Ep. 33 - Physical Disabilities Ft. Ryan Niemiller

Born with a disability in both arms, Ryan Niemiller is the Cripple Threat of Comedy and he joins Gheramy and David to share his experience in finding the funny and sharing it with audiences across the country, including finishing in 3rd place on America’s Got Talent.

Though having a disability may suck, Ryan offers perspective and a master class on delivering sensitive material, dealing with audiences who don’t understand, and how to lean into the nuance of comedy.

We also talk about:

-The worst thing to happen to comedy over the last ten years /

-A comic’s credibility when delivering offensive material /

-The habit of new comedians overinflating the amount of material they have at their disposal /

-The joke that made Heidi Klum not like Ryan /

-The importance of believing in your material /

-Using humor to make controversial points /

-The perception that he talks about his disability too much /

-The lack of understanding of the first amendment: can vs. should /

-The difference between bombing and ruining the show /

-Learning to use humor to take back power from others /

-Misconceptions of the disabled by people without disabilities /

-Why being “a performer” is vital when delivering offensive content /

-Preconceived notions of the audience /

-Advice for first year comedians /

-How to approach the topic of disabilities when you don’t have any /

-And more!

Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip