You ever get into one of those conversations where you think you know the subject… and then suddenly you’re ten layers deeper than you ever expected to go? That’s what happened here.
This week on Here’s What We Know, we’re joined by Danny Johnson, a stand-up comedian making his mark in the world of clean comedy. We start by talking about the craft, how a joke is built, why timing matters more than the words, and how comedians actually think.
And then we keep going, because comedy is more than just about being funny anymore.
Now it’s social media, followers, clips, going viral, and pressure. The conversation gets more and more fascinating, as one question keeps coming up: If being funny isn’t enough anymore… then what is?
This episode is sponsored by:
In This Episode:
- The rise of clean comedy and why it’s finding a bigger audience
- How comedians actually write and build material
- The pressure of social media and why it changes everything
- The difference between being funny and being successful
- What it really means to “make it” in comedy today
- And why some of the funniest people you’ve ever seen might still be figuring it out
Quotations:
“My mind doesn’t stop thinking of the stuff of what I think is funny stuff.” ~ Danny Johnson
“You almost like interrogate your idea like a detective, who does this impact? Why does it impact them? How many people are doing it? How many people know about it? What do they feel about it? What does your family feel about you? Just kind of fire these questions at this idea and flesh it out.” ~ Danny Johnson
“Politics strikes me as more sad than anything.” ~ Danny Johnson
“There’s nothing I get a bigger kick out of than putting a smile on someone’s face. So, if I could do that, that’s success to me.” ~ Danny Johnson
Bio:
Danny Johnson’s hilarious, clean stand-up has entertained audiences in comedy clubs, corporate events, and churches nationwide for over 15 years. Danny’s work as a stand-up comedian has been humbly compared to Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin James, and Jackie Gleason, blending his original material with his now renowned facial expressions. Danny’s show is relatable, entertaining, and always evolving. Danny has starred in numerous TV commercials, Comedy Central’s Laugh Riots, Florida’s Funniest Comedian Top 10 Finalist, Winner-Carnival Cruise line Comedy Challenge, Finalist in Search for the One Christian Comedy contest, has a wildly popular Dry Bar Comedy Special (now available on Apple TV, Amazon, & Peacock), and has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Chris Rock, Damon Wayans, Bob Saget, Billy Gardell, Richard Lewis, Rickey Smiley, Norm McDonald, Howie Mandel, and a variety of others.
Danny had the privilege of filming NateLand Live at the famous Zanies Comedy Club in Nashville, TN. NateLand Live is the brainchild of Nate Bargatze and features some of the best clean comedians touring today.
Danny’s latest comedy special, “Everything Bothers Me,” has taken YouTube by storm with over 100k views in its first month and still climbing!
His North Florida footprint is well known, calling the Comedy Zone his home club for almost two decades, performed at Murray Hill Theatre, The Florida Theatre and Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. Locally, you may have also seen Danny on his many appearances on the News4Jax Morning Show, Jacksonville’s River City Live, or his extremely brief/ distant appearance on season 4 of Netflix’s Cobra Kai (don’t blink).
Guest Contact Info:
Website: https://dannyjohnson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DannyJohnsonComedy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannyjohnsoncomedy/