As the creator and host of podcasts Drinking During Business Hours and Jimmy & Sarah on the Sunset Strip (co-hosted with Jimmy Shin), Sarah has appeared in over 70 commercials, along with a slew of guest-star roles in both film and television. I caught up with Sarah as we chatted the perks of the comedy and podcast industry, her funniest stand-up moment, and the true meaning of success and happiness. ![]() How did you get started in comedy and who were you inspired by?
SH: “I got started back in the 90’s when asked to be in an improv show at Caroline’s on Broadway in NYC. At the time, I was a dramatic actor doing a lot of theatre, so I guess the producer just assumed I could do comedy improv – I was terrible. Till this day, I deplore improv, but appreciate the great talents that can pull it off. I’ve been inspired by many, but some standouts are Gildna Radner (for her life story), Andy Kaufman (for his gumption) and later on, Jim Carey (for his undeniable calling as a comedy genius).”
Name the biggest overall lesson you’ve learned in running a business in the comedy/podcast industry.SH: “Consistency. There are so many podcasters out there- but not many who reliably put out a weekly show on the same day of the week with stereo sound, high quality, and a consistent tonality. Fans are attracted to familiarity and having consistency builds familiarity.”
![]() What does success mean to you?SH: “Making money at what I love. Cliche, isn’t it? I wish my answer was more interesting.”
How do you prioritize your days with work and personal life?SH: “My boyfriend and I usually lay out our weekly schedules every Sunday and pencil in our date-nights. I try to have lunch or happy hour with a friend at least once a week, and I call my Dad and Grandmother weekly. I was a recluse for the first two years of living in LA. I did nothing but write all day and bomb in comedy clubs all night. I would go back to my car and cry. Now having a loved one to lean on makes the cry a little less painful.”
Name the funniest experience you’re had while performing stand-up. SH: “I called out an audience member for not getting up to move when someone was trying to walk around him. Turned out he had no legs. My crowd work failed that night.”
![]() If you could have three more hours in a day, what would you do?SH: “I would sleep for 1; workout longer (or at all) in the gym for 2; and write that novel in front of the bay window overlooking the mountain terrain that I hope to have one day.”
What does the world need more of?SH: “Nothing. We need less of. Less social media. Less being reachable every second of the day. Less political correction. Less cosmetic choices – did you know they have blush in “orgasm” or “screaming orgasm”? – how does one decide?”
Name 3 fun facts about you!SH: “My blush is called screaming orgasm.
I can’t dance but fake it really well.
I had pretended to be deaf when I was five and got away with it for 6 months.”
What is your biggest goal for this year?“To not put my make-up on in the car while driving. (at the light, ok?)”
Has learning from a mistake ever led you to success?SH: “Oh sure. Marrying the wrong person, living in the wrong city, working within the wrong profession, abiding by the wrong religion, hanging with the wrong people, I could actually go on…but, we’re supposed to say all of those mistakes have led us to where we are now, right? And all I can say is, right now, I have never been happier in my life- so there might be something to that. “
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