In Episode 376 of Airey Bros Radio, we’re joined by Brad Upton, a former high school teacher and track & field coach who’s been grinding the stand-up comedy circuit for over 35 years. Brad shares the steady evolution of his career—from coaching sprinters and teaching high school, to opening for Joan Rivers and Jeff Foxworthy, to finding unexpected viral success online in his 60s with more than 250 million views. This isn’t a story about overnight fame—it’s about doing the work, sticking around, and letting your voice find its audience.

🎙 In this episode:

• Coaching high school track & field in the '80s
  
  
• Leaving teaching to pursue comedy full-time
  
  
• Touring the country long before social media
  
  
• Opening for legends like Joan Rivers and Foxworthy
  
  
• The mindset he carried from coaching into comedy
  
  
• The reality of “going viral” after decades on stage
  
  
• Staying sharp, grounded, and grateful
  
  

📍 This one’s for teachers, coaches, comics—and anyone trying to keep showing up.🎧 Now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube
☕ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching
🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aireybros



📓 Show Notes / Timestamps

• 0:00 – Intro & how Brad caught our attention
  
  
• 4:30 – Life in Yakima, running track, and teaching high school
  
  
• 10:15 – Coaching track & field and why he loved it
  
  
• 14:00 – Open mics and transitioning out of the classroom
  
  
• 19:00 – Touring in the ‘80s and opening for Joan Rivers
  
  
• 26:30 – Life on the road as a stand-up before internet comedy
  
  
• 32:45 – “Viral” at 60: how it actually felt
  
  
• 41:10 – Comedy now vs then & staying consistent
  
  
• 50:00 – Wisdom from decades of performing
  
  
• 1:00:00 – Final Four: books, breakfast, favorite comics, best mile time
  
  
• 1:08:00 – Outro & upcoming tour dates