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Larry Wilson is a seasoned comic magician with over 40 years of experience, renowned for his captivating performances both on TV during the 70s and 80s and at prestigious venues like the Magic Castle in Hollywood. He believes that comedy and magic are intertwined art forms that entertain the masses through the expression of individual sensibilities and worldview, valuing performers who let their true selves shine through, such as Shin Lim. In discussions with R. Scott Edwards, Wilson explores the intersection of these arts, emphasizing their shared goal of entertaining audiences while highlighting the diverse approaches within magic that keep it innovative and appealing. Inspired by comedic legends and pioneers like Carl Ballantine, Larry continues to mesmerize audiences with his unique blend of humor and magic, celebrating the endless potential for growth and creativity in both arts.

(00:00:22) The Fusion of Comedy and Magic Art

(00:07:49) Enhancing Magic Through Theatrical Performance

(00:13:05) Limitless Creativity in Magic Performances

(00:17:35) Innovative Young Magicians Shaping Magic's Future

Learn more about Larry Wilson: TheWilsonMethod.com

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What happens when you bring together three comedy legends with wildly different styles? Pure entertainment gold. This episode delivers a masterclass in comedic diversity featuring Andy Kindler, Bobby Slayton, and a rare behind-the-scenes moment with Gary Shandling.

First up is Andy Kindler, known for his work on "Everybody Loves Raymond" and as a regular on "Late Night with David Letterman." His set from a special concert in Canada showcases his signature brand of industry-insider humor and meta-comedy. With jokes ranging from Nazi documentaries to social media absurdities, Kindler demonstrates why he's considered a comedian's comedian. His self-referential style and willingness to embrace awkwardness create moments of brilliance that highlight his unique voice in the stand-up world.

Bobby Slayton takes the stage next with a performance recorded live at Laughs Unlimited. Nicknamed the "Pitbull of Comedy," Slayton lives up to his reputation with a no-holds-barred examination of relationships and romance. His hilarious deconstruction of supposedly romantic activities—from candlelight dinners to showering together—resonates with audiences through its brutal honesty. Slayton's masterful crowd work and rapid-fire delivery demonstrate why he's been a fixture in comedy clubs and films like "Bandits" and "Dreamgirls."

The episode concludes with something truly special: an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes recording of Gary Shandling preparing for a television interview about his role in the 2006 animated film "Over the Hedge." This rare glimpse into Shandling's natural wit reveals the improvisational genius that made him a pioneer of meta-comedy in shows like "The Larry Sanders Show." His bizarre tangents about teaching dogs acting skills and what might be found in his garbage showcase the free-associative style that influenced a generation of comedians.

Whether you're drawn to Kindler's self-deprecating observations, Slayton's unapologetic relationship truths, or Shandling's meandering absurdity, this episode offers something for every comedy fan. Don't forget to share with friends and rate the show—we'll be back next week with more great comedy!

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Long-time friends Scott Edwards, Bob Stobiner, and Lynn go through a treasure box of memorabilia from their decades running Laughs Unlimited comedy club, sharing stories and fond memories from the 1980s and 1990s comedy scene.

• Soupy Sales, famous for throwing pies at celebrities, visited the club and participated in a radio promotion where he hit Scott and local personalities with pies
• The owners reminisce about celebrity encounters with music stars Boss Skaggs and John Sebastian
• Graham Chapman of Monty Python performed at the club shortly before he passed away, doing a storytelling show rather than traditional stand-up
• Examining old tickets, flyers and promotional materials reveals 1980s pricing ($12 for Jay Leno tickets, 50¢ draft beers)
• Famous comedians who performed at Laughs include Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, Bob Saget, Dave Coulier, Dana Carvey, and Robin Williams
• The club opened August 7, 1980 and continues operating today, making it one of Sacramento's longest-running live entertainment venues

We'll be back to our regular format of stand-up comedy sets and interviews with professional entertainers next week.

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We dive into a treasure trove of nostalgic stories from the early days of running comedy clubs in the 1980s, sharing personal encounters with now-famous comedians before they achieved stardom.

• Tom Hanks learning stand-up comedy at our club for his role in Bosom Buddies, with Bob Saget helping write his material
• Dana Carvey sharing the moment he got called to audition for Saturday Night Live while sitting in a hot tub after a show
• A questionable encounter with Tommy Smothers that reflects how entertainment standards have changed since the 1980s
• Organizing a mock political campaign for Pat Paulson at the California State Capitol complete with fake Secret Service and press coverage
• Jay Johnson from the TV show "Soap" delighting audiences with his ventriloquism and spending quality time with Lynn's mother
• Harry Anderson's con-artist personality extending to real life when he sold Scott a "winning" punch board but never paid out
• The special connections formed with comics through bowling nights, boat trips, and after-hours gatherings that made Sacramento clubs unique

Join us next week for the final part of this nostalgic journey through comedy history.

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Scott Edwards is joined by Bob and Lynn Stobiner to reminisce about the wild days of running Laughs Unlimited, the Sacramento comedy club they started in 1980. The trio shares outrageous stories and memorable moments from their decades in the comedy business.

• Scott and Bob's friendship dates back to high school where they started several businesses together before opening Laughs Unlimited
• Lynn joined as Scott's first staff member, coming aboard after a brief career at Burger King
• Rodney Dangerfield once called the club looking for Bob Saget, creating an awkward moment for bartender Jill
• A magician's dove act went horribly wrong when several birds appeared "near dead" after being confined too long
• During power outages, audience members were given flashlights to illuminate performers, creating unique bonding experiences
• Gary Shandling once led an entire small audience into the men's room to continue his set when a patron left to use the restroom
• Robin Williams stopped by after his concert downtown and performed an impromptu set, appearing energetic on stage but shy and respectful backstage
• Bob once got punched by a drunk patron who had been ejected from a show
• Comedy club ownership involved both death threats and incredible celebrity encounters

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Step into a time machine with this gem pulled straight from the comedy vault! We're bringing you road comic legend John Fox's electric performance from a 1983 New Year's Eve show at Laughs Unlimited in Sacramento, when comedy had no filters and stand-up was truly unrestrained.

Long before social media and cancel culture, comics like John Fox commanded stages across America with raw, boundary-pushing material that today's audiences might find shocking. Fox, who sadly passed away from cancer several years ago, represents the golden age of road comics - performers who built their reputations club by club, night after night. What makes this recording particularly special is that Fox was actually headlining above Yakov Smirnoff (who later became a household name) and Lois Bromfield, showing just how respected he was in comedy circles.

The episode also features delightful historical artifacts - original radio promotions for Laughs Unlimited and the Magic Hat Bar by Sacramento radio personalities Paul and Phil from Y92, later known as "The Answer Guys" on the Discovery Channel. These vintage spots transport listeners to an era when local radio DJs were cultural influencers and comedy clubs were becoming fixtures across America.

Fox's rapid-fire delivery and fearless approach to taboo subjects showcases why he was considered one of the best road comics of his generation. While his edgier material limited his mainstream television appearances, this recording preserves the magic that made him a favorite among comedy club audiences and fellow comedians alike.

Whether you're a comedy history buff or simply curious about how stand-up has evolved over the decades, this episode offers both entertainment and education. Take a trip back to a wilder time in comedy - you might be surprised by how much has changed, and perhaps by how much remains the same at its core.

Subscribe, share with friends, and leave a review to help others discover these treasures from comedy's past!

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Discover a rare comedic gem from the vault! Before Kevin Pollak became the acclaimed actor we know from "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" and countless Hollywood films, he was honing his craft as a brilliant stand-up comedian and impressionist at Laughs Unlimited comedy club.

This nostalgic episode features Pollak at the height of his stand-up powers, showcasing the incredible impression skills that would later help launch his acting career. His routine begins with sharp observations about Arnold Schwarzenegger's movie success, questioning why the Academy consistently overlooks him with the hilarious punchline, "Do these people need a verb?" But the true highlight comes when Kevin launches into an elaborate Star Trek parody that demonstrates his remarkable versatility as a performer.

Pollak's impression of William Shatner as Captain Kirk is nothing short of masterful, perfectly capturing the actor's distinctive dramatic pauses and theatrical delivery. The routine evolves into a tour de force as Kevin portrays multiple celebrity personalities aboard the Enterprise, each with their own distinct voice and mannerisms. His ability to seamlessly transition between these characters reveals the impressive range that would eventually make him such a sought-after character actor in film and television.

For fans of comedy history, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse at the early career of an artist who would go on to achieve tremendous success in Hollywood. Subscribe now to hear more vintage comedy sets from performers who shaped the landscape of American entertainment, and visit our website at www.standupyourhostandemcee.com to explore our full archive of comedy treasures!

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Tim Bedore, celebrated as one of America's funniest comedians and a former radio DJ, brings a unique perspective to the world of stand-up comedy. Known for his "Vague but True" vignettes and appearances on the Bob and Tom radio show, Bedore emphasizes the irreplaceable connection he shares with his audience during live performances. He values the support and opportunities he has received within the comedy industry, often collaborating with fellow comedians like Rick Reynolds and exploring new creative outlets like podcasting. Despite the challenges he faces, such as securing a book deal, Bedore remains passionate about storytelling and comedy, as evidenced by his commitment to continually crafting new material and entertaining audiences across various platforms.

(00:01:27) Live Comedy's Unique Connection with Audience

(00:04:29) Dynamic Comedy Scene of the 80s

(00:10:50) The Importance of Human Connection in Comedy

(00:19:40) Audience Feedback Enhancing Standup Comedy Acts

(00:22:51) Nostalgic Vibes: Recapturing 1980s Comedy Energy

Support the show

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"NEW" Video Podcast: Tag Team Talent Podcast on Spotify & YouTube

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Interested in Standup Comedy? Check out my books on Amazon...
"20 Questions Answered about Being a Standup Comic"
"Be a Standup Comic...or just look like one"