COMEDIAN MANON MATHEWS ON CONTENT CREATION, BEING PRESENT AND POSITIVELY HIGH
BY IRVIN RIVERA
American comedian, content creator, actress, author and podcaster MANON MATHEWS is focused on keeping her positivity high. Manon has been living and breathing comedy since she was young. From Vine to TikTok to Instagram reels, Manon has been consistently creating content and sharing bits and pieces of her wonderful, creative mind to the world.
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She wrote the book “Funny How it Works Out: PERSONAL STORIES & LESSONS ON HOW I GOT MY SH*T TOGETHER,” about enjoying and living the most out of your life- comedy, sadness, addiction, success, and more. It’s a good balance of Happy and sad.
The Los Angeles born comedian is always keeping herself busy with content creation. She also writes and directs for commercials and works with brands aligned with her contents.
In this exclusive interview, the multi-hyphenate comedian shared to us her creative journey so far, her career path, comedy, whales, beautiful films, the pandemic, and more.
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Hi Manon! How are you? How were you able to navigate the crazy year of the pandemic?
Oh man I’m not sure if I was. I think taking it one day at a time was helpful. Which is how I try to live my life, as not to overload my system. If we live in the present moment, I do believe we can get through anything. I kept focused on what I was grateful for to keep my positivity high. Because the alternative would have been pretty dark, which at times, it was.
How was content creation like?
As much as I resisted Tiktok’ing, I don’t think my pandemic would have been the same. Tiktok reminded me a lot of the Vine app, once I embraced it I had a lot of fun and really enjoyed myself. I’m the happiest when I’m creating. Whether it’s a comedic video or content about vulnerability. I just love posting on social!
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How’s the journey to get to where you are right now?
The journey to get where I am now was full of fun, laughter, devastation, heart wrenching pain, and consistency. Sometimes I’m doing really well, and sometimes I fail miserably. But I guess that’s life. The best part has been the people I’ve met along the way and the relationships I’ve built.
How’s your evolution as a comedian, a content creator, and an entertainer in general?
I started off making goofy videos as a young kid and telling jokes to my friends. I gotta say, that’s pretty much what I do now, so not much has changed. I’m not sure I’m any funnier but at least I’m making money.
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What’s unique about your life as a stand-up comedian?
I’ve turned my life into one big joke and strangers get to laugh at it.
What’s the best part about your job?
Getting to tickle someone from across the world who I’ve never met, metaphorically speaking.
What are the challenges and the highs that you experienced throughout your career?
The low: It’s always a challenge for me to be on someone else’s watch. I never felt I was getting it quite right. I’d go out for a job and I wouldn’t get it. Even After facing so much rejection I’d have to go out for another job, which again I didn’t get.
The high: Has been being my own boss, creating the content that I feel called to create. Which has allowed freedom in my career. That is a tremendous gift.
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How did you manage to rise above the challenges?
I guess I always have hope that things will get better. I try to take something away from the hardships. They are a lesson to learn from. I also know I’m not the only one going through hard times which makes me feel less alone in the world and that comforts me.
What is your proudest moment in your career so far?
Saying yes to headlining Caroline’s on Broadway when I didn’t even have a comedy set ready to go. I had two weeks to come up with material and the show went great, I had an amazing time! Another highlight would be vulnerably sharing my life in a book that I wrote called, “Funny How It Works Out.”
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How’s your creative process like whenever you create content and do stand-ups?
I think it, I shoot it immediately.
Who and what inspires you?
People who make beautiful films inspire me. People who vulnerably share their life with the world encourage me to do the same.
What scares you?
Whales. And sometimes knives. And the thought of a loved one dying.
For you, what makes something genuinely funny?
Surprise, I love things unplanned. That’s why I love improv and bloopers so much.
What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned that you always carry with you?
Breathe and this too WILL pass.
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Tell us more about your book, “Funny How it Works Out: PERSONAL STORIES & LESSONS ON HOW I GOT MY SH*T TOGETHER.” What’s the inspiration behind it and why should people read it?
It’s really for anyone who’s ever suffered from heartbreak, betrayal, and addiction. It’s a great blend of comedy and sorrow. And in the back you get 30 lessons of how to uplift your energy and enjoy your life.
If you were a book, what book would you be and why?
Clifford The Big Red Dog, because everyone knows it and loves it.
