Jonathan White is a Calgary-based comedian who blends personal storytelling with high-energy performances. With a style that mixes self-deprecation, absurdity, and keen observations, Jonathan isn’t afraid to offer his own life up for laughs, often tackling topics like anxiety, depression, and growing up in organized religion. He’s currently working on his first comedy album, Revenge of the Mormons, which he hopes to release in the near future.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I would describe my style as a mix of autobiographical, self-deprecating, observational, high-energy, and absurd. Some of the bits I write stem from a real-world experience, and then I’ll just let my mind run as to what could have happened to make it funnier. Or sometimes I’ll look back and talk about the traumatic moments in my life, but find a way to laugh at it. I’m a bit of a golden retriever, so I keep the energy up while dancing between subjects.
Who are some of your influences?
When I first started, I think I modelled myself a little after George Carlin. Trying to be a bit philosophical and topical, but also being absurd with it. Over time, I got away from that and just enjoyed being honest and open with the crowd. So now, I really look up to comics like Mike Birbiglia, who are excellent at being incredibly open and honest about uncomfortable topics about ourselves. For example, I have clinical depression and anxiety, and I’m finally at a point where I feel I can talk about those hard subjects on stage.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
George Carlin is the GOAT, as far as I’m concerned. One of the best and funniest philosophers of the 20th and 21st centuries. When I would do road trips with my dad, we would listen to a lot of Carlin, so he’s really ingrained into me. I also listened to a lot of Red Foxx and Robin Williams. All of them were great.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
It’s still George Carlin, haha. But if I had to pick a living comic…it’d be either Mike Birbiglia or Kyle Kinane.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I have anxiety, so half the time I’m just doing breathing exercises while jumping up and down a bit to calm down and focus. Other times, I’ll pick a random song on my phone to get “pumped up to”… For the first few years I did comedy, I would crank LL Cool J’s ‘Momma Said Knock You Out’ right before stage time.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
There’s a restaurant in Prince George’s, BC, called Nancy O’s. When I started, they would have monthly shows and they’d bring in comics from Vancouver, Edmonton, or Calgary…and it was always amazing. The crowds were always great, and the owners and staff would treat you like family. It always had the best vibes. I even had my farewell show there before I moved to Calgary, and it was an amazing night. Even though it only holds about 60 people, you will just always walk away having a good vibe in that room.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I have a bit where I talk about the absurdity of having a ‘Bang List’ (for those who don’t know, it’s a list of celebrities you’d get a “free pass” to hook up with if you met them), so one of the options I put on there is The Virgin Mary. I’m proud of it, since it is blasphemous, as it helps me laugh at and work on the trauma of being raised in an organized religion growing up. It helps me feel like I am taking some power back that it used to have over me.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
YouTube has really helped open up and expose the world to the comedians out there. I’ll spend some time just scrolling and seeing what the algorithm thinks I’ll like. The best place, though, for sure, is just to go to live shows; there’s no better way to experience or enjoy comedy.
Tell us a joke about your city.
Calgary is really a safe city for its size…the only time I ever felt unsafe is when I wore my New Jersey Devils jersey to a Calgary Flames game. The Devils weren’t even playing.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I’m currently editing my first album, ‘Revenge of the Mormons’, and I’m hoping to have it released by the fall.
Where can we follow you?
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Anton Matyushin has such an energy, and has some of the wildest jokes and bits…he’s an absolute blast to watch.
