Comedians for Hire

NYC comedian Calise Hawkins chats about recording her debut comedy album 'Calise Hawkins is Forty AF,' why it's important to be easy on yourself during quarantine, and how learning how to love your "mess" is the key to both personal and comedic growth.  Check out Calise's new album, 'Calise Hawkins is Forty AF' in the iTunes store: https://music.apple.com/us/album/calise-hawkins-is-40-af/1523137696

South African comic Robby Collins shares how he went from being at the height of his career (touring with Dave Chapelle, being invited to the Netflix Comedy Festival, etc) to then being locked down in quarantine, why he's using this time to focus less on comedy and more on his mental health, and what he sees for the future of global comedy. 

NYC comic Richie Redding talks about the insane experience of recording his comedy album, #1 Album of the Year, on March 14th to then having to drive down to Palm Beach, FL to take care of his girlfriend's parents who both contracted life-threatening, ventilator-inducing cases of COVID-19. This episode talks a lot about the unexpected, onset symptoms of COVID and is important for anyone who's trying to avoid dying from it (hopefully you). 

NYC comic Natalie Cuomo shares how she went from pursuing a fun hobby with her fiance to launching a full-blown magazine during quarentine, to growing a whopping 18k+ social following, all in the time-span of about 3 months. Plus what it's like to be a native New Yorker, the difference between the NYC and LA comedy scene, and how she managed to turn cross-stitching into a lucrative side-hustle. 

In part 2 of this episode we chat with NYC comic Wendi Starling about her methods for addressing uncomfortable topics on stage, how COVID-19 has impacted her job (both as a comic and hooker), the prospect of a new, long-term relationship, and the refreshing, yet anxious feelings she’s having about settling down.

In part 1 of this episode we talk with NYC comic Wendi Sterling about growing up with a bipolar diagnosis and how it’s impacted her life, the serendipitous experience that brought her to comedy, and how signing up for the app “Seeking Arrangements” as a joke turned out to be an extremely lucrative career move.

NYC comic and producer Vanetta Schoefield shares how she went from pastor's daughter, to college dropout, to comedy business pro, leading to the launch of her nationwide production company Funny Hunnyz, how her job selling fake perfume for a pyramid scheme proved to be more beneficial than she expected, and the amazing ways she's helping new comics get acclimated in the scene. 

NYC comic and producer Kenny Warren shares how he went from offering $1 haircuts at the age of 14 to servicing famous athletes like Kobe Bryant (who didn't tip but even still RIP), why working in a barbershop has been top-notch training for his bustling comedy career, and how gaining authority at the Grisly Pear comedy club, featured on HBO's Crashing, has led to a much-needed transformation. 

Nationwide comic Franqi French shares how stepping away from her original comedy base led to a personal and comedic breakthrough, the insane experience of winning Stand Up NBC and what it's done for her blossoming comedy career, and how refusing to settle has played a role in her rise to the top. 

NYC comic Daniel Perafan chats with us about maintaining notoriety in the comedy scene despite past struggles with addiction, what you should and shouldn't do when pursuing a career in comedy, and the crazy experiences he's had working within the NYC financial industry. 

DFW comic Alberta The Exception shares her experience of being a female football player and coach for the past 14 years, being inducted into the first Women's Football Hall of Fame, and how her love of the field has merged with her love of the stage. 

DFW comic Jack Freeman chats with Brandy about how he’s managing to stay sane while having only his plants to keep him company during Coronavirus isolation, how his self-deprecating style of comedy has helped him cope with his depression, and why being disabled but not looking disabled has led to tense situations on stage. 

In this special COVID-19 quarantine edition of CFH, Dara and Brandy chat about what they're doing to stay sane, the differences between the NYC and Dallas "quarantine scenes", how they anticipate this virus impacting comedy going-forward, and their proposed and completely logical solution for ending this virus for good (hint: it involves glitter and a lot of spandex).  Note: This episode was recorded remotely from the safety of our underground bunkers so please excuse any audio issues. 

Dallas-based comedian, producer, and voiceover actor Zak Sprung talks about joining CFH as Brandy's Dallas co-host, his experience of being a fire fighter for 10+ years, and how he manages to juggle 3-4 side hustles while also pursuing comedy. 

NYC comedian Linette Palladino shares how she juggles motherhood, frequent Army deployments, and the non-stop grind of comedy while also keeping her (insanely gorgeous) head on straight. 

NYC comedian, writer, and host Chris Hamilton talks about his surprisingly easy transition from NYC native to Ohio college student, landing his dream job at CBS and then quitting a year later for comedy, and how he feels out crowd personalities when hosting a show. 

NYC comic Joe Pontillo chats with us about how making parody videos as a kid led to a life-long passion for comedy, what it was like to work for a Long Island public access TV station, and how his extremely enthusiastic father (and former comic) has played a role in his career.  Check out Joe's comedy special on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Joe-Pontillo-Delete-Your-Account/dp/B079V6M2N1/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=joe+pontillo&qid=1571842268&sr=8-1

NYC comic Chewy May talks about working in the male-dominated industry of software engineering, having to go through conversion therapy after coming out in high school, and the time she got kicked out of a BDSM club for being rude. 

NYC comic JC Best shares how he went from idolized New Jersey preacher to successful NYC comedian, the sexual awakening that led him down that path, and the struggles of exploring sexuality without labels. Brandy, Dara, and JC also discuss Dave Chappelle's most recent stand up special and the new PC era of complaining about complainers. 

NYC comic Ken Oonyu shares stories about his African origins and being the son of a freedom fighter, how he effortlessly merges cultural differences within his comedy material, and the pros and cons of going on a national tour while being less than a year into the game. 

NYC comedian and children's performer Alex Murray talks about how moving to NYC for an acting career led to him backflipping his way into comedy, his rise to fame as "Doctor Alex", the elite children's performer, and the crazy things he's seen (and been confronted with) among the wealthy housewives of New York.  Follow Alex on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ralexmurray/ Follow CFH on IG: https://www.instagram.com/comediansforhire/

NYC comedian Ricky Downes talks about his unequivocal talent as an impressionist and voice over artist, his unusual yet refreshing methods for bringing life to the stage, and the fulfilling experience of being a tour guide for the Bronx Zoo.  BONUS: Ricky performs his unbelievable spot-on impressions of Professor Snape, Bernie Sanders, Rodney Dangerfield, Christopher Walken, Gilbert Godfrey, Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, George Castanza and more.  You can find Ricky on Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter. Click here to learn more about the Wildlife Conservation Society Visit our website for more hilarious interviews and/or follow us on IG. LEAVE US A REVIEW AND WE'LL MAKE YOU COOKIES: www.listen.cfhpodcast.com

NYC comic Amamah Sardar talks about becoming a high school science teacher at the ripe age of 22, having to teach sex ed while still being a virgin herself, the crazy experience of interviewing prisoners for a post-prison assistance program, and how adulting too hard ultimately led to her “backwardsing” her way into comedy.  Backwardsing: When a person takes on too much responsibility between the ages of 18-25, becomes permanently burnt out, and then spends the rest of their life flailing. Follow Amamah on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amamahsardar/? Follow CFH on IG: https://www.instagram.com/comediansforhire/

NYC comic, actor, and writer Gianmarco Soresi talks about the pros and cons of having an obsessively focused personality, the struggles of dating and enjoying life as a comic, and his approach for tackling potentially offensive material.    For more info about Gianmarco or to book him on your show visit www.gianmarcosoresi.com. Follow him on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gianmarcosoresi/ And don't forget about us! https://www.instagram.com/comediansforhire/

NYC comic Christiana Jackson talks about how her theater degree from Rutgers led to a 15yr career in NYC real estate, the painful process of dealing with snobby (and sometimes racist) clients, and how her life-long pursuit of laughs led to her hitting the stage. 

NYC comic and Wild 'n Out cast member Maddy Smith shares how she went from being a new comic just 3 years ago to landing a 16 episode role on MTV's Wild 'n Out, how competing in roast battles helped her become a better comedian, and the various insecurities that arise on the road to fame.  Catch Maddy's Wild 'n Out debut on July 7th, 2019 on VH1. 

In this special 2-part episode NYC comic and former MLB draft pick Harris Stanton talks about being drafted to the Chicago Cubs only to realize his true passion for comedy. Plus starting out with comics like Bill Burr and Kevin Heart, attending Saturday Night Live after parties, and the terrifying experience of being a passenger in the infamous Tracy Morgan car accident.  Download Harris Stanton's full comedy album, Naive Innocence, on iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/album/naive-innocence/1280807546  Leave us a review and we'll love you forever: www.listen.cfhpodcast.com Follow us on Instagram @cfhpodcast

In this special 2-part episode NYC comic and former MLB draft pick Harris Stanton talks about being drafted to the Chicago Cubs only to realize his true passion for comedy. Plus starting out with comics like Bill Burr and Kevin Heart, attending Saturday Night Live after parties, and the terrifying experience of being a passenger in the infamous Tracy Morgan car accident.  Download Harris Stanton's full comedy album, Naive Innocence, on iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/album/naive-innocence/1280807546  Leave us a review and we'll love you forever: www.listen.cfhpodcast.com Follow us on Instagram @cfhpodcast 

In our loudest episode yet, NYC comic and writer Alex Fossella talks about being a writer for the hit podcast series, Modern Day Philosophers, the time he got hired to write a sketch for Ralphie May, and his new found love with broadway musicals. Bonus: Dara and Alex break out into song at least 3 times.

NYC comic Marlon Jean-Baptiste shares the pros and cons of raising 4 daughters while also pursuing comedy, how juggling too much can lead to failing at everything, and why the darkest moments in life often make for the best material. 

NYC comic and war veteran Pete Stegemeyer shares stories about getting his start in comedy while literally avoiding bombs in Afghanistan, the refreshingly "feminine" things that happened on base (like Man Love Thursday) and the time his troupe accidentally got high on opium. 

NYC Comedian, writer, and producer Hollie Harper shares stories about her eye opening experience as a PA for American Idol, the development of her 10yr-running sketch comedy show, American Candy, and how being a mom has influenced her as a comedian. 

NYC Comic Alex Babbitt talks about how he went from being the youngest comic on the scene - starting out at just 16yrs old - to getting to perform on HBO's All Def Comedy a few years later, and how being humble has played a role in his rise to fame.   

NYC Comic Lucien Formichella discusses his double life as a freelance garbageman AND journalist, and the hilarious scenarios that arise from both (like getting to cover the groundbreaking El Chapo case vs having to wait for Naomi Campbell to get off his vacuum cord) 

NYC comic Stephen Bolles discusses what it's like to be a bar back at one of the most famous comedy clubs in the country, his #1 biggest customer pet peeve (which you've probably done), and why he's trying to expand beyond his usual drug-focused material. BONUS: Brandy and Dara join Stephen in a group beatboxing session. 

In this special multi-guest episode, NYC comedy duo Jacq the Stripper and Rachel Green talk about their wide-array of money making talents and how being shunned at a comedy class led to a blossoming friendship. 

NYC comic and Syrian refugee Misho Shakur shares stories about growing up in the war torn lands of the Middle East, how he managed to learn english while having just 1hr of electricity per day, and the shaky escape that ultimately led to his pursuit of comedy.

Comedian and Actress Jessica Saul shares stories about being a teacher to students who are way too smart, being a tour guide for opinionated (and probably racist) tourists, and how she developed the best Jennifer Coolidge impression you've ever heard.      Edited by Paul Schreve: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01af17f25b2cc895e9

Comedian Malia Sias talks about her long-time career in fashion, her rise in the NYC comedy scene, and the first time she saw one of her designs on TV -- specifically, an episode of Cops. 

In our most aggressive episode yet, long-time comic Barry Ribs shares stories about ransacking Howard Stern’s management company in the 90s, his frustration with being a Christopher Lloyd look-alike, and how he got his start performing in urban rooms. 

LA-based comedian Zahra Ali discusses the differences between the NYC and LA comedy scene, how being a management consultant often means consulting idiots, and how she juggles her love of comedy vs an actual love interest. 

Comedian and actor Justin Randall shares stories from his job as a flight attendant, his days at an all-women's college, and how he managed to escape the conservative cornfields of Kansas.

Comedian and Actor Dave Columbo shares the sources of his comedic love affair, how he keeps up with a morning talk show (despite hangovers), and his crappy-customer intuition. 

Comedian Brandy Thomas shares stories about her first entrepreneurial endeavor, having a boss who refused to speak to her for a year, and how she once helped raise $15,000 for a Guatemalan sweat shop. 

Comedian Dara Jemmott talks about ditching her glam, six-figure lifestyle in exchange for a uniform, drink tickets, and a chance to pursue comedy.

In Episode 0 of Comedians for Hire, hosts Dara Jemmott and Brandy Thomas discuss their plans for the podcast, how it came to be, and why you should probably give it a 5 star rating.