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

Hi Julia, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk has been the drive to take me to where I am now, and to push me to work harder every single day. After my mother passed away and I graduated college, I followed a safe path within entertainment and worked my way up the corporate ladder. I specifically worked in Casting, where I adored what I was doing, but a small part of me always felt like ‘If I had the courage, I would be an actor’. Once I had gotten to where I said I wanted to be (working at a streamer), I realized that I wasn’t happy no matter how much I was making and the “safe” route just made me feel a constant “what if” feeling. This “What If” led me to start doing standup for fun at nighttime after work, and my hobby soon became my entire life and I don’t regret it for a single second.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Getting to where I am now has not been the most traditional path. I started my entertainment career with the goal of becoming a Network Casting Director. I interned at Casting offices, worked at a talent agency (as an assistant), and eventually ended up working in Casting at a network which is where I ended my Casting career (at least for now) to become an actor/comedian. This is not really the most conventional route, and frankly, very unplanned.

After seeing the world of entertainment as an assistant in Hollywood? I realized we need a LOT more appreciation, patience, and recognition of EVERYONE in this industry. This has shaped how I operate as a performer now on the other side, because I don’t take a single person for granted. It makes me sad to realize how little everyone knows of the “other side”. Assistants are the hardest working ants in this little colony we call Hollywood, and I think I will carry that hustle attitude I had as an assistant with me throughout my whole career. If anyone is mean to, doesn’t acknowledge or does not appreciate an assistant? Red Flag.

But I got to see a lot of characters from that side of things and taught me the do’s and don’t’s of just being a good team player, and to work hard for not only yourself, but for all the people on your team.

Something I can share to promote and I’m proud of is I created a bi-coastal comedy show called “Cowabunga Comedy”, you can find us on Instagram under @cowabungacomedyshow

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?

Woaaaahhhhhh loaded question.

Drinks: Bar hop in Downtown Culver City, Perch LA, The Garage, Scarlet Lady Saloon, The Victorian, Juneshine, Bar EightyTwo, Scum and Villany

Comedy: Don’t Tell Comedy, Goat Show LA, Low Key Comedy Show

Workout: Saturday Stairs (Free workout at the Hollywood Bowl!!), Midnight Runners, Angel City Run Club, November Project

Eat: Dude… this is HARD…. Tatsu Ramen, Weirdoughs, Guisados, Tacos El Venado (North Hollywood), LaLa’s Argentinian

Coffee: (I’m a coffee slut) Go Get Em Tiger, Alfred’s, C&M Cafe

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Honestly I have so many people to thank for where I am right now, but I’d like to say my family. My dad in particular has been my number one cheerleader in this process. When I had been doing comedy for “fun” while working a corporate job with a lot of prestige he would always call me his “daughter the comedian” not “the daughter who works at ___” and that’s how I knew I was in the right place. He has 110% been the reason I’ve felt the courage to take the leap and I could not be a more proud daughter to call him my dad.

My brothers have always guided me and looked out for me like no one else ever could. I would be beyond lost without them in my life constantly pointing me on where to go, what to say, and certainly what NOT to say (to which, sometimes, I ignore hehe). Also for always calling me out when I’m being an idiot, which is often.

My Friends have also been so key to all of my success. They have supported me in my worst of shows, and never judged me for a second, in fact they kept pushing me to move forward and grace me with their patience of dealing with me constantly talking about comedy and shows

Lastly, my mom. She passed in 2018, but she really shaped who I am today. She was an immigrant from Argentina and really taught me that at the end of the day, nothing matters but family and those who love you which I try to present to the world. It’s not about the money, it’s about being a positive force upon the world. If my comedy can positively change at least one person’s day? Then I’ve done my duty for the day, and that feeling was largely influenced by my mom.

Website: julialinger.com

Instagram: julia_linger

Twitter: jcler55

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