Meet Julia Austin | standup comedian

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

Hi Julia, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
This is a terrific question because I would say every three years or so, like clockwork, I give serious thought to giving up standup comedy. It’s hard not to when you make as many sacrifices as we make to pursue this. I still have a day job, and when everyone else is winding down for the evening, maybe making dinner with family and firing up Netflix, I’m heading out for my second job of running around to comedy gigs for another four or five hours. On weekends, I have to say no to a lot of social plans because I have gigs. I gave up a “normal life” to do this, so every few years I have a crisis of…faith?? Like a “Is it worth it?? Why am I doing this??” And, usually, when these times come, I take a mini break. For me, that’s really like…just taking five or six days off (when you perform twice a night usually, that’s a big break! lol!) And usually, by day 3 or 4…I’m bursting with ideas that I just feel compelled to go perform and share with audiences. Sometimes I even feel a little depressed by the end of the break because I just miss doing comedy so damn much. It’s those cycles — considering quitting, taking a break, feeling empty without it — when I remember I don’t do this for results, achievements, money etc…I do it because it’s literally what I’m here to do. So, if people are wondering if they should quit, I always say — try it for a week or two and see how it feels. For some, it feels amazing, and they never go back. That was a valuable lesson for them. My lesson has been the opposite.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Still doing this after 11 years of ups and downs is something I’m proud of in and of itself! You fight a lot of little mental battles. Comparing yourself to others. Doubting yourself. Honestly, humility, patience and perseverance are essential to stay with it so, I’m glad doing this has strengthened those traits in me. I am also proud of how I make people feel. A lot of newer comics say that I’m approachable and encouraging, and I’m happy to hear that. I remember feeling like the comedy community was such a cold and scary place when I was new, and that more advanced comics wouldn’t give me the time of day or really acted like I didn’t exist. But, we’re all still humans, ya know? It doesn’t have to be like that. I got into comedy to make people feel good, and that should extend to the other comedians with whom I interact. In terms of my actual standup act…my favorite material of mine brings levity to tough experiences. Death, divorce, depression — if I can discuss these topics and get a really deep, knowing laughter out of the audience, I think we’re all better for it. It helps us feel less powerless when we’re going through tough times. I also like people to feel like they’re really accessing me on stage like I’m not performing at them but having a conversation with them (but please don’t heckle me during my sets haha). Connectedness — maybe that’s the word that describes what I hope to create in doing this.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I guess I’d want to give them a sampling of a week in the life of me! That would definitely include a beer or two at Lawless Brewery, a super cool brewery right here in my neighborhood in Noho. It’s so dog-friendly, everyone is really nice, and it’s kind of our own little slice of heaven! It is our “Cheers,” “where everybody knows your name…” I’d take them to a show at either The Crow or Westside Comedy Theater in Santa Monica, which are both two great theaters that book me a lot and where I usually know half the people there. So it’s a show, and a hang! And while we were on the Westside, we’d cruise over to Fanatic Salon, another really unique comedy venue in Culver City. Tommy Mitchell is the owner and a good friend and just a very special person with lots of great stories to tell. Combined with all the good food options in and around Culver City, we’d do a pop-in to see Tommy and get a yummy meal. Maybe Titos tacos….

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband and Nicole Blaine (owner of The Crow comedy club in Santa Monica) are pretty much tied for first place of being the reason I’ve stayed in the pocket for as long as I have and had the achievements I’ve had. My husband is also a comedian, and while that doesn’t work for all couples, it’s been really a blessing for us. There are micro-moments and small milestones that only another comedian can fully understand. Being able to discuss those and process them with my husband has been great for my career AND our marriage. I never feel alone in those little victories that outsiders don’t recognize, and I never feel alone in the tough moments, either. Plus, because we’re both performers, I haven’t had to choose between my marriage and career. We can spend a Saturday night going to a comedy club together (we’re often booked together!), so we’re moving our careers forward and having a fun experience as a couple! Nicole Blaine has been my biggest cheerleader and advocate and I’ll never know what I did to deserve it but, she always has her ear to the ground for opportunities for me. Several years back I was in a festival she produced. My appearance in it put me in front of a Time Out LA writer who put me on a Top 10 comics in LA to watch list. Nicole has introduced me to amazing industry. Her club is something she created to continue to move forward the people she believes in and I’ve benefited from that in more ways than I can count.

Instagram: @JuliaAustinWasTaken

Youtube: @JuliaAustinComedy

Image Credits:
Pic 1: James Rios, IG Handle: @James_Rios_
Pic 2: Chris Garcia, IG: @Demeanor.Exposure
Pic 3) Matt Misisco. IG: @MattMisiscoStudios
Pic 4: Zoe Zakson IG @ZoeZakson