6. What do your parents think of your job?

My mom is very very supportive! She is about as supportive of a mother as you can be of a 24 year old kid that you really just want them to have their own health insurance. The only struggle I have is that it is very difficult to articulate that this is my career rather than an interest, passion, or even side job. Even after you quit your day job and start writing for television, it’s still seen as a temporary interest. 

7. What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?

I’ve developed social anxiety. I no longer have a social life or a professional life. I have 10,000 co-workers who are my best friend. There is incredible pressure to build relationships because “it’s all about who you know” but being eager is not cool. You can’t be rude but being too polite is “fake” and that’s the worst thing you can do. It’s truly a nightmare. I’ve gotten better at going easy on myself. 

8. I think you are very good at what you do (that’s why I’m asking these questions). What do you think of you?

It changes rapidly and dramatically. There are those magical shows I have where I am really connected with audience. I am open and honest, out of my own head, firing on all cylinders, and feel invincible. Yet, the next day I could simply not feel funny. I’ll hate everything from my writing to the sound of my voice. 

I will say that from a personal perspective, I’ve gone from closeted standup wannabe to professional comedian screaming about having sex with dads in about 5 years. Sometimes I get so lost in the performances that I don’t take the time to reflect and celebrate that. I am very proud of myself.

9. How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?

Since I got hired to write for Bravo, I am earning a comfortable living for the first time in my life. 

10. How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?

It is massive. It is not everything, but it’s close. I don’t think luck comes to talentless lazy people very often. You must be putting yourself out there every single night as much as possible. But there are so many talented people that do that and their careers still don’t get to the place they want it. 

I have had A LOT of luck and am very grateful. My big break - writing for Bravo - came from the recommendation of another comedian and a submitted writing sample. Other things such as booking a 20 college tour and headlining Stand Up NY came from showcases where I had great sets at the right time. 

11. Alan Davies has said that comedians fall into two categories - golfers and self-harmers. The former just get on with life, the latter are tortured artists. Which are you – or do you think you fit into a third category?

Self-harmer. In the last year I have gotten better at simply being able to recognize this, take a breath, and put some distance between myself and the toxic thoughts. 

12. Who is your favourite person ever and why – not including family or friends or other comedians?

Ta-Nehisi Coates. He makes people who hate him deeply understand his struggle. Also, once I literally bumped into him in the West Village and I said “sorry” and he was very nice. 

13. Do you keep your drawers tidy and if not why not? (please think long and hard about this question, it's to settle an argument with my girlfriend. The future of our relationship could depend on your response).

Yes! This is a recent development. The past year my clothes are folded and organized into the correct drawers. However, I am a serial throw your jeans on the floor kind of guy. Good luck with your relationship. I’m glad you’re outsourcing your fights. I’m going to try this. 

Sam Morrison’s debut Edinburgh Festival show ‘Hello Daddy!’ is at the Just The Tonic Marlin’s Wynd from 1st – 26th August at 5.25pm. For tickets go to www.edfringe.com 

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