Meet Aaron Burleson

 

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

Aaron , so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

I draw my optimism from two incredible role models—my parents, Gary and Shirley Burleson. Married for over 43 years, they’ve built a foundation of love and resilience that has shaped the way I approach life. Growing up, our home was always filled with an unshakeable belief that no matter the circumstances, we could find the silver lining. My parents consistently emphasized the importance of seeing opportunity in every challenge, whether it was struggling to pay bills or figuring out creative ways to make special moments happen on a tight budget. They never allowed adversity to define us; instead, they found ways to make it work.

From my earliest days in elementary school to my adult career in the entertainment industry, I’ve carried this mindset with me. There were countless moments when obstacles seemed insurmountable, but I always remembered my parents’ example—how they never backed down, always searching for solutions and never losing sight of the bigger picture. This perspective has been my anchor, guiding me through difficult times and empowering me to overcome challenges.

Ultimately, I am who I am today because of the lessons they taught me—lessons of resilience, creativity, and unwavering optimism. They laid the path for me to follow, and I continue to walk it, confident that there’s always a way forward, no matter the obstacles.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a storyteller at heart, and my career has been shaped by my passion for humor, storytelling, and creating meaningful connections with people. Over the years, I have worn many hats—as a comedian, filmmaker, community organizer, and podcast host—and each role has contributed to the unique perspective I bring to everything I do. My work is driven by a belief that storytelling can not only entertain but also challenge the way we think and engage with the world around us.

Currently, I host Apocalypse Nowadays, an original podcast that blends humor with social commentary as I navigate the complexities of today’s social, political, and cultural landscapes. Alongside my longtime friend – Sikander, we tackle everything from personal life challenges to the collapse of Western democracy, all while keeping our audience laughing and thinking critically. This mix of humor and deep dive discussions has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. It allows me to bring a unique voice to the conversation—one that is both reflective and entertaining.

The show has given me invaluable experience in structuring long-form content, interviewing diverse guests, and developing thoughtful questions that provoke both laughter and reflection. It’s this ability to create content that is engaging, relevant, and accessible that I’m most proud of. The ability to engage with an audience in an authentic way is at the core of everything I do—whether I’m hosting a live event, performing stand-up comedy, or producing a podcast episode. For me, storytelling is about creating moments where people can connect, reflect, and share in a laugh, all while addressing important issues that impact us on both a personal and global scale.

My career has also been deeply influenced by my time as a Senior Producer for The Daily Show, where I learned the importance of editorial vision and collaboration. There, I developed and showran over 125 episodes of podcasts, including popular series such as the NAACP Image Award Winning Beyond the Scenes and Jordan Klepper Fingers The Conspiracy. This role gave me the experience of working in a fast-paced, creative environment while ensuring that each episode delivered on both the quality of content and the clarity of message. I’m also a proud 2019 Sundance Episodic Lab Fellow for a pilot I wrote called “Don’t Try This at Home” about an aspiring Black pro-wrestler.

At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to authenticity and clarity. Whether I’m creating content for a podcast, writing sketches, or performing live, I prioritize the ability to connect with audiences through clear, compelling storytelling. I understand that the key to building a successful brand is not just in what you create, but in how you connect with your audience. It’s about offering something that feels both relatable and insightful, while also entertaining.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about the opportunities to continue expanding my creative endeavors, from launching new podcast series to exploring new ways to engage audiences through live events and collaborative projects. I am always seeking new ways to innovate and push boundaries in the work that I do. What excites me most about this stage of my career is the opportunity to build on my past experiences while continuing to grow and experiment with fresh ideas.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I look forward to discussing how my unique blend of skills, passion for storytelling, and commitment to meaningful content can bring something special to your readers and community.

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 qualities that have shaped my journey are a strong ability to manifest opportunities, my producing skills, and the capacity to absorb and apply information quickly. These qualities have not only helped me navigate my career but have also allowed me to thrive as a performer and creative across a variety of mediums—whether in film, TV, stage, web, or audio.

First, the ability to manifest opportunities has been crucial. I’ve learned that if you stay open, proactive, and committed to your goals, opportunities tend to reveal themselves in unexpected ways. This mindset has allowed me to take risks and step into spaces I never imagined I could occupy.

Second, producing has been key to bringing ideas to life. Whether it’s coordinating a team, managing timelines, or juggling multiple moving parts, the ability to stay organized and lead a project from conception to completion has allowed me to create work across diverse platforms.

Lastly, being able to absorb information at a rapid pace and apply it thoughtfully has been invaluable. In creative fields, things are always evolving, and having the ability to take in new knowledge and adapt it to your work can set you apart. This ability to synthesize information and think critically has helped me approach every project with depth and thoroughness.

For those just starting out, my advice is simple: just jump in. Sometimes the hardest part is taking that first step, and often, you don’t know what you don’t know. Cultivate a sense of curiosity and trust that you’ll learn along the way. After that, it’s all about bravery and resilience. You’ll face rejection, obstacles, and setbacks—but persistence is key. Don’t be afraid to stand on the “mountain of no’s” and keep moving forward. It’s the courage to keep going, even when things aren’t easy, that ultimately makes the difference.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that has had a profound impact on my development is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. The book presents four simple yet powerful agreements that have shaped how I approach both my personal and professional life: “Be Impeccable with Your Word,” “Don’t Take Anything Personally,” “Don’t Make Assumptions,” and “Always Do Your Best.”

The lesson of being impeccable with my word has taught me the power of language—how the way we speak, both to others and ourselves, shapes our reality. It’s a reminder to use my words with integrity and intention, which has been crucial in both my creative work and relationships.

The agreement “Don’t Take Anything Personally” has been especially transformative. In an industry like mine, rejection and criticism are inevitable, but understanding that others’ actions and words are a reflection of them—not me—has helped me navigate challenges with greater resilience and emotional clarity.

“Don’t Make Assumptions” has also resonated deeply with me. It’s easy to jump to conclusions or create stories in our heads, but the book has encouraged me to ask questions, seek understanding, and not be guided by assumptions that may lead me astray. This has allowed me to approach situations with more openness and less bias.

Finally, the principle of always doing your best is a powerful reminder to show up fully in whatever I do, without overextending or pushing myself to perfection. It’s about focusing on the process and making the most of every moment, rather than obsessing over outcomes.

These agreements have helped me stay grounded during a particularly transformative period in my career and life. They have been a source of clarity and strength, empowering me to face challenges head-on while remaining true to myself. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a guide to personal growth and inner peace.

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