If This Is True with Chris Hall

Joe Bill is widely regarded as one of the best teachers of Improvisation in America today. He is one of the founding members of Annoyance Theater Chicago, was the Director of Corporate Training at iO Chicago for 15 years, and a Teacher & Guest Artist in Residence at The Second City Conservatory & Training Center for another 15 years. Joe first practiced improvisation in 1977 and studied and worked with Del Close from 1985 through the mid 90's.Joe is also a Senior Facilitator for The Ariel Group, specializing in Leadership & Personal Presence and Storytelling for Business People. He was the Master Facilitator of the Western U.S. for Ferrazzi Greenlight in their Trusted Advisor Initiative with General Motors from 2015-2016. His clients range from C Level to new hires, in a number of vastly different industries. He is just as comfortable coaching Creative Teams, Corporate Leaders, and Television Stars as he is coaching Engineers, Analysts, and Actuaries.Joe has also been touring internationally as an improvisational performer, teacher, and director for more than 20 years. You can reach him at integratedimprovisation.com. He also has a book coming out soon, called, "Maybe It's Your Fault." Our conversation ranged from basketball theory to CageMatch victories! Don't miss this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jacob Heiss recently graduated with his PhD in biomedical engineering from The University of Akron. He started doing comedy three years ago when he first took an improv class at Imposters Theater in Cleveland and continues to do improv with his group Stage Against the Machine. We talked about discoveries in both improv and cancer research and his joy in producing comedy shows. He is also looking for a job in cancer research if anyone is hiring.He also produces multiple comedy shows including the Panel Show Show and Good Point! A Power Point Party at Imposters Theater in Cleveland.For more information on those shows, go to www.imposterstheater.com, or imposterstheater.com/submit to submit a request for Good Point! A Power Point Party.For more content from Stage Against the Machine, go to https://www.youtube.com/@stageagainstthemachine. Jacob can also be found @ghaekub on IG. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As everyone knows, last fall the Western North Carolina region suffered the most devastating flooding in a century. The beautiful place we call home was forever scarred and changed. But true to form, this region had each other's backs and staged quite an incredible comeback. While some areas are still damaged, we by all means welcome the world back to the Appalachian mountains you know and we love! Everything you were excited about in October 2024 will be back this time around including: 4 NIGHTS, 4 VENUES, 11 SHOWS, 6 HEADLINERS, 11 WORKSHOPS, 40+ IMPROV COMEDY TEAMS FROM AROUND THE USAGeorge Awad is the producer of the Asheville Improv Festival and creative director of Double Dip Productions in Asheville, NC. Double Dip is the production company for four monthly improv shows in the Asheville area. Asheville has become a hotbed of improvisation recently.For more information on the festival, go to doubledipproductions.com on the World Wide Web, or @ashevilleimprovfest on Instagram! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kay Smith-Blum, a former fashionista and Seattle School Board President, spends her days debunking the tropes of the mid-20th-century history. An odd dream and the recent upheaval over leaking radioactive waste tanks at the Hanford Nuclear site compelled her to write, TANGLES, named 2024 Book of the Year by the Literary Global Book Awards and Best Debut Fiction by the American Writing Awards 2024. Smith-Blum, a sunrise writer, has lived in Seattle for four decades. She works out her writer's block in her sons' gardens (which she designed) and the nearest lap pool. We discussed public schools, finding character voices in fiction and the Hanford site, featured in her book, Tangles. Don't miss this episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcia Peck was inspired by the rhythms and sounds of music echoed in language; her debut novel, Water Music: A Cape Cod Story, combines all of her passions – music, writing, and Cape Cod.The book has received critical acclaim and has received many book awards, including Literary Titan Gold, National Indie Excellence Award, New England Book Festival Regional Lit Winner, and Feathered Quill Reviewers Choice Award Winner. Additionally, she was a finalist for American Writing Awards, Eric Hoffer Award Grand Prize, Firebird Book Awards, and Wishing Shelf Book Awards. Pacifica Book Awards designated it as a “Notable Book” and her book was long-listed by both Historical Fiction Company Book-of-the-Year Award and Somerset Book Awards.Peck grew up in New Jersey and summered in Cape Cod. Her love for Cape Cod has been a strong and deep current throughout her life. She and her sisters still return to the house their father built in Orleans. She lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota with her husband and two verynaughty dogs For more information, please see: www.marciapeck.com.Give this a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kat Koppett is the Eponymous Founder of Koppett, a consultancy specializing in the use of improv and storytelling techniques to enhance individual and group performance. She has worked with diverse clients including Meta, Apple, Prezi, PwC, NASA, Havas Health, Mass General Hospital, the United Nations and the Clinton Global Initiative.Her book Training to Imagine: Practical Improvisational Theatre Techniques to Enhance Creativity, Teamwork, Leadership, and Learning , is considered a seminal work in the field of Applied Improv and is used by professionals around the world. She has given two TEDx talks on the use of improv to enhance non-theatrical performance.In 2019, Kat was the winner of the North American Simulation and Gaming Association (NASAGA)'s Ifill-Reynold's Lifetime Achievement Award. She is the co-director and a performing member of the Mopco Improv Theatre, a founding member and the current vice-president of the Applied Improvisation Network, and the co-host of the podcast, Performance Shift: The Art of Successfully Navigating Change.Give this a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sydney Lea was named Vermont's Poet Laureate and received the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts, his state's highest artistic distinction. He has had 25 books published in a celebrated literary arts career. His latest book, Now Look (Down East Books/Roman Littlefield), explores the ravages of addiction and a dying north country culture in his first novel in 35 years. It is a moving story about second chances, missed opportunities, and redemption.Don't miss this one! Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harker Jones grew up on a dirt road in Michigan in a town so small it doesn't to this day have a traffic light. Now a Los Angeles denizen, he has written the best-selling, award-winning novel “Until September” and nine screenplays, revealing truths through humor and horror. His short thrillers “Cole & Colette” and “One-Hit Wonder” have been accepted into more than 60 film festivals combined, garnering several awards. His first children's book, “Violet's Pretty Purple Playground,” and his second novel, a thriller titled “Never Have I Ever,” are due to be printed in 2024. A published poet, he was managing editor of “Out” magazine for seven years and is a member of both the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle and Mensa. He loves cats and carbs and would like to be a one-hit wonder but would settle for being killed in a slasher movie.Give this one a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Robert Monroe knows well of the world he has written about. Though he was not in a rock band, he knows the entertainment world well. Monroe worked as a casting director and talent executive for a dozen years, including projects with the Walt Disney Company and the United Paramount Network. He's also a museum-exhibited photographer. Bungalow Terrace begins in the days of 1950s youth and innocence, but through a series of events, an innocence is destroyed, leaving the characters no other recourse but to journey through the proverbial woods to reclaim it. This story touches the reader's heart and allows them to see things from a different perspective. This was a fun one. Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RJ Stewart is an author and television writer who has worked in Hollywood for 22 years, working on Xena: Warrior Princess. He has been lauded by stars like Lucy Lawless for his writing Xena as a flawed person who struggled, but always made the right choices. RJ has also collaborated with Kevin Costner, James Garner, Charlie Sheen and Pierce Brosnan. He is promoting his new book, Crazy Hawk, set 100 years into the future. “After two decades writing in Hollywood, I took two decades off,” says Stewart. “But even as the world has changed over time, the qualities and virtues that inspire us, particularly resiliency, have not changed and I think my novel reflects that spirit.” Crazy Hawk is about a resilient and fierce woman, Deirdre, seeking to save her kidnapped sister while seeking revenge amidst a global landscape in ruin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Born to American parents in Beirut, Lebanon, Patrick Adams' love of travel may have begun on his first flight when he was just four days old. Patrick spent his early years in such exotic locations as Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Las Palmas, Canary Islands.Not surprisingly, he graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in Travel and Tourism.Patrick's debut children's book, a travel adventure titled Lisa Goes to England, was released in May 2015.England was just the first locale of many travel adventures in what would become the Amazing Lisa series, inspired by Patrick's own children. With tales set in France, Australia, India, Japan, Brazil, and Italy, each story features exploration, mischief, and magic in some of the world's most enchanting places.A second series called Rhythm's World debuted in February 2017 and is built around Patrick's daughter, Rhythm. A subsequent “series within a series” called Rhythm's World Tour encompasses three books about North America, Europe, and Asia. Rhythm Meets Lyric, released in 2021, celebrates Rhythm's new sister, Lyric.Among the awards Patrick Adams has received for his children's books are the Readers Favorite Award Book Excellence Award, Hot Diggity Award, Maincrest Media Award, and Independent Press Award.In 2021, Patrick Adams' debut children's album, the Hot Diggity Award-winning Amazing World, was released, and he also launched his NAPPA Award-winning Kindie Rock Stars podcast, which celebratesother children's musicians. Seven more releases followed, including The Friends EP, a single, “Meet Us in Brazil,” and the albums Travel Time with Patrick, Kindies Do the ‘80s Volumes One through Four, andAdventure Time with Patrick (2023 NAPPA Award).Give this one a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As one of the founding members, lead singer, lead guitarist, and wrote more than 90% of the Grand Funk music catalog, Farner has always been known as the energetic driving force on stage, the engine that pulled the original Grand Funk Railroad to the top of the charts. From his soulful voice and power rock riffs, to fueling the Funk with his atomic stage presence. His story and his imprint on music starts with Flint and since 1969 from his humble beginnings and a blue-collar outlook, Farner has captained a global crusade for love, peace and freedom and became a rock ‘n' roll icon. “Closer to My Home” is the long-awaited, new nine-song album from the legendary guitarist and singer/ songwriter. Bridging past and present, the grit of industry and the calloused hard work of a rural man, “Closer to My Home” champions Farner's multi-faceted artistry. Celebrating the 55th anniversary of the iconic hit “(I'm Your Captain) Closer To My Home” the album is highlighted with a re-record, finding Farner in exactly the same form as 1970.This is a classic! Listen to this! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Paul Brooks, or DPB, as he is known, is a positive rap artist, songwriter, actor, clothing designer, mentor, motivational speaker and Co-Founder and Co-Owner of BreBro International Group LLC and DPB Muzik Inc.    His goal is to give people, particularly youth, an alternative and cutting-edge message in music that can set them free from painful issues they may be dealing with, in a relatable art form.DPB has shared the stage with many great artists including the legendary Bootsy Collins, Salt ‘n Pepa, Kool Moe Dee, Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, King, and Country, Unspoken, Toby Mac, Anointed, Deion Sanders, Canton Jones to name a few. To add to his impressive resume, he has appeared and/or performed on television shows that include BET (Teen Summit) Gospel Special. DPB was also a member of D.O.C. (Disciples of Christ), a Grammy and Dove nominated group. Being a solo artist DPB has charted on the Billboard Charts in Christian Rock Radio National Airplay with the song Brighter Day at #15, another song Feels So Good Today as most added twice on the Billboard Charts as well. Recently DPB continues with reaching #2 on the Urban Influencer Christian Hip Hop chart with GODMODE and in April 2023 hit #1 on the same chart with Let It Go.Give this one a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryan Millar is a Canadian-born Amsterdam-based coach, story trainer and communications consultant. In his work, he leans heavily on the tools he gained as an improviser and actor, supplemented by his years in corporate communications and content creation, to help people be more authentic and more effective in their professional and personal lives. His skills as a Public Speaking Coach have earned him a spot on the Coach Foundation, one of the biggest names in the coaching industry.He recently created and hosts the Digital Communication Certificate Course for Growth Tribe. His most recent book, on the art of public speaking, is called “The Confident Presenter” and just came out (www.confidentpresenter.co). Ryan also enjoys freestyle rapping, skateboarding gently, and taking his kids for ice cream.Check out this one!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Zmina is a mainstay on the Imposters Theater stage in Cleveland. He is a musician, former cancer biologist, and a current software developer. He is constantly chasing flashes of brilliance wherever he can find them, from rock climbing to gaming to cooking. You can catch him on Improv Game Night and Comedy Court every month at Imposters Theater.Learn more about his philosophy on life and more on this episode!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lilia Bogoeva "The Inner Demon Crusher" is a professional performing artist and personal development coach. As a musician, comics creator, and inspirational speaker, she is on a mission to motivate people to overcome adversity through authenticity and find true strength. Her mission comes from a genuine place, after overcoming her own struggles. She recently launched her comic book, “Lilia The Inner Demon Crusher,” which combines action and humor to illustrate the emotional struggles that most creative achievers face, and is used by mental health professionals as a therapeutic resource. Lilia's artistry explores the dynamic connection between body and mind, as she makes mental health fun and empowering through creative arts! Check out this insightful episode of If This Is True! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let's talk with Tommy Hough about the 2024 Elections! Where did we, as Democrats and liberals go wrong here? There's a hell of a lot to unpack. Give this one a listen for some history and ideas of where to go from here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me introduce you to Abby Sher! She has written and performed at The Second City, Upright Citizen's Brigade, HBO, Nick Jr. and NPR. Abby has written six books including: Miss You Love You Hate You ByeAll the Ways the World Can EndBreaking Free: True Stories of Girls Who Escaped Modern SlaveryAmen, Amen, Amen: Memoir of a Girl Who Couldn't Stop PrayingKissing Snowflakes, SanctuarySolis, which is upcomingHer essays have appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Self, Jane and Elle. One of them was adapted for the television series Modern Love.Don't miss this one!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me introduce you to Frank! Frank King was a writer for the Tonight Show with Jay Leno for 20 years. He's had two aortic valve replacements, a double bypass, a massive heart attack, three stents, and lived to joke about it all. So he is truly funny at heart.He's fought a lifetime battle with depression, and thoughts of suicide, turning that long dark journey of the soul into a TED Talk, www.FrankTEDTalk.com “A Matter of Laugh or Death,” and sharing his insights with corporation, associations, government, and college audiencesHe uses the life lessons from all of the above, as well as lessons learned as a rather active consumer of healthcare, both mental and physical, to show how attendees can turn their messes and stresses into successes.They'll laugh, learn, and leave loving life.Don't miss this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me introduce you to Kevin! He is an improviser, turned coach, and applied improv facilitator based in Oslo, Norway. He hails from Johannesburg, South Africa. He has lived, worked and studied in Ireland, the UK, and now Norway. Kevin's values are a love of learning, communication, mindfulness, leadership development, and his family. Doing meaningful work is the goal.A “work hard, play hard” mindset has resulted in a colourful background of professional acting and theatre, juxtaposed with a day-job in engineering and project management and stints in start-ups. Kevin has been a leader of the Impro Neuf community over the years: founding house teams, teaching workshops, establishing and coaching mixer teams, directing the 18 hour Improv Marathon. He has also been the Artistic Director of the Oslo Impro Festival and Artistic Director of Impro Neuf community.Kevin and his partner have a 7 month old son called Aron - an experience that is rewriting the definition of "meaningful." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After med school at Creighton and residency at Tulane, Mike began his medical career, finding that he, and other colleagues, had issues communicating with patients and each other. In 2014, Mike began taking Level 1 improv classes, as they were a present from his wife.. Realizing early on that the skills learned through improv could help him as a hospitalist, Mike began implementing them at work. The result was more enjoyable work, better interactions with patients, and more effective teaching. Mike will be performing with his group Dad Jokes at the Omaha Comedy Festival September 26-29. Tickets and information can be found here: www.omahacomedyfest.com.See Mike there, and listen to him here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brynna is a multidisciplinary artist (writing, photography, fine art, singer, composer, musician) who has spent the last 30 years working in advertising. She has worked for massive brands and conglomerates, like Coca-Cola, American Airlines, PepsiCo, Hilton and Hyatt companies (etc.), while spending her remaining free time raising a daughter and creating pieces that matter.This was a really touching episode as she put me on the hot seat and became the interviewer. Great back and forth! Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me introduce you to Mark Riccadonna. Mark is known for his roles in the TV Series, Checked Out. The movies, Days of Power and Gail's New Boyfriend. He has toured globally, playing theatres, clubs, with the USO and Armed Forces Entertainment (which landed him his Travel Column "Dad Trippin" in Today's Man Magazine. Mark has served as a contributing writer for Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update). He has performed on such diverse shows as Monsters of Rock Cruise, Disney Cruise Lines, Fox's Laughs, Red Eye, and Live at Gotham. Mark broadcasts on podcasts like Drinks, Jokes 'n Storytelling and Two Guys Comedy with Tom BriscoeCheck out his work at markriccadonna.com and listen here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me introduce you to Brandon.He grew up in a small SE Ohio town called Caldwell and graduated from Kent State University in Dec. 2012 with Applied Engineering and Tech Management.Brandon started at Imposters Theater April 2023 where he took sketch writing, and then started improv in July 2023. He just finished Level 4Brandon likes to write sketches, screenplays, journals and other projects. He “won” NaNoWriMo in 2013 by completing it. Brandon has a podcast called Wigglin' and Gander which is about the TV show Dave.Brandon likes to do crafts and woodworking. He loves music, TV, movies and podcasts.You can check out his work on IG at @abrandoncraft, @buffoonbrandon, and @microtheatercle. Also check out his sketchwork on YouTube at Post Industrial Cactus Farts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Saturday Night Live and Pretty Woman, Rhonda Hansome's comedy has opened for stars including Anita Baker, Diana Ross, James Brown and Aretha Franklin; in venues from LA's Greek Theater to NY's Radio City. She was Artist Coordinator and Host of Laughing Liberally (NY's top political comics) Off-Broadway production of Indictment Excitement. Every Monday on Sirius XM, Rhonda is John Fugelsang's guest. She's an award winning director and offers an online Solo Show Development Workshop. When not regaling Storytelling audiences, Rhonda writes and anchors Real Newz on Politipod. In her free time she writes Politoonitics cartoons on Facebook and rollerblades. Check out this tremendous talent! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Friend of the Show, Tommy Hough and I talk about the craziness that was the Republican National Convention, the assassination attempt on former President Trump and the failure of the media to call out lies and misinformation. We also discussed Citizens United and the power that the donor class has. Check it out! It was a great hang and it will be a good listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clay Drinko, Ph.D. is an author and educator. He writes for Psychology Today about the intersection between improv comedy, science, and everyday life. He's also the author of the first academic book connecting improv and cognitive science, Theatrical Improvisation, Consciousness, and Cognition. His most recent book, Play Your Way Sane: 120 Improv-Inspired Exercises to Help You Calm Down, Stop Spiraling, and Embrace Uncertainty (Simon & Schuster) applies his improv research to everyday life. Give this one a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you met Jayant? Jayant is an improviser and facilitator with over 5 years of experience in the field. He has showcased his improvisational skills in various performances with his troupe, NIC (Nautankibaaz Improv Collective), for esteemed multinational corporations such as Adobe, Google, and KPMG, among others.He has honed his skills through comprehensive training under the guidance of influential mentors such as John Hildreth, Artistic Director at The Second City, Chicago, and Ankur Sardana, the Founder of Nautankibaaz Improv Collective, Gurugram. Additionally, he performs as a valued team member of Queen City Comedy's esteemed global team - Horrible Friends of Mine. We talked about the value of being focused, yet unprepared in improvisation and in life. He is a down-to-earth sort of fellow. Give this a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BJ Lange currently resides in Los Angeles, where he is actively involved in the improv community as both performer in various groups, including his two-man comedy duo, Tacklebox Improv, and instructor, at The Improv Trick, 3-2-1 Acting Studios, and The Second City Hollywood, where he leads the Improv for Veterans Program. BJ also teaches at the prestigious Orange County School of the Arts Acting Conservatory and coaches the high school's Improv Club.BJ completed several improv programs, including iO West (formerly improvOlympic West) and Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre LA. He is a graduate of The Second City Hollywood Conservatory additionally completing the long form improv and musical improv programs. He has also studied at The Groundlings School. Naturally, this background in theatre performance, voiceover, and improv has been invaluable as BJ has moved into hosting duties for both live and televised events, including Maxim's Spring Break in Panama City Beach, GameRiot for MTV2, X-Games BMX Jams, LG National Texting Championship, Mobile World Cup, and the Simon D Tour Live! presented by ABC Family. Two-time testicular cancer survivor BJ's passions outside of “Yes, and”-ing, include beatboxing, riding motorcycles, aviation, barbecuing, and extensive volunteer work. A retired USAF Reserve medic and pilot, BJ proudly volunteers as a Public Affairs Officer for the Civil Air Patrol, the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary. Finding a way to combine his passion for performing with his devotion to service, BJ is an athlete, mentor, and ambassador in the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, serving also as a comedy coach teaching improv as part of the resiliency programs. He is a member of the Veterans of Comedy, Veterans in Media & Entertainment, and the American Legion, and a cast member of DIAVOLO Dance Theatre's Veterans Project, which recently performed at the Kennedy Center.You don't want to miss this one! Check it out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Doug Shaw is a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Northern Iowa. He's taught in at least five departments or programs there, won awards at three universities, is a Renaissance scholar, and is a heckuva nice guy to work with.His research is in tertiary math education, combinatorics, and graph theory. He is or has been an author, systems engineer, street-busker, variety show performer, comedy troupe director, emcee, and elected member of the Cedar Falls School Board. He's facilitated workshops about teaching, mathematics, improv, creativity, innovation, and all sorts of things since 1995 in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Montreal. He's an Applied Improvisation Certified Practitioner. He's waiting to be invited to present in Hawaii, Scotland, or any other place his family wants to visit. Oh – and your town. That's #1 on his list.You'll learn a lot from this one. Give it a listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Myers is a music and comedy encyclopedia with stories galore! He's toured with the Barenaked Ladies. He's worked with the Kids In The Hall. He's stayed at Todd Rundgren's Kauai residence (OK, he was interviewing the maestro for a book). You get the idea! Paul waxed poetic on his time in the Gravelberrys (Check out "Wonder Where You Are Tonight." It is a vibe!) and as a radio personality and writer. He has tremendous stories that can be found within this podcast! Give it a listen! Also, check out the Record Store Day Podcast biweekly wherever you get your podcasts!

Juliette has been a Playboy Bunny, a soap opera writer for ABC Television, a theater writer/performer, and an ATP airplane pilot and Master Flight Instructor. She won two Writers Guild Awards and was nominated for a Daytime Emmy. She is also an animal rights advocate who worked for Best Friends Animal Society for almost a decade. Juliette also added TedX Fargo Speaker to her extensive resume.  Her current mission is twofold: to help people who are struggling with the debilitating and potentially lethal symptoms of Compassion Fatigue; the emotional and physical burden created by caring for others in distress or neglecting your own life-stress, and guiding people to create the future of their dreams. Definitely give this one a listen!

Anne Montgomery Is a decorated  television sportscaster, newspaper and magazine writer, teacher, author, and amateur sports official. Her first TV job came at WRBL-TV in Columbus, Georgia, and led to positions at WROC-TV in Rochester, New York, KTSP-TV in Phoenix, Arizona, and ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut, where she anchored the Emmy and ACE award-winning SportsCenter. We discussed the highs and lows of being a reporter and her transition to writing about what interests her.  Her novels include The Castle, A Light in the Desert, Wild Horses on the Salt, The Scent of Rain, and Wolf Catcher. Montgomery taught sports reporting at Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and taught high school journalism for 20 years. She was an amateur sports official for four decades, a time during which she called baseball, ice hockey, soccer, and basketball games and served as a high school football referee and crew chief. Montgomery is a foster mom to three sons and a daughter. When she can, she indulges in her passions: rock collecting, scuba diving, musical theater, and playing her guitar. Listen to this episode!

Jen is an improviser in Canada who started out studying improv at schools including WGIS, Queen City Comedy, Second City, and more. She teaches improv classes and hosts jams at World's Greatest Improv School (WGIS) and Queen City Comedy. In the before-times, Jen enjoyed teaching dance fitness and performing in semi-rural vaudeville/burlesque themed shows both of which took place on stages made of wood. She has an online improv website called FlatImprov.com and likes making videos and podcast episodes that five people listen to. Jen is still working on perfecting her Canadian accent. Give it a listen!

Alex Shaver is new to the improv scene, performing at Imposters Theater in Cleveland, Ohio since 2022. After a decade of working in higher education, he now works in community mental health. Alex is passionate about comedy and mental health, and is interested in the parallels between the two. He loves his wife (Rachel) and his children (J. and Joan) and counts their presence in his life the greatest of gifts.  Give this one a listen!

This one. This one is one for the ages! We (and by we, I mean Abby Sher, Bethany Hall, Lulu French, John Fugelsang, Michele Laikowski and me) discussed the present and future of comedy in New York City and other environs, The group waxed on satire vs. parody, talent winning out, improv as the best training for life and waiting for the whole fart.  Interested? Listen to this special episode!!

Gail Gallagher is a Chicago based Singer-Songwriter, Composer, improv music director, producer, and teacher whose lyric-driven songs reflect on the highs and lows of life exploring nuances of whimsy and wisdom.  Originally from Waterloo, Iowa, Gail attended University of Nebraska-Lincoln and graduated with a dual BA in Theater Performance & Directing/ Theater Management in 2010. She has worked as a music director in the improv and theater scene for over a decade and has composed original music for several musicals including Feathers: A Super Hero Musical which won “Best underscore throughout” at the 2017 Premiere Premieres Festival of New Musical Comedies at MCL Chicago. I describe my genre as “musical theatre folk rock” or “what it would sound like if Joni Mitchell, Amanda Palmer, and Tori Amos wrote a musical.”  Give this one a listen! You can reach Gail at @gailgmusic for artistry, or @sparklebardstudios for production work, on Instagram!  

If This Is True would like to introduce you to Michele Laikowski on this throwback! Michele was an associate producer and on-air personality on the Jenny McCarthy Show on SiriusXM Stars. She is also an improvising and voice over veteran of New York City. Michele finds solace and purpose in running and reaching for goals. She also has great stories of her time with Jenny McCarthy and her crew. You can find her voice and acting work at www.moshow.org. Give it a listen!

Allow me to introduce you to Bracha! She was first published when she was 12 years old. She's written 41 children's books and a memoir, Nourish The Soul. Her books tackle difficult topics at a child's level. This was a fascinating half hour! Listen to this!    

Please let me introduce you to Carlos Baker! Carlos is an author and musician whose latest album with the CK Baker Band, Find Your Way, and book, Songs for Ivy, are available wherever you get your content. Carlos overcame childhood cancer and used that experience to write and to play his bass guitar. He lives in Germany with his family, but is in Chicago working on his next album Give this a listen! https://ckbakerband.com/about-us/

Talk about prolific! John Leister has published more than 100 e-books, Including the Lee Hacklyn and Urban Tiger crime series over the past few years. John is a big believer in having the right mindset and philosophy when reaching goals. He'd like to share this information with everyone, and does, here on If This Is True! GIve it a listen!

Let me introduce you to the multi-faceted Deborah Johnson. Deborah is an inspirational speaker, author and international award-winning music artist who helps others get unstuck by producing and executing a successful plan for their second half. As a musician she has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards and has spent over 20 years in the entertainment industry. She's an expert on how to constantly reinvent yourself in a gig-economy. Deborah is the author of six books, coming out including her most recent, Stop Circling. We talked about writing books and becoming unstuck, how to become a professional speaker (Spoiler Alert: just decide), and so much more. Listen to this episode! Like Deborah says, "Life is sweeter with jam!"    

Let me introduce you to John Lehr! He is an actor and writer, known for 10 Items or Less (2006), Quick Draw (2013) and The Sweetest Thing (2002). He is also known for being one of the GEICO Cavemen! Currently, he has a production company, Triple Threat Media, that is working on several projects--which were on hold because of the Writers' and Actors' Guild strikes. We talked about his time at Northwestern University and how he has grown as a person and as performer since then. He feels he is better now than he was in his 20's. John walked me through his sobriety journey. We talked about balancing family, career and passions and he had great things to say about Cleveland. This one is a must listen!  

If This Is True would like to introduce you to singing sensation Nora O'Connor! Nora is a Chicago based singer/songwriter who has worked with everyone from the Decemberists to the New Pornographers to Mavis Staples. We discussed balancing work and family, what Americana is, and everything in between. Give it a listen!

Let me introduce you to Ted Leo, master of soul searching pop punk and indie rock! Ted has a long career with bands like Citizens Arrest, Chisel, Puzzlehead, and the Sin-Eaters. He's mostly known for his group, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. He's also put out albums with Aimee Mann as The Both and as a solo artist. We talked about the intersection of comedy and indie rock throughout the 2000's, and Ted's journey in putting out his first solo album, The Hanged Man. Since then, he has been recording EP's and putting them on Bandcamp. You can find his works there, https://tedleo.bandcamp.com/. You can also go to www.tedleo.com for tour dates and merch. Please give this one a listen!

Shari Hazlett is a Brooklyn–based director, writer, performer, producer and media professional who works at the intersection of storytelling, comedy, and technology to inspire civic engagement and social change. Shari just finished producing, writing and directing The March, an historical comedy, which was presented by The Tank Theater (NYC) in June 2023. Shari produces and performs in The Duo Show, a monthly comedy show featuring NYC's favorite improv performers paired up for one-night-only character duos (Magnet Theater).  Shari is the co-creator and artistic director of the Social Justice Improv Project (SJIP) Collective, a media arts organization for marginalized and historically underrepresented theater and media arts creators to bring their voices to the stage and screen, and take their artistic practice out into the community (NYC/Chicago). Shari began her career as a community organizer and public health educator, from outreach to conducting HIV/AIDS testing and counseling, to program manager for the Congressional Black Caucus-funded (CBC) Medical Education Initiative, a multi-year pilot study and direct intervention to fight healthcare disparities and remove barriers to HIV/AIDS treatment. As a fellow for Equality Florida, she supported city and county lobbying efforts for workplace non-discrimination protection ordinances and statewide education and mobilization for marriage equality.  Shari has directed, produced and performed in original and scripted work at Magnet Theater (NYC); Dixon Place w/ Rubbish Comedy Collective (NYC); Tiny Cupboard (Brooklyn); QED (Queens); Upright Citizens Brigade (NYC), and at venues across NYC and beyond. A creative producer, director, and strategist, Shari has worked with NBC-Universal; SiriusXM; Comic Relief/Red Nose Day; NYC Big Apps; and the American Cancer Society, among others. Her work has been featured on WNYC and WBUR; The New York Times Live Broadcast of the DNC 2012 (Charlotte) and RNC 2012 (Tampa); The Stranger (Seattle, WA); Courier News - Election 2020 Series; and Creative Loafing, among others. Whew! That is a lot. Listen here for the details!

Let me introduce you to Vishok Verma. Vishok is a Social Entrepreneur and Professional Trainer for Communication Skills, (Corporates, Social Enterprises, and Non-profits), Personality Development Coach, and Budding Improv Artist based in India. He is the Founder & CEO of a Social Venture named “Let's Express”. The venture has positively impacted the lives of more than 2000 individuals, online and offline through self-created modules about effective communication. The venture aims to boost the self-esteem of teenagers using Performing Arts. improv and serving the underserved. Give it a listen!

Liz has been coaching, directing and performing improv for the last 25 years. Liz coached the long-running IO (Improv Olympic) house teams Valhalla, Deep Schwa and Mission Improvable (founders of the Westside Comedy Theater in Santa Monica). Liz was IO's Training Center Director for 3 years, and an ensemble level teacher for 10 years. A founding member of The IO Roadshow, Liz has taught hundreds of workshops at colleges and corporations nationwide. In 1999, 2000 & 2001 Liz won the Del Close Coach of the Year Award at IO, now called the Liz Allen Excellence in Teaching Award. In 2006, with Jimmy Carrane, Liz co-wrote the book Improvising Better (Heinemann) and co-created their popular Individual Assessment Workshop. Liz was honored to coach The Commune, the improv ensemble in Mike Birbiglia's 2016 feature film Don't Think Twice. Liz mentors improv coaches at The Improv Shop in St Louis, and thanks to Skype, coaches faraway improv teams around the globe. In 2017 Liz and her family moved back to Chicago where she continues to write and teach. She is happy to return to her alma mater, The IO Chicago, where she currently teaches Advanced Harold. Liz is a national treasure! Give it a listen.

Jake is an actor, comedian, music producer, and filmmaker. He has produced numerous original sketch revues, musical comedy albums, web shorts, podcasts, plays, a documentary about the Chicago improv scene called “Off the Cuff,” and the original musical “Rich People in Space,” which will premiere this September. Jake's work embraces a theatrical style of humor that balances playful fun with thoughtful satire. Give it a listen!

Let me introduce you to Margot! She graduated from the New York University School of Social Work in 1983 and has lived and practiced in Naples since 1984. She attended the Rutgers Summer School of Addiction Studies in 1987 and 1990 and has extensive post-graduate training in addiction studies and co-dependency. For over thirty years, Margo has presented workshops and seminars on “Therapeutic Value of Humor and Play” on a national level, and has published several articles on humor, geriatric issues, and improvisational comedy. Using Improvisational Theatre exercises combined with cognitive-behavioral education, Margot helps people suffering anxiety disorders, Parkinson's, and those in recovery from addictions. She offers a wide range of “Wellness through Improv” classes and workshops.  Give it a listen!

I interviewed Mary Hynes on her birthday in April. She is a professional improviser, educator and stage manager. Her performance and teaching career brings her back and forth between NYC, Chicago and LA. She is a faculty member with the storied Second City Training Center in Chicago, Toronto and LA.  After graduating with her BA in Theatre from Butler University, she discovered a love for helping students young and old discover their creative voices. The power of the “yes, and” mindset in improvisation teaches presence, acceptance, courage and creativity.  She is one of the pioneers of the role of virtual stage manager. During the pandemic, she was on a team of innovators with The Second City Training Center that assessed the needs, and implemented the solutions to keep theater vital and vibrant through trying times of isolation and uncertainty. She is now both highly revered and in demand as a remote operator, virtual stage manager, and facilitator for live and online events in education, entertainment and corporate workshops.  She is an inspiration. Give it a listen!