Derek Walsh is a stand-up comedian and self-described "professional overthinker" who has spent eight years performing in dive bars and coffee shops across the city. His comedy career began after being fired from accounting—"my coworkers laughed harder at my expense reports than my boss did." This unexpected career pivot revealed his talent for finding humor in life's mundane disasters.
Walsh's material examines "the anxious mind navigating a world that increasingly makes no sense," focusing on relatable absurdities like destination weddings and the existential dread of self-checkout machines. Growing up in a chaotic Irish-American household with three older sisters shaped both his observational eye and resilience. "Nothing a drunk stranger says can compare to siblings who know your weaknesses," he notes.
While influenced by Maria Bamford, John Mulaney, and Richard Pryor, Walsh credits local mentor Elaine Morris from Chuckles Comedy Club for teaching him to "find the funny bone hiding inside" his rambling stories. He now hosts the club's monthly open mic, helping newcomers refine their craft.
His upcoming one-man show "Perfectly Reasonable Concerns" debuts next month, promising "a 75-minute journey through my various neuroses," from hoarding expired coupons to theories about judgmental neighborhood cats. He's also launching "Second Thoughts," a podcast exploring artists' creative processes.
Between performances, Walsh teaches comedy workshops for teenagers at the Community Arts Center. "There's nothing more rewarding than watching a shy 16-year-old find their voice and realize being 'weird' might actually be their greatest asset," he says. "After all, that's what saved me."