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The car is moving, the mics are live, and Big Energy fills the cabin. We welcome Steve from Cleveland’s southeast side—a former class clown turned campus champion—who proves that humor, heart, and hard work can live in the same room. We trade locker room stories and tight five timing, then unpack what makes a great set: reading the crowd, owning the mic, and turning a heckle into momentum. If you’ve ever wondered what the comedy grind really looks like beyond the hour on stage, this conversation pulls the curtain back on writing, booking, producing, and staying sharp when the room gets spicy.

The heart of the ride dives into learning differences and inclusive education. We share a visual learner’s path through dyslexia and explore why “instruction” isn’t the same as “education.” Steve brings receipts from his work in multicultural affairs—building community, addressing food insecurity and housing stability, and asking the one question that changes a student’s day: “How are you doing today?” It’s a masterclass in belonging, practical resources, and the kind of care that helps young adults carry on with their studies and their lives.

Then the story hits a different gear: performing for 400 incarcerated people and hearing that 20 minutes of jokes bought six months of peace. That moment reframes what “crushing” means and shows how laughter can be a service, not just a show. We wrap with creator ownership and a dream in motion: The Emerald Boot, a comedy club and kitchen blending Irish and Italian comfort with stage time for rising comics. There’s tactical advice on pop-ups, programming, and learning adjacent skills so you can build your own room—and hold the door open for others. Stick around for the Fast Fiddy Five and a final word on kindness, marriage, and money wisdom that actually travels.

If this ride moved you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and drop a quick review. Your support helps more people find the laughs, the lessons, an

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