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

Hi Kelly, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
At 30 I was in a completely different career. I had worked in renewable energy for about 11 years and my last couple years was in the finance sector. I was making great money but I was absolutely miserable. It felt like the creative part of my brain was dying every day and my depression had come back in FULL FORCE to the point where I thought about removing myself from life every day. My brother had just gotten a show picked up with Jim Jefferies and I reached out, jokingly at first, “you got any jobs for me? PA? I’ll get coffee and be so good at it!”

I took a $110,000 pay cut and started as a PA. Best decision I ever made for my mental health. It truly saved my life. I miss having money- but I don’t miss the agony of doing something I hated every day.

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.
When I changed careers it was really important for me to establish my own relationships and own name. My brother and I barely spoke to each other at work the first season of the show- simply because I didn’t want anyone to treat me differently (feel like they have to suck up) for that relationship. I wanted people to see that I worked hard and was good at my job, I wasn’t there for a free ride. Eventually I was approached by one of the supervising producers who said, “hey Comedy Central wants a podcast- you’re going to produce it.” I learned how to do that by trial and error for sure. Taught myself how to edit and jumped in the deep end, which is really the best thing to do for my brain. I can easily talk myself out of trying new things by telling myself “let me learn how to do x,y, or z first”. I don’t like not having everything figured out before I start- which is why being pushed into this was so important. It truly has taught me so much about just going for it and doing things afraid.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Do we have to leave my house? I’m 37 and tired. Just kidding. Sort of. I love a patio with an ambiance or a view. The Castaway in Burbank has such stunning views of the valley that I love going there for drinks. The Magic Castle quickly became one of my favorite places ever. Never saw myself as a magic fan (big illusions on stage don’t do it for me)- but close up magic?!?! WTF is this wizardry? I’m also most likely taking them to a comedy show, because of course!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family who has supported all my crazy schemes, my brother who urged me to get into comedy for 10 years before I finally did and Jim Jefferies for taking a chance on me!

Instagram: @kellyblackheart

Other: TikTok: @kelly_blackheart

Image Credits
Live show photos: Isaac Heckert

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