Dear Nana: Advice From An Idiot

Jos Hurt joins Irene this week on Dear Nana: Advice From An Idiot. We met on set and instantly bonded. I'm so happy Jos was able to record and this is her first time as a podcast guest, can you believe it?! She's a natural!  Follow Jos on Instagram: @aworldofhurt and know that big things are coming her way so keep your eyes and bananas peeled.  DearNanaPod@gmail.com email me! I'm back on the horse! I'm ready to party! 

Xazmin Garza joins Irene this week on Dear Nana: Advice From An Idiot. We recorded on a cozy Sunday and I think that comes through on this episode, love this girl.  Follow Xamin on Instagram! @xazminnie and check her out on HBO Max, Comedy Chingonas.  DearNanaPod@gmail.com email me! I'm back on the horse! I'm ready to party! 

Dear Nana finally returns after an almost two year hiatus! A week didn't go by that I didn't think about the pod. Less type-y, more episode-y.  This is the episode where I introduce you to my boyfriend, John Nunn, @nunnsnumbers1 on Instagram if you want to be a full creep ya freaks!  DearNanaPod@gmail.com email me! I'm back on the horse! I'm ready to party! 

Michael Ortiz joins Nana on this week's Dear Nana: Advice from An Idiot. Michael and Irene have been friends since high school and she's so proud of all his personal and professional accomplishments and growth. They talk about tea, comedy; the sacrifices they've made for both and are pretty silly throughout the whole episode.  Michael Ortiz, founder of JoJo Tea www.sipjojo.com Instagram: @sipjojo

Sequoia Hill, also known as Siddy Hill joins Nana this week on Dear Nana: Advice From An Idiot. Nana has been following Siddy on Instagram for a minute and she is over the moon that Siddy said yes to do the podcast. They talk about Instagram, algorithms and of course, comedy.  Siddy Instagram: @goodsiddygonebad 

Gene Paul Gayol joins Nana on the podcast this week. Gene is a composer, producer, performer born and raised in Miami.  "Amanece" a song he co-wrote with Jorge Villamizar for Diego Torres released in September. https://www.latimes.com/espanol/entretenimiento/articulo/2020-08-27/diego-torres-regresa-como-el-trovador-de-los-grandes-momentos-con-amanece He has recorded/performed with high profile latin recording artists such as Alejandro Sanz, Marc Anthony, Carlos Vives, Diego Torres, David Bisbal. Gene will be debuting a new original project soon, follow him at @genepaulmusic on Instagram.     

Father Manny joins Nana again and this week they speak about suicide so if this is a topic that triggers you, please do not listen to this episode. If you are suicidal or know someone who is, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255. Father Manny and Irene have been friends for 18 years (holy mackerel!) and they talk about how Irene originally wanted to be a nun and how important their friendship has been to each other as well as suicide and how it effected Father Manny and his family.  Again, if you are suicidal or know someone who is, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.   

Wendi Starling joins Nana this week on Dear Nana: Advice From An Idiot. Wendi and Nana have known each other for over ten years, and the girls have themselves a nice little catch up talking about the pandemic, comedy and sex work.  Wendi Starling Social  Instagram: @WendiBird82 TikTok: @TheHelpfulho Podcast: I Love You. Please Stop  email: DearNanaPod@gmail.com

This is just a solo episode where Nana apologizes for being an idiot to her listeners. I'm sorry for the poor audio quality and I'm sorry for being such a disaster. Thank you for caring enough to even listen. I hope this makes you feel less alone. I want to be better and I'm going to keep trying. I love you.    email: DearNanaPod@gmail.com

Jared Freid joins Nana on the last episode she's releasing in 2020. Jared is so funny and so sweet and is constantly giving such great advice; please check out his super great podcasts: The J Train Podcast and U Up? Podcast that he does with Jordana Abraham at Betches Media. His website has all his tour dates but if you're not following him on Instagram you're truly missing out.   Instagram: @jaredfreid Twitter: @jaredfreid    email: DearNanaPod@gmail.com  

Rob Haze joined Nana this week on Dear Nana: Advice from An Idiot. He mostly made fun of me the whole time which is absolutely the correct way to hang out with me. Please check out and buy Rob's album, Haze-O-Pedia, or stream it a lot so he can show off his Spotify numbers next year.  Rob Haze Social:  Instagram: @robhaze Twitter: @robertistheMan www.RobHaze.com  email: DearNanaPod@gmail.com 

Casey Balsham joins Nana this week! We recorded this episode in the early stages of the pandemic and while much has changed, the fact that Casey is great and you should buy her album remains the same. You should also check her out on Not Another True Crime Podast with Betches and Shady Shit with Casey Balsham on Dear Media.  Instagram: @casefaceb & @suppershow Twitter: @caseybalsham Album: Son of a Barb  Podcasts: Not Another True Crime Podcast, with Betches Shady Shit with Casey Balsham, with Dear Media

Ed Larson joins Nana on this week's episode of Dear Nana: Advice from An Idiot. Eddie is such a great person, comedian and friend and after this episode you'll learn - a great son as well. Following the death of his mother, Eddie took on the Herculean task of making a documentary about it so that others could benefit from what he's learned and not have to go through what he so painfully did. Please find the link to the documentary as well as Ed's social media below:  https://vimeo.com/ondemand/howamericakilledmymother/462867854 Instagram: @eddietunes  Twitter: @edditetunes_ & @HowAmericaKills www.howamericakilledmymother.com

Nana had the crazy idea to record a first date as a podcast and would you believe it, her date was up for it!  I can't believe I did this but I appreciate that Jaron was down to do it. I'm not putting his last name out of respect? Who knows, maybe he'll run for office someday? Fully doubt it, but it feels safer legal-wise to not put his last name so I'm not. This is absolutely 100% percent real as I'm sure you'll able to tell once you start listening and no, there was no second date and I am off the apps.  Also Kizzy! Thank you so much for your email!! You rock! DearNanaPod@gmail.com 

Carmen Lagala joins Nana on this week's episode of Dear Nana: Advice From An Idiot. I haven't laughed and riffed this much in a while, gosh this was so nice. I love Carmen. Turns out if you've known someone for a while and they're super funny, you get to be  silly rabbits for an hour. I hope you all enjoy this as much as I enjoyed recording it.  Carmen Lagala Social:  Instagram: @carmstagrams  Twitter: @carmenlagala

Sam Evans joins Nana on this week's episode of Dear Nana: Advice From An Idiot. Sam is so great and so funny and in a world with a whole lot of turds and turkeys, Sam Evans is a ray of light. Please buy his album Sweet Baby Boy out now, everywhere and please listen to his podcast Up Your Butt and Around The Corner.  Sam Evan's Social:  Instagram: @ReallySamEvans Twitter: @ReallySamEvans

Kenice Mobley joins Nana this week to discuss dating during the pandemic and how much they really love each other. I'm so happy I was finally able to get Kenice on the podcast because I truly adore her. Please check out her podcast with Rohan Paghye: Love About Town and follow her on Instagram + Twitter at: @kenicemobley  ***Do you guys care that I always switch from third person to first? Also, no one ever emails (it's okay!) but just in case: DearNanaPod@gmail.com  

Jo Firestone joins Nana and truly, what a delight. I don't think I've ever had anyone ask me more questions on my own podcast but if anyone can get away with it, it's Jo Firestone - I adore her and you will too.  Please listen to Jo's podcast Everyday Decisions with Comedy Central where Jo talks to people about the choices they made throughout the last 24 hours of their day. Jo Firestone Social  Instagram: @yoyofirestone 

Thich Nhat Hanh: How To Fight Nana is so sorry that she went dark for 4 months! I love you! It's been a hell of a summer for all of us and while I took a conscious pause to focus on BLM, it quickly turned into a break where I focused on my family, my move and just trying to get out of bed in the morning.  I thought reading Thich Nhat Hanh's How To Fight would be an appropriate episode to start back up with, hopefully you all like it too. I had to listen to this 3-4x while editing and the re-listening helped me, even with my little fucks up along the way. 

Joyelle Nicole Johnson joins Nana on this week's episode. Joyelle was one of my first friends when I moved to NYC and I am forever grateful, I'm the luckiest girl. We of course talk comedy, the pandemic and we get into our woo woo shit about manifesting and some great advice Joyelle gave me that I put into practice right away.  Joyelle Nicole Johnson Social:  Instagram: @joyellenicole Twitter: @joyellenicole Website: www.joyellenicole.com

Freddy Scott joins Nana this week on Dear Nana: Advice From An Idiot. Freddy and Irene have actually only met once but through comedy, mutual friends and the power of the Internet, Irene has come to fully understand how much of a silly rabbit Freddy really is  and wow - it's impressive. They talk about comedy, having Spanish moms, and playing it cool when meeting your heroes.  Freddy Scott Social Instagram: @freddyscott Twitter: @freddyscott    

Jessica Anderson joins Nana on this week's episode of Dear Nana: Advice From An Idiot. Irene and Jessica have been friends for over ten years? At least? Wow. Holy cow. Jesus. We are old as shit but still cute. Jessica has a whole child now. A daughter! Jessica has a daughter and a loving family and I have a podcast: tomato, potato. Wait - Jessica also has a website she just launched: https://www.mamalovesto.com and it's so great and I'm so proud of her! I'm not a mom and I love it! I am happy we're friends though because if not I'd be like "Ugh, this bitch is crafty and she cooks? Get out of here!!" But Jessica is great and I love her and I know you will too.  Jessica Anderson's website: https://www.mamalovesto.com Instagram: @mamalovesto @jessicawasgross  Twitter: @mamalovesto @jessicawasgross I think that's it? The bitch doesn't stop.

Dan Perlman joins Nana on this week's episode on Dear Nana: Advice from An Idiot. They talk about the current state of comedy, zoom shows and his brand new album: Emergency Contact. Please buy Dan's album wherever you can buy albums because it's great and so it he.  Dan Perlman Social:  Instagram: @danjperlman Twitter: @danjperlman Album: Emergency Contact available   

Dave Ross joins Nana this week to talk about comedy, being in quarantine, and the importance of rest. Dave is so great, please buy his album, The Only Man Who Has Ever Had Sex, listen to both of his podcasts, Ya'll Ever with Hampton Yount and Get Stupid and buy his merch; I just got a t-shirt and I'm real jazzed about it. This is all on his website: http://davetotheross.com  Dave Ross Social Media:  Instagram: @davetotheross Twitter: @davetotheross  Email: DearNanaPod@gmail.com

Kippy returns for our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY! If you don't know Kevin Ryan he's a very funny New York-based comedian, a good friend and the reason why Dear Nana is up and running which is why he'll always be the executive producer; he showed me how to do everything and was so patient with me like a real hero. Dear Nana is one year old today! Can you believe it? Nana doesn't know where she'd be without Kippy and all of you so thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Blair Socci joins Nana on this week's episode and they talk about the quarantine because they're in it, performing in quarantine and still being scared of their parents at 30 years old.  Blair Socci Social Media:  Instagram: @blairsocci Twitter: @blairsocci Email: DearPodNana@gmail.com

Sarah Tollemache joins Nana on this episode and they talk comedy in quarantine, the pressure to create content and Sarah gives us her best piece of advice.  Sarah Tollemache Instagram: @stollemache Twitter: @stollemache TikTok: @stollemache DearNanaPod@gmail.com for any questions or concerns. Love you!

Julie Poptart joins Nana (on the phone) this week for another episode of Dear Nana: Advice From An Idiot, Quarantine Edition. We talk comedy, Julie's published articles in PASTE magazine, (okay HUNNY!) eating disorders, what advice she turns to, especially as a comedian, and some good advice to get us through these corona times.  Julie Poptart Social Media: Instagram: @juliepoptart  Twitter:  @juliepoptart  Email: DearNanaPod@gmail.com

Steph Tolev joins Nana for the first ever quarantine podcast! They talk about life in quarantine, living with her parents again, a little bit of comedy and boys too. This was so much fun. I miss her a lot. Steph is super funny and you should check out everything she does. Buy all her albums! Out on Comedy Records!  Steph Social Media:  Instagram: @stephtolev Twitter: @StephTolev  ***I called Steph on the phone and that's why it sounds different and if you hear a buzz it's my mom texting me.***

Andrew Tisher joins Nana on the podcast this week and even though Nana was/is a little weirdo and took a minute to warm up, Tish was so gracious and kind and patient while she did. We talk about how he got into comedy, what his college was like and how his parents, just like Irene's mom, want him to come back home.  Andrew Tisher Social:  Instagram: @tishertisher Twitter: @tishertisher Chris Gethard Presents 308: "Little Green Guys" with Joe Rumrill & Andrew Tisher: https://youtu.be/bIRMCLnVioQ

Becky Scott and Amanda Lundquist, the writer and co-director and director, respectively, of "Asking For It" join Nana as they record an episode from the VIP lounge at Conquest film festival in San Jose, which was just an open bar with Tito's Vodka and two flavors of Luna bars; shit got weird.  Instagrams:  @askingforitfilm @beckyscott1 @alunkish

Diego Lopez joins Nana this week as they talk comedy, home decor, what it's like to be a fighter, comedian and male model and the nuances of the word "fuck boy."  Diego Lopez Social:  Instagram: @thisdiegolopez Twitter: @thisdiegolopez Podcast: A Little Time Email: DearNanaPod@gmail.com

H. Foley joins Nana this week as they record in his car just before a  show. They talk about talking shit, how to determine whether or not you are garbage and birthdays. Please check out Foley's podcast with Kevin Ryan called: Are You Garbage? Wherever you can find podcasts.  H Foley Social:  Instagram: @foleygrams Twitter: @HFoleyOnIce

Matty joins Nana this week and they talk about growing up Catholic, finally making the decision to do comedy and what it's like to be a comedian and dating in NYC.  Matt Bachus's Social Media:  Instagram: @mattbachussucks  Twitter: @mattbachus

Nana sits down with one of her favorite coworkers, Jason, to talk about how he ended up in finance and how life has a funny way of working out. Below is the full quote that Jason opened up the episode with, and it reminds me of "If" by Rudyard Kipling, which I've also included below. I'm so happy Libsyn gives me all this space in my description! Hell yeah! The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others, rather than his own; and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe. - John Walter Wayland (Virginia 1899) ----------   If by Rudyard Kipling If you can keep your head when all about you        Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,    If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,     But make allowance for their doubting too;    If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,     Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,     And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:   If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;        If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;    If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster     And treat those two impostors just the same;    If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken     Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,     And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:   If you can make one heap of all your winnings     And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings     And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew     To serve your turn long after they are gone,    And so hold on when there is nothing in you     Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’   If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,        Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,     If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute     With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,    Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,        And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

Nana interview her new roommate! It was nice to do this and I'm so glad Claire was game. It's almost 2:30 am on a Sunday so I'm stopping this description here. Enjoy the episode! 

Greg Stone joins Nana after two others cancelled and saves the day! They talk about their old podcast, comedy, porn and Greg gives us his best piece of advice. Be sure to check out Greg's podcast: The Rad Dude Cast on iTunes and everywhere else? Greg Stone Social:  Instagram: @gregfstone Twitter: @gregstone_ YouTube Video with over 1 Million views: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV8XhzG_rAg Email: DearNanaPod@gmail.com  

Solo Nana episode where I update you on where I've been, it's kind of a bummer so I keep it brief.   

Solo episode with Nana on the first day of the new year! I learned about self-love maybe three or four years ago from my good friend Blair Socci and have been curious about it ever since. I just remembered what I wanted to say at the end of the episode! If anyone is interested in the transcripts of either or both of these articles, just send me an email and I'll send them to you. Happy New Year!  email: DearNanaPod@gmail.com 

Luci Giangrandi joins Nana this week to discuss their almost 20 years of friendship (they met in high school) and what Luci's career has been like up until this moment where she's 5 months into owning and operating a restaurant with her boyfriend, Alex Meyer.  Luci Social:  Instagram: @boiaderestaurant

Becky Scott returns!!! Nana missed her friend and wanted to catch up with her and most of our conversations are good enough to be podcasts so we decided to record it. Becky Scott is the writer and co-director of Asking For It and while they didn't meet till Irene was cast in the film, they became fast friends and still get bagels on the weekends when their schedules allow. Becky breaks down what it's like to be a female writer, director and filmmaker in 2019, what it was like going to opens mics as as non-comedian, and the drive that's necessary to succeed. Nana was for sure too hard on Becky in regards to how closely she held the mic but Becky is a champ and got through the episode.  Becky Scott Social:  Instagram: @beckyscott1 Twitter: @arr_scott Asking For It Instagram: @askingforitfilm Asking For It Trailer: https://vimeo.com/316916037/1c77d79e95 

This week Nana brings you a solo episode where she reads from a book written by Thich Nhat Hanh called, How To Love where, among other explanations and offerings, he breaks down true love into four elements: loving kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. From the back cover: Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the best-know Zaen teachers in the world today. He has been teaching mindfulness practice for more than seventy years. His best selling books on relationships include Reconciliation and Cultivating the Mind of Love.

Ralph Emmerich joins Nana this week to discuss transcendental meditation or TM for short. They record in the TM Center on Beaver Street in New York City.  For more information on TM, please visit: www.tm.org 

Nataly Aukar joins Nana on this week's episode of Dear Nana: Advice From An Idiot. Irene and Nataly discuss comedy, what it's like to have parents and family who are from another country, and Nataly's advice makes Irene cry.    Nataly's Social:  Instagram: @natyourcolor  Twitter: @natyourcolor  www.natalyaukarcomedy.com

Krystyna Hutchinson sits down with Nana at a bar to discuss trauma, red flags and the books we've read and love that get us through it all. I adore Krystyna and I'm really happy we were able to do this. I think I'll always switch from third to first person from now on...I hope you lil freaks enjoy this ep! 

Solo Nana Ep! I've been wanting to do an episode like this since the beginning but I've been too scared and putting it off and even though I had a panic attack while recording (and I'm still coming down from it as I'm typing this) I'm happy I took that first small step toward maybe more episodes like this.  This episode was definitely a rough one but I learned a lot and if you all want another one like this, let me know and I'll work on making the next one better! The article that I read was from the Harvard Business Review Magazine: OnPoint, Spring 2019 edition. The focus of this edition was "Unleash Your Creativity" and the article I annotated and read from was "Reclaim Your Creative Confidence: How To Get Over The Fears That Block Your Best Ideas" by Tom Kelley and David Kelley. Thank you for being so sweet and patient and honest with me!         

Brett Davis joins Nana on the podcast this week as they talk about Andy Kaufman, the similarities between pro-wrestling and stand-up and how to develop a character as darkness descends over Nana's apartment. SPOOKY!!! Brett Davis Social:  Instagram:  @brettdavisrip Twitter: @brettdavisrip www.brettdavis.rip

Comedians In Diners Recording A Podcast: This week Nana records live from Tivoli Diner on 3rd Ave and 22nd Street with very funny comedian and good friend, Katie Hannigan. We talk about diets, comedy, meditation and the bigger picture.  Katie Hannigan Social: Insta: @_katiehannigan_ Twitter: @katiehannigan Email:  DearNanaPod@gmail.com 

Myka Fox joins Nana as they talk about OCD, therapy, how they met and what lead them to become comedians. Myka is a creative director at Comedy Central and is so funny and I am constantly so proud of her!  Myka Fox Social:  Instagram: @mykafox Twitter: @mykafox Email: DearNanaPod@gmail.com   ***MY DARLINGS! I AM SO SORRY THIS IS LATE!!!***  I keep only getting 4 hours of sleep and I need to record more episodes so I can have them in the bank and I'm not struggling to post an episode Sunday so it's ready for you all first thing Monday morning. I am so sorry!!! I am working on this! Thank you for sticking with me! It means the world to me!   

Mike Recine joins Nana this week to talk about the state of comedy, what it's like to grow up with an autistic brother, and what advice he would give to his younger self.  ***My apologies for the delay my little freaks! Nana's been averaging 4 - 5 hrs a night for the past couple weeks again and it she's still getting the hang of her new day job, shows at night and the random little side hustles she has. I promise to get back on track with releasing the episodes on time and more sleep.     

My apologies for the delay my little freaks! Nana wasn't feeling well at all this past Sunday (when I usually record and upload episodes for Monday morning consumption) and with an average of 4 hours of sleep every night since then it's been hectic to say the least - now this is just turning into a journal entry.  While I was going to record with just myself tonight, Nathan hit me up on my way home and when he agreed to do the podcast we recorded on a little one-way street in the West Village, Barrow Street to be exact. This was about to be the episode that I go solo! Maybe the next one, with an outlined article or book to keep me company.    Nathan Macintosh Social:  Instagram/Twitter: @nathanmacintosh www.nathanmacintosh.com   Email:  DearNanaPod@gmail.com