Clean, Clever, Comedian

Karen Mills is a nationally touring comedian with more than 30 years of experience. She has performed at the Grand Ole Opry, toured with Leanne Morgan, appeared on The Talk, and played Cindy in Season 2 of the Netflix comedy series “Leanne”. She was also featured alongside Gary Sinise in Stephen Wilson Jr.’s award winning music video “Gary.”

Karen’s comedy has reached millions, with clips from her special surpassing 40 million views. She was also featured in “The Showcase,” a special produced by Nate Bargatze, and she can be heard regularly on SiriusXM comedy channels.

A self-proclaimed “crazy dog lady,” Karen brings a straight-forward, honest take on the realities of everyday life. From menopause and aging to life’s unexpected challenges, her smart, relatable observations keep audiences laughing at themselves as they relate to her experiences.

But Karen offers more than just laughs. A cancer survivor, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2013 and chose to face it with the same humor and resilience that define her comedy. Her TEDx talk, “Cancer Is a Laughing Matter,” highlights how laughter can be a powerful tool in navigating life’s toughest moments. Her story is both hilarious and inspiring.

Before comedy, Karen was an All-American basketball player at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. At just 5’2”, she led the nation in assists and became UTC’s first Division I First Team All-American in any sport, male or female. Her #12 jersey was retired, and she was the first woman inducted into the Chattanooga Basketball Hall of Fame.

Whether you are looking for straight, laugh out loud comedy or comedy with a message, clean comedian Karen Mills can inspire, energize and bring any crowd together through the joy of laughter.

Most Popular Topics:

Turn the radio down so I can see…and other mid-life observations (Stand-up comedy)

Karen Mills has spent 18 years as a professional comedian. She has performed at theaters, conventions, women’s expos and countless corporate events. “People are always coming up to me after my show and saying, ‘Thank you so much, you don’t know how much I needed to laugh,’ or telling me how long it’s been since they laughed.” This is a health crisis! Laughter reduces stress, diminishes pain, lowers blood pressure, fights depression…who doesn’t need that, especially as we get older! Last time I went to the doctor, I had gained 10 lbs. and shrunk an inch…that’s right, I’m bringing sexy back!

Preparation Meets Opportunity…the shot that knocked my mama’s wig off (Comedy and Motivation)

In 1976 during the Tennessee girls’ high school state basketball championship, Karen hit a shot with 3 seconds left on the clock to win the game. She had prepared her entire life for that moment. What she hadn’t prepared for was the eruption of the fans when the ball went through the basket — “Everyone was jumping and hugging and shaking my mother and they knocked her wig right off her head.” Karen received a full basketball scholarship to UT-Chattanooga where she earned All-American honors and was the first female inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.

Humor for the Tumor (Cancer Survivor Events)

In May 2013 Karen was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She has spent 30 years on the road as a professional comedian and overnight she went from wanting her own TV show to just wanting to poop. Cancer changes your priorities. What it didn’t change was Karen’s sense of humor. Karen will take you on a hilarious journey through her diagnosis, surgery and chemotherapy and give you cancer tips that she wishes someone had given her, like never order a wig on the internet! Laugh and be inspired as Karen reminds you that your spirit shines through your smile not your hair.

Booking Information

• Based in: Chattanooga, TN (travels nationally)
• Fee range: On request
• Travel expenses: Coach airfare or mileage at current government rate, hotel accommodations (typically 1–2 nights depending on schedule), ground transportation, and meals.
• Formats: Keynote, comedy show, virtual events

If you’re planning a women’s conference, Girl’s Night Out, or cancer survivor event, and you want your audience to walk out lighter than they walked in, reach out and let’s talk about how Karen could be the right fit for your event.

Frequently Asked Questions

 
Karen is available for booking through The Speak Well Being Group for comedy shows, cancer survivor events, Girls Night Out, and women’s conferences. You get 28 years of vetting, personal knowledge of Karen’s work, and someone in your corner from first inquiry through event day.