Episode 106: Natasha Vaynblat - Comedy, Clarity, Childless Freak

Episode 106: Natasha Vaynblat - Comedy, Clarity, Childless Freak

From Artists of New York by Dan Riley

May 25, 2026 · 50 min

About this episode

Natasha Vaynblat discusses her journey as a comedian and writer in New York City, touching on themes of motherhood ambivalence and the evolution of her artistic identity.

Natasha Vaynblat is a writer and a comedian based in New York City. Instagram and all episodes (00:00) Arriving In New York By Chinatown Bus (01:41) Escaping Russia After Soviet Collapse (04:12) Discovering Family’s Hidden Artistic Roots (06:11) Middle School Improv Changes Everything (08:08) Feeling Like Comedy Was Forbidden (10:02) Starting A More Inclusive Improv Team (12:37) Discovering New York Through Improv Festivals (14:28) Teach For America And Exhausting Hustle (17:06) Leaving Teaching For Comedy Full-Time (19:14) Commercial Acting And Early Survival Jobs (21:08) Falling In Love With Stand-Up (24:05) Bombing Through New York Open Mics (26:14) Rejecting Comedy Clubs For Indie Shows (28:02) Writing About Motherhood Ambivalence (31:08) Discovering Fear Instead Of Desire For Kids (35:17) Learning To Trust Personal Instincts (41:26) Audience Reactions To Childless Freaks (46:11) Redefining Success Through Vulnerable Art

People in this episode

Host: Dan Riley

Guest: Natasha Vaynblat

Topics covered

  • comedy
  • improv
  • New York
  • motherhood
  • artistic roots
  • personal instincts
  • childlessness

Keywords

  • Natasha Vaynblat
  • comedy
  • New York City
  • improv
  • motherhood ambivalence
  • stand-up
  • artistic roots
  • Teach For America

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Teach For America

Books & works: improv, stand-up

Places: New York City, Chinatown

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