Don’t Call Me Ma’am – The Business of Comedy – Episode 25
This week on Don’t Call Me Ma’am, Jodi Miller sits down with Zoe Friedman, comedy executive and co-founder of the nonprofit “Comedy Gives Back.” Together, they explore the challenges of aging—especially for women—in a culture obsessed with youth and social media, and discuss the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breaking through stigma around women’s health. Zoe opens up about rediscovering clarity and purpose in midlife, embracing wisdom, and owning the “crone” phase with pride.
Zoe shares details on her deep-rooted passion for comedy and how it led her to co-found Comedy Gives Back—a support network and relief fund for comedians struggling financially, mentally, or emotionally. From livestream fundraisers to pandemic relief grants, Zoe and her team have built a lifeline for comics, advocating for better mental health resources and destigmatizing the need for help. The conversation also dives into how comedy can be a tool for healing, empowerment, and connection, whether onstage after personal loss or in classrooms helping kids reclaim their confidence through humor.