Lisa Nahmanson finds comedy in life’s absurdities
Lisa is one of the co-creators of Dōt.age, a digital space for Gen Xers navigating the uncharted territory of caring for aging parents & loved ones. There is no roadmap for this time in life, so they’re creating one. Dōt.age is a groundbreaking hub where real talk meets real solutions, where the unfiltered truth of caregiving for parents, relatives, partners, friends, and elders collides with the support we all need. Through candid stories, tangible solutions, and a collaborative network of shared resources and experiences, we’re not just figuring it out, we’re creating an encyclopedia of care for the generation that never gets a manual.
What were you like as a teen?
If by funny you mean that I had a “tail” as part of my 1980s hairstyle because I wanted to be punk rock…Then yes, I was funny.
Did you have an un-sexy starter job?
When I got my drivers license in 1984, I was a courier driving documents from a real estate office to lawyers offices for signatures. So if you think Uber Eats is un-sexy, I guess I was the first of the un-sexies.
When you were coming up around the comedy world, what helped you stick with it?
I could not make up the story of what happened to my mom in the last decade of her life, so I had to start writing about it…and that decade of activity is the gift that keeps on giving.
Have you ever dealt with trolls?
I may have not yet gained the level of audience needed to attract trolls…I will get back to you.
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young comedian?
“The pillow, now, please!”
Best comedy advice you ever got?
Mine all of it! No fear! Go for it!
Worst comedy advice you ever got?
“That’s not funny.”
How has being funny helped you in your life?
Being funny gets me through all of life’s absurdities: from the sudden death of a parent who fell off of a cliff to caretaking my mom (barely) for a decade with no roadmap. On dōt.age you can read all about the recent stuff.
What specific things should a novice comic do to shape their voice?
If something happens that you think is even partially funny or bizarre, stop what you are doing and write it down (or talk it into a note on your phone). You’ll start to create a list of events that you can revisit. Do this all the time. It is amazing how your voice will start to develop.
Was there one person who inspired you to go into comedy?
Tania Katan, my thought partner, has inspired me to keep writing and keep iterating on dōt.age, no matter what. Also, I loved Roz Chast’s “Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?”…she is a legend, obviously.
Do you have a writing routine?
I try to write first thing in the morning with coffee. Also, I am constantly writing in my head while riding my bike or working out. If I am on my bike, I sometimes stop short to grab my phone to make a note—not a bone density-safe activity! Basically, if I have an idea, I try to write it down as soon as possible, because I don’t want to forget it. Also, menopause.
What is your go-to show?
Grey’s Anatomy. Yep! You read that right. My TV family has been with me through it all.
What single word always cracks you up?
Nonnamaxxing (my niece told me I was doing it…I asked if I could be tiamaxxing instead).
