One of Cody Streasick’s community goals is to get a comedy showroom going on First Fridays in Warsaw, which could be a place where other local comedians and interested locals can test out their talent and material. (Photo by Elisa Walker)

WINONA LAKE — Having grown up performing in community theater, Cody Streasick has always felt comfortable standing in the spotlight. Through the creation of his best man speech, the 28-year-old Winona Lake resident discovered how much he enjoyed performing stand-up comedy.

“I’ve been doing this for about a year,” began Streasick. “I got started when my best friend asked me to be his best man. I had to write and present the speech, which was supposed to be funny. I wrote a few jokes and it went really well. I found myself still writing jokes weeks afterwards. I was looking for a creative outlet of sorts so I gave this a shot. I love it. I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Streasick uncovers comedic material in everyday life, jotting down whatever funny thought or thing he witnesses in his notebook. Comedians have a unique way of turning, flipping and zooming in on their experiences and observations to create an authentically hilarious perspective.

“It’s really whatever I see in the world. I also have three kids. That’s huge when looking for material,” chuckled Streasick. “They’re hilarious. Everybody knows that kids are silly. That’s something that everybody can share. As far as comedy goes, I’ve never experienced something that’s brought so much instant joy but at the same time, can bring instant heartache and pain if you don’t do well. That back and forth is addicting. The possibility of doing this as a potential career is something that motivates me greatly.”

Inspired by well-known comedians like Ray Romano and Jim Gaffigan, Streasick easily relates to them as their careers also started later, meaning they had to balance it with their families. Typically the dark, late-night smoky atmosphere isn’t kid-friendly, which makes his life hectic but not impossible to do. Streasick works full-time and has three kids with his wife, Tess, but still devotes time to about five shows a month.

“It’s wildly difficult but I have the best wife in the world,” said Streasick. “She’s so supportive of this. A couple nights a week I’ll get home from work, we’ll have dinner then I leave and won’t be back until midnight. That’s a difficult thing to do.”

(Photo provided)

Traveling to comedy clubs across Indiana, Streasick has also performed in a few shows in New York City where he was well received. His main place for stand up is in Fort Wayne where he can try out new material and gain honest feedback from the audience.

Next to comedy, Streasick enjoys gardening, reading nonfiction and ice fishing. Despite being able to only ice fish two months out of the year, it’s an activity he can’t get enough of and looks forward to. Along with his personal ambitions, family will always be the largest part of his life. One of the most outstanding moments helping shape Streasick into the person he is today was the birth of his first child.

“It really changed my perspective on everything,” recalled Streasick. “You try to live a selfless life and put others before you. I try to do that. I’ve probably failed more times than I’ve succeeded. But when you have a kid, the only option is to put their needs in front of your own.”