In this episode, we sit down with Erica Rhodes to discuss the experiences that led her into comedy, including how a failed audition unexpectedly pushed her toward performing at her first open mic. She shares how she displayed natural comic timing from a young age and how those early experiences helped shape her path as a comedian.

We talk about the impact of her popular Don’t Tell Comedy sets and how opportunities like those can help comedians reach new audiences and grow their careers. Erica also shares insights into the evolving challenge of stand-up, explaining how “killing” on stage can feel inconsistent as your standards and expectations rise over time.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of being a comedian and staying true to your voice while building a lasting career in comedy.

A highlight of this week's episode covers years of producing comedy shows and how carefully building a lineup can shape the entire energy of a night. Producing your own show isn’t just booking funny people , it’s understanding rhythm, momentum, tone, and audience psychology. Creating a lineup is almost like arranging scenes in a movie or album.

Overall vibe of the episode explains how comedy is both an art form and a survival skill. Where originality, adaptability, and persistence matter just as much as getting laughs.

Lahna Turner is a stand up comedian, writer, musician, and filmmaker whose career has been deeply shaped by the balance between comedy, motherhood, and life on the road. Known for blending personal storytelling with music and sharp observational humor, Turner built a career while also raising a family alongside her late husband, comedian Ralphie May. Their relationship, both onstage and off, became a major part of her creative life, as she supported May through the height of his comedy career while continuing to develop her own voice in stand up.

Through both her comedy and filmmaking, Lahna Turner’s work reflects resilience, honesty, and the reality of trying to hold together family, creativity, and life in entertainment, even when the spotlight becomes difficult to carry.