The Other Side

Christian Finnegan has been a favorite at the club for years, and he'll be part of our 30th anniversary party at the 9:30 Club on June 27. (Also, we just put his October shows at the Improv on sale.)  This week we're talking to him about music and more ... have a listen!

The DC Improv celebrates its 30th anniversary on June 27 at the 9:30 Club, with an all-star edition of The Goddamn Comedy Jam. DC-area native Josh Adam Meyers is the creator and producer of the Jam, so we're talking to him about the show's origins, how he puts it all together and why the 9:30 Club is so special to him.  

Julia introduces herself before her Washington DC debut May 20-22 in our lounge showroom. Talking about her journalism background, freckles, her unexpected side hustle and more.

Steve Byrne was one of the first comics to perform on our stage when we reopened in spring 2021. He's back May 5-7 for another weekend -- plus he'll be at our June 27 birthday party at the 9:30 club. We're talking about The Goddamn Comedy Jam, his new podcast with Joe Gatto and life in Tennessee. Bonus content: To get you pumped for the May 4 Pun DMV show, we've got the audio of host Dana Fleitman as she opened up the winter edition of the pun competition.

Two interviews, same low price ... [3:00] Jak Knight (@jakknight123) headlines the club April 21-23. We're talking about how Seattle shaped his comedy perspective, his new hit show "Bust Down" and what he wants the next phase of his comedy career to look like.  [26:30] Rob Maher and Joe Robinson (@dielaughingproductions) are the guys behind the murder mystery comedy shows at the Improv. They're plugging the April 20 show, "Hit Me '90s One More Time," and we're sharing our own '90s nostalgia.

Marshall (@marshallbrandonstory on IG) headlines our lounge showroom April 14-16. We're talking about his start in Connecticut, how he got hooked up with Donnell Rawlings, what makes his style unique and classic vinyl. Plus we close out the episode with audio sketches from Bad Medicine and High Dramma, who will be performing in our lounge April 9.

April 8-9 is a variety weekend in our lounge showroom, so it's time to crank up the hype machine ... Stand-out local stand-ups Matt Deakins and Bria Beddoe call in before competing in Comedy Kumite 33 on April 8. We're talking about whatever gets their competitive juices flowing. Plus we've got free audio sketches from High Dramma and Brick Penguin, the two troupes featured April 9 when Bad Medicine presents sketch night.

Gina Brillon headlines the DC Improv for New Year's Eve, capping a great run -- in the last two years she had a special on Amazon, made the finals of "America's Got Talent," AND she had her first kid. In this interview we talk about her roots in the Bronx, balancing parenthood with an entertainment career, and lessons she learned on the way to the top.  Listen, then get your tickets to close out 2021 at our NYE party!

Lara Beitz (@larabeitz) is a few weeks away from her DC Improv debut, so we're chatting to her on this latest episode. We're talking about her comedy start in the Midwest, meditating, what it's like to process her "big break" (getting some publicity from Joe Rogan) and more. Have a listen, then check her out in the DC Improv lounge Nov. 12-14.

Sketch comedy takes over the Improv's main room on October 20 -- maybe for the first time ever! Andy Weld and Leila Drici of the sketch group Bad Medicine Zoom in to talk about their upcoming show, the inner workings of the sketch group and more. Get some insight in to the sketch world, then get your tickets for the show at dcimprov.com.

Mike Finoia is a DC Improv favorite, combining great crowd work sharp material. Getting ready to headline our lounge October 1-3, he calls in to talk about his cool crossover project with the music world, working for "Impractical Jokers," how great his wife is and lots more. Listen, then get your tickets for this weekend!

Pete Lee has been in the comedy game for two decades, spreading his brand of Midwestern "nice" across the country. Ahead of his DC Improv debut November 12-14, we're talking about what it means to be a nice person in the modern world, his approach to stand-up and lots more. Have a listen, then come check this guy out in November!

Josh Potter started his comedy career in Buffalo, then jumped to national status with an assist from Tom Segura -- he opened for the "Your Mom's House" star on one of his tours and went on to serve as a producer on that popular podcast. Now he has his own podcast, "The Josh Potter Show," and a DC Improv debut on the books. Get to know him before the 9/30 show.

Ryan Niemiller (@cripplethreat8) broke through in 2019 thanks to a third-place finish on "America's Got Talent." AGT showcased both his comedic gifts and his personal story -- how he tackles the world with disability in both arms. In this chat we talk about his road comic experience, getting engaged, video games and lots more. Have a listen, then check out his DC Improv debut on August 15.

Wil Sylvince is bringing some of his best comedy friends to the DC Improv for shows June 10-12, including Cipha Sounds. In this interview, Wil and Cipha talk about how they met, what friendship looks like in the comedy world, Chappelle summer camp and lots more. Have a listen, then get your tickets at dcimprov.com. @wilsylvince @ciphasounds

Winston Hodges hosts our Memorial Day weekend showcase -- and as a good host, he's using this podcast to introduce himself. We're talking about his teaching experience, his Virginia road warrior status, and how he approached 2020 to keep his comedy career on an upward trajectory. Have a listen, then get your tickets to see him at dcimprov.com.

Tom Thakkar (@TomAThakkar) headlines our main room for the first time May 20-22. We're talking about his 2020, changing his last name, meeting his comedy heroes and "Stand By Your Band" -- his podcast where guests defend their allegedly terrible taste in music. Have a listen, then jump over to dcimprov.com to get your tickets.

Carmen Lynch (@carmencomedian) headlines the DC Improv for the first time, May 13-15. We're getting to know her: She talks about her pandemic projects, growing up in Spain and Northern Virginia, working on Spanish-language stand-up, scoliosis and more.  Have a listen, then get your tickets at dcimprov.com

Jordan Rock first headlined the Improv as part of our 25th anniversary celebration. Now he's back again as part of our grand reopening celebration. We're catching up on his 2020 in South Carolina -- returning home, recording a special and launching some new projects. Have a listen then come check him out live.

Longtime friend of the Improv Christian Finnegan headlines the club April 22-24. We're catching up on his pandemic -- talking about keeping a small businesses afloat, recording a special in the middle of the madness, and (of course) how his dogs are handling the whole thing. Have a listen, then get your tickets at dcimprov.com.

Steve Byrne headlines the club April 29 - May 1, for the third weekend of our grand reopening celebration. We're getting stories about his last year -- moving to Nashville, hitting the road and seeing the release of his movie, "The Opening Act."

Erin Jackson (@ejthecomic) headlines the DC Improv's grand reopening, April 15-17. We're catching up to see how she's been handling the pandemic, plus we're getting the story behind the Netflix special she taped in the middle of it all. Have a listen, then get tickets to see her at dcimprov.com.

In the 1800s, the Brothers Grimm compiled and published more than 60 fairy tales and folktales. Those stories are really weird ... and they're really in the publci domain. We asked people in the DC comedy scene to pick a fairy tale and read us their interpretation, whether it's doing voices, adding sound effects, or chiming in with running commentary. If you enjoy listening, support the comedians! Find them online and go see them perform when life gets back to normal. And support the Improv by going to dcimprov.com and learning more about venue credits and donating to our staff. Volume Two: Rahmein Mostafavi reads "Hansel and Gretel" J.P. McElyea reads "The Mouse, the Bird and the Sasuage" Chris White reads "Doctor Knowall"

Help out some nice people! The DC Improv (like most entertainment venues and restaurants) had to lay off its staff for the duration of this public health situation. To help our once and future employees out in these tough times, we are collecting donations through a GoFundMe linked at dcimprov.com. We're also selling DC Improv venue credits to keep the club running until it's time to open our doors again. But we don't want something for nothing! Presented for your listening pleasure: A 2009 interview with the late, great Greg Giraldo. Enjoy the chat!

In the 1800s, the Brothers Grimm compiled and published more than 60 fairy tales and folktales. Those stories can be enchanting, bizarre, magical or cruel -- sometimes all at once. But most important, in the year 2020, they're all in the public domain. We asked people in the DC comedy scene to pick a fairy tale, and read us their interpretation, whether it's doing voices, adding sound effects, or chiming in with running commentary. If you enjoy listening, support the comedians! Find them online and go see them perform when life gets back to normal. And support the Improv by going to dcimprov.com and learning more about venue credits and donating to our staff. Volume One: Dylan Vattelana reads "The Fisherman and His Wife" Tim Miller reads "Old Sultan" Chris White reads "The Turnip"

Chris White (the host of our podcast) recorded a full-length comedy album in the DC Improv lounge in 2011. To keep you quarantined in style, we're presenting it in its entirety, free of charge. Our request: If you enjoy this, go to dcimprov.com and support the club by buying venue credits, or donating to our staff GoFundMe.

Help out some nice people! The DC Improv (like most entertainment venues and restaurants) had to lay off its staff for the duration of this public health situation. To help our once and future employees out in these tough times, we are collecting donations through a GoFundMe linked at dcimprov.com. But we don't want something for nothing! Presented for your listening pleasure: A 2011 interview we did with John Mulaney, before he was a mega-star and before podcasts were cool. Enjoy the chat, and if you have the means, please donate over at dcimprov.com. Thank you!

Ian Edwards has Valentine's weekend duty at the DC Improv -- his first time headlining the club! So we're calling ahead to get to know him. Finding out about his love of soccer, his approach to romance, some of his writing plans and plenty more. Have a listen, then get your tickets for Feb. 13-16 ... Instagram: @ianedwardscomic

We know Steve Byrne (@stevebyrnelive) is a great stand-up -- he's headlining our club February 20-22. But the last few years he's been honing his director skills. His first project was a documentary about the great comedic magician The Amazing Johnathan. And now he has put the finishing touches on "The Opening Act," a film he wrote about a young performer pondering a life in show business. Steve calls in to give us the back story on that project, his on-the-job training as a director and (for good measure) some thoughts on his latest hour of stand-up.

Sure, Fahim Anwar is an accomplished multi-platform comedian. But did you know he can DANCE? On this episode of The Other Side, we ask him about his BFAB status. And then, because it's our job, we ask him about comedy too: How his training as an engineer helps him approach the entertainment business; whether Goatface will rise again to produce more sketch comedy; and sorting out what it means to be a brown comic in 2019. Have a listen, get to know him, then come see his DC Improv debut, January 23-26. Instagram: @fahimanwar

A lot of impressive people come to the DC Improv, but it's hard to top Kiran Deol -- how many stand-ups have starred in a network sitcom AND filmed a documentary in the mountains of Nepal? The "Sunnyside" star calls in to chat about the holidays, her path to comedy, the joys of being on (the side of) a bus and lots more. Get to know her, then snag tickets for her DCI debut -- January 10-11 in our lounge showroom! www.kirandeol.com

Adam Ray will be our last 2019 headliner and the star of our New Year's Eve celebration. But the rest of his resume ain't too shabby: He's a magical flying unicorn, an NBA star (sort of), a movie star, a veteran podcaster and a karaoke champion. He's calling in to talk about all these things -- so listen, get to know him, then snag your tickets for the last week of the year. You won't regret it! www.adamraycomedy.com #ALNPodcasdt

Jessica Kirson is about to have a great December. Comedy Central releases her first special on December 6 -- and then she comes to DC for a supershow on the last night of Hanukkah (December 30). She's calling in to chat about those projects, her new documentary on women in comedy, and how to entertain elderly Jewish people. Catch up with one of our favorite performers! https://www.dcimprov.com/home/festival-of-laughs.html

Nathan Macintosh built a comedy career in two countries -- first his native Canada, and now the United States. A few weeks before his DC Improv debut, he calls in to talk about "positive anger," his high-energy style and what put him on the path to comedy. Plus there's a guest appearance by Nathan's chihuahua. Have a listen, then get your tickets to see Nathan on November 8-9. www.nathanmacintosh.com

You've seen Michael Rapaport: He's been in 60 movies, popped up in tons of television shows and worked as a sports broadcaster. But even with all that success, now he's stretching his legs as a stand-up comedian. In some ways, it's a return to his roots -- and he tells us all about it in this interview. Have a listen, then get your tickets to see him October 4-6. www.michaelrapaportcomedy.com

Daniel Weingarten is half Mexican, half Argentinian, all Jewish and all funny. He calls in to tell us about his journey from a self-professed "annoying kid" to an accomplished stage performer -- including some of the bumps on that road (like his rap phase). Plus we sing the praises of "I Love Lucy," and get a great story about doing stand-up in Spanish. Have a listen, then get your tickets to see him in our lounge October 18-19. www.danielweingarten.com

Margaret Cho is on the program! The comedy icon stops by to tell us about her latest project, The Margaret Cho podcast on the Earios network. We're talking about her goals as an interviewer, why she came back to podcasting, her dream guests, and what she looks for in up-and-coming comedians. Plus we sneak in one "Masked Singer" question at the end. Have a listen to this interview, then go check out The Margaret Cho podcast.

Erin Foley loves doing stand-up, but she's over the moon about women's sports. Her "Sports Without Balls" podcast has been picking up steam in 2019, as she gets great athletes, journalists and more to share their stories. We're talking about her "rebranded" podcast, her approach to stand-up comedy and more ... have a listen, then get your tickets to see her headline our lounge showroom September 27 and 28! https://erinkfoley.com/ https://sportswithoutballs.com/ Instagram: @erinkfoley

Brad Williams (headlining Labor Day weekend) is in studio! We're talking about his impending fatherhood, comedy culture in 2019, his wrestling skills and lots more. A great chat with a VERY funny guy. Have a listen then get your tickets ....

Rahmein Mostafavi gives us the scoop on two of his projects: the wildly popular "Couples Therapy: A Comedy Show" and his multi-night album recording this July. Can one comedian solve ALL the world's romantic problems? For sales purposes, we're willing to say: YES! Listen to this interview with a DC Improv favorite, then check out his shows at dcimprov.com.

Once a refugee, now a world-famous comedian: Mo Amer has been on a journey that's both inspiring and hilarious. Before making his DC Improv headlining debut (June 7-9), he calls in to share his story. We talk about his role on the breakthrough Hulu sitcom "Ramy," how winding up in Houston helped him as an artist, the advice he gets from Dave Chappelle, and some timely summer travel tips. Have a listen, then get your tickets ...

We're killing it on this episode of the Other Side: Rob Maher is in studio to take us behind the scenes at Die Laughing Productions. Their murder mystery comedy shows have been a hit at the Improv over the last several years -- and they're back July 21 with "Hit Me '90s One More Time." Rob explains how the company got off the ground, what goes into producing a murder mystery show, and shares some of the highlights from past performances. Have a listen ... then assemble your Scooby gang to to solve a murder July 21.

Paul Virzi (our headliner May 16-19) talks about his great comedy year: taping his first TV special, reaching a podcasting milestone and collaborating with stand-up giants. Plus we get insights into his early days on the "urban" scene, what it's like to play Madison Square Garden (!) and why he prioritizes work/life balance. Get to know Paul, then get your tickets to see him at the club. paulvirzi.com dcimprov.com

We're catching up with the great Greg Proops before he comes to town for shows May 31 - June 2. Greg is never afraid to share his opinions -- so we're talkin' baseball, feminism, the art of political comedy, and his place in the Star Wars universe. (Among other things.) Get your sample of one of the liveliest minds in comedy, then snag your tickets at dcimprov.com.

One of our favorite guests is back! Tony Roberts headlines the club April 26-28, and he stopped in Friday morning to talk about his family, his tattoos, his ground-breaking documentary projects and his rap album. Never a dull moment with Tony ....

Tim Dillon chats with us a few weeks before headlining the main showroom April 4-6. He's just your typical real estate guy / "Sesame Street" extra / bus tour guide / conspiracy enthusiast. Listen to this very animated 30 minutes then get your tickets ...

Jenny Johnson headlines our lounge showroom March 15-16, so she's calling in to introduce herself. We're talking about her Texas roots, her past work in TV news, and how she climbed to Twitter fame (@JennyJohnsonHi5). Plus we're getting a little behind-the-scenes info on what it takes to be a drunk historian. Listen, then get your tickets before the shows sell out.

On this punderful episode of The Other Side, we're sharing some of the action from our first Pun DMV event of 2019. Have a listen to Sai D, Jarad Schofer, Dana Fleitman and one of our tournament battles -- then get on board for our next pun events, March 10 and May 1. Tickets and info at dcimprov.com.

We're getting to know Benji Aflalo before his DC Improv headlining debut, Feb. 15-16 in our lounge. Talkin' 'bout his hometown of Los Angeles, what he learned while making "Alone Together," the challenge of writing mean jokes and more. Listen!

Adrienne Iapalucci calls in to say hi before headlining our lounge January 18-19. We're talking about "dark" humor, the perils of having your mom do stand-up, and what it meant to grow up in the Bronx. Listen! Learn! Buy tickets!

Jesus is the reason for ... this episode! Jesus Trejo calls in to talk about "Care to Laugh," the new documentary about his efforts to build a comedy career while also serving as a caregiver for his parents. We also get a rundown of classic Mexican comedy and a lesson in positivity. Have a listen, then come see Jesus make his DC Improv debut February 8-9 in our lounge showroom.