From Riggins to Renown: Dan Cummins on Comedy and Curiosity

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Dan Cummins, a Gonzaga University alumnus and successful comedian, attributes his journey from a small town in Idaho to national recognition to the foundation laid during his college years. The psychology graduate, who has made a name for himself through stand-up comedy and popular podcasts, emphasizes the importance of education in shaping his worldview.

Born in Riggins, Idaho, Cummins moved to Spokane to attend Gonzaga, where he initially planned to study computer science. However, he soon found his true calling in the arts. “What I’m really thankful for is Gonzaga’s educational style, their focus on diverse core classes,” Cummins said. He noted that the critical thinking and liberal arts classes expanded his outlook, enabling him to connect with audiences through humor.

His perspective on communication is evident in his 2023 stand-up special, where he encourages audiences to engage despite their differences. His podcast, “Timesuck,” which explores historical oddities and conspiracy theories, is rooted in the same inquisitive spirit Cummins cultivated at Gonzaga.

“Timesuck is built on being curious,” he said. “I owe a tremendous debt to Gonzaga for shaping my mind in a way to want that.” Cummins explores complex topics through humor, a skill he honed through his diverse education.

Cummins’ journey to fame wasn’t without challenges. After earning his degree, he briefly worked at a crisis center before realizing his true passion lay in comedy. His first open mic night at a local sports bar proved pivotal. “I was ambitious, I was young, I was hungry,” he said. This determination set him apart from other performers and fueled his drive to secure gigs far and wide.

In the years following, Cummins landed a college tour, placed second in the Seattle Comedy Competition, and gained exposure at the Montreal Comedy Festival. His breakthrough came with “Timesuck,” a podcast he started as a promotional tool that ultimately transformed his career.

“It was a Hail Mary,” Cummins explained. “I hope this thing works well enough to get a few people to come to clubs.” Now in its ninth year, “Timesuck” has become a staple in comedy, demonstrating the potential for podcasting in today’s entertainment landscape.

As he balances family and a thriving podcasting career, Cummins has made the choice to focus his efforts on his shows, even pausing a theater tour. “I just got totally burned out running multiple podcasts and touring,” he admitted, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a creative career. Yet, he remains open to future possibilities, suggesting that the landscape for creative professionals continues to evolve.

“If you’re a creative person, there are a million ways to monetize your creativity now,” he said. The journey from a small-town upbringing to a successful career illustrates the transformative power of education and pursuit of passion.

For those interested in learning more about Cummins and the impact of his Gonzaga experience, further resources are available through the Gonzaga community.