Meet Joseph Nybyk of Gilbert

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Nybyk.

Hi Joseph, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Joseph Neibich, also known as Joseph Nybyk, and I’m originally from Gilbert, Arizona. From an early age, I was drawn to storytelling and humor, which eventually pushed me to take a chance on Hollywood. Like many before me, I started at the bottom—working the door at the world-famous Comedy Store. It was there that I learned the ins and outs of the business, watching incredible talent night after night and gaining a deep respect for the craft of stand-up comedy.

Being in that environment lit a fire in me. I moved from observing to performing, stepping onto the stage and finding my own voice. Over time, I worked my way into touring, performing at comedy clubs across the country and connecting with audiences from all walks of life. The experience shaped me both personally and professionally, teaching me resilience, timing, and how to truly engage a crowd.

Eventually, I made my way back to Arizona and settled in Tucson, where I’ve shifted my focus to production work. Today, I bring everything I learned on the road and in Hollywood into what I do behind the scenes. My journey has come full circle—from a kid in Gilbert with a dream, to the Comedy Store, to the road, and now to building something meaningful in Tucson.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Trying to break into comedy while building a life in Hollywood wasn’t glamorous—it was a constant balancing act. I was bartending at the The Beverly Hills Hotel, which meant long shifts, late nights, and having to be “on” for guests, all while chasing my own creative goals. My schedule was unpredictable, and I often found myself rushing from work straight to auditions or trying to squeeze in stage time wherever I could. Sleep was inconsistent, and there were plenty of days where I felt like I was running on pure determination.

Auditions themselves were a grind. You could spend hours preparing, waiting, and traveling across Los Angeles, only to get a few minutes in the room—or sometimes not even that. Rejection was constant, and it could wear you down if you let it. At the same time, getting stage time as a young comedian wasn’t easy. Spots were limited, competition was fierce, and you had to prove yourself over and over again just to get a few minutes on stage. There were nights I’d perform for barely anyone, then wake up early for another shift behind the bar.

On top of all that, trying to maintain any kind of personal life felt almost impossible. Friends and family were often on a different schedule, and relationships took a back seat to the hustle. But those struggles also shaped me—they taught me discipline, patience, and how badly I really wanted it. Looking back, bartending at the Beverly Hills Hotel while chasing comedy wasn’t just a job—it was part of the foundation that helped shape my work ethic and resilience.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I couldn’t be more proud of what we accomplished with my two most recent short films, Lights Off and Feeling Blessed. Both projects came from a place of pure creativity and a desire to entertain people in a unique way. Lights Off is a fun, over-the-top horror comedy about a man facing off with a seductive demon in the dark, blending satire with classic genre tropes . Seeing audiences laugh and connect with something that started as such a simple idea has been incredibly rewarding, and it reminds me why I love making films in the first place.

Feeling Blessed holds a special place for me as well, because it takes something as ordinary as struggling with a CAPTCHA online and turns it into a bigger, almost spiritual and comedic journey . It’s a short film with a lot of heart, humor, and meaning packed into just a few minutes. What really blows me away is how far it’s gone—screening at festivals all over the world and even winning multiple awards along the way . That kind of recognition is something I don’t take lightly.

What makes me the most proud, though, is seeing both films resonate with audiences globally. From major festival selections like HollyShorts to wins and screenings across the U.S. and internationally, these projects have taken on a life of their own . They represent a lot of hard work, collaboration, and belief in the process. For me, Lights Off and Feeling Blessed aren’t just short films—they’re proof that staying creative and committed can lead to something truly meaningful.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Living in Phoenix has given me a real appreciation for just how much good weather can shape your lifestyle. For most of the year, the sunshine feels endless, and that opens the door to everything from hiking desert trails to exploring the surrounding mountains or just enjoying a laid-back afternoon outdoors. There’s a certain energy here—whether it’s catching a sunset over the desert, spending time by the pool, or taking a quick trip to nearby spots like Scottsdale for great food and nightlife. It’s the kind of place where being outside isn’t just an option—it’s part of everyday life.

Of course, then summer rolls in and humbles you real quick. The heat in Phoenix isn’t just hot—it’s “why does my steering wheel feel like a stovetop?” hot. You start planning your entire day around shade, air conditioning, and how fast you can move from one building to another without melting.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nybyk.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joseph_nybyk/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nybyk/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neibich/
• Twitter: https://x.com/JosephNybyk
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JosephNeibich
• Other: https://filmfreeway.com/JosephNybyk