New Prairie Home Companion jokester Tom Papa visits Golden State.

Tom Papa is someone who acknowledges the small victories in life. His “clean” style of comedy leaves the audience feeling good about themselves, with plenty of laughs to spare.

He has been featured on CONAN, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and, most recently, A Prairie Home Companion. Papa also hosts a podcast, Come to Papa, where he talks about his interests outside of comedy. He took some time to share these interests with the Weekly and discuss how they both connect and disconnect him from his work onstage before his Nov. 11 gig at Golden State Theatre. Visit mcweekly.com to hear a podcast version of this interview.

Weekly: You’re an avid baker and sourdough connoisseur. What are some lessons you’ve taken from baking that you’ve carried into your life and your comedy?

Papa: In a way, it’s very similar to standup. It’s one of those things you work really hard at to get as good as you can, but it’s always a little out of your control.

I’ve gotten really good at baking bread. Last night I had these two country loaves that came out so perfect, but this morning I had these two whole wheat loaves that are pretty close to what a Frisbee looks like, and that’s OK!

I kind of enjoy that aspect of it – beyond comedy, in life. If you have something you really enjoy the process of, whether it’s writing or it’s baking bread or whatever you do – if you enjoy the process of it, the end result is like a bonus. If you get something really great that comes out of it, that’s cool. But it’s these baby steps along the way that I really try and find the joy in.

Is it safe to say that you have a methodical approach toward your comedy?

There is a real craft to it. When you first start out you’re just doing [comedy] because you were funny at some point in your life, and you were able to make your friends laugh.

And then you go up on stage and you realize, “Oh there’s a way to do this.”

You’ve got to try and become as great at it as you can. There is a noble craft.

I learned from your podcast that you have an interest in yoga and meditation. Is there a connection between that and your work in entertainment?

There’s definitely an openness that you need to the world around you if your job is going to be reflecting and commenting on everything. It helps to be open to it.

In in a practical sense, it also takes the stress out of everything. When you’re able to meditate a couple times a day, things don’t bother you the way they do when you’re not doing that. Stress is a killer for all of us, it doesn’t matter what you do. When things are piling up and you’re stressed, it’s hard to perform well as a writer, or as a teacher, or as anything. [Meditating] is a very practical little thing to do for 20 minutes, that kind of dissolves that stress and lets you not freak out as much. (Laughs.)

Especially when you’re doing something that can be so nerve-wracking, like getting up on stage.

Yeah, but getting up on stage is just natural. That’s where I’m comfortable. My sister thinks it’s the most terrifying thing in the world. It’s just who I am, I’m just naturally that way. It’s not that stress, it’s the stress of the business end of it, or the travel end of it. That kind of stuff.

What is the most comedy-friendly yoga pose?

The one where you just lay flat on your back and don’t move, but downward dog is always pretty classically funny.

Happy baby came to mind for me.

Yes, there’s something slightly creepy about that one, though. I don’t know what it is, something about grown people holding their feet is weird.

OK – speed round. Favorite pre-show meal?

Coffee. It’s not really a meal, it’s the ritual of having coffee before I go on.

Best antidote for writer’s block?

I once interviewed Carl Reiner in his house where he wrote the first season of The Dick Van Dyke Show by himself. I asked him about writer’s block and he said, “I never understood it. If you want write, just sit down and start writing, what’s this block you’re talking about? It doesn’t mean it’s going to be good, just do it.” I’ve never forgotten that.

Favorite type of bread and why?

Sourdough, because I’m really good at making it.

Best travel tip?

Buy extra chargers and keep them in your bag at all times. Don’t trust yourself to take your home charger and bring it with you on the road.

Most fertile terrain for comedy?

For me it’s family. In all my travels, I’ve still yet to find people that are as hilarious as the people I eat breakfast with.

Inside the Weekly: With guest comedian Tom Papa.

TOM PAPA performs 8pm Saturday, Nov. 11. $27-$49. Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey.
649-1070, goldenstatetheatre.com