An Iowa Born Comedy Road Warrior
Scott Long on Navigating a Stand-Up Career, Parenting, and a Million Miles of Laughs
As of this publication date, Scott Long is driving between Omaha and Orlando to cover two comedy gigs this week. He could fly, but he prefers to put a hundred thousand miles on his car every year, which he has done for decades, in his drive to entertain.
I’ve had the pleasure of hosting many talented individuals on Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast and there’s something truly special about having a conversation with someone who’s not only witty and entertaining but also open and honest about their personal journey. Scott’s comedic career has taken him all over the world, but he’s also someone who is deeply committed to his family and making a difference in the lives of others.
The Life of a Stand-Up Comic
Scott is a Newton, Iowa native, who lives in Indianapolis, and has a story that’s as unique as his humor. We kicked off the conversation by diving into his experiences in the world of stand-up comedy. I’ve known for years that comedians work hard to craft their material, but I didn’t fully appreciate just how much goes into performing in front of different audiences. Scott’s stories about performing for all kinds of crowds—whether it’s corporate gigs and intimate clubs are hilarious. And he may be the only comedian we know who was booked by an Amish audience! His ability to adapt his material to fit the moment is one of the things that makes him stand out as a comic. But beyond the laughs, you could hear how passionate he is about connecting with people.
You can watch his latest Open Bar Comedy special below.
Comedy in the Corporate World
One of the most memorable parts of our conversation was when Scott shared the behind-the-scenes of what it’s like to be a comic in the corporate world. In addition to his stand-up career, Scott works with companies to provide entertainment at corporate events. He told me about the challenge of navigating that corporate culture while still keeping his authenticity. It’s one thing to perform in a club where people expect comedy, but when you’re in front of a room full of executives or employees who aren’t necessarily expecting a comedy show, it’s a whole different ballgame. I appreciated hearing about how Scott keeps it real and stays true to his humor while making sure it’s appropriate for those settings.
Parenthood and Comedy: A Balancing Act
But what really hit home for me—and I think for listeners as well—was when Scott opened up about his experience as a husband and dad of three. His only career regrets are the times when he’s on the road and he has to miss a soccer game or track meet. It’s not unusual for Scott to have a show in Kansas City, then drive overnight to get home to Indiana to catch one of his sporting events. He also shared with me the story of his daughter, Maddie, who is on the autism spectrum. Scott has learned to navigate the ups and downs of raising Maddie with an open heart and a sense of humor. He even built a comedy performance tailored for autism organizations and the act includes Maddie herself, who is a comedian in her own right! The way he’s been able to blend his comedy career with his dedication to his family is truly inspiring, and I think a lot of listeners will walk away from this episode with a renewed sense of what’s important in life.
Comedy as a Way to Find Balance
As we wrapped up our conversation, Scott reflected on how comedy has helped him find balance in his life. It’s easy to assume that comedy is all about making people laugh, but Scott reminded me that for him, it’s about navigating the ups and downs of life with a sense of humor. In a world that can sometimes feel heavy, Scott’s comedy is a reminder of the importance of laughter, perspective, and resilience.
A Heartfelt Conclusion
I left the conversation feeling inspired by Scott’s journey and grateful for the opportunity to hear his story. Whether he’s on stage making a crowd laugh or at home being a dad, Scott brings humor, authenticity, and heart to everything he does. I hope listeners of this episode walk away with a deeper appreciation for the power of humor and the importance of staying true to yourself.
Learn more about Scott Long at ScottComedy.com
Listen Now
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