Dreaming in Color: Creative Entrepreneurship featuring FunnyMan Mike James

In this episode, Coach LA sits down with nationally touring comedian FunnyMan Mike James — a storyteller whose blend of southern humor, family insight, and cultural perspective has made him one of Nashville’s most magnetic voices.

Together, they explore the business of funny — how laughter becomes legacy, and how creative entrepreneurs can protect their peace, build their platforms, and still keep it real.

This is more than comedy — it’s a conversation about staying authentic in an industry that profits from imitation, about parenting through purpose, and about how humor can heal the hustle.

🧠 Key Takeaways

Laughter as Legacy: Comedy is more than performance — it’s preservation of culture and healing through humor.

Creative Hustle: Turning a gift into income without losing authenticity takes vision, discipline, and vulnerability.

Fatherhood & Focus: The importance of balancing family, mental wellness, and personal purpose.

#BETonSELF™ Strategy: How to build a career that feels good and pays well by investing in yourself first.

💜 BET on SELF™ Reflection

“Dreaming in color means seeing your own potential in high definition — vivid, unapologetic, and fully yours.”

Ask yourself:

What’s one creative gift you’ve been dimming to fit in?

What would it look like to turn that brightness back up this week?

🎯 Action Step: Write down 3 ways to monetize or share your talent this month — and choose one to act on immediately.

🎧 Coach’s Corner: “From Laugh Lines to Bottom Lines”

Coach LA reminds listeners that self-care is business capital. Creatives often burn out chasing success, but the real win is sustainability. Invest in your rest, community, and wellness like you invest in your craft.

Fact: Creatives are 25% more likely to experience anxiety or depression when income depends on performance (Creative Wellness Survey, 2023).

Your talent needs time, space, and grace to grow — not just applause.

📊 Cultural & Clinical Insights

Creative Economy: Generates over $1 trillion annually (NEA, 2024).

Representation Matters: Only 6% of mainstream comedy specials feature Black headliners (Variety, 2023).

Laughter Therapy: Reduces stress hormones by 40% and increases dopamine (APA, 2022).

💡 Memorable Quotes

“Comedy is therapy with a punchline.” – Mike James
“If your dream makes you laugh and sweat at the same time, it’s probably the right one.” – Coach LA

🔗 Resources & Links

Guest: FunnyMan Mike James – @funnymanmikejames

Watch Mike’s DryBar special “Southern Comfort” (Top 10 for 5 consecutive weeks)

Listen to more episodes: Conversations with Coach LA on iHeartRadio

Join the #BETonSELF community: IamCoachLA.com

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 10PM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at admin@weroclives.com to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you’re looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we’re here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent   www.daniellaurent.com 

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media