Suzi Chicago's Podcast | Episode 13: From Hospital Bed to Comedy Stage with Dan Yourg Media
Published: 4 days ago
In today&;s episode, I sit down with the wonderful Dan Yourg, a San Diego comic who everyone absolutely loves! Dan shares his incredible journey into comedy, starting just over a year and a half ago, when some people thought his first showcase announcement was an April Fool&;s joke because they never knew he had a funny side.
Spoiler alert: he bombed nobody! We delve into Dan&;s fascinating background - from growing up in the Chicago area (his dad was a Chicago firefighter!) to playing football at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, to eventually landing in San Diego, where he has been for 40 years. Dan opens up about his dry, deadpan comedy style, the comics who inspire him (hello, Nate Bargatze and Bob Newhart!), and why he&;s committed to working clean so his grandkids can watch him perform. Plus, Dan tells an absolutely wild story about literally escaping from the hospital (well, leaving without being discharged) to make it to his very first showcase at Mic Drop!
We also discuss building an audience organically, the realities of open mics, and our shared love of Nashville comedy. Don&;t miss my story about meeting John Mulaney in Hollywood either!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Introduction and my John Mulaney encounter story
03:49 - Dan&;s comedy origin: When people thought it was a joke
09:12 - Dan&;s Midwest roots: Chicago fireman&;s son
11:00 - My arrest story in Madison, Wisconsin
18:07 - Why Dan works clean and family support for comedy
21:08 - Comedy influences: Nate Bargatze, Bob Newhart, Leslie Nielsen
30:13 - The truth about open mics (they&;re like hot dogs!)
33:37 - My Hollywood adventure with John Mulaney and Robbie Hoffman
45:00 - Dan&;s incredible first showcase: The hospital escape story
53:05 - Dan&;s upcoming shows and where to find him
CONNECT WITH US:
Follow Dan on Instagram: @danyourgcomedy
Catch Dan at his upcoming shows:
- Good Bar on Rosecrans - Wednesday, 8 PM (hosted with Victor Paz Junior)
- Cuny - Tuesday (Crafts & Comedy)
- And many more around San Diego - check his Instagram for updates!
Looking for comedy shows in San Diego? Check out Mic Drop Comedy, Lestat&;s, The Grand Comedy Club in Escondido, and the Comedy Store in La Jolla!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Thank you for joining us for this heartwarming conversation! Dan&;s story is proof that it&;s never too late to pursue your passion - whether you&;re starting comedy in your 60s like Dan or your 70s like me! His dedication to the craft (literally leaving the hospital to make his first show!) and his genuine, approachable personality are why everyone in the San Diego comedy scene loves him.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share with your comedy-loving friends. New episodes drop regularly, so stay tuned!