“When I first stepped onto the comedy scene, it was pretty intimidating,” recalls comedian and podcaster Mouse Jones. “I remember doing clean comedy at churches and feeling like I wasn’t really pushing myself. It was almost too easy, too formulaic. There was this pivotal moment when I was like, 'Hey, this isn’t challenging me.' That’s when I knew I had to pivot.”
Mouse Jones, now a celebrated name in the world of podcasts and comedy, wasn’t always the confident, camera-ready personality you see today. Hailing from Long Island, New York, Jones grew up immersed in a culture of fast-paced humor and quick wit, which naturally molded his comedic sensibility. Yet, the journey to who he is today—a man unafraid to stir the proverbial pot and engage in heavy discussions—was anything but simple.
Mouse and I decided to conduct our interview via audio call in the late afternoon, an hour Mouse said would be “quiet enough to think, but not too late to disrupt bedtime routines.” He’s a father, after all, and those duties don’t pause, even for interviews. True to form, Mouse’s voice came through the line, vibrant, energetic, and unyieldingly authentic, as he talked about his wide-ranging career and the distinct path he’s carved out for himself.
“Real life is the only thing that feels heavy to me,” Mouse confesses, his voice tinged with both pride and frustration. “Being a dad, that's the real weight. All the noise—criticism, negativity—that’s just part of the terrain. But figuring out how to protect my kids, let them make mistakes, and grow, that’s the real challenge.” His transparency about fatherhood reveals a side of Mouse that fans don’t often see—a man balancing the superficial demands of entertainment with the raw responsibilities of parenthood.
That balance wasn’t always present in Mouse’s life. Initially finding traction in comedy, Mouse discovered early in his career that stand-up comedy wasn’t his true passion. “I didn’t love stand-up,” he admits. “But I craved making people laugh—it was an itch I just had to scratch. The entertainment industry felt heavy after a while. I got burnt out.” From there, he transitioned to cleaner comedy at church events, but quickly found it unchallenging. Realizing he needed a new avenue, he found solace and inspiration in podcasting.
“I remember listening to The Read, Combat Jack, and Brilliant Idiots. It hit me—I could do this. Podcasting had a low entry barrier and it allowed for raw, genuine conversations. It gave me the freedom I craved,” he explains. Mouse didn’t just find an outlet in podcasting; he made waves, stirring online controversies and hosting live events that consistently put him in the public eye. “There’s an essence to comedy and podcasting—it’s about knowing your voice, your point of view. You turn the mirror on yourself, and that’s where the magic happens.”
That self-reflection brought Mouse to some pinnacle moments. He’s known for facilitating heartfelt and heated dialogues, such as the one about "who killed The Source" on Clubhouse—a discussion that earned him a reunion between Benzino and Dave Mays. This, he marks as a proud journalistic achievement, a moment where genuine voices aired real grievances and accountability was peer-led, all orchestrated under his watchful eye. But it also wasn’t easy.
“There was a lot of pushback before we went live,” Mouse elaborates. “But thanks to Kim Asario’s help, we made it work. It was all about creating a safe environment and valuing genuine answers over clickbait.” In many ways, this approach mirrors his parenting philosophy—create a safe but honest space for growth and learning, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Reflecting more on his career, Mouse talks about how the craft of comedy itself is a reflection of the comedian. “The best comedy comes when you turn the mirror on yourself. You have to really know who you are to make others laugh. It’s about introspection, owning your voice, and then sharing that authentically.” Shifting gears from stand-up to podcasting allowed Mouse to delve deeper into this self-reflection. “In podcasting, you surround yourself with voices that amplify yours and challenge your perspectives. It’s about having those real, unfiltered conversations.”
It’s clear that Mouse places a premium on authenticity, both in his personal life and his professional endeavors. This is perhaps best exemplified in his podcast series focused on “black men in therapy,” which was inspired by Madame Noir’s "listen to black women" series. “I saw a need for real, uncomfortable conversations about fears, dysfunction, and validation,” he shares. “It’s about recognizing your dysfunction, not apologizing superficially, but really working through it.”
Beyond just the need for tough conversations, Mouse’s approach involves deep empathy and a desire to connect genuinely with his interviewees. “Gaining trust is everything,” he explains. “I once interviewed a well-known rapper who had no reason to trust me, but we connected over casual banter before we delved into deeper, tougher subjects. It's all about creating a comfortable space and finding that connection.”
Our dialogue gradually circles back to the broader themes of Mouse’s career and life. I had to take the moment. to praise Mouse’s contributions, especially his willingness to facilitate crucial and often uncomfortable conversations. “Providing a platform for voices that need to be heard is essential,” I noted, to which Mouse humbly agrees.
Wrapping up our conversation, Mouse reflects on the broader impact he wishes to make. “I'm not just creating for now; I'm laying a path for voices coming after me. To show that you can pivot, you can evolve, and through it all, you can stay true to yourself.” His journey, marked by introspection and outward influence, is a testament to embracing one's voice in the sprawling landscape of comedy and podcasting. Mouse leaves our conversation as he does his shows, with an invigorating sense of authenticity that makes you believe in the power of true, unfiltered connection.
Comments