This podcast is not about knives. It's about couples who live, love and work together.
In today's episode, I chat with the hilarious Lena Stone, a San Diego-based comedian who calls herself "the snack bitch" because she's always handing out snacks to her kids! We dive into her fascinating journey into comedy, starting from her elementary school days when she held comedy shows on the playground until a yard duty lady threatened to suspend her for "inciting a riot" - a comedy riot!Lena shares how she rediscovered her comedy passion years later, her approach to writing, and the comics who inspire her. We also discuss our shared experiences as comedians - from dealing with stage fright to navigating comedy clubs and open mics around San Diego. Plus, don't miss our conversation about how we both approach material about our spouses and families!TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introduction and "things that are things"01:53 - Lena's journey into comedy and playground comedy "riots"07:04 - Comedy inspirations and who makes us laugh11:31 - Current bits Lena is working on (embracing pettiness)15:08 - Finding material in our relationships24:20 - What makes Lena unique as a comedian30:38 - Our thoughts on comedy clubs and open mics in San Diego35:17 - Lena's background and San Diego comedy scene42:00 - How I got started in comedy at 69 years old47:20 - Where to find Lena and upcoming showsCONNECT WITH US:Follow Lena on Instagram: @leedybugCatch her at Mission Brewery in Kensington every Saturday!Looking for more comedy shows in San Diego? Check out Slap Diego Comedy (co-produced by Lena) at Mission Brewery (Saturdays at 8 PM) and Moniker General in Liberty Station (first and third Thursdays).FINAL THOUGHTS:Thank you for joining us for this laugh-filled conversation! If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share with your comedy-loving friends. I'm always on the lookout for funny people to feature, so drop your suggestions in the comments below! New episodes drop every Wednesday.
In this episode, I sit down with Hollis Cameron, a fresh voice in San Diego's comedy scene who I met in my very first comedy class. Though he's only been doing stand-up for about five months, Hollis has already made his mark by creating Comic Tonight (comictonight.com), a comprehensive resource that connects comedians with shows throughout San Diego.We dive into Hollis's comedy journey, from his first time on stage to his recent "bombing" experience, plus share plenty of laughs about Diet Coke addiction, edible mishaps, and the challenges of crowd work. Whether you're a comedian looking to find your people or just someone who enjoys a good laugh, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the local comedy scene and what it takes to put yourself out there on stage!Episode Timeline Highlights01:00 - Meeting Hollis and his comedy beginnings03:38 - Finding your people in the comedy world05:58 - What is Comic Tonight? A hub for San Diego comedy13:04 - Diet Coke addiction and comedy topics20:37 - Bombing stories and recovering from bad sets29:40 - The art of crowd work vs. prepared material42:00 - The freedom that comes with age in comedy48:33 - Hollis's future plans for comedy and Comic TonightLinks & ResourcesVisit Comic Tonight to find comedy shows in San Diego: https://comictonight.comFollow Hollis on Instagram: @Hollis_Cameron365Follow Comic Tonight on Instagram: @ComicTonightSDFollow me on social media: @SuziChicagoClosing NotesThanks for watching this episode with the wonderful Hollis Cameron! If you enjoyed our conversation, please hit that like button and subscribe to catch all of our future episodes. Leave a comment letting me know if you've ever tried stand-up comedy or if you use Comic Tonight to find shows in San Diego. And remember - life's too short not to laugh!
In this episode, I sit down with one of San Diego's funniest and kindest humans — comedian, teacher, and Dry Bar special headliner Jesse Egan. We talk about everything from bombing on cruise ships (yes, family shows at midnight!) to finding humor in the chaos of life, parenting, and even spatulas that double as guitars.Jesse shares how a ping pong rulebook turned him into a lifelong comic, the lessons he learned from legends like Zoltan Kaszas and Vicki Barbolak, and why kindness might just be the secret superpower in comedy. Oh, and we may or may not solve the mystery of why my hair once made me look like I belonged on the $1 bill.⏱️ Episode Highlights[1:15] – Introducing Jesse: funniest man in San Diego, teacher at Mic Drop Comedy, and all-around nice guy.[6:30] – Jesse's “ping pong revelation” that launched his love for comedy.[19:00] – Why being kind in comedy (and life) always pays off.[31:10] – The cruise ship from hell: family-friendly shows at midnight.[35:45] – Comedy as “intermittent reinforcement” — and why we keep chasing that one perfect laugh.[39:40] – Suzi and Jesse's take on gratitude, doomscrolling, and the art of staying sane.[46:00] – Future goals: Jesse's dream of launching his own comedy school (and possibly a Disney-themed club).
Ever thought about walking away from a 6-figure job to go do something fun? Meet someone who did: Lauren Thomas. From our serendipitous Pretty Funny Women meetup to our shared hatred for San Diego parking, Lauren brings her charm, wit, and incredible life experience to the mic. She has a backstory that'll blow your mind and we cover everything from comedy classes and corporate escapes to life lists and family secrets.Episode Timeline Highlights[2:22] – Meeting Lauren at Pretty Funny Women and how her jazz-singer style won me over[6:15] – Lauren's wild birth story and childhood across five continents[11:00] – From Fortune 500 marketing exec to full-time creative—why Lauren walked away[17:33] – The beauty (and curse) of being a well-dressed comedian in a sausage fest[25:45] – Growing up Black abroad vs. navigating “liberal” California[33:01] – Atsuko, Neil Brennan, and Lauren's comedy inspirations[43:18] – Comedy, aging, and writing from real life[51:05] – The power of a “life list” and how Lauren's using hers to build an intentional life[1:03:55] – The struggles and wins of San Diego open mics (tiny dick jokes and all!)[1:14:02] – Family secrets, heritage reveals, and discovering who we really are[1:22:00] – Suzi's mic mishaps and Lauren's best/worst shows[1:33:55] – Advice for new comedians and honoring the craftLinks & ResourcesLauren Thomas on Instagram: [Insert Handle if known]Pretty Funny Women: https://prettyfunnywomen.comComedy Store (West Hollywood): https://thecomedystore.comMic Drop Comedy, San Diego: https://micdropcomedy.comClosing NoteIf this episode made you laugh, think, or just gave your brain a break—please rate, review, and follow the show. And don't keep it to yourself! Share it with a friend who needs a good story and a good giggle. See you next time!
I'm with my ride-or-die comedy buddy, Alla—the best thing Russia ever exported (sorry, Yakov). We talk about how we met on day one of a bargain comedy class, why her Kazakh childhood gives her stand-up a one-of-a-kind voice, and the very wild way a farm goat once “sobriety tested” her dad.You'll also hear our tales from a truly… colorful open mic, my new mini-segment “Things That Are Things,” and why I'm all-in on bringing more clean laughs to San Diego.Episode Timeline (top moments)[16:15] The legendary goat story: how a bottle of vodka saved the day—and why my car suddenly smelled like a bar.[17:20] We head to a Sunday open mic at a brewery… and discover vampires, strippers (maybe), and everything in between.[20:25] “Unlike this 70-year-old lady here”—getting noticed (or not) and why stagewear matters.[33:05] Alla's crowd-killer bit about “three testicles,” my dog, and the punch line that blew up the room.[39:10] Why we're planting a flag for clean comedy in San Diego—“clean is green.”[42:40] Our comic crushes: Joe Koy, Leanne Morgan, Karen Mills, and more I can't stop quoting.[49:30] Inside baseball: the brutal red light, tight sets, and how we prep before a show.Links & ResourcesMusso & Frank Grill (Hollywood hang; our favorite pre-show time capsule)Mic Drop San Diego; The Comedy Store – La Jolla (stages we love)Lazy River Comedy @ the Irish pub show we mention (San Diego scene)Comics we shout out: Joe Koy, Leanne Morgan, Karen Mills, Paula (coming on the pod!), Bill Burr, Nate Bargatze, Sebastian Maniscalco, John Mulaney, Fortune Feimster, Tig Notaro, Dustin Nickerson, Richard Kind (on the Mulaney show).Connect with UsGuest: Alla Munguia — @allamunguiaHost: @SuziChicago everywhere.If you laughed or smiled today, do me a solid: rate the show, follow, and share it with a friend. Every tap helps us bring more clean comedy to more ears. See you next time!
Ever wonder what it takes to turn awkward moments into comedy gold? In this episode of the Suzi Chicago Podcast, I sit down with comedian Paula Kosiensky to talk about her journey through stand-up, building confidence on stage, and performing at top comedy festivals like Laughing Skull and the Nashville Comedy Festival. Episode Timeline[1:22] - Banter with Fun Bobby and welcoming comedian Paula Kosiensky[4:55] - Discovering Paula's comedy and her Dry Bar special[11:40] - Applying for comedy festivals and chasing stage time[18:12] - Paula's surreal experience performing at the Nashville Comedy Festival[25:35] - How comedians handle imposter syndrome in big moments[33:08] - Paula's favorite comics, inspirations, and lessons from the stage[40:50] - Wrapping up with laughter and what's next for PaulaLinks & ResourcesFollow Paula Kosiensky on Instagram: @paulacomedyFollow Paula Kosiensky on TikTok: @paulakosienskiWatch Paula Kosiensky's Dry Bar Comedy SpecialLearn more about Laughing Skull Comedy FestivalExplore the Nashville Comedy Festival
Sometimes when I talk to another comic, it feels like we were twins separated at birth—and that's exactly how it is with today's guest, the hilarious Susan Rice. You may know her from her specials Silver Alert (Amazon) and We All Become Our Parents (Don't Tell Comedy), or her series Bad Advice with Susan Rice. She's been in the comedy game for decades, and let me tell you—her stories had me laughing, nodding, and occasionally spitting out my coffee.In this episode, Susan and I dig into everything from her comedy beginnings in Portland to what it's like finding your voice later in life, producing shows during COVID, and what it really takes to last in this business. We talk about aging, audience connections, and why older comics still have plenty of fire in the belly. Plus, you'll hear us swap stories about knees, Jell-O, and exactly what NOT to say to a woman over 60. This one is packed with laughs, truth bombs, and a whole lot of heart.Episode Timeline[1:11] – Susan Rice on her Amazon special Silver Alert and why I watched it twice[3:05] – The curse of barrel chairs and why no woman looks good in one[4:17] – Susan's path from acting school to finding stand-up in Portland[10:20] – The comedy boom in Portland and what it was like working 30 nights in a row[16:54] – Creating a community comedy festival during COVID in her Portland neighborhood[20:37] – Why boomers are still a comedy audience force to be reckoned with[27:04] – Naming my upcoming special (with some hilarious rejected titles)[32:07] – Susan on forgetting punchlines, crowd work, and learning to pivot on stage[37:47] – The best advice for new comics: “Be fearless and be kind”[42:27] – Why Susan curses on stage and how she responds to criticism about it[46:02] – Talking comedy heroes: Kathleen Madigan, Louis Black, Paula Poundstone, and moreLinks & ResourcesSusan Rice's Amazon special: Silver AlertDon't Tell Comedy special: We All Become Our ParentsInstagram series: Bad Advice with Susan RiceSusan Rice on Instagram: @funnyoldbagKathleen Madigan – Official WebsiteMike Birbiglia – Official WebsiteThanks for tuning in! If this episode made you laugh (and I know it did), don't forget to rate, review, follow, and share the podcast with your friends. It helps more people find the show and keeps the laughs coming.
In this episode, I sat down with Jonathan Prim, who somehow survived the journey from theater to stand-up comedy without becoming a bitter children's party clown. We talked about everything from social anxiety (spoiler: comedians have it, we just cover it with punchlines) to the joys of community in the comedy scene.Jonathan shared his thoughts on the absurdity of everyday life, his brief career as the world's least enthusiastic mail carrier, and the glamorous world of technical difficulties on stage (because nothing says “professional” like a mic that cuts out mid-punchline).It's a conversation full of stories, laughs, and a reminder that authenticity matters more than a perfectly timed rimshot.Timestamps00:00 Introduction & Why Comedy Is Weird02:53 The Significance of ‘Things' (yep, just things)05:41 Jonathan's Journey into Comedy11:48 From Radio to Stand-Up (yes, it's a downgrade)17:39 Tales from the Mail Route23:42 Stage Fright, Stage Presence, Same Thing27:50 How to Connect with Audiences Without Crying30:31 Social Anxiety in Comedy (it's real, folks)34:02 Identity, Growth & Other Buzzwords39:39 How to Build Bits Without Losing Your Mind43:24 Comedy Heroes & Inspirations45:29 Storytelling as a Comedy Superpower46:59 Turning Life Into Material (whether you want to or not)49:10 Reading the Audience Like a Psychic51:12 Emergency Comedy Tricks52:43 Where Comedy Meets Recovery57:04 Surviving the Scene (with snacks)58:28 DIY Career Moves01:01:10 The Life of a Comedian (cue dramatic music)01:06:55 Building Community & Finding Your People
Josh and Jen put it all on the line.
Q&A with Bob and Suz along with some celebrity name dropping
Susan's older brother leaves her his long time friend and travel agent in his will.
Guest: Maddie Burnley of BRNLY Brand and Burnley knives A former assistant curator of the Peabody Essex Museum shares her art life, and life now.
Guests: Esther and Billy Cho By day they are poly entrepreneurs — a therapist and an arms maker. But once a year they come together with a partner, Nick, and put on one of the most fun shows in the knife industry: the Pacific Northwest Custom Invitational show in Seaside Oregon. FB: PNWCI IG: @chogunassassin AND @ironbornarmory
Although I met Claudia on a TV Series we worked on together in NM, she has many talents. As a couple, Claudia and Steve, own Rangewood Reclaimers. Taking historic buildings and turning them into modern projects. Restaurants, retail, and home projects reuse the their reclaimed wood. She showed me a vision notebook years ago that has all come to fruition. IG: @rangewoodreclaimersRangewoodreclaimers.com
Guests: Natalie and Lionel Saulsberry A veteran Marine Corps DI, and a retired Nurse host a couples podcast together. Couples Unfiltered is a podcast that was created during the Covid lockdown. IG: @Couples_unfiltered
Guests: Andrea and Rob Raising millions for kids through The Hate Dust Project IG: @TheHateDustProject IG
Family. Aliens landing in the yard, mashed potatoes falling from the ceiling, a parrot calls Bob's name out the window of a Brooklyn apartment. They come from different collars: Suz white, Bob blue.
Guest: Cristie Fellhoelter Fellhoelter ToolWerks: fellhoelter.com IG: @Brianfellhoelter
A skeleton with a life. Sam travels the world bringing life to these bones.
Guests: Nana and Michael West WestKnives: westknives.com Instagram: @WestKnives
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
