Nancy O'Connor is a stand-up comedian based in New York City.
(00:00) Moving from DC to New York
(01:12) Early comedy interests in DC
(02:34) First improv class at The PIT
(04:08) Deciding to try stand-up before 30
(06:05) Taking a stand-up class and graduation show
(07:46) First open mic disaster vs. graduation night success
(09:28) Realizing stand-up might be “the thing”
(11:22) Comedy as hobby or career pursuit
(13:01) Corporate jobs and lack of fulfillment
(15:05) Starting out with bringer shows
(17:44) Gotham, Laughing Buddha, and finding stage time
(20:18) Committing to open mics and steady reps
(22:32) Producing shows and The Flop House
(25:10) Writing projects and balancing with work
(27:02) Defining success in comedy
(29:10) Mental toughness, family support, and nerves
(31:08) Comedy influences and favorite movies
(32:40) Advice for newcomers and building community
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.