Meg Goetz needs to cool it on the jokes at dinner
Meg is a Philadelphia-based comedian who co-hosts the spooky comedy podcast Real Chills. If you like a feed full of nonsense, definitely follow her Twitter: @meggoetzmoney.
What were you like as a teen?
Oh no! Don’t make me think about it. Of course, I love to think I was very funny. Roasting has been a love language in my family, particularly between my dad and me for as long as I can remember. Christmas traditions included watching Hallmark movies, making cookies, and my mom begging my dad and me to cool it on the jokes at dinner.
Did you have an un-sexy starter job?
I had an internship selling credit card machines in New York City. It most definitely was a scam and since it was all based on sales, it began a new era of my business professional life – taking 5 lunches a day.
What do you consider to be your biggest comedy achievement to date?
I just completed my first indie tour of my comedy show “Ghosted.” We had 4 shows in New England and it went really well! I met a ton of comics and nice people, in general, and got to tell my jokes to new and awesome crowds each night.
When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it?
I think the friends I made in the scene helped a lot. Being able to drag them to mics and vice versa was a huge help. I also think that the immense gratification of making 2 people in a smoky sports bar laugh is the highest of highs. One that I will chase forever.
Have you ever dealt with trolls?
Ugh! Of course. I think seeking my peace and focusing on my needs specifically really helped. Assessing before I jump into the comments, what it’s worth, and if I have the bandwidth today. Sometimes the answer is simply “I do not” and that’s ok!
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young comedian?
You’re absolutely funny enough to be in this space and you have just as much right as the men at this mic (yes, I’m picturing my deathbed is an open mic) to try and fail at comedy until you’re good.
Best comedy advice you ever got?
Try to use the tension you’re creating intentionally – knowing the longer you go without a punch, the bigger the laugh has to be. Also, not every writing exercise works for every person–experimenting with writing in many different ways!
Worst comedy advice you ever got?
To add more sex jokes because crowds love women with sex jokes.
How has being funny helped you in your life?
I think I’ve always used comedy as a tool to diffuse tense situations in my personal and professional life.
What specific things do you think a novice comic should do to shape their voice?
I think understanding the intention and subtext of your jokes is important. I was a big fan of the comedy Bible – they have a ton of exercises. There was one about figuring out what’s weird, stupid, or hard about the premise you’re thinking of, then working it from that angle. I like to try to write a punch and write multiple punchlines, then I’ll even talk it out to myself before taking it to mics.
Was there one person who inspired you to go into comedy?
My friend Andrew Oreskovich! He was a college friend doing standup. He sat with me, workshopped jokes, and was really supportive early on. Of course, I also have professional standup influences–I love Maria Bamford, Laurie Kilmartin, and Anthony Jeselnik.
Do you have a writing routine?
I try to work on morning pages (like a stream-of-consciousness diary) every morning for at least 20 minutes. Then I try to find an hour during the week to explore those notes.
What is your go-to show or movie when you’ve had a bad day?
What We Do In The Shadows or Bob’s Burgers.
What single word always cracks you up?
Bamboozled.