Living the Dream

Megan Hovde has worked as a full time actor/improviser for seven years now. She's toured the country, worked on several cruise ships. She's hilarious and adorable and as we find out in the interview loves to control people. Hosted by Rich Baker. Check out more info and photos at facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Send emails to livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com.

She's performed on Broadway, touring in Europe, on cruise ships, she went to Harvard, and for all I know fought in WWII. This girl's talented and she's done it all. Braxton Brooks was a true delight to speak with. She talks about life at Harvard and transitioning to New York where Broadway came calling. A hilarious and pleasant interview. Hosted by Rich Baker. For more info go to facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

Brooke helps actors find work. As part of Gray Talent Brooke has actors who work on major TV shows and films, commercials, theatre, and any other work she can find for them. She started out to be an actor herself and realized she preferred the business side of the business. Definitely worth a listen. Check out her agency at www.graytalentgroup.com. Hosted by Rich Baker. For more info go to facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

Darren has worked in the voice over business for over 15 years. He's done everything from TV and radio commercials to audiobooks and much more. You can hear his work at his site www.darrensvoice.com. He also coaches people looking to get into the business. Check out http://www.voiceoverstudiochicago.com/ for more on that. Hosted by Rich Baker. For more info go to facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

Erica Daniels works at one of the most famous theatres in the English speaking world - The Steppenwolf. Many stage actors consider working on this stage their personal unicorn and she's the woman who can make that happen. She talks in detail about casting for the theatre and her process of finding talent right for each role. Check out www.steppenwolf.org. Hosted by Rich Baker. For more info go to facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

Angela has been an actress her whole life, but about three years ago she began working full time as an audio book narrator and has made quite a success of herself. She is the voice of over 100 audiobooks including some by Heather Graham, Nora Roberts, Danielle Steel, and many more. Hosted by Rich Baker. For more info go to facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

Dan 'The Bass' Levy has worked in radio for eleven years. Currently you can hear him as part of the Abe Kanan Show on Howard Stern's channel 101 on Sirius XM radio. He's got an awesome story and if nothing else it's worth listening to hear his ridiculously amazing voice. Follow him on twitter @bassonair. Hosted by Rich Baker. For more info go to facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

Michael Walters aka The Cantankerous Critic reviews movies for CBS Chicago every week. He gets paid to watch movies. Talk about living the dream. He knew he was a cinephile from a young age carrying around the Leonard Maltin's guide to movies as a kid. Follow him on https://www.facebook.com/cantankerouscritic. Hosted by Rich Baker. For more info go to facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

Ryan Westwood makes a living playing his guitar and singing in public. He's lived in multiple cities and finds a street corner or train stop and starts playing. It was a pleasure to speak with him. He's a perfect mix of free spirit and real person. And he's got a damn great voice. Hear his original song 'Love, Love' at http://soundcloud.com/ryan-westwood1/tracks. Hosted by Rich Baker. For more info go to facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

Aaron is a founding member of the long running troupe Mission Improvable that travels the country performing for colleges. He also started the Westside Comedy Theatre. He's an interesting dude to say the least. Check out http://missionimprovable.com/ and http://www.shotofrealityshow.com/ or see his TV/film credits at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1997225/ or visit his theatre in L.A. http://westsidecomedy.com/. Hosted by Rich Baker. For more info go to facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

Thomas has worked with Blue Man Group for fourteen years and he has no interest in quitting any time soon. With BMG he's traveled the world, met Ozzy Osbourne, The queen of England, and appeared on The Tonight Show. He's a great interview. Interesting stories, funny guy, super nice. In addition, he's a filmmaker. His movie Troubadors is available to see on Netflix. Check out his work at downstateproductions.com. Hosted by Rich Baker. For more info go to facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

Derrick got a job during college working for the band Flickerstick and never looked back. Currently he travels around the world with Bowling for Soup handling all of their audio tech needs. He lives in Fort Worth, Texas but his job has taken him all over the country, Europe, and Asia. Hear his stories of how fun it is to live the 'rock and roll' lifestyle. Hosted by Rich Baker. For more info go to facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

Mike worked his way up from part time replay operator for the Frisco Rough Riders to now sitting at the Ballpark at Arlington. He's the head guy behind the video board and all the cool stuff you see when you're at a game. As part of the organization he even got a ring last year when the Texas Rangers won the AL Championship. A nice guy with great advice and stories to tell. Hosted by Rich Baker. For more info go to facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

David always knew he wanted to perform comedy and for the last fifteen years he has made his living as one of the owners and talent of the Four Day Weekend Theatre in Fort Worth, Texas. Corporations have flown him all over the world to perform for fortune 500 companies. And he - along with his fellow performers - wrote and sold a pilot to FOX Studios. He's got some amazing stories. Check out www.fourdayweekend.com. Hosted by Rich Baker. For more info go to facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

Matt Elwell is the CEO of ComedySportz Chicago - an improvised theatre company on the north side of Chicago. He started out as a performer. For a while he was the artistic director in charge of the actors and now he's in charge of everything. He's super intelligent and delightfully goofy at the same time. He talks about starting as an actor and now works day to day making sure the entire theatre is profitable. Check outwww.comedysportzchicago.com. Hosted by Rich Baker. For more info go to facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

He made his living on the road performing improv comedy for colleges and then a year ago Drew moved behind the scenes. Now he works for Bass/Schuler as an agent. Drew is responsible for selling acts ranging from comics to motivational speakers to jugglers and many many more. Check out http://bass-schuler.com/ to see all the different types of entertainment they represent. Hosted by Rich Baker. For more info go to facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

She's young, beautiful, and super fun! Taylor lives in New York where she's living the life of a model. She started in high school and has amassed quite the resume ever since. She was a delight to speak with. Hosted by Rich Baker. For more info go to facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

Jeff has performed comedy since 1979. He left his career as a teacher to be a full time stand up comedian and has paid the bills with it ever since. In addition he's acted in the TV show Diagnosis Murder and the movie Phantoms. Hear his story as he looks back on a 31 year career and looks forward to more in the future. Hosted by Rich Baker. For more info go to facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

She's danced since she was six years old. Raised in Utah, she moved out to New York to follow her dream. At the moment she dances on the NCL Gem. She's talented and ambitious. Check out her dance reel at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4LwLoHHaaE. Hosted by Rich Baker. For more info go to facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

Currently she sings in the production cast for the NCL Gem. She's toured the world on cruise ships. And she's toured Australia with several shows including The Boy from Oz. In addition she's a life coach, an actress, a dancer. Becs does it all. She even interviewed me for her blog on her website www.stage2coaching.com.au. In addition, she is also a regular contributor to the site http://aussietheatre.com. If nothing else it's worth listening to her lovely accent on what made for a very fun and informative interview. Hosted by Rich Baker. For more info go tofacebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

Ciaran Phillips is the lead singer and drummer for the English based band Ocean Vibe. The son of two Irish musicians, Ciaran knew he was destined to use his voice to make his living since birth. Due to a random twist of fate he formed a band has worked full time with it for four years now. The four-piece band contracts their time on cruise ships entertaining passengers all over the world. Hosted by Rich Baker. See pictures of Ciaran and all the other guests who’ve been on the show at facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com.

Mel Evans and Jeff Murdoch both left their respective day jobs in December to work as full time actors with Rich Baker onboard the Norwegian Gem for The Second City. They’re both hilarious and interesting and have a slew of Chicago credits to their name. You can listen to Mel’s podcast at theexhour.podbean.com or see her in many YouTube videos including the viral hit ‘If Computer Problems Were Real.’ Jeff recently shot a movie that will premeire in Chicago in April called ‘Master of Inventions.’ Several clips are available by searching the title in YouTube. Hosted by Rich Baker. See all our guests at facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Send emails to livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

Mark is responsible for the popular podcast ‘The Poor Choices Show’ (http://poorchoicesshow.podbean.com/) which has garnered a sizeable audience over the last two years. In addition, he recently started a second podcast called ‘An Hour With Your Ex’ (http://thexhour.podbean.com/). He is a rare exception for Living the Dream, because he does not make a living with entertainment, but he has done what few have by sustaining a show with thousands of followers. Check out his facebook page (type ‘poor choices podcast into the FB search). Also check out his vimeo channel (http://vimeo.com/user7755695). Hosted by Rich Baker. Check me out at facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast and email at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com.

Bethany has played the trombone since childhood. Professionally, she has made a living from that skill off and on since college. Currently, she plays full time for Norwegian Cruise Lines. Hear her stories of overcoming stage fright and dealing with her ‘man buffet.’ Hosted by Rich Baker. Email at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com and check us out at facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast.

Nadeen has been hypnotizing people for over nine years. On stage she combines hypnosis with hilarious antics to put on a ‘mesmorizing’ show. Hear her story of how she went from working at an electronics store to performing in 1500 seat theatres on cruise ships. Go to her webiste atwww.hypnosisqueen.com. Hosted by Rich Baker. Email livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com or like us at facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast.

Darrell has made a living performing stand up comedy for over sixteen years. His fast paced and smart humor makes him a favorite among audiences on cruise ships and in comedy clubs. In addition he has authored three published books. Darrell makes for a wonderful and intriguing interview. Hosted by Rich Baker. Email atlivingthedreampodcast@gmail.com See the page on facebook at facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast

Dizzy has worked many years as a break dancer, physical comedian, stunt man, and many other roles touring the world. Now he has his own show he’s created called ‘The Man from Mars.’ It features him and his fiancé performing everything from magic, to shape manipulation to aerial acrobatics. It’s a cirque style show wrapped up in two performers and its incredibly fascinating to watch. Check them out online at www.themanfrommarsshow.com or www.dizzyonline.com or facebook.com/themanfrommars. Hosted by Rich Baker. Email us at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com and check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast

Mark works as a professional writer for NBC promotions. He lives in L.A. and gave up the acting game in lieu of a career with words. Right now he's filming a movie that he wrote and has ambitions to become a staff writer for a TV show. Hosted by Rich Baker. Email us at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com and check out our page at facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast.

Rod Long has been paying his bills with comedy for over twenty-two years. He has toured all over the country playing to thousands of different people since the late 80s. And he started based on a dare. Hosted by Rich Baker. Email us at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com and check out our page at facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast.

Matt has directed six resident company shows for Second City and won multiple Jeff awards and shows no signs of slowing down. Matt knew at an early age that he wanted to be a theatre director and tailored his life to that. A lot of determination and a few strokes of luck has made him one of the hottest directors at Second City right now. Hosted by Rich Baker. Email us at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com. Check out our facebook page facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast

Liz has been collecting a paycheck for her talents since she was twelve. She's toured the world with many different roles and companies. From working with exotic animals to assisting magicians, Liz has done it all and she's still younger than most people before they get their first start. Hosted by Rich Baker. Check us out on facebook. facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast and send us an email livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

Meghan has worked professionally her whole adult life. She even worked for a time with Mama Mia! on Broadway. Based out of Orlando, Florida Meghan talks about regional theatre, cruise ship life, and her stint on Broadway. Hosted by Rich Baker. Check us out on Facebook facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Send us an email at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com

Dewitt Cooper has his own dance company. He has been on a national tour. He's even acted in a made for TV movie when he was in high school. And he was the first black man to be accepted and graduate from the theatre department at Florida State. He's got interesting stories to tell. You should totally listen. Hosted by Rich Baker. Visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Feel free to email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com.

Emily has worked as a professional dancer her entire adult life. Starting at Ballet Oklahoma directly after high school, she has recently overcome hardships to find herself working on The Pride of America cruising around the Hawaiian islands. She's got an amazing story of pushing past bad luck and coming out triumphant in the end. Hosted by Rich Baker. Visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Feel free to email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com.

Jon J. Murakami works as a professional cartoonist. He writes and illustrates two weekly strips for different publications. In addition, he illustrates Hawaiian greeting cards and is solely responsible for the creation and distribution of the comic book Gordon Rider. Check out his website www.jonjmurakami.com and the site of his bumbling super hero www.gordonrider.com. Hosted by Rich Baker. Visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Feel free to email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com.

Erica has works full time as an equity actress and an improviser. She has played roles for major theatres such as Steppenwolf, The Goodman, and Second City. She speaks to the life she has and the differences between the world of scripted acting and improvisation. Hosted by Rich Baker. Visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Feel free to email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com.

Murray began performing magic professionally as a teenager. He hasn't stopped since. Now, he performs regularly on cruise ships and with corporate gigs. He has performed in Las Vegas as well. In addition, he has also made his rounds on television. He has appeared on Reno 911!, Celebracadabra, America's Got Talent, and is a current guest star on Pawn Stars. Visit his website www.murraysawchuck.com or his imdb page at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1587010/. Hosted by Rich Baker. Visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Feel free to email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com.

Brenda Kaye makes her living as an entertainment hypnotist. She has worked in the hypnosis field for ten years both as a therapist and an entertainer. Lately, she focuses exclusively on the latter working for corporations and cruise ships. She talks about overcoming her stage fright, accidentally discovering hypnosis once at a fair, and how she even helps couples have a better sex life. Check out her website http://www.brendahypnotist.com/ Hosted by Rich Baker. Visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Feel free to email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com.

Chuck Perry has made a living in the world of entertainment since he was a teenager playing piano in bars. He currently travels the world on cruise ships and works as a producer and pianist all over the U.S. His CD 'By Request' is available on itunes. Check out his website www.chuckperrylive.com. Hosted by Rich Baker. Visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast. Feel free to email me at livingthedreampodcast@gmail.com.

Bud Andersen has worked in the business of comedy for thirty-one years as a professional stand up. In addition, he as written for Home Improvement, The Drew Carey Show, and Ellen. He talks about touring the country, working corporate gigs and cruise ships, handline hecklers and even power lifting. Hosted by Rich Baker.

Holly Walker is talented, hilarious, and adorable. She has worked professionally as an actress most of her adult life for several different theaters and production companies including Boom Chicago in Amsterdam and The Second City. Hosted by Rich Baker. Check out www.comedypodcastnetwork.com for more great podcasts and become a fan of this podcast on facebook at www.facebook.com/livingthedreampodcast

Jeannie Cahill is an actor and improviser who has worked for several Chicago-based organizations such as The iO Theatre, Baby Wants Candy, and for the last three plus years she has performed on Norwegian Cruise Lines ships with The Second City comedy troupe.

Billy Bungeroth plays guitar and writes songs in the band J.C. Brooks and the Uptown Sound. They just released their label debut album. In addition he also works full time directing the stages and touring companies for The Second City theatre in Chicago.

Seth and Jen are a recently married couple living in New York. Both are trained actors, dancers, and vocalists who tour a lot trying to find the balance of living a healthy relationship while maintaining their entertainer careers.

Phil is a full time actor who has many other fields of expertise under his belt. CEO of Comedy Podcast Network, video editor, TV producer, writer, and he's very tall. Phil talks about life working in the industry in L.A. in comedy and video production as well as acting on a cruise ship for Second City.

Brett works full time as a DJ for parties, clubs, cruise ships, weddings, etc. He's only 23 and has already worked ten years in the business. Brett tells us about life in the world of a DJ from the mundane cruise ship life to the house party rave scene.

Jeff Griggs has performed improv and sketch comedy around the world. He has also written the book Guru: My Day's With Del Close. He let's us in on how he got started and all the fun he's had pursuing the career of comedy and writing.

Joe lives and works in New York as a professional singer and actor. In addition, he travels the globe with the Frankie Valli tribute show 'Oh What A Night.' Hear how he balances out a life in the biz.

Master Magician Matt Marcy has worked all over the world in the world of magic and he's here to tell us his story. How he got started. What keeps him going. And all the intricacies involved in the elaborate world of illusion.

Tim Mason (Second City Mainstage) sits down with Rich to discuss doing improv and sketch comedy for a living while supporting a family.