In the ever-evolving world of comedy, few voices resonate with the raw and relatable authenticity of Hannah Berner. Once a tennis hopeful, she traded her racket for a mic, realizing that making people laugh fulfilled her creative itch far better than a backhand ever could. 

 Hailing from the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, Hannah’s comedy is a perfect cocktail of sass, smarts, and a dash of chaos; she effortlessly blends humor with candid discussions on gender roles and societal norms, proving that laughter can be a powerful tool for change. 

With her debut special “We Ride at Dawn” turning heads and her podcasts, “Giggly Squad” and “Berner Phone” are creating waves, Hannah embraces her multifaceted nature—joking about everything from the trials of being a woman in comedy to the absurdities of modern life. Get ready to dive into the unique journey of this vibrant comedian, who is not just breaking barriers but laughing all the way. 

FEATURE INTERVIEW:

What inspired you to pursue a career in stand-up comedy? 

I initially wanted to be a professional tennis player, but when that went awry, I realized I had a creative side that I’ve been suppressing. I have always been drawn to male dominated careers because I like to disrupt them in a fun way. 

How would you describe your comedic style? What themes or topics do you enjoy exploring? 

I love exploring being multifaceted (like being hot and depressed at the same time) and I love exploring gender roles and questioning the stereotypes of relationships. I also recently have been going a little darker and talking about war, guns, abortion, and serial killers. But I still love a silly sex joke. 

Your debut special “We Ride at Dawn” was a huge success. Can you share any behind-the-scenes stories or challenges you faced during the production process? 

Finding an outfit for a comedy special is not for the weak! It’s different than searching for an outfit for a party or dinner because you have to feel comfortable not only moving around on stage (in my case, doing the worm) but also feel confident to tell jokes in it. You can’t be so fashion forward that it distracts from the message you’re saying on stage, but you also want to look entertaining. We overnighted a corset set from Rezek Studio that made me feel like a glamorous power ranger. 

Your podcasts, “Giggly Squad” and “Berner Phone,” have also been very popular. What do you enjoy most about co-hosting these shows with Paige DeSorbo and Des Bishop? 

 I feel so lucky to have podcasts with the two people I enjoy talking to the most. I think the key to a good podcast is having fun chemistry with your cohost, so I love being able to riff with my favorite people each week and show different sides of myself. 

How do you balance your stand-up comedy career with your podcast work and other projects? 

I love working because I hate sitting in silence with my thoughts. I am self-diagnosed with ADHD, and I love having multiple projects going on at all times. I also get bored doing the same thing all the time, so every day is really a crapshoot at this point, and I enjoy the chaos (but talking to my therapist about it). 

You’re known for your relatable humor. How do your personal experiences and life observations influence your comedy material? 

If my joke wouldn’t make my best friend laugh, I would never say it on stage. I think people relate to my humor because it feels like you’re facetiming your silly friend who wants to make you smile. I also love making myself laugh, which is super underrated. 

What role has your upbringing in Brooklyn played in shaping your comedic perspective?  

I think growing up in Brooklyn shaped my whole personality. I was always surrounded by a diverse, outgoing, creative crowd. New York is also full of immigrants who have generational trauma and that definitely will make you funny. I think New Yorkers naturally have an incredible, sarcastic, unapologetic sense of humor. I always say, if we’re not making fun of you, we don’t like you. 

What are your goals for the future? Are there any specific projects or aspirations you’re working towards? 

I’m getting into acting! I’ve started auditioning and I’m excited to take on this new challenge. My special on Netlfix was basically a one woman show so I’m excited to create with other people as well. 

As a successful female comedian, what do you think about the state of the comedy industry for women? Have you faced any challenges or obstacles? 

I think in the past there were a lot of gatekeepers that made it difficult for women to climb the comedy ladder. I also think the stand-up world isn’t necessarily the safest space for women, like going to bars late at night to do spots in front of drunk crowds of men. The internet has made it possible for more women to practice their comedy and hone in on their voice. I used TikTok like an open mic and the algorithm helped me find an amazing community of smart, cool, funny women. 

What are your thoughts on the importance of diversity and representation in comedy? How do you use your platform to address social issues or raise awareness about important causes? 

The best part of comedy is being able to address difficult topics in a palatable way through humor. You can make people question norms while they are laughing and then when they leave, they may see things differently. At the end of the day, as long as I can make people laugh, I can talk about anything. My favorite bit I’ve ever done is about gun laws and abortion rights. Diversity and representation are so important in comedy because as a society we need to hear different perspectives and stories. I also hope that seeing me do standup on Netflix will inspire many more women, they’s, and gays to take the stage! 

Who are your comedy icons? Are there any movies that inspire your comedy? 

Growing up, I loved Chelsea Handler, Katt Williams, Chris Rock, Anthony Jeselnick, Amy Schumer, Ali Wong, and Rory Scovel. I think after seeing Trainwreck, I felt something guttural (it could have been a stomachache) but I was very moved. 

Tell us a bad joke that makes you laugh but no one else gets!

Probably anytime that my cohost, Paige DeSorbo, and I get too serious or look at each other for too long, we immediately start cracking up. It’s a toxic trait and probably annoying to people around us. 

What has been your best and worst experience during a show or performance in your career? 

My best experience was probably doing my first late night set on Fallon. It was the day my Netflix special was airing, and my family was there and the energy in the room was insane. I was scared I was going to fumble my words, and I was super nervous, but the set went great and when I fumbled a word it actually made the joke funnier. We immediately went to my after party where all my friends came to celebrate with me. I joke that it was better than my wedding.

My worst experience was when I asked a girl if she was pregnant in front of 500 people during a show in Connecticut. She was wearing a babydoll dress and was holding her stomach but quickly told me she wasn’t. I felt so bad, and my head got so hot, and I couldn’t stop replaying the moment in my head throughout the set, trying to figure out if it was as bad as I thought. After the show, I asked her to come to the green room to take pics and chat with me. She said she had just come from a baby shower and forgave me but to this day, even if there is a head crowning, I will never assume anything. 

What message would you like to leave any aspiring comedians? 

Never take yourself too seriously. 

TEAM CREDITS:

Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa

Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)

Writer, Production & Creative Direction: Frida García (@fridadda_)

Photographer: Rafael Arroyo (@rafaelarroyo)

Wardrobe Stylist: Tabitha Sanchez (@tabitharsanchez)

Hair Stylist: Sky Kim (@sky.kxm)