Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ro DelleGrazie . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ro, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

I’ll never forget the first time I earned money doing stand up comedy. It was a restaurant on Staten Island, called Gibs Ribs. The bathroom had cow and pig noises playing while you peed. They offered me either a sandwich or 10 dollars. I took the 10 and I still have it to this day. I went home and pinned it on my bulletin board. Eventually the restaurant flipped into Jewish cuisine, the only problem was they couldn’t figure out how to turn off the cow and pig noises so as you can imagine it didn’t bode well.

Ro, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

There’s so much that goes into being a comedian, it’s a lot more layered now, and by that I mean when I started in 1999 you were told, ” Just be funny”. Things will happen if you’re funny. Back then you could still be seen by a booker of a big show, or go to Montreal and walk away with a sitcom deal. That was the golden ticket, the “making it”. To have a sitcom about your life.

Well, times have changed. Now it’s, “You gotta get viral” and “How many followers do you have”. So it’s really not about being funny as much.
I coach stand up and business tools. It’s a mix of comedy, strategy and actually life coaching in a way. I try to remind comedians not to burn out because it’s so easy to do. I think one of the struggles for comedians is the social media in some ways, comedians know it’s an important tool but it’s a lot of work. Especially if you’re showcasing your sketches, you have to edit, stay relevant and engaging.

As far as my brand goes, because that’s also part of what you have to present in the world of entertainment, I’m a mom, wife, comedian and radio personality.
I also have a weekly vlog on www.Wealigncoaching.com that’s run by my friend Orlando Bishop. He’s changing the narrative on hustle culture, where we tune in rather than tap out. You can find Mamma Moody Musings every Monday on the website and social Media.

I have a podcast called The Mamma Moodcast on Spotify, which I love doing weekly. I also have a weekly snack vlog called Mamma Moody Munchies, where i test out new snack inventions. And if you’re going to have a niche, why not let it be snacks. Along with radio and voiceover work, which is where I’d love for my next steps in my career to move into.

We’re also making a big move to Atlanta, well right outside of Atlanta. Chris and I are buying our first home, it’s definitely needed. Our small 2 bedroom has slowly become smaller and smaller as the kids get bigger and Chris works from home most of the time so we need space! And a yard. As I enter my mid 40s I realize I really want to be surrounded by trees and quiet. I’ve enjoyed my time in LA, and it’s too bad that the houses cost a bazillion dollars here. So we’ll see what new adventures lie ahead!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I think this question spoke to me the most. A pivot in your career. I’m literally in the middle of this right now so why not talk about it. Here’s the thing with entertainment. There’s a lot of funny, talented comedians and actors out there. And unfortunately you might never hear about them. The perception of “making it” is being famous. And really that’s not it. I often say, “If you have to pay taxes on what you’re doing then you’ve made it”.

But we get caught up in being viral, clubs want butts in seats, networks want you to have millions of followers, we have to put on a busy, full, amazing life on IG or tiktok.

But what if you’ve done all that, you’ve had ideas you pitched, you’ve been around the world, you’ve produced content, been on podcast after podcast. And no one knows who you are, then what? Well, I’m in the middle of that and I really don’t know the answer yet. I’m actually taking a chance of dating I don’t know what the future is for me.
I know that I’m healthy, my family is healthy, my husband and I have an awesome marriage, it’s not perfect but we have each other’s backs. That’s what matters to me right now.
And maybe, just maybe I have to get out of LA to make it in LA.
More to be revealed…

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

This is for the women in the business. You can be a mom, you can not be a mom. It’s ok either way. For the longest time I was like kids will hinder my career. I also didn’t want kids, I had friends with kids and they were always tired. But that changed for me.
I want to also be clear, being a mom has been the most exhausting, but most incredible job I’ve ever had. I have a 6.5 yr old boy and a 5 yr old girl that are both on the spectrum. And they’ve shown me so much about how life is about simple joys. They get such a kick out of little things like finding bugs, ice cream and running around a playground. They have both thrived too, in school. So to see them getting more and more ahead fills me up.

You can also have fulfilled life witgout kids as well. I was “old” when I had Jacob, shoot I was old when I got married. I was 37 and it’s the first time being married, I was way behind. I should’ve had at least one divorce under my belt. Jkjkjk.

But it all happens when it’s supposed to. And the one thing I have to unlearn is what you thought life was gonna look like may not be what it is and that’s ok.

And to keep pursuing happy, joyous and free. You might be wondering what the free means, free is being free of caring what others think of you, free from the prison of your mind that holds onto limiting beliefs, free to live life that feels full of scary risks but to take them on and trust. That’s freedom.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rodellegrazie.com
• Instagram: Rodellegrazie
• Facebook: Rodellegrazie
• Linkedin: Ro Moody
• Youtube: Rodellegrazie
• Other: Tiktok: @mammamoody