It always comes down to what the crowd buys coming out of your mouth, which differs from one comic to the next.

Comedians can articulate some important and profound ideas that address a lot of the hypocrisy we're inundated with (in the media).

TV is a different animal. It's not a club set. As you said, you do short sets on TV - about five minutes. So you have to get that rhythm down and also be aware of the camera so you're connecting with the viewers at home as well as the studio audience. It's a different muscle to develop.

That heightened dynamic can produce interesting, funny ideas that are phrased in ways that surprise even you, as the performer.

The blues is a hopeful music. It helps you process something rather than avoid it. It's like mourning, in essence.

I don't know that I have a single comedy philosophy. But talking about things that matter to you is a good place to start. Listening is a big part of it, too.

I belong to a gym now... well, let me rephrase that: I don't belong there at all, but I go.