How to Be Funny – Even If You’re Not - with Comedy Legend John Vorhaus

This episode isn’t just a masterclass in comedy – it’s a guide to
living a braver, truer, funnier life.


I sat down with legendary comedy writer and
teacher John Vorhaus, whose classic
book The Comic Toolbox has become a bible for writers
around the world. But what started as an interview about comedy
turned into something much bigger:


A conversation about risk, failure, creativity,
and how to see the world through a comic lens – no matter what
you do for a living.


 In this episode, you’ll learn:


– Why “a high willingness to risk” is your superpower – in
writing and in life


– What the “Rule of 9” teaches us about good jokes (and bad ones)


– Why making a list of your worst ideas
ever might unlock your best ones


– What a “comic filter” is – and how it helps you create
unforgettable characters


– Why the sentence “If you want to write better, write more” is
everything


 We also dive into:


– How to rescue a joke that falls flat


– Why Germans can be funny


– The truth about Trump, Argentinians, and what makes us laugh
(or cringe)


– The universal pain behind comedy – and why humor connects us
all


PLUS: John spontaneously develops a story idea live on
the podcast – based on one of my own concepts. A pure gift.


 Books by John Vorhaus:


– The Comic Toolbox: How to Be Funny Even if You’re Not


– The Book of Practice: How to Do Better What You Want to Do
Well


… and many more on Amazon or johnvorhaus.com


Whether you’re a writer, a storyteller, a coach, or someone who
just wants to laugh more and live deeper – this episode is for
you.