Episode 26: What is Parallel Thinking in Comedy?

In this episode of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell tackle one of the biggest taboos in stand-up comedy—stealing material.

For comedians, joke theft isn’t just unethical—it’s a career killer. But what really counts as stealing? How do you protect your material while making sure you’re not unintentionally copying someone else? Vince and Dobie share real-life stories of joke theft, the fine line between parallel thinking and plagiarism, and how stealing can destroy a comedian’s reputation.

Key Points Discussed:

• What counts as stealing a joke—and what doesn’t?
• The difference between "parallel thinking" and straight-up joke theft
• Why audiences don’t care if a joke is stolen—but comedians do
• How to handle it if you realize you’ve accidentally used someone else’s material
• Real stories of comedians who stole jokes—and what happened to them
• How to develop a unique voice so your material can’t be easily copied

Vince and Dobie also discuss the ethics of buying jokes, how major comedians have been accused of joke theft, and whether stolen jokes can ever be taken back.

💬 Have you ever heard a comedian use a joke you KNOW came from someone else? What’s your take on joke theft?

🎧 Listen now and find out why stealing material is the ultimate comedy crime!