The Madness Continues

I catch up with my Chicago comedy buddy Tony Sykowski, who's embedded in the New York comedy scene. We talk doing comedy in COVID, telling jokes on a ship, and what stand-up will be like in the future. Check out Tony on Instagram: www.instagram.com/tonysykowski/ If you want to check out The Power Bible, as I mention on the opening of the show, check it out here: https://amzn.to/2Et2uVx

I sit down and talk with Brian Morton & Rachel Ibrahim of Zanies in Old Town, Chicago. Brian you may remember from years ago when I furtively kept glancing at my phone and he very much noticed it. Rachel is head of marketing at Zanies and is a complete delight. This was a fun one - it was really something to get back in that room and actually share space with some real humans. They're open! Book your tickets to see the show at http://chicago.zanies.com/

Linda Steele is the kind of woman rock ballads of the 1980's were written about. This woman is fit, badass, fun, funny, and sexy as hell. We talk about Chicago, exercise, getting fit, being a hot chick, and joke a ton about what's going on in the world today. Check her out at: https://www.lindasteelehotbod.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lindasteelefitbod/?hl=en twitter.com/lindasteelehot1

I talk with consultant and author Doug Fletcher, who is just charming and delightful. Check out his book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/33ym50D Or directly here: https://howclientsbuy.net/ Follow Doug on social media: linkedin.com/in/dougfletcher Looking forward to his tiny house stories!

I talk with my co author from The Power Bible (available on Amazon now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578605031) about the recent spat that James Altucher, our friend who wrote the foreword for our book, had with The King of Comedy, Jerry Seinfeld.

The second conversation I have with friend of the show philosopher and nihilist John Marmysz. The punk-rocker and philosopher of humor gives me his take on the weirdness that is COVID-19 and our strange COVID year. Unfortunately both he and his wife had it, but each has recovered, though he admits that it was rough. Check out John's writings on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WHydZg Check out The Happiest Hour on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3hjFfeH

I talk with Janelle Murphey, comedian I've known for years from Chicago. We sat down and chatted about New York, comedy, being creative, and generally caught up on life in pre-COVID America. What a strange time, how things have changed. Hope you're well. Follow her on instagram www.instagram.com/comedianjmurph

I have a chat with @JJTheFitnessCoach (www.instagram.com/jjthefitnesscoach) about positive mindset, his fitness journey, and what "no excuses" means. He's launching another 30 day challenge! If you want to join, follow and message him on Instagram!

I talk with John McCombs, hilarious comedian based in Chicago about his experience in the military and telling jokes all over the world. The guy's work ethic and attitude is fantastic. One of these days I have to arrange a tour around Europe with the guy. Check him out online: https://www.facebook.com/johnmccombscomedy/ https://twitter.com/realjohnmccombs https://www.johnmccombscomedy.com/

The whole freaking world is falling apart and yet Jeremy Miller is GROWING HIS BUSINESS. This guy not only grows his business, kicks ass and takes names, but he's also super personable and one of my favorite people to talk to. We have a couple of drinks during the coronavirus crisis and talk about how he's building his business despite the global depression. He's building it and he knows you can too. He's holding a session on crisis marketing on 4/20, you can register here: https://stickybranding.com/crisis-marketing/ If you want to register for The Happiest Hour happy hour with myself, please do it here: https://forms.gle/3Luu8UpxTrnwWGVR8 Check out Jeremy's books here: Sticky branding https://amzn.to/3bWKFJZ Brand New Name https://amzn.to/39RAkxF

Adam Gold is a hilarious New York comedy producer. He's worked for College Humor and done improv and sketch. The guy's really fun to talk to and one of the nicest people. We chat about all kinds of BS on here. What a lovely man. Check him out: https://www.twitter.com/The_Chai_Life His website: https://www.adamgold.co/

I chat with Brandon Rhoten, CMO of Potbelly Sandwich Shop. He has a career of changing brands with unique and authentic voices and an eye on social and digital media. Brandon earned a reputation for creating the unique brand voice behind Wendy from Wendy's on Twitter. We talk about all kinds of things on this podcast; how to have an authentic voice, how to build and change a brand, how to fight against institutional lethargy while preserving tradition. Honestly, it was a good one. The guy is fantastic and I was glad to have him on.

I've known Jayson Acevedo since we met at Dark Matter on Belmont in Chicago in 2015 when they used to have an open mic. I remember it because not only does Jayson Acevedo leave an impression, but because we immediately started talking about mutual friends we had in the Paris, France comedy scene. Jayson is a dynamic, hilarious, and big-hearted guy. He works the road, he records his own specials, he does shows all over, and he grinds. The guy's work ethic is really something to admire, and his stage presence is unmistakable. He's hilarious and a ton of fun while he's up there. I really enjoyed chatting with him in what was really an overdue conversation about life, comedy in Chicago, and how to overcome the haters (they real). Check him out online: www.jaysonavocado.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaysonavocado Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaysonavocado/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaysonavocado

I sit down and chat with Jon Boreamayo, head of running things at Stand Up NY. What's it like to helm a classic New York comedy club? Follow him and StandupNY: https://twitter.com/StandUpNY https://twitter.com/boreamayo

Matt Griffo and I met at one of the weirdest comedy shows I've ever been to in my life. It was at The Troubadour in London. Amazingly, we were two Chicago comedians who happened to meet at this strange little comedy show in London's west end. The guy is stupid talented - he plays instruments, he makes jokes, he does improv. Honestly, I wish I had as many skills as this guy. Check him out online: https://www.facebook.com/itsmattgriffo/ https://twitter.com/mattgriffo https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC83eZY976I-BIkzviYnhMQA https://mattgriffo.bandcamp.com/ And his own website: https://mattgriffo.com/

Brian Roe is a blast to talk to - he's a natural storyteller and a huge fan of comedy. I love having him as a guest, was finally time to have him in for just the two of us. Check out his youtube channel: http://bit.ly/2XNfniO

Ian Olasov is a philosopher professionally. In a way, I'm very jealous that he's decided to devote his life to intellectual and abstract thought. As I mention in the pod, I've been thinking a lot about what comedy and what philosophy can do in the world - and this guy is REALLY doing it. He literally sets up booths and talks to members of the public about philosophy, answering their questions, and engaging in discourse... you know, pretty much what Socrates got killed for. The Article I discovered Ian Olasov from: http://bit.ly/2S26IGN This weekend, 2/1, he's going to be around New York with a whole bunch of other philosophers with booths doing Ask A Philosopher. Honestly, it's a great idea. Hope you see them if you're in The Big Apple. Please excuse the weird audio for the first 15 minutes of the conversation, not sure what was going on, but solved it. Follow Ian on social Media: Instagram: http://bit.ly/31a2lxn APA's blog by Ian: http://bit.ly/36CIyb1 Ian's website: http://bit.ly/38PXAM5 Check out Brooklyn Public Philosophers on Facebook: http://bit.ly/36E7b7w If you enjoyed this pod, please like and subscribe. A good rating and a share mean a lot. If you want to support, truly, I'd be over the moon. It's just me doing this, and any little bit helps. Check me out on Patreon: http://bit.ly/2M059HM Check out my other podcast, Funny Planet, right here: https://spoti.fi/2teqqXx

I know Michael Boothby through Facebook and Chicago comedy. Though now in Florida, he was in Chicago for some time telling jokes. Message with Purpose (https://amzn.to/2Gc5jIj) is an interesting take on dating in our modern times. Mike wrote it and pushed it all out himself! The guy pivots! Just shy of five stars on Amazon, he's had a great launch.

There are a ton of great shows in Chicago, but of them, the most fun I've ever had was at Makespace at Packback's headquarters. Mike Shannon & Alex Prevolos have done an amazing and unique job creating a space for all kinds of creative people to come together and share their works. The night I did it there was music, graphic art, and of course, comedy. It's a really unique thing that more companies could take a lesson from. Check out Packback here: https://www.packback.co/ Makespace's website: https://www.makespacechicago.org/ At the time of this posting, the next Makespace is on February 19th at Packback's headquarters at 55 E Jackson in Chicago.

Bill Beteet and I have been friends for years, he's a great guy. We wrote a book called The Power Bible. James Altucher called it the best book he read all year. Honestly, it's really good. You can sign up for the list for release here: bit.ly/2p4uFCo He's chilling in the south of France at the time of this posting.

This week I'll be sending out a podcast a day... just a huge backlog of recordings I need to get out to you hungry listeners! Skyler Higley is a hilarious comedian originally from Utah who gets booked all over Chicago and is tearing up the festival circuit. Check him out here: Instagram: http://bit.ly/3aqhZsW Brian Roe, returning guest, is a great storytelling and honestly, a great podcast guest. Book this man! Check him out here: Twitter: http://bit.ly/365nbPn YouTube: http://bit.ly/2XNfniO

Everyone who knows anything about comedy knows about Lenny Bruce. He's the godfather of socially relevant, edgy, interesting comedy that pushes boundaries. Ronnie Marmo somehow manages to not only deliver Lenny's bits in a 90 minute show, but also channels the man so convincingly it really feels like you're watching the guy live. Lenny passed away more than 50 years ago, but Ronnie has brought him back to life in his play I'm Not A Comedian, I'm Lenny Bruce. I sat down with Ronnie after a performance at The Goodman Theater in Chicago and talked with him about the play, the craft of acting, and how he's able to embody the character so well. The guy is not just a talent, but a real artist who is committed deep down to the craft, and to being present in life. Honestly, it was pretty inspiring. Check out Ronnie here: Ronnie's website: http://bit.ly/2QNsoHb Facebook: http://bit.ly/2NmBV61 Twitter: http://bit.ly/2RbNQEJ Check out the play: Lennybruceonstage.com Back in Chicago on 1/25 through 2/16 and TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! If you have a moment, check out Funny Planet! It's my new podcast exploring comedy around the world! Funny Planet here: https://spoti.fi/2teqqXx

I talk with my buddy James Altucher in his home about all kinds of things: Star Wars, his book, my book, choosing yourself, kicking ass and taking names. I first met James through my friend William Beteet, but I had known about James for a couple of years - since I heard him on The Jordan Harbinger Show and through his TED talk. At the time, I was in a pretty bad spot, as I talk about on the pod, and his message of choosing yourself really resonated with me. I've tried to take his advice and the more I have, the better my life has gotten. Check out Choose Yourself here: https://amzn.to/2Re89S0 Check out James' pod here: http://bit.ly/36PmJGq Follow him for his newest book, that we talk about on the show. To get a copy of The Power Bible upon release, please sign up for our email list! The Power Bible release list: http://bit.ly/2p4uFCo If you like comedy, please take a look at my newest project, Funny Planet, where we interview comedians from all over the world including the first black African woman to get a Netflix special, Tumi Morake, and the most popular Icelandic Comedian in the world, Ari Eldjárn. Funny Planet: https://spoti.fi/2teqqXx

Dave Schwensen wrote the book on how to be a working comedian. Literally, that's the book he wrote. Dave got a gig booking talent at The Improv and had a whole career in it! He got a cross-section of all kinds of talent from the comedy world. For years he taught courses and coached comedians get work, until he got tired of answering the same questions over-and-over again, and finally put all those answers in a book. Actually, three books! Dave's the author of these gems: How to Be A Working Comic, https://amzn.to/2twjpB5 How to Be A Working Corporate Comedian: https://amzn.to/36ypiws Comedy FAQ's And Answers: https://amzn.to/2ZYaULd Dave's websites & social media: http://thecomedybook.com/ http://davelaughs.com/ Twitter: http://bit.ly/2ZQXpwY

Tristan A Smith is a friend from when I first moved to Chicago. We've been on the road and had shows all over the map (in both location and how good they were). Tristan and I both performed on one of the worst shows of our lives in Davenport, Iowa. We both took it on the chin. Tristan has the ability to be vulnerable, brave, even confessional on stage in a way that almost no other comedian I know does. His performances are like getting a ticket into his darkest thoughts; and not in the way that other comedians might share. Tristan shares his thoughts in an almost tender way (que eyeroll), and you get a glimpse into his perspective. I had a lot of fun sitting down with him while I was in town.

Zach Tomasovic and I met at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017, we both had shows at the same venue. Whereas mine went on to receive horrible reviews, Zach received glowing reviews from The Scotsman, AP News, and Time. Time: http://bit.ly/2EtoX1C AP: http://bit.ly/36FzUZK Zach is a very charming, super funny, and extremely personable guy - we hit it off right away. He's hilarious, very creative, and ambitious. After only one conversation about Funny Planet (https://www.funnyplanetshow.com/) he convinced me we had to do it. We're launching a new podcast soon with the same name and subject matter, talking to some of the best comedians all over the world, famous in their countries, but almost unheard of outside. Get on board with the early release list here: http://bit.ly/35zU7jG

Lancey is a unique comic - I met him in Chicago years ago when I first moved there. The guy is both hilarious and a great friend. I'd been going through some shit recently with the passing of my grandfather, and Lancey made a point to reach out and make sure I was alright. We talk about comedy, Chicago, what it's like getting going in the city, how he got into it, and then the usual dead horses of identity & comedy and when audiences get weird.

Dre is the man behind a kind of legend on the internet. Codename: Diablo is thrown around so much in forums, on reddit, twitter, and is somewhere between a curiosity, a fetish, and a punchline. Quite frankly, I have a ton of respect for someone who creates anything. The drive to helm a project, put money into it, gather investors, get talent, rent equipment, scout locations, everything, takes so much commitment and energy. It's amazing that anything ever gets created. Dre has a specific interest in big boobs, cartoonish humor, action, in short, classic Hollywood B movies. He's created one of the most prolific online, Codename: Diablo, and is about to go to production on the sequel, with an even bigger budget and larger production (no puns intended here). Check out Codename: Diablo here: http://bit.ly/2DN1fwF

Taking a break from heavy topics, I ran into Brian and Nick at The Laugh Factory in Chicago's Young Hustle show. Both of these guys are so funny and fun to hang out with, we sat down and just caught up for a bit on the podcast. Brian is a comedian who grinds hard in Chicago. He's constantly churning out new material and working on the craft. Check him out: http://bit.ly/2XNfniO Nick Ogle just got done with the first season of Complex's sketch show, Group Therapy, where he both wrote and performed. The dude had his face in Times' Square! Pretty dope. Follow him on Twitter: http://bit.ly/2XcbClu Check it out!! My book, Cold Call Like A Comedian leading its category on Amazon: amzn.to/36dI8ZQ EARLY RELEASE list for The Power Bible: bit.ly/2p4uFCo

I sit down and talk with author, sales wizard, and all-around good-time boy Cory Bray! We talk about sales, problems with organizations, and even a little bit about comedy. He just released another book! This guy is on fire

I've known Mark Ridley for over half my life, since I started doing stand-up when I was about 16 years old. But even before meeting him and doing comedy, I heard about the Comedy Castle from my dad, who's best friend was a stand-up comedian in Detroit in the 80s and 90s. The place was like a kind of temple to me, where some of the most talented and interesting people came, and hundreds of others came to watch. My dad and uncles would tell me stories about the Comedy Castle and all I wanted to do was go and be there. Ridley knows everyone in the business, and is genuinely a huge fan of comedy. He was a lot of fun to talk to, and it was great catching up with him. Check out Cold Call Like A Comedian (leading it's category on Amazon!): https://amzn.to/36dI8ZQ Early release for The Power Bible, co-written with William Beteet: http://bit.ly/2p4uFCo

I came across Naomi Snider's book at The Strand in New York, jumping in to get out of the rain. The catchy cover and title caught my attention and after I picked the book up I couldn't put it down. She and her co-author, Carol Gilligan, take a stab at why the cultural condition we've lived under, patriarchy, is so well described and diagnosed yet so difficult to dislodge. The book is very thought provoking and very well researched. I reached out to Naomi and amazingly, she shot me an email back and said she'd be happy to talk on the podcast. The conversation takes off a bit when we get into the meat of the work, and attempt to talk through some honest disagreements. A trained lawyer, she's working on getting her license in psychoanalysis (this makes me feel like I'm definitely not doing enough with my life). This conversation was a lot of fun, and so was the book (my copy is so annotated from from to back, I might post a pic on social media to show how much I contended with it). Honestly, I'd have a chat like this with her any day, she's great. Take a look at the book, Why Does Patriarchy Persist by Naomi Snider and Carol Gilligan here: https://amzn.to/2WH2mH2 Naomi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/naomi_snider Check out my book, Cold Call Like a Comedian: https://amzn.to/36dI8ZQ EARLY RELEASE list for The Power Bible co-written with William Beteet: http://bit.ly/2p4uFCo

Matt Koff's new comedy album, Who's My Little Guy drop this Friday 11/1 on Spotify, iTunes, and his website, www.mattkoff.net He's been a writer on The Daily Show since the halcyon days of Jon Stewart, and continued through the tumultuous Trump period. He's overcome a lot of frustrating comedy poverty (such as we all know), and all the while continued writing until something stuck. Through his network an opportunity for The Daily Show came together and Matt sprung at it. This is his first comedy album and he's excited about it. So am I - can't wait to check it out on Spotify! Matt's Twitter: https://twitter.com/mattkoff Matt's website: www.mattkoff.net Btw, check out my upcoming book, The Power Bible, and get on the mailing list for early release and the first chapter, FREE, by following this link: http://bit.ly/2p4uFCo Cold Call Like A Comedian, currently available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/36dI8ZQ

Rocco Siffredi is perhaps *the* most prolific male pornstar. He's transcended the world of porn, particularly in Europe, and is a genuine celebrity. Outside of his career, he's mostly a normal guy, a family man with a wife of 25 years and two great sons. How does he do it? Aside from his, ahem, career work, I took notice of him on the Netflix doc Rocco, which chronicles a bit of his life. Truly, he's an interesting man who chalks up much of his success in life to honesty, to passion, to authenticity, and to having a good sense of humor about life. We talk about a broad range of things and he shares stories of his career, projects he's working on now, how much he loves his family, and more. Truly, I'm looking forward to seeing his next project, a one-man-show he's launching in Italian first, French second, and (if I can talk him into it) English as well. Follow him on social media: https://twitter.com/RoccoSiffrediXX https://www.instagram.com/roccosiffredi_official/ https://www.roccosiffredi.com/ A link to Rocco's Pornstar Academy: https://www.roccosiffrediacademy.com/ Also, I'M RELEASING A BOOK! Sign up for the early-release & discount list here: bit.ly/2p4uFCo Cold Call Like A Comedian, currently available on Amazon: amzn.to/36dI8ZQ

An unofficial theme for this podcast from the beginning has been men and women and the #metoo movement. I saw Judith Taylor, professor of sociology and women & gender studies talking about Incels (involuntary celibates)on the CBC after the tragic events in Toronto (https://youtu.be/wEeLSTOZA2Q). She displayed a level of understanding and compassion for men in this community in a way that I've never seen in mainstream media. I looked her up and forwarded an email, and she responded! We talk through a bunch of issues with boys and girls, men and women, incels, why people turn to violence, and how as a culture and community we can prevent it. We also have a couple of laughs too! Also, check out my book, Cold Call Like A Comedian, currently available on Amazon: amzn.to/36dI8ZQ

Today on The Madness Continues, we talk to the business-minded comedian Ron Tite. Founder of Church+State, he cut his teeth in the world of comedy and advertising before moving more thoroughly into the world of marketing. He and I are of one mind about "marketers" - they're pretty eye-roll-y. He has an authentic, grounded, no-BS approach to branding and I dig it. We get into the details about his philosophy from his book, Think Do Say. It's available TODAY! Check it out here: https://amzn.to/2VvJJp2 Also, I'M RELEASING A BOOK! Sign up for the early-release & discount list here: http://bit.ly/2p4uFCo Cold Call Like A Comedian, currently available on Amazon: amzn.to/36dI8ZQ

On this episode of The Madness Continues, I talk with author and businessman Jeremy Miller. He talks with me about his new book, Brand New Name. We walkthrough the truth of what I've always expected: my life is meh because I'm "Brendon Lemon" and not "Raef Cortez." He talked me into changing my name, because I want to eventually be successful. Jeremy's a hilarious and intelligent guy, even though he doesn't like Ontario minor league hockey. Check out his book on preorder now, finally available on October 8th: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1989025609/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_qU6KDbAP0JZDG Cold Call Like A Comedian, currently available on Amazon: amzn.to/36dI8ZQ Follow him on twitter: https://twitter.com/StickyBranding

I talk with ugallery.com founder Alex Farkas. It's one of the best websites for buying art online. Following the theme of curation I've been into lately, we discuss what it's like to find new artists, and starting a business. We chat about the marketplace for art, how he got the idea to start it, and all kinds of things related to art, comedy, business, and everything on the inside of that triangle.

I talk with Matt Guralsky about growing up in Florida, moving to Chicago, and working with Tucker Brookshire about the maybe genius, maybe ridiculous web series Untucked.

I talk with the very talented and hilarious Shannon Noll about comedy and their amazing show Just Call Me Ripley, which they wrote, directed, and starred in. Shannon's been an amazing talent since I met them, and they continue to impress at every turn. Check the show out on Open Television or https://www.justcallmeripley.com/

I talk with my friend Megan Eskoff. You never know what the people you meet in your life are into, turns out the barista at the cafe around my office is a really talented artist! I talk with Megan about her gallery solo show at Happy Gallery (https://happygallerychicago.com/). Go take a look, we'll dive into her gallery and post-gallery experience in the part 2 of this episode.

I met Colby Kennedy when we both moved to Chicago in 2015. He was always grinding mics and brought an amazing energy to every set he had. After a bit he disappeared from the standup scene. However, he wasn't gone from comedy. From time to time other projects he was working on would appear on Facebook. Improv, sketch, short films, all kinds of creative things. I ran into him recently at Finley Dunnes where he was filming the open mic for a documentary he was making about Chicago comedy and knew he had to be on the pod. This guy has an amazing work ethic, I can't wait to see his future projects.

Headed to New York recently and caught up with my friend William Beteet and co-host of the upcoming SiriusXM show they have together, Keren Margolis. We have a chat about comedy, about hustle, about all kinds of things. Check them out. Bill: https://twitter.com/billbetweet https://www.instagram.com/billbeteet Bill's great podcast: https://soundcloud.com/user-50844001 Keren https://twitter.com/kerenkardashian https://www.instagram.com/kerenmargolis

Rodescu has always been one of the chillest guys from the moment I met him in the Chicago comedy scene. He's easy to talk to, has a great demeanor on stage, and always been one of the nicest guys. He has his hands in a bunch of great projects with other talented comedians in the city. I'm glad I finally had the chance to meet with him and record the pod. Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rodescuhopkins

Phoebe Claire is one of the first people I met after moving to Chicago. We became fast friends. She's interesting, intelligent and creative. I love being around her, as her motivation is contagious. On the occasion of her first gallery exhibition, I sat down and talked with her about what it was like to go through years of art, the creative process, and finding her artistic voice. She's a visual artist and her work is truly unique. You can check it out upstairs at Jimmy Beans Coffee: https://www.jimmybeanscoffee.com/ Follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/phoebeclaireconybeare/

I talk with Chicago darling Tucker Brookshire. He's able to create a kind of levity that I'm envious of. Follow him on twitter: https://twitter.com/tuckbrookshire Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tuckerbrookshire/ Check out Untucked: https://youtu.be/ops0zB_q7gQ

Nick Ogle has always been one of the funnest comedians to watch in Chicago. He wins over audiences with his huge smile, and grinds shows all over the city. He's a member of The Young Hustle Crew. Forgive the talk about a porn festival I went to at the the start. Actually, don't forgive it, get into it, it's cool. Nick and I talk about all kinds of things, including him in comedy, the sketches he does with his buddy Skyler Higley, getting a Just For Laughs audition, law school, and North Carolina. Check out Problemagic: http://bit.ly/2Umheb4 Follow Nick on Twitter: http://bit.ly/2XcbClu

One of the first times I remember laughing so hard I was crying in Chicago comedy was watching Jeff Arcuri. It was at the now-closed Five Star Comedy at the Four Star Lounge. The guy's a talent - I laughed so much in this episode I probably ruined this recording. Check out Jeff on Colbert: https://youtu.be/YbiJgpr74F8 On Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeffarcurious The man himself on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jarcuri

I sit down with one of my best buddies in Chicago comedy, St James Jackson. This conversation meanders all over the place, but discussing the differences between black & white church, culture, and as always, Chicago comedy. St James is one of my favorite comedians in Chicago and always has been; he has a unique voice that can get audiences to lose it while he's on stage. He runs more than one show and mic in the city, including The Young Hustle Show and Uppers & Downers.

I chat with heartthrob Zach Dietsch about what it's like to be a teen pop star AND comedy wunderkind. We worked together for about a year and he was my one link to sanity. After this I'm off the deep end. Zach talks about touring with his successful punk band Rust Belt Lights (found here on spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7hjCCpfiVNNsPLjJNZnNrA), working odd jobs to subsidize his art, and working in a soul-crushing office. In the tradition of Chicago's most professional podcast, our equipment fails about halfway through but see if you even notice!

I sit down and talk with Steve Curry. We get into some heavy spaces. Steve's a polarizing comedian in Chicago. We get into why, and some of his polemic views. He's not like every comedian in Chicago, and has a unique perspective formed by his experience growing up in Youngstown, Ohio. I relate to some of this, growing up outside Detroit myself. Love him, hate him, Steve curry has gotten some of the biggest laughs I've seen in Chicago, and has a point of view. We chat about all kinds of things that'll probably prevent me from getting shows in Chicago forever. Get at Steve on insta: https://www.instagram.com/steventhecomic/ https://www.instagram.com/negro_scissorhands/