Guest Details Marc Hamilton: https://coveryours.co.nz/about/ Takeaways Music and comedy can evoke emotions and create a sense of connection. Authenticity is important in creative endeavors and can attract like-minded individuals. Universal themes in storytelling and music resonate with people across cultures and time. Constructing a set or a song involves considering the emotional journey and engaging the audience. Dealing with hate or criticism requires thick skin and the ability to not take it personally. Finding humor in absurd or anger-inducing situations can be a source of comedy. The creative process involves finding inspiration in everyday experiences and emotions. Crafting comedy takes time and practice, and it's important to learn from failures and keep refining jokes. Art, including comedy, has the power to eloquently convey the harshness of the world in a socially acceptable way. The ability to shock and offend depends on the context and the audience, and it's important to understand the crowd and adapt accordingly. Working with troubled youth requires empathy, understanding, and the ability to separate their actions from their identity. Asking for help and finding someone to talk to can make a significant difference in difficult situations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:03 Finding Joy in Work and Life 07:07 The Power of Music 10:15 Humor and Writing Songs 16:17 The Emotional Impact of Music 25:07 Dealing with Criticism and Hate 27:18 The Craft of Comedy 29:20 The Process of Crafting Comedy 30:18 The Art of Comedy 31:37 Navigating Different Audiences 32:31 The Consequences of Offensive Comedy 34:09 Favorite Comedians 35:16 First Attempt at Comedy and Worst Bomb 36:31 Creating Original Material 37:28 Different Crowds and Testing Material 38:11 The Influence of Comedians 39:48 The Power and Influence of Individuals 40:24 The Role of Soft Power 42:45 Empathy and Understanding 43:16 Previous Work with Troubled Youth 47:44 Pharmaceutical Sales and Dark Humor 51:19 Dealing with Horrific Experiences 56:23 Seeking Help and Support