As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Hanna Ljungholm. The Chicago, IL native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Hanna Ljungholm
Hometown: Toledo, OH/Chicago, IL
Instagram/Tik-Tok: @hanna_ljungholm @hanna_ljungholm
Years in Comedy: 4
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: N/A
Comedic Influences: Maria Bamford and Tina Fey
Favorite Comedy Album: Nick Nemeroff “The Pursuit of Comedy Has Ruined My Life”
Favorite Comedy Special: John Mulaney “Baby J”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Borat
Favorite Comedy TV Show: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Favorite Comedic Character: Borat
Favorite City to Perform In: Chicago, IL
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Lately, it has been WAR
Favorite Comedy Club: Go Bananas
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I have always enjoyed writing and spent all of my time in school being as disruptive and silly as possible.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I was very nervous and unprepared but people were nice.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Silly and absurd
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I like thinking of premises on walks then going to a coffee shop to actually sit and write. I have to have a treat and an iced americano while I write.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
I just moved to Chicago and it has been so fun! I used to think I was ‘alt’ but here I am just regular.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Making enough money to survive, being authentic, and enjoying yourself.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Blake Hammond is one of the best writers around. I have learned so much from watching and writing with him. Ran Barnaclo is so loose and present on stage and when I’ve been nervous before a set he’ll remind me “just be funny”. Andrew and Leah Rudick are absolutely hilarious and such kind people. I always feels inspired and excited for comedy after spending a weekend with them.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
I feel really lucky to have started comedy in Cincinnati because the community there rules. Not to be a huge downer- but last year my half brother passed away. Two days later I had an audition for JFL at Go Bananas. I was a wreck but will never forget having Lee Kimbrell and Blake Hammond pump me up before my set. I felt so much love and support.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Not to get too down about them. They’re inevitable. I am doing comedy because I love it. If I’m too mean to myself about messing up I’m not going to love it.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
I think they act more naturally. I like to bring the sillies and make people feel at ease.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
Give me a few years and I’ll get back to you. Right now making videos online is working for me.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Let’s pay hosts and features more money please!
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
I heard Jetski Johnson on a podcast say that before she goes on stage she thinks about a person she loves. I think this is such a great perspective to have about performing. It’s really not about us as the performers but the experience as a whole. Spread the love!
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
Hmmmm. Maybe “Normal and Cool Girl”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
Whitney Cummings replied to my DM once.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
Kroger
A Hanna Ljungholm Fun Fact:
I am size 10.5 shoe
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I want to create a sketch show.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Ride the energy!
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
More Hanna
If you could write ONE episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be and give a brief detailed sentence on the episode:
I’d do an episode of IASIP but somehow it involves Taylor Swift.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
I would choose the Lincoln Lodge and perform with Duncan Trussell, Annie Lederman, and my buddy Carter Dougherty. We would get all weird and hippieish in the green room and give Carter therapy.
What’s next for you:
I need to pay off all of my parking tickets.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because life is hard and perspective is everything.
It’s such a wonderful tool to cope with life’s shit and connect with others.
Follow Hanna Ljungholm’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Hanna Ljungholm
Youtube: Hanna Ljungholm
Personal Website: Hanna Ljungholm
