Roots of Comedy with Jesus Trejo

Comedian Sierra Katow and host Jesus Trejo discuss incorporating racism into comedy, sharing anecdotes and reflecting on humor's role in addressing social issues. They explore crafting jokes that balance humor and commentary, acknowledging comedians' responsibility to address racism thoughtfully.

Comedian Sierra Katow, alongside her supportive parents, reflects on her comedic journey with host Jesus Trejo. They discuss Sierra's upbringing, her family's influence on her sense of humor, and their unwavering support for her career in comedy, highlighting the role of familial encouragement in her success.

Adam Pasi delivers a riotous performance spotlighting his Samoan identity, weaving anecdotes about family dynamics, cultural quirks, and amusing encounters on stage. After the show, Adam discusses his performance–and some of his more edgy jokes–backstage with his parents, who were part of the audience.

Adam Pasi shares laughs and insights as he embraces his Samoan heritage with the guidance of new friend and actual cousin, Leo. Their heartwarming exchange delves into the significance of cultural connection in comedy, showcasing how mutual support and shared experiences shape their journey in the stand-up circuit while shedding light on the importance of cultural identity and representation.

In Los Angeles, Jesus Trejo embraces the hometown vibe, teaming up with multi-hyphenate comedian Sierra Katow. A fourth-generation Chinese and Japanese American, with deep L.A. roots, Sierra shows Jesus a side of the city he’s never seen before.

In Portland, Oregon, Jesus meets with Samoan comedian, Adam Pasi. Voted Portland’s funniest comic twice, Adam takes Jesus behind the scenes, showcasing the grind it takes to become a successful comic.

Comedian Tatanka Means revisits his roots at the Damon-Bahe Boxing Gym, reflecting on how the mental toughness cultivated through boxing informs his stand-up comedy career. As he trains and jokes with Jesus Trejo and coach Johnny Bahe, Tatanka shares insights on perseverance, resilience, and the importance of laughter in Native culture.

Tatanka Means and Jesus Trejo explore the significance of connecting with their ancestry while engaging in lighthearted banter about cultural misconceptions. Tatanka reveals how his comedy act can serve as an educational vehicle to challenge stereotypes and inform audiences better about Native American history and culture.

Jesus Trejo and comedian Eeland Stribling team up for a community cleanup along the South Platte River, where they engage local volunteers in environmental stewardship. As they collect trash, they share insights on the importance of conservation efforts and how it intersects with their personal lives and stand-up comedy.

Jesus Trejo joins comedian Eeland Stribling for a humorous fishing excursion, exploring the challenges of integrating a beloved hobby into stand-up comedy while navigating the thrills and mishaps of a fishing adventure, resulting in unexpected laughs and fish-catching success.

Exploring Chinle, Arizona, Jesus Trejo connects with Native American comic and actor Tatanka Means. Tatanka delves into his upbringing on the reservation, using humor to illuminate the enduring challenges faced by Indigenous communities nationwide.

Jesus Trejo travels to Denver to meet a comic whose life on the river is as important as his life on stage. Eeland Stribling strives to find true life balance in the outdoors of Colorado where he often calls on his experience as a wildlife biologist.

Vanessa Gonzalez discusses her early stand-up material, rooted in her family dynamics and upbringing. She humorously recounts her mother's penchant for sending religious memes and reflects on how her mom and grandma shaped her comedic style. Vanessa shares her nervousness about performing a homecoming show in Laredo, where she plans to challenge stereotypes about immigrant stories with humor.

Jesus Trejo follows Austin-based rising comedian Vanessa Gonzalez on a Texan adventure back to her hometown of Laredo. Vanessa shares the humor of her childhood as the daughter of first-generation, Mexican American border patrol agents.

Get ready for Vanessa Gonzalez, headlining with humor and nerve in her hometown. The nerves fuel her fire as she jumps into the spotlight, cracking jokes about exes, customs, and border life, all with a Laredo flair that keeps the crowd roaring.

Jesus Trejo and Ali Sultan explore the Minneapolis comedy scene's diversity and supportive environment. They highlight its advantages, such as ample opportunities for stage time and a tight-knit community that fosters growth and collaboration. The discussion underscores the importance of community in the comedian's journey and the value of learning from others in the industry.

Jesus Trejo and Ali Sultan share their journeys with anxiety and therapy, highlighting the significance of professional support. They delve into their immigrant upbringings and the weight of expectations for success. Despite facing cultural taboos, they turn to comedy as a means to reinterpret their traumas, empowering themselves to shape their own stories.

In Minneapolis, Jesus Trejo meets Yemeni comedian Ali Sultan. Ali opens up about his mental health struggles, weaving humor and vulnerability into a narrative of resilience and self-discovery, highlighting how comedy has helped his well-being.

Part comedy, part social commentary, host Jesus Trejo embarks on a journey across America meeting with six rising comedians who explore the mosaic of our nation through the lens of stand-up comedy.