The Jo Ellis Effect

I made my second appearance on Kill Tony — Episode 762 — and this one took an unexpected turn.Host Tony Hinchcliffe brought me up as the “former Black Hawk helicopter pilot who was a man and now is a woman,” and I ran through a quick minute before jumping into the interview with the panel from Are You Garbage? — Kevin Ryan and H. Foley.We talked about everything from moving to Austin to dating and my comedy journey since my first Kill Tony appearance — including opening for national headliner Ian Lara.Then the interview got cut short for a pretty good reason: Ari Shaffir made a surprise appearance after returning from abroad, which immediately shifted the show.Even with the quick interview, it was great getting back on the stage and telling Tony how much the show has changed my life.Website: https://joellisreally.com#KillTony #StandUpComedy #AustinComedy #ComedyMothership

Jo Ellis delivers a historic comedy-meets-rally speech at the No Kings protest in Austin, Texas—mixing stand-up comedy with a message about freedom, disagreement, and democracy. A former U.S. Army Black Hawk pilot with 16 years of service, Jo shares the surreal story of being fired from the military for being transgender, being falsely accused online of causing a deadly helicopter crash, and somehow ending up doing stand-up comedy in Austin. In this set, Jo blends jokes about Texas laws, religion, dating, and identity with a serious reminder of what “No Kings” means: a country where the Constitution matters, disagreements can coexist with decency, and ordinary people hold power—not kings.The result is something unusual: a protest speech that’s also a stand-up set.Topics include: Being a trans Black Hawk pilot Moving to Austin and the Texas culture shock Converting to Judaism Internet conspiracies and being falsely blamed for a crash ating, family, and coming out Why humor can still exist in serious political momentsRecorded live in Austin, Texas March 28th, 2026.Jo Ellis is a former Army National Guard Black Hawk pilot turned comedian, writer, and public speaker. She uses comedy to talk about identity, service, resilience, and the strange moments where politics and real life collide.More about Jo:https://joellisreally.comNo Kings 3 was organized by Hands Off Central Texas  @HandsOffCentralTexas  https://www.handsoffcentraltx.org/events/nokings3

If you’re into stand-up, behind-the-scenes comedy life, or stories about resilience after going viral for all the wrong reasons — you’re in the right place.Like, subscribe, and drop a comment with what you want Jo to talk about next.In this episode, Jo Ellis reflects on a whirlwind month in Austin as she continues her transition from Black Hawk pilot to full-time stand-up comic. She opens up about audience feedback on her podcast energy, her push to bring more personality to the mic, and how comedy has become both a mission and a coping tool after the viral conspiracy that upended her life.Jo shares behind-the-scenes stories from the Austin comedy scene — including last-minute spots, barking crowds into clubs, and memorable encounters with comics at Joe Rogan & Friends at the Comedy Mothership. She recounts standing up during Rogan’s Q&A to ask about AI, misinformation, and free speech, tying it back to the online rumor that put her family in danger.The episode also dives into Jo’s creative process: experimenting with new material about trans identity, religion, and visibility; drawing inspiration from storytellers like Steve Martin, Dane Cook, and Mike Birbiglia; and balancing humor with a deeper “why” behind her comedy.Beyond the stage, Jo talks candidly about setbacks — from blowing a tire before a long-anticipated track day at Circuit of the Americas to navigating the realities of grinding in a new city — while still finding joy in the journey.A major highlight: Jo announces and details her new late-night style show, “Friendly Fire with Jo Ellis,” debuting January 26 at Creek & the Cave. She outlines the format, guest plans, and her commitment to running it professionally by paying comics, promoting hard, and building something different.The episode closes with Jo’s unfiltered take on comedy show culture — why low-attendance rooms still deserve full effort, why bad mouthing audiences kills the vibe, and why every set should be treated like there are 100 people watching. It’s a rallying cry for professionalism, hustle, and respect for the craft.

I’m finally back in Austin for a full three-month comedy push, and this episode is a full download of everything that has happened since I packed up my car on November 1st and drove 22 hours from Virginia.I moved to Austin to chase standup and earn my way onto the Joe Rogan Experience. New bookings, Kill Tony signups, and big steps in my journey as a trans veteran comic in the Mothership scene.In this update, I talk about:• New comedy bookings — Rozco’s Comedy Club on Dec 2nd and a 10-minute spot at Vulcan Gas Company on Dec 26th.• Grinding the Austin scene — signing up for Kill Tony and Mothership Open Mic every Monday, plus performing at Creek & The Cave and getting welcomed back by staff and comics who recognize me from Kill Tony.• Building community in Austin — new friends, other comics, and reconnecting with people like Ernest, another Army aviation veteran.• Growing my online presence — social media strategy shifts, going viral on X, fixing my Instagram visibility issues, and why follower growth matters for getting booked.• Updates to my comedy — new bits, refining the “trans grenade” opener, military stories, Chick-fil-A cow era, crash-rumor jokes, and leaning into my unique lane as a trans military comic.• Life changes — breast augmentation, hair transplant, settling into Austin routines, and focusing on health and training.• My memoir + documentary — writing the proposal, working with people who believe in the project, and why the timing with the upcoming Fighting Forward documentary could be huge.• Why the Joe Rogan seat still matters — what I hope to talk about, why I think my story resonates with his audience, and how Austin is the best place to make that connection.• The policy work I released — explaining the draft of my revised Standard of Care for gender dysphoria and the 10-point legal framework that pissed off some activists, and why I'm pushing for a middle-ground, guardrails-based approach to protect women, kids, and trans people.This episode is a big-picture snapshot of everything happening in my comedy journey, advocacy work, and life as I try to build something real here in Austin. I’m excited, terrified, motivated, and hopeful — and I can’t wait to see what happens next.#AustinComedy#AustinComedian#StandUpComedy#KillTony#KillTonyAustin#ComedyMothership#JoeRogan#joeroganexperience #RoganUniverse#VulcanGasCompany#RozcosComedyClub#AustinOpenMic#AustinStandup#TexasComedyScene#SunsetStrip#atx #transgender #transcomedian #trans

This week on The Jo Ellis Effect — former Black Hawk pilot turned comedian Jo Ellis breaks down the week’s wildest stories.🧠 Topics:• The new “trans identity in decline” survey — is it science or spin?• Trump’s drug-boat strike and why survivors were sent home vs prosecuted.• Phase 3 of Operation Conservative Psyop — Jo’s three-month move to Austin to get noticed by Joe Rogan and prove the scene is more open than people think.• The Ninth Circuit hearing on the trans military ban (Shilling v. Trump).• And Rep. Nancy Mace’s live meltdown on Sirius XM after Michael Smerconish defended Jo — because apparently “thank you for your service” has an asterisk now.🎙️ Comedy, Commentary, and life updates#JoEllisEffect #OperationConservativePsyop #TransVeteran #AustinComedy #KillTony #JoeRogan #TransMilitaryBan #NancyMace #StandupComedy #LGBTQ

10 minutes of raw standup comedy from Jo Ellis — a trans Black Hawk helicopter pilot turned comedian. In this set, I riff on marriage, dating after divorce, and why I love my guns so much. From being defamed internationally online to being kicked out of the military by President Trump. Now navigating love, loss, religion and laughter back home. Nothing is off-limits.Recorded at Mell J's Bar (previously Another Round) in Richmond VA 10-5-25

From Jewish holidays and brisket to bombing and building new stand-up jokes, I share comedy updates, Austin goals, and raw takes on politics, faith, and identity—plus a raunchy story you won’t forget.In this update, I share everything that’s been going on lately—from celebrating my first full cycle of Jewish holidays while converting, to cooking a killer Rosh Hashanah brisket, to fasting for Yom Kippur. I talk about my upcoming comedy gigs in Richmond, prepping to head back to Austin in November for three months of open mics, Kill Tony bucket pulls, and chasing the dream of becoming a regular at Joe Rogan’s Comedy Mothership.I also dive into some recent press—like being featured in The Observer’s piece on Austin comedy—and the strange but funny ways media seems to follow me around. On top of that, I share the painful reality of starting electrolysis, trying to get back in the CrossFit gym, and working out new material (including jokes about Waymo taxis and marriage).We get into heavier topics too: the Riyadh Comedy Festival, the debate over free speech vs. “blood money” gigs, the federalization of the National Guard, the shutdown chaos in D.C., and what it means legally when the U.S. calls cartel violence a “non-international armed conflict.”And, of course, I wrap it all up with some raunchy comedy about dating, pansexuality, and learning the infamous “two-hand twist.”👉 Stick around for laughs, politics, behind-the-scenes comedy grind, and my raw take on balancing identity, faith, and standup.jo ellis, jo ellis effect, stand up comedy, kill tony, comedy mothership, joe rogan, trans comedian, jewish conversion, brisket recipe, yom kippur fasting, sukkot, comedy austin texas, electrolysis journey, crossfit comeback, waymo joke, pansexual comedy, politics and comedy, riyadh comedy festival, national guard news, us drug war

Join me for a big life update that spans stand-up comedy, skateboarding, and some deep cultural reflections. 🌍✈️🎤 I performed at the Comedy Mothership in Austin—one of my best sets yet—before flying to the UK for The Skate Retreat, a week of skating, coaching, and unplugging in the woods. From there, I spent a few days in Amsterdam, where I unexpectedly jumped on stage at a queer bar when the scheduled comedians canceled, turning it into a spontaneous 24-minute set.💬 Along the way, I reflect on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, online discourse, and the troubling rhetoric around “eradicating transgenderism.” I share my thoughts on free speech, safety, and why nuance matters more than ever.✨ Personal updates include:Preparing for hair restoration this fallUpcoming comedy gigs in Richmond + a 3-month Austin stayChristina P (comedian + wife of Tom Segura) following me on InstagramGratitude for family, community, and all of you supporting this journeyThis episode blends travel, comedy, advocacy, and real talk about where we are as a society. Thanks for watching and supporting The Jo Ellis Effect!🔔 Subscribe here on YouTube🎧 Or listen on Apple & Spotify#Comedy #TransVoices #Skateboarding #Amsterdam #AustinComedy

In this episode of The Jo Ellis Effect, I share my latest Austin updates before heading overseas. From marking my two-year transition anniversary with fresh hair and nails, to gearing up for a UK skateboarding retreat, it’s been a wild ride.🎤 Comedy Highlights:Winning my round at the Money Mic at Shakespeare’s and going head-to-head with Comedy Mothership regular Riley Gilmore.Barking on the street to bring people into shows (and jokingly selling myself as the attraction).Hitting riff mics, tag-writing mics, and testing my crowd work.🌈 Community & Commentary:Meeting fellow trans comics like Juanita (a Kill Tony regular) and Alexa.My take on Marc Maron’s criticisms of Austin comedy and why I believe Tony Hinchcliffe has done more for trans comics than most.Handling awkward (and sometimes hacky) moments on stage with honesty and humor.🍸 Behind the Scenes:Hanging out at Mitzi’s Bar with Tony Hinchcliffe, Joe DeRosa, David Lucas, Martin, and more.Celebrating Kam Patterson’s big news about joining SNL after seeing him crush multiple shows.🚀 Looking Ahead:My last Kill Tony and Mothership open mic attempts before leaving town.Returning in November for three months of stage time and deeper roots in the Austin scene.My ultimate goal: landing on The Joe Rogan Experience to bring a fresh, pragmatic trans perspective to a new audience.Thanks for tuning in and supporting the journey — the Austin comedy community has been so open and welcoming, and I can’t wait to be back in November!Follow Jo on socials and YouTube: @JoEllisReally

Jo Ellis sharing updates from her first week in Austin TX. Tales of being at Joe Rogan's Comedy Mothership, Mitzi's bar, Sunset Strip, The Creek and the Cave, and signing up for Kill Tony again!#standupcomedyFollow Jo on socials and YouTube @JoEllisReally

We talk about what's happening this week, my open mic experience at a goth fetish club, Buc-ee's and the Chick-fil-a cow.Follow Jo on socials and YouTube @JoEllisReally

I recap and talk next steps after my Kill Tony appearance on episode 727. See my KT appearance here: https://youtu.be/_WYC-flN8Nc#standupcomedyFollow Jo on socials and Youtube: @JoEllisReally

Clipped from my Kill Tony appearance on episode #727 JOE DEROSA + TIM BUTTERLYRECORDED – 06/30/2025TONY HINCHCLIFFE BRIAN REDBAN