14. Thom Tran
In Episode 14 of Comedy Anatomy, Mike and Masavia chat with comedian Thom Tran. Thom is a fantastic comic with a very unique point of view. He's a staple at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles, and has appeared on numerous TV shows. Most importantly, Thom has traveled around the world performing for the U.S. Armed Forces. He is himself an Iraq war veteran, and was featured in Larry Charles' Dangerous World of Comedy on Netflix. He's also a broadcaster in L.A., a musician, and a lover of cats. You can find Thom's own podcast Sex, Jokes & Rock N' Roll on Apple Podcasts.
In this episode, we spend a little more time than usual on our guest's early life, and talk at length about his time in the war in Iraq as it relates to his journey, and perspective on comedy.
We delve into Thom’s early childhood, when his family left the conflict in Vietnam and made a new home in Buffalo, NY.
His teen years as the third and largely forgotten child of the family, who (much to his parent’s chagrin) joined the Armed Forces the minute he turned 18.
Thom’s early days as a newly-enlisted soldier in an organization where having a sense of humor was frowned upon, as well as his role in Communications, PSYOPs, and Special Forces.
His deployment to Iraq, the injury he sustained while on a reconnaissance mission, and his rocky return to civilian life.
The breakdown and subsequent heart attack that brought everything to a head, and Thom’s new beginnings as a working stand-up comedian in Buffalo, NY.
On comedy being the all-healing antithesis to his painful combat experiences.
His role as Artist Relations Director at L.A.’s Laugh Factory where he also performs regularly, doing stand-up in clubs all over the U.S., and performing for the troops worldwide.
On acting, music, radio broadcasting, podcasting, and more!
Thom Tran
Website thomtran.com
Instagram @_thomtran
Twitter @_thomtran
Facebook @RealThomTran
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