Mike Dwyer is a comedian in the Chicago area! He has a natural, extremely genuine personality that makes him perfect for a self-expressive medium like comedy. The 'human element' is strong with this one. 💯 It was an honor to sit down with him!
In this episode, we discuss how Mike managed to escape the monotony of shuffling through day jobs, the process of individual self-discovery (and how to achieve this), where the money is in the comedy industry, the problem with materialism, why it's important to have roots somewhere, how being part of a community can improve mental health, and much more! 🔥
As always, thank you for watching. New episodes of Ruse Radio always coming soon. 💖
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Mike Dwyer
0:14 - Guest shares his background and philosophy on jobs
0:50 - Struggles with jobs and personal outlook
1:56 - Transitioning to comedy and dog-walking
2:42 - Combining passions and making ends meet
3:08 - Details of dog-walking routines
4:06 - Seasonal work and holiday surges
4:41 - Funny experiences with clients and dogs
6:11 - Managing difficult dogs and setting boundaries
8:09 - Building a dog-walking business over time
9:59 - Transitioning to independent clients
10:42 - Balancing comedy and work
12:07 - Physical demands of dog-walking
13:02 - Personal health journey and exercise
14:45 - Using comedy to improve mental health
15:53 - Role of ps1ch3delics in self-discovery
17:33 - Transformative summer with ps1ch3delics
19:54 - Seeking personal growth and creative fulfillment
21:01 - Inspiration for pursuing comedy
23:09 - Comedy as a natural form of expression
24:57 - Differences between performing comedy and conversation
26:31 - On-stage style and crowd interaction
29:13 - Writing and improvisation in comedy
30:53 - Balancing preparation and performance
34:45 - Materialism and simplifying life
37:10 - Releasing trauma and improving physical alignment
40:02 - The impact of ps1ch3delics on trauma and growth
42:47 - Personal experiences with ps1ch3delics and self-discovery
49:35 - Reflection on a profound but challenging trip
54:13 - Integrating wellness practices with self-growth
59:01 - Guided meditation and its benefits
1:03:04 - Staying in touch with one’s inner self
1:07:47 - Building community in comedy
1:11:18 - Networking and supporting others in the comedy scene
1:14:09 - Unexpected opportunities from showing up
1:15:06 - Insights on the comedy booking process and networking in Chicago
1:16:42 - Discussing comedy income sources and potential revenue streams
1:17:40 - Producing comedy shows and the challenges of promotion
1:20:10 - Balancing comedy production and personal creativity
1:22:02 - The value of collaboration and diverse perspectives in comedy
1:24:09 - Embracing unique artistry in standup and storytelling
1:26:10 - Reflecting on city life and community dynamics in Chicago
1:31:01 - Roots, community, and the importance of stability in life
1:34:53 - Neighborhood diversity and culture in Chicago
1:37:12 - Iconic Italian restaurants and local dining gems
1:39:04 - Riot Fest and experiences working with circus performers
1:43:34 - Remembering Andy Kaufman and unconventional comedy styles
1:45:26 - Comedy as truth-telling and the art of making universal connections
1:49:01 - Adapting comedy to different audiences and settings
1:52:00 - Finding fulfillment in personal growth and creative persistence
1:57:03 - The joy of freestyling and discovering unique talents
