Broccoli and Ice Cream

Julie Seabaugh! Journalist! Author! Producer! Friend! Delight! More! Long-time comedy journalist Julie Seabaugh is the producer, story editor and originator of Are We Good?, the new documentary about comic and podcast pioneer Marc Maron that makes its East Coast premiere at the Tribeca June 14 and 15. She is a journalist, author and documentarian who has covered stand-up and the ins-and-outs of the comedy industry for more than 20 years. More about Julie Seabaugh and the new doc: After covering Marc Maron many times in major news outlets, she was struck by his loss and honesty when his partner Lynn Shelton died unexpectedly in 2020. Seabaugh says the continuing Instagram videos voicing his grief was some of “the most touching stuff I'd ever seen publicly coming from a comedian,” and she knew the next stand-up material he created would be the most powerful he'd done to date and that someone ought to be documenting the next period in his life and career. She quickly realized that someone was her, and she sprung into action. She produced the first Are We Good? shoot on May 7, 2021 at the Comedy Store, the night of Maron's first time back on stage since the start of the Covid pandemic.  Julie Seabaugh produced and hosted 2020's Hope on Top: A Mitch Hedberg Oral History for SiriusXM and with Emmy-nominated filmmaker Nick Scown directed September 2021 feature documentary Too Soon: Comedy After 9/11 for Vice. Her film Are We Good? A Marc Maron Documentary made its world premiere in March 2025 at SXSW. A documentary on legendary performer Mitch Hedberg will debut in 2026. As a professional comedy journalist for more than two decades, Seabaugh covered the art form for The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, GQ and numerous other titles. Her expertise on modern roasting culminated in 2018 book Ringside at Roast Battle. 2022's 50 Years of the Comedy Store vinyl box set features her liner notes. With comedian Byron Bowers, the memoir Beyond the Promised Land is out from Grand Central Publishing in summer 2026.    Julie Seabaugh online: Journalism Films/Books Are We Good? Online:  Instagram Tribeca screening Tickets and Info  Press Letter Julie and I had a great chat! You can have a great listen! And this is only the first HALF of our chat! For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or simply click on over here to Patreon! Enjoy!

Mike Cachuela! Artist! Filmmaker! Animator! Director! Storyteller! Friend! Delight! More! Mike being on the show started with his sending me this message: "In listening to your podcast, I'm struck by the similarities, between stand-up comedians and story artists in animated films, in working out material on peers and sometimes audiences. In animation you draw and edit storyboards and temp dialog to hone in on something funny. Eliminating the clunky bits and hopefully having a tight presentation by the time the movie is finished. There are usually many iterations to get to the good stuff." "Thanks for your investigations into how creators create and then engineer delivery. I'm developing a Podcast called The Prisoner's Dilemma. About striking a balance between the passion for one's art or craft … and paying the rent." That began a conversation that culminated (so far) in the podcast you see (hear) before you now! And this is only the first HALF of our conversation. For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR merely click on over here to Patreon! Enjoy!    

Shanna Christmas! Comedian! Writer! Actor! Producer! Shanna has a new special out right now called Highly Intelligent (watch there or listen as an audio album wherever you find your comedy albums!) and here is the official information about it: "Comedian, writer, and proud Las Vegas native Shanna Christmas is bringing the heat—and the heart—with her bold new comedy special. One hour of machine-gun punchlines and razor-sharp observations unpacking the horrors of working in healthcare, losing a parent to dementia, the struggles of being tall, and surviving sexual assault in the comedy scene Shot live at an intimate jazz club in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, the special captures Shanna Christmas doing what she does best: making people laugh so hard they forget they're in a dark room with strangers. With machine-gun punchlines, razor- sharp observations, and stories that swing from wild to wicked, Shanna invites audiences into a world that's as smart as it is side-splitting. But this special isn't just jokes. In a stunning final turn, Shanna peels back the curtain to share a deeply personal, gut-wrenching story of surviving sexual assault. The room, once roaring with laughter, falls into a reverent, electric silence as she bravely reframes her trauma through the lens of resilience, truth, and yes—even humor. 'I wanted to make a special that felt like me,' Shanna says. 'Loud, fast, honest, funny—but also full of real life. Because comedy is how I take my power back. And I want people to feel theirs, too.' Filmed in the city where she grew up, Highly Intelligent is more than just a comedy special; it's a homecoming. And a reckoning. And a celebration of what it means to be funny, fearless, and female in today's world. The special is directed by Michael Malone, an award-winning filmmaker and comedian whose credits include Comedy Central, Showtime, and FOX. A veteran of the industry, Michael currently leads the creative team at Brad Garrett Presents, the comedy production division of Brad Garrett's Entertainment. Through his own company, Glass Hammer Productions, he has directed over a dozen stand-up specials and three acclaimed comedy documentaries." And here is more official information about Shanna: "Shanna Christmas was born and raised in Las Vegas. She is a stand up comedian, writer (Reductress, Insider), actor and producer who stands at 6'3'' and played volleyball in college, despite much protest. Her comedy style has been described as 'Edgy/Classy' as she finds ways to speak about complicated issues that can offend, but she's so charming that you can't be mad at her. Shanna has performed across North America, including Montreal and Edmonton in Canada. You can see her on Season 10 of 'Coming To The Stage' on Pluto TV. She has appeared in comedy festivals including the 208 Festival, Altercation Festival, Black Girl Giggles, Black Women In Comedy Festival (NY). She was Devil Cup Comedy Festiva Winner in 2018 and a finalist in the inaugural ABFF Comedy Fest in 2021.  In addition to producing successful all black women stand up shows, Shanna Christmas was also a co-host of the 'Topical Smoothie' podcast. In 2021, She self published a comic book about her life as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in nursing homes, and she can also be seen in a short film called, Dark Wolf Gang produced by the American Film Institute." We have a great chat! You can have a great listen! Thanks all! PS This is only the first HALF of our chat. For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR simply click on over here to Patreon! ​

Ahmed Khalaf! Comedian! Friend! Delight! More! His debut album is called "Hobble D. Hoy" and here is the official information about it: "Somalia-born, California-raised, and Minneapolis-based comic Ahmed Khalaf spent 8 years developing his comedy skills to build his first comedy album. On it, Ahmed shares how he beat tough odds like being born in a Somalian refugee camp but growing up to out-white the wife of a brewery owner, and learning how to walk again after breaking his leg at 30. His comedy blends short and long form jokes, observations, and storytelling to break down his life story and the unique culture of the Midwest." Now for the unofficial information about it: it's great!  AND Ahmed and I have a great chat on this podcast. So YOU can have a great listen! PS This is only the first HALF of our chat. For our chat part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR simply click on over here to Patreon!

Rita Orlov! Game designer! Creative director! Puzzle creator! New friend! Delight! More! Rita makes games! One of them is Pandora's Legacy and the Kickstarter is underway as we speak! (As I type and you read!) Another is Emerald Echoes and the Kickstarter is soon to be launched! (At some point when I'll be typing again later, I imagine.) Check out getpostcurious.com (or their account on Instagram) for more information about MORE games and puzzles! And check out this podcast conversation as well! You're about to be doing it! PS This is only the first HALF of our conversation. For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR simply click on over here to Patreon! Enjoy!    

Alex Rosenthal! Editorial director/producer at TED! Game/puzzle-maker! Old friend! Delight! More! Alex works at TED and has given a very enjoyable TED talk on puzzle hunts. He is the co-creator of a new game called Pandora's Legacy which is on Kickstarter right now! About the game: "Pandora's Legacy, combines elements of jigsaw puzzles, escape rooms, puzzle hunts, and legacy board games into a 12-15 hour adventure. Perfect for mythology lovers, puzzle enthusiasts, and anyone who just loves a good challenge. Brought to you by the creators of TED-Ed's riddle and mythology series." So check out the game, support the Kickstarter, and listen to our chat! And this is just the first HALF of our chat! To complete the puzzle and get the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or merely click on over here to Patreon! Enjoy!

Charlotte Clymer! Writer! Activist! Friend! Delight! More! Charlotte is a writer, activist, communications consultant, and military veteran. She writes about politics, religion, and culture in the award-winning Substack newsletter "Charlotte's Web Thoughts," which was recognized in 2024 with Best News/Political Blog by Editor & Publisher Magazine and for Excellence in Blogging by the National Gay & Lesbian Journalists Association. She has been widely published and quoted by numerous national and international outlets on topics ranging from foreign policy to gun reform to trans rights. She serves on several non-profit boards, including Voices for Progress and Victory Fund. In 2023, she became the first openly-transgender person elected to membership in the Council on Foreign Relations. You can find her work at charlotteclymer.substack.com and most social media sites. She is a proud graduate of Georgetown University and resides in Washington, D.C. Charlotte and I had a great talk. You can have a great listen! And this is only the first HALF of our chat.  For part two, just subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR click on over here to Patreon!

Chris Nakis! Comedian! Friend! Delight! More! His new standup special "Gonna Wanna" is free on Youtube here! His Instagram that you can follow is here! The wonderful podcast chat I have with him is HERE! (All around you.) And this is only part ONE of that wonderful chat! For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR merely head on over here to Patreon! Thank you! Enjoy!

Hattie Hayes! Writer! Comedian! Poet! Karaoke lover! Friend! Delight! More! Hattie has a newsletter, where you can read her writing AND get updates on all her poetry and comedy projects. This includes her zine, Reporter Quarterly, which is releasing REAL real soon. To find that newsletter—and videos of her sketch and musical comedy performances, and poems she's written, and more!—you can visit www.hattiehayes.com!   Hattie and I have a great chat! You can have a great listen! And this is only the first HALF of that chat of ours! For chat part 2, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR simply head on over here to Patreon! Enjoy!

Wax! Singer! Rapper! Songwriter! Guitarist! Friend! Delight! More! Wax has a brand new album called "Lifetime Achievement Award" dropping on streaming on May 30th... and the vinyl is already out!  His website is waxdotcom.com, his IG is @bigwax, and his youtube is youtube.com/wax! Check him out there! Check him out here! Check him out everywhere! And this is only the first HALF of our chat! For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR simply head on over here to Patreon!

Lauren Hope Krass! Comedian! Podcaster! Friend! Delight! More! Lauren was the host of the Good Bodies podcast at Betches Media but very recently left to start her own podcast called Belly Laughs, a body positive fat liberation comedy podcast available for just $2/month on patreon!  Also look out for her upcoming interview series called Fat Fashion on her social media!   (Her Instagram / TikTok / Youtube are all @laurenhopekrass) We have a delightful chat here and YOU can have a delightful listen! AND this is merely the first HALF of our chat! For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR simply click on over here to Patreon!

Nathaniel Allenby! Artist! Author! Photographer! Circus entertainer! Friend! Delight! More! Nathaniel is fascinating human with a ton of interests! We have a real fun talk.  Nathaniel Allenby: Artist, Author, and Adventurer Nathaniel Allenby is a San Diego-based visual artist, travel photographer, circus entertainer, and the author of The Cycle of Kindness. Born on a farm in Aurora, Oregon, he embarked on a life-changing journey in 2006, cycling 28,000 miles across 10 countries and thirty U.S. states. His autobiography recounts surviving off the grid, relying on the kindness of strangers, and rediscovering humanity's generosity through incredible adventures. Nathaniel's art and photography reflect his global journey, featuring geometric designs, ancient symbols, and stunning nature scenes captured from unique perspectives. As founder of Cirque Quirk, he inspires audiences through educational performances that blend skillful juggling, stilt walking, and motivational storytelling. A true visionary, Nathaniel channels his extraordinary experiences into art and entertainment, sharing a message of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of kindness. Find out more about the Cycle of Kindness here and here and here! Find out more about Cirque Quirk here! And this is just the first HALF of our conversation! For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR merely head on over here to Patreon!

Liz Glazer! Comedian! Actor! Friend! Delight! More! Here she is on Instagram! Here she is in website form! Here is her Don't Tell Comedy set on Youtube! Enjoy her everywhere including here! And this is only the first half of our 375th episode numerical gala extravaganza! For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR merely head on over here to Patreon! PS Bonus news for folks in MA!: The Comedy Studio in Cambridge MA is the first comedy club I ever performed at. I'll be returning to headline it on June 14, 2025, AND there now exists a coupon code (“myq”) which will give folks $10 off of any purchases over $40 at the Comedy Studio. You can use this on tickets to my show OR for any shows at the club this year! It helps you pay less AND for each time the code is used, I benefit as well! Good news all around! Use the code, spread the word, share it with your New England friends, and be merry!

Maria Decotis! Comedian! Actor! Writer! Friend! Delight! More! Maria has been featured in Rolling Stone, Wall Street Journal, Today, New York Times, The Guardian, Vogue, New York Magazine, and many more for her comedy videos and her work has been shared by several celebrities including Ben Stiller, Stephen Colbert, Chrissy Teigen, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Padma Lakshmi, and Natasha Lyonne. She opened for Mike Birbiglia on Broadway! She earned a BFA in Acting from Boston University, studied Commedia dell'Arte in Italy, and trained in advanced Improv and Character at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater. Her subsequent original comedy videos have garnered millions of views ranging from her Pope impressions and commentary on sexism to her poignant "Subway Takes" feature. On stage, she recently completed a critically-acclaimed run during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival starring in the dramatic one-woman play Before the Drugs Kick In as well as her own one-woman comedy show Emotionally Unreasonable, and has been touring both shows since. Some of Maria's other notable credits include Comedy Central, HBO Women in Comedy Festival, SXSW, and headlining the New York Comedy Festival. Learn more: mariadecotis.com   During her wildly successful 2023 Edinburgh Fringe run, she was featured in Playbill and The Scotsman said, “DeCotis is the best new American stand-up I've seen since Michelle Wolf. Do whatever you can to see her because the next chance you get she'll be starring in her own Netflix special.” Emotionally Unreasonable was named one of the top Edinburgh Fringe Shows by EuroNews, nominated for the Off West End Award and received a number of outstanding reviews! She also has a monthly show at The Stand in NYC called "Fembots." The next one will be Wednesday, March 19th (2025) at 7:00pm AND you can follow her on social media @mariadecotis for dates of her critically acclaimed solo show "Emotionally Unreasonable"!   And this is only HALF of our chat! For the other half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR merely click on over here to Patreon!

Gregory Lay! Actor! Writer! Filmmaker! Producer! Friend! Delight! More! All 4 seasons of Greg in LA can be found here! About "Greg in LA": "Greg in L.A." originally began as a series on Instagram, where it quickly garnered a dedicated following thanks to its relatable humor and authentic storytelling. The creators, Sean Daniel Cunningham and Gregory Lay, captured the ups and downs of modern life in a way that resonated with viewers, leading to organic growth across social media. It was during this rise that the founders of 800 Pound Gorilla Media discovered the series, captivated by its charm and potential. Recognizing the opportunity to bring the beloved show to a wider audience, they approached Cunningham and Lay to produce a new season, marking an exciting new chapter for "Greg in L.A." as it transitions from social media to scripted content on their platforms. Says Damion Greiman, co-founder of 800 Pound Gorilla Media: “We discovered Greg in L.A. on Instagram, and were immediately drawn to its quirky charm, heartwarming moments, and relatable humor.  After speaking with producers Gregory Lay and Sean Cunningham, we realized they not only shared our vision for creating high-quality, hilarious content on a budget, but also had a strong desire to incorporate comedians into their show, making it the perfect choice for our first scripted project.” Created by Sean Daniel Cunningham and Gregory Lay, "Greg in L.A." follows the life of Greg, whose world is turned upside down when his wife unexpectedly leaves him and he loses his job—all within a single tumultuous week. As he navigates the vibrant yet bewildering landscape of Los Angeles, Greg finds solace in his loyal dog, Winston. Their occasional existential chats provide humor and depth to Greg's journey through awkward job interviews, dating misadventures, and the eclectic characters he meets along the way. Blending laughter with heartfelt moments, "Greg in L.A." captures the essence of self-discovery and the quest for connection in a rapidly changing world. With its unique blend of comedy and poignant storytelling, this series resonates with anyone searching for meaning in unexpected places. Join Greg as he embarks on a comedic journey filled with heart, humor, and the pursuit of a fresh start in the City of Angels. Don't miss out on the laughter and life lessons in this captivating series.   We have a great chat! You can have a great listen! AND this is only the first HALF of our chat. For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR merely click on over here to Patreon!

Becky Braunstein! Comedian! Actor! Cancer survivor! Friend! Delight! More! She is @BeckyBraunstein on every social media platform that matters. You can see her animated history comedy series on YouTube or TikTok.   She can be seen on Shrill on Hulu and Chad on TBS. AND you can listen to her have a wonderful conversation on THIS VERY PODCAST! And that's not all... this is only the first HALF of our conversation (what!). For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR simply click on over here to Patreon! Enjoy! Thank you!

Andrew Heaton! Author! Podcaster! Comedian! Delight! Friend! His new book is Tribalism is Dumb.   His podcast is The Political Orphanage. His conversation with me on THIS podcast is a lot of fun! Please enjoy! PS This is only the first HALF of our chat. For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR simply head on over here to Patreon!

Andrea Jones-Rooy! Comedian! Scientist! Podcaster! Circus performer! Friend! Delight! More! Want more information? Well, you've come to the right place: ABOUT ANDREA JONES-ROOY Ph.D.: Andrea Jones-Rooy is a unique voice who combines science with comedy to empower audiences of any education level to utilize data and tools accessible to all. AJR helps people learn to cut through the noise, better understand our world, and emboldens them to act. AJR holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Michigan. Formerly a professor of data science at NYU and a quantitative researcher at FiveThirtyEight, Andrea speaks and trains globally at organizations that include Fortune 500s, tech companies, and the UN, on how to apply data science to their toughest problems. She currently hosts the podcast Behind the Data, and previously hosted the podcast Majoring in Everything. AJR is also a stand-up comedian and circus performer, although she has done neither at the UN (yet). ABOUT THE PODCAST "BEHIND THE DATA" (SEASON 2 COMING SOON) Data is all around us, and it powers a lot of our world, but where does it come from? Who collects it? How do we know if it's any good? Each week data scientist and standup comedian Andrea Jones-Rooy, Ph.D. brings you a new story about the humans and decisions behind important data that influences our lives - from political polls to measures of democracy, from tracking happiness around the world to powering AI. Join us on a journey to understand why making sense of the world depends not just on our ability to analyze it, but on the data we source in the first place. At the heart of any data that matters are real human stories about why we care about what we do.  For example, crime data describes ‘reported crime', which is different from (and less-than) ‘actual crime'. The two deviate to differing extents for different crimes - auto theft has a high rate of reporting due to insurance claims, while rape is horrifyingly underreported. Andrea Jones-Rooy will discuss how to navigate this churning ocean of data in which we are all swimming (whether we want to or not). Joined by weekly expert guests, Andrea will bring her signature engaging style to investigate the ways data on polling, crime, jobs, movies, fitness, medicine, democracy, and happiness are created, and help us to understand what we can and cannot (yet) learn from it. If you are affected by ANY of these subjects (you are), you're not going to want to miss this podcast! Season 1 guests include: Dhrumil Mehta, Journalism professor at Columbia University, formerly database journalist at Nate Silver's FiveThirtyEight Ben Casselman, New York Times economics and business reporter Christie Aschwanden, science journalist and author of the NYT bestselling book, Good to Go: What the Athlete in All of Us Can Learn from the Strange Science of Discovery Dr. Steven Novella, clinical neurologist and host The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe podcast Walt Hickey, pulitzer prize winning data journalist, author You Are What You Watch: How Movies and TV Affect Everything, creator and writer Numlock News And more! Behind the Data is produced as part of the Daily Tech News Show (DTNS) network, which is dedicated to providing news about technology that is easy to understand. With a unique blend of ‘smartypants' comedy and actual science, Andrea seeks to help listeners understand how data shapes the world, and to teach everybody (not just scientists) to use data to inform their thinking. Remember, data doesn't have to be a four letter word! ABOUT THE PODCAST CONVERSATION BETWEEN ME AND ANDREA: It is fun! Please enjoy! And this is only the first HALF of our conversation. For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR just head on over to Patreon!

Allen Strickland Williams! Comedian! Friend! Delight! More! ABOUT THE NEW ALBUM: A proper debut, Ran Through is a culmination of ASW's stand-up since he started, up to the night he recorded. The album is filled with absurd, dark one-liners as well as well-structured pieces about the celestial bodies that hang in the sky above, his Florida roots, relationships, dating and being single, parenting (or lack thereof), vasectomies and guns. But ASW absolutely excels at crass jokes about sex, drugs, and residual trauma - the kind of jokes that you can't help but laugh at while also relating to it just a little too much. Born in Texas and raised in Florida “because my parents really wanted to do a number on me, I guess”, ASW now lives “a totally normal life in the small, humble town of Los Angeles, California”. Starting with sketch comedy in college and then becoming an NBC Page upon moving to Los Angeles, Allen Strickland Williams claims he has been in the entertainment business “long enough to know if I provide an exact number I will never work in this town again”. It was actually due to happenstance that the album came together when it did. Album plans were scrapped in 2020 due to the pandemic. Then in 2023 ASW went to Austin to visit a friend, and it just so happened the booker of The Velveeta Room, where the album would eventually be recorded, saw that Allen was in town and enthusiastically booked ASW for some featured spots, followed by a headlining date six months out. ASW realized this timing provided a chance to finally record the album. Kind of crazy. ABOUT ALLEN STRICKLAND WILLIAMS: Salutations. Allen Strickland Williams lives in Los Angeles writing and telling jokes. He has done a half-hour for Comedy Central Stand-Up Presents and was named one of their Comics to Watch. He has performed stand-up comedy twice on CONAN, and appeared on Adult Swim's The Last Open Mic at the End of the World, Netflix's Cooking on High, Viceland's Flophouse, and The Top 14 Greatest Valentine's Day Movies of All Time on the CW.  ASW has been funny at South by Southwest, Moontower Comedy Festival, Funny or Die's Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival, Bridgetown Comedy Festival, RIOT Festival, and more.  One time he got a standing ovation for telling a single joke. Another time, a guy passed out after one of his bits. They had to call an ambulance and everything. Enjoy our chat! This is the first half of it! For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR merely head on over here to Patreon!​

Mel Stephens! Writer! Director! Comedian! More! FROM HER WEBSITE: Melissa Stephens (@melmstephens on social media) is a comedian, writer, and director from the Peach State, and has dual citizenship in the UK. Melissa wrote on staff of Brett Goldstein & William Bridges' AMC anthology series SOULMATES, now streaming on Amazon Prime (Mel wrote ep 5). She is currently developing a dark comedy series with AMC Studios and UK based Two Brothers Productions, as well as penning a pilot for eOne and Mark Gordon based on her one-hour comedy special “Homebrew.” She is a founding member of IAMA Theatre Company, has been a member of Groundlings' Sunday Company, and regularly performs stand-up around Los Angeles. Her directorial debut, PEEN, was a Vimeo Staff Pick, and the short series she wrote and directed, FINDING THE ASSHOLE, was chosen to show at Slamdance and is currently in development on multiple TV and Film projects.  We had a great chat! You can have a great listen! And this is only the first HALF of our chat! For the second half, you can subscribe via Apple Podcasts or just click on over here to Patreon!

Max Gross! Comedian! Friend! Delight! Max is nice and you can follow him on all social media platforms @maxgotjokes! Also you can listen to him have a nice conversation with me right here! Enjoy! PS This is only the first HALF of our chat!  For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR merely head over here to Patreon!

Beth Stelling! Comedian! Writer! Friend! Delight! More! Beth is a STELLAR comedic talent. See her use her talents on tour! Follow her (@bethstelling) on socials! Listen to her in THIS VERY PODCAST CONVERSATION! And this is only the first HALF of our chat. For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR simply click on over here to Patreon!

Mario Adrion! Comedian! Youtuber! Friend! Delight! ABOUT MARIO: Mario Adrion is a stand-up comedian and YouTuber from a small town in Germany who gained over 2 million followers from posting vlogs and comedy clips across his various social platforms. His comedy is refreshingly vulnerable, playing with the struggles and stereotypes of being a retired male model and living as a European in the United States. He's been featured in Vogue, FOX, ABC, Daily Front Row, Pro7, Jimmy Kimmel LIVE, and some might know him from his iconic comedy performance challenging Katy Perry to a Catwalk Battle on American Idol while wearing a Speedo. Based out of LA and NYC, Mario regularly performs at the Hollywood Improv, Laugh Factory, The Stand NYC, and recently sold-out his headlining shows as part of the New York Comedy Festival. Mario is currently touring the United States as part of his “German Efficiency” stand-up tour. He is one of the hottest new comics and you don't want to miss his European charm. We have a great chat! You have a great listen! And this is only the first HALF of our conversation! For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or just click on over here to Patreon!

Victoria Vincent! Comedian! Friend! Delight! Victoria is a super funny comedian!  We have a great chat! You can have a great listen! Enjoy! PS This is only the FIRST half of our chat.  For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR merely head on over to Patreon!

Des Bishop! Comedian! Author! Polyglot! Delight! Des is a super funny comic and here is the proof in the form of nice things that have been said about him and it: “Funny, erudite and effortlessly delivered.” - The Scotsman “Charismatic, sincere, eloquent and always seeking the angle.”- Chortle “Fast paced and clever. A sure-fire winner.” - The Sunday Age, Melbourne Des Bishop's new comedy special, Of All People, is an hour of original stand-up and a culmination of years of experience on stage all over including in Queens, Ireland, and China. Bishop crafts high-energy stories and jokes, bringing the audience on a wildly entertaining ride through tales of his international travels and the gap between his looks and attitude. The openness and honesty of his presenting style combined with his restless imagination and perceptive observations make Des Bishop a must-see for fans of unique, insightful and provocative comedy. Des's material often focuses on cultural differences he noticed being a transplant into Irish Society from Queens, NY at a young age. He always incorporates a lot of material about language. He is likely the only comic many of us will see doing some of the set in Mandarin and some in Irish, which he learned so he could do comedy while living in China and Ireland. He spent 1 year in China to learn Mandarin and 1 year in Ireland to learn Irish, and he's done 60 minutes of comedy in both languages. And he remains an international presence, with a home and massive career in Ireland, and a life in the United States.  Of All People is the third hour from Des Bishop. You can see the special as of Oct 22, 2024, on the 800 Pound Gorilla Media YouTube channel and comedy hub.   About Des Bishop: Now a massive star in Ireland, native New Yorker Des Bishop moved from Queens to Ireland in his mid-teens in 1990. The openness and honesty of his presenting style combined with his restless imagination and perceptive comic observations make Des Bishop a must-see for fans of unique, insightful and provocative comedy. He came to Irish fame with TV shows, The Des Bishop Work Experience (2004), where he lived on minimum wage working different jobs in Ireland, Joy In The Hood, where he taught stand-up comedy in disadvantaged areas of four major Irish cities, and In The Name Of The Fada (2008, winner of the IFTA Best TV Series Award) about when he decided to learn Irish from scratch and perform a 60-minute stand-up comedy routine in the Irish language. In 2010, Des wrote his most personal show called My Dad Was Nearly James Bond, inspired by his father, Mike who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Bishop won an Irish Book Of The Year Award for his memoir of the same name, and brought a solo show version to the Edinburgh Fringe to widespread acclaim and five-star reviews. In 2013, Bishop went to Beijing, China to learn Mandarin. He is now fluent and the show about his experience, Breaking China was another major hit series with another acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Des has appeared on many live stand-up shows including Edinburgh Comedy Festival Live (BBC), Live at the Comedy Store (Comedy Central) and Australia's Spicks and Specks (ABC). He was also the star of HBO's A Comic's Climb, his Aspen Comedy Festival debut in 2005. He has released five best selling stand-up DVDs and his new digital special, Of All People comes out Oct 22, 2024 on 800 Pound Gorilla Media after his specials One Day You'll Understand (RTE 2018) and Made in China (Universal 2015).  About this podcast: You can listen to it! AND this is only the first HALF of my conversation with Des. For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR merely head on over here to Patreon! Thanks and love, all!

Jenny Chalikian! Erin Judge! Comedians! Friends! Delights! More! Erin Judge and Jenny Chalikian have a new combo comedy out now called Romantic Comedy: Live At The Ripped Bodice, available everywhere comedy is streamed or sold. ABOUT THE ALBUM: Erin and Jenny have been hosting a monthly comedy showcase at the Los Angeles romance bookstore The Ripped Bodice since 2016. For this stand-up album, Erin and Jenny opened the show together, then each performed long sets of their own material. The result is a delightful and hilarious glimpse into what these two dynamic co-hosts experience in their day-to-day lives as queer women in LA. The two met performing comedy in North Carolina in 2012 (Erin was on tour; Jenny was local). After making LA their home, they approached Leah and Bea Koch, sisters and co-owners of The Ripped Bodice, about launching a monthly comedy showcase at the bookstore just a few weeks after it opened. Leah and Bea agreed to give them a shot, and Erin and Jenny named the new show Romantic Comedy. By bringing some of the best voices in LA comedy to the mostly-women book lovers that make up Ripped Bodice audiences, they built Romantic Comedy into a unique and fun monthly event that's beloved by fans and comics alike. When Erin and Jenny started talking about making an album, they knew that The Ripped Bodice would be the perfect venue, and they were thrilled that Blonde Medicine was on board for a joint comedy album. Romantic Comedy: Live at The Ripped Bodice features both comics performing together up top, just like they do every month. Since Jenny is a regular caregiver of Erin's two kids, their unique chosen family inspires a refreshing departure from the usual parenting material, that is still relatable to anyone who has to cope with the ridiculous and unexpected challenges of raising kids.  Erin shares stories of dealing with being old-pregnant and reluctantly polyamorous, and Jenny jokes about coming of age as a college gay in North Carolina and being a godmother with intense demon-fighting responsibilities.  ​​ ABOUT ERIN JUDGE: Erin Judge is an accomplished comedian, writer, and performer. She co-wrote (with Tina Romero) the forthcoming horror comedy film Queens of the Dead, starring Margaret Cho, Katy O'Brian, Jaquel Spivey and more. Erin also wrote the award-winning novel Vow of Celibacy. Her previous comedy album, So Many Choices, is also available on Blonde Medicine. ABOUT JENNY CHALIKIAN: LA-based comedian Jenny Chalikian started out in North Carolina and quickly fell in love with stand-up comedy. After landing in LA in 2015, Jenny honed her voice working as a manager and a regular performer at the popular alt-comedy venue NerdMelt. Jenny blends observational comedy with personal anecdotes that touch on themes of identity, relationships, and the quirks of daily life. ​ ABOUT YOU: You are someone reading these words, considering listening to this podcast and I commend you for it. ABOUT THIS PODCAST EPISODE: This is only the first HALF of the conversation I had with Jenny and Erin.  For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR merely click on over here to Patreon! Thanks and love, all!

Shain Brenden! Comedian! Friend! Delight! His new album is Either Way, Pretty Funny! ABOUT THIS ALBUM: On this debut album, Shain paints a picture of a guy trying his best with what he's got: being outnumbered and bullied by the women in his family, getting kicked out of an ultrasound appointment, and defending his completely appropriate and not weird at all love of NBA rookies. He closes it all out with an original slam poem with a topic untouched by poets at large: working the drive-thru at McDonald's. ABOUT SHAIN BRENDEN:​ When a sandstorm left his unit stranded in Afghanistan on Christmas Day, Portland-favorite and military veteran Shain Brenden did his first set during an impromptu talent show. He's since traded in his uniform for a microphone and for over a decade has been featured on Don't Tell Comedy, on SiriusXM Radio, and at various comedy clubs and festivals around the country. Now, Black & Filipino-American comedian, writer, and actor, Shain is proudly the second most famous person from Millington, Tennessee (after Justin Timberlake). PLEASE ENJOY! PS This is only the first HALF of our chat.  For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR merely head on over here to Patreon! Thanks and love, all!

Courtney Maginnis! Comedian! Friend! Delight! Her new special is called White Noise and it's free on Youtube RIGHT NOW! She is funny and nice and we have a great chat and you can have a great listen! Please do! PS This is only the first HALF of our chat! For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR merely head on over here to Patreon! Thanks and love, all!

Jesse David Fox! Author! Podcaster! Comedy lover! Friend! Delight! Jesse's book COMEDY BOOK is out in paperback RIGHT NOW! I have read it and I love it and I recommend it to you, as a person who has read it and loved it. He also has a podcast called Good One: A Podcast About Jokes! AND he is developing a class based on the ideas in the book called COMEDY CLASS to help comedians develop their voice as artists. He tells me that this is super in the nascent stage but people can sign up for more information through the link in his instagram bio. Jesse loves comedy and his love of comedy comes through in his writing about it and talking about it on podcasts like his own AND MINE WHICH IS THIS ONE RIGHT HERE! Thanks for reading and listening! PS This is only the first HALF of our chat! For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR merely click on over here to Patreon!

Caroline Clifford! Comedian! Comedy coach! Friend! Delight! You can find out about her classes and online coaching here! You can read her excellent newsletter on Substack here! And you can listen to our fun and meaningful conversation HERE! (Where you already are.) PS This is only the first half of our chat. For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR simply head on over here to Patreon!

Wil Sylvince! Comedian! Actor! Filmmaker! Friend! Delight! More! Wil is a great comic and a great dude I've known for a long time and I'm happy to have this conversation with him that you can listen to because that's how a podcast works. Also this is only the first HALF of our chat. For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR just head on over here to Patreon!

Carmen Lagala! Comedian! Podcaster! Friend! Delight! Her new special "Sweet Batch" is on YouTube, her instagram is @carmstagrams, her podcast is In Cahoots with Corey and Carmen, and her website is www.carmenlagala.com.  We have a great chat! You have a great listen! Please enjoy! PS this is only PART ONE OF A TWO-PART CONVERSATION! For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR simply head on over here to Patreon!

Daniel Van Kirk! Comedian! Actor! Writer! Podcast host! Friend! Delight! Guy with a new special out now called Rose Gold! ABOUT ROSE GOLD: Rose Gold is a Midwestern man's wish that we all stop finding ways to disagree, start high-fiving strangers again, and party in Wisconsin. Daniel laments the assumptions we make about his shaved-head and bearded appearance, dictates when old people should and shouldn't be treated kindly, and teaches us how to have a fight while also putting some goodness into this world. He draws from his youth in Rochelle, IL, his formative years in Chicago, and his time spent at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Resort.  Rose Gold is named for Daniel's grandmother Rosemary, who at 94 years old is a living example of what it means to just roll with whatever life throws at you. Says Dainiel “We live in a time of generational divides and hell, the people who are running our country are extremely old. But a section of this hour is about how old people still have to live in this current time and for me, Rosemary is a shining example of that.”  The process of creating this hour was a search for commonality. Rose Gold is an hour of comedy for everyone who simply wants to have a good time again. ABOUT DANIEL VAN KIRK: Daniel Van Kirk is a stand-up comedian whose comedy has charted at  #1 on Apple Music. He's been named a “Comic To Watch” by Comedy Central as well as one of JFL's 42 in Toronto. You may know him from his characters on Bob's Burgers (FOX), Physical (Apple TV+), Central Park (Apple TV+), and the lead in the feature film, Wine Club (Prime). Daniel can also be heard every week on the hit podcasts, Pen Pals with partner Rory Scovel, and co-hosting Dumb People Town along with The Sklar Brothers. ABOUT THIS PODCAST: You can listen to it! Also, this is only the first HALF of our conversation. For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR merely head on over here to Patreon!

Jamier Shriner! Comedian! Musician! Friend! Delight! More! Her handle is @jamieshrinersings on all platforms, she has a special out on YouTube called CORN BABY that she would like you to watch & stream, and you can join her mailing list to see her in your city by going to her website www.jamieshriner.com! AND FIRST, you can listen to this delightful chat we had. AND THIS IS ONLY THE FIRST HALF OF OUR CHAT! For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR just click on over here to Patreon!

Bob Eckstein! Cartoonist! Writer! Snowman expert! Friend! Delight! This is his website where you can sign up for his free newsletter filled with cartoons, humor, and writing and cartoon advice: BobEckstein.com   And you can get his new bestseller here: Footnotes from the Most Fascinating Museums. We have a wonderful talk. You can have a wonderful listen. And this is only the first HALF of our chat. For the second portion, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR merely click on over here to Patreon!   Enjoy!

Natasha Vaynblat! Comedian! Writer! Friend! Delight! She has a special on Youtube called "We're All Dads Here" and a show at the New York Comedy Festival called "Childless Freak" coming up Nov 14, 2024 at 7pm at UCB (NY) her instagram where all show info lives is @natashavaynblat. Check her out all the places, starting here where you already are, thank you! PS This is only the first of TWO conversations we had. For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or just click on over here to Patreon!

Geoff Tice! Comedian! Podcaster! Actor! Artist! Delight! Geoff has a new standup comedy album out called Jokes with a G, and here is some information about it straight from the Geoff's mouth: “It's a lighthearted and silly look at the world through the eyes of someone who doesn't take themselves – or anything really – too seriously.” He said. Jokes with a G is a collection of self-deprecating stories about being a new parent, second weddings, and his dad's drunk late-night calls. The album was recorded at The Comedy Fort in Fort Collins (a wondeful club, I'll add from my own [Myq Kaplan's] mouth)! And here's some more information about Geoff: Geoff Tice is a Denver-based comedian, writer, podcaster, actor, and artist. Geoff got into comedy while working full-time in graphic design 12 years ago. He went to an open mic and bombed but he never looked back. He has since become a staple of the Denver scene. He is a regular at the world-famous Comedy Works and has toured his energetic stand-up comedy across the country. Geoff hosted Comedy Central's South Park 25th Anniversary Tailgate two-day event at Red Rocks and performed at SF Sketchfest, High Plains Comedy Festival, Red Clay and Limestone, and other festivals. Geoff has also contributed to The Nosebleed's on UFC Fight Pass and appeared on Adult Swim. We have a wonderful chat and YOU can have a wonderful listen! Also, this is only the FIRST HALF OF OUR CHAT. For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR just click on over here to Patreon! Thanks and love, all!

Liz Glazer! Comedian! Dear friend! Frequent guest! Delight! Liz is one of my best friends and one of my most frequent guests on all of my podcasts because I love her and I love talking to her and that's why I invited her back on for the 350th episode celebration today! We talk about our new one-hour comedy specials that were both recorded this year and will be coming to everyone soon, her Don't Tell Comedy set that you can watch now for free, why she eats onions off the floor, Buddhism, truth in comedy, AND MUCH MUCH MORE! Please enjoy! And if you enjoy THIS chat, know that it's only HALF of our chat. For the other half, head on over to Patreon or just subscribe via Apple Podcasts!  Thanks and love, all!

Adam Mitrani! Comedian! Friend! Delight! Adam is a super funny comedian and a super nice friend and I'm happy we had this conversation and recorded it so that YOU also can listen to it! Check it out! And also, this is only the first HALF of our conversation. For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR just head on over here to Patreon!

Laura Merli! Comedian! Delight! Human with a new standup special out now! ABOUT THE NEW SPECIAL WHICH IS ALSO HER DEBUT SPECIAL, "BELLY SLAPPIN' FUN!"   After cutting her teeth for 8 years in the indie comedy scene, Brooklyn comedy-favorite Laura Merli has amassed over 2 million likes on TikTok. Laura specializes in set-up/punch-line jokes and one-liners rather than storytelling, in the vein of her influences Mitch Hedberg and Maria Bamford, although Laura adds her own distinctive and unique flavor. This style lets her cover A LOT of ground: drugs, sex, family/childhood, her ADHD/autism, and her dog. While the jokes emanate from a wide array of departure points, the humor centers around the awkwardness and absurdity of being alive. Laura's delivery is distinctive as well - people describe her voice as deadpan but she promises she is being very expressive!    Since childhood Merli has been enamored with acting and writing. Although to Merli, improv initially seemed like “paying to embarrass yourself”, she finally followed the lead of some friends and tried classes at ImprovAsylum. She had a great experience and ended up obsessed, but was still wanting the ability to write before stepping onto the stage. Realizing this pointed toward stand-up, Laura got her start at a friend's variety show called “What Else You Gonna Do Wednesday Night” and never looked back!   Merli has taken her art and career in her own hands, refining her material all around NYC, and on the road via The Awkward Route Tour with fellow stand up Freddy G (Sirius XM, NPR). With  comedy well-suited to the TikTok format, Belly Slappin' Fun is eagerly anticipated by her large online following who, along with fans-to-be will get their dose of Belly Slappin' Fun on July 18!    ABOUT LAURA MERLI: Laura Merli is an NYC-based standup, actress, and writer. She amassed over 2 million likes on TikTok, was “passed” at New York Comedy Club, has headlined the “Don't Tell” and “Modelface” comedy shows, and appeared at the New York Comedy festival as well as the Women in Comedy Festival. Every third Thursday, she hosts the Good Girl stand up show at Friends & Lovers, one of the hottest alt-comedy spots in Brooklyn. She has performed at top-tier venues across the city including The Bell House, Littlefield, Caveat, and more.   As someone who didn't start comedy until their late 20s, Laura has held a wide variety of odd jobs including cashier, ebay store photographer, project manager, zombie in an escape room, business analyst, and carnival worker (her grandparents family business). She has since written for and acted on sketch house teams at the PIT and Improv Boston as well as Reductress, The Hard Times, and McSweeney's. Merli has hosted/written/produced videos for the female-focused humor brand Cheezcake.  ABOUT THIS PODCAST!: You can listen to it! We had a great chat! You can have a great listen! And this is only the first HALF of our conversation! For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR just head on over here to Patreon!

Darren Staley! Podcaster! Writer! Friend! Guy running for State Senate in North Carolina! Delight! More! His podcast CrobamaNation is on hiatus through November 5th but you can listen to back episodes on all streaming platforms. You can also check out the accompanying Substack also called CrobamaNation. To learn more about Darren's state Senate campaign check out Staley for NC Senate or on Twitter @Staley4NCSenate.    Also, Darren said this to me: "don't be shy about saying that you having me on doesn't imply any kind of endorsement by you. I mean obviously you CAN endorse the campaign if you want to but I know yours is not a political podcast and with polarization being what it is, I wouldn't want you getting any grief." He is a kind man and as such, with whatever power I have as a podcaster and comedian and human, I DO endorse him! And I endorse listening to our chat! It's a lot of fun. And this is only the first HALF of it! For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR just head on over here to Patreon!

Emily Catalano! Comedian! Friend! Delight! More! She's got a new album out right now called "Hey." You can get it here! And here's some more information about it and Emily: Blonde Medicine is excited to announce the debut comedy album release from Emily Catalano, Hey., out now wherever comedy is streamed or sold, available for purchase on vinyl and coming out in a Dolby Atmos Version as well. Recorded live at the San Francisco Punch Line, the venue where she truly began her comedy journey, Emily Catalano's Hey. showcases her laid back style and sharp writing. On this debut album you'll hear about Emily's upbringing as a tomboy with 3 brothers, her religious parents' reaction when she came out as agnostic, and a both poignant and epic tale involving a loved one's ashes.    Said Emily Catalano, “my debut album serves as a compilation of my best material to date, drawing from my experiences with marriage, divorce, dating, and religion. It's densely packed with jokes rooted in my personal life. Think of it as a therapy session, but with more laughs and less co-pays.”   Emily Catalano is a Los Angeles-based comedian who made her late night stand-up debut on CONAN and has since garnered attention with her viral stand-up clips circulating on social media. Known for her quick wit and dry humor, Emily's talent for crafting jokes out of everyday situations has garnered attention from Time Out LA, who named her a "Comic to Watch." Her deadpan delivery adds an extra layer of hilarity to her comedy, making her a standout in the comedy scene. We have a great chat! You can have a great listen! Enjoy!  And this is only the first HALF of our chat! For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR just click on over here to Patreon!

Ricky Sim! Comedian! Story-teller! Friend! Delight! More! I met Ricky last year at the Edinburgh Fringe and he is returning this year with his show, "An Asian Queer Story: Coming Out to Dead People," as well as a work in progress piece called "Don't Tell Our Bosses." See them when you can! We had a great chat and you can have a great listen! Enjoy! And this is only the first HALF of our conversation. For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR click on over here to Patreon!

Sarah Hester Ross! Comedian! Musician! Comedy Musician! Musical Comedian! Friend! Delight! More! Sarah's debut show at the Edinburgh Fringe is called “Sarah Hester Ross Is What?” Venue: Just The Tonic - Nucleus - Atomic Address: 140 Pleasance, Edinburgh EHB 9RR Time: All shows at 2:30pm / 14:30Show Dates: Aug 2-4, 7, 9-11, 14, 16-18  See her in Scotland if you can this August! (2024!) And her special, available worldwide (or even in space probably) is called "Don't Mess With A Redhead." ABOUT "DON'T MESS WITH A REDHEAD": Sarah invites you into the life of a TikTok-famous woman who doesn't want babies and leads the “stop giving men microphones” movement. Don't Mess With A Redhead, her hilarious debut special, serves as an introduction to a multi-talented comedian and musician best known for her 2.4 million social media followers and lovers of Florida Man Friday, who will be the first to tell you she aims to be the “next Bette Midler”.  Hester Ross is aware that musical comedy is not everyone's cup of tea, but she effectively utilizes music to help audiences to stomach some very serious topics. “A spoonful of music helps the discussion of women's rights (or lack thereof) go down. The music is niche but the topics aren't and I feel that's what makes it special”, says Sarah. Originally from Tampa, Florida but currently Las Vegas-based, Sarah has been performing professionally since age 11, when she got her start as a member of a show at Busch Gardens. Later, while performing at a piano bar in Orlando where people request top 40 songs and she would play them on the spot, a colleague told her “you're funny, you should go learn the gig properly somewhere else, your talents won't be used here”. So she did, packing her possessions into her car and moving to Vegas where she started working the piano bar circuit. The pandemic forced Sarah offstage and online, where her musical comedy hit on a larger scale, quickly building a sizable online following. This led to a post-pandemic three-month Vegas residency where she developed the hour, which she honed further by taking it on the road. The result is Don't Mess With A Redhead. Sarah admits “...it blew my mind that people would buy tickets to see me. Just me. It changed my whole perspective of what I wanted to do with my career.” While her mind may have been blown by the well-deserved audience attention, we believe audience minds will be similarly blown by Don't Mess With A Redhead. ABOUT SARAH HESTER ROSS: Sarah Hester Ross is a musical comedian from Las Vegas. Hester Ross is a one-of-a-kind entertainer, social media star, winner of the “Best Of Las Vegas” comedian and one-women show. She has been featured on America's Got Talent and The Doctor Demento Show and her music has earned more than 15 million worldwide streams, and counting. Sarah presents a formidable combination of musical and theatrical talents that has earned her an auspicious entry into the comedy performing world, as well as 2.4M followers on TikTok and over 260K on Instagram. Her good-natured, comedic exuberance, both on and off stage, has earned her the moniker of “The Hilarious Redhead!“  We have a delightful chat. You can have a delightful listen! And this is only the first HALF of our chat.  For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR just click on over here to Patreon!

Sean Keane! Comedian! Writer! Podcaster! Friend! Delight! More! Sean is a funny friend and a great comedian with a new standup album out (his debut!) RIGHT NOW! It's called "America's Uncle Dad" and here's some more info about it! ABOUT AMERICA'S UNCLE DAD: Sean Keane is a Bay Area native, and America's Uncle Dad is very much a Bay Area album. It was recorded at the Punch Line in San Francisco and everyone the world over can relate to Sean's lampooning of mass transit, (white) yoga culture, psychedelics, growing up with an adorable lisp, and a truly riotous take-down of a Simon and Garfunkel classic that we promise will forever change how you hear the song. Keane grew up in  the East Bay and moved to San Francisco. He started putting on stand-up shows in college at Berkeley, where he was the editor-in-chief of the campus humor magazine, The Heuristic Squelch. He currently lives in Oakland with his fiancé and their Aussie doodle  puppy, Pinot Noir. Sean began doing stand-up himself in 2005 when he “...stopped just writing funny things for the internet or magazines and started actually saying them into a microphone in public…it turns out you start doing stand-up comedy by just doing stand-up comedy”. We're certainly glad he did, and the material he has crafted and honed since then makes America's Uncle Dad a remarkable and hilarious debut, and Sean is sure to be your favorite of all your relatives.​ MORE ABOUT SEAN KEANE: Sean Keane is a writer, stand-up comedian and co-host of the Roundball Rock NBA podcast. He has contributed to "Another Period," "Billy On The Street," NBC, Comedy Central, ESPN The Magazine and McSweeney's. In 2014, the SF Bay Guardian named him the best comedian in San Francisco, then immediately went out of business. We had a great chat! You can have a great listen! And this is only PART ONE of our chat! For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR just click on over here to Patreon!

Danya Trommer! Comedian! Former mime! Friend! Delight! Check out their new Don't Tell Comedy set! And if you're in Boston, see them headline Nick's Comedy Stop on August 2nd and 3rd (2024!). They're so funny and we had a great chat and YOU can have a great listen! And this is only the first HALF of our chat. For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR click on over here to Patreon! Thanks all!

Peter McGraw! Behavioral scientist! Humor researcher! Unmarried man! Friend! Delight! His book is called "Solo: Building a Remarkable Life of Your Own" and here's a description of it from his website: "Join the movement that celebrates single living. In a world built for two, Solos break the rules and hold space for every type of individual—single and not. Backed by scientific insights and McGraw's experience as a lifelong bachelor, Solo offers a blueprint for cultivating fulfilling relationships and creating a rich remarkable life. Solo is your invitation to pursue a remarkable life uniquely your own." His podcast is called "Solo: the Single Person's Guide to a Remarkable Life" and here's a description of it from his website: "In a world where most people get married, where do you turn for advice if you don't want to settle down — for now or forever? Solo is the single person's guide to a remarkable life. Welcome to the podcast that explores how being unattached affords you the opportunity to be adventurous, start a business, make art, travel the world, get in shape, or simply sleep in when you want to. Join Dr. Peter McGraw — behavioral scientist, humor researcher, and bachelor – as he interviews unmarried men and women living remarkable lives and assembles advice from leading experts about health, fitness, money, business, travel, fashion, art, leisure, and of course, sex and dating." We have a remarkable chat! You can have a remarkable listen! And this is only the first HALF of it! For the second portion, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR simply click on over here to Patreon! Enjoy!

Mistress Iris! Dominatrix! Artist! Friend! Delight! More! From her website: "I am an internationally established Dominatrix and Art Director working in photography and film. I was a student of Fine Arts at UCLA, where I first discovered my desire for representing the power of female sexuality through sculpture, installation and performance art. During my time in university, I also pursued my interest in psychology, often focusing on the subject of human sexuality. After graduating, I trained under an established BDSM practitioner and debuted as a professional Dominatrix in 2013. Over the course of 7 years, I've traveled and mentored submissives in Europe, North America, and Asia.  In recent years, I have used the vehicle of visual arts to make BDSM and psychosexuality more accessible to the masses. I have collaborated with photographers and filmmakers to create visual experiences that illuminate the intricacies of sexual power dynamics." Her short film "The Weaver '' will be screening at the Rio LGBTQIA+ film festival in Brazil on the 5th of July at 3pm. Her short film "the Debutante'' will be screening at the San Francisco Frozen Film Festival on the 17th of July at 8pm, and she will be there to in-person to do a Q&A.    We have a fascinating and meaningful discussion! I hope you enjoy! PS This is only the first HALF of our chat. For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR click on over here to Patreon!

Jeff Cerulli! Comedian! Documentarian! Friend! Guy with a new special out now called "Live at the Bomb Shelter"! ABOUT THE SPECIAL: NYC-based comedian, writer and filmmaker Jeff Cerulli and Comedy Dynamics are pleased to announce the release of Live at the Bomb Shelter, Cerulli's debut full-length comedy special, out now everywhere comedy can be streamed. Cerulli takes the stage at NYC's Bomb Shelter for an hour of comedy that takes viewers on a hilarious journey through growing up on Long Island, the true crime craze, the joys of being a dog-dad, getting engaged after 10 years, and the struggles of helping an aging parent. Notably Cerulli gets into the bad NYC apartments I've lived in: “I had to move about a year ago because my last apartment was filled with lead…which is not what you want.”   Cerulli always loved stand up comedy, and knew he would try it one day. He started running comedy shows in his 20s - a great way to land consistent stage time. “I have run so many random shows at different places in the city that most of the bars are now either a 7/11 or a Citibank”. The Bomb Shelter is a weekly comedy show run by Cerulli since 2016 in the basement of the Gaf West - one of the best independent comedy rooms in New York, super-intimate with low ceilings, a hot pipe and Christmas lights all year round. Says Cerulli: “There isn't anything else like it, going up and telling jokes without a net. It is the only artform you must practice in front of strangers to get better.”  Cerulli is a filmmaker as well as a comedian, with multiple documentaries, web-series, and short films to his credit. Thus, he opted to make his own special a DIY affair, hiring amazing DP friend Ari Rothschild to shoot and run sound, and Paul Levin from International Digital Centre to mix. Cerulli edited Live at the Bomb Shelter himself, deftly switching hats: “I have been doing comedy for a long time, I have enough material, just do it.“ Cerulli took it to Comedy Dynamics because he loves what they are doing in the comedy space and was thrilled that they came aboard to distribute.  ABOUT JEFF CERULLI: Jeff Cerulli is a NYC-based stand-up comedian and filmmaker who has performed all around the world. Jeff has been featured on Sirius radios Jim & Sam show, Amazon Game Breakers, The Laugh Button & Decider. His web series The Feed earned critical praise - The Observer said “it hits too close to home” and Paste called it “a sly satire on social media.” Jeff's feature-length documentary debut Hungry premiered at the IFC Center as part of the DOC NYC film festival. His latest documentary Tasteless, about the ever-changing comedy landscape, is currently available on Apple TV. Jeff currently hosts the podcast Your Team's Stuff where he invites a guest to judge memorabilia he finds off eBay for their favorite sports team ABOUT THIS PODCAST: Listen and enjoy! And know that this is only the first HALF of our chat. For the second portion, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or click on over here to Patreon!

Ali Clayton! Comedian! Friend! Delightful human with a new album out RIGHT NOW! ABOUT THE ALBUM: Blonde Medicine is excited to announce the upcoming debut comedy album from Ali Clayton, Country Queer, available digitally everywhere comedy is streamed or downloaded, and on vinyl on Blonde Medicine and Bandcamp. After working in comedy for 15 years, Ali put together a set that tells her story as a member of a very Southern family from rural North Carolina, a special ed kid, a lesbian, an alcoholic, and a white girl who started her comedy career in the South Side of Chicago.  “Country Queer is a love letter to little Ali about embracing and loving your authentic self and never forgetting where you come from.” Says Ali Clayton. “I'm country and I'm queer and I'm proud to be both.” Her comedy aims to help humanize and connect Southerners and queer folks everywhere. ABOUT ALI CLAYTON: Brooklyn-based comedian Ali Clayton is a southern dyslexic pageant kid who became a lesbian comedian, actor, writer, and podcaster. She is an alumna of the prestigious Actors Theater of Louisville's Acting Apprentice Program, a Second City Conservatory graduate, a Carolines on Broadway ‘Breakout Artist' and a top finalist in the StandUP NBC competition. Ali's stand-up has been featured on SiriusXM and on the VICE show Funny How?. She co-hosts Y'all Gay? with her best friend and fellow southern queer comedian Ever Mainard. Vulture named Y'all Gay? one of the top five comedy podcasts of 2022.   ALI CLAYTON ONLINE: Website TikTok Instagram AND ALSO YOU CAN LISTEN TO HER ON THIS VERY PODCAST HERE! PS This is only the first HALF of our conversation. For the second portion of our chat, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR click on over here to Patreon!

Jason Saenz! Comedian! Friend! Delight! Guy with a new show he's filming in LA soon called "The Wheel World"! Here's some information about Jason and his upcoming tapings! WHO: Bolivian-American comedian Jason Sáenz WHAT: Two nights taping his 1-hour show The Wheel World in front of a live, ticketed audience WHERE: THE LYRIC HYPERION THEATRE: 2106 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027 WHEN: June 8 and 14 @ 7:30 PM HOW: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-wheel-world-with-jason-saenz-tickets-753893865847?aff=oddtdtcreator   Bolivian-American comedian Jason Sáenz is taping his hit solo show, The Wheel World at the Lyric Hyperion Theatre in Los Angeles on June 8 and 14. In The Wheel World, comedian Jason Sáenz tells the story of when he fell through a skylight onto a flight of stairs during a third date six years ago. This accident and the subsequent month-long battle against ​​spinal meningitis in the ICU left Sáenz paralyzed.  The Wheel World presents all the grim and intimate details of becoming a paraplegic in Hollywood. Sáenz shares his struggles with grief, adapting to changes in wheelchair accessibility, accepting limitations in his new body, his wheelchair-bound TV roles, altering his perception of sex and manhood, accepting his new bathroom routines, accepting love, and finally, pursuing fatherhood. Jason's previous performances of The Wheel World have regularly sold out and he's back with special tapings set for June 8 and 14 at The Lyric Hyperion Theater in Los Angeles. The Wheel World is presented and written by Jason Sáenz and directed by Lauren Adams (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Greener Grass, Modern Family). Sáenz was a well-known figure in the comedy scene at the time of the incident, and like many comedians, he did not have insurance and was left with hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical debt but Jason was not alone. Forty of his comedian colleagues came together to fundraise to cover his medical costs through benefit shows in New York, DC, and Los Angeles; an online auction featuring tickets to a RuPaul's Drag Race season finale, Saturday Night Live, and more; and a GoFundMe that raised over $200K. Throughout this whole process he continued to write and produce comedy and date the woman he fell through a skylight with.   ABOUT JASON SÁENZ: Los Angeles-based comedian, writer, and paraplegic Jason Sáenz had a 10-year comedy career before he became paralyzed. His web series Ya Killin' Me! has two seasons available on Comedy Central.com. Jason has written for Comedy Central's Night of Too Many Stars, Steve Harvey, and MTV's Ridiculousness as well as other projects on Fox, MTV, IGN, Funny or Die, Above Average, RoofTop Comedy, Time Out NY, HuffPost, Jest, and CollegeHumor. His prank poster project @SaenzSigns went viral numerous times (Hollywood Reporter, MTV, Buzzfeed). Jason is also a founding member of the UCB sketch group, Onassis, winner of the 2011 Friar's Club Sketch Competition and a Finalist at the 2012 Comedy Central Pilot competition. About Lauren Adams: Lauren Adams is an actor, director and writer. You may recognize her from TV shows like Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Modern Family, Special, and Deadbeat, or feature films like Greener Grass and The Disruptors. Lauren has a BFA from Elon University and has performed regularly at The UCB Theatres in New York and Los Angeles since 2007. Lauren has directed countless plays, sketch shows, and the short film Animal, starring Cathy Curtin. She lives in LA with her husband Seth and their perfect dog Bear.  About this podcast conversation: We had a delightful chat! You can have a delightful listen! And this is just the first HALF of our talk! For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or click on over here to Patreon!