Listen Now

On the “we jinxed ourselves” episode of the podcast, Jordan Cooper and Josh Spector talk about the importance of building trust when it comes to getting booked and growing a fanbase. Kicking off with a discussion about a corporate comedian’s website and how you can benefit from putting yourself in the mindset of your audience, we go on to talk about everything from Twitter bios to how best to sell your show or abilities to venues and bookers. Josh also breaks down what he’s learning from his newest project – A Person You Should Know – and explains how you can benefit from creating content that can be accessed by different audiences in different ways. [powerpress] Have a question you’d like us to answer on the next episode? Submit it now through this form. Participate with the community in our Connected Comedy Facebook group. If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and review it on iTunes.

On the “quit for the right reasons” episode of the podcast, Jordan Cooper and Josh Spector talk about how to know when it’s time to abandon a project you’re working on. Kicking off with a discussion of why Jordan recently decided to quit doing one of his podcasts and what he learned from the experience, we move on to talk about how comics can learn to commit to a project in a way that lends itself to a logical endpoint – and increases your chances of success before you get there. [powerpress] Have a question you’d like us to answer on the next episode? Submit it now through this form. Participate with the community in our Connected Comedy Facebook group. If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and review it on iTunes.

On the “non-question” episode of the podcast, Jordan Cooper and Josh Spector welcome back Chelcie Rice as he wraps up his two-year company spokesperson deal as we apply his experience to other comedians who have a more 360 approach to their comedy career and the concepts of reach and leverage. We also discuss the shift from the physical comedy “circuit” to the online comedy “circuit”, how creating ephemeral versus evergreen content are two different skill sets, and question if the speed and lack of scarcity online is lowering the standard of comedic material. [powerpress] Have a question you’d like us to answer on the next episode? Submit it now through this form. Participate with the community in our Connected Comedy Facebook group. If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and review it on iTunes. Links from this episode: Scott Aukerman The Flop House This Week In Tech Gary Vaynerchuk The 10,000 Hour Rule – Malcolm Gladwell Bill Burr’s Monday Morning Podcast The Comedian’s Comedian Podcast 5 Things You Can Learn From Kyle Kinane Become A Connected Comedy Member

On the “post-Oscars” episode of the podcast, Jordan Cooper and Josh Spector discuss the increasing social media presence of Hollywood actors, what Josh learned working with top new media content creators for the Academy, and how the best marketing you can do is simply putting out great content. We also dive deep into Facebook advertising techniques, custom audiences & remarketing, referral & event tracking in Google Analytics, targeted ads on Reddit, and managing a small pay-per-click budget to promote your content online. Plus, we answer your questions about about multiple Instagram accounts, photo credits, the future of Vine, capturing e-mails at shows, and replying to and engaging with your fans. [powerpress] Have a question you’d like us to answer on the next episode? Submit it now through this form. Participate with the community in our Connected Comedy Facebook group. If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and review it on iTunes. Links from this episode: Academy Unveils “Oscars® Creators” 4 Things You Can Learn From Social Media “Stars” Zach King BatDad The Morning Dump w/ Jordan Cooper How I Got Facebook Fans And Website Traffic For A Comedian Justin Matson IFTTT – If This, Then That

On the “pre-Oscars lunacy” episode of the podcast, Jordan Cooper and Josh Spector look at tech startups as an example of how you should approach your comedy career, experimenting with different online platforms to find ones that suit your strengths, developing the culture of your audience, being obsessed with continually learning, and how everything you do on and off stage is your “product.” Plus, we take questions involving marketing a humor book, connecting with comedy bookers by providing value and repurposing your online content for multiple platforms. [powerpress] Have a question you’d like us to answer on the next episode? Submit it now through this form. Participate with the community in our Connected Comedy Facebook group. If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and review it on iTunes. Links from this episode: Ben Rosenfeld Russian Optimism The Morning Dump w/ Jordan Cooper One Is Greater Than Zero @CuriousBigDaddy on Twitter Medium @CrankyRicky on Twitter Why Your Obsession With Getting Booked Is Actually Hurting Your Career Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook – Gary Vaynerchuk The #AskGaryVee Show Gary Vaynerchuk on Twitter How To Pitch Your Content To Other Websites

On the “we’re not dead” episode of the podcast, Jordan Cooper and Josh Spector talk about the importance of a mobile-optimized website, how expected traffic sources influence the way you should design your website, creating ways to measure performance and results so you can improve what you are doing, and understanding the audience you should target for a specific piece of content (it’s not “comedy fans”). In addition, Jordan shares what he’s learned the past year doing three different weekly podcasts, developing content as a proof of concept for something bigger, and we answer listener-submitted questions on reaching college markets without NACA, press releases & getting coverage for yourself and the prospects of “making it” just doing live stand-up performances. [powerpress] Have a question you’d like us to answer on the next episode? Submit it now through this form. Participate with the community in our Connected Comedy Facebook group. If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and review it on iTunes. Links from this episode: Google Analytics – Web Analytics & Reporting Blenderhead Podcast Tech Douchebags – 5by5 Internet Outrage Machine – 5by5 Transmission – Goodstuff FM Tony Deyo – YouTube How Do You Bend An iPhone? Trust Me, I’m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator Comedian asks: ‘Do you want to laugh at the crippled girl?’ What I Learned From The Book Contagious: Why Things Catch On Help A Reporter Out PewDiePie – YouTube The 20 Most Popular Connected Comedy Articles Of 2014

Please subscribe and rate this podcast on iTunes! On the “nichiest” episode of the podcast, Jordan Cooper and Josh Spector talk about narrowing the focus of your career towards a target audience, concentrating on that one thing that’s unique and different about you, how consumers have become fragmented and are gravitating to niches over broad media, how advertisers are putting more effort in reaching engaged audiences rather than large ones, and why ‘artisanal’ e-mail newsletters may be the next big wave of building and cultivating a fan base. In addition, Jordan discusses the strategic plans of his podcast over the past two years, how it shows the power of placing yourself in the position to get opportunities, the importance of putting as much effort into community engagement as you do creating the content, and why setting goals with timeframes can help determine how you’re defining “success” in your comedic endeavors. [powerpress] Links from this episode: Blenderhead Podcast #39: Never Go Full Cougar 5by5 Broadcasting 1,000 True Fans – Kevin Kelly Academy Originals – YouTube Matt Cutts: Try something new for 30 days 5 Reasons Comedian Newsletters May Become Bigger Than Comedy Podcasts Media ReDEFined NextDraft: The Day’s Most Fascinating News Tab Dump Just Another Crowd The Listserve Tech Douchebags #14: The Overthinker Participate with the community in our Connected Comedy Facebook group or post your questions, suggestions or topics to cover in the future on our Facebook page. We always welcome your comments!

Please subscribe and rate this podcast on iTunes! On the “fans are a misnomer” episode of the podcast, Jordan Cooper and Josh Spector talk about changing your approach of how to make the leap to headlining shows, why clubs and bookers don’t make you a headliner – your fan base does, how the terms ‘opener’, ‘feature’ and ‘headliner’ are antiquated, and why building a community of people that knows, likes and trusts you (even if it’s not for comedy) will ultimately allow you to move up the ladder. In addition, we debate changing the usage of the word ‘fans’ to ‘connections’, leveraging another comedian’s audience to build yours, periodically testing the affinity of your connections, and producing content as a means to stay visible, maintain top-of-mind, and put yourself in the position to get opportunities. [powerpress] Links from this episode: Netflix’s Ted Sarandos Reveals His ‘Phase 2’ for Hollywood Scott Simpson Talking touring, comedy and religion with comedian Mike Birbiglia Jurassic Park & The Death of Stop-Motion Animation Industry Standard w/ Barry Katz How To Create Value In What You Create Tech Douchebags Participate with the community in our Connected Comedy Facebook group or post your questions, suggestions or topics to cover in the future on our Facebook page. We always welcome your comments!

Please subscribe and rate this podcast on iTunes! On the “put your money where your mouth is” episode of the podcast, Jordan Cooper, Chelcie Rice and Josh Spector talk about how Facebook’s algorithm changes have dramatically affected page post visibility, why Facebook ads can be the best way to build an initial fan base, how targeting a very small demographic is more effective than broader campaigns, and why you don’t have to spend a ton of money to reach those who’d be most interested in your creative work. In addition, we go behind the curtain on the success of Ellen’s Oscars selfie and how it’s a perfect example of what happens when the content, context and community are aligned. [powerpress] Links from this episode: The Ellen Selfie Was TV’s Victory, Not Twitter’s Old Spice: The Archetype of a Successful Social Media Campaign Jimmy Kimmel and Tracy Morgan’s Emmy Prank CC Podcast Episode 54 – Should You Have Multiple Twitter Accounts? How Facebook Changed Its News Feed Algorithm What Facebook’s Fan Page Changes Mean For Comedians The death of Daily Grace shows the importance of the right deal Participate with the community in our Connected Comedy Facebook group or post your questions, suggestions or topics to cover in the future on our Facebook page. We always welcome your comments!

Please subscribe and rate this podcast on iTunes! On the “you won’t believe what happens next” episode of the podcast, Jordan Cooper, Chelcie Rice and Josh Homer welcome Josh Spector back to talk about his new curation project, the business model of content aggregators, strategies on growing visitors for a website from scratch, using Facebook ads to build an initial audience, and how small web projects can be a form of artistic output. In addition, we discuss the recipe for developing a successful Twitter account, personality-driven media versus topic-based content, and whether or not there’s value in having separate social media profiles for different audiences, niches, projects or otherwise. [powerpress] Links from this episode: This Was A Thing Upworthy Viral Nova @HistoryInPics on Twitter George Takei on Facebook I Fucking Love Science on Facebook HostGator Sucks! How to Build a Successful Twitter Account: The Hip Hop Golden Age Way @HipHopGoldenAge on Twitter Alex Barnett Louis CK’s Comedy Academy Comedy Central’s @midnight Joe Rogan @DadBoner on Twitter 5 Things You Can Learn From Adam Carolla On The Solopreneur Hour Podcast Participate with the community in our Connected Comedy Facebook group or post your questions, suggestions or topics to cover in the future on our Facebook page. We always welcome your comments!

Please subscribe and rate this podcast on iTunes! On the “disingenuously edited” episode of the podcast, Jordan Cooper, Chelcie Rice and Josh Homer welcome Phil Farda, Travis Denley and Dave Stuck onto the show to debate the purpose and goals of having a podcast, people’s listenership habits, editing a podcast versus releasing it “live-to-tape”, setting expectations and respecting your podcast audience, building a community around your content, and constructively reviewing your work. In addition, we discuss setting realistic career goals, performing at churches, the difference between club work and private events, how offline referrals are important even in this age of social media, knowing your fair value in negotiating pay for services and learning how to say “no”. [powerpress] Links from this episode: The Comic Club Podcast CC Podcast #51: Booking A Comedy Tour CC Podcast #12: Forget That It’s Even A Website Zoom H4N Handy Portable Digital Recorder Levelator CC Podcast #31: You Have To Care Green Room Radio The Todd Barry Podcast Comedy Central NY Participate with the community in our Connected Comedy Facebook group or post your questions, suggestions or topics to cover in the future on our Facebook page. We always welcome your comments!

Please subscribe and rate this podcast on iTunes! On the “new year’s resolutions” episode of the podcast, Jordan Cooper, Chelcie Rice and Josh Homer review our career progress over the past year and set goals for 2014. In the process, we discuss how to make yourself more sellable to talent representation & the industry as a whole, putting together a “product” for corporate speaking, cultivating deeper relationships with your small community of supporters, and how success can come through simply not quitting. [powerpress] Links from this episode: The Message Of You – Judy Carter [Amazon] J-L Cauvin APCA – Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities Participate with the community in our Connected Comedy Facebook group or post your questions, suggestions or topics to cover in the future on our Facebook page. We always welcome your comments!

Please subscribe and rate this podcast on iTunes! On the “hitting the road” episode of the podcast, Jordan Cooper and Josh Homer welcome Matt Ward on to the show to discuss how to book a do-it-yourself comedy tour, performing outside of the established comedy club circuit, identifying goals on why you should even go on tour, and how the process is nearly exactly the same as what bands and musical acts have been doing for years. In addition, we discuss how to properly route a tour, the economics of bar entertainment, why you should brand your tour, the pay-what-you-want merchandise business model, and how touring generally helps you in building relationships, growing a fan base, and rapidly develops your stand-up act. [powerpress] Links from this episode: Knox Comedy Live How To Book Your Own Comedy Tour Book Your Own Fuckin’ Life Musician’s Guide To Touring & Promotion Neil Hamburger Carmen Morales Cape Fear Comedy Festival Participate with the community in our Connected Comedy Facebook group or post your questions, suggestions or topics to cover in the future on our Facebook page. We always welcome your comments!

Please subscribe and rate this podcast on iTunes! On the “three-year anniversary” episode of the podcast, Jordan Cooper, Chelcie Rice and Josh Homer welcome the triumphant return of Josh Spector to the show to discuss comedians’ continuing frustration with the changing nature of the industry, how even the definition of “comedian” is shifting, why Bo Burnham is the wrong example of YouTube success in comedy, and why garnering attention to your content alone means little unless it turns into action. In addition, we discuss what comedians can learn from the tech startup space, the difference between an ad-based business model and one that’s relationship-based, the importance of truly and continually educating yourself in the medium, dealing with the boredom of putting in the work every day, and why persistence usually ends up winning out in the long run. [powerpress] Links from this episode: Thoughts About Why J-L Cauvin’s Album Didn’t Sell Better Connected Comedy Podcast Episode 49: Excuses We Tell Ourselves Long Tail 1000 True Fans How Do You Define A Pivot? Core Competency Jerry Seinfeld – Howard Stern Show Interview Connected Comedy Podcast Episode 44: Building A YouTube Audience The Man Behind @DadBoner Comedy Central Eliminates Separate Digital Unit Would You Rather Be The Comedy Store or The Improv? Participate with the community in our Connected Comedy Facebook group or post your questions, suggestions or topics to cover in the future on our Facebook page. We always welcome your comments!

Please subscribe and rate this podcast on iTunes! On the “procrastination” episode of the podcast, Jordan Cooper, Chelcie Rice and Josh Homer discuss the things that prevent us comedians from taking action, dealing with perfectionism and analysis paralysis, what to do if you don’t feel creative every day, and generally being productive with your mental energy. In addition, we debate if there’s any reason to pass up on stage time, why open-mics are a place to work on your act and not to entertain other comics, treating your career like it’s a job and not a hobby, the feeling of being overwhelmed with starting something new, and that taking yourself out of your comfort zone is the only way to progress. [powerpress] Links from this episode: CC Podcast Episode 39 – No One’s Going To Feed You The Artist’s Way – Julia Cameron Ralphie May at Stand-Up Mastery Participate with the community in our Connected Comedy Facebook group or post your questions, suggestions or topics to cover in the future on our Facebook page. We always welcome your comments!

Please subscribe and rate this podcast on iTunes! On the “all checks clear” episode of the podcast, Jordan Cooper and Chelcie Rice welcome Eric Yoder of the Funny Business Entertainment Agency to talk about how a booking agency works behind the scenes, what constitutes a good area/venue for a comedy event, the difference between marketing a monthly show and a full-time club, and in all transparency, how exactly an agency makes money. In addition, we address the common complaints from comedians about bookers and vice-versa, the caveats of juggling being a comic and running a show/venue, why face time is huge in getting on someone’s radar, the line between persistence and annoyance, and how everything in the business ultimately comes down to trust. [powerpress] Links from this episode: eBaum’s World Gilda’s Laugh Fest Participate with the community in our Connected Comedy Facebook group or post your questions, suggestions or topics to cover in the future on our Facebook page. We always welcome your comments!

Please subscribe and rate this podcast on iTunes! On the “nothing new” episode of the podcast, Jordan Cooper, Chelcie Rice and Josh Homer talk about growing your fanbase without self-promotion through curating content, pushing others as a form of networking and developing relationships with peers, and aiming to build a community that matches your comedic voice. In addition, we discuss the concept of platforming, using social media more as a telephone and less as a bullhorn, why you shouldn’t be focused on getting people out to shows, the weight of a recommendation and how maintaining a solid reputation is more important than helping your low-talent friends. [powerpress] Links from this episode: How To Grow Your Fanbase By Not Promoting Yourself Nashville Stand-Up Daring Fireball Jim Romenesko CC Podcast Episode 34 – Look For The Yes Participate with the community in our Connected Comedy Facebook group or post your questions, suggestions or topics to cover in the future on our Facebook page. We always welcome your comments!

Please subscribe and rate this podcast on iTunes! On the “finding the game” episode of the podcast, Jordan Cooper, Chelcie Rice and Josh Homer welcome Matt Besser, one of the founding members of Upright Citizens Brigade about his new improv manual just released, the difference between long-form and short-form improv, how “yes, and” has become trite and harmful and clarifying other terminology and concepts in improv and ultimately, making it easier for those in middle America to learn improv. In addition, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages stand-ups have when doing improv, how “the game” of the scene is closely similar to exploring what makes a joke funny, whether or not it’s possible to make a living touring around the country as an improvisor, and how in show business it’s imperative to have that one undeniably great “thing.” [powerpress] Links from this episode: The Upright Citizens Brigade Comedy Improvisation Manual The Harold Truth In Comedy CC Podcast Episode #29 – UCB Butthurt improv4humans Participate with the community in our Connected Comedy Facebook group or post your questions, suggestions or topics to cover in the future on our Facebook page. We always welcome your comments!

Please subscribe and rate this podcast on iTunes! On the “first ever guest scold” episode of the podcast, Jordan Cooper and Chelcie Rice welcome Leighann Lord on the show to discuss managing content on multiple social networks, focusing on communities and not platforms, experimenting to find out what works and what doesn’t, and having a presence that’s consistent and in it for the long haul. In addition, we talk about the network effort and the value of uber-fans (no matter how few you might have), how everything you produce or do is a form of marketing, why “I don’t have the time” is a poor excuse, and that ultimately, people are going follow you for *you*, not necessarily only your stand-up work. [powerpress] Links from this episode: StarTalk Radio Show SlideShare HootSuite Buffer IFTTT SoundCloud CC Podcast Episode 31: You Have To Care CC Podcast Episode 11: 40,000 Anime Characters Can’t Be Wrong Royale Watkins Participate with the community in our Connected Comedy Facebook group or post your questions, suggestions or topics to cover in the future on our Facebook page. We always welcome your comments!

Please subscribe and rate this podcast on iTunes! On the “riding solo” episode of the podcast, Jordan Cooper welcomes Tim Schmoyer from Video Creators to talk about how comedians can go about building a fan base and developing a niche community on YouTube, why it’s much more than a place to put your stand-up sets, and how personality and establishing a human connection are key for success on the platform. In addition, we discuss the difference between podcast and YouTube audience demographics, how to discover other creators in your niche, repurposing your material for the new medium, why your webcam or smartphone camera is good enough to get started, titling your videos for reach versus retention and the importance of consistency, consistency, consistency. [powerpress] Links from this episode: The Secret To Building Your YouTube Audience VidCon Making YouTube Sustaintable – Jason Calacanis 1000 True Fans Optimizing Video SEO for Reach vs. Retention 90-9-1 Principle Participate with the community in our Connected Comedy Facebook group or post your questions, suggestions or topics to cover in the future on our Facebook page. We always welcome your comments!