July 2026 - Make 'Em Laugh: Jared Ostrom Finds the Funny in Life's Darkest Moments
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
Some comedians tell stories about everyday annoyances. Others rely on quick observations or clever one-liners. Jared Ostrom takes a different approach.
His comedy ventures into darker territory, tackling uncomfortable subjects with an honesty that catches audiences off guard before pulling them into laughter. It's a balancing act that requires confidence, trust, and a willingness to embrace material that many performers might avoid.
"It's very playfully dark," Ostrom said when asked to describe his comedy. "A lot of the subject matter is a little heavy. People don't necessarily want to hear it on their date nights. It's just so normal to me that I don't even think twice about it."
That unique perspective didn't appear overnight. Like many comedians, Ostrom credits humor with helping him navigate life's challenges long before he ever stepped onto a stage. "Getting family members to laugh growing up," he said. "You learn to use humor as a defense mechanism sometimes."
Television also played a major role in shaping his comedic voice. Sketch comedy shows such as Chappelle's Show and Whitest Kids U' Know became early inspirations, introducing him to comedians who weren't afraid to challenge audiences while delivering unforgettable laughs.
"I wanted to be like those guys."
That ambition eventually led him to stand-up comedy, where he discovered that his own voice naturally leaned toward the unexpected. Rather than shying away from uncomfortable topics, Ostrom embraces them. "Our brains work in mysterious ways," he explained. "People are clutching their purses, and I'm like, 'No, no, no—we're having fun.'"
That ability to find humor in difficult places has become one of his defining characteristics as a performer. Over the years, it has also opened doors to work alongside comedians he admired growing up.
One of his favorite memories came at Albuquerque's former Dry Heat Comedy Club, where Australian comedian Jim Jefferies unexpectedly stopped by.
Although Jefferies was an exciting guest, another opportunity carried even greater personal significance. Working with comedian Donnell Rawlings, one of the breakout stars of Chappelle's Show, left Ostrom genuinely starstruck. "Growing up, he was one of my absolute favorites," Ostrom admitted. "It was kind of the first time I ever got starstruck by somebody."
For someone whose own comedy was heavily influenced by Chappelle's Show, sharing a stage with Rawlings represented a full-circle moment. While national acts have provided memorable experiences, Ostrom remains deeply committed to New Mexico's comedy community. He believes one of the state's greatest strengths is its size.
Compared to major comedy markets where performers often wait months for meaningful stage time, New Mexico offers comedians frequent opportunities to develop their craft while building lasting relationships with fellow performers. "It's a pretty tight-knit community," he said. "We're mostly all trying to help each other out and just get as good as we can."
That collaborative environment has helped countless local comics continue improving while preparing for opportunities beyond the state. For Ostrom, however, stand-up has become only one part of his creative career. His passion for storytelling has expanded into filmmaking.
Recently, he completed a television pilot titled Cuck Dynasty, now available on YouTube, while also finishing his first feature-length screenplay. "I'm very, very proud of it," he said. The project is currently moving through early pre-production as he and fellow collaborators begin seeking funding.
"It's basically like my YouTube videos," he explained, "but an hour and a half long on the big screen."
The film represents another step forward in a career that's steadily evolving beyond live comedy. Working alongside fellow local comedians and filmmakers, Ostrom is embracing opportunities to tell larger stories while continuing to develop projects rooted in his distinctive comedic style.
Outside of stand-up, audiences may already know Ostrom through Those Who Oppose, his comedy sketch collective.
The group regularly produces original videos that blend absurd humor with sharp social observations, giving viewers another glimpse into the creative mind behind his stand-up performances.
In addition to producing online comedy, Ostrom has begun creating commercial work for local businesses. "I'm making commercials for local companies," he said. "Trying to do what I love—making people laugh while also helping out the community."
It's another example of how New Mexico creatives often wear multiple hats, balancing artistic ambitions with projects that strengthen the local economy and entertainment scene.
For Ostrom, every project—whether it's a stand-up set, a sketch video, a screenplay, or a commercial—shares one common goal. Make people laugh.
His comedy may wander into dark territory from time to time, but underneath every punchline is a performer who understands something fundamental about humor. Laughter doesn't ignore life's difficult moments. Sometimes, it helps us survive them.
As New Mexico's comedy scene continues to grow, Jared Ostrom remains one of its most distinctive voices—fearlessly finding the funny where few others would even think to look.
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