The Business of Comedy with Sergio Novoa

I'm sitting down with Sergio Novoa, comedian and producer of Fresh Faces Comedy Show, known for one simple rule: book equal men and women, every show. We met at a New Faces competition in LA, and I knew I had to get him on the podcast.From growing up in Nicaragua dreaming of telenovelas to producing shows across Southern California, Sergio breaks down what comedians get wrong about the business, why funny alone isn't enough, and what Joan Rivers means to him. Real, refreshing, and packed with wisdom for anyone chasing the stage.⸻⏱️ Episode Timeline & Highlights[04:08] – Growing up in Nicaragua and falling in love with TV for the first time [09:25] – Moving out at 16 and staying in survival mode instead of chasing dreams [11:23] – Why every comedian needs "a little delusion, arrogance, and childhood trauma" [14:56] – Suzi on fast-tracking comedy at 70 with no time to waste [22:58] – Why Sergio's Fresh Faces rule #1 is equal men and women on every lineup [25:32] – A mic and a speaker do not make a comedy show [30:15] – The bringer club trap and what makes a show producer truly great [35:44] – "Put your name on a marquee, if tickets don't sell, you're not a headliner" [37:12] – Joan Rivers, a tattoo, and why you can always turn things around [47:24] – How Suzi got tricked into her very first open mic in South Carolina⸻Links & Resources Mentioned• Fresh Faces Comedy Show: FreshFacesComedyShow.com • Follow Sergio on Instagram: @thesergionovoa • Comedians mentioned: Gary Goldman, Felipe Esparza, Chelsea Handler, Mike Birbiglia, Joan Rivers • Suzi's upcoming show: Yellow Door, San Diego – End of August⸻Closing Thoughts.Like, subscribe, and share with a comedian who needs to hear this. See you next time!#suzichicago #sergionovoa #freshfacescomedy #sandiegocomedy #comedypodcast #womenincomedy #standupcomedy #comedybusiness #joanrivers #newcomics #comedyproducer #podcastinterview