We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lia Bai. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lia below.

Lia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

How did you learn to do what you do?

Standup comedy is truly a performance art—there’s no step-by-step guide or formal training to teach someone how to be funny. For me, learning the craft has been all about doing it, often through trial and error. Every set, every laugh (or awkward silence), has been a lesson in what works and what doesn’t.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?

If I could go back, I’d give myself a big motivational push to write and perform more often. Comedy is like a muscle—you’ve got to exercise it consistently to grow. The more I write and get on stage, the faster I improve. But let’s be honest, forcing myself to write might have required a stronger coffee habit too!

What skills do you think were most essential?

It’s all about mastering both writing and performance. Great material is key, but how you deliver it is far more essential—make or break your comedy. My goal is always to perform naturally, bringing together a full package of skills: poise, vocal variety, eye contact, facial expressions, hand gestures, and body movement. It’s like putting on a one-person show every time I step on stage.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

In the past, my biggest obstacles were a lack of self-motivation and commitment. But now, I’m embracing my role as a lifetime learner of comedy. There’s always more to discover, and I’m ready for it—one punchline at a time.

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

Sure! I’d love to share more about myself and my journey. I like to say I’m a Texas cowgirl made in China—a title that reflects both my roots and where life has taken me. I’m a Christian comedian who uses humor to shine a light on life’s challenges, turning mishaps into laughter and lessons.

I wasn’t always in the world of comedy, and I didn’t even know I was funny. I started as an engineer—serious, dull, and fluent in broken English. Comedy wasn’t on my radar until life’s twists and turns nudged me toward it. I stumbled into stand-up, and from the first time I stepped on stage, I found I was naturally funny—and hooked. It felt like coming home to something I didn’t even know I was missing.

Now, I regularly perform at comedy clubs, festivals, churches, and private events. I blend storytelling, punchlines, and inspiration, offering audiences a unique mix of laughter and heartfelt moments. My material covers a wide range of relatable topics—relationships, motherhood, career struggles, aging, and the joys and challenges of being an immigrant in America.

I think what sets me apart is my perspective and authenticity. As a female, Asian, Christian comedian with an accent, I bring a voice that’s not often heard in the comedy world. My performances aren’t just about getting laughs (though those are a big part!); they’re also about connecting, encouraging, and uplifting people.

What am I most proud of? What am I most proud of? Honestly, it’s the impact my work has on people’s lives. As a Christian comedian, stand-up is my way of serving God and fulfilling my purpose in this third act of my life. And if God chuckles at my punchlines, well, that’s the cherry on top!

For anyone getting to know me or my work, here’s what I’d love for you to take away: My comedy is funny, authentic, and heartfelt. It’s a reflection of who I am—a storyteller on a mission to transform life and work through humor. Whether it’s through my stand-up shows, TEDx talk, or writing, I aim to inspire people to see life from a lighter, more joyful perspective.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’ve had my fair share of pivots in both my career and life. The most pivotal moment in my speaking journey came when I felt lost but found myself again through stand-up comedy. Since 2010, I’ve worked tirelessly to become a professional speaker. Over the course of more than ten years, I’ve built my confidence, honed my skills, written and published a book about communication strategies for ESL speakers, and even had the honor of being a featured TEDx speaker. But despite all that progress, I still found myself stressed about developing content and delivering my keynotes. It just didn’t feel like I had fully found my rhythm.

Then, in 2019, I took a huge leap—without any formal training or experience in stand-up comedy—and delivered a thirty-minute comedy show for a women’s program. And guess what? I killed it. The response from the audience was incredible, and their laughter gave me the confidence to shift my focus from being a professional speaker to pursuing comedy. It felt like a natural, exhilarating fit. It’s kind of like this: Imagine training for over ten years as a marathon runner, only to realize one day that you’re actually a much better 100-meter sprinter! It reminds me of an old Chinese saying: “The flowers you planted intentionally may not bloom, but the willows you planted unintentionally grow into shade.” In other words, sometimes the things you least expect become your true path.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The world would be pretty boring without artists, but let’s face it—being an artist isn’t easy.

To truly support artists and creatives, society needs to recognize and nurture creativity as a vital part of our culture. One key way to do this is by offering more opportunities for exposure—things like public art projects, creative hubs, and inclusive events where artists can showcase their work. In the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area, comedians are lucky to have the largest comedy festival in North Texas, a thriving comedy scene with open mics, and plenty of gig opportunities for corporate and non-profit events. When we support the creative process with recognition, resources, and the freedom to experiment, we’ll see a thriving, diverse ecosystem that benefits everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.liabaispeaks.com
• Instagram: Liabaispeaks
• Facebook: Liabaispeaks
• Youtube: Liabaispeaks