
Show overview
Hot Breath! (Learn Comedy from the Pros) has been publishing since 2022, and across the 4 years since has built a catalogue of 212 episodes. That works out to roughly 170 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 36 min and 1h — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. The publisher flags most episodes as explicit, so expect adult themes or strong language throughout. It is catalogued as a EN-language Comedy show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 2 weeks ago, with 14 episodes already out so far this year. Published by Hot Breath! Media.
From the publisher
Every Monday listeners get exclusive access to the most influential minds in comedy. Award winning comedian and host Joel Byars captures the inspiring stories and insightful techniques behind your favorite comics with interviews NPR describes as "discovering the desire to be a comedian, their craft and their unifying bond found within the world of stand up comedy."
Latest Episodes
View all 212 episodesEpisode #9 - Rod Man
Episode #8 - Ms. Pat
Episode #7 - Clayton English
Episode #6 - Lavar Walker
Episode #5 - Mia Jackson
Episode #4 - Noah Gardenswartz
Episode #3 - Drew Thomas
Episode #2 - Caleb Synan
Hot Breath! Update - What's Next?
Episode #1 - Rob Haze
May Contest Winner John Beel - The Music of Comedy
March Contest Winner Colin Chapman

Clean Comedy Contest Winner John Manasco
EFebruary contest winner John Manasco joins us to share his creative process behind writing a winning set in just two weeks. He shares a lot of great writing techniques to help you generate ideas quickly. We also go deep on how to organize your jokes and keep track of all your ideas. This is definitely worth a listen!Join next month's contest here: https://cleancomedycontest.com/John's website: https://www.showyourbits.com/https://www.instagram.com/john_manasco/

Clean Comedy Contest Winner Dan Ratner
EThe January contest winner Dan Ratner joins us to share his writing process to creating a tight set in just two weeks. We also discuss how to find time to write and perform while balancing your real life obligations. Enjoy!Join next month's contest here: CleanComedyContest.comFollow Dan here: https://www.instagram.com/thedanofthehour/

I recorded this at 1AM just for you...
EGet the Clean Comedy Workshop here: https://stan.store/Joelbyarscomedy/p/learn-clean-comedy-now

November Clean Comedy Contest Winner Chris Shull
EOur November Clean Comedy Contest winner Chris Shull joins us to share his unique writing process, how to balance a day job and comedy + MORE.More info about Chris Here: https://www.facebook.com/chris.shull.302397/Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

Ian Lara - Finding Your Voice, New York Comedy Grind, Imposter Syndrome + MORE
EIan Lara describes the real, uneven path of a touring comic: some cities sell out, others are thin, and that’s normal. He emphasizes controlling what you can like stage craft, content output, and gratitude all while resisting comparison spirals from social media. He breaksdown his storytelling style with every line being a joke. Online, he favors clipping strong material over chasing crowd-work virality and insists stand-up must remain the priority even if podcasting takes off.More info about Ian Here: https://www.ianlaralive.com/Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpodWhat you’ll learnThe “sold-out then 12 people” reality of touring in the clip eraWriting punchy stories (a laugh nearly every line)Crowd work vs. material: when it helps—and when it cheatsThe New York grind: 5–7 nights, 2–5 sets… and finding your way+MORE Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

Greg Warren - Touring with Nate Bargatze, How to Write Viral Jokes, Joke Writing Techniques + MORE
EGreg Warren joins us to share his 20+ years of comedy expertise for comics to learn and apply to their own careers. He shares his favorite writing techniques and how his viral peanut butter bit took over two decades to perfect. We also dive into behind the scene of touring with Nate Bargatze and Leanne Morgan. More info about Greg Here: https://www.gregwarrencomedy.com/Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

Rafi Bastos -Finding Your Comedic Voice, Building a Fanbase Online + MORE
ERafi Bastos joins us to share his journey from starting comedy in Brazil to become the country's most famous comedian before moving to America and rebuilding his fanbase from scratch. This is masterclass is finding your voice and most authentic self. Learn more about Rafi Bastos: https://www.rafibastos.com/Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com

Joe Sib - Touring with Jim Breuer, Opening for Metallica, DIY Comedy Grind + MORE
EThis episode of Hot Breath! dives deep into the DIY spirit of comedy with punk-rock veteran turned stand-up, Joe Sib. From fronting bands and opening for Metallica to touring with Jim Breuer, Joe breaks down how a lifelong performer reinvents himself in the most brutally honest art form of stand-up.He and Joel riff on everything from bombing in front of Metallica fans to finding authenticity on stage, why comics can’t “fake the funny,” and how comedy’s new punk rock era (YouTube, self-releasing specials, podcasting) gives comics more freedom than ever.If you’re a comedian trying to balance the grind, stay authentic, and not lose your mind in the process then Joe’s stories and lessons are pure rocket fuel.Connect with Joe here: https://www.joesib.com/Join our Patreon: http://patreon.com/hotbreathpod Top 10 Takeaways from Joe Sib:Host often — it’s the fastest way to get multiple reps and real crowd interaction in one night.Listen to your audience — the laughter (or silence) tells you exactly what to fix.Film every set — you can’t improve what you don’t watch.Write from truth — audiences can spot fake stories instantly.DIY your career — start your own show, mic, or podcast instead of waiting for permission.Keep a “bomb journal” — track what failed, why, and how you’ll adjust.Surround yourself with better comics — iron sharpens iron.Find joy in the grind — comedy rewards the ones who keep showing up.Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HotBreathComedyNetwork/Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/hotbreathpod?sub_confirmation=1Check out our classes and workshops here: https://hotbreathmedia.com