In this episode of The BASIC Show, stand-up comedian Tara Cannistraci joins host Viktorija Pashuta to share her journey from Bronx roots and Italian heritage to becoming a touring comic with a viral online following. With a background in counseling, Tara brings empathy and sharp instincts to the stage, showing that comedy can be both hilarious and healing.

From unfiltered stories about marriage and self-worth to insights on hecklers, social media hate, and the responsibility comedians carry — Tara opens up with honesty, humor, and heart.

You’ll learn:

· Why comedians feel a responsibility to help audiences escape and heal through laughter

· How Tara built her career from New York clubs to national tours in Tulsa, Atlanta, and beyond

· The role empathy and intuition play in connecting with people on and off stage

· Why self-respect (even in sweatpants) changes how the world treats you

· What marriage has taught her about compromise, confidence, and being truly seen

· How to turn pain, family struggles, and vulnerability into comedy that resonates

This episode blends unfiltered comedy, life lessons, and empowering conversation about resilience, relationships, and self-respect.

🎙️ The BASIC Show is hosted by Viktorija Pashuta — Editor-in-Chief of BASIC Magazine.
📍 Recorded at The Maybourne Beverly Hills

🔗 Follow Tara: @tarajokes
🛒 Subscribe to the print edition of BASIC Magazine: https://buybasicmagazine.myshopify.com

🌸 Flower Arrangements by @itsjustdre_visionary @_flowers_everywhere

Send us a text

Support the show