Bill Burr's Comedy Writing Secrets (Feat. The Joke Doctor)

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Watch this to learn Bill Burr's comedy writing secrets that make him one of the best comics in the game.
Bill Burr has changed the game for comedians by creating hilarious bits about the most taboo topics on the planet. This video breaks down Bill Burr's writing process and how other comics can do the same. This is a must watch comedy masterclass for comics of all levels to learn from one of the greats.
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#HotBreathPodcast​ #ComedyPodcast​ #ComedyTips

[@HotBreathPod]

Get the Joke Doctor's Comedy Writing Book Here: bit.ly/JerryCorleyBook

[@Sw-sx7nw]

The biggest killer of creativity is self doubt. Just get out there and do what makes you, you. ❤

[@Cabsmell]

This comment is the best!

[@ph8768]

This is a great but brief video. There's a lot of negative comments on this video saying Corley isn't funny. Jerry Corley isn't here trying to make you laugh. He's trying to show you how joke mechanics work.

[@HotBreathPod]

Thanks for watching! Jerry has helped countless comics in this business and for good reason, he knows what he's talking about. We're glad you can also see that!

[@Profile.4]

But shouldn't someone that understands all the concepts actually be funny?

[@ph8768]

@@Profile.4 I'm not associated with the channel but clearly Hot Breath! puts a lot of work into their channel and their interviews. Be respectful of people. If you don't like it, scroll on.

[@Profile.4]

@@ph8768 no thanks, I'm asking a question and someone should answer it unless they're a coward.

[@tomasbargad7418]

@@Profile.4 I think is not necessary. In comedy, I think, you can have the structure but the performer is equally or more important than that. It's just interesting seeing how it works in an "analytical" level.

[@tedwilson4411]

I’ve waited 66-years to start writing jokes as a profession... Thank you.

[@sp00k1tty]

Good luck friend!

[@silent.reaper.4429]

Any good ones i can use for an opening brother

[@josephkidney4833]

@@silent.reaper.4429 yes I got some for you great stuff

[@jy2334]

Got any good ones I can use for an opener by any chance

[@Ihatenumbersinname]

Got any good ones?

[@lucky5th2]

I wish I could do stand-up, I love making people laugh.

[@cory8242]

You can!!! Bill burrs advice is write down 5 min of material and go say it into a microphone.

[@HotBreathPod]

What's stopping you??

[@slopcrusher3482]

I hope you’re planning on doing stand up soon. The first time you do it will probably be bad looking back on it. Just do it, that’s the hardest step.

[@lucky5th2]

@@HotBreathPod I'm disabled with pretty bad anxiety. I'm working pretty hard on it right now to get better. Plus I don't know how to write jokes. I just have things that have happened in my life that a pretty funny/I make it funny because it's easier to laugh at it than it is to cry about it. Like how the first time I had anal sex I ended up having a picture taken of my dick by a Dr to end up in a medical journal/textbook.

[@HotBreathPod]

@@lucky5th2 You should join our live writing club we do every day at 10AM eastern on KZbin. We talk all about joke writing there.

[@alextheafronaut5127]

This is the kind of shit I've been looking for. I know comedy has talent elements but I believed anything can be learned. If you can find the underlying rules to an art, you can do it.

[@HotBreathPod]

Thanks Alex! Are you in our Facebook group yet?

[@sakibshadman1448]

I really feel U can’t structure comedy. It’s experience and experiment .

[@osheanview]

@@sakibshadman1448 Ofcourse, structure can only get you so far. You still gotto create your own style, story telling, gather experience.

[@satoshinakamoto7253]

exactly, with anything

[@TheSubwaysurfer]

You’re so right this is what KZbin education really means like you. I knew there was a formula for this and not just the guys personality. That’s part of it, but there has to be something that he’s DOING .

[@dameanvil]

00:41 🔄 Burr builds act through analogies 01:24 📝 Analogies must ring true for it to work 02:06 🤷‍♂️ Comparing elements to subjects 03:16 📋 Making lists of subcategories for inspiration 03:43 💡 Occasionally using cliches for effect 04:52 💥 Shattering expectations for comedic effect 05:19 🤯 Nine psychological laughter triggers 05:45 🏛️ Thirteen major comedy structures 06:56 🛠️ Knowing the rules before breaking them

[@shaxdayoutube-ka]

Look for alternatives to the words Use hooks to lure people's expectations and suprise them with the punch line

[@HotBreathPod]

Boom! You nailed it.

[@alil6688]

Definitely going to use these tips and using them to rewrite my 10 min audition for Laugh Factory Chicago

[@Under12400]

How was your audition stranger from Internet which was 2 years ago

[@brendanamusmaximus7560]

I was a little curious myself to know....​@@Under12400

[@flooredjustfloored]

"...the first five to seven years of my career I did one and two-liners, because I had to know how to write a joke." Budding comedienne here. I needed to hear this! Thank you so much!

[@striderman-]

Man could've used any example but chose to trash his ex wife 😂😂😂😂

[@russellwboss]

I don't want to be too judgemental but I will. That looks like a one sentence summary of this dude.

[@josephrines3175]

Bro the smartphone bar line was so genius I didn't connect it until he said "the bar being the signal" I 😳😲🤯

[@a4realbrotha50]

A long time ago, I was told there is a "science" to everything

[@FreeWifi1984]

Only thing this guys is missing is character/personality. To be a real unique stand up comedian, your fans must distinguish you by your way of phrasing materials or by the topics. It’s one thing to hack the joke structure for cheap laughs. It’s another hell of a thing to become one hell of an interesting person for an audience of 1000+ different people.

[@jjcoola998]

Important for kids reading this to understand that you can make six figures selling “bad” jokes to people ..

[@FreeWifi1984]

@@jjcoola998 for sure

[@psychobear1290]

He also missing a funny joke! Oddly he thinks he is an expert on writing jokes but didn't say a funny joke

That's another reason why ghost writers exist.

[@BOSprodz]

Sure but I don't know if that's a fair critique seeing as explaining jokes is usually killing the comedy

[@Masky5150]

This is really fascinating, the work behind writing comedy. Now I want to try it lol

[@HotBreathPod]

Absolutely! Jump in our Facebook group and join us. You can try it there. facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/

[@vakejargas]

Love finding out the mechanics of a joke! Great video hoping to use some of this knowledge on my next performance! 👍🏼

[@robertschwind6217]

This has helped me soooo much!!! And ive actually hung out with Bill a couple times and walked away with a hangover but no help writing jokes!

[@tavazivakudakwasheclinton]

I'M FROM Zimbabwe and this channel has helped me a lot

[@HotBreathPod]

So happy to hear that's the whole goal! You should definitely join our facebook group and write jokes with us every day! facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/

[@michellemoran7727]

Getting a lot from this, thanks!!

[@HotBreathPod]

Thanks Michelle! Do you do comedy also?

[@Nate204]

Love how he hes his mental book on comedy in his head. Its so polished

[@Swaggaboy723]

First time commenting on and first time watching one of your videos but keep it up good work

[@HotBreathPod]

Thank you so much. Do you do comedy too?

[@BionicBoom88]

Jerry Corley! Wow! This is how my mind works! I thought I was crazy! I need to get up on stage! My girlfriend asked me how my day was and I just told her that I wish could dig my own grave as fast as they do in movies. My girlfriend laughed her ass off. I still can't stand why. It's getting different parts of the world and relating to everyone's or what one could be thinking. Thank you so much for this video!

[@HotBreathPod]

Haha have you been on stage yet?

[@BionicBoom88]

@@HotBreathPod not yet! I really want to. I have started writing my own material, but it needs work! 😂

[@HotBreathPod]

@@BionicBoom88 Oh snap very nice! I do a daily joke writing club in our Facebook group. Join us! facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/

[@BionicBoom88]

@@HotBreathPod thank you! Just joined!

[@williamgriffin61]

This podcast is balling !

[@HotBreathPod]

Thanks William! Did you subscribe and see our other interviews?

[@EricHowl]

Great Comedians are geniuses. His techniques are cool and Bill Burr impression was insanely good lol

[@nevadaeverett4166]

I'm trying to write a set but it's kinda hard to building up to the punch line any suggestions??

[@vakejargas]

Sometimes for me it just pops in my head randomly or I'll run the joke by some people and see what pops up naturally

[@pileofinternetcrap482]

mind blowing that this content is free this channel is hands down sub worthy. Please, Please do not stop striving for better and better man i cant wait to see whats to come.

[@mirosgerg]

Any other Jerry Corley... Analysis future analysis!?

[@HotBreathPod]

We have a whole playlist of comedy writing tips and go even deeper in our facebook group. facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/

[@latinmusicavideos]

That first example got me. Great stuff.

[@redz722]

Not gonna lie, the bomb sound effect scared the shit out of me lol I have headphones on and flinched in public…only got one look lol

[@d2dar459]

😂

[@mr.j5919]

My wife is like a smartphone in that they’re both constantly searching for bars

[@damiarassam7956]

That was so deep I feel like I need to tip 20%

[@michaelcaine6325]

Just watched this I made a goal this year to create an perform my first comedy set been wanting to try this for years

[@HotBreathPod]

That's a great goal Michael! Are you in our Facebook group yet? We can help you prep and find a show. facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork

[@wissemmokhtar9117]

i got to know your podcast via jerry corley youtube videos , can you please have him again in your show, i know u already had him 2 times. no pun intended..

[@HotBreathPod]

Haha he will definitely be back. Are you in our Facebook group yet?? Facebook.com/groups/hotbreathcomedynetwork

[@wissemmokhtar9117]

@@HotBreathPod yes i am. thank you :)

[@BrightResultsMedia]

That’s about as good a break down as I’ve ever seen.

[@HotBreathPod]

That’s the whole goal Dusty. We’re glad it helped!

[@TonyLeer]

This is so fucking good. Subscriber earned.

[@HotBreathPod]

Wow thanks! If you enjoy this you’ll love our Facebook group. facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/

[@savvycomic2843]

Hi! I'm from the Hot Breath! leadership team. Thanks for the sub. What made you want to subscribe? What type of content do you want to see more of on this channel?

[@marcusaustrelius]

So a question, if I want to find out more about the 9 types of comedy and the 13 structures or whatever it was. Could you recommend a book or video?

[@journalsfromdavid]

Hey guys look it’s Michael Cera!!!

[@HotBreathPod]

🤣🤣🤣👏👏👏

[@julieprice6020]

Ok I am glad I'm not the only one that thought that

[@nashiraayala1174]

I learned so much in such a short time w this! Thank you!

[@AntonioPaezL]

What an awesome piece of content dude, practical and to the point, thank you for sharing!! cheers from Mexico

[@HotBreathPod]

Thanks Antonio! Do you do comedy too?

[@AntonioPaezL]

@@HotBreathPod I want to start doing stand up 😁

[@HotBreathPod]

@@AntonioPaezL Awesome. We're happy to answer any questions for ya Antonio. You'd definitely enjoy our Facebook group also. We do a lot more content there. facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/

[@HotBreathPod]

Did you join yet??

[@onetimeiateanindonesianguy6183]

Hey man, could I show you my standup material? I've never performed but I've been dabbling in writing when I feel it, then building on it and discerning certain pieces to build it up to wear I would rewatch it if I heard it from a comic. I've made some pretty good stuff and I've always been a performer, in terms of class clownery and being a former fat kid I was the funny guy.

[@HotBreathPod]

Absolutely happy to help! Share it in our Facebook group and get feedback there. facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/

[@filimna_4255]

"ahuuuuuuh"

[@HotBreathPod]

Does that mean you enjoyed the video?

[@filimna_4255]

@@HotBreathPod sure i did :D

[@TurtleMarathon]

Something about this is.... wrong. I love the mechanics, beats, elements and structure of what makes a story work. Doing the breakdown of jokes... god. I'd never do something like take a comedy class. Maybe improv. But this is just shades of Penn&Teller pretending to out the secrets of magic while never actually giving anything away. I dig it. Its dirty.

[@lightwarrior3697]

Oh god this is what I needed , are there any good books that I can pick up to learn?

[@HotBreathPod]

For sure! I made an entire video about good books here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4iseqKre5aKbpY

[@HotBreathPod]

Also the Joke Doctor in this video has a great book: bit.ly/JerryCorleyBook

[@erickandrade1921]

How do you get these good guest like him and mark normand?

[@HotBreathPod]

We’ve been doing the show over five years and have been able to built a reputation in the comedy community. It just takes time and consistency. Create a quality show and you’ll get quality guests.

[@deejay1040]

He needs to be on the JRE.

[@lukas.strautins]

What? Why?

[@mdougf]

Thanks! This is what I’m looking for! Learning comedy

[@HotBreathPod]

Mark! Glad it's helped. Have you joined the facebook group yet? It's the best place to begin hotbreathmedia.podia.com

[@MRIMan]

Thanks im tryna improve my comedy writing. I usually just freestyle it 😄

[@HotBreathPod]

Awesome! You'd love our Facebook group. How long have you been doing comedy? facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/

[@MRIMan]

@@HotBreathPod on and off like 5 years but I never had like a structure and never took it seriously. I'm trying to improve my skits on youtube

[@HotBreathPod]

@@MRIMan Awesome. You'll love our facebook group. It'll help to connect with other likeminded comics wanting to improve their comedy. facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/

[@Destroy_Modify_Create]

Awesome info! Thanks for sharing!

[@HotBreathPod]

Happy to help comedy fam!

[@drumcuisine6248]

Subscribed! Dope show man!

[@HotBreathPod]

Awesome thanks Saya! We just did a Q&A with Jerry in our Facebook group. Are you a member yet? facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/

[@savvycomic2843]

Hi! I'm from the Hot Breath! leadership team. Thanks for the sub. What made you want to subscribe? What type of content do you want to see more of on this channel?

[@tyronecriss23]

Feels like he’s teaching us how to write bars tbh.

[@_Geist]

this is so good.. thank you for your wisdom!

[@UncleNath]

Great interview. Love ya work brother

[@ronaldmandibaya7043]

Nice i have just subscribed 😎

[@savvycomic2843]

Hi! I'm from the Hot Breath! leadership team. Thanks for the sub. What made you want to subscribe? What type of content do you want to see more of on this channel?

[@shaunodonnell1990]

First video ive found and a great place to start

[@HotBreathPod]

Absolutely welcome to the Hot Breathiverse!

[@CursingEarthling]

Fuck yeah, Michael Cera with a nose job, great content.

[@michael_colucci]

the bar analogy didn't click until he explained it

[@theaviary238]

He missed the joke "girls are not into lumber" is referring to them being gold-diggers. That is what that whole part of his routine was about. That was the joke.

[@bigpictureguys8415]

Yeah this guy’s whole explanation is off. And the other guy saying wow lol

[@joyfulrealtor]

I’m naturally funny. But terrified

[@roadlesstraveled34]

I really want to do stand up. I'm really good with reframing and I've had a HELL of a decade, I'm just not sure where to begin but this is helpful. I live in Philly, there's no shortage of open mic nights but people are ROUGH here which is intimidating.

[@PiusXulu]

This is phenomenal 👏

[@HotBreathPod]

Thanks Pius! How long have you been in the comedy game?

[@sunset33533]

The book "You Suck" by Paulie Amigo is a fun self-help satire. Recommended.

[@FoxerZ]

Well.. I just have a Spanish test where either I have to speak a pre-made presentation to the class or do comedy. So here I am to find/make a story-

[@theMitchOtto]

Thank you. Just.. thank you.

[@sauskar3308]

I plan on making some money in Boston by busking. I play guitar but I want to do stand up comedy while I'm taking a brake from guitar.

[@HotBreathPod]

For sure! You should join our Facebook group and connect with other comics.

[@sauskar3308]

@@HotBreathPod I like to stay away from a lot of social media. Thanks for the offer though!

[@ronnypickering69]

When this guy brought up choking too hard or too early reminded me of the new zealand tinder killer Jesse kempson

[@yeayeanahyea4150]

I wish I could do stand up, but I don't have any legs.

[@SamDenny]

My girlfriend is like a smartphone, you just touch it to turn it on.

[@brunomillalaf8553]

Two comedy gods talkin ❤

[@naderfps3260]

I always appreciate the good joke without any offense

[@remixandkaraoke]

This is so brilliant! Thanks for breaking it down for us.

[@rodericwalter2862]

😅 😊 Thanks very much! This was very, helpful.

[@TheBackyardShow818]

Ah yes, Bill Bar

[@poloteam8366]

Very technical breakdown my anxiety turned 🆙 like a Friday night I can do this let’s do this I’m writing ✍️ now!!! I want to make ppl laugh on purpose I can on accident

[@MarcVFons]

great vid, but theres any chance of an Scott Pilgrim sequel?

[@KenyaWright]

Very informative

[@HotBreathPod]

Happy to help Kenya!

[@ianwall8008]

Amazing explanation here

[@ComedianBobbySutton]

COMEDY IS LIFE!!! 🎤🥳🎤

[@Babylon2060]

I want to do stand-up comedy dressed like a clown.

[@josephhernandez3067]

Good content bro

[@TheOnlyDTM]

I've always wanted to do comedy but i smoke so much weed I'm not sure I could remember my jokes lol. but i have been a dancer and artist my entire life so i guess im ok at it lol. thanks for the tips

[@DominoIncogneeto]

creative cool very informative great job to properly understand

[@bettermentary9167]

this was fascinating

[@Howsdis]

This was great

[@Yellowshirtmann]

I had a stupid story telling bit about I knew an opener for me that took a thc weed edible before getting on stage. And he was having a panic attack and was scared that the audience were his friends staring at him coming to collect money he owed and the spotlight was police up in the rafters wanting to arrest him. But the premise was the audience would think he was pretending and it was all part of his act the way he was freaking out and would keep applauding him through his terrible high expeirence.

[@brianmcguire5175]

I like your premise. If I could offer an alternative as while I was reading your idea my ownind was expecting or predicting another result. I offer you that you retain your exact premise but with the audience actually being comprised of the debt collecting friends and family and that the rafters did infact have police authorities waiting to arrest the opener guy. have then the performer who is actually high grappel with his paranoia onset but with a internal dialogue that has him convince himself he is just high and paranoid. Have the attending audience politely waiting (because of not wishing to cause a scene not knowing others among them attended the publicised show for the exact same reasons)for the shows end applaud and participate but in abated wait for the moment to pounce and confront. I don't know but maybe there is an angle in that too. Love your idea though, got me thinking. There is something there. Probably a skit for a televised show if not a full scene for a characters arc in a complete series of some kind. Write down your ideas and present them to others like you had here. If you don't you'll only have these flashes of thoughts in your head in a world starved of much original thoughts

[@xelldincht4251]

the alcohol-fueled joke was pretty good

[@REM1956]

The only thing harder than writing a good joke is explaining how to write a good joke. The facade works until you're aware of the scaffolding holding it up. Then the magic is ruined.

[@elliottk8511]

I noticed that While he Was mentioning the 9 phsycological laughter triggers, he didn't mention farts ??

[@Noobowner094]

Write your best joke you have here and… Go!

[@justinherrera9076]

Explaining how the joke was made ruins the joke, it’s true…iPhone…bar

[@Cognitoman]

When I was younger I use to be the class clown and among friends make people laugh super hard, I’ve always wondered if I could be a comedian

[@HotBreathPod]

For sure! Have you ever tried?

[@Cognitoman]

@@HotBreathPod nope

[@HotBreathPod]

@@Cognitoman You got this fam!

[@omnifuturistic]

Where can I find the rest of his list of rules for joke writing?

[@Quioz]

My girlfriend is like a smartphone. It never shuts up.

[@jelli-tin8117]

Does this comedy structure only apply to stand-up comedy, or can it apply to writing, scripting, etc comedy?

[@HotBreathPod]

Yep you can apply this beyond stand-up comedy!

[@jelli-tin8117]

@@HotBreathPod Wow, ty for replying!! That's great to know, I'll try using some of these techniques next time I want to have some comedy in whatever format :D

[@HotBreathPod]

By the way, are you in our Facebook group? We do a lot of writing exercises in there! facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork

[@jelli-tin8117]

@@HotBreathPod That sounds like a lot of fun!! Sadly I don't have a Facebook account, but I'll be sure to give it a look if I ever make one! :)

[@HotBreathPod]

@@jelli-tin8117 Haha no worries this KZbin channel and our workshops will always be here for you.

[@EducationOptions]

5:00 9 laugh triggers

[@michaelscarn7375]

Bill Burr Looks like his grand children can walk in at any moment

[@madilynjoyweber3387]

how to make fun of your wife 101

[@Kyiokyo]

I’m a 17 yo and I’m wanna start doing stand up comedy in a about a year. I’m not necessarily scared but I do have that fear of failing.

[@uniteamerica9446]

Chat GPT is great for finding similarities.

[@wtk9845]

I thought Bill Burr was gonna be here 😂

[@drfunk444]

Brilliant stuff. Ofcourse the element missing is the "persona" the "style" the "character" delivering the material. It's something you cannot teach. Unfortunately. There's tons of great musicians but what separates them from a Sting, or a Gaddy Lee, or a Miles Davis? There's tons of great comics who nobody's ever heard of. Some are faaar more brilliant than some who are "famous" . Wtf is up with that?