TELL THE DAMN STORY, ep 372: Turning Darkness Into Laughter_ Using Comedy to Tackle Serious Stories
In this lively installment, co-hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan invite you to a sun-soaked, tropical "vacation" where the drinks are (supposedly) flowing and the conversation is all about the magic of comedy. But don’t let the tiki vibes fool you—today’s theme is comedy alchemy: turning tragedy into hilarity.
Alex and Chris deep dive into the art of weaving humor into even the most serious of stories, sharing their backgrounds in comedy and breaking down classic examples from screenwriting, television, and stand-up.
They tackle common misconceptions about writing humor, reveal the importance of character-driven comedy, and discuss how some of the most serious subjects—such as grief, trauma, and social injustice—can be made more accessible through the use of humor.
From the slapstick genius of Laurel and Hardy to the masterful storytelling of Richard Pryor, plus lessons from sitcoms like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Family Ties, and Scrubs, this episode is packed with real-world advice for writers looking to bring light into the darkness.
Whether you’re trying to find the funny in your own writing or want to understand the power of comedy better, get ready for a mix of practical tips, memorable examples, and a healthy dose of classic Chris-and-Alex banter.
So put on your sunglasses, settle in, and discover how to turn pain into punchlines—because every great story could use a little laugh.
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00:00 Origins of South Comedy Troupe
06:30 "Editing Sketches for Brevity"
14:10 Finding Humor in Missteps
19:06 "Finding Humor in Darkness"
22:51 Richard Pryor: Master Storyteller
30:12 Comedy's Power in Truth-Telling
33:33 "Balanced Representation of Gay Characters"
42:17 Cousin Scams Restaurant, Causes Firing
46:30 Coping Uncomfortably After Loss
48:29 "Stage Therapy Monologue Scene"
58:41 Comedies Tackling Serious Issues
01:02:18 Balancing Humor and Tension
01:08:09 Exploring Fame's Dark Side
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