Perfect timing isn’t just for standup comedians—it’s also for building community. And someone got the last laugh to prove it.
On this episode, Blue Stiley sits down with my friend Angela Dennison, the powerhouse behind making Laughs Comedy Club the best in Seattle.
She didn’t plan to run a comedy venue, but when life presented the opportunity, she and her husband ran with it—building one of the most beloved comedy spaces in the Northwest.
From navigating startup chaos to overcoming the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, Angela’s story is packed with grit, grace, and of course—laughter.
Let’s dive into what it takes to build a community, stay adaptable, and create a space where people can laugh, learn, and belong. This one’s for the dreamers, the doers, and anyone who knows the power of a good punchline. Let’s get into it—here on Navigating No.
00:00 The Courage to Pursue Comedy and Business
00:44 Meet Angela Denison: The Powerhouse Behind Seattle's Top Comedy Club
02:33 From Dentistry to Comedy: Angela's Unexpected Journey
04:49 Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change
07:00 Building a Community: The Key to Success
15:03 Adapting to COVID-19: Keeping the Club Alive
17:01 The Art of Comedy: Crafting Memorable Experiences
25:54 Handling Reviews and Maintaining Standards
32:46 Dealing with Rejection in the Comedy Industry
35:07 Crafting a Comedy Special
36:56 Ownership and Rights in Comedy
38:38 Providing Value to Comics
41:35 Advice for Aspiring Comedians
48:51 Challenges of Running a Comedy Club
53:57 Women in the Comedy Business
01:01:06 Overcoming Business Challenges
01:05:01 Final Thoughts
