Today is the global release of my TEDx talk.

Take 15 minutes to WATCH HERE before continuing this read.

Exactly one year ago today, my best friend Matt Botos passed away unexpectedly.

The ripple effect was massive — he had such a big impact on many lives and communities, and because of that, we’ve grown into a community ourselves.

We affectionately call ourselves the Botosphere.

The first time I ever joked about his loss on any stage at all was in this talk. Which is hilarious to me given the amount of stage time I’ve had this year.

He would have appreciated that. Save it for the big stage.

I’m thankful I was able to honor him in this talk — using laughter to break up the “hard shit,” just like he would’ve wanted — and I’m thankful the TEDx team chose this talk, as an editor’s pick, to release today of all days.

Talk about full circle.

The Hustle

Lots to celebrate today.

And celebrating despite missing the hell out of my friend feels necessary.

Today marks my 400th Solidcore class (personal flex — pun intended), and the official inked deal for our new Venture Studio with my business partner in London.

First project: filming my second full-hour comedy special.

I’m really excited to share more details on both the partnership and the special taping in the new year. But most of all, I'm thankful for my business partner and friend, the trust in each other and this project, and the director who's bringing this vision to life with us.

Trust, this next special will be a beast.

This past year has taught me more focused attention, and movement with purpose rather than the old classic “spray and pray” that we’ve all been stuck in one time or another.

Loss has a way of clarifying what actually matters. No more wasted energy on shit that doesn't move the needle. No riffraff. No shits given about what anyone else is up to.

Just focus, and do you.

And do it all alongside great people.

The Chill

I get to place this piece of work into the world today, then head home to see my family tomorrow.

There's something perfect about that timing. Release the thing, then go be with the people.

If there's anything this talk is really about, it's a reminder that life is too short to take it so seriously — even when it absolutely sucks. Especially when it sucks, actually.

Matt would've loved this talk. He would've laughed at the jokes, probably given me shit about something, and then reminded me to not overthink any of it. He would’ve told me how damn proud he is of me — he was proud of me when I was 22 years old and worth a literal dollar, if that.

So that's what I'm asking of you today: Watch it. Share it. Let yourself laugh. Let yourself feel whatever comes up. And then make time for the people who matter.

Make space to breathe. Make space to enjoy life.

Life's going to hand you hard shit. But you get to choose how you move through it.

I'm choosing laughter and friendship.

Always have, always will.

Happy Holidays, my friends. Thank you for being a part of my little world.

Upcoming Shows

Friday Dec 26 — Comedy Cabin Tix: My final show of the year with Jake in the hometown of my family — Janesville, Wisconsin

I used to hustle around doing endless shows through the holidays. Now my price tag to pull me away from friends and family during that time is very high. Needless to say, I ain’t doin shit on stage from the 27th on — LOL. I’ll be hanging and writing and chilllin…

January I go to Belize with a group of ladies to celebrate a birthday… and then I’ll be off to the frozen tundra right after…

January 22, 2026 — Anchorage, Alaska with Comedy Up North

Love you all and cheers to the hustle + chill. May the holidays be chill.

xx NPH