Jerah Milligan is a Washington D.C.-born actor, comedian, director and writer. His short film MAHOGANY DRIVE recently screened at the Slamdance Film Festival. Previously, Jerah co-created and starred in Netflix's ASTRONOMY CLUB, produced by Kenya Baris and Dan Powell. Recently, Jerah directed the sketch segments of Yvonne Orji's latest HBO Special: A WHOLE ME. Other directing credits include Showtime's DESUS & MERO. In front of the camera, Jerah can next be seen in the short JAMAAL, directed by Yvonne Orji for Powderkeg. His acting credits also include Netflix’s “Black Mirror,” “Broad City,” “Blue Bloods,” “Chicago P.D.,” “The Detour,” and Apple TV+’s “Helpsters”. He's also been featured in sketches for Above Average, Funny or Die, College Humor and Girl Code. Jerah is a co-host of the podcast, Black Men Can't Jump, in Hollywood.

Mentioned in the episode:

The Death of the Artist: How Creators Are Struggling to Survive in the Age of Billionaires and Big Tech

Takeaways

• Navigating predominantly white comedy spaces can be challenging for black comedians.
• The entertainment industry is filled with struggles and personal failures, but it's important to keep pushing forward.
• Supporting and celebrating others' success is crucial, even when facing personal challenges.
• Nepotism is a prevalent issue in Hollywood that can hinder opportunities for aspiring artists. The entertainment industry can be challenging, and success often requires perseverance and resilience.
• Backdoor maneuvering and taking unconventional paths can sometimes be necessary to achieve success.
• Diversity and representation in the industry are important, and there is a need for more opportunities for underrepresented voices.
• The relationship between artists and their representatives can be complex, and it is important to find a balance between advocating for oneself and trusting the expertise of the rep.
• Celebrating wins, no matter how small, is important for maintaining motivation and perspective in a competitive industry. 
• Code-switching is a necessary skill in the entertainment industry, especially when pitching to predominantly white audiences.
• Speaking up about mistreatment and holding people accountable is essential for creating positive change in the industry.
• Career challenges and setbacks are common, but they can provide valuable learning experiences.
• Perfecting the pitch and being thoroughly prepared can greatly increase the chances of success.
• Trusting in your own voice and embracing your unique quirks can set you apart and lead to success.

Episode Credits:

Produced and hosted by Charla Lauriston

Theme song and Segment Jingles composed and produced by Brendan Byrnes

Canva Artwork by Daiana Cordo

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