truth bombs (and punchlines) about marketing smarter, not harder. Dan and Larry dive into why quality beats quantity every time—and how to stop wasting time on things that don’t move the needle. Laugh, learn, and level up!
Art of Bombing:
"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://link...
Clay Foley (Comedy to the Rescue) - No Time To Waste

Dan sits down with Clay Foley, ex-animal cruelty investigator, current standup comic, and creator of “Comedy to the Rescue,” a charity organization that helps animal shelters across the country raise money via comedy shows. Clay brings up starting comedy “late” in life, realizing there is no time to waste, and carving out your niche.
They also discuss letting the good in a show outweigh the bad, the fear of not being memorable, and the importance of the business side of show business. They also touch on finding that ever-important niche, good marketing, quality over quantity, and Clay’s background...
Between Bombs Ep 309 Callbacks - Leading with Curiosity

In this episode of the Art of Bombing Between Bombs: Callbacks, Dan and Larry call back episode 309 with New Zealand comedian Taylor Ruddle! They explore the power of leading with curiosity, especially when facing down hecklers, and uncover how finding inspiration outside of stand-up can fuel your funniest material. Get ready for a thoughtful, international twist on comedy wisdom!
Art of Bombing:
"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee...
Taylor Ruddle (New Zealand Comedy Guild) - Vexed by the Judy Garland Special

New Zealand comedian Taylor Ruddle educates Dan on slang terms, the differences between American and New Zealand standup comedy, and maybe why pain pills, booze, and comedy don’t mix! They also have a long conversation about some of their favorite shows to come out of New Zealand, like “What We Do In the Shadows,” “Our Flag Means Death,” and the brilliance that is Taika Waititi.Â
Taylor Ruddle
Taylor Ruddle is a stand-up comedian from New Zealand & host of the Ruddle Me This! Podcast.
https://taylorruddle.carrd.co/
Art of Bo...
Between Bombs Ep 308 Callbacks - What's In the Contract?

In this explosive Between Bombs Callbacks episode, Dan and Larry call back episode 308 with Lynn Harris to blow the lid off one of comedy’s most important tools: the performance contract! From locking in payment to nailing down set times and show details, they dive deep into the must-haves every comic should include—because the only surprises on show night should be in your set, not your paycheck.
Art of Bombing:
"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Website: http...
Lynn Harris (Gold Comedy) - The Love of a Reasonable Bedtime

Lynn Harris has been either in standup comedy or has been comedy adjacent for most of her life. From lessons she learned in Boston and New York from Wanda Sykes (well, Wanda Sykes adjacent), to nightmare gigs involving Muppet Babies (well, Muppet Baby adjacent), she and Dan meander through a couple of solid bombing stories. They also chat quickly about Key West, the need for a good team, and solid communication. and the value of a reasonable bedtime.
Lynn Harris
Lynn Harris is a culture-shifting producer, award-winning journalist, and author/co-author of...
Between Bombs Ep 307 Callbacks - It's Okay To Say No!

In this hilarious and insightful Between Bombs episode, Dan and Larry revisit episode 307 with Morgan Gallo to dive deeper into the unexpected truth that someone is always listening when you talk. They unpack the fragile magic of comedy, the power of self-awareness, and why sometimes the smartest move in this business is simply saying no. It’s a callback-packed convo full of laughs, lessons, and behind-the-scenes wisdom!
Art of Bombing:
"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Website: https://ww...
Morgan Gallo (High Plains Comedy Festival) - Et Tu Shrek?

Is this an emotional roller coaster! Morgan related the tale of being asked to do a set at a female empowerment festival headlined by that famous female band…Smashmouth? It’s a story about how you can do everything right as a comic and still everything goes exceedingly wrong. She and Dan also talk about comedy classes, the fact that someone is ALWAYS listening, when to say no, and how important that is, and this delicate art form.
Morgan Gallo
Morgan is a Denver-based comedian, dancer, and actress. She hosts the 'My Body...
Between Bombs Ep 306 Callbacks - Don't Do Bringer Shows!

In this Between Bombs Callbacks episode, Dan and Larry revisit the wild ride of Episode 306 with Shanna Christmas! They dig into the dark side of bringer shows and how they give comics a false sense of success, the bizarre rise of nude comedy shows (seriously, why is this a trend?), and the ups and downs of jumping into new comedy scenes. It's raw, real, and packed with hot takes—don’t miss it!
Art of Bombing:
"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com...
Shanna Christmas (Comedy Dynamics) - Naked Shock Collar Comedy

Buckle up—this episode is packed and stacked with insights you won’t want to miss! Shanna and Dan dive into the surprising danger of crushing it early in your comedy career, and the gut-punch of bombing months later. They break down the bizarre comedy landscape of the pandemic, the grind of switching scenes and constantly starting over, and the strange world of VR comedy rooms—and yes, even naked comedy (why is that happening?!).
From struggling to connect with virtual audiences to owning your time on stage, this episode is a must-listen for anyone chasing laughs and naviga...
Between Bombs Ep 305 Callbacks: The Art of Clowning

In this lively “Between Bombs” episode, Dan and Larry dig deeper into the art of clowning—yes, there is an art to it—and why it’s more than just red noses and floppy shoes. They explore how comedians like Katie avoid getting pigeonholeed by staying creatively versatile, and chat about the ripple effects when big-name comics land in smaller scenes. It’s a fun, insightful look at how comedy evolves—and how artists can keep up without losing themselves.
Art of Bombing:
"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John...
Between Bombs Ep 305 Callbacks: The Art of Clowning | Ad Free

In this lively “Between Bombs” episode, Dan and Larry dig deeper into the art of clowning—yes, there is an art to it—and why it’s more than just red noses and floppy shoes. They explore how comedians like Katie avoid getting pigeonholeed by staying creatively versatile, and chat about the ripple effects when big-name comics land in smaller scenes. It’s a fun, insightful look at how comedy evolves—and how artists can keep up without losing themselves.
Art of Bombing:
"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John...
Katie Bowman (High Plains Comedy Festival) - Screaming Into the Void

In this episode, Dan chats with Denver-based comedian and artist Katie about the ups and downs of producing shows, embracing creativity, and recognizing the value of your talent. They also dive into what happens when comedy giants drop into smaller scenes—spoiler: it gets interesting!
Katie Bowman
Katie Bowman is an artist, stand-up, and improv comedian from Denver. Bowman strives to connect with the audience with bits about her life as a social underdog using voices and act outs. She just released her first comedy album, Neurodivergent Nightmare, which hit number one on...
Between Bombs Ep 304 Callbacks

In this episode of Between Bombs, Dan and Larry look back at their chat with Jeremy Alder from Episode 304. They swap stories about why you should always get the full scoop before saying yes to a show, why springing comedy on an unsuspecting crowd is a terrible idea, and when it’s cool (or not) to dive into taboo topics. Spoiler: timing is everything!
Art of Bombing:
"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Jeremy Alder (Dry Bar Comedy) - Comedy: The Divorced Guy Activity

Jeremy and Dan sit down for a fun conversation about the importance of finding your people in comedy. They dig into Jeremy’s surprising path from life as a preacher to chasing laughs onstage. Plus, they swap some unforgettable stories — including a New Year’s Eve show that went completely off the rails.
Jeremy Alder
Homeschooled in the heart of Texas by fundamentalist missionary parents with a
penchant for conspiracy theories, Jeremy’s childhood was anything but conventional.
Steeped in a world of alternative facts and fervent beliefs, he learned early on...
Between Bombs Ep 303 Callbacks

In an all-new episode of Between Bombs, Dan and Larry call back episode 303 with Bailey Pope. They talk about festival submissions, shaking off bad sets, not dwelling on sets (good or bad), and more!
Art of Bombing:
"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Bumpers provided by https://www.facebook.com/joenicolamusic
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-guide-to-stand-up-comedy--5788059/support.
<...
Bailey Pope (Limestone Comedy Festival) - Gotta Shake It Off

Bailey started with public speaking, but the desire to do standup had always been there. She and Dan discuss the community that is standup, connecting to an audience through humor, the comedic delight that weird small towns can be, festivals, submission tapes, and how inexperience and a venue can affect you.
Bailey Pope
Bailey Pope (She/Her/Etc) is a New York-based Comedian, writer, and pigeon-holed actress, providing the overly-tattooed, failed rock star transgender woman comedy that everyone has been searching centuries for. Bailey has been featured in festivals including the New...
Between Bombs Ep 302 Callbacks

In an all-new episode of Between Bombs, Dan and Larry call back episode 302 with Andy Woodhull. They talk about performing on cruise ships, knowing the difference between a set and an act, and knowing your limitations when starting.
Art of Bombing:
"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Bumpers provided by https://www.facebook.com/joenicolamusic
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com...
Andy Woodhull (The Tonight Show) - There’s a Bomb on the Boat! (Still Better Than Speed 2)

Dan gets to talk to Andy Woodhull about overextending yourself when you’re new, how bombing is bad, and how being stuck on a cruise ship after bombing is worse! Also, preparing for crowd work, burning material, and “never being finished.”
Andy Woodhull
Los Angeles-based stand-up comedian, writer, and television host Andy Woodhull was the first comedian to make his network television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He has also appeared on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Conan, Live at Gotham, and Comedy Central. He has written for SYF...
Between Bombs Ep 301 Callbacks

In an all-new episode of Between Bombs, Dan and Larry call back episode 301 with Jeff Albright, In this episode, they talk about the definition of bombing, one's own perspective, and finding your niche.Â
Art of Bombing:
"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Bumpers provided by https://www.facebook.com/joenicolamusic
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-guide-to-stand-up-comedy--5788059/support.
Jeff Albright (LoCo Comedy) - Zen and the Art of Bombing

Dan finally gets to sit down with his producing partner, Jeff Albright (LoCo Comedy). They discuss Jeff’s preference for writing over performing, whether open mics “count,” the philosophy behind bombing, and the importance of a tight show. They also touch on social media mistakes, reigniting passion, and how success is relative.
Jeff Albright
Jeff Albright is a Loveland-based comedian and producer. He is the founder of LoCo Comedy and is a founding member of the Laugh Out Loveland Comedy Festival. Jeff has appeared at High Planes Comedy Festival, Cream City Comedy Festiv...
Between Bombs Ep 300 Callbacks

In an all-new episode of Between Bombs, Dan and Larry callback episode 300 with Sam Miller. In this episode, they talk about setting priorities to reach goals while taking care of yourself, the importance of staying loose on stage, and more. Plus, we celebrate our 300th episode of The Art of Bombing!
Art of Bombing:
"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Bumpers provided by https://www.facebook.com/joenicolamusic
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr...
Sam Miller (Stand Up! Records) Returns - The 300 Episode Milestone

The hilarious Sam Miller returns for the 300th episode! Sam and Dan discuss recovering from the loss of social media, staying loose while keeping the material tight, and how to treat the four people who came to see you. They also chat about less-than-ideal producers, Sam’s writing process, and Adventures in Boogertown!
Sam Miller
Sam Miller is a nationally touring comedian from Olympia, Washington. He is 6 foot 6, 360 pounds, has two kids, (one of them is on purpose) he's been married for 13 years, and has been clean and sober for 15 years. Sam li...
Between Bombs Ep 299 Callbacks

In an all-new episode of Between Bombs, Dan introduces the pod's new producer and co-host of Between Bombs, Larry Smith. In this episode, they explore the challenges of crowdwork and heckling in comedy. This episode breaks down the different types of heckling—positive and negative—how comedians might unintentionally invite interruptions, and the differences between paid and unpaid audiences. Plus, why is it harder to get people in the front row?
Art of Bombing:
"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half...
Aidan McCluskey - Coffee, Soda, and a Nicotine Patch

When stand-up comedian Aiden McCluskey goes on the road, he gets free coffee from the hospital lobby (not a patient) and eats continental breakfast at the hotel (not staying there). He jams with Dan Bublitz Jr about these and other travel and social media tips on this episode of the Art of Bombing Podcast.
You’ll learn a lot more in this one: the effect crowdwork tips are having on live comedy, why you should build up your material before posting on social, how crowds are different when they aren’t paying for tickets, and why McCluskey HATES it w...
Between Bombs Ep 298 Callbacks

In an all-new episode of Between Bombs, Dan and Josh call back episode 298 with Hayden Kristal and dive into factors that can speed up your growth in comedy: “Table stakes” for comedy - how can you not be a liability? And how “you” get booked, not “your material”
Art of Bombing:
"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Bumpers provided by https://www.facebook.com/joenicolamusic
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Become a sup...
Hayden Kristal | The Importance of Being Nice

Hayden Kristal (pronounced like the meth and spelled like the stripper) (America's Got Talent, Netfilx Is A Joke) is an acclaimed public speaker (upcoming gigs with Netflix and NASA) who is speed-running her career in stand up comedy.
She talks to Dan Bublitz Jr about the things in her corporate background that translate to the stage the best and why this transition has been easier than most comics coming up through the open mic circuit.
Listen carefully, and you’ll learn basic things to do to be bookable, practical travel tips, and most importantly, a lesson Ha...
An Important 2025 Update About The Art of Bombing

This is an important 2025 update about the future of the Art of Bombing Podcast. In this update Dan talks about the new schedule, format, producer, and more!
Art of Bombing:
"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Bumpers provided by https://www.facebook.com/joenicolamusic
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Hosts:
Dan Bublitz Jr: http://www.danbublitz.com/
B...
Between Bombs Ep 297 Callbacks

In an all-new Between Bombs, Dan and Josh callback episode 296 with Ralph Anthony and dive into doing political humor, working in small towns and being tough vs playing to the crowd - what’s the balance?
Art of Bombing:
"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Bumpers provided by https://www.facebook.com/joenicolamusic
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-guide-to-stand-up-comedy--5788059/su...
Introducing Diners, Drinks, and Drives

Larry Smith and Dan Bublitz Jr are two standup comedians who spend a LOT of time on the road. Fortunately, they love visiting new places, discovering the hidden, and not-so-hidden, gems in a community, and generally hanging out and getting to know people. They’ve also discovered some tips and tricks to thrive while traveling and will pass them along.
Let Diners, Drinks, and Drives (yes, purposefully named this to ride on the coattails of a certain celebrity chef) be your travel guide. From large cities to small towns, Larry and Dan will do their best to showcase th...
James Stanley | Dangers of the Road

Stand-up comedian James Stanley tells us that becoming a comic is its own right of passage - to be a great headliner, you have to have been through all the tests, and by then, you’ve got to have the hour you need.
He earned his stripes. Most recently, he got stuck in a blizzard between Winona and Minneapolis, and a farm hand had to dig him out: literally!
With his life saved and his career rolling, he jams with Dan Bublitz Jr about performing in small towns, how/when to work on new stuff, doing po...
Between Bombs Ep 296 Callbacks

In an all-new Between Bombs, Dan and Josh callback episode 296 with Ralph Anthony and dive into focusing too much on what doesn’t work, crowd work on a single individual, and giving space to analyze material.
Art of Bombing:
"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Bumpers provided by https://www.facebook.com/joenicolamusic
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Hosts:
Dan Bublitz Jr: http://ww...
Ralph Anthony (NY Comedy Festival) | Time, Space, and Grace

It’s crazy how material works in some places and not others - just ask stand-up comic Ralph Anthony. In his interview with Art of Bombing’s host Dan Bublitz Jr, he recalls his most influential quote from George Carlin:
“If it works on Thursday and it works on Friday but not on Saturday: it’s the crowd.” What that means to Anthony is: that you can’t be too hard on yourself.
Ralph tells us that you have to give yourself some time, space, and grace if you want to be successful at any performance art.
Introducing Panel Picks

Panel Picks Podcast is a weekly podcast where comedians and comic book enthusiasts, Dan Bublitz Jr. and Jeremy Plumb, show you what's hot in the world of comics in a fun and beginner-friendly way! From mainstream to indy, new releases to personal picks to throwbacks, Panel Picks is your weekly guide to the world of comic books and beyond! New episodes every Tuesday! https://www.spreaker.com/show/6071485/episodes/feed Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-guide-to-stand-up-comedy--5788059/support.
Between Bombs Ep 295 Callbacks

In an all-new Between Bombs, Dan and Josh callback episode 295 with Gabby Gutierrez-Reed and dive into moving and using the whole stage and audience expectations.
Art of Bombing:
"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Bumpers provided by https://www.facebook.com/joenicolamusic
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Hosts:
Dan Bublitz Jr: http://www.danbublitz.com/
Josh Shirley: http://www.joshshirleycomedy.com
<...
Gabby Gutierrez-Reed (High Plains Comedy Festival) | Dead Bodies for Science

Gabby Gutierrez-Reed is a Denver-based stand-up comedian and producer routinely appearing in festivals. And she doesn’t like to wing it.
Gabby and Dan Bublitz Jr talk about producing shows, how live comedy isn’t the same as watching a special on Netflix, the advantages of using the space on stage, and how Gabby is working to achieve her goal of getting a solid hour of Comedy.
Gabby dives into how she writes (both sketch comedy and jokes) in groups and on her own. Explore why sometimes great shows have quiet audiences… Plus more!
Gabb...
Between Bombs Ep 294 Callbacks

In an all-new Between Bombs, Dan and Josh callback episode 294 with Christopher Keith Tyler and dive into the pros and cons of posting videos online and the levels of bombing.
Art of Bombing:
"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recover
Bumpers provided by https://www.facebook.com/joenicolamusic
Website: https://www.artofbombingpod.com/
Links: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpod
Hosts:
Dan Bublitz Jr: http://www.danbublitz.com/
Josh Shirley...