Conversations with Bob Smiley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bob Smiley.

Hi Bob, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been doing standup comedy for 25 years. I’m also an author of three books and a podcast under the series “The Adventures of Average Boy”. This series is a comedy adventure for middle school kids bringing them laughter and good lessons on how to navigate life. I’m also pretty good at mowing.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Getting started in comedy is like chewing on tinfoil while shaving your head with a cheese grater. It can be done but it’s not going to be fun. In the beginning, I had to take every gig. I would go on at 4AM at the church Junior High lock-in just after the shaving creme fight. I did shows at corporate events where the owner announced that they were going bankrupt but the soon to be out of work employees should enjoy my comedy show for the next hour. Getting started is tough but you have to take every opportunity, make the best of it and try to learn from each experience.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
People trying to get into comedy always ask me tips for getting started. However, what they’re looking for are cheat codes. The answer is to write every day. If your job is to make people laugh, you have to work every day on your show before you get on stage. So the key to a standup career, and to every other job, is show up daily. Show up, do your job and continue to try to do it well. There are no cheat codes. Sit down, kickstart your brain, and start writing!

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I found this thing called “Social Media”. It’s a strange thing that appears on your computer or phone. Social Media helps you reach out to fans, friends and mentors. You can find people that are like-minded and actually form encouraging friendships that will help you advance and stay focused in your career. You should check it out. Also, friend me on what every social media platform you choose. I need friends.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bobsmiley.com
• Instagram: bobsmileycomic
• Facebook: bobsmileycomedy
• Twitter: bobsmileycomic
• Youtube: bobsmiley12
• Other: TikTok: Bobsmileycomic