Episode 2 — James Holiday: From the Classroom to the Comedy Stage
What do you do after 32 years as an elementary music teacher? If you're James Holiday, you retire with a five-year plan already written, pivot to stand-up comedy, launch a social media following built on morning dog walks and deadpan life observations — and then record a Christmas single with Grammy-winning producer Dave Audé.
In Episode 2 of Tuned Out, Dave and Deborah sit down with James Holiday — comedian, content creator, former music teacher, esthetics devotee, and proud rescuer of a King Charles Cavalier from Ireland — for one of the most entertaining conversations the studio has seen yet.
James breaks down what it actually takes to break into stand-up comedy: the open mic grind, the rooms full of other comedians who've heard it all, and the moment you figure out your audience. For James, he's built an engaged, loyal following on social media by simply walking his dog every morning and saying exactly what's on his mind.
He also talks about his 32-year marriage ("96 in queer years"), his friendship with Martina McBride, eating cookies backstage at a Prince concert, the unexpected career pivot into esthetics, and why he keeps his government name firmly off the internet — lest his former students find him before they turn 21.
Oh, and there's a Christmas song. Fabulous Holiday (For She Who Is) is a collaboration with Dave Audé and Sarah Potenza, debuting live at James's show — House of Holiday Three: South Slay, Girl Slay.
Topics covered:
- James's morning dog-walk content and the origins of James Holiday Comedy
- Xander — the King Charles Cavalier rescued from Ireland (with a pet nanny chaperone)
- 32 years as an elementary music teacher, and the five-year exit plan
- Breaking into stand-up comedy: open mics, and the Zanies lab
- James's comedy style, his target audience, and how to handle a room that isn't with you
- Microneedling, esthetics, and the disproportionate cost of looking young when you're gay
- The perks of a stage name - why his former students won't be finding him any time soon
- 32 years of marriage ("we're both a lot, and we can put up with each other")
- Famous friends, NDAs, and a certain country legend with a photographic memory
- Eating Prince's leftover cookies at the Hit and Run Tour
- Sandra Bernhard as a comedy inspiration
- House of Holiday Three: South Slay, Girl Slay
- The Off the Record segment: food in songs, worst jokes, and handling hecklers
James Holiday:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JamesHolidayComedy-pf6qj
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesholidaycomedy/
Dave Aude:
Website: https://daveaude.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daveaude/
VEVA Collect:
Website: https://vevacollect.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vevacollect/
Hosts: Dave Audé & Deborah Deloach / Guest: James Holiday / Digital Editor & Mixer: Ines Lopez / Music: Dave Audé / Art & Design: Maddie Alley / Producer: Liam McMellon
