We were lucky to catch up with Zach Peterson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Zach, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with 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?

The only way to really learn stand-up comedy is by doing it. You have to rush through the hesitation of not being that great in the beginning to come out the other side as someone who can do well consistently . You have to be the right amount of delusional. Luckily, I was, and after years of thinking I knew what I was doing. I actually had learned something. Learning who you are on stage is essentially a process of elimination of the things that you aren’t and you only learn those things through failure. I am still learning and maybe I am still delusional, who knows?

Zach, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have been doing stand up comedy around the country for about 14 years. Throughout my time I have been based in Chicago, Los Angeles and Omaha. I have headlined clubs, festivals, bars, loading docks and secret meeting places along every interstate and highway. I have released two albums, one comedy special (A list of wet celebrities) and produced more live shows, podcasts and festivals than is allowed by some draconian laws.

I currently reside in Omaha where I focus on writing, performing and teaching stand up along with producing stand up comedy shows through out the city. I founded and operate Broken Magic comedy to be the gold standard of comedy in my area. With the best comics at the best venues so everyone can have the best time.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Knowing that in some small part, I am responsible for the culture of the city I live in. That I can improve Omaha’s comedy scene through hard work and skill sharing. A rising tide lifts all ships and I am real proud of the strides we have made.

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

Enjoy yourself. People create things so others can enjoy them. I hope you are willing to go out and enjoy someone else’s work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zachpetersoncomedy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingoftheriverpeterson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zacharyjpeterson/