Podcasts about io theater

All the news from Hang's domination at the Pan American Championships, Sugihara podiuming all over the place at Asian Championships.  TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR LIVE SHOW CHICAGO  Friday, July 18th at the world famous iO Theater. Attend virtually or in-person for games, prizes and a secret guest Q&A.  HEADLINES Can we please prioritize athlete safety? There were A LOT of issues with the mens' equipment at the Pan American Championships, but luckily everyone survived Jayla Hang (USA) and Felix Dolci (Canada) won the all-around titles The USA's mens and women teams won the Pan American team titles Chuso got injured in the vault final at Asian Championships, but the Olympic Channel is reporting she will still compete in Tashkent on her 50th birthday GYMTERNET NEWS MyKayla Skinner supports Riley Gaines and says Simone Biles "belittled, dismissed, and ostracized" her behind the scenes Are we taking the bait by discussing this at all? Mailie O'Keefe receives the Operations Specialist Award and will be staying at Utah for another year NCAA Coaching updates Geralen Stack-Eaton, former Alabama gymnast and Minnesota associate coach, is the new head coach at Cal Simone Brown switched her commitment from Clemson to Arkansas Former Utah gymnast, Jessie (Duke) McDonough, is the new Clemson assistant coach Former Oklahoma gymnast, Olivia Trautman, is now the assistant coach at Utah State Ragan Smith is the new associate coach at Iowa State Corinne Tarver, former Fisk head coach, was named the head coach at Southern Connecticut State University Mary Lou Retton pled "no contest" and said her actions were "completely unacceptable" 2025 Pan American Championships The US women won the team gold comfortably. Watch on PanAm Sports Why bronze was an extremely promising finish for this Brazilian team Helzly Rivera gave us all the drama during the team and all-around competitions Are the beam judges OK? What was up with all the raised scores? Something was definitely off about scoring because our favorite Argentinian beam worker, Isabella Ajalla, didn't even make the beam final??! The Panamanian women had an AMAZING competition  Karla Navas won vault gold with her legit round-off, half-on, full-off Panama qualified for team finals in fourth, AHEAD OF BRAZIL! Jayla Hang Simone'd this meet by winning a medal in every round of competition including team and all-around gold Why Lia Monica Fontaine is Canada's new "it-girl" 2025 Asian Championships China won the team final by about 0.4 over Japan We don't have any pity for Japan's leadership because they only competed with four gymnasts!!! China and Japan finish Asian Championships tied with seven medals each Can someone get Chuso to take a nap?? Chusovitina was injured after her first vault in event finals Nakamura Haruka (Japan) won the "Pussilanimouses Will Never be Heroes" award with her huuuge Def Should Qin Xinyi (China) have won bars gold over Nakamura? Let's discuss Hwang Seohyun (South Korea) upset Zhou Yaqin (China) for beam gold with her stellar BHS to back-full series Sugihara Aiko won four medals here, including all-around gold which she finally is getting 10 years after her Asian Championships debut Tonya Paulsson made her international debut for Taiwan, why her fourth-place all-around finish is huge for the program Feedback Did Chuso make a mistake with her Paris qualifiying strategy  LA2028 Mixed Team Final - can alternates be used How can an Xcel parent learn from GymCastic Has an emergency team ever been called in to replace another Eligabilty Calculus DiCello 7th year This episode is dedicated to the memory of coach, judge and mentor to many, Dean Ratliff. Listen to his judging myth buster episode here. BONUS CONTENT  Join Club Gym Nerd (or give it as a gift!) for access to weekly Behind the Scenes episodes. Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded and get access to all of our exclusive extended interviews, Behind The Scenes and College & Cocktails. Not sure about joining the club?  College & Cocktails: The Friday Night NCAA Gymnastics Post-Meet Show is available to sample (even if you aren't a Club Gym Nerd member yet). Watch or listen here. 2025 College & (M)Cocktails menu (including mocktails of course) MERCH GymCastic Store: clothing and gifts to let your gym nerd flag fly and even “tapestries” (banners, the perfect to display in an arena) to support your favorite gymnast! Baseball hats available now in the GymCastic store NEWSLETTERS Sign up for all three GymCastic newsletters  FANTASY GAME: GymCastic 2025 College Fantasy Game now open. 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Support the pod! ⁠Join our Patreon ⁠for weekly bonus episodes and TONS of exclusive premium content⁠Join the Discord community⁠Dive into our discord channel to connect with fellow fans, discuss your favorite episodes, and meet the hosts of the show!Tickets to FUDGE and Friends with Erin Keif and Jessie Kendell!This week we've got Kyle Bethea and Miguel Lepe Jr. back on the pod and in person! We chat'n'prov about giving blood, bachelor party flights to Vegas, and some really truly terrible impressions.Thanks to Buttsaggington for our opening scene request of:Free Blood Day at the failing clinicOn June 7th, Kyle joins Tim and Damian, along with Ollie Hobson to headline the Mud City closing night here in Chicago at The iO Theater! Grab a ticket here!You can catch Miguel as part of Escándalo at the iO Theater Fridays at 7:30 pm!Guests: Kyle Bethea, Miguel Lepe Jr. Hosts:⁠ ⁠Damian Anaya⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠Tim Lyons⁠⁠, and⁠ ⁠Dan White⁠⁠

Support the pod! ⁠⁠Join our Patreon ⁠⁠for exclusive premium content!This week Tim is joined by the gentlemen on the Word Association, Brett Lyons, Adal Rifai, and Rob White. We chat'n prov about pizza parties, annoying brands in the comments, and of course, Jaws. Listen to The Word Association and Hey Riddle Riddle where you get your pods! Also see Rob White as part of Whirled News Tonight at The iO Theater in Chicago!⁠Join the Discord community⁠Dive into our discord channel to connect with fellow fans, discuss your favorite episodes, and meet the hosts of the show!Performers:Hosts: ⁠Damian Anaya⁠, ⁠Tim Lyons⁠, and ⁠Dan White⁠

In this episode Alyssa tells Hugh Yemen about Second City and its lasting impact on improv. SHOW NOTES:  Chicago Tribune: More improvised exits at Second City in management shake-up Playbill: Hate Speech in the Audience Causes Chicago Cast Member to Call It Quits League of Chicago Theatres U of News: Improv Explained Chicago Tribune: When Abbie Hoffman took the Second City stage during Chicago Seven trial Chicago Tribune: Discontent all around at Second City in ‘The Winner … of Our Discontent' Chicago Tribune: Chicago's iO Theater is hit by accusations of racism and a petition demanding change NYT: Viola Spolin, 88, a Teacher Who Inspired Improv Theater The Difference between Spolin Games and Popular Improv HuffPost: Why Ayn Rand Does Not Matter (and Viola Spolin Does) NPR Illinois: From Hull House to Second City: How Chicago immigrants helped change theater Kitty Wants a Corner Spolin Games Online Chicago Tribune Archive The Second City: Backstage at the World's Greatest Comedy Theater A Theater of Our Own: A History and a Memoir of 1,001 Nights in Chicago Improv Nation: How We Made a Great American Art National Women's History Museum: Jane Adams WTTW: Inventing Improv Viola Spolin Quotes About Improvisation Into the Unknown with Viola Spolin A Profile of Viola Spolin Viola Spolin Bio BACKSTAGE: What Is the Viola Spolin Method? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Burnt fruit frat prank revenge; guitar oriented prenup; Nancy Reagan ghost; non-participation trophy; corduroy bikini sisters fight; handsome Dutch firefighters; are you having a threesome?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Actor and comedian Stephnie Weir (Mad TV, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) discusses the origins of her one-woman show The West Texas Weirs, which she performs this weekend at Chicago's IO Theater. Stephnie shares how she grew up on a used car lot; how dealing with a complicated father made her the person she is today; the trick of navigating unconventional relationships with reality; how family vacations were planned around repossessing cars; the potentially NSFW origin of terms like "hunty” and "askholes;” how vowels are expensive; and how a comedic exorcism can help process our feelings about complicated men. (Length 18:06) The post West Texas Weirs appeared first on Reduced Shakespeare Company.

Chicago's iO Theater was graced on August 21 by Mark, Bill, and special guest theater educator James Whittington, who spoke about embodiment (see Maurice Merleau-Ponty), the possible disconnect between meaning and tone, and being in the physical presence of greatness. They acted out scenes (while still sitting!) about an unsuccessful party and Experiences-R-Us.  Hear more at philosophyimprov.com. Support the podcast at philosophyimprov.com/support. You may choose to watch the proceedings live on stage. Sponsor: Get 10% off your first month of online therapy at betterhelp.com/improv.

This week on the pod we're joined by Lauren Frost and Erin Washington of Birdlady who you can see Wednesday nights at the iO Theater for the free show! We chat'n'prov about new fun holidays, college improv, and a timid Bill Burr. Looking for more content?Support the pod! Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes and TONS of exclusive premium contentJoin the Discord communityDive into our discord channel to connect with fellow fans, discuss your favorite episodes, and meet the hosts of the show!Performers:Guests: Lauren Frost and Erin Washington (Lerin)Hosts: Dan White, Tim Lyons, & Damian AnayaEditor/Producer: Matthew Williams

Internationally best-selling author David wrote a book (and made a film) called How We Got Here, which traces the gradual path in the history of ideas from the ancients through various forms of perspectivism, relativism, and post-modernism to the post-truth discourse that authoritarians and wanna-be authoritarians engage in. Some improv scenes are inserted awkwardly into the discussion. Mark philosophizes at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Bill improvises (and teaches) at chicagoimprovstudio.com. See us live Wed. 8/21, 6pm at iO Theater, Chicago. Hear more at philosophyimprov.com. Support the podcast to get all our post-game discussions, a video version of the podcast, and other bonus stuff. Sponsor: Try online therapy at betterhelp.com/improv.

Mark and Bill (with a special improvising philosopher guest) will be recording our PvI season finale live on stage at the iO Theater (aka The Freemont) in Chicago at 1501 N Kingsbury St, on Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 6-7pm. Please come join us! This is a FREE SHOW, with no need to buy tickets in advance and plenty of street parking. After watching us, stick around for Bill's regular Wednesday improv show, Green Room.

The best of America comes to Chicago this month as Dee Ryan (The Office, Second City, the RSC's Complete Millennium Musical (abridged)) directs a special one-hour, five-actor production of The Complete History of America (abridged) on Saturday nights at the IO Theater (plus Sunday, August 18 and Tuesday, August 20). Dee and cast member Sheri Flanders talk about the special energy fueling this production; how it's timed to coincide with the Democratic National Convention; the exciting Edinburgh Fringe-like vibe of IO; how they're keeping the bronzers locked up; the power of ensemble-driven theatre; and how Second City veteran Dee wants to bring an improvisational energy to scripted comedy.(Length 17:44)

Steve Plock, Managing Director at The iO Theater, joins Jon Hansen on Your Money Matters to discuss their upcoming festival. iO Fest is shaping up to be Chicago’s largest comedy festival this year, and they’ve got some great alumni coming back to perform as well as over 70 improv and comedy ensembles from around the world […]

We're joined by fellow Whirled News Tonight Alum Eddie Pina this week! Tune in to hear how blazing, sprinkler, split, and cryptic lead us to debating peppers, wrestling, Eddie being called a boomer by his daughters, cryptids and more.You can see Eddie live in Chicago with Deep Schwa Sunday nights at The Annoyance Theater and with The Reckoning at The Bug House Theater July 13th and the iO Theater on July 30th. New episodes every Tuesday.Editing by: Julia WD HarrisonTheme by: Arne Parrott Logo by: Casey BordenYou can email the show at twapod@gmail.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Second City and Matt Damon Improv's Phylicia McLeod sits down with me to hash out how to deal with strict Christian parents whose idea of what's best for you is different than yours.Content warning: dead sibling, alcoholism, Pentecostal childhood, playing Lil Boosie/Boosie Badazz at your funeral, presence as the solution to boredom in paradise, masturbating in the staircase at work?If you believe in This Is Your Afterlife and want fun bonus episodes, become a patron for $5 or $15/month at patreon.com/davemaher. Follow Phylicia on Instagram: @laugh_with_pheeGo see her show, HOT GIRLS PRESENT: SH*T TALK, at iO Theater on August 16 and 23!Donate to the Chicago Abortion Fund via my page to provide life-saving healthcare to folks who need abortions.Follow this show on IG: @thisisyourafterlife, and get more info at thisisyourafterlife.com. Have thoughts on the show? Email thisisyourafterlifepodcast@gmail.com.Follow me @thisisdavemaher on Instagram and Twitter.All music by This Is Your Afterlife house band Lake Mary.Check out my other podcast, Genre Reveal Party!, where I analyze TV and movies with my friend, writer and cultural critic Madeline Lane-McKinley.

My guest today is Nnamde Ngwe. Nnamdi is an actor, model, Improvisor, teacher, and writer. He studied and teaches at iO and The Second City, and was recently awarded teacher of the year at iO Theater.  Along with his twin brother, Amechi, Nnamdi wrote and starred in the critically acclaimed show Julius which earned him a trip to the New York Television Festival and a nomination for Best Screenplay at the Best Of The Midwest Film Awards, among others.  He also wrote and starred in Rap Skool, which was also screened at the New York Television festival and earned him a best actor nomination also at the Best of the Midwest Film Awards. Nnamdi is also a cast member of the critically acclaimed and award winning Improv/Sketch team 3Peat, an absolutely incredible group that has performed around the world and has even been featured on Comedy Central. I got to meet Nnamdi when he and 3Peat performed at the Miami Improv Festival, and I was completely blown away by this guy's talent! To learn more about Nnamde Ngwe, visit his website at thennamdi.com. You can also find him on Instagram and enjoy his love for mix CDs of the early 2000s.

4 words can only mean one thing, we have a guest! Matt Young joins us this week. Tune in to hear how Carnival, Coaster, Flabbergasted, and Feast lead us to fair food, monogrammed items, prestidigitation, singing chickens, and more.New episodes every Tuesday.You can listen to Matt on Hello from the Magic Tavern, new episodes every Monday, plus bonuses and more at patreon.com/magictavern ,and see him live with The Improvised Shakespeare Company every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the iO Theater, more info at https://www.improvisedshakespeare.com/chicagoEditing by: Julia WD HarrisonTheme by: Arne Parrott Logo by: Casey BordenYou can email the show at twapod@gmail.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's guest is another true legend in the world of improv, Susan Messing. She's one of the founding members of The Annoyance Theater, where she has created roles in over thirty original productions including the longest-running musical in Chicago, Co-Ed Prison Sluts.  Susan teaches and performs at the Annoyance Theater and the iO Theater and has also taught improvisational comedy for DePaul University, The University of Chicago and Loyola University.  Her essays have been published in The Second City Almanac of Improvisation and in Charna Halpern's book, Art By Committee.  Susan has also had multiple television and movie appearances, including a role in the film “Let's Go to Prison”.  We talk a little about that experience and how much she loved it. Susan is known all over for being a strong, unfiltered performer.  She has been a source of inspiration to performers everywhere, including myself.  We had a very honest and fun conversation today, and I'm so excited to share this conversation with all of you!

4 words? That can only mean one thing, we have a guest! John Patrick Coan joins us this week. Tune in to hear how Waiter, Acquire, Evacuate, and Espresso lead us to O'Charley's, Werner Herzog, what we would save if our house was on fire, launching our own coffee brand, and more. New episodes every Tuesday.You can see JPC (and Rob, Adal - every once in a while, and Brett - maybe twice a year) in Whirled News Tonight Saturdays at 8pm at the iO Theater in Chicago.Editing by: Julia WD HarrisonTheme by: Arne Parrott Logo by: Casey BordenYou can email the show at twapod@gmail.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Laura Hall (from TV's "Whose Line Is It, Anyway?") discusses Phony Award Winning, the improvised musical comedy inspired by classic musicals that she co-created and which performs Sunday nights at the IO Theater in Chicago. Laura, who got her start at Chicago's Second City and Annoyance theaters, reveals how her early training and connections led to this exciting new improvisational form. Laura shares which other musicals they're considering for future performances (and why none of them will be Hamilton); how the cast is flexible enough to swap roles every performance; the extent to which doing televised improv differs from doing it onstage; how to make audiences completely relaxed right at the top of the show; the exciting motivation to see the show more than once; and how improvising in the language, style, and tropes of different musicals offers fun and specific new challenges. (Length 21:15)

In this throwback, If This Is True would like to introduce you to Jo Rou and Ryan Santa of Imposters Theater. Jo is a veteran of the NYC improv scene, having studied and performed at the Magnet Theater, the Pit and the Upright Citizens Brigade. Ryan is a veteran of the Chicago improv scene, having studied and performed through iO Theater and the Second City Conservatory. How are their styles different? How are they similar? Give it a listen and find out!

Maria Randazzo is your new best friend. Or at least Molly wants her to be hers. New York based, Cleveland born Maria Randazzo is a WGA Award nominated-writer, comedian, and actor. She is currently a staff writer on the Emmy-nominated Apple Original series The Problem with Jon Stewart. She's also a contributor for Reductress, and you can catch her doing sketch, improv, stand-up, and drag king performances around New York City (His name is Sal MarscarBone and he's horny for sandwiches). She spent several years in Chicago being cold and performing sketch and improv at The Second City, the iO Theater, and The Annoyance. She's also written and performed two solo sketch shows, "Lady of Solitude" and "I Don't Know About Her" and climate change pending, will retire in Miami. We talk about our mom's death, wearing a bold lip to a funeral, matching cardigan and short sets from Limited Too, how Ricky Martin was the Pedro Pascal of Molly's generation and the Beyonce movie Dreamgirls and why it reminds Molly of her mother's funeral! Find Maria at: instagram: @mariafreakingrandazzo https://www.mariarandazzo.com/

Marla is an improviser from the Whirled News Tonight iO Theater show. We talk about obeying proper forms of behavior and drawing improv inspiration from outside sources. Plus, a thruple blind date and BBQ chain of custody. And introducing a new character, Lil' Confucius. Mark philosophizes at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Bill improvises (and teaches) at chicagoimprovstudio.com. Hear more at philosophyimprov.com. Support the podcast to get all our post-game discussions, video versions of recent episodes, and other bonus stuff.

This week we're joined by certified Chicago Improv Perverts Mike Geraghty, Linda Orr, and Steve Plock who go by Dumb John. We chat'n'prov about bar etiquette, celeb sitings, and USO clowns. You can see Dumb John live at The iO Theater in Chicago Friday nights for the rest of March! Get your tickets here.Check out Recovery BroPerformers:Mike Geraghty (@MiggityMikeG)Linda Orr (@iriscutter)Steve Plock (@kcolpevets)Tim Lyons (@TimLyons)Dan White (@atdanwhite)Support the pod! Join our Patreon for an extended version of this episode, weekly bonus episodes, and additional premium content. www.Patreon.com/improvisdead

We'll be back next week with an all-new episode of Improv is Dead, but please enjoy one of our most recent favorites with JPC and Damian Anaya!Back for Season 3 are two of our very favorites, Damian Anaya and JPC of Hey Riddle Riddle and Bill Buds! We chat'n'prov about adoptin' puppies, Italian dining, and the downfall of society thanks to AI. You can see Damian at The iO Theater in Chicago for his show Your Fucked up Relationships. Catch JPC Saturdays at The iO Theater with Whirled News Tonights. Listen to JPC on Hey Riddle Riddle and Bill Buds. Performers:Damian Anaya (@damiananaya)JPC (@JPSoFly)Tim Lyons (@TimLyons)Dan White (@atdanwhite)Support the pod! Join our Patreon for an extended version of this episode, weekly bonus episodes, and additional premium content. www.Patreon.com/improvisdead

Jen Rowe talks about Helen Wood, the Dive into Improv! retreat (https://www.limehouseandcottage.co.uk/retreats/), teaching, Sarah Davies, The Maydays, Joe Samuel, Happily Never After, Confessions, Tonight's Top Story, Phil Lunn's Circle of Joy, Hoopla! Impro, how to perform The Ballad, iO Theater, Jason Chin, Whirled News Tonight, Chris Read, dogs being a distraction, improvising science fiction, improvising Shakespeare, Impromptu Shakespeare, how to play Mind Meld (with noises and facial expressions), how to play Three in a circle (in reverse), how to play What's On My (Stupid) T-Shirt? and Rhiannon Vivian.

Rachael was a mentor of Bill's and works with him at the newly reopened iO Theater. So it's like we have TWO improv instructors here. We run some  scenes, talk a bit too much about chili, and touch on functionalism, idealism, napism, and other isms. Jump into the marzipan! Brucie and Frucie are waiting for you! Mark philosophizes at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Bill improvises (and teaches) at chicagoimprovstudio.com. Hear more at philosophyimprov.com. Support the podcast to get all our post-game discussions, video versions of recent episodes, and other bonus stuff. Sponsor: Check out the History Cache Podcast.

Rachael was a mentor of Bill's and works with him at the newly reopened iO Theater. So it's like we have TWO improv instructors here. We run some  scenes, talk a bit too much about chili, and touch on functionalism, idealism, napism, and other isms. Jump into the marzipan! Brucie and Frucie are waiting for you! Mark philosophizes at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Bill improvises (and teaches) at chicagoimprovstudio.com. Hear more at philosophyimprov.com. Support the podcast to get all our post-game discussions, video versions of recent episodes, and other bonus stuff. Sponsor: Check out the History Cache Podcast.

CHARNA HALPERNCharna Halpern (born June 1, 1952) is founded the ImprovOlympic, now known as iO. Upon iO's founding, in 1983, with partner Del Close, she began teaching Harold to many students in the Chicago theater community. Many prominent comedians performed at iO, from Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Mike Myers, She and Close co-authored the book Truth in Comedy: The Manual of Improvisation with editor Kim "Howard" Johnson in 1994.She published Group Improvisation in 2003 and Art by Committee in 2006.The remaining theater in Chicago, originally located in the Wrigleyville neighborhood was forced to relocate due to neighborhood development. In 2017, the theater reopened in the Clyborn North Area. In 2020 during a forced shutdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic Charna decided to close theater and sell it. iO was then purchased and as of 2022 has reopened with new management. DEL CLOSEDel Close, an actor, improviser, and coach who taught John Belushi, Gilda Radner and Bill Murray and elevated improvisation to an art form.Close pioneered the concept of “long form” improvisation. “Long form is one suggestion and then you improvise for 25 minutes, and in short form you are constantly coming to the audience for suggestions throughout the evening and treating each improv game as its own little three- or four-minute piece,”While many comedy groups use improvisation as a tool to develop characters and sketches, Close believed that improvisation was the show. He often said there was really only one role for a director: “Light fuse and run!”His ideas, although hotly debated in the comedy world, have influenced nearly every improvisation group in America, from Chicago's legendary Second City to San Francisco's the Committee. “He was the singular most powerful force in improvisation in the world,” said Kelly Leonard, the producer of Second City, where Close acted and directed before opening his own theater. iO with Charna HalpernThe resident guru at “Saturday Night Live” during the show's early years, Close trained several generations of comics, from Belushi and Murray to Mike Myers and the late Chris Farley. Close came up with the idea for the popular early 1980s television show “SCTV,” which stood for Second City Television and was widely credited as the intellectual and spiritual force behind a recent renaissance in Chicago's hotbed of improvisation.Although groups such as Second City use improvisation as a rehearsal tool to develop characters and sketches, Close believed in improvisation as an end in itself. In collaboration with Halpern, he was constantly tinkering with the form, turning the Harold into a more elaborate tapestry of scenes with a cinematic flavor. The ImprovOlympic became the cutting-edge training ground, sending many of its graduates, such as Farley, to better-known venues like Second City and television and movie careers.STORYTELLERCharna HalpernBAND(Piano) Dave Asher(Guitar) Ross Plunkett(Drums) Mike Amandes (Saxophone) Eli V Wilson(Trumpet, Vocals) Ivan Pyzow (Bass) GordonVOCALISTS Matt GriffoDrake ShraderAmber LindeLisa Burton Joe BillSupport the showSupport the show via Matt Griffo's Patreon page at Patreon.com/mattgriffo

Segment 1: Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John to talk about the tug of war between economists regarding the likelihood we see a recession in 2023, and the the amount of credit card debt being accrued in the U.S. And as always, Terry answers all of your financial questions.  Segment 2: Katie Caussin, […]

Back for Season 3 are two of our very favorites, Damian Anaya and JPC of Hey Riddle Riddle and Bill Buds! We chat'n'prov about adoptin' puppies, Italian dining, and the downfall of society thanks to AI. You can see Damian at The iO Theater in Chicago for his show Your Fucked up Relationships. Catch JPC Saturdays at The iO Theater with Whirled News Tonights. Listen to JPC on Hey Riddle Riddle and Bill Buds. Performers:Damian Anaya (@damiananaya)JPC (@JPSoFly)Tim Lyons (@TimLyons)Dan White (@atdanwhite)Support the pod! Join our Patreon for an extended version of this episode, weekly bonus episodes, and additional premium content. www.Patreon.com/improvisdead

If This Is True would like to introduce you to Kevin Mullaney. Kevin created the Improv Resource Center--a Facebook for improvisers before Facebook--in the early 2000's. He teaches through the IRC and often travels around the country conducting workshops. Kevin started teaching improvisation 25 years ago at iO Theater in Chicago, later at the Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre in New York and more recently Under the Gun Theater in Chicago. Currently, Kevin resides in Peoria, IL, where he is an IT professional. We talked about making crazy choices--both in life and in improv, being a loose cannon, and enjoying the journey of life we are all on. We even discussed enjoying some poker along the way. Give it a listen! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christopher-hall7/support

Fantastic first-time guest Nina Chhibber Williams (CSZ, IO Theater) joins us to try out new names and share her love of the Mango Lassi. She plugs her mom's startup catering business, discusses how she takes down a bottle of wine, and then plays some Broadway trivia!Brought to you by Littlefoot Coffee Roasters (promo code: PopPop) and Recovering Bro (promo code: Bottles) Use the codes to save at checkout!  Nina's Naugtry  Nector or The Chhibber Chiller 2 Cups Frozen  Mango1 Cup Vanilla Yogurt1/2 Cup Milk 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey 2 Teaspoons Maple Syrup1 Teaspoon Cardamom 

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talks about Kanye West’s new Instagram post, the re-opening of the iO Theater, and the rumors of Jerry Lee Lewis’ death. They also share details about the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” premiere, who will be joining […]

If This Is True would like to introduce you to Craig Cackowski! The veteran of the Second City and iO Theater has appeared in all your favorite TV shows--Veep, Community (as Officer Cackowski!), Drunk History and the Secret Lives of College Girls. We discussed his being a theater kid, his current travel schedule with Orange Tuxedo (with his wife Carla), and his many podcast efforts (Kevin Pollak's Alchemy This and Craig's List). Give it a listen! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christopher-hall7/support

Adults don't laugh enough. And part of the reason is that we filter ourselves too much, so we fit in. Learning to trust your instincts, let go of past mistakes, loosen up and laugh with others are the building blocks to stronger connections with others.  Nate Fleming is a comedian who specializes in improvisational techniques. In this episode, we discuss:

If This is True has the distinct honor of introducing you to Rachael Mason! She is the new Director of Education at iO Theater in Chicago, and she also performs regularly with the equally legendary Susan Messing as "The Boys." She's worked with theater novices, Masters Degree Candidates at universities, and working professionals both in and outside of the entertainment industry. Candor is her love language. She passionately believes that putting art where there was none before is an act of revolution. We discussed this importance and the creation of something from nothing as being essential in these perilous times. When we recorded this, Rachael was recovering from COVID-19, but she soldiered on and was a terrific guest. Give it a listen! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christopher-hall7/support

Today on Laughing Liberally Milwaukee, host Matthew Filipowicz welcomes guest comedian Dina Nina. The two discuss Robin Vos' firing of Michael Gableman, likely due to Gableman's campaigning for Vos' opponent in the Republican primaries. They also discuss Dina Nina's latest developments with Lady Laughs Comedy and the iO Theater in Chicago. 

If This Is True would like to introduce you to Jo Rou and Ryan Santa of Imposters Theater. Jo is a veteran of the NYC improv scene, having studied and performed at the Magnet Theater, the Pit and the Upright Citizens Brigade. Ryan is a veteran of the Chicago improv scene, having studied and performed through iO Theater and the Second City Conservatory. How are their styles different? How are they similar? Give it a listen and find out! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christopher-hall7/support

Jo Scott has been writing and performing comedy for over 14 years. Most of that time was spent in Chicago, where Jo was a member of the Second City Touring Company, produced and performed in Annoyance Theatre's Holy F*ck Comedy Hour, and improvised at the iO Theater. In 2020, Jo made it to the west coast where she co-hosts Funny Games at Elysian Theater. You can see Jo on Adult Swim in Joe Pera Talks With You. Jo hails from South Bend, Indiana, and served two years in the jungles of Suriname as a Peace Corps volunteer. Jo and her husband, Peter, are proud parents to twin monsters. #comedy #writer #adultswim #secondcity #losangeles #california #funny #video #podcast #twins #momlife #mom

Today's episode was recorded live on April 25th, 2022 over Zoom. We begin today with a short and sweet open mic before getting right to our headliners. First, Gabriel Carnick is an award winning Poet, Film Director, and Cinematographer. Her works have been published in Calliope Magazine as well as Scholastic Art and Writing multiple times. She has two manuscripts currently in competition, the latest being ‘A Cacophony of Silence'. Gabriel's film work concentrates on queer and social justice oriented stories and is available on Amazon and Youtube and you can find out more about her on IG at @GabrielCarnick and at her website GabrielCarnick.com. Then, is Kyle Sanders, he is a Kentucky native, a Chicago resident, and a National Treasure. He's an alum of iO Theater's School of Improv and a contributing writer for the Chicago Independent Radio Project, who also writes one two-line joke a day to keep some semblance of sanity. He has performed at other storytelling events such as Outspoken and Do Not Submit, and hopes to live long enough to be considered the "Fran Lebowitz of Chicago."

Leaders, when's the last time you've thought about your tone? On today's minisode, one of our improve it! facilitators, Mike Geraghty, is here to talk to us about how improv can help improve your verbal and written tone in your virtual or hybrid workplace. Listen in on this fun and insightful conversation.   About the Guest: Mike Geraghty is an actor, improviser, and writer. Geraghty is from Reno, Nevada where he graduated from the University of Nevada with degrees in Spanish and Journalism. It is also where he got his start performing stand-up comedy and Hip Hop music. He can be seen in feature films such as The Trial of the Chicago 7 and The Candyman; as well as in TV shows on FOX, NBC, CBS, Amazon Prime, and Netflix. He also performs weekly on stage at the iO Theater with his long running improv teams, Big Spoon and Dumb John; or with his all Spanish speaking Harold team, Heraldo.He has performed in theaters all over Chicago, including The Annoyance Theater, The Second City, CiC, iO, and The Public House Theater. You can find Mike co-facilitating any improve it! workshop or making teams giggle during our Laugh Breaks.   Connect with Erin Diehl: Instagram LinkedIn improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Sign up for Daily 5 Challenge Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com   “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won't miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Fam :)

KP joins to talk about origins and dramatic sudden closure of iO theater. How can you make a sustainable business off of adults playing pretend? Turns out it’s pretty hard. This episode has everything: improv comedy, wage theft allegations, desecration of human remains. Twists and turns everywhere! Follow KP's incredible project @they.call.us everywhere!!! Footnotes: Behind the Laughs: Community and Inequality in Comedy, Michael P. Jeffries The Funniest One in the Room: The Lives and Legend of Del Close, Kim “Howard” Johnson Chicago Comedy: A Fairly Serious History, Margaret Hicks Skullduggery, Tad Friend, The New Yorker Comedy Guru Charna Halpern Carries On, Achy Obejas, Chicago Tribune The First Comedy Strike, Richard Zoglin, Time Magazine This Unsung Comic Guru Turned Her Passion For Improv Into a Profitable Business INC Magazine, 2016 iO Co-Founder's Controversial Sexual Harassment Comments Spark Debate, Mae Rice, Chicagoist iO Chicago’s move is more than a new address, Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune iO makes a big move into founder Charna Halpern’s ‘dream theater’, Brianna Wellen, Chicago Reader What We Can Learn From Improv Theaters' PPP Loans, Seth Simons, Paste Magazine

Leaders, do you need a fun and unique idea for your virtual holiday party? How about a little HA-liday cheer? On today's minisode, one of our improve it! improvisers, Andy Junk, is here to talk all about how you can use laughter and improv to spark joy this holiday season. Listen in on this fun and insightful conversation. Want to see a Laugh Break in action? Join us for our Laugh Break Live on 11.16 at 12 pm CST. Join here:  LAUGH BREAK LIVE Use the promo code "laughwithus" for discounted tickets! About the Guest: Andy Junk is an improviser, actor, and teacher who hails from Chicago, where he is a member of the Improvised Shakespeare Company. He studied at both the iO Theater and the Second City Conservatory, and was an instructor at the iO. His work is primarily on the stage, but his television credits include roles on "Joe Pera Talks with You", "Chicago PD," "Shameless," and more.   Connect with Erin Diehl: Instagram LinkedIn improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Sign up for Daily 5 Challenge Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com   “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won't miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Fam :)

Need help spurring innovation, seeing things with a new set of eyes, or looking at the way you work differently? Then we've got a quick show for you. On today's minisode, one of our improve it! facilitators, Shadee Vossoughi, is here to talk to us about how improv is a great tool for spurring creativity in the workplace. About the Guest: Shadee Vossoughi is an Iranian American actor, writer, and veteran improviser based in Chicago, IL. After receiving her BFA in Acting from Southern Oregon University, Shadee moved to Chicago to study comedy. Shadee has trained, performed, and coached at some of the top comedy institutions in Chicago, including The Annoyance Theatre, iO Theater, and The Second City. Shadee was a recipient of the NBCUniversal Second City Bob Curry Fellowship in 2018. Shadee is represented by Stewart Talent Chicago. Connect with Shadee Vossoughi: Instagram: @shadeev Twitter: @shadee_v Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won't miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Fam :)

Donate to make Ghost Hotel a reality at https://www.ghosthotel.show (www.ghosthotel.show) Groovebox AKA Dylan Carey - Instagram @_groovebox_ -  is a producer, vocalist and entertainer from Chicago, IL. His live act combines music and comedy in a beatbox-driven, completely improvised experience. Dylan has trained at Chicago's Second City, iO Theater, Annoyance Theater and ComedySportz, and has been performing for over 15 years. He has worked with TruTV, Fox, Zanies Comedy Club, McDonalds, Bud Light, Ben and Jerry's, Chili's, State Farm, and has even performed at Carnegie Hall. Matt Mayerle - Instagram @mattydophotos -  is an LA-based writer, actor, and comedian. He's been performing and writing comedy for over 12 years in cities across the country. Matt has toured and taught comedy at The Second City Chicago, and has been featured in productions and ensembles at iO Chicago, The Playground, The Annoyance, Comedy Sportz, Finest City Improv San Diego, and more. Matt's acting credits include NBC's Chicago Fire, as well as various short films, commercials, voiceovers, and web videos. Matt promises he is not a lobster disguised as a man. Matt & Dylan are developing the comedy series Ghost Hotel. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app (https://anchor.fm/app)

Help us if you can, we're feeling down! This week, we decided to ask the impossible: Which Beatle is the best Beatle? We go IN DEPTH about the Fab Four's solo careers, their individual contributions to The Beatles, and what makes the band one of the greatest in rock 'n' roll history. Tangents include but are not limited to: the current state of the iO Theater in Chicago, "Blister in the Sun" by Violent Femmes, and, of course, America's Band, The Beach Boys.We were also joined by our very close friend, Chas Lilly. Chas is an improviser and music producer in Chicago who recently produced The Q's album "Us Who Know," which just came out on Friday! Go take a listen here!Fab Four voting will take place Monday 6/14 and Tuesday 6/15. Championship voting will take place Wednesday 6/16 and Thursday 6/17. Reveal on Sir Paul McCartney's 79th birthday, June 18, 2021.Link to vote, as always, is right here, y'all. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Kennedy tells John about her off and on relationship with Adam.hosted by john del viscio produced & edited by ben kasl artwork by mads horwath music by bridey hicksSupport the show (https://paypal.me/AdamSlanderPodcast?locale.x=en_US)

Nnamdi Ngwe is an actor, writer, and comedian. Along with the rest of the cast of 3Peat, Nnamdi co-wrote and starred in the Blackening and season one of the 3Peat digital series on Comedy Central. He can be seen as a cast member on 4D Printer, You've Been Had Celebrity Edition and can also be seen on Busy Tonight and in sketches for The Ringer.  Nnamdi wrote for the Tiktok NYE 2020 NYE show. He also wrote and starred in the critically acclaimed show Julius which earned him a trip to the New York Television Festival and a nomination for Best Screenplay at the Best Of The Midwest Film Awards among others. He also wrote and starred in Rap Skool which was also screened at the New York Television festival and earned him a best actor nomination at the Best of the Midwest Film Awards. Nnamdi also wrote Oak Ridge Patrol which was accepted into the New York Television Festival.  In addition to Film, TV, and Commercials, Nnamdi can be seen across the world touring with the award winning improv/sketch group 3Peat, and iO Theater.  More info can be found at http://thennamdi.com/ (thennamdi.com) or follow him on Twitter: @nnamdingwe 

We've got to thank comedian Abby McEnany and writer Samantha Irby for both achieving fame and keeping it real. McEnany has adapted her Chicago's iO Theater one-woman show into the semi-autobiographical Showtime series “Work In Progress”—the “coming of age story of a 45-year-old self-identified queer dyke”. Irby's latest essay collection Wow, No Thank You, chronicles her “bourgeois life of a Hallmark Channel dream,” including turning 40, getting married, and moving out of Chicago. Come celebrate Pride and representing queer joy with McEnany and Irby. This program was livestreamed on June 25, 2020. Donate now to support programs like this: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/donate Season 1 of "Work In Progress" is streaming now on Showtime. Order Samantha Irby's book Wow, No Thank You. online at Seminary Co-Op: https://www.semcoop.com/wow-no-thank-you Explore upcoming events: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/

Healthy teams function at their best when every member of the team is supporting one another and working together to make sure the best ideas and solutions are brought to the table. But whether you're a leader or a team member, we've all had experiences where just the opposite occurs. A teammate dominates the conversation with their own ideas, or we become defensive when our own ideas are called into question. In these instances, our fears and insecurities create an unhealthy environment, one where the team stops working together to get things right and instead, we focus on being right and protecting our own egos. Join us as we learn from Adal Rifai—improviser, coach and teacher at Chicago's acclaimed iO Theater—about what the practices of successful improv teams can teach us about how to focus less on being right and start focusing more on what you and your team can do to get it right and achieve better creativity, cohesion and results. For more information, to subscribe, or to catch up on previous episodes, visit us at:  www.buildingchampions.com/podcast