Meet Joe Huisman

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joe Huisman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Joe, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I didn’t always feel like I had a purpose. For a long time, I was just trying to survive. I started doing stand-up because it seemed fun and I thought it would be a creative outlet, nothing more. But as I started weaving in bits about my past addiction, something unexpected happened. After shows, people would come up to me and share their own stories. They weren’t just laughing; they were connecting.

That’s when the idea for Second Chance Comedy started to take shape. It wasn’t just about telling jokes anymore. It was about creating a space where people could laugh at the hard stuff and not feel so alone. Since then, I’ve gotten deeply involved in the recovery community, and the more I lean into this, the more ‘right’ it feels, like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. I didn’t go looking for a purpose. It found me when I started being honest.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m the founder and producer of Second Chance Comedy, a stand-up show that blends real-life stories with humor, focused on addiction, recovery, and the messiness of being human. What makes it special is the honesty. The comics aren’t just doing bits; they’re sharing parts of themselves, and the audience feels that. It creates this mix of laughter, vulnerability, and connection that’s hard to find anywhere else.

I started the show after realizing that talking about my past addiction onstage led to some of the most powerful moments – people coming up to me afterward, saying, “That’s my story too.” Since then, I’ve made it my mission to create fun, sober events that break down stigma and bring people together.

We’ve already raised over $12,000 for organizations that support recovery, and we’re just getting started. We’ve got new shows coming up across Colorado, including June 6th at the Rialto Theater in Loveland, with an incredible lineup. We’re also building partnerships with local orgs and expanding the reach of the show.

At the end of the day, it’s about proving that sobriety can be meaningful and a damn good time.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful things were vulnerability, resourcefulness, and community-building.

Vulnerability was huge. I didn’t start out doing comedy with the intention of talking about addiction or my past. But once I started opening up on stage, not only did the jokes get stronger, but the connections got real. My advice? Don’t force vulnerability, but when you feel a pull to share something honest, even if it’s scary, lean into it. That’s where the good stuff is.

Resourcefulness came from not having a big team or budget. I had to figure out how to book venues, market shows, run social media, and build relationships all on my own. For anyone just starting out: don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start with what you have and be willing to learn as you go. Google and grit go a long way.

And community-building has probably been the most fulfilling part. Whether it’s comedians, people in recovery, or folks who just want to laugh at the hard stuff, this show brought people together. If you’re early in your journey, look for ways to connect with others. Share what you’re doing, lift others up, and create something people want to be part of.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start, stay honest, and keep showing up.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

The biggest area of growth for me in the past year has been confidence. Not just as a performer, but in every part of my life. When I started doing stand-up, I didn’t know where it would lead or if anyone would care. But as I began telling honest stories, producing shows, and connecting with people, I realized I could actually build something meaningful.

I’ve gone from second-guessing everything to trusting myself. I’ve learned I can take an idea and turn it into something real. That shift has changed how I show up. I don’t need to overthink or play small anymore. I know I can do the work. And that belief has made all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.secondchancecomedy.com/
• Instagram: @joehuismancomedy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoeHuismanComedy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephhuisman/