Brad Upton loves walled cities, misses George Carlin, and threw dodgeballs just barely over the heads of his fourth graders. He wants you to watch his special “I’m Not Done Yet!” Let’s go Beyond the Mic.
Welcome Brad Upton:
We’re joined on the Starline by a comedian, actor, writer, track coach & developer of a dating app for boomers named Shingles Only. Man on the Pacific Northwest Mt. Rushmore of comedy, laugh with his comedy special “I’m Not Done Yet!” We welcome comedian Brad Upton.
Brad, let’s go Beyond the Mic. The pandemic was horrible for comedians. Comedy clubs were closed everyone was doing zoom shows. Did you do them and if so what was the worst experience you had during the pandemic?
How do you go from being a junior college track star to comedy?
You were coaching high school track in 1984 and got the itch to step on stage. What was that first moment like stepping onto stage?
What makes you laugh?
After touring with Lewis Black, Jeff Foxworthy, and Joan Rivers among other legends, who inspires you in comedy today?
The Rockin’ 8:
It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions; answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.
1. Best thing about Lake Forest Park Washington?
2. Favorite act to hear on the Grand Ole Opry stage?
3. Did you ever want to play dodgeball with your 4th graders just so you could nail the really
annoying kids?
4. Favorite cruise port?
5. Best things about your kids?
6. Is there anything better in the world than Glenmorangie (scotch) and Red Vines?
7. Best place you’ve ever visited?
8. Comedian you never did a set with but would have loved to done with?
The Back Half:
How has your wife Julie helped you with coaching, comedy and being a good dad and you with her fight with cancer?
How did your heart attack change the way you look at your life?
You’ve headlined comedy clubs all around the nation, opened for huge music acts and yet you never tried to work in the insanity of New York or L.A. Why was staying home in the pacific northwest important for you?
How has comedy changed you and how have you changed comedy?
How has your comedy changed from when you started to now?
What’s your thoughts as a former track coach at Washington on conference realignment?
How has changing lives between comedy and coaching track made you a better man?
Who is the one track champion you keep in touch with the most?
What’s your favorite memory from the road?
Who touched your heart that isn’t a family member?
What’s your favorite track memory form your own career?
Was there a joke that you wanted to work, but no matter how hard you try, they don’t land?
Sneaking In a Couple More:
You once said “I told my wife ‘I’m going to do this till the day I die, and when I do, just cremate me, put me in the long jump pit, stir me in there, and I’ll be good.” Still good with that?
Does your wife travel with you on the road?
How has your wife been such a strong rock for you on the road?
One Big Question:
Where’s the one comedy dream you still want to achieve?
Where can people find you online?
The Wrap:
Brad Upton love walled cities, misses George Carlin, and threw dodgeballs just barely over the heads of his fourth graders. He wants you to watch his special “I’m Not Done Yet!” Brad thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.
And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.
Listen to other Beyond the Mic conversations with comedians here.
Check out Brad at his website here.
