Comedian Mike Rita: Turns out, being Portuguese was the whole joke

Comedian Mike Rita isn’t just a stand-up. He’s a naturally funny guy who also happens to be Portuguese. Born in Canada to immigrant parents, he grew up mimicking their voices and mannerisms as a way to connect with the adults around him. But for years he left that part of himself off stage… until, one day, someone called him on it and it changed everything. Mike’s presence carries the same raw honesty as the Portuguese immigrants who crossed oceans in search of a better life. But as host Tony Gonçalves recalls, his process isn’t all laughs. Before stepping on stage at the IPMAs, Mike was backstage, sunglasses on, sweating, pacing in silence. That moment stuck. Food plays a big part in his story too. In this episode, Mike shares some of his favorite (and very humble) meals from childhood. And yes, there’s bacalhau.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.