Dream Catching Pillow

Idea: A pillow (or possibly a car headrest) that reads your mind while you sleep (or drive), and collects and filters out useful thoughts, such as invention ideas or good jokes, so they can be obtained later instead of being forgotten. Also: mind-reading gadgets that currently exist, such as a "Jedi mind trick" floating ball toy; wondering if jokes you found funny in your dreams would be corny or incoherent when you're fully awake; wanting the device to be comfortable, unlike a CPAP machine; a short discussion on the "joke writing zone" and a gradual comedy writing/improving/perfecting thought process

Erik Bauer (Facebook: @erikbauer)
Chris Young (chrisyoungcomic.com Instagram: @chrisyoungcomic)
Wes Allen (Facebook: @wes.allen.264240 Instagram: @wesallencomedy Email: wesallencomedy@gmail.com)
Tom Walma (X: @thomaswalma Twitch: @gameymcfitness)

Comedian Talent Show Improv Festival

Idea: A standup comedy festival where the performers do one normal standup performance and also participate in at least one comedic improv/game/activity which showcases another one of their other talents, such as art, singing, magic, etc. Also: the talent shows wouldn't be competitions, and would often pair together comics with complimentary talents, such as singers, musicians, and dancers, who would have a few hours to collaborate to come up with a group performance; questioning whether puppetry would be allowed

Matt TerBurgh (Instagram: @terburghmatt YouTube: @mattterburghcomedy Facebook: @mattterburgh)
Eileen Nolton (Instagram: @evnoltoncomedy Facebook: @enolton)
Chris Young (Web: chrisyoungcomic.com Instagram: @chrisyoungcomic)
Tom Walma (X: @thomaswalma Twitch: @gameymcfitness)

Rolling On The Floor With Laughter (Comedy Dice Game)

Idea: A standup comedy competition where a pair of dice (one containing a comedy style and the other containing a broad topic) is rolled and then two comics compete to improvise/recall the better joke within those constraints. Also: testing out the game; discussing the comedy styles (such as self-deprecation and observational) and topics (such as "dad joke" and anatomy); discussing the "slapstick" style and whether it will lead to a comedian performing a lewd act upon the stool; suggesting a "wild card" topic on the dice where you draw an audience-suggested topic from a bowl

Emily Clark (Facebook: @emily.clark.798 Linktree: @do.you.know.your.emily)
Tom Brown (thetombrown.com Facebook: @thetombrown)
Ricarlo Winston (Facebook: @Ricarlo.thecomedian Laughter on the Lakeshore Comedy Fest (Facebook))
Scott Fischer (Facebook: @scott.fischer.980)
Tom Walma (X: @thomaswalma Twitch: @gameymcfitness)

Smug of War (Comedic Bragging Contest)

Idea: A comedy contest where the contestants comedically brag about themselves instead of roasting an opponent. Also: avoiding downsides of roasts, including deeply hurting someone's feelings and having to do research about an opponent before the show; the two rules of "smug of war"; a concept of a "smug of war" where topics to brag about are provided to the contestants before the show (so the jokes are better and it doesn't feel like an improv game); why AI might be useful for writing jokes specifically for this show

Jeff Teed (Instagram: @jeffteed23 Instagram: @say_what_open_mic_at_hearsay)
Jack Cuncannan (Instagram: @jackc_comedy)
Tom Walma (X: @thomaswalma Twitch: @gameymcfitness)

Playa Haters’ Ball Comedy Show

Idea: A roast-like award show where each comic is introduced by giving them an insulting award (such as "the comic with the most hit-with-a-brick mouth"), and their set/"acceptance speech" is a roast of the host, the other comics, and possibly also celebrities and/or random people in the audience. Also: it's loosely based on a "Chappelle's Show" sketch called "Playa Haters’ Ball"; it's roast-like humor, but there's no "dais", everyone is the target of the insults, and there's no respectful "I roast you because I love you" backtracking at the end; comics are well-dressed but in an over-the-top pimp-like way (possibly also in a jokey persona like a pirate or a "Silicon Valley pimp") to make it easy for other comics to insult them; the show would also include games, sketches, and other comedic activities

Idea: A roast-like award show for comedians who're given an insulting award (such as "the most hit-with-a-brick mouth"), and their acceptance speech is a roast of the host, other comics, celebs, audience, etc.
It's loosely based on the Chappelle's Show sketch "Playa Haters' Ball" pic.twitter.com/rvCxlWxonG

— Creativity Wasted Podcast (@creativitywaste) December 15, 2024

Donte Lillard (Linktree: @dontelillard Facebook: @DogComicProductions)
JT Motley (YouTube: @JTMotley Facebook: @jamie.kidmoten)
Tom Walma (X: @thomaswalma Twitch: @gameymcfitness)

Chakra Goddess

Idea: A comedic performance (either on stage or on TikTok) in an over-the-top costume representing one of the seven chakras which shows both love for and criticism of gurus and the culture of yoga, meditation, and "New Age"/"Eastern" religion/spirituality. Also: Shelly walking through the audience of a comedy club spreading sage and blessing hecklers while dressed as a "root chakra" in a brown root-like skirt with megaphones sticking out of her neck; brainstorming the performance style (Colbert Report-style embodiment of a crazy guru, speaking in deep lingo that the audience won't understand, comedic jumps between deep new-age spiritual concepts and broad topics i.e. "when I'm embodying my highest self I don't eat donuts"), the artistic ideal of focusing exclusively on your artistic vision and not worrying about or even finding out (in the case of social media) what the audience thinks; the risk of failing to live up to that artistic ideal and bombing painfully and becoming the crying girl in a flower costume in the Blind Melon "No Rain" music video

Lisa Green (Facebook: @lisa.green.8 Linktree: @depottowncomedy)
Shelly Smith (Facebook: @shelly.smith.9210 Podcast Website: readsandweeds.com)
Matthew Ryan (Facebook: @matthew.ryan.911)
Mike Geeter (Facebook: @michaelgeeter1969 Web: samroseent.com)
Tom Walma (X: @thomaswalma Twitch: @gameymcfitness)

Corgis and Comedy

Idea: A standup comedy show in a "corgi cafe" where comedians have to compete with corgis for the audience's attention. The corgi may be on stage and there may be a vote or a penalty (such as reduced stage time) for losing against the corgi. Also: corgi vs. doge; the corgi and the comic must abide by the same rules (ex: if the dog barks, the comic can bark); unusual and nightmare comedy shows, such as a show where they shock the comic, a show in an insane asylum, and a show where a baby threw a diaper at the comic

Jen Frissina (Facebook: @jen.frissina)
Steve Smargon (Facebook; @steve.smargon Intagram: @bipolarmarine)
Bruce Umpstead (Facebook: @umpstead Instagram: @bruceumpstead)
Tom Walma (Twitter: @thomaswalma Twitch: @gameymcfitness)

Personalized AI Joke Writer

Idea: To train artificial intelligence (AI) based on your jokes (i.e. nobody else's jokes) and have it suggest new jokes for you based on your style. Also: incorporating audience reaction to your jokes in the AI training algorithm; configuring the AI to suggest jokes slightly outside of your usual style (for example, dirtier jokes); bad AI and privacy concerns on Netflix and social media; having AI generate smells based on audio/visual input, including fart smells based on the sound of the fart (FartGPT)

Pam Krugman (Facebook: @pam.krugman YouTube: @pamkrugman6858)
Yogi Singh (Facebook: @theyogmeister Instagram: @theyogmeister)
Brandon Birk
Tom Walma (Twitter: @thomaswalma Twitch: @gameymcfitness)

Brainstorming How To Clean Up A Dirty Joke

A brainstorming session on how to clean up a specific adult-themed bit/joke, and a discussion on whether it's even possible. Also: dirty metaphors/innuendo such as "the grand finale" and "the product of the interaction"; "seagulling" and dirty urban legends being made real; using Adam Sandler movies as a barometer of acceptable PG-13 dirtiness

Brainstorming how to clean up a specific adult bit/joke (if it's possible); dirty innuendo such as "the grand finale" and "the product of the interaction"; "seagulling" and dirty urban legends being made real; using Adam Sandler movies as a barometer of acceptable PG-13 dirtiness pic.twitter.com/GXAD6xZSPc

— Creativity Wasted Podcast (@creativitywaste) October 26, 2023

Lisa Green (Instagram: @lisagreencomedy Facebook: @depottowncomedy)
Todd Garvey (Facebook: @todd.garvey.716)
Rio Riojas (Beacons.ai (similar to Linktree): @drdecide Podcast: Cornbread and Beans)
Tom Walma (Twitter: @thomaswalma Twitch: @gameymcfitness)

Performer Availability-Booking App

Idea: An app for comedians/performers to coordinate with bookers to schedule gigs, where the performers list their avails in the app, and a set of show bookers (similar to those on "MCN" aka "Michigan Comics Network" on Facebook) browse through and select available performers to book them for their shows. Also: multiple bookers could see that you're available to perform on a given day, and the first one to choose you gets you, so performers don't have to, for exmaple, apply to two weekly Monday shows on alternating Mondays; allowing performers to set availability criteria using custom macros/scripts, such as that they don't want to drive a long distance for a small amount of performance time or pay; info in the app about the performers (clips, bios, warnings from other bookers, etc.) and the venue (free drink tickets, stage props available for improv acts, etc.); the weirdness of standup comedy venues not wanting comedians to wear shorts

Lisa Green (Instagram: @lisagreencomedy Facebook: @depottowncomedy)
Todd Garvey (Facebook: @todd.garvey.716)
Rio Riojas (Beacons.ai (similar to Linktree): @drdecide Podcast: Cornbread and Beans)
Tom Walma (Twitter: @thomaswalma Twitch: @gameymcfitness)

HackGPT

Idea: An app for comedians which uses AI to analyze recordings of their sets and split it into separate jokes, rate the audience reaction to each joke, and create tags (hashtags, not "joke tags") to organize the jokes into broad categories, such as "parenting" or "dating". Also: creating a profile for a comedy venue of how well different types of jokes (by tag) do there, to help comics tweak their sets to accomodate the venue before ever performing there; using AI-based profiles of comics to choose who to book, and possibly causing venues to segregate into comedy niches; using AI to detect if a joke is too common, hacky, or stolen; tricking the AI

Sean Francis (Facebook: @seanfrancisco27 Linktree: @comedyoutletmondays)
Rachel Santos (Facebook: @comedian.rachel.santos Instagram: @rachelskindafunny)
Johnny Santos (Linktree: @johnnyskindafunny)
James River (Instagram: @jamesrivercomedy)
Tom Walma (Twitter: @thomaswalma Twitch: @gameymcfitness)

Performance Venue Info and Signup App

Idea: An app to be used by amateur performers (primarily open mic comedians, but also maybe musicians, improv actors, etc.) to sign up to perform and to share info about the venue, including whether performers get a free drink (or have to buy drink(s)), whether it's safe for women, whether the bathrooms are clean, whether performers openly use drugs (and which drugs), etc. Also: how weird it is that everyone still uses Facebook to sign up for open mics; a feature to help you connect with other performers to hang out and/or to feel safe; brainstorming a title, such as Greenroom, Green Book, Mic Rate, etc.; merch for the app, such as a cup which performers could bring to the venue to get discounted drinks and so they don't have to drink out of a gross poorly-washed glass at a dive bar; passing a McDonalds burger backstage from person to person, each person taking a bite

Shilpa Rege (Facebook: @shilparege Instagram: @shilparege)
Scott Sviland (Instagram: @allergy_probs Facebook: @scott.sviland)
Devarron Thomas (Facebook: @devarron Instagram: @skinnyfatdude1)
Chase Richard (Linktree: @imchaserichard YouTube: @dogcomicproductions)
Tom Walma (Twitter: @thomaswalma Twitch: @gameymcfitness)

Standup Comedy Discussion

A discussion about doing standup comedy and running a comedy room. Also: the pain of rejection when trying to get a venue to host your comedy show and to get people to come to your show; asking the audience of an in-person comedy show or a MeetMe livestream to donate to your CashApp as a joke, as racial reparations, or because they're lonely introverted men; advice for a nervous new comic who's only performed once in a standup comedy class; ideas for breaking up the monotony of standup comedy shows, such as singing dirty parody songs at a comedy show in a movie theater before showing the movie

Mic Gimby (Facebook: @devonaugust.gimby.1)
Amy Jo “Blondie Jo” Ezel (Instagram: @blondiejoezel)
Benjamin Cheek (Relentless Comedy; Facebook: @benjamin.cheek.14)
Tom Walma (Twitter: @thomaswalma Twitch: @gameymcfitness)

Soapstone VR Comedy Club

Idea: A comedy club in virtual reality, which Aaron created and runs in Facebook/Meta's Horizon Worlds. The comedy club has scheduled shows and also 24-7 open mic(s) (open mic rooms are dynamically created as existing rooms fill up). Also: if a comic starts telling racist jokes, Aaron might stab their VR avatar with a sword; the synergy of virtual reality and the NBA; the comforting effect of having a force-field that blocks the audience from the stage

Stefanie Ann (Podcast: Sanctioned by Stefanie Podcast: MILF and the Millennial Webcast: Knuckleheads Comedy (YouTube) Open Mic: Fireside Inn Dive Bar Instagram: @thedownriverdiva Facebook: @stefanie.brewer1)
JD The Smile Hustler (Twitter: @smilehustler01 Instagram: @smilehustler01 Facebook: JD The Smile Hustler)
Aaron Sorrels (theunemployedalcoholic.com Podcasts: Well Metaversed and Clean Comedy Time Soapstone Comedy Club on Horizon Worlds)
Tom Walma (Twitter: @thomaswalma Twitch: @gameymcfitness)

Twitter Theater

Idea: A performance venue where you vote on Twitter (or some other social media platform) for who will perform that night. It would encourage friendly competition between performers, and would encourage famous people who are in town for other reasons to "drop in" spontaneously Also: purchasing the ticket as part of the vote and getting refunded if the performer you voted for loses; checking the candidates every day at lunch would keep people interested in the venue; it would be a step towards freeing humanity from the prison of constant time commitments

Originally from Creativity Wasted episode 41

Avery Sommerfeld (Facebook: @crazeecomedy, YouTube: Funny News)
DC Bradley (Instagram: @dcbradleyonig)
Steven G Sullivan
Tom Walma (Twitter: @thomaswalma)
Recorded at Podcast Detroit

Neverending Virtual Open Mic

Idea: To have a never-ending (24 hours a day) virtual open mic for standup comedy. It would use a proprietary system of filtering out background noises of the audience, and would incorporate the emcee, phone screeners, and "bouncers" (who can mute audience members). Also: a few other ideas for movie theaters and live comedy venues; where to locate the emcees around the world for the 24-hour virtual open mic so they all work an evening/night shift; combining a virtual comedy show with a live in-person comedy show

Originally from Creativity Wasted episode 39

Myles De Leeuw (Twitter: @mylesdeloser)
Jon Mullinix (Instagram: @mullinixjon)
JR Williams (Twitter: @jrstandsup)
John Sopkowicz (Twitter: @sopkowits)
Tom Walma (Twitter: @thomaswalma)
Recorded at Podcast Detroit

Movie Premiere Comedy Showcase

Idea: A show which consists of live standup comedy followed by a movie premiere (such as a Marvel movie). The show is located in a movie theater, and the comedians sometimes do comedy which is loosely related to the movie. Also: how to run shows in movie theaters, falling asleep as an emcee of a midnight show

Originally from Creativity Wasted episode 38

Garri Madera (Twitter: @garcom)
Gerrit Elzinga (Twitter: @GerritElzinga, Podcast: This Better Be Good)
Shane Dials (Twitter: @ShaneDials)
Tom Walma (Twitter: @thomaswalma)
Recorded at Podcast Detroit

IMJB

Idea: An online database of jokes (like IMDB is for movies), so comedians who think of a joke can easily check to see if it's been done before. Also: Has every joke you've ever told been done before? Should only headliners' jokes or only jokes told on comedy specials on television be eligible? Shane's story of getting called out on stage for stealing a joke... from himself

Originally from Creativity Wasted episode 38

Garri Madera (Twitter: @garcom)
Gerrit Elzinga (Twitter: @GerritElzinga, Podcast: This Better Be Good)
Shane Dials (Twitter: @ShaneDials)
Tom Walma (Twitter: @thomaswalma)
Recorded at Podcast Detroit

StarYukYuks

Idea: To open a coffee shop where the employees are comedians. The coffee might get served with lewd images in the foam. If the customer orders a roast, they get roasted. Or if it's a dark roast, they might get jokes about 9-11.

Originally from Creativity Wasted episode 38

Garri Madera (Twitter: @garcom)
Gerrit Elzinga (Twitter: @GerritElzinga, Podcast: This Better Be Good)
Shane Dials (Twitter: @ShaneDials)
Tom Walma (Twitter: @thomaswalma)
Recorded at Podcast Detroit

InstaCrowd

Idea: To fill empty seats at a standup comedy show with inflatable audience members. Also: comedians would perform lewd acts on the inflatable audience; disguising yourself as an inflatable audience member and waiting for the comic to perform lewd acts on you; questioning whether to give the inflatable audience a "heckle mode"; an inflatable audience could be a safety feature if you're in a flood zone or on a cruise ship

Originally from Creativity Wasted episode 37

Jeff Johnson
Mark Bonto (Twitter: @Mark_Bonto)
Tom Walma (Twitter: @thomaswalma)
Recorded at Podcast Detroit