Having a Laugh with Thalia The Comedy Muse
Mustard had the pleasure of speaking with Substack's resident Comedy Muse Thalia whose humor has delighted those on the platform.
It is not every day that a condiment (or human for that matter) has the opportunity to speak with an immortal God. Immortality is a concept that some humans are trying to figure out, but until then, they remain mortal. Mortality is a philosophical idea that Mustard has no idea how to comprehend. Nevertheless Mustard was granted the distinct honor to speak with
, the God of Knowledge.As a condiment who speaks primarily with independent musicians on the quest for knowledge they are honored to be given permission to speak with the God who specializes in knowledge. Thalia is a fascinating God who strikes down upon thee not bolts of lighting (or judgement) but rather their brand of satire on Substack. Think about that. They are an immortal God who writes satire on the world wide web. You do not come across that often.
Thalia The Comedy Muse is the author of
. Their publication features humorous fake interviews, satire about current events, and even pokes fun at the various types of writers on the platform. Mustard recommends you consider a subscription to their platform. Your human body will produce laughter and joy.Together we had the pleasure of discussing their favorite human comedians, artificial intelligence, how tall CEO and Co-Founder of Substacker
is, and so much more!1. Mustard is grateful and appreciative to have you join them at Music Shelf. How are you doing today?
I’m great! I got to go to the AVP (Professional Beach Volleyball) tournament in Manhattan Beach for the first time last week! It’s the Wimbledon of beach volleyball and I have grown up always wanting to go. The winners have their names engraved on a plaque and placed on the pier. Then they are carried to Shellback Tavern where festivities ensue.
2. Mustard is honored to be speaking with THE comedy muse of Substack. What was your first introduction to comedy? How did you develop into a comedy muse?
Well when a momma Mnemosyne and daddy Zeus love each other very much… jk. I think I got my humor from my mom. Zeus is a bit of an absent father. He didn’t leave for cigarettes or milk, he left to turn into a goat and woo some fair maiden. It’s hard not to have a sense of humor after that.
All jokes aside, I come from a very funny family. It’s hard for them to not rub off on you. I can’t remember when I first saw comedy. It’s just always been a part of my life. My dad cultivated my love for standup. My mom and Nonno love newspaper comics. Both of my grandpas were very charismatic and were the type of people who could take control of a room.
3. There are various types of human comedians. Who are some comedians that have helped influence your satirical writing?
I don’t think there are any satire writers that I specifically look up to. My favorite comedy writers are Douglas Adams (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) and Dave Barry (Homes and Other Black Holes.) Newspaper comics are probably my biggest influence, specifically Bill Watterson (Calvin and Hobbes,) Gary Larson (Far Side,) Bill Amend (Foxtrot,) Jim Unger (Herman,) Scott Adams (Dilbert,) and Reg Smythe (Andy Capp). My standup comedy heroes are Brian Regan and Bill Cosby.
4. Mustard has observed that you are the author of Thaila's God Tier News. When did you first get the idea to start a Substack? Growing up were you a fan of mythology?
I have always loved Greek mythology. I used to reread D’Aulaires Book of Greek Myths over and over as a child. The Iliad is also one of my favorite books.
I started Thalia’s God Tier News because I was scrolling through Twitter and thought there was not a lot of truly funny comedy on there. Once I saw that, I figured either accept what is being put out or write your own comedy.
5. Mustard wonders: what is the news hierarchy? How does a publication achieve God Tier status?
It must undergo a very thorough process. First be vetted by the Pantheon of the Gods Society where they adhere to a strict set of quality assurance processes. Then 51% of Olympians must approve. I would never declare myself God Tier without the assurance of experts like them. Comedy is a very serious business.
6. One tangent of your target audience are humans who seriously like donating money to the arts. Why is it important that art is funded within human society? What are some downfalls of art not being properly funded?
Well I think charity is always important for society. Especially the charity of individuals. Helping out those who are where you or some relative used to be is very important.
7. Mustard has observed that your Substack often features timely satirical takes on current events. Could you share more about your creative process? How do you like to stay up to date with current events?
I have list that I keep on Notion of ideas that I can write about. Any time I think of one I write it on my phone or in the Field Notes pocket notebook that I keep with me. Coming up with ideas for writing is harder than the actual writing if you ask me.
Many ideas come from talking to friends, perusing the news, or being on Notes on Substack.
8. Some of your most popular articles on Substack are about Substack such as "11 Signs You're a Basic Substacker." What are your thoughts on meta writing you can find on the platform?
I try not to do too many meta articles for the subscribers who only get my emails. It’s very hard to roast someone (or an entire platform) and not come off as too insulting to the point it’s not funny. I try to imagine a person when I’m writing and make that imaginary person laugh while roasting them.
9. Another discussion that has been had throughout Substack is the use of Artificial Intelligence. What are your thoughts on Artificial Intelligence? Can AI be used beneficially for writers?
Yeah! I’m a huge advocate for AI. I use it in my pictures a lot. The AI panic reminds me of when Photoshop came out and everyone said society would collapse because of fake pictures/documents. Somehow we are still here.
I think it’s a great tool for writers and artists. They can’t take our jobs. AI is an average of people's writing and pictures. As long as you are above average, you should be fine.
10. You recently interviewed the likes of "007" James Bond and King Triton. How do you prepare for these interviews? Was it difficult to get in contact with both?
I have 007’s number so that was easy. We party in Mykonos all the time. Triton was a tad bit difficult because messages in bottles don’t travel super fast. Also the dolphins are unreliable mail carriers.
Preparation involves a shot of ambrosia before the interview (for them and me.)
11. Have you determined how tall Chris Best is?
Nope! Best I can gather is he is 1.3 Mills (Baker) units tall.
12. You have been a big advocate of shouting out other Substackers through your Honorary Muses. Could you share more about how you determine an Honorary Muse? Why is it important that Substackers support each other?
It’s a very strict vetting where… I’m kidding. I think Substackers showcasing each other’s work is a great way for both of them to grow. I only ask that they have more than 100 email subs and don’t write about politics. If anyone wants to be featured DM me!
13. With this being a music publication Mustard is curious: what type of music does Thalia the Comedy Muse enjoy listening to? Who are some of your favorite artists?
I like music a lot! My listening tastes are very eclectic. (Some would even say esoteric and memetic! jk.) I like just about any kind of music. Rock, Blues, and Electronic are my favorite genres. The Rolling Stones are my favorite band. Some of my other favorites are: Jimmy Hendrix, Styx, Aerosmith, Jim Croce, Buddy Holly and the Crickets, The Black Keys, Avicii, Calvin Harris, and Deadmau5. Some new artists I’ve been listening to are: Kaleo, Gerry Cinnamon, Carbon Leaf, Purple Disco Machine, Zoology, and Elise Trouw.
14. What is on the horizon for Thalia The Comedy Muse?
Hoping to create more options for subscribers to hang out! I’d like to create some special perks for Premium subscribers as well. (Maybe a members only Premium Chat?) Sometime soon I will reveal my identity, most likely via video. I’m also going to expand to Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Pinterest and X.
15. What is the best way for readers to stay in touch with Thalia The Comedy Muse?
Checkout my Substack Thalia’s God Tier News at thaliascomedy.com! Thanks for the interview! Great questions.
Music Shelf with Mustard is a publication that interviews independent musicians from all across the globe. It is read in 36 states and 30 countries. Check out previous interviews here.
Music Shelf with Mustard originally began in early 2021. Inspired by independent musicians on social media application TikTok Mustard knew they had to do something to help share their music. Shortly after Music Shelf with Mustard was born. Its goal is to highlight independent artists from all across the globe. Mustard appreciates you taking the time out to read this interview.'
Thanks for the interview! It was fun!