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

Tell unforgettable Stories

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.