Meet Al Jackson | Host of Daily Blast Live, Stand-Up comic, Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Al Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Al, how do you think about risk?
Risk has played a substantial role in my career although it did not present itself initially. I was a single, childless, middle school teacher who was having the time of his in Miami, Florida and was quickly rising in the open mic comedy scene. Within a month of making the decision to leaving teaching and pursue my dreams of stand-up comedy I had a daughter on the way. It was then that risk made itself known. Before children, before baring the responsibility for someone’s experience on this planet- it’s all about you. I was used to being broke at different times in my life and found a way to pull a lot of humor out of it. With the impending arrival of the joy that would be my daughter- that all changed. Suddenly, there were stakes attached to every decision- and major decisions lied just around the bend. Do I stay in Miami, go back to teaching and doing stand-up at night, knowing that there was a limit to the ceiling of a comic living and performing in Miami as opposed to New York City or Los Angeles? I took the risk and moved to New York where I landed my first 30 minute special on Comedy Central. That money was quickly swallowed to New York City and diapers but it lit a fire under me to reach for my goals even more. Here I am, 2 more children, hundreds of tv and stand up appearances later- still following my dreams. What I didn’t understand at the time was that the risks… It is those terrifying risks that are what motivate most of us to push past the limits that even we place in front of our path.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I wrote and published a children’s book called: Where is Baby Ford? It’s a children’s book designed to highlight the incredible gifts that children on the autism spectrum provide all of us. My youngest son Bradford (Ford), along with his big sister, Abrian (A-bri-Ann) and Elijah star in this book that was designed to inspire togetherness, outdoor play and acceptance of all people that you encounter throughout your life. The book is available for sale on my website: aljacksonlive.com

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The first stop would be Smok, my favorite BBQ place in denver. Followed by a few drinks on the rooftop of the Clayton hotel. I don’t drink but they have a wonderful mocktail list for me and others like myself to enjoy. I would hop on stage at the World Famous Comedy Works downtown before we shut down for the night. The next day, yoga at the Urban Sanctuary in Five Points taking them to a taping of my show Daily Blast Live. Depending on the season I would rely on the World Champion Avs, rockies, nuggets or Broncos to fill our evening with so professional sports entertainment. After that I would remind them that we’re old and we’d rest for a few days before making our trek back to DIA.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This is such a difficult question because they’re so many incredible people that have helped me along the way. My mother and father for their continued and unflinching support. Comedian Hannibal Buress who brought me on tour and allowed me to see the world. My current mentor. Our Sr. Executive Producer Burt Dubrow. He showed me how to be a professional broadcaster, how to dress with intention and carry myself in a manner befitting the position. I love all of these people and I am forever in their debt.

Website: aljacksonlive.com

Instagram: aljacksonIG

Twitter: aljackson

Facebook: aljacksoncomedy

Youtube: aljacksoncomedy