Meet Paul Ogata | Stand-up Comedian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paul Ogata and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paul, how do you think about risk?
The engine of Growth is Risk. Sometimes the risk pays off. But when it doesn’t, you should be looking for the opportunities among the wreckage. After all, you’re not really losing, if you’re learning. I’ve managed to fail often, and sometimes spectacularly. I opened a comedy club in Waikiki, which ended in bankruptcy. But because of a show I did at the club, I was able to walk right into doing morning radio. That job, in turn, led to greater opportunities doing stand-up. Then I took a bigger risk and moved away from Hawaii to pursue comedy. And now, I make a great living spreading laughter all over the world. I couldn’t have asked for a better failure.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a stand-up comic. Or a comedian. Is there a difference? Famous dead comedian Ed Wynn once explained that, “a comic says funny things; a comedian says things funny.” But what did he know? Ed Wynn wasn’t even his real name. It was Isaiah Leopold. I say funny things funny. I hope.. But at least I use my own name.

At each show, I try to give the crowd a unique experience through improvisation. Improv begets the feeling of danger and excitement. I collaborate with the audience to create bespoke hilarity. A one-of-a-kind instance for them which they bore witness to, and helped generate.. It’s something you can’t get on a television special or hear on an album.

It took a long time to stop sucking at trying to be funny. I quit a couple of times because it was so hard. But then I realized that it is *supposed* to be hard. Turns out I was just doing an impression of what I thought a comedian was, when all along I should have been trying to find who *I* really was. Then I found my voice and it all started clicking.

While I’ve performed for royalty and heads of state, the absolute best part of what I do is being able to entertain our troops. Wherever they are, here domestically or abroad in the field of battle, I will gladly go. Meeting the most amazing people, doing the most incredible jobs in the most difficult of circumstances really puts things into perspective for me. I’m grateful and I’ll always appreciate their efforts to give me, and all of us, the opportunity to live out our dreams.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
You can drive out to see the breathtaking Grand Canyon (and you should) or its geologic opposite in the majestic, towering Cathedral Rock at Sedona. But I really think to know a culture is to eat it. And there’s not a shortage of amazing food. Such a good selection of Native American eateries like The REZ or Fry Bread House. Or come on over to Stir Crazy Comedy Club, where I’ll be headlining, February 17th & 18th.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to Andy Bumatai. When I was growing up in Hawaii there was only one stand-up comedian: Andy. Sounds crazy, right? Every city these days has at least dozens, if not hundreds, of stand-ups. Andy was the absolute king of the islands, putting out television specials, live albums, doing commercials. As a kid, he was my idol. Then he moved to Los Angeles to tackle bigger projects. Years later when he moved back to Hawaii, he took me under his wing, and became a mentor and friend. I really can’t say where I’d be without his guidance and inspiration.

Website: PaulOgata.com

Instagram: @paulogata

Twitter: @paulogata

Facebook: Facebook.com/PaulOgata