We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jason Jenkins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jason below.
Jason, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?
I didn’t start until my 36th birthday so I definitely wish I would’ve started sooner. Some comedians don’t catch their until they’re 20 years in so, if that’s true for me, that means I’ll be almost 60. I don’t know if I’ve ever not looked forward to something I’m looking forward to. I am now in my tenth year still trying to defy those odds. Of course, that means I’m looking for a shortcut lol. Seriously though, it just means I have to stay focused and grind harder than everyone else.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a stand-up comedian born and raised in Peoria, IL, and based in St. Louis, MO. I’m currently in my 10th year in comedy.
Getting started in comedy, I didn’t take the traditional route most comics take. I actually started on showcases as opposed to starting at open mics. I used to be a poet so I did a poetry open mic. Extremely nervous, I started cracking jokes to ease my nerves. Hearing people laugh gave me the courage to try comedy and I started a year later.
My brand of comedy is energetic and focuses on life as a father and now ex-husband with bits of everyday life sprinkled in. Being relatable is the most important thing in comedy. However, one of my strong suits is painting a picture and bringing the audience into my world.
Other advantages I feel I have over most comics is my age and being able to control a room. I’m currently 45 and (was) in a long-term relationship so I’m able to touch on things others can’t. Being able to think outside of the box and not come with guessable punchlines helps keep audiences engaged…and the fact that I have a loud and deep voice.
What one can expect from my brand is professionalism and the will to want to win every crowd over.
I have had some very nice accomplishments over my career, most recently, being a part of the New Kings & Queens of Comedy produced by Walter Latham. While I have done many things I’m proud of in this journey, I realize there’s so much more I need to do, and I’m determined to do it.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Even before becoming a stand-up comedian, I have always enjoyed putting smiles on faces and making people laugh. After getting started, it’s just something about the sound of laughter that I’m addicted to. Also, when people request or quote one of my jokes, it makes it all worth it. I realize I’m touching people through comedy. Comedy has helped me get through some tough times so I can only imagine what it may do for someone else who may also be struggling.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Society has tried to do so much to try to censor comedians and that’s something I truly dislike. Comedians touch on a variety of different subjects i.e. LGBTQ, politics, etc. Nowadays, people take offense to just about anything and that makes it somewhat difficult. Even if I’m going through something that may be taboo to others, I may not be able to “joke” about because I run the risk of being “canceled”. I don’t want to be canceled before I even get people to subscribe lol. I think people should lighten up a lot and laugh even more. Also, the people that are closest to you support you least (usually) and that also makes it tough for us. A good support system is extremely necessary.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.funnyguyapparel.deco-apparel.com
- Instagram: @comedianjasonjenkins
- Facebook: Comedian Jason Jenkins
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jmjenkins313?si=jnyw8_Jw7tReMobj
- Other: TikTok: @comedianjasonjenkins
Image Credits
AG Shaw Ezra Murry