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My Dad's in Jail, My Girlfriend Left Me, and I Became a Comedian: The Arturo Vaca Story In this fresh and funny conversation, hosts Sarah J. Halstead and Rich Chassler welcome rising comedian and viral content creator Arturo Vaca for an honest, hilarious deep-dive into the unlikely road from the Valley to the comedy stage. Born and raised in Van Nuys, Arturo's path to stand-up wound through teenage delinquency, a short-lived skateboarding career, two years of MMA fighting (including a trip to Thailand), and the kind of hard family circumstances that either break you or become your best material. In just two years back at the mic, Arturo has amassed over 83,000 Instagram followers, is headlining his own shows, and is dipping his toes into acting all while using his grandfather's house as his production studio. Raw, relatable, and refreshingly humble, this episode is a masterclass in grinding with nothing to fall back on. GUEST Arturo Vaca is a 27-year-old Van Nuys-born stand-up comedian, viral content creator, and aspiring actor who has taken the LA comedy scene by storm in just two years. Inspired by Kevin Hart's ability to turn a dark childhood into unforgettable comedy, Arturo mines his own turbulent upbringing, a father incarcerated for drug trafficking, teenage struggles, a brief MMA career, and a staph infection scare for material that is equal parts gut-punch and gut-laugh. Currently headlining his own shows and growing rapidly across all social platforms, Arturo is one of the most exciting emerging voices in comedy today. Connect with Arturo: Instagram: @arturo.vaca TikTok: @arturovacacomedy YouTube: Arturo Vaca Comedy BEVERAGE OF THE EPISODE Arturo: Coke Zero Sarah & Rich: San Benedetto Flat Mineral Water CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 03:00 The Comedy Scene and Personal Background 05:52 Early Life and Family Dynamics 09:04 Transitioning to Comedy and MMA Background 11:50 Content Creation Journey 15:11 Social Media and Audience Engagement 17:49 Finding Humor in Personal Struggles 21:11 The Importance of Consistency in Comedy 23:58 Future Aspirations and Upcoming Shows FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS! Sarah IG @sarahhalstead https://www.instagram.com/sarahhalstead/?hl=en FB @sarahjhalsteadcomic https://www.facebook.com/sarahjhalsteadcomic/ X @sarahjhalstead https://twitter.com/sarahjhalstead Rich IG @richchassler https://www.instagram.com/richchassler/ FB @chasslerfans https://www.facebook.com/Chasslerfans/ X @richchassler https://x.com/richchassler
Adam Ferrara on Comedians, Carburetors & Carnegie Hall: A Working-Class Hero's Guide to Showbiz In this heartfelt and hilarious conversation, veteran stand-up comedian and actor Adam Ferrara joins hosts Sarah J. Halstead and Rich Chassler for a deep dive into the entertainment industry, family influences, and the art of survival in show business. From performing at mobster-run comedy clubs in Brooklyn to landing recurring roles on major network shows, Adam shares candid stories about his Italian-American upbringing, his father's life-changing advice, and why being funny in the office doesn't make you a comedian. The episode touches on everything from vintage cars and Carnegie Hall to the emotional reality of watching your parents age while pursuing your creative dreams. About Adam Ferrara Adam Ferrara is a veteran stand-up comedian, actor, and podcaster who has spent over three decades mastering authentic storytelling across every entertainment platform. Best known for his recurring roles on Nurse Jackie (Netflix), NCIS as "Sloppy Joe Sammy," and Rescue Me, Adam represents the last generation of comics who cut their teeth in mob-run Brooklyn clubs before graduating to Carnegie Hall. His podcast "The Adam Ferrara Podcast" features intimate conversations with guests like Nathan Lane, Ann Wilson, and Billy Gibbons, capturing the warmth of friends laughing around a dinner table. A Long Island native splitting time between LA and NYC's West Village, Adam brings blue-collar authenticity and hard-won wisdom to everything he does—whether sharing his father's life-changing advice ("Do it now, before your life gets complicated"), discussing vintage cars, or explaining why being funny in the copy room doesn't make you a comedian. Connect: @AdamFerrara on all platforms AdamFerrara.com ... http://adamferrara.com/ for tour dates The Adam Ferrara Podcast ... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-ferrara-podcast/id1473543128 on all platforms Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the New Year 02:42 Celebrating Growth and Community 05:27 Bagels and Lox: A Culinary Surprise 08:23 The Life of a Stand-Up Comedian 11:02 Navigating the Acting World 14:03 Memorable Experiences in Comedy 16:47 The Importance of Mentorship 19:29 The Evolution of Podcasting 22:15 Connecting with Celebrities 24:58 Family Influence and Personal Growth 27:39 The Journey of a Stand-Up Comedian 30:23 Reflections on Life Choices 33:17 The Role of Comedy in Coping 36:01 Advice for Aspiring Comedians 38:48 The Changing Landscape of Entertainment 41:50 Final Thoughts and Farewell FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS! Sarah IG @sarahhalstead https://www.instagram.com/sarahhalstead/?hl=en FB @sarahjhalsteadcomic https://www.facebook.com/sarahjhalsteadcomic/ X @sarahjhalstead https://twitter.com/sarahjhalstead Rich IG @richchassler https://www.instagram.com/richchassler/ FB @chasslerfans https://www.facebook.com/Chasslerfans/ X @richchassler https://x.com/richchassler #adamferrara #topgear #ncis #standupcomedy #comedian
In this delightful and heartfelt conversation, hosts Sarah J. Halstead and Rich Chassler welcome Emmy-nominated actor, writer, and magician Michael Shayan for an engaging discussion about family, identity, theater, and the transformative power of storytelling. From his early days as a 12-year-old magician at the Magic Castle to his critically acclaimed one-man play about his Persian mother, Michael shares his remarkable journey through entertainment with humor, vulnerability, and grace. Michael Shayan - Emmy-nominated writer, actor, and former magician Instagram: @MichaelShayan https://www.instagram.com/michaelshayan Follow him on all platforms: Michael Shayan Current Project: Audible play "Cruising" featuring Christine Baranski and Tituss Burgess (available now on Audible) Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Family Dynamics 03:04 The Magic of Performance and Personal Stories 05:40 Exploring Identity and Coming Out Experiences 08:27 Theater and Relationships with Family 11:04 Creating a Play from Personal History 13:57 The Journey of a Play: From Concept to Stage 16:25 The Impact of Cultural Stories in Theater 19:11 The Role of Humor in Addressing Serious Topics 22:09 Theater as a Healing Experience 24:59 Broadway Dreams and Future Projects 27:47 Navigating the World of Performance 30:28 The Joy of Performing and Audience Connection 33:13 Reflections on Success and Adversity 36:08 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors PROJECTS MENTIONED "Avaaz" - Michael's one-man play about his Persian mother National tour continuing through 2025 Upcoming: Theatre J in Washington DC (June 2025) Directed by Moritz von Schipnagel (Tony-nominated) Set design by Bill Wolf Barrett (Tony winner) "Book of Queer" (HBO) - Emmy-nominated documentary series Michael served as writer and consulting producer "Drunk history but for queer history" Features celebrities reenacting LGBTQ+ historical moments "Cruising" (Audible) - Available now Audio play starring Michael Shayan, Christine Baranski, and Tituss Burgess Available on Audible "The Big Everything" (Short Film) Directed by Sal Paskowitz Starring Michael Shayan, Bradley Whitford, and Jimmy Wolk Produced by Andrew Carlberg and Gil Cates Jr. Playing the festival circuit Upcoming Broadway Debut - Details TBD Featuring "some of the finest actors in New York" Under NDA at time of recording Michael's warmth, humor, and vulnerability make this a deeply engaging conversation that moves from hilarious to heartfelt and back again. Whether you're a theater lover, someone with "mom stuff," or just appreciate a good story told beautifully, this episode delivers. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS! Sarah IG @sarahhalstead https://www.instagram.com/sarahhalstead/?hl=en FB @sarahjhalsteadcomic https://www.facebook.com/sarahjhalsteadcomic/ X @sarahjhalstead https://twitter.com/sarahjhalstead Rich IG @richchassler https://www.instagram.com/richchassler/ FB @chasslerfans https://www.facebook.com/Chasslerfans/ X @richchassler https://x.com/richchassler #DrinkingDuringBusinessHours #MichaelShayan #AvaazPlay #PersianStories #Broadway #Theater #Magic #LGBTQStories #HBO #EmmyNominated
Join hosts Sarah J Halstead and Rich Chassler for a hilarious and honest conversation with legendary Canadian comedian Jeremy Hotz! In this episode, Jeremy opens up about living with generalized anxiety disorder while maintaining a successful comedy career, his viral TikTok explosion in Africa, why he travels with his emotional support chihuahua Shaq, and the real story behind his career-defining moments on Letterman and The Tonight Show. From writing for The Daily Show to starring in the iconic Canadian series "The Newsroom," Jeremy shares behind-the-scenes stories from Speed 2, working with Sandra Bullock, and why comedy competitions don't work. Plus: hilarious tales from the Melrose Gelson's, parking lot muggings at the Improv, and why New York summers are unbearable. Whether you're a comedy fan, aspiring comedian, or just love authentic conversations about mental health and show business, this episode delivers laughs and real talk in equal measure. Featured Guest Jeremy Hotz is an internationally renowned stand-up comedian, actor, and former writer for The Daily Show. Known for his neurotic, observational comedy style, Jeremy has performed on Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and starred in the critically acclaimed Canadian series "The Newsroom" (which won multiple awards). His film credits include Speed 2: Cruise Control with Sandra Bullock. Despite living with generalized anxiety disorder, Jeremy has built a thriving international comedy career, recently experiencing viral success on TikTok throughout Africa. He tours extensively in Canada and is planning his first-ever African tour. Jeremy never travels without his emotional support chihuahua, Shaq. Find Jeremy Hotz: Official Website: JeremyHotz.com TikTok: @JeremyHotz (HUGE following in Africa!) Instagram: @JeremyHotz Twitter/X: @JeremyHotz YouTube: Jeremy Hotz Comedy Chapters 0:00 - Welcome Back & Recent Updates 2:50 - Introducing Jeremy Hotz 5:00 - Why Beer Instead of Wine 6:30 - Living with Anxiety & Social Situations 9:15 - Meet Shaq: The Emotional Support Chihuahua 12:20 - The Newsroom & Speed 2 Stories 16:45 - Lucky Break: Episode 13 Award Win 19:30 - Starting Stand-Up at 18-19 22:40 - Getting Letterman & Tonight Show 27:15 - Finding Your Comedy Voice 31:20 - New York vs LA Life 36:50 - Comedy Club Stories & Improv Tales 41:30 - Going Viral on TikTok in Africa 45:20 - Auditions & Industry Advice 49:40 - Television Industry Problems 53:15 - Celebrity Stories & Gelson's Tales 56:30 - Upcoming Tour Dates 58:45 - Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS! Sarah IG @sarahhalstead https://www.instagram.com/sarahhalstead/?hl=en FB @sarahjhalsteadcomic https://www.facebook.com/sarahjhalsteadcomic/ X @sarahjhalstead https://twitter.com/sarahjhalstead Rich IG @richchassler https://www.instagram.com/richchassler/ FB @chasslerfans https://www.facebook.com/Chasslerfans/ X @richchassler https://x.com/richchassler #JeremyHotz #StandUpComedy #MentalHealthAwareness #ComedyPodcast #AnxietyAndSuccess #TikTokComedian #DrinkingDuringBusinessHours #CanadianComedy #EmotionalSupportDog #LettermanStories
The Grind of Comedy with Dean Delray In this episode of "Drinking During Business Hours," hosts Sarah J Halstead and Rich Chassler sit down with veteran comedian and podcaster Dean Delray for an honest, inspiring conversation about the comedy hustle. Fresh from a memorable road trip complete with incredible food stops (including the legendary Rose's Cantina in El Paso), the hosts dive deep into Dean's journey through the stand-up world. Dean shares the story behind his groundbreaking new comedy special "5836," filmed in a Tennessee cave, and discusses why self-production has become essential in today's entertainment landscape. This episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom, hilarious stories, and a raw look at what it takes to survive FEATURED GUEST Dean Delray - Stand-Up Comedian, Podcaster, and Host of "Let There Be Talk" IG @deandelray https://www.instagram.com/deandelray/ X @deandelray https://x.com/deandelray?lang=en Website https://www.deandelray.com/ Podcast Let There Be Talk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dean-delrays-let-there-be-talk/id546210508 Dean Delray is a veteran stand-up comedian known for his authentic, high-energy performances and his popular podcast Let There Be Talk, where he interviews fellow comedians, musicians, and artists. With decades of experience grinding it out on the road, Dean represents the true working comedian, someone who's built a career through relentless perseverance, authenticity, and an unwavering love for the craft. His latest special "5836" showcases his unique approach to comedy production and his commitment to doing things his own way. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Welcome Back and Road Trip Tales 02:43 - Introducing Dean Delray 04:56 - Dean's New Special: 5836 10:15 - The Grind of Comedy and Perseverance 19:31 - Influences and Early Days in Comedy 29:16 - Navigating the Industry and Staying Authentic 39:02 - Closing Thoughts and Future Plans FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS! Sarah IG @sarahhalstead https://www.instagram.com/sarahhalstead/?hl=en FB @sarahjhalsteadcomic https://www.facebook.com/sarahjhalsteadcomic/ X @sarahjhalstead https://twitter.com/sarahjhalstead Rich IG @richchassler https://www.instagram.com/richchassler/ FB @chasslerfans https://www.facebook.com/Chasslerfans/ X @richchassler https://x.com/richchassler #StandUpComedy #Comedian #ComedyPodcast
Richard ChasslerTake a walk down Fascination Street as I get to know actor & comedian Richard Chassler.In this episode, we chat about how & why Rich got into comedy, and which 1980's sit-com actor got him started. Rich shares stories about working with Stella Adler, and the impact she had on his life. We also discuss his love of The Grateful Dead and how many concerts he has been to, why he has such love for grilled cheese sandwiches, and wine, wine, wine! OF COURSE we talk about his recent engagement to previous guest of the show Sarah J. Halstead, and why they kept their romance a secret for so long. Lastly, we talk about his new AND FIRST stand-up special called Boy Outta New York, which will be available on VOD and his website either NOW or soon.Follow Richard on social media:Twit: @RichChasslerInsta: @RichChasslerWebsite: www.Richchassler.comSponsors of this episode are:Vanishing Postcards PodcastThe Gary Player Podcast
Sarah J. HalsteadTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know comedian and actress Sarah J. Halstead. In this episode we chat about her classical piano training, and how that helped her get her first stage acting gig, her career in the New York acting scene, and her transition to getting into the wine and champagne business. She shares with us the reasons that led to her moving to Miami, and what inspired her to get back into acting. Finally, we discuss her cross-country trip (in an RV, with her cats) from Miami to Los Angeles to bet on herself as a stand-up comic! Naturally, I critique her stand up special RV's and Cats, which is available on Amazon Prime, and Bottle Shock; the monthly stand-up comedy show that she produces for The Hollywood Improv. Follow Sarah on social media:Twit: @SarahJHalsteadInsta: @SarahHalsteadFB: Sarah HalsteadTikTok: @SarahJHalsteadWebsite: Sarahjhalstead.com
Hosts Bridget Albert and Julie Milroy welcome Sarah Halstead - actor & comedian
Keith Reza interviews comedian Sarah J Halstead!
Comedians Sarah J. Halstead and Manu Badenes joined Mark and Nicole for a frequently hilarious and surprisingly deep show Sarah talked about growing up in Flint Michigan and how Michael Moore damaged that city as much as GM closing their plant, how she was successful in the wine and champagne industry but always yearned to act and make people laugh so she drove cross country and has been in over 90 commercials for everything from Crepe Erase to Astroglide and is a very successful stand up comedian whose comedy special RVs and Cats dropped just as the pandemic hit Manu is one of Spain's biggest stand up comedians and talked about being a "rock star" just as the first wave of stand up comedy hit the country. He was a successful lawyer but felt the passion for acting and comedy. He got a scholarship to the Stella Adler acting school and left everything behind in Spain to start over in the United States and has now performed comedy in Spanish, Italian and English He gives great advice on acting, music, comedy and life in general. Sarah was struck by how much Manu looks like one of the Bee Gees which led to some spontaneous sing-alongs... This podcast is sponsored by Raze Energy Drinks Go to https://bit.ly/2VMoqkk and put in the coupon code DMS for 15% off the best energy drinks. Zero calories. Zero carbs. Zero crash. Renagade CBD Coming soon to www.renagadecbd.com
Actress and stand-up comedian Sarah J Halstead caught up with us at The Comedy Chateau in LA to tell Charlie Wilson about the time she completely bombed her set performing at Nellis Airforce Base in Las Vegas. Do Tell with Laugh After Dark Podcast is hosted by Charlie Wilson and Produced by CSLA Podcasting New podcast episodes every week on YouTube and all podcasting platforms. Watch episodes of Laugh After Dark on Amazon: https://linktr.ee/laughafterdark S O C I A L #DoTellPodcast @LaughAfterDark @CharlieWilsonTV @sarahjhalstead @CreativeStudiosLA L I N K S www.laughafterdark.com www.creativestudiosla.com www.sarahjhalstead.com
EmotionAL Support was so lucky to have our hilarious friend Sarah J Halstead come on by! We joked about our mental health, talked about the water crisis in her home town of Flint, Michigan and learned how she turned her life story into a comedy special, RVs and Cats, now available on Amazon Prime! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wild Jo brings the terrible news of her husband GT's death. Mista See emcees a tribute show in his honor, where comedian friends share funny stories and memories of the quirky and controversial life of GT Topalian. Comics include Elliott Enriquez, Bee Gutierrez, Sarah J Halstead, Rachel Dee, Jason Delgado, and Martin Morrow.
This week Steve has Sarah J Halstead as his guest. They talk about social media, stand up comedy, playing the saxophone, Flint, Toronto, getting confused with a pornstar, commercials, sending random pictures on your phone, Roseanne, streaking, a daughter who murdered her father, acting, two sets of twins marry each other, a Tokyo medical school that doesn’t allow women to graduate and dumb laws. Steve also talks about a McDonalds movie, getting arrested for doing the In My Feelings Challenge and Steve brings back the story of the week. Go to www.poppyapparel.com and use promo code "Dapodcast" to receive 10% off! Free shipping, worldwide! You can follow Steve on Instagram & Twitter @fingastylz and “Da” Podcast on Twitter @dapodcastdap Send your questions and comments to dapodcastdap@gmail.com Make sure to subscribe, rate, like, follow or review on ApplePodcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn and SoundCloud. "Da" Podcast is a proud member of The PodBros Network
At the World Famous Comedy Store in the heart of Hollywood, comedians Jimmy Shin and Sarah J Halstead interview some of the most talented and exciting entertainers ever to grace the Sunset Strip. Jimmy and Sarah delve into the life and journey of each guest while sharing lots of laughs along the way!
Comedian Sarah J. introduces herself and briefly explains the antics of the show, her past journey, what eventually led her to Los Angeles to pursue comedy, and what may lead her to drink during business hours.
Comedian Sarah J. introduces herself and briefly explains the antics of the show, her past journey, what eventually led her to Los Angeles to pursue comedy, and what may lead her to drink during business hours.
New podcast is up with comedian and actress @SarahJHalstead. Check out her new podcast, Drinking During Business Hours Continue reading
New podcast is up with comedian and actress @SarahJHalstead. Check out her new podcast, Drinking During Business Hours Continue reading
Sarah J. Halstead joins Debi in this episode to discuss some of her many passions. Namely, wine and stand up comedy. From performing her way through groundings in her youth in Flint, Michigan to making her way into the wine business, Sarah has always had an indelible spirit about her. After losing her mother in her 20’s Sarah felt a restlessness and followed a man in a nice suit who seemed to enjoy his job into a whole new career. After years of success (and lots of Marriott points) in the Wine industry, Sarah sold off her entire life in Miami, bought an RV and headed to California to pursue her creative passions as an actor and comedian. Connect with Sarah at https://www.sarahjhalstead.com on Instagram at @sarahjhalstead or on Twitter at @sarahjayhalstead Sarah and Debi discuss Champaigne Sabering, a trick that Sarah thanks Napoleon for, and prefers not to do on live television Sarah talks about how pursuing acting as a career prepares you for anything you’d want to do afterward Sarah discusses the play she wrote, produced and starred in, “Legends of Champagne” combining her love for the arts and wine. Sarah and Debi talk about controlling their own “show” and how returning to the wine business helped Sarah keep control. Sarah talks about the one commercial acting job she DIDN’T get. Sarah shares her pre-show ritual as a comic. Debi learns the big difference between performing live theatre and performing stand up. Sarah explains why you’ll likely never see her on the panel at a roast. "Sarah J. Halstead is from Flint, Michigan. She began her acting career in 1995 in New York City and was involved in several theatre productions as well as day time drama for ABC television. Shortly after her Mother's death from ovarian cancer in 1999, Sarah took a hiatus from acting and began a career in the wine and champagne industry. In 2015, Sarah decided to return to the entertainment field and relocate to Los Angeles. Since then, she has branched out in over 32 commercials, several films, and guest star roles for television. She is also a stand up comic and performs regularly at Los Angeles' World Famous Comedy Store, Ice House, and Flappers Comedy Club and others. Sarah is very passionate and active with raising ovarian cancer awareness; as well as the Flint, Michigan water crisis. In her free time, Sarah enjoys playing the piano and hanging out in libraries and book stores as a book nerd."
This week I talk to Actress and comedian Sarah J. Halstead. You may have seen her on stage doing comedy or on TV in numerous commercials. She has acted in the crime re-enactment show, Deadly Sins, as well as Meet the Roommate—a movie she played the leading role in, and wrote and produced. As a Flint, Michigan native, the recent Flint water crisis hit a little too close to home for Sarah, so she organized “Stand-up for Flint!” a charity event where she along with 9 other comics from Michigan perform at Flappers comedy club in Burbank, CA on December 8th, 2016 at 8pm. 100% of the proceeds go to help the people of Flint. If you are in the LA area you can “Stand-up For Flint!” too and get some laughs while you are at it. Check out Sarah, Shondalia White, Mike Bobbit, Corbin Recke, Ron Tahlor, Harry Moroz, Ricarlo Flanagan, Trevor Smith, Dave Reinitz, Meera Manek and Stand-Up For Flint! More info on the show at www.sarahjhalstead.com.www.sarahjhalstead.comwww.imdb.me/sarahjhalsteadhttp://Instagram.com/sarahjhalsteadwww.twitter.com/sarajayhalsteadwww.facebook.com/sarahjhalstead See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
On this episode of the What the Faulk Show my guest is Entertainer Sarah J Halstead. Whether it's acting on camera, singing in a musical, or performing stand up comedy Sarah is one of the best acts in the industry. We discuss her career in entertainment as well as her hugely successful past in the business sector. She's also very active in important causes such as the fight against the Flint water crisis, performing stand up to raise money for the solution. You can find her perfomring all around LA like the Ice House, Flappers Comedy Club, and more. I very much think you'll enjoy our discussion on her journey in the industry, her story is relateable to all of us. A great actress, comedian, writer, singer and pianist Sarah J Halstead was a wonderful guest and I'm thankful she took time to come on the show. Find the episode on soundcloud, iTunes, and Stitcher. @mywtfshow on twitter and facebook. http://www.sarahjhalstead.com/ @sarajayhalstead on twitter www.facebook.com/sarajayhalstead