On September 17th of 2012 is when I first met Tino at his open mic at Bar 82 at East Village. I can't believe 13 years later, we are both here in LA pursuing comedy still. He wasn't a social media sensation back then, but it's still good to see Tino going at it and inspiring everyone. I caught him at Improv + THC open mics and i was like "wait, is that Tino from back in 2012? LOL" I didn't even recognize him. On this episode, Tino had valuable gems to share on the nature of comedy, how storytelling and court jesters have been around as long as time and that people are designed to use humor as hope and transmute pain and tragedy. We also talked a lot about our mutual acquaintances who are doing well like Pete Burdette, Chris Murphy and Subhah Agarwal. The hugely popular “Instagram Bum” Esteban "Tino" Romero was born in 1969 in Colón, Panama. Tino is a Brooklyn, New York based Afro-Latino comedian, writer, and actor. He moved to the United States in 1984 with the intent of fulfilling his mother's dream of him becoming a Doctor – clearly comedy runs in his family. However, his emigration did quickly develop his love of the English language. In 2003, his cousin entered him into a show, alongside then newbie Ed Helms, at Boston Comedy Club in New York. Writing became a way for him to improve his skills, while expressing himself in his non-native tongue. It helped him cope during some tough years as both an immigrant parent and while experiencing homelessless. In 2015, while playing around with some ideas, he discovered the creativity behind writing puns and comedy. He recently was cast on one of Eric Andre's birthday celebration events. Tino is also a Navy veteran. Thanks so much Tino! Ex-new yorker pridePlease follow Tino at @igbumviral#losangelescomedyscene