The FuthaMuckin' Protocol

There have been a few writers to sit down with TFP, but none that write movies for The Hallmark Channel. Yes, THAT Hallmark Channel. How he went from teaching English in New Jersey to the principal checking him for appearing on Showtime Networks' "WHITE BOYZ IN THE HOOD", to NACA to writing and (eventually) producing films is an amazing story. Jay shares his insight with Dean and breaks down the art of writing films while keeping production budgets low. It's fascinating, actually and great info for anyone interested in writing in Hollywood. He also breaks down the (possible) good in Thanos and how he removed himself off of all social media in an effort to be more "present". We In The Building!

Adam Ferrara might be on of the the nicest guys in Hollywood & he believes that shared experiences are what bring people together. He's a wise man with a sharp wit and a great comic. He & Dean talk Richard Pryor, how there is always something to overcome, good hosts setting a show's pace and why West Indian nurses LOVE him ever since "NURSE JACKIE". We In The Building!

Erik Rivera return for part 2 of his talk with Dean as he continues sharing his continuing story returning to NBC Stand Up For Diversity to earning money as a comic doing NACA College gigs and then how grabbing Eva Longoria's attention is helping him to expand the opportunities for Latino's in Hollywood before shooting his own comedy special. Never let BOBBY KELLY give you suggestions on how to propose or take relationship advice from a comic. We In The Building, son!

Erik Rivera is a humble assassin of a comedian. He lays in the cut humbly with a thousand watt smile, but then when he takes the stage: HE'S A KILLER! He takes us on his Journey from doing megachurch's in the Bronx to LAST COMIC STANDING. Erik shares how John Leguizamo and Eddie Murphy made comedy relatable to a Puerto Rican kid from New Rochelle. Also, the benefits of having a car as a new comic and Do NOT ever only offer him 2 lines! We In The Building, son!

Jeff Richards continues his conversation with Dean and walks us through his SNL audition, their 1st day of work being September 11th, 2001 and how comedy changed after the World Trade attacks. So much so that he got in trouble with Lorne Michaels after his very 1st episode. He also shares life after SNL, how the 2008 stock market crash affected him and getting back to stand up. We in the Building!

Jeff Richards is a funny comedian & brilliant impressionist. He also is the only person to ever be cast on both MAD TV and SNL. Jeff & Dean talk shop and their individual approaches to doing impressions: choosing what impressions to do, what order to do them in and creating jokes around impressions vs. merely doing them for sake of doing them. Nuance in a voice is muy importante, people. It's the first time Dean has another SNL Alum share their experience on the iconic show...and it's only part 1. Part 2 of their talk drops in 6 days. We in the Building!

Dean gives insight on how to maintain ones professional decorum amidst the worst gigs and ensuring that the audience members do not suffer. The show must go on. We in the Building!

Dean talks about idiots on flights, prepping for outdoor shows that lack the comforts of standard clubs and send a Rest in Funk to our friend, comedian William Stephenson, who recently passed away. We shall miss you, brother. May the Funk be with you...always. We in the Building!

It's a new year and Dean brings in 2019 with a slightly different approach: he records the podcast episode live in the green room of The Comedy Cellar and comedians Greer Barnes, Mark Cohen, Traci Skene & Australia's Joel Ozmborn to talk shop and discuss their individual approaches before, during and after a show. We in the Building!

Julia Scotti is a comic that happens to be transgender, not a transgender comic, so don't get it twisted. She's no ones novelty act. While gigging with Dean and Harris Stanton in AC, she takes us from humble beginnings onstage as Rick Scotti and shares stories of early shows selling a joke to Rodney Dangerfield as well as doing shows with Eddie Murphy the week before he booked SNL. Rick wound up starting a comedian's union before he quit the business to teach, discover her truth changing genders and finally returning to comedy after a 10 year hiatus, ultimately becoming a quarter finalist on "AMERICA'S GOT TALENT" in 2016. We in the Building!

Dean talks his favorite Horror movies, collaborating with other artists and learning to write for television as well as why preparation to perform (on stage, television or film) is always important. We in the Building!

Some Kats are motivated by fame and fortune, but Clinton Jackson is motivated by contribution and connection. He likes to make people feel comfortable and important and rather than seeking conflict for ego's sake, he looks for the common ground in humanity that can bring folks together. He sits down with Dean while at sea to talk coming up in Oakland and watching rapper Too $hort hustle his music, Mark Curry utilizing his entire body as a performer and how to take a compliment. His mom did a great job and Clinton Jackson Loves his mother. We in the Building!

We finally get a chance to continue our conversation with Lynne Koplitz as she takes us through her youth with her family running from the mafia to deciding between a relationship or her passion to knowing her worth and letting her first manager know that she knew that. That, and oral sex jokes in front of priests and nuns. Gotta be true to yourself and learn to "ADAPT". It's part 2, baby. We in the Building!

Andy Curtain helped create the comedy scene in China and recently brought Dean to tour multiple cities as part of his KUNG FU KOMEDY brand. Andy explains going from the business world in Melbourne, Australia to stumbling into creating a stand up comedy scene in China, first as a performer but eventually as a producer who now runs his own successful comedy club and running Live Nation's comedy promotions in Asia. Legends will teach you to always speak up for yourself. 謝謝. I had no idea that SNL China was even a thing! Who knew?? Confucius say remember: "never heckle father who has ammunition in loaded pistol." We in the Building!

Season 3 of OWN networks "GREENLEAF" just began and one of it's stars, Sean Dominic, joins us to share his journey. From moving to NYC to pursue his modeling career in the shadow of 9/11, to using comics chasing their dreams as motivation to purse acting which ultimately lead to a leap of faith flight which landed him his biggest tv break yet. Sean proves the importance of working with an acting coach & making an impression no matter the size of a role and why IMDB Pro, which isn't free, is still a valuable resource. We in the Building!

Harris Stanton joins Dean again to talk the importance of writing to continue growing as a creative artist, recent drama at the JFL Comedy festival in Montreal and the various problems with movie remakes We in the Building!

Dean talks social media hibernation, the problem with advice and reflects on the Spike Lee canon. What are your top 5 Spike Lee joints? Sho' Nuff. Ya Dig? We in the Building!

Dean talks preparing a late night set for The Tonight Show, constantly proving oneself and constructive criticism vs. actual harassment. We in the Building!

God didn't bring Lynne Koplitz this far to drop her on her head. It's a mantra that reaffirms Lynne's faith in God and herself and reminds her to continue forward in an unforgiving industry. Lynne sits down with Dean for part 1 of an introspective analysis of the peaks and valleys of the road less traveled. From humble beginnings in Florida to featuring for Louis CK at The Garden, she shares her insight on clubs, bookers and how earning the trust of the wait staff is beneficial as well as the difference between satire and reality. Know your place and your position. We in the Building!

Nick Guerra is dynamo of a personality and comedian who loves puzzles. He's a problem solver that you never want to underestimate because of his stature because he's gonna prove you wrong every time. Nick and Dean have known each other for years, but this is the first time they get to KNOW each other's stories and Nick takes us to the beginning in Bordertown, Texas, USA which is an interesting place to begin considering the country's current immigration issues of separation of families near the border. They discuss American pride which they were both reminded of by a Dominican named ‘PABLO' (“ShhhhhhiiiiaTTT!!!”) Nick elaborates on how MC Hammer introduced him to Hip Hop and eventually The Wu-Tang Clan and how he escaped the “work until you die” prevalent in many border town communities. Dis songs helped him figure out what Hip Hop was saying. Nick also breaks down Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots and the games symbolic representation Americas 2 Party system. Who remembers the tedious process of recording tv shows on your VCR? It's a Great Episode. We in the Building!

This week Dean tosses it up with his shark tooth earring wearing homie, comedian Dante Nero aka Beige Phillip. Dante has an amazing story that began in Brooklyn living in the shadow of his Basketball legend Dad to studying genetic engineering in college, only to end up in the world of male strippers under the moniker, Mandingo. Somehow Dante maneuvered running an escort service into planting his feet in the comedy world and eventually becoming close with Patrice O'neal. What was expected to be a quick episode, turned into a welcome discussion of philosophy, psychology, the science of comedy and comics' blended influences (which is fascinating). We In The Building! Here's Dante's episode of "THE BEIGE PHILLIP SHOW" that Dean was a guest on recently: http://beigephillip.com/2018/05/29/ep316-dean-edwards/

In part 2, Dean continues his conversation with Jon Laster who gives the full story on how telling a joke about the current president got him fired and sent home from a casino gig in Atlantic City. We In The Building! See Jon's recent appearance on power 105's The Breakfast Club morning show in the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fipKe-oSOkg

Funny friend and comedian, Jon Laster joins Dean to talk fear of day jobs, going from Division 1 Basketball to telemarketing to Two steps Down, ski trips the 40 plus Black rooms in the city back in the days. Jon also opens up about battling alcohol abuse and recently getting x'd off of a gig because of a Trump joke. We In The Building, son!

There is a difference between a stand up comic getting bumped and a comic getting disrespected. Dean speaks on a recent instance of a big fish in comedy using their position of power to usurp a comic with less clout and his opinion on it, the recent spate of fragile White folks calling the cops on Black people for NO REASON and his new "DEaNZEL On..." series on his social media. We In The building, son!

Dean asks at what point is Lebron considered on Jordan's level, reflects on Michelle Wolf's comedic performance at the White House Correspondence Dinner, writing new material and thanks Zhaz 228 for the Futhamuckin' Rock of Inspiration that he received recently. We In The building, son!

Dean ponders if he's the only one unaware that Coachella lasted more than one weekend long, talks music festivals like AFROPUNK and the Waffle House. We In The Building, son!

Comedian John Moses spent a week in Atlantic City gigging with Dean (and Harris), so it's only right that they sat down and tossed it up. They talk HBO vs. Showtime, recovering from addiction and the horrors of rooming with other comics. They also discuss the importance of lotioning and maintaining healthy skin and John teaches Dean what a "BABY BRAIN" is exactly. Say BAHUBALI! We In The Building, son!

As the creator of the 'PAID OR PAIN' comedy show, offering newcomers a chance to perform stand up comedy & either get paid for a good set or get punished for an awful one (based on audience reaction), comedian Jay Nog has his sights set higher than the average comic...especially since he's a new Dad. Jay and Dean discuss what deters people from watching "Game of Thrones", porn stars and how a close friends unfortunate suicide helped push Jay towards performing. We also hear them discuss how quickly audiences jump to conclusions & the nature of political humor in the current climate, all while recording his new album, "PUT ME IN COACH", so that he might push himself and grow as an artist. Jay Nog is a 'DOER'. There is no 'try'. We In The Building, son! Support and buy Jay Nog's album, "PUT ME IN COACH": https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/put-me-in-coach/1325040420 Check out a clip from PAID OR PAIN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB7ywJIuEYo

Sharon Wilkins is an artist that won't be constrained to one box or medium. She's acted in multiple shows on Broadway. She's done television shows and commercials. She's shared the silver screen with Hollywood Heavyweights Will Smith, Martin Lawrence and J-Lo in "BAD BOYS 2" and "MADE IN MANHATTAN". This episode is for the artists and those who know they have IT, but aren't exactly sure how to share "IT" with the world. Sharon takes us from her humble Newburgh, NY beginnings and working with Ozzie Davis and Philly's renowned Freedom Theater to Stella Adler's Master Class at NYU, to Will Smith requesting her for a role in "I-ROBOT" and to currently starring in the Tony winning Broadway musical, "AFTER MIDNIGHT". I dare you not to be inspired by her story...and at the end of the episode, Sharon shares a special story about the goodness of Will Smith. We In The Building, son! ***Check out this throwback clip of Sharon Wilkins in Saturday Night Live's hilarious "GAP FAT" commercial parody below: https://view.yahoo.com/show/saturday-night-live/clip/40039393/gap-fat

Steven Scott was so much fun on the last episode of TFP, that we brought him back for a second episode. Steven and Dean bounce various impressions off of each other (Trump mistaking Denzel for Samuel L. Jackson) and walk you through the anatomy of good impressions vs. 'hacky' impressions before explaining how to approach presenting them for a sketch tv show audition. Then Steven shares how believing in himself helped him bum rush JFL Comedy Festival (he wasn't booked) which then led to him stumbling onto Warner Brothers and a lucrative holding deal and ultimately, Jamie Foxx's radar. It's a great inspirational story for anyone hoping for their 'big break' and hopefully you dig it. Oh yeah: And Simon Cowell gave him a standing ovation on AGT. Haha We In The Building, son!

He's not just impressions. He's not merely sound effects. Steven Scott is a comedian that has mastered the art of vocal dexterity. A fully rounded entertainer, Steven KNOWS his instrument. Steven and Dean met in Montreal at Just For Laughs back in the day and have always enjoyed tossing it up. Here, they discuss everything from playing the piano as a child to Eddie Murphy's influence to learning via kinesthetics. Strap in as Steven takes us on his journey from joining the Friars Club to being cast on Jamie Foxx's sketch show and having Tyra Banks sit on his head years ago before they eventually reunited with her last season on "AMERICA'S GOT TALENT." We In The Building, son.

Futhamuckin' Fam Favorite Harris Stanton is back with Dean once again on TFP. This time, they're in Cleveland talking Chris Rock's new comedy special on Netflix, Faizon Love's harsh criticism of Dave Chappelle and the power of Black Panther. We in the Building, son!

Dean explains that all Black people don't necessarily call their mother's "MOMMA' or "MAMA", ruining a GOOD thing and Colin Kaepernick vs. the NFL and the Super Bowl. We in the Building, son!

We have yet another Souled Out Comedy reunion as Dean is joined, once again by Rick Younger. They talk Mo'Nique's recent accusations against Netflix's "gender and race bias", Rick's approaching comedy in a similar fashion to Miles Davis & Thelonius Monk playing music and Rick walks us through auditioning for, and eventually booking the role of 'MR. DUVALL' in Tina Fey's upcoming Broadway musical, "MEAN GIRLS". We in the Building, son!

Dean talks sexual misconduct in Hollywood and recent accusations against Aziz Ansari and wonders about the #TimesUp & #MeToo movement in contrast to Black lives Matter. He also discusses sharing the spotlight, what lengths comics will go for stage time and how far is too far. We in the Building, son!

Harris Stanton is back on the road and the Protocol with Dean to talk about his new album, "NAIVE INNOCENCE" hitting number 6 on iTunes recently. Between shows and swinging by another weed dispensary in Denver, Harris opens up about surviving the now infamous Wal-mart truck accident with Tracy Morgan and Ardie Fuqua as well as the positive attributes of Therapy and they discuss the current state of Hip Hop music. We in the Building, son!

What kind of kid takes a public speaking class and gets reprimanded by his teacher for doing a "NURSING HOME STRIPPER" bit? Tim Homayoon. What kind of a person gets booed 3 times in a day but continues to pursue comedy afterwards? Tim Homayoon. What kind of a comic doesn't want coffee, but still might smash? Well, that's probably most, but Tim Homayoon WAS that guy and has stories for days. He's a funny comic that came out of Long Island under Kevin James and Adam Ferrara and an even more hilarious guy to talk to and his honest stories will leave you in stitches. From being an Iranian-Norwegian who forgets to rub the log at the Apollo Theater to becoming "The Don Juan of AOL" 20 years before Tinder, this episode is hilarity. If you only listen to hear his story about the demanding Latina mother that told him what their date would consist of or a porn actress wiping her vibrator across his face during a tv shoot, you'll be glad you stuck around to hear it. Sit back and listen to the adventures as the former "ONLINE PIMP" goes down memory lane of some of his successes, some of his failures, and a bit of redemption. This is comedy. Happy Holidays. We In The Building, Son!

Dean talks preparing for opportunities, breaking into the NACA/college circuit and blindly supporting your friends, a'la Lena Dunham. We in the Building, son!

Dean talks about the harassment crises, performing in different sized venues in 'A' cities vs. 'B' cities and defines what a 'New Jack' is (to him). We in the Building, son!

Dean talks about "guest spots" on the road and what to expect from them, Harvey Weinstein fallout and Corey Feldman's sounding the alarm about the abuse of power in Hollywood years ago on "THE VIEW". Plus, Dean takes a moment to break down why people who like "THE WALKING DEAD" aren't necessarily fans of "FEAR THE WALKNG DEAD". We in the Building, son!

Dean talks about where he's been to the Futhamuckin' Fam, bouncing back from close calls in the industry and what it was like attending Def Comedy Jam's 25th anniversary. We're back & We in the Building, son!

Comedy is tragedy. As most comics do, Rich Aronovitch has turned his calamities into humor. SMOOTH DADDY JOHNSON. What's in a name? Ask Smooth Daddy Johnson aka Rich Aronovitch. Dean spent a week at sea with Rich and although they've been Kool for years, they finally got to KNOW each other. Only a future comic could go away to camp in their youth and kill at a talent show. Rodney Dangerfield would've been proud. Only a future comic could get bombed in Israel and use it as motivation to pursue their dreams. Only a comic of mettle could endure Hurricane Katrina and losing a family business and maintain such positive energy. There were dark times that included drinking and now he's clean and sober for 9 years. Rich Araonovitch is all about being of service and the positive that he shares is coming back to him. From being Jim Breuer's opening act to judging on the Food Network's "BEAT BOBBY FLAY" and having his calendar booked through 2018, Smooth Daddy Rich "knows his audience". We in the Bulding, son!

Don Barnhart is a comic's comic with over 30 years in the business. He's seen it all and has stories about every one of those years. From bringing his high school dates to the set of 'MORK & MINDY' to becoming a finalist on the original "Star Search", to entertaining the troops worldwide in the new "I Am Battle Comic 3", Don's literally seen every aspect of the industry (long before Dana Carvey wrote him his first joke). Dean spent a week with Don at sea and got to discuss how hypnotism helped him, the comedy boom of the 80's and what 'success' truly means as Don shares meeting Leno & Seinfeld before they were household names. Thank goodness "...the military was closed". This might be the funniest story you'll ever hear about advice in the industry. Hint: make yourself indispensable it involves Jonathan Winters...and a TREE! We in the Building, son!

Dean talks comedy being subjective & online comedy critics as well as how couch critics have evolved from The Apollo and The Gong Show to American Idol and 'likes' on Facebook. Oh...& about getting tricked into attending Nick Cannon's comedy special taping. We in the Building, son.

Dean is in a supportive mood as a few of his friends take leaps in their careers in comedy/entertainment. Plus, Katz Deli, losing a foot, Stevie Wonder's birthday, and making sure to wash hands after meeting fans. We in the Building, son.

Dean's 12 Air Force Base Tour ends and he gives us the play by play. We in the Building, son.

Dean talks about sharing good news in entertainment prematurely vs. waiting for projects to come into full bloom. He also shares the entire story of how going on tour took a turn for the worst when Atlanta Hartsfield Airport was struck by lightning and how he dealt with delayed and canceled flights for 4 consecutive days in a row. We in the Building, son!

In prep for his upcoming month long tour of Air Force Bases, Dean responds to some of the comments that TFP Fam have written and also talks about men using Face Time & taking selfies in public, great business practices and skinny jeans. We in the Building, son!

Dean returns from gigging at sea to discuss sea sickness, Captain Pickard in Park Slope, Katt in the BK & the benefits of NETFLIX comedy specials. We in the Building, son!

As the world patiently waits for Nicki Minaj to respond to Remy Ma's scathing dis track, "shETHER", Dean ads his two cents on Battle rapping, so called "femcees", heterosexual males singing Young M.A.'s "OOOOOH" & the lyrical credibility problems facing animated mc's like Busta Rhymes, Ludacris and now, Onika Tanya Maraj's alter ego. We in the Building, son!

***SPOILER ALERT*** Big Mike is back in the building as we discuss actors/performers not liking to watch themselves on camera because of bad habits, the Star Wars cannon and ROGUE ONE (there are spoilers about the movie, so if you haven't seen the movie, do NOT listen), and getting the voices in Dean's head out. Then Dean explains how he plans to release a trifecta of comedy specials. We in the Building, son!