Welcome to Wheels Off, a show about the messy reality of the creative life.

I'm Rhett Miller.

Paul F. Tompkins is a comedian, an actor, an improviser, an all-around funny man.

But more than that, he's really thoughtful and compassionate.

I think to be as gifted an improviser as Paul is, that probably has to be your primary personality trait, compassion.

He's got finely tuned senses.

He picks up on tiny little things and digs into them and finds the core of an

argument, finds the kernel at the center of an emotion. I have been driven to painful

laughter and driven to tears while watching Paul F. Tompkins work a room.

I am lucky enough to have been friends with him for the last couple of decades. We both came up in a scene in Los Angeles that was centered around a small club called Largo.

And so I've shared stages with Paul and watch Paul work out new material and just kick around ideas for years.

I've watched him grow into the performer that he is now.

And honestly, that has been nothing short of thrilling.

I think he is the perfect example of talent that isn't squandered, talent that is backed up by a strong

work ethic.

You might know Paul from the many other podcasts of which he is a part,

Comedy Bang Bang, Spontaneation, Super Ego. He's all over this medium. But I think you'll find a side

of him in this interview that doesn't normally come out, because normally he has to be

on, not that he has to be, he's just so good when he is on. But I think you'll find in this conversation

that he and I had at his home in Los Angeles, a side of Paul that is a really cool side to see, especially

if you are interested in what goes into being someone as accomplished and as revered, as

Paul F. Tompkins is.

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