Meet Dana Goldberg | Comedian, writer, and activist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dana Goldberg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dana, how do you think about risk?
As an artist I take risks on a daily basis. I stand on stage in front of crowds from 50 to 100,000 people in some cases. Will they laugh, will they like my comedy? Am going to offend people? Am I making a difference? I think about these things a lot. Although, I think less about if I’m going to offend someone with my comedy than the other questions. I want to make people think, challenge their belief systems through humor. Comedians can be pretty vulnerable on stage. We process the world and our lives in a very public way on stage without the benefit of an editor. People will either love us or hate us, there is rarely an in between.

Taking risks is the only way to play this game. No one achieves their dreams playing it safe. The first real comedy gig I did, I auditioned for a show to perform in front of 650 people in a sold out theater…that is risk. I stand on stages, tell jokes and raise money so same sex couples can get married, trans youth can get the medical care they need, elder LGBTQ people will be protected in houses and benefits, this is all a risk. I have to hope that what I’m doing in the world is making a difference and I truly believe it is.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a professional comedian and writer, but I’ve also been given a gift of life auctioneering and money raising for non-profits around the country. I’m incredibly proud of the fact that I’ve raised over $50million for LGBTQ rights, abortion access, HIV/AIDS education and prevention, and so many other organizations.

So many people have said, “Oh, you picked a tough career!” But I didn’t. First of all, I feel like this chose me. Secondly, I believe when you’re doing what you’re supposed to be in life, doors open up. That’s doesn’t mean I haven’t had to knock a few down, but I’m grateful the opportunities continue to present themselves so I can make a difference and do what I love in this world. Make people laugh and create change.

I give people permission to laugh at things they don’t always give themselves permission to laugh at. So many people are worried about getting cancelled or offending someone. Listen, if you’re funny, you’re funny. I feel like a lot of comedians who are getting cancelled aren’t just offending people, they aren’t very funny and that a lethal combination to end a career.

I’m proud that my comedy isn’t offensive (unless you voted for Trump and then you’re not going to like the first 15 minutes or so of my show. You’ll be fine…breathe through it.” I recently performed in Rochester, NY (not to brag ;)) and I got an email from someone in the audience who is non-binary. They had recently come out and said that my comedy show was the safest they have ever felt in a public setting. That is a compliment I won’t soon forget and something I’m very proud of. I want to challenge people, but I want to foster an environment where people feel safe and welcome no matter who they are.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh my goodness. We are starting at Sycamore Kitchen for brunch. I love that place. I would eat every damn thing on the menu if I could. Assuming they came in town on a Sunday, we would stroll over to Larchmont to grab a coffee and walk around the farmer’s market. Assuming it’s a nice day, we would take a drive down to the ocean, park between Santa Monica and Venice so we could get the best of both world. After we caught a west coast sunset, we would walk up to The Anchor on Main and have a truffle lobster roll. The owner is fantastic and the food never disappoints.

Weekdays would include some pickleball at Plummer park with my Lez Pickleball crew, coffee after at Javista on Santa Monica, and then a great lunch somewhere in West Hollywood. This might be more for the people watching than anything else. Dinner at Terroni’s at least once during the week. I would also take them to Dunsmoor in east LA. It’s f*cking amazing! Farm to table food, you can sit up at the chef’s counter and watch them make everything. It’s incredible. If you haven’t figured it out yet, you’ll gain at least 5lbs if you come to visit me in LA. I make some killer drinks, so cocktails at my apartment before dinner!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Every single person who buys a ticket to a show, downloads a podcast, laughs at a joke, listens to me on the radio, books me for a gig…all of these people deserve a shoutout for contributing to my success. I wouldn’t be where I am without an audience who truly loves and supports me.

Website: www.danagoldberg.com

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Image Credits
Irene Young