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Ari Kinarthy, a 37-year-old composer with a rare disease, conquers social anxiety by performing stand-up comedy for the first time, using self-deprecating humor to connect with audiences.
In Saanich, British Columbia, Ari Kinarthy, a 37-year-old film composer who uses a wheelchair due to a rare and debilitating disease, has taken up stand-up comedy to overcome social anxiety. His first performance, a five-minute set, marked a significant personal milestone.
Ari has always been a funny guy, finding joy in making others laugh since childhood. However, his social anxiety made him nervous and self-conscious around strangers. Despite this, he built a successful career writing soundtracks for movies, where the music could stay in the background.
Early Life and Musical Career
Ari's love for comedy began at a young age, but he kept it largely private. His day job involved composing music for films, a role that allowed him to avoid direct social interaction. Music, he said, stays in the background, letting the pictures and actors take over. This anonymity suited him, but he harbored a desire to make people laugh openly.
Living with a rare disease that requires him to use a wheelchair, Ari was once told by doctors that he might not reach his 37th birthday. That milestone prompted reflection. He felt that time is short and life is short, and he decided to confront his fears.
Facing Fear on Stage
Encouraged by a sense of urgency, Ari enrolled in a couple of comedy classes. He then took the brave step of performing his jokes publicly. In a video from his first stand-up attempt, he asked the audience how they were doing and admitted he was terrified. He began by being honest, telling them he had never done this before.
He explained that he thought it would be a good way to combat his social anxiety by awkwardly sitting in front of strangers and trying to make them laugh. The audience responded with laughter, which he acknowledged with a quip about being alive. That set the tone for his set, which consisted of self-deprecating jokes.
Comedy as Inclusion and Accomplishment
After the performance, Ari felt accomplished, included, and confident. He noted that the experience was one of the most incredible moments ever. By making jokes about himself, he felt included and without differences, as people often walked on eggshells around him due to his condition.
Ari appreciated being roasted just like anybody else. He explained that he decides if he is offended or not, not anyone else. The laughter inspired him to continue facing his fears. While he will never stop composing music, he now plans to craft more jokes and bring joy through laughter.
Ari Kinarthy Stand-Up Comedy Social Anxiety Saanich Rare Disease Composer Overcoming Fear
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