First Mic

Tanya Vora doesn't wing anything. Before her first open mic in July 2023, she recorded herself practicing in her closet, showed up at The Attic early to visualize the stage, and went ninth on the lineup so she wouldn't have to go first. She also Googled what a "tight five" was the week before — because she thought it meant five jokes. She was wrong. She was also great. The comic who followed her, Chris Toiloi, told the room he couldn't believe it was her first time. In this episode of First Mic, Tanya sits down with Ira Cross at Rehab Tavern to talk about moving from Startup Weekend pitch competitions into stand-up, running Brats (the women-centered mic at Space Bar), building Spice Up (her live show where comics interview chefs while the audience eats), the Picasso theory of why year-one comics aren't supposed to be polished yet, and the one thing every headliner she's ever asked said made their career. 🎙️ First Mic is the podcast where Columbus comedians share the story of their first time on stage — the bombs, the lessons, and the moment they got hooked. 📍 Recorded at Rehab Tavern — shout out for hosting us. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Thursday. 🎙️ Follow Tanya: Instagram/TikTok: @tanya.vohra YouTube: Tanya Vohra Spice Up: @spiceupeats Mic: @bratscomedy

LeRon Crowder is the reason First Mic exists. Before this podcast was a podcast, he and Ira Cross sat in a Columbus library sketching the idea out on dry erase boards like a couple of professors. This is his first mic story — and it starts with Tony Rock at a Cheesecake Factory telling him, "You need to get on stage." After two years of driving up to open mics, looking at comedians like "dorks and dweebs," and turning his car back around, a divorce and a need for something tangible to grab onto finally pushed LeRon through the door. He hasn't stopped since. In this episode, LeRon sits down with Ira Cross at Rehab Tavern to talk about starting The Green Room podcast at iHeart with his brother Mark Gordon, how Tony Rock planted the seed that became a career, being 40 in a scene full of kids, why work ethic matters more than punchlines, raising four young children while chasing stand-up, and his wildly unserious take on his favorite Columbus comics (Tyson Colson, Josh Albert, Jason Banks, Henry Allen — sorry in advance, fellas).   🎙️ First Mic is a podcast where Columbus comedians share the story of their first time on stage — the bombs, the lessons, and the moment they got hooked.   📍 Recorded at Rehab Tavern, 456 West Town Street, Franklinton. Go give them your money. 🎤 Follow LeRon Crowder: Instagram: @leroncrowder Facebook: LeRon Crowder   🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week and get a front-row seat to the Columbus comedy scene. What's the piece of advice someone gave you that changed your whole trajectory? Drop it below.

Def Goldblum is a Columbus-based music comedian, open mic host, and show producer who brings guitar, keyboard, and an absurd love of Facebook Marketplace to every stage he touches. On this episode of First Mic, he sits down with Ira Cross to talk about growing up on Redd Foxx records and George Carlin albums, stepping on stage for the first time at Scully's Music Diner right after COVID, and building a comedy career in one of the Midwest's most underrated comedy cities. Def breaks down why writing about everything — even the topics other comics have already covered — is the real path to finding your comedic voice. He shares why he tells new comics to produce their own shows if they want to understand why they're not getting booked, and why self-promotion is the part of comedy nobody wants to do but everybody needs. He also talks about his upcoming comedy rock opera live recording, his shows Date Night with Def and Late Night Double Feature, and the comedian who pushed him over the edge into music comedy: Dennis Blair, George Carlin's longtime opener. Filmed live at Rehab Tavern in Franklinton, Columbus, Ohio. First Mic is a podcast where we talk to comics about their first time on stage. Follow Def Goldblum: @defgoldblum_ across social media Subscribe to First Mic for new episodes every week. Columbus standup comedy, music comedian, open mic tips, comedy podcast, Def Goldblum, First Mic, Ira Cross, Columbus Ohio comedy scene, comedy advice for beginners, how to get booked comedy, Rehab Tavern, Independent Comedy Collective, comedy rock opera

Jules Wagner didn't plan on being a comic — her therapist basically prescribed it. After a cancer diagnosis, chemo, and a brutal first attempt at stand-up in Virginia Beach surrounded by frat bros, Jules walked away from comedy entirely. Then she moved to Columbus, gave it one more shot at Crescent Lounge on February 29th, 2023 — and three mics in, Johnny Collins gave her a piece of advice that reshaped her entire approach: "It's never the room. It's always you." In this episode of First Mic, Jules sits down with Ira Cross at Rehab Tavern to talk about getting sucked into the Columbus comedy scene, why knowing yourself makes you funnier, the class that started it all (shout out Paul Stelzer at hashtag Comedy Club), running the Independent Comedy Collective, why she's mean as hell to hecklers and they love her for it, and the "thread head" life. 🎙️ First Mic is a podcast where Columbus comedians share the story of their first time on stage — the bombs, the lessons, and the moment they got hooked. 📍 Recorded at Rehab Tavern — shout out for hosting us. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week and get a front-row seat to the Columbus comedy scene. Follow Jules: - Instagram: @julesmwagner - TikTok: @noteuphoriajules - Threads: @julesmwagner

He got in trouble at 10 years old for saying something he definitely shouldn't have to his mom — and the punishment changed everything. Locked out of TV, Jarrel Beaman found an old iPod and fell into a rabbit hole of Richard Pryor albums, Def Jam, Comedy Central Presents, and even Bob Hope. By the time he was 16, he'd been secretly battle-testing material in lunchrooms and on the back of the bus — getting paid a dollar per story — before walking into his high school talent show with zero stage experience and ripping it in front of 300 people. Now the Dayton, Ohio comic has performed at the Apollo Theater, crushed a Kill Tony set at the Mothership (after signing up five times), and calls Columbus his second home. In this conversation with Ira Cross, Jarrel breaks down why studying comics you don't even find funny is the real cheat code, how bombing gives you a Dragon Ball Z-style Zenkai boost, and why the scariest stage he's ever stood on had millions watching instead of hundreds. What's the first thing that made YOU fall in love with comedy — a special, a live show, or someone funny in your life? Drop it in the comments. 🎙️ Follow Jarrel Beaman: @jerrelscomedy on Instagram & TikTok

Alex Maluchnik's first joke ever was so bad he quit comedy for 10 years. Now he's opened for his childhood hero. In this episode of First Mic, Alex tells the story of the worst possible first open mic — following a woman's heartbreaking poem about trauma and addiction with "Hey, we told you we're sorry about all that." The room booed. He didn't touch a stage again for a decade. Then, on a bad Tinder date at an open mic, he watched 12 comics bomb in a row and thought: "Well fuck, I can do that." He texted his roommate to photograph his joke notebook — "It needs to happen in the next seven minutes or I'm never gonna follow my dreams." What you'll learn: Why bombing your first time doesn't mean you should quit (but maybe take a break) The mental shift that accelerates your comedy career Why you should NEVER shit talk the room you're in What it really costs to leave a high-paying career for comedy Alex also shares the full-circle moment of opening for Mike Birbiglia — the same comedian whose Comedy Central Presents he watched 30 times as a 14-year-old. 🎙️ Where to find Alex Maluchnik: Instagram: @maluchnik Facebook: Alex Maluchnik TikTok: @alexmaluchnikcomedy 📍 Filmed at Rehab Tavern, Columbus OH 💬 What's something you quit and came back to years later? Drop it in the comments!

A dishwasher on a smoke break delivered Sam Fisher's first heckle. His advice for new comics? Stop grading yourself mid-set. Sam Fisher thought he had a killer five-minute set ready for his first open mic at Da Vinci's Pizza in Midtown Atlanta. He starved himself all day, planning to reward himself with a slice after crushing it. Two hours later, he was bombing so hard a dishwasher yelled at him from the patio—and he was too sick to eat anyway. Connect with Sam Fischer: Instagram: @SamFisherComedy YouTube: Sam Fisher Standup 🎙️ What's the worst heckle you've ever witnessed? Drop it in the comments!

Alex Harshaw told a room full of elite NPR interns he was a standup comedian. He had never done standup in his life. In this episode of First Mic, Alex shares how a panic move at an internship icebreaker in Washington DC forced him into his first open mic — with 14 coworkers watching him bomb. From growing up on Comedy Central Presents to having Chappelle specials on his iPod Classic, Alex breaks down what actually got him hooked on comedy and why "having fun" is the most important advice he can give. What you'll learn: Why going somewhere "nobody knows you" can backfire spectacularly The difference between being funny conversationally vs. on stage How to keep showing up when open mics get rough Why making yourself laugh matters more than the audience Alex also talks about his Yellow Springs connection to Dave Chappelle and the magic of Comedy Central Presents that started it all. 🎙️ Where to find Alex Harshaw: YouTube: Alex Harshaw Instagram: @alexharshaw All socials: @alexharshaw 📍 Filmed at Rehab Tavern, Columbus OH 💬 Have you ever told a lie that you then had to make true? Drop it in the comments!

Allison McBane walked out of a 13-year marriage, read some books, and realized she'd been abused without knowing it. Her first instinct? Make jokes about it. In this episode of First Mic, Allison shares how growing up obsessed with Robin Williams — singing the Aladdin opening with full accent and a bowl cut — led to a comedy career she didn't start until after her divorce. She brought SEVEN friends to her first open mic (knowing zero comics), went all-in on physical comedy without knowing she "should have been nervous," and was doing musical comedy within two weeks. Why processing trauma through jokes can be a sign you're meant for comedy The power of bringing friends to your first open mic How to stay yourself on stage when you're tempted to emulate others Why standup is both a drug and a sickness Allison also talks about her show "Tattoos and Tarot" — combining standup comedy with tarot readings — and why creating unique experiences is the key to getting audiences out. 🎙️ Where to find Allison McBane: Instagram: @allisonmcbane (personal/shows) Instagram: @tattoosandtarot (show page) 📍 Filmed at Rehab Tavern, Columbus OH 💬 What's something painful you learned to laugh about? Drop it in the comments!

Tony Cruz was so high at his first open mic he forgot every joke he wrote. What happened next almost made him quit comedy forever. Tony Cruz walked into his first open mic at the Shrunken Head in 2018 after getting high on free weed in the back patio. When the lights hit his face, he forgot every single joke he'd written. Seven years later, he's one of Columbus's most consistent comics. In this episode, Tony breaks down his journey from being a painter who thought his life was "too boring for comedy" to developing a style that lets him take massive swings on race, politics, and identity - and actually land them. Tony B Cruz has been doing standup in Columbus, Ohio for 7 years. Known for his crowd work and willingness to take big swings, he regularly performs at The Attic Comedy Club, Rehab Tavern, and venues across Ohio. Find him @TonyBCruz on Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook. 💬 Question for you: What's the most nervous you've ever been before doing something for the first time? Drop it in the comments! 🎙️ First Mic is a podcast where we talk to comics about their first time on stage. New episodes weekly. SUBSCRIBE for more comedian interviews and behind-the-scenes comedy stories.

Drunk strangers kept asking Audrey Soper "Do you do comedy?" while she hosted trivia. She didn't. But maybe there was something there. In this episode of First Mic, Audrey shares her unconventional path from trivia host to standup comedian — including skipping ALL her classes on the first day of spring semester at OSU to do her first open mic in a dank, moldy basement. Her first joke? Walking up in a schoolgirl outfit with a raccoon beanie and saying "I promise you, I don't think that you guys are important." Why hosting trivia is basically comedy training How low the stakes REALLY are at open mics Why not knowing "what bad to look for in yourself" can actually help The bizarre phenomenon of not being able to read on stage Audrey also reveals her secret: she brings a joke book on stage as a PROP because she literally cannot read while performing. "Hi, I'm Audrey. I'm 30 years old and I can't fucking read." 🎙️ Where to find Audrey Soper: Instagram: @audreysoper Facebook: Audrey Soper 📍 Filmed at Rehab Tavern, Columbus OH 💬 Has a stranger ever told you to pursue something you weren't doing yet? Drop it in the comments!

legally blind comedian reveals how losing his sight pushed him onto the stage—and why he crushed his very first open mic. When Larry Danflows started losing his vision, he found an unexpected lifeline: comedy. In this episode of First Mic, Larry shares his journey from improv classes during COVID to killing his first standup showcase—all while navigating progressive vision loss. About Larry: Larry Danflows is a Columbus-based comedian who started doing standup after COVID. Despite being legally blind, he brings infectious energy and sharp material to every stage. Follow him on Instagram and Facebook @LarryDanflows. Drop a comment: What's the biggest obstacle you've had to overcome to pursue something you love?

Freddie Simone always had a "back end fantasy" of doing comedy. But she thought: "No little black fat girl from Columbus." Then she saw Whoopi Goldberg. In this episode of First Mic, Freddie shares how free headshots from a photographer friend led to a comedy workshop, which led to her first open mic, which led to a Funny Bone graduation show where the ENTIRE room screamed her name. "It felt natural as fuck. This is where I'm supposed to be." What you'll learn: Why your coworkers begging you to come back from vacation might be a sign How divine intervention can line everything up when you're ready Why vulnerability ("we all fucking fart") connects with audiences The advice she wishes new comics would hear: NO MORE DICK JOKES Freddie also drops her realest advice: "Tell me how you fixed a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with no peanut butter and one piece of bread, which a grandma yelling at you. Give me extreme, unique situations." 🎙️ Where to find Freddie Simone: Instagram: @freddie.simone TikTok: @freddie.simone / @columbusown Facebook: Freddie Simone Website: freddiesimone.com Podcast: Enlightened Idiot (Saturdays 10 PM on YouTube) 📍 Filmed at Rehab Tavern, Columbus OH 💬 What did people tell you that you should do before you actually did it? Drop it in the comments!

Xavier G. Dunson went from being the unfunny kid who got roasted by his siblings to running comedy workshops and killing on Columbus stages. In this episode of First Mic, Xavier breaks down his unconventional path into standup — from stealing Chris Rock jokes as a kid (badly), to surviving middle school roast sessions, to finding his voice through Ohio State's 4Floor Improv. He shares the mindset shift that changed everything: "You either learn or you win." What you'll learn: Why genuine failure beats playing it safe How to develop your voice without copying your heroes The "put it on ice" technique for jokes that aren't landing When you're actually ready to deliver material you've been sitting on Xavier also drops gems about the pressure that comes with establishing yourself — and why newer comics have advantages they don't realize. 🎙️ Where to find Xavier G. Dunson: Instagram: @xaviergdunson TikTok: @xaviergdunson YouTube: Xavier G. Dunson 📍 Filmed at Rehab Tavern, Columbus OH 💬 What's a skill you had to fail at repeatedly before it clicked? Drop it in the comments!

She lost her cousin who always pushed her to try comedy. What happened at that first open mic changed everything. 🎤 Sista Lu opens up about the moment that finally pushed her onto a comedy stage, what it's really like running a weekly show in Columbus, and the unwritten rules that can make or break your comedy career. About Sista Lu: Sista Lu (Live Unapologetic) runs a weekly comedy show at The Attic Comedy Club every Wednesday night in Columbus, Ohio. She's created a space where comics can workshop material, make mistakes safely, and grow — whether you're a seasoned pro or doing your first five minutes. Find Sista Lu: 📱 Instagram: @SistaLuComedy 📺 YouTube: Sista Lu Question for you: What's stopping YOU from trying that thing you've been putting off? Drop a comment below. 👇

Talk about cold-blooded: The trucking company Steven Hobson worked for made employees wait outside in winter, brought them in one by one AFTER clocking in, then fired them. That corporate cruelty pushed him into comedy - and Columbus is better for it.In just 10 months, Steven went from his first terrifying open mic at Hashtag (where only 3 comics showed up) to becoming what many call a "Columbus comedy staple." His journey includes witnessing one of the most legendary open mic disasters ever: a comic named Garrett who roasted everyone before him, claimed it was "time for real comedy," then bombed so hard that Hannah Rome sent Xavier G. Dunson back on stage just to destroy him.Steven shares the real path through comedy - bombing at Summit while Miko heckled him about his "big ass notepad," getting advice from Xavier about workshopping, and finally breaking through at Hashtag with a dark joke about his grandmother's death that got his first real laugh. Plus, hear how Tyson Colson's advice to "sit down and get comfortable" changed everything.His advice for new comics? "It's a marathon, not a sprint. Anyone can quit - it takes real guts to get back on stage after a month off." As Uncle Murph says: "You go to open mics to get good, then at shows it's time to BE good." About Steven Hobson: Stand-up comedian based in Columbus, Ohio. Former truck driver who started comedy after being laid off. In 10 months, became a fixture in the Columbus comedy scene. Known for his consistent presence at open mics and shows across the city. What pushed you to finally start your dream? Drop it below 👇 🎭 Website: stephenhobsoncomedy.com 📱 Instagram/TikTok/YouTube: @shobson2080 🔔 Subscribe for more comedy journeys

Depression brought Tia Santamaria to comedy, but what she found was so much more - an acting career, a community, and some hard truths about being a woman in a male-dominated scene. From sneaking downstairs to listen to Comic View as a kid to bombing with an abortion joke on Mother's Day, Tia's journey is refreshingly honest. In this conversation, she breaks down the reality of "pretty privilege" in comedy ("I wear sweats to open mics and still get hit on"), why male comics who claim friendship usually want something else, and how she navigates different audiences - from Gen X crowds who don't understand her references to church crowds who definitely don't want certain jokes. But here's what makes Tia different: she's not just a comic. She acts, produces, and recognizes that comedy needs more than just "the funny guy." Her advice? You don't have to be on stage to be part of comedy. Sometimes the best role is supporting others, and there's nothing wrong with that. About Tia Santamaria: Stand-up comedian, actress, and producer in Columbus. Started comedy through depression, found acting simultaneously. Known for honest takes on being a woman in comedy and technical approach to performance. What's your take on "pretty privilege" in your field? Drop it below 👇 🎭 Follow Tia: @tiasantamaria on all platforms 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCTyvh70RoszgujPm2AZzHTQ 🔔 Subscribe for more raw comedy conversations

Sometimes quitting is exactly what your comedy career needs. Dusty Estepp spent four years trying stand-up before admitting what David Letterman did: "I was terrible at it." But that's not where his story ends - it's where it actually begins. At 35, it took his friend with cystic fibrosis literally dragging him to Surly Girl's open mic to finally pursue the dream he'd written about in 6th grade. After years of bombing, Dusty discovered his real talent wasn't on stage - it was in the creative collaboration behind the scenes. Now running Would Be Productions, Dusty has a radical philosophy: no friendships without collaboration, no collaboration without friendship. "I don't do anything alone," he says, and he means it. From his Linda Ronstadt-inspired view on creativity ("love is a rose but you better not pick it") to why structure kills art, this conversation challenges everything about "grinding" your way to comedy success. We dive deep into the validation addiction of that first laugh, why creativity can't be scheduled, and how his DJ father's "it's who you know" advice shaped his entire approach. Plus, hear why he's actively avoiding fame while building something bigger behind the scenes. About Dusty Estepp: Former stand-up comedian who quit after four years to focus on creative collaboration. Founded Would Be Productions, works with Jason Banks on viral content. Believes creativity can't be forced and refuses to work alone. What's your take on quitting to find success? Drop it below 👇 🎬 Follow: @wouldbeproductions (all platforms) 🎤 Personal: @dustyestepp on Instagram 🔔 Subscribe for more unconventional comedy journeys Shoutout: Rehab Tavern - Our official unofficial sponsor Brandon Goodyear - The setup wizard

Comedian Josh Albert gets brutally honest about the comedy journey, from sitting in his car for 30 minutes after his first open mic to performing 5-6 nights a week. A military veteran who started comedy at 28, Josh breaks down the difference between Kansas City and Columbus comedy scenes, why you need "the right amount of delusion," and how to know when people are lying about your "great set." About Josh Albert: Stand-up comedian based in Columbus, Ohio. Military veteran who started comedy at 28 after being stationed in Kansas City. Now performs 5-6 nights a week across Ohio and brings KC comics to Columbus for shows. What's your post-performance ritual? Share below 👇 🎤 Follow Josh: @jalbert_comedy on Instagram, Josh Albert on Facebook 🔔 Subscribe for more raw comedy conversations

Comedian and Vicious Vixens producer August Ulrey gets brutally honest about navigating comedy as a woman in Columbus. From Taylor Tomlinson inspiring her journey to confronting sexual harassment off stage, she breaks down why it takes 2 years to earn respect, why dating comics is a mistake, and how women can find their power in male-dominated rooms. About August Ulrey: Stand-up comedian and producer of Vicious Vixens, a comedy show highlighting female voices in Columbus. Known for her sharp wit and no-nonsense approach to navigating the comedy scene as a woman. 🎤 Follow August: https://www.instagram.com/auggblog/ https://www.tiktok.com/@auggblogs 🔔 Subscribe for more raw comedy conversations What's your experience with comedy community acceptance? Drop it below 👇

Comedian Jason Banks reveals his unconventional path from telling jokes to Target coworkers to pitching shows to Netflix, Fox, and Apple. From winning his first competition on day one to creating viral content stolen by every meme page, this raw conversation covers the reality of comedy success - including the controversial joke that almost ended his career before it started. Got a comedy disaster story? Share it below 👇 🎤 Follow Jason: @jasonbankscomedy (Instagram/TikTok) @jasonbankscomic (Twitter) 🔔 Subscribe for more comedian stories

Tyson Colson shares his unconventional journey from SoundCloud rapper to stand-up comic, including building a fake comedy stage in his bedroom where he performed to nobody for 2 years. From failing so badly the host turned off the camera to finding his voice in Columbus comedy, this raw conversation explores what it really takes to become yourself on stage. About Tyson Colson: Stand-up comedian based in Columbus, Ohio. Former SoundCloud rapper with 20,000 monthly Spotify listeners turned comedian. 21 years of performance experience across music, poetry, and acting before starting comedy at 32. What's your worst bombing story? Drop it in the comments  👇 🎤 Follow Tyson: @tysoncolsoncomedy on all platforms