Marcos Cirino is a comedian in the Chicago area! He moved all the way from Amsterdam one year ago. He was recently highlighted in his first-ever Chicago comedy showcase and for good reason. It's all good vibes and positive, upward thinking with this guy. Happy to have him join us as an honorary member of the Ruse Radio guest list. ♥ In this episode, we discuss learning to read an audience, how Marcos's engineering background influences his comedy, why improv is a foundational skill, common mistakes for comics to avoid, telling jokes in Amsterdam VS. Chicago, building a 3-minute set VS. building a 10-minute set, and much more! 🔥 As always, thank you for watching. New episodes of Ruse Radio always coming soon. 💖 ___

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Introduction 0:32 - Comedy meets engineering: organizing jokes in Excel 1:21 - On-stage improvisation and adapting to the moment 2:02 - Handling hecklers and crowd work challenges 4:09 - Comparing music and comedy timing techniques 6:00 - Building connections at open mics and collaboration 7:03 - Exploring improv and its impact on comedy 10:19 - The collaborative essence of improv and its life lessons 12:33 - The role of improv in developing presence
14:58 - Asking better questions for richer conversations
18:13 - The importance of finding the right therapist
22:33 - Therapist training vs. other professions
23:41 - Carl Jung, Freud, and subconscious insights
25:38 - Connecting unrelated jokes through storytelling
27:48 - Developing a comedic stage persona
29:36 - Balancing multiple creative pursuits
32:05 - Bombing and resilience in comedy
35:35 - The craft of joke writing and the iterative process
40:41 - Reading the audience and tailoring sets
45:49 - Building trust with the audience through energy
49:53 - Managing ego and effort in performances
53:32 - The power of perspective and gratitude
55:32 - Exploring different joke-writing methods
1:02:31 - Preparing varied sets for different show lengths
1:03:34 - Winning a comedy competition and future performances
1:04:26 - Differences in comedy culture between countries
1:05:32 - Navigating comedy scenes: Amsterdam vs. the U.S.
1:07:32 - Challenges faced by comedians and strategies for persistence
1:08:40 - Avoiding pitfalls in comedy: Long breaks and audience feedback
1:10:49 - Importance of adapting and refining material
1:12:11 - Finding authenticity in comedy and artistic expression
1:15:55 - Balancing influences to develop a unique voice
1:17:49 - The role of honesty and confidence in comedy
1:22:07 - Hosting tips: Engaging with the audience and being present
1:27:34 - Podcasting as a medium for genuine connections
1:30:09 - Balancing discipline and relaxation in the pursuit of goals
1:34:35 - Securing showcases and networking in the comedy industry
1:37:33 - Investing in quality content and self-promotion