On the latest episode of “My First Joke,” I had the pleasure of sitting down with John Mostyn, a stand-up comedian whose journey from Glasgow to the Toronto comedy scene is as entertaining as his material. Our conversation was filled with laughter, candid reflections, and a few wild stories from the road.
From Glasgow to Toronto: A Comedian’s Origin Story
John’s path to comedy wasn’t a straight line. After moving to Canada in 2011 and going through a breakup, he found himself in a new city, searching for connection and battling social anxiety. “I didn’t know anyone in Toronto,” John shared. “I started going to comedy shows just to meet people and get out of my shell.” What began as a way to overcome shyness soon led him to a Second City course, and eventually, to the stage at Absolute Comedy for his first showcase.
The First Jokes and Early Lessons
Like many comedians, John’s first jokes were a mix of personal experience and observational humour. He recalled the nerves of performing to a nearly empty room and the thrill of earning his first $20 for a set. “There wasn’t a moment where I thought, ‘I want to do this full time,’” he said. “It just happened gradually as I kept going, met people, and started getting booked.”
Making Comedy a Career
John’s leap to full-time comedy came in late 2019, just before the pandemic. He spoke honestly about the financial ups and downs of the profession: “You’re not guaranteed a paycheck. Sometimes gigs get canceled last minute, and you have to hustle.” Producing shows and taking on different roles in the scene helped him build a sustainable career.
Wild Venues and Small-Town Audiences
One of the highlights of our chat was John’s stories about performing in unconventional venues—a sex club, a pirate boat on the lake, and rural towns in Saskatchewan. Each setting brought its own challenges and surprises. “You never know what you’ll walk into. Sometimes you’re performing for people in towels, sometimes you’re stuck on a boat with the audience after a tough set!”
He also reflected on the differences between city and small-town crowds. “Big city audiences are more used to stand-up and maybe a bit more liberal. Small towns just want to have fun and hear dirty jokes. You have to adapt.”
The Art of the Joke vs. The Crowd Work Craze
With the explosion of social media, crowd work clips have become a staple online. John offered advice for new comics: “Focus on your material first. Crowd work is its own skill, but you need solid jokes. Don’t get caught up in chasing viral clips at the expense of your craft.”
Shout-Outs and What’s Next
John highlighted some of Toronto’s rising comedy stars—Tracy Hamilton, Fiona O’Brien, Hisham Kelati, Chris Locke, Adam Christie, and Todd Graham—and encouraged everyone to support local talent. As for what’s next, he’s editing a new comedy album and special, and planning a trip to Vietnam (with hopes of returning with fresh material).
Final Thoughts
Our conversation was a reminder that the road to comedy is rarely straightforward. It’s about resilience, adaptability, and finding humor in the unexpected. Whether you’re a fan of stand-up or thinking about trying it yourself, John’s story is proof that sometimes, the best way to face your fears is to grab a mic and tell your first joke.
Follow John Mostyn on Instagram: @jmostyncomedy
Stay tuned for more episodes of “My First Joke,” where we dive into the stories behind the punchlines.
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