Ten minutes is nowhere near enough time to truly get to know this talented comedian and author—but it’s a great start. I had the chance to sit down with my good friend, Michael Kosta, to talk about his new book, Lucky Loser, and how his setbacks in tennis ultimately led him to a wildly successful career in comedy. This insightful book just came out on March 11 and it is worth the read!
Michael is currently the Co-Host and Senior Correspondent on The Daily Show, and trust me, this conversation did not disappoint. Here are some key takeaways from Part 1 of our Ten on One interview—stay tuned for Part 2 next week!
— Failure Can Lead You to Your True Passion: Michael dedicated years to tennis, but at the highest level, he simply didn’t have the “weapons” to compete. Eventually, he realized that not making it in tennis wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of something even better.
— Formula for Success = Obsession: When Michael found stand-up, he attacked it with the same intensity he brought to sports. He became obsessed with the craft, applying his athlete’s mindset to comedy—constantly practicing, refining, and improving.
— The Story Behind Lucky Loser: Michael’s book is all about how failing in one arena opened the door to success in another. Unlike tennis, where strict rules dictated every move, comedy gave him the freedom to break the rules—and he loved it.
Michael’s story is a perfect example of how setbacks can actually set you up for something better. His journey from the tennis court to the comedy stage is both inspiring and hilarious. Part 2 of our conversation drops next week—don’t miss it!
