Coming Up With New Jokes for the Stage + Fundraiser Update

This year has been a really relaxed one when it comes to stand-up comedy. I think I’ve only done three actual paid gigs so far. The rest have been Open mics and practice. Lots of practice. That’s the nature of the craft, getting up, testing material, and keeping the muscle strong.

The tricky part for me is coming up with new jokes. See, all my comedy comes from real-life experiences. Making up scenarios just doesn’t feel right, probably because my mom raised me to always tell the truth. And when you build your comedy on storytelling, the truth is what gets the biggest laughs.

I am looking forward to the Christmas season, though… That’s when the corporate gigs roll in. My hope this year is to land at least five of them. Comedy income? YUM YUM income.

Stand-up is my first love, but TikTok has been where most of my time and energy have gone lately. On average, about 300 people from all over the world stop by my livestreams Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe, Iceland, and even places I’d never heard of before.

And lately? Things have started to go viral. One video, where I show how I use my white cane going upstairs, has passed 400,000 views. Wild, right? It makes me laugh and sometimes shake my head at how little people know about what it means to be blind.

When I was younger, the questions used to frustrate me. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized something: if people are asking, I need to be the one answering. Instead of being frustrated, I’ve started to embrace it. Even the “dumb” questions give me fuel for my next video.

Now, onto something close to my heart the fundraiser for assistive glasses. We’re currently sitting at $3,440 raised, which means we’re still $2,560 away from the dream of getting to 80% vision.

Another way I accept donations is through the popular creator platform called Buy Me A Coffee. I also sell Braille autographs through this website. If you're interested in a Braille autograph, or you would like to support the fundraiser simply visit buymeacoffee.com/bjornson

So that’s where I’m at balancing stage time, TikTok energy, and the push toward assistive glasses. Comedy will always be home base for me, but I’m grateful that the internet is helping keep the lights on “literally”.

If you’ve enjoyed this update, remember you can join me anytime over at patreon.com/tuesdaystories for behind-the-scenes content, podcast episodes, and more.

Until next time thank you for the laughs, the love, and the support.

J.R. Bjornson AKA Blind Guy Comedy