Nick Mestad is an NYC writer and comedian. He teaches at the Brooklyn Comedy Collective and performs at the Upright Citizen Brigade in Manhattan.

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(00:00) Moving From Chicago to New York

(03:25) Family Support and the Decision to Leap

(06:45) Hitting the Ground Running in NYC

(09:38) Comedy Roots and Character Work in Chicago

(13:12) SNL Auditions and Building Confidence

(16:00) Making a Living While Performing

(20:28) The Hidden Struggles Behind the Scenes

(24:40) Wrestling With the Artist’s Life

(28:50) Redefining Success and Letting Go of Shame

(32:17) Midwestern Roots, Pixar Dreams, and First Moves

(38:15) Accepting the Life You’ve Chosen

(42:00) Advice to Aspiring Artists Moving to NYC