The Kitchen Table

The Hustle Behind Comedy: Lessons from Door-to-Door Sales with Manny ThaGod

Episode Notes

In this episode of the Kitchen Table Podcast, host Ken Baden interviewed Manny, a door-to-door salesman turned comedian. Manny shares his journey from selling Verizon services to honing his stand-up comedy skills, emphasizing the importance of hustle, mentorship, and personal growth. He discusses the challenges of door-to-door sales, the significance of investing in oneself, and the role of faith in overcoming adversity. The conversation highlights the importance of giving back and helping others, as well as the intersection of spirituality and success. In this conversation, the speaker discusses the importance of creating one's own path in the entertainment industry, the challenges faced with mental health, and the significance of staying true to oneself and one's community. They share personal experiences of adversity, the journey of self-discovery, and the impact of social media on their career. The conversation emphasizes the value of authenticity and the necessity of using one's gifts to serve a greater purpose. In this conversation, the speaker shares their journey from a troubled past to becoming a successful entrepreneur and comedian. They discuss the importance of perseverance, faith, and creativity in overcoming challenges and building a legacy. The speaker emphasizes the power of words and self-belief, illustrating how hitting rock bottom can lead to exponential growth and success. They also touch on the significance of branding and the entrepreneurial mindset in achieving one's goals.

Takeaways

• Manny practiced his stand-up jokes while selling door-to-door.
• Door-to-door sales taught him how to handle rejection and challenges.
• Investing in yourself is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Mentorship plays a vital role in success and personal development.
• Finding a higher power can help in overcoming struggles.
• Looking good is important for self-presentation and success.
• You can always make money back, but not time.
• Helping others is a key part of personal growth.
• Faith can provide strength in difficult times.
• The journey of self-improvement is ongoing and requires effort. You have to make your own way in the industry.
• Consistency is key to success.
• Using your gift is essential for fulfillment.
• Adversity can lead to self-discovery.
• Mental health challenges are real and impactful.
• Building a community is crucial for growth.
• Stay true to your roots and your city.
• Social media can be a double-edged sword.
• Authenticity attracts the right audience.
• Your purpose is tied to your experiences. I see myself on stages, helping others succeed.
• You went through all that stuff for a reason.
• You can be a masculine man and still get money.
• The depths of your struggle can become the heights of your success.
• Words have so much power; negative self-talk is detrimental.
• You have to be delusional in a positive way to succeed.
• Going viral changed my life and career trajectory.
• Creativity can be a powerful outlet for personal struggles.
• If I hadn't gone through my challenges, I wouldn't be here today.
• You are the brand; your story is your greatest asset.

Sound Bites

"I was a door-to-door salesman."

"Investing in yourself is worth it."

"Jesus wants you to use him."

"I feel like looking good is so important."

"I'm going to make my own way."

"You have to use your gift in this world."

"I was diagnosed bipolar."

"You cannot kill me."

"I'm the biggest in the city."

"Baltimore is a viral city now."

"I give it all to Christ."

"I want to be like Tony Robbins."

"You can be a man and still get money."

"Words have so much power."

"I went viral for the first time."

"You are the brand."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Manny's Journey

02:49 The Hustle of Door-to-Door Sales

06:09 Transitioning from Sales to Comedy

08:51 Investing in Yourself and Learning

12:12 The Importance of Mentorship

15:11 Overcoming Adversity and Finding Faith

18:08 The Role of Spirituality in Personal Growth

21:01 Giving Back and Helping Others

24:12 The Intersection of Faith and Success

27:23 The Value of Authentic Exposure

29:27 Claiming Your Purpose and Consistency

31:54 Facing Adversity and Mental Health

33:49 The Journey of Self-Discovery

40:43 Building a Community and Staying True

52:51 Navigating Fame and Online Presence

54:31 Building a Legacy: From Struggles to Success

01:01:21 The Power of Perseverance: Hitting Rock Bottom

01:09:27 Faith and Creativity: Finding Purpose Through Adversity

01:19:14 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Branding and Business Growth

Guest links: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannysmania

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mannysmania

Follow me on social: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kenbaden

Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialkenbaden 

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/officialkenbaden 

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/officialkenbaden 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kennethbaden 

Websites: 

https://bluecollarballersunion.com/ 

https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/