Episode 344: Alex Mackenzie

Alex Mackenzie is a world-renowned standup comedian from Prince George British Columbia. He is currently in Prince George as the final stop of the Hungry For Laughs Comedy Tour, which is this Saturday, November 23rd at the CN Centre. Grab your tickets for the show at https://bit.ly/HungryForLaughsPrinceGeorge Alex’s journey to becoming a comedian is anything but traditional. At just 18, he earned a certificate in pulp and paper technology and began working in a local pulp mill. Over three years, he transitioned to studying Power Engineering, a field he practiced for another three years, but the work left him feeling unfulfilled. Seeking something different, Alex embarked on a four-year apprenticeship at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, training as an Industrial Instrumentation Mechanic. While he enjoyed the learning process, the monotony of the work left him yearning for more. By societal standards, Alex had achieved success early: he bought his first home at 20, drove a nice car, and secured a six-figure job. Yet, he felt trapped in a cycle of working long hours to pay bills for a life that didn’t bring him joy. Everything changed when, shortly after his 26th birthday, Alex stumbled into stand-up comedy.What began as a fun outlet quickly turned into a consuming passion. Starting with monthly performances at local venues, Alex soon found himself opening for touring comedians. The experience of meeting professionals who made a living doing what they loved inspired him to dream bigger. When a comedy club opened in his hometown, Alex dove headfirst into the craft, performing regularly—sometimes multiple times a night—and touring with some of Canada’s most celebrated comedians.Driven by a newfound sense of purpose, Alex made a bold decision. He left his 12-year career, sold his house and belongings, and moved into an RV with his loyal dog, Finley. Together, they hit the road, embracing a life of adventure and comedy. Since then, Alex has performed coast to coast, entertained audiences in multiple countries, and appeared at some of the world’s biggest comedy festivals. His inspiring story has even caught the attention of national media.Through his popular YouTube vlog, Alex documents his transition to professional comedy, starting from the day he quit his job. He also connects with fans on his podcast, where he interviews fellow comedians, and on TikTok, where his jokes and stories have earned over 40 million views. Across Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, Alex shares his life on the road, inviting followers to join his comedic journey.With boundless optimism and an adventurous spirit, Alex continues to explore what it means to truly live, encouraging others to laugh along the way.