Funny How: Letters to a Young Comedian
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10 Good Things: Conan O’Brien on Maria Bamford’s unique style
Also: The bros turn on MAGA, Mel Brooks, Jon Oliver, and more.
11 hrs ago
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Matt Ruby
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Be the idiot
Also: F– me is funnier than f– you.
Mar 6
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Matt Ruby
4
Jim Downey on how Norm Macdonald made SNL punk rock
"It was akin to what the punk movement was for music. Just stripped down. We did what we wanted."
Mar 4
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Matt Ruby
1
1
10 Good Things: Letterman, First Take, Roger Federer, and more
Plus: Jerrod Carmichael on why many comedians struggle and a Seinfeld favorite.
Mar 2
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Matt Ruby
2
1
February 2026
Then they came for comedians...
10 smartfunny™️ thoughts about standup.
Feb 27
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Matt Ruby
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Why the US Hockey team laughed at that joke
On the different kinds of laughs and why people tend to chuckle at the boss.
Feb 25
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Matt Ruby
1
It’s not called "stand-up point-making"
And more sharp comedy advice via John Roy.
Feb 23
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Matt Ruby
4
2
John Mulaney: Jacksonville is the new Chinatown
A standup term inspired by Katt Williams.
Feb 20
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Matt Ruby
How Conan O'Brien makes comedians look great
Watch now | A look at Conan's history of killing it as "the straight man."
Feb 18
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Matt Ruby
1
1:25
How loose premises become “A” material
Isabel Hagen: "I record each set on my phone and listen back later. As I listen, I hear what worked and what didn’t, and if something didn’t work, I…
Feb 16
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Matt Ruby
5
1
How Steven Wright writes jokes
Wright: "I exercised the part of my mind of noticing things, to the point where I’m now noticing things without even trying to notice them."
Feb 13
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Matt Ruby
1
Reader q: "Any books on joke writing you recommend?"
The best ways to get good taste and write better bits.
Feb 11
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Matt Ruby
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