Read the article at comedywham.com Lesson #10: The Finale All good things must come to an end. I hope y'all had a great time with Valerie and The Platitude Pimp. Remember, it's never Goodbye it's just see you later! Remember, we never claimed to be experts just two mfs who love this crazy bitch called stand up !!! We do a rapid fire review of episo…

Read the article at comedywham.com Episode #337 Melissa Diaz talks with Valerie Lopez about Her origins as a lurker who developed into an onstage comedy force Why standup comedy was a terrible choice How her love of reading turned into a new podcast and youtube project The challenges of adapting to Austin comedy audiences Recorded October 2024 Foll…

Read the article at comedywham.com Lesson #9: Create Your own Show I wanna let you in on a little secret 🤐 ready ??? YOU. 👏🏾 CAN. 👏🏾 CREATE. 👏🏾 YOUR 👏🏾 OPPORTUNITIES. 👏🏾 That's right you little comedy slut, it's time you went for it and produced your onlyf....I mean...comedy show 😅 Create, Don't Wait! Make it Special! Do the #7 (Episode #7 - The Ar…

Read the article at comedywham.com Lesson #8: Get Paid (Know Your Worth) A wise philosopher once said "Cash rules everything around me C.R.E.A.M. " Whether it's Comedy or Cash, they both rule everything around me !!! Which is why it's important to understand both!!! Learn how to set boundaries and get paid for the shit you do !!!! Welcome to Episod…

Read the article at comedywham.com Lesson #7 - The Art of Self-Promotion My cousin makes the best burgers !!! Melty cheese, juicy patties all on a brioche bun 😋 he spent all his money on renting a spot to sell his burgers, but get this, he made me promise NOT TO TELL ANYONE EVER!!!!! How stupid does that sound ?!!! My cousin is a dumbass, don't be …

Read the article at comedywham.com Episode #336 [VIDEO EPISODE] Sam Clark talks with Valerie Lopez about: His debut special, Built for Math How his accidental presidency of Harvard Student council How aforementioned presidency became the inspiration for his debut film, Fairview Dad Recorded October 2024 Follow Sam Website - https://www.theonlysamcl…

Read the article at comedywham.com Lesson #6 - Be Professional (Don't Be an A*hole) See how I didn't run the light See how I'm not an asshole and polite See how I don't cancel last minute Very classy, very Demure, VERY PROFESSIONAL!!! Be Good and Be Good at it 😘 This 👏🏾 is 👏🏾 the 👏🏾 Professional 👏🏾 episode 👏🏾 What does unprofessionalism look like? …

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #335 Jen Kober talks with Valerie Lopez about Getting hooked on standup at the young age of 16 Staying positive Landing a role in Cirque du Soleil's Mad Apple Her experience recording and releasing her latest special, No Flies on Me Recorded September 2024 Follow Jen Website - JenKober.com Linktree - linkt…

Read the article at comedywham.com Lesson #5 of 10 - Heckling and Crowd Work Heckling: Kryptonite or playground? We're gonna teach you how to set some boundaries and establish some law and order in this bitch!!! And THEN.........undo everything we just said!!! Because we all just wanna have fun with a lil bit crowdwork 😉 What is Heckling? What is C…

Read the article at comedywham.com Episode #334 Ke'Juan Moses talks with Valerie Lopez about Being a future spokesperson for Wichita, Kansas Lessons learned from performing across the country Nerding out on improv How Austin reminds him of home Recorded September 2024 Follow Ke'Juan TikTok - @kmojokes Youtube - youtube.com/kejuanmoses Instagram - @…

Read the article at comedywham.com Lesson #4 of 10 - Know Yourself "To thine own self be true" - William Shakespeare Yeah we fancy in this bitch !!!Who are you ? What do you wanna say ? What makes you unique ? These aren't just lame interview questions, but questions that can give your act authenticity and confidence while living in your truth. "Li…

Read the article at comedywham.com Lesson #3 of 10 - Find a Mentor Luke had Yoda Daniel had Miyagi We had yo mama Okay that last one was I can't talk about because we signed a "non disclosure" 🙄 (<== that was Ellis talking) Anyway, find you someone to show you the ropes.... OR DON'T... I'm not your Dad 🙃 (<== yeah, that was Ellis again) You could f…

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #333 Stephanie Chiarello talks with Valerie Lopez about Growing up challenging rules Accepting that little dreams can live where big dreams die How to survive as a non-partisan show in a state dominated by a single party The cast of talented and dedicated misfits that make Over the Lege happen Recorded Sep…

Read the article at comedywham.com Lesson #2 of 10 - To Write or Not to Write Okay, we know there's more than one way to skin a cat. Everybody's got their own method, whether it's recording, writing or watching set. We don't give a damn what you do, just do something!!! What is your process? Write continuously Dealing with writer's block Valerie Lo…

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #332 Jay Light talks with Valerie Lopez about How the theme behind his debut album Good Guy with a Gun came together and the new theme behind his 2nd album (recorded on September 5, 2024) The long-brewing idea of his Wrong! A F**cked Up Game Show His fondness for reality TV shows (and not just because he w…

Read the article at comedywham.com Lesson #1 of 10 - Getting Started So, you're funny and you don't know where to start? Come hang with us, we'll show you some cool $hit. Research local open mics listings online and in person Go to different open mics Learn the mechanics of open mics Valerie Lopez and Ellis Aych have teamed up to record a 10-part c…

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #331 Matt Banwart talks with Valerie Lopez about His high school obsession with improv His launch of Roast Battle Chicago The joy he's found in taking bigger comedic swings The Ultimate Comedy Competition - his interactive comedy game and competition show Recorded July 2024 Follow Matt Website - mattbanwar…

Read the article at ComedyWham Episode #330 Arielle Isaac Norman returns to talk with Valerie Lopez about Her appreciation for slowing things down during the pandemic Her growing interest in healthy debates and conversations through her podcast (soon to be renamed AI Norman) Challenging audience perceptions The release of her debut special, Ellen D…

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #329 Sierra Katow talks with Valerie Lopez about Starting comedy at the age of 16, then pursuing it while at Harvard Her debut special Funt Being one of six comics featured in the PBS Roots of Comedy with Jesus Trejo series HBO Max's Sex Lives of College Girls Her podcast TV Chef Fantasy League Recorded Ju…

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #328 Mycal Dédé talks with Valerie Lopez about Life as a cheerleader turned teacher turned attorney Lessons learned from the Houston comedy scene (shoutout to legend Andy Huggins) Landing in the Cap City Comedy Club FPIA Finals Top 3 on his first try The launch of his new interactive variety comedy show My…

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #327 Ellis Aych talks with Valerie Lopez about Procrastinating his way into standup comedy The importance of having great mentors (shout out to Symply Courtney) Falling in with and out of the Kill Tony ecosystem Tapestries, having a fancy vocabulary, and the duality of man Recorded June 2024 Follow Ellis L…

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #326 Adrian Villegas talks with Valerie Lopez about His lifelong love of writing The origin story and longevity of the Latino Comedy Project The LCP's upcoming ¡Estar Guars! show July 5-7 at Scottish Rite Theater (it will be the final performance of this show ever) Vanessa Gonzalez (we both gushed profusel…

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #325 Carolyn Kelleher (Executive Director) and Ashley Ellis (Producer) of the 2024 Austin Sketch Fest team talk with Valerie Lopez about Their favorite sketches of all time Their background as performers Breaking in sketches The 15th Annual Austin Sketch Fest featuring 150 performers from all over North Am…

2024 Moontower Comedy Festival Series Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #324 Sophie Buddle returns to talk with Valerie Lopez about Going on tour with Taylor Tomlinson How she's learned to increase views on her instagram feed The process of changing management The latest entries in our annual teen slang exchange Recorded April 2024 Follow …

2024 Moontower Comedy Festival Series Read the article at comedywham.com Episode #323 Olivia Flood-Wylie talks with Valerie Lopez about Escaping Los Angeles and discovering standup in Amsterdam Adopting a philosophy that if nothing matters, you should take advantage and try new things Her fondness for airports (and her love of being a touring stand…

2024 Moontower Comedy Festival Series Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode # Martin Urbano talks with Valerie Lopez about His first time in Edinburgh The ups and downs of taping his Apology Comeback special during Moontower Comedy Festival Retiring his material (much to Valerie's chagrin) and planning for his future material His fanatical lov…

2024 Moontower Comedy Festival Series Read the article at comedywham.com Episode #321 Jeremiah Watkins talks with Valerie Lopez about The new ways he's found to succeed at the balancing act between father, comedian, producer, podcast, and actor The end of Scissor Bros and the launch of Trailer Tales with Chelcie Lynn and Libbie Higgins The ongoing …

2024 Moontower Comedy Festival Series Read the article at comedywham.com Episode #320 Andy Kindler returns to talk with Valerie Lopez about His return to Moontower after a 5 year absence How he spent his time during COVID His no holds barred approach to naming names His plans to record his second special Recorded March 2024 Watch the video intervie…

2024 Moontower Comedy Festival Series Read the article at comedywham.com Episode #319 Tracey Schulz talks with Valerie Lopez about His work at KOOP with his What's New show, Thursdays 1pm-2pm His on air role at KUT Radio 2024 Moontower Comedy Festival recommendations Our future as the next Statler and Waldorf of Austin Comedy Recorded April 2024 Fo…

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #318 Nate Jackson, Deputy Editor of LA Times, talks with Valerie Lopez about: The LA Times' coverage of the Austin comedy scene The integration of standup and social media Netflix is a Joke festival happening in Los Angeles His upcoming book "Tearing Down the Orange Curtain" Recorded March 2024 in downtown…

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #317 George Wallace talks with Valerie Lopez about His upcoming appearance at Cap City Comedy Club April 5-6, 2024 The ghost in his house Appealing to audiences young and old His upcoming Netflix series with Laverne Cox "Clean Slate" - a modern day Sanford & Sons reboot His nearly 40 year friendship with J…

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #316 Sam Lopez talks with Valerie Lopez (no relation) about Getting her start as a standup comic in New Zealand Choosing comedy over serving in the Peace Corps Making a big splash in the Austin comedy scene Being the co-host of Bottom of the Barrel and regular performer at the Comedy Mothership Recorded Ma…

Read the article at comedywham.com Episode #315 Pat Dean talks with Valerie Lopez about His return to managing The Velveeta Room How the changes in the downtown Austin comedy landscape have affected The Velveeta Room The triumphant return of The Lanalax Corporation His successful prediction that the Kansas City Chiefs would win the Superbowl Record…

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #314 Markus Olind talks with Valerie Lopez about Carving your own path to success and being flexible about your future A realistic take on Kill Tony and how it can influence your comedy career HIs podcast creation addiction The benefits of getting to work at a comedy club Recorded February 2024 Follow Mark…

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #313 Ajit Krishnamoorthy talks with Valerie Lopez about Growing up in Mumbai The differences between the Indian and American comedy scenes The balancing act of being an engineer, a comic, and a fashion model Clowns for a Cause, his comedy show benefitting Austin Pets Alive! Recorded January 2024 Follow Aji…

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #312 Katherine Hutchings talks with Valerie Lopez about Become a go-to contributor on Fallout Tonight Her love of sketch The debut of her Weird Gal Skankovic show Wanting more rejection (listen and it'll make sense) Recorded January 2024 Follow Katherine Instagram - @katherine_hutch Do512 - do512.com/artis…

Read the article at comedywham.com Episode #311 Johnny Taylor returns to talk with Valerie Lopez about What keeps him in Sacramento The success of his AEW-some Podcast, a wrestling podcast climbing the charts His plans to record his 3rd comedy special His 5th Headlining appearance at The Velveeta Room, the weekend of February 2-3, 2024 Recorded Jan…

Read the article at comedywham.com Episode #310 Duncan Carson returns for his 6th time to talk to Valerie Lopez about Reflections on the 512th and final show of Sure Thing Showcase The launch of Fallout Tonight, his late-night variety show and companion podcast, Signing Off Working with his Fallout Tonight writing team and Signing Off podcast co-ho…

Read the article at comedywham.com Episode #309 Ashley Sharma talks with Valerie Lopez about Launching a nursing and comedy career just before the pandemic Scumberparty with her best friends Being the best big sister Her uncanny ability to remain calm through chaos Recorded January 2024 Follow Ashley Instagram - @dat_ash Youtube - youtube.com/Ashle…

Read the article at comedywham.com Episode #308 Bak returns to talk with Valerie Lopez about Reaching 300 episodes and a change in direction with his podcast Nerding out about Austin comedy, Casey Rocket, Comedy Mothership, and Skankfest Vegas What he hopes to accomplish in 2024 Issues Comedy Wham a challenge Recorded December 2023 Follow Bak Websi…

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #307 Tiana Stewart talks with Valerie Lopez about The neverending charms of San Antonio The in-depth experience of landing a singing role on HBO's Love and Death Embracing her zany side to pursue comedic acting roles Lessons learned directing her first short film, including the harrowing lesson that "it's …

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #306 Kyle Irion, Amy Knop, and Isaac Garza of Come @ Me talk with Valerie Lopez about The origin, development, and electric fun of the weekly Come @ Me show at Fallout Theater Their own creative endeavors within the Austin comedy scene Creative goals they've set for themselves Recorded November 2023 at Fal…

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #305 Lauren Jamison talks with Valerie Lopez about Getting her start in standup comedy in California and returning (close to) home during the pandemic How Alice in Wonderland helped her land Wanderlust, home of her monthly Yuk it Up comedy showcase Recording her LMAOF Austin special (set for release in 202…

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #304 Aaron Brooks returns to talk with Valerie Lopez about The things that did, and did not happen, after he moved to Los Angeles in 2019 His fondness for The Lanalax Corporation podcast and how it helped him develop as a creative storyteller His triumphant return to comedy stages marked by headlining The …

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #303 Amy Shanker talks with Valerie Lopez about Discovering comedy after being in a career she didn't love How that career gave her confidence on stage and the ability to control audiences Her debut album Unbelievable The fine art of talking on stage about touchy subjects Recorded November 2023 Follow Amy …

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #302 Eric Snader talks with Valerie Lopez about After a lifetime of avoiding it, how his friend Viva forced him to do an open mic (and never look back) The importance of living life to become a better writer The origin and evolution of the Chosen Comedy showcase Recorded October 2023 Follow Eric Instagram …

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #301 CW: This episode discusses suicide. If you or someone you care for is having suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Ruby Dickulous talks with Valerie Lopez about Being raised in a family of funny, outrageous people His mom prediction that he would be a drag queen one day How…

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #300 For our 300th episode, we have something to celebrate!! 300 episodes since January 2016 of comics from Austin, the nation, and the world sharing their stories and adventures as comics. Catch up on our early episodes as there are some gems from guests who started out as young comics in Austin who are n…

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #299 CW: This episode discusses suicide. If you or someone you care for is having suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. As we record the last episode in the 200s, Sean Reilly talks with Valerie Lopez about Being the president of his college's Comedy Club Throwing out his career …

Read the article at ComedyWham.com Episode #298 Lea'h Sampson talks with Valerie Lopez about Growing up with a family of roasters How Lashonda Lester's advice set her on her way How a short move to New York City changed her life The wild ride she's had since releasing her Don't Tell Comedy special Recorded September 2023 Follow Lea'h Linktree - lin…