In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone opens up about his years-long battle with gambling addiction. From childhood trips to Las Vegas to high-stakes blackjack tables as an adult, Vince walks us through the early seeds of his obsession, the thrill of the win, and the crushing weight of the loss.
Alongside co-host Dobie Maxwell, the duo balances heartfelt honesty with humor, showing how addiction can take hold when you least expect it—and how it weaves its way into careers, relationships, and identity. Vince shares vivid stories, from winning $13,500 at a Vegas table to giving half of it back in the same night, revealing how the illusion of control fuels the cycle.
Key Points Discussed:
The emotional highs of winning—and the psychological spiral of chasing losses
Why addiction often hides behind “fun” until it takes over
The role of control, ego, and rationalization in fueling the behavior
This is part one of a two-part series where laughter, vulnerability, and life collide. Whether you’ve battled demons of your own or just want a peek behind the curtain, this conversation reminds us that every high has a cost—and that help is always possible.
Leave us a comment with your thoughts or your story.
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone walks us through one of the most humbling and revealing moments of his career: flying to Nashville for a Monday night new material show—just to audition at a club in the same chain he already headlines in Chicago. It’s a story of emails ignored, nerves rising, and the quiet power of networking that speaks louder than a setlist.
Joined by Dobie Maxwell, the two comics unpack the true cost of being funny for a living—why the grind never stops, what’s changed in comedy booking, and how professionalism, perseverance, and likability matter more than ever. From being vouched for in a greenroom to mentoring the next generation, this episode reminds us that the real climb in comedy isn’t always the one audiences see.
Key Points Discussed:
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone sits down just one week after recording his brand-new comedy special, It’s Not All Peaches, at Brad Garrett’s Club in Las Vegas.
With the lights off, the cameras packed up, and the adrenaline wearing off, Vince reflects on the whirlwind leading up to the special—and what happens once the big moment is over. Joined by Dobie Maxwell, the two break down the emotional whiplash of finishing a major creative project.
They get honest about the vulnerability of performing personal material, the temptation to immediately pick everything apart, and why letting go of perfection might be the real win.
Key Points Discussed:
Whether you're a performer, speaker, or anyone who’s ever put everything into a big moment, this episode is your backstage pass to what comes after the standing ovation.
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell tackle one of the trickiest parts of stand-up: how to truly connect with an audience.
From mismatched energy to misread rooms, the duo shares lessons from decades of performing in every type of venue imaginable. They unpack how comics can lose a crowd in the first 30 seconds—or win them for the full hour—and why reading the room is more important than reading your setlist.
Key Points Discussed:
How to match your energy to the room without faking it
Why the first 15 seconds on stage can make or break you
The difference between pushing material and building trust
If you’ve ever been on stage and felt the crowd slipping away—or just want to know how pros adapt on the fly—this episode is your guide to making that critical audience connection.
#PutYourFunnyPodcast #StandUpComedy #ComedyCraft #ReadingTheRoom #VinceCarone #DobieMaxwell #CrowdConnection #ComedyAdvice
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone pulls back the curtain on his process for building a brand-new hour of comedy—leading up to his 2025 special at Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club in Las Vegas.
Joined by Dobie Maxwell, the duo breaks down what it takes to craft an hour that’s not just funny, but worthy of recording. From cutting crowd favorites to structuring callbacks to figuring out what tone defines your next chapter, this is a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making something great.
Key Points Discussed:
How Vince is deciding what doesn’t make the special—and why
The challenge of building a through-line that holds 60 minutes together
Why you can kill in clubs but still not be ready to record
Whether you’re a comic prepping your own special or a fan who wants to know what really goes into it, this episode offers a rare and real look at the art behind the hour.
#ComedySpecial #VinceCarone #DobieMaxwell #PutYourFunnyPodcast #StandUpCraft #ComedyProcess #BehindTheScenes #BuildingAnHour #LasVegasComedy #StandUpComedy
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell pull back the curtain on how they’re building a stand-up comedy class that’s actually worth taking—for the students and the audience.
Together, they reveal the thinking behind their new course structure, why they created it, who it’s for, and how they’re using decades of experience to guide first-timers toward writing and performing a solid five-minute set.
From class content to pricing, video packages to student red flags, this episode is a roadmap for any comic thinking about teaching—or taking—a class that sets people up for success (and not just self-delusion).
Key Points Discussed:
The 4-week class + graduation show structure Vince and Dobie use
How to teach confidence and craft—without crushing originality
Why not every student should pass—and how to set real expectations
Whether you’re an aspiring comic, a working comedian thinking of teaching, or just someone fascinated by how stand-up works behind the scenes—this episode gives you the real deal on building comedy from the ground up.
Listen on all major platforms
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube
#ComedyPodcast #PutYourFunnyPodcast #StandUpClass #ComedyEducation #HowToBeFunny #ComedyTraining #VinceCarone #DobieMaxwell #ComedianLife
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell become your comedy Mythbusters—tearing down the most stubborn beliefs about stand-up with honesty, grit, and a lot of laughs.
From the myth that "hecklers make you stronger" to the idea that "if you're funny with friends, you'll kill on stage," they expose what’s real, what’s romanticized, and what will actually make you better.
Vince opens up about his early days working free gigs at a roadhouse basement. Dobie reflects on his time as a ball boy for the Milwaukee Bucks—and how it indirectly led to a paid Christmas gig for a future billionaire. There are twists, truth bombs, and one unforgettable story about OJ getting arrested in Vegas while Vince was vacationing with his mom.
Key Points Discussed:
This episode is packed with truth, laughter, and hard-earned lessons. Whether you’re an aspiring comic, a working pro, or just a fan of what really happens behind the curtain—this one’s for you.
#PutYourFunnyPodcast #ComedyTruths #ComedyMyths #StandUpReality #HowToBeFunny
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell tackle one of the trickiest parts of a comedian’s career: private shows.
From fundraisers and corporate parties to birthday gigs at Dave & Buster’s, they break down what makes private shows a whole different beast—and how to avoid the biggest mistakes comics make when taking them.
You’ll hear wild personal stories (like Vince getting booked for a mostly non-English-speaking audience and Dobie accidentally roasting a boss into a near fistfight), as well as a treasure trove of hard-earned advice on what to charge, how to prep, and how to survive the gig once you're in it.
Key Points Discussed:
What questions to ask before you ever say yes to a private gig
How to price your value without underselling yourself—or the industry
Why roasting the boss can go sideways fast (and how to handle it with tact)
Whether you're just starting out or you’ve done 500 of these, this episode is loaded with advice you’ll actually use. And if you’ve ever asked “should I take this gig?”—this one’s for you.
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell dive into the wild world of comedy gimmicks—what they are, when they work, and how they’ve shaped the careers of legends and newcomers alike.
From Vince’s brutally honest pig roast gig story to Dobie’s unforgettable transformation into a wrestling-masked “Super Chuckle,” the episode mixes hilarious personal experiences with real talk about branding, persona, and marketability.
Along the way, they break down the gimmicks of comedy icons like Andrew Dice Clay, Larry the Cable Guy, Steve Martin, and Sam Kinison—revealing what stuck, what flopped, and why being memorable often matters more than being perfect.
Key Points Discussed:
This episode is a must-listen for comedians, performers, and anyone curious about how identity plays a role in making it on stage. Laugh, cringe, and maybe rethink your brand.
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Dobie Maxwell takes us behind the scenes of his brand-new Dry Bar comedy special, Worst Case Scenario—from nearly deleting the contact that booked him to standing ovations and polished packaging.
🎧 Quick heads-up: Vince’s audio is a little more distant than usual due to a mic issue during recording. Totally listenable—and Dobie comes through loud and clear. Thanks for rolling with us, because this episode is packed with gold.
Dobie shares what it takes to land and film a clean special, why attitude and attire matter, and how kindness offstage is sometimes your best tool. Vince shares a jaw-dropping story about getting assaulted by a grown man while working at a movie theater as a teenager—and how the moment changed his outlook on confrontation and control" —while Dobie kicks it off with one of the most chaotic “guest set” stories you’ll ever hear.
Key Points Discussed:
Whether you're a comic, a speaker, or just a fan of how the sausage gets made, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and a few “you can’t make this up” moments.
🎧 Listen anywhere you get your podcasts
#PutYourFunnyPodcast #DryBarComedy #StandUpTips #CleanComedy #DobieMaxwell #VinceCarone
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell break down exactly what makes a stand-up comedy show go from awkward and chaotic... to unforgettable.
Drawing on decades of experience, they share the fundamentals of a well-run comedy show—from sound and lighting to seating, stage setup, check drops, hosting, booking, and even performer etiquette. Whether you’re a new comic, an aspiring booker, or a fan of live comedy, this episode is your behind-the-scenes guide to how it all really works.
Key Points Discussed:
Why a bad sound system can ruin even the best comic
The ideal seating and stage setup for audience connection
How to book and balance a lineup that builds, not competes
What makes a great host (and why that role is often the most important)
How long should your show actually run (hint: less is more)
What to do when the check drop kills the vibe
The difference between a "closer" and a "headliner"—and why it matters
Professional prep: why comics should carry mics, batteries, and backup outfits
How to handle rowdy crowds without derailing the night
When to cancel a show—and how to do it the right way
#PutYourFunnyPodcast #ComedyProduction #StandUpTips #ShowRunner #ComedyBusiness
Crafting Comedy in 10 Words or Less
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell dissect the often misunderstood tool of the one-liner—and why every comic should learn how to use them, even if they don’t rely on them as a primary style.
Dobie opens with a wild story about performing at a women’s prison, revealing how a perfect one-liner landed at the riskiest moment. Vince breaks down how he builds trust quickly during high-stakes shows like cancer benefits and corporate gigs, and how one-liners have saved him more than once. Together, they explore how quick jokes serve as palate cleansers, punch-up tools, and audience trust builders.
Whether you're a comic, speaker, or just a fan of comedy, this episode shows that sometimes the quickest line is the smartest play.
Key Points Discussed:
When and why to use one-liners, even if you're a storyteller or ranter
The role of one-liners in riffing, crowd work, and audience trust
Personal stories from wild shows: prison gigs, benefit nights, and corporate returns
Examples from legends like Rodney Dangerfield, Mitch Hedberg, and George Carlin
Why mastering misdirection and brevity can take your act to the next level
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell take the stage together—literally—for the very first time on video, live from Zanies Comedy Club in Rosemont. What starts as a fun Q&A quickly evolves into a revealing and hilarious look at how two very different comics found their way to the mic.
Vince opens up about using humor to fit in as a kid, battling stage fright before his graduation set, and learning to embrace ranting as his signature style. Dobie shares stories of getting kicked out of class for cracking jokes, a life-changing compliment from a heckler, and how growing up with his cold German grandmother shaped his comedic instincts.
Through laughs, reflection, and a few shared jabs, the duo delivers a backstage pass into the formative years that made them the comics they are today.
Key Points Discussed:
Why Vince almost bailed on his comedy graduation show
Dobie's first standing ovation from a heckler named Drugstore Bob
How ranting styles emerged out of fear of silence
Why comedians don’t always want to be the funny guy offstage
The long game of comedy—and why connection now matters more than laughs
This episode is raw, funny, and filled with unexpected vulnerability. It’s perfect for anyone curious about the comedy grind, early failures, and what it really takes to stick with it long enough to find your voice.
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell dig into the one thing every comic will face—disappointment.
Whether it’s a set that fell flat, an audience that didn’t respond, or a career milestone that didn’t happen the way you hoped, disappointment is baked into the journey. Vince opens up about how he responds to those moments in real time—and why he's learning not to let them define him. Dobie reflects on decades of unmet expectations, and how he’s learned to separate who he is from how the night goes.
Together, they unpack the emotional landmines comedians face when things don’t go as planned—and why resilience, detachment, and self-awareness are just as critical as punchlines.
Key Points Discussed:
The mindset behind letting go of audience validation
How to emotionally recover from a show that doesn’t go well
Learning to be disappointed without becoming bitter
The importance of not letting one night affect your whole week
Why disappointment is tied to expectation
Processing disappointment before reacting publicly
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell pull back the curtain on one of the biggest hurdles for any performer: stage fright.
Whether you're a comic, speaker, or someone terrified of giving a work presentation, this episode will hit home. Vince shares how close he came to quitting comedy entirely just hours before his graduation set at Zanies. Dobie opens up about bombing as a child ventriloquist—and how both moments shaped their path forward.
Together, they reflect on the mental games, physical symptoms, and internal battles that come with fear of the stage—and how to overcome it with preparation, repetition, and the right mindset.
Key Points Discussed:
The difference between nervousness and stage fright
Why passion can override fear
Why bringing friends to your first show is a terrible idea
Physical tricks to calm your nerves before speaking
The power of reframing stage time: “It’s not about you, it’s about them.”
This episode is a relatable and honest look at what it takes to push past fear and step into your spotlight—no matter what stage you’re standing on.
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell break down what it really takes to succeed behind the scenes in comedy—from the green room to the booker's inbox.
You can crush your set… and still never get invited back. Why? Because talent alone isn't enough. This episode unpacks the unspoken rules of the business, how to build (or blow) relationships, and how to navigate the politics of comedy without losing your soul.
Vince and Dobie share real stories of comics who won—and others who self-sabotaged—based not on talent, but on how they played the game.
Key Points Discussed:
Whether you’re just starting out in comedy or years deep into Whether you're just starting out or have years behind the mic, this episode is your cheat code to playing the long game—and winning it.
Tune in now and learn how to master the moves that matter.
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell tackle one of the biggest taboos in stand-up comedy—stealing material.
For comedians, joke theft isn’t just unethical—it’s a career killer. But what really counts as stealing? How do you protect your material while making sure you’re not unintentionally copying someone else? Vince and Dobie share real-life stories of joke theft, the fine line between parallel thinking and plagiarism, and how stealing can destroy a comedian’s reputation.
Key Points Discussed:
Vince and Dobie also discuss the ethics of buying jokes, how major comedians have been accused of joke theft, and whether stolen jokes can ever be taken back.
💬 Have you ever heard a comedian use a joke you KNOW came from someone else? What’s your take on joke theft?
🎧 Listen now and find out why stealing material is the ultimate comedy crime!
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell break down the art—and the challenges—of crafting topical humor that lands with an audience before the news cycle moves on.
Topical comedy can make a comedian seem sharp and in-the-moment, but it comes with risks. A joke that kills today might be irrelevant tomorrow. Vince and Dobie discuss how to write and deliver timely jokes while avoiding material that ages too quickly. They also dive into how topical humor plays differently in clubs, late-night shows, and social media.
Key Points Discussed:
Whether you’re a comedian trying to sharpen your material or just curious about how humor reacts to the news cycle, this episode gives you the inside scoop on making topical humor work.
Listen now and learn how to make your jokes timely, sharp, and effective!
Drop your favorite (or worst) topical joke in the comments! Then hit play
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell break down one of the most essential tools in a comedian’s arsenal—the five-minute set.
From auditions and TV spots to festival submissions and surprise guest sets, a strong five-minute chunk can open doors in comedy. But crafting one isn’t as easy as it sounds. Vince and Dobie discuss why five-minute bits are the foundation of a great act and how to write, refine, and structure them for maximum impact.
Key Points Discussed:
✅ Why every comedian needs multiple five-minute sets – and how to build them over time
✅ How to break larger bits into tight five-minute chunks for late-night, festivals, and club auditions
✅ The “Sequel & Prequel” method – a unique way to expand your material
✅ How to handle being put on the spot with five minutes of unexpected stage time
✅ Vince’s real-life story of being thrown back on stage at the Improv with five minutes to fill
Vince and Dobie also share their own struggles with writing in five-minute increments, explaining why it’s not their natural style—but why it’s a necessary skill for every comedian.
🎤 If you’ve ever struggled to cut your material down—or wondered how to structure the perfect five-minute set—this episode is a must-listen!
In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell tackle one of the toughest realities of stand-up comedy—handling criticism.
Whether it’s an angry audience member, a harsh review, or a troll on social media, every comedian will face negative feedback at some point. But how you handle it can make or break your career. Vince and Dobie share their best and worst experiences dealing with criticism, offering insights into when to stand your ground and when to just walk away.
Key Points Discussed:
Vince also plays a real-life recording of an angry audience member tearing him apart post-show, and Dobie shares how one audience member completely misinterpreted his joke—demanding he stop telling it forever.
If you’ve ever struggled with taking criticism—or want to know how to handle it better—this episode is a must-listen.
