Sam Miller: Comedy, Recovery, and Finding Connection Through Laughter

Comedian Sam Miller, based out of Olympia but touring nationwide, joined me to talk about his comedy journey, recovery, and upcoming shows. Sam’s been doing stand-up for 11 years, with the last four as a full-time career. His comedy often draws from his past struggles with addiction and homelessness, blending humor with real-life experiences that resonate with audiences.

Despite performing in bars and clubs, he’s managed to navigate those environments while staying committed to his recovery. He acknowledges that avoiding post-show socializing might have slowed his networking, but he’s also seen a rise in comedians who are in recovery.

Sam regularly performs at correctional facilities, including a set this weekend at the Shelton Correction Center. He finds purpose in bringing joy to inmates, particularly those nearing release, and values the opportunity to connect with them beyond just performing.

His material has evolved over time—his early work focused heavily on addiction and homelessness, but now he explores themes like mental health, parenting, and relationships. He’s also preparing to record a new comedy album in March in Astoria on 3/8/2025.

Beyond the stage, Sam's comedy has gained national attention. His last album hit #1 on iTunes' comedy charts, and he’s written for Newsweek, appeared on Bob and Tom, and competed in international comedy competitions. He recognizes that his comedy provides laughter, but for some, it also offers hope—a responsibility he takes seriously, while maintaining boundaries to protect his personal and professional life.

You can catch Sam at South Puget Sound Community College this Saturday 2/15/2025, and later this month at Wild Child in Olympia for the grief-themed show Dead Mom, Dead Friend on 2/23/2025. For more info, visit SamMillerComedy.com.

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