Indiana’s funniest crowns winner, shares advice

INDIANAPOLIS — There are just under 7 million people living in Indiana, but one has been dubbed the funniest of us all.

Voted by a team of comedy aficionados, Gwen Sunkel, won Indiana’s Funniest Comedian competition at Helium Comedy Club in downtown Indianapolis on Wednesday, Aug. 7.

“I joke around that being named the funniest woman or funniest person in Indiana, is like being named the prettiest girl at rehab, but I really do consider it an honor, and I’m very grateful,” said Sunkel.

The 42-year-old rising star got her start performing as a child, but officially began around eight years ago while working as a family nurse practitioner. “At first I was kind of like, oh, you know, maybe I’ll get on stage, like, once a month or something. But I just really fell in love with it,” said Sunkel. “I just really developed a love and a passion for it and started doing it more frequently.”

Sunkel said that to get in the right headspace she focuses on visualization, manifestation, confidence — and Beyoncé. Her pump up song is Diva by the pop superstar. “I want to bring a lightness and humility on stage,” she stated.

With the fierce competition among Indiana’s top talent, Sunkel wanted to especially recognize her peers, “I want to shout out the second and third place comedians, Grant Weber and Asia Chardonáy, they both had great sets,” she said.

“So very proud of them, proud of everyone who made it to the finals and put themselves out there and got in the competition. And I’m grateful that, that I got the opportunity from Helium,” said Sunkel.”

As for what’s next, Sunkel will perform at the Harder Brunch Summer Camp in late August, Red Curb Comedy on Sept. 6., and headline a show at Helium in the fall.

Sunkel said her advice for people interested in the sport of comedy is, “Just go in and not take yourself too seriously and remember that it’s fun,” said Sunkel.

To watch her full comedy special ‘Gwen Sunkel: A two person job,’ view here .

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