Today we’d like to introduce you to Miriam Kirk
Hi Miriam, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My comedy career started with a bet. Back in 2017 my older brother had just moved back from LA, and he wanted us to hang out, you know, spend more time together or whatever. So, we started taking improv classes at Third Coast Comedy Club.
A few weeks into classes, Luke, one of the co-owners of the club, mentioned that there would be a stand-up comedy open mic happening after class and said we could stick around to watch or give it a shot if we were feeling brave. My brother looked at me and said, “I bet you won’t do the mic.” Without hesitation, I said, “I bet I will.” And I’ve been trying to win that bet ever since.
At the time I was finishing a degree in Journalism (which I have yet to use), running track and playing college basketball. So, I wasn’t able to dive headfirst into comedy — and honestly I didn’t know how. I hadn’t learned yet how the ecosystem of comedy worked – going to open mics and following good stage etiquette and getting booked on shows and all that. But I knew from that first mic that I had a lot of fun doing it and felt like I could be good if I worked at it, so after college, I came back to comedy and really started putting in the effort.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. Comedy is all trial and error with a smidge of public humiliation… until you’re good. Then it’s all public adoration, high fives, and pats on the back – until you go back to an open mic and bomb again.
No, but really – comedy is hard and doing good comedy is even harder. Any art form is vulnerable, but in my opinion, comedy is particularly vulnerable. Whereas you can practice playing a guitar or painting in solitude, a comedian’s practice is at an open mic, in front of other people – the laughter is your medium.
A large part of any comedian’s career is finding your voice, and I’m no exception. Every night, comedians present these intimate thoughts and feelings on whatever is happening in the world and our personal lives, and we hope it resonates. As a comedian, my goal every time I step onstage is to connect with the audience on some level, share a part of myself with them, and laugh about the silliness of everyday life.
I feel like it took me longer than most to figure out my voice. And my voice is still evolving the longer I do comedy. Being a queer, black, woman, in the south, and raised in the suburbs of North Nashville by two civil rights black parents — I am all of these things I just wasn’t seeing represented in comedy. Like I didn’t see any black lesbians talking about being homeschooled and then attending private school and then attending a PWI (predominantly white institute) for college. Like, where do I fit in?
That question stumped me for a long time, and I struggled to find my place. But as I’ve gotten further into my career, I’ve realized I don’t need to fit anywhere. I’m creating the space for quirky, introverted, black lesbians who watched way too much Hannah Montana as teenagers and definitely came out of the glass closet too late. I’ve learned I don’t need to try and fit into a mold that wasn’t made for me. I’m carving out my own lane, and that’s been one of the most liberating parts of my journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
That’s a hard question, I’m always working on the art and business of entertaining. I founded my own production company, Parental Guidance Comedy in 2023, and I’ve been producing shows in Nashville for almost two years. I’ve built a monthly residency at Flamingo Cocktail Club on the last Thursday of every month and recently took over the bi-monthly show at Lipstick Lounge. I’m also currently looking to expand to some venues in Memphis, TN. These shows aren’t just about putting on a comedy night—they’re about creating a space with the kind of energy and crowds that comics dream about, outside of the traditional comedy club setting.
I want the shows I’m producing to be the next Def Comedy Jam—an incubator for local talent. A place where people can discover their voice and really shine. I’m creating a platform that guarantees a great crowd and electric energy every time. That’s the vision driving everything I do with Parental Guidance Comedy.
I’m also working on a mini-documentary capturing my journey doing international comedy for the first time in my career. It’s about more than just the sets—it’s about the entire experience of taking my comedy to a different culture, showing the growth that comes from stepping way outside my comfort zone, and showcasing the incredible comedy scene and talent already thriving in Ghana.
How do you think about happiness?
For me, happiness is a practice, not so much a pursuit. It’s not about attaining this elusive idea of happiness but about doing things everyday in my journey that bring me happiness. I like to practice the basics every day: I’m very intentional about moving my body every day, spending time with the important people in life – my partner, family, friends. I’m fortunate to have people around me who are down for a gym session, a walk, or a bike ride to catch up instead of sitting at a bar (although I do that too). I’ve got major ADHD, so I’m always on the go. Also doing book club with my mom and sisters—it keeps me connected to them in a meaningful way, while also keeping me accountable in my reading practice, where I encounter new ideas and other forms of creativity. Staying active and maintaining those connections keeps me grounded and happy.
My community also brings me a lot of joy. I’m a wellness coach in North Nashville, and I get to interact with people of all ages from every background. It’s wild to me, when I’m working with one of our AOA (Active Older Adults) members and find out they’re 90 years old, and they can remember the day North Nashville was put on lockdown when Dr. King was assassinated just a few hours away in Memphis or when I-40 split North Nashville. Those moments remind me of the richness of life with in my community and keep me connected to my roots as a Nashville native.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/miriamkirk
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_miriamkirk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirk.miriam
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@miriamkirkcomedy
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@_miriamkirk
