Meet Eric Patno

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Eric Patno a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, thank you so much for joining us and opening up about the very personal topic of divorce. So many in the community are going through or have gone through divorce and we think hearing about how others dealt with the aftermath and managed to build a vibrant, successful life and career despite the trauma of divorce can be helpful to many who might be feeling a degree of hopelessness. So, maybe you can talk to us about how you overcame divorce?
Oh, boy… Lot to unpack there. I had my oldest boy, my daughter, and already knew I needed to get out of the situation due to the physical abuse and wildly unstable nature of my ex-wife. I won’t shy away from admitting I was also at fault as I avoided the situation by relying on the bottle. Eventually though, I’d had enough and some clarity came to me. I knew I wanted better for myself and for my children. Both in life and from me as a father. So I made the decision to do the paperwork and prepare my case. Went before a judge and I got majority custody uncontested. It’s been a rocky few years finding my footing and finding who I am as an individual again while also raising 4 kids. All while trying to pursue my dreams in comedy and beyond. When you have a purpose and your heart is in it, you find a way. That’s what it all comes down to. If you want something bad enough, if you truly need it, you’ll do whatever it is you gotta do. Whether it be out of fear, survival instincts, love, whatever. You’ll find a motivator and you’ll embrace it. Nobody is perfect. You’ll slip up. You might even struggle. If you’re intentions are pure and you keep your wits about you you’ll manifest whatever it is you’re looking for. I guarantee it. Same reason I finally decided to let that bottle go along with some old associates. A clean slate is a world of potential.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Well, this is kind of an update article now isn’t it? I’ve previously sat down with the good folks at voyage and I’m sure you’re curious what’s happened since. Well, I’ll be frank. I’ve just been chilling lately and writing a bit. Occasionally getting out to an open mic. I have some very lofty goals and some personal aspirations in and around comedy once I finalize my move to in and around Austin. It’s been a cool 4 years doing standup and eventually I think I’ll be real good at it. I’m definitely looking forward to doing more film-making as well. I fancy myself a bit of a “Jack of all trades”. So ideally during this period of refreshed drive in semi-new surroundings, I’ll get to play more of the jack and less of the jerk I might’ve unconsciously been juggling all that life has left in my hands. I’m certainly optimistic about what lies ahead.  My comedy shows under Petty Bandits will be back in a new venue. Might do a talk show or a podcast or something. Definitely doing a 4th year of The Gift of Laughter comedy show & toy drive this holiday season. Nothing is set in stone, but you can be sure I’ll be making some opportunities and taking some. I’m coming to work.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
BE Be persistent.
Be consistent.
Be Calm.
Be polite and set boundaries.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Honestly? Nobody has helped more than my mama. Whenever I need an assist so I can go to what I gotta do and hit shows on a school night she’s always there. Thanks mom. Love ya.

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