If you haven’t heard of Samantha Ruddy yet you will soon enough. She is one of the funniest women on Twitter. She writes for College Humor. And she recently opened for Tig Notaro. Aka all around badass. I first came across her when I was one of the hundreds/thousands of people to retweet/favorite this  gem:

To me, comedy writing and stand-up comedians are the pinnacle of confidence and intelligence. I am seriously in awe of stand-up comics. I wanted to ask Samantha about being a creative person, living fully, and finding confidence. Samantha was gracious enough to answer our questions and I’m still pinching myself and asking, as Samantha sometimes does, Me? Seriously?

First off, can you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi! I’m Samantha Ruddy. 

What initially drew you to stand-up comedy?

I’ve always loved comedy. Cliche, but true. I work well with others, but I love just getting lost in my head and writing, which I think lends itself to stand-up since you’re working mostly alone.

Was there ever a moment where you wanted to flip the table and walk away from writing comedy?

Not really! I think I’ve had too many other jobs where I wanted to do that. I get writers block, but it’s more of a disappointing thing for me than rage-inducing. Usually.

So much of stand-up demands you to put yourself out there over and over again: how do you keep yourself going?

Well, to be honest, I don’t think I’m too far on the intimate side as far as comedians go. Sure, I’ll talk about private aspects of my life occasionally, but not to the extent of other comics. I’m primarily a joke writer. Some of the things in my act are total lies. I always joke that I’m not even gay. (I am) I just want to write funny jokes. If it also happens to be true and intimate, added bonus! Maybe that’ll change as I grow as a comic. I’m only three years in. 

Do you ever struggle with self-doubt? If so, what do you do to overcome it?

Sure. I am on my way to open for Tig Notaro in a 1000 person theater right now and all morning I’ve just been like “Me? Seriously?” I like listening to rap music. Cause they’re like “I’m the greatest!” and it sort of rubs off on me to the point where I can be like “I’m okay!”

You speak openly about being a member of the LGBTQ community — what advice would you give to someone who is navigating the coming out process?

I think just be honest with yourself as soon as you can and come out to everybody else when it feels safe. I have a wonderful family who I’m sure would’ve supported me in high school, but I didn’t realize I was gay until I was about to head off to college. I always wonder what high school would’ve been like if I had figured it out earlier. Anyway, way to make this about you, Samantha.

What advice would you give to a young person who is pursuing a creative, “non-traditional” path in life?

Have a strong support system of friends who are doing similar things, but also, ones who work at banks and as teachers and are just like normal people. I don’t live with comics and I really love it. You get so wrapped up in this world and it’s nice to come home to people who can give you a break from it.

Name three stand-ups we should be paying attention to.

Casey James Salengo

Luke Mones

Janelle James

Those three all have very unique voices and are different from each other,  so everyone is bound to like at least one of them. Also they’re hilarious.

Name three, creative, non-stand-up friends of yours we should be paying attention to.

Annie Licata and Julie Kosin are both young journalists who work for Rolling Stone and Harper’s Bazaar, respectively. Both are great writers.

Jeanette Wall manages bands and runs a label called Miscreant Records with one of my favorite bands, PWR BTTM, on it. I want to be her when I grow up.

 

Thank you again to Samantha for taking the time to be part of the blog! Can’t wait to see where she goes next.

Follow Samantha on Twitter HERE
Check out her Reddit page HERE