WAIM Pod #094 - Comedian JL Cauvin

JL Cauvin found solace in humor at a very young age. Growing up in the Bronx with a Haitian immigrant father and a commanding mother, JL’s childhood was filled with love, but was anything but calm. Life at home was volatile, so at a young age, JL began to make his mother laugh as a means of breaking the tension. Humor was a temporary, but effective salve against a life that was, at times, rife with difficulties.Even a young JL could see that humor was nothing more than a band-aid placed on a much larger problem, but the comedy helped to make life more manageable and reduced the stress of the family’s economic struggles, and the strains between his parents. After college, JL took his academic acumen to Georgetown Law School, where for the first time in his life he felt as though he might not be able to hack it. He shares a heartwarming story about confiding those fears to his father, and the surprisingly supportive response he received. Ultimately, JL would finish his law degree and then turn to pursue a career in comedy. During our chat, JL talks about the ups and downs of his comedy career, and delves into the genesis of the “JL Jinx” a running gag in the Cauvin universe that features tales of JL’s bad luck in showbiz. The origin story for the JL Jinx begins with a big break and a headlining comedian. It ends in a shocking death.JL had always had a keen ear and talent for impressions, but after finishing second place in a stand-up competition at the beginning of his time in comedy, he shelved his terrific impression work for 14 years. Thankfully, he re-engaged with his impression work and perfected his version of Donald Trump that began to catapult his career during the pandemic. Unfortunately, the algorithms at Twitter and Facebook punished JL for his send ups of Trump, and immediately upon finding a massive audience, he once again saw the JL Jinx rip his luck away as his audiences on social media dwindled.Still, JL presses on with his comedy career, a full time law gig, and a possible run for Congress next year. He is also going to begin airing new episodes of his terrific podcast, Rain On Your Parade in the coming weeks. Be sure to subscribe now. Amongst the humor, we also discuss the housing crisis, and talk about the Priest who first convinced him to try his hand at stand up. JL wonders if being the funny guy in the room makes you everyone’s acquaintance but nobody’s friend. And I even get the chance to ask President Trump a few questions about his plans for arts funding in the United States during his regime.This conversation is thoughtful, hilarious, and wide ranging, very much like the mind of JL Cauvin. I sure you hope you dig it.Cheers,Matty C Get full access to What Am I Making at whatamimaking.substack.com/subscribe