Adam Christing, Founder and President of Clean Comedians, Episode 230
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Adam is an accomplished comedian, speaker, and entertainer with a passion for making people laugh and bringing joy to audiences worldwide. With over 30 years of experience, Adam has performed for thousands of corporate clients, including Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, and more. In 2021, he received the “Best of Los Angeles Award” as the #1 Event Master of Ceremonies. He has appeared on over 100 radio and TV shows, including CNN, Fox News, Entertainment Tonight, and NBC Nightly News. Adam has also been featured in national magazines and newspapers, including USA Today, FORTUNE, and The New York Times.
Adam joins me on the show to share his journey from a suburb in Southern California to auditioning as a junior member at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, where he discovered his passion for combining magic and laughter. We discuss why comedy is inherently shocking, but why clean comedy is the new shocking thing, because comedians have to read the audience moment by moment and be on their toes. Adam also shares more about how he incorporates humor into events to engage and impact his audience.
“We serve our audiences better when we tap into the power of silence.” - Adam Christing
“Treat clients as under your protection. Delight them, and they'll keep coming back.” - Adam Christing
“Some of the brightest comedians are also some of the deepest thinkers. They don’t just reflect on what's going to make someone laugh, but what's going to take them on a journey through story.”
- Adam Christing
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Adam emphasizes the importance of finding your unique sense of humor and style rather than simply relying on jokes or impressions
Why Adam loves calling people onto stage, creating the potential for unexpected interactions in live events
The importance of knowing the audience to create moments of comedy and why observational humor works so well
Adam shares how he used humor as a tool for effective communication in his work as a youth pastor
Why comedy is inherently shocking, but working clean is the new shocking thing!
Why clean comedians have to read the audience moment by moment and be on their toes
Adam talks about the importance of listening in comedy, citing an example of a difficult situation where he had to adjust his approach due to a tragic event
The power of silence when connecting with your audience via humor
How to use humor to build trust and community, then to highlight the organization's impact
Why Adam prioritizes storytelling and emotional resonance in his comedy, reflecting on the importance of handling heavy topics with care and sensitivity
How to manage events, keep things on track, and handle difficult situations with grace and professionalism
The importance of considering the audience's perspective and providing value to them, whether on stage or in other aspects of life
Why failing to provide a clear direction or purpose can lead to a lack of engagement and interest from the audience
Why Adam shares personal stories and vulnerabilities to connect with the audience, revealing the power of intimacy in communication
Adam Christing’s Words of Wisdom:
The word client originally goes back to a Latin root, and it means to come under the protection of another. So when I have a client I think of it as an opportunity to delight. I want to make them look good and I want to help them get the results that they want. When you start treating customers, vendors, and employees like clients under your care, lots of great things will happen.
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