Join us as we kick off the new year with a little laughter and the vibrant energy of Leanne Linksy, a comic genius with two decades in the game, who has innovatively tackled the world of online comedy. Discover the nuances of virtual laughter with Plauzzable, her bespoke live comedy platform designed to eliminate the dreaded audio lag and elevate audience interaction. This chat is a deep exploration into the craft of comedy in the digital age, where timing is everything, and a live reaction can make or break a performance.
Listen in as we unwrap virtual shows’ incredible impact on making comedy accessible far beyond the bright lights of New York and California. We touch on the heartfelt connections formed in these intimate online spaces, where age and health are no barriers to participation, and safety and convenience take center stage. Creativity abounds as comedians blend the boundaries of podcasts, live shows, and more, all while crafting sustainable business models that bring laughter directly to a dispersed fan base.
Hear about the personal and often winding roads taken by those in the comedic world, including my own journey of juggling a day job with night-time aspirations. In this conversation, we reveal the secret sauce of successful online event promotion and the transformative power of improv and play, proving that sometimes, success in comedy isn’t about fame but about the joy and enrichment it brings into our lives. So, whether you’re in it for the giggles or the insights, this episode promises to entertain and enlighten.
Find Leanne Linsky and online comedy at https://plauzzable.com/
(01:12) Online Comedy Shows and Virtual Events
The show kicks off with some humor, sharing a playful joke before welcoming Leanne, a seasoned comedian with over 20 years of experience, who shares her own relatable quip about the new normal of virtual interactions. I explore Leanne’s innovative solution to the challenges comedians face in the digital realm, her creation of Plauzzable, a live comedy platform that addresses issues such as audio delay and audience engagement that are not solved by conventional video conferencing tools. We also touch on the importance of real-time audience reaction for performers, comparing the virtual comedy experience to that of live radio, and how Leanne’s platform aims to bridge the gap between in-person events and online shows, enhancing the comedic experience for both performers and audiences alike.
(09:35) Virtual Shows’ Impact on Comedy Accessibility
Leanne shares the changing landscape of comedy and performance accessibility, highlighting how open mics and comedy shows are concentrated in states like California and New York, leaving rural areas with fewer opportunities. We explore the benefits of online platforms for performers and fans alike, noting how older comedians and those with health concerns find virtual shows a safer and more convenient alternative. The discussion touches on the intimate experience that virtual shows provide, creating a personal connection between entertainers and the audience. Additionally, we consider the logistics and safety benefits of not having to travel late at night. We also look at how comedians are innovating with these platforms by incorporating podcasts and live shows that blend interviews, comedy, and music. Finally, we address the business model of virtual shows and how they offer a more effective way for performers with geographically dispersed fan bases to connect with their audiences, contrasting with the traditional methods of audience building.
(15:10) Building a Comedy Career
Leanne explores the challenges comedians face in converting social media engagement into physical audience attendance at their shows, highlighting the geographical limitations and the difficulties in scaling up to larger audiences. I discuss the potential of virtual platforms as a solution, offering tools for comedians to schedule, ticket, and perform online shows with more favorable financial terms and without the need for a large following or industry credits. Additionally, we examine effective marketing strategies for promoting online events, emphasizing the importance of persistent self-promotion on social media and the power of email marketing to convert subscribers into paying attendees. Finally, I share insights into my personal journey in comedy, reflecting on the uncertain path to “making it” in the industry and balancing a day job with comedic pursuits.
(21:49) The Power of Play and Improv
Finally, we explore the transformative power of improv and how it opened up new avenues of joy and creativity. I share my personal journey into the world of comedy, starting with a comedy writing class that led to improv, and how it evolved into a passion that reshaped my life. We discuss the importance of playfulness and not taking life too seriously, touching on the concept of ‘playful humans’ and the various ways people can inject fun into their lives through creative pursuits like art, magic, sports, and comedy. We emphasize that success doesn’t have to be measured by fame, and that hobbies like comedy can enrich life regardless of professional ambition. We wrap up with a lively game that showcases how simple interactions and challenges can shift our mindset and relieve stress, reminding listeners to embrace the lighter side of life.
