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#163 - Tim Conniff -From Sales Calls to Stand-Up: How to Escape Your Comfort Zone and Find Your True Calling
Episode 163
"Your comfort zone is no joke - but life gets better when you step outside of it." - Tim Conniff
Tim Conniff: Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone - From Corporate Sales to Stand-Up Comedian 🎭
In this entertaining and inspiring episode, Joe Ciccarone sits down with Tim Conniff, who transitioned from being a healthcare sales director to a full-time stand-up comedian and keynote speaker. Tim shares his remarkable journey from bombing a college speech to becoming a successful comedian, proving it's never too late to try something new.
Episode Highlights:
01:45 - Introduction to Tim Conniff and his multiple roles in life 🙋♂️
03:20 - Tim's first experience with public speaking in college and how badly it went 😅
05:10 - The 30-year gap between Tim's first comedy experience and his return to the stage 📅
08:15 - How Tim's son quitting basketball opened up time for him to pursue comedy 🏀
10:30 - The moment Tim had his "I can do that" realization at a local comedy club 💡
12:45 - Tim's rapid rise in comedy: from open mic to hosting shows in just six months 🚀
15:20 - The challenge and rewards of being a "clean" comedian in today's landscape 🧼
18:40 - Tim's creative process for writing and refining jokes 📝
21:15 - The structure of jokes and how comedians work to get laughs every 6-15 seconds ⏱️
23:30 - How Tim balances his corporate career with his comedy pursuits 💼
25:45 - Tim's keynote "Your Comfort Zone Is No Joke" and its message 🎤
27:10 - The powerful question: "When was the last time you did something for the first time?" 🤔
29:45 - Tim's experience performing for patients with traumatic brain injuries 💪
32:20 - Simple ways to get out of your comfort zone that anyone can try 🌱
35:10 - Tim's personal practices for clearing his mind (running and hot yoga) 🧘♂️
38:40 - The ONE lesson Tim hopes listeners take away 🔑
40:15 - Fun closing questions: dream day with Zig Ziglar or Jim Rohn 🌟
About Tim Conniff:
Tim Conniff is a former sales director for a large healthcare company who now focuses full-time on his work as a stand-up comedian and keynote speaker. After rediscovering his passion for comedy in 2022, Tim quickly rose from open mic performer to hosting shows and delivering paid gigs across the Philadelphia area. His keynote "Your Comfort Zone Is No Joke" combines clean comedy with inspirational messages about challenging yourself and trying new things.
Key Takeaways:
- It's never too late to try something new - Tim started his comedy career in earnest at middle age
- Having an "I can do that" moment instead of saying "I could never do that" can change your life
- The iterative process is crucial - in comedy, sports, or any skill, you improve through consistent practice
- Clean comedy creates more opportunities and challenges you to be a better writer
- Getting out of your comfort zone leads to growth, new opportunities, and a more fulfilling life
- When you help enough people get what they want, you'll get what you want (Zig Ziglar)