Backstage with Steve Bruner: Comedy Writing and the Craft of Laughter

Send us a text What does it mean to be "not famous, just successful" in the stand-up comedy world? Veteran comedian Steve Bruner returns to share wisdom from over four decades of making strangers laugh. The magic of comedy isn"t just in the spotlight moments—it"s in the careful craft behind the scenes. Steve reveals his meticulous writing process, collecting fragments of ideas on scraps of paper before weaving them into cohesive bits that connect with audiences worldwide. Despite his seasoned status, he still attends open mics to test new material, comparing it to "a baseball player needing to swing the bat to remember how to swing." Comedy has transformed dramatically since Steve"s early days earning $12.20 at the Holy City Zoo. While today"s emerging comics can build careers through TikTok and social media—routes unavailable to previous generations—Steve emphasizes that nothing replaces the electric connection between a live comedian and their audience. This becomes especially evident when he discusses the unique challenges of performing on cruise ships, where passengers might have just visited the Vatican the day before his show. Throughout our conversation, Steve"s perspective remains refreshingly grounded. He finds joy in the process itself—seeing connections others miss and sharing that perspective through laughter. For aspiring comics, his journey offers valuable lessons about persistence, adaptability, and finding fulfillment beyond fame. The episode concludes with a hilarious sample of Steve"s clean, observational comedy about wedding traditions that showcases his masterful timing and relatable humor. Whether you"re a comedy fan or creator, you"ll find both entertainment and insight in this conversation with a true professional who"s built a lasting career by making the world funnier, one audience at a time. Support the show www.StandupComedyPodcastNetwork.com Website....check it out, podcast, jokes, blogs, and More! "NEW" Video Podcast: Tag Team Talent Podcast on Spotify & YouTube Podcast Quality List: https://www.millionpodcasts.com/heritage-podcasts/ Please Write a Review: in-depth walk-through for leaving a review. Interested in Standup Comedy? Check out my books on Amazon... "20 Questions Answered about Being a Standup Comic" "Be a Standup Comic...or just look like one"