Hot Breath! (Learn Comedy from the Pros)-logo

Hot Breath! (Learn Comedy from the Pros)

Comedy

Every Monday listeners get exclusive access to the most influential minds in comedy. Award winning comedian and host Joel Byars captures the inspiring stories and insightful techniques behind your favorite comics with interviews NPR describes as "discovering the desire to be a comedian, their craft and their unifying bond found within the world of stand up comedy."

Location:

United States

Description:

Every Monday listeners get exclusive access to the most influential minds in comedy. Award winning comedian and host Joel Byars captures the inspiring stories and insightful techniques behind your favorite comics with interviews NPR describes as "discovering the desire to be a comedian, their craft and their unifying bond found within the world of stand up comedy."

Language:

English


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Clean Comedy Contest Winner John Manasco

2/23/2026
February contest winner John Manasco joins us to share his creative process behind writing a winning set in just two weeks. He shares a lot of great writing techniques to help you generate ideas quickly. We also go deep on how to organize your jokes and keep track of all your ideas. This is definitely worth a listen! Join next month's contest here: https://cleancomedycontest.com/ John's website: https://www.showyourbits.com/ https://www.instagram.com/john_manasco/

Duration:00:22:41

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Clean Comedy Contest Winner Dan Ratner

1/26/2026
The January contest winner Dan Ratner joins us to share his writing process to creating a tight set in just two weeks. We also discuss how to find time to write and perform while balancing your real life obligations. Enjoy! Join next month's contest here: CleanComedyContest.com Follow Dan here: https://www.instagram.com/thedanofthehour/

Duration:00:19:43

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Nashville, TN Area Comics Listen to THIS!

1/13/2026
You don't have to live in Nashville to attend this event. As of recording this someone from Memphis will be driving in for the workshop. We hope to see you there! Join the workshop here: https://stan.store/Joelbyarscomedy/p/live-clean-comedy-workshop-in-nashville

Duration:00:00:45

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

I recorded this at 1AM just for you...

12/17/2025
Get the Clean Comedy Workshop here: https://stan.store/Joelbyarscomedy/p/learn-clean-comedy-now

Duration:00:00:56

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

November Clean Comedy Contest Winner Chris Shull

12/8/2025
Our November Clean Comedy Contest winner Chris Shull joins us to share his unique writing process, how to balance a day job and comedy + MORE. More info about Chris Here: https://www.facebook.com/chris.shull.302397/ Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod  Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1https://hotbreathmedia.com

Duration:00:29:37

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Ian Lara - Finding Your Voice, New York Comedy Grind, Imposter Syndrome + MORE

12/1/2025
Ian Lara describes the real, uneven path of a touring comic: some cities sell out, others are thin, and that’s normal. He emphasizes controlling what you can like stage craft, content output, and gratitude all while resisting comparison spirals from social media. He breaksdown his storytelling style with every line being a joke. Online, he favors clipping strong material over chasing crowd-work virality and insists stand-up must remain the priority even if podcasting takes off. More info about Ian Here: https://www.ianlaralive.com/ Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod What you’ll learn  Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1https://hotbreathmedia.com

Duration:00:37:37

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Greg Warren - Touring with Nate Bargatze, How to Write Viral Jokes, Joke Writing Techniques + MORE

11/24/2025
Greg Warren joins us to share his 20+ years of comedy expertise for comics to learn and apply to their own careers. He shares his favorite writing techniques and how his viral peanut butter bit took over two decades to perfect. We also dive into behind the scene of touring with Nate Bargatze and Leanne Morgan. More info about Greg Here: https://www.gregwarrencomedy.com/ Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod  Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1https://hotbreathmedia.com

Duration:00:23:02

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Rafi Bastos -Finding Your Comedic Voice, Building a Fanbase Online + MORE

11/20/2025
Rafi Bastos joins us to share his journey from starting comedy in Brazil to become the country's most famous comedian before moving to America and rebuilding his fanbase from scratch. This is masterclass is finding your voice and most authentic self. Learn more about Rafi Bastos: https://www.rafibastos.com/ Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod  Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1https://hotbreathmedia.com

Duration:00:35:38

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

This Week's Podcast (Exclusive Merch)

11/17/2025
Get your shirt here: https://stan.store/Joelbyarscomedy/p/hot-breath-fan-club-shirt-preorder

Duration:00:00:32

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Joe Sib - Touring with Jim Breuer, Opening for Metallica, DIY Comedy Grind + MORE

11/10/2025
This episode of Hot Breath! dives deep into the DIY spirit of comedy with punk-rock veteran turned stand-up, Joe Sib. From fronting bands and opening for Metallica to touring with Jim Breuer, Joe breaks down how a lifelong performer reinvents himself in the most brutally honest art form of stand-up. He and Joel riff on everything from bombing in front of Metallica fans to finding authenticity on stage, why comics can’t “fake the funny,” and how comedy’s new punk rock era (YouTube, self-releasing specials, podcasting) gives comics more freedom than ever. If you’re a comedian trying to balance the grind, stay authentic, and not lose your mind in the process then Joe’s stories and lessons are pure rocket fuel. Connect with Joe here: https://www.joesib.com/ Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod Top 10 Takeaways from Joe Sib: Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1https://hotbreathmedia.com

Duration:01:14:53

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Morgan Gallo - Expert Social Media Tips, Getting Booed by 6K People, How to Write Consistently + MORE

11/3/2025
Morgan Gallo breaks down her 3-year sprint from writing-room newbie to Denver studio owner with 100K+ followers. We get into filming every set, turning trauma into bits, branding like a social pro, and building community that levels you up. If you’re a 0–5 year comic, this is your blueprint. Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod Top Takeaways:  Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1https://hotbreathmedia.com

Duration:00:50:51

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

October Contest Winner Sandy Bernstein - How to Turn Dirty Jokes Clean, New Comic Writing Tips, Conquering Stage Fright + MORE

10/27/2025
Our October Clean Comedy Contest winner Sandy Bernstein joins us to share How to Turn Dirty Jokes Clean, New Comic Writing Tips, Conquering Stage Fright + MORE. More info about Sandy Here: https://www.sandybernsteincomedy.com/ Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod  Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1https://hotbreathmedia.com

Duration:00:26:37

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Toronto Comics Listen to This!

10/23/2025
I'm heading your way the first weekend of December and want to meet! Let's do some shows and hang out. Email or DM Me on IG: Byars.Joel@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/joelbyarscomedy/

Duration:00:00:56

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Caitlin Peluffo - Viral Social Media Tips, Crowd Work Advice, Doing 30 Mics Per Week + MORE

10/20/2025
Caitlin Peluffo tells Joel Byars how she went from grinding 30+ open mics a week to crushing at the Comedy Cellar—while keeping her act protected in a clip-drunk world. She breaks down actionable goal-setting (not dream credits), balancing clean vs. dirty, why she won’t chase crowd-work virality, and the habits (structure, therapy, sobriety, gym) that keep the funny sharp. Plus: the whiskey-throw heckler story, her three-strike rule, and the meet-and-greet tactic she learned touring with Fortune Feimster and Matteo Lane. Support the show on our Patreon here: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod What you’ll learn in this episode: - Clean when it pays, dirty when it slays—how to rewrite without losing yourself - Why protecting new material grows fans who return - A simple crowd control framework (playful shut-down → sincere warning → bounce) - The pre-show ritual that primes presence and consistency - How to write on stage—and the hour-per-week stage-time hack - Touring lessons from Fortune & Matteo: build markets, shake hands, stay humble Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ Watch the full Caitlin Peluffo interview on Hot Breath! for more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6At_3wH3pk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Watch the full Caitlin Peluffo interview on Hot Breath! for more. Subscribe for more comedy interviews and tips: https://www.youtube.com/c/HotBreathPod?sub_confirmation=1 Join our email list: https://hotbreathpodcast.com/vip Classes and workshops: https://hotbreathmedia.com

Duration:00:57:25

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Hot Breath! is Changing (again)

10/13/2025
Here's a quick update on what to expect from Hot Breath! moving forward. Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod DM me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/joelbyarscomedy/ Email me here: Byars.Joel@gmail.com

Duration:00:05:04

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Contest Winner Bob Kirk - How to Write Better Jokes Faster

10/5/2025
Bob Kirk returns with his second contest win in a row to help comics write better jokes faster. Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod Get Jerry Corley's book here: https://comedyclinic.samcart.com/referral/CTqBjMqN/ZBD41W0ekdY1mdCk More info about Bob Here: YouTube: Bob Kirk Comedy https://www.youtube.com/@BobKirkComedy/shorts TikTok: @bobkirkcomedy https://www.tiktok.com/@bobkirkcomedy Facebook: Bob Kirk Comedy https://www.facebook.com/people/Bob-Kirk-Comedy/100081179486384/ Instagram: @bobkirk.comedy https://www.instagram.com/bobkirk.comedy/ Reggies Comedy Out of the Way Players 1 hr 12 minutes Filmed Concordia University Montreal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P1-dAhQuVE&t=16s  Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/ https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1https://hotbreathmedia.com

Duration:00:27:58

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

KevOnStage - How to Make Money on Social Media and Treat Comedy Like a Business

9/29/2025
KevOnStage gets radically honest about staying relevant, balancing family with the road, and the content strategy that turned him into a household name. We dive into why Sinbad belongs on more “GOAT” lists, how today’s algorithm rewards volume and variety, and why building community (not just views) is the real moat. Plus: the mindset behind his new book Successful Failure and the math behind posting ~7,000 pieces of content a year. Get Kev's book here: https://amzn.to/48CzwOT Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod  What you’ll learn:

Duration:00:30:05

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

#066 - Jimmy Kimmel Getting Cancelled, Nate Bargatze "Bombing" the Emmys, Kam Patterson SNL

9/22/2025
Hot Breath! is back with some hot topics heating up the comedy world. Listen and learn from comics talking comedy. If you'd like to support the show, join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod 

Duration:00:34:07

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Comedian Akintunde - The Big Business of Content, How To Make Money From Comedy

9/18/2025
My OG comedy mentor Akintunde joins the Hot Breathiverse to share his 30+ years of comedy experience. We dive deep on the business of comedy and how to monetize your funny TODAY. One of my favorite quotes is "every piece of content is digital real estate you can monetize." This episode will change your approach to the comedy business and help you get paid faster. Join his contest here: searchfortheone.com https://joke-farm.com/ Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod Tip Joel here: Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/joel-byars PayPal: paypal.me/JoelByarsComedy

Duration:01:04:59

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Exciting Hot Breath! News - Exclusive Interviews Posted

9/15/2025
Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod

Duration:00:00:52