We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jaren George a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jaren, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Right now, I am working on providing an educational, interactive workshop for youth program staff called Empowered Collaboration. When I was a summer camp counselor during my first year in 2007, I wish I had been more aware when working with others about the concept of team development. The idea that we go through the process of team development (forming, norming, storming, performing, and transforming) was so intriguing to me how we go through it when we work in a group or community. I think team building is essential to youth development which requires adults to have a good understanding through Empowered Collaboration.

Empowered Collaboration is a workshop that combines learning of team development but in a fun interactive way using humor and fun teambuilding activities that help identify each phase. So far, I’ve facilitated this workshop for three youth programs and looking to expand.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Jaren George and I’m a comedian born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and currently reside in Portland, OR. I’ve mostly gotten into stand-up but lucky to get a chance to do sketch and improv as well. Before comedy, I was a youth worker then continued as an IT specialist. I now do comedy full-time. I started my LLC, Logical Originality last year and just had our first anniversary. I provide comedy entertainment with two comedy shows that I produce called Optimism and the podcast IT Desk. Along with comedy, I do comedy consultations and workshops. Looking to get into educational projects as well by facilitating workshops that promote team development called Empowered Collaboration.

I’m mostly proud that I can create something with all my experience from different careers. I love comedy because it helps bring people together. It is such a great learning tool at times.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I used to be a teacher and youth worker and ever since COVID happened, it has been a pivot lately. Having to rely on using my IT degree again, I think it was hard with the work I was doing in a youth program, and wanted to explore ideas around comedy. I decided to go back to work in the IT field by picking up a computer tester job which led to an IT Engineer position. I think being able to experience working in the IT field allowed me to start the podcast IT Desk and produce a live show last summer. Looking to produce more podcast episodes and live shows. IT Desk is a podcast based on hillarious improvised tech support calls between comedians.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

It is very normal to see Instagram reels of stand-up comedians. Which is fine for the intended goal of building an audience. I like to post some but I try to reserve jokes I feel that can be set for live shows. It is fun to post ”trailers” or snippets of a joke to give a hint to viewers and have them think, ” I hope this funny guy comes to my town”. I was able to record a theater show in Portland and posted an Instagram reel of a funny interaction with an audience member who shared most letters in my name. That video clip generated over 50,000 likes and help boosted my followers locally here in Portland. I would say post with purpose. Try and find a specific marketing technique that works for you. Set a campaign and stick with it. For me, the results would be more audience members at shows. My goals when building an audience is to persuade them to come see live comedy and promote IT Desk plus other shows I’ve produced with Logical Originality LLC.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jarengeorge.com
• Instagram: @jarengeorge
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jarengeorgecomedy
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jaren-george-589132204
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSiSNTdCrK85v-pyoN61yRA
• Other: www.logicaloriginality.com