Yakov Smirnoff came to America from the Soviet Union in 1977 with little money and limited English, determined to build a new life. He started out working as a bartender before finding his way into stand up comedy, where he turned the culture shock of being an immigrant into his greatest source of material.

His career took him from comedy clubs to The Tonight Show, Night Court, and his own sitcom "What a Country!" making him one of the most recognizable comedians of the 1980s.

Behind the catchphrase is a remarkable story of an immigrant who used comedy to understand America and ultimately found his place in it.

Questions on this week's episode of Ask Me Anything #22

1. How should a new comic in 2026 be thinking about building stage time, clubs, festivals, podcast or something else entirely?
2. How long do you have to pound the pavement as a comic before you start making it?
3. What's a fair deal structure today between comics and managers, and where do you see comics get taken advantage of?
4. How do you level up from a self-built regional comedy career without just being told to "do more content" or "network more"?
5. How do you protect creative momentum when life gets busy and full of other important things?
6. When you read a comedy script or watch a comedy movie, what matters more to you: the jokes or the overall story and characters?
7. In such a competitive industry, how can an editor stand out for a better chance of getting hired for a job?

Josh Adam Meyers is a comedian with the energy of a rock star and the instincts of a stand up.

His comedy is loud, unpredictable, personal, and built around a fearless stage presence. He’s spent years carving out his own lane in comedy, bringing together storytelling, absurdity, music, and an unapologetic point of view.

He’s also the creator of The Goddamn Comedy Jam, proving that for Josh, comedy has never really needed to stay in one box.

Zoe Friedman has spent decades helping shape the comedy industry from behind the scenes. From discovering and developing stand up talent to booking for The Late Show with David Letterman, leading talent development at Comedy Central, and working with Jimmy Kimmel Live! Her influence has reached every level of comedy.

Today, as the co-founder and CEO of Comedy Gives Back, she continues to advocate for comedians by providing resources, support, and a stronger foundation for the comedy community.

Questions answered in this episode of Ask Me Anything:

• What are the tells in a tape or video link that immediately signal real comic maturity to you?

• When a comedian earns a one-month residency by getting passed, booking an audition, or winning a contest, what does that mean for their career?
• I'll be doing my first comedy club audition this summer — what key advice do you have?
• Do you think you need a big ego to survive in the entertainment industry?
• How do I practice comedy? (I tried saying my jokes into the mirror, but that doesn't give me any insight on what needs to be improved.
• Who do you think today in the mainstream is pushing boundaries?
  

Adam Conover started out doing sketch comedy and stand-up before landing at CollegeHumor, where his sharp, curious style quickly stood out. That eventually led to Adam Ruins Everything, the show that put him on the map and helped carve out his unique voice, mixing comedy with a love of asking questions and challenging conventional wisdom.

Earthquake, is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and radio personality known for his commanding stage presence, booming voice, and sharp observations on everyday life. Before comedy, he served in the U.S. Air Force and worked various jobs while developing his act.He built his career by touring relentlessly, becoming one of the most respected comedians on the road long before mainstream fame. His stand-up specials, television appearances, and roles in films and sitcoms earned him a devoted following, and he remains a major influence on generations of comedians. Earthquake is widely admired for his authenticity, impeccable timing, and ability to connect with audiences through relatable, real-life storytelling.

Yohay Sponder is an Israeli stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer who has become one of the most recognizable English-language comedians to emerge from Israel. Sponder began performing stand-up after his military service and quickly established himself at clubs throughout Tel Aviv.

His performances have earned him a worldwide audience, making him one of the leading voices in contemporary Israeli stand-up comedy.

In this episode, we talk about the challenges of producing complex shows, the difference between who comedians are onstage and offstage, and what it’s like working with agents from a manager’s perspective.

In this episode, Faizon Love reflects on starting stand up comedy at just 15 years old, pursuing a career before his family even knew he was performing. He shares stories from his early days at the legendary Apollo Theater with Steve Harvey, the lessons he learned coming up in the business, and what it was like working alongside Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart on film sets.It’s a conversation about taking chances early, learning through experience, and building a career in entertainment one opportunity at a time.

In this episode, we sit down with Erica Rhodes to discuss the experiences that led her into comedy, including how a failed audition unexpectedly pushed her toward performing at her first open mic. She shares how she displayed natural comic timing from a young age and how those early experiences helped shape her path as a comedian.

We talk about the impact of her popular Don’t Tell Comedy sets and how opportunities like those can help comedians reach new audiences and grow their careers. Erica also shares insights into the evolving challenge of stand-up, explaining how “killing” on stage can feel inconsistent as your standards and expectations rise over time.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of being a comedian and staying true to your voice while building a lasting career in comedy.