Don’t Call Me Ma’am – Success or Sabotage? – Episode 27
This week on Don’t Call Me Ma’am, Jodi Miller sits down with longtime friend and comedian Justin Martindale for a deep dive into their early days at The Comedy Store, the highs and lows of navigating the stand-up world, and what it really means to be “passed” by Mitzi Shore. Justin shares the wild story of how he was discovered after less than a year of doing comedy and the intense pressure (and jealousy) that followed. The two reflect on their awkward early sets, cringe-worthy jokes, and how both leaned on charisma and grit to evolve as performers. They also touch on the challenge of staying authentic in a digital era where social media metrics often overshadow actual talent.
The conversation gets real as Jodi and Justin open up about career heartbreaks, including Justin’s lost shot with Chelsea Handler and Jodi’s painful experience on America’s Got Talent. They discuss the rise of viral fame, content creation burnout, and how today’s comedy scene often favors clips over craft. But through the laughter and scars, they emphasize resilience, learning from mistakes, and continuing to show up—because, as they say, it’s not how you get there, it’s what you do when you arrive.