What happens when a former Mormon decides to turn his religious upbringing into comedy gold? Adam Broud joins us to share his fascinating journey from rural poverty to BYU graduate to the co-founder of Comedy Church, a unique comedy experience that playfully examines religious upbringings without resorting to faith-bashing.
Growing up poor with limited exposure to higher education, Adam never imagined he'd find himself on comedy stages across the country. His path took an unexpected turn when fellow comedian Greg Kyte approached him about co-hosting Comedy Church, creating a space where they could use humor to process their religious pasts. What began as local shows has expanded to performances nationwide, where they explore not just Mormon experiences but regional religious identities from Judaism in New York to evangelical backgrounds in Texas.
Our conversation delves into the complex relationship between comedy and religion, particularly how the same jokes land differently in Utah versus other parts of the country. "In Utah, people think I have it out for the church," Adam explains, "but when I perform the exact same material elsewhere, audiences are surprised by how gentle I am toward religion." This dichotomy reflects the heightened sensitivities that exist in post-Mormon spaces and how religious identity remains deeply intertwined with personal identity.
We also explore the surprising national fascination with Mormon culture—from "soaking" to dirty soda shops—and how these peculiarities have become cultural touchpoints that outsiders find endlessly fascinating. Adam notes that while Utah comedians often worry their Mormon material won't translate outside the state, he frequently finds the opposite to be true: audiences across America are hungry for these unique perspectives.
Whether you're post-religious, curious about Mormon culture, or simply appreciate thoughtful comedy, Adam's journey from mission-bound Mormon to boundary-pushing comedian offers a window into how humor can help us process our pasts while creating community in the present.
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