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Summary
Hey friends, welcome to the syllabus podcast, faculty hours.
Today's guest is Keith Johnson.
LA-based standup comic
actor
writer
" I kept with the philosophy, take a job you could quit." - Keith Johnson
Detailed Show Notes
In this conversation, Keith shares his journey from considering law school to pursuing a career in comedy.
He talks about taking risks, resisting the pressure to take a more stable job, and constantly working towards his goals.
Keith discusses the discovery process of finding his comedic voice and the importance of confidence on stage. He also shares his perspective on success, which includes having access to resources and funding for his projects.
Later in the conversation, we get into the balance between being a featured comedian and building a show for someone else.
Keith talks about the importance of being authentic and true to oneself in the entertainment industry and shares his experiences of rebranding his comedy and the challenges of dealing with criticism.
Lastly, he also reflects on memorable wins in his career and offers advice to his younger self.
Takeaways
Taking risks and going all-in on your passion can lead to personal and professional growth.
Discovering your unique voice and style is crucial in comedy.
Success is not just about fame and money, but also having access to resources and funding for your projects.
Having confidence and control on stage is a key factor in becoming a successful comedian.
Resisting the pressure to take a more stable job can allow you to fully pursue your dreams. Being authentic and true to oneself is important in the entertainment industry.
Rebranding and evolving one's comedy style is a natural part of growth.
Dealing with criticism requires trusting oneself and staying true to one's vision.
Memorable wins in a comedy career can provide motivation and validation.
Listening to the inner voice and following one's instincts is crucial for success.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Meeting Keith
01:52 Choosing Comedy Over Law School
04:57 Finding His Comedic Voice
08:39 First Time on Stage and Discovering Confidence
16:33 Playing with Energy and Editing on the Backend
21:41 Insights into the Reality TV Industry
27:47 Working Towards Success
30:14 Defining Success: Access and Funding
32:59 Being a Supporting Act in Comedy
46:38 Balancing Ego and Humility
49:29 Authenticity and Code-Switching
52:36 Dealing with Criticism and Trusting Oneself
01:00:22 Memorable Wins and Milestones
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