I'm just looking for a little mystery in life... like things you can't explain. Like, you go to Mexico, they tell you don't drink the water. You go to any diner here, who brings you the water? It's a mystery.

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

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.

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

Comedians act every night on stage, so they have great performing chops. They especially know how to play themselves, which is how we set 'Teachers Lounge' up.

Comics can definitely be subversive on the whole, but it's a stylistic thing.

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.