Today's Guest: Stephen Rosenfield, founder, American Comedy Institute, author, Mastering Stand-Up: The Complete Guide to Becoming a Successful Comedian If you’re not funny, if you’ve never been funny, if friends don’t flock to hear you tell stories about your crazy life, I’m afraid today’s guest, Stephen Rosenfield, can’t help you. Sorry. On the other hand, if you’re one of the rare men and women with natural gifts for hitting a punch line just right, for reading a crowd, large or small, or who can convert a life of small, precious moments into big laughs, the author of Mastering Stand-Up: The Complete Guide to Becoming a Successful Comedian might know a valuable thing or two that you will find useful. STEPHEN ROSENFIELD podcast excerpt: "Mastering Stand-Up is aimed at people who want to do this -- and for comedians who are already doing it. There are (other) manuals to help you get started. I cover that. But I've worked with people who have made it all the way to the top." Rosenfield is the founding director of the American Comedy Institute and his alumni are as diverse as Jim Gaffigan and Lena Dunham – talk about opposite ends of the spectrum! In his book, he writes about the different types of comedy and comedians, and breaks down the techniques and behind-the-scenes details that can make or break a modern comedian. I’m not interested in jumping onstage, but I’m fascinated by stand-ups and their careers. In that regard, I found Mastering Stand-Up to be compelling and rich in detail. Stephen Rosenfeld • • American Comedy Institute •