How To Be The Executive Producer And Director Of Your Own Life with Jana Bernard

In this episode of the AmandaFest podcast, host Amanda reunites with her long-time friend Jana Bernard, a multifaceted performer based in NYC. The conversation spans Jana's journey as an actor, comedian, writer, director, and producer. They delve into the importance of being the executive producer and director of one's own life, sharing anecdotes from their past and professional insights on networking and career-building. Jana discusses her venture, Improv Your Communications, which combines improv comedy with corporate training, and reveals details about her upcoming benefit show, 'Bits for Tits' at Second City. The episode is filled with laughter, memories, and motivational advice on taking action and building one's own opportunities.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:56 Getting Present: A Mindfulness Exercise

03:21 Reconnecting with Jana: Summer Camp Memories

08:21 Jana's Journey: From Summer Camp to Second City

12:26 Stand-Up Comedy and Early Career

14:42 Breaking into SNL: Persistence and Professionalism

22:22 Improv Your Communications: Building a Business

25:04 Embracing the Improv Mindset

26:07 Women Leading the Way

27:17 Building Your Own Table

30:03 Finding Your Lioness Pack

32:25 Creator vs. Consumer Mentality

37:23 Steps to Achieve Your Goals

44:19 Exciting New Projects

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Jana is a SAG-AFTRA actor, comedian, writer, director, and producer. She’s appeared on NETFLIX’s Girls5Eva, on Poker Face on Peacock as “Young Irene,” singing in the Paramount Feature Film “Under the Boardwalk”, and in NETFLIX’s The Half of It.

Jana has been featured on Saturday Night Live for the past 7 seasons, and currently works at The Second City in New York. As a stand-up, Jana performs throughout the US including Comedy Cellar, New York Comedy Club, Broadway Comedy Club, The Stand, Stress Factory, and Stand Up NY.

Jana is represented by DDO Artists Agency and Dream Maker Talent Management. You can follow Jana on her website, on Instagram @photojanic13; TikTok @photojanic; & YouTube.

Bits for Tits - Oct 6