Interviewed by: Joseph Santiago
Mike Bramante
From open mics to comedy specials, Mike Bramante has been making waves in the stand-up scene. Named a “Comic to Watch” at the New York Comedy Festival, he has since performed at top clubs, recorded his own special, and co-hosted the Do Less podcast. In this interview, we dive into his journey, writing process, and the highs and lows of being a comedian.
1. What inspired you to start doing stand-up comedy, and how did your journey begin?
Mike Bramante: “My comedic idol is Larry David. I’ve always related to the absurdity and humor that can be found in everyday situations. Also, I never really had the desire to pursue a “normal” path. My mom used to drive me to school in 6th-8th grade, and she would ask me about my interest in all sorts of professions. She would attest to this, saying that I never had any interest in any of them. So I can say at an early age that I never really wanted to do anything.
Therefore, the only profession that seemed bearable was a comedian, so you can do whatever you want all day and work for at most an hour a night. In all seriousness, for many years I thought about doing stand-up, but I wasn’t so sure that I could do the whole perform stage in front of people thing. But when I finally decided to just go for it, I caught the bug. I never had more fun in my life, and I just have had the desire to keep going and getting better. Oh, and I always knew that it’s the only profession I can wake up in time for.”
2. How would you describe your comedic style, and how has it evolved over time?
Mike Bramante: “I put the transcript for my special into ChatGPT, and it said that my comedy is a mix of storytelling, clever punchlines, and a healthy dose of playful absurdity—and since the robots are soon to take over, I’ll go with that. I like to think I keep it pretty clean (so my parents approve), and even if I touch on edgier subjects, I like to find the unique phrasing to keep it light. It has certainly evolved over time as I’ve gotten more comfortable on stage. I think I’ve just been able to diversify my jokes in terms of content and style, and I’ve had some more fun pushing the boundaries.”
3. What was your first stand-up performance like? Any memorable successes or failures?
Mike Bramante: “I did 5 minutes at an open mic about why I think dinosaurs are a hoax (and yes, I’m still not convinced that they are real). I think it went just okay enough to keep me going, but I hope those tapes are burned. “
4. You’ve performed at major comedy festivals like the New York Comedy Festival. How have these experiences shaped your career?
Mike Bramante: “The New York Comedy Festival was a great experience—I was lucky to be selected to be a “Comic to Watch” in the 2021 festival. That was the first “break” in my “career.”. That led to me getting passed at Caroline’s and ultimately being chosen as a ‘Caroline’s Breakout Artist’ in 2022.”
5. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a comedian, and how did you overcome it?
Mike Bramante: “I think you are always just trying to chase how good you think you can be or want to be versus how good you actually are. Obviously, everybody bombs, and that’s never a good feeling. I’ve had some bad ones in my day, and I lick my wounds for a little, but then use it as motivation to get better. I think once you experience total public humiliation and you can get back up and do it again, then you know you’re crazy enough to keep going.
Also, I think somebody said I was a bad public speaker when I was in middle school, so I’m really just doing this to spite them, even though I don’t even know who that person is anymore.”
6. How do you approach writing new material? Do you have a specific process or routine?
Mike Bramante: “A lot of times my best ideas come to me in the moment, either through an observation, social interaction, or conversation with friends. As soon as I get an idea, I write it down on the notes app on my phone and take it as far as I can take it. Then I’ll say it on stage, and that’s the first step in seeing if there is “something there.” I like writing before sets because I feel the pressure of the gig to have something to say, and after sets since it’s the most fresh in my mind. To me, the writing is the best part; it’s like a puzzle you’re trying to figure out. There’s no better feeling than when a new joke works, and then you ultimately get sick of it, so you have to come up with more. It’s an addiction, but I guess not the most unhealthy one you can have. “
7. What’s been your most memorable or favorite gig so far, and why?
Mike Bramante: “I recorded my special, White Mike… and the Fly, in September 2024 at New York Comedy Club. It was a night that was years in the making, and I’m lucky that people showed up to the two shows and were great audiences. The special came out on my YouTube channel on February 12th, 2025, and I am very proud of it. Please watch it, and if you do, share it with someone else, and I’ll just owe you for life.
📺 Watch here: https://youtu.be/4viJ4z7P8AE
You co-host the “Do Less” podcast. How does podcasting complement your stand-up work?
Mike Bramante: “Well, the Do Less podcast is currently on hiatus because we are doing less. We are true to our brand (me and my co-host, Jake Velazquez); actually recording an episode would be against our motto. “
9. What advice would you give to up-and-coming comedians trying to break into the scene?
Mike Bramante: “There’s no substitution for stage time and writing. Just do both of those things as much as you possibly can. I guess I would also say that it’s a marathon, and you are going to want opportunities before you are probably ready (I certainly did). It’s corny to say, but you really have to just enjoy the ride. But also, you should be having fun doing this—I mean, we’re telling jokes; it would be weird if it’s stressing you out.
I also try to appreciate every time that I get to do it, no matter how bad or weird the gig. The fact that I get to perform in front of people and have their undivided attention for a certain period of time is ridiculous and probably shouldn’t be allowed. Who do I think I am?”
10. Where do you see yourself in five years? Any big goals or projects in the works?
Mike Bramante: “I don’t know—I hope to just continue to get better and get more opportunities, because that means I get to do it more. Matthew McConaughey says he’s always chasing his hero, and it’s him in 10 years. But my hero is Matthew McConaughey right now, so I don’t know where that puts me. I just released a special (again, please watch), so I’m starting to build the next hour. I have some ambitious goals, but I’ll keep them between me and my vision board/diary.”
Final Thoughts
Mike Bramante is a rising star in the comedy world, and his journey is just getting started. Whether it’s stand-up, festivals, or his latest special, his sharp wit and storytelling ability keep audiences coming back for more.
Mike Bramante
Follow Mike Bramante on social media:
Instagram: @MikeBramante
X: @MikeBramante
