Ep#24-From Thrift Shops to Stand-Up: The Elijah James Story (How to Make it in Stand Up Comedy)

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We sit down with local comedian Elijah James to explore how he's building the comedy scene in Coachella Valley through his Upcycle Comedy shows at a vintage thrift store in downtown Indio.
• Palm Desert native who discovered comedy as a way to connect with others while moving around as a kid
• Started comedy shortly before COVID after attending Arizona State University and working various jobs including valet parking
• Created Upcycle Comedy at Return of the Goods thrift store, bringing comedy and vintage shopping together
• Discusses the challenges and rewards of producing comedy shows, including the behind-the-scenes work of promotion and content creation
• Explains how the Coachella Valley comedy scene is more collaborative and welcoming compared to larger markets
• Shares insights on his creative process, including when to write jokes and developing his own unique style
• Performs his spot-on impression of RFK Jr. that had us in stitches
• Recommends following @upcycledcomedy and @elijah.james on Instagram for information about upcoming shows
Follow Upcycle Comedy on Instagram for upcoming shows happening every other Friday at 8pm at Return of the Goods in downtown Indio.

Chapters

1. Meet Elijah James and Upcycle Comedy (00:00:00)

2. From College to Comedy: Finding a Path (00:10:17)

3. Building a Desert Comedy Scene (00:21:45)

4. The Creative Process of Comedy (00:34:00)

5. Political Impressions and RFK Jr. (00:47:53)

6. Advice for Young Comics and Final Thoughts (00:58:27)