Rising Stars: Meet Albert Estergard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Albert Estergard. 

Hi Albert, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I’m Albert. At any time that’s different and always the same. When I’ve taken the time to really ask, and keep stripping down what and how I am, at the core, I am a dreamer. That’s all I can ever be or have to do, and everything else just comes from a lifetime of loving to listen.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The good parts and what I like to remember are the parts that are smooth, when all I’ve thought about, felt, wanted synched up, and came together in beautiful harmony like destiny. I especially like the parts I have smoothed down myself. Depending on my mood and how much energy I have, I can think about all the constant struggle and unpleasantness in between. I’ve always felt and known I was and would be alone. Depression hasn’t helped, other than in high school making people think I was chill. My level of awareness is as much a gift as a constant torment. I can’t tell you about it all, I’ve been trying to reduce and refine to articulate the human experience for the last 15 years at least. The podcast is the most accurate and authentic expression of that yet, if you know how to listen.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Most people know me as an artist but I really don’t like to use that word. Artists make art, I have an artist’s brain and ability, and I’ve created art, but it rarely happens anymore. I transferred that focus and ability to the culinary world for over ten years where I was one of the best in Arizona and refused the title of chef there too. I’ve now shifted my burning focus to comedy and my podcast. Not to nana my own shoo too much, but I think I’ve got one of the best minds in the city, if not the country, and everything I’ve done has been trying to put that feeling and idea into translating and sharing with others.

I didn’t realize until recently that when I stopped putting my art on paper it came through in my life and everything I did. I have been living some of my best work, wasting it in shitty jobs where no one sees. What I am doing now and with the podcast is reeling in all that experience and ability that’s developed. Toonanashoo is a comedy development podcast. I want to share the funny I find, and how I get there and why it’s funny.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I don’t. I have never been able to find a true mentor or the type of help or support I would have liked. I have wanted, wished, looked for, and come close, but nothing that went past a certain level. I love to teach and offer that every time I have the opportunity, I’ve been told I’m good at it, but also have not been able to fill that role myself either.

Pricing:

• Everything is free to listeners, I’ve got some shirts and pins as far as merch goes. If anyone wants to give me money for that or any other reason, I’m always happy to accept.

Contact Info:

• Email: toonanashoo@gmail.com
• Website: toonanashoo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toonanashoo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toonanashoo
• Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/toonanashoo
• Youtube: coming soon
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/toonana-shoo?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Image Credits
Harley Hope