Jared Story has spent over a decade proving that the funniest place to stand is squarely in the middle — of the argument, the absurdity, and occasionally, his own small-town Manitoba upbringing. The Winnipeg-based comedian and host of the long-running Winnipeg Comedy Showcase at the Park Theatre has built his act around a deceptively simple philosophy: point out how dumb everything is, including himself. Shaped by the humble genius of Norm Macdonald and Brian Regan, and first inspired by a nervous, sunglasses-wearing Mitch Hedberg mumbling one-liners on Just for Laughs, Jared found his voice in the space between too clever and just right.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I try to find the middle. I think that’s the funniest place to be. When you’re joking about both sides of whatever topic it is you’re talking about. For example, I have a bit about being a vegetarian, where I make fun of people who oppose vegetarianism, but I also take cracks at vegetarians and myself for being one.
So, I guess my comedy style is pointing out how dumb everything is, including myself.
Who are some of your influences?
My two biggest comedy influences are Brian Regan and the late Norm Macdonald. They’re both great at playing the dumb guy even though they’re both wickedly smart. Not saying I’m super smart or anything, but sometimes I’ll catch myself trying to be a little too clever or trying a little too hard to make a point, and that’s when I’m not funny. The best humour is humble. Those guys taught me that.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
The first time a stand-up comedian really blew me away was when I saw Mitch Hedberg on Just for Laughs in like 1998. Previously, the comedians I’d seen on TV were these confident, natural-born performers who’d mostly talk about air travel or their partners, but here comes this shy-looking, nervous weirdo with these off-the-wall one-liners like “I think Bigfoot is blurry; that’s the problem.” He’s the comedian that convinced me I could do stand-up. Like, you can be a little anxious, so long as you got the jokes.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Two of my favourite comedians are Marc Maron and Colin Quinn. They’re both masters of their craft who can talk about big, heady topics without coming off preachy or alienating. On the same note, a Canadian comic I’m really into right now is Nathan Macintosh. In his special Down with Tech, he rants about social media, AI and tech bros, but also his own participation in this modern-day nonsense. Honestly, it should be shown in schools.
What is your pre-show ritual?
Two parts whiskey, one part panic, one part dread. It usually does the trick.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
The Park Theatre in Winnipeg. I’ve hosted the Winnipeg Comedy Showcase there for the last 12 years. I’ve got to open for comics like Gary Gulman and Scott Thompson there. It’s also where I recorded my album, Good Ideas. As a comedian, I’ve basically grown up on that stage and feel very comfortable there.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
A big chunk of my act is about growing up in a small town in Manitoba called Grandview. I like to exaggerate how backwoods and backwards my upbringing was. Anyway, here’s one quick joke: I had sex with my second cousin. And I’m working on a third.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
I guess podcasts, Instagram reels, that sort of thing. But truth be told, I don’t seek out a lot of standup comedy because I’m busy doing it. Usually when I fully take in a new comic, it’s because I’m opening for them or we’re on the same show. That’s the best way to take in comedy anyhow. Live. That said, one comic I learned about recently through Instagram is Pat Burtscher. I know his stuff exclusively through clips, but I think he’s hilarious.
Tell us a joke about your city.
I told this one before the last federal election: I live in downtown Winnipeg. And I’m pretty sure the Conservatives are going to win. Because I’m a man of the people. I’ve got my ear to the ground. My finger to the pulse. And everyone I talk to downtown is saying the same thing. “I want change.”
Do you have anything to promote right now?
The 43rd edition of the Winnipeg Comedy Showcase is set for June 26 at the Park Theatre. Also, I’m headlining at Rumour’s Restaurant & Comedy Club on July 29.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Andy Noble. Super funny guy. He’ll often start off a bit by saying something contentious, but he always wins you over.
