A fast-rising comedian, writer, and podcast host known for her fearless humor, bold personality, and sharp commentary on modern womanhood. Blending unfiltered storytelling with quick wit, she has built a growing fanbase through stand-up, digital content, and podcasting.
She gained additional attention with her mini comedy special produced by LMAOF, where she showcases her confident stage presence and signature comedic voice. Her stand-up often dives into topics like dating, body image, social expectations, and the absurd realities of everyday life, delivered with an unapologetic perspective that resonates with audiences.
Beyond the stage, she hosts “The Big Natural” podcast, where she mixes comedy with candid conversations about culture, relationships, and self-confidence. The show highlights her improvisational humor while creating a space for honest, hilarious discussions.
Expanding her comedic brand even further, she also created and hosts “The Big Natural Makeover,” a fashion-focused makeover show that blends style, humor, and empowerment. Through the series, she helps guests embrace their individuality while injecting the process with her playful, irreverent comedic style.
As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Kait Calabrese. The Northern Maine native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Kait Calabrese
Hometown: Northern Maine/Austin, TX
Instagram/Twitter/Tik-Tok: @kaitcomedy @kait.comedy
Years in Comedy: 1.5 years
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: I host The Big Natural Podcast and run the live showcase Big Naturals at the Creek and the Cave. I’ll also be appearing on an upcoming mini special for LMAOF.
Comedic Influences: George Carlin, Adam Sandler, Bill Hicks, & Dave Chappelle
Favorite Comedy Album: Timmy No Brakes
Favorite Comedy Special: Bill Hicks “Revelations”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Billy Madison
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Curb Your Enthusiasm
Favorite Comedic Character: Silent Bob
Favorite City to Perform In: Austin, TX
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Sex/My Vagina
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: People who like comedy
Favorite Comedy Club: The Creek and the Cave
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I was a very silly kid growing up, and making my family (especially my dad) laugh was my goal. I told a joke when I was two years old that my dad would bring up even at the end of his life. Comedy Central was one of the channels my dad didn’t block when I was a kid, and I loved watching stand-up and comedic shows on it. I always knew I wanted to do standup one day, it took me a long time to try but I’m so happy I did.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I remember being nervous and bombing, but still got one laugh. Even so, I felt happier than I’d ever felt before, and I knew I wanted to keep going.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Dark, deadpan, and absurd.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I usually think of jokes while driving, showering, or doing other monotonous tasks. Sometimes they come fully formed as jokes, and other times they begin as simple premises.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
I love it. There are so many places to perform here, and there’s so many extremely talented comics in the Austin scene.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Once you’re able to make as much as you would at a minimum wage job, you’re a successful comedian.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
There are so many, but Lukas McCrary, Colton Jones, Phil Smith, Jay Legend, Tim Stiefler, Jordyn Aguilar, Michael Ridley, J.T. Abbott, Captain Wright, Dane Lyon, and Kandace Medina all inspire me a lot.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Probably my first time doing Banana Phone—an insanely funny heckle mic run by Kandace Medina and a panel of comics. I had only been doing comedy for about a week when a visiting comedian told me that if I wanted to be a comic, Banana Phone was a staple—and about the worst it could go. Doing it that early helped me learn not to be too attached to my ego.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
For being as new as I am, I haven’t had a ton of negative experiences. I’d say starting later in life in some ways, is a regret. At the same time, I see the positive side of it because I have a lot of life experience to draw from.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
Sometimes people are surprised and ask why I would want to do comedy. I think a lot of people view stand-up as inviting people to make fun of you, or the idea itself intimidates them. Another common reaction is people asking me to tell them a joke, which I politely decline.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
I try to get as much stage time as possible through spots and open mics. I also host a show at the Creek and the Cave called Big Naturals, where I showcase comedians from my podcast. For me, building a career in comedy has mostly meant dedicating time to the things I genuinely love doing, which makes the process feel exciting rather than stressful.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
I think comedians should wear what they like. I love fashion, and the thought of changing how I dress to appease others gives me flashbacks to being in school and getting detention for dress code. Being authentic means too much to me to change my style. I wear what I wear because I like it—there’s no hidden agenda other than self-expression.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
I was lucky enough to have Joe DeRosa on my podcast, and we had a technical malfunction that caused us to lose the first half of the recording. During that lost portion, Joe told a story about talking with George Carlin before he passed away. Carlin told him, “It’s always the audience.” I thought that was incredibly profound.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Hot and Funny”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
Years ago, I was invited to hang out with Joey Diaz after he performed at Cap City. We were standing in a circle in the parking lot outside of the club Joey was one of the nicest and funniest people I’ve ever met. At one point he told a story about a friend’s mom who had breast implants before they were common—according to him, they were made of wood.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
A dive bar in Las Vegas.
A Kait Calabrese Fun Fact:
When I first visited Austin, I went to a comedy club with my cousin to see my first stand-up show. She pointed to a photo of a comic on the wall and said he was her friend. I think that was the moment I subconsciously realized anyone could try comedy. Looking back, it was a pretty profound moment.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I’d love to headline one day.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Be yourself and write things that you like.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I think comedy will always exist, and I believe live stand-up will become even more popular with the rise of AI. People will crave authenticity because so much of what we’re exposed to now feels artificial.
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
A Curb Your Enthusiasm episode where I start dressing badly, and suddenly people think I’m funnier.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
It would be at the Creek and the Cave on my show Big Naturals, and the lineup would be: Joey Diaz, Adam Sandler, and Dave Chappelle
What’s next for you:
Crack addiction
Why should a person always laugh at life:
For me, finding absurdity in life helps keep my heart light.
Follow Kait Calabrese’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter: Kait Calabrese
Youtube: Kait Calabrese
Personal Website: Kait Calabrese
