Meet Glory Magana: Comedienne

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

Hi Glory, how do you think about risk?
First time I took a risk was when I was almost nine months old. I bit my mom’s hand with the little teeth I had to let go of me because apparently I thought I could walk at nine months. Well, she was right I couldn’t walk. I ran. My mom said she was surprised and stood still then it dawned on her that I was running, so she ran after me. My mother, who is no longer with us, said, “That’s when I said ‘Oh God really? The last kid you give me is a risk taker?’” (FYI I’m the 15th child) All my life I’ve been a risk taker. Had I not been a risk taker I wouldn’t be pursuing my dream of being a stand-up comedienne. I would be the old school traditional Mexican woman whose sole commitment is to take care of her husband and children. That lifestyle never appealed to me, but entertaining did. I remind myself often that there was a reason why I ran and not walked when I was nine months. Being a risk taker has helped me make friends, travel to places I’d never imagine traveling to, get college athletic scholarships, leave toxic relationships (romantic and non-romantic), and lastly..pursue my dream.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I look different. I’m a 39 year old Mexican-American woman that stands at a petite 5 feet, 12 inches tall. I come from a large Mexican family and pursuing the art of standup comedy and not having a 9-5 job with benefits is a joke. Or as my late mother used to say “Your dad and I came to this country for you to have a better life and you chose to be a clown??” Whomp whomp! Love you too momma! I am the youngest of 15 children as well as being the only one not married or with children in my family. I am proud to be the coolest tía (aka auntie) to my nieces and nephews. I make sure to let them know how important it is to pursue their dream even if it is to be a ‘clown.’ “You better be the best clown in town if you’re going to be one,” I tell them *followed by a silly dance* I just made my 9th year in comedy and I’m at a pivotal time in my career, waiting for a sugar daddy, oops I mean a MANager to invest into my career. I am confident in myself, in my brand, and in God that I will be discovered. Even if it is to be a clown in a circus. I will be the best clown in town! *doing silly dance*

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?
I am from the Central Valley (Modesto). People be sleeping on my town. Yes I can take them to San Francisco (1.5 hrs away) or to the capital, Sacramento (1 hour away), but I’d rather not. If you came to visit me in Modesto I’d take you to the Jessica’s taco truck in downtown Modesto. I’d suggest to get 4 tacos of carne asada or a super burrito with carne asada as well. If you’re into mariscos (seafood), we’d go to my friends moms house because she makes the best red spicy agua chile estilo (style) Sinaloense (from the Mexican state of Sinaloa). Make sure to get a tostada, spread mayonnaise on top of it (trust me it minimizes the spice), then add the agua chile on top and you’re solid! If you’re a beer kinda person make sure to stop at the local brewery Contentment Brewing Company to get a taste of all the beer the owners make, but really taste my fave the Piña Coolada. The classic movie “American Graffiti” directed by fellow Modestan George Lucas, was filmed in my town. We have a graffiti nights in June where you can see the coolest classic cars, as well as live music, and yummy food from local food trucks.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
God has been my go to. He has a great a sense of humor. He blessed me with a mother who was tough, petty, passive aggressive, yet loving all at the same time. Had it not been for my mom, I wouldn’t have thick skin, sarcasm, and wittiness.

Website: www.glorymagana.com

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Twitter: Glorymagana

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Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/GloryMagana

Image Credits
Soula & Damian Montes.