Life In Bold with Ben Hawes

Ben Hawes
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  • COMEDY INTERVIEWS
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS
Life In Bold with Ben Hawes

Queer. Funny. Bold. This is the podcast connecting you to inspiring people who are doing the work to live the lives they've imagined. Finding authenticity, moving forward with boldness, following dreams, and laughing along the way. Hosted by comedian Ben Hawes in New York City. Listen today and subscribe for new episodes every other Monday.

  1. 58. Steven Zakari on Homophobia in Comedy, Being Yourself, and BoA

    1 DAY AGO

    58. Steven Zakari on Homophobia in Comedy, Being Yourself, and BoA

    Welcome to Episode 58 of Life in Bold! This week, I’m thrilled to bring you an incredible conversation with the one and only Steven Zakari—a phenomenal comedian, entertainer, and one of the most engaging podcast guests I’ve ever had the pleasure of hosting. This episode quickly became one of my all-time favorites, and I’m so excited to share it with you. In this episode, Steven and I dive deep into some fascinating (and hilarious) topics: 🎭 The realities of homophobia in comedy and how it shapes our experiences as queer performers. 🏳️‍🌈 Our coming-out stories and how they’ve influenced our creativity and careers. 📺 Wild ideas for new Netflix shows we think you’re going to love. 🎤 Steven’s unabashed love for BoA, the K-pop sensation who continues to inspire him. And, as a cherry on top of this fantastic conversation, we somehow ended up brainstorming ideas for Christmas albums! Yes, we’re both thinking of stepping into the holiday music arena, and let’s just say the results could be iconic. Stay tuned for updates on that. 🎄🎶 This episode is packed with laughs, heartfelt moments, and creative inspiration—you won’t want to miss it! WATCH NOW on YouTube, or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for the full experience. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes that bring boldness, laughter, and authenticity to your week. Let me know in the comments what your favorite part of the episode is, and if you’d be down to listen to our (potentially legendary) Christmas albums someday! 😉 Thanks so much for tuning in—now go live your dreams! 🌟 #LifeInBold #Podcast #StevenZakari #Comedy #ComingOut #Netflix #BoA #ChristmasAlbums

    59 min
  2. 57. Meg Chizek on Finding Boldness: Embracing Life's Transitions & Trusting Your Intuition

    14 NOV

    57. Meg Chizek on Finding Boldness: Embracing Life's Transitions & Trusting Your Intuition

    🎙️ Finding Boldness: Embracing Life's Transitions with Meg Chizek 🎙️ In this episode of Life in Bold, Ben sits down with comedian and former dancer Meg Chizek. From her one-woman show How to Give Up on Your Dreams to her transition from dance to comedy, Meg’s story is all about self-trust and following your intuition. Join us as we discuss life in your 30s, bold moves, and making the leap to embrace new dreams. 🌈✨ 🔑 In this episode: Navigating big life transitions Trusting yourself in uncertain times Embracing authenticity as a performer Growing up in the dance world & switching careers 👀 Watch more to explore: If you’re feeling the pull to follow your dreams, this episode is for you! Don’t miss our conversation about letting go, finding your purpose, and what it truly means to live a life in bold. Thank you for tuning in! 🎙️ Don’t miss out on the latest episodes—hit Subscribe for new bold conversations every week 🏳️‍🌈 Life in Bold is hosted by NYC’s Ben Hawes, a musical comedian and podcaster. Life In Bold helps you embrace your dreams and take bold steps toward achieving them. 💬 What did you think of today’s show? I’d love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram or drop a comment below to share your thoughts. 💬 Tell us your thoughts! Drop a comment or DM us on Instagram! 🔗 Follow & Connect: Life In Bold:  INSTA: http://www.instagram.com/lifeinboldpod  TIK TOK: http://www.tiktok.com/@lifeinboldpod Ben Hawes:  INSTA: http://www.instagram.com/lifeinboldpod  TIK TOK: http://www.tiktok.com/@lifeinboldpod Meg Chizek: http://www.instagram.com/megsi_lee Keywords:  Queer comedy LGBTQ+ podcast New York Comedy Musical comedian Comedy interviews Visit our website at lifeinboldpod.com and thank you for the support! 🌟

    1h 1m
  3. 56. Andrea Coleman on Leaving Law, Finding Divine Signs, and the Power of Storytelling in Comedy

    30 OCT

    56. Andrea Coleman on Leaving Law, Finding Divine Signs, and the Power of Storytelling in Comedy

    In this episode of Life in Bold, Ben sits down with Andrea Coleman, a New York-based comedian and storyteller known for her powerful solo show Three White Guys Named John. Andrea shares her journey from practicing law to embracing comedy, revealing how her legal career influences her humor and her life philosophy. They dive into Andrea’s evolving relationship with the law, storytelling, and spirituality, discussing divine intuition, creative inspiration, and the complexity of life’s unexpected signs. Ben and Andrea also chat about authenticity, career changes, and how comedy can transform our understanding of challenging experiences. Tune in for a conversation full of laughter, vulnerability, and insights on pursuing dreams in the face of fear and uncertainty. Thank you for tuning in! 🎙️ Don’t miss out on the latest episodes—hit Subscribe for new bold conversations every week 🏳️‍🌈 Life in Bold is hosted by NYC’s Ben Hawes, a musical comedian and podcaster. Life In Bold helps you embrace your dreams and take bold steps toward achieving them. 💬 What did you think of today’s show? I’d love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram or drop a comment below to share your thoughts. 💬 Tell us your thoughts! Drop a comment or DM us on Instagram! 🔗 Follow & Connect: * Life In Bold: * INSTA: http://www.instagram.com/lifeinboldpod * TIK TOK: http://www.tiktok.com/@lifeinboldpod * Ben Hawes: * INSTA: http://www.instagram.com/lifeinboldpod * TIK TOK: http://www.tiktok.com/@lifeinboldpod * Andrea Coleman: http://www.instagram.com/andreacolema... Keywords: * Queer Comedy * LGBTQ+ podcast * New York Comedy * Musical comedian * Comedy interviews Visit our website at lifeinboldpod.com and thank you for the support! 🌟

    1h 9m
  4. 55. Comedian Valerie Ward on Finding Balance in Improv & Business

    29 OCT

    55. Comedian Valerie Ward on Finding Balance in Improv & Business

    In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the wonderful Valerie Ward for an in-depth conversation about her life, her journey with improv and comedy, and how she balances her corporate career with her creative passions.  Valerie shared her unique experiences growing up in Texas, from her quirky fashion sense in high school to her early love of theater and improv. We explored how those formative years shaped her self-confidence and desire to express her creativity, even when faced with self-consciousness and the pressures of being seen as the "smart" kid. As Valerie transitioned to college and then her career in marketing consulting, we discussed the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance and carving out time for her improv group and comedy pursuits. Her insights on the collaborative nature of the Austin improv scene versus the more competitive model in New York were fascinating. I also opened up about my own experiences with comedy, marketing, and finding purpose beyond just "getting famous." Valerie's perspective on using comedy as a hobby versus a profession resonated with me, as I continue to navigate my own path in the creative world. Overall, this conversation was a wonderful exploration of kindness, self-discovery, and the power of community - all through the lens of Valerie's inspiring story. I'm grateful to have had the chance to dive deeper into her life and creative passions, and I'm sure listeners will find her journey as inspiring as I do. Thank you for tuning in! 🎙️ Don’t miss out on the latest episodes—hit Subscribe for new bold conversations every week 🏳️‍🌈 Life in Bold is hosted by NYC’s Ben Hawes, a musical comedian and podcaster. Life In Bold helps you embrace your dreams and take bold steps toward achieving them. 💬 What did you think of today’s show? I’d love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram or drop a comment below to share your thoughts. 💬 Tell us your thoughts! Drop a comment or DM us on Instagram! 🔗 Follow & Connect: Life In Bold:  INSTA: http://www.instagram.com/lifeinboldpod  TIK TOK: http://www.tiktok.com/@lifeinboldpod Ben Hawes:  INSTA: http://www.instagram.com/lifeinboldpod  TIK TOK: http://www.tiktok.com/@lifeinboldpod Valerie Ward: http://www.instagram.com/valetoile Keywords:  Queer comedy LGBTQ+ podcast New York Comedy Musical comedian Comedy interviews Visit our website at lifeinboldpod.com and thank you for the support! 🌟

    56 min
  5. 54. Lizzy Sunshine's Liz Coin on Addiction, Improv & Big Dreams

    10 SEPT

    54. Lizzy Sunshine's Liz Coin on Addiction, Improv & Big Dreams

    In this episode of Life in Bold, I sit down with the incredibly talented Liz Coin to talk about her one-woman show, Lizzie Sunshine 🌞. Liz shares the deeply personal inspiration behind the show, which explores her brother’s addiction struggles, and how creating this piece helped her embrace her inner artist 🎭.  We dive into the highs and lows of performing in New York City, including her sold-out show at The Pit and her upcoming performance at Caveat. Liz also talks about the power of social media, building personal connections, and her exciting plans to take Lizzie Sunshine to the Edinburgh Fringe in 2025 🎉. You won’t want to miss this conversation full of insight, heart, and humor! Thank you for tuning in! 🎙️ Don’t miss out on the latest episodes—hit Subscribe for new bold conversations every week 🏳️‍🌈 Life in Bold is hosted by NYC’s Ben Hawes, a musical comedian and podcaster. Life In Bold helps you embrace your dreams and take bold steps toward achieving them. 💬 What did you think of today’s show? I’d love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram or drop a comment below to share your thoughts. 💬 Tell us your thoughts! Drop a comment or DM us on Instagram! 🔗 Follow & Connect: Life In Bold:  INSTA: http://www.instagram.com/lifeinboldpod  TIK TOK: http://www.tiktok.com/@lifeinboldpod Ben Hawes:  INSTA: http://www.instagram.com/lifeinboldpod  TIK TOK: http://www.tiktok.com/@lifeinboldpod Liz Coin: http://www.instagram.com/lizcoin Keywords:  Queer comedy LGBTQ+ podcast New York Comedy Musical comedian Comedy interviews Visit our website at lifeinboldpod.com and thank you for the support! 🌟

    1 hr
  6. 53. Improviser Lauren Arnett on Growing Up Christian, Bisexuality & Women, and Sex in Movies

    28 AUG

    53. Improviser Lauren Arnett on Growing Up Christian, Bisexuality & Women, and Sex in Movies

    Lauren Arnett is an amazing improviser and actor in NYC who performs with many improv groups and makes people laugh all across New York City. Originally from Michigan, she grew up in a church where the church scene became her social life. Quiet in shy in high school, she now takes stages all over NYC to show the world what she’s got— in this episode we talk about our queerness, religion and christianity, our church experiences, and of course, queer dating & sex scenes in movies!  THANK YOU for listening!! Subscribe here to get the latest!!   What are your thoughts on today's show?! DM the pod on Instagram or comment below to share what you feel. I'd love to know!    This podcast is hosted by New York City's Ben Hawes. Ben is a musical comedian and podcaster whose mission is to help folks see the value in their dreams, help them take action, and make it happen for themselves. You Can Find Life In Bold Here:  We post highlights, clips, and bonus content   Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lifeinboldpod  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeinboldpod  Subscribe on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@lifeinboldpod You Can Find Ben Hawes (Host) Here:   I post daily comedy videos and document my comedy & business life!  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/laughwithben Subscribe On YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@laughwithben   You Can Find Lauren (Guest) Here:   I love when our listeners go and support our guests!   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Laurenjarnett  I hope you have a great day, an even better week, and don't forget to Live Your Life in Bold. -Ben Hawes Local Elevator by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300012 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

    1h 8m
  7. 52. Patrick Darwin Williams on Modern Masculinity, Growing Up In Theater & Teaching Improv in NYC

    14 AUG

    52. Patrick Darwin Williams on Modern Masculinity, Growing Up In Theater & Teaching Improv in NYC

    My conversation with improv actor Patrick Darwin Williams was a riveting dive into masculinity in the 90s and 2000s, balancing football & theater (hello Troy Bolton!), moving to NYC in 2006, being a dad and husband, and basically an all-around interview with a fantastically talented and kind straight man. As a kid growing up in California, I had my own experiences with masculinity, coming out and hiding my true self, but I’ve learned that this is actually a pretty universal feeling— we ALL are just trying to make it and survive in 6th grade, right?  Patrick is an amazing improviser in NYC, an improv instructor at The People’s Improv Theater in NYC, and just a super nice guy who I’ve had the chance to become friends with. His lesson and message? Make eye contact in improv, but also, make eye contact with your life. He chats about his transitions in life and how he’s balanced all his interests, responsibilities, and passions— and at 39 years old, he’s feeling good about being a dad, husband, improviser, and New Yorker.  THANK YOU for listening!! Subscribe here to get the latest!!   What are your thoughts on today's show?! DM the pod on Instagram or comment below to share what you feel. I'd love to know!    This podcast is hosted by New York City's Ben Hawes. Ben is a musical comedian and podcaster whose mission is to help folks see the value in their dreams, help them take action, and make it happen for themselves. You Can Find Life In Bold Here:  We post highlights, clips, and bonus content   Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lifeinboldpod  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeinboldpod  Subscribe on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@lifeinboldpod You Can Find Ben Hawes (Host) Here:   I post daily comedy videos and document my comedy & business life!  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/laughwithben Subscribe On YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@laughwithben   You Can Find Emmy (Guest) Here:   I love when our listeners go and support our guests!   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrickdarwinwilliams I hope you have a great day, an even better week, and don't forget to Live Your Life in Bold. -Ben Hawes

    1h 9m
  8. 51. Actor Emmy Harrington on Great Movie Scores, Dancing, and Getting People To Your Comedy Show

    25 JUL

    51. Actor Emmy Harrington on Great Movie Scores, Dancing, and Getting People To Your Comedy Show

    Emmy Harrington is a wonderful Actor based in NYC who has done many things, but is very well known for her Live theater show “SCORE” where she invites comedians to do an act based on a classic movie she assigns, and then she herself does an interpretive/interactive dance and performance for each movie score. She grew up a dancer with a family who puts on an annual variety show— and she once had the idea to do a dance for the score of Jurassic Park— and it was a hit— since then, she has loved this art form. Emmy has been doing comedy and acting for over 10 years— I know that because there is a Cruise Ship commercial she did 10 years ago that I actually saw back in the day!! If you get a chance after listening to this episode, go to Emmy’s YouTube page and scroll through her amazing comedy and acting reels.  In this episode, we talk all about how she came up with her show, “SCORE,” which is going to be at CAVEAT on 7/31/24— if you are in NY, you should go!!! It’s an amazing time. If you are outside of NYC but listen to this and fall in love with Emmy, make sure to buy a Live Stream ticket so you can see the whole thing right on your computer! As Emmy says, it’s filmed a lot like the Kennedy Center Honors LOL. We also talk about building a comedy career and an audience, getting people to come to your shows, dating in NYC, and dancing as a way to get your fitness on!  THANK YOU for listening!! Subscribe here to get the latest!!   What are your thoughts on today's show?! DM the pod on Instagram or comment below to share your thoughts. I'd love to know!    This podcast is hosted by New York City's Ben Hawes. Ben is a musical comedian and podcaster whose mission is to help folks see the value in their dreams, help them take action, and make it happen for themselves. You Can Find Life In Bold Here:  We post highlights, clips, and bonus content   Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lifeinboldpod  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeinboldpod  Subscribe on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@lifeinboldpod You Can Find Ben Hawes (Host) Here:   I post daily comedy videos and document my comedy & business life!  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/laughwithben Subscribe On YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@laughwithben   You Can Find Emmy (Guest) Here:   I love when our listeners go and support our guests!   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theemmyharrington Tickets to her show: https://caveat.nyc/events/score-7-31-2024 I hope you have a great day, an even better week, and don't forget to Live Your Life in Bold. -Ben Hawes Local Elevator by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300012 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

    1h 5m
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About

Queer. Funny. Bold. This is the podcast connecting you to inspiring people who are doing the work to live the lives they've imagined. Finding authenticity, moving forward with boldness, following dreams, and laughing along the way. Hosted by comedian Ben Hawes in New York City. Listen today and subscribe for new episodes every other Monday.

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