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.

Listening to your own sets and listening to the audience as you perform. It's a conversation of sorts. There is an exchange.

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

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.

After twenty plus years of performing hundreds of shows a year, I prefer to try things out on stage rather than for friends. I don't see the benefit in that, really.

It's harder to reveal sides of yourself that make you vulnerable but it's another muscle that can be developed and one that I think is worthwhile. That said, everyone finds their style. It's personal.

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