Elahe Izadi is journalist and comedian based in the Washington, D.C. area. While her 9 to 5 is covering the actions of our duly elected officials, her side hustle is doing stand-up comedy where she is starting to make some noise in that area. You can read her work in the National Journal, follow her on twitter where you get a glimpse of her comedic voice. You may also catch her as a guest on some of your favorite political talk shows.
You have a unique name. Does it mean anything or have any special significance?
My name in Arabic means goddess.
Where are you from?
I grew up in the D.C. area in the rural part of Maryland.
Are you a fan of hip hop?
Actually, I’m a big hip hop fan. I helped restart my college’s hip hop student group when I was a student at the University of Maryland and have friends who breakdance and make music for a living. I love the golden area (88-96ish… Tribe, Arrested Development, Leaders of the New School, etc.), and De La Soul’s Stakes Is High is one of my all-time favorite albums. It’s been tough to keep up with the underground scene these days since I’ve been so preoccupied with keeping up with politics.
How did you get your start in journalism?
I went to the University of Maryland and majored in history and journalism. I was really interested in literary journalism. Once I graduated, I started covering community news in Maryland.
When did you start doing comedy?
I started dabbling with it in college and around that time I moved abroad for a year to volunteer in Panama. I started doing it actively recently in the last two years.
Are there any similarities between comedy and journalism?
I try not to include anything about my work in my comedy routine. It’s mainly my own experiences and observations. I think they both have aspects of storytelling.
You tweet a lot. As a journalist, is there any pressure to stay on social media and be accessible?
There is no outside pressure to stay on twitter. As a journalist, being active on twitter is important in the profession. I have two screens in the office and it’s a place where you can get tips, see breaking news and that’s really important.
Where you do usually do stand up and how has the comedy community embraced you?
I mostly do it in the D.C. area at open mics. I have gone to festivals and showcases in Boston and Austin.
I think the community has been great and really supportive. I feel like there is some camaraderie.
What has the reaction been like from your peers and people you cover?
I don’t try and hide it but I don’t promote it either. Some of my peers have been supportive and came out to shows.
Is there anything you want to say to your fans or people who to know more about you?
You can follow me on Twitter {@ElaheIzadi} and I apologize in advance tweeting about what the Senate Democrats and House leadership is up to.
What is next for Elahe?
I hope to do some really good journalism and continue to hone my comedy craft. I hope to bring the two together.
-Written by Lulaine C.
Photo Credit: Jason Novak/A Studio With A View.
