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

Shak, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I get obsessed with some things and ever since I was younger I had an obsession with both digital media and making my friends laugh but it wasn’t until the pandemic that I started to focus on comedy and media in a more concerted manner than before. As a comedian and a creative (if you can call me that, I’m more of a figment of one’s imagination), I feel it is my job to continue learning and to continue to adapt to what is happening today so that I can connect with people in real-time. Comedy is a skill learned through a lot of trial and error and with every joke, there is the possibility that some people won’t like it, and being optimistic certainly helps. Due to this it is also something that takes a lot of vulnerability in order to connect with people and sometimes this can make you averse to criticism. Learning to accept criticism was something that I could have learned earlier and I could always be more humble.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Shak Zoola and I am a Dominican-born stand-up comedian, sketch writer, “content creator” and video editor! Ever since I was 8 years old I have been using computers to make some type of computer art whether it be photoshop or Windows Movie Maker (where my 90s kids at?). Although I am classically trained as a scientist my life all came burning down during the pandemic and I was left to rummage through the ashes and explore my artistic roots. From these ashes arose TrashFire Media a multi-media and events organization that I started with my cousin Cee Stein. TrashFire Media came from our desire to consume content that we felt was needed during a time when so many were left helpless and scared. Our style derives from the absurdity of life and how people think they have more control over their lives than they actually do. We are inspired by the likes of Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim as well as other absurdist types such as Tim Robinson and Conner O’Malley. Not only do we make our own videos and online content we also edit, film and direct videos for other businesses and we have produced advertisements for businesses in our local home of South Florida. Additionally we throw live comedy events where we showcase really funny local talent from Miami-Dade and surrounding counties.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the process of creating. Sitting down taking time to be alone with your thoughts. Synthesizing your ideas so that they are understood by a wide audience. With everything I do whether it be a joke, a meme, or a sketch video I always have so much fun creating as much as I do publishing it. The feeling that something I thought of could potentially make another person smile and bring positivity is so rewarding. Life can be hard and often being creative is overlooked especially being the oldest from a first-generation Dominican family.

Have you ever had to pivot?

During the pandemic, I was working on an electrophysiology project in the lab of a medical hospital. My job did not have anything to do with the coronavirus so we were sent home to social distance until the fear of the pandemic was over. Unfortunately what we thought would only be a couple of weeks turned out to last for over 6 months of me not being able to do the work I diligently worked on over the past year and a half. I did not know what to do at this moment my entire reality completely flipped on its head. Nothing to do but binge-watch the news and order groceries through instacart (instacart if you’re reading this sponsor me). There came a point where I felt the news was doing more harm than good and I had to channel my energy into something healthy and positive so I chose to mix my artistic leanings with comedy and I created TrashFire Media with my cousin Cee Stein. At first, it was a long-distance process with many meetings happening over discord or zoom. It was pretty impossible to make certain videos without having access to studios and with the fear of COVID-19 but I feel like from our lack of resources came something unique and something we are still very proud of today. Now almost 3 years later we are thankful that we were able to get through the pandemic with a positive outlook and an appreciation for life that we didn’t have before.

Contact Info:

• Website: trashfiremedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trashfiremedia
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/TrashFire-Media/100065105486857/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/trashfiremedia
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiotv680FPXNUEp9iGt0YNw
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/trashfire-media-miami

Image Credits
M.C Photography is Mike Cordello from mia_studios.