First Mic
Comedy
About
A show where comics talk about their first time on stage.
Episodes
- Make It Make Sense: A Mother's Day Conversation with Mom | Sheila Taylor
Ira interviews his mother, Sheila Taylor, for a special Mother's Day episode of First Mic. They discuss her first comedy show, watching his career, and her favorite comics.
- Why This Comic Practices in Her Closet Before Every Set | Tanya Vora
Tanya Vora shares her journey into stand-up comedy, detailing her meticulous preparation for her first open mic and her experiences creating innovative shows like Spice Up. She also touches on advice for early-career comics.
- "I Looked at Comedians Like Dorks and Dweebs" — Then Tony Rock Changed His Mind | LeRon Crowder
LeRon Crowder details his journey into comedy, influenced by Tony Rock and the creation of his podcast. He reflects on overcoming initial hesitation, the importance of work ethic, and his experiences in the Columbus comedy scene.
- "If You're Not Getting Booked, Produce Your Own Show" — Def Goldblum
Def Goldblum joins First Mic to discuss his comedy journey, from early influences like Redd Foxx and George Carlin to his first stage experience post-COVID. He emphasizes the importance of producing one's own shows to overcome booking chal…
- Her Therapist Told Her to Try Stand-Up | Jules Wagner
Jules Wagner shares her unexpected path to stand-up comedy, initiated by her therapist. She recounts her early challenges, including a difficult first performance and advice that changed her perspective, as detailed in this episode of Firs…
- My First Open Mic Was 300 Kids at a Talent Show | Jarrel Beamon
Jarrel Beamon shares his path into comedy, from childhood experiences and discovering comedians like Richard Pryor to performing in his high school talent show and later at the Apollo Theater. He discusses the benefits of studying various…
- He Left a 6-figure job to get his car repossessed | Alex Maluchnik
Alex Maluchnik shares his experience of a terrible first comedy open mic that led to a decade-long break, and his eventual return to comedy after realizing he could perform better than others bombing at an open mic.
- My first heckler was a dishwasher | Sam Fisher
Sam Fisher shares his experience at his first open mic, detailing how a dishwasher heckled him and his advice for new comedians to focus on their performance rather than self-judgment.
- Why He told NPR he was a Comedian
Alex Harshaw recounts telling NPR interns he was a comedian despite never performing, leading to his first open mic. He discusses his early influences, the challenges of standup, and the importance of self-amusement in comedy.
- She Left a 13-Year Marriage and Started Making Jokes | Allison McBane
Allison McBane shares her journey from leaving a 13-year marriage to pursuing comedy, inspired by Robin Williams. She details her rapid entry into stand-up, embracing physical and musical comedy, and processing trauma through jokes. McBane…
- I was so High I forgot my entire set | Tony Cruz
Tony Cruz recounts his first open mic experience at the Shrunken Head in 2018, where he was so high he forgot his entire set. Despite this near-disaster, he has since become a consistent comic in Columbus, Ohio, known for his crowd work an…
- Drunk strangers told her to do comedy, So she did | Audrey Soper
Audrey Soper shares her unconventional transition from hosting trivia nights to becoming a standup comedian, detailing her first open mic experience and insights gained from her unique performance style.
- He Lost His Vision But Found His Voice on Stage | Larry Danflows
Larry Danflows, a legally blind comedian, shares how vision loss motivated him to start standup comedy. He recounts his experience in improv classes during COVID and his success at his first open mic.
- Her Coworkers said they'd quit if she didn't come back | Freddie Simone
Freddie Simone recounts her unexpected path to comedy, inspired by Whoopi Goldberg, and how a friend's offer of free headshots led to her first performance. She emphasizes vulnerability and unique storytelling in comedy, advising against c…
- Why being the unfunny sibling made him a comedian | Xavier G. Dunson
Comedian Xavier G. Dunson discusses his journey into stand-up comedy, from his early experiences being teased by siblings to honing his craft through improv and workshops. He shares insights on finding a unique comedic voice and navigating…
- from loud family to comedy stage | Sista Lu
Sista Lu shares how the loss of her cousin inspired her to try stand-up comedy. She also details her experience managing a weekly comedy show in Columbus, Ohio, and offers insights into essential principles for a comedy career.
- From Truck Driver to Columbus Comedy Staple in 10 Months Steven Hobson
Steven Hobson transitioned from a truck driver to a notable Columbus comedian in just 10 months after being laid off. He recounts his early open mic experiences, including a disastrous set by another comic, and shares advice for aspiring c…
- Pretty Privilege is real - I lean into it Tia Santamaria
Tia Santamaria shares her experiences in comedy, detailing her journey which began through dealing with depression. She discusses the reality of "pretty privilege," challenges within the male-dominated comedy scene, and her multifaceted ca…
- Chasing the high of the first giggle - Dusty Estepp
Dusty Estepp discusses quitting stand-up comedy after four years to focus on creative collaboration, founding Would Be Productions, and his philosophy on friendship and work.
- The Post-Open Mic Clarity Every Comic Knows - Josh Albert
Comedian Josh Albert shares his experiences in the comedy world, detailing his transition from his first open mic to performing regularly. He compares the comedy scenes in Kansas City and Columbus and emphasizes the importance of self-beli…
- Don't Date Comics - None of It's Real August Ulrey
Comedian and producer August Ulrey discusses her experiences navigating the Columbus comedy scene as a woman. She shares insights on overcoming harassment, gaining professional respect, and the challenges of dating other comedians.
- Mortal Kombat Producer Slid Into His DMs About A TV Show - Jason Banks
Comedian Jason Banks shares his journey from telling jokes at Target to pitching shows to Netflix, Fox, and Apple. The conversation includes his viral content, early career challenges, and the reality of comedy success.
- The Bedroom Comedy Stage That Started It All - Tyson Colson
Tyson Colson details his unusual transition from SoundCloud rapper to stand-up comedian, highlighting his two years of practice on a homemade bedroom stage and his eventual development within the Columbus comedy scene.