Mike Goodwin on the Power of Humor and “The Comedian’s Mindset”

Mike Goodwin grew up with a difficult and volatile father.  As a child, he decided that one way he could help his mom would be to help make her laugh.  He soon realized he had a talent for humor, but it wasn’t until after time in the US Army and a career in higher education that Mike made comedy his career.  Host Bill Burke and Mike Goodwin share a lot of laughs and life lessons in this fun episode of Blue Sky.

 

Chapters: 

02:27 Meet Mike Goodwin 
Bill introduces Mike Goodwin, a comedian, humor coach, and keynote speaker known for his clean comedy style. Mike shares his background, including his upbringing in South Carolina and his journey through comedy. 

03:06 Comedy as a Coping Mechanism 
Mike discusses his challenging childhood and how he used humor to cope with family dysfunction. He reflects on the role laughter played in his early life and its therapeutic benefits. 

06:07 Military Life and Humor 
Mike shares his experience in the Army and how his sense of humor both helped and got him into trouble. He recounts funny moments during basic training and the importance of camaraderie. 

10:00 From Educator to Comedian 
Transitioning from a career in education, Mike talks about his time as a college counselor and how he began pursuing comedy. He reflects on the blend of humor and education in his past roles. 

12:45 The Start of Stand-Up Comedy 
Mike reveals how he began his stand-up career in an unexpected venue: his church. He shares the pivotal moment that led him to perform on stage and embrace his comedic talent. 

14:34 The Art of Clean Comedy 
Mike explains his choice to avoid blue humor and the challenges it presents. He likens performing clean comedy to running a marathon with added difficulty, emphasizing authenticity in his style. 

18:30 Navigating Sensitive Topics 
Mike discusses how he tackles sensitive subjects in his comedy, aiming for honesty and surprise. He shares insights on how to engage diverse audiences while maintaining a positive message. 

25:50 Laughter in Leadership 
Shifting gears, Mike talks about his work in corporate speaking and how he combines humor with leadership themes. He shares the evolution of his keynote presentations and the importance of engaging his audience. 

30:01 The Balance of Content and Comedy 
Mike discusses the importance of blending strong content with humor in professional settings, emphasizing how a refreshing approach can enhance the overall experience for audiences.  

31:43 Laughter as a Leadership Tool 
The conversation delves into the relationship between humor and leadership, highlighting how authenticity and appropriate humor can foster better connections in the workplace. Mike explains the pitfalls of trying to be funny without establishing rapport first. 

34:09 Humor in Everyday Interactions 
Mike shares anecdotes about using humor in everyday situations, such as hotel check-ins, to break the ice and alleviate tension. He emphasizes that humor doesn’t have to be stand-up level; simple, relatable interactions can make a significant impact. 

36:01 The Hard Work Behind Humor 
The discussion shifts to the dedication required to master humor, with Mike referencing comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and Kevin Hart who put in years of effort to hone their craft. He stresses that achieving comedic success is not as effortless as it may seem. 

39:42 The Comedian’s Mindset 
Mike introduces the ABC method of the comedian’s mindset, which involves being aware, breathing, and being curious in challenging situations.  

46:36 Pursuing Happiness and Positivity 
In the concluding segment, Mike reflects on the importance of actively pursuing happiness and spreading positivity in society. He shares his mission to leave people better than he found them and encourages listeners to embrace optimism.