Abrar Talks to People

In this episode I sit down with good buddy, fellow comedian and one of the most genuine people I have encountered in comedy, Bubba McComb! We talk through Bubba's time as a 'straight edge' semi cult follower, to finding himself with shrooms, stories from his time working as an EMT and how that dreaded job made him celebrate another man's demise! Follow on Instagram: instagram.com/abrartalkstopeople instagram.com/sadboishinobi

In this episode I sit down with hilarious comedian Ray Earl and we talk about a variety of things, his upbringing in Michigan, his love for muscle cars and his pristine collection of Barbie Dolls. It was a great time, hope you guys enjoy it. Please follow the podcast on Instagram @abrartalkstopeople.

The podcast is back after a 2 month hiatus that bothered nobody. Contrary to popular belief, I have not been deported out of the United States. This was a fun conversation with Stephen Settanni from the 'A Comedy Advice Podcast'. Stephen talks about his experience in the world of Digital Marketing and how he used that to grow his successful podcast. Please follow Stephen and his podcast on Instagram at @acomedyadvicepodcast and find his podcast anywhere you get podcasts. Follow me on Instagram @abrartalkstopeople

In this episode I sat down with fellow comedian and part time Drew Carey impersonator, Thomas Zorio. Zorio spent 3 weeks visiting family in the communist country of Cuba and is here to give us a first person account. It was equal parts intriguing and scary to learn how people and society in general function in Cuba, even to someone like me who comes from a developing nation like India. Please follow Zorio on Instagram @zorionotzorro. Please subscribe to the podcast and follow it on Instagram @abrartalkstopeople and share with anyone you think may dig the podcast.

In this episode I sat down with comedian Jonathan Gerber for a hilarious conversation about his pathological frugality, end of the Trump Presidency, his more than fortunate recent romantic encounters and what comedy means to him. Please subscribe to the podcast and follow it on Instagram @abrartalkstopeople and share with anyone you think may dig the podcast.

In this episode I sat down with my friend and comedian Chris Banks. We talk about his years working in restaurants and all the wild and hilarious stories that go with that crazy world. Follow Chris on Instagram @chrisbvnks. Please subscribe to the podcast and follow it on Instagram @abrartalkstopeople and share with anyone you think may dig the podcast.

In this episode I sat down with my friend and hilarious comedian Josh Graves to do a 2020 year in review that nobody asked for. Let's relive all the terrible things that happened this year together on this podcast. Please follow the podcast on Instagram @abrartalkstopeople and follow Josh on Instagram @joshgrave_s.

In this episode I sat down with good friend and hilarious comedian Ben Anderson, we talk about which race is the worst tipper, the reality TV show, ‘Indian Matchmaking' on Netflix and Ben's insane 32 mile run around an estate in Buckeye, AZ. Always a lot of fun catching up with Ben. Follow Ben on instagram @bentellsjokes. Please subscribe to the podcast and follow it on Instagram @abrartalkstopeople and share with anyone you think may dig the podcast.

In this episode I sat down with actor Chris Studenka. Chris and I talk about his late start into the world of acting on the back of his divorce and the successes he has achieved. He speaks about the cliched but utterly important fact that it is never too late to pursue any opportunity. He also talks about his running addiction and how we discuss how addiction to even something supposedly healthy such as running can be problematic. Chris is currently shooting a movie named ‘Father's Day' and yours truly is a small part of the movie. Follow Chris Studenka on Facebook and peep his imdb to check out the catalogue of all his movies imdb.com/name/nm9155775/. Please subscribe to the podcast and follow it on Instagram @abrartalkstopeople and share with anyone you think may dig the podcast.

In this episode I sat down with fellow comedian and an RV dweller Hector Garcia. We talk everything about abandoning the stability of stationary structures we call homes and using an RV to live your life out of. Hector tells us his reasons for switching to RV life, his struggles with maintaining the AC, toilet, kitchen and everything else with the RV without losing his shit in a hilarious and fun conversation. Hector has a show on night only show at Tempe Improv with headliner @thepolarbearcomedy coming out from Austin, TX. Tickets at bit.ly/hectorg-show. Follow hector on Instagram @hectorcounty. Please subscribe to the podcast and follow it on Instagram @abrartalkstopeople and share with anyone you think may dig the podcast.

In this episode I sat down with Anthony Solimini, born and raised in Boston, has lived all across Asia for the last 30 years including 20 years in Hong Kong before moving back to the US last year. We speak about the history of Hong Kong, the 99 year lease with Britain and China, the protests in HK, we also got into the nitty gritty of the unethical labor practices in China and the recent changes that are controlling for these issue, China as a global superpower and the US- China trade war. A lot of serious topics, but it was a fun breezy conversation. Links to free tickets for the upcoming show with Anthony : bit.ly/sametopic-freelink Please follow Anthony Solimini on Instagram @uncleahotsauce. Please subscribe to the podcast and follow it on Instagram @abrartalkstopeople and share with anyone you think may dig the podcast.

In this episode I sat down with fellow comedian and history buff Trejon Dunkley to talk everything history from the the need to study history, possible ways to accomplish reparations for transatlantic slavery, the rise, evolution and fall of the roman empire, parallels or lack thereof between the fall of the ‘decadent' Roman empire and modern day America and the ‘Great Man' theory. Please follow Trejon on Medium @trejondunkley. Please subscribe to the podcast and follow it on Instagram @abrartalkstopeople and share with anyone you think may dig the podcast.

In this episode I sat down with personal trainer and men's physique competitor Daren Bobby DeSylvia. Daren breaks down the different physical and behavioural aspects of staying healthy in a realistic way. He also talks about common pitfalls and mistake people make when trying to get healthier and in pursuit of taking control of their life. We also talk about Daren's time competing in the men's physique circuit. All in all very helpful and informative conversation with plenty of fun and laughter. Please follow Daren on Instagram at @darend_fit to get in touch with potential consultation. Please subscribe to the podcast and follow it on Instagram @abrartalkstopeople and share with anyone you think may dig the podcast. .

In this episode I sat down with good friend and hilarious comedian Luis Alvarez. Luis has been crushing it lately opening and hosting for a lot of big name comics coming through town. He will be at Stand up Live New Year's eve hosting for Bryan Callen. We talk about everything on this podcast from guns, cars, comedy, Luis' travels around south east Asia and the conversation then somehow steered into the topic of free will or the lack thereof in this world. Very funny, engaging and in several pockets an intriguing conversation with Luis Alvarez. Please subscribe to the podcast and follow it on Instagram @abrartalkstopeople and share with anyone you think may dig the podcast.

In this episode I sat down with a local entrepreneur and proprietary of local craft spirit manufacturer ‘Absinthe Minded'. We have a great conversation about the history of Absinthe and the artistic community's affinity towards Absinthe including greats like Ernest Hemingway and Vincent Van Gogh. We also talk a little bit of philosophy and dive into the nitty-gritty of starting, marketing and operating a new business. Ordovich was a blast and he treated me to the finest of their products. Check out everything about Absinthe Minded at absinthemindedaz.com and @absinthemindedaz on Instagram. Please subscribe to the podcast and follow it on Instagram and Facebook @abrartalkstopeople.

In this episode I sat down with hilarious local comedian and successful comedy show runner Patrick Aiken who ridiculed me to no end for horribly mispronouncing his last name. Patrick is a man of many talents. He has travelled the world as a part of the production teams for musicals and is currently working as an operations manager for a covid testing service. Patrick shares his story of understanding and coming out with his gay identity. He runs one of the, if not the best bar shows in Phoenix, at Kobalt in Central Phoenix. Follow Patrick @laughmissile on Twitter and Instagram and find more details on his website patrickaikenwastaken.com Also, yours truly is on the Kobalt Comedy Hour, November 18th, 7:30 PM Please subscribe to the podcast and follow it on Instagram @abrartalkstopeople and Facebook @abrartalks.

In this episode I sat down with certified badass Scott Frisus. Scott is an ex air force pilot, current pilot for Southwest Airlines and an avid musician. This was such a fun conversation, talking about Scotts time in the middle east, gliding on aircrafts without engines, flying in formations with the air force,being a southwest pilot and commercial flying during the pandemic. Scott is such a positive person and it was an immense pleasure conversing with him, hope you guys enjoy the episode. Please follow Scott on Instagram @scottfrisius andhis website is scottfmusic.com. Please subscribe to the podcast and follow it on Instagram @abrartalkstopeople and Facebook @abrartalks.

In this episode I sat down with Mical Bollwinkel to talk Russian history and man was that a lot of fun. Mical has an academic background studying Russian history, so we walk through and cover the span of time starting from the fall of the Tsarist regime, the Bolshevik revolution, Lenin, Stalin, Russian involvement in the wars, USSR, the cold war, the love/hate triangle between the US, USSR and the Indian Republic and finally the fall of USSR and then an epilogue about the introduction of the sweetheart we have known and loved for the last two decades, Ole Vladdy boy Putin. This was such a fun way to look at historical accounts along with the stories, characters, human motivations and the roll of the cosmic dice that set up some of the situations that changed the course of the world. Mical is a super fun guy check him out at JPs comedy club 9 PM on Oct 31st, and follow him on Instagram @micalbollwinkel https://www.jpscomedyclub.com/events/jonathan-gregory-and-friends-5/ Please subscribe to the podcast and follow it on Instagram @abrartalkstopeople and Facebook @abrartalks.

In this episode I sit down with comedian and actor Diethrich Shelton, he is a super intelligent comedian, I am a great fan of his writing. Diethrich is an avid follower of the world of politics and has a lot of good takes on the 2020 elections and the issues of police brutality and the reactionary rioting that has happened over the last few months along with the historical contexts of a lot of these happenings. This was a very intellectually satisfying conversation, I am glad I had the chance to be a part of it. Please follow Diethrich on Instagram @diethrich. Please subscribe to the podcast and follow it on Instagram @abrartalkstopeople and Facebook @abrartalks.

In this episode I sit down and talk to nationally touring comedian Jon Carden, Jon is one of the comedians I look up to in the comedy scene. I had a great time discussing the specific topic of class dynamics in America with Jon and the book White Trash by Nancy Isenberg, we stumbled upon our mutual interest for obscure topics such as this on one of our pre-show patio chats and I am glad that we got to talk on the podcast. There were a lot of funny anecdotes about the history of the so-called ‘White Trash' people in America and also the current White Trash culture. Jon talks about his life experience growing up in trailer parks and picking tobacco on a farm as a child. All in all a very engaging and informative conversation with Jon. Follow him @goingtothejon on Instagram, links to his upcoming shows. https://az.houseofcomedy.net/attraction/aaron-berg/ https://phoenix.standuplive.com/events/37374 https://bit.ly/joncarden-desertrose Please subscribe to the podcast and follow it on Instagram @abrartalkstopeople and Facebook @abrartalks.

In this episode I sit down with my friend and fellow comedian Ross Dinsdale aka the Rally Cowboy. Ross is a comedian with a uniquely entertaining style of comedy, he is a huge sports fan and an avid gambler, so in this episode we talk everything gambling, the psychological hook that keeps a gamblers going back to the table, the most obscure kinds of bets you can make, betting on the 2020 elections and how gas stations are basically government sponsored casinos that legally take disadvantaged peoples money and sell them scratchy tickets. A thoroughly entertaining conversation with the hilarious Ross Dinsdale . Please follow Ross on Instagram @therealskeletor, subscribe to the podcast and follow it on Instagram @abrartalkstopeople and Facebook @abrartalks.

In this episode I sit down with my friend David Kays, who is a comedian and is admirably dubbed as the comic's comic of the Phoenix Comedy scene. We have a great conversation about David's past with pill addiction and what he went through to kick the addiction. We talk in depth about his current work at the Human Services Campus in Phoenix which is involved in providing rehabilitation pathways and solutions to the Homeless population in Phoenix, AZ. This was a very insightful discussion about the state of homelessness in America. Please check it out if you've ever wondered why there are ever increasing numbers of homeless people and what can be done to impact this issue for the better. You can donate to the Human Services Campus at https://hsc-az.org/donate/ Please subscribe to the podcast and follow it on Instagram @abrartalkstopeople and Facebook @abrartalks.

This episode is unique and captivating for me personally as we talk about the mystical realm of Satanism. There is a good part of the internet dedicated to conspiracy theories talking about Satanic Cults whose main tenet is abusing underage children and controlling the world. What better way to understand and analyze this than to talk to somebody is who is actually a self identified and practising satanist. Dresden Visage is an intriguing personality, who self identifies as both a patriotic American and a practising Satanist (which may seem like an oxymoron but isn't). We talk about a host of topics related to the world of Satanism, the idea of co-opting the most hated character in Christian mythology has almost a punk rockish move to piss of conservative Christians to discredit a lot of slander and allegations coming from organizations like Qanon. This is a fresh topic for me and I had a blast exploring the realm and trying to understand the human motivation to be a Satanist. Please follow Dresden at GoHailYourself.com Check the podcast on all streaming platforms, @abrartalks on Facebook and @abrartalkstopeople on Instagram

In this episode I talk to Krangus Gillespie, a comedian based out of ‘The Coast' in Mississippi, did not know Mississippi even had a coast. But, there is a sprawling comedy scene there now thanks to Krangus and his production company Landmass Comedy. We talk all kinds of shit from Hurricanes and how Hurricane Katrina affected Krangus' life. Him moving back home to take care of his dying father (whose last words to Krangus were ‘fuck off'). And the time he spent in Afghanistan as a translator to an antiquated language. A very fun conversation, Krangus is going to be at the Desert Rose in Glendale this Friday 09/25 with a bunch of hilarious people, it's going to be a great show. Please click the link below to get the tickets, https://bit.ly/krangus-show

In this episode I sit down with Jim Perry, the proprietor of JPs comedy club, the newest comedy club in Arizona. Jim has served in the US navy in the 90s and was a beat cop in the south side of Chicago for 10 years. We talked a lot about his new business venture and his grand plans for JPs Comedy Club. We also got into the discussion of police violence, racial bigotry within the police force, riots and his take on the current events. I was glad I was able to sit down with someone who has been in the field and could give me his personal insights on a lot of the current happenings. I may not be in complete agreement with all of his positions but I'm happy we had the discussion. And on the depressing note, I am also going to be performing at JPs this Saturday 09/26 for two shows 7PM and 9PM. Please click the link below and buy them tickets. Thank you for listening to my dreaded podcast. Hope to see you guys at the show this Saturday. 7 PM: https://www.jpscomedyclub.com/events/5f5e8c42ed8eb/ 9PM : https://www.jpscomedyclub.com/events/jay-penn-abrar-maniyar-and-special-guests

In this episode I sit down with Vikaas Kumar who is a fellow comedian and improviser. Vikaas is also a mental health counsellor at Hope for Healing Counselling in Phoenix, AZ. He has an academic background in Psychology and also has a Masters in Professional Counselling, so you know he is not improvising his counselling practice.  This is a very mellow and chilled out conversation where we discussed mental health in general along with some interesting points on the debate of nature vs nurture. Vikaas elaborates on the ‘social media' variable that has thrown a lot of people's mental health and balance for a toss. All in all, very interesting conversation, please reach out to Vikaas on his email at vikaas@hopecounselors.com if anyone has been thinking about or has been on the fence to talk to somebody. The irony of talking about the negative consequences of social media and plugging my socials here is not lost on me, but hey daddy's gotta eat (feed his narcissism is more accurate) Instagram: @pseudo.chef Finally, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a positive review if you like it. Thank you!

In this episode I sit down with a man of many talents; a nationally touring comedian, podcaster, author, marketing guru, coffee aficionado, Zack Lyman. He is the host of the Zack Lyman Podcast, he has been building and growing his podcast since 2015 (so you know he's legit). In this conversation, we talk everything related to digital marketing for creatives and independent artists. Zack elaborates on great strategies like streamlining social media content, testing and tweaking content to optimize engagement , having forward looking and strategic thinking, but above all being authentic. This was a fun, engaging and informative conversation and I would highly recommend any up and coming artists or creatives to definitely listen in. Find everything Zack Lyman at zacklymanpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram : @pseudo.chef Thanks for listening. Please subscribe to the podcast and leave good review if you have the benevolence in your heart. Love you mofos.

In this episode, I sit down with the hilarious and super interesting Shelby Gonzales. She is a Phoenix comedian, she works in tech and she is a food and beer aficionado. We talk all kinds of shit about her time working in weird tech jobs, the insane levels to which innovation has reached in the vegan food and fancy beer world. I try to make a case for craft beer connoisseurs drinking natty lights to reset their palette. All in all a fun, entertaining conversation and hey she brought me a white chocolate, macadamia nut cookies. So great conversation, Shelby designs websites, you can find her information at https://www.jumpinfredflash.com/ (she does need to get an ssl cert for her website). Please subscribe to the podcast, love you mofos. Follow both of us on our social media, Shelby: Instagram: @shelbsterina Abrar: Instagram: @pseudo.chef Twitter: @theindiancomic Facebook: https://bit.ly/abrar-facebook

Matt Weir is a hilarious comedian and a good friend, but most importantly he is an insider in the 'Med Spa' industry aka the aesthetic enhancement of the human body without invasive surgery business. In this episode we sit down and talk about the human need to augment themselves with hilarious anecdotes from Matt's time working at the Med Spa. We go off on numerous tangents talking about Indian history, food and a lot of uneducated opinions (among a little bit of educated opinion) on Artificial Intelligence. This was a fun one, hope you guys feel the same way after listening to it. Please follow both Matt and I on our social media linked below, Matt: Instagram: @matthew.weir.73 Abrar: Instagram: @pseudo.chef Twitter: @theindiancomic Facebook: https://bit.ly/abrar-facebook

This part two of the discussion with Kevin Bennett who is a comedian from Wyoming but he is also a conspiracy theorist extraordinaire, he is essentially Alex Jones without the men's vitality supplement business. He has a lot of strong opinions and what some people may call ‘out there' opinions on topics ranging about covid19, Bill Gates, vaccines, death cults, Trump and even evolution. Frankly, there were probably very few things we came to any sort of agreement and could not see eye to eye on most of the topics. But, I do believe that having conversations like this do way more good than otherwise and a discussion through disagreements is an integral and important part of human interaction. Moreover, I thoroughly enjoyed having this discussion with someone who is coming from completely different first principles and thought processes. I think to say the least this will be an entertaining conversation to listen in on and witness the broad spectrum of interpretations that exist on a lot of the current topics. Please check out Kevin and his work on the link's below Comedy Album: https://bit.ly/imfromwyoming Books: https://bit.ly/kevin-book-amphibian https://bit.ly/kevin-book-thiefandsacrifice Follow me on social media, Instagram: @pseudo.chef Twitter: @theindiancomic Facebook: https://bit.ly/abrar-facebook

This is part 1 of the conversation with Kevin Bennett who is a comedian from Wyoming but he is also a conspiracy theorist extraordinaire, he is essentially Alex Jones without the men's vitality supplement business. He has a lot of strong opinions and what some people may call ‘out there' opinions on topics ranging about covid19, Bill Gates, vaccines, death cults, Trump and even evolution. Frankly, there were probably very few things we came to any sort of agreement and could not see eye to eye on most of the topics. But, I do believe that having conversations like this do way more good than otherwise and a discussion through disagreements is an integral and important part of human interaction. Moreover, I thoroughly enjoyed having this discussion with someone who is coming from completely different first principles and thought processes. I think to say the least this will be an entertaining conversation to listen in on and witness the broad spectrum of interpretations that exist on a lot of the current topics. Please check out Kevin and his work on the link's below Comedy Album: https://bit.ly/imfromwyoming Books: https://bit.ly/kevin-book-amphibian https://bit.ly/kevin-book-thiefandsacrifice Follow me on social media, Instagram: @pseudo.chef Twitter: @theindiancomic Facebook: https://bit.ly/abrar-facebook

In this episode I sit down with my good buddy Peter Jordan, who is one of the nicest and most empathetic people I know. We talk all kinds of shit in this first time 'freewheeling' edition of the podcast with stories about things ranging from the vintage clothing business, growing gourmet mushrooms, people eating weird food, the time Peter's dad bought him a hooker and other crazy stuff. Please follow us on social media below, Peter: Instagram: loopvintagephx Instagram: freshhorseradish Abrar: Instagram: @pseudo.chef Twitter: @theindiancomic Facebook: https://bit.ly/abrar-facebook

This episode's guest is Ryan Paul Johnson. He is a comedian with an incredible story, at the age of 18 he broke his back in a snowboarding accident and got paralyzed from the neck down and has spent the last 2 decades recovering from his injury. But he is a badass so over the years he has been back to wakeboarding and doing other adventurous water sports. With this traumatic incident in his life he has gained a great perspective which he shares with us on this episode. He is also in the business of real estate, so I took this opportunity to go over different aspects of the real estate market, from why the fuck are the real estate prices not going down in a pandemic to the Chinese buying up all the property in the US and the potential impact of the elections. So if anyone has been thinking about buying, investing or thinking about thinking about buying, this would be a very good conversation to listen to. Please follow Ryan and I on the social media linked below and also please subscribe to the podcast and share with your friends and enemies alike. Ryan: https://www.ryanpauljohnson.com/ https://www.rpjrealestate.com/ Instagram: @ryanpauljohnson Abrar: Instagram: @pseudo.chef Twitter: @theindiancomic Facebook: https://bit.ly/abrar-facebook

Chris Martin is the founder of Phoenix based CBD business (or an experience as Chris calls it) 'Hempful Farms' with 3 locations in AZ and CA. In this episode he talks about his journey from living in foster homes all his childhood, his run ins with the law, his time in prison, his fight to overcome the badly interpreted Medical Marijuana laws in Arizona, the mind boggling reality of private prisons and the path forward for Cannabis related laws in the United States. This conversation was genuine, personal and enlightening all at the same time. Chris is one of the most authentic people I have met in my 6 years living in the US. I highly encourage every one to check out his documentary on Amazon Prime. Chris: Instagram: @hempful_farms Website: https://hempfulfarms.com Documentary : https://bit.ly/haters-make-me-famous Abrar: Instagram: @pseudo.chef Twitter: @theindiancomic Facebook: https://bit.ly/abrar-facebook

Gabe Biel is a super funny comedian and a senior pharmacist. He was born and brought up in Ethiopia and moved to the US at the age of 14. He has worked in the pharma industry for over a decade. In this episode we sit down and talk about the pharmaceutical industry, health care system, covid-19, vaccines, wild wild west of the supplements market, eastern 'medicine' and sketchy drug patent laws, we also talk about Ethiopia, Africa and African geopolitics. Abrar: Instagram: @pseudo.chef, Twitter: @theindiancomic Gabe: Instagram: drgabe2006

Ryan Garasich is a good friend, a hilarious comedian and a high school teacher specializing in social sciences and history. He is originally from Pittsburgh, PA but has seen his way around the country. He has taught in western Pennsylvania, Arizona and starting this fall will be teaching in Maryland. He is a super insightful individual with a strong understanding of the education system in the United States, I had the pleasure of sitting down with him to discuss several aspects of the education system in US ranging from public funding, school shootings, standardized testing, the "plague" of participation trophies and much more.

In this episode I sit down with my good friend Jason Donofrio who has been involved in the non profit space and more specifically with environmental conservation projects for more than a decade. We start out discussing his journey of how he got into the non profit world and as the conversation progresses we talk about the dirty secrets of charitable donations, the actual issues with the environment, the lack of acknowledgement of these issues in the main stream conversation and the overall future of environmental conservation. Jason Donofrio is a Phoenix native with a decade of experience fundraising, organizing and coordinating public campaigns. As a Director of various development departments, he has helped oversee multi-million dollar fundraising campaigns, develop and advocate public policy, and has experience cultivating donors to support organizational programs.