A stand-up comedian, writer, and performer known for his quick wit, relatable storytelling, and sharp observational humor. A regular performer at top comedy clubs, festivals, and independent showcases, he has shared the stage with many of comedy’s rising and established talents while continuing to grow his national following. His material often explores relationships, family dynamics, modern culture, and the everyday absurdities of life with a smart, conversational approach. Whether performing live, creating digital content, or developing new projects, he continues to establish himself as one of comedy’s promising voices, delivering authentic, high-energy performances that leave audiences laughing long after the show ends. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Adam Mitrani. The Harrisburg, PA native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how he always owns the laughs.
Name: Adam Mitrani
Hometown: Harrisburg, PA / Brooklyn, NY
Instagram/Tik-Tok: @amitrani/@amitrani717
Years in Comedy: 9
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: I host a great podcast called Why Aren’t You More Famous? with Adam Mitrani
Comedic Influences: John Mulaney, Gary Gulman, The Lonely Island, Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Mike Birbiglia, Pete Holmes, Jerrod Carmichael, too many to name
Favorite Comedy Album: John Mulaney: The Top Part
Favorite Comedy Special: Rory Scovel Tries Standup for the First Time
Favorite Comedy Movie: Superbad
Favorite Comedy TV Show: BoJack Horseman
Favorite Comedic Character: This is the most difficult question so I’m going to go with a duo: Troy and Abed from Community
Favorite City to Perform In: New York
Favorite Topics to Joke About: My family, dogs, and the New York Knicks.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: People that want to laugh
Favorite Comedy Club: Vermont Comedy Club or Union Hall
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I always loved making people laugh. My family often went to our rabbi’s house for Shabbat dinners, and as a 10-year-old, I would essentially be killing with random observations, so that was sort of my first audience. My parents were always super supportive of my interests. Once they saw I might have a passion or love for comedy they introduced me to the comedy they liked: Mel Brooks, Steve Martin, Monty Python. I finally worked up the courage to try standup when I was in college and I haven’t looked back since.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I remember being extremely nervous. I convinced my friend Tyler, whom I thought was hilarious, to go with me to an open mic at Vermont Comedy Club. We played a Family Guy drinking game (you can look up the rules on Google), and got drunk enough to not feel the nerves. I had one joke about birds that got a big pop and I thought “Yup. This is what I want to do.”
How would you describe your comedic style:
It’s very natural, stream of consciousness. I’m the same person on and off stage. So if you come to a show and dislike what you see, we’re probably not going to be friends either. I write my material, but I also riff a lot and I don’t want you to ever feel like you’re watching anything too written or overly-rehearsed.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I write ideas in my notes app, write out a setlist on a piece of paper, riff the premises into jokes while I’m onstage, listen back to the audio to see how it can be better, and repeat the process.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
I live in New York. It’s the best comedy scene in the world. It’s like the NBA of comedy.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
What a loaded question haha. It’s easy to get caught up in credits and followers, so I’m going to avoid it. I try to focus on the one thing I can control: am I getting better? Am I getting funnier? Growing as a person and a comic? I think I am. So that’s success to me.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Tommy Bayer, Max Higgins, Carson Olshansky, Liam Welsh, Ash Diggs, Meredith Dietz, Amber Singletary, Mark Little, Ibhan Kulkarni, Esther Fallick, Dorian Debose, Jenna Sherriton. Sorry for the long list and to all the people I’m leaving out. I have so many funny friends.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
I got to interview Gary Gulman on my podcast, and I played basketball with Adam Sandler. Those are the top two for me.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Don’t give up.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
It definitely makes them like me more. I can be quiet and shy around new people, so it sometimes catches people off guard.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
It’s difficult. It’s tough to balance and the process isn’t always linear. You’ll be up one month and down the next, but it’s really fun and I don’t want to do anything else.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Award this year’s Mark Twain prize to somebody funny instead of Bill Maher.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Gary Gulman is known for his advice. When I first met him 8 years ago, he told me “Write a lot. Read a lot. Perform as much as possible. Always record your sets.”That’s all pretty good advice.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Love, Death, and Dogs”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I played basketball with Adam Sandler. Did I mention that already?
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
No physical location will ever be weirder than performing standup comedy over Zoom.
An Adam Mitrani Fun Fact:
My first time doing anything comedic on stage was at summer camp when I lipsynced Weird Al’s “White and Nerdy” during a talent show.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
More than anything, I would like comedy to be my full time job. Thinking of my loftier ambitions: I’d love to be a touring headliner and either have my own show that I write and star in or act in other people’s projects.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Just be confident in what you’re saying.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
The gatekeepers are dead. You have to build your own following. It’s a blessing and a curse.
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
Community, 30 Rock, The Office and Family Guy would all be super fun to write for. I don’t have any ideas though. My friend David Rosen (not a comic) wrote a hilarious spec script for Always Sunny called “The Waitress Dies” when we were in college. I just want to shout him out for that one.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Comedy Cellar, Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Katt Williams.
What’s next for you:
I’m continuing to interview comics I admire on my podcast Why Aren’t You More Famous? Starting a basketball podcast with my friend Kevin Wingertzahn and hopefully taping a special within the next year
Why should a person always laugh at life:
If you can’t laugh at life, what’s the point of living?
Follow Adam Mitrani’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Tik-Tok: Adam Mitrani
Youtube: Adam Mitrani
Personal Website: Adam Mitrani
