Jo sits down with comedian Shawn Wickens to discuss his mind-bending show Secret Time Travel Meeting, premiering at the Atlanta Fringe Festival (May 30–June 7, 2025). From improv beginnings to international Fringe stages, Shawn shares the stoner-fueled spark that launched a time travel comedy, how he created merchandise before the show even existed, and why performing in game show style keeps audiences guessing. Dive into the wild world of Fringe lotteries, interactive theater, and cosmic laughs.
🎟️ Learn more: https://linktr.ee/Emptyhell
🔥 KEY MOMENTS:
28:30 – Shawn’s advice: Fear less, enjoy more
00:36 – What are Fringe Festivals and how do they work?
01:50 – From NYC improv to global comedy
04:59 – The stoned epiphany behind “Secret Time Travel Meeting”
07:45 – Crafting that very first joke
12:48 – A private show gone sideways
17:32 – The Time Machine Blueprints origin story
19:09 – Merch first, show later?!
23:53 – NDAs and audience costumes?! Yes please.
Guest Information:
Shawn Wickens began with improv in New York (2004) before transitioning to stand-up. Creator of “Secret Time Travel Meeting” performed at Fringe Festivals worldwide. Owner of timemachineblueprints.com and author of the same-named book.
Resources:
- Atlanta Fringe Festival (May 30-June 7, 2025)
- Time Machine Blueprints book on Amazon
- Instagram: @timemachinestoned
- Upcoming shows in New York, Rochester, Harrisburg, and potentially Estonia