Introducing…

They say never meet your heroes. But I made an exception. Bob Smiley has been making me laugh since I was a kid reading the Clubhouse Magazine. I’ve seen almost every standup special he’s made. But when I read Average Boy’s Above Average Year, I became an even bigger fan. Bob Smiley and Focus on the Family have created a brand that has exploded recently. Average Boy books, articles, and an award-winning podcast. Bob has seen a gradual change, as more families come to his comedy shows because they are Average Boy fans. In this episode, Brenda and I ask Bob questions about comedy, the writing process, and his super-secret trick to get into the mind of a 12-year-old boy. If you find my laugh annoying, I apologize. It’s in this episode a lot!

The Podcast

Sue Irwin – The Write2Ignite Podcast

Back in the day, NHL player Jacques Plante wrote letters to a kid in Canada, giving him tips on the game. That kid grew up to be Sue Irwin’s husband. When she learned about this collection of letters, Sue decided to write a book about hockey safety. “Safety Stars” led to another sports book (this time about soccer) and now Sue has her first board book.Hey There, Blue Bird, Why do you Chirp? Is a delightful story inspired by Psalm 145:10 which says, “All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you.” Brenda and I got to talk to Sue about her new book, her writing journey, what Time2Write is, and how important critique groups are.

1. Sue Irwin 37:04
2. Bob Smiley 50:12
3. Daniel Blackaby 45:27
4. Emily Golus 56:11
5. Donna Thornton 48:32

Resources

If, by some horrible mistake, you are not following Bob Smiley on social media, you can find him on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X. Maybe Pinterest. I didn’t ask. Or, just check out his awesome website.

Also, you can get Bob to do a Cameo.

The Official Average Boy Podcast

Average Boy website

The book Bob is going to read next

The first Christian comedian Bob Smiley heard: Paul Aldrich

The comedian Brenda saw: Elayne Boosler

Bob’s writing influences: Dave Barry and Patrick F. McManus

The joke that Kyle sent Bob Smiley back in 2012: Why is there no farting in Middle Earth? The wizard said, “You shall not pass!”