Podcast

Hot Breath! (Learn Comedy from the Pros)

Comedy, Improv, Stand-Up

Every Monday listeners get exclusive access to the most influential minds in comedy. Award winning comedian and host Joel Byars captures the inspiring stories and insightful techniques behind your favorite comics with interviews NPR describes as "discovering the desire to be a comedian, their craft and their unifying bond found within the world of stand up comedy."

Stand-Up chart
#57
Episodes
200
Releases
Twice a week
Typical length
38 min
On air since
2022
Latest episode
1 month ago

Episodes

200 episodes, newest first

  1. Episode #9 - Rod Man

    Show notes

    This throwback episode is from the show's first season happening over 10 years ago. Hot Breath! started as a way to showcase Atlanta comics on Last Comic Standing. I wanted to create a time capsule of this monumental moment for Atlanta comedy and now this has become a time capsule for how Hot Breath! became the top comedy podcast in the game. Enjoy!

    I'd love to connect with you online. DM me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotbreathpod/

    40 min
  2. Episode #8 - Ms. Pat

    Show notes

    This throwback episode is from the show's first season happening over 10 years ago. Hot Breath! started as a way to showcase Atlanta comics on Last Comic Standing. I wanted to create a time capsule of this monumental moment for Atlanta comedy and now this has become a time capsule for how Hot Breath! became the top comedy podcast in the game. Enjoy!

    I'd love to connect with you online. DM me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotbreathpod/

    55 min
  3. Episode #7 - Clayton English

    Show notes

    This throwback episode is from the show's first season happening over 10 years ago. Hot Breath! started as a way to showcase Atlanta comics on Last Comic Standing. I wanted to create a time capsule of this monumental moment for Atlanta comedy and now this has become a time capsule for how Hot Breath! became the top comedy podcast in the game. Enjoy!

    I'd love to connect with you online. DM me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotbreathpod/

    42 min
  4. Episode #6 - Lavar Walker

    Show notes

    This throwback episode is from the show's first season happening over 10 years ago. Hot Breath! started as a way to showcase Atlanta comics on Last Comic Standing. I wanted to create a time capsule of this monumental moment for Atlanta comedy and now this has become a time capsule for how Hot Breath! became the top comedy podcast in the game. Enjoy!

    I'd love to connect with you online. DM me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotbreathpod/

    59 min
  5. Episode #5 - Mia Jackson

    Show notes

    This throwback episode is from the show's first season happening over 10 years ago. Hot Breath! started as a way to showcase Atlanta comics on Last Comic Standing. I wanted to create a time capsule of this monumental moment for Atlanta comedy and now this has become a time capsule for how Hot Breath! became the top comedy podcast in the game. Enjoy!

    I'd love to connect with you online. DM me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotbreathpod/

    1 hr 1 min
  6. Episode #4 - Noah Gardenswartz

    Show notes

    This throwback episode is from the show's first season happening over 10 years ago. Hot Breath! started as a way to showcase Atlanta comics on Last Comic Standing. I wanted to create a time capsule of this monumental moment for Atlanta comedy and now this has become a time capsule for how Hot Breath! became the top comedy podcast in the game. Enjoy!

    I'd love to connect with you online. DM me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotbreathpod/

    48 min
  7. Episode #3 - Drew Thomas

    Show notes

    This throwback episode is from the show's first season happening over 10 years ago. Hot Breath! started as a way to showcase Atlanta comics on Last Comic Standing. I wanted to create a time capsule of this monumental moment for Atlanta comedy and now this has become a time capsule for how Hot Breath! became the top comedy podcast in the game. Enjoy!

    I'd love to connect with you online. DM me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotbreathpod/

    44 min
  8. Episode #2 - Caleb Synan

    Show notes

    This throwback episode is from the show's first season happening over 10 years ago. Hot Breath! started as a way to showcase Atlanta comics on Last Comic Standing. I wanted to create a time capsule of this monumental moment for Atlanta comedy and now this has become a time capsule for how Hot Breath! became the top comedy podcast in the game. Enjoy!

    I'd love to connect with you online. DM me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotbreathpod/

    56 min
  9. Episode #1 - Rob Haze

    Show notes

    This throwback episode is from the show's first season happening over 10 years ago. Hot Breath! started as a way to showcase Atlanta comics on Last Comic Standing. I wanted to create a time capsule of this monumental moment for Atlanta comedy and now this has become a time capsule for how Hot Breath! became the top comedy podcast in the game. Enjoy!

    I'd love to connect with you online. DM me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotbreathpod/

    47 min
  10. Hot Breath! Update - What's Next?

    Show notes

    Hey Hot Breathiverse, I'm excited to jump back on the podcast to update you with what's next for the show and community.

    After my baby arrived last year, I took a break from the podcast and am now back to share what you can expect from the podcast moving forward.

    Hot Breath! has always been a community first and this next chapter will share why the show started over 10 years ago and where we are going together.

    I look forward to being on this journey together!

    Sincerely,

    Joel Byars

    2 min
  11. May Contest Winner John Beel - The Music of Comedy

    Show notes

    This month's contest winner Johnny B joins us to share the surprising connection between music and comedy and how you can start writing better jokes faster.

    Join next month's contest here: https://cleancomedycontest.com/

    More info about John Here: https://laughwithjohnnyb.com/

    Join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/hotbreathpod

    https://www.speakpipe.com/HotBreathPod

    Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/

    • Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1
    • Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

    22 min
  12. March Contest Winner Colin Chapman

    Show notes

    First time winner Colin Chapman joins the show to share his unique approach to churning out so many jokes in just two weeks.

    Join next month's contest here: https://cleancomedycontest.com/

    Colin's Website: https://www.hypnosisisamazing.com/

    26 min
  13. Clean Comedy Contest Winner John Manasco

    Show notes

    February contest winner John Manasco joins us to share his creative process behind writing a winning set in just two weeks.

    He shares a lot of great writing techniques to help you generate ideas quickly. We also go deep on how to organize your jokes and keep track of all your ideas. This is definitely worth a listen!

    Join next month's contest here: https://cleancomedycontest.com/

    John's website:

    https://www.showyourbits.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/john_manasco/

    23 min
  14. Clean Comedy Contest Winner Dan Ratner

    Show notes

    The January contest winner Dan Ratner joins us to share his writing process to creating a tight set in just two weeks. We also discuss how to find time to write and perform while balancing your real life obligations. Enjoy!

    Join next month's contest here: https://cleancomedycontest.com/

    Follow Dan here: https://www.instagram.com/thedanofthehour/

    20 min
  15. I recorded this at 1AM just for you...

    Show notes

    Get the Clean Comedy Workshop here: https://stan.store/Joelbyarscomedy/p/learn-clean-comedy-now

    1 min
  16. November Clean Comedy Contest Winner Chris Shull

    Show notes

    Our November Clean Comedy Contest winner Chris Shull joins us to share his unique writing process, how to balance a day job and comedy + MORE.

    More info about Chris Here: https://www.facebook.com/chris.shull.302397/

    Join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/hotbreathpod

    

    Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/

    • Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1
    • Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

    30 min
  17. Ian Lara - Finding Your Voice, New York Comedy Grind, Imposter Syndrome + MORE

    Show notes

    Ian Lara describes the real, uneven path of a touring comic: some cities sell out, others are thin, and that’s normal. He emphasizes controlling what you can like stage craft, content output, and gratitude all while resisting comparison spirals from social media. He breaksdown his storytelling style with every line being a joke. Online, he favors clipping strong material over chasing crowd-work virality and insists stand-up must remain the priority even if podcasting takes off.

    More info about Ian Here: https://www.ianlaralive.com/

    Join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/hotbreathpod

    What you’ll learn

    • The “sold-out then 12 people” reality of touring in the clip era
    • Writing punchy stories (a laugh nearly every line)
    • Crowd work vs. material: when it helps—and when it cheats
    • The New York grind: 5–7 nights, 2–5 sets… and finding your way
    • +MORE

    

    Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/

    • Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1
    • Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

    38 min
  18. Greg Warren - Touring with Nate Bargatze, How to Write Viral Jokes, Joke Writing Techniques + MORE

    Show notes

    Greg Warren joins us to share his 20+ years of comedy expertise for comics to learn and apply to their own careers. He shares his favorite writing techniques and how his viral peanut butter bit took over two decades to perfect. We also dive into behind the scene of touring with Nate Bargatze and Leanne Morgan.

    More info about Greg Here: https://www.gregwarrencomedy.com/

    Join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/hotbreathpod

    

    Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/

    • Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1
    • Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

    23 min
  19. Rafi Bastos -Finding Your Comedic Voice, Building a Fanbase Online + MORE

    Show notes

    Rafi Bastos joins us to share his journey from starting comedy in Brazil to become the country's most famous comedian before moving to America and rebuilding his fanbase from scratch. This is masterclass is finding your voice and most authentic self.

    Learn more about Rafi Bastos: https://www.rafibastos.com/

    Join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/hotbreathpod

    

    Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/

    • Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1
    • Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

    36 min
  20. Joe Sib - Touring with Jim Breuer, Opening for Metallica, DIY Comedy Grind + MORE

    Show notes

    This episode of Hot Breath! dives deep into the DIY spirit of comedy with punk-rock veteran turned stand-up, Joe Sib. From fronting bands and opening for Metallica to touring with Jim Breuer, Joe breaks down how a lifelong performer reinvents himself in the most brutally honest art form of stand-up.

    He and Joel riff on everything from bombing in front of Metallica fans to finding authenticity on stage, why comics can’t “fake the funny,” and how comedy’s new punk rock era (YouTube, self-releasing specials, podcasting) gives comics more freedom than ever.

    If you’re a comedian trying to balance the grind, stay authentic, and not lose your mind in the process then Joe’s stories and lessons are pure rocket fuel.

    Connect with Joe here: https://www.joesib.com/

    Join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/hotbreathpod

    Top 10 Takeaways from Joe Sib:

    • Host often — it’s the fastest way to get multiple reps and real crowd interaction in one night.
    • Listen to your audience — the laughter (or silence) tells you exactly what to fix.
    • Film every set — you can’t improve what you don’t watch.
    • Write from truth — audiences can spot fake stories instantly.
    • DIY your career — start your own show, mic, or podcast instead of waiting for permission.
    • Keep a “bomb journal” — track what failed, why, and how you’ll adjust.
    • Surround yourself with better comics — iron sharpens iron.
    • Find joy in the grind — comedy rewards the ones who keep showing up.

    Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/

    • Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1
    • Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

    1 hr 15 min