Roots of Comedy with Jesus Trejo

In Minneapolis, Jesus Trejo bonds with Yemeni comedian, Ali Sultan. The episode features a traditional Yemeni dinner, a soccer match, and a boat ride, all full of laughter and cultural exchange. Beyond the stage, Ali opens up about his mental health struggles, highlighting how comedy and exercise have helped his well-being.

Jesus embarks on a journey to Texas to meet with rising comedy star, Vanessa Gonzalez. In an Austin comedy show, Vanessa shares the humor of her childhood as the daughter of border patrol agents in Laredo. They head to the border town to meet with Vanessa’s family, and her journey comes full circle when she performs in her hometown, for the first time.

Jesus Trejo travels to Denver, Colorado to meet African American comedian, Eeland Stribling. Eeland is an environmental biologist, an avid fly fisherman, and an advocate for the outdoors, who shares his passion with the kids in his community. Eeland showcases the power of laughter and the importance of connecting with nature to achieve true life balance.

Jesus Trejo and Native American comic and actor, Tatanka Means embark on a journey through Chinle, Arizona. Tatanka shares his stories about growing up on the reservation and how he uses comedy as a lens to unveil the ongoing struggles of Indigenous communities across the country.

Jesus Trejo heads to Portland, Oregon, to meet Adam Pasi, an aspiring comic with Samoan roots. Adam, on the brink of success, grinds hard, juggling his cultural reconnection and comedic dreams. Jesus witnesses his determination during a three-show night, revealing not just jokes but resilience. Finally, Adam takes the stage in front of his parents for the first time.

Getting the chance to stay in his hometown, Jesus Trejo meets the multi-talented Sierra Katow. As a fourth-generation Chinese Japanese American, Sierra began her comedic journey at 16. Together, they venture to the Chinese American Museum and the ‘Go for Broke Foundation,’ where they explore Sierra's family history. The comics weave culture, history and humor against the vibrant tapestry of L.A.