Here’s the first episode a project I’ve been kicking around for a while.
Comedy can be a love/hate relationship and at 13 years, I’ve known many incredible people that have had to stop, because [LIFE]. It’s the same reason others never start.
tl;dr – I thought I was quitting comedy, but started a podcast about it – listen below.
I’m trying to figure out what I want out of comedy and life. I ended my monthly show last year and have put stand-up on the back burner. I didn’t announce any of this, just faded out. I’ve finally stopped feeling like a guilty failure and it’s liberating to see the world of options I’ve ignored, and how I can feel like a guilty failure in so many other ways. Comedy has enriched my life and will always be my baby.
This year I almost got an amazing job doing creative marketing and production for a cool green company. Due to a few mixed scheduling emails, it ended before it started. When I didn’t show up they never called to see where I was. I thought I was waiting to hear back and now realize I should have called instead of email. I prepared for a whole new life (I bought thrift store office sweaters) and was shook hard when it vanished for such a dumb reason. I realized I’ve been working food service to support comedy but was barely doing comedy. I love cooking but it’s not my passion or strength (except fruit platters, follow me on IG). I could work with writing, acting, design, technology, journalism, production, and more. And I want to make a video game – about standup! All these possibilities flooded back when I let myself feel whatever it was I’m feeling. To let go, or at least relax my grip.
I’ve had free nights. Nights to draw, to plan, create content for YouTube, stream on Twitch, go out with my girlfriend, work night events, and rediscover non-comedy things with non-comedy people. I got my Medicaid sorted out so I could finally start taking Parkour classes. And then, fractured my shoulder ̶d̶o̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶P̶a̶r̶k̶o̶u̶r LIVING. (got a FREE x-ray!)
Seasoned comedians joke about quitting all the time, and if you do comedy long enough, something will stop you, at least for a while. I don’t know where my path leads but I’m getting up and moving again.
STAND DOWN is a podcast about the love/hate relationship with comedy and why stand-ups stand down. Jake Becker is the first ex-comedian I met in Denver in 2015. He’s a perfect first guest to discuss the love/hate relationship of comedy, the work/life balance, and if you should do heroin. Link below.
Thanks and please enjoy.