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

Hi Sophie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk taking is behind everything I do/have ever done. I live to take risks. I’m not saying I hop into strange vans or participate in Ponzi schemes… but I do follow that rush of energy in my gut that comes when I know it’s time to do something new. I recently said to someone, “There’s nothing sadder than living with fear or fear of embarrassment,” and I stand by that. When I feel afraid, I know it’s because I’ve been confronted with something new, and that it’s most likely an opportunity worth taking.

When I was 11, my middle school announced an exchange partnership with a school in China. They would pick 12 students to travel to China, where we’d stay with host families and be completely independent. I didn’t even think twice about applying, which is insane to think about now. I’m lucky my parents had faith in me. I’m also lucky the group didn’t leave me at the Terra Cotta Warriors museum, after I missed the bus while trying to decide which postcard to buy…

My love of taking risks is how I’ve traveled all over the world. It’s how I moved to a mountain town in France and joined an improv troop. It’s how I camped in Madagascar for a month, having never camped a day in my life. It’s how I decided to do The Worm while interning at the United Nations in Geneva. And, it’s how I managed to leave behind my life in Boston for an entertainment career in…HOLLYWOOD.

Were it not for risks, I never would’ve found standup comedy; and it’s what motivates me every time I step onstage. The buzz of the crowd, and the anticipation of a new experience? There’s nothing better. Being vulnerable onstage is always a risk, and that’s why I love it. I’m lucky to have found a passion and to be building a career with risk-taking at the center. And if I ever feel like a risk is “too big”? I remind myself that I’m lucky to have the opportunity…after all, I was nearly left at the Terra Cotta Warriors museum.

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’ve always thought the best standup comedy is personal to the comic. Sure, observational jokes are funny, but they can fall into unoriginal traps. When I’m writing jokes, I opt for memorable over knee-slapping. Yes, I want to be funny; but I also want to be someone people remember. I want my jokes and stories to stick with people. I bare everything onstage, and in life. There’s really nothing I won’t talk about, so long as it’s something that’s coming from within me – my life, my lens, my take. I think this is what sets me apart, and it’s the direction in which I want my comedy to move – even as I grow and change over time.

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?
Okay, so obviously they’re coming to see me do a show… there’s no way around that. We’ll also go on a tour of my favorite restaurants, because restaurant-ing is my passion. We’ll go to Jon & Vinny’s, Pizzeria Mozza, Crazy Rockin’ Sushi (cheap and delicious, and you can’t change my mind), Petty Cash Taqueria, and Saddle Ranch (for brunch). Oh, and we’ll go to EP + LP or some other trendy rooftop. (All of my visitors are from Boston, so anything outdoors is exciting.) We’ll also go to Malibu for a day (Point Dume), and then eat at Duke’s. And if we have extra time, we’re going to the Beacomber in Crystal Cove.

Additionally, I’ll be taking my guest to Fountain Bar at The Grove. Say what you will, but I adore walking around The Grove and listening to the sweet sound of Frank Sinatra (while I spend all my money).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my story to my parents, Cynthia and Mike. They’ve always championed my independence, and even though I’ve caused them ample sleepless nights, I think they’d agree: they wouldn’t change a thing.

Website: www.sophiespiers.com

Instagram: @sophiespierscomedy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-spiers/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SophieSpiers

Other: https://sophpearl.wordpress.com/

Image Credits
Headshot by Joanna Degeneres

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