In this early episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell tackle one of the biggest questions comedians face: “How do you prepare to be funny?” The answer is a lot more complicated, and a lot more interesting, than most audiences realize.

Vince shares how he started out as a meticulous word-for-word writer, memorizing every beat like lyrics to a song, before a chance rant about Jared from Subway unlocked his true style. Dobie opens up about his own journey, from early open mics to his Dry Bar special, and why he can’t stand watching himself even after decades in the game. Together, they explore how preparation evolves over years, why style matters, and how comics walk the line between structure and spontaneity.

Key Points Discussed:

• The difference between being “page funny” and “stage funny”
• Why early comics over-prepare—and why they should
• The moment Vince discovered his ranting style
• Dobie’s reflections on Dry Bar and why editing drives comics crazy
• How set lists, callbacks, and show order affect performance
• Why preparation matters—but can never replace live experience

In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell relive a gig that went completely off the rails, where every twist, turn, and mishap seemed determined to derail the night. From a venue setup that defied logic to a crowd that kept them guessing, this was the kind of gig that tests a comic’s patience, professionalism, and punchlines.

Vince and Dobie break down the night beat-by-beat, sharing what it’s like to stay funny when the odds are stacked against you, and why these chaotic shows often become the best stories in a comic’s arsenal. It’s part comedy survival guide, part road diary, and 100% proof that when things go wrong in stand-up, the laughs can get even bigger.

Key Points Discussed:

• How a seemingly normal gig unraveled from the moment they walked in
• The hidden challenges comics face that audiences never see
• Why staying adaptable is the real secret weapon on stage
• The mental game of laughing at a disaster while you’re still in it
• Why “off the rails” nights can be career gold later on

• 
  

  Drop us a comment with your favorite part or a show that went off the rails for you!

In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Dobie Maxwell takes us inside a full week working the comedy scene in Reno, The Biggest Little City in the World. From smoky casinos to unpredictable crowds, Dobie paints a vivid picture of what life on the road is really like for a veteran comic.

Vince Carone plays the perfect wingman, steering the conversation through tales of travel headaches, room quirks, and the unique energy of Reno’s entertainment crowd. Along the way, the two share laughs, war stories, and nuggets of truth about why comics keep chasing the stage, no matter how far from home it takes them.

Whether you’ve never been to Reno or you’ve got slot machine receipts in your pocket, this episode will make you feel like you’re riding shotgun on the trip.

Key Points Discussed:

• The travel grind and what makes Reno different from other comedy markets
• Dobie’s stories from a week of casino shows
• How audiences in a gambling town can surprise you
• The balancing act between comedy, the road, and downtime
• Why working veteran comics still chase the thrill of the next show