Meet Rosie Tran | Comedian and Podcaster

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

Hi Rosie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work life balance has changed dramatically in the last year. My dad passed away at the beginning of the year, and it really changed my perspective. I have always cared about family and personal time as a very strong value, but my career was always first. Now the order of things is God first, family, and career. I understand that life is short and the only thing that really matters is those souls around us. My dad was very career oriented, and I think that was one of his biggest regrets was not making more time for personal. I hope I can learn from his mistakes and live a life with a strong balance.

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.
I think I have a very interesting origin story because I was a very shy girl growing up but most shocking is that I didn’t know anything about stand up comedy and I had never seen it, and I didn’t like it. I was dating a guy in 2002 who wanted to be a comedian, and I was bored senseless at the shows. I would help him with his material sometimes. When we broke up, I missed going to comedy clubs, and started writing my own material. Almost all the comedians I know always wanted to do comedy growing up, but I didn’t even know what it was! The most unique thing about me is that I got my comedy voice right away, since I had no mentors, role models, or comedians I liked to look up to! Most comedians start out a bit derivative. So, if you are a fan of Robin Williams, sometimes your early stand up sounds a bit like his. But I was 100% me right away!

It has not been an easy road. I just shot my first comedy special, and it was 18 years in the making! I’ve done hell gigs, gigs for no or little pay, driven hours for stage time, been stiffed by comedy club promoters, and even sexually assaulted early in my career. I overcame everything by knowing that this was my dream and no one was going to stand in the way of me reaching my goals. I also am super into therapy and self-help. I think mental health is so important and I am a huge advocate. In fact, I think everyone needs to go to therapy, at least once in their lives.

The lessons I have learned are that you should always believe in yourself and always follow your values and moral compass. I missed out on big chances in the past because I wanted to do the right thing, and I am okay with that. I feel sorry for people who have to screw others over to get to the top. My morals are so important to me. Especially after seeing my dad pass. We all have to reckon with ourselves in the end. That was huge.

I want the World to know that I am all love and joy and abundance, and I want to bring people together through laughter and entertainment. I think our society is too divisive right now. I think we need more love and to highlight our commonalities.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friend visiting, I would take them on a foodie tour of Los Angeles, They would have to try the taco trucks in the Valley, Houston’s in Pasadena for steak, Korean fried chicken wings at Chicken Day in Altadena, kalbi at Tofu House in K-town, pho and noodle bowls at Mama Hong’s in Burbank, Fried egg noodles at Sam Woo BBQ in Monterey Park.

I would take them to the Farmer’s Market to check out the food court. Maybe I would take them for more taco’s at El Coyote in Beverly Hills or Ernie’s in Noho (You can never have enough tacos). Sushi at Kiku Sushi in Larchmont Village – Oh and the sandwiches at Larchmont Wine and Cheese. Wow. Then, maybe to Grand Central Market for more ethic delights, and Thai Noodles at Sanamluang in Thai Town. Right before I drive them to LAX to leave, they need to check out dim sum at ABC Seafood in Chinatown or The Little Jewel NOLA Cali style. They might need to diet after.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a Shoutout to my parents! They really made me who I am today whether they know it or not. I also want to Shoutout the one and only – God! I am where I am today because of the Almighty. I was atheist for many years and even thought all people who were religious were crazy. I now have a strong and healthy faith.

Website: www.rosietran.com

Instagram: outoftheboxrosie

Twitter: funnyrosie

Facebook: funnyrosie

Other: rokfin.com/rosietran