In this solo Cawfee Tawk, I finally answer the question people always ask me: How did I get here?

Before comedy became my full-time life, I was living a full-time double life — school counselor by day, comedian by night. Two worlds that felt like they had to stay completely separate… until they didn't.

In this episode, I talk about why I never merged those two identities at first, how scary it was to defer a dream because it didn't feel "realistic," and how I eventually realized that every single thing we do every day can become part of our skill set — even the jobs we think are just "for now."

I share the moment I finally allowed myself to tell stories about the kids and my experiences in schools, how that honesty changed my comedy, and why the kids were actually part of my dream too. I also tell the very real (and very uncomfortable) story about a parent seeing one of my comedy videos where I wasn't exactly school-appropriate… and then having to sit across from her and explain what her son did wrong at school.

This episode is about timing, courage, and trusting that nothing in your life is wasted. Sometimes we don't abandon the dream — we're just building toward it in ways we don't recognize yet.

Pour the cawfee — this one's real.

🙋🏻‍♀️ 🇮🇹Check out Tara's Live Show! 👉https://taracannistraci.com/#shows

📲 Follow Tara on Social Media! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarajokes/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tarajokes Twitter: https://twitter.com/tarajokes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaraCannistraci/

Welcome to Cawfee Tawk with Tara Cannistraci AKA TaraJokes! Join comedian Tara Cannistraci every Monday! Tara reflects on the week that was or the life that was, whether it's nostalgia about NYC life, current trends, or real-life stories. This podcast is perfectly timed to accompany your morning coffee. Good morning, fellow cawfee lovers! -- Tara Cannistraci is an Italian-American comedian, actress, and writer, hailing from the vibrant streets of the Bronx, New York. Tara's talents have lit up the stage, television, film, and even centerfield as the scoreboard host for the New York Yankees.

Tara brought her unfiltered, humorous take on popular sports topics to SNY's Emmy award-winning television show "Oh Yeah," where she both wrote for and featured in the series. Currently, she co-hosts the Chazz Palminteri Show podcast, captivating audiences with her honest insights and vivacious personality. She also co-produced and starred in We Stand Comedy's multi award-winning short film "The Chart" showcasing her versatility & misdirecting sense of humor.

On social media, Tara has gained a following by sharing the words and phrases she grew up hearing in her New York Italian neighborhood, resonating with people across the country. Her comedy album, "I'm Talkin' Here," is a regular feature on Sirius XM.

Tara's new YouTube series, "Boroughbreds," features her doing hilarious on-the-street interviews throughout the New York boroughs, highlighting all things New York from common phrases to family owned businesses.

Tara has opened for comedy heavyweights like Josh Wolf, Joey Diaz and Vic DiBitetto, and now headlines shows across the U.S. and Canada. Her authenticity and wit continue to win over audiences wherever she performs!