17.5 – How to Write Comedy Like Joe List

Instructor:
Jerry Corley

1. Download the worksheet.

2. Follow along with the video and do the writing exercises.

3. Have fun, it's comedy.

In this A La Carte session, you’ll break down the writing style of Joe List—one of today’s most consistent joke writers and a key voice in the modern “podcast comic” era.

Known for co-hosting Tuesdays with Stories with Mark Normand, Joe has built a massive following through sharp writing, personal storytelling, and highly efficient joke construction.

This class focuses on Joe’s ability to turn small, everyday discomforts into strong comedic material using clean structure, subtle act-outs, and precise language choices.

You’ll learn how to mine your own experiences for relatable material, apply incongruity through substitution, and develop a consistent voice rooted in honesty and observation.

Through guided exercises, you’ll practice turning awkward moments, anxiety, and minor frustrations into punchlines that feel authentic and repeatable on stage.

If you’ve ever struggled to “find something funny,” this session shows you how to start small—and build big laughs from it.