Welcome to the Modern Warrior Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Chris Kent, one of Ireland’s top stand-up comedians, to talk about his incredible journey from working as an electrician to becoming a full-time comedian. Chris shares his struggles with self-doubt, the grind of the comedy circuit, and the pivotal moments that pushed him to take the leap into his true passion. We also discuss resilience, stepping outside your comfort zone, and the impact of social media on success and creativity. If you’ve ever dreamed of making a big change in your life, this episode is for you!

Chris’s Early Career and Struggles

• Started his career as an electrician, following the traditional path of getting a trade for job security.
• Always had a love for comedy but saw it as a hobby rather than a career.
• Felt “stuck” at times, afraid to step outside his comfort zone.

Finding Comedy and Taking the Leap

• Saw an opportunity through Des Bishop’s "Joy in the Hood" TV show, which brought comedy to working-class areas.
• Inspired by seeing regular people perform stand-up, he realised it was possible for him too.
• Started performing gigs while still working as an electrician, gradually building confidence.

Making Comedy a Full-Time Career

• Moved to Australia, where he continued working as an electrician while doing gigs on the side.
• Returned to Ireland in 2008 but struggled to find work due to the recession.
• Comedy became his main focus, but it was a slow grind with financial uncertainty.

The Hardships of the Comedy Industry

• Faced long years of performing in small clubs, driving long distances for little pay.
• The COVID-19 pandemic nearly ended his career—shows were canceled, and he had to return to being an electrician.
• Struggled with self-doubt, questioning if comedy was still the right path.

Balancing Work, Family, and Passion

• Returning to electrical work gave him financial security but also made him comfortable.
• His wife encouraged him to quit his job and go all-in on comedy again.
• Developed a better work-life balance and learned how to manage creative burnout.

Social Media and Comedy Success

• Initially hesitant to put himself online but eventually started posting stand-up clips.
• Found huge success on TikTok and Instagram, gaining a larger audience.
• Realized that social media can be both a distraction and a powerful tool if used correctly.

The Offline Experiment and Creativity

• Took an 8-week break from the internet and social media to regain focus.
• Found that disconnecting boosted his creativity and productivity.
• Documented the experience for a film project, showing the benefits of stepping away from constant digital noise.

Lessons on Resilience and Pursuing Passion

• Stepping out of your comfort zone is necessary for growth.
• Success doesn’t come overnight—it’s built through consistency and perseverance.
• Social media can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how you use it.
• It’s never too late to pivot and chase your dreams.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck in their career, struggling with self-doubt, or looking for inspiration to take the leap toward their true passion.