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The Joke That Scares You | Rey Tang on Risk, Recognition, and Writing Toward Surprise
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What does it mean to chase a joke without losing yourself? In this episode, Rey Tang—a Chicago-based writer, photographer, filmmaker, and performer—joins Mishu for a conversation about finding her comedic voice while navigating feedback, audience expectations, and the realities of making a creative career sustainable. They talk about letting go of perfectionism, writing toward surprise instead of shock, and learning to take risks without chasing edginess.
Rey performed stand-up at the 2024 SNL Showcase at the Annoyance Theater and was a Comedy Gazelle Vouch finalist that same year. She’s performed at Laugh Factory, Zanies, and Hollywood Improv, and is currently represented by Stewart Talent Agency Chicago. Rey also hosts Pizza Mic, a beloved weekly open mic that was featured in the New York Times Travel section.
We chat about:
→ The difference between being surprising and being shocking
→ How stand-up feedback shaped her writing
→ Risk-taking as an engine for creative growth
→ Wrestling with the impulse to be “special”
→ Building a sustainable creative life—on her own terms
Learn more about Rey’s work at reytang.com and follow her on Instagram at @reytangerine.
You can follow us on Instagram and TikTok @mischiefpod. Produced by @ohhmaybemedia.
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