She’s conquered The Moth storyslam grandslam and the pages of Philadelphia magazine; now, comedian and storyteller Juliet Hope Wayne is getting her very own advice column over at Philebrity. She talked with WitOut about the advice she plans to give, the kind of advice she appreciates, and the stuff she could use some advice on herself.
WitOut: You’re getting your own advice column on Philebrity. How did that happen?
Juliet Hope Wayne: Joey [Sweeney] wanted an advice column and wanted to keep it lighthearted. B101′s Delilah was too busy so he asked me.
WO: What makes you “qualified” to give advice?
JHW: I have no illusions that anyone is actually going to take my advice so it doesn’t matter if I’m qualified. A lot of people are writing and, in sort of a roundaboutway, asking for permission to have affairs. If it’s gotten to the point that you’re asking a stranger what to do you’re already up shit’s crik.
WO: How do you think you’ll approach the column? Is the goal for it to be funny, or is it just real straight-talkin’, and if it’s funny, that’s just a bonus?
JHW: My friend Keith Richard Peirce gave me good advice a couple months ago. He said “usually the best thing to do is also the hardest thing to do.” I like stuff like that, advice that sticks to your bones. Short and simple.
WO: What advice would you give to aspiring Philly comedians and storytellers?
JHW: No one becomes an artist unless they have to, as they say. “Aspiring.” Christ. Don’t do it! Are you sure you’ve exhausted every other method of emotional burial? Every avenue of masochism and humiliation? You can’t find something that pays less? There’s nothing I can say to stop you then. Just remember: performing in Philly is like swinging with two bats in a coffin.
WO: What’s a problem of your own (if you don’t mind sharing) you could use some advice on right now?
JHW: I’m worried that 100% of all men are total morons and assholes. And this might color my advice [in my column]. Sorry!
You can see Juliet perform next at the Sugar Town 12th Anniversary show at Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front Street) on January 26th. Show starts at 1opm; tickets are available at the door.
