Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Montana Doran. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Montana , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
BY FAR the most meaningful project I have been able to work on so far is The First Live Tana Talks Podcast in Production with Backhand Comedy Festival.
I first started my podcast off my phone in my moms basement around the same time I started doing comedy. I had no idea where this creative journey would take me, I was just open to the process. Through starting comedy I was able to begin working with Hand Up Stand Up, a comedy production company that produces shows in the community. We also partner with local non-profits to give back so it is a win for all.
This year we planned our Second Annual weekend long Comedy Festival “Backhand Comedy Festival” in Woodstock, Ga.
We spent over 10 months planning, we had 40+ comics from all over the country, multiple venues, and I was able to produce/host my first live podcast.
The weekend was so special and makes me emotional thinking about it. It felt like summer camp with the funniest people on the planet. We spent 3 days together just laughing, eating, and making memories. Those people are my family now.
Im a comedian, but I have a degree in psychology, I love touching on deep topics but still keeping them silly. My podcast is all about “your story matters.” It was so special to be able to bring some of the funniest people, from all walks of life, and be able to sit down and have a fun conversation. We were laughing, we were crying, then crying laughing again.
It was also special to have a live audience. Sometimes when you podcast you forget people are actually on the other side listening lol.
It was one of those days that made you realize “hey, maybe you are on the right path kid.” It inspired me to keep going and trust the process even more.
Im also beyond grateful for the team of Hand Up Stand Up/Backhand Comedy Festival for giving Tana Talks the space and opportunity. Haylie Montgomery, Shelby Tesio, and Melissa Sarathy are truly the best women to work with and Im so blessed and thankful to be on the team!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I got started doing stand up February 2020. I was event planning for a local church. The church wanted to hire a comedian for the show. I knew nothing about comedy so I went on google to book one. It was WAY out of budget. As I was getting to know the pastors while planning the event…the pastor looks at me and goes “hey, you’re funny” why don’t you do it”
……and so I did it. And now I am a Stand Up Comedian Based Out of Atlanta, Ga.
I started my podcast “Tana Talks” the same week I started stand up, so I feel as I have grown as a person and creative the podcast has grown and changed with me.
The Tana Talks Podcast is a space where Comedy & Healing Unite. A creative community built on being real. A space where all cultures, ideas, views, and life are welcome.
I spend a lot of time talking with creatives about the journey as well as share personal development tips i’m learning along the way. I just want to spread the message that YOU MATTER… your STORY matters.. and you are ENOUGH :)
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In 2021 I was involved in a horrible car accident. I was really down physically and mentally. I thought that all my dreams were being stopped. I wasn’t able to drive. I was waiting on surgery. I had a concussion, so everything felt really fuzzy for a really long time. I couldn’t write jokes, I wasn’t working, I was going to multiple appointments every day. It was so hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Instead of completely shrinking back, I decided to lean in and make the most of it. I turned my kitchen into a podcast studio and was able to have people come over and record some of the most special and healing talks. I couldn’t write jokes, even If I wanted to because everything felt so jumbled. So I decided to take a big step and take a comedy class while I was recovering.
Looking back, those talks, and that class changed the trajectory of my career as a creative. Life happens, and when something comes in and completely rocks your world, it’s easy to just give up…. and I did think about it a few times… But your character is developed in the bad moments. It’s almost like a test of “how bad do you really want this” “are you willing to make this happen no matter what”
Looking back, I see how resilient I am and was in that moment. I chose to embrace the bad and make the best out of it, and ill truly never be the same because of it.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My one mission is to make every person I meet and interact with feel like they matter. The whole motto of my show is “your story matters.” That mission comes from a very dark and lonely place of not thinking I mattered or I could do anything of significance for most my life. It’s not a fun feeling, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. That is why my number one mission is to highlight others and the journey they are on.
My podcast highlights creatives. A creative community built on being real and authentic. Creative careers can feel lonely, but we are all better together, we can all learn from each other, and there is room for everyone to win…
Contact Info:
- Website: montanadoran.com
- Instagram: montanadoran // tanatalkspodcast
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXztWsiW5QdXpXtObgFDscQ
- Other: Launching A Podcast Management Company This Month if I can get this added I would appreciate it :) https://www.instagram.com/yourceostudios/
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/marycarolinerussell/