The Joke That Scares You | Rey Tang on Risk, Recognition, and Writing Toward Surprise

What does it mean to chase a joke without losing yourself? In this episode, Rey Tang—a Chicago-based writer, photographer, filmmaker, and performer—joins Mishu for a conversation about finding her comedic voice while navigating feedback, audience expectations, and the realities of making a creative career sustainable. They talk about letting go of perfectionism, writing toward surprise instead of shock, and learning to take risks without chasing edginess.

Rey performed stand-up at the 2024 SNL Showcase at the Annoyance Theater and was a Comedy Gazelle Vouch finalist that same year. She’s performed at Laugh Factory, Zanies, and Hollywood Improv, and is currently represented by Stewart Talent Agency Chicago. Rey also hosts Pizza Mic, a beloved weekly open mic that was featured in the New York Times Travel section.

We chat about:

 → The difference between being surprising and being shocking
 → How stand-up feedback shaped her writing
 → Risk-taking as an engine for creative growth
 → Wrestling with the impulse to be “special”
 → Building a sustainable creative life—on her own terms

Learn more about Rey’s work at reytang.com and follow her on Instagram at @reytangerine.

You can follow us on Instagram and TikTok @mischiefpod. Produced by @ohhmaybemedia.