An Inspired Chat with Paul Farahvar of lincoln park

Paul Farahvar shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Paul, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Since I am a night owl and wake up later that most people, I am usually just playing catch up on emails and calls and texts. Responding for a while and trying to catch up on work I have listed. I am a big “to do” list person and I love crossing things off the list!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Chicago based Comedian described as having a unique, quick witted dry humor, centered on being a practical but aging bachelor and former litigator. After quickly becoming a staple on the Chicago Comedy Scene for years at my home club Laugh Factory, I began touring, first as a feature for headliners like Demetri Martin and Gary Gulman, and later as a headliner. With no manager or agent, I managed to build a following in multiple cities, even selling out rooms in Chicago, Rockford, Denver, Milwaukee, Scottsdale, Sarasota and Tampa in the last two years.

I was runner up in the Chicago Reader for Best Stand up Comedian in 2021 and was voted “Top 40 Up and Coming Comedians” in 2017. Prior to being a comedian, I was a trial litigator, earning the “Top 40 under 40” honor in Illinois. My podcast SINGLES ONLY! was accepted into to the prestigious SWSW in 2020 and was voted Best Podcast in Chicago (2022). I was a regular guest host on WGN Radio for years and played “Karam Haddad” on NBC’s “Chicago Med.” My Dry Bar special “Always a Groomsman” dropped in April, 2023 and my special “Middlewestern, Middle Eastern” with Helium Comedy Studios dropped in April, 2024. I was one of two Americans invited to the Halifax Comedy Festival in May, 2024. My short set for Nateland Comedy was released last month as well

As a touring comedian, I use my platform to raise awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation, a cause very close to me. I raised over $50,000 for Parkinsons Foundation in the last few years as well and thousands of dollars for Autism and Suicide Prevention. In 2024, I began the “Why Are You Awake” Podcast to bring attention to creatives and night owls like me.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
I think my work ethic was instilled in me by my dad. He is a sef made immigrant who worked very hard to become a very successful doctor. He led by example and also “encouraged” me to work when I was young and understand the value of a hard days work.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, about 9 years ago, I had a horrible week of shows my first time performing in Hollywood. I kept bombing with material that worked in Chicago and the Midwest. But I figured it out by Saturday and had one of my best comedy sets that pulled me out of the rut.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Justice. I think as a former lawyer, the law is important to me and it makes me mad when people in power don’t follow it and, more importantly, when the public is fooled into believing what a law says, when in fact thats not the case. We are currently living in time where click bait misinformation on social media can spread like wildfire and people will see something and believe it to be real. It’s really sad but I try my best to correct it when I can and provide legal information to people who are misinformed.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing? 
I regret not doing creative things like theater and music in high school. I was too cool for school and found my people later in life.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Sarah Larson on the black and whites and the one with the burrito in hand

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