Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Walser.
Hi Madison, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started Unbothered. because, honestly, traditional comedy shows can feel a bit stale. I wanted to create something that feels more like a night out—an experience where people can laugh, connect, and genuinely enjoy themselves. Most people go to comedy shows on dates or with their parents, but I wanted to shift that energy and build something you’d be excited to attend with friends, where you can meet new people, hear great music, and walk away feeling inspired (maybe even with a few fun freebies from our brand partners).
Comedy, to me, is one of the most powerful tools we have to talk about tough or uncomfortable topics in a way that’s engaging and human. I’m really interested in that intersection—using humor to reflect culture and start meaningful conversations.
At the same time, I’ve noticed a shift in how younger generations socialize. A lot of us are moving away from drinking and clubbing, but we still crave fun, community, and connection. Unbothered. creates that atmosphere—high energy, good vibes, but with more intellect, conversation, and intention.
From the brand side, we’ve also seen that people are moving away from traditional marketing. By partnering with Unbothered., companies can be part of something real. Instead of pushing products, they’re sponsoring a genuinely good time. Our audience responds way more to humor and authentic engagement than they do to standard ads. It’s a win-win: comics get paid and grow their brands, guests have a great time, and the brands we support get to connect with people in a natural, memorable way.
We are based in Los Angeles but constantly traveling for shows or even festivals. We recently participated in Electric Forest featuring comedy along side a music festival.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—building something from the ground up never is. Unbothered. only started a little over a year ago, and every show is still a learning experience. One of the biggest challenges has been figuring out how to get people out and excited to buy tickets. It’s something the entire live events industry is grappling with right now.
There’s a constant learning curve: How long is too long for a show? What price point feels right? Which nights of the week will people actually go out? It used to be that offering free alcohol would fill a room—but that’s just not enough anymore. Audience behavior is changing, and we’ve had to adapt in real time.
Another challenge has been attracting a different kind of audience. I’m not necessarily going after hardcore comedy fans. I’m building something for people who just want to have a good time—who might come for the music, the energy, or the social aspect, and end up discovering a new favorite comic in the process.
One of the biggest conversations happening in comedy right now is around the rise of crowd work. A lot of traditional comics are frustrated by it, but instead of dismissing it, I think we need to ask: Why are audiences leaning toward it? I think it comes down to a desire for connection and spontaneity. People want to feel involved—they want to feel like something unique is happening in that moment, just for them.
So rather than fighting that shift, we’re exploring how to work with it. How do we create shows where comics still have the space to do strong material, but the audience also feels engaged and part of the experience? That’s what I’m constantly working to figure out. My motto has become: the only way over the bumps is through. Every single show teaches me something new—and that’s what keeps it exciting.
We’ve been impressed with Unbothered. Studios , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Unbothered. is more than just a comedy show—it’s a curated social experience. We blend stand-up comedy with music, community, and culture to create events that feel less like a seated show and more like a night out with purpose. We specialize in immersive, high-vibe experiences that bring people together through laughter, conversation, and connection.
What sets us apart is our intentional focus on redefining what live comedy can look and feel like. We’re not trying to cater only to hardcore comedy fans—we’re creating something for the friend group that wants to do something fun, fresh, and social. Our shows often feature music, local creatives, and brand partnerships that elevate the experience with thoughtful touches (like free goodies and interactive moments).
We’re most proud of the community we’re building—an audience that shows up curious, open, and ready to have a good time. We’ve also been able to provide paid opportunities for rising comics and help them expand their audience beyond the typical club scene.
From a brand standpoint, we’re pushing back against outdated models of both entertainment and marketing. We believe brands can show up in a way that feels natural—not forced. By sponsoring joy, companies get to engage with people through shared experiences rather than selling to them. It’s a win for everyone: comics get paid and build their brands, guests have a great time, and brands get to connect with culture in a meaningful way.
Whether you’re coming for the comedy, the music, the people, or the vibe—Unbothered. is about showing up, laughing hard, and leaving a little more connected than when you came in.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think finding a mentor is one of the most underutilized tools out there. It can make a huge difference—not just in your career, but in how you think and grow as a person. My advice is to find someone you’d actually want to switch places with. Not just someone in your field, and not just someone with a flashy title or a lot of followers. A lot of people take advice from whoever has social or monetary capital, but if you don’t respect their values or the way they move through the world, it’s not going to be helpful.
Look for someone whose mindset, creativity, or integrity you truly admire—someone you want to emulate, not just impress.
And most importantly: reach out. Seriously. Send the email. Slide into the DM. There is no shame in putting yourself out there. You’d be surprised how many people are open to connecting if you’re genuine and respectful. Don’t wait for the “perfect moment” or feel like you have to prove yourself first. Just be honest, curious, and clear about why you’re reaching out.
Networking doesn’t have to be transactional. It’s about building real relationships—and when you approach it that way, people tend to respond.
Pricing:
- Brand Sponsorship depend on the type and size of show. As well as the amount of digtal content that comes out of it!
- Tickets range from $10 -$30 depending on how early you purchase
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unbotheredstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbotheredstudios/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Unbothered.Studios
Image Credits
Rachel Kupfer @byrachelkupfer
Alex Parker @alexparkermedia
