What comedy* can teach us about creativity (*OK, mostly our podcast)

James Gill
Nov 17
4 min read

The Always Be Comedy podcast has had some wonderful guests since launch a couple of years ago, and has also been home to some incredible stories (did you hear Alex Lowe's yarn about Denzel Washington and Kate Beckinsale recently? Strap in - showbiz gold).

But beyond the ruddy laughs and japes, it's also provided some genuine insight and wisdom when it comes to the creative process.

Indeed, what started as fun chats with an amazing array of comedians has also been known to go "Full Oprah" when it comes to sharing wisdom (and we say that with love for Ms Winfrey. Heck, #TeamWinfrey). There have been a treasure trove of insights into how ideas are born, shaped and delivered. And, the truth is, you don't have to be a comedian to benefit from their wisdom. Their strategies for unlocking ideas work for writers, any sort of creative types and anyone looking for their next big moment of inspiration (whatever that might be).

Here are just a few gems we’ve uncovered from comedy’s sharpest minds across our podcast (and beyond)...

📚 Find Your Creative Philosophy

Laura Smyth & Rick Rubin: Reading for the Creative Act

When Laura Smyth mentioned she’d been devouring Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: A Way of Being, it struck a powerful chord. Rubin isn’t just a legendary music producer (big ol' Beastie Boys fan here); he’s a philosopher of creativity. His book offers profound reminders that creativity isn't reserved for artists—it's a way of approaching life.

Laura's conversation inspired us to pick up the book (ok, audiobook, if we're being pedantic), and we found ourselves applying Rubin's wisdom to comedy, writing, and beyond. Some of the powerful ideas that translate directly to finding your unique comedic (or life) voice:

The Beauty of Minimalism: Strip away the excess, pare things down to their essence. In comedy, this means cutting a routine back to its sharpest beats—the joke without the fluff.
Authenticity Above All: The most powerful work comes from embracing your unique voice, not chasing trends. Trust your perspective, however niche or unusual. For example, AI might be big right now. But if doing a routine on artificial intelligence doesn't feel like something you care about or have a take on, then move on. Don't pretend to be something you're not: audiences can smell inauthenticity.
Distraction as Strategy: When stuck, step away. Long walks, showering, or washing dishes are "nonthinking" moments that free the mind to make connections you’d miss if you forced it.

🚶 Get Out of Your Own Way

Sometimes, the simplest method is the most effective way to coax an idea out of hiding.

Sean McLoughlin: Talking It Out Sean has a wonderfully unorthodox method: he talks material out loud in his kitchen until the jokes and angles pour out. It’s proof that sometimes the best ideas arrive when you give yourself permission to sound silly and unpolished. Give it a try (it genuinely works) - back yourself that something will naturally come out.
Laura Davis: Walking It Out For Laura Davis, inspiration strikes on long walks. Movement clears the mind, and the rhythm of footsteps often becomes the perfect rhythm for a new routine. Again, Laura backs herself that inspiration will strike while out walking.

🔥 Trust the Pressure Cooker

The stage is the ultimate test, and sometimes the best creativity is born from the courage to step out without a safety net.

Romesh Ranganathan & Bill Burr: Bullet Points and Bravery Both Romesh Ranganathan and Bill Burr have walked on stage armed only with simple bullet points, trusting themselves to write the material in the moment. It’s the ultimate fight-or-flight test—and a stark reminder that creativity often thrives when the pressure is on.
Tom Allen: Magic in the Moment We’ve seen Tom Allen conjure signature bits live on stage at Always Be Comedy. Watching him transform a mere spark into a polished, unforgettable routine in real time is a masterclass in trusting your instincts and embracing the flow. And, yes, this week's blog is a lot more earnest than we'd realised.

🖊️ The Discipline of Doing

While spontaneous genius is thrilling, sustained creativity relies on routine and commitment. As Pablo Picasso once said: "Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working."

Emma Kennedy: Treating It Like a Job Comedy writer Emma Kennedy approaches creativity with unwavering discipline, locking herself away for eight hours a day. It’s a powerful reminder that while inspiration is wonderful, perspiration is essential. Show up, do the work, and the ideas will follow. Cripes - we're two sentences away from banging a gong here.

🎧 Why Listen? You're Doing Serious Work!

So, if anyone asks why you’re spending your time listening to the Always Be Comedy podcast, you can tell them: it’s actually very serious work, thank you. And can you please knock, next time? What do you mean, "We work in an open-plan office"? Let's not get bogged down in details, Nigel.

You’re not just laughing (we've not laughed once during this week's blog... why is it this serious?! WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEKEND?!) —you’re learning. You’re soaking up real-world creative strategies from some of the sharpest minds in the business.

Because whether it’s reading a book on creativity, talking to yourself in the kitchen, walking until the ideas arrive, or backing yourself on stage with nothing but bullet points, the creative process is endlessly varied. And, thanks to our guests, it’s endlessly inspiring.