Funny People Talking

Marc Raco and co-hosts Danielle Beckmann and Dresden Engle interview entertainers, influencers, icons, innovators, and incredible people who have one thing in common: they are funny! Episodes feature improv games, the latest and funniest news, plus unusual food and dead-pan delivery zingers from Elsie the Producer. From celebrity star stories to Star Trek references, “Funny People Talking” delivers a whole universe of things to laugh at and with. 2021 Bronze Winner for New Zealand Podcast Awards “Best International Podcast” 2019, 2020, and 2021 finalist for People's Choice Podcast Awards “Best Comedy Podcast”  

The #1 Donald Trump Impersonator in the World, John Di Domenico, talks with "American Enough" podcast host Vikrum Aiyeron about how comedy, satire, and late night TV is dividing, uniting, and trolling America. John is an American, Emmy Nominated, Actor, Writer, Comedian and Impersonator, he performs many different characters and is best known for his award-winning Donald Trump impersonation.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The most guests ever! Dresden has a flat tire and Elsie is MIA, so it's just Marc with SNL Scholarship Recipients Alexi Bolden, Gabriela Castillo, Kaili Turner & Morgan Van Dyne as they share their stories and their views on comedy; how and why they originally decided to apply for the scholarship, how they felt when they got the call, and what they think separated them from some 1,300 applicants; why honesty and openness mattered; hopes and goals for their lives and careers moving forward, as well as dream collaborators, and a challenge from Marc. Plus, a round of the new improv game Specific Arguments brings arguments amongst a thieving cashier with a bad-breath coworker, an unqualified pilot, and big rig driving buddies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How a lost wallet led to the Fifth Dimension turning into an overnight sensation, a round of the improv game Guppy Tank has contestants pitch unusual ideas to a panel of investors: a skippy lippy whippy exercise device, and something to help even the whitest and honkiest among us pop and lock with style and ease, MouthMedia Network intern Darcy workshops some of her jokes, and comedian, writer, and award winning art critic Christina Catherine Martinez joins the show and graces us with her unusual comedic sense. She shares some of her philosophy behind her work as both an artist and art critic, and discusses how she loves art that is both accessible to the masses, and referential for the real “art-heads”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small ex-Chasidic queer Jewish stand-up comedian and Emmy Award-winning writer Robby Hoffman reveals her comedy journey, how even as a financial auditor, it was always a part of who she was as a person. And Robby leads a crucial and enlightening discussion about the past, present and future roles of women in comedy, and the still-present stereotype that women aren’t as funny as men. Also joining the show this week is MouthMedia Network Intern Alexi Bolden, recently named one of four Saturday Night Live scholars, and will be granted an audition for the upcoming cast of SNL. The gang also discusses too much cauliflower, cactus candy in a condom wrapper, and a round of the improv game of The Meh News covers live news stories on cat vomit in an overcrowded AirBNB and a Times Square sandwich board full of errors.  Robby was just named one of Vulture's Top Comedians to Watch in 2020, one of Comedy Central's UP NEXT comedians, and on Conan O’Brien’s Comics to Watch list. She has performed numerous times at the Montreal Just for Laughs festival and was a headliner for the New York Comedy Festival. In 2019, she recorded her first one-hour stand up special for Just for Laughs, "I’m Nervous" in Toronto, available on CraveTV. Robby is also a notable TV writer, having written on The Chris Gethard Show (TruTV), Workin' Moms (Netflix), and Baroness Von Sketch Show (IFC). In 2019, Robby won a Daytime Emmy Award for her writing work on Odd Squad (PBS).  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A harrowing tale of freezing waiting six hours for a COVID vaccine, lion headphones, Rhyming the Headlines with Elsie covers a baby thug makeover and creepy imaginary friends, and  a round of the favorite improv game Audible brings scheduling conflicts at the zoo and romance on the high wire. And, veteran stand-up comedian and comedy teacher Chris Murphy joins the show and shares some of his experiences working in the field for over 25 years, brings us into his journey with cancer, and how that has affected his comedy, and a moment of epiphany in which he became aware of how grateful he was to have devoted his life to something he loves and cares about so much. Plus, Chris shares some of his method for developing jokes, and how he records how well certain jokes hit with different demographics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The gang's back with Season 3! Dresden possibly has green hair, and shares some very personal experiences with Covid-19 from the perspective of her and her family, Elsie debuts a new Yum or Yuck with a kind of taro reading, Dresden reveals a moment involving Eddie Money and an unfortunate gigantic bag of weed, and a round of the hilarious improv game Mish Mosh Mix doesn't go well for everyone (though Dresden sings about the similarities and differences between the moon, giraffes, and hippos, and Elsie gives her best Vanilla Ice impression). And Matt and John, who are boyfriends, share how they met - a meet-cute that would make Nora Ephron jealous. Plus, Musicians and boyfriends Matt Aument and John Coons tell the story of how they began collaborating and writing their particular brand of twisted, classy musical comedy, share a song, and reveal  how they met - a meet-cute that would make Nora Ephron jealous. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How the desire to share life’s realities as women in dating, sex, and more turned into a real growing business as podcasters with Girls Gotta Eat… Ashley Hesseltine (standup comedian, writer, and founder of @brosbeingbasic + @fashiondads_) and Rayna Greenberg (writer, photographer, founder of @onehungryjew) host the popular podcast “Girls Gotta Eat”, with millions of downloads. While much has changed since then, in this 2018 sit-down with Marc they shared why they started the podcast, how it has developed to such hit, why they integrated live shows so early in the journey, why they never expected the show to take on a life of its own, thinking about the podcast as a real startup business, their then-impending live show tour, and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Always funny, Maija DiGiorgio is a comedian, filmmaker who in her first year doing stand-up took the comedy world by storm taping five national TV appearances, receiving a standing ovation at NBC’s Live from the Apollo, and performing at the HBO Aspen Comedy Festival. Her hour show IncogNegro was part of the summer series at the prestigious Here theater in SOHO. Maija had recently filmed her Dry Bar Special which is available now and already receiving rave reviews. She is in the process of recording her first comedy album with 800 PoundGorilla Records. In this classic episode of "Monkey Radio with Marc", Maija joins Marc and co-host Ben Rose for a trip around her journey and how she thinks about humor, we pay a story-telling improv game with her, Ben shares a peek into his wacky world, and Marc laments on illegal cycling. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Award-winning visual artist, commercial photographer and producer of independent motion pictures Miles Maker, known for his cinematic visual style that is honest and intimate, emotive and kinetic, timeless and iconic, is featured in the classic episode of Monkey Radio with Marc with co-host Ben Rose. This is also the first appearance of the improv game "What If?". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we time travel into this episode of "Monkey Radio with Marc", Marc and co-host Ben Rose record on-location at Baconery and are joined by six-time Tony nominee Beguelin. His works include Disney’s Aladdin (Tony Award nomination for Best Book and Best Original Score, Drama Desk Award Nomination for Best Book and Outstanding Lyrics), The Prom (Tony Award nomination for Best Book and Best Original Score, Drama Desk Award Nomination for Best Book and Outstanding Lyrics) and The Wedding Singer (Tony Award nomination for Best Book and Best Original Score, Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Lyrics). He also wrote the lyrics for the Broadway musical Elf, which broke several box office records. Plus an improv game and Elsie shares a special Baconery-inspired End of Show Food. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we time travel into this episode of "Monkey Radio with Marc", Marc and co-host Ben Rose are joined by improv comedian and actor Brad Sherwood of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" fame. Plus a round of "If I Were In Charge of the World" and Elsie brings a fun End of Show Food. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elsie has mobile mistletoe, Marc pitches inventions to battle noisy neighbors, another round of Headline Poetry with Elsie covers a German pilot’s strange activities, a baby Thai elephant, and a Russian cat, a round of "What If: Political Edition" uncovers will campaign strategies. Plus, lawyer-turned-artist/activist Tootsie Warhol shares his journey that led from working in civil rights law, to a meeting with Trump and his covert recording, which then sparked a career as a full time Trump-impersonating performance artist. He discusses the role of humor in his art, and how to strike a balance between making a meaningful political statement and appealing to the funny bone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A real-life When Harry Met Sally Christmas tree moment, a PR Tip on using the right words, Elsie's Headline-Inspired Poetry, Dresden has a special light and one-upping one another with a new improv game "With All Due Respect". Plus, guest Darlene Liebman talks about her amazing business Creative Humans (a platform that matches up brands with video professionals), shares her process of vetting prospective creatives, and the sweet spot of finding highly talented individuals before they’ve gotten so expensive they’re not cost effective anymore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dresden is stuck in a Frozen room thanks to a COVID scare, why rocker Eddie Money was better than Google, a scandalous musical press conference, move review prognostication, and theories about being ghosted by a busker. Canadian music correspondent, blogger, radio host and former director of media relations at eOne Music Canada Eric Alper (who also runs music public relations company That Eric Alper and host of the SiriusXM show “That Eric Alper”) joins the fun and shares insights on publicity, stories about infamous musicians, insights on the transformation of music and entertainment, how his path started, and why Monty Python has been such an inspiration. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elsie has streamers, amazing dairy-free ice cream from Casper's called Jolly Llama in a special installment of Yum or Yuck, a dispute between Hollywood legends, improv game Guppy Tank features mushroom-motivated exercise, a key killer, and more. Nathan Russell, UCB comedian and founder of Hammond Hill Media (a full service creative studio and production company founded by former executives at the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), with an approach is deeply rooted in improvisational comedy) joins to share more about the company along with his insights on comedy and integrating improv. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A real life GI Joe, a Beach Boys memory, being the "Kool Aid" house, escalator etiquette, annoying TikTok dances, throwing cold butter on hot pancakes, Elsie's surprising advice, and what we would all do if we were in charge of the world! Plus Colin McIntosh, the founder of Sheets & Giggles (a sustainability-focused, mission driven bedsheet company), joins to share his incredible mission, entrepreneurial journey, what the company is doing to change the world, and how he approaches humor with the company ethos and in stand-up comedy.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're thankful, and have invited special friends to drop by. Marc's friend and former co-host John Locke guest-hosts, and a few surprise guests drop in. Plus a super special hard-to-find Thanksgiving tasting from Elsie, a blast from the past, and a super hilarious round of the improv game "What If?" Happy Thanksgiving everyone! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emotional stories of election results celebration, Dresden's eyebrows are woven like lace, a round of Yum or Yuck with tasty Lekkco Belgian dark chocolate spreads, and a round of the improv comedy game Redirection, in which direction changes mid-scene and a day at the zoo turns unexpectedly dark. Founder Rory Hughes joins from Ireland and discusses his company BOOM, Broadway Official Online Masterclass, which is a platform created for the pandemic to provide work in the form of teaching to Broadway performers and artists, and  stories of being starstruck working with some of the Broadway performers working with BOOM. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elsie hilariously with her own take on real headlines, Arnold Schwarzenegger gets into unexpected situations in a revisited improv game favorite, Dresden recalls an under-appreciated Ken Burns-related April Fools joke, cast mysteries, and why the US might be Canada's downstairs neighbor with a meth lab. Plus, big-deal stand-up comedian Debra DiGiovanni shares career highlights from Conan to Last Comic Standing, making Canadians laugh why just being true to herself is key to her success, the person who is her barometer of funny, and the joke that she keeps telling whether or not it gets a laugh. (Recorded the day after the 2020 US Election). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sheer star power. Dresden clings to the 1980's, Elsie has everyone in absolute stitches with a story some of us have already seen, and everyone enjoys an improvised Oscar-Winning Moment! Hugely talented Broadway star Jen Cody (Urinetown, The Wild Party, Shrek, Pajama Game, and many more), film (Charlotte La Bouff in Disney's “The Princess and the Frog") and TV (Winx Club, Blue Bloods, The Good Fight, and many more), is also the 2nd Vice President of Actor's Equity Association and married to actor Hunter Foster. Jen hilariously tells all about learning comedy from the greats such as watching Sally Struthers tinker meticulously with the timing of a bit; the commitment it takes to be an actor, with all the hardships that come with the job; the professionalism it takes to perform 8 shows a week; and reflecting on getting her first big role, an unlikely role she somehow keeps playing, behind the scenes secrets, and the moment she knew she real was funny. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Facing off with a Sopranos actor, licking a subway pole, musical arguments cover toenail clippings and estranged twins, and Elsie becomes the canvas. Comedian, writer, actor, musician, and UCB performer Eliza Kingsbury joins to discuss her three-name identity, the story behind her recent Lady Gaga parody video, being an entertainer during a pandemic, and the importance of hustle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special Breast Cancer Awareness episode with Rochester, NY breast surgeon Dr. Rachel Farkas. Small celebrities, a round of improv with The Jewish Mother News Reporter covers a prom fashion faux pas and hosting a holiday without warning, and a very fishy segment of Yum or Yuck. Plus Rachel shares how she treats every patient as an individual (rather than a statistic), and makes the process so fun, you might think you had surgery in a disco! Plus, practical and necessary advice for all women over 40, and why getting a mammogram can be positive instead of scary (plus, what's all this talk about Jon Bon Jovi?) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An important middle initial, an ice cream extravaganza, celebrities mess up Dresden's name, the concept of hype and why it is neither good nor bad, how marketing and PR have transformed over time, and an improv game about a big f-ing announcement brings a movie trailer, a preacher, a horror movie, and 1930's radio! Michael F. Schein, founder of Microfame Media, and author of the upcoming book The Hype Handbook is our guest! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamilton's "George Washington" on Broadway, Tamar Greene, reveals an epic journey to landing his dream role, why he follows cheeky advice to never give more than 62.5%, surprises us with a live performance of a favorite song, and talks social relevancy and weight of taking on such an iconic American role at challenging time in America. Plus, sage advice for Dresden from Dennis Hopper and Philip Seymour Hoffman, Marc's return to the NYC subway is a disaster, improvised musical arguments go off the rails, Dresden is an action figure, and Elsie taste-tests a surprising combination. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unicorn glitter, the most unfortunately-named award ever, taste-testing everything, Tina Fey gets the treatment, discovering ASMR porn, and a very emotional press conference redefines Lady Gaga. Plus, Chris Schembra, the Gratitude Guru and most sought after dinner host anywhere, shares how gratitude saved his life and inspired a company that brings people together to make connections through community, vulnerability, and pasta sauce. And, the touching 2 a.m. moment when he realized he was on the right path, why accepting that you will never actually fully heal allows your heart to open up to possibilities, and how the power of humor and gratitude can completely transform a large number of people in mere minutes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queer Filipino-American folk-singer Mercy Bell takes us through her career in the music scene, why appearing in Rolling Stone made her go get a job, how identifying off the bat as both queer and Filipino is of personal importance to her, and the importance of humor for much needed levity to her songs which can otherwise deal with  heavy topics. Plus, a risque whopped cream moment with Greg Brady, an unexpected kazoo, the pizza scent of Tina Fey, horseradish love with Elsie, Mercy improvises a new Broadway style song on the spot, and a live performance of her song All Good Cowboys. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary comedian, actor, writer, podcaster, and host Judy Gold goes deep on censoring comics, advice for new comedians in the current political climate, dealing with Trump supporters, writing and revisiting jokes, career accomplishments and near misses, future goals, and why Madonna was a TV mom to Judy's son. Plus, too many goats, a huge Willy Wonka wardrobe malfunction, a confusing shrimp snack, and how both rodeo clowns and a Jewish Christmas movie play roles in an improv game. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Mrs Kasha Davis (MKD), a Drag Queen best known for RuPauls Drag Race Season 7, is the self proclaimed International Celebrity Housewife who has traveled the world entertaining audiences with her wit and down home charm. Take a fabulous, fun-filled trip through her career start, reinvention, meaning, wigs, dealing with hecklers and disbelievers, and why kids might be her best audience. Plus, so many troll dolls, truth-telling, an improv game that puts you in charge of the world, celebrity oral care with King Kong star Fay Wray, and Egyptian Yum or Yuck with Elsie, and so much more! See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Comedian, actress, singer, playwright, mom, and award-winning author (in spring 2020 she published the first and only biography of rock star Eddie Money) and communications professional Dresden Engle joins as co-host. In this Season 2 premiere episode, Danielle is off to another planet, Marc is Archie Bunker, Elsie grows window-corn, and we hear a few of Dresden's many celebrity moments. Plus, a round of the improv game "The Meh News" including protesting rats and a toothpaste thief, and Elsie shares the new food segment "Yum or Yuck"! See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Marc and Elsie announce Season 2. And big news! Check out Elsie's videos on Instagram @elsietheproducer

The greatest Jennifer Aniston story ever and why an obsession with the TV show "Friends" inspired a comedy career, birds everywhere, puzzles in a pandemic, the mystery of the green shirt, a new improv game "Seuss This" brings Dr. Seuss-styled arguments, and mystery foods. Plus, comedian, producer, and writer Nicole Blaine shares the scoop on her new comedy special "Life's a Bit", how motherhood inspires her comedy, conflict after a drive-by squirt-gunning, and discovering she's funny.

Elsie's cat says hi, the no-poo hair washing technique, life during COVID-19 and  spreading optimism and hope, a brazen theft a cookie, a round of the improv game "The Meh News", dog-related nicknames, and a self-service, at-home version of End of Show Food. Plus, comedian and writer Julie Harrison-Harney shares about writing for UCB and the WWE, working at The Tonight Show, and crushing on Tik Tok.

Big Vision, Empty Wallet, navigating humor during COVID-19, a round of the improv game  "What If" brings Tom Cruise, Kevin Bacon, Judi Dench, and a baseball scarring and fiery end, a stage show with adult sex education, and an End of Show Food first. Producer, writer, and comedian Dani Faith Leonard joins remotely from her mother's home.

SPECIAL MINISODE ON COVID-19: Comedy legend and former host of The Tonight Show "Jay Leno" offers his thoughts on tips for staying entertained and upbeat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Impression for this parody/satire by John Di Domenico.

SPECIAL MINISODE ON COVID-19: Newsman and talk show legend "Larry King" offers his thoughts on evaluating helpful information and news and when to ignore bad information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Impression for this parody/satire by John Di Domenico.

SPECIAL MINISODE ON COVID-19: The Price of Darkness "Ozzy Osbourne" offers his thoughts on staying healthy and mentally well during the COVID-19 pandemic. Impression for this parody/satire by John Di Domenico.

SPECIAL MINISODE ON COVID-19: "Austin Powers" ("International Man of Mystery") stops by to discuss intimacy, romance, sex, letter-writing, connection, social distancing, and more in the face of COVID-19. Impression for this parody/satire by John Di Domenico.

SPECIAL MINISODE ON COVID-19: Dr. Evil (the nemesis of Austin Powers) stops by to discuss social distancing, proper hand-washing, and the meaning of evil in the face of COVID-19. Impression for this parody/satire by John Di Domenico.

SPECIAL MINISODE ON COVID-19: Talk show host "Dr. Phil" stops by to talk about maintaining mental and emotional health in the face of COVID-19, social distancing, and quarantine, and how to avoid being stupid. Impression for this parody/satire by John Di Domenico.

SPECIAL MINISODE ON COVID-19: The "President of the United States" stops by to talk about everything he is doing to address the pandemic, and advice on staying calm and hopeful. Impression for this parody/satire by John Di Domenico.

A Star Wars arrest, fake towns on maps, an improv game with a big announcement, deploying comedy for levity in workplaces, and a shocking End of Show Food from down under. Writer, corporate consultant, and comedian Stephen Strauss shares his journey, how he became a comedian, and an amazing tie born from a Bar Mitzvah.