The incredibly funny, sweet, and talented Monique Latise joins Velvet Sugar for an honest and inspiring conversation.

Fresh off her victory in the "Funny Over 50" contest on Sherri, Monique reflects on her remarkable comedy journey. A veteran stand-up comedian, she's toured the country, headlined shows, auditioned for America's Got Talent, appeared on Kevin Hart's Funny AF, gone viral, and accomplished it all without an agent.

We dive into her writing process, where her comedy bits come from, and how she transforms real-life experiences into unforgettable stand-up. Monique also opens up about the highs and lows of pursuing comedy, the uncertainty that comes with chasing your dreams, and what "starting over" really means. Does it mean giving up—or something entirely different? You'll have to listen to find out.

She also shares her experience as a prison mom, how she's explored that deeply personal journey on stage, and the role healing has played in both her life and her comedy. It's a powerful conversation about resilience, authenticity, and finding laughter through life's toughest moments.

Don't miss this heartfelt, hilarious, and inspiring episode with the one and only Monique Latise.

In this episode, the Velvet Sugar podcast welcomes comedian Andrew Alfredo! Andrew performs and produces comedy shows throughout Connecticut.After Game 1, David is happy but cautious, while Alex doesn't want to jinx the team. The guys cover a wide range of topics, from Gulliver's Travels to which ethnicities wear socks with sandals—and who skips socks with sneakers altogether.Could you guess who goes on a rant about terms like "unhoused," "plant-based," and "locally sourced"? You'll have to tune in to find out!The guys also share what it's like performing comedy in places they've never been before and whether wealthy audiences make for good comedy crowds.As always, please like, comment, subscribe, and share!

On today’s episode, Velvet Sugar welcomes comedian Jess Xu to the podcast. Originally from New York and now living in Connecticut, Jess joins us for a fun, free-flowing conversation packed with laughs, stories, and plenty of sharp observations.We dive into food and the spices we can’t stand, Jess’s early aspirations as a competitive swimmer, and her unexpected journey to becoming an ice hockey referee. Of course, we had to talk about the New York Knicks’ exciting playoff run, along with how language and social norms have evolved over time.Jess also shares how she got started in stand-up comedy, what her parents think about her comedy career, and her experience attending college in Canada. As a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen, she offers a unique perspective on identity, culture, and the question of where “first generation” really begins.Along the way, we touch on celebrity deaths, cultural differences, and a variety of other topics that make for an engaging and entertaining listen.If you enjoy funny, thoughtful conversations with plenty of laughs, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.As always, please like, comment, share, and subscribe!