Member Focus: Josh Owen
How did your love for trivia begin?
It all started with Cash Cab. My best friends and I would watch that show religiously back in college. I loved the idea of constantly challenging your mind and having fun with it. Trivia brings people together in such a cool way—you can bond with your friends and meet new people while learning something new.
New Orleans is the first city I’ve been to with such a strong trivia scene. I mean, if you’re a bar in this city and you don’t have trivia night, what are you even doing? I started going to trivia nights right after college and never looked back. It’s such a great way to connect with others.
What’s next for trivia at Common House?
I want to make our trivia nights more consistent and, honestly, unlike anything else in the city. That means creating categories that are both interesting and inclusive. Trivia can sometimes feel very centered around certain cultural perspectives—often white-centric—and I’m working to broaden that. I want the questions to resonate with more people and to create an environment where everyone feels welcome.
Tell us about Comfy Stone.
Comfy Stone started shortly after I graduated college. I actually met my co-founder Keith at a trivia night, and we bonded over our shared love of movies. We ended up making a film together that got into the New Orleans Film Festival. After that, we realized the local film industry wasn’t quite sustainable for us, so we shifted gears into brand videos and social media content.
Now, we’re heavily focused on video podcasting. I love working with people who are building their personal brands and helping them see how far we can take their vision. We’ve also done some exciting work with nonprofits, like Son of a Saint and the Water Collaborative, as well as projects right here at Common House. It’s been amazing to connect with people in this community.
Do you have any favorite trivia team names?
Oh, for sure—Trivia Newton John is a classic favorite. I love any team name that creatively incorporates the word “trivia.” My own team used to go by Topical Storm.
Outside of trivia, what else do you enjoy?
I’ve been really enjoying the Entrepreneur Club here at Common House. It’s been a great way to foster connections and explore new programming. I’m also a huge movie enthusiast. Right now, my favorite film is probably The Truman Show.
Josh’s passion for fostering connection and fun shines through everything he does, from hosting trivia nights to building brands with Comfy Stone. Be sure to catch him at the next trivia night—it’s bound to be an unforgettable experience.