In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell break down exactly what makes a stand-up comedy show go from awkward and chaotic... to unforgettable.

Drawing on decades of experience, they share the fundamentals of a well-run comedy show—from sound and lighting to seating, stage setup, check drops, hosting, booking, and even performer etiquette. Whether you’re a new comic, an aspiring booker, or a fan of live comedy, this episode is your behind-the-scenes guide to how it all really works.

Key Points Discussed:

• Why a bad sound system can ruin even the best comic

• The ideal seating and stage setup for audience connection

• How to book and balance a lineup that builds, not competes

• What makes a great host (and why that role is often the most important)

• How long should your show actually run (hint: less is more)

• What to do when the check drop kills the vibe

• The difference between a "closer" and a "headliner"—and why it matters

• Professional prep: why comics should carry mics, batteries, and backup outfits

• How to handle rowdy crowds without derailing the night

• When to cancel a show—and how to do it the right way

#PutYourFunnyPodcast #ComedyProduction #StandUpTips #ShowRunner #ComedyBusiness

Crafting Comedy in 10 Words or Less

In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell dissect the often misunderstood tool of the one-liner—and why every comic should learn how to use them, even if they don’t rely on them as a primary style.

Dobie opens with a wild story about performing at a women’s prison, revealing how a perfect one-liner landed at the riskiest moment. Vince breaks down how he builds trust quickly during high-stakes shows like cancer benefits and corporate gigs, and how one-liners have saved him more than once. Together, they explore how quick jokes serve as palate cleansers, punch-up tools, and audience trust builders.

Whether you're a comic, speaker, or just a fan of comedy, this episode shows that sometimes the quickest line is the smartest play.

Key Points Discussed:

• When and why to use one-liners, even if you're a storyteller or ranter

• The role of one-liners in riffing, crowd work, and audience trust

• Personal stories from wild shows: prison gigs, benefit nights, and corporate returns

• Examples from legends like Rodney Dangerfield, Mitch Hedberg, and George Carlin

• Why mastering misdirection and brevity can take your act to the next level

In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell take the stage together—literally—for the very first time on video, live from Zanies Comedy Club in Rosemont. What starts as a fun Q&A quickly evolves into a revealing and hilarious look at how two very different comics found their way to the mic.

Vince opens up about using humor to fit in as a kid, battling stage fright before his graduation set, and learning to embrace ranting as his signature style. Dobie shares stories of getting kicked out of class for cracking jokes, a life-changing compliment from a heckler, and how growing up with his cold German grandmother shaped his comedic instincts.

Through laughs, reflection, and a few shared jabs, the duo delivers a backstage pass into the formative years that made them the comics they are today.

Key Points Discussed:

• Why Vince almost bailed on his comedy graduation show

• Dobie's first standing ovation from a heckler named Drugstore Bob

• How ranting styles emerged out of fear of silence

• Why comedians don’t always want to be the funny guy offstage

• The long game of comedy—and why connection now matters more than laughs

This episode is raw, funny, and filled with unexpected vulnerability. It’s perfect for anyone curious about the comedy grind, early failures, and what it really takes to stick with it long enough to find your voice.