Kurt Schoonraad, Steering Comedy Through Crashes and Comebacks
For over two decades, Kurt Schoonraad has been a defining voice in South African comedy, a storyteller whose career thrived on sharp wit, keen observation, and an intuitive understanding of people. In this episode of Listen To Your Footsteps, host Kojo Baffoe sits down with the Cape Town-born comedian, actor, and founder of the Cape Town Comedy Club to explore the unexpected twists and defining moments that have shaped his remarkable journey.Growing up in Mitchell’s Plain, Kurt found humour not just a refuge but a calling. He reflects on the contrasting influences of his music-loving, free-spirited father and his mother’s strict discipline. Open and candid, Kurt shares his experience breaking generational cycles of abuse, approaching parenting with mindfulness, and the values he’s now passing on to his son. These insights reveal a man deeply rooted in community, yet unafraid to challenge norms, whether diving into the goth scene as a teen, confronting coloured identity stereotypes, or embracing stand-up comedy when the opportunity arose.Kurt takes us behind the scenes of founding the Cape Town Comedy Club, a cornerstone of the local comedy scene. He reveals that owning the stage is very different from running it, and he openly discusses the toll this took on his energy, family, and career. When COVID-19 forced the club’s closure, Kurt faced not only the loss of a business but a creative identity crisis, one that ultimately drew him back to his original passion.Rediscovering his spark meant shedding protective layers and infusing his comedy with more personal truths. This shift from “inside-looking-out” observational comedy to “outside-looking-in” vulnerability led to his most authentic work yet.The conversation flows seamlessly between personal and professional realms, from restoring a cherished 1957 Chevy, which was sold to fund his comedy club, to raising an adventurous teenage son, to navigating cultural contrasts between Cape Town and Germany. Kurt also opens up about his adult ADHD diagnosis, how hyperfocus fuels his passions, and why he identifies chiefly as a communicator.Listeners will appreciate behind-the-scenes tales from his cult-favourite unscripted travel TV series Going Nowhere Slowly, a precursor to modern reality travel shows. Throughout, Kurt’s reflections emphasize what truly connects people: listening as much as speaking, finding humour in life’s gaps, and never underestimating the power of timing, on stage and off.In this episode, you’ll uncover:How a loving yet boundary-setting household shaped Kurt’s core valuesThe influence of music and subculture on his worldviewThe highs and lows of building, and losing, a top-tier comedy clubThe profound impact COVID-19 had on his career and creativityThe creative freedom gained by embracing vulnerability in performanceFatherhood lessons about presence, patience, and letting goThe craft of storytelling through callbacks, pacing, and genuine connectionIf you’re drawn to stories of resilience, reinvention, and authenticity, this episode offers both inspiration and craft-level insight. Kurt’s journey proves that setbacks often clear the way for more genuine expression and that navigating crashes can lead to even greater comebacks.Whether you’re a comedy fan, a creative facing your own pivots, or simply someone who appreciates a heartfelt story, Kurt Schoonraad: Steering Comedy Through Crashes and Comebacks delivers a compelling blend of laughter, reflection, and wisdom.Listen now and join us for a ride through the miles, mishaps, and moments that have made Kurt who he is, on stage and off.You can find the latest from Kurt on the following platforms: Instagram | kurt.co.zaSubscribe to: Watch/ListenZebra Culture NewsletterRecorded at Spotify Africa Joburg StudioShow Music by Kweku 'Taygo' BaffoeProduced by Ayob Vania
South Africa