Overcoming this fear and all the fun had along the way could not have been possible without the following fine folks:
My parents, Patrick and Marita Nihill, who always support me no matter how wacky my plans may be. My initial editor, Nils Parker, who brought the funny and legibility when I could not; and Debbie Harmsen, whose fine skills I had the privilege of having on my side with this updated version. To Andrea Somberg, Glenn Yeffeth, and the great folks at BenBella for their wisdom, hard work, and support in getting this book in front of you. Ana Carolina Fujihara, for never telling me this experiment was a bad idea, among many, many other wonderful things. Arash Bayatmakou, for continually inspiring through his amazing achievements and his constant feedback throughout. Inanc Karacaylak and Josh Cereghino, for helping open many doors that often do their best to stay firmly closed.
So many others have lent their wisdom and support along the way: Philip Madden, David Howley, Matt Ellsworth, Max Altschuler, Jordan Harbinger, Mauricio Vergara, Rachman Blake, Debbie Dowling, Tim Lee, William McCarthy, Darragh Moher, Aram Fischer, Tom Morkes, Laura Bekes, Erin Tyler, Peter McGraw, Alex McClafferty, David Ryan, Eve Grenon-LaFontaine, Darragh Flynn, Sal Calanni, Ronan Collins, Kabir Singh, Matt Morales, Guy Vincent, Emily Epstein White, Maria Gagliano, Bill Grundfest, James Ward, Angelica H. Salceda, Jeff Zamaria, Michael Margolis, Chris Lindland, Richard Sarvate, Andrew Stanley, Jeff Kreisler, Hugh Gurin, Laura Montini, Andrew Tarvin, Scott Sanders, Doug Cordell, Tiffany Richeson, Don Reed, Brittany Kamerschen, Mark McMillian, James Dilworth, Jason Steinberg, David Spinks, Gil Zeimer, Andrew Slusser, Anna Mackinnon, Bob Ayres, and many more.
Stage time, stage time, stage time: A huge thanks to all those who gave me the time to stand on theirs. Doors that were hard to open kept on opening due to you.
A massive thanks to all the hilarious comedians who gave their time and talents to be part of Comedy for a Spinal Cause: Tim Lee, Scott Capurro, Kellin Erskine, Sal Calanni, Reggie Steele, Matt Morales, Kabir Singh, Brendan Lynch, Daymon Ferguson, Drennon Davis, Nick Stargu, Josef Anolin, Joe Tobin, Kevin Munroe, Cody Woods, Ben Feldman, Red Scott, Iris Benson, Kaseem Bentley, Sandra Risser, Clay Newman, Dan St. Paul, Arthur Gaus, Chad Opitz, Juan Medina, Emily Van Dyke, Jonny Ellar, Kate Willett, Matt Lieb, Stroy Moyd, Dhaya Lakshminarayanan, and Matt Gubser. Laughter never did so much good.
There is no reason these nights cannot be run in every major city. Comedians need new audiences and stage time; people with spinal cord injuries need the funds for much-needed therapy. We all need laughter. If you can help make this a reality please get in touch.