Spiraling Up

Original release date: April 6, 2009 Originally from South Jersey Kurt started his stand up career in Philadelphia and in 2001, he moved to NYC. I think we could have left Kurt alone in my kitchen with a 6 pack of Budweiser and a list of topics and pressed record. But luckily we were there to be the laugh track. After listening to this podcast, it will be easy to see how Kurt's unique brand of humor has led him to numerous writing jobs and appearances on Showtime's White Boys in the Hood, Comedy Central's Live at Gotham and most recently his own half hour Comedy Central Presents. Please enjoy this very adult episode of In the Tank.

Original release date: March 27, 2009 This week we welcome New York native Becky Donohue. Ever wonder how Becky makes sunshine? We found out. Also learn about my new use for hand sanitizer, how Becky deals with “gentle violations” on the road, and how Shaki triumphs over diversity. Dan Allen you ask? Approaching his 200th day of homeless status.

Original release date: March 20, 2009 This week we welcome Queens, NY native Ted Alexandro. We ease into the tank by catching up on Dan's squatting and my pledge for better dental hygiene. After Jon surprises us with an old picture of Ted and Jon both with hair, we have Ted answer some listener submitted questions. From there we delve into Ted's life and views on comedy covering such topics as the importance of being able to adapt to different environments, the comedy coalition, Ted's first comedy vehicle, the advantages of starting stand up in NY, and how growing up has changed Ted's act. Lastly Ted tells us about his fondness for Jamie Lissow and the trials and tribulations of their current long distance relationship. Thanks for listening and enjoy.

Original release date: March 16, 2009 This week I was in Houston at the Laff Stop with my buddy Jason Kanter. Jason introduced me to Mark Babbitt. Mark is the former managing partner of the Houston Laff Stop and he's the voice you hear introducing Mitch Hedberg on Mitch's first CD, Strategic Grill Locations. Along with Mitch, Mark talks about Doug Stanhope, Margaret Cho, Greg Fitzsimmons and Richard Lewis.

Original release date: March 7, 2009 Baron braved the snowstorm from the Upper West Side to Queens to talk about magic, Garfield, developing in Boston, commercials, college work and he kicked off the show with a little beat boxing.

Original release date: Feb 26, 2009 Sweet Ophira talks about Sweet Paprika, taping of her new DVD at Comix, leaving a boy in Canada, the woes of producing your own show and a deer committing suicide.

Original release date: Feb 20, 2009 Andy Pitz tells a tale about a kid getting his hand blown off by a homemade pipe bomb, his experience as a bouncer for exotic dancers and enlightened us with his expert knowledge of helium tanks.

Find out why Pat Dixon became a "suit comic."  

Original release date: Feb 6, 2009 Fun Trivia: One of only two guests to be on twice: Nate Bargatze  

Original release date: Jan 30, 2009 This was our first episode with a guest and you know it's Moody McCarthy!

Learn more about Dan Shaki and Dan Allen from the year 2009 (January to be specific)

Holy crap, let's take the way back machine to January of 2009 for the release of our very first episode.  As Spiraling Up is on hiatus I thought it would be great to revisit In the Tank and I hope you enjoy....

This week we welcome hilarious comedian Erica Spera. First Jon and Sam go over some jokes. Then Erica shares the pitfalls of producing comedy shows as a comedian, when to tell your parents you herpes and sheds light on some misconceptions about the STD. Spiraling Up Ko-fi  

Jonny and Sam talk about New Year stuff and comedy stuff and putting stuff out there  

Sam and Jon check in on the state of comedy and the state of their lives as Rosh Hashanah arrives and not a moment too soon.  Check out our Ko-fi page        

This week we welcome the hilarious Adam Mamawala.  Adam has appeared on Comedy Central, MTV, BET, and SiriusXM and has headlined over 200 colleges across more than 35 states. His debut album One of the Good Ones, released through Comedy Dynamics, debuted at #1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts. Adam shares his experience getting over his divorce, the pressures of portraying a certain image and leaning into sadness for your comedic material.  Please rate & subscribe and check out our Ko-fi page... https://ko-fi.com/spiralingup  

This week we welcome Michael Stahl back to the podcast. Michael is a freelance journalist, writer and editor based in Queens, New York, and the co-author of Big Sexy: Bartolo Colón In His Own Words, published by Abrams Books. Sam and Jon do a brief weekly check in before talking with Michael as we explore dating in COVID times and parallels between writing and standup.  Check out our Ko-fi page... https://ko-fi.com/spiralingup    

Excited to welcome Dave Merheje to the podcast this week.  A true original comedy voice, David is one of the funniest around. He talks with us about winning a Juno, developing his voice after trauma, and getting cast in the hit Hulu show Ramy. Enjoy! https://ko-fi.com/spiralingup  

Sam and Jon dive in deep with comedian, author, storyteller and host of NPR's Ask Me Another, Ophira Eisenberg  Ophira shares experiences raising a child and broadcasting her NPR show from the confines of quarantine. If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and subscribe on iTunes. And check out our Ko-fi page.

Jonny recaps the birth of his baby. Sam contemplates what’s next for life in the pandemic. Enjoy Help support the boys of Spiraling Up  

While in the final days of pregnancy of his first child, Jonny reflects on his major life changes. Meanwhile Sam returns to Queens (thankfully) childless.    

Support Spiraling Up... https://ko-fi.com/spiralingup This week Spiraling Up welcomes back the prolific and hilarious Myq Kaplan. Myq has been seen on Conan, The Tonight Show and The Late Show to name a few. His new hour of comedy A.K.A. has just been released and it is worth listening to from beginning to end.  We discuss the goal of comedy, the success of failure and if Sam is a good candidate for ayahuasca. But first, Sam and Jon check in and go over some new material...

Help support the podcast at https://ko-fi.com/spiralingup This week we welcome the hilarious co-host of Not Another True Crime Podcast, Casey Balsham. We learn how to party like a theater major, the best day for a comedian to get married and what it will be like when we finally get back on stage. But first, Sam and I go over some bits...  

Want to support the podcast?  https://ko-fi.com/spiralingup And as always, please rate and subscribe on iTunes  This week we welcome the hilarious Moody McCarthy. Moody is the King of Astoria and has appeared on television shows like Conan, The Late Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live and Last Comic Standing.  Jon brings Sam up to speed on how well Moody and Jon know each other, Moody gives Jon some advice on how to be a dad and find out how your GPS can reflect your relationship. But first Sam and Jon check in on their weeks....

Sam and Jon break down the importance of a relationship milestone, what things will be like when Sam returns to NYC, and how growing as a person can mess up your act. Plus goals for the upcoming week...

This week we learn how Sam started stand up and where Sam and Jon's bond began.  Then hear what happens when your therapist is at your show, decide if you let your girlfriend listen to your podcast and who retweeted Sam's Farmedy Club tweet. 

Comedians Jon Fisch and Sam Rubinoff cope with these uncertain times together.  

Very excited to welcome Alingon Mitra from Last comic Standing, Colbert, Conan the Late Late show. We share some New England memories before getting into Gretchen Rubin’s book The Four Tendencies. It’s all about how you react to expectations both internal and external (which I annoyingly call exterior - oops sorry) Alingon explains why it can be so difficult to do things you want to do when you are an obliger, how to push the right lever for external accountability and some examples of an accountability group. Plus, how tendencies work within relationships, what your tendency says about your values and Alingon’s own test to determine your tendency.

My guest is comedian, author, podcaster Dan Wilbur. In addition to his books How Not to Read and Never Flirt with Puppy Killers, Dan’’s been featured on Sirius XM, College Humor, McSweeney’s and Someecards, where he was the Ecards editor.  We start talking books and try to figure out when it’s okay to give up on a book. Then Dan gets a life lesson from a surprising source. What’s worse than poutine?  All or nothing thinking. How relationships can change your diet and who was the first comedian Dan saw in NYC? 

This week I welcome host, podcaster, producer and show-runner Chelsea White We pick things up as I’m explaining why I don’t watch the NFL. Then we stress the importance of following Josh Gondelman on Twitter and what it’s like when a Chelsea meets another Chelsea. And we get into the similarities between OCD and Tourette. Plus how to date purposefully.    

Excited to be back with guest Leah Bonnema. Leah has been featured on AXS TV’s Gotham Comedy Live and TruTV’s Comedy Knockout. She’s an undeniable force of funny on stage and we got to chat about her love for performing. Plus, being in a relationship with a fellow comedian and how to know when you’ve found the right therapist and how to know when you haven’t.

Back at the Olive Tree for Part 2 of talking with comedians about the ups and down of New York City comedy life. Joyelle Johnson from HBO”S Crashing and Late Night with Seth Meyers helps explain how she readjusted to the energy of New York City, the importance of a night off and 'therapy energy' at a show. Then Derek Gaines from The Last OG and the Will & Grace reboot, breaks down the speed and the hustle of New York City comedy,  how he was inspired by doubt and the push to be a better writer.  

This episode I did a little something different. I sat down at the Olive Tree Cafe above the Comedy Cellar to do a quick chat with comics about New York City. Ups and downs, difficulties and positives and insights into starting to work at some of NYC’s best comedy clubs. This week its Chloe Hilliard from This Week at the Comedy Cellar and Last Comic Standing and then Liza Treyger from her Netflix Degenerates special and her Comedy Central Half Hour Special.

Lance Weiss is my guest. Lance is a fantastic comedian who performs nightly in NYC, is a regular on the festival circuit and was the co-creator of one of my favorite  shows in NYC: “Gandhi, Is That You?” We talk about the origins of my tiny head hats, why Lance if forever indebted to Anthony Devito and how to run a great show. Then we get down to the nitty gritty of some OCD struggles.

My guest this week is journalist and model comedy audience member Michael Stahl. He has written for Rolling Stone, Vice, and Huffington Post. Sorry for making you listen to some chewing noises right out of the gate but a few weeks ago I found out that Michael had never had chocolate babka and I made it part of the podcast day experience and we ate it on air. As the chocolate rush kicked in we talked about other substances and how they affect the bod. We talked about Michael’s transition from teaching to freelance journalism, sleepless nights and how to live with integrity.

My guest this week is Brendan Eyre. Brendan has appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers and the Comedy Central show Adam Devine’s House Party. We jump in discussing our podcast origins, hear a background of Brendan’s start in comedy and get a window into how he learned to headline comedy clubs. Then Brendan shares the story of how he navigated his mental health issues through the medicines, doctors, a suicide attempt, hospitals, psych wards, ECT and ultimately a return to New York City.

Evan Williams is a super funny man who has been seen on Comedy Central’s Roast Battle and appeared at the Montreal Comedy Festival. We jump in mid conversation about the joys of comedy condos. Then we learn who inspired Evan to be a better comic and talk about himself on stage when he moved to NYC. Evan shares a pretty great reason not to get high with your mom. We learn about the therapeutic value of a roast and who inspired Evan to feel okay about dealing with depression.  

Jacob Williams is a regular cast member on MTV’s Wild n’ Out. He has appeared on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, America’s Got Talent and Adam Devine’s House Party on Comedy Central. A huge talent and an original voice, it was a pleasure to sit down and talk. On the podcast Jacob tells us what it’s like to get sort of recognized and how he finds value outside the approval of the gatekeepers. Plus, find out who played successful wingman for Jacob and here me trick him into admitting some comedy confidence.

Anthony Devito is my guest this week. Along with being one of my absolute favorite comedians and people, he has appeared on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert and on his own Comedy Central Half Hour Special and has been heard on This American Life. On the podcast Anthony reminds me about the first time we met, explains how to treat a Special and breaks down why he’s so hard on himself.

I am back with season 2. My first guest is Alison Leiby. She is a hilarious stand up comedian that has written for shows like The Opposition with Jordan Klepper and The President’s Show.  She also has one of the absolute best twitter minds in the game. On the podcast we learn how Alison turned pain into comedy, what she misses every day and the difference between LA crazy versus NY crazy. Then we delve into the mental gymnastics of writing for someone else, how to shut your brain off and how to be a better man in comedy.  

I was thrilled to have Erin Jackson sit down with me in the lobby of the Borgata in Atlantic City. She is so funny & makes me laugh every time I see her. She recently appeared on Conan & is recording her 1st album at the DC Improv on Saturday July 14th. On the podcast we discuss why Erin is happy to see you even though she does not want to hug you, the best way to surprise & confuse your dad & why you do not want to cross Erin Jackson.

Rich Vos is a comedy legend. A master of the roast & all things stand-up, he has multiple albums & specials. He’s a 2 time Oscar writer & the 'Vos Roast' recorded live at the Village Underground will be available June 17th @VosRoast.com Rich & I were at the Boragata in Atlantic City performing for the week & he was nice enough sit down with me to talk about how he maintains creativity, the folklore of the “Cellar Table,” & how he deals with his resentment issues. Rich got a call from his wife, the hilarious Bonnie McFarlane during the podcast. Erin Jackson (who was also performing with us at the Borgata) stopped by to say a quick hello and an O & A fan interrupts us to meet Vos. Just a heads up because even though you may not be able to hear the people off mic so well, I thought it was cool to leave in...

James Patterson is an author of many books. But another James Patterson is one of my favorite people in comedy. We started in Boston a few years apart & his standup is original & amazing. He’s been to the Montreal Comedy Festival & has appeared on Comedy Central. He just finished filming the movie Strangers in Berlin which will be out by the end of this year & he just recorded his first comedy special.

This week I get to talk with my extremely funny buddy Joe Larson. He has been seen on AXS TV’s Gotham Comedy Live, was featured in the film Standup 360 & was a finalist at the Great American Comedy Festival Competition We talk about how comedy can help & hurt when dealing with tragedy, what to do when you can’t do everything & the dream way to quit your day job. Plus how not to be awkward at the green room hang, which podcast helped Joe and how important perception is.

Sean Donnelly is a hilarious comedian that has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman & Conan. He is constantly touring & when he’s not he’s performing in the clubs in NYC. His latest podcast is ‘Defend Your Movie’ & his fantastic album released on Comedy Central Records is called ‘Manual Labor Face.’ On the podcast we learn how to impress a young Sean Donnelly & how easy it is to make a comic feel like royalty. Then we discuss the intricacies & pressures of hosting & the importance of dealing with things head on. Plus, hear how Colin Quinn sums up what it’s like in the mind of an Irish comedian.

Luisa Diez is responsible for producing some of your favorite comedy shows such as Too Many Cooks, Witch Hunt & Schtick or Treat which this Halloween celebrated its 10th year in NYC this past Halloween & has also expanded to Los Angeles. We pick things up mid discussion about the importance of setting boundaries. We find out how Luisa spells Comedy, why she’s technically not industry & who helped Luisa go from comedy fan to comedy producer. Plus, where do comedians look for stability, what is Luisa really thinking about when a comic is on stage and how the temporality of art applies to stand-up

Paul Hooper is my guest. A fellow Astorian & OCD’er, Paul has appeared on AXS TV’s Gotham Comedy Live & has performed in 42 states & 10 different countries. We pick things up with Paul & I discussing what makes a comedy situation ideal. Then we learn what out of state license plates means for your NYC neighborhood, how Paul feels about teamwork & what material not to do in Alabama. And attention New Hampshire, Vermont, Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, Hawaii, Idaho & Utah: you’re the final 8 states Paul needs to perform at to make it an even 50, so what do you say???  

Daniel Tirado is one of the very few comedians to perform at the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival in both French & English. He made his American television debut on AXS TV’s Gotham Comedy Live & was selected to perform as one of the top 10 finalists on StandUp NBC. On the podcast we learn how to act like you belong at the party, when to do what terrifies you & what if our “what ifs” were all positive.

Nick Griffin appeared 11 times on The Late Show with David Letterman & is hands down one of the best stand-up comedians I have met. He is a true pro that has lived in NYC & LA & performed everywhere in between. On the podcast, we learn how after years of trying, what finally helped land Nick his first Letterman appearance. We get into when depression showed up for Nick, how he manages it on the road & what’s the only thing worse than being depressed.  

In 2017 Nathan Macintosh appeared on both The Late Show with Stephen Colbert & Conan & he has the mugs & t-shirts to prove it. On the podcast, Nathan explains how we are from sister homelands, how being competitive may have helped with his big year & how it feels when you are never on the list. Plus we break down one of my favorite Nathan Macintosh jokes, discuss the importance of self care & find out the most adult answer Nathan has ever heard.

My friend Tony Deyo has been seen on Conan & The Late Late Show. The Village Voice calls him “one of the tightest joke writers in the business” & I couldn’t agree more. On the podcast we discuss Tony’s approach to comedy & why having a strong work ethic is so important in comedy right now. Plus, hear how to wipe terrible shows off the calendar & how it can hurt to be billed a “clean comedian.”