Comic Relief

AVON PARK - It's not uncommon for one or two college students to doze off during a morning class.

But when psychology professor Brian Deery sees that, he turns to his stand-up comedy routine.

"Sometimes I have to use a technique we call 'kicking the mule,' which we use to get a crowd going," said Deery, who has been a stand-up comedian for 26 years. "I'm not there to do comedy, but it certainly is helpful to use those comic elements as long as they are learning something too."

He tags his comedy as "clean and clever," meaning he avoids cussing and lewd subjects, which he thinks is more challenging but also more fun.

"Comedy allows you to play with reality and being a psychologist, I can appreciate that," Deery said.

Although he has insight into the human psyche, it doesn't mean he knows what the audience will think is funny.

"Sometimes I can hear jokes bounce around the room because no one gets it," Deery said. "But there are some jokes I will continue to do even if they don't take, and I tell the audience, 'I did that one just for me.'"

The audience will surprise him a lot with the jokes they like, such as this one:

"One of my favorite books is one by Alan Watts called 'Nonsense.' It's on the shelves next to a book about George W. Bush called 'No Sense.'"

"That joke was just supposed to be a throw away one-liner, but the audience loved it," Deery said. "I never would have guessed."

When he thinks of a potential joke, he writes down the idea and "lets it germinate."

"I think of ways to run with it and I round it out and continue to play with it until I like it," Deery said.

Most of his material comes from real-life situations, although he admits some is exaggerated versions of the truth.

"I have a wacky perspective on life, and I like to comment on that," Deery said. "Plus Bush offers an endless amount of comic material."

"Bush's only experience with global warming was staring at the sun while stoned."

Deery, who moved to Arcadia a few years ago, also cracks jokes about the culture shock of moving to the small town.

"I always hear about eating locally grown food. But I come from Arcadia, so I'd be eating road kill."

When his neighbor invited him to Winn-Dixie, he thought it was an amusement park.

"It sounded like such a fun place, I never would have guessed they only sell groceries," he said.

He also raises a 7-year-old granddaughter, who provides him with challenges and comedy.

"I childproofed the house, but she got in anyway."

Deery worked for four years as an adjunct professor and became a full-time professor this semester, so he is taking a break from stand up until he adjusts to the new routine.

Starting in January, he hopes to become a regular act at a few coffee shops.

"I really prefer the coffee shops because you have a more intellectual crowd," Deery said. "And you don't typically have to deal with many drunk hecklers."

His CD, "I Call ..." is on sale at the SFCC Bookstore.

"I haven't made money off it, and I don't care if I ever too," Deery said. "I just need that outlet in my life to be able to go out and make people laugh."