In real life, I have no idea. But on stage, I always watch the first 30 seconds of a comedian's set. You can usually tell right away, mostly because they already got the audience to laugh. Some people can just be funny without saying a word. Every comedian has a bunch of jokes that are quick to get a laugh and they start their sets with that material. The best stuff is at the beginning and the "closer" joke for professional comedians.

If I have to go up to a crowd that doesn't know me, I always try to get a laugh quickly and within 20 seconds when I get on stage. I have a few jokes that are short and quick and help to establish to folks who are unsure, that I am funny or at least, gonna be.

Other tells to tell the audience they are professional is they move the mic stand to the side. When someone doesn't do that, I know they are new and it may not be a funny set. If someone doesn't get a laugh for a full minute, then I would worry.

If you wanna see if I am funny, I am in Gilbert and Scottsdale, Arizona this weekend. Come see for yourself. #standup #funny #formerlawyer #comedylife

Conan O'Brien. Although not a stand up comedian, he is by far one of my biggest influences in comedy. I loved his Late Night Talk Show and the silly, smart and witty way he interacted with his guests and people on the street. His comedy is intelligent without pandering or talking down to others. The chances he took on the Late Night show with sketches were bold and brilliant. Even when he had the most hilarious guests on the show, he somehow was not only the funniest but smartest. Now, he is selfless with his laughs on his podcast, ensuring that his guests are comfortable and entertaining. He is willing to sacrifice himself for the better of the show and always leaves me wanting more. I try to do that on my podcast as well.

On top of his comedy, he is admirable and inspiration. His last words from his last Tonight Show, when he was essentially ousted by Jay Leno and NBC were, "If you work hard and are kind, amazing things will happen," It is my mantra and a (shortened version of a) tattoo on my arm. His picture peeks over my head in my podcast room as well as the mantra (see photo).

When I started comedy, I wanted to do stand up on his show. He left TBS and then started his CONAN podcast. Maybe one day I can be on that. Or he can be on one of mine. #podcast #conan #dreamguest