I've always wanted to talk to Reynald Adolphe because he is doing some interesting stuff. I knew it was going to be something different, I'm very thankful that he did the interview.
Reynald is a .NET developer with 10+ years experience in website consulting and development. He always had an interest in stand up comedy, and has found a way to incorporate entertainment in a tech setting.
His life as a comic, how he started out, and also where entertainment in tech is going were just some of the things we talked about. Overall, it was a fun interview and must not be missed. I don't want to spoil the details, so please check out the video interview with Reynald Adolphe. Also, read the Q&A he put together to share here.
So are you a comedian, or developer, or what? I mean, they’re so different.
I think it’s so funny when people are surprised I have both those interests. Would they weird out as much if a teacher also played tennis and say, wait – teaching math and playing tennis is SOOO different. Shouldn’t you be helping kids in your spare time for fun? Or maybe help foreigners learn because that’s what you should be doing – you know, being a teacher and all! Stay in your lane!
I’m Renaissance guy. I used to not like that because it’s easier to focus on one interest, but I’ve come to learn & love the diversity of my interests. And honestly, I wish more people did the same. The key is to know how to set up goals, plan, and make them happen for each interest, so you don’t fall into the trap of diluting yourself into mediocrity. For me, my interests encompass standup comedy, producing comedy events, writing/shooting scripts, and still being involved with technology. I never wanted to be a starving artist, and being a developer saved me from that. At the same time, I didn’t want to ignore comedy, and so I am still involved in that. Most recently, I’ve found a way to bring the two together in a meetup event (aka user group) – C# Entertainment.
What’s C# Entertainment?
It’s a meetup.com group I started that puts a different spin on your traditional tech talks. I wanted to make tech talks events with MCs, openers (musicians), speakers doing talks on some .net topics, meet/greet/eat sessions and professional comedians closing the show, with DJs keeping the energy up throughout. Good times! Maybe I’ll go retro like a70s variety show – And now the C# Dancers!
Are you going to start another group for languages like Java or Python?
Yes. Working on it. I want a solid following for C# first, as it is young, but people are loving it. It’s just a lot of work, and I’m trying to build a team that will make it a self-sustaining event. Getting the talent is easy, getting a marketing team is much tougher. It’s not sexy. If it were, they’d make movies about marketing, we’d have marketing groupies.
Where do you perform?
I’m in Los Angeles, so mostly clubs around there. I’m more focused on performing for events I’m producing, like at C# Entertainment or my Professional Singles Comedy night – another meet up group I run. Most recently, I’ve been focusing on a one-man show that’s in development. I’m not a fan of begging comedy clubs for stage time when I can put the effort into creating my own opportunities. If I do that right, they’ll come to me. Follow me on Twitter @reynaldadolphe for upcoming events.
What other projects are you working on?
Technology wise: I’m architecting a new style of learning to code and will start applying it to future courses I produce. It’s called Aerobic Coding. I’m excited about that. Stay tuned.
Entertainment wise: My one man show “Moonlighting,” is a comedy variety special, and a feature to write/produce/shoot. I wrote/shot a pilot for some festivals a couple years ago, so I’m more prepared for the feature now. See why I use the term Renaissance?
Do you have any tech videos out anywhere?
I’ll start posting screencasts to fine tune the Aerobic Coding version for C#. Then, I’ll do one for Angular. Not sure which first, but subscribe to my youtube channel (youtube.com/c/ReynaldAdolphe). I’ve recently become an author for Lynda.com, so my first course will be out soon. Can’t announce the title till they do sometime in October 2015. Look me up if you’re reading this later and get a trial via this link: Lynda.com/trial/ReynaldAdolphe
What would you do different starting all over?
Not much honestly. I have few regrets, but three often come to mind when asked. 1) I never applied to Harvard because I thought I didn’t have a chance, even though I got accepted at all the Ivy Leagues I applied to. 2) I would’ve studied computer science to get into tech right out of school for an earlier start 3) Earlier on, I would’ve put more effort into strengthening tech skills relevant to the industry and not limit myself to skills that a job I work requires. I used to do that,but not anymore. People tend to forget to look out for their best interest when they get comfortable. You always want to have your value high so others want you, especially if your current employer doesn’t value you, or at the very least show it. The good bosses do, though, and let you know verbally/financially. And if you’re your own employer, this rule still applies, so know how to appreciate yourself. Treat yourself well. I guess that’s a 4th thing I wish I did earlier––more me fun time via vacations, travel & relaxation. I was always worried about “making it” rather than enjoying the moment. I do now though. I worry much less these days. I’m not perfect at it, but I am much better. I’m doing what I love & dollars are coming from both ends.
What books do you recommend?
The 4-Hour Workweek – Timothy Ferriss
How to Stop Worrying and Start Living – Dale Carnegie
The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle – Steven Pressfield
How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie