Brandon & Friends
Season 1
The Joke My Mom Hates, Kill Tony & Comedic Censorship (Breaking Down the Set That Cost Me Money)
Breaking Down The Beginning: My First 5 Minutes of Stand-Up
by brandon j newman
After 35 days away… I’m back with the episode I almost didn’t release. This one centers around a joke my mom hates — a joke that actually works on stage… but might be crossing a line. In this episode, I break down: The controversial set that cost me real money in a stand-up competition Why some jokes hit hard… and still shouldn’t be told on every stage How shows like Kill Tony are changing what comedians think is funny The balance between controversy and comedy as a newbie I also walk through my full 5-minute set that lost me $500 and a chance to open for a headliner — joke by joke — including what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d change now. Because the real question is: If a joke kills… but costs you opportunities… is it worth it saying? Shoutout to everyone who tapped into Episode 1 — we’re just getting started. Follow me for more: Instagram: @BrandonJNewman Full video versions of episodes on YouTube. Welcome, Friends, to Brandon & Friends. Leave a review. Let me know what you want to hear. Tell me what jokes to try. I’ll see you on stage.
I break down my very first 5-minute stand-up set and officially launch the podcast documenting my journey to becoming a professional comedian. Welcome to Episode 1 of Brandon & Friends. After 10+ years working in podcasting and digital media ... including stops at Fox Sports, Barstool Sports, NBC Sports, and DraftKings ... I’m finally documenting what matters most to me: My journey in stand-up comedy. In this episode, I revisit and break down my very first five-minute stand-up set from my McCurdy’s Comedy Theater graduation show in Sarasota, Florida. I talk about: Why starting a podcast feels “nasty” when you work in podcasting The creative criticism that stuck with me for years Obsession and the cost of chasing comedy What makes a “good” five minutes How my material has evolved after three years And why I’m publicly committing to the climb This show is the documentation of becoming a professional stand-up comedian ... the wins, the awkward sets, the lessons, the ambition. Two solo episodes to start. Then come the friends. Leave a review. Tell me what you want to hear. Tell me what jokes to try. I’ll see you on stage.
One year after teasing this podcast, I’m finally pressing record. This is the beginning of documenting my pursuit of becoming the best stand-up comedian I can be, one set at a time.