Janice V. Rodriguez: The woman who accidentally built comedy movement

Ilse sits down with comedian, producer, and festival founder Janice V. Rodriguez, the woman who turned a New Year’s resolution into one of Chicago’s most vital comedy movements. Janice shares the origin of Las Locas Comedy, how the Latina Comedy Festival grew from a “one-show festival” into a multi-day powerhouse, and why comedy is equal parts spreadsheets and late-night punchlines.

They dive into the business side of being an artist, what it’s like balancing loyalty with saying no, and why stand-up can feel like free therapy (with better punchlines). Janice also opens up about growing up bilingual-ish, her business background, and how she’s mentoring the next wave of comics while still writing her own bits about grudges, Capri Suns, and growing up Latina in Indiana.

Follow Janice on IG @JVRSPEAKS and catch her at the upcoming Latina Comedy Festival at latinacomedyfestival.com

Hosted by Ilse Zacharias Rivera. Say hi / follow along here: @ilsezacharias

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Thank you to our sponsor, Joel Maisonet Photography: maisonetphotography.com