I Don’t Want to Be Strong Today: Vanessa Graddick, The Social Worker Who Became a Comedian
Release Date: 03/16/2026
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info_outlineI Don’t Want to Be Strong Today: Vanessa Graddick, The Social Worker Who Became a Comedian
Hosts Sarah J. Halstead and Rich Chassler sit down with the brilliantly funny and deeply thoughtful Vanessa Graddick, comedian, producer, social worker, and now published author. Vanessa opens up about starting comedy on November 1, 2006, after her mother’s cancer diagnosis, serving Allen Iverson at Applebee’s, performing for troops across Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, South Korea, and Japan, and why she believes every human being should be required to work in a restaurant for 90 days. The conversation weaves between hilarity and genuine depth, touching on female safety on the road, the psychology of performance, and the powerful new affirmation journal she wrote I Don’t Want to Be Strong Today.
👤 Guest Bio
Vanessa Graddick is a Los Angeles-based stand-up comedian, supervising producer, and author originally from St. Paul, Minnesota. A psychology major with a Master of Social Work (MSW), Vanessa brings a uniquely sharp, emotionally intelligent lens to her comedy fiercely funny, Midwest-grounded, and unapologetically edgy. She’s been a regular at the Comedy & Magic Club and the Laugh Factory, has performed for U.S. troops overseas, and has built an impressive producing career behind the scenes in Hollywood. Her credits include supervising producer on Miss Pat Settles It, and producer on Funny You Should Ask, Comics Unleashed (CBS/Paramount+), and Ida Rodriguez’s podcast Say What You Mean. Her debut book, I Don’t Want to Be Strong Today, is an affirmation journal now available on Amazon.
🔗 Instagram: @VanessaGraddick | vanessagraddick.com
Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
02:58 Comics Unleashed Experience
05:56 Guest Introduction: Vanessa Gratik
08:52 The Journey from Social Work to Comedy
12:00 First Stand-Up Experience
14:59 Plans for a Comedy Special
18:06 The Psychology of Comedy
20:53 Navigating Comedy and Personal Life
24:42 The Art of Bartending and Hospitality
31:24 Relationships and the Importance of Kindness
32:43 Navigating Career Paths in Comedy and Production
45:32 Empowerment Through Self-Publishing and Personal Growth
🍷Featured Beverage
Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc — Vanessa’s favorite grape, shared with the hosts during the episode.
Special thanks to Doug Bass at Bass Hole Studios for recording.
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