Chet Haase is a Chet all the way.Photo credit: Maddy Pisio.
You know those people everyone seems to know and like?
“Chet’s so funny.”
“You gotta meet Chet.”
“Chet’s great.”
I heard variations of this from my fellow Fleet Feet runners for what felt like years. Naturally, I resisted. When someone or something is universally beloved, I assume it’s probably not for me.
Then I met Chet. They were right. Chet Haase is, indeed, a big deal. He’s a classically trained improviser, writer, podcaster, longtime Android advocate, recovering software engineer, and runner. He’s also someone who has recently entered a particularly interesting phase of life: saying yes to a lot of things and waiting to see which one sticks.
In this episode, we talk about his Try-Hard for the week and his Try-Hard for the year; why he’s currently saying yes to everything from improv to writing to running; and his larger Try-Hard for life: Enjoy. Have fun. Be passionate about the things you’re doing.
Chet spent a long career in tech, including 14 years working on Android and co-hosting the podcast Android Developers Backstage. Now that he’s no longer working in tech, he’s rediscovering something he missed: getting in front of an audience.
We talk about comedy, from his childhood introduction to Monty Python to improv and stand-up classes, comedy screenwriting at DePaul and Second City, and the attitude required to put your ideas out into the world.
We also talk about running, how the pandemic turned a reluctant runner into a marathoner, why running appeals to someone who never considered himself a sports person, and why Chet refuses to call himself “Fast Eddie,” despite my attempt to make the nickname happen.
And then there’s the Android podcast, where Chet describes one of his roles as being “the idiot in the room” willing to ask the question everyone else is too self-conscious to ask. It turns out that admitting you don’t understand something can actually make for a much better conversation. Honestly, there may be a lesson in that for all of us.
Also in this episode: Game of Thrones, Chicago’s Old Town, my thwarted attempt to start a podcast feud with the hosts of Android Developers Backstage, and a sound effect inspired by Yael’s opposition to the Bell of Transition.
So: meet Chet. You’ll see.
Try-Hard of the Week: Saying yes to everything and ramping up the running miles.
Try-Hard of the Year: Find a groove.
Try-Hard of Life: Enjoy.
You wouldn’t like Chet when he’s angry. Pic by Maddy Pisio
Chet’s book is available at small indie booksellers such as Amazon.com. Buy it now!Also, check out this review, which was written by a psychopath with a dumb screen name.
Boston Qualifier/Runner/Nickname Opposer Chet HaaseCome to Fleet Feet Pleasanton, where this pic is prominently displayed!
Chet and his Name Pending cohorts after an improv face-off
Chet in the middle, taking a knee in an improv scene
Chet in blue, taking a knee (again!?) among his fleet of feet fans
Chet’s book of donut poetry is also available on Amazon.Read this glowing review written by some random lunatic who still enjoys the very catchy St. Elsewhere theme song.
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