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Ever hear a single sentence change someone’s life? That’s how Jay Flake’s story starts—cracking jokes in a corporate training room when an older coworker told him he’d missed his calling. One open mic later, the Nashville comic found his lane: high-energy, true-story material that feels lived-in, then sharpened it into a clean-comedy brand that books hard and lasts longer.

We dig into the gritty rise that rarely makes the highlight reel: Zoom corporate sets, underground rooms, patio shows, and a pandemic album that hit festivals even as the video stayed shelved to protect the brand. Jay breaks down why some jokes belong to their moment, how cleaner material unlocked better gigs, and how to translate everyday chaos into bits that crush without cheap shots. The COVID talk is raw and hilarious—taste disappearing mid-breakfast, a hotel deodorant “taste test,” and the lonely, surreal weeks that turned survival into stories.

The craft gets equal airtime. Jay salutes Bernie Mac’s fearlessness, Dave Chappelle’s ease with ordinary ideas, and Ali Sadiq’s storytelling and business blueprint: drop on Patreon, expand on YouTube, then license to streamers for a third check. We also walk through Andrew Schultz’s clip-first playbook and the discipline behind album timing—finding minutes, trimming fat, and protecting your voice. Plus, the green room rules nobody teaches: listen more than you talk, guard private shop talk, and treat owners and managers like the partners they are.

Want the laughs and the ladder? This one gives both—part origin story, part strategy guide, and packed with practical moves any comic or creator can use right now. Tap play, then check Jay's 13-minute NateLand showcase and see the craft in action. If this conversation hits, subscribe, share it with a comedy friend, and drop a review with your favorite takeaway.

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Smoke-filled sets, long quiet drives, and the stubborn joy of getting the joke right—this conversation with comedian and writer Ed Phillips digs into the parts of comedy most people skip. We start with the real: improv roots at a Virginia Beach Cinema Cafe, the three-month wait to get a shot, and how those early reps shaped his timing, listening, and confidence on stage. From there, Ed explains how sketch sharpened his structure and why his best stand-up sticks close to lived moments—like a Blue Ridge camping trip that became a vivid bit about fear, friendship, and a maybe-bear.

We talk craft without fluff. Ed breaks down how he studies specials and sets across HBO, YouTube, Hulu, and beyond, pulling lessons on economy, escalation, and callbacks from comics like Sinbad, Mitch Hedberg, Josh Johnson, and Ramy Youssef. Mentorship takes center stage too. Honest notes from veterans like Mike East Mill cut years off the learning curve: kill weak tags, fix the angle, and don’t post half-cooked material just to feed the algorithm. There’s wisdom in letting a joke live in rooms until it’s ready for the internet.

Then we zoom out to the 757 scene. Producers are building better rooms, comics are pushing past the comfort of hometown applause, and the real growth comes from traveling—testing whether your voice lands outside your zip code. Ed shares wins (hosting at BlurCon with Orlando Jones), losses (that “brave” compliment every comic dreads), and the recovery rituals after smoke-lounge gigs and late nights before a 6 a.m. shift. Through it all, his philosophy stays simple: write honestly, perform widely, learn quickly, and dress sharp because it’s you—not a bit.

If you care about the craft—how jokes are built, how scenes evolve, and how comics keep going after the rough nights—hit play. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves stand-up, and leave a review with the best lesson you learned or the biggest bomb that made you better.

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What happens when you trade a boardroom for a black box theater and decide to start from scratch in your 50s? We sit down with actor and stand-up comic Sheri Gill Dixon for a fearless, funny, and deeply human conversation about falling in love with movies as a teenage usher threading reels, discovering Meisner training in Virginia Beach, and building a comedy voice that lives or dies by instant feedback. Sheri takes us behind the scenes of big sets like Tammy—where she held her boundaries without apology—and shares why watching Melissa McCarthy and Kathy Bates work reminded her that kindness and professionalism scale.

The heart of this conversation lives on stage. Sheri breaks down how she moved from the safety of scripts to the risk of stand-up, why writing often happens mid-set, and how crowd work can surface sharper material than any quiet desk session. We talk influence and range—Joan Rivers and Moms Mabley opening doors; Richard Pryor, Bernie Mac, Dave Chappelle shaping storytelling; Seinfeld’s polish and Miss Pat’s punch; Thea Vidale’s relatable grit—and how those threads weave into a voice that’s unmistakably her own. We also get real about women in comedy: the scarcity baked into flyers, the myth of one chair, and how the Ladies of Comedy pack flips the script through collaboration, shared opportunities, and relentless support.

Beyond the mic, Sheri opens up about motivation that isn’t Instagram-ready. Working in transit surfaced daily inequities; the George Floyd era pushed her toward doctoral work and sharpened her belief that art can ease what policy cannot. Comedy becomes the pressure valve and the bridge: a room that laughs together, even for an hour, carries less weight home. We swap notes on good rooms and cold crowds, choosing where to spend your energy, and the quiet power of a stranger saying your set made their night worth the babysitter.

If you’re navigating a late start, eyeing a pivot from acting to stand-up, or building a creative crew that resists gatekeeping, this one’s for you. Hit follow, share this with a friend who needs the nudge, and drop a review with the moment that stuck with you—what leap are you ready to take next?

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Step into the world of stand-up comedy with KellsMorton, a rising comedian who's turning life's realities into laughs that resonate with audiences everywhere. From her humble beginnings taking comedy classes to performing at sold-out venues, Kells shares the authentic journey of finding her voice in a competitive industry.

What makes great comedy? According to Kells, it's truth. Drawing from personal experiences—three marriages, raising children, health topics like mammograms—she creates material that consistently connects with audiences who approach her after shows saying, "Everything you said was just the truth." This authenticity has helped her build a growing fanbase and open for notable names like Omar Gooden and social media star Danae Hayes.

The conversation dives into the reality of the comedy scene, from the formation of her "Comedy Avengers" group with fellow female comedians to the business side of stand-up. Kells reveals how something as simple as business cards helped grow her social media following from 890 to nearly 3,000 followers. She also discusses comedy influences ranging from Redd Foxx to Dave Chappelle, and shares what it's like to get advice (sometimes harshly delivered) from established comedians like DL Hughley.

Whether you're an aspiring comedian or simply fascinated by the craft of comedy, this episode offers valuable insights into what it takes to develop material that resonates, navigate the ups and downs of performance, and build meaningful connections in the entertainment industry. Follow Kells Morton on social media @kellsthegreat to witness firsthand how she's transforming everyday experiences into laughter.

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Turning personal setbacks into creative gold is the hallmark of true entrepreneurs, and Jay Davis exemplifies this transformation. After a divorce fifteen years ago, he began writing short stories about dating experiences, eventually filming them as sketches when "nobody was doing sketches on the internet back then." That initial spark ignited a creative empire spanning four feature films, multiple series, children's books, and the acclaimed show "The Creative Hustle" on Tubi.

Davis pulls back the curtain on his creative process and business acumen during this candid conversation. When COVID halted traditional production, he pivoted to animation and, drawing inspiration from Robert Townsend's "Partners in Crime," assembled talented comedians to create "The Creative Hustle" – a fresh blend of sketch comedy, improv, and stand-up complemented by a live band. The show tackles contemporary issues like cancel culture with intelligent humor while showcasing established comedians including Leon Rogers, Damon Williams, and Rodney Perry.

Beyond his own creative pursuits, Davis's commitment to community-building shines through his establishment of the Bernie Mac Lifetime Achievement Award and creation of IndieCon, a film festival designed to support genuine independent filmmakers without the gatekeeping common in the industry. He debunks the myth of mysterious investors funding creative projects, instead emphasizing self-reliance: "Everything comes out of pocket... whatever revenue we make from a project, we use it towards the next project." His parting advice to aspiring creators is refreshingly straightforward: "Do your research... stop being lazy. You got a fucking computer in your hand... do your research and grind." Follow Jay's journey on social media @jdavistp and catch "The Creative Hustle" on Tubi, with an expanded second season featuring 8 episodes, 16 comedians, and 25 sketches coming soon.

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Kylie Kassh, professional dominatrix of 17 years and content creator, shares her journey from accidental dom to lifestyle professional in this candid conversation about power dynamics, boundaries, and the business of domination.

• Discovered her dominatrix potential when a friend noticed her naturally commanding style with boyfriends
• Began her career working in a Chicago dungeon where she trained under experienced dominatrixes
• Learned her boundaries early when confronted with medical play involving needles during her first day
• Underwent an "initiation" that confirmed her purely dominant nature when she couldn't handle being restrained
• Explains the difference between lifestyle doms, switches, and subs in the BDSM community
• Shares her favorite fetishes including flogging, cross-dressing clients, tease and denial techniques
• Owns approximately 17 floggers ranging from inexpensive to $500 specialty pieces
• Discusses the massage fetish and how it represents a natural power exchange
• Reveals many clients are married men whose partners aren't interested in exploring fetishes
• Sets firm boundaries on certain practices while maintaining others, particularly avoiding "scat play"
• Plans to continue working indefinitely as "there are no age brackets in domination"
• Maintains separate personal and professional lives while acknowledging they sometimes overlap
• Provides consulting services beyond domination work through her business ventures

If you're interested in learning more about Kylie's work, follow her on Instagram at Goddess_kylie_kassh or visit her consulting business at Kashwealthfirm.com.

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Josh Ward doesn't just tell jokes; he transforms life's darkest moments into something beautiful through comedy. During our candid conversation, this self-described "underground comedy king" reveals how he channeled the grief of losing his son into his powerful special "My Special Boy" - a 21-minute journey that showcases his remarkable ability to find humor within pain.

Despite being just three years into his comedy career, Ward displays the confidence and skill of someone who's been performing far longer. He takes us behind the scenes of developing deeply personal material, sharing the struggle of preventing audiences from becoming too emotionally invested while still honoring his authentic experience. "I had to address the audience like 'y'all can't get all sad about this, because then it's not gonna be funny if y'all in here about to weep for me,'" he explains with refreshing honesty.

Ward's journey to comedy has unexpected roots in his religious upbringing. As the son of ministers, he regularly spoke in front of church congregations, developing the public speaking foundation that would later serve his comedy. His first true comedy performance wasn't at an open mic but at a family reunion, where he boldly delivered raunchy material to relatives of all ages - a true baptism by fire. This fearlessness continues to define his approach, preferring longer sets where he can truly establish rhythm and connection with the audience.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Ward discusses the brutal realities of open mic culture, including an encounter with another comedian who tried roasting his appearance while he was working through material about his son. "I got up and left the mic because on the inside I was about to cry, but on the outside I was about to fight," he shares, capturing the vulnerability comedians face when developing deeply personal work. Through these experiences, he's developed an audience-first philosophy that has accelerated his growth: "Laughs in the crowd, every room I go in and it's an audience, I'm cooking."

Ready to witness raw talent and authentic storytelling? Follow Josh Ward at @joshwardcomedy on all platforms and check out "My Special Boy" on YouTube to experience what happens when grief transforms into art through the healing power of laughter.

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What happens when you're a sunflower trying to bloom in a rose garden? Dezz Nicholson knows that feeling all too well. The accomplished poet, singer, and creative sits down with Rome Davis to discuss the complex journey of finding your authentic voice and space in a creative world that often feels threatened by new talent.

Dezz takes us through her origins as an entrepreneurial fourth-grader charging $1 to write customized love poems for classmates, to her transformation into a powerful performer who discovered her gift when she made someone cry with her words at a high school Black History Month event. Her story isn't just about talent—it's about having the courage to recognize when you're in the wrong environment.

"If I am a sunflower in a rose garden, I cannot get mad at the roses for having thorns and pricking me. I can, however, leave the rose garden and go through to the sunflower field where I don't have to worry about anybody pricking me," Dezz explains, providing a powerful framework for artists struggling to fit in spaces that weren't designed for them.

The conversation dives deep into the gatekeeping mentality that pervades creative communities, where established artists protect their territory rather than mentor newcomers. Dezz challenges this scarcity mindset with her belief that "the spotlight is large enough for all of us." She discusses how fear keeps many artists stuck in their comfort zones, preventing growth while they simultaneously complain about not achieving broader success.

Between profound insights about creative authenticity and finding your path despite resistance, Rome and Dezz share lighthearted moments about family dynamics, generational differences, and the simple joys of life. Their natural chemistry creates a conversation that feels both deeply meaningful and comfortably familiar—just like sitting with old friends discussing life's biggest questions.

Ready to find your sunflower field? Listen to this episode and discover where you truly belong.

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