October 2, 2025
Comedian, author, and storyteller Chonda Pierce is hitting the road with a brand-new tour, and she’s bringing it to the Egyptian Theatre! Known for her ability to turn life’s ups and downs into laugh-out-loud moments, Chonda promises an evening filled with humor, honesty, and hope. This year’s show takes audiences beyond survival and into a season of moving forward — with plenty of laughs along the way — making it a fresh and uplifting experience compared to last year’s tour. Interview conducted by Marketing Intern Juli Reyes.
JULIE: What is this tour about and how is it different than last year’s tour?
CHONDA: Well, the stories keep changing because my life keeps changing — and thankfully it just keeps giving me new material! Last year’s show was more about surviving some tough seasons. This year it’s about moving forward, finding hope, and laughing at all the crazy stuff that happens in between.
J: While most of the other tour dates are hosted in a church, why did you decide to perform at the Egyptian Theatre?
C: I love performing in churches — it feels like home to me. But I also love stepping into beautiful old theatres like the Egyptian. There’s something special about the history and the atmosphere of a place like that. Plus, I want to reach as many people as I can, and sometimes a theatre opens the door for folks who might not normally come to a church event.
J: Besides drawing comedy from any situation, what other themes should the audience take away from this show?
C: I hope people walk away not just having laughed, but feeling a sense of hope and connection. The world can feel pretty heavy right now, and sometimes you just need a reminder that you’re not alone — that God’s still at work, and that joy is still possible. If folks leave the show with a lighter heart and a little more hope than they came in with, then I’ve done my job.
J: You have been an inspiration to most, emphasizing the importance of looking at the bright side during the worst moments. How long did it take you to understand that?
C: Oh, I wish I could say I figured that out overnight — but it’s really been a lifelong lesson. Some of the hardest seasons in my life taught me that you either let the darkness swallow you up or you look for the sliver of light and hold on to it. Over time I realized that laughter isn’t about ignoring the pain — it’s about finding a way through it. That perspective didn’t come quickly, but it’s what’s carried me all these years.
J: Having founded Branches Recovery Center almost 20 years ago, how has the organization expanded as a nonprofit?
C: When we founded Branches almost 20 years ago, it began as a place for people to find hope and healing. Over the years, it’s grown into a full nonprofit organization offering counseling services, recovery programs, and community outreach. I’m so proud to see how it’s expanded its reach while staying true to its mission of meeting people right where they are and walking with them toward healing.
J: Why is it important to you to support organizations like Food For The Hungry and World Vision?
C: I’ve always believed our faith has to show up in how we care for others. The Bible calls us to look after widows and orphans, and supporting organizations like Food for the Hungry — which I’ve been honored to partner with for over a decade — is one way I can live that out. They meet such basic needs like food, clean water, and education, but they also do it with dignity and compassion. For me, it’s about more than charity — it’s about obeying God and loving and feeding His people.
