Think you saw the punchline coming? Good comics make sure you don’t. In this Funny Muscle Pod, Mike and Chris break down bait and switch — the move where you’re sure you know the joke’s ending, then wind up face-down in a completely different punchline. We analyze the tape of the Naked Gun’s deadpan reveals, Dave Barry’s elegant sentence swerves, and stand-up jokes from comedians Tom Cotter, Jon Stewart and Jim Jeffries. We show how great comics bait the hook before yanking the rug. Plus, we share tips for crafting setups that make the “switch” land every time.

Not every room will be packed—sometimes you’re on stage for fewer people than your car’s backseat can handle. In the latest episode of the Funny Muscle Pod, Mike shares battle-tested tips for how to turn a modest crowd into a memorable performance, like boost your pace and go local. We also learn how to say what they’re thinking—lightly. If your audience is thinking, “Is this crowd supposed to be this small?”, Mike teaches how to nudge that thought without making anyone feel self-conscious.

Why do we feel so good when a waiter says “excellent choice” after we order the salmon instead of the flank steak?

Mike and Chris break down the psychology behind that little dopamine hit and show you how to use the same principle to level up your comedy, corporate communication, public speaking, and even your skills as a great emcee. They also dig into the respective articles they wrote for Finding Your Funny Muscle:

How to Strengthen Your Corporate Communication Using the Funny Muscle Method - Finding Your Funny Muscle

What Great Comedy MCs Actually Do (Besides Just Not Sucking) - Finding Your Funny Muscle

Stand-Up Techniques for Public Speaking: For Professors, Policy Nerds, and People Who Sweat in Blazers - Finding Your Funny Muscle

Tune in for practical tips, emcee hacks, a few laughs, and the occasional menu metaphor.