From: hubermanlab
Tom Segura, the acclaimed comedian, writer, and director, delves into his approach to comedy with fascinating insights into his creative process. Often described as a mix of spontaneity, structured observation, and interaction with his audience, Tom’s method offers a comprehensive look into how comedic art is crafted and performed.
Capturing Ideas
Segura’s process of capturing ideas is multifaceted. He often employs voice memos to document fleeting thoughts that pop up, sometimes even late at night. Under certain conditions, like after consuming an edible, he finds his mind more open to ideas that wouldn’t surface otherwise. He admits that these late-night recordings can be a mixed bag, with some ramblings making sense and others not at all. He embraces this as part of his creative flow: capturing the raw kernel of an idea to later refine it on stage [00:20:18].
Developing Material
For Segura, the stand-up stage serves as both a test lab and a creative workspace. He’s known for taking “kernels” of ideas—essentially unrefined jokes or concepts—and seeing how they evolve in real-time in front of an audience. This approach allows him to organically create a longer narrative, a trick that works effectively within his long-form storytelling style [00:24:00].
Segura mentions that some of his best material arises from conversations. The spontaneous banter and natural dialogue allow him to identify what’s genuinely funny, helping him decide which lines to take on stage. The audience’s immediate reaction lets him know whether a bit is amusing or needs refinement [00:23:35].
Iterative Testing
A crucial aspect of Segura’s creative process is trial and error. Once a concept is put into action, its reception tells him where adjustments are needed. He describes dropping bits that stopped connecting with audiences, while sometimes holding onto those that have potential but require tweaking. This involves trimming excess “fat” from jokes to tighten them up and maintain audience engagement [00:26:28].
Emotional Contagion and Performance Dynamics
Tom Segura emphasizes the dynamic interplay between performer and audience, describing comedy as a symbiotic relationship. The energy of the crowd can enhance or dampen a performance. Segura points out that if the comic before him does well, it primes the audience, making his job easier. Conversely, following a poor performance requires skill in regaining the audience’s trust and setting the tone for his own act emotional contagion [01:12:00].
The Dark Side of Comedy
Not shy about exploring the darker sides of human nature, Segura acknowledges these elements within himself and others. He argues that channeling dark thoughts into art—whether through comedy, writing, or any other creative medium—is healthier than repressing them understanding human behavior [01:44:00]. This acknowledgment, paired with humor, can lead to deeply resonant material.
Overall, Tom Segura’s creative process reflects a blend of structured discipline and artistic spontaneity, allowing him to refine his craft continuously while authentically expressing his unique comedic voice. This approach makes his comedy not only entertaining but also a reflection of human experience, both light and dark.