When it came time to make the big decision – what am I going to do with my life? – a young Bill Arnold just didn’t feel the path most of his friends were taking was for him. So instead of heading to law school or starting a career in medicine or business, he set out on an unorthodox journey that would take him from honing his close-up magic skills at the local Green Mill to bringing peals of laughter to thousands in venues across the land with his comedy & comic-magic acts.
In addition to the successes of his solo career came a collaboration that would change his life. With two of his friends and fellow performers, Bob Stromberg & Michael Pearce Donley, he launched Triple Espresso, a comedy theater phenomenon that’s played to over 2 million people in over 50 cities internationally.
It’s a journey to discovering the purpose we were created for as we set out On the Road with Bill Arnold. You can scroll to the bottom of the post to hear our full chat right away, or hear these compelling highlights first.
Starting at the beginning, we ask if Bill had an epic moment where he realized that he wanted to make people laugh for a living or if it was more of a process. In answer, he quotes the great British athlete & missionary Eric Liddle.
Highlight – Feeling God’s pleasure
Bill experienced some profound sadness and loss early in his life, but he also discovered a vibrant faith. He tells us about the moment he realized what the Gospel meant to him.
Highlight – The best news ever
In light of his faith, humor now has a new power and meaning. We know the end of the story! In that knowledge is real joy and a call to not take ourselves too seriously all the time.
Bill reflects on getting into the business of comedy and explains how – perhaps unexpectedly – inducing laughter is indeed serious business. He tells of a memorable conversation with the Saturday Night Live staple Dana Carvey that highlights the persistence you need to make it in the industry.
Highlight – The sound of silence
I ask the noble Bill about the perspective that his longtime relationship with humor has given him, and he makes a tremendous observation about bakeries, the Bible & “being of good cheer”.
And now here’s our full On the Road conversation with Bill Arnold. We dive deeper into his story & discover more insight and laughter with this talented man of faith.
