It took a decade of grinding in Chicago’s comedy scene for Chattanooga native Laura Maynard to find her way to the canals of Amsterdam. Now a full-time ensemble member at Boom Chicago theater, Maynard sat down with host Zack Newmark on the latest episode of the Dam Yankee podcast to discuss the winding road that led her from the American South to the Dutch capital.

While Maynard makes her living making people laugh, her life philosophy is rooted in her grandfather’s serious lesson of "choosing to be kind" every single day.

"I loved how he was so generous and he was an effortlessly sweet man to the untrained eye," Maynard said. "And then when you got to know him, you saw this just everyday effort of just being really caring and thoughtful."

She explained that kindness isn't automatic, but a deliberate practice. "I think I learned so much from my grandfather about how every day you kind of renew that vow, you get to choose to be that person."

This discipline permeates her career. In the chaotic world of improv, Maynard finds stability in an unexpected place: administrative organization. Her unironic comfort in a well-organized to-do list and the "clickety-clack" of her keyboard aligns perfectly with the "everyday effort" she values.

Now settled in Amsterdam, Maynard is teaching and performing, bringing a mix of Southern charm and Chicago grit to the stage. Whether dealing with a snowstorm or a scene partner, she proves that few things are more important than arriving with patience and warmth.

Listen to this entire episode of Dam Yankee on all major podcast platforms, or watch the full videos on YouTube. Maynard shares more information on her performances and schedule on her website and Instagram account.