You’re in the middle of a string of sold out shows in Wellington, how do you get ready for that?

They’re work in progress shows which are a bit different from your standard comedy show. These are all about workshopping new jokes and trying material that quite frankly, sucks. People that don’t know much about stand up are often surprised that an eye opening and unfortunate part of the comedy process is you have to figure out how to tell the jokes in front of an audience in order to find the best way to tell them. So doing 8 workshop shows is a really fast way to go through that process but it is no less brutal. You’re basically bombing for an hour and apologizing to people the whole time.

You’ll be splitting your time between Australia, the US, and Aotearoa this year. What have you got planned?

I’m not even saying this to be humble. But absolutely nothing. That’s kind of how entertainment works. January last year was very much the same and it ended up being the best year of my career and eight years into comedy you do get to the point where you worry less about having no clue what's happening with your life. So just putting my intentions out there of wanting to succeed and really just letting the universe take care of the rest. I can’t control it so I’m not gonna try to.

Tell us about your journey in comedy and entertainment, how did you get started?

I always wanted to be in film and television from as young as I could remember. But stand up was never an avenue I would have picked myself going into. Basically I was at a cross roads in my life and on a whim I decided to try stand up at an open mic. I genuinely had never given it any deep thought but just thought, “eff it, I’ll give it a go”. Went and tried it and that one evening changed my life forever. So I always tell people, listen to your half-thoughts, eight years later it could be your entire life.

Are there any ‘pinch me’ moments that you can share?

Performing in the Main Room at the Hollywood Comedy Store with Theo Von has to be one of the biggest ones. That’s such a prestigious room and it takes comedians years and years to even get the chance to stand on that stage let alone perform. I was likely only the second Kiwi ever to do so and as a huge comedy fan, that moment meant the world to me being able to do that.

Are there any career milestones you’re chasing?

Honestly it’s probably more personal focused. But this year I want to buy a house with comedy. So I’m focusing on building a good business through my touring and merchandise amongst other avenues with that sole focus on my mind.

On a different note, how do you unwind?

I go to the movies every fortnight, on my own! I love just sitting in the theater, switching my mind off and just being present. It’s been something I’ve done regularly since high school and in general since primary school. Will always be my favorite way to wind down. That or walking.

Thanks so much for chatting with us, any parting words?

Pay attention to your feelings. If you feel like shit after speaking to certain people in your life, kick them in the shin….or just stop talking to them.