The Great Comedy Crossroads: Should Midwestern Comics Move to NYC?

In this episode of Just Jossin’ Around, host and Omaha comedian Joslyne DeBonis sits down with fellow comic Cameron Logsdon for a raw, insightful, and often hilarious conversation about one of the most existential dilemmas facing stand-up comedians in smaller markets: to move or not to move to New York City. With humor, self-awareness, and surprising vulnerability, Joslyne opens up about her dreams, doubts, and the complicated calculus behind a potential leap from Omaha to the epicenter of comedy.

 

Why NYC? The Allure and the Anxiety

Joslyne wastes no time naming the elephant in the room—moving to New York is both exciting and terrifying. She acknowledges the staggering costs, the competitive scene, and the logistical chaos of living in a city that’s notorious for chewing up young hopefuls. And yet, the dream persists. “I don’t want to live with ‘what ifs,’” Joslyne says, explaining that even a year or two in the city could be transformative.

For her, New York represents more than just opportunity—it’s a crucible for comedy greatness. Writing alongside sharper comics, soaking up the grind of nightly stage time, and even just failing in the harshest scene possible sounds like the kind of growth she craves​.

 

Financial Reality Meets Artistic Drive

While Joslyne admits that she’s lucky to have a remote, flexible job that could support her in NYC, she’s also honest about the sacrifice it would entail. Downsizing, budgeting, and letting go of creature comforts are a given. But what concerns her more is discipline. “I have the drive, but not the discipline,” she says, emphasizing her need to parent herself if she’s going to survive and thrive in such a high-stakes environment​.

Cameron affirms her concern but reframes it: discipline isn’t just about scheduling—it’s about consistency. And for many comedians, especially in smaller scenes, the struggle isn’t a lack of opportunity but a lack of self-accountability. Without the pressure of a hyper-competitive scene, it’s easy to plateau​.

 

Timing and the Trap of Comfort

Cameron and Joslyne agree that timing is everything. A premature leap to NYC could be a costly misstep, but waiting too long might lead to stagnation. Cameron shares a study about life satisfaction showing that people who made bold changes—even those that didn’t pan out—were still happier than those who didn’t. It’s not about success or failure—it’s about moving forward.

Joslyne reflects on her current reality: she’s reached most of the goals she once dreamed of—her dream apartment, a supportive job, steady gigs. But now that she’s arrived at this comfortable plateau, she wonders: what next? That discomfort is the seed of her next evolution​.

 

The Value of Networking “Across,” Not “Up”

A key takeaway from the episode is Cameron’s advice on networking. Too many comics try to “network up”—chasing big names or clout-heavy connections. Instead, he suggests building horizontal relationships with peers. The people you come up with are the ones who’ll vouch for you later.

Joslyne agrees, citing her recent trip to Minneapolis, where she connected with comics at her level. She values those relationships because they’re built on mutual understanding and shared experiences—not status​.

 

Is New York the Only Path to Success?

Not necessarily. Cameron challenges the idea that NYC is a prerequisite for “making it.” Plenty of comics have built strong careers from smaller markets, and others have burned out after moving to the big city. He mentions Jack and Georgia Comstock, Omaha comics who took different paths—Jack to New York, Georgia to Denver—with very different outcomes. Each journey taught them something valuable, but neither guaranteed stardom​.

Joslyne concedes that her goals aren’t fame or fortune—they’re connection and craft. She wants to perform regularly, write better material, and eventually become a trusted comic—maybe even a regular at the Comedy Cellar. That last goal, while daunting, gives her a tangible vision to work toward​.

 

The Writing Question and Growth Through Challenge

Joslyne’s biggest artistic concern is the quality of her writing. She wants to tighten her sets, develop deeper material, and push past “passable.” To do that, she feels she needs to be surrounded by people better than her. She recalls how bombing early in her career sparked intense growth, and believes a move to a more demanding scene could provide the same push​.

Cameron reminds her that consistent growth doesn’t always require a new zip code. What matters most is setting concrete goals, holding yourself to a higher standard, and taking steady action toward improvement. Still, if Jocelyn’s motivation comes from challenge, New York might be exactly what she needs​.

 

What About Life Outside Comedy?

In a thoughtful aside, Joslyne discusses the traditional life milestones she sees around her—marriage, children, stability—and how they’ve never called to her. She doesn’t chase relationships, doesn’t fantasize about weddings, and isn’t compelled by societal norms. That clarity frees her to prioritize comedy and creative fulfillment, without the pressure to fit a mold​.

 

The Verdict: Discovery Mode Activated

Joslyne isn’t packing her bags just yet. She’s still in what she calls “discovery mode,” planning trips, doing stand-up in new cities, and taking stock of where she wants to be. This summer, she hopes to perform in places like Columbus, Pittsburgh, and maybe New York—just to get a taste. No rash decisions, no impulsive moves. Just curiosity and momentum​.

 

Final Thoughts: This episode of Just Jossin’ Around offers a heartfelt exploration of a decision many comics wrestle with. Should you leap into the unknown in pursuit of growth, or deepen your roots and continue building at home? Joslyne doesn’t pretend to have the answer—but her openness, introspection, and determination make her journey one worth watching. For anyone chasing a creative dream, this conversation is a reminder: the path isn’t linear, but the questions matter.

 

This blog post is based on a transcript from the Just Jossin’ Around podcast episode released on April 10th 2025.

We often take life too seriously and forget to stop and laugh at the silly things in life. If you’re looking to add a little lighthearted brevity to your day, come share a laugh with host and comedian, Joslyne DeBonis. Each episode we’ll be joined by a special guest, typically comedians, that will bring their stories and wit!

Edited by Grace Dunbar