So What Do You Really Do?

Who finishes the Boston Marathon on a unicycle and still has energy to make the world laugh? Alex “The Jester” Feldman, the gibberish-speaking, rule-breaking performer who's redefined what it means to be a “wise fool.” On this episode of So What Do You Really Do?, Deadair Dennis Maler digs into Alex's extraordinary journey from anthropology student to Commedia dell'arte-inspired trailblazer.They discuss how a college juggling club ignited Alex's passion for physical comedy, leading him to train at the Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theater, and how a pivotal performance at Montreal's Just for Laughs launched his career. Alex shares stories about family tragedy, the unicycle stunt that turned heads (and caused some headaches), and the philosophy of being a modern-day fool with something to say. This episode is a masterclass in following your passion, bending the rules, and embracing the absurd. KEEP UP WITH ALEXWhile most comedy engages the language center of our brain, Alex's visual humor, sight gags, and light-hearted music bypasses the head altogether and goes straight to the heart.Feldman's love of music, comedy, cirque, magic and a touch of mischief ultimately gave birth to the impish rascal that audiences worldwide have come to know and love as Alex the Jester.The persona that Feldman has brought to life through Alex the Jester is one that combines the costuming and skills of Cirque du Soleil with a brand of humor that is seldom found elsewhere.He not only entertains with his hilarious routines — he inspires the audience to express themselves, and is ready to improvise with them at the drop of his floppy hat.They are co-creators.They know that, together, they've contributed to a show that will never be quite duplicated. With this shared accomplishment, many leave the performance walking on air and feeling closer to those around them. And some forget where they put their keys!He performs clean comedy. It's perfectly fine if young people are present. In fact, theaters often book him as a means of developing the audiences of tomorrow. But make no mistake- this is no kiddie show! The costuming and skills evoke cirque du soleil, with an extra dose of laughter. Most notable, Alex takes the audience on a journey. They enter the world of the wise fool, where crazy sounding gibberish makes perfect sense. They laugh at that rare sliver of humor that is understood around the world. They get involved at his interactive humor, and by the end of the show, everyone feels a little bit closer to one another.Website: https://alexthejester.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexfeldmancomedy/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexthejester

From houseboats to Hollywood, Dawn Brodey has lived a life as diverse as her comedic style. Join Deadair Dennis and guest Dawn Brodey, comedian and host of the hilarious podcast, "HILF: History I'd Like to F**k", as they explore Dawn's colorful past, her passion for history, and the bright lights of Hollywood. Hit that subscribe button, show some love, and prepare to laugh with with the unfiltered wit of Deadair Dennis and his guest Dawn Brodey!KEEP UP WITH DAWNA comedian with a history degree. Dawn Brodey began performing in Minneapolis, Minnesota after graduating from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She studied and performed improv with the prestigious Dudley Riggs Brave New Workshop, was a company member of Tony n' Tina's Wedding, and wrote three historical plays. She started doing stand-up in LA and has performed everywhere (Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, Ice House). Dawn is also a freelance writer (Netflix, Paramount, City Pages) and actress (Pretty Little Liars, Days of our Lives, Cruel Hearts). She created and hosts the weekly HILF Podcast (History I'd Like to Fuck) and can been seen as street improvisor at Universal Studios Hollywood. She also has a husband, daughter, and itty-bitty dog named Yogurt.Website: https://www.dawnbrodey.com/HILF Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/hilfpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawn_brodey

Ever wondered what it takes to be a professional clown? Bri Crabtree shares how she turned her childhood hobby into a career that brings joy to countless kids. Originally discovered on TikTok (proof that the algorithm can sometimes get it right!), Bri is a self-taught juggler, unicyclist, and clown with a knack for captivating audiences of all ages. From her early days of juggling in secret to her decision to leave a career in wildlife biology behind, Bri shares her inspiring story of pursuing her passion. Discover how she found her niche in children's entertainment and the unique challenges and rewards of being a woman in the industry. Now stop clowning around and hit "play!" KEEP UP WITH BRI Bri Crabtree is based in Oakland, California and has over 20 years experience in children's entertainment. Bri is professionally trained in juggling, unicycling, magic, mime, dance, and clowning. She performs all over the world, whether it's by train, airplane, or logging into a virtual show. Bri's mission is to build community through laughter, and inspire others to overcome their challenges. Bri is one of the busiest entertainers in the San Francisco Bay Area. Websites: https://sillycircusshow.com/ https://www.bricrabtree.com/ More Links: https://linktr.ee/sillycircusshow

Deadair Dennis welcomes the hilarious Janelle Draper to the show. A bicostal comedian with roots in Boston and a career launch in LA, Janelle spills the beans on her time as an NBC Page on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. From behind-the-scenes secrets to the origins of this iconic program, this episode is a must-listen for fans of comedy and late-night television.

Ever wonder what it's REALLY like to be a comedian on the rise? Join us for a fun dive behind the scenes with comedian, writer, and "Golden Girls" expert Danielle Soto. Danielle shares her funny and touching misadventures as a tour guide at Universal Studios in Hollywood, along with hilarious tales making her way from the Boston comedy scene to the glamour of LA.

"Bite Me Bambi's" frontwoman Tahlena Chikami joins Deadair Dennis Maler to spill the tea on her journey from child actor in sunny Orange County to ska queen. The musician and actress reveals the struggles of being a child actor, the fight for female voices in music, and how she finally found creative fulfillment in her career.  Tune in for a raw look at the entertainment industry, the unexpected paths life takes, and why a former child star might just be leading the next generation of ska rebels. It's gonna get loud!

Meet Zach Sherwin, comedic rapper, writer, and former scribe behind the rhymes on The CW's hit show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. You might also recognize Zach from his epic throwdowns on the YouTube series Epic Rap Battles of History. Zach and Dennis discuss the strange jobs comedians take on (because, let's be honest, comedy doesn't always pay the bills). They also explore Zach's lifelong love of language, from spelling bees to hip hop. Zach reveals how his Jewish heritage surprisingly influenced his love of rap, and how he went from college comedy groups to open mics in Boston, eventually landing in LA. Later, they delve into the symbolism of numbers and wordplay in Jewish culture, and Zach shares more about his experience on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.  Get ready to laugh and learn alongside these two comedy wordsmiths! KEEP UP WITH ZACH Zach Sherwin (born July 1, 1980) is an American comedian, rapper, writer, and actor best known for writing for and performing in the Epic Rap Battles of History YouTube series, as well as writing for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend on The CW. He specializes in comedic rap. In “The Crossword Show”host Zach Sherwin presides as two guest comedians solve an actual crossword puzzle live onstage, with everything displayed on a big screen so the audience can follow along. As the panelists decipher the clues, Zach takes the show down rabbit holes of comedy, music, wordplay, and trivia, all inspired by the various answer words. More and more connections emerge as the show unfolds, and everything ultimately ties together for a grand finale that's as satisfying as it is astonishing. You don't need any crossword expertise to be dazzled by this brain-tickling, one-of-a-kind entertainment experience! Check out his tour dates and socials here! https://linktr.ee/zachsherwin

Ever wondered what goes on behind the controller of a popular video game journalist? This week's episode is a side quest into the world of gaming with Ash Paulsen, co-founder of Good Vibes Gaming and son of the iconic voice actor Rob Paulsen! From his early days at GameXplain and Nickelodeon, to building his own gaming juggernaut, Ash spills the secrets on his career path, the evolution of PAX and other conventions, and the future of streaming. He also shares insight into his childhood growing up in Hollywood as the son of a famous actor. It's a hilarious and insightful look at the world of gaming, one power-up at a time!`

Join host Deadair Dennis Maler as we dive into the comedy and off-stage life of Mitch Shapiro, a comedian who is blind and hard of hearing due to Usher syndrome, and an advocate for those with disabilities. Mitch shares his inspiring journey living with Usher syndrome, from traveling in a motorhome to discussing the challenges and joys of cochlear implants. His story sheds light on the importance of open dialogue about disabilities and mental health. Tune in as Mitch reflects on his experiences founding Help America Here, navigating the comedy scene, and finding humor in life's struggles.

Ever wondered if your therapist secretly moonlights as a comedian? This week on "So What Do You Really Do?", Deadair Dennis Maler dives into the fascinating life of Dr. Ellen Orchid, a psychiatrist who's been cracking skulls (both metaphorical and comedic) since the 80s NYC boom.Ellen shares incredible stories of performing alongside female comedic icons and the challenges they faced. They'll also talk about her time on 'The View' and her role portraying a psychiatrist on 'The Sopranos.' They also dive deep into her experiences in medical school and the advancements in psychology and psychiatry over the years, including the use of ketamine therapy. Ellen discusses the challenges of balancing a career in medicine and comedy and her plans for the future. The conversation also touches on the portrayal of mental health in media and the impact of documentaries like 'By Day By Night.'This episode is a hilarious exploration of the human mind, the medical field, and the power of a good punchline. So grab your stethoscope and a chuckle, because you're about to witness a therapy session unlike any other! If you've ever had to balance two wildly different worlds or just love a good laugh about life's unexpected turns, this episode is for you. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more gut-busting tales from BIG Comedy Network. KEEP UP WITH ELLENEllen Orchid is a graduate of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine with an MD and Ph.D. in Neuroscience, as part of their Medical Scientist Training Program. She did a psychiatry residency at New York University - Bellevue Hospital.She is board-certified and has practiced psychiatry for 40 years. She began stand-up in 1982 and has performed on "The View", "Live with Regis","America's Funniest Viewers", and "Oprah's Funniest Viewers".Check out all her socials!https://www.instagram.com/ellenorchidhttps://www.facebook.com/ellen.orchid.50https://twitter.com/ellenorchidhttps://www.tiktok.com/@ellen.orchidDocumentary: http://www.bydaybynightdoc.com/

Ever dream of ditching your day job for the roar of the comedy club crowd? Our guest, comedian Claudia Bonavita, traded in her special ed classroom for the comedy club stage. This hilarious episode dives into her journey: the joys (and chaos) of teaching, the unexpected switch to stand-up, and her documentary that exposes the "By Day, By Night" lives of entertainers (hint: it's way more interesting than you think).Get ready for a healthy dose of inspiration, a sprinkle of teaching war stories (we all need a laugh, right?), and a crash course in comedy creation from someone who truly walked the walk. Plus, Claudia spills the tea on her documentary which perfectly aligns with our love of peeking behind the curtain of funny people. Subscribe for more eye-popping tales, and share your own wild career pivot in the comments!CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro 4:04 - Early Morning Routine 5:52 - Transition to Teaching Career 9:22 - Special Education Experience 15:23 - Evolution of Autism Education 18:50 - Children vs Parents Challenges 20:44 - Importance of Parent Training 23:17 - Comedy Career Beginnings 25:35 - Stand-Up Comedy Inspiration 35:10 - Comedy Scene Insights 37:00 - Embracing Opportunities in Comedy 38:50 - Stand-Up Comedy Mishaps 39:52 - Balancing Offense and Humor 43:05 - Podcast Appearance Reason 46:05 - Documentary Creation Process 49:00 - Selecting Documentary Subjects 56:00 - Documentary First Draft Journey 59:21 - Behind the Scenes Work 1:03:04 - Tips for Getting Comedy Gigs 1:13:50 - Teaching Comedy Aspirations 1:15:38 - Claudia Bonavita's Contact Info 1:16:20 - Documentary Viewing Details 1:17:00 - Appreciation Note 1:18:20 - Podcast OutroKEEP UP WITH CLAUDIAClaudia began her career as a Special Education Teacher in 1988. In 2019, Claudia took a Stand-up comedy class and hit the stage performing stand-up. She has met some very interesting people while performing stand-up. She thought of the idea for this movie and contacted a young director she knew who told her to "write a treatment."Check out her website for the documentary!https://bydaybynightdoc.wixsite.com/mysite/about& trailer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEtlsBT_cuYInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudiagoodnightgoodlifeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/claudia.bonavita.5

Join Deadair Dennis as he delves into the multi-faceted world of comedian and former news reporter, Kiki Andersen, on this episode of 'So What Do You Really Do?'

Deadair Dennis Maler kicks off the first live taping of "So What Do You Really Do?" at Hell Yes Fest in New Orleans with a bang, spilling the beans on the podcast's origins, the inspiration behind its confusing name, and a few of his own past day jobs. Then, he welcomes two hilarious New Orleans natives: comedian and actress Rosie Tran, who shares her journey from bullied kid to standup star, and writer and podcaster Meryl Klemow, who dishes on how her parents tricked her into going to college. Together, they explore the world of podcasting, its impact on society, and the surprising ways it's connected them to their hometowns. Don't miss this hilarious and insightful live taping! Subscribe to So What Do You Really Do? and leave a comment below sharing your favorite moment from the episode.

From soaring through the skies as a Marine helicopter pilot to conquering comedy stages, Mitch Burrow's life has been a wild ride. Join Deadair Dennis Maler as they chat with this Wichita, Texas native about his unconventional path to comedy, his experiences during the pandemic, and his thoughts on the future of laughter in a world of podcasts, TikToks, and social media fame. Get ready for a hilarious and insightful conversation that'll take you from the cockpit to the comedy club and back again!

On this episode of "So What Do You Really Do?" Deadair Dennis Maler welcomes renowned artist Ellie Erhart. Discover Ellie's evolution from a Texas-based queer kid to an acclaimed illustrator, and explore her freelance artistry, pandemic survival, and award-winning book, "Blue & Red," recognized at MICE. Dive deep into the art world's inner workings, from illustrating children's books to the highs and lows of being a freelance artist. Expect a vibrant, laughter-filled conversation delving into Ellie's imaginative universe, promising inspiration and colorful insights. Don't miss this lively, paint-splattered chat sure to reveal the secrets behind Ellie's creative chaos! Ready to dive into the colorful world of art and storytelling? Share your thoughts, stories, and favorite sketches in the comments!

Join the laughter ride with James P. Connolly, a Marine, Desert Storm veteran, and now a renowned comedian, as he graces the show "So What Do You Really Do?" hosted by Deadair Dennis Maler.

Get ready for an unadulterated thrill ride of laughs and spills as Steve-O, the wild man behind Jackass and the outrageous Bucket List tour, takes center stage in a no-holds-barred interview with Deadair Dennis Maler.

Laugh Out Loud with Sara Kay Godot: Comedy and Mental Health

Join Deadair Dennis Maler as he dives into the comedic universe with Justin Schlegel, the dynamic co-host of Baltimore's top rock morning show, Justin, Scott & Spiegel. From goofy skateboarding escapades in Waldorf, MD to becoming a beloved voice on the airwaves

Get ready for a laughter-filled episode of "So What Do You Really Do?" with host Deadair Dennis Maler! In this episode, the spotlight is on the comedic powerhouse and Emmy-winning writer, Brian Kiley. As a monologue writer for Conan O'Brien and Ellen Degeneres, Brian has been tickling funny bones for years.

 Join us in this fascinating episode of "So What Do You Really Do?" as we explore the intriguing world of Corinne Elicona, a musician, certified crematory operator, and Education Manager at Mount Auburn Cemetery.

Get ready for a hoppy good time!

On this episode of the "So What Do You Really Do?" podcast,

Thank you so much for downloading this episode of So What Do You Really Do? The podcast where I speak to artists and entertainers about their day jobs and on this episode of the podcast is musician, comedian, and co-creator of SideOneDummy Records Joe Sib. We talked a lot about music. A lot. About being in a band, […]

Thank you so much for downloading this episode of So What Do You Really Do? The podcast where I speak to artists and entertainers about their day jobs and on the podcast is former circus clown, current comedy juggler, and father Bryan Fulton, known on stage as Bryan Dangerous. I went to a magnet high school dedicated […]

Thank you so much for downloading this episode of So What Do You Really Do? The podcast where I speak to artists and entertainers about their day jobs and on the podcast is circus performer and on-air announcer, Jack Lepiarz aka Jazques Ze Whipper. I actually discovered him through Instagram reels. It just popped up randomly in […]

Thank you so much for downloading this episode of So What Do You Really Do? The podcast where I speak to artists and entertainers about their day jobs and on the podcast today is comedian Scott Henry. Scott and I met through Clubhouse, which makes him another new pandemic friend. In addition to being a touring […]

Thank you so much for downloading this episode of So What Do You Really Do? The podcast where I speak to artists and entertainers about their day jobs and on the podcast today is Phillip Wilburn. Phillip and I are virtual pandemic friends. He and I met through Clubhouse where he co-hosts the hilariously fun game […]

Thank you so much for downloading this episode of So What Do You Really Do? The podcast where I speak to artists and entertainers about their day jobs and on the podcast today is from The Daily Show, comedian, satirist, actor, playwright, and really nice guy, Lewis Black. He could not have been nicer in […] The post Lewis Black appeared first on COMEDIAN. ACTOR. PODCASTER..

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with an international comedian and actor Jim Jefferies. He talked about his former TV shows, Legit and The Jim Jefferies Show, surviving COVID-19 with a sick baby, American and Australian comedians, his 2 sons, fans, and more. He's embarking on his first comedy tour since the pandemic […] The post Jim Jefferies appeared first on COMEDIAN. ACTOR. PODCASTER..

Cambridge-born comedian talks the past, future, and getting deep on Clubhouse Some comedians are famous, others are infamous. Few comedians fall in both categories like Dane Cook.  To Dane, it doesn't matter which camp you're in, he's learned to keep on trucking on to the next comedy show and appreciate all he's been given and […] The post DANE COOK appeared first on COMEDIAN. ACTOR. PODCASTER..

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with comedian, actor, and producer Jessica Kirson. You know Jessica from The Howard Stern Show, sharing the screen with the likes of Bill Burr, Jim Gaffigan, and Robert De Niro, and her character videos that have garnished millions of views online. She produced the beloved and well-received […] The post Jessica Kirson appeared first on COMEDIAN. ACTOR. PODCASTER..

On this episode of the podcast is musician, comedian, and former doorman of Hal Daddy's, Jack Ballard. This is a very long overdue conversation. In the early 2000s, while I was still in college, I had an internet radio show, long before anyone's computers could play streaming audio (well, it was on FM, but the […] The post Jack Ballard appeared first on COMEDIAN. ACTOR. PODCASTER..

Wayne Federman chronicles the business of joke-telling. On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with comedian, actor, author, and stand-up historian Wayne Federman. It would be fortuitous that I would talk to Wayne about his new book. The night before I received an email from his publicist, I was watching the movie, Funny People, […] The post THE HISTORY OF STAND-UP: FROM MARK TWAIN TO DAVE CHAPPELLE appeared first on COMEDIAN. ACTOR. PODCASTER..

On this episode of the podcast I spoke with, from a safe and social distance, comedian and improviser Jacob Williams. We talked about how he became a cast member on Wild N Out, doing comedy in the age of zoom, getting over social anxiety, and more. Jacob has a new, self-produced, comedy special coming to […] The post Jacob Williams appeared first on COMEDIAN. ACTOR. PODCASTER..

On this episode of the podcast I chatted with comedian, transcriber, and producer Kelly Zemnickis. This is a great of example of something good to come out of the pandemic. Had it not been for Coronavirus, online/virtual comedy shows and festivals, Kelly and I would have never met. We discussed politics, working on TV shows […] The post Kelly Zemnickis appeared first on COMEDIAN. ACTOR. PODCASTER..

On this episode of the podcast I talked with musician, producer, world traveler, and friend Terrance Reeves. As you’ll hear in the podcast Terrance and I became friends when I was attending The Open Mic Jam him and Andrew Geano co-hosted together at various locations. Their mixed open mic of music, comedy, poetry, and sometimes […] The post Terrance Reeves appeared first on COMEDIAN. ACTOR. PODCASTER..

On this episode of the podcast I spoke with comedian and television writer Alex Edelman. We talked about his special Saturday Night Seder, which has raised over $3.5 million for charity. Also writing for a network TV show, where he was when the Covid quarantine started, antisemitism, and his new album Until Now. Which is […] The post Alex Edelman appeared first on COMEDIAN. ACTOR. PODCASTER..

On this episode of the podcast I talked to comedian, actor, and owner of Salem Historical Tours Giovanni Alabiso. Gio and I talked about comedy, acting, and, of course, on set gossip. We also discussed how his company is adapting to the every changing pandemic quarantine. I love how he has created his own virtual […] The post Salem Historical Tours appeared first on COMEDIAN. ACTOR. PODCASTER..

On this episode of the podcast I spoke with comedian and public school English teacher Kristine Blinn. I think it’s important to hear from the voices of people who are most affected by everything that’s going on during quarantine. Who has been affected more than teachers and students? This was a fun and uplifting conversation. […] The post Kristine Blinn appeared first on COMEDIAN. ACTOR. PODCASTER..

On this episode I spoke with Jennie Stencel. In addition to being the owner of The Idiot Box Comedy Club, she is also founder of the North Carolina Comedy Festival. We talked about the potential reopening of the club and what may or may not happen in the future for her comedy festival. And if […] The post Jennie Stencel appeared first on COMEDIAN. ACTOR. PODCASTER..

On this episode of the podcast I talked to comedian and law student Laura Lyons. However, before listening to the episode I feel I have to issue a trigger warning, because I don’t want to get messages of people upset about the content of this episode. On May 19th (which was my birthday), just a […] The post Laura Lyons appeared first on COMEDIAN. ACTOR. PODCASTER..

On this episode of the podcast I spoke with, from a safe distance, comedian Emily Ruskowski. In addition to being one of the funniest comedians I know, she is a licensed social worker dealing with teenagers. We talked about how the recent quarantine has affected her clients, their families, and the way she and her […] The post Emily Ruskowski appeared first on COMEDIAN. ACTOR. PODCASTER..