Kaizen Komedy

D.L. Hughley has had a strong presence in comedy since his very first special in 1992. After his first special, he was selected to be the very first host of BET's ComicView, a standup comedy program. From there he went on to have slew of appearances in TV and film, release several albums and three books, have his own sitcom, radio show and CNN comedic news series. This episode, the Kaizen Komedy crew take a look at D.L.'s work, his comedic style and evolution as a performer, and learn what they can from this powerhouse of comedy and entertainment.   www.kaizenkomedy.com

In the third episode of the History of Comedy side series, the Kaizen Crew tackles the Vaudeville era up to the Modern Era of comedy with a few pit stops in between. Cody talks about the show and book 'I'm Dying Up Here' and Shafi breaks down CNN's History of Comedy miniseries. The guys also spend a bit of time debating what is considered a horror movie.  Thanks for tuning in to Kaizen Komedy!   www.kaizenkomedy.com    

This week, Kaizen Komedy looks at Chris D’Elia. The way he laughs at his own material and jumps around from thought to thought gives his work the illusion of a stream of consciousness, but with closer attention you're able to see the underlying structure of many of his jokes. That, and his natural ability to interact with the audience, makes him one of the most well-rounded comics Kaizen Komedy has looked at that thus far.This week, Kaizen Komedy looks at Chris D’Elia. The way he laughs at his own material and jumps around from thought to thought gives his work the illusion of a stream of consciousness, but with closer attention you're able to see the underlying structure of many of his jokes. That, and his natural ability to interact with the audience, makes him one of the most well-rounded comics Kaizen Komedy has looked at that thus far. Bits analyzed: Gangster , -Night Shorts, Drunk girl. www.kaizenkomedy.com

This week, Kaizen Komedy looks at Joan Rivers. She is a pioneer for female comics and had one of the longest and most active comedy careers the trio has covered to date. Since her start, Rivers brought a high energy and engaging performance to her audiences. She challenged her crowds with very strong opinions and used absurdity to release the tension that she built.  Joan Rivers is easily one of the most successful and well-known legends in stand up history.This week, Kaizen Komedy looks at Joan Rivers. She is a pioneer for female comics and had one of the longest and most active comedy careers the trio has covered to date. Since her start, Rivers brought a high energy and engaging performance to her audiences. She challenged her crowds with very strong opinions and used absurdity to release the tension that she built.  Joan Rivers is easily one of the most successful and well-known legends in stand up history. Bits analyzed: Cooking, Anne Frank, Apollo 2013.   www.kaizenkomedy.com

For the second episode of the Side Series, Shafi, Cody and Ryan take a look at Comedy in the middle ages, the Shakespearean era, and a bit of Vaudeville leading up to the modern age of Comedy.   www.kaizenkomedy.com  

This week, Kaizen Komedy looks at the work of Todd Barry. Barry often focuses on the things of his everyday life that frustrate him, regardless of how small or trivial they may be. He brings these frustrations to life through on stage dialogues, using absurdity to amplify his points. All of this is delivered in a low energy performance that perfectly matches the mundane nature of his subjects. Barry is an absolute pro and is as strong at working the crowd as he is at crafting a joke. Bits: Coffee (2017), Pepsi vs. Coke, Just For Laughs (2003) www.kaizenkomedy.com

This episode, the Kaizen Crew talks about modern comedy royalty: the one and only Dave Chappelle! Chappelle started doing comedy when he was in high school, and got his big break in 1993 with Mel Brooks' Robin Hood: Men In Tights. As a standup his comedy focuses on racism, relationship problems, social problems, politics, current events, and pop culture.  Bits reviewed: - The Time Racism Saved My Life - SNL Monolouge (2017) - Celebrity Sexual Assaults (2018) www.kaizenkomedy.com

 This week, Kaizen Komedy looks at the work of Ricky Gervais.This week, Kaizen Komedy looks at the work of Ricky Gervais.There are very few things that Gervais has not accomplished. He has done radio, podcasts, released music, written children’s books, written, directed, and starred in TV series’ as well as movies. On top of all that, he has released many standup specials with the most recent one, “Humanity”, releasing earlier 2018 on Netflix. www.kaizenkomedy.com

Kaizen Komedy is trying something new by looking at something old: the origins of comedy and comedic performance as we know it. The guys are looking all the way back to be beginning, with Comedy plays of Ancient Greece.  Have a suggestion for the name of this series? E-mail us!  kaizenkomedy@gmail.com   www.kaizenkomedy.com  

This week, Kaizen Komedy looks at the work of Myq Kaplan. His fast-pace delivery and quick wit hits the audience hard from the moment he steps out on stage. His ability to rattle of jokes as he expands on premises keeps the energy in the room building, leading to the audience erupting in intense laughter and applause. Bits analyzed: Open Relationships and Tiger (Meat Robot), Jesus and Grandmother (Meat Robot), Buddhism, Feminism, And Math (Small, Dork, and Handsome) www.kaizenkomedy.com

This episode, the Kaizen Crew take a look at some comedians from Netflix's new show featuring 15 minute specials of lesser known comedians: The Comedy Lineup! Comics analyzed this episode: - Taylor Tomlinson - Ian Karmel www.kaizenkomedy.com  

This episode, the Kaizen Crew takes a look at the legendarily funny Patrice O'Neal.  Patrice O'Neal was an American stand-up comedian, actor, and radio host. He grew up in Boston and first started performing stand-up comedy in 1992 when his act mainly focused on crowd-work and building a dialogue with his audience.  In this episode the guys look to Patrice to learn about storytelling, connecting with audiences, and some interesting views on relationships.    www.kaizenkomedy.com  

This episode, the Kaizen Komedy Crew take a look at three examples of excellent storytelling from Comedy Central's This Is Not Happening.  Bits analyzed: Tom Segura - Overdoses Doug Smith - Stabbed in the Face Keegan Michael Key - Picking Up a Crackhead   www.kaizenkomedy.com e-mail us at: kaizenkomedy@gmail.com

This week Kaizen Komedy looks at another very popular comic’s comic, Bill Burr. Burr is known for his contrarian opinions, and his passionate rage-fueled rants. Burr has no problem saying exactly what he thinks, even if it isn’t politically correct. He often uses controversial statements to grab the audience’s attention, following up with defending punchlines and tags. Often ending jokes stating, "I have no idea what I’m talking about.", which helps to release any remaining tension, before moving on to his next bit. Bits analyzed: Chain Stores; What are you, A Fag; Being a mother . www.kaizenkomedy.com

This week, Kaizen Komedy tackles another comedy legend, “Richard Pryor”. Pryor is a great example of pursuing material that he was generally connected to. And through vulnerability and raw emotions, he was able to make light of past and current experiences. He is a master storyteller and one of the biggest influences for many comics today. Bits analyzed: The N Word; Live on the Sunset: Women; Shortage of white People   www.kaizenkomedy.com

The Kaizen Crew take a gander at one of the Kings of Comedy: Jerry Seinfeld! To celebrate the release of Jerry Seinfeld's most recent comedy special JERRY BEFORE SEINFELD, the fellows look through Jerry's history, his writing and work ethic, and how he constructs comedy by deconstructing the world around him.  Recorded at the Comedy Works in Saratoga, NY.  www.kaizenkomedy.com write us: kaizenkomedy@gmail.com

This episode, Shafi, Cody and Ryan take a look at the prolific and dynamic comedy of Iliza Shlesinger. A comedy sensation, Iliza has multiple Netflix specials and albums, has guested on every late night talk show worth mentioning, and kills audiences on the regular with her witty, super-quick insights on life.  The guys review her bits ' Prison Workout', 'Girls Night' and 'Women's Rest Room'. Write to us at: kaizenkomedy@gmail.com www.kaizenkomedy.com

This episode Kaizen Komedy breaks down the material of Michael Che. He approaches political and social problems in a very lighthearted, yet poignant way. He has a way of tackling topics in a manner that uses playfulness and absurdity to get the crowd roaring, while making his stance on topics very clear. After listening to this episode, be sure to check out Michael Che, you'll want to make a point to watch his Netflix Special, “Michael Che Matters”.   www.kaizenkomedy.com

Once again, the Kaizen Krew takes a look at three extremely talented comedians you may not of heard of before. This episode, the guys look at Nathan Macintosh, Michael Vecchione and Geoff Tate. Three very different comedians with unique approaches to leaving audiences rolling on the floor.  Bits analyzed: Conan 2017 set from Michael Vecchione,  Jimmy Fallon 2017 set from Nathan Macintosh and "Guns" by Geoff Tate from the album ' Geoff Tate Again'. www.kaizenkomedy.com

The Kaizen Crew takes a hard look at the verbose wit of Mark Normand this episode. Having all experienced Mark's work either in person, through love of his albums, or catching him on other podcasts the guys are well acquainted with his comedic mastery and analyze the hell out of some choice Mark Normand bits.   www.kaizenkomedy.com e-mail: kaizenkomedy@gmail.com