Carolina Barlow knows that writing is the best revenge
Carolina Barlow is currently the producer, writer, and co-host of iHeartMedia’s Big Money Players Network podcasts “The Ron Burgundy Podcast”. She’s worked with Will Ferrell at Gloria Sanchez for over six years. In addition to co-hosting “The Ron Burgundy Podcast,” Carolina is the co-host of “True Romance”, where she and Devin Leary guide listeners through the trials and tribulations of public and personal love stories. They have been there for each other’s best and worst romantic moments, that’s what best friends do! Both come deeply obsessed with relationship dramas and neuroses. As steadfast romantics, they want to hear and discuss everyone’s love stories: how they made it, how they did it, and in what positions. Listen to all available episodes HERE.
Describe your worst gig.
I was a bartender for one day. I was, how do you say….bad. I also interviewed for a job at Anthropologie, and told them I wanted the job because I was seriously depressed and needed to stay busy. They ended up going in another direction.
Favorite response to a heckler or troll?
I don’t get hecklers but sometime we’ll get mean reviews on Apple Podcasts for True Romance. Really just your standard Mens Rights activists doing their routine, saying we’re morons or whores. Then I guess they just go on with their day and go grocery shopping or something. They’re not that creative. When I myself trolled Ivanka Trump’s Instagram for 4 years, I at least tried to be nuanced. But I need thicker skin. Sometimes I waste time caring about what people I don’t respect think of me.
What were you like as a teen? (Did you have comedy #goals? Were you already funny, or not so much?)
I was anxious and depressed, threw up my food daily and drank like I was going through an ugly divorce. But I had great friends, a beautiful family, and their love made me feel free, which made me funny. I got send to rehab when I was 16, and it only made me funnier.
What’s your first impulse when someone says “women aren’t funny”?
I look around. I think “where am I?” Then I leave.
When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it?
Kind and thoughtful people, like Will Ferrell and Molly Shannon. Comedians can be snarky and competitive, or always “on” and there are some comedians who can purposely exclude awkward people. But we’re supposed to be home for the weird kids in class! I avoid anyone who worships cool. Kind, vulnerable people keep me going.
Best comedy advice you ever got?
It wasn’t really advice, but every single funny person I know has shared that at one point they doubted themselves and didn’t think they were funny. I hold that close to my heart. If some days you don’t think you’re funny, or talented, you’re not having an original thought. Brilliant people think that all the time.
Worst comedy advice you ever got?
“Don’t go into it” or, “And if you fail, you’ll just do something else.” Stop giving people reasons to give up, or provide unsolicited back up plans. Just tell them they can do it.
How has being funny helped you in your offstage life, either recently or when you were younger?
There’s always something funny to be mind from even the grimmest of circumstances. My family made me laugh when I was in the hospital. Break ups were always funny to me in hindsight, but now they’re even funny in real time. If you take yourself too seriously, you’ll have a miserable life.
Favorite response to “What’s it like to be a woman in comedy”? (If applicable.)
It’s like being an actress but nobody wants to sleep with you.
Was there one person who inspired you to go into comedy? If so: Who, why, how?
Will Ferrell. I’ve been obsessed with him since I was eleven. He is funny and heartfelt. Incredibly generous. He’s silly, an amazing listener and kind.
Feelings about the word “comedienne”?
It’s like how some people spell favorite “favourite.” Why didn’t you just spell it the normal way? It feels like the word comedienne is wearing a pantsuit.
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young (female/non-binary) comedian?
“Forgive your enemies. Writing is the best revenge. Can I have some water?”
What single word always cracks you up?
I’m mentally 5 years old so if you mention shit, or diarrhea, or farting, I’ll cry from laughing. I hate how immature I am but I’ve stopped fighting it.
