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My last trip to Seattle was memorable for two reasons: getting to see my younger brother, and this conversation with Carl Warmenhoven. Carl worked as assistant manager of Seattle\'s well-respected standup club, Comedy Underground. He is, without a doubt, the most beloved comedy figure in the Seattle area.

We start off talking about Carl\'s childhood in the Netherlands and his eventual move to the States. He relates a number of his family\'s World War 2 stories, ranging from the absurd (German hookers living next to his parent\'s home) to the inspirational (Carl\'s mom rescuing a rabbi). One amusing anecdote explains how tobacco and Jesus "saved" his parent from hunger.

Growing up in Seattle, Carl used laughter to get along with people. He learned a lot about comedy by observing the legendary Steve Allen, who was famous for the way he played with language. Carl details his history in Seattle\'s standup comedy scene starting in 1979, eventually working with megastars such as Jerry Seinfeld, Louis CK and Chelsea Handler. There\'s also a quick story about his dinner with young Jerry Seinfeld, when Jerry talked about working on a new sitcom - which later became the world-famous "Seinfeld." The abovementioned comedians were incredibly kind, professional and gracious in their dealings with him.