VOLUME VIIII

From Baton Rouge to the Spotlight: A Journey of Laughter, Faith, and Resilience

In this exclusive interview, we delve into the inspiring journey of a comedian who has captivated audiences nationwide with his unique blend of humor, faith, and authenticity. From growing up surrounded by laughter in Baton Rouge to stepping onto the national comedy stage, his story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose.

Discover how a life-changing encounter with Bernie Mac, experiences as a Navy veteran and correctional officer, and the unwavering support of family have shaped his comedic style and outlook on life. Learn about the origins of his signature phrase, "Won't He do it?" and his heartfelt connection to the audience that makes every performance unforgettable.

Join us as we explore his rise from Louisiana roots to comedy stardom, his deep bond with Sol-Caritas, and his reflections on balancing a thriving career with a meaningful personal life. This is a story of humor, humanity, and the transformative power of laughter.

Piper the Comedian

Your journey from Baton Rouge to the national comedy stage is remarkable. What first inspired you to pursue a career in comedy, and how did your upbringing in Louisiana influence your comedic style?

What truly inspired me was my deep-rooted love for comedy. Growing up, I was surrounded by laughter, it was woven into the fabric of my upbringing. My mom was a huge fan of comedy legends, and she often quoted Richard Pryor around the house, making everyday moments feel like stand-up routines. I always knew I had a natural sense of humor and loved making people laugh, but I never seriously considered it as a career path.

That all changed when I had the incredible opportunity to meet Bernie Mac. He had an energy and authenticity that left a lasting impression on me. Seeing his passion and dedication to the craft sparked something inside of me, pushing me to explore comedy as more than just a hobby. It was that encounter with Bernie Mac that ultimately inspired me to step onto the stage and pursue comedy as a calling. Looking back, I realize that laughter has always been my true passion, it just took a nudge from one of the greats to make me see it.

Early in your career, you had the rare opportunity to perform alongside the legendary Bernie Mac. How did that experience shape your approach to comedy, and what lasting advice from him continues to guide you?

Meeting Bernie Mac was a turning point in my life. In that moment, I felt a sense of clarity I’d never experienced before. It was as if the universe—or maybe even God Himself—was nudging me, saying, "This is your path." I’d always loved comedy, but I never truly considered it as a career until that day. Seeing Bernie’s charisma, his raw talent, and his unwavering commitment to making people laugh made me realize that comedy wasn’t just something I enjoyed; it was a calling. I walked away from that meeting with a newfound purpose, feeling that pursuing a career in comedy was exactly where I was meant to be.

You and Carlos Wallace share a deep bond, rooted in your shared experiences as Navy veterans and correctional officers. In what ways have these experiences shaped your perspective on life and influenced your comedy?

I've always been grateful for the opportunity to serve my country in the Navy. There, I learned that freedom is truly priceless—something you should never take for granted. Joining the Navy was, without a doubt, the best decision I could have made as an adult. The Navy has a way of shaping you; it’ll either make you or break you, and I know in my heart that it made me into the man I am today.

Throughout my time in the service, people often told me how funny I was and suggested I should try my hand at comedy. But I never really took it seriously. That all changed when I met Carlos. His passion for production resonated with my love for performing, and we instantly bonded. Our connection was undeniable from the moment we worked together on our first show. I can still remember that night in June of 2007—it felt like the start of something special. That experience solidified my commitment to comedy and set me on a path I hadn’t imagined before.



Your signature phrase, “Won’t He do it?” has become a hallmark of your performances, often sparking an enthusiastic response from the audience. How did this catchphrase come about, and what personal significance does it hold for you?

Well, “Won't He do it" is a phrase I’ve heard people say when they feel God has moved powerfully in their lives, when they’ve experienced something that feels like a direct blessing or a breakthrough. It’s a joyful expression of faith, a way of saying, "Look at what God has done!" To me, "Won't He do it" means that God is always there, watching over you, ready to step in and make things happen when you need Him most. It’s a reminder that He’s in the business of blessing, that He’s always working behind the scenes to guide and uplift us. It’s a phrase that reassures me, reminding me that God’s got my back, and yes—He absolutely will do it.

As the first artist to sign with Sol-Caritas, you were part of the company's inaugural show, Juneteenth Jokes n Jamz. How did it feel to be part of that historic moment, and how has your relationship with Sol-Caritas evolved since?

Words can’t fully express how much I appreciate Carlos Wallace and Sol Caritas Productions. I had the privilege of hosting his very first show in Tyler, Texas. Although the show didn’t go as well as they had hoped, Carlos paid me in full a month before the event—despite us never having met in person. That gesture spoke volumes to me. It showed his integrity, his commitment to honoring his word, and his respect for the artists he works with. In that moment, I knew this was someone I could trust, and I sensed that we were destined to be friends for life. Carlos has a rare passion for production and a genuine respect for the craft, and that’s something I’ll always admire and value in our friendship.

You’ve performed in diverse venues, from intimate comedy clubs to large cruise ship audiences. What is your preferred performance environment, and how do you tailor your material to resonate with different types of crowds?

Much of your comedy draws from everyday life—family dynamics, relationships, and daily encounters. How do you approach finding humor in the ordinary and transforming it into material that connects with audiences?

I believe that finding humor in life is one of the easiest and most powerful things we can do. No matter what we’re going through—good or bad—there’s usually something funny or lighthearted hidden in the situation if we’re willing to look for it. Whether it’s a small inconvenience or a big challenge, humor has this incredible way of shifting our perspective, of lightening the load.

I always say, try to find the humor in any situation. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes laughter is the best way to handle it. Remember, it’s almost always better to laugh than to cry. A good laugh can lift our spirits, help us bounce back, and remind us not to take things too seriously. So next time you’re faced with a tough moment, take a breath, find something to smile about, and let laughter work its magic.

You’ve showcased your talent in both stand-up comedy and acting, including your debut in Paradise House and a feature on Kevin Hart Presents: Hart of The City. How does the experience of acting compare to stand-up, and do you have a preference between the two?

I have to say, acting is no easy feat, and the experience was more overwhelming than I anticipated. Playing the character of a club owner was a thrill, but it certainly came with its challenges. It gave me a whole new level of respect for actors and actresses who bring characters to life on screen. Their dedication, their ability to step into different roles—it’s impressive, to say the least. So, kudos to them; they make it look effortless, but I now know firsthand how much work goes into every scene.

Working with Kevin Hart was an amazing experience. Stand-up has always been my true calling, so it was inspiring to see someone who’s mastered both stand-up and acting. Between acting and stand-up, if I had to choose, I’d say stand-up, every day, all day. There’s nothing like that immediate connection with an audience, the rush of making people laugh in real time.

But, hey—now that I’ve had a taste of acting, I’m up for both! Why not? I’d love to keep exploring both worlds, seeing where each can take me. Stand-up will always have my heart, but now that acting bug has bitten me too. Let’s keep the opportunities coming—let’s do both!

Your stand-up special, Won’t He Do It, is now streaming on Amazon Prime. What do you hope viewers take away from watching the special, and how does it reflect your comedic voice and philosophy?

I genuinely hope that everyone who takes the time to watch—or has already watched—my special enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed creating it. Knowing that people are tuning in, laughing, and connecting with the jokes and stories I’ve shared means the world to me. Comedy is something I pour my heart into, and there's nothing like the thrill of sharing that joy with each of you. I want every viewer to walk away feeling like they’ve just experienced something unique, something that made them laugh, think, and maybe even feel a little lighter.

This special is just the beginning for me, and it’s only fueled my excitement to create more. I’m already envisioning my next project, and I’m setting the bar even higher. I want the second special to be something unforgettable, the kind of comedy that sticks with you. My goal is to make it an instant classic, packed with moments that people will want to revisit time and time again. I’m committed to bringing new material, bigger laughs, and an even deeper connection with the audience.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me, watched my work, and shared this journey with me. I couldn’t do it without you, and I can’t wait for you to see what’s next. Here’s to many more laughs, more specials, and a future filled with unforgettable comedy!

Given your background in the military and corrections, you've encountered life’s more serious challenges. How do you balance these intense experiences with the humor you bring to your performances, and has comedy served as an outlet for you?

Comedy has undoubtedly played a crucial role in my life, especially in my career in both the military and corrections. It’s been a powerful tool for me, helping to diffuse tense situations, build camaraderie, and keep morale up even in challenging environments. There’s something about finding humor in everyday life that brings balance and perspective, and it’s been a lifeline for me in those high-stress, high-stakes jobs.

Balancing comedy with my professional career has actually been pretty natural. I make it a point to look at the bright side of things, even when circumstances are tough. Humor helps me to keep grounded, to not let the weight of the job overwhelm me. I always say, “It could be worse!” That mindset allows me to see past the stress and stay focused on the positive.

Comedy reminds me that even in the toughest times, there’s something to laugh about. It’s been my way of connecting with people and keeping things in perspective, no matter where I am or what role I’m playing. I couldn’t imagine my life without it—it’s become the thread that ties together my personal and professional life, helping me to stay resilient and grateful.

For aspiring comedians, particularly those coming from non-traditional backgrounds like yours, what advice would you offer for breaking into the industry and developing their unique voice?

If I could give any advice to young comics starting out, it would be this: what God has for you is yours, and no one can take it away. This business is all about finding your unique voice, so create your own lane, and don’t try to be a copy of anyone else. Take this funny business seriously—comedy is an art form, and it deserves your full dedication and respect.

Keep hitting those stages, no matter how big or small, and stay true to who you are. Authenticity shines through in every performance, and audiences connect with comics who bring something fresh and real to the table. Trust the process and, most importantly, don’t try to skip the line. Every step, every show, every audience teaches you something valuable. Enjoy the journey, the highs, and even the lows, because it all shapes you into the comedian you’re meant to be.

Remember, comedy is a marathon, not a sprint. There’s no shortcut to success, and the work you put in today will pay off down the road. So stay patient, stay hungry, and above all, stay true to yourself. The journey is just as rewarding as the destination, embrace it all.

You’ve built a successful career while maintaining a strong family life. How do you manage the demands of performing and touring with your personal life, and in what ways has your family inspired or influenced your comedy?

Having the support of my family truly makes all the difference. Balancing family life with the demands of a career in comedy isn’t always easy, but knowing my wife is in my corner makes it so much more manageable. Her encouragement and understanding allow me to pursue my passion without feeling like I’m sacrificing the people I care about most.

Comedy can be unpredictable—long nights, travel, and a schedule that’s anything but typical. But my wife’s support keeps me grounded and gives me the confidence to chase my dreams while still staying connected to my family. It’s a partnership in every sense; she understands the highs and lows that come with this career, and her belief in me keeps me going on those days when the balance feels a bit harder to maintain.

At the end of the day, having a family that believes in what I do allows me to give my best to both worlds. I’m grateful every day for that kind of support—it’s the foundation that allows me to thrive in both my personal life and my comedy career.

Is there anything else you would like to share with your audience or add about your career, your journey, or your future projects?

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who has supported me on this journey in comedy. Every laugh, every encouraging word, every shared moment has meant the world to me. Comedy isn’t just about telling jokes; it’s about connecting with people, and I couldn’t have done that without you all in my corner.

Sometimes I look back and think, “Won’t He do it!” I’m so grateful for the doors that have opened, the people I’ve met, and the opportunities I’ve been blessed with along the way. Your support has been instrumental in helping me keep going, especially on those days when the path wasn’t always clear.



Thank you for being a part of this journey, for believing in me, and for sharing in the laughter. I’m excited for what’s to come, and I can’t wait to keep making you all proud.