A.D.D. Comedy with Dave Razowsky

“Love and play are the only things where more is better.”   Today’s guest on ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky is author Sam Wasson. Sam has written books on Bob Fosse, Paul Mazursky, Audrey Hepburn, Blake Edwards, and, the one that brought Sam to my attention, “Improv Nation, How We Made A Great American Art.” This is the only book I’ve ever read on how theatrical improvisation as we now know it came to be. It’s funny, smart, informative, heartbreaking, and alive. In other words, it’s just like a great improv scene. Our conversation bounds from improv inspiration, to what does it mean to play, to passion and creativity, to saying yes. We had a blast. Enjoy my pod chat with author Sam Wasson.

Today’s guest on ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky is Stephen Burrows. I’ve known Steve for almost 35 years. The award-winning Burrows was in “Barron’s Barracudas,” the first Harold team I ever saw. The Harold is an improv form that is now taught and performed worldwide. Steve’s gone on to direct, act and write films, but his HBO documentary “Bleed Out” is getting him well-deserved critical raves. “Bleed Out” documents the grueling journey he and his family went through when his mother’s hip surgery went horribly wrong. It was a 10 year very personal journey to discover who was responsible and pursue justice. It’s an amazing film, an amazing story, and this is an amazing podchat.   

Today's guest on "ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky" is writer, director, actor, teacher, creator, and innovator, Shira Piven. Shira's directed the motion picture “Welcome to Me,” with Kristen Wiig, and episodes of Amazon’s “Transparent” and “One Mississippi.” She currently works with Tim Robbins’ Actors Gang Prison Project, teaching commedia dell’arte to inmates in California prisons. Shira’s the daughter of improv pioneers Joyce and Byrne Piven, and is the sister of actor Jeremy Piven, and is married to Oscar-award winning director and Second City alum Adam McKay. We discussed passion, what a director’s job is, collaboration, the untapped superpower of creativity, and growing up in “Byrne Piven’s House of Digression.” This chat flies all over the place. Of course it does, it’s ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky.

Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is my dear friend Ian Gomez. Ian and I both performed at Chicago’s Improv Olympic and Second City. Ian has been in more television shows than anyone else I know. Here’s a short list: “The Drew Carey Show,” “Felicity,” “Supergirl,” and “Cougar Town.” He also was in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” written by his wife the wonderful Nia Vardalos. We discussed the peace that comes from seeing others as your equals, what it’s like to be fired, and the success that comes from being a “chameleon.” Ian is honest, sharp, warm, and very funny. It was a blast to talk on such a level with such a dear friend. Enjoy.

Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Joey Bland. Joey’s performed with The Second City, ComedySportz, and iO. He played the title role in Second City's “Rod Blagojevich, Superstar.” He’s a two-time Jeopardy champion, and a member of the Improvised Shakespeare Company which creates fully improvised plays in Elizabethan style. They invited Sir Patrick Stewart to perform with them in New York, and the great Sir said. “I saw them…and they simply took flight. I was dazzled.” Joey’s energetic, informed, wise, and a great actor to play with. I was lucky enough to do a few shows with Joey in Santa Monica! Hold onto your toque and muffin cap, ‘cuz this chat flies. Enjoy.

Recorded at Rockefeller Center, our guest today on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Amber Ruffin. Amber is an Emmy nominated writer and actress on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” and the narrator on “Drunk History.” She was the first African-American woman to write for a late-night network talk show. Amber’s an alum of The Second City, iO and Boom Chicago in Amsterdam. We talked about our love of Amsterdam, living and eating in New York City, finding your voice in the current current we’re in, and bearing witness to the nation waking up to the racism so many people of color have known since our country was founded. This episode works on a bunch of levels. Enjoy.

“Let things play.” Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Jason Winer. Jason is best known as the Emmy Award-winning director and co-executive producer of “Modern Family,” having directed the pilot episode as well as 20 episodes of the amazingly popular show. He is a director, an Emmy-award wining producer, and writer. He directed Robin Williams in Robin’s last television series, and directed Russell Brand in the remake of “Arthur.” Jason’s an alum of iO Chicago which is where I met him. We talked about the challenges of working with creative forces like Russell Brand and Robin Williams, the battles of making a studio film, and how he figured out how to give “Modern Family” the realistic look while staying within budget. This is one strong episode. But what else would you expect? Enjoy.  

Today’s guest on ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky is Kate Lambert. Kate is from the Second City which is where I first met her. In Chicago she worked with a cast of women whose names were all variations of Catherine, so they became The Katydids. They got themselves a nice following, and eventually they all found their way out west, where they created the opportunity for themselves to produce Teachers for TV Land. Kate is positive, focused, smart, and funny. In other words, another perfect guest for the podcast. Enjoy.

Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Dick Chudnow. In 1984 Dick created and licensed the ComedySportz improvisational comedy format and the world has never been the same. There are now over 20 cities with licensed ComedySportz franchises in the United States including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Not bad for someone who thinks they don’t communicate very well. We had a probing, frank, honest, and fascinating chat. We covered everyone from Viola Spolin to Keith Johnstone to Del Close. If you’re a fan of improv, comedy, business, or just being a mensch, this is the interview for you. After all, how do you argue with someone who also thinks that farts are funny. Recorded during the ComedySportz World Championship in San Jose, California. Enjoy  

Today’s guest on ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky is Charlie Hartsock. I met Charlie in the ‘80s when he, Steve Carell and I joined a cast for Michael Gellman’s Seed Show 2 at Chicago’s Organic Theater. We all worked together at Second City, and in LA Charlie and Steve teamed up with Vance DeGeneres to form Carousel Productions, where Charlie executive produced Crazy, Stupid Love, and The Incredible Burt Wonderstone. Charlie developed and co-created the series Inside Comedy for Showtime. He’s now producing a series in development at HBO. Charlie’s the real thing, and our conversation was wonderful. Enjoy.

Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Fabio Maccioni. Fabio is an internationally renown improv actor and teacher. He’s a member of Teatribu, Milan’s foremost improv theater, where he teaches and performs. I met Fabio briefly in Chicago, then in Australia where we performed and co-taught in Perth. Fabio is kind, caring, a great performer, and one of the nicest people you will ever meet. We spoke in the offices of Teatribu, and though English isn’t Fabio’s first language, this chat had tons of heart and connection. Enjoy.

“There were six or seven people on stage having fun, and I thought, ‘How can I get a piece of THAT?’” Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Eric Boardman. Eric’s worn many a hat as a director, producer, a host on Discovery Channel, Food Network, Travel Channel, and HGTV. He was a performer and writer on CBS’s Tim Conway Show, was regularly seen on the Disney Channel, and Eric’s an “Imagineer,” having designed The Mickey Mouse Club-Audition attraction for Disney World. Cool, huh?? I know Eric as an alum of The Second City in Chicago. Eric’s company included Shelly Long and George Wendt. We hit so many subjects that we ran long. Nice. Enjoy my chat with Eric Boardman.

“I’m a firm believer in you don’t run *away* from something, you run *toward* something.” Bob Kodzis is our guest today on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky,” continuing the booking of guests who help me breathe during these challenging times. Bob’s bio says he’s “one of the happiest people you will ever meet.” It’s true. He’s the creative force behind “Flight of Ideas, Inc.,” a “creative think-tank designed to help groups think outside of the tank.” Bob’s also an artist who created a “mind map,” an illustrated work that captured some of my most precious life philosophies. (For a look, head to www.davidrazowsky.com, then click on the "Media" tab.) Bob’s also designed and executed an inspiring mural at SAK Comedy Lab in Orlando, where this great podchat was recorded. Please give a listen, and you’ll be able to breathe, too.

These are challenging times, and I really needed a guest who would be joyful, hopeful, kindhearted, and smart. Today’s guest is perfect.  Eliza Coyle is our guest today on "ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky." I know Eliza from my days at Second City, where we both started out in the Training Center together, then moved on to the Touring Company. Eliza’s bold, smart, funny, and charming. She’s been in God Bless America, Shakes the Clown, and The Mighty Ducks. Eliza’s husband is Joel Murray, a former ADD Comedy guest. This interview made me feel better!

Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky,” is Phelim McDermott. Phelim is an innovative performer and director with productions spanning from improv to Broadway to the Metropolitan Opera, and recently directed LA Opera's spectacular production of  Philip Glass's "Akhnaten." Phelim is also co-founder of London’s groundbreaking Improbable Theatre Company. We talk about the tool of tension and the role of improv in our life and work. Improv is a central inspiration for all of Phelim’s work. To quote Improbable’s mission statement:“Whether in performance, rehearsal or development we will use the practice and philosophy of improvisation in the process of creation (even when we’re working on classic plays or operas)." In other words, the product is the process. This was a great interview, recorded in a pub outside of London. Enjoy.  

Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Jules Munns. Jules is the Co-Artistic Director of The Nursery, the great improv school in London. Jules is a passionate improvisor and teacher, who has studied under our friends Patti Stiles, Susan Messing, Rachael Mason, and Keith Johnstone. He studied at the Guildhall School, which specializes in classical theater, and when you watch him play, it comes through. Jules and his Co-Artistic Director Judith Amsenga have brought me out to London to teach and perform many times. The actors of The Nursery are truly inspiring. Over too many cups of thick coffee we chatted about overcoming challenges, the journey to acceptance, and, in Jules’ words, learning to “just be with the stuff that’s happening here.” This is one great chat recorded in a flat in London. 

Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Brett Paesel. Brett’s an actress, having just wrapped season 3 of Amazon’s Emmy-winning “Transparent,” she’s the author of the Los Angeles Times Bestseller “Mommies Who Drink,” and she’s a teacher. I know Brett from our days at The Annoyance Theater in Chicago, where we performed in “Splatter Theatre,” directed by Mick Napier. Brett’s draw is her passion, her focus, her energy, her clarity, and her truth. We spoke at the apartment she shares with her husband, actor and director Pat Towne, a former guest on ADD, and their two sons. Oh, this is a great podchat, and, spoiler alert, we talk about her “Transparent” character’s arc. You’ve been warned.

Our guest today on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Alan Wilder. Alan is a Joseph Jefferson Award-nominated ensemble member at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater, and he’s appeared in over 60 Steppenwolf productions all over the world. He’s also appeared on numerous shows on NBC, CBS, HBO, and FOX.  Alan’s hilarious, and smart, and wise, and honest. We chatted in Chicago at Steppenwolf’s rehearsal space located alongside the “el” tracks at Halsted and North. We had a blast and could have talked for a long time. Enjoy!

Recorded at Improvention in beautiful Canberra, Australia. Our guest today is the wonderful “Queen of Improvisation,” Patti Stiles. Patti is an actor, improviser, director, and just one of the most inspiring people you’ve ever met. She’s worked with the world renowned “Loose Moose Theatre,” and was trained by and worked closely with Keith Johnstone, author of the seminal improv book “Impro.”  Patti is the Artistic Director of Die Nasty AU, co-Director of Secret Impro Theatre, and Impro Melbourne. She’s traveled all over the world, and is as sought-after as any improv inspiration could be. I’d never before met Patti, but, boy, did we share a lot of improv philosophies. Stick around for Patti’s “Not My Finest Hour” segment. It’s crushingly good. Enjoy.

Recorded in Melbourne, Australia, today’s guest on ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky is Australian improv veteran Jason Geary. Jason is a teacher, a film and television actor, and  the former Artistic Director Of Impro Melbourne. I’ve worked with Jason at Improvention, the awesome week-long celebration of “Impro Down-Under,” that annually occurs in Canberra, Australia. (The reason I’m in Australia and soon to be in New Zealand!) Jason’s smart, funny, confident, and one of the best people to sit down with and have a pod chat. And, stay tuned, of course, for his installment of “Not My Finest Hour” at the end of our episode. This is a good one. 

Our guest today on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Simon Helberg. Yep, Howard Wolowitz on “The Big Bang Theory,” of the Coen Brothers’ “A Serious Man,” “Dr. Horrible’s Sing A-long Blog,” “Studio 60 on Sunset Strip,” “Good Night, and Good Luck,” and…it doesn’t stop, but let’s stop at this credit: “Florence Foster Jenkins,” where he co-stars with Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant. This podcast interview is profound, deep, fun, illuminating, and oh, so special. And it wouldn’t be an “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” without our un-trademarked “Not My Finest Hour” segment starring none other than Mr. Helberg. I’m so happy with this episode I could explode. 

Rachael Mason is our guest today on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky.” I only wish I can be as cool as Rachael. As if being the head of Advanced Improv at Second City in Chicago, having run the Training Center for iO West, improvising with The Second City Improv All Stars, “The Boys,” a former member of “Baby Wants Candy,” and having performed on Second City Tour Boats isn’t accomplishment enough, she also travels around the world performing with Susan Messing. She’s an accomplished teacher, mentor, and constant source of inspiration. I’m not screwing around here when I tell you how awesome she and this podcast episode are. Stick around for Rachael’s addition to our newly named podcast segment, “Not My Finest Hour.” This episode was recorded at Chicago’s wonderful Kopi Cafe. Enjoy!

Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is the wonderful actor and writer Joe Liss. Joe was one of my Second City favorites, and when I moved out to LA I was able to work with him on a number of projects. Joe’s been on “According to Jim,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Strangers with Candy,” and the great satirical film, “God Bless America.” Joe is one of the writers and performers in the hit stage show “The Bicycle Men,” and has written on “Drawn Together,” “Third Rock from the Sun,” “SpongeBob Squarepants,” among others. Our discussion is lively, funny and honest. We discuss Chris Farley, a wonderful and troubled soul we both worked with and cared for and miss. There’s another bonus at the end of the episode, so stay tuned for that. Enjoy.

Improvisor Dave Hill is our guest today on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky,” and you’ll be hard-pressed to meet a more positive and upbeat improv teacher and performer. Dave was awarded the iO West “Teacher of the Year” honor in 2014, and it’s not surprising at all. He’s seen in numerous commercials, and shows on the tube including “Quick Draw” on Hulu and “Reno: 911” on Comedy Central. He’s a voice-actor, having worked on “American Dad,” “Squidbillies, and “The Most Popular Girls in School,” a great show both of us have recurring roles on, and one of the most “not safe for work” series on YouTube. There’s a very special story following the announcements, so be sure to stick around for it. By the way, the scratching sound you may hear are painters working on the apartment building. Enjoy Dave Hill!

Theresa Mulligan Rosenthal is our guest today on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky,” and I am so happy about that! I’ve known Theresa since my days at Second City Chicago. Theresa and I were castmates in one of my favorite improv casts, “Stacy’s Not Here.” Theresa’s been nominated for an Emmy, has written on “How I Met Your Mother,” “South Park,” “Greetings from Tuscon,” and, coming soon to Netflix, Maria Bamford’s “Lady Dynamite.” Theresa’s been on 12 episodes of “Mr. Show with Bob and David,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” and “Seinfeld.” Teresa has  a nice little story at the end of podcast following our announcements. Stay tuned for that jewel. In the meantime…enjoy my podchat with Theresa Mulligan Rosenthal.

Graham Elwood is our guest today on ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky. What a fun interview! Graham is a stand-up, having performed all over the world, but dedicating a great deal of time and energy to playing for the USO. Graham’s done tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, inspiring him to direct the documentary, “Laffghanistan: Comedy Down Range.” He’s the co-creator and host of the ComedyFilmNerds.com website and podcast, and the coming documentary “Ear Buds: The Podcast Documentary.” It’s a celebration of the medium of podcasting, and by the looks of it (“listens of it”?), it’s going to be great. Here’s our podcast. Put it in your ear, buds.

Bruce Rheins is our guest today on ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky. Bruce is a bit of a departure from our standard guests in that his background isn’t in comedy, it’s in news. Bruce recently retired as the CBS News Deputy Bureau Chief here on the west coast. Bruce has covered first-hand the Royal Wedding in London, Hurricane Katrina, the Iraq War, the OJ Simpson trial, the Michael Jackson trial, and countless earthquakes, floods and wildfires. It’s an awesome conversation with someone who’s got quite an opinion about the state of the “Fourth Estate.” It’s a good one. 

Carrie Aizley is our guest today on ADD Comedy. I love this person! Carrie is a former Groundling, and was one of the creators of “Campus Ladies” on the Oxygen Network. She’s been in TWO Christopher Guest films, not to mention a bunch of commercials directed by Mr. Guest. We chatted about working with her “comedy camp friends,” naming babies, the challenges of auditioning, and the joy of filming commercials. It CAN be joyous. Oh, and there’s a great story at the very end of our chat. Stay tuned for that. Meantime…enjoy.

Today’s guest on ADD Comedy is Miles Stroth. Miles is a cornerstone in the world of improvisation, having worked and studied under Del Close and Charna Halpern at Improv Olympic (now known as iO). He was a cast member of the legendary improv troupe known as “The Family,” whose members include Adam McKay, Matt Besser and Neil Flynn. He’s appeared in Comedy Central’s “Crossballs” and “Reno 911.” Miles is the driving force behind LA’s Pack Theater. This was a great chat. And there’s a bonus little piece of a poem at the end! Stay tuned.

Jeff Bryan Davis is our guest on ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky. I’ve known Jeff since my days as a producer for “KwikWitz,” but Jeff is known for his excellent work on “Whose Line is it Anyway?” He’s been on Broadway, on “The Sarah Silverman Show,” “The Norm Show,” and he tours with “Drew Carey and The Improv All Stars.” Jeff’s the comptroller of Dan Harmon’s awesome podcast “Harmontown.” We talk about Jeff’s journey to “Whose Line…,” his time in jail, and the joy that comes from being freed! There’re some sound issues with this podcast, but the quality of the chat is so good I didn’t want to re-record. I thank you, listeners, for your understanding. Enjoy.

Jackie Hoffman is our guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky.” Yes, she’s been in “Kissing Jessica Stein,” “Birdman,” “Inside Amy Schumer,” “The New Normal,” “Girls,” “30 Rock,” and dozens more appearances on TV and in movies. Yes, on Broadway she’s opened “Hairspray,” “Xanadu,” “The Addams Family,” and was a standout in “On the Town” and “Once Upon a Mattress.” Yes, she’s won an Obie Award for her roles in David and Amy Sedaris’ “The Book of Liz.” Yes, she’s done many solo performances, and, yes, I’ve toured with her at Second City and put up several shows with her on the Second City etc stage, and the Second City Mainstage. But Jackie is a wonderful force and a dear friend, and this conversation is honest, funny, grounded, real, and very Jackie Hoffman. Strap yourself in.

Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Ali Reza Farahnakian. Ali founded New York City’s Peoples Improv Theater (aka “The PIT”) where we recorded this podchat. Ali was a founding member of Upright Citizens Brigade, he was a writer on Saturday Night Live, and at Second City he performed with the likes of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Ali’s been on “Law and Order,” “30 Rock,” and “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.” But what Ali really is is a powerhouse. He’s driven, focused, honest, funny, engaging, and inspiring. In other words, a perfect ADD Comedy guest. Enjoy!

Rachel Dratch is today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky.” Finally! Rachel is a Second City alum, an alum of Saturday Night Live, one of the funniest folks to show up on “30 Rock,” is the author of “A Girl Walks into a Bar…,” a two-time Joseph Jefferson Award winner, was Wanda Jo on “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” and was in “The Awesomes.” Awesome is right. We chatted at a street-side wine bar in Manhattan. Enjoy the ambiance. 

Today’s guest on ADD Comedy is Keiko Agena. Keiko’s been on “Scandal,” “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” “House M.D.,” and, once and once again, “Gilmore Girls.” I know Keiko from the couple of years when I was her improv director working out of a small theater in a converted two-car garage! Keiko’s a bright light, she’s funny, she’s inspiring, and she’s sensitive. We hit all of it in this honest, true, grounded and, at time serious podchat. Keiko’s awesome, and I was really glad she came over to the apartment. Give it a listen. 

Actor and writer Brad Morris is our guest today. Man, this was fun. Brad’s a Second City alum, who’s presently on USA Networks comedy “Playing House.” He’s been on “Veep,” “Cougar Town,” “Key and Peele,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and “The Office.” Brad’s also a member of the legendary improv crew known as “The Reckoning.” He’s smart, funny, energized, and as glad to talk to me as I was to talk to him. Another episode where time ran us out. Give it a listen.

Today’s guest is Nate Herman director, writer, musician, artist, and fine human. Nate was my director at Second City where he midwifed the show with the longest name of any Second City show ever…I think. ``The Heliotrope Players` Production of Thornton Wilder`s American Classic, `Our Town,` as Directed by d`Eric Blakemore, or “Cash Stations of the Cross.” Nate has written for Saturday Night Live where he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy. He’s an alum of the The Second City, wrote for The National Lampoon Radio Hour. Nate performed and wrote on National Lampoon’s classic comedy “Lemmings.” Nate’s band, Wilderness Road, recorded for both Columbia Records and Warner/Reprise. Not too shabby. Nate has a great set of pipes, and you can hear him reading on the audiobook version of "The Ballad of A Small Talker" by Chris Churchill. We chatted at Chicago’s Heartland Cafe. Pull up a chair and give a listen.  

Melanie Hutsell is our guest today, and boy was this podcast a blast to do. Melanie’s been on “Saturday Night Live,” “Transparent,” “United States of Tara,” and “Bridesmaids.” I know Melanie from her great work at The Annoyance Theatre in Chicago, where she performed in numerous shows with great titles like “The Miss Vagina Pageant,” and the cult classic “The Real Live Brady Bunch.” I was in that too, by the way. Yep, Davy Jones. YouTube it, folks. Enjoy Melanie and me. I did!

Writer and actor Julie Larson is our guest. I’ve known Julie from the days of the Second City Alumni Jam on the pier in Santa Monica. Julie’s written on “Mom,” “Are you there, Chelsea,” “The Drew Carey Show,” “Dharma and Greg,” and “Last Man Standing.” Julie’s smart, sharp, honest, and not afraid to speak her mind. In other words, a great guest to chat with. Give it a listen.

Justin Kaufmann is our guest today, and boy was I looking forward to chatting with him. Justin is the host of Chicago’s WGN-720 radio show “The Download,” and well, that’s where we recorded this interview, which, by the way, was recorded after Justin interviewed me for his show. Justing worked for Chicago Public Radio’s WBEZ, but I know Justin from his great work with his comedy ensemble Schadenfreude. Their group was so awesome that they had their own show on ‘BEZ. Justin’s smart, funny, candid, and energized. Recorded at WGN-Radio on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue. (My thanks to Co-Producer Peter Zimmerman!)

My guests are master improv teachers Susan Messing and Joe Bill. Susan, Joe and I worked together at iO, The Annoyance Theatre, The Second City, and improv festivals across the world. They're former ADD guests, but this time we gathered for a powerful reason: The past few months have seen women improvisers express their frustration and anger at the prevailing culture of sexual harassment in improv schools and theaters across the US. We met to discuss the culture of women's sexual harassment in our improv community. Our intention was to have an honest and heartfelt discussion, to voice our culpability, and to look at our past actions and present opportunities to facilitate the creation of a healthy, truthful inspiring environment in the classroom, on the stage and in the world in which we so joyfully create. We engaged in this discussion with all the humanness that can be expected during this extraordinary evolutionary time. 

Today’s guest is Rebecca Corry, and her pitbull Angel. Rebecca’s a stand-up of renown, and yes, she’s been on “The King of Queens,” “The Bernie Mac Show,”  Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend,” and was a series regular on NBC’s “One Big Happy,” but what Rebecca’s passionate about is her Stand Up For Pits Foundation. It’s a non-profit she founded which raises awareness and saves the lives of Pit Bull “type” dogs through advocating and educating. We talked about that while beautiful Angel snored in the background! Give us a listen! 

Today’s guest is Reed Diamond. This podchat could have gone on for another two hours AT THE LEAST! It was a whirlwind talk with the actor you know from “Homicide: Life on the Street,” “Agents of Shield,” “24,” “Judging Amy,” “Good Night, and Good Luck,” “Moneyball,” and too many more to list here. Go to imdb if you got the time. I’m so glad to have had the time with Reed.

Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Rich Fulcher an old friend who has had quite a life. After studying to be a lawyer Rich decided he didn’t want to be a lawyer, but he just couldn’t stomach telling his mother. Thus gave birth to his show “Mom, I’m not a Lawyer.” Rich is best known for “The Mighty Boosh,” but he’s also been on “Drunk History,” “Bob’s Burgers,” “Jon Benjamin has a Van,” “Review,” and “The Sarah Silverman Program.” Rich is presently creating great digital content for Comedy Central. I’m glad he is. Here’s Rich Fulcher.

This is a very special ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky in that it’s NOT an ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky. This episode is actually ADD Comedy with Rose Abdoo INTERVIEWING Dave Razowsky. We thought what better idea to start the new year than start the new year with a start! Rose Abdoo is an alum of Second City, she's been in Gilmore Girls, Scandal, The Grinder, Hotel Transylvania, The Comeback, Gray’s Anatomy, and had a very moving and personal turn on Parenthood. I discussed her challenge with cancer on my 2015 interview with Rose’s husband, writer John Matta. Rose asked our mutual friends what questions they’d ask if they were to interview me. The questions are probing, funny, moving, surprising, and lovely. Just like Rose Abdoo.

Today’s guest is Jonathan Mangum. Jonathan is Wayne Brady’s co-host on CBS’s “Let’s Make a Deal,” and he’s been a series regular on Wayne’s “The Wayne Brady Show,” “Whose Line is it Anyway?”, “The Drew Carey Show,” Comedy Central’s “The Stripmall,” and “Drew Carey’s Improv-a-ganza.” He’s performed at Carnegie Hall and does several yearly performances in Vegas. But really, he’s just a funny man who’s been working steadily for many, many years. Tune in if you want to know the secret to getting on “Whose Line is it Anyway?”. This is a good one.

Today’s guest is writer, artist and friend John Matta. I thought I’d be talking with John about his experiences writing for Jamie Kennedy, Andy Dick, Martin Short, or Brad Garrett, but like any great improv scene, things didn’t go in that direction. Instead we talked about the journey John was on while his wife (and my dear friend) Rose Abdoo was going through her experience with cancer. This moving episode will inspire you and remind you how great it is to have supportive and loving people in your life, and how you never know where these  challenges will take you. For example, have you seen John’s “Matta Napkins”? They're on line and come Xmas they'll be in a book! This is one hell of a moving episode.

We’re celebrating Stephen Colbert’s September 8th inaugural episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” by rereleasing our interview from a couple of years back. It’s perfect.  We talk about the process of working on a show, having a vision, leading an “institution,” and the process of process. Stephen also reminds me that I was with him when discovered that he wanted to go into comedy for living! There’s SO much laughter in this episode. It’s SO GOOD! 

Today’s guest is J. Elaine Marcos. J. Elaine is a Broadway actress having had principal roles in “Annie,” “A Chorus Line,” and “Priscilla Queen of the Desert.” She’s been seen on “30 Rock,” “Rescue Me,” and “Law and Order: SVU.” As if that’s not enough, she’s done standup at Caroline’s and lists “Canadian” as a special skill on her resume. We talked about surrendering to folks who want to help you, the absurdity of being responsible for representing your ethnicity, witnessing the presence that is Jackie Hoffman, and learning from the kids in her Broadway cast of “Annie.” She’s a wonderful breath of fresh air. I'll see you on the other side.

Today’s guest on "ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is actor/writer Michael Stoyanov. Michael’s best known for his five years on “Blossom,” but he’s also been on “Reno 911,” “The Dark Knight,” “Justified,” and he had a memorable arc on "Beverly Hills, 90210.” He talks about  George Clooney’s  graciousness, the benefits of working out of your wheelhouse, American politics, and the joy of watching someone watching “Breaking Bad." This, listeners, is a good one.    

Today’s guest on "ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Andy Richter. Andy’s the guy who’s been at Conan O’Brien’s side from show one! Andy’s been nominated for seven Primetime Emmys, he’s been on “Arrested Development,” “Talladega Nights,” “Madagascar,” and, who can forget, “Andy Richter Controls the Universe”? We talk about Andy Richter as a “brand," being a part of showbiz history, James Burrows “fun clause,” Conan's successful learning curve, and a “revealing" night I once had with Andy and his wife in Manhattan. Taped in front of a live audience at iO West’s 13th Annual “Los Angeles Improv Comedy Festival.” This is just two friends chatting. In other words, another great episode. 

Today’s guest is Claudia Wallace. Claudia’s an alum of Chicago’s Second City, has been in “Shameless,” “Hung,” “Fred Claus,” Witless Protection,” and “I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With,” but her biggest role is that of Claudia Wallace! She’s living between Chicago and LA, and making it work. We discussed what it means to be a mentor, accepting that you actually have something to say, finding your voice, and saying it, and the artistic importance of having wonderful people in your corner. Well, she’s in our corner. Enjoy my discussion with Claudia Wallace.