About Jo Ellis

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 Jo Ellis is a stand-up comedian, former U.S. Army Black Hawk pilot, writer, and host based in Austin, Texas.

A former Army Chief Warrant Officer with more than 16 years of military service, Jo took an unconventional route to comedy after transitioning, becoming the target of a viral conspiracy theory following the 2025 Potomac midair collision, and ultimately being forced out of the military under the transgender service ban.

Since beginning stand-up, Jo has featured for Christina P and Jason Ellis, opened for Sam Tripoli and Ian Lara, and appeared on Kill Tony. She has also appeared on The Daily Show and numerous podcasts and media outlets, bringing her mix of military experience, transition, religion, politics, and gallows humor to audiences across the country.

Jo is the creator and host of Friendly Fire with Jo Ellis, a live late-night comedy show at The Creek and The Cave in Austin, and hosts The Jo Ellis Effect podcast.

Her life and military story are also the subject of the upcoming documentary Fighting Forward, which follows Jo and other transgender service members navigating the fight over their ability to continue serving.

Whether onstage or behind a microphone, Jo’s approach is the same: find the funny in uncomfortable places, resist easy ideological answers, and turn an increasingly absurd life into comedy.