Meet Rafa | Stand-Up Comedian

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

Hi Rafa, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Taking risks has helped my life in many ways. One risk I did take that helped me was moving to Los Angeles. I was in a job I didn’t like and felt like I was going no where with my acting/comedy dreams. In that moment I decided to give my two weeks and drive from Omaha, NE to Los Angeles, CA. I had planned to move when I had enough money but some circumstances made me realize it was now or never. I took that risk and I’ve been in Los Angeles for 8 years now. Taking risks has helped my stand up comedy career as well. Going to open mics and knowing people might not laugh is tough to face but it’s how we as comics get better with our material. Taking the risk of going to these open mics have gotten me booked on shows. Showing me that risk taking isn’t always going to end in a bad way. I will say that in stand up comedy there will be risks that end in a bad way like jokes that don’t hit well or aren’t funny. Sometimes I take a risk with a new joke and I walk away thinking wow that was bad or wow it was a good joke I’m keeping it. We all need to take risks.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others is the dedication I have towards my comedy goals, and because of this I have had the opportunity to do stand-up in legendary places like; The Comedy Store, Hollywood Improv, and The Ice House, all while not even a year in stand-up comedy professionally.
I’m very proud of the places I was able to do comedy in and look forward to the future venues I will be performing at. I don’t think it was easy at all.
The challenges for me were always leaving the open mics or even shows and asking myself “am I even good?” regardless if I had laughs or not. I’ve learned to not be so hard on myself and I can always work on my material even if I think it’s as solid as can be. I have also learned that no matter what, you should always go to an open mic to sharpen yourself as a comedian. At least one mic a week. No one gets better without doing any work.
I’d like the world to know that I am a goofy guy who wants to make people laugh, maybe even pee a lil bit when I tell a story, and if they ever come to one of my shows I know they’ll have a great time from start to finish.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well first they are definitely going to come to a show of mine lol
During the mornings we’d go to a breakfast spot like Cafe on 27 (eggs Benedict are 🔥) For lunch I’d take them to my brother-in-law’s hibachi food truck called AjíTeppanyaki. Their Trio plates are so good. Dinner would be a place like Makoto Sushi in Encino.
If it’s their first time to LA I’d take them to Venice beach to enjoy the rays of the sun and to check out the different shops up and down Venice. Hit up the amusement parks like Universal Studios, Disneyland, or Six Flags. I love my Mexican culture so I’d take them to walk through Olvera Street, one of the oldest streets in Los Angeles. If they’re up for the hike we’d go to the Hollywood sign as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The first people I’d want to shoutout are my parents, siblings, and friends. They have always supported me and let my goofy side shine whether it was embarrassing or not, allowing me to be myself.
I also would like to shoutout two people; Ocho De La Rosa because if they didn’t post their stand-up bit on Facebook I wouldn’t have built the courage to actually work on a 5-min set and go to an open mic and try stand up comedy.
Another person is my friend Luie Chavez. He is also my coworker and when he heard through the grape vine I was doing stand-up he came to me and said he also wants to do it. He helped me because I wouldn’t be as nervous going up because at least I knew someone there
These people have had my support from the beginning and I am very grateful for them.

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Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thecoinlaundrypodcast?si=ViES9OZtpk_ErGDm