How Stand-Up Comedian Tom Papa Went From Joke Slinger to Food Network Baking Expert

Listen in as the comedy veteran explains how he pivoted from nightclub performer to baking authority.

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By Patrick Carone

Courtesy Tom Papa

On this episode of How Success Happens, we chat with Tom Papa, stand-up comedian and Food Network host.

For over 25 years, Tom Papa has been standing up on an empty stage with only a stool and a microphone. His job? To make a room full of strangers laugh their butts off. For a stand up comedian, every performance is a risk, and to find success for over two decades is an incredible accomplishment. For Papa, however, this wasn't enough.

Related: 11 Habits of Truly Happy People

Besides being Head Writer and a regular performer for Live From Here, the newest incarnation of the legendary radio show, A Prairie Home Companion, and releasing his first book, Your Dad Stole My Rake, this summer, Papa premiered his own Food Network TV series, Baked, in September. On the show, Papa visits iconic bakeries around the country to talk to the bakers and learn from their wisdom.

Related: How to Start a Restaurant

How did he pivot from nightclub performer to baking authority? It all started with a wild yeast sourdough starter.

Check out the full conversation below and find more episodes of How Success Happens here.

Patrick Carone

Entrepreneur Staff

Special Projects Director

Patrick Carone covers all aspects of entrepreneurship, specializing in the automotive, entertainment, hospitality, spirits and cannabis industries.

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