In this conversation, comedian Winston Shaw shares his journey into comedy and his experiences in the Austin comedy scene. He discusses how he discovered his passion for making people laugh and decided to pursue comedy full-time. Winston talks about the challenges and pressures of performing stand-up, including the importance of finding your own voice and being comfortable on stage. He also explores the similarities between comedians and musicians and the emotional connection they create with their audience. In this conversation, Winston Shaw discusses the process of finding one's own voice in comedy and the role of substances in creative expression. He shares his personal experience of using alcohol and drugs to remove inhibitions and access his true self. Winston also talks about the correlation between substance use and the dark side of stand-up comedy. He reflects on the importance of self-love and confidence in pursuing a career in comedy and the challenges of balancing work and passion. Finally, he discusses the role of social media in the comedy industry and his aspirations for the future.