The Story Collector

Gary Barss

Gary Barss spent most of his professional life in finance, a career where people generally prefer their numbers to add up and their jokes to stay safely away from the world of finance. But for 10 years, Gary moonlighted as a part-time stand-up comedian, proving that it’s entirely possible to spend your days analyzing financial statements and your nights wondering if six people laughing at a joke constitutes a successful business model.

Gary loves comedy—not just telling jokes, but the whole wonderfully unpredictable world that surrounds it. He loves to laugh, loves making other people laugh, and has a particular appreciation for the strange, inspiring, occasionally painful journey comedians take from their first terrifying open mic to wherever the road eventually leads. Because behind every comedian is a story, and Gary believes those stories are often every bit as funny as the punchlines.

These days, Gary is especially interested in those journeys: the triumphs, the disasters, the late-night drives, the questionable career decisions, the bombed sets, the unexpected breakthroughs, and the moments when a comedian realizes, “Wait…people actually laughed.” With a background in finance and a heart firmly planted in comedy, Gary brings a unique perspective to the conversation—part number cruncher, part storyteller, and lifelong believer that a good laugh is one investment that always pays dividends.

The Laugh Therapist

Sunny Rubin

Sunny Rubin has a passion for comedy, a love of laughter, and a wonderfully refreshing perspective on life. She has the rare ability to find humor in just about anything—and, perhaps most importantly, she genuinely thinks Gary is funny. This last quality cannot be overstated, because Gary’s self-esteem occasionally requires professional-grade reinforcement, and Sunny has generously taken on the role of his unofficial comedy therapist.

By day, Sunny is a physical therapist, dedicating her time to helping people heal, recover, and get back to doing the things they love. Fueled by rice, she also loves to dance, play the accordion, and cheer for her favorite sports teams. Now, she’s venturing into the world of podcasting as a co-host alongside the funniest person she knows: Gary.

Sunny is excited about meeting stand-up comedians and hearing the stories behind the jokes—the struggles, the breakthroughs, the bizarre experiences, and the winding journeys that make each comedian unique. For Sunny, comedy is more than entertainment; it’s a chance to connect, laugh, and occasionally remind Gary that, yes, someone out there actually thinks he’s funny. And honestly, that might be the most important healing work of all.

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Conversation with innovators, entrepreneurs, coaches, and other career professionals with inspiring stories

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What if a better life starts with being more intentional? In The Intentional Life, Gary Barss offers practical insights to help you rediscover your goals, focus on what matters, and start designing a life worth living.