Meet Leah Knauer: Actress/Comedian, Artist, & Co-Host of “Basic Witches” podcast

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

Hi Leah, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Every choice we make is a constant balance of risk versus reward. On my podcast “Basic Witches” that I co-host with Rachel Laforest, we often say an intuitive yes followed by fear is a sign you’re making the right move. We as humans are here to take chances, be bold, live out loud, and make the world a better place while we can. I have found that the biggest risks I’ve taken have given me the greatest rewards. For example, a few years ago I thought it would be hilarious if I tweeted at Kevin Smith for 278 consecutive days to get into his movie. A little annoying? Yes. A little crazy? Yes. The craziest part? It worked. Each day that I sent a tweet, I was risking several things: looking stupid or desperate, having Kevin Smith block and/or hate me. But the reward was that I learned how important it is to declare exactly, specifically what it is that you desire – no apologies, no justifications, no explanations. Announcing to the world, every day, what you want and knowing that you deserve it. Some days you may not *feel* like you deserve it, but I promise you do. I will always remember how surreal it felt going from tweeting every day, to then being in New Orleans on the set of “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot”. Kevin Smith told me on the day of shooting, “Let this be a lesson that persistence pays off.” It sure does, Kev. It sure does.

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.
My art is bright, funky, and feminist as f*ck. It’s witty and sassy and loud, with no apologies. Whether it’s in a painting, a scene in an improv show, or a short film – I love to express myself through wit and fun. I like to think of my paintings specifically as Elle Woods on an acid trip. If you gave me an MRI, you’d see that my brain is covered in neon colors and glitter. I am most excited about my oracle deck that I am currently making! It’s called the “LK Deck of Hearts” and I am putting my whole he(art) into it. It’s for holographic & shiny space babes that thrive off of color and sparkle! I want people to learn from my brand and story that anything is possible. You already have everything you’ll need to go after your dreams – today. The first step, and sometimes the hardest, is believing that you deserve all that you desire.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
8am – Hit the womxn-owned CCA dispensary in Silver Lake for their Early Bird deals 10am – Eat the best breakfast tacos of your entire life at HomeState 11:30am – Walk across the street to buy some unnecessary, but thoroughly amusing knick-knack gifts from Wacko’s 12pm – Get a cheesesteak (wit extra cheese) from Boo’s Cheesesteaks (I don’t care if you’re still full from breakfast) 2pm – Work off breakfast and lunch by hitting up a Poledancing or Twerkout class at Secret Pole Dance Studio in Culver City 4pm – Drive down the PCH right before sunset 5pm – Set up a blanket on the rocks in Malibu with grapes, cheeses and cheap wine from Trader Joe’s 6pm – Watch the sunset and enjoy sight-seeing for dolphins and/or Matthew McConaughey 7pm – Enjoy the beautiful lights of LA traffic 8pm – Still enjoying beautiful lights of LA traffic 9pm – Enjoying the lights of LA traffic a little less 10pm – Exhausted from traffic, go to In-N-Out for a protein-style burger, fries, and black & white shake 11pm – Get home and pop some of your finest CBD gummies 12pm – Fall asleep and get ready to do it all over again the next day Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout-out to the homies, the haters, and everyone in between. Shout-out to my inner critic for setting big dreams for myself. Shout-out to every positive review that made me felt seen, and every negative review that pushed me towards growth. Shout-out to every fan who personally messages to tell me how me and my art has changed their lives. Shout-out to my all-female musical improv team Adele Dazeem for being not only a comedy team, but a sisterhood. Shout-out to Rachel Laforest for co-birthing our magical baby, “Basic Witches” podcast. Shout-out to Kevin Smith and Wayne Brady and Conan O’Brien. Shout-out to my family, friends, and even acquaintances who ask what restaurant I waitress at when I tell them I’m an actress. Shout-out to my team, my ancestors, and my own intuition. Shout out to sushi and red velvet cupcakes and sparkling water. Shout-out to the color pink and Legally Blonde and Chris Farley. Shout-out to the womxn that came before me, and the womxn that will come after me. Shout-out to you reading this.

Website: www.leahknauer.com
Instagram: @LeahKnauer
Twitter: @LeahKnauer
Other: Pre-Order the “LK Deck of Hearts” here! – https://www.leahknauer.com/product-page/lk-deck-of-hearts-pre-order Join my (Wo)Manifestation Course here! – https://www.leahknauer.com/product-page/wo-manifest-some-sh-t-4-week-course-1

Image Credits
Lucas Markman Photography Claude “Top Notch” Charles