Winnipeg’s own Jeff Gobeil is a storyteller at heart—one who isn’t afraid to wander into the darker corners of life, as long as he brings the audience with him. Blending sharp humour with raw honesty, his comedy lives somewhere between tragedy and resilience, delivered with a disarming ease that invites laughter even in the heaviest moments. Deeply shaped by the Winnipeg comedy scene and fellow Indigenous comics across the Prairies, Gobeil’s voice is both personal and rooted in community. Whether he’s reflecting on hard-earned life experience or chasing the perfect punchline, he proves that sometimes the best way to cope is simply to laugh—and not take any of it too seriously.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I am a storyteller through and through. My stand-up is tragedy plus more recent tragedy, haha. I tend to be a touch on the dark side, but I hold the audience’s hands. I don’t take life too seriously, and I hope the audience doesn’t either.
Who are some of your influences?
As much as I’d love to list off a bunch of famous people, honestly, my biggest influences are the Native comics in Winnipeg and Sask, as well as the entire Winnipeg Comedy Scene.
Norm Macdonald, Rory Scovel, and Gianmarco Soresi
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
I watched Bo Burnham for the first time on break.com and was blown away. My Whole Family Thinks I’m Gay. A few years later, he is the youngest comic to ever get a Comedy Central special. It’s always felt special to have followed his career since his second YouTube video ever.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Bo Burnham, Bill Burr, and Winnipeg local Kris Delaronde.
What is your pre-show ritual?
If it’s an important show that I want to explode on, I will go to RW&CO and buy a new supra cotton black XL t-shirt.
If it’s a gig in the city where I want to impress people, I will rap We Ain’t Them by Childish Gambino on the drive.
No matter the show, even open mics, I write my set out on a cue card.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
Rumor’s hands down. I am so lucky to have been born in Winnipeg, haha. Rumor’s is the top club in Canada, and counted among the best in all of North America. Every show feels like an event, the nachos are great, and the quality of show is the best.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
Golden Baby Bear.
I had quit stand-up, I told the open mic host I will stop coming out. I started stand-up right when I quit drinking, and it was a difficult time in my life. I was a major alcoholic. The same show I was planning to quit I told the host, “I have some jokes I’ve been saving for Native crowd. I think I will say them tonight,” and Mr. Adamus gave me the go-ahead. The bit hit, and has been rewritten a million times. I still do the joke to this day.
The joke is a reveal of my real spirit name, after I say I want a sexy spirit name so I can hit on women.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
I got a group chat with other comics at my level, and we are constantly recommending specials to each other. Pat Gagne recommended I watch Gianmarco Soresi.
My other favourite way is being put on shows with out-of-town comics. During the Winnipeg Comedy Fest, or shows at Rumor’s or the Basement.
Tell us a joke about your city.
I have lived a tough life. Just Google “CBC Jeff Gobeil” and see for yourself. I have been diagnosed with PTSD. I also have general anxiety disorder and general depression disorder. I am also diagnosed with ADHD. But saying PTSD-GAD-GDD-ADHD is way too long. So I just tell people, “I grew up in Winnipeg.”
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I’m with Shy Sapp at the Basement this summer, I’ll be at Sidestage with the Bannock Bums in May. Follow me on Instagram, it is easier that way.
Where can we follow you?
YouTube, I have a mini special releasing soon!
I am a little unhinged on TikTok, and I live on Instagram.
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Kaitlynn Brightnose is my sister-in-stand-up. She is way funnier than me.
Kristen Einarson has help me a lot, I should tell her. Also, she is also way funnier than me.
