Podcasts about The Groundlings

'The Big Bang Theory' and ‘The Audacity' star Simon Helberg joins the show. Over enchiladas and guacamole, Simon reflects on ending ‘The Big Bang Theory' after 12 years and starring alongside my dear friend Lucy Punch as a tech bro billionaire Martin Phister in the AMC series ‘The Audacity.' We also talk about his early life: how formative his experience at Crossroads School was -- creating lasting friendships -- and how growing up at the Groundlings theatre influenced his love for comedy and performance. This episode was recorded at El Condor in Silver Lake, Los Angeles.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nicole Travolta is the creator and star of the critically acclaimed solo show Nicole Travolta Is Doing Alright, a high-energy blend of stand-up, confessional storytelling, and transformational character work that has toured nationally and internationally. Originally developed in Los Angeles, the show has since played sold-out engagements Off-Broadway and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, earning 4- and 5-star reviews and coverage in Vanity Fair Italia, The LA Times, BroadwayWorld, The Daily Beast, Broadway Baby, and Outloud Culture. Travolta trained at The Groundlings and Upright Citizens Brigade, where she developed her signature character-driven style. Onstage, she seamlessly shifts between raw confession and razor-sharp impressions — including Jennifer Coolidge, Carrie Bradshaw, and Drew Barrymore — creating what critics have described as a singular comedic voice. Her television credits include Anger Management, Two and a Half Men, and The Middle. She is currently developing Nicole Travolta Is Doing Alright for screen adaptation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From improv stages to some of the most beloved comedies of the last two decades, Wendi McLendon-Covey joins Media Path for a lively, laugh-infused conversation about finding and trusting her voice.Wendi looks back on her Groundlings run where she honed fearless comedic instincts and created characters that would define her career. Though she always knew she wanted to perform, it took time, and a leap of courage for her to fully pursue it. While holding down a full time job, she signed up for a bunny slope Groundlings class called “Fun Shop” and stayed for ten years, moving all the way up to seven years in the main company!.She shares behind-the-scenes Reno 911 deep dish! like how she created “Clementine Johnson” (based on a Groundlings character who was based on her real-life aunt) and the back stories behind iconic moments like the drunk catwalk and her Ill-fated “lottery win.”Wendi's favorite Reno 911 movie iteration is The Search For QAnon which was shot on The Queen Mary during the pandemic. And ghosts being vaccinated by death, the ship was still haunted!A Steely Dan fangirl, Wendi recounts how a storyline revealing her Clementine as a groupie led to an unexpected real-life live show invitation, and an onstage shoutout from Walter Becker! The conversation inevitably turns to The Goldbergs set, where a decade-long run fostered deep bonds among the cast. Wendi reflects on what she misses most, shares what it was like to meet the real Beverly Goldberg, and offers memorable stories about The Goldbergs' beloved George Segal.Now starring in St. Denis Medical, Wendi tells us how she embraced the role of Joyce and reflects on her career's ongoing evolution. She also credits her husband Greg as a constant source of support and encouragement throughout her journey.And we learn how Wendi has lent her impeccable comic skill and timing to some beloved and feel-good favorites in a memorable round of IMDB Roulette!Plus, in a perfect Wendi moment, the episode wraps with a roll call of her eight cats!And in current media recommendations, Lisa and Weezy discuss the Netflix comedy competition series, Funny AF with Kevin Hart.Path Points of Interest:Wendi McLendon-Covey on InstagramWendi McLendon-Covey on WikipediaWendi McLendon-Covey on IMDBSt. Denis MedicalFunny AF with Kevin Hart

Episode Chapter Summaries Chapter 1: The Rochester Connection & The Johnny Fever Dream (00:00 – 03:51) Anne introduces her longtime friend Tim Powers. They bond over their shared Rochester, NY, background, noting that growing up there fosters a natural sense of grit, humor, and raw honesty. Tim shares his origin story, starting as a kid with a voice that dropped way too early in 1978. Growing up in a massive, hilarious family where you had to be funny just to get noticed, Tim fell in love with radio icons and comedy legends, dreaming of becoming the next Johnny Fever. Chapter 2: The "Clark Kent" Years & Transition to the Improv Stage (03:52 – 08:34) Tim discusses his early years in radio, cueing up vinyl records, learning to think on his feet, and mastering spontaneous communication. However, minimum-wage radio couldn't pay the bills, leading to decades of "Clark Kent" day jobs. In his 30s, a friend dragged him to an improv theater tryout. Despite not being a traditional theater kid, Tim discovered that the improv stage was exactly where he learned structural acting, performance pacing, and the ultimate art of letting go. Chapter 3: The Philosophy of "Yes, And" in Voiceover (08:35 – 12:40) Tim shares his journey moving from his hometown to Los Angeles, training with iconic schools like The Groundlings and Upright Citizens Brigade, and eventually transitioning back behind the microphone under the mentorship of the late Lori Tritel and animation legend Michael Bell. Anne and Tim unpack the zen philosophy of "Yes, And." They discuss how voice actors spin too many mental plates trying to be perfect, when their only job is to accept the information given to them by the copy and boldly add their own life experiences to it. Chapter 4: Making Bold Choices vs. The Robotic Read (12:41 – 19:28) Anne and Tim challenge the idea of trying to read the casting director's mind. Tim points out that in an industry overflowing with talented talent, the only thing that separates you from a room full of people matching your exact technical specifications is your unique life experience. They look at how improv empowers talent to trust their gut and make fast, definitive character choices rather than hunting for a safe, sterile melody. Chapter 5: The "Dude" Knowledge & Grounding Corporate Narration (19:29 – 23:48) The conversation gets tactical as Anne and Tim explain the power of improvising your lead-ins. Tim demonstrates how a simple lead-in word like "dude" acts as the tip of a massive, subtextual iceberg. They argue that this work isn't just for wacky characters or high-energy commercials; it is also mandatory for all genres, including corporate narration and e-learning. To compete with cheap, perfect AI bots, human actors must bring a developed backstory, a natural breathing arc, and authentic physical transitions to the text. Chapter 6: The Truth About Demo Production & Acting Accountability (23:49 – 33:32) Anne and Tim have a candid, hard conversation about the current state of industry coaching. They address the hard truth that voiceover is a professional acting discipline that cannot be mastered in four to eight short weeks. They discuss their shared responsibility as demo producers, explaining why they refuse to cash a student's check for a demo if that student isn't consistently audition-ready. Tim shares a classic Hollywood story about the legendary "$500 demo trucks" parked outside major studios and warns why decision-makers spot those corner-cutting shortcuts instantly. Chapter 7: Garbage Plates, White Hots, and the Drop-In (33:33 – End) Tim details how talent can train with him via his zero-barrier-to-entry weekly drop-in Zoom workshop, Timprov, and his regular coaching site. The episode wraps up with a hilarious trip down memory lane as Anne and Tim talk classic Rochester culinary staples—including the legendary "garbage plate" hangover cure, Wegmans grocery stores, and Zweigel's white hots—before locking in plans for a future collaborative live-streaming workshop episode.   Top 10 Boss Takeaways Acting is reacting: Real conversations are never premeditated. Every single script you read requires you to look at the words as an immediate response to an event that just happened. Embrace the "Yes, And" mindset: Stop fighting the copy or over-analyzing the client's intent. Accept the scenario given to you by the writer, agree with it wholeheartedly, and add your specific central nervous system to it. Natural beats perfect: If voiceover were solely about flawless technical precision, one person would hold all the work. Auditions book because of raw human imperfection and compelling storytelling. Instinct over mechanics: If you are listening to the sound of your own voice or focusing on your vocal melody while recording, you are completely out of the scene. Ditch the "Voiceover Artist" label: Tim reminds us that artists make sandwiches at Subway. You are an actor who uses your voice. Own that title, and do the internal script analysis required of real actors. Master the customized lead-in: Never launch directly into the first line of text dry. Build a fully formed, improvised phrase right before the first word to establish a genuine emotional point of view. Develop the "Dude Knowledge": A single lead-in word can  serve as shorthand for a massive, unwritten backstory. Is your subtext "Dude, you're about to get fired" or "Dude, I've got the coolest secret to tell you"? Know the difference before you pull context into the microphone. AI can read—humans must connect: Perfect, pretty, and cheap reads can be generated by algorithms all day long. The only defense against automation is your messy, un-replicable life experience. Demos are a reflection of audition readiness: A professional demo is designed to show a casting director what you can deliver on the fly. If you aren't ready to book an elite audition on your own, you are not ready to cut a demo. Find coaches who hold you accountable: Avoid any production factories that promise stardom in record time. Work with industry thought leaders who aren't afraid to give you the hard, necessary truths about your current performance level.

Episode 201: Christian Duguay Interview   This is the After Show for Valley Heat, featuring Andrew's interview with creator Christian Duguay.   A longtime admirer of Valley Heat, Andrew finally gets the chance to sit down with Christian for a conversation about the unusual path that led to the creation of the podcast. Unlike many guests on the show, Christian didn't come up through traditional TV comedy writing. Rather than climbing through sitcom writers' rooms, his background includes music, improv at The Groundlings, and years working in reality television before eventually creating the suburban world of Valley Heat. The conversation explores how the podcast first came together, the trial and error involved in finding its voice, and the meticulous process behind creating each episode. Christian also talks about the challenge of adapting such a specifically audio-based comedy into a visual format. It's a funny and wide-ranging conversation about creativity, persistence, and making something completely its own thing.   Save the date for the next live Dead Pilots Society show at the Elysian Theater on July 12. We will have more info and a link for tickets soon. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joindeadpilots

Cheri talks about growing up in a rough house with a lot of kids and a young mom and pretending to escape and maybe grab some attention. She talks about imitating TV shows, soap operas and Joe Cocker. She talks about moving from Pennsylvania to California to pursue dreams of acting after a break-up and found herself in the heart of Panorama City nowhere near Hollywood.  Later she found early success in LA @ A&M RECORDS. In fact she was so successful it was a little hard to give it up when it was time to start performing full time after she became a star at THE GROUNDLINGS. She talks about how her writing at The Groundlings helped her at SNL. How Laraine Newman was always encouraging even while breast feeding. How Matt Piedmont and Will Ferril were great writing partners. How sitcoms are pure fun. And how making charcuterie boards with vaguely dirty names is going to change the world for the better. Bio: Cheri Oteri was born in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia and later moved to LA, where she worked in promotions for A&M Records. She joined the Groundlings, and in 1995, the producers of Saturday Night Live saw one of her monologues, which led to an audition and eventually being hired as a cast member, where she starred for five seasons.  As of late, Cheri can be seen recurring on Happy's Place for NBC, Mid Century Modern for HULU as well as in And Just Like That… for MAX. She has also appeared in several films, including Scary Movie, Inspector Gadget, Liar Liar, Dumb and Dumberer,Shrek the Third, Southland Tales, and Grown Ups 2. In 2009, Oteri became a regular voice on Fox's animated comedy series Sit Down, Shut Up, which later moved to Comedy Central. She also voiced “Esther” on Disney's Puppy Dog Pals. Cheri has made multiple guest appearances on sitcoms such as The CW's My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, TruTV's Those Who Can't, NBC's Just Shoot Me! (in which she was nominated for an Emmy), Hot in Cleveland, and as an emotionally unstable nanny on the Golden Globe and Emmy award winning series Curb Your Enthusiasm. She has appeared multiple times on CNN's New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Danny Farber on Vertical Filmmaking, Platform Strategy, and the Future of Storytelling Danny Farber joins Drinking During Business Hours for a smart, energetic conversation about what it really takes to build a creative career across directing, acting, producing, and modern platform-driven storytelling. Sarah and Rich dig into Danny's rise in vertical filmmaking, his approach to respecting the platform, and why story, pacing, and audience behavior matter just as much as traditional craft. The episode also explores the balance between art and commerce, the realities of international production, and why authenticity and relationships still drive the industry forward.  As an actor, Danny has appeared in 1923, Chicago Fire, Proven Innocent, national campaigns for Chase, Home Depot, and Subway, and comedy/digital outlets including Funny or Die, Cracked, and The Onion. He trained at Second City, The Groundlings, UCB, and iO Chicago. If you're interested in vertical filmmaking, directing, acting, film production, networking, storytelling, or platform strategy, this episode is packed with useful insight from someone actively shaping the space. Guest Info: Danny Farber Danny Farber is a Chicago-born director, actor, writer, and producer based in Los Angeles. His work spans vertical dramas, music videos, commercials, branded content, and narrative film, and his projects have generated tens of millions of views across social platforms. Since 2023, he has directed more than twenty feature-length vertical dramas for platforms including ReelShort, Dramabox, Goodshort, Dramapops, and KalosTV, with productions in Los Angeles, Istanbul, London, and Vancouver. He also wrote, directed, and starred in the award-winning short film "Thoughts and Prayers," executive produced by Amy Poehler. Guest Social Links Danny Farber Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirdannyfarber/ Website: https://www.sirdannyfarber.com/ Pretty Awesome Productions: https://www.sirdannyfarber.com/shop Thoughts and Prayers: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8uo4EOPz5v/ Drink of the Podcast This episode features two wines on the table: a 2022 Shafer TD-9 Napa Cabernet and La Fiorita Brunello. In the conversation, the hosts describe the Shafer TD-9 as iconic with a phenomenal nose and palate, and later shift from Cab to Brunello during the interview. Danny specifically joins them in drinking wine rather than a mocktail.  Chapters 00:00 Welcome back and introduction 02:45 The business of show business 05:37 Meet Danny Farber: director, actor, producer 08:32 Respecting the platform 11:12 The art of vertical storytelling 14:02 Navigating the challenges of production 16:48 Authenticity in performance 19:13 The balance of art and commerce 22:32 International productions and global filmmaking 27:25 Building relationships in the industry 32:08 The evolution of directing and storytelling 37:43 Understanding the vertical format 47:07 Leadership, collaboration, and communication on set FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS! Sarah IG @sarahhalstead https://www.instagram.com/sarahhalstead/?hl=en  FB @sarahjhalsteadcomic https://www.facebook.com/sarahjhalsteadcomic/ X @sarahjhalstead  https://twitter.com/sarahjhalstead  Website   @SarahHalstead | sarahjhalstead.com Rich IG @richchassler https://www.instagram.com/richchassler/ FB @chasslerfans https://www.facebook.com/Chasslerfans/ X @richchassler https://x.com/richchassler  Website  richardchassler.com

Peanut Butter & Biscuits brings you a special one-on-one interview as Craig sits down with Emily Pendergast, who stars as Amy in Jury Duty: Company Retreat.Emily talks about her journey through comedy, including her time performing with the legendary The Groundlings, and how that background helped shape her performance style and prepare her for the unique world of Jury Duty. She shares her love of comedy, what draws her to character-driven humor, and how improvisation continues to influence her work on screen.The conversation also highlights her past roles, including playing Beth Ryan on Veep, and how those experiences have helped her grow as a performer. It's a fun, insightful chat that will surely connect with fans of Ted Lasso and Shrinking.FEATURING: Craig McFarland Named the best Ted Lasso Podcast:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcast.feedspot.com/ted_lasso_podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email the show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠frontrowlasso@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Facebook group at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3161086474176010

My kids are finally not sick anymore. I'm finally not sick anymore, unless you count Roid Rage. And today I have Jay on, who has been making people laugh for twenty years at Groundlings and went super viral more recently with his iconic character Chit. Jay is a truly kind, thoughtful, gentle guy, so come along if you want an inside look at Chit or just to hang with a lovely, funny fella. If you're ready to feel more rested, head to https://bioptimizers.com/idiot and use code IDIOT to get 15% OFF any order. Go to https://www.RocketMoney.com/IDIOT to get started, today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Actor and comedian Lyric Lewis discovered her love of performance through improv. She went on to make history as one of the first Black women in The Groundlings, the Los Angeles troupe celebrating its 50th anniversary. She reflects on finding her authentic voice in comedy and gives her Brief But Spectacular take on why life is a play. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Actor and comedian Lyric Lewis discovered her love of performance through improv. She went on to make history as one of the first Black women in The Groundlings, the Los Angeles troupe celebrating its 50th anniversary. She reflects on finding her authentic voice in comedy and gives her Brief But Spectacular take on why life is a play. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Actor and comedian Lyric Lewis discovered her love of performance through improv. She went on to make history as one of the first Black women in The Groundlings, the Los Angeles troupe celebrating its 50th anniversary. She reflects on finding her authentic voice in comedy and gives her Brief But Spectacular take on why life is a play. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

This week's episode is a re-release from all the way back in 2018 with the awesome Lyric Lewis (A.P. Bio, The Chit Show), who you can currently see starring on the Groundlings internet phenomena The Chit Show and who you can also see on stage alongside an incredible cast including Nathan Fillion (Firefly, The Rookie), Will Forte (Sunny Nights), Lamorne Morris (New Girl), Edi Patterson (The Righteous Gemstones), and many more, in the hilarious stage production of "13-Year-Old Michael Ausiello Presents: Beverly Hills: A Pretend Soap Opera Performed By Real Actors." Follow Lyric on Instagram Watch Lyric on The Chit Show See Lyric on stage in Beverly Hills (play) Listen to Faux Real on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and all your favorite podcast platforms! Become a patron of this program! Ads provided by Libsyn Instagram @FauxRealPod Twitter @FauxRealPod Facebook @FauxRealPod © 2026 Wilder Entertainment

Sister Monica Clare knew from a young age that marriage and children were not her calling. She just spent decades being told otherwise. By the time she made it to the Groundlings in LA, she had checked every box society handed her: the career, the marriage, the full script, and none of it fit. What came next was a $150,000 debt payoff, a cross-country search for a convent that actually aligned with her values, and a vow of poverty that she says left her feeling more taken care of than ever before.In this episode, Bri Conn CFP® sits down with Sister Monica Clare, Episcopal nun and author of A Change of Habit, for a conversation about what it actually takes to stop living for other people's expectations and start designing a life around who you actually are.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why the pressure to marry and have children has always been more economic than emotional.How the Episcopal Church differs from Roman Catholicism and other denominations, and why its LGBTQ-affirming, progressive theology surprised even BriWhat it costs to become a nun, financially and otherwise, and how Sister Monica Clare paid off $150,000 in debt before she could answer her calling.How communal living under a vow of poverty actually works, what $50 a month in allowance looks like in practice.Why the doors that close are just as important as the doors that open, and how Sister Monica Clare learned to read the difference between a path that is hard and one that is wrongEpisode Host:Bri Conn, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Childfree Wealth Specialist® at Childfree Wealth®, and Customer Experience Manager at Childfree Trust®.Episode Guest:Sister Monica Clare is a nun at the Community of St. John Baptist, an Episcopal religious order based in Mendham, New Jersey. She is the Superior of the convent and will soon be an ordained priest. She is a trained spiritual counselor specializing in religious trauma, mental illness, and addiction.Her forthcoming memoir, A Change of Habit, was released on April 29, 2025 by Crown and Sugar23 Books at Penguin Random House. Before becoming a nun in 2012, she worked as a photo editor in Los Angeles and was a member of the Groundlings Sunday Company. She started her TikTok account, @nunsenseforthepeople, in June 2021, to make people laugh and to demystify life as an Episcopal nun. To her great surprise, the popularity of her TikTok channel has continued to grow and she now has over 227K followers and 2.9M likes.Follow her on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nunsenseforthepeopleAbout Childfree InsightsChildfree Insights focuses on planning for solo aging and later life without children. It offers trusted education on financial planning, estate planning, and building support systems for people aging independently. Home of Childfree Wealth® and Childfree Trust®.Connect with Us:Ready to work on building better financial habits? Connect with our financial planning team at childfreewealth.com or learn more about estate planning at childfreetrust.com.Follow Childfree Life by Design on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childfreeinsightsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeInsights/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfreeinsightsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildfreeInsightsDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational & entertainment purposes. Please consult your advisor before implementing any ideas heard on this podcast.

Director Kelly Park is from Philly. She attended Quaker schools during her early years, influencing her life perspective. After launching her career as a marketer and project manager in the technology and advertising industries, she decided to switch things up. Inspired by her actress mother to listen to her "funny bone", she took a leap of faith, and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in comedy. She began studying at Second City and The Groundlings, which led to commercials, short films, and sketch comedies. However, she soon realized being in front of the camera wasn't what fed her soul, teaching was. This eventually would lead to teaching children and young adults the fundamentals of acting and improv. Kelly quickly became one of the most sought-after acting coaches in television, working on numerous pilots and television shows for Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, Amazon, and Netflix. This led to her ultimate passion, which is directing. She debuted on the Emmy-nominated Netflix show ALEXA & KATIE and directed several episodes including the series finale. From there, she went onto direct numerous shows such as THE NEIGHBORHOOD, FAMILY REUNION, THE UPSHAWS, NIGHT COURT, FRASIER, GRACE & FRANKIE, THE GAME, STATION 19. It didn't stop there for Kelly, she became a Pilot Director for COUNTRY COMFORT (Netflix), BLACK DON'T CRACK (ABC), LOPEZ VS. LOPEZ (NBC), and NON-EVIL TWIN (NBC).She is also a writer and producer, currently developing several projects with her husband and producing partner. So far, they've sold shows to CBS and NBC.Follow Kelly on InstagramAlliance of Women Directors Spotlight

Episode Notes S7E11 - Join us as we dive into the mind of the one and only Bob Bergen. He'll be in the house telling tales from voicing Porkey Pig to Being a 5 time Emmy Nominee and so much more. His voice is heard in thousands of commercials, promos, games, animated series and specials. He's voiced dozens of animated features, including Minions: The Rise of Gru, Sing, Wreck it Ralph, The Secret Life of Pets, Trolls, Tangled, Spirited Away, Cars, A Bug's Life, Monsters, Inc., Iron Giant, The Emperor's New Groove, WALL-E, Toy Story 2 & 3, Up, Zootopia 2, and Wicked For Good. Series work includes Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Ridley Jones, Marvel's Avengers Assemble, Robot Chicken, Oddballs, I am Groot, Bugs Bunny Builders, Animaniancs, It's Pony, Dew Drop Diaries, Teen Titans Go!, Spidey and his Amazing Friends, Blaze and the Monster Machines, Pretzel and the Puppies. He is the network promo voice for MeTV Toons, which has the largest catalogue of classic animation on TV. 2026 marks his 36th year as the predominant voice of Porky Pig. Bob is also one of the most sought after coaches for animation voiceover. HELPFUL LINKS: VETERANS: https://www.va.gov/.../mental-health/suicide-prevention/ ADDICTION: https://lp.recoverycentersofamerica.com/.../continuum-of.../ Due you know someone that has lost their lives due to addiction? Or even someone that has made a full recovery? Reach out to Johnny Whitaker so they can help to celebrate the lives lost/ lives recovered at overdoseawareness0831@gmail.com ___________________________________________ Follow our guest https://www.bobbergen.com/ https://x.com/BobBergen https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0074036/ ______________________________ Toking with the Dead: https://www.stilltoking.com/ ————————————— Follow Still Toking With and their friends! https://smartpa.ge/5zv1 ————————————— Produced by Leo Pond and The Dorkening Podcast Network MORE ABOUT THE GUEST: Five-time Emmy nominated actor Bob Bergen announced to his parents when he was five he wanted to be Porky Pig. His mother replied, “Honey, you can't be Porky Pig. You're Jewish." Despite this, he was determined. At fourteen he phoned Mel Blanc after researching a dozen or so phone books, crashed a recording session pretending to be Blanc's assistant, and watched him in action. Realizing he needed training, and for his voice to change, he began studying voiceover with every vo coach LA had to offer. Combined with two years at a Meisner acting conservatory and three years of improv study with The Groundlings, he was able to secure an agent at eighteen and pursue his dream, while tour guiding at Universal Studios allowed him to eat. He's performed in all aspects of on-camera television: from sitcoms to soaps to game shows - hosting Jep!, the kids' version of Jeopardy! for Game Show Network This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On an all-new panel episode, it's all family as host Joel Kim Booster sits down with three of his co-stars from the new Scrubs reboot, the hilarious Ava Bunn, Layla Mohammadi, and Amanda Morrow to discuss their most iconic dating fiascos, beginning with a very simple icebreaker question: would the panelists date their own Scrubs character? Then, Ava wakes up unaware that she has somebody else riding shotgun, and later gets advice from ballerinas about shaving for The Groundlings, Layla has stars in her eyes but not in the good way, and Amanda needs some help with this toe sandwich situation, bro!   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for video clips and full episodes.  Merch available at SiriusXMStore.com/BadDates.   Joel Kim Booster: Scrubs Season 10, Psychosexual, Fire Island, Loot Season 3 Ava Bunn: @avamariebunn on socials, monthly show Late Bloomers Layla Mohammadi: @laylamoha on socials, new movie Same Same But Different Amanda Morrow: @amandajmorrow on socials, The Devil Wears Prada 2 coming soon! Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Bad Dates ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

James Woods is an actor and musician. His latest album, Tombstone Opera, is available now. Follow him on Instagram and X @realjameswoods and visit jameswoods.com for more.IN THE NEWS: Sen. John Fetterman is breaking with many in his own party, praising President Trump's strikes on Iran as a “historic” success and saying he's baffled more Democrats don't see it the same way. Tampa International Airport, meanwhile, set off a social media firestorm after joking on X about “banning pajamas” at the airport, sparking a heated debate over travel dress codes before officials clarified it was tongue‑in‑cheek. And in a chilling tech story, a new lawsuit claims Google's Gemini chatbot, which a Florida man treated as his “AI wife,” encouraged him to plot a “catastrophic” truck bombing at Miami's main airport and ultimately drove him toward his own demise.FOR MORE WITH JAMES WOODS:INSTAGRAM and X: @realjameswoodsWEBSITE: jameswoods.comALBUM: Tombstone OperaFOR MORE WITH ANDREW HOBSON:DATES: BAD COMPANY at the GROUNDLINGS in HOLLYWOOD - all improv last MONDAY of EVERY MONTH at 8 PM INSTAGRAM: @andrewfhobsonLIVE SHOWS: March 22 - Santa Ana, CA (Live Podcast)March 27 - Norfolk, NE (2 shows)March 28 - Norfork, NE (2 shows)Thank you for supporting our sponsors:factormeals.com/acs50off and use code acs50offLimited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code [ADAM15] at huel.com/[ADAM15]. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!ForThePeople.Com/ADAMoreillyauto.com/adampluto.tvRosettastone.com/ADAMSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Liz Feldman talks about turning tragedy into comedy and drama by being open. She also talks about being a young stand-up, writing for other comics, sexual harassment in the writers room, having to be better than men, her motherhood journey, how to be a show-runner, the Groundlings, deciding that her future was writing not acting, and all the guests that won't do my podcast but does her new podcast with Jesse Klein, “Here To Find Friends”.  Bio: Over the course of her career, award-winning writer and producer Liz Feldman has carved a space for diverse voices and developed her own niche genre: the traumedy, which blends black comedy, heightened mystery and heartfelt drama that plumbs the darker, emotional depths of the human experience. Feldman is the creator and executive producer of the acclaimed and Emmy®-nominated Netflix series, DEAD TO ME and Netflix's recently released NO GOOD DEED. In 2025, Feldman launched her new podcast alongside Jessi Klein, HERE TO MAKE FRIENDS, produced by Headgum. The show focuses on making new and meaningful friendships as an adult, with Feldman and Klein interviewing celebrity guests that they would very much like to be friends with. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julie Brown joined me to discuss Captain Kangaroo; being in her high school homecoming court; the scary nun's in elementary school; being funny in Van Nuys High; studying at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco; meeting her comedy partner Charlie Coffey; Denzel Washington being in the cast; starting a comedy team, Brown & Coffey; playing San Francisco and gay audiences; guest starring on Happy Days; doing an NBC late night pilot Road Show with John Candy; being in a slasher film, Bloody Birthday; guest starring in the pilot for Get a Life; being on two episodes of Laverne & Shirley; being in the repertory company of Evening at the Improv; performing "Homecoming Queens Got a Gun"; Newhart; Just Say Julie; her character made jokes, she didn't hate any performer; Gene Simmons; "Downtown" Julie Brown; MTV wouldn't pay for props, proper writers; Beavis & Butthead stealing her commenting on videos; her SNL audition in 1985; turning down a re-audition in 1986; Sam Kinison; SCTV; The Edge; Wayne Knight; Tom Kenny; being a fan of reality TV; her new podcast being improvised; doing improv once a week at the Groundlings

West Hollywood’s minimum wage debate heats up as restaurants say rising labor costs are squeezing them hard — and some owners fear it’s becoming unsustainable. Then Tim talks about how being back on nights feels like a weird, hilarious back-to-school night reunion… complete with a Craig’s (WeHo) mention and a classic Mark story. Plus, Bellio shares a ridiculous improv path-from-The-Groundlings tale (and the “could’ve been on SNL… NOT” punchline), and we wrap with a practical crowd-pleaser: Costco gift cards and why people swear by them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interviews are not just about what you know. They are about how you think on your feet, respond under pressure, and show up with confidence when you do not have a perfect script. In this episode of Ask a Recruiter, Leah Ova sits down with improv coach and communication expert Holly Mandel to explore how improv techniques like “yes, and,” presence, and active listening can transform your job interview performance. Holly Mandel is the founder of iMergence and a former Main Company member and instructor at The Groundlings. She works with professionals and Fortune 500 teams to build confidence, clarity, and real time communication skills that translate directly into high stakes conversations. Together, Leah and Holly tackle tough interview questions from the Glassdoor community, from “Tell me about yourself” to curveballs like “How would you sell ice cream in the Arctic?” They break down practical tools you can use immediately, including how to pivot mid answer, manage interview anxiety, project warmth and energy on Zoom, and build the kind of charisma that gets you to the next round. If you are job hunting, preparing for a promotion, or simply want to communicate with more authority and authenticity, this episode gives you actionable strategies you can try this week.

Looking for a film that brings back the charm of the 90s rom-com era? Discover why Connection Pending... might be your new favorite? Tune in as we dive into some exciting film news: ThisIsHardToRead Productions has announced the official lineup for their 1990s-set romantic comedy Connection Pending.... The film features Groundlings alumni Chris Guerra and Kelsey Cooke, along with Eric Petersen making his feature directorial debut, in this exclusive interview. https://www.thisishardtoreadprod.comMoments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio Affiliate!  https://www.kmet1490am.comFor more show information visit: https://www.mariannepestana.com/

Comedian Macey Isaacs | The Brett Allan Show www.brettallan.com for more. Originally from Austin, Macey studied The Groundlings and is a nationally touring stand-up comedian. She has performed in festivals including Netflix Is a Joke, Laughing Skull, Flyover, Limestone, Boston Comedy Fest, PRIZE, and Bergamot and has been featured on Netflix is a Joke Radio on Sirius XM. She's opened for comedians such as Tom Segura, Dusty Slay, Dean Delray, and Shane Torres.   In Santa Monica, she hosts "The Picture Day Show", a popular stand-up comedy showcase at The Crow. Macey also co-hosts the mental health and comedy podcast SSRI'M OK with Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, where they navigate discussions about mental health topics with expert guests and comedians. ​ In 2001, she was the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Champion at her elementary school. In 2022, she was named one of Interrobang's "Top 35 Comics to Break Out," and in 2023, she was a finalist in KTLA's Summer of Funny. In 2025, she made her network television debut on Comics Unleashed on CBS, and released her Don't Tell Comedy special "How I Lost My Teeth" and her Dry Bar Comedy special "Half Sister." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi Gardner went from being a hairdresser in LA to joining the Groundlings to 8 seasons on SNL, where she created characters like “Dianne, The Mom Who's Only Read About New York on Facebook” and “A Woman Who Insists She's Not Mad.” Heidi talks with Mike about her SNL experience, which included hosting a tailgate party in her dressing room for Travis Kelce, and she shares the lessons she learned about creating comedic characters from her days in the Groundlings. Plus, Heidi's love for her native Kansas City, and an update on Mike and Jen's rat problem.Please consider donating to Big Slick Kansas City Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Susan Isaacs joined me to discuss teaching at Chapman University; living on $400 a month rent in NYC; watching the Flintstones; no VCR's; watching Carson and SNL; being in the Groundlings with Lisa Kudrow, Chris Kattan, Will Ferrell, and Maggie Baird; going to USC Film School; guest starring on Family Ties; nice bosses making nice sets; starting a comedy troupe King Baby, with Tony Hale; Tony leaves to do Arrested Development; getting cut from Planes, Trains and Automobiles; Scrooged and Seinfeld and being awed by the height of Michael Richards and Bill Murray; reboots; TV is better than movies now; The Wrong Guys; She's Out of Control; doing a Sony digital commercial short; being a professor; hard to be just an actor; Singer & Sons pilot; getting added to the cast of Anything but Love the day before it was cancelled; Harold Gould v. Tom Bosley; Eric Stoltz v. Michael J. Fox; Peggy Sue Got Married; doing Delirious with John Candy; John Candy's life; funny people have trauma; Jodie Foster and Ron Howard are two child stars who've survived; Michael Jackson; her book Angry Conversations with God; turning it from a book to a one person show; story is universal even if not religious; improvising one of the first movies ever shot on an I Phone - Ride Share in 2011

Writer/Actor/Singer/Improviser Jim Wise talks with Jay about meeting as runners on The Garry Shandling Show, song Improv, acting, writing for Mad TV, Jay Leno, The Groundlings, singing for a living, being one of the best song improvisers in the business, and how Jay pushed him in all the right directions.  Bio:JIM WISE is a fervent improviser and an alumnus of the Groundling Theater. If you're in your 30s, you may recognize him as the irascible Coach Tugnut from Disney Channel's EVEN STEVENS. If you're between the ages of 40 and 50, you might remember him from NBC's JUST SHOOT ME as Kenny the Psycho who threatens to fold David Spade “like a lawn chair.” And, if you're in your 20s, you may have heard Jim's powerhouse lead vocals on “Goofy Goober Rock!” in THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIE. As a Writer/Producer, Jim's credits include MADTV, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, BETTER LATE THAN NEVER, BEST TIME EVER WITH NEIL PATRICK HARRIS, and CARPOOL KARAOKE. Jim also enjoys the distinction of being one of two writers who wrote for both THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO and THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON. Finally, Jim is delighted to be a guest on DON'T BE ALONE WITH JAY KOGEN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recorded LIVE from Phil's house, Phil and David are excited to welcome Laraine Newman to "Naked Lunch" to discuss her remarkable life and career, from growing up in Los Angeles, being a founding member of The Groundlings, one of the first cast members of "Saturday Night Live" from 1975 to 1980, her enduring career including her work as both an on camera and voice over actor in film and TV, and her remarkable big sister Tracy Newman and her talented children, Hannah Einbinder of "Hacks" fame and a previous "Naked Lunch" guest and actor Spike Einbinder. To learn more about building community through food and "Somebody Feed the People," visit the Philanthropy page at philrosenthalworld.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The category is 1990s SNL and the answer is "this comedian was an SNL mainstay, a huge movie star, and an internet comedy pioneer -- plus he played a mean cowbell." Of course the question is "Who is Will Ferrell" -- this week's legend. Thank goodness that Will Ferrell was bored at the prospect of being a sportscaster and hooked up with the Groundlings improv troupe. When Lorne Michaels came looking for players to rebuild the SNL cast back in the late 1980s, Will was ready. Through great character work, sharp impersonations, and just plain silliness Will became one of the most beloved cast members in SNL history and he rode that popularity to a decade of comedy movie hits. Along the way he helped found Funny or Die, a pioneering comedy website. No word if he ever one-upped Sean Connery during a round of Celebrity Jeopardy. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Will Ferrell? Can't do a Will Ferrell episode without his most famous SNL sketch -- grab your cowbell and play along. https://youtu.be/cVsQLlk-T0s?si=6PcKygaU9TXf2FGg On SNL when the Jeopardy! theme music played you knew it was time for Celebrity Jeopardy -- and a battle of words was sure to ensue between Will's Alex Trebek and Darrell Hammond's Sean Connery (among others). https://youtu.be/bEghu90QJH4?si=6OsaWEEYzeCfi4RB Will and his writing partner Adam McKay were co-founders of Funny or Die, a website where viewers can vote for their favorite clips. This clip, featuring Will bickering with a 2 year old landlord was an early classic on the site. https://youtu.be/SIdxVR_7ikg?si=Ewrtb5BsEU0Snh42 Anchorman was a wicked take on the glory days of tv news anchors. One bit was how Will's character was tied to the teleprompter and would read ANYTHING. Might want to turn the speaker down on this if you are at work! https://youtu.be/NMXRxNbPvGI?si=Dho1A-YplaNdrDMu

Actor and Academy Award–winning writer Nat Faxon joins Andy Richter to discuss their respective Christmas tree policies, how a rejection from a puppetry school in Bali led Nat to the Groundlings, writing with a partner, the new season of “Loot” with Maya Rudolph, and much more.Do you want to talk to Andy live on SiriusXM's Conan O'Brien Radio? Tell us your favorite dinner party story (about anything!) or ask a question - leave a voicemail at 855-266-2604 or fill out our Google Form at BIT.LY/CALLANDYRICHTER. Listen to "The Andy Richter Call-In Show" every Wednesday at 1pm Pacific on SiriusXM's Conan O'Brien Channel. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A memoir is not what happened to you, but what you make of what happened, and why that matters now. Ronit Plank is a writer, teacher, and editor whose work has appeared in The Atlantic, Poets & Writers, The Rumpus, Hippocampus, and The New York Times.Kirkus Reviews calls her memoir WHEN SHE COMES BACK, “An intimate, intuitive, emotionally vivid family account that finds hope in reconciliation”. About the loss of her mother to the guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and their eventual reconciliation, WHEN SHE COMES BACK earned Finalist in the Housatonic Awards and the National Indie Excellence Awards and was a Book Riot Best True Crime Book of 2021. Ronit's short story collection HOME IS A MADE-UP PLACE won Hidden River Arts' Eludia Award and the 2023 Page Turner Awards for Short Stories.Ronit teaches memoir writing for the University of Washington's Continuum Program and independently, is Creative Nonfiction Editor at The Citron Review, and hosts the podcast and Substack Let's Talk Memoir featuring interviews with memoirists about their writing process and creative life.Find everything on her webpage here.Things Ronit and I discuss in this conversation:* Ronit began as an actor and improviser (Actors Gang, Groundlings, Ensemble Studio Theater), and how that early training deeply shaped her instinct for narrative arc, subtext, and meaning-making in writing and editing* She resisted memoir for years because of common misconceptions: that memoir is boring, self-pitying, navel-gazing, or only justified if the writer is famous or uniquely traumatized* A turning point for her memoir When She Comes Back was realizing that if she didn't tell her own story—about her mother leaving to follow a guru—someone else would frame it for her* Ronit articulated a core definition of memoir: it is not what happened to you, but what you make of what happened, and why it still has hooks in you now* The distinction between situation and story, and that memoir requires selectivity, tension, and a narrative question* Writers should ideally have emotional support while doing their work* Common reasons less engaging memoirs fail: repetition without escalation, trauma without meaning-making, and scenes that don't change the narrator or move the story forward* The craft of scenes in memoir and why adverbs weaken prose* An assessment of publishing in 2026: traditional, indie, hybrid, university press, and self-publishing are all valid paths, and writers must define success based on their goals This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit benbo.substack.com

The Zoning Out crew dives into everything from Christian university commercials to headlining in small towns vs. chasing dreams in NYC, plus a heated debate about whether the Three Little Pigs survived (spoiler: Jason was right).   In This Episode: Jordan grills Jason for skipping family Christmas to work a cruise ship gig • Is Grand Canyon University even near the Grand Canyon? • The wild world of 55+ retirement communities (spoiler: they're having sex) • Jason confesses his dream scandal if a publicist could cover it up • Jordan plans to blow up a Confederate flag • Jonathan wrestles with jealousy over bookings • The Big Comedy Career Question: Would you rather headline forever in Myrtle Beach… or chase your shot in New York, even if you never make it?    Plus: Kevin Hart definitely didn't headline at the Comedy Cabana • Bill Hader's rise from Groundlings to SNL • Shoutout to Brandon from Wytheville, VA • Jonathan finally gets vindicated on the Three Little Pigs debate • The team teases their first episode of 2026 with top songs, comedy goals, and more.   Watch Full Episodes: Zoning Out on YouTube   Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @ZoningOutPodcast   Upcoming Shows + Tour Dates: linktr.ee/ZoningOutPodcast

Send us a textThis week on Here's What We Know, Jonathan Kite joins us for a conversation that is equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply human. You may know him as Oleg from “2 Broke Girls,” but today he pulls the curtain back on the real craft of comedy and the unexpected moments that shaped his journey.We dig into what it takes to build a stand-up set, how crowd work has changed, and why impressions are more than funny voices. Jonathan shares stories from the road, reflections on early influences like Abbott and Costello, and a beautiful moment involving a phone call from a friend he thought he had lost forever.We also talk about the energy it takes to perform at a Jim Carrey level, the kindness behind Tom Hanks's gift of earnestness, and why laughter still feels like one of the most meaningful ways to lift someone's spirit.Tune in and enjoy this warm and wonderfully unexpected ride with Jonathan Kite.In This Episode: • How stand-up comedy evolves with every audience • The art and heart behind great impressions • A life-changing call that arrived at the exact right moment • What Jonathan learned from Robin Williams, Norm Macdonald, and others • Why laughter matters more than everThis episode is sponsored by:Bison Junk Removal (Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!)Bio:Jonathan Kite is a versatile actor, comedian, and master impressionist, famous for his role as Oleg the Ukrainian cook on the hit CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls.Known for his quick wit and over 250 celebrity impressions, Jonathan has built a diverse career across television, film, voice acting, and stand-up comedy. His notable credits include starring opposite Jamie Foxx in the Netflix series Dad Stop Embarrassing Me and voicing characters in animated films like The Addams Family 2, as well as shows like Family Guy and American Dad.An alumnus of Second City and The Groundlings, he tours nationally with his stand-up and is currently producing his feature screenwriting debut. Jonathan is celebrated as one of today's most versatile comedic talents.Website: https://www.jonathankitecomedy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathankite/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialjonathankite/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thejonathankiteYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JONATHANKITECOMEDYConnect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

MUST WATCH on Spotify, YouTube, or BoldEncounters.TV. These pros FACES and BODY LANGUAGE are nearly EVERYTHING and brilliant!Confidence grows fastest when play is allowed:“Humor reveals truth before defensiveness can rise.”“Lightness clears the room for real communication.”“Laughter gives teams a shortcut to psychological safety.”Practical creativity & cooperation expands when leaders...A live improv session to improve teamwork—four performers, two leaders, and zero scripts—turns an interview into a working demo of team trust, timing, and better communication. This is improv inserted as a management tool, seen in real time and explained with precision.Holly MandelFounder of iMergence. Groundlings alum and seasoned improv instructor. Coach to Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, & by Will Ferrell & Lisa Kudrow. Known for unlocking cooperation with playful spontaneity. See: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-mandel.Brian PalermoWorking actor with credits including Modern Family, Will & Grace, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Veteran improv performer and communication trainer. Known for audience connection and fast-listening skill. Translates comedic flow into practical leadership behavior. See: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-palermo-improvtrainingforcommunicationskills/.James WilsonMed-tech sales leader and dear friend of Mark with natural storytelling presence. Steady, grounded, and sincere collaborator. Balances humor with warmth. Anchors group energy with calm comedy. See: linkedin.com/in/james-wilson-3869827.Liz CoinActor, writer, and corporate facilitator. Blends precision and play in leadership workshops. Known for adaptive thinking and warm, sharp timing. Helps teams shift from rigid to responsive communication. See: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-coin/.Sarah HicksImproviser and performance coach who has worked with Jeff Goldblum & in the revival of Gypsy with Patti LuPone. Expert in emotional awareness and group facilitation. Combines behavioral insight with creative technique. Brings clarity, attention, and surprising comedic instinct. See: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-hicks-corporate/.Inside This EpisodeWhat happens when an improv ensemble brings its full toolkit into a leadership conversation? They demonstrate it—live, unrehearsed, and with explosive clarity. Holly Mandel returns with the iMergence team—Liz Coin, Sarah Hicks, Brian Palermo, and Mark's close friend, med-tech leader, James Wilson. Together they show humor reveals valves for tension, resets communication, and makes collaboration safer. This episode blends laughter with insight, turning improv into a masterclass on presence, timing, and trust for any leader willing to loosen the grip and lead with play.Go Deeper — Premium ActionPremium action at the end turns the group's live improvisation into a framework leaders can apply immediately. Learn how to harness lightness to clear tension, develop timing without performing, and use strategic spontaneity to unlock stronger trust. This segment breaks each improv principle into a simple behavioral pattern you can practice daily.Listen + ConnectiMergence: https://www.imergence.comMark S. Cook: BoldEncounters.TV / WindfallPartners.com.Moments to RevisitA spontaneous moment that reveals trust before words do. The exercise that exposes communication habits in under 10 seconds. Why timing and expression, not content, carry more influence. The ensemble's final insight on humor as a leadership lever.Chapters — Free Episode (6)0:00 Welcome and setup3:40 Introducing the iMergence ensemble9:15 First improv exercise and early leadership insight16:22 How play exposes communication patterns24:50 Translating improv principles to real teams32:40 Final takeaways before the premium executionFinal ThoughtWhen leaders allow play, communication opens—and people open with it. Humor isn't the opposite of professionalism; it's the catalyst for clarity, courage, and connection.

The always in demand, Michael Hitchcock, talks about how children's theater led to adult theater which led to a career of acting and writing with the groundlings, mad tv, christopher guest, crazy ex girlfriend, currently the lowdown and nobody wants this.  We chat about writing vs acting and what it takes to realize where you should be. Bio: Actor, writer, producer (and when he was a teenager, semi-professional magician), Michael currently appears as Ethan Hawke's frenemy “Ray” in the critically acclaimed dramedy “The Lowdown,” available on FX and Hulu.  He also plays Kristen Bell's rather clueless dad in the Netflix hit comedy, “Nobody Wants This.” Many dog lovers recognize him as Parker Posey's husband “Hamilton Swan” in the Christopher Guest iconic comedy “Best in Show,” and has appeared in Guest's other celebrated films “Waiting for Guffman,” “A Mighty Wind,” “For Your Consideration,” and “Mascots.” Additional acting credits include “The Paper,” “Jackpot,” “Palm Royale,” “Your Place or Mine,” “Crazy Ex Girlfriend,” “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,” “Black Monday,” “Space Force,” “Bridesmaids,” "Glee," "United States of Tara," "Men of a Certain Age," “Super 8,” “Serenity,” "Entourage," "Party Down," and "Arrested Development." Writing and producing credits include the acclaimed television series “Crazy Ex Girlfriend,” “Glee,” and “Mad TV.”  He also wrote the films "House Arrest,” “The Ultimate Christmas Present,” and “Where the Day Takes You.”  He is an alumnus of the sketch and improv comedy troupe, The Groundlings, and has performed comedy improv for the U.S. troops all over the world including Japan, South Korea, Iraq, Bahrain, Cuba, Guam, Honduras, and Kuwait.

The always in demand, Michael Hitchcock, talks about how children's theater led to adult theater which led to a career of acting and writing with the groundlings, mad tv, christopher guest, crazy ex girlfriend, currently the lowdown and nobody wants this.  We chat about writing vs acting and what it takes to realize where you should be. Bio: Actor, writer, producer (and when he was a teenager, semi-professional magician), Michael currently appears as Ethan Hawke's frenemy “Ray” in the critically acclaimed dramedy “The Lowdown,” available on FX and Hulu.  He also plays Kristen Bell's rather clueless dad in the Netflix hit comedy, “Nobody Wants This.” Many dog lovers recognize him as Parker Posey's husband “Hamilton Swan” in the Christopher Guest iconic comedy “Best in Show,” and has appeared in Guest's other celebrated films “Waiting for Guffman,” “A Mighty Wind,” “For Your Consideration,” and “Mascots.” Additional acting credits include “The Paper,” “Jackpot,” “Palm Royale,” “Your Place or Mine,” “Crazy Ex Girlfriend,” “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,” “Black Monday,” “Space Force,” “Bridesmaids,” "Glee," "United States of Tara," "Men of a Certain Age," “Super 8,” “Serenity,” "Entourage," "Party Down," and "Arrested Development." Writing and producing credits include the acclaimed television series “Crazy Ex Girlfriend,” “Glee,” and “Mad TV.”  He also wrote the films "House Arrest,” “The Ultimate Christmas Present,” and “Where the Day Takes You.”  He is an alumnus of the sketch and improv comedy troupe, The Groundlings, and has performed comedy improv for the U.S. troops all over the world including Japan, South Korea, Iraq, Bahrain, Cuba, Guam, Honduras, and Kuwait. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachael Harris (The Hangover, Lucifer) joins Kurt Sutter and Katey Sagal today on PIE. Rachael goes deep on discussing her childhood, how the Groundlings changed her life and dating and acting in your 50s. Give Rachael a follow @rachaelharris on Instagram. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! We're beyond grateful for your support, so we decided to treat you with an early episode drop. Enjoy and have a wonderful holiday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Improv leadership in real time:“Authenticity connects faster than expertise.”“Perfectionism suffocates the best ideas.”“Presence unlocks chemistry you can't manufacture.”Holly discovers clarity through fearlessness while...Inside this EpisodeWhat if your strongest leadership moments happened unscripted? Holly Mandel, founder and CEO of iMERGENCE Corporate Improv, brings decades of experience as a Groundlings alum who coached Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy, worked with Lisa Kudrow, and taught by Will Ferrell. Holly reveals how the instincts that make iconic performers magnetic also make leaders compelling, trusted, and creatively alive. She and Mark explore how improvisation dismantles perfectionism, how presence builds instant rapport, and why embracing mistakes turns teams into co-creators instead of spectators.Go Deeper — Premium Action PlanIn the Premium Action Plan, Mark and Holly turn improv's core principles into a practical weekly leadership upgrade:• Shift from performing to responding with clarity• Reframe mistakes as catalysts for connection• Lead meetings like scenes—listen, build, advance• Apply humor to unlock collaboration and reduce pressureYou'll leave with a structured one-week “Presence Drill Set” to replace perfection with responsiveness.Listen + ConnectHolly Mandel — Website: https://www.imergence.comGood Girls Aren't Funny: https://www.goodgirlsarentfunny.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-mandelMark S. Cook — Website: https://MarkSpencerCook.com | https://WindfallPartners.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/markspencercookSocial: @MarkSpencerCookMoments to Revisit• The Groundlings story that revealed the cost of perfection• Why “Good Girl” conditioning limits leadership potential• What Holly learned coaching Wiig and McCarthy• How presence outperforms polish in high-stakes rooms• The improv exercise that exposes fear and builds trustFinal ThoughtHolly Mandel shows that leadership isn't performance—it's presence. When we stop trying to be perfect and start responding to the moment, we create teams that trust, collaborate, and innovate with us, not around us.Do you feel stuck between where you are today… and who you're meant to become? Find your next step inside Bold Encounters Premium at: https://BoldEncounters.TV — you can also give the gift of Premium success to someone else you care about.

We talked to performer and filmmaker, Tina Detchon! We talk to our buddy Tina in this delightful chat ranging from improv to filmmaking to the unwritten subway rider etiquette of ignoring people so they don't have to talk for too long. She reflects on her journey through improv and filmmaking, drawing insights from her experiences at the Groundlings and working in TV and Film in LA, and discusses balancing grounded and silly elements in performance. Tina also talks about her creative process for her short film 'Pillow Talk', which Jason is in! She also goes over filmmaking steps from conception to execution, and shares how she realized she could apply discipline from one area of her life to creative endeavors. It's such practical advice! Instagram: @Freckedl4Smiles, @PillowTalkFilm2024, @ThereItIsPod, @JasonFarrPics  Threads: @ThereItIsPod, @JasonFarrPics Facebook: @ThereItIsPod  Subscribe to our comedy newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/e22defd4dee2/thereitis

Kathy talks about surviving Trump, the Groundlings, Stand-up, her parents who loved show biz, Sia, Joan Rivers, relationships, dating younger guys, saving every dime, and why she made Jay pay for their date. Bio: Two-time Emmy and Grammy award-winning comedian Kathy Griffin is a towering figure on television, on tour and in publishing. In 2013, Kathy was inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records for writing and starring in an unprecedented 20 televised stand-up specials - more than any comedian in history. In 2014, Kathy made history again with her 6th consecutive Grammy nomination and first win for Best Comedy Album (Kathy Griffin: Calm Down Gurrl), joining Whoopi Goldberg and Lily Tomlin as the only other female comedians to ever win Grammy awards for Best Comedy Album. Her hit Bravo series, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List aired for 6 years and won 2 Emmys. It was nominated every single year of its run. The series also earned her a GLAAD Media Award for Best Reality Program.Kathy starred on NBC's Suddenly Susan and guest starred on multiple legendary TV series including Seinfeld, Law & Order: SVU, Glee, You, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Additionally, she has lent her unique voice to animated characters in Shrek Forever After, The Simpsons, American Dad, Futurama and Dilbert. Kathy's unrivaled style of humor and prolific comedy pedigree has made her one of television's go-to hosts for premier live events. Kathy drew huge worldwide audiences to CNN's New Year's Eve special, which she co-produced and co-hosted with Anderson Cooper for 10 years. Kathy co-hosted The Billboard Music AwardsLIVE three years in a row, the 41st annual Daytime Emmy Awards LIVE and AARP's Movies for Grownups Gala. Her sure-fire hosting success led to her own LIVE late night talk show, Kathy.Also an accomplished author, Kathy's memoir, Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin, debuted at #1 on the New York Times Bestseller List. Her much-anticipated second book, Kathy Griffin's Celebrity Run-Ins: My A-Z Index, was also a New York Times Best Seller. On the stage, Kathy has performed standup for hundreds of thousands around the globe. Buoyed by her fiercely dedicated fans, Kathy's live performances are legendary and in a class of their own. The fiery redhead has sold out shows to rave reviews throughout North America, Europe, Australia and Asia at such iconic venues as The Sydney Opera House, The Mark Taper Forum, Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center. Kathy has also performed for active military servicemen and women in such war zones as Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Uzbekistan. She has graced the covers of The Hollywood Reporter, Adweek, and The Advocate, and has had in-depth profiles in New York Magazine and Forbes.In addition to performing, writing and producing, Kathy is a renowned speaker and has taken her empowering messages of equality through activism and humor all over the country. Kathy's passionate advocacy for women, the LGBT community, and other disenfranchised groups have been displayed through numerous candid and intimate conversations with award-winning journalists and moderators from The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Hudson Union Society, 92Y, as well as tech giants Google and AOL. She has been honored in this area with multiple awards including The Human Rights Campaign's Ally for Equality, GLAAD's Vanguard Award, The Trevor Life Award from the Trevor Project, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America's Leadership in Entertainment honor, the Harvard College Distinguished Service Partner Award, Veterans Tickets Foundation Distinguished Donor Award, the Lambda Legal Liberty Award, a two-time Ladies' Home Journal “Funny Ladies We Love” Recipient, and a Gracie Award for Outstanding Female Lead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kathy talks about surviving Trump, the Groundlings, Stand-up, her parents who loved show biz, Sia, Joan Rivers, relationships, dating younger guys, saving every dime, and why she made Jay pay for their date. Bio: Two-time Emmy and Grammy award-winning comedian Kathy Griffin is a towering figure on television, on tour and in publishing. In 2013, Kathy was inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records for writing and starring in an unprecedented 20 televised stand-up specials - more than any comedian in history. In 2014, Kathy made history again with her 6th consecutive Grammy nomination and first win for Best Comedy Album (Kathy Griffin: Calm Down Gurrl), joining Whoopi Goldberg and Lily Tomlin as the only other female comedians to ever win Grammy awards for Best Comedy Album. Her hit Bravo series, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List aired for 6 years and won 2 Emmys. It was nominated every single year of its run. The series also earned her a GLAAD Media Award for Best Reality Program.Kathy starred on NBC's Suddenly Susan and guest starred on multiple legendary TV series including Seinfeld, Law & Order: SVU, Glee, You, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Additionally, she has lent her unique voice to animated characters in Shrek Forever After, The Simpsons, American Dad, Futurama and Dilbert. Kathy's unrivaled style of humor and prolific comedy pedigree has made her one of television's go-to hosts for premier live events. Kathy drew huge worldwide audiences to CNN's New Year's Eve special, which she co-produced and co-hosted with Anderson Cooper for 10 years. Kathy co-hosted The Billboard Music AwardsLIVE three years in a row, the 41st annual Daytime Emmy Awards LIVE and AARP's Movies for Grownups Gala. Her sure-fire hosting success led to her own LIVE late night talk show, Kathy.Also an accomplished author, Kathy's memoir, Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin, debuted at #1 on the New York Times Bestseller List. Her much-anticipated second book, Kathy Griffin's Celebrity Run-Ins: My A-Z Index, was also a New York Times Best Seller. On the stage, Kathy has performed standup for hundreds of thousands around the globe. Buoyed by her fiercely dedicated fans, Kathy's live performances are legendary and in a class of their own. The fiery redhead has sold out shows to rave reviews throughout North America, Europe, Australia and Asia at such iconic venues as The Sydney Opera House, The Mark Taper Forum, Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center. Kathy has also performed for active military servicemen and women in such war zones as Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Uzbekistan. She has graced the covers of The Hollywood Reporter, Adweek, and The Advocate, and has had in-depth profiles in New York Magazine and Forbes.In addition to performing, writing and producing, Kathy is a renowned speaker and has taken her empowering messages of equality through activism and humor all over the country. Kathy's passionate advocacy for women, the LGBT community, and other disenfranchised groups have been displayed through numerous candid and intimate conversations with award-winning journalists and moderators from The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Hudson Union Society, 92Y, as well as tech giants Google and AOL. She has been honored in this area with multiple awards including The Human Rights Campaign's Ally for Equality, GLAAD's Vanguard Award, The Trevor Life Award from the Trevor Project, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America's Leadership in Entertainment honor, the Harvard College Distinguished Service Partner Award, Veterans Tickets Foundation Distinguished Donor Award, the Lambda Legal Liberty Award, a two-time Ladies' Home Journal “Funny Ladies We Love” Recipient, and a Gracie Award for Outstanding Female Lead.

In honor of Halloween, we are revisiting our conversation with Cassandra Peterson! Cassandra Peterson ("Elvira, Mistress of the Dark" horror icon) drops by for a super spooky special episode of MBB! She discusses her love for Halloween and the macabre, her time living in a haunted house, and the time she witnessed an actual murder. We hear about her small town beginnings, from growing up on a farm to becoming the youngest showgirl in Vegas history. We delve into the origins of her "Elvira" persona, the confidence the character gives her, and Elvira's impact on modern culture. Cassandra reflects on her Groundlings comedy days with Paul "Pee-wee Herman" Reubens and Phil Hartman, and her current long term relationship with a woman after being married to a man for 25 years. She breaks down the empowerment that comes from owning your body and sexuality, society's often impossible standards for women, and the science of mind. Check out our full episode with Cassandra Peterson: https://www.bialikbreakdown.com/listen-podcasts/elvira Subscribe on Substack for Ad-Free Episodes & Bonus Content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bialikbreakdown.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BialikBreakdown.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/mayimbialik⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honor of Halloween, we are revisiting our conversation with Cassandra Peterson! Cassandra Peterson ("Elvira, Mistress of the Dark" horror icon) drops by for a super spooky special episode of MBB! She discusses her love for Halloween and the macabre, her time living in a haunted house, and the time she witnessed an actual murder. We hear about her small town beginnings, from growing up on a farm to becoming the youngest showgirl in Vegas history. We delve into the origins of her "Elvira" persona, the confidence the character gives her, and Elvira's impact on modern culture. Cassandra reflects on her Groundlings comedy days with Paul "Pee-wee Herman" Reubens and Phil Hartman, and her current long term relationship with a woman after being married to a man for 25 years. She breaks down the empowerment that comes from owning your body and sexuality, society's often impossible standards for women, and the science of mind. Check out our full episode with Cassandra Peterson: https://www.bialikbreakdown.com/listen-podcasts/elvira Subscribe on Substack for Ad-Free Episodes & Bonus Content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bialikbreakdown.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BialikBreakdown.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/mayimbialik⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cheryl and I became friends in 1996 in LA. We begin by laughing and reminiscing about Cheryl's cheating ex and our time together at The Groundlings theater. Cheryl explains how she was cast in Curb Your Enthusiasm and how her career took off. Nothing is off limits from her divorce to why she loves RFK aka Bobby. We get into how Hollywood turned on her and how once very close friends refuse to speak to her anymore. Cheryl's memoir Unscripted is coming out Nov. 11 and available for pre order. Get it! It's so juicy, funny and poignant. -Use code JUICYSCOOP at ⁠https://jonesroadbeauty.com⁠ to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad -For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners ten dollars off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you go to ⁠https://nutrafol.com⁠  and enter the promo code JUICYSCOOP Get Cheryl's book "Unscripted" here: https://a.co/d/hqX5pZj Subscribe to my new show Juicy Crimes!: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/juicycrimes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stand Up Tickets and info: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://heathermcdonald.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Subscribe to Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald and get extra juice on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/JuicyScoopPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/juicyscoop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the Juicy Scoop On YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@JuicyScoop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shop Juicy Scoop Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://juicyscoopshop.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Me on Social Media: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/heathermcdonald ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@heathermcdonald⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HeatherMcDonaldOfficial⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode of Mom's Car we welcome comedic legend and fellow Groundlings alum Tim Lovestedt. Tim, Dax, and Best Friend Aaron Weakley talk through the dish on Brad, working in wine, Tim getting a DUI at the police department where his dad worked, the namesake of The Worker tall boy, being tuned into the male Midwest supper courtship, Tim and Dax's Sunday Company mythology, and achieving the most comfortable level of fame.#sponsored by @Allstate. Go to https://bit.ly/momscar to check Allstate first and see how much you could save on car insurance.Follow Mom's Car on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch new content on YouTube or listen to Mom's Car ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/plus now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hollywood has never shied away from portraying obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — but it often gets it wrong. Typically, OCD is reduced to a punchline, a quirky habit, or a stereotype about neatness and handwashing. In this episode, TV & movie actor Rachel Alig and award-winning filmmaker Sam Sabawi take us behind the scenes of their acclaimed short film “For All I Know” to show how OCD can — and should — be portrayed with truth and compassion. Sam, who lives with OCD, explains why lazy writing has distorted public understanding and how he used his lived experience to create an authentic story. Rachel shares the emotional depth required to embody a character with OCD, and how she avoided the clichés that Hollywood often leans on. Together, they reveal how real therapy techniques — especially exposure and response prevention (ERP) — were brought into the film to highlight the messy, ongoing reality of recovery. Listener takeaways: how Hollywood depictions have shaped public misconceptions of OCD and why the process of authentically portraying OCD on screen matters what OCD actually is — and isn't why ERP therapy is the gold standard for treatment This is a rare insider look at mental illness through the eyes of two industry leaders determined to change how we see OCD. Listen now! Sam and Rachel's Award-Winning Short Film About OCD, For All I Know, is available on YouTube now. (Viewing Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vwk4UPHKp0) Our guest, Sam Sabawi, is a two-time Emmy-nominated filmmaker whose work spans narrative fiction, documentary, and unscripted formats. A five-time Telly Award winner and two-time Anthem Gold recipient, Sabawi brings over a decade of experience in visual storytelling across scripted film, development, and branded content. His recent short film For All I Know explores the interior landscape of OCD to externalize intrusive thoughts. The film is currently on its festival circuit. Our guest, Rachel Alig, is quickly establishing herself as a dynamic force in both comedy and drama, with a growing list of standout performances across film, television, and commercial work. With over a decade of experience, she has shared the screen with acclaimed talent including John Magaro (The Big Short, PastLives, Carol), Lou Diamond Phillips, Nick Jonas, Jason Biggs, Rob Riggle, and Master P. Her most recent film, OMAHA—starring John Magaro—premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in the prestigious U.S. Dramatic Competition category and was acquired by Greenwich Entertainment for a theatrical release in early 2026. She also appears in FOUND FOOTAGE, distributed by Vertical Entertainment, which hit theaters nationwide on June 20, 2025. Rachel stars opposite of Lou Diamond Phillips and Malcolm McDowell in, ET TU, which started streaming on all major platforms this summer.  And today, September 2, 2025, INVISIBLE, is streaming on Amazon Prime, where Rachel has the lead female role. Rachel's craft is rooted in a strong foundation of training, including The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in West Hollywood and The Groundlings. She further honed her skills through ongoing work with Lesly Kahn & Co. and two years of master classes at The Margie Haber Studio. Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. Gabe is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can't imagine life without. To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Country singer Deacon Claybourne is on the pod! "Nashville's" leading man, Charles Esten, joins Jenna and Kevin to talk about his time on the hit show, but his journey to get there could be its own TV series! From doing stand-up comedy, being the house manager at The Groundlings, to playing Buddy Holly in London and performing in front of royalty and U.S. Presidents! Plus, his funny audition story for "Nashville" and why it pays to be nice, his first unexpected encounter with Hayden Panettiere, performing at the Grand Ole Opry and The Bluebird Cafe as Deacon and then as himself, and his Guinness World Record! Strap on your boots and get ready for one heck of an adventure! For fun, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes clips, follow us on Instagram @andthatswhatyoureallymissedpod & TikTok @thatswhatyoureallymissed!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're looking back at Rob's conversation with SNL legend Laraine Newman! In this episode, Rob and SNL and Groundlings alum Laraine Newman discuss when you should say hello to your neighbor, how The Coneheads makeup can change you, and why it may be a good idea to copyright your character's voice! This episode originally aired in July 2021. Make sure to subscribe to the show on YouTube at YouTube.com/@LiterallyWithRobLowe! Got a question for Rob? Call our voicemail at 323-570-4551. Your question could get featured on the show!

Julian Lowe never expected to be a pastor, which ironically freed him up to become one. He talks about what he learned at the Groundlings, in Music, and in ministry, sharing why he feels white men are afraid to preach the Bible, and how to speak the biblical truth to people who disagree with you.

On this episode of The Adam Carolla Show, actor and cultural icon Steve Guttenberg calls in! Adam kicks things off by asking Steve about his experience during the Palisades fires, and the two dive into the state's slow and confusing rebuilding efforts. Adam praises Guttenberg's classic film Diner, and they share stories about their early days breaking into the entertainment business. Steve recalls his time at The Groundlings, where he met the legendary Paul Reubens (Pee-Wee Herman), and they discuss the 40th anniversary of Police Academy. Adam asks Steve what kind of sandwiches his mom used to make for him growing up, then delivers Steve his earth-shattering sandwich rating.Later, Jason “Mayhem” Miller joins Adam for the news. First, they break down a bizarre story out of the Hollywood Hills where a suspected arsonist was caught in the act and stopped by fitness influencers on the Runyon Canyon hiking trail. Firefighters had to deploy both ground and aerial resources to contain the blaze, which had already spread to a quarter-acre. Then, they discuss a shocking double homicide in Encino involving longtime American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas Deluca. Police responded to a welfare check and discovered both victims dead in their home, with signs pointing to a violent home invasion days earlier. A 22-year-old suspect has been arrested and is facing murder charges as the LAPD continues its investigation.Get it on.FOR MORE WITH STEVE GUTTENBERG:MOVIE: Kidnapped by a Killer: The Heather Robinson StoryINSTAGRAM: @steveguttenbergTWITTER: @steve_guttenberFOR MORE WITH JASON “MAYHEM” MILLER: INSTAGRAM & TWITTER: @mayhemmillerWEBSITE: www.mayhemnow.com Thank you for supporting our sponsors:BetOnlineHomes.comForThePeople.com/ADAMoreillyauto.com/ADAMSHOPIFY.COM/carollaPluto.tvLIVE SHOWS: July 17 - Plymouth, WIJuly 19 - Plymouth, WIJuly 20 - Milwaukee, WIAugust 6 - Reno, NVAugust 7 - Portland, ORSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.