A Conversation with Comedian Brad Upton with Host Jay Alders

“It’s like clay, a bit. A bit is like clay…you’re trying to shape it and form it. Make it just right. That’s the hard part now…where do I work it out?” – Brad delves into the intricacies of honing his craft, offering a glimpse into the meticulous process of comedy writing.

We’ve got a 40-year veteran comic for you on this one. Brad Upton‘s journey really offers such a unique window into how the game of comedy has evolved, the creative process, and even the influence of social media on the business.

Here’s some of what we’ll cover in this episode:

The Evolution of a Comedian

Brad Upton has been making audiences laugh for over 40 years, yet his passion for comedy remains undimmed. And so he reflects on his journey from the early days, full of the joy of performance, to the dawn of this current era, when the internet changed everything for comedians in how they could share that craft. Brad alludes to subtleties through which comedy can be produced from generation to generation, remaining timeless with more emphasis on how tricky it is to remain relevant in the digital flux.

Crafting Comedy: Behind the Scenes

One of the most fascinating aspects of our conversation was Brad’s insight into the art of crafting comedy.

From the daily drudgery of honing life’s punchlines to really hit, in order to be comedic gold, Brad shares his process for making those everyday experiences really pay off. He emphasized that it was a duty to be constantly preparing new material, which was all the more important and difficult with today’s practice of putting everything on the internet.

Comedy on the High Seas Brad also shed light on the entertainment world of cruise ships with some tales from his experience of performing while afloat. The setting, strictly of its own accord, represents a whole set of challenges and rewards, from a rapidly changing, transient audience to the mere unpredictability of the environment. Brad’s stories from the cruise circuit show both adaptability and quick wit at their highest demand in such a fickle setting for live performance.

Navigating the Digital Age

The conversation inevitably touched on the role of social media in shaping modern comedy.

The internet has definitely extended Brad’s act to larger audiences. He has also been grappling with new kinds of questions, such as how one is supposed to be a credible and authentic voice amidst online trolls in an unlimited sea of digital content. Carefully, Brad weighs how much he should engage with social media in terms of promotion and still be able to stay true to the acerbic tone and comedic style that has defined him.

The Creative Process Unveiled Brad takes us through the entire creative process as the joke goes from birth to its first appearance on stage. He reflects a rigorous approach to writing jokes: capturing spontaneancy through deliberate construction in order to leave an impact on the audience. This, then, is the part of our conversation which should serve as a bit of an eye-opener to those interested in the mechanics of humor and the level of dedication it takes to chisel out a comedic idea into a polished performance.

Reflections on Comedy and Competition

That is where Brad embraces that sort of combative nature of comedy and even goes on to compare his background, having played sports all his life, to how he’s basically armed for stand-up. He says it emphasizes the importance of focusing on what he was doing and not worrying about what the other guy was doing. That has been the philosophy that has guided him pretty much through everything he does, whether from his athletics or his comedy.

Navigating Personal Challenges: Strength Through Comedy

One part of the interview that was particularly touching was when Brad Upton opened up about great personal hardships that he and his family have had to go through, most notably the cancer his wife courageously fought and his rare heart condition. Deeply impactful experiences within the confines of his own life, Brad brought a unique perspective on the interplay of adversity and comedy. Brad shared how humor became an essential tool for coping and healing, not just for him but for his wife as well.

Being able to find laughter in the face of such challenges is indeed speaking volumes of the therapeutic power that comedy holds. Brad reflects on these experiences, pointing out the irony of learning how to navigate personal health crises while living his life in the public, devoted to bringing joy to others. This really speaks to Brad’s ability to find and draw humor from all things that make up his life, though it also points to the far greater use and ability of humor to work both as a coping mechanism and guiding light in some of the darkest points a person will find themselves in their life. Brad’s journey through these health scares has been what has informed the comic eye and incredible sense of humor he possesses in a uniquely deep way that somehow can resonate universally.