Comedy clubs are arguably one of the last bastions of uncensored, public free speech.

Sometimes it's fun to explore ideas that might make people uncomfortable. If you let it, there's a lot of self-censoring that can go on in the name of remaining likeable, but I don't find that an artistically interesting path to take.

Chris Rock went from a guy whose name you knew from SNL to a legendary comedian by working his ass off.

I don't do the mirror thing; maybe once or twice when I first started out.

If you're funny, you can find a stage to get on. If you're good, you'll start to get work and eventually get paid.

Louis CK went from a writer/comedian to winning Emmys for his own show because he works his ass off.

I think the more you hone your voice, take risks and talk about things that matter, the better chance you have of getting into the realm of the philosophers of stand up. But you have to be funny.