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

Ultimately, an audience wants to laugh. That's who they like, the comedian who makes them laugh.

I also do a certain amount of talking through material on stage, to see what happens and allow interesting ideas to manifest.

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

I'll sit down for an hour or two a few days a week in a quiet place and brainstorm. The earlier in the day, the better, before the parade of distractions starts.

I often think about my future wife and how lax she's been about getting in touch with me.

Some comedians are silly or goofy or straight joke writers who avoid anything subversive or political. Others are drawn to it. The beauty of standup is there is room for everyone, and years of performing in front of crowds will dictate what you can or can't do.