Flexing your funny muscle w/ comedian mike lukas

Apr 30

watch or listen below….or both!

Our video podcast of Flexing Your Funny Muscle w/ comedian Mike Lukas can be viewed above. Or down below if you prefer the audio only version.

Comedian Mike Lukas at the Arizona Comedy Fest

This week's episode of "The Jokes by Jo Show" brought a comedic whirlwind to our audience, featuring our special guest, Mike Lukas. A standup comedian and improviser hailing from Dallas, Mike brought with him a treasure trove of anecdotes and insights from his rich career.

A Journey Back to the Stage

Mike Lukas, known for his past performances with Second City and on shows like The Tonight Show and Conan, shared his journey of taking a decade-long hiatus from comedy to co-raise his children. Now that his kids are teenagers demanding more independence, he's returned to his passion—performing standup and improvising. Mike's transition back to comedy is like trying to jump back on a fast-moving treadmill: thrilling, challenging, and a bit rusty.

Finding Your Comedy Lens

Our discussion with Mike veered into the territory of discovering one's comedic identity. He emphasized the importance of developing a clear "comedy lens" or brand that is both memorable and personal. According to Mike, without it, a comedian risks becoming just another joke teller. He shared insights from his own teaching and books like "Finding Your Funny Muscle," urging comics to discover what makes them unique and memorable on stage.

The Art of Reinvention

Mike’s decade away from the stage didn’t keep him from evolving. He's teaching at the Dallas Comedy Club, writing books, and jumping back into the performance arena. His stories of working with comedy giants like Mitch Hedberg, Rachel Dratch, and Jason Sudeikis add both inspiration and pressure to re-establish his footing in this new era of comedy.

Mike Lukas on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

From Rust to Resolution

Our conversation delved into the hurdles of being a comedian in a rapidly changing society. Mike mused about how his old materials sometimes met with unexpected silence, thanks to the shifts in societal norms and the emergence of cancel culture. Yet, he's committed to updating his style while staying true to the essence of his humor, marrying old-school charm with modern sensibilities.

Crafting Comedy in a Changing World

As standup comedians ourselves, Doug McHizzle and I (Josiah James), resonated deeply with Mike's insights. We all agreed: reinventing oneself in comedy is both terrifying and liberating. Doug shared his experience with roasts while I pondered over potential pitfalls when revamping comedic material in today's sensitive climate. The chat was peppered with wisdom and wit, alongside hearty laughter over Mike's recollections and the grinding realities we all face in this craft.

Mike Lukas’ Future Ventures

Mike’s not just stopping at standup; he’s penned several books, including a martial arts vigilante crime thriller titled "The Hiss of Death Spin Kick." Moreover, his series of "Funny Muscle" books provide essential guidance for comics navigating the industry. An endless well of creativity, Mike demonstrates that humor can be found in even the most unexpected places.

The Power of Community

The episode wrapped with mutual encouragement and plans to continue uplifting the comedy community. Whether in comedy clubs in Dallas, theaters in New York, or studios in between, the spirit of comedy thrives in collaboration, resilience, and an unwavering thirst for laughter.

We hope you enjoy this celebratory dive into the eccentric and exciting world of Mike Lukas, a comedian committed to finding humor in the most complex facets of life. Stay tuned for more episodes of "The Jokes by Jo Show," where laughter is only the beginning!