Podcasts about improv theater

Daniel Jeremiah joins Chris from the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin and sets the record straight on all info coming out of this years draft. DJ talks about Shedeur Sanders' potential, Cam Ward to Tennessee and Ashton Jeanty's landing spots. Chris and DJ also gives out there favorite edge rushers, Will Campbell's NFL comps and what team Abdul Carter could suit up for? (00:00) - Intro (3:45) - Cam Jurgens' Contract Extension (7:45) - AJ Brown's Car Stolen (14:45) - Daniel Jeremiah Talks 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders' Potential & Ashton Jeanty to the Raiders? (49:30) - Blue Origins Space Flight (57:04) - Billy Strings in Charlottesville (59:03) - Chris' Genius Mattress Idea Make sure to check out Kenny Mayne at the People's Improv Theater in New York City on April 24th! Have some interesting takes, some codebreaks or just want to talk to the Green Light Crew? We want to hear from you. Call into the Green Light Hotline and give us your hottest takes, your biggest gripes and general thoughts. Day and night, this hotline is open. Green Light Hotline: ‪(202) 991-0723‬ In need of sweet threads to vibe like Chris and the fellas? Check out the website for everything merch wise and enjoy for 25% off your entire order in celebration of the 2025 NFL Draft! sitewide! Also, check out our paddling partners at Appomattox River Company to get your canoes, kayaks and paddleboards so you're set to hit the river this summer. Green Light's YouTube Channel, where you can catch all the latest GL action: Green Light with Chris Long: Subscribe and enjoy weekly content including podcasts, documentaries, live chats, celebrity interviews and more including hot news items, trending discussions from the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, NCAA are just a small part of what we will be sharing with you.

Milton Williams joins Chris Long on the heels of his new contract with the New England Patriots. Milton dishes on his excitement to join the Patriots, the players he's can't wait to play with and his time in New England so far. He also rewinds to Philly and talks winning Super Bowl LIX with the Philadelphia Eagles against the Kansas City Chiefs, playing with Jalen Carter and Brandon Graham, Vic Fangio's coaching style and the craziness of the Eagles' Super Bowl parade! (00:00) - Intro (4:15) - Remembering Patrick Peterson's Walk Off Touchdown vs the Rams in 2011 (9:09) - Milton Williams on the New England Patriots, the Eagles Super Bowl & Facing Josh Allen Make sure to check out Kenny Mayne at the People's Improv Theater in New York City on April 24th! Have some interesting takes, some codebreaks or just want to talk to the Green Light Crew? We want to hear from you. Call into the Green Light Hotline and give us your hottest takes, your biggest gripes and general thoughts. Day and night, this hotline is open. Green Light Hotline: ‪(202) 991-0723‬ In need of sweet threads to vibe like Chris and the fellas? Check out the website for everything merch wise and enjoy for 25% off your entire order in celebration of the 2025 NFL Draft! sitewide! Also, check out our paddling partners at Appomattox River Company to get your canoes, kayaks and paddleboards so you're set to hit the river this summer. Green Light's YouTube Channel, where you can catch all the latest GL action: Green Light with Chris Long: Subscribe and enjoy weekly content including podcasts, documentaries, live chats, celebrity interviews and more including hot news items, trending discussions from the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, NCAA are just a small part of what we will be sharing with you.

Kenny Mayne joins Chris and Macon for an episode of pure entertainment. Kenny's Wiffle Ball documentary, out now on fubo tv, revisits the day that Kenny and Ken Griffey Jr threw Wiffle balls together in Seattle with the documentary investigating who threw a Wiffle ball faster - Ken or Kenny. Plenty of other stories are told by Kenny - the worst moments of his broadcasting career, celebrity softball games with Howie Long, talking to Jack Nicholson at the Ali-Holmes fight and the recounting of Chris' golf tournament. Chris and Macon also send Happy Trails to Patrick Peterson and talk about Nico Iamaleava and the impact NIL is having on the NCAA. (00:00) - Intro (5:00) - Patrick Peterson's Retirement (10:22) - Nico Iamaleava and NIL in the NCAA (31:25) - Kenny Mayne on Throwing Wiffle Balls with Ken Griffey Jr, Celebrity Softball Games with Howie Long & Worst Broadcasting Moments of Career Make sure to check out Kenny Mayne at the People's Improv Theater in New York City on April 24th! - https://thepit-nyc.com/events/kenny-mayne-jokes-a-movie/ Green Light Podcast March Madness Tournament! Click the link below to fill out the form granting you entry into the GLP bracket! Prizes include 1st place $500, 2nd place $250, 3rd place $100 in Bet MGM gift cards. Must be 21+ to be eligible for a prize. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbnomKvB7t2zNKqvKNMstq_P2HClxciUC95moAHD-mDIKcyg/viewform Have some interesting takes, some codebreaks or just want to talk to the Green Light Crew? We want to hear from you. Call into the Green Light Hotline and give us your hottest takes, your biggest gripes and general thoughts. Day and night, this hotline is open. Green Light Hotline: ‪(202) 991-0723‬ In need of sweet threads to vibe like Chris and the fellas? Check out https://greenlightpodcast.org/ for everything merch wise and then some! Also, check out our paddling partners at Appomattox River Company to get your canoes, kayaks and paddleboards so you're set to hit the river this summer. https://paddleva.com/ Green Light's YouTube Channel, where you can catch all the latest GL action: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgxWFAA-wuB7osdiAJyLOcw Green Light with Chris Long: Subscribe and enjoy weekly content including podcasts, documentaries, live chats, celebrity interviews and more including hot news items, trending discussions from the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, NCAA are just a small part of what we will be sharing with you.

This episode's guest is, actor, director, producer, improviser, and all-around wonderful human, Jennifer Clymer.Jen's journey is a rich tapestry of creativity, resilience, and community building. From founding Chicago's Playground Improv Theater to producing and directing both indie darlings and major studio projects (Spider-Man, Charlie's Angels), Jen brings heart and hustle to everything she does.We talk about her early days in Chicago's theater scene, how she pivoted into producing, and the powerful work she does now at the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF)—where she helps care for aging and retired members of the entertainment industry. 

Gerald Sanders is a man who has struggled to be known as good at anything. But excelling to much at his most recent hobby has not fully been the success story he had hoped for. And with a Sigmund Fraud like Ian Herrin as his therapist, Gerald might be doomed to violence and vigilantism simply because he's not getting the therapeutic perspective he so desperately needs. Get out of there, Gerald, RETREAT!! Ah, now you must be the opposite of all thumbs, because you've found the best part of the episode description! The part where I tell you all about the wonderful actor and improviser Matt Mack. You can catch Matt at The People's Improv Theater playing with Small Town Tall Tales and CRUD! with shows coming up Wednesday April 23rd 6:30pm at the Loft and Friday May 23rd 9pm at the Anex.

Comedian, author, and political satirist Andrew Heaton joins Saving Elephants host Josh Lewis to explore where our political tribalism comes from, why it's gotten out of hand, and what to do about it.   About Andrew Heaton From mightyheaton.com   Andrew Heaton is a comedian, author, and political satirist. He's the host of “The Political Orphanage” comedy and news podcast, and scifi deep dive podcast “Alienating the Audience.” He's a frequent Reason TV contributor and hosted the popular webseries “Mostly Weekly.” He's performed standup comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, as a finalist in the China International Standup Competition, and throughout the United States and Europe. A former congressional staffer, he's the best-selling author of “Laughter is Better Than Communism,” as well as two funny novels. He once opened for William Shatner, who said he's “very funny.” So there.   As a UCB-trained sketch writer and improviser Andrew Heaton comprises half of the comedy duo Lost History, which has performed improvised historical reenactments at the Del Close Marathon and Austin's Out of Bounds Comedy Festival. He's a founding member of the popular New York indie improv team Lumberon, and an alumni of the sketch troupes 17:38 and First Runner Up.   As a political comedian Andrew Heaton has entertained numerous think tanks and advocacy groups, student associations, and sinister political action committees. He's a regular at Electoral Dysfunction at the People's Improv Theater in New York, and the Totally Dishonest Media Show at Stand Up New York. He hosted the award-winning series EconPop, a comedy show which explained economics through popular culture.   Andrew Heaton is the author of the best-selling work of political satire Laughter is Better Than Communism, and two funny paranormal novels: Frank Got Abducted (about aliens) and Happier as Werewolves (a tender coming of age novel involving werewolves).  His latest book is Tribalism is Dumb, detailed below.   About Tribalism is Dumb   Tribalism has made politics so awful I was forced to write a book about it. Well, fine. Fine.   This book explores the evolutionary roots of loving our team and hating the enemy team, and why groupish caveman instincts linger in our minds today. It answers: If tribalism is hardwired into us, what changed in the last twenty years? How did partisanship get so loud, toxic, and obnoxious, and ruin last Thanksgiving? Finally, it says what we can do about it as individuals navigating relationships, and as society as a whole.   "Tribalism is Dumb" will make you less flummoxed by partisanship, political loudmouths, and dogmatic pundits. It will make you taller, slimmer, and more attractive to everyone you could legally hit on. And it will make you better equipped to navigate tribalism in the wild.  

[Note to listeners: Sorry for the not-so-great sound on this one. I had issues.] Erin Whalen has spent years as an actor and acting coach, and she's now discovered her true calling: Compassionate Coaching. Through improvisational theater with groups of all sizes, she creates space for grief to flow and growth to flourish. But what does that really mean? How did Erin find her way into this unique work? And what is her personal story, including the life and loss of her sister? Erin's energy and approach are hard to put into words — have a listen and experience her infectious style for yourself! https://www.compassionatecoaching.org/

New Orleans Police Chief says 'no security failure,' just a creative reimagining of public safety.

New Orleans Police Chief says 'no security failure,' just a creative reimagining of public safety.

MacArthur Fellow, social entrepreneur, multimedia artist, and founder of the Sphinx Organization, Aaron Dworkin, discusses his new memoir, "Lessons in Gratitude." Plus, we celebrate Whole World Improv Theater's 30th anniversary and we hear about the No Words Music Festival, which takes place at multiple Atlanta venues October 11-13.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This Friends Like Us features Jenny Saldaña and Abbi Crutchfield. The guests discuss donuts and weekend activities as well as more serious topics like breast cancer awareness.  Jenny talks about her personal battle with breast cancer, including issues of systemic racism and cultural challenges faced by women of color in healthcare. Jenny's upcoming comedy show, 'Hooray for Boobies,' aims to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer.  We also emphasize the importance of medical advocacy, disparities in healthcare, and a shocking revelation about music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs' criminal activities. The discussion concludes with anecdotes about childhood curiosity, discipline, and the importance of autonomy from an early age. Always hosted by Marina Franklin. Abbi Crutchfield has been seen on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee on TBS, Broad City on Comedy Central, and she hosted You Can Do Better on TruTV. Her jokes on Twitter are consistently featured on best of lists by publications such as Paste Magazine and The Huffington Post. She has trained at the renowned Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre, taught at the People's Improv Theater, and she tours nationally with her stand-up.  Jenny Saldaña is an award winning playwright, actor and comedian. She is also a 17 year breast cancer survivor and advocate.  Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf  

Christina Brady, CEO and co-founder of AI start-up Luster, discusses the challenges in B2B selling and the need for a buyer-centric approach. She highlights the importance of leading indicators and the lack of measurement in sales processes. Brady emphasizes the changing buying behavior of customers and the need for sales teams to adapt. She also introduces Luster, an AI-powered solution that enables salespeople to practice and receive targeted feedback, leading to improved performance and coaching. In this conversation, Christina Brady, CEO of Luster, discusses the importance of practice and continuous improvement in sales. She emphasizes the need for a safe environment for reps to practice and make mistakes without fear of judgment. Brady also highlights the value of senior reps continuing to practice and maintain mastery, rather than becoming complacent. She shares her journey of founding Luster and the challenges she faced in the early stages. Brady attributes her sales success to her background in improv theater, which taught her to think on her feet and build rapport with customers. She also mentions several mentors and leaders who have influenced her career. Takeaways Internal challenges in B2B selling include the reliance on lagging indicators and the lack of leading indicators to measure success. Sales teams often pivot without understanding what is broken or not working, leading to constant changes and lack of measurement. Buyers have always wanted to buy in a way that suits them, and sales processes should be buyer-centric to drive success. The lack of time and tools for training and coaching sales teams hinders their ability to improve and adapt. Lustre provides a solution for salespeople to practice and receive targeted feedback, leading to improved performance and coaching. Creating a safe environment for reps to practice and make mistakes is crucial for their growth and development. Senior reps should continue to practice and maintain mastery to stay at the top of their game. Founding a company comes with challenges, but having a supportive network and mentors can make a significant difference. Skills learned in improv theater, such as thinking on your feet and building rapport, can be valuable in sales. Continuous improvement and a growth mindset are essential for success in sales. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:14 Challenges in B2B Selling 03:12 The Changing Buying Behavior of Customers 08:05 The Importance of Coaching and Practice 14:29 Introducing Lustre: AI-Powered Solution 20:08 Improving Sales Performance with Data-Driven Insights 30:45 The Importance of Practice and Role-Playing in Sales 35:11 Creating a Safe Environment for Reps to Practice and Make Mistakes 39:25 Continuous Improvement and Maintaining Mastery in Sales 43:04 Lessons Learned as a CEO 48:12 The Influence of Mentors and Advisors 53:38 Applying Skills from Improv Theater to Sales

Walang script-script ang malulupit at makukulit na linyahan ng SPIT-- ang pioneer at popular improv group sa Pinas ngayon! Samahan natin ang SPIT (Silly People's Improv Theater) members na sina Aryn Cristobal, Ariel Diccion, Kara Flores, Karl Echaluse, at Pappu de Leon sa episode na 'to! Dito, tinalakay natin ang sining ng improvised theater, at mga karanasan nila sa pagtatanghal sa iba't ibang audiences sa Pilipinas. Ang saya ring malaman kung ano-ano ang kanilang backgrounds-- kung paano ito nakakatulong sa kanilang performances, at kung paano naman nakakatulong ang Improv sa kani-kanilang mga trabaho. Malalaman din natin ang kuwento kung paano nga ba napaputok ng SPIT ang Improv Theater sa social media.  Tara! Maki-'yes, and' na sa nakakaaliw at nakakatalinong kuwentuhan kasama ang SPIT-- listen up, yo! Available na rin ang Linya-Linya x SPIT Manila collab shirts sa www.linyalinya.ph

Bill Clinton (not that one) is having issues with erectile dysfunction. And for some reason, this is the patient that real Sigmund Fraud of a therapist Ian Herrin decides he's willing to leave the confines of his office space to conduct a house call?!? Bill, it is not normal for a therapist to spend half the session remarking upon things in your private home! And also, you sound like maybe you have a real medical issue that is beyond the bounds of mental health! Ian will not help you he will only lead you to seedier and seedier topics!! Alright, alright, alright look who went the full McConaughey and found the best part of the episode description! The part where I get to tell you all about the actor, director, improviser, magician, mr.-do-everything that is my dear friend Jerry Burgos!!! You can catch Jerry playing with his Boogie Manja sketch team The Right Stuff monthly on Wednesdays at the People's Improv Theater! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sigmund-fraud/support

Welcome to Friday! On the podcast: Jer shares his experience at Go Comedy! Improv Theater in Ferndale, highlighting its pride-themed event and the importance of supporting independent arts in Metro Detroit. Devon talks about his recent visit to the Detroit Zoo with his daughter, discussing the new attractions and the joy of seeing animals through a child's eyes We discuss Amar Pizza in Hamtramck getting a nod from The New York Times as one of the best pizza places in the U.S. We highlight the $153 million development project at the historic Fisher Body Auto Plant, which will include residential and commercial spaces, set to be completed by summer 2026. Detroit's three new solar neighborhood projects are discussed, focusing on the benefits of converting vacant land into solar arrays and the home improvements for nearby residents. Jer outlines some of the local projects receiving funding from the Michigan state budget, including the Detroit Zoo, Jimmy John's Field, and the Downtown Boxing Gym. That leads us on a sidetrack, getting into the ongoing discussions and differing opinions surrounding the I-375 project and its potential impact. Devon doesn't think it's gonna happen. And we end talking about the implications of Rite Aid reportedly closing all their stores in Michigan, creating pharmacy deserts and the potential for new business opportunities. Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211 Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonapple Or Spotify: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonspotify Thanks to our members: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit

We're back in the Hall after a hectic week with the whole foot-wiping thing. At any rate we're thrilled to welcome Rebecca North to the show to relitigate the case for Maya Rudolph who is appearing on her last ballot. Check it out and get ready to start voting May, 6th. Transcript: Track 2[0:41] Thank you so much, Doug Donets. It is great to be here inside the SNL Hall of Fame with you all.Now, careful listeners of the show pointed out to me that I didn't remind youto wipe your feet last week. It's not lost to me.I truly thought I had solidified my stance on this matter to the extent thatit would become the norm.But alas, if you are paying for the pay-per-view feed right right now,you can see that I'm holding a mop.Jeepers, creepers, peoples, wipe your damn feet.The SNL Hall of Fame podcast is a weekly affair where each episode we take adeep dive into the career of a former cast member, host, musical guest,or writer and add them to the ballot for your consideration.Once the nominees have been announced, we turn to you, the listener,to vote vote for the most deserving and help determine who will be enshrinedfor perpetuity in the hall.And that's how we play the game.Let's go to our friend Matthew Ardill right now, because the game that we liketo play is learning a little bit about our nominee.And that's exactly what we're going to do.Let me just put this mop down and okay.Oh gosh, I'm parched. There's something going on with my voice.Track 3[1:59] Matthew, old man. How are you doing this week? I am good, thanks. And you?I'm a little shaky in the voice, it seems.Well, maybe you need some water. Let me take a sip of this water.That's better. It is delicious. We talked about water last week.We'll put a pin in it until next week.We don't want to give away the farm, as it were.Maya Rudolph, huh? Yeah. I mean, I'm really looking forward to sharing aboutMaya's life. She is an incredible character.This is interesting because this is her last kick at the can.If she doesn't get in this time, and I believe she was hovering around 58% or59%, so she needs almost 10% to get in, 10% more to get in.And if she doesn't get in, she's off the ballot.That would be a shame because she is an incredible performer and a hilarious person.So take this as a war egg, not telling people how to vote, but just be mindfulof that folks. This is your last chance. Yeah.Track 3[3:16] Well, let's hear some, uh, trivia to maybe sway some people.Yeah. Yeah, Maya Rudolph is 5'7", birthday July 27th, 1972.She has 118 acting credits, 12 producer credits, 2 writing credits,and 30 soundtrack credits.She was born in Gainesville, Florida, but was raised in L.A.,the daughter of singer Minnie Ripperton and composer Richard Rudolph.Off her mother is the singer of the song loving youuh which i've now three times brought upto my wife and every every time we hear it and she goes if you're gonna tellme maya rudolph's mom saying this one more time i'm gonna throw a saw throwa pillow at you but yeah she did and uh in fact if you listen to the singleyou can hear her singing maya maya maya maya because this is a lullaby Bye.Track 3[4:13] That she wrote for Maya and was used to sing her to sleep. Oh, my gosh.Yeah. Now, and her grandfather on her father's side, Sidney J.Rudolph, owned all of the Wendy's and Rudy's restaurants in Dade County, Florida.Track 3[4:29] So he was a- I know Rudy's, but Wendy's, that would be amazing.I love Wendy's. Fast food entrepreneur. entrepreneur.She was childhood friends with Gwyneth Paltrow, and their families were actuallyvery close to the point that her dad was hired by Bruce Paltrow to supervise music on his film Duets.Music runs in her blood. Her brother is also in the music industry as an engineer.When she was seven or eight, this is actually when she fell in love with comedy.She saw a friend hurt themselves and start crying, so she started doing a funnyvoice that made them laugh. And she thought to herself, this is much better than feeling bad.I want to make her feel good. And that's sort of been her philosophy going forward.She studied photography at University of Santa Cruz and formed a band calledSuper Sauce with classmates before joining the band The Rentals,which was fronted by Matt Sharp.Matt Sharp, yeah. Yeah, they released several singles, including Seven MoreMinutes, Barcelona, and My Head is in the Sun.She toured singing. Oh, you got to say Friends of P.Track 3[5:40] Friends of P. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. But yeah, she toured singing backup and playing Moog synthesizer.Friends with P. Sorry. I apologize. There you go. Sorry.Yeah. But when the band broke up, she actually decided to start pursuing comedyand joined the Groundlings. Yeah.Track 3[5:59] She has been in two Oscar-nominated films and has indicated her dream rebootwould be to either remake Tootsie or play Violet or Dora Lee in a 9-to-5 reboot.I want that 9-to-5 reboot.Oh, that feels like low-hanging fruit. Like, in a good way.Track 3[6:20] How has that not been done? Exactly. This is a fall guy, for heaven's sake.Yeah, like I said, low-hanging fruit in that it's so obviously awesome. Yeah.Track 3[6:29] So it's like, why would you not do that? And I can just imagine her singingthe song too, like the, we're gonna do fun. Like, it'd just be beautiful.Yeah. So she later formed a Prince cover band called Princess with her friendGretchen Lieberum in 2011.And Prince himself was a big fan. Oh my gosh.So this shows there's no bad blood over the Prince show sketch.Sketch um now she she firstthe first time she actually met prince was on a five-hour planeride uh he asked if they had met beforeand she thought he must have confused her with someone else but he later cameback and asked if her baby sang to her and she said yeah she makes noise allthe time prince responded maybe that's your mom the first time i saw your momwas on the mike douglas show So I shed a tear.So Prince was just such a beautiful human being.There's like a connection there between the two of them. I'm speechless.I'm speechless right now. Well, I mean, that's how Prince leaves everyone atone point or another, you know, just does something so miraculous and wild andawesome that you're just like, I've got no words.No words at all. Well, we have a lot more words, though, coming your way ina conversation between Thomas and Rebecca North.Track 3[7:55] This should be a good one, Matt. Yeah, looking forward to it.So let's head down to Thomas now.Track 4[8:30] All right, Matt and JD, thank you so much. Yes, we are talking about somebodywho has been a very beloved cast member who has been on the ballot since season one.So this is like one of those very special episodes of the SNL Hall of Fame wherewe get to almost re-litigate or re-examine somebody's candidacy.Somebody who I'm surprised isn't already in the SNL Hall of Fame because thisperson's so beloved. So I'm excited today to chat about Maya Rudolph and joiningme a first timer here on the SNL Hall of Fame podcast.Track 4[9:06] Rebecca North is joining me to chat about Maya Rudolph. Rebecca, how are you doing today?I'm good, Thomas. I'm happy to be here. This is my first time,so I'm excited to voice my opinions about someone who I'm shocked.It's been five seasons now and still has not made it to the Hall of Fame,and that was groundbreaking to me.So I'm here to vouch for Maya and kind of talk through her career and history on SNL.So I can't wait. Yeah, we'll dig in to see why she might not be.We'll definitely try to make another case for her Hall of Fame candidacy forsure. And you're a great person to come on and talk with me about this.You and I were teammates a long time ago, two years ago on the Saturday Night Network's trivia.We did a little trivia together. So I don't know that we won.We were going up against Bill Kenney and stuff and he dominated us.But that's how we first came in contact.And you've been doing stuff over at the Saturday Night Network off and on.What have you been up to over at the S&N recently?Track 4[10:14] Yeah, I was actually thinking about that. That was my first episode on SNN asa guest for trivia. And we did get annihilated.But it was fun. I feel like very insightful. Like I learned a lot through that.When I was signed up, I was like, Oh, it's gonna be a piece of cake.And then no, we were up against people who have been watching for live for amillion years and rewatch it and do all that.So that was fun. But yeah, I'm over at the SNN Saturday Night Network.And I'm going on a lot of those roundtables recapping the episode.And just really enjoying this season leading up to season 50 of SNL,which is going to be a huge one.So loving kind of the gap bridging between, like, millennials and Gen Z.Track 4[10:57] Specifically on the show and the writing staff.So this has been, like, an exciting kind of transitional season for that atleast I'm viewing, where some of the guests are people that most of the viewershave never heard of, but they're really exciting to me.So I'm excited to get really just into SNL this season.Yeah, it's been a really interesting season. I like hearing you on the hot takeshows and the roundtables because I think you and I often share similar sensibilitiesand similar opinions with the show.And I think your opinions are, they're mostly positive, they're fair,but you're not like, you're not just going to say everything's great.That's what I like. You have a discerning eye for this. So I think your voiceon the S&N and the roundtables and such, I think is a really nice perspective,Rebecca. So I'm glad you're sharing that perspective with us today.Yeah, thank you, Thomas. Ialso know we both have a shared love for pop culture and all things there.So it's going to be exciting to talk about someone who was on the show and isreally just pivotal in pop culture, I think.Like, as far as some of those, not earlier, but, like, middle of SNL cast membersgo, I think Maya is definitely someone we've seen, is very well known just in the world.And people that have never even watched SNL know Maya Rudolph.It's just a name, which is why I'm so shocked that season five,she's still not in the Hall of Fame. I know. She pops up everywhere, too.Like, so many shows that I watch, like, is it the –.Track 4[12:25] The Good Place. Yes. I didn't even expect her to pop up in The Good Place,and she played the judge.And my wife and I were like, oh my gosh, Maya Rudolph. We were so excited.She just does that. She's just omnipresent in pop culture.I was actually going to reference that when I was thinking about her beforethis. It was such a small character, but had such an impact on The Good Place.I really loved that. I'm glad you brought that one up. No, absolutely.That's what she does. Maya just pops up, and then everybody,we all get excited to see Maya on her screen.She's like an electric performer. Rebecca, I'm curious about,since you're a first-timer here on the show, you've never, you know,haven't shared, obviously, your SNL fandom with us. So tell us about, like, your SNL fandom.When did you start watching the show? Any particular cast members or casts in general? role?Track 4[13:11] So I watched the show a lot. It was very big in my household.My parents aren't super fans, but they don't miss an episode.They watch every Saturday night.No matter what they would do, they would have it on TiVo. I remember growingup and then DVR to watch it just every Saturday night.They go to sleep after the news and watch the rest the next day.And I think around high schools when I started to appreciate SNL, I actually,the other said, man, big on pop culture, but I became very just interested inpolitics and just learning a lot more about this world because I feel like Iwould have conversations with people and actually have no clue what I was talking about.And that was something that I was always, like, missing.And then I actually really got into SNL because of the politics and the stancesthere and seeing Tina Fey as Sarah Palin.I suddenly knew who Sarah Palin was and knew how to give an opinion and a stanceand know that. So that's actually what really like hooked me.I've always been a big comedy fan. Like any set come that I even do some standupnow and sketch around New York. Yeah.I dabble. I'm not super well versed, but I started when I lived in Seattle.It takes a lot to even dabble. I've done it once.I did a five minute set once and I'm like, this is tough.Track 4[14:28] Five for your furset is a lot. So I lived in Seattle during the pandemic.And I'm not from there, so I'm from New York. And the way that I actually gotto meet people was I took an improv class.And through that, I don't – not an improv girl, but I met someone that was like,I feel like you do good stand-up. You want to come with me one night?And that's actually how I made a lot of my social life and friends there isjust going to open mics, doing open mics, working on things with people,So that's how I got into that.And then when I moved back to New York, the way that I met some other peoplehere was taking a sketch class at People's Improv Theater.Track 4[15:06] And through that, going to a lot of shows and open mics and just making connections with people.So comedy has always just been at the root of things in my life.But then really when I started like understanding it and really appreciatingthe show that it was like a universal experience, but I just never sat and watched.I think around high school time is that when my parents would record it,even if I was doing my thing, running around like at night, every Sunday,like even today, like I don't usually watch it live.I watch it every single Sunday. It's part of my routine now.I watch it like Sunday, 11 o'clock.I wake up, I'm making breakfast and I'm watching SNL and it's basically justbeen a constant in my life. And a lot of it really stemmed, weirdly enough,from getting to know and learn and understand politics in a fun way.Yeah. As fun as they can be these past few years anyway.That's really interesting. Yeah, I don't often hear people say it was politics.Even though SNL is synonymous with politics, that's a really neat way to get into the show.I love it. And so when did you first take notice of Maya Rudolph as a performer? Was it SNL?Track 4[16:12] It was SNL. So Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig are like my two favorite cast members of all time.And a lot of it was their interactions with each other.And I was able to see a lot of like myself and my friends in them and the waythat they interact and the way that they bring each other onto their projectsin real life or even watching them on a talk show or red carpet or they're presentingan award at the Emmys together.Like the way that they interacted I also feltthe same similar with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler where I was just likeme and my girlfriend just sit and do this andwe just kind of shoot the shit and talk andare funny and friends and I think that's what reallyfelt relatable to me and I think in actually some of the the sketches that Ilike think so highly of Maya and a lot of them are her and Kristen are justher being her but in like a funny way and adopting and I really I really feellike that's what drew me in to her is I could see myself being friends with her.I can't say that about everyone that's been on this show, but I'm like,you're someone that I'd get coffee with and I feel like I'd have a great time.Yeah, I can see that, definitely. It seems like she'd be easy to be friends with. For sure.Yeah, if she was my friend, she would probably say, you know what,Thomas, I'm disappointed. I've been on the ballot.This is my fifth time on the ballot now, and I'm not in the Hall of Fame yet. What's the deal?Track 4[17:34] Yeah, you have to make it up to her to get a friendship. I know. Jeez.I know. Sorry, Maya. So in season one, she had 47% of the vote.Seasons two, three, and four, actually, it's been hovering around 58%.It's been very, very steady.Track 4[17:50] So almost like knocking at the door, Rebecca, the candidates need 66.7% of thevote to get in. So to about two thirds of the vote.So she's like knocking on that door, but not quite over the hump.So why do you think, like, do you have any theories as to why Maya hasn't gotover that hump and been voted into the hall?Yeah. So something that stuck out to me as a reason why I love her,but I actually could see people not is obviously we've seen her do countlessimpressions on the show.So from Beyonce to Kamala Harris to just all of these different people,but she's still kind of maintains maya andthat and i think maybe from an impressionist pointof view you look at someone like top of mind right now ischloe feinman and you look at chloe and she's animpressionist whenever she puts a wig on she embodiesthat person and maya the similar to if sarahsherman does an impression i'm just relating it to this season is it's sarahsherman still and you still have all of her quirks and all of that maya is verythat and that's actually why I like her because I'm like yeah you're not blendingcompletely into this person I thinkthere are two types of people that do impressions on SNL people J.A.J.That just completely embodies that and you actually might not be able to tellwho is who if they're talking next to each other and people that sometimes are funnier to me is.Track 4[19:11] Someone that, like, their quirks and their characteristics come through.And it's, like, Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris.And sometimes that's even funnier to me than an actual spot on impression.Because if you're not going to do a perfect impression, at least let your comedy come through.Track 4[19:27] But that's something that I specifically like. I have dabbled in the space andI'm not an impressionist.I made a joke that the only impression I could do is, like, either a 60-year-oldchain smoker or, like, an old man just based on my voice.And my stature and i'm just likei you would see me through any impression i've done sothat is something that like shines out to me is that likei love that and respect them when someone could do that and make it funny andreally let themselves come through that like ad bryant as well as someone thatsticks out like you're laughing at them you're not laughing at the spot on impressionso i see the flip side of maybe people being like maya is always maya no matterwhat she is what what character she's playing,what impression she's doing, it's still Maya Rudolph as that person.It's not her embodying someone, which I respect, but I think that actually couldbe one of the reasons that she hasn't gotten her way onto the ballot yet.Track 4[20:20] Yeah, I think that's a pretty good theory. You do bring up a good point aboutimpressions that I wanted to circle back to, too, because we've talked about,on the SNL Hall of Fame, we've talked about impressions quite a bit and whatyour taste in impressions is and what you look for.And I think the way Maya's done it is preferable to me over somebody who's technically sound.We've had a lot of impressionists on SNL who are technically great impressionists.Some recent ones, actually, who didn't quite hit on the show.Because I think with an impression, Rebecca, you have to have a take.And it has to be funny. To me, you only get so much mileage out of just soundinglike the person and looking like the person. You actually have to have some comedic.Track 4[21:05] Value to the impression so i don'twant to bring up names because i don't you know but there's been impressionists onthe show uh in in the past whohave been who've done very sound technically great impressions but there's nocomedic take behind yeah so with maya i think we have seen we see a lot of uhfunny comedic takes does she sound 100 like beyonce it's okay like i don't knowYou can kind of tell she's trying to play Beyonce,but there's some sort of take there. Same with Donatella Versace.She does a weird one of Scott Joplin, who's like a real person.She did a couple of some of my favorite Maya's work.It wasn't quite an impression. It was kind of her take on a historical figure, like a funny take.But there's the comedic value in it. So that was a really good point,Rebecca, about impressions and Maya and how she does impressions.But I have a confession for you. Yeah.I'm one of those people who has been on the fence about voting her in.Why? Yeah. So here's my – and I'm glad you asked me in that tone because I'veasked myself in that tone. In my judgy tone?Yeah. No, I've asked myself in that judgy tone too.Track 4[22:22] But I finally pinpointed it, I think.Think so maya was on from 2000 to2007 and i think i thinkshe spent much of her time on snl in the wrong erafor her skill set i think like theearly to mid 2000s i think thatcatered to a lot of and there's a lot oflike lowbrow kind of humor there was a lotand i think she was capable of so much more i thinkshe was very clever and but she always she didn'talways get a lot of clever sketches on ithink she was way more like her skill set was alot more diverse than maybe the era catered toso i and that that's just kind ofmy taste but i think that's kind ofwhat the era was there was a lot of like and it'shard to describe from like about 2001 to like2005 it was a lot of edgelord humorit was a lot of like let's put people let'slet's dress up an athlete in a a wig and a dress let'sput our female host and get justgive her a wig and some jewelry and make her talk like ahip-hop affectation kind of characters i don't know it's just like a it wasa weird vibe and comedy just in general around that time so i don't i thinki don't know if you could see where i'm coming from with maybe her skill setshe would have been better off in a different time of snl where she could have really shined i think.Track 4[23:47] I actually really agree with that. It was also a really saturated cast.So for everyone to stand out and saturated not only by volume,but talent and big, big personalities.Like you see nowadays, even this season, it's a very saturated cast,but there are a lot of people that are really strong background characters that like they shine in that.That but I would say from her six seven years onthe show it really was a lotof huge huge personalities comedically like kind offighting for that spotlight there so the edgier or the probably more lowbrowyou could get at the time I feel like the more that you shined on the show andthat's what it needed to be then and that was kind of what we were seeing comedyat that time So I do agree with you there.And yeah, I feel like even now, just like learning about Maya and her,just, I feel like she's very cultured and like intelligent outside of comedy.And that inspires a lot of it, like her Prince tribute band.And going through that, she has a lot of niche interests and quirks that I feellike if she was on a different season, even like on current season,the writing cast was different and they would really let it shine.And kind of write things around someone that would understand.I think about Bo and Yang doing the Troye Sivan sketch.Track 4[25:08] Did it relate to everyone? No. But was it funny because it was someone doingsomething they were passionate about and understood and got?I feel like if Maya was on a more recent season, I would say probably from like2015 till now, the writers would tailor things to her and she wouldn't justhave to fit in and be the funny character in what she was doing.And you have her and Kristen Wiig as, like, a dynamic duo throughout the seasonstogether, and they are so different, and their humor is so different.And I feel like although their partnership was something that we've seen fromthe show on and through that, I feel like it was more for Kristen to shine thanit allowed for Maya to shine.And I think that is probably the reason she isn't in this Hall of Fame.But as you look back like taking a deeper eye to this and the reason why I'mso excited to talk about her is like she was just stunning.Track 4[26:02] Standard and reliable like you knew she wasgoing to say something or sing something and we were going tolaugh whether she was the star of it and whetherit was even her like area toshine comedically she always did trigger a lot from the audience so althoughi you don't want to like pit women against each other but i kind of feel likethe writers then had to pick the star and kristin definitely got that spotlightand maya was more of a supporting role when i actually feel I feel like theycould have balanced that a little different.Track 4[26:32] Yeah, that's something that you just articulated that I think I've always felt,but I never really articulated it to myself, is that dynamic with her and Kristenand maybe a little bit Amy. I think she and Amy were actually really good.Of course, they did Bronx Beat together and stuff, but I think they actuallyhad a really good partnership.I really I wish that Maya sheended in on SNL in 2007I wish she could have had a few more years because Ithink that that cast was just finding its groovearound 2007 so I would wish Mayacould have been a part of them really hitting thepeak like she could I wish she could have done more stuff with Sudeikisand Hader and even develop more ofa partnership with Kristen so I think she was in a weird eraand she was part of when the show kind offlipped and got another golden era buti wish she could have been part more of amore of that golden era than she wasif that makes sense yeah that that actually is areally good point like as they transitioned over she was one of the cast membersthat transitioned with them but didn't get to see it through fruition the waythat like she probably should have after the year she put into it like yeahand if she was able to stick around and actually like help with the transitionand do that and move that over.So that's an awesome point because I feel like the show really flips.Track 4[27:56] Each big era from like, is who dominates it?Especially I think like gender is a big thing. Like, is it being carried bylike Andy Samberg, Jason Sudeikis, Bill Hader, that?That was a very male heavy, like leading a lot of the sketches.And then you go to Kate McKinnon, Cecily and 80. And that was very,very female dominating.And I kind of wished even just as a general statement throughout the years,there was better balance and you would see moredynamic duos from like thewomen and the men on the cast and i think that's actually somethingthat snl has really never quite nailed down since the early early seasons umlike really from the not ready for primetime players that i think had the bestbalance between everyone had a role but since the cast are so saturated nowit's easier to make a a more bro-y sketch or a more, like,female-oriented sketch.And that's just natural and due to the nature. But I kind of feel like that'swhat we're missing now is that sweet spot.You look at all the duos or trios or groups of people from 2000 on.Track 4[29:01] And there's never really, like, a male-female dynamic duo leading that.And I actually think, like, Maya and Fred could have done that.And we see in real life that they kind of are that dynamic duo.And we've seen that really come to terms afterthe show and all of that but I think that's like an areathat we've been missing for a while is like having someonejust really dominant that way and I think that would just make maybe every sketchmore reliable to this so I talked to John about sketches that he all-time favoritethinks is the funniest things with like Andrew Dismukes and I'm like yeah Ilaughed it wasn't like necessarily my thing or like little things things like that.And that's, I guess, reaching all the different people in the audience.Track 4[29:46] But kind of looking for that sweet spot.And I feel like she could have been a really good bridge between that.She really could have. That's such a good point. And I was thinking of Fredtoo, with Amaya and Fred, they could have had such a, they could have builton like a dynamic because Fred stayed until what, 2012, something like that.So, so they could have had a few more years together. Yeah. See great points, Rebecca.See, Maya is overdue in the Arsenal Hall of Fame andyou were overdue to appear on this podcast i'm alreadymeant to be yeah it was meant to be then but i'mhere i'm here to vouch for her and then hopefully vouch for a returnon this podcast i think you've already sealed a return 20 minutesin wow so as far asmaya's work on snl what what kind of immediately stands out to you like youwe can we can kind of just talk about it like a specific character or sketchright now well you did mention bronx beat and that is the number one When Ilook back at my 10 favorite sketches of all time,I think Bronx Beat is really just up there in that list.Initially, I'm like, okay, Maya's on this show. Who are we talking about? Bronx Beat is that.So, your book, you like to ride bikes. Yes, I traveled all over the countryand found the best trails and rated them according to difficulty and size and, uh... Uh-huh.You know how many times I had sex last year, Frankie?Track 4[31:11] 0.002. And it was my choice. This area down here, this area,it's got the Ghostbusters thing over it.No one's allowed in there. No trespassing. No trespassing. Clothes for business.You know that red circle thing with the line, the Ghostbusters thing?Yeah. It's my choice. You know what? When my husband wants to get sex... It's always funny.No matter when I watch it, no matter what mood I'm in, it is just always one that gets me laughing.And I think that was a good point you made about Amy and Maya's chemistry.Like, they have such a funny, like, chemistry in this. And their dialects, it's just a dumb sketch.But it really just always hits. Sometimes you just get those where you're like, this is amazing.And that was pure gold. So that definitely stands out to me.It's a dumb sketch, but it's not.It's not a dumb sketch because they have these mannerisms. So now you're fromNew York, you said, right? Yes.Have you met these ladies before? Yes.So I'm from Long Island. So it's a little different, but there's like,there's a similarity between Bronx and certain parts of Long Island.And I think especially like older generations, like the accents are real.Like people actually sound like that.And I think that was around, like, an era with Jersey Shore was also,like, how are these people real?But they are. And the people of Bronx Beat, those people exist.Track 4[32:34] And it's awesome to see. And it was, like, a really great depiction.And they really just took those characters to 110%. And they were relatable.Like, I was able to be like, oh, that's who that is.That's someone from New York. And it was awesome. Yeah, yeah.Yeah, that sketch was so musical, too.Like, when Amy talking and then Maya talking, like, the way they bantered backand forth, it was very musical.It was, like, just something about it. Like, you had to be an amazing performerto get those beats down. Like, it was...Track 4[33:07] I remember the Jake Gyllenhaal one, the one that they were kind of flirtingwith, with like, they kind of flirted with their guests and stuff,but just like their, the way they would bounce back and forth.She and Amy, there was just, just real like music to it.That's whenever I watch those sketches, that's all my mind goes to is just asa performer, she was just so good about hitting those exact beats is very conversational,uh, and very relatable. I'm from New Mexico.I've been to New York, but you know, I'm not like a guy, uh,But it was still like I felt like I knew those ladies.Yeah, for sure. Like they definitely exist. And I feel like some people gotit and they were like, I could relate this.But other people that have never met anyone like that still were able to relateand be like, I saw this person on TV.And it was an awesome depiction.So that's like the number one sketch that really stands out to me.Yeah, and I don't think it's a coincidence, too, that they started doing theselater in Maya's tenure there on SNL.When the cast and the show as a whole was starting to flip into another goldenera, and we saw something like Bronx Beat, which she and Amy came up with.So I don't think that's necessarily a coincidence that these started happening a little later.Track 4[34:23] One that I revisited today that was just like pure Maya just owning it was that National Anthem.Yeah was that was that like one of the next ones that that was in my i thati was deciding which one i was going to bring up next it was either that orthe one i'll get to then after but i love that i mean one of my like happy videosis watching fergie sing the national anthem.Track 4[34:45] And I could do every single quip.And that's, I think, kind of what it was Lucy based off of was Fergie for theBasketball Hall of Fame sang the national anthem and took a lot of creativeliberty in a way that did not pay off.But I'm sure it's probably one of the most watched national anthems of any sports event ever.Track 4[35:09] And Maya so perfectly encapsulated that.But also, she's a super talented singer. So I think that was part of it.But Fergie at this national anthem just like, went off and did all these adlibs and runs that were so funny.And to see SNL do that in a way that wasn't an exact copy and had Maya likefully just shine and go off on that.And like, that is quintessential Maya. Like when I'm imagining her in my head,she is just singing and doing something funny vocally and through singing.And I think that this sketch still holds up now because there's always it's always relatable.Like there was a super viral video this month of this little girl that sangthe National Anthem again so horribly, like at one of these games.And I was like watching this one again yesterday.And I was like, oh, it's like this little girl now. But you could have watchedit two years ago and related it to another just bad national anthem performance.Yeah, as long as people are singing the national anthem, they're going to besinging it poorly because it's a hard song to sing.Track 4[36:15] Exactly. And I don't know why people keep doing that. Like, just sing the song as it was written.Like, it's very rarely paid off for people to just make it their own.And we're seeing that. I think this is just a relatable sketch,whether it was 20 years ago or today. because you can always relate it to something going on.Through the night,for it's warm to me.Track 4[37:08] I feel like they told Maya, maybe on that Monday, whoever, maybe it was herthat came up with the idea, but I feel like they just kind of told Maya,like, we need you to do a national anthem and kind of butcher it.Sing well, but just, like, butcher it.And Maya's like, I got you. And she came up with that.It was just so, like, her facial expressions were perfect.I think she added in, she started singing Take Me Out to the Ball Game or something at some point.Yeah yeah that was so perfect that's likequintessential mom glad i revisited it again today because thatyou're right that is quintessential uh maya in inthat performance yeah uh what else is quintessential maya she's so fun she'sso fun the other one that i think like she shines out of a bigger cast is supershowcase spokesmodels this in my mind is just Kristen and Maya doing their thing.It's a spoof of The Price is Right and it's showing contestants what they would have won.So it's Kristen and Maya as the Vanillites walking around. I know that's.Track 4[38:15] Um walking around and being like thespokesperson and you just watch like Kristen andBill Hader just lose it and it just shows likeMaya was probably someone that was so fun to have on setand someone that you look at and you're like yes I'm in this sketch with themand she made them break just by being her and standing out so much out of likethe crowd of this sketch that it cracks me up like I'm a sucker for people thatbreak in a sketch especially when it's like actually funny Yeah,when it's not like forced.Not like an inside joke type of thing. Yeah, yeah, exactly.You're going to kick yourself when you see what Sean and Vonda have in their cart.Look at this, Debra. A lifetime supply of frozen chicken by Chicken Man.Imagine years after years after years of chicken. Right at your fingertips. Tickle, tickle.Each chicken looks as good as this one. That's a Chicken Man guarantee.If your mom likes trickle, you might like chicken.Track 4[39:20] Was her voice kind of similar to like, remember that art dealers one that she and Fred did?This almost looks like the similar, like it's almost like a similar voice, right? Yeah, exactly.Yeah, Maya was... Yeah, just, we don't know what the rules of the game are still.Right. Like, what would a right answer be?And she just did such a good job here.Yeah, she, of course, Bill is known to break. But for good reason when you'reworking with somebody like Maya, honestly.I don't know how Vanessa Bear kept it together in that sketch.She's probably new and maybe afraid of getting fired.So she didn't want a break in that sketch.Yeah, that was so good.There was one, and I don't know if you remember these or when it got a chance to go rewatch.They're hard to find. You got to know where to look. But she did one that I alluded to earlier.And it's an example to me of something very clever that Maya was able to doearly on. Like these appeared in 2002 and 2003.It was Tennis Talk with time traveling Scott Joplin.Let's start with you, 92 Andre Agassi. What's new with you? Oh,well, things are pretty great.I just won Wimbledon. I'm dating Brooke Shields.And I'm doing these pretty awesome commercials for Canon cameras.That's great. By the way, Patrick Swayze called. He wants his hair back.Track 4[40:46] How about you, present-day Andre Agassi? What's going on with you?I'm really excited. I just had a second baby with my wife.So if you haven't seen and if you don't do you remember these rebecca vaguelyokay so i'll yes i'll recap so scottjoplin is a real person he was a composer hebasically is called like the godfather of ragtimekind of music and so the premisewas that maya played scott joplinwho traveled who who wasa time traveler who became a time traveler andthrough his time traveling experienceshe figured out that he really enjoyed tennis so he createda talk show time travel and tennis talk with timetravel and Scott Joplin so he would like have thesehave these tennis players on and pretty much like be passive-aggressive andmake these quips but then like after after like burns would go back and playlike ragtime diddy and then come back and like like talk to him and be condescendingand be funny at this and it was Maya like dressed up in a suit.Track 4[41:51] And short hair and and it was justsuch a bizarre to me very cleververy like where did this come from and especiallyfor that time in 2002 and 2003 itreally like stood out yeah amongst peoplebut that's an example to me like i thought of of her being ableto play in like more just kind ofsubtle weird kind of things ratherthan over the top things so that that's when if youif if you hadn't seen that in a while if listeners you hadn't seenthat in a while it's around season 28 and 29 tennis talk with time travel andscott joblin and then rebecca like i think that one yeah yeah go check thatbut i think rebecca like she she's versatile that's the versatility that i wastalking about with maya yeah the other thing that i've noticed i know we spoke about.Track 4[42:41] Impressions and we kind of touched on that earlier on but mayacomes from a unique background ground obviously we love thatshe is a very successful nepo baby uh miniripperton's her mom and she's black and jewishand i think she was on the cast at a time to be kindof she was a black woman representative so fora lot of the impressions we saw they weren't spot on butwithin being that character and playing characters that most of the rest ofthe cast couldn't play uh like at the time she took these roles and didn't justsay okay i'll just do an impression She like completely dramatized their characterization to a T and to 100%.And I think she took her background of being both black and Jewish,like in Bronx Beat, the people that related to me, I'm like,oh, those are Jewish people from Long Island that I know.Although it's not technically that from the Bronx, she always let herself shine.So a few of her impressions are just like when I looked back and really,really standing out to me is not like, wow, you are Oprah, but you are making me hysterically laugh.So that specific one is just Oprah's favorite things I have down.And then also the Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Birds Laugh as a show.Track 4[43:57] Hello, child. I am the rock.I am the river. I am the one who put a pie under the butt of Morgan Freeman. Whoa!Watch as Maya Angelou pranks her esteemed colleagues.Track 4[44:15] Look out! It appears I have sat in a pie. I suppose you have.I feel no shame sitting in that pastry. Just human nature, I suppose.Yes. It has been an honor.Track 4[44:32] So she really took these and made them her own and was like,OK, if you want me to do this, I'm still going to be Maya in this because Ican't do a spot on Maya Angelou impression.So I'm going to make it a show instead of just like an interview with Maya Angelou.So I think that's where she really got to shine in a lot of those times.At the time, I know we were saying before she was never specifically writtenfor like as much as I think she deserved to be. But in a lot of her impressions,I think, is where the writers really had fun with her.And she created characters even out of real people who I wanted to imitate aswell. You said you don't do impressions.I sure as hell don't do impressions. But with something like her Whitney Houston,I find myself almost mimicking.He and my sister-in-law, sometimes we'll get to talking about SNL,and she'll always be like, I'll always go back to Maya Rudolph's Whitney Houston.Bobby Brown, Bobby Brown.We'll just kind of sit there and say Bobby Brown to each other.Eric is a real Geico customer, not a paid celebrity. So to help him tell hisstory, we paired him with Whitney Houston.Track 4[45:46] I thought I was going to have to postpone my exams. That's when I got in mySUV, threw that sucker in reverse, and drove backwards all the way to Dionne Warwick's house.Track 4[45:59] Geico took care of everything immediately, and I passed sociology.I passed Bobby Brown the other day, and I threw an old bag of chicken McNuggetsat his head. Ain't it shocking what love can do?Ain't it shocking what love can do?Geico. Real wrecks. Cars. She has that kind of energy and creates these characters that even...Track 4[46:22] Fans like we want to like imitate and we want to like act like that becauseshe radiates like that energy on screen maya does exactly and that's why i thinkbringing her back as kamala harris was.Track 4[46:36] Such a specific choice that ithink snl took they could have had someone comeback or at they were that was actually at a time where theywere just bringing people in left and right um toplay people that weren't specifically in the cast and theychose Maya and she did such a uniquetake on Kamala that I think was more successfulthan someone that was like uncanny like I meanyou look at Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton with Amyand Tina and although they were really funny they were really spot-on impressionswhere they've had the characters in the room together but But Maya took Kamalaand made it why people like to laugh with her and at her and go through allof those phases where I thought it was like a genius pick,but it was actually interesting because they were bringing back a lot of people while Alec Baldwin,I don't think, was the funniest Donald Trump. He was super, super spot on.But they made such a specific choice by having Maya come back and be Kamalawith not a spot on impression, but added a lot of light.Maybe she wasn't as like serious as having like Biden or Trump and someone thatlike we actually want to convey like This is our political take and the stance in this sketch,but just having Kamala's like, oh, you know You're gonna say one or two linesin this that'll make me laugh,Harris you see this is what they do.Track 4[47:58] Susan they avoid taking any,Responsibility not mr. Vice President. I'm speaking.Track 4[48:11] Well, I'm just trying to. But I'm speaking. Yes, but I. Yeah, but I'm speaking.See, I'm speaking right now. Estoya, Blondo, Nevada, Arizona,some parts of Texas. I'm speaking. I understand that.I understand. Yeah, I don't think you do. I do. Because you're talking and I'm speaking.Track 4[48:29] I love that choice to bring her back. And I think having a previous cast membercome back for a recurring, like, hold open bit And then pop up in a lot of thesketches that we've seen throughout those seasons where she was back.That's that's enough to put her in the Hall of Fame for me. Yeah.Yeah. That's so. So you do look at times that they appeared outside of theirtime, like as an official cast member.Like you do take that into account when you're looking at cast members.For sure. And also impact after the show, I think is it that's what I do,because it's not like the SNL Hall of Fame in my mind is, oh,you were on SNL and you came from this and it was all encompassing.Like, what did you do on the show? What did you do with your platform after the show?And a lot of people don't utilize that platform after the show, as well as others.And I think Maya is someone that really took that by storm and completely isjust now kind of killing it and consistently killing it since her time on SNL,back on the show as host, as recurring characters and that.And I take that all into consideration. But just besides her specific yearson the show, it's like you have one of the biggest comedy platforms in the whole world.Track 4[49:44] Are you going to actually make use of what you had on here?And I say without doubt she definitely didand I mean just to bring up the I meanthe number one thing everyone's probably thinking of of her time outside theshow is bridesmaids like she made alegendary movie like that isone that goes down in the books when you look backat history you're like oh that is just an all-timefunny movie it's the same way great yeah yeahWill Ferrell had all of these movies as wellafter obviously maya doesn't have as muchi'd say on her repertoire there but you lookback and that's one of the all-time great comedic moviesof all time that i'm like you were on this you brought your friends into thiscast you brought kristin into this and like it all worked so well together thatit i related to snl because it's a maya and kristin movie that was so funnyand so amazing that i'm like how could she not be in the hall Hall of Fame.The amount of times I watch Bridesmaids a year, just when I'm sitting with peopleand we're like, what movie should we put on? Bridesmaids. It's a classic.Track 4[50:49] Yeah. No, that's a perfect one to put on when you have nothing else to go to.No, it's an all-time great comedy.And I'm starting to warm up to the idea more of thinking about cast membersand their impact even outside of their technical, when they were a cast member on the show.I think you bring up good points. And I think that's perfectly valid tolook at cast members that way and kamala harris is agreat example and with maya you almost have to like take intocameos into account because she's been backon the show so much and she played kamalalike there was and we were talking about impressions like she found a an anglefor her kamala harris they even told us what that angle was like the cool auntright like she played kamala harris said i'm the cool aunt or whatever and i'mgonna play it like that so she was like like the fun aunt who might've like rapped a little bit,but then they still made fun of her for saying like, that little girl was me,like this kind of poking fun at, at Kamala at the same time.So she did find an angle. She has had an impact on the show.Track 4[51:55] 2024 now and i and and noneof us would be shocked if we saw maya rudolphuh come on the show in some capacity i know punky johnson they had her playkamala she didn't she didn't get any speaking roles um when she played kamalabut i don't know if they're what their plans are with that but we won't be surprisedif maya's like comes back to the show at any point and has yeah,you're right uh yeah as we're recording this yeah yeah as we're recording thisKristen scheduled to host, I think, on April 6th.Yes. Something like that. Interesting.And I would not be shocked at all if she made an appearance there.I actually have a question for you, Thomas. Okay. So I know how to angle to all the listeners here.Has anyone had 100% poll numbers in the Hall of Fame? Or who was around the highest?So I kind of understand their impact versus maybe why Maya wasn't in there.I kind of think somebody like Will Ferrell or like Eddie Murphy,I seem to remember, or Bill Hader.I think people like that have been in the 90s. Nobody's gotten 100%.And it doesn't matter in any sort of Hall of Fame, any sort of vote.You could be the best basketball, best football player, best baseball playerof all time, and those guys don't get 100%. Nobody's got 100% of the vote inthe SNL Hall of Fame, yeah.Track 4[53:21] Okay, yeah, that's interesting, man. And I guess those, I think those peopleprobably have had more impact on the actual show.But then I look at Will and yes, he had amazing sketches.When you look back at, let's list everyone's favorite sketches of all time,you're going to have more cowbells and you're going to have a lot of Will appearances.But I actually feel like his impact was made more after the show and a lot of the work he's done.So I'm seeing him a little more similar to Maya than like Bill Hader,who absolutely like obviously has impact offof the show but like snl was his playground hejust completely ran that to the ground thesame way that like kate mckinnon has and all ofthat like when you're watching them off the show you're always going to relatethem back to being on the show but now you're actually going to look at willferrell and you're going to be like oh that's buddy the elf like that's probablywhere your mind goes actually more than oh you're on snl it's someone that'sjust so engraved in the culture that you're like, oh, I forget you were like,you don't forget, but oh, you were on SNL instead of Bill Hader.It's like, oh, SNL's Bill Hader is going to be in this or SNL's Kate McKinnon.And I think Maya's impacted.Track 4[54:32] Probably more off the show which is why she's beenteetering around that 50 percent range for alittle bit now but i think people should take that intoconsideration because you're not supposed to bea keenan and be honest enough for a million years not everyone could be thatconsidering there's only been one person there's only been one keenan on theshow and you want to take this life-changing opportunity and make an impactin comedy and in pop culture and in the world And I feel like Maya has had such success in that so far.So take that into consideration when you vote, listeners.Yeah, no, that's such a good point. I want to use my wife as a case study for what you just said.She likes SNL. She's not as much of a fan as me. She probably only watches andstarted watching because of me.Track 4[55:21] But she likes it and she'll watch. But she knows Will Ferrell more for likeElf and things outside of SNL.She knows Maya Rudolph more, honestly, for popping up in shows that we watchand seeing her all over the place, probably Bridesmaids.So my wife is somebody who thatperson that you said maybe knows those people more for outside of SNL.My wife wouldn't know Bill Hader unless she went back and watched earlier seasons.If she saw Bill Hader popping up on something, she wouldn't be like, oh, it's Bill Hader.But she sees Maya Rudolph and my wife's like, oh, that's Maya Rudolph. I love Maya Rudolph.Yeah, exactly. Again, good play. My wife is like, I love that they got MayaRudolph to play the judge.Or in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Maya Rudolph played, what, Dionne Warwick?Who did she play? Yes. Yeah, wait. It wasn't –.Track 4[56:11] Yeah, and she's just like a standard. Also, I think about Big Mouth.The second you hear the Hormone Monster, she is hysterical.And I think Nick Kroll did an awesome job choosing Maya to be such a pivotalcharacter in that show, obviously.It's a cartoon, so it's on her face, but she doesn't need to be her face.So, yeah, she was Dionne Warwick. Dionne Warwick.Track 4[56:36] Yes. I thought it was that or Diana Ross or somebody like that.Track 4[56:41] Well, yeah, somebody like that. Yeah, but you could tell like in Big Mouth,she put her stamp or complete stamp on it.She, I'm drawing a blank right now.She popped up recently in something and I was like, oh, Maya was just so perfectin that. But that's what she does.Track 4[57:00] Maya just leaves an impression on the screen no matter what.If it's two minutes, if it's 30 minutes, Maya is going to leave such a great mark.Oh it was documentary now it's like my my favorite episodeof documentary now is test pattern whichis a take off of their lampooning andpaying uh homage to the talking head stop makingsense and maya's in that ondocumentary now and she she was wonderful init she was perfect she just makes such an impact rebeccajust no matter how long she's on the screen literally i'mlooking at at like her imdb right nowand she's in literally everything just asa voice as a name likewhether she just makes a short appearance i'm likelooking at this and i'm like oh wait yeah she was in that she was in specificallythe movie book smart one of my all-time favorite movies she's a voiceover andi could tell you the scene that she's in in my head because even though it'sjust her voice in a non-cartoon movie where there's a lot of big names and a lot of cameos.I remember the exact part she was in in that movie just by thinking about itand she's done a lot of cartoons and cartoons.Track 4[58:16] Comic movies there and yeah shejust make

A catastrophic forest fire roared through Northern California's Butte County in 2018, taking 86 lives and destroying countless homes in the town of Paradise. To help kids cope with their fear, grief and loss, the county office of education sent a team of artists into the schools. One of those teaching artists shares how he's seen theater help children heal from trauma. Guests: Chris Murphy, Trauma-informed teaching artist, Butte County Office of Education Karen D'Souza, Reporter, EdSource EdSource Roundtable: Raising the curtain on Prop 28: Can arts education help transform California schools? Read more from EdSource: Can arts education help children heal from trauma? Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource's Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

Comedian and writer Erin Gonyeau is  She talks to Will about interning at Disney World, growing up in Connecticut, attending college for dramatic acting, discovering sketch comedy, the basics of sketch writing, and her shows at The People's Improv Theater the newer Your Father and I, and the extremely popular Love is Live. Erin's linktree: https://linktr.ee/eringonyeau https://www.instagram.com/eringonyeau/ Will's Website: www.awesomedisaster.com Podcast Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/between-awesome-and-disaster Awesome Disaster Highlights! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4T5fT0Sc8bipvHWFaBEY2J?si=5f8ad01818404d07

A New Improvised Episode! Listen to hear: what the guys way back in 10,000 BCE are up to, a group of lifeguards tries to fight off a horrifying monster that's been eating everyone at the beach, and the story of Pandora's Box.  THE CAST:Bo SegrestRosemary WestDan KarlinDan RamirezHenry Loveland and Rhett Sosebee If you like the show, help us grow! rate, review, and subscribeFollow us on instagram @modernexhibitspodA part of the Asylum Podcast Network @asylumpodcastsYou can see the cast of Modern Exhibits perform Tuesdays at 8:00pm EST at Improv Asylum Theater in Boston: TICKETS

Catya McMullen stopped by Playwright's Spotlight during the run of her new play Arrowhead which runs through March 4, 2024. In this episode, we talk about surviving lockdowns as an artist, what makes a good writer, reflecting life on stage, stage plays as love letters. We also discuss what comes after the initial idea, writing from a personal place and putting away the constraints, laughing your way into a deeper conversation and, a new term from me, the New York City Hustle and the benefits of becoming more generous in your theatre community. In addition, Catya shares her editing technique of Scene Tetris, deciphering notes from prescriptive fixes, accountability and keeping motivated, and whether or not you can find any of her rapping/hip hop performances online. Another fun episode I hope you'll enjoy. Catya McMullen is a playwright and comedian. Her short play, MISSED CONNECTION won the 37th Samuel French Off Off Broadway Short Play Festival. She is the author of the comedic hip hop musical LOCKED UP BITCHES and the plays GEORGIA MERTCHING IS DEAD, AGNES, EVERYTHING IS PROBABLY GOING TO BE OKAY, WE PRAY TO ELEPHANTS, ASSHOLES IN GAS STATIONS, RUBBER DUCKS AND SUNSETS, and THE COLLECTIVE. She is a proud alum of the Obie award winning EST/Youngblood and a company member of The Middle Voice Theater Company and was a finalist for the City Theater National Award for Short Playwriting and the Creator of the quarterly variety show WE ARE ANIMALS where she raps under her feminist hip hop alias “Chihuahua Fancy” and has received multiple commissions from the Sloan Foundation. She teaches sketch comedy and playwriting at The People's Improv Theater. Her latest play Arrowhead opened February 9th and runs through March 4th, 2024 at Atwater Village Theater in Los Angeles.To view the video format of this episode, visit -https://youtu.be/qIrJvOJn_Z4Links mentioned in this episode -Tickets to Arrowhead (Closing March 4, 2024) and IAMA Theatre Company -https://www.iamatheatre.com/plays-events/arrowheadSloan Foundation -https://sloan.orgThe Flea Theatre -https://theflea.orgDramatists Play Service (DPS) -https://www.dramatists.comWebsites and socials for Catya McCullen -IG - @mccatyaWebsites and socials for James Elden, PMP, and Playwright's Spotlight -Punk Monkey Productions - www.punkmonkeyproductions.comPLAY Noir -www.playnoir.comPLAY Noir Anthology –www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.htmlJames Elden -X - @jameseldensauerIG - @alakardrakeFB - fb.com/jameseldensauerPunk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - X - @punkmonkeyprods    - @playnoirla IG - @punkmonkeyprods       - @playnoir_la FB - fb.com/playnoir        - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductionsPlaywright's Spotlight -X - @wrightlightpod IG - @playwrights_spotlightPlaywriting services through Los Angeles Collegiate Playwrights Festivalwww.losangelescollegiateplaywrightsfestival.com/services.htmlSupport the show

UH-OH Santa's back in the therapy chair!! It's another annual Santa Fraud, a holiday tradition!!! Peak into the madness of Ian Herrin in his own therapy session for once! Also, Santa doesn't appear well.... Ah, you must be on the Good List, because you've found the best part of the episode description! The part where I get to tell you all about the wonderful actor, improviser,comedian, and Ian's dear dear friend John Shepard! Be sure you follow John on Instagram @handsomeguyontheinternet and see his Boogie Manja sketch team Both Hands at their next live show Wednesday January 17th at 730pm at the People's Improv Theater. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sigmund-fraud/support

Tessa Hersh is an actress, writer, comedian, and poet who also happens to have a master's degree in Somatic Psychology. She likes kids, dogs, ice cream, rainbows, sparkles, hugs, and the darkness that lurks within. She was selected as as a performer in the ABC DIVERSITY SHOWCASE and won “BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY” at the New York Television Festival for my work in Smuchr, which itself won “BEST COMEDY” in 2018. Recently she has been in YOUNGER, DESUS & MERO, and THE BREAK W/MICHELLE WOLF, as well as her commercial work as the spokesperson for H&R BLOCK. In the theater world she has performed in the critically acclaimed, off-broadway, improvised comedy Blank! The Musical and can regularly be seen performing in New York comedy theaters including the Upright Citizens Brigade and The People's Improv Theater. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ TESSA HERSH ⌲ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7482734/?ref_=nmbio_ov_i ⌲ IG: https://www.instagram.com/tessandra/?hl=en ⌲ Website: https://tessahersh.com/ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ The Moving Spotlight Podcast ⌲ iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-moving-spotlight/id1597207264 ⌲ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cjqYAWSFXz2hgCHiAjy27 ⌲ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/themovingspotlight ⌲ ALL: https://linktr.ee/themovingspotlight ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ #CommericalActing #UCB #OffBroadway #Blank #ArtisticCommunity #HRBlock #DesusAndMero #Younger #TheBreak #MichelleWolf #Improv #ABCDiversityShowcase #Emmys #TVTime #iTunes #Actor #ActorsLife #Believe #Success #Inspiration #Netflix #Hulu #Amazon #HBO #AppleTV #Showtime #Acting #Artist #Theatre #Film #YourBestBadActing #Content #CorbinCoyle #JohnRuby #RealFIREacting #TMS_Pod --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-moving-spotlight/support

Comedian Brittany Brave Has a Voice and Is NOT Afraid to Use it!  Brittany Brave is a NYC-via-Miami based comedian, actress, writer, producer and host who's been seen on TBS, MTV, Quibi, The Wendy Williams Show, SiriusXM and featured in The New York Times, ELLE, Ashton Kutcher's A-Plus, TimeOut New York, Entrepreneur Magazine and more. In 2021, Brave was named Best Comedian by the Miami New Times, in 2019, named Best New Comic at the NY Comedy Festival and Caroline's on Broadway and in 2017 an Emerging Talent by TBS Network. Brave recently won 92.9 The Point's Virtual Comedy Couch Competition and headlined Four Corners Comedy Festival in Durango, CO. She was also a featured comedic contributor in Jon Chattman's Moving Foreword, published alongside works by Darrell Hammond, Jerry Springer and more. Brave has quickly made a name for herself in the stand up comedy circuits in NYC and Miami, regularly opening for nationally touring headliners such as Jessica Kirson, Mark Normand, Judy Gold, Ilana Glazer, Jared Freid, Ricky Velez and more. She recently emceed Bitcoin 2022's Real Sound Money Festival, hosting for notable names such as Hannibal Burress, Jay Pharoah, Donnell Rawlings, Michael Rapaport and Jimmy O. Yang.  An experienced performer with more than 17 years of on-stage experience, Brave has studied at the world's premier comedy schools such as UCB, Second City, iO and The People's Improv Theater. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Dance Performance from the University of Florida in 2013 and regularly trains at The Actory in Miami, FL. Brittany also created Cat Call, (@wearecatcall) a platform for female events and conversation. The organization produces all-female content and events and has partnered with Sofar Sounds, Deep Eddy Vodka, Bumble, Sassclass and more. Brave is an active advocate for domestic violence awareness and gender equality and is a regular ambassador for 305 Fitness, Pepper, Spiral Financial, Ladybox Boutique, Satifsyer.com.  Connect with us on our website for more amazing conversations!  www.brettallanshow.com  Got some feedback? Let us know! openmicguest@gmail.com  Follow us on social media! IG https://www.instagram.com/brettallanshow/ FB https://www.facebook.com/thebrettallanshow/ Twitter https://twitter.com/brettallanshow Consider giving us a kind rating and review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1486122533?mt=2&ls=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast, hosts Cyndi Burnett and Matthew Worwood welcome Izzy Gesell, an organizational alchemist and expert in humor, creativity, improv, and education. Izzy shares his insights on the connections and differences between improvisation, creativity, and humor. He explains that humor is a mindset that creates joy, while improv is a process that fosters creativity through restrictions. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing personal blocks and fears in order to cultivate playfulness and humor in the classroom. Matthew and Cyndi discuss the role of constraints in the classroom environment and how improvisation can help teachers embrace and navigate these constraints with laughter and flexibility. They also touch on the fear and resistance that some teachers may have towards incorporating humor and improvisation in their teaching. Izzy offers recommendations for teachers, including practicing improv, recognizing personal blocks, and understanding that humor is about creating a positive environment rather than telling jokes. The episode highlights the parallels between teaching and performing arts, both requiring energy, movement, and storytelling skills. The hosts and guest discuss the power of storytelling in engaging students and making curriculum more relevant. Overall, this episode offers practical insights and strategies for infusing humor, creativity, and improvisation into the classroom, giving teachers the tools and confidence to create a more playful and enjoyable learning environment. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.com What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! About Izzy Gesell: Izzy Gesell is an “organizational alchemist” He was a special education teacher in NYC before becoming a standup comedian and improvisor and then a professional speaker and facilitator. Through keynotes, breakouts, coaching and facilitated sessions, Izzy offers imaginative, intuitive and immediately useful insights and programs. He delivers meaningful material in an enjoyable way. Among the first to use Improv Theater concepts as tools for personal and organizational learning, he is the author of Playing Along: Group Learning Activities Borrowed From Improvisation Theater & Instructional Moments: Facilitating with Applied Improv. His video course for LinkedIn Learning, “Leading With Applied Improv,” was their first on the topic . His other LinkedIn courses “Humor in the Workplace” and “Building Your Team.” He has a BA in Psychology, an MS in Education and a P… that's 1/3 of a PhD and now lives in Northampton, Massachusetts. Twitter: @improvizzy FB: Humorology LinkedIN: IzzyGesell

Welcome to Andrew Heaton! "He's like if Will Rogers and Mr. Spock had a baby."Host of:  THE POLITICAL ORPHANAGE"Politics minus bile plus jokes" LOSERS, PRETENDERS & SCOUNDRELS An unlicensed history podcast ALIENATING THE AUDIENCE  A scifi podcast for pithy nerds www.mightyheaton.com   ABOUT ANDREW HEATON Andrew Heaton is a comedian, author, and political satirist. He's the host of “The Political Orphanage” comedy and news podcast, and scifi deep dive podcast “Alienating the Audience.” He's a frequent Reason TV contributor and hosted the popular webseries “Mostly Weekly.” He's performed standup comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, as a finalist in the China International Standup Competition, and throughout the United States and Europe. A former congressional staffer, he's the best-selling author of “Laughter is Better Than Communism,” as well as two funny novels. He once opened for William Shatner, who said he's “very funny.” So there. As a UCB-trained sketch writer and improviser Andrew Heaton comprises half of the comedy duo Lost History, which has performed improvised historical reenactments at the Del Close Marathon and Austin's Out of Bounds Comedy Festival. He's a founding member of the popular New York indie improv team Lumberon, and an alumni of the sketch troupes 17:38 and First Runner Up. As a political comedian Andrew Heaton has entertained numerous think tanks and advocacy groups, student associations, and sinister political action committees. He's a regular at Electoral Dysfunction at the People's Improv Theater in New York, and the Totally Dishonest Media Show at Stand Up New York. He hosted the award-winning series EconPop, a comedy show which explained economics through popular culture. Andrew Heaton is the author of the best-selling work of political satire Laughter is Better Than Communism, and two funny paranormal novels: Frank Got Abducted (about aliens) and Happier as Werewolves (a tender coming of age novel involving werewolves).   AWARDS 1st Place in Humor & Satire Writing - LA Press Club, 2020 1st Place in Humor & Satire Writing - LA Press Club, 2019 Finalist - China International Standup Comedy Competition, 2018 1st Place in Humor & Satire Writing - LA Press Club, 2017 1st Place in Humor & Satire Writing - LA Press Club, 2016 NYC's Greatest New Comedian - the World Comedy Club, 2013 Time Magazine Person of the Year, 2006   INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ANDREW HEATON: He owns one square foot of a scotch whiskey distillery in Scotland. He lived in a toolshed behind his best friend's house for six months while working as a TV extra. He lead Weekends of Awesomeness expeditions in Oklahoma, where he attended a prison rodeo, went spelunking without a helmet, gambled at a wiener dog race, had dinner with an Amish family, went looking for alleged Viking runestones, and ate two beating rattlesnake hearts. He is a dual citizen of the Principality of Hutt River, and was appointed a royal diplomatic envoy by Prince Leonard in 2012. He worked for the United States Congress for one year, and managed to leave without scandal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a special episode of No Suggestion! This week we brought on my friend, actor, musician, and comedian, Aston Hollins (@astonhollins) to break her nearly 10 year hiatus from improv! Aston was one of my favorite house team members at the People's Improv Theater in the early 2010's, and this week she came on to jump back in the saddle. Guest co-host, Jake Joseph (@f00lish_b0y), and I had a blast with Aston. We chatted about Aston taking a break from improv, and taking acting classes. we also chatted about our feelings about summer, the power of affirmations, our relationship to hope, comedy as anthropology, and more! And through all of that, man we sure got into some screwy and hilarious improv scenes, including scene about vocalist in too much emotional distress to deliver performance at a recording studio session. This episode was a joy and thrill to record, and I hope you dig it. If you do, please rate, and subscribe to No Suggestion: An Improv Comedy Talk Show, and tell a friend!

The Dead Ass Podcast Live tour stopped at The Improv Theater in Arlington, TX and you know it was lit. If you missed it live, don't worry. You can listen here!  Want to see the action? Catch the Dead Ass Live show and all podcast video content on Patreon! Go to Patreon.com/DeadAss to watch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Sunday! Our second guest of season four? You know her, you love her... it's Jamie Linn Watson!Jamie Linn Watson is an NYC-based actor and comedian, best known as “The Sprintern” on Sprint's National Ad Campaigns. She has a BFA in Drama with the Stella Adler Studio of Acting at NYU Tisch, with a minor in the Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology. Jamie was a member of NYU's premier improv troupe, Dangerbox, and has performed at the Upright Citizen's Brigade, the People's Improv Theater, The Annoyance, the National College Improv Tournament, The Brooklyn Comedy Collective, and with the Story Pirates. She has also studied Film and TV Acting at Stonestreet Studios. Jamie is blonde, petite, and rarely ever late. She is not married to former teen star, Jamie Lynn Spears, as Google suggests she is. @culmpod

Mike Brian Fogerty returns to the show after a global pandemic nearly made him walk away from sketch comedy.  He talks to Will about the upcoming Solocom 2023 fest at The People's Improv Theater, writing Sketch Comedy, what he's learned about TV Pilot writing, and his break down of Will's Pilot idea, why he almost stopped comedy, what kept him in, and what he's looking forward to in his new Late Night writing workshop.   Mike on Twitter: @themikebrian Mike on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/themikebrian/ Mike's class:  https://thepit-nyc.com/events/late-night-style-writing/   Will's Website: www.awesomedisaster.com Podcast Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/between-awesome-and-disaster Get exclusive music and videos at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/awesomedisaster Listen to Will's band on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6diGYyCyFjJZNOZ0Madqrl?si=T0jg3j1bS9iXQ47rHekvgg Listen to Will's Solo EP: https://open.spotify.com/album/3jMCe7S0qxESZaXEcfR1Cj?si=9h8vYhNKT5qmQX5g8QvWlw

Izzy Gesell is an “organizational alchemist” who helps people navigate their internal logjams and emerge more confident, spontaneous and effective. Through keynotes, workshops and coaching sessions, Izzy delivers meaningful material in an enjoyable way. His unique approach to personal and organizational development is rooted at the intersection of Improv, Facilitation and Coaching. Among the first to use Improv Theater concepts as tools for personal and organizational learning, he is the author of “Playing Along: Group Learning Activities Borrowed From Improvisation Theater,” Instructional Moments: Facilitating with Applied Improv The Resilient Caregiver: A Path to Manage Stress & Change Through Humor & Play & a co- author of Humor Me: America's Funniest Humorists on the Power of Laughter, His video course for LinkedIn Learning, “Leading With Applied Improv,” was their first on the topic and their first shot as a live-action workshop. His other LinkedIn courses are “Humor in the Workplace” and “Building Your Team.” Izzy has earned the CSP (Certifed Speaking Professional) designation from National Speakers Association. Less than 15% of NSA 4,000 members are CSPs. He also has a BA in Psychology, an MS in Education and a P…. that's 1/3 of a PhD. Offer for Listeners: Use coupon code 15offreads for 15% off any book in my shop: Let's Connect! Linkedin Izzy Gesell Facebook IzzyG & Co Twitter: @improvizzy

Sara Bareilles (Grammy-Award winner, Netflix's "Girls5Eva") and Jennifer Bareilles join host Reshma Gopaldas for a special Son of a Binge episode where the sisters break down "Bad Sisters," airing on Apple TV+.  "Bad Sisters" was created by Sharon Horgan ("Catastrophe," "Shining Vale") and is set in Ireland. "Bad Sisters" follows the story of 5 sisters, played by Eve Hewson, Sarah Greene, Eva Birthistle, and Anne-Marie Duff. The Bareilles sisters revealed they recently binged the show, when Sara recommended it to her sister. Together, they discuss the dark comedy, reveal the shows they can't stop re-watching ("Game of Thrones," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent") and why they loved Sharon Horgan's newest comedy. When Grace's awful husband, John-Paul, dies, the audience quickly realizes one of the Garvey sisters may have killed him. Darryl McCormack and Brian Gleeson play brothers who are handling John-Paul's life insurance pay out. Together, they decide to investigate if John-Paul was murdered, in the hopes of not having to pay the large sum of life insurance Grace is owed. "Bad Sisters" was renewed for a second season on Apple TV+, and has received 12 IFTA nominations (Irish Film & Television Awards) - including Lead Actress (Sharon Horgan), Best Drama, Supporting Actors and Supporting Actresses.  Jennifer Bareilles is an actor, improviser, teacher and coach. She began her improv career at the People's Improv Theater where she was a member of several House Teams including Saturday night's “Big Black Car” and “BBC2”.  She has performed regionally and in such famed New York theaters as Playwrights Horizons where she originated the role of Logan in “The Thanksgiving Play”, The American Theater of Actors, The Connelly, June Havoc and in the award winning NY Fringe show “Maybe Tomorrow” at Under St. Marks where she sat on a toilet for 90 minutes of direct address.  She currently teaches improv and acting at the PIT and performs regularly in “Bareilles and McCartney”, "Awkward Family Dinner" as well as a number of other pop up shows. Follow Jennifer on  @jenniferbareilles.Sara Bareilles is a GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, songwriter, actress, author, and philanthropist. To date, she has received two Tony® Award nominations, three Primetime EMMY® Award nominations, and eight GRAMMY® Award nominations, garnering a 2020 GRAMMY® in the category of “Best American Roots Performance” for “Saint Honesty.” On Broadway, she composed music and lyrics for Waitress, and took the stage as the lead for the first time in 2017.  As an author, she penned the New York Times bestseller Sounds Like Me: My Life (So Far) in Song. She currently co-stars in the critically acclaimed Netflix series Girls5Eva set to return for its third season in 2023. Find Sara on Instagram: @sarabareilles or Twitter: @sarabareilles.Son of a Binge production credits:Hosted by: Reshma Gopaldas (TW: @reshingbull, IG @reshmago)Producer & Editor: Emily Collins (IG @emilem124)Artwork by: Laura Valencia (IG @iamlauravalencia)

Improvisor Dahlia Haddad feels like a jock around theater kids, and a theater kid around jocks.  She talk to Will about Growing up in St. Louis, playing soccer, discovering improv comedy and approaching it as a trade with skills to learn, living in Washington DC, and what being new to NYC is like, finding the People's Improv Theater, and plans she has for a solo show.  https://thepit-nyc.com/people/dahlia-haddad/ Will's Website: www.awesomedisaster.com Podcast Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/between-awesome-and-disaster Get exclusive music and videos at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/awesomedisaster Listen to Will's band on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6diGYyCyFjJZNOZ0Madqrl?si=T0jg3j1bS9iXQ47rHekvgg Listen to Will's Solo EP: https://open.spotify.com/album/3jMCe7S0qxESZaXEcfR1Cj?si=9h8vYhNKT5qmQX5g8QvWlw

Our guest this week is our very own Raquel Palmas, North Coast alum and friend of the pod. Raquel discusses her upcoming move to Amsterdam to join the Boom Chicago crew, the importance of kindness, and drunk improv. The North Coast Podcast is a Musical Comedy podcast featuring interviews, improvised hip-hop songs, and long-form improv from New York City's long-running hip hop-improv team, North Coast. From conversations with comedians, hip-hop artists, and other exciting creatives, you can now bring the infectious energy of a North Coast show into your headphones with this brand new podcast. Produced by Anna Torzullo and Douglas WidickNorthcoastnyc.comRaquel Palmas - @rockwell826North Coast - @northcoastnycRj Williams - @rjron.williamsMichael Crisol - @TheDoctorBrickMel Rubin @melrubin2Billy Soco @bsocoDouglas Widick @douglaswidickLuke Miller @lukemillerfakeRalf Jean-Pierre -  @preciousgorgeousralf Anna Torzullo - @AtorzzWith a cast of improv comedy veterans in New York City, North Coast's explosive performances have been packing comedy venues, universities, and festivals nationwide since 2009. Built around a single suggestion from an audience member, the show's improvised scenes escalate into full-blown hip-hop songs, facilitated by resident beatboxer, Doctor Brick. With their seamless melding of comedic timing and freestyle rapping abilities, North Coast frequently blurs the line between comedy show and concert, drawing audiences from the comedy, hip-hop, and theater communities for an experience that has been hailed as “mind-blowing” and “next level” by critics and audiences alike.Named one of the “Top Ten Best Comedy Shows”  by Time Out New York, North Coast has been featured on Vh1, in Slate's Podcast The Gist, The Village Voice, and The New York Times Comedy Listings. Currently, you can catch them performing on 3/11 at the People's Improv Theater.0:00 - Start 0:35 - Raquel Palmas 1:31 - Raquel is going to BOOM Chicago! 8:03 - SONG: If It's Meant to Happen, Then It's Gonna Happen 10:38 - What Happens at Boom Chicago 14:01 - Raquel & Steph Meet Cute 14:46 - Drunk Improv 18:25 - SONG: It's All About the Back & Forth 21:40 - One-Line Moments 28:45 - Balancing Personal and Audience Vision 35:27 - Raquel has Big Celebrity Energy 42:24 - Kindness is Popularity 44:23 - SONG: Raquel is the Baddest 

Andrew Heaton is a comedian, author, and political satirist. He's the host of “The Political Orphanage” comedy and news podcast, and scifi deep dive podcast “Alienating the Audience.” He's a frequent Reason TV contributor and hosted the popular webseries “Mostly Weekly.” He's performed standup comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, as a finalist in the China International Standup Competition, and throughout the United States and Europe.He once opened for William Shatner, who said he's “very funny.” So there.As a political comedian Andrew has entertained numerous think tanks and advocacy groups, student associations, and sinister political action committees. He's a regular at Electoral Dysfunction at the People's Improv Theater in New York, and the Totally Dishonest Media Show at Stand Up New York. He hosted the award-winning series EconPop, a comedy show which explained economics through popular culture.Andrew Heaton is a former congressional staffer and the author of the best-selling work of political satire Laughter is Better Than Communism, and two funny paranormal novels: Frank Got Abducted (about aliens) and Happier as Werewolves (a tender coming of age novel involving werewolves).More Info: www.andrewheaton.tvSponsors: Master Your Podcast Course: MasterYourSwagFree Coaching Session: Masterleadership.orgSupport Our Show: Click HereLily's Story: My Trust ManifestoSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/masterleadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lisa Renee Pitts and Abbi Crutchfield visit Friends and discuss the banning of authors like Toni Morrison, Parenting challenges for today's parent, work place affairs and more with Marina Franklin.  Lisa Renee Pitts is an award winning actress and voice over artist. Broadway credit includes the Pulitzer Prize winning & Tony nominated play Sweat by Lynn Nottage. Notable Off-Broadway and Regional Theater credits include; The Father opposite actor Alfred Molina ;Tiny Beautiful Things and Doubt (Critics Circle Award) ; A Raisin in the Sun (NAACP Theater Award Nominee),  & Intimate Apparel (Critics Circle Award) .  Television and Film roles include: Dr. Dre's mother, Verna, in Straight Outta Compton (Dir. F. Gary Gray) Stephen King's "The Stand" based on his best selling novel by the same name; True to the Game 1, 2  & 3 adapted from the popular urban romance novels by Teri Woods ; and Baselines; a new pilot coming from (Actor/Dir Nate Parker) As a multi-award winning voice over artist, Lisa's work can be heard in audio movies, national radio spots and most notable in well over 100 titles, narrating your favorite genres for publishing houses including Audible, Simon & Schuster, Random House and Recorded Books just to name a few. Up next, Lisa will appear in Anna Deveare Smiths seminal play "Twilight: Los Angeles 1992 at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, CA.  The play explores the human impact of the LA Riots, following the verdict in the Rodney King beating. A  native New Yorker, now residing in Los Angeles, CA, Lisa holds a BFA degree from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. Abbi Crutchfield has been seen on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee on TBS, Broad City on Comedy Central, and she hosted You Can Do Better on TruTV. Her jokes on Twitter are consistently featured on best of lists by publications such as Paste Magazine and The Huffington Post. She has trained at the renowned Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre, taught at the People's Improv Theater, and she tours nationally with her stand-up. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf

Our guest on this episode of the North Coast Podcast is the incredible stand up comedian, Andrea Allan (Dog Pig Podcast, Hot Mess Comedy Hour).  Andrea chats with us about the many phases of her hair and the growth that came with them all. TW: Mentions of sexual assault. The North Coast Podcast is a Musical Comedy podcast featuring interviews, improvised hip-hop songs, and long-form improv from New York City's long-running hip hop-improv team, North Coast. From conversations with comedians, hip-hop artists, and other exciting creatives, you can now bring the infectious energy of a North Coast show into your headphones with this brand new podcast. Produced by Anna Torzullo and Douglas WidickNorthcoastnyc.comAndrea Allan - @Andreacomedy69North Coast - @northcoastnycRj Williams - @rjron.williamsMichael Crisol - @TheDoctorBrickMel Rubin @melrubin2Billy Soco @bsocoDouglas Widick @douglaswidickLuke Miller @lukemillerfakeRalf Jean-Pierre -  @preciousgorgeousralf Anna Torzullo - @AtorzzWith a cast of improv comedy veterans in New York City, North Coast's explosive performances have been packing comedy venues, universities, and festivals nationwide since 2009. Built around a single suggestion from an audience member, the show's improvised scenes escalate into full-blown hip-hop songs, facilitated by resident beatboxer, Doctor Brick. With their seamless melding of comedic timing and freestyle rapping abilities, North Coast frequently blurs the line between comedy show and concert, drawing audiences from the comedy, hip-hop, and theater communities for an experience that has been hailed as “mind-blowing” and “next level” by critics and audiences alike.Named one of the “Top Ten Best Comedy Shows”  by Time Out New York, North Coast has been featured on Vh1, in Slate's Podcast The Gist, The Village Voice, and The New York Times Comedy Listings. Currently, you can catch them performing on 2/11 and 3/11 at The People's Improv Theater.0:00 - Start1:30 - Welcome, Andrea Alan 2:09 - Sober Karaoke 3:43 - Andrea's Stand Up 4:40 - Apple Department of Bereavement 9:24 - Comedy Influences 12:30 - SONG: There's No F***in Rules (At All) 16:19 - The Most Stand-up Day 17:44 - Podcasts // Keith and the Girl 26:40 - The Six Versions of Andrea 26:58 - New to NY Andrea 30:41 - SONG: Angled Bob, Tackled by the Cops 33:46 - Fashion Andrea 39:20 -  Pesto Sandwiches & Wine 44:15 - No Space for Booze 45:50 - SONG: Covered in Cum & Pesto 

Our guest on this episode of the North Coast Podcast is the lovely Jordan Keyes, member of Free Daps (IG @freedaps). Jordan chats with us about bean salesmen, Free Daps coming to NYC, improv & more on this brand new episode of the North Coast Podcast! The North Coast Podcast is a Musical Comedy podcast featuring interviews, improvised hip-hop songs, and long-form improv from New York City's long-running hip hop-improv team, North Coast. From conversations with comedians, hip-hop artists, and other exciting creatives, you can now bring the infectious energy of a North Coast show into your headphones with this brand new podcast. Produced by Anna Torzullo and Douglas WidickNorthcoastnyc.comJordan Keyes - @itskeyesNorth Coast - @northcoastnycRj Williams - @rjron.williamsMichael Crisol - @TheDoctorBrickMel Rubin @melrubin2Billy Soco @bsocoDouglas Widick @douglaswidickLuke Miller @lukemillerfakeRalf Jean-Pierre -  @preciousgorgeousralf Anna Torzullo - @AtorzzWith a cast of improv comedy veterans in New York City, North Coast's explosive performances have been packing comedy venues, universities, and festivals nationwide since 2009. Built around a single suggestion from an audience member, the show's improvised scenes escalate into full-blown hip-hop songs, facilitated by resident beatboxer, Doctor Brick. With their seamless melding of comedic timing and freestyle rapping abilities, North Coast frequently blurs the line between comedy show and concert, drawing audiences from the comedy, hip-hop, and theater communities for an experience that has been hailed as “mind-blowing” and “next level” by critics and audiences alike.Named one of the “Top Ten Best Comedy Shows”  by Time Out New York, North Coast has been featured on Vh1, in Slate's Podcast The Gist, The Village Voice, and The New York Times Comedy Listings. Currently, you can catch them performing on 2/11 and 3/11 at The People's Improv Theater.

Our guest today is incredible freestyler Isaac Knox (Free Daps, Mile 1). Isaac chats with us about his freestyle beginnings, the magic of off-season basketball, and Disney World Free Daps performances. The North Coast Podcast is a Musical Comedy podcast featuring interviews, improvised hip-hop songs, and long-form improv from New York City's long-running hip hop-improv team, North Coast. From conversations with comedians, hip-hop artists, and other exciting creatives, you can now bring the infectious energy of a North Coast show into your headphones with this brand new podcast. Produced by Anna Torzullo and Douglas WidickNorthcoastnyc.comIsaac Knox - @ImisaacknoxFree Daps - @freedaps North Coast - @northcoastnycRj Williams - @rjron.williamsMichael Crisol - @TheDoctorBrickMel Rubin @melrubin2Billy Soco @bsocoDouglas Widick @douglaswidickLuke Miller @lukemillerfakeRalf Jean-Pierre -  @preciousgorgeousralf Anna Torzullo - @AtorzzWith a cast of improv comedy veterans in New York City, North Coast's explosive performances have been packing comedy venues, universities, and festivals nationwide since 2009. Built around a single suggestion from an audience member, the show's improvised scenes escalate into full-blown hip-hop songs, facilitated by resident beatboxer, Doctor Brick. With their seamless melding of comedic timing and freestyle rapping abilities, North Coast frequently blurs the line between comedy show and concert, drawing audiences from the comedy, hip-hop, and theater communities for an experience that has been hailed as “mind-blowing” and “next level” by critics and audiences alike.Named one of the “Top Ten Best Comedy Shows”  by Time Out New York, North Coast has been featured on Vh1, in Slate's Podcast The Gist, The Village Voice, and The New York Times Comedy Listings. Currently, you can catch them performing on 2/11 & 3/11 at The People's Improv Theater. 0:00 - Start 1:19 - Welcome, Isaac Knox! 2:01 - Freestyling in Qatar 4:40 - Free Daps  7:14 - People Trying to Battle After Shows 9:25 - Isaac's Freestyle Beginnings 11:34 - Mile 1 (8 Mile?) 14:19 - Isaac's Stand Up 16:21 - SONG: Word Nerd 18:11 - Competition in Free Daps / Disney Performances 22:20 - SONG: He Doesn't Really Mean it Coz He's 22 25:05 - For the Love of B Ball 29:35 - Competition 34:05 - Has Anyone Come For Your Throat During a Rap Battle? 35:09 - Florida Artists 40:06 - College Gigs 41:57 - Isaac Freestyles off North Coasts “Crowd Work”

Today we are joined by North Coast beatbox alum, Amir Shabaan! Amir is a world-class beatboxer, talk-box musician, and dentist. Listen in as he gives tips on the cleanest teeth while providing the dirtiest beats. The North Coast Podcast is a Musical Comedy podcast featuring interviews, improvised hip-hop songs, and long-form improv from New York City's long-running hip hop-improv team, North Coast. From conversations with comedians, hip-hop artists, and other exciting creatives, you can now bring the infectious energy of a North Coast show into your headphones with this brand new podcast. Produced by Anna Torzullo and Douglas WidickNorthcoastnyc.comAmir Shabaan - @amirlikeshugsNorth Coast - @northcoastnycRj Williams - @rjron.williamsMichael Crisol - @TheDoctorBrickMel Rubin @melrubin2Billy Soco @bsocoDouglas Widick @douglaswidickLuke Miller @lukemillerfakeRalf Jean-Pierre -  @preciousgorgeousralf Anna Torzullo - @AtorzzWith a cast of improv comedy veterans in New York City, North Coast's explosive performances have been packing comedy venues, universities, and festivals nationwide since 2009. Built around a single suggestion from an audience member, the show's improvised scenes escalate into full-blown hip-hop songs, facilitated by resident beatboxer, Doctor Brick. With their seamless melding of comedic timing and freestyle rapping abilities, North Coast frequently blurs the line between comedy show and concert, drawing audiences from the comedy, hip-hop, and theater communities for an experience that has been hailed as “mind-blowing” and “next level” by critics and audiences alike.Named one of the “Top Ten Best Comedy Shows”  by Time Out New York, North Coast has been featured on Vh1, in Slate's Podcast The Gist, The Village Voice, and The New York Times Comedy Listings. Currently, you can catch them performing at the People's Improv Theater on 1/14, 2/11, and 3/11 @ 7:30pm. 0:00 - Start 1:19 - Welcome Back, Amir! 2:22 - Dentist in Malibu 3:20 - Calisthenics 4:19 - Speed Cubing 9:00 - SONG: Early Days of Youtube 12:05 - Youtube 13:11 - Teeth & Sound (Amir's Dentistry Journey) 18:30 - Dentists Are Weird 19:35 - Tips from a Dentist 20:37 - SONG: Pro Tips From the Coolest Dentist 23:35 - Calisthenics Con't27:40 - Music 29:57 - SONG: Start with Your Ears, Go to the Mouth

Happy New Year!!! We've returned with a home show, featuring our friend Sydney Duncan - Sydney's first time on the pod! We discuss home cooking, a lonely zamboni man, and athlete admiration! The North Coast Podcast is a Musical Comedy podcast featuring interviews, improvised hip-hop songs, and long-form improv from New York City's long-running hip hop-improv team, North Coast. From conversations with comedians, hip-hop artists, and other exciting creatives, you can now bring the infectious energy of a North Coast show into your headphones with this brand new podcast. Produced by Anna Torzullo and Douglas WidickNorthcoastnyc.comNorth Coast - @northcoastnycRj Williams - @rjron.williamsMichael Crisol - @TheDoctorBrickMel Rubin @melrubin2Billy Soco @bsocoDouglas Widick @douglaswidickLuke Miller @lukemillerfakeRalf Jean-Pierre -  @preciousgorgeousralf Sydney Duncan - @sydneyduncanonem Anna Torzullo - @AtorzzDouglas Widick @douglaswidick Luke Miller @lukemillerfake Ralf Jean-Pierre - @PreciousGorgeousRalfWith a cast of improv comedy veterans in New York City, North Coast's explosive performances have been packing comedy venues, universities, and festivals nationwide since 2009. Built around a single suggestion from an audience member, the show's improvised scenes escalate into full-blown hip-hop songs, facilitated by resident beatboxer, Doctor Brick. With their seamless melding of comedic timing and freestyle rapping abilities, North Coast frequently blurs the line between comedy show and concert, drawing audiences from the comedy, hip-hop, and theater communities for an experience that has been hailed as “mind-blowing” and “next level” by critics and audiences alike.Named one of the “Top Ten Best Comedy Shows”  by Time Out New York, North Coast has been featured on Vh1, in Slate's Podcast The Gist, The Village Voice, and The New York Times Comedy Listings. Currently, you can catch them performing at the People's Improv Theater on 1/14, 2/11, and 3/11.0:00 - Start 1:30 - Sydney's first time on the pod! 2:43 - Shitty taxi driver  5:33 - Athlete admiration 9:48 - Home cooking 12:36 - SONG: How Are You Eating Your Spam? 14:44 - Suggestion: Mask 17:10 - Take a Lift on the Zamboni 19:05 - SONG: We're Human Feelings22:17 - NHL Girlfriends24:33 - SONG: Setting Ourselves Up (For Success)

Today's suggestion is... Ditch. Join the crew as they take you through a world of alligator rap battles in sewers, mole people, and beatbox technique in this brand new episode of the North Coast Podcast! The North Coast Podcast is a Musical Comedy podcast featuring interviews, improvised hip-hop songs, and long-form improv from New York City's long-running hip hop-improv team, North Coast. From conversations with comedians, hip-hop artists, and other exciting creatives, you can now bring the infectious energy of a North Coast show into your headphones with this brand new podcast. Produced by Anna Torzullo and Douglas WidickNorthcoastnyc.comNorth Coast - @northcoastnycRj Williams - @rjron.williamsMichael Crisol - @TheDoctorBrickMel Rubin @melrubin2Billy Soco @bsocoDouglas Widick @douglaswidickLuke Miller @lukemillerfakeRalf Jean-Pierre -  @preciousgorgeousralf Anna Torzullo - @AtorzzWith a cast of improv comedy veterans in New York City, North Coast's explosive performances have been packing comedy venues, universities, and festivals nationwide since 2009. Built around a single suggestion from an audience member, the show's improvised scenes escalate into full-blown hip-hop songs, facilitated by resident beatboxer, Doctor Brick. With their seamless melding of comedic timing and freestyle rapping abilities, North Coast frequently blurs the line between comedy show and concert, drawing audiences from the comedy, hip-hop, and theater communities for an experience that has been hailed as “mind-blowing” and “next level” by critics and audiences alike.Named one of the “Top Ten Best Comedy Shows”  by Time Out New York, North Coast has been featured on Vh1, in Slate's Podcast The Gist, The Village Voice, and The New York Times Comedy Listings. Currently, you can catch them performing monthly at the People's Improv Theater, and one 12/10 at 7pm @ Young Ethel's in BK. 0:00 - Start1:00 - I AM … 1:30 - Beatbox Tawlk 5:50 - SONG: Beatbox Technique 8:33 - Mel's Bbx Technique 12:50 - SONG: Beatboxing for the Polar Bears 15:14 - Suggestion: Ditch 17:06 - Indianapolis Phone Dropper20:26 - SONG: Frik on a Dick 20:55 - NYC Sewer Department 26:31 - SONG: Sewer Alligator Kreb Cycle Battle 29:31 - Parent Teacher Conference30:26 - SONG: Mole People History 35:21 - SONG: Boy Bands, Mole People

To succeed in radio and to ensure you standout amongst the crowd and don't become saturated, its important you embrace creativity and originality to carve your own path towards prosperity. For Joe Pardavila he's produced over 10,000 hours of audio content over the course of his career in podcasting and terrestrial radio. Joe was a radio personality and producer on the legendary New York City radio station, 95.5 PLJ, where he was part of the iconic “Scott & Todd in the Morning”. He studied Sketch & Improv Comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade and was a founding member and actor in the New York-based sketch comedy group, Clip Show. The group performed at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater and the People's Improv Theater, and their video sketches were featured on Funny or Die and the Huffington Post. He is the co-director, writer, and producer of the award-winning horror satire, “The Witches of Bushwick”. He joined me this week to discuss the secrets behind creating compelling conversation and powerful podcasts. Get the Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1642253847/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_YFSKHZ35NR2ZD1Y9DMX0 Follow: @joepardavila

Today we are joined by the absolutely lovely and hilarious, Milly Tamarez! Milly chats with us about her time in Japan, hot springs falls, urban planning, dog parenthood, and more! You can catch Milly performing at Union Hall on 12/4 and listen to her podcast "Betches Sup"The North Coast Podcast is a Musical Comedy podcast featuring interviews, improvised hip-hop songs, and long-form improv from New York City's long-running hip hop-improv team, North Coast. From conversations with comedians, hip-hop artists, and other exciting creatives, you can now bring the infectious energy of a North Coast show into your headphones with this brand new podcast. Produced by Anna Torzullo and Douglas WidickNorthcoastnyc.comMilly Tamarez - @milly_tamarezNorth Coast - @northcoastnycRj Williams - @rjron.williamsMichael Crisol - @TheDoctorBrickMel Rubin @melrubin2Billy Soco @bsocoDouglas Widick @douglaswidickLuke Miller @lukemillerfakeRalf Jean-Pierre -  @preciousgorgeousralf Anna Torzullo - @AtorzzWith a cast of improv comedy veterans in New York City, North Coast's explosive performances have been packing comedy venues, universities, and festivals nationwide since 2009. Built around a single suggestion from an audience member, the show's improvised scenes escalate into full-blown hip-hop songs, facilitated by resident beatboxer, Doctor Brick. With their seamless melding of comedic timing and freestyle rapping abilities, North Coast frequently blurs the line between comedy show and concert, drawing audiences from the comedy, hip-hop, and theater communities for an experience that has been hailed as “mind-blowing” and “next level” by critics and audiences alike.Named one of the “Top Ten Best Comedy Shows”  by Time Out New York, North Coast has been featured on Vh1, in Slate's Podcast The Gist, The Village Voice, and The New York Times Comedy Listings. Currently, you can catch them performing Saturday 12/2 @ 8pm at the People's Improv Theater and on 12/10 @ 7:00pm at Young Ethels! 0:00 - Start 1:20 - Welcome Milly Tamarez! 2:53 - Broken Nails 5:00 - I Do Not Identify as a Floridian 6:33 - 11 Year Old Milly on the Bus 7:50 - SONG: Who Can You Trust on the Florida Bus 11:00 - Urban Planning 15:33 - McDonalds Ice Cream Machines 18:18 - Milly in Japan! 25:50 - Hot Springs 31:08 - SONG: Naked In Japan (And I Got No Plan) 33:45 - Milly's Puppy, Valentino 41:21 - SONG: Shag (No Distractions)

Today we are joined by friend & North Coast alum, Super Smack aka JD Ricafort! We discuss his multitude of talents, reminisce about his times with North Coast, and so much more on this fun-loaded ep with Super Smack! The North Coast Podcast is a Musical Comedy podcast featuring interviews, improvised hip-hop songs, and long-form improv from New York City's long-running hip hop-improv team, North Coast. From conversations with comedians, hip-hop artists, and other exciting creatives, you can now bring the infectious energy of a North Coast show into your headphones with this brand new podcast. Produced by Anna Torzullo and Douglas WidickNorthcoastnyc.comNorth Coast - @northcoastnycRj Williams - @rjron.williamsMichael Crisol - @TheDoctorBrickMel Rubin @melrubin2Billy Soco @bsocoDouglas Widick @douglaswidickLuke Miller @lukemillerfakeRalf Jean-Pierre -  @preciousgorgeousralf Anna Torzullo - @AtorzzWith a cast of improv comedy veterans in New York City, North Coast's explosive performances have been packing comedy venues, universities, and festivals nationwide since 2009. Built around a single suggestion from an audience member, the show's improvised scenes escalate into full-blown hip-hop songs, facilitated by resident beatboxer, Doctor Brick. With their seamless melding of comedic timing and freestyle rapping abilities, North Coast frequently blurs the line between comedy show and concert, drawing audiences from the comedy, hip-hop, and theater communities for an experience that has been hailed as “mind-blowing” and “next level” by critics and audiences alike.Named one of the “Top Ten Best Comedy Shows”  by Time Out New York, North Coast has been featured on Vh1, in Slate's Podcast The Gist, The Village Voice, and The New York Times Comedy Listings. Currently, you can catch them performing on 12/2 @at 8pm  The People's Improv Theater and 12/10 @ 7pm at Young Ethel's. 0:00 - Start 1:24 - JD Ricafort AKA Super Smack! 3:15 - In the Heights FanFic/Bars Workshop 7:21 - Origin of Super Smack 8:30 - Phoenix 11:12 - Boundaries btw Career & Personal 13:00 - SONG: Spend Spend Spend 15:35 - Six Months Without Socks 17:44 - Filipino Population in Arizona 20:00 - SONG: It's a Filipino Connection 23:00 - JD is Always Hustling 27:32 - Defining Your Own Success 31:00 - JD Writes… A Lot 32:00 - SONG: DTGFDF 

Today's suggestion is Harvest! Join the crew as they explore the world of beefing the oldest cow, 49'ers, and longtime family feuds. The North Coast Podcast is a Musical Comedy podcast featuring interviews, improvised hip-hop songs, and long-form improv from New York City's long-running hip hop-improv team, North Coast. From conversations with comedians, hip-hop artists, and other exciting creatives, you can now bring the infectious energy of a North Coast show into your headphones with this brand new podcast. Produced by Anna Torzullo and Douglas WidickNorthcoastnyc.comNorth Coast - @northcoastnycRj Williams - @rjron.williamsMichael Crisol - @TheDoctorBrickMel Rubin @melrubin2Billy Soco @bsocoDouglas Widick @douglaswidickLuke Miller @lukemillerfakeRalf Jean-Pierre -  @preciousgorgeousralf Anna Torzullo - @AtorzzWith a cast of improv comedy veterans in New York City, North Coast's explosive performances have been packing comedy venues, universities, and festivals nationwide since 2009. Built around a single suggestion from an audience member, the show's improvised scenes escalate into full-blown hip-hop songs, facilitated by resident beatboxer, Doctor Brick. With their seamless melding of comedic timing and freestyle rapping abilities, North Coast frequently blurs the line between comedy show and concert, drawing audiences from the comedy, hip-hop, and theater communities for an experience that has been hailed as “mind-blowing” and “next level” by critics and audiences alike.Named one of the “Top Ten Best Comedy Shows”  by Time Out New York, North Coast has been featured on Vh1, in Slate's Podcast The Gist, The Village Voice, and The New York Times Comedy Listings. Currently, you can catch them on Friday 12/2 @ 8pm at the People's Improv Theater, and Saturday 12/10 @ 7pm at Young Ethel's. 0:00 - Start 1:34 - Hospitality Conference Type of Full3:20 - Faking It 4:40 - SONG: Flash Those Pretty Eyes (When You Do Something Bad) 7:05 - Future Alien Theory10:30 - SONG: Luke Want Dumb Dumb 12:43 - Swifty's New Album14:39 - Licorice Pizza17:43 - SUGGESTION: Harvest20:43 - Should We Beef The Oldest Cow24:08 - SONG: Farm Evaluators/Wrestling Commentators 25:33 - Gold Panners26:59 - SONG: We are Best Friends (49'ers) 29:28 - Hanging with the Duquesne's31:22 - SONG: Tell Me What You Don't Like About the Lafayette Family

Today we are joined by incredible comedian, Maya Deshmukh. Maya chats with us about her group, Azn Pop, her SCRUBS (Figs, sponsor us), and her soon-to-be motherhood!The North Coast Podcast is a Musical Comedy podcast featuring interviews, improvised hip-hop songs, and long-form improv from New York City's long-running hip hop-improv team, North Coast. From conversations with comedians, hip-hop artists, and other exciting creatives, you can now bring the infectious energy of a North Coast show into your headphones with this brand new podcast. Produced by Anna Torzullo and Douglas WidickNorthcoastnyc.comNorth Coast - @northcoastnycRj Williams - @rjron.williamsMichael Crisol - @TheDoctorBrickMel Rubin @melrubin2Billy Soco @bsocoDouglas Widick @douglaswidickLuke Miller @lukemillerfakeRalf Jean-Pierre -  @preciousgorgeousralf Anna Torzullo - @AtorzzWith a cast of improv comedy veterans in New York City, North Coast's explosive performances have been packing comedy venues, universities, and festivals nationwide since 2009. Built around a single suggestion from an audience member, the show's improvised scenes escalate into full-blown hip-hop songs, facilitated by resident beatboxer, Doctor Brick. With their seamless melding of comedic timing and freestyle rapping abilities, North Coast frequently blurs the line between comedy show and concert, drawing audiences from the comedy, hip-hop, and theater communities for an experience that has been hailed as “mind-blowing” and “next level” by critics and audiences alike.Named one of the “Top Ten Best Comedy Shows”  by Time Out New York, North Coast has been featured on Vh1, in Slate's Podcast The Gist, The Village Voice, and The New York Times Comedy Listings. Currently, you can catch them performing 12/2 at 8pm at The People's Improv Theater, and 12/10 at 7pm at Young Ethel's. 0:00 - Start 1:21 - Welcome Maya Deshmukh! 2:40 - Scrubs5:15 - Problematic Favs7:20 - Maya Comedic Influences 10:33 - Azn Pop13:05 - SONG: You Become a Family (Oh Yeah) 15:41 - Dentist By Day 19:23 - SONG: 8PM Dentist Appointment 22:50 - Screen Names23:25 - Becoming a Parent 27:03 - SONG: Baby Heist 29:55 - K-Pop & Identity37:08 - Watch Maya Perform!

“You have to create this environment that the person's comfortable in, that's a big part of it. And I don't actually like to use the word interview, especially when I coach people or advise people who are starting podcasts. You don't ever want to use the word ‘interview' because interview implies question answer, question answer, question answer, whereas a conversation is a back and forth, it's people sharing ideas.”-- Joe Pardavila My next guest has produced over ten thousand hours of audio content over the course of his career in podcasting and terrestrial radio. He was a radio personality and producer on the legendary New York City radio station, 95.5 PLJ, where he was part of the iconic Scott & Todd in the Morning. He studied Sketch & Improv Comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade and was a founding member and actor in the New York-based sketch comedy group Clip Show. The group performed at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater and the People's Improv Theater, and their video sketches have been featured on Funny or Die and the Huffington Post. He's also the co-director, writer, and producer of the award-winning horror satire The Witches of Bushwick and currently serves as the director of podcasts for Advantage Media Group/ForbesBooks. His name is Joe Pardavila and, as you can probably tell, he's spent much of his life understanding good audio and good conversation. His book Good Listen talks about the secrets behind creating compelling conversations and powerful podcasts.  Sounds like he'll fit right in here, so let's get to it! As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you're welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit http://www.audiobrandingpodcast.com/ (www.audiobrandingpodcast.com) where you'll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the http://www.audiobrandingpodcast.com/ (www.audiobrandingpodcast.com) webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. In Love with Radio As the interview starts, we talk about Joe's early memories of sound and how he used to stay up late at night as a child to secretly listen to sports news on the radio, "I would be in my bedroom underneath my blankets," he recalls, "listening to my little radio till 3 o'clock in the morning to see what the Mets had done." That radio under the blankets, he says, was a lifeline in the days before the internet and news on demand, and it changed the way he thought about sound, media, and particularly the power of radio.  "That was sort of my connection," Joe says, "to the way I fell in love with radio."   Opening Up the World Joe goes on to tell us how he came to work for WPLJ and Scott & Todd in the Morning, as a college internship turned into a surprise job offer. "I didn't have to think twice about it," he says. "I was like 'sure, who needs school?' And then that sort of opened my world up." He quickly progressed in his newfound career and, as he explains, "I ended up running the morning show by the time the morning show was blowing up in 2019." We talk about his mentors and how they influenced his career, and how a mentor can sometimes be just as valuable for the mistakes they teach you to avoid as the advice they offer. "One thing people don't realize about mentors and mentorship," he notes, "is it's not only the good things you can learn from your mentors. It's also the bad things."   Good Listening Next, we talk about his foray into podcasting and writing his first book. "I was like 'I want to do podcasting,'" Joe reflects, "'but I don't want to do the same thing I'm doing on the air.'" His first podcast ended up being a collaboration with renowned sex researcher Zhana Vrangalova in part, he says, "because that's something I would never be able to discuss on the radio." Podcasting soon led him to an unexpected new creative venture, his new book Good Listen. “It turns out as I was...

Today we are joined by the lovely Jay Ellis of Freestyle Love Supreme! Jay chats about auditions, post-covid humanity, and more with the North Coast crew.The North Coast Podcast is a Musical Comedy podcast featuring interviews, improvised hip-hop songs, and long-form improv from New York City's long-running hip hop-improv team, North Coast. From conversations with comedians, hip-hop artists, and other exciting creatives, you can now bring the infectious energy of a North Coast show into your headphones with this brand new podcast. Produced by Anna Torzullo and Douglas WidickNorthcoastnyc.comJay Ellis - @jellis14North Coast - @northcoastnycRj Williams - @rjron.williamsMichael Crisol - @TheDoctorBrickMel Rubin @melrubin2Billy Soco @bsocoDouglas Widick @douglaswidickLuke Miller @lukemillerfakeRalf Jean-Pierre -  @preciousgorgeousralf Anna Torzullo - @AtorzzWith a cast of improv comedy veterans in New York City, North Coast's explosive performances have been packing comedy venues, universities, and festivals nationwide since 2009. Built around a single suggestion from an audience member, the show's improvised scenes escalate into full-blown hip-hop songs, facilitated by resident beatboxer, Doctor Brick. With their seamless melding of comedic timing and freestyle rapping abilities, North Coast frequently blurs the line between comedy show and concert, drawing audiences from the comedy, hip-hop, and theater communities for an experience that has been hailed as “mind-blowing” and “next level” by critics and audiences alike.Named one of the “Top Ten Best Comedy Shows”  by Time Out New York, North Coast has been featured on Vh1, in Slate's Podcast The Gist, The Village Voice, and The New York Times Comedy Listings. You can catch their next show at the People's Improv Theater on 11/4 @ 8pm. 0:00 - start1:20 - Welcome Jay Ellis! 5:19 - FLS & Vegas9:25 - SONG: Let's Jam 14:30 - The Year Before FLS Tour17:50 - SONG: You Are Your Ancestor's Wildest Dreams23:31 - Your Art Means Something29:45 - My Only Difference Is My Start 34:40 - Commonality After Covid37:56 - SONG: You Need to Feel So You Can Heal

The Privacy Game, Jenny tries to get Dave to retire, Think Fast, a shorter calls in about something he might get done to help with how tall he is, Tina tells us about soft launching her boyfriend, Dave Ryan's Improv Theater, Tina's Celeb Dine or Dash, and more!

Victor Varnado and Ankara Martinez visit friends and dicuss 420 party and how irefutable logic helps the pitch for profit.   Use these codes from 50-100% off. One use only!  UYFC9DGJ3 V7APMR83S X53EH49NU LFM2XTZC5 Q9N7WHJAB If you're still reading this, you get a to  In person code for $45 tickets : MARYJANE Victor Varnado is a producer, filmmaker, comedian, writer, and cartoonist. He recently finished a stint as a producer for a spinoff series in VH1's wildly successful Love and Hip Hop franchise, Leave it to Stevie starring Stevie J. He has also held senior producing positions for shows on networks including TruTV, Comedy Central, and The History Channel. His work also extends to journalistic video and branded content with clients like Associated Press, Spectrum News, and Conde Nast. Victor's work as a showrunner and series creator has generated iconic firsts and cult hits like Comedy Central's “The Awkward Comedy Show” a comedy concert film which helped introduce the world to Eric Andre and Hannibal Buress. Also, “Realm of LARP” a documentary series distributed by Nerdist/Legendary Pictures continues to be one of the most beloved productions delving into the world of live action role-playing.  In 2015 his pilot “Funny Cause It's True” won in the Best Unscripted category in the New York Television Festival. Comics created by Victor have appeared in MAD Magazine and recently he has become a New Yorker Cartoonist. Victor's writing work includes being a gag writer for the upcoming 2019 Orion Pictures Eric Andre and Lil Rel Howery film “Bad Trip”, Marvel Comics, VICE, Salon and co-authoring a screenplay with comics legend Stan Lee. You may recognize him as a comedian and actor from appearances on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Adult Swim and My Name is Earl – also playing supporting roles in films with Arnold Schwarzenegger (End of Days), Eddie Murphy (The Adventures of Pluto Nash), and Werner Herzog (Julien Donkey Boy). Ankara Martinez is a New York based stand up comedian. You have seen her on stage at New York Comedy Club, Long Beach-Irvine-Dania Improv, Carolines on Broadway, The People's Improv Theater, The Comic Strip Live, Stand Up New York, and Broadway Comedy Club. Ankara's podcast "The Gone Girls", was part of New York Comedy Festival and Women in Comedy Festival, it includes sketches and cold reads with some of the funniest comedians in the country. Ankara is a long time house team member at The Peoples Improv Theater and part of ImprovFest 2018. Her podcast “dumdum podcast” is now available on Apple podcast, please follow her on instagram for upcoming shows @Laughkara  Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf