Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Huisman
Hi Joe, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started using drugs when I was 15. It began with weed, and by the time I was 16, I was doing cocaine. In my early 20s, that escalated into a full-blown crack addiction that completely consumed my life. After three DUIs and other legal troubles, I finally quit using drugs at the age of 30.
Throughout my life, people had encouraged me to try standup comedy. Like many others who hear that kind of encouragement, I didn’t take it seriously. Then, in 2023, another comedian suggested I take a standup comedy class. I decided to give it a shot. I found some early success and started pursuing comedy more seriously, hitting as many open mics as I could and eventually landing spots on small shows around Denver and the surrounding areas.
At some point, I began incorporating topical jokes about my past drug addiction into my set. To my surprise, people started approaching me after shows to tell me how much they related to my experiences. Many shared their own journeys with addiction and sobriety. As this happened more often, I realized there was potential to do something bigger. After talking with a few people, I felt compelled to create a show that centered around this idea. That’s when I came up with the name “Second Chance Comedy” and recruited a few other comedians who were on board with the concept.
Our first show was on May 12, 2024, at the Louisville Underground. Around that time, I began researching charities we could support with the show, and I discovered Sobriety House—a fantastic organization that provides critical resources for people who can’t afford help elsewhere.
The first show was a success, with over 60 people in attendance. While there were some bumps and lessons learned, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Our second show, on June 23 at the Bug Theatre, sold out with approximately 160 people in the audience. That night felt truly magical.
By the end of 2024, we had performed 22 shows at 14 different venues, from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs. In total, we performed for over 1,700 attendees and raised more than $10,000 for Sobriety House. We already have 10 shows booked for 2025, including our first out-of-state show in Nebraska this April.
We remain committed to raising money for Sobriety House and partnering with them to help others in need. Currently, we have about 15 comedians in our rotation and hope to expand that list to keep each lineup fresh. All of the comedians involved have some connection to addiction, whether directly or indirectly, and they share their experiences through comedy.
At its core, Second Chance Comedy is a comedy show, and it’s fun for everyone, whether they’ve been affected by addiction or not. Many attendees who aren’t in recovery have told me they were skeptical about coming but left saying the show was just as funny as any other comedy event they’ve attended.
Our goal is to use comedy to change the way people think about addiction and provide some much-needed laughter and connection for those in recovery. There’s a saying that the opposite of addiction is connection, and that’s exactly what we strive to create through these shows: a sense of connection that brings people together, chips away at the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health, and fosters understanding through laughter.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely had its ups and downs, with plenty of learning along the way. Producing standup comedy shows is completely outside of my past experience and comfort zone, so I’ve had to learn a lot to make this work. From creating promotional materials to booking venues and running ads, there has been a steep learning curve. Since I’m operating as a one-man show, I’ve taken on every aspect—marketing, networking, logistics, and more. While challenging, this process has connected me with the recovery community in amazing ways. The more people I meet in recovery, the more joy it brings me to be part of something that feels meaningful. There are truly some incredible individuals out there doing remarkable work to help others.
Our first three shows were hugely successful, with two of them drawing over 100 attendees. But we’ve also had low points, like shows that didn’t sell many tickets. Selling tickets can be stressful—most people wait until the last couple of days before the show to purchase, so it’s often down to the wire. Some venues work better than others, and I’ve learned that finding the right comedians for the lineup is critical. Early on, I had a few comedians who weren’t quite on brand for what I wanted the show to be. It’s a tricky balance: I want to make sure we’re laughing at the pain in a way that feels healing, not hurtful. There’s a fine line between laughing at the pain and laughing through it, and I want the show to always feel like a safe space for those in recovery.
While I’ve focused heavily on the recovery community, one of my big goals for 2025 is to reach more people who aren’t in recovery. I think this will help broaden the message and build even more connections.
There have been moments when doubts and fears crept in—times I’ve questioned whether I’m the right person to be doing this. But it seems like every time I start to feel that way, something serendipitous happens to nudge me back on track. It could be a kind word from someone who attended a show, or a meaningful connection with someone in recovery. Those moments help me keep going, even when I feel overwhelmed by everything I still need to learn.
We’ve had our share of challenges—technical issues at venues or unexpected hurdles—but we’ve always adjusted and found a way to make it work. So no, it hasn’t been a smooth road, but all things considered, it’s been incredibly rewarding. The encouragement and support from so many people have been invaluable. Hearing positive feedback about the show has kept me motivated and reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In my full-time role, I lead Customer Support teams for software companies. I’ve worked in Customer Support for about 20 years, and one of the key factors in my success has been my genuine love for solving problems and helping people. I have a natural ability to understand customer issues, troubleshoot effectively, and provide clear guidance to resolve them. On top of that, I’ve always been someone who can connect easily with others and build trust quickly, which has been invaluable in both customer-facing interactions and team leadership.
Over the years, I’ve discovered that I’m a natural leader. My empathy and genuine care for the people I work with have helped me build strong team dynamics and foster trust. I believe that when you truly care about your team and their success, it creates an environment where everyone thrives. This has consistently led to high-performing, highly satisfied teams.
In my career, I’ve had the opportunity to build Customer Support teams from scratch for brand-new companies, as well as consolidate and restructure teams that came together through acquisitions. No matter the challenge, my desire to help people succeed and my caring approach to leadership have been instrumental in driving success. I’m proud of the impact I’ve had on the teams I’ve led and the customers we’ve supported. Helping people navigate problems—whether it’s a customer’s issue or a team member’s professional growth—gives me a deep sense of fulfillment.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
As I mentioned earlier, Second Chance Comedy isn’t just a show for people in recovery—it’s a professional standup comedy show that anyone can enjoy. While some of the topics lean toward darker humor, the show is accessible to anyone who appreciates that style of comedy. You don’t need to have experience with addiction to have fun at one of our shows.
That said, addiction has touched most people in some way, whether personally or through someone they care about. Our goal is never to laugh at the pain but to laugh through it. Addiction is not a choice, and everyone deserves second chances. This show is about finding healing, connection, and hope—all while having a great time.
I also encourage readers to visit our website, secondchancecomedy.com. You’ll find all of our upcoming shows listed there, and you can subscribe for updates as we continue to grow and expand.
This year, I’m looking forward to partnering with organizations through sponsorships and bringing Second Chance Comedy to new venues out of state. My hope is to make an even greater impact in raising awareness around addiction and providing a safe, welcoming space for laughter and connection.
Attending a Second Chance Comedy show isn’t just about enjoying a night of standup—it’s about being part of something bigger. It’s about shining a light on a serious topic, breaking down stigmas, and sharing in the joy of laughter.
Pricing:
- Tickets are $20 to $30 depending on venue
- 20% of all profits go directly to Sobriety House
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.secondchancecomedy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joehuismancomedy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoeHuismanComedy
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephhuisman
Image Credits
Jared Chandler
