From TikTok to Touring: Connor Wood's Journey Through Comedy and Connection

Photos by Carly Jean Sharp, Styling by Janelle Areola, Grooming by Jaime Maloney, Production by Lucy Ivey

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If you're a doom scroller like me, chances are you've stumbled upon clips of Connor Wood holding court on his podcast "Brooke and Connor Make a Podcast" or caught wind of his latest viral TikTok soundbite, "Luckily I have purse." When Connor joined our Zoom call, he was nestled in the backseat of his parents' car during a post-flight mall trip, battling jet lag but brimming with enthusiasm to chat. Our conversation delved into his journey from the heart of Texas to the vibrant shores of Venice Beach, where he's carved out a niche in comedy and social media.

Even as a child, Connor was a talkative spirit. "I was hyperactive and constantly had notes sent home for talking in class," he reveals. Now, as the co-host of one of the most popular podcasts online, Connor finds himself literally getting paid to talk—a twist of fate that he finds hilariously ironic. "My dad introduced me to SNL as a kid, and I fell in love with it," Connor recalls. "I think that's where my love for comedy began." Watching the golden era of SNL sparked his fascination with making people laugh, inspiring him to explore the art of comedic timing. Icons like Jim Carrey further shaped his comedic aspirations.

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College was one of Connor's favorite times in his life. "I always talk about University of Texas at Austin as that's the one huge decision I made where I don't look back with any regret at all. It was the most fun I've ever had. Great school. Great people. It was big. I had the best college experience," he says. His time at UT Austin wasn't just about academics but also about discovering new interests, making lifelong friends, and navigating the transitions that come with young adulthood. "There's something really beautiful about a house that legally should be torn down, and that's where you live with, like, eight people," he chuckles. "Misery loves company," he adds with a laugh, referencing the inevitable challenges of shared living spaces, including a recurring encounter with black mold. "I’m pretty sure everywhere I lived had black mold," he recalls, highlighting the humorous yet somewhat unpleasant reality of many college housing experiences.

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Transitioning from college to post-graduation life, Connor embarked on his career journey. I asked about his first job, prompting him to reflect on his early days at Bumble and how that corporate experience influenced his current path. "I still have pieces of me that are so corporate,” he tells me. “I still break myself down as KPIs, like here are my goals, here's what things I need to meet per quarter. I think it's a really valuable experience to have that and be able to talk to people, work in those settings," he goes on. “I love to write jokes about those days. Relatability is almost kind of cringy now, but there's definitely an art to it."

After two years in the corporate world, the pandemic struck, presenting challenges for Connor in finding a new job after being laid off. "I remember applying to 98 jobs during COVID and not getting any of them," he recalls. “But as I was job searching, I remember posting random videos of me and my friends that I found funny. One video I posted got around 40,000 views, and Emma Chamberlain ended up liking it. I felt like I was reaching the A-listers, but what I didn’t realize was that talking to the camera could equate to doing stand-up,” he says.

After a bit of making content that performed increasingly well, Connor met Brooke Averick, who later became one of his best friends. The pair was initially approached due to their dynamic chemistry in video, but their first attempt at the podcast fell flat. "We tried to start a podcast, and it was the worst thing," Connor admits humorously. "If it ever sees the light of day, you'll never see me again." However, a year later, a turning point arrived when content creator and comedian Cody Ko, unaware of their prior attempt, invited them to pilot a new show. "We did a pilot episode, waited nervously, and thankfully, it got picked up," Connor recounts. Despite the early challenges and cringe-worthy moments, their podcast found its stride over time, thanks to Cody's encouragement. When asked how he describes the podcast, he answers promptly, “It’s like preschool but for adults,” he says mid-laugh. “It’s entertaining and stimulating and keeps people busy. And that's what you do at preschool.”

OUTFIT: GOODFIGHT

But having a career surrounding public opinion and social media doesn’t come without its challenges. Our world is cruel, and people are relentless, often saying whatever comes to their mind. When I asked Connor how he manages not to let everything bother him, he responded quickly. "This is probably oversharing, but fuck it. I'm currently finding a young therapist who can help me navigate these issues," he admits. "Yeah, that's the issue I had with my old therapist. I didn't want to explain these comments to her, and her advice was just to ignore the haters and I hated that, so I was like, I gotta go.” Connor notes, "I don't get too many negative comments, but when I do, it can sting. The ebb and flow of creativity is real. Some days I'm on fire, producing content that resonates. Other days, it feels forced, and that's obvious to everyone. If someone says, 'You used to be funnier,' it hits hard. But ultimately, if that's the worst critique I face, I'm sitting pretty.”

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Now entering the world of live comedy shows, Connor just returned last month from a tour. “The shows have been incredible. It's been a lot of fun. The audiences have been incredibly receptive, and every show has sold out across the country, which is just fantastic. I really enjoy tailoring each set to the specific location I'm in. Whether it's poking fun at local quirks, it's all part of the fun. I draw inspiration from everything—recently, I've been reading a book by Judd Apatow, which got me thinking more deeply about joke-writing techniques,” he says. It's fascinating how a simple idea can evolve into a full-fledged set, where each joke builds on the next. "It's a process that's really clicked for me, turning short bits into longer routines seamlessly,” he says. Connor's ability to connect with diverse audiences through personalized, evolving material underscores his growing prowess in the comedy scene.

Connor's recent success in the world of live comedy is a testament to his growing prowess and adaptability. With sold-out shows nationwide, his ability to connect with audiences through personalized, location-specific humor sets him apart. Inspired by influential figures like Judd Apatow, Connor continuously refines his craft, turning simple ideas into cohesive, evolving sets. His knack for tailoring each performance to its specific location and seamlessly transforming short bits into longer routines highlights his creative talent and dedication. As he continues to engage and entertain diverse audiences, Connor's star in the comedy scene is undeniably on the rise.