Cam Kiernan Talks Clowning, Acting, and Finding Joy in Comedy – Zack Lyman Podcast
This week on The Zack Lyman Podcast, I sit down with actor, comedian, and clown Cam Kiernan for a funny and insightful conversation about the world of clowning, creative identity, and why some performers just don’t vibe with commercial work.
Cam Kiernan shares what it was like being in NYC—taking acting classes while juggling the cost of living—and why moving to Seattle made more sense for her creativity and her sanity. We also talk about how clown classes are becoming a new kind of alt-comedy, and why she thinks traditional stand-up clips don’t always hit on TikTok (but there’s a better way).
Why Cam Kiernan Thinks Clowning Is the New Alt-Comedy
Clowning isn’t just red noses and pratfalls. Cam Kiernan breaks down how clown training helps performers get more present, vulnerable, and fearless on stage. We talk about how it’s become a sort of underground training ground for alt-comedy—and why it resonates so much with audiences who are tired of polished personas.
Cam Kiernan on Commercial Gigs, TikTok, and the Actor Hustle
We also dive into the actor struggle: commercials vs. film. She also dropped a really insightful idea about stand-up and TikTok—that on-stage clips don’t build connection the same way as simply speaking directly to camera. Same joke, totally different impact.
Behind the Scenes: Clean Comedy and Chill Vibes
The vibe in the room? Super laid back. Just two comics riffing. I opened up about being labeled a “clean comic,” which came up naturally during our convo. It’s something that’s always hovering around in the comedy world—some people embrace it, others avoid it like the plague. We get into the nuance of it.
Watch or Listen to the Full Episode with Cam Kiernan
👉 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
🎧 Spotify (or wherever you get your podcasts):
Cam Kiernan brought a ton of heart, humor, and honesty to this episode. Whether you’re into clowning, acting, or just want to hear two creatives talk shop, this one’s worth checking out.
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