Damon Williams is an internationally touring comedian who has been seen on Showtime at the Apollo, BET’s Comic View, and The Tom Joyner Sky Show.  We chat about the emotional and financial impacts of COVID-19 and Damon’s advice to creatives during this unprecedented time.  Participate in Damon’s #steptothemic competition on Instagram   Shereen Kassam aka Funny Brown Girl shares her thoughts from self-quarantine – everything from how she’s surviving without comedy to almost being arrested for stealing.    We talk free resources and opportunities all available on the Facebook group and by subscribing to my email list   Free course on Happiness:  The Science of Well-Being   We chat resources if you’re feeling depressed or struggling with what’s going on – National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA only): 1-800-273-8255 International Suicide Lifeline: org/international-suicide-hotlines.html Talkspaceis an online and mobile therapy company based in New York City.  Talkspace users have access to licensed therapists through the website or mobile app on iOS and Android.   Donate to my Podcast Fund: www.ko-fi.com/funnybrowngirl Donate $20 or more, and we can schedule a 30 minute Skype call to chat about your creative journey and challenges   This week’s guest: Damon Williams from Subway shop owner to internationally touring comedian   Who is Damon Williams? With 25 years in the industry, Damon Williams is a former Subway sandwich shop owner from Chicago, IL who began his comedy career at All Jokes Aside Comedy club. Damon's previous television appearances include BET's Comic View dating back to 1994, including his own one-hour special. He's been featured on BET LIVE, Comedy Central's Premium Blend, The Tom Joyner Sky Show on TV ONE, and HBO's P Diddy's Bad Boys of Comedy.   The Funny Man from Chicago even hosted several episodes of the legendary Showtime at the Apollo, following seasoned host & TV star Steve Harvey. In 1999 Damon performed for over 300,000 fans as the opening act for the highly successful Kings of Comedy Tour, establishing him as one of the elite comics in the nation. His popularity has provided him the opportunity to work with some of the biggest stars in the business such as Aretha Franklin, Pattie Labelle, Luther Vandross, Ray Charles, Harry Belafonte, Chris Rock, James Brown, Jamie Foxx, Little Richard, and even President Barack Obama – where he served as host for a campaign brunch.   Damon is keeping Chicago on the map as co-owner of Riddle’s Comedy Club where he’s providing a stage for new and veteran comedic talent. Damon previously held the "Funny Chair" seat as co-host on the legendary nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, and is seen consistently on Chicago’s #1 Day Talk Show, Windy City Live.   Key Questions answered by Damon Williams: How he went from entrepreneur to comedian How being an entrepreneur helped him as a creative Should I be performing live on social media during this lockdown? As a creative, what should I be doing during COVID-19 lockdown? What’s the best advice Damon has received? What is Damon’s definition of success Who inspires Damon? What is a habit that has helped Damon on his journey What does Damon want his journey to be   Damon Williams Discusses: Negotiations and contracts Creating opportunities for exposure Chicago vs LA vs NYC His comedy club in the midst of COVID-19 How Damon is spending his day’s in lockdown What made Damon successful Advice Damon has for creatives     Key Takeaways from Damon Williams:   Always negotiate first Create your own opportunities to build exposure Appreciate the simple things during this time Use this time to reset Find ways to adapt Do what you love and opportunities will find you Listen on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Stitcher and Google Pl