Messed-Up To Set-Ups - A MichaelHalcomb.Live Podcast

It’s Episode 47 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups Podcast! Here comedians Michael Halcomb and Jerry Morrison dive into an impromptu joke-writing session. Watch as they challenge each other with spontaneous prompts, crafting punchlines on the fly. This segment is a testament to their quick wit and creativity, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the comedic process. Tune in for some great laughs, unexpected twists, and a glimpse into the playful world of joke crafting/writing!

Oh, you should also check out Michael’s joke-writing course titled “The Joke Writer’s Lab.” It’s 4.5-hours of content you’re sure to fin...

In the 46th episode of the Messed-Up to Set-Ups podcast, comedians Michael Halcomb and Jerry Morrison enjoy some great laughs while they dive into the nuances of comedy styles. Jerry, an actual rock star (bass player in the band Bleach), shares his journey in the Nashville comedy scene, emphasizing the importance of kindness in humor and how it contrasts with the often ambiguous standards of clean comedy. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on how comedians navigate labels and craft their unique comedic voices. Don’t miss this engaging discussion that, in some pretty fun ways, challenges the conventional bo...

In Episode #43 of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast, I talk with comedian Chrysalis Goring about the dynamic world of improv and the benefits of it for stand-up comedians. Also, Chrysalis shares her journey from stage combat to stand-up, revealing how her background in acting and improv has equipped her with the confidence to engage audiences in real-time. We also discuss the challenges and rewards of balancing scripted jokes with spontaneous crowd interactions, and learn why crowd work is becoming an essential skill for modern comedians. Tune in for a fun discussion filled with fun, insights, and a few laughs alon...

Hi Friends, I’m stoked to share Episode #43 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups Podcast with you. In this episode I continue my chat with Indiana-based comedian Hayden Yes. Episode 1 is causing quite a stir over on YouTube (see HERE). So, Part 2 is probably gonna get some attention. Lol! That’s because, in this episode, Hayden Yes brings an original joke about gossip, drama, and small town life, and we spend time workshopping it. As someone who grew up in a small Kentucky town, I know many of the tropes and stereotypes. We have some good laughs. Be sure to chec...

In the last day-and-a-half, I’ve spent nearly 11 hours on the road. I gave a lecture at a conference in Louisville, Ky, but also did stand-up at the conference. I crushed. So, all the travel has me a bit behind on posting here. I’m glad to start catching up a bit today. Thus, here it is: Episode #42. In this episode of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups podcast, comedian Michael Halcomb interviews comedian Hayden Yes. In Part 1 of this 2-part chat, Hayden Yes, with all her firey and bubbly personality, talks about how she got into comedy. She also shares abou...

Episode #41 has arrived! THIS…is the Messed-Up To Set-Ups podcast and, in this episode, I continue my chat with Tennessee-based comedian, Garrett McDonald. We kick things off with Garrett bringing an original joke. He tells us its origin story and then we spend some time workshopping and punching it up. From there, we start the clock and make up jokes on the spot and in real time from a bunch of random prompts. Like our first discussion, this one was really fun! So, be sure to check it out AND subscribe below as well as on YouTube. And if yo...

Friends, Episode #40 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups podcast is now live! In this episode, I chat with Tennessee-based comedian, Garrett McDonald. We discuss the importance of writing daily, finding your voice, working clean, and more. We also dive into Garrett’s comedy journey, what his wife thinks about it, and his life as a middle school counselor. This was really fun! So, check it out and subscribe on YouTube. And if you could or would, please share the podcast around. That would be awesome. Thanks for your support!

MichaelHalcomb.Live is a reader-supported publication. To receive ne...

Hiya, Friends! I’m back with Episode #39 of the Messed-Up To Set-Ups Podcast. This is Part 2 of my interview with Indiana native and comedian, Amanda Hacker. In this episode, Amanda brings a joke about Barbie. We workshop it and try to punch it up. After that, we take on some random prompts and see how many jokes we can make on the spot. As with the first episode, this one was a fun. So, check this out and subscribe on YouTube. And if you could share the podcast, that would be awesome. Thank you so much!

Mi...

It’s been a minute, but I’ve finally got a new episode up for the Messed-Up To Set-Ups Podcast. That’s right, episode #38 is live. This is Part 1 of my interview with comedian, Amanda Hacker, who is based out of Indiana. In this episode, we talk about laughing through tough times. Amanda grew up in a funeral home and also spent much of her youth in a rest home with her ailing mother. In addition to that, we touch on topics like depression, dieting culture, divorce, how soon is too soon to laugh, and all sorts of other stuff...

I’ve been a bit too busy to post this past week, but I’m pleased to finally share Episode #37 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast. This episode is Part 5 in a short, 5-part, mini course. In it, I share a simple map for writing your first joke. This is a sweet, simple, step-by-step method for writing story-jokes. Watch/listen.

Also, despite the fact that I’m currently in Facebook jail for some reason they’ve yet to tell me (it’s been 1 week!), I still want to encourage you to stop what you’re doing right now and go sign...

Here we go! Episode #36 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast is now live. This episode is Part 4 in a short, 5-part, mini course. In it, I share a simple map for writing your first joke and place emphasis on how to build it. As I’ve said already, this is a sweet, simple, step-by-step method for writing story-jokes. Watch/listen.

Also, stop what you’re doing right now and go sign up for FREE “The Joke Writer’s Lab” Facebook Group. It’s a private group with some great folks and FREE resources.

To watch the video on You...

Episode #35 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast is up. This episode is Part 3 in a short, 5-part, mini course. In it, I share a simple map for writing your first joke and encourage you to steal jokes…from yourself. This is a sweet, simple, step-by-step method for writing story-jokes. Watch/listen.

Also, stop what you’re doing right now and go sign up for FREE “The Joke Writer’s Lab” Facebook Group. It’s a private group with some great folks and FREE resources.

To watch the video on YouTube, click HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jo...

Let’s go! Episode #34 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast is live. This episode is Part 2 in a short, 5-part, mini course. In it, I share a simple map for writing your first joke. It’s a short, easy-to-do, step-by-step method for writing story-jokes. Watch/listen.

Also, stop what you’re doing right now and go sign up for FREE “The Joke Writer’s Lab” Facebook Group. It’s a private group with some great folks and FREE resources.

To watch the video on YouTube, click HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resourc...

Episode 33 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast is live. This episode starts up a short 5-part mini course, a tutorial if you will, on how to write your first joke. I share another step-by-step method I came up with for writing story-jokes. Here I argue that writing your first joke is like a superpower. Watch/listen and see why.

Also, stop what you’re doing right now and go sign up for “The Joke Writer’s Lab” Facebook Group.

To watch the video on YouTube, click HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great r...

I’m back! And I’m back with Episode 32 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast. This episode is one of my favorites. I share my step-by-step method for writing story-jokes. And let me tell you, it’s easier than you think. Also, there’s yet another FREE resource that I’ve created and which I use in this episode, that you can score when you sign up for “The Joke Writer’s Lab” Facebook Group.

To watch the video on YouTube, click HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHalcomb.Live.

If you’r...

Episode 31 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast is now live and out in the wild! This episode is Part 2 of my conversation with LA-based comedian, Alec McNayr, and it’s all about jokes. We start with Alec telling an original joke, then we hear the story behind it. From there we brainstorm and try to punch-up and tag the joke. Once we finish, I use the 100% FREE resources I’ve created over at The Joke Writer’s Lab site to generate a bunch of random joke prompts. With each prompt, we take turns making up jokes on the spot in real ti...

Heyyo! Episode 30 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast is up! This episode is Part 1 of my conversation with LA-based comedian, Alec McNayr. In this episode, we discuss Alec’s journey into comedy, out of it, and back in. We also talk about whether comedy is a young man’s game. You might be surprised by what comes up. So, make sure you listen or watch. To watch the video on YouTube, click HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHalcomb.Live.

Again, consider joining “The Joke Writer’s Lab” Facebook Group. If you’...

Episode 29 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast is here! This episode is Part 2 of my chat with Hawai’i comedian, Kanoa Morse. Our focus here: Jokes. Kanoa shares an original joke, talks about its origins, and then we see if there’s any room to edit it. From there we use some prompts to make up jokes on the spot, live, in real time. He’s pretty good at it, too! So, make sure you listen or watch. To watch the video on YouTube, click HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHal...

Episode 28 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast is live! In this episode, I talk about how to increase the likelihood of a joke working on stage. I give an up-close look at a checklist I’ve developed (you can get it for by signing up for “The Joke Writer’s Lab” for FREE HERE). To watch the video on YouTube, click HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHalcomb.Live.

Again, consider joining “The Joke Writer’s Lab” Facebook Group. If you’re interested in jokes and joke writing, sign up for my self-paced...

It’s been a minute but, I’m back, and I’ve got the gift of Episode 27 for you. In this episode of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast, I give you an up-close look at how I come up with and write new jokes. Literally, I start with nothing and, within 15-20 minutes, I have 5 jokes. To watch on YouTube, click HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHalcomb.Live.

By the way, you should consider joining “The Joke Writer’s Lab” Facebook Group. If you’re interested in jokes and joke writing...

Boom! Just like that Episode 26 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast is live! In this episode, I chat with fellow Hawai’i comedian, Kanoa Morse. This is Part 1 of our 2-part interview and we get into how Kanoa got started in stand-up, how he’s navigated the comedy scene thus far, and how comedy has been a coping mechanism. Listen in for some insights on how to craft your comedy path and, of course, subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2 and all future episodes. To watch on YouTube, click HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great...

Yayuh! Episode 25 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast is now live! In this episode, I share 3 free resources for joke writers: 1) The Messed-Up to Set-Ups podcast (also on Video); 2) The Joke Writer’s Lab; and, 3) The Joke Writer’s Lab Facebook Group. After speaking briefly about these resources, I spend about 15 minutes writing some jokes based on a post in the Facebook Group. To watch on YouTube, click HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHalcomb.Live.

PS: If you’re interested in jokes and joke writing, sign up for my self-pa...

My friends, Episode 24 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast is here! In this episode, which is Part 2 of my 2-part interview with comedian, Joshua Valdez-Aldridge, it’s all jokes. Josh shares a bit he’s working on, we dive into it and try to punch it up a little, then we make up jokes on the spot. To watch on YouTube, click HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHalcomb.Live.

PS: If you’re interested in jokes and joke writing, sign up for my self-paced, online joke writing course on Udemy...

Episode 23 is here! In this episode of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast, which is Part 1 of my 2-part interview with comedian, Joshua Valdez-Aldridge, we talk about his journey from Japan to Alabama and the ups and downs of stand-up comedy—hence bombs, bits, and breakthroughs. To watch on YouTube, click HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHalcomb.Live.

PS: If you’re interested in jokes and joke writing, sign up for my self-paced, online joke writing course on Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/course/the-joke-writers-lab/

Episode 22 is live! In this episode of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast, which is Part 2 of my 2-part interview with comedian, Carmiya Weinraub, we talk jokes. Carmiya shares one of her jokes, then takes us back to where it came from, discusses its development, allows us to spend some time trying to punch it up, and then we switch gears and make up jokes on the spot. If you want to watch on YouTube, click HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHalcomb.Live.

PS: If you’re interested in jokes...

Episode 21 is here! In this episode of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast, which is Part 1 of my 2-part interview with comedian, Carmiya Weinraub, we talk life, faith, and getting into stand-up comedy. Carmiya, who is Jewish, shares with me (a Christian) about starting an inter-religious comedy initiative. We dig into numerous areas of life and faith and have lots of fun doing so. Tune in and enjoy. If you want to watch on YouTube, click HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHalcomb.Live.

PS: If you’re interested in jokes...

Episode 20 is LIVE! In this episode of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast, which is Part 2 of my 2-part interview with the multi-talented comedian, Harold Wong, affectionately known as “Handsome Harold,” we dive into jokes. Harold tells us the journey of a deep and vulnerable joke of his, we talk shop, then make up some jokes together in real time and on the spot. So, tune in and enjoy. If you want to watch on YouTube, click HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHalcomb.Live.

PS: If you’re interested in jokes a...

Yoooo! Episode 19 just dropped y’all! In this episode of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast, which is Part 1 of a 2-part interview, I chat with the multi-talented comedian, Harold Wong, affectionately known as “Handsome Harold.” We talk about his wild journey into comedy, out of it, and his return to it after dealing with some military difficulties. So, tune in and enjoy. If you want to watch on YouTube, click HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHalcomb.Live.

PS: If you’re interested in jokes and joke writing, sign up for my se...

Episode 18 is here y’all! In this episode of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast, which is Part 2 of a 2-part interview, I make up jokes on the spot and in real time with Houston-based comedian/comedienne Diya Shivlani. We also dissect one of her jokes and adding some potential tags. For now, tune in and enjoy. If you want to watch on YouTube, click HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHalcomb.Live.

PS: If you’re interested in jokes and joke writing, sign up for my self-paced, online joke writing...

It’s Episode 17 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast! In this episode, which is Part 1 of a 2-part interview, I chat with Houston-based comedian/comedienne Diya Shivlani. In this first part, we talk about how she got into stand-up, what that journey has been like, and give some comedy insights along the way. In Part 2 we’ll dissect one of her jokes and spend time making some jokes together on the spot. For now, tune in and enjoy. If you want to watch on YouTube, click HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out Mich...

Ever wondered how comedians come up with their jokes? In episode 16 of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast, comedians Michael Halcomb and Ian Shippen get into hilarious jokes and have some insightful conversation. Part of that is Ian sharing the journey of one of his jokes, from idea to punchline. We break it down, dissect the craft of joke writing, but then we also take on the challenge of writing brand-new jokes LIVE on the spot! If you love stand-up, improv, or just a good laugh, this one’s for you! To watch this episode on YouTube go HERE. Watch earlie...

It’s episode 15! In this episode, I introduce you to one of my stand-up comedy comrades in Hawai’i, Mr. Ian Shippen. In this first part of a two-part interview, we discuss Ian’s journey into stand-up, his move out of it, and how he found his way back to it. We also talk about his joke-writing processes, his stage persona, and what it’s like to have a girlfriend who’s also a comedian. To watch this episode on YouTube go HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHalcomb.Live.

Micha...

It’s episode #14 of the "Messed-Up To Set-Ups podcast, y’all! And in this episode, comedian Michael Halcomb introduces another, yes ANOTHER, free and new resource he’s created for joke writers. This one shows you how to quickly and easily use logical fallacies to generate original joke material. To watch this episode on YouTube go HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHalcomb.Live.

MichaelHalcomb.Live is a subscriber-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Episode #13 of the "Messed-Up To Set-Ups podcast is finally here. In this episode, Comedian Michael Halcomb and Comedian Drew Davis pull back the curtain on making jokes. Drew tells a joke he’s used on stage and gives the backstory then the two comedians spend 20 or so minutes making up jokes on the spot in real time. To watch the first interview between these two on YouTube go HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHalcomb.Live.

An easy, foolproof way to generate joke-writing material - thats what this episode, #11 of the "Messed-Up To Set-Ups podcast, is all about. Comedian Michael Halcomb shares another new joke-writing tool that he’s created and he shows you how to come up with jokes on the spot. It’s a spin-off of the 2-Lists Method and it’s pretty cool. Use it and get writing; use it and start creating original content immediately. To watch this episode on YouTube go HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHalcomb.Live.

You Ca...

Hey, Friends! It’s the eleventh episode of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast. In this episode, the first part of a two-part interview, comedian Michael Halcomb chats with comedian Drew Davis. Interestingly, both Drew and Michael have been in ministry for a long time but have now shifted to stand-up comedy. Michael talks to Drew about how that happened for him and how it came to be that Drew got into stand-up full time. To watch this episode on YouTube go HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHalcomb.Live.

Lets go! It’s the tenth installment of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast. In this episode, comedian Michael Halcomb gives some tips for roasting anyone and shows you a new tool he built to help you practice. As he loves doing, he spends more time here pulling back the curtain on the joke-writing and joke-making process and gives insight into how he comes up with tons of roast jokes on the spot and in real time. To watch this episode on YouTube go HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHalcomb.Live.

Friends, it’s the ninth installment of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast. In this episode, which is the second in a 2-part series, comedian Michael Halcomb talks comedy shop with fellow comedian and New Jersey native, Joe Scrocca. Here the two comedians spend time pulling back the curtain on the joke-writing process and actually come up with tons of jokes on the spot in real time, too. To watch this episode on YouTube go HERE and to view the first episode of the interview on YouTube, go HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check...

It’s the New Year, it’s 2025, and it’s the eighth installment of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast. In this episode, comedian Michael Halcomb talks comedy shop with fellow comedian and New Jersey native, Joe Scrocca. The two discuss their first year in comedy—some of their successes, what they’ve learned, and what’s ahead. This is the first part of a 2-part interview. In the second one, they’ll spend 30-40 minutes pulling back the curtain on the joke-writing process and will actually come up with 15-20 jokes on the spot, too. To watch the first episode of the int...

Here, friends, is the seventh installment of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast and, in this episode, comedian Michael Halcomb spends some more time pulling back the curtain on his joke-writing process. This time he talks about how to write jokes from cliches and shows some technology that’ll help you do so. To watch this episode on YouTube, which is probably more helpful since you can see the process in action, go HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHalcomb.Live.