As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Nate Meeker. The Columbus, OH native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how he always owns the laughs.
Name: Nate Meeker
Hometown: Columbus, OH/Currently based in NYC
Instagram/Tik-Tok: @natemeeker_ @nate.meeker
Years in Comedy: 3.5 years
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Mostly just the internet so far, but hopefully that changes one day.
Comedic Influences: Nate Bargatze, Sebastian Maniscalco, & Chris Rock
Favorite Comedy Album: Nate Bargatze “Yelled at by a Clown”
Favorite Comedy Special: Dave Chappelle “Sticks and Stones”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Talladega Nights
Favorite Comedy TV Show: The Office
Favorite Comedic Character: Chandler Bing
Favorite City to Perform In: Chicago
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Sports, relationships, & personal experiences
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: I like audiences who are willing to participate and are ready to laugh from the jump.
Favorite Comedy Club: Wiseguys Comedy Club (Salt Lake City)
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I first started uploading videos to TikTok in late 2020 and after a few went viral, I was hooked. I started taking improv classes and doing stand-up and knew pretty early on that I wanted to transition out of my corporate job.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I was unbelievably nervous. I think I lasted maybe 90 seconds on stage and was super embarrassed. Luckily, it was at a hole in the wall bar in Columbus and zero people cared.
How would you describe your comedic style:
I’m a very sarcastic person. I like to draw on personal experiences with sarcasm behind it. I like to be vulnerable and share parts of my life with the audience.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I try to be self-reflective and focus on things that interest me. I feel like I’m able to write my best material when it’s personal to me. Plus, I think it’s more fun to be authentic.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
It’s hard to beat the NYC comedy scene. Best in the world in my opinion.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
If you can get people to care about what you have to say, I consider that successful. Whether it’s a small show in front of 20 people or a theater in front of thousands, getting people to buy into your comedic style is the ultimate measure of success.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
I spent a lot of time opening for Tim Dillon in 2023 which was an incredible learning experience for me. It was trial by fire at times, but those shows played a massive role in my development as a comedian.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Opening for Tim Dillon at the Chicago Theatre.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Every set is a learning experience. Sometimes the worst sets are actually the most beneficial in making the necessary changes. Unfortunately, bombing is crucial to development.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They usually start chanting my name in the streets.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
You have to understand that it’s going to take time to actually get good. It might take several years before you truly find your voice on stage. Not being afraid to fail early on will help your growth immensely and you just have to stay the course. Be someone who people enjoy working with and there will always be room for you.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
I still think we’re a little too quick to “cancel” people. Feel like things are heading in a better direction, though.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Don’t rush the process. You can always be seen too early, but you can never be seen too late.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Wannabe Athlete”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I’m a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan and my family was watching them play the Saints in New Orleans. My Dad has connections with some of the players and we were invited to the postgame dinner/lounge area for players’ guests and families. I randomly look up and see Keegan-Michael Key, one of my favorite comedians. He was a guest of Drew Brees and my siblings and I nervously approached him and took some pictures. He was awesome, but I just couldn’t believe the entire situation.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
I performed stand-up in a boxing gym one time. I definitely felt like I did not belong.
A Nate Meeker Fun Fact:
I’ve never had a cavity. Easily the most interesting thing about me.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I would love to have a career in both acting and stand-up. A combination of those two would be the dream.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. It’s the easiest way to get the audience on your side and people appreciate authenticity. Plus, you’ll have more conviction (and fun) talking about things that are personal to you.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I think we’re in a great spot. We’re heading into a new territory where there are no barriers to entry due to social media. Gatekeeping is less common and anyone who wants to be in the scene absolutely can
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
I’d love to write an episode for The Office where Michael and Dwight unknowingly date the same girl.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
I would have it at the Comedy Cellar in New York City and I’d be joined by Nate Bargatze, Sebastian Maniscalco, and my roommate, Chris Barnes.
What’s next for you:
I’m doing my first set of road shows this fall and am very excited about it. Kicking things off with 5 cities in the Midwest and can’t wait to get started.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
There are pretty much an unlimited number of things we can stress about, but rarely are they ever all that serious. There’s always room to give yourself a break and have a little bit of fun. Laughter is the best medicine for a reason.
Follow Nate Meeker’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Nate Meeker
Youtube: Nate Meeker
Personal Website: Nate Meeker
