I’ve been a stand-up comedian for 17 years and recently released my first Netflix special, “Happy Hour.” I was born and raised in Spokane, Washington but now live in Minnesota when I'm not on the road.
Tell us a little about yourself!
I was born and raised in Spokane, Washington, but moved to Minnesota four years ago to live with my husband, Chad Daniels, who’s also a comedian. I’m on tour most weekends of the year, and Chad and I co-host a podcast called Pretend Problems. We also have two dogs and two cats whom I’m completely obsessed with! If I’m not on stage, I’m likely playing volleyball or eating a chocolate chip cookie.
You grew up with a professional foosball champion for a mother and an international yo-yo champion for a father. How did growing up in such an unconventional family shape your sense of humor and your willingness to forge your own path?
I feel really lucky that I got to grow up seeing my parents do the things they loved, but my initial career instincts were actually to go against that. I was going to pick a very safe, secure career (high school math teacher) because I was too afraid to choose something riskier. As I started trying stand-up in college, I fell in love with it and just never stopped. And I think once more and more doors started to open up, it made me feel less afraid to really pursue it.
When did you first realize that making people laugh was more than something you loved doing—that it could actually become your career?
When I moved to Seattle after college, I started to win some local comedy competitions and make a little money working as a house emcee or featured comedian at comedy clubs there. I started to see the potential paths to doing comedy full-time.
“I’ve learned to enjoy the process of growing and improving as a comedian, and to realize it’s okay to believe in yourself. ”
Your new Netflix special, Happy Hour, marks a major milestone after 17 years in comedy. What has that journey taught you about perseverance, confidence, and believing in yourself?
I’ve learned to enjoy the process of growing and improving as a comedian, and to realize it’s okay to believe in yourself. I’ve always been my harshest critic, and self-doubt has often been far easier for me to access than confidence. When I shot Happy Hour and we were pitching it to Netflix, it’s the first time I fully believed in one of my specials from start to finish. That was my biggest goal this year: to be more confident.
What does education mean to you and how has it influenced your work?
Education is massively important to me. Both of my parents are teachers–my mom was actually my high school French teacher while also being a badass pro foosball player–and my Dad taught music while also being a symphony trumpet player (and International Yo-Yo Man lol.) I loved so many of my teachers growing up, and I think my teachers who were funny were particularly influential to my work. We all were so much more inclined to pay attention when our teachers added humor to their lessons.
What's something people might be surprised to learn about you when you're not onstage?
Probably that I’m also a world champion foosball player like my parents—it’s actually how they met, so I literally would not exist if it weren’t for foosball.
What role does style play in the work you do?
I’ve had a complicated relationship with style in comedy. For a long time, I would choose not to look my best on stage because I just wanted to feel comfortable up there. It also felt like the more dolled up I got for a show, the harder it sometimes was to win a crowd over initially because there are so many stereotypes about how you can’t be attractive and funny. I feel really grateful that I have a fan base now and feel more confident looking a little more elevated on stage because they already trust that I’m funny.
What is your favorite piece from your Marcella Capsule and why?
I really love every piece, but the Cabrini Top is so unique and sexy. I love the burgundy color and how it shows some skin while still allowing me to move around without accidentally flashing anyone.
