He studied graphic design at Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, and began doing comedy in 2006. He has performed in hoagie shops, basements, and corporate holiday parties. Since there were very few alternative venues for young comics in the city, in 2008 Horner formed a monthly comedy show called the Ministry of Secret Jokes. The Ministry quickly established a reputation for unique shows that employed unconventional entertainment such as rap battles, student body elections, and Dungeons and Dragons style debates.