Podcasts about Second City

Actor, comedian, writer and Chicago native Lamorne Morris joins The Underground Lounge for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey from basketball and sketch comedy to becoming one of Hollywood's most recognizable comedic actors.Lamorne opens up about discovering acting in high school, getting his start in Chicago's Second City comedy scene, landing his first major opportunity with BET, and how timing, preparation and a little luck helped shape his career. He also breaks down his experience joining New Girl and the improvisation that helped create some of the show's most memorable moments.The conversation also dives into Lamorne's work in Spider-Man Noir, working alongside Nicolas Cage, the business decisions behind television cancellations, auditioning for major movie roles, and the unpredictable nature of Hollywood.From comedy and acting to basketball, creativity, Hollywood auditions and the business behind entertainment, Lamorne Morris keeps it honest, funny and insightful in a conversation.SPRITE LIVING TRACK LIST: https://livingtracklist.genius.com/

"We do more damage to ourselves than any alien species could ever do to us. We kick our own asses every day." — Sal AmatoABOUT THIS EPISODESal Amato has spent almost five decades in entertainment — he started as a kid actor in a 1978 Betty Crocker commercial, became one of the youngest members ever at Chicago's Second City, and has film and TV credits including The Untouchables, My Best Friend's Wedding, Chicago Overcoat, and Chicago Fire. On this episode he talks about his debut novel, Hidden Powers Disclosure from Within, a political sci-fi thriller built around the alleged 1954 Eisenhower UFO meeting. Sal traces his fascination with the unexplained back to childhood — Chariots of the Gods, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Star Wars — but he's quick to say the book isn't really about aliens. It's about tribalism, the algorithms and bots that keep us divided online, and the fact that people do more damage to each other than any outside force ever could. He also opens up about writing and revising the book while his mother was dying, and how his Second City improv training still shapes the way he writes and edits today.KEY TAKEAWAYS1. His debut novel uses a real conspiracy theory as its launchpad. Hidden Powers Disclosure from Within imagines what might actually have been discussed at the alleged 1954 Eisenhower meeting with extraterrestrials — and what it would have meant for a Cold War administration deciding whether, and how, to tell the public.2. The book isn't really about aliens — it's about us. Sal says the story is ultimately about "the damage we do to ourselves," pointing out that in the book, and in life, people cause each other more harm than any outside force ever could.3. He blames the algorithms, not just the people, for our divisions. Sal argues that social platforms are loaded with bots and manufactured engagement built to generate ad revenue, and that this manufactured outrage is what keeps people tribal and unwilling to question their own side.4. His Second City training still shapes how he writes. Sal got into Second City at seventeen (with a fake ID) after working on films like Bad Boys and Doctor Detroit, and he says improv's "power of yes" mindset is exactly how he approaches a first draft — keep the door open, keep building, and only later learn when to stop editing.5. He wrote through his mother's death. Sal's mom passed away on New Year's Eve without getting to read the finished book. He processed the loss by burying himself in work, including finishing the manuscript, and later realized that stepping away and coming back with fresh eyes made the book stronger.6. He beta-tested the book with 70 to 80 friends before finalizing it. Sal asked readers not to hold back, and says the near-universal reaction was surprise that the story isn't really the alien thriller they expected — it's about fanaticism and how hard it is to break free of the "team" you've already picked.CONNECT WITH SALWebsite: salamato.comInstagram: @salinchicagoTwitter/X: @hiddenpowersusaFacebook: @salamato711TikTok: @backinthedayshowYouTube: @hiddenpowersofficialCONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTMike Carlon | Uncorking a StoryWebsite: uncorkingastory.comYouTube: @uncorkingastoryInstagram: @uncorkingastoryFacebook: Uncorking a StoryTikTok: @uncorkingastoryTwitter/X: @uncorkingastorySubscribe & Leave a Review — It helps more readers and writers find the show!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uncorking-a-story/id563636205Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5HZiAEtFlhAzk60Z4eAkhYUncorking a Story is produced by Mike Carlon. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the most powerful skill in wealth management has nothing to do with finance — and AI can never learn it?In this episode of Insight Is Capital, host Pierre Daillie sits down with Edmund Chien, Behavioural Finance Expert and Coach at Flow Cap Advisory, whose unconventional path — from Ryerson's theatre school to a $70-million book of business — reveals why 93% of what happens in a client meeting is invisible to artificial intelligence. Edmund unpacks the 7-38-55 rule (7% words, 38% tone, 55% body language), shares unforgettable stories about reading the room under pressure, and makes a compelling case that improv comedy is the most underrated professional development tool in financial services today.Chapters0:00 — Introduction: The question advisors are getting wrong about AI 1:37 — Edmund Chien: From theatre school to a $70M book of business 4:02 — The 7-38-55 rule: Why only 7% of communication is words 7:49 — The crossed-arms client: Reading body language to save the meeting 13:22 — Always be opening: Replacing the old sales playbook 15:30 — Behavioural finance and the limbic system: Why pitching too soon backfires 19:47 — Pop culture as rapport: Speaking the language of your client's generation 27:01 — The German client story: How punctuality closed a million-dollar account 34:46 — Introverts vs. extroverts in client-facing finance 40:03 — Myers-Briggs and knowing your own strengths 43:23 — Family office and multigenerational wealth: The highest expression of behavioural finance 49:00 — Why improv training belongs in every advisor's development plan 53:35 — Final advice: Start at Second City, budget for failure, grow for life#BehaviouralFinance #WealthManagement #FinancialAdvisor #AIandFinance #ClientRelationships #EmotionalIntelligence #ImprovForBusiness #SoftSkills #BodyLanguage #HighNetWorth #FamilyOffice #FinancialServices #AdvisorLife #738Rule #InsightIsCapital #AdvisorAnalyst #SalesSkills #MindsetMatters #FinanceLeadership #HumanConnection

This weeks 'Track Of The Week' goes to D.O.D & Aya Anne - I'll Be There (Radio Edit) [Armada Music] Globalsessions is now reaching audiences in over 50 countries across 175+ stations each week. Stay up-to-date with the latest by following Paul Rudd and Globalsessions on social media @theglobalsessions @djpaulrudd and remember that you can download a free podcast of the show every Monday Nathan Dawe & JustHooks - Missing U (Radio Edit) [Atlantic Records] Teddy Swims - Mr Know It All (High Beam Remix) [Atlantic Records] David Noakes - You Let me Down (Radio Edit) [Dance Play] Ryan Witt - Desire (Radio Edit) [Lift Me Up Records] Chris Watson - Say It (Radio Edit) [Atlantic Records] ERAN, GrooveGeneration, Terri B! - Say My Name (Original Mix) [Vibora Music] HALŌ - Live Again (Radio Edit) [Armada Music] Jewel Kid - Scream & Shout (Radio Edit) [Alleanza] Wh0 - Burnin' Deep (Radio Edit) [Toolroom] TRACK OF THE WEEK D.O.D & Aya Anne - I'll Be There (Radio Edit) [Armada Music] Paul Woolford x Secondcity x RAHH - Signs (Radio Edit) [Ministry] Yves V, Simon Ward - In My Dreams (Original Mix) [Reliant Records] Dombresky Pres Disco Dom - There is Life [Insomniac Records] Selena Faider, Zuzu Silk, Bali 'Slow Down' (Radio Edit) [Noir Fever] J Kolo, Zoe Kypri - I Want It (Radio Edit) [Yum Yum Recordings] Cloonee - Back Of The Club (Edit) [Ministry Of Sound] Barry Can't Swim with Sammy Virji - I Could Be Madonna (Radio Edit) [Warner Music] David Guetta & Hypaton - You And I, Me And You (Radio Edit) [Atlantic Records] Charlie Powell - Aggy Organ (Radio Edit) [Cross Records] Charlotte Plank x NOTION - Burberry [RCA] This show is syndicated & distributed exclusively by Syndicast. If you are a radio station interested in airing the show or would like to distribute your podcast / radio show please register here: https://syndicast.co.uk/distribution/registration

Meet Dr. Ron Harvey , an improviser and professor of Psychology at the American University in Bulgaria. He is also the faculty co-sponsor for the student improv troupe, the 1st English language improv club in the Balkans. Dr. Ron studied improv in Chicago at The Second City as well as iO Chicago, The Annoyance Theater, and CiC Theater. His love of improv started in the 1990s at the iO theater in Chicago, where he saw the very first Armando Diaz Experience. Ron grew up in America and he is currently living in Sofia, Bulgaria; his perspective on the international improv community is fascinating. Ron and I chat about embracing failure, building trust and developing empathy. This is an amazing conversation about building communities and breaking through cultural boundaries. He is the youngest of eight children, all boys. , born and grew up in Joliet, IL,. and got his Ph.D. in Community Psychology from DePaul University in Chicago in 2014. He has published research papers that led to the implementation of Oxford House recovery centers in Bulgaria. You can learn more about Dr. Ron at the following links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT_nDxILH7g Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ronz8In Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvatronics/ TEDx AUBG Talk: Why the Future Belongs to Community Research https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y04D7qAPFMM

01. Ca7riel, Paco Amoroso, Pinkpantheress, Fred Again, Etienne De Crecy - Sexy Magic 02. D.O.D, Aya Anne - I'll Be There 03. Hugel, Neton Vega - Mami 04. The Magician, Nico De Andrea - Destination 05. Alex Wann - Lost Keys 06. Paul Woolford, Secondcity, Rahh - Signs 07. Tujamo, Pessto - True 08. Alexey Union, Kinky Sound - City Burn 09. Arty - Love To Forget 10. Claptone, Miramar, Kurtis Wells - Beautiful Times 11. Mesto, Ink - Freak 12. Adriatique - Palm Of Your Hands 13. Dombresky, Disco Dom - There Is Life

01. Ca7riel, Paco Amoroso, Pinkpantheress, Fred Again, Etienne De Crecy - Sexy Magic 02. D.O.D, Aya Anne - I'll Be There 03. Hugel, Neton Vega - Mami 04. The Magician, Nico De Andrea - Destination 05. Alex Wann - Lost Keys 06. Paul Woolford, Secondcity, Rahh - Signs 07. Tujamo, Pessto - True 08. Alexey Union, Kinky Sound - City Burn 09. Arty - Love To Forget 10. Claptone, Miramar, Kurtis Wells - Beautiful Times 11. Mesto, Ink - Freak 12. Adriatique - Palm Of Your Hands 13. Dombresky, Disco Dom - There Is Life

Actor and former Second City stalwart Jim Carlson joins Rick Kogan to discuss his move to Hollywood and his new movie, ‘Drive Through Fire’, which he wrote, directed, and starred in.

**Lee Everest's Dance Show Weekly On traxfm.org. This Week Lee Gave Us Future House/Big Room House/Club Anthems/Interviews From CARSTN, VITO(UK), Alan Walker & FAANGS, Fatboy Slim, Ferreck Dawn Ft Caroline Byrne, Edgy L, Michael Gray, HOUSEWORKZ, Raphi, Calvin Harris, Livin' Joy, MistaJam, Alex Gaudino, Belters Only & Jazzy, Regard, Loods Mall Grab, Secondcity, FISHER & More. #originalpirates #futurehouse #clubanthems #bigroomhouse #interviews Catch The Lee Everest Dance Show Weekly Every Sunday From 1PM UK Time On traxfm.org Listen Live Here Via The Trax FM Player: chat.traxfm.org/player/index.html Mixcloud Live: https://www.mixcloud.com/live/trax/ Free Trax FM Android App: https://sbee.link/pwaby4jhng The Trax FM Facebook Page : https://sbee.link/k9pugbrx7e Trax FM Live On Hear This: https://sbee.link/jgn7d34tpm Tunerr: https://sbee.link/f9cwjdx48g Radio Garden: Trax FM Link: https://sbee.link/y9eb4vrujh OnLine Radio Box: https://sbee.link/ej6hnr7x94 Radio Deck: https://sbee.link/6ekfcmugxv https://sbee.link/3t86qau4kn: https://sbee.link/b67upjhwaq Stream Radio : https://sbee.link/q9rwvkyhcu Live Online Radio: https://sbee.link/djeax6u4tr **

This week we bring long-time friends Jeff Grayson and Mark Schowalter back together to help us review the 1979 comedy classic The In-Laws, starring Alan Arkin and Peter Falk. Mark shares why the film is his ultimate "desert island" movie, and we dive into the wild plot following a mild-mannered dentist and an unpredictable CIA agent brought together by their children's upcoming wedding. Along the way, we highlight the brilliant comedic chemistry and improv between Arkin and Falk—including the iconic "serpentine" running scene—while exploring Peter Falk's Columbo legacy and Alan Arkin's Second City roots. We also share fun trivia, like the backstory or Peter Falk being offered a role in The Godfather. All that and much, much more! Enjoy!

On the Saturday September 12 edition of The Richard Crouse Show we’ll meet best-selling author Anita Rau Badami. an acclaimed Indian-Canadian novelist whose work explores family bonds, cultural identity, and the immigrant experience spanning India and Canada. She moved to Canada in 1991 and is best known for novels including the bestselling Tamarind Mem, the award-winning The Hero’s Walk, Can You Hear the Nightbird Call?, and Tell It to the Trees. A recipient of the Marian Engel Award, she lives in Montreal, which is the backdrop for her latest novel Asha In Her Garden. It’s the story of Asha Mohan, an Indian immigrant in Montreal whose backyard garden (shaded by a beloved old maple tree) has long been her personal sanctuary amid family struggles and daily life. As the aging tree must finally be cut down, Asha reflects on a violent incident from twenty years earlier, an earlier tragedy in India that prompted her family’s move to Canada, and the complexities of her relationships, finding new clarity about her life. Then we’ll meet meet award-winning composer, sound designer, and classical music provocateur Matthew Reid. Best known for a decade as music director and composer for The Second City, he has created scores for film, television, theatre, games, and live performance. His ambitious piano cycle Moods of Limited Transposition explores emotion through innovative harmonic language across a planned 36 short works. Finally, we spend some time with Mundy McLaughlin, a Canadian author, former labour and human rights lawyer, and artist. Her debut novel, Blue Life, is a coming-of-age story set against the vibrant, gritty art, punk, and club scenes of late-1970s New York City and New Jersey.

Join me at this year's National Menopause Show, October 17 and 18 at the International Centre in Mississauga. Go to https://nationalmenopauseshow.com/ and use code TRANSFORM45. For years, Jessica Holmes built a career playing other people. Now, in midlife, she is discovering the freedom of becoming more fully herself. In this episode of Transforming 45, Lisa and Jessica talk about the pressure Gen X women inherited to do everything, the fear of having a professional “best-before date,” and the identity shift that arrives when children leave home. Jessica shares the phrase guiding her life now: “I travel at the pace of my own well-being.” Together, they explore why boundaries are not the same as abandoning community, how self-kindness changes with age, and why workplace well-being cannot be used as a bandage for unsafe systems. There is also a giant sun hat, a rebellious braless dog walk and a reminder that midlife liberation can be both meaningful and gloriously ridiculous. In this conversation Identity after years of performing for other people Menopause, ageism and the myth of a professional expiration date Empty-nest transitions and changing caregiving roles Moving at the pace of your own well-being Saying no without an apology essay Self-care, community and the difference between boundaries and disconnection Psychological safety and why resilience cannot fix harmful systems Modelling a different relationship with achievement for young adults If this episode connected with you, share it with the woman who needs permission to stop racing a clock she never chose. Guest bio Jessica Holmes is a celebrated Canadian comedian, speaker, author and mental health advocate. She has opened for Ellen DeGeneres, Jerry Seinfeld and Oprah Winfrey; performed with Just for Laughs and The Second City; and starred in The Holmes Show and Royal Canadian Air Farce. Her book, Depression The Comedy: A Tale of Perseverance, uses humour and honesty to explore resilience, mental health and joy. Website: https://jessicaholmes.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happyfunholmes/ Chapters 00:45 – Meet Jessica Holmes: comedy, mental health and finding funny when life goes off-book 03:30 – From playing other people to learning to play yourself 04:23 – Empty-nest identity and having something hopeful to move toward 06:49 – The invisible backpack of work, motherhood and pressure 09:51 – Ageism and the myth of a professional best-before date 13:30 – “I travel at the pace of my own well-being” 18:08 – Comparison, rejection and running your own race 20:17 – The self-kindness that can arrive with age 21:20 – Practising no without over-explaining 24:18 – Self-care, service and community are not opposites 27:58 – UV clothing and the everyday rebellion of dressing for yourself 31:44 – What midlife parents can model for young adults 34:48 – Achievement, money and what actually supports well-being 38:13 – Psychological safety must come from leadership 42:55 – Why workplace well-being cannot be a bandage 44:05 – What makes Jessica feel most alive Learn more about Lisa and Liberated Menopause: https://liberatedmenopause.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Kind has seemingly worked with everyone, and he has the stories to prove it. The beloved character actor joins Steve Kmetko for a hilarious, candid conversation about his unlikely path from Second City to Mad About You, Spin City, Scrubs, Pixar and beyond. Richard remembers working alongside Michael J. Fox and Charlie Sheen, explains what Christopher Walken taught him simply by watching him act, talks about his experiences with Disney and Pixar, and reveals why he still considers himself an actor rather than a comedian. And then there is George Clooney. Kind shares a hilarious prank involving Clooney's Oscar, a TSA agent and a very heavy suitcase, before telling a far more revealing story about the man Clooney was before ER made him a superstar. During the Los Angeles riots, Kind planned to leave town with friends. Clooney had another idea. It's funny, thoughtful, wonderfully unpredictable and very Richard Kind. CHAPTERS 00:00 Richard Kind Is Still Here01:17 The Character Actor Dining Society03:40 George Clooney's Oscar Prank06:13 Richard Kind's Second City Years08:08 "The Harvard of Comedy"09:19 Chasing the Dream of Acting11:07 Did His Family Think He'd Make It?13:20 Why Li'l Abner Should Come Back14:12 Songs That Have Aged VERY Badly16:17 Richard's First Television Job18:38 Learning Television With Mary Tyler Moore21:40 How Richard Met George Clooney22:39 "I'm the Luckiest Guy in the World"24:04 Richard Says He's NOT a Comedic Actor27:02 Why He Prefers Single-Camera Acting28:45 Remembering Linda Lavin and Tony Roberts31:30 Spin City, Michael J. Fox and Charlie Sheen32:59 What Actors Actually Do37:20 The Torturous "Drive Home"39:18 Mid-Century Modern and James Burrows42:49 Why Fans Still Love Him on Scrubs43:04 Richard Kind Calls Bill Lawrence a Genius46:27 Recording Family Guy and American Dad50:11 The Truth About Working for Disney52:09 Richard Kind vs. Marvel Movies57:40 What Richard Really Thinks of Amal Clooney1:00:30 George Clooney Before He Was Famous1:00:47 The Incredible LA Riots Story1:03:46 Richard Says Goodbye Show CreditsHost/Producer: Steve KmetkoAll things technical: Justin ZangerleExecutive Producer: Jim LichtensteinMusic by: Brian Sanyshyn https://stillherehollywood.comhttp://patreon.com/stillherehollywoodSuggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.comAdvertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.comPublicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Graham Nolan is a Brooklyn-based public relations, communications and strategic partnerships consultant empowered by 25+ years of experience advancing meaningful brand conversations. His work is characterized by human storytelling and partnerships that help companies develop a standout identity and business culture to fuel product and growth. His roles have included brand manager, lead strategist, creative thought leader, mentor, fighter for inclusion and disruptor who's willing to address what's not working so we can get to building what will work, now. He currently supports the team at PR agency Mark Allen & Co. global team. Previously he contributed to THE·TEAM, with focus on their Brands + Properties business, creative agency brand and women-focused expertise The Collective including its academic Think Tank. Other current/recent clients include Ubisoft, Lupine Creative, GoodQues, Beers With Friends, Cartwheel and Co. and more.As a co-founder of Do the WeRQ, Graham helps tell the platform's story and connect the movement to partners who embrace the value of queer creativity. The mission of Do the WeRQ is simple: increase queer creativity, representation and share of voice in the advertising industry.A PRWeek 2026 Pride in PR honoree, his speaking appearances include placement on stages like SXSW, Advertising Week, Brand Innovators, The 3% Conference, Fishbowl Live, Unleashed LGBTQ+, New York Comic Con, The ANA Virtual Diversity Fair, and more. Do the WeRQ has made two onstage appearances at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. Graham has also served as a juror and jury chair for the The Drum Awards for Social Purpose (2022-24), and also judged the PrideAM Awards (2024 Judge) and the ANA Multicultural & Inclusive Marketing Excellence Awards (2025). Graham also has experience as a stand-up comedian, writer and storyteller who has performed at Second City's Skybox Theater, the Gotham Comedy Club, UCBeast, The People's Improv Theater and more.

We talk to comedian, Katie Novotny! Jason talks with Katie about her comedy path from Chicago's Second City and iO to making a web series that led a talent agent to encourage her to try stand-up. Katie describes initially feeling shut out of improv house teams, learning to love stand-up through festivals and road gigs, and how regional “bubbles” affect what material lands. She explains why she released a cohesive 35-minute special rather than stretching to an hour, and discusses authenticity versus algorithm-driven content and tech/data decision-making in entertainment. They close with practical touring advice. It's a fun and informative chat! https://www.katienovotny.com Katie's Special: Son of Your Dreams Instagram: @KatieNovotny, @ThereItIsPod, @JasonFarrPics  Threads: @ThereItIsPod, @JasonFarrPics Facebook: @ThereItIsPod  Subscribe to our comedy newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/e22defd4dee2/thereitis

From silent kid to Second City, Susy Nakamura (Dr. Ken, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Dead to Me, Tacoma FD, How I Met Your Mother) joins us this week to discuss finding your voice at Burger King, hot flashes, and working in Hollywood.The Multiple Talking Women podcast is “hosted” by Ariane, Lauren and Lisa playing characters of three unlikely friends with completely different social views: leftist “Lana Brown” (played by Ariane Price), right-leaning “Felicity Bramblebush” (played by Lauren Burns) and their dry, inexperienced producer “Paula Gerkin” (played by Lisa Schurga) who interview real celebrity guests. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WATCH 'The Dick & Paul Show' on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LtLBhBp5T40 This episode is sponsored by Fidelity Investments and the all-new Fidelity Trader+ platform. Try Fidelity's most powerful trading experience yet: https://Fidelity.com/TraderPlus Fidelity Investments and MRKT Call are not affiliated. Views, opinions, products, services, and strategies discussed are not endorsed or promoted by Fidelity Investments. Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC. Dan Nathan sits down with Paul Costolo, former CEO of Twitter and current VC. They start with Dick's early comedy days (Second City alongside Steve Carell, two SNL auditions that didn't pan out) and his stint writing for HBO's Silicon Valley, before diving into his path from founding FeedBurner to running Twitter through its IPO — including candid stories about the culture shift from private to public company life, and a surreal late-night run-in with Jack Dorsey in Paris in the middle of Elon Musk's takeover drama. From there they get into Dick's venture firm, 01 Advisors, and his thesis on investing in the AI "enablement layer" (the infrastructure sitting above the models) rather than chasing the flashiest apps. Dick shares his read on today's eye-popping valuations — including Stripe's $7 billion acquisition of OpenRouter and a leaked investor letter claiming "the singularity happened on New Year's Day" — and gives his predictions for the coming wave of AI IPOs, arguing Anthropic and SpaceX are well positioned while OpenAI could face a tougher road given its executive turnover and messaging challenges. They close by talking about prediction markets (and the striking gap between how well people think they're doing on platforms like Kalshi versus reality), before wrapping up with a plug for Dick's own podcast, the Dick and Paul Show. —FOLLOW USYouTube: @RiskReversalMediaInstagram: @riskreversalmediaTwitter: @RiskReversalLinkedIn: RiskReversal Media The financial opinions expressed in Risk Reversal content are for information purposes only. The opinions expressed by the hosts and participants are not an attempt to influence specific trading behavior, investments, or strategies. Past performance does not necessarily predict future outcomes. No specific results or profits are assured when relying on Risk Reversal. Before making any investment or trade, evaluate its suitability for your circumstances and consider consulting your own financial or investment advisor. The financial products discussed in Risk Reversal carry a high level of risk and may not be appropriate for many investors. If you have uncertainties, it's advisable to seek professional advice. Remember that trading involves a risk to your capital, so only invest money that you can afford to lose. Derivatives are not suitable for all investors and involve the risk of losing more than the amount originally deposited and any profit you might have made. This communication is not a recommendation or offer to buy, sell or retain any specific investment or service.

John Pollock chats with Trish Stratus about WWF, WCW & ECW's interest in signing her, retiring at 30, and First Crush Live in Toronto this Friday. Trish Stratus hosts a special Q&A at The Second City in Toronto before SmackDown and chats with Pollock about her unique recruitment by the WWF in 1999, the buzz she cultivated on The LAW & TSN's Off the Record, interest from WCW & ECW, her feud with Stephanie McMahon in 2001, and her process when pitched with ideas.First Crush Live - Stratus Loading takes place at The Second City in Toronto this Friday at 4 p.m. with tickets available at FirstCrushbyTrish.com Photo courtesy: Fabian Di Corcia (@fabiandicorcia)Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comX: http://www.twitter.com/POSTwrestlingInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/POSTwrestlingFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/POSTwrestlingYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/POSTwrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://postwrestling.com/discordSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can comedy run in the family? M*A*S*H and Laugh-In writer/producer Allan Katz and Groundlings pioneer Phyllis Katz join Jay Kogen to compare the wildly different paths that took two siblings from the same Chicago household into legendary careers in comedy. Allan's story sounds almost made up. While working in advertising, his work on Screaming Yellow Zonkers caught the attention of Laugh-In producer George Schlatter — who tracked him down and offered him a job. Allan, having no idea who was calling, hung up on him. More than once. Phyllis's career began with an equally unlikely encounter. After walking into Second City and asking Joe Flaherty if they bought song parodies, he handed her a flyer for their workshops. As Phyllis remembers it: "My life changed forever." From growing up with a former vaudeville hoofer for a father, to Laugh-In, M*A*S*H, Second City and The Groundlings, Allan and Phyllis talk about where funny actually comes from, surviving rejection, taking creative risks, finding your way into "the zone," and why sometimes an entire career can turn on one completely unexpected moment. And beneath all the comedy is something even more personal: the strange bond between siblings who share a lifetime of memories, inside jokes, and a language nobody else quite understands. So... is comedy genetic? Jay tries to find out.Subscribe to Don't Be Alone with Jay Kogen for more conversations with writers, comedians, actors, creators, and thought leaders exploring life, creativity, politics, and the human experience. Website: https://www.dontbealonewjk.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dontbealonewithjaykogen/https://www.instagram.com/jaykogen/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dont.be.alone.wit Substack: https://substack.com/@jaykogen Merch: https://shop.app/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly Leonard, Vice President, Creative Strategy, Innovation and Business Development at The Second City and host of the “Getting to Yes, And…” podcast, joins John Williams to talk about his recent podcast with writer David Epstein about the new book, ‘Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better.’ David suggests that constraints can actually help you […]

Kelly Leonard, Vice President, Creative Strategy, Innovation and Business Development at The Second City and host of the “Getting to Yes, And…” podcast, joins John Williams to talk about his recent podcast with writer David Epstein about the new book, ‘Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better.’ David suggests that constraints can actually help you […]

Kelly Leonard, Vice President, Creative Strategy, Innovation and Business Development at The Second City and host of the “Getting to Yes, And…” podcast, joins John Williams to talk about his recent podcast with writer David Epstein about the new book, ‘Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better.’ David suggests that constraints can actually help you […]

Kyler sits down with actor, comedian, writer, and director Jerry Minor (Abbott Elementary, Mr. Show, Saturday Night Live, Curb Your Enthusiasm just to name a few).Jerry traces his comedic roots starting out in Detroit, navigating the early days of Second City across multiple locations, and developing a passion for scene-based long-form improv. He shares insights into the evolving landscape of auditioning—from setting up self-tapes on a theater stage to taking control of your own space—and offers a candid look at the challenges and fulfillment of directing. The conversation also covers his role as the hilariously accurate Mr. Morton on Abbott Elementary, his time playing Michael Jackson's magical glove in the Bunraku-style puppet show For the Love of the Glove, and hosting his YouTube comedy show, Playing the Back of the Room.Make sure to check out the new season of Abbott Elementary premiering on October 7th. Great chat, thanks for listening!---Episode Links:YouTube: Playing the Back of the RoomFreedom of Mind LivestreamSLD Post

Colin Hanks likes John Candy. That much is clear from his Primetime Emmy-nominated documentary “John Candy: I Like Me.” But what drew him to the project was the idea that there had to be something more to the story than the saintly portrait drawn by so many who knew and loved this jovial Canadian comedian, television and movie star who died at age 43, over 30 years ago now.   Colin joins Ken on the pod to talk about how, once he got to know Candy's wife, Rose, and two children, Jennifer and Chris, a fuller portrait of Candy started to emerge. Candy was marked for life by the tragic death of his father, who died at age 35 on Candy's 5th birthday. In later years, Candy suffered from panic attacks and anxiety. In addition to the family, Colin interviews the pantheon of Second City and Hollywood stars who achieved some of their best work collaborating on screen with Candy, including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Steve Martin, and (of course) Tom Hanks. It turns out there was more to know about John Candy than we all suspected. And, a helluva lot more to like as well.   “John Candy: I Like Me” has been nominated for 5 Primetime Emmys: Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special; Outstanding Music Composition; Sound Editing; Picture Editing; and Sound Mixing. The film is streaming on Prime Video.   Hidden Gem: “Funky Monks”   The Presenting Sponsor of "Top Docs" is Netflix.   Follow: @johncandy on Instagram and @lennypane on X @topdocspod on Instagram and X

How do we all feel about summer? Is it still everyone's favorite season, or have has it become too much? Join Tyler and Isaac this week as they catch up on what they're calling the tipping point of summer. They talk the magic of Chicago, improv at The Second City, their trip to Six Flags, and more.Join us on all major socials @nogaysinmontana for exclusive content!

Dave Hondel sits down with popular television actor, Bill Glass. Bill has been in the industry for over 30 years. Trained in improv at the iconic Second City, Improv Olympic and Groundlings, he has amassed a large following as Dr. Rick in Progressive commercials. He talks abut his career in television and gives valuable advice to younger actors. A must listen!

You don't usually think about the editor when a comedy lands its jokes, but editor Whit Conway is exactly why Never Change! moves the way it does. Mike talks with Conway about a career built on doing a little bit of everything — Chicago advertising work, Second City, SNL's pre-tape department, DP'ing for The Late Show, directing for Jimmy Kimmel Live! — and how that generalist grounding prepared him for this movie's absurd production math: shooting wrapped in late October 2025, and the finished film hit Hulu on June 17, 2026. Conway breaks down his years-long shorthand with director Marty Schousboe from three seasons of Joe Pera Talks With You, working alongside writer-star John Reynolds in the edit bay, the line-by-line organizational system that saved the cut, and the friends-and-family screening that reshaped the back half of the movie. He also gets into the one joke that made him nervous — the one where he says his own name out loud on camera.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth--5513239/support.Become a supporter of The Projection Booth at http://www.patreon.com/projectionbooth 

You don't usually think about the editor when a comedy lands its jokes, but editor Whit Conway is exactly why Never Change! moves the way it does. Mike talks with Conway about a career built on doing a little bit of everything — Chicago advertising work, Second City, SNL's pre-tape department, DP'ing for The Late Show, directing for Jimmy Kimmel Live! — and how that generalist grounding prepared him for this movie's absurd production math: shooting wrapped in late October 2025, and the finished film hit Hulu on June 17, 2026. Conway breaks down his years-long shorthand with director Marty Schousboe from three seasons of Joe Pera Talks With You, working alongside writer-star John Reynolds in the edit bay, the line-by-line organizational system that saved the cut, and the friends-and-family screening that reshaped the back half of the movie. He also gets into the one joke that made him nervous — the one where he says his own name out loud on camera.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth--5513239/support.Become a supporter of The Projection Booth at http://www.patreon.com/projectionbooth 

Go inside the origin stories of three of the most influential sketch comedy shows ever: The Kids in the Hall, SCTV, and The State. Kids in the Hall co-founder Kevin McDonald, SCTV writer Chris Cluess, and The State with filmmaker Matthew Perniciaro (director of Long Live The State!) share how these legendary comedy groups got their start — from Second City and SCTV's Emmy-winning run, to Kevin McDonald meeting Dave Foley and catching the attention of Lorne Michaels, to David Wain helping take The State from NYU to MTV. Comedy History 101 digs into the archives for the stories behind three shows that helped shape modern sketch comedy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Actor and Second City veteran David Razowski travels the world teaching the art of Improvisation.Mentioned in this episode:Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast Network

In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Emmy Award-winning writer, actor, comedian, facilitator, and longtime improve it! family member Nnamdi Ngwe to explore why the most valuable career skills often come from the places you least expect. From playing college soccer to performing with The Second City, creating viral content, facilitating workshops for global organizations, and winning an Emmy, Nnamdi's career is proof that following your curiosity can lead to opportunities you never could have planned. If you've ever wondered whether your creative interests "count," questioned whether it's too late to pursue something different, or struggled to connect your unique experiences into a meaningful career path, this conversation will inspire you to see your strengths in a whole new way. Inside This Episode: Why Your Nontraditional Skills Are Your Competitive Advantage: Nnamdi shares how the experiences that don't fit neatly on a resume often become the skills that make you indispensable in your career. From College Soccer to Comedy Stages: Hear how an unexpected path led Nnamdi from the soccer field to improv theaters, television sets, and corporate boardrooms, proving that careers rarely unfold in a straight line. What It Really Takes to Create Viral Content: With a massive following across TikTok and Instagram, Nnamdi pulls back the curtain on his creative process and explains why content that looks effortless usually comes from consistent practice and experimentation. The Workplace Lessons Hidden Inside Improv: After facilitating workshops for companies like LinkedIn, TikTok, Motorola, and T-Mobile, Nnamdi explains the powerful moment when people realize improv isn't just entertainment—it's a practical skill for communication, collaboration, leadership, and innovation. Trusting Your Scene Partner and Yourself: Nnamdi reflects on collaborating with his twin brother and creative partner, Amechi, sharing lessons about trust, flexibility, and building successful partnerships both on stage and in business. What to Do Now: Identify Your Hidden Career Skill: Think about one strength you have that doesn't appear on your resume. Whether it's calming people during stressful moments, reading a room, making others laugh, or adapting when plans change, recognize it as a real professional asset. Stop Waiting for the Perfect Career Path: Your experiences don't have to make sense to everyone else. Trust that the skills you're building today may become the foundation for opportunities you can't yet imagine. Follow What Energizes You: Instead of asking whether a creative interest is practical, ask what it's teaching you. The projects that light you up often develop the very human skills that set you apart. About the Guest Nnamdi Ngwe is an Emmy Award-winning writer, actor, comedian, facilitator, and educator. After playing collegiate soccer at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, he went on to study and perform comedy at iO Theater and The Second City. Alongside his twin brother and creative partner, Amechi Ngwe, he has written and starred in acclaimed productions including Julius, Rap Skool, and House Sitters. His television credits include The Amber Ruffin Show, A Black Lady Sketch Show, The Bold and the Beautiful, Blippi, Comedy Central's 3Peat, and the Emmy Award-winning Tab Time. Beyond entertainment, Nnamdi facilitates interactive workshops for organizations around the world, helping leaders and teams build communication, adaptability, and collaboration skills through applied improvisation. Whether performing on stage, creating viral content online, or leading a workshop, he's passionate about helping people embrace creativity, trust themselves, and discover that their most unexpected skills are often their greatest strengths. Your Freebie You're calm, capable, and composed… until things take an unexpected turn (as they tend to do)! This is exactly why we created The Clarity Under Pressure Toolkit: What to Do in the First 5 Minutes of Any Uncertain Situation. It's your go-to guide for staying grounded when it matters most. Download it here. Connect with Nnamdi Ngwe Nnamdi's Instagram Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Leadership Playground online membership community Erin's website Erin's Instagram Erin's TikTok Erin's LinkedIn improve it!'s website improve it!'s Instagram Connect with Erin Diehl

This episode brings together performers, educators and a neuropsychologist to explore how improvisational theatre (“improv”) can support healthy aging. Drawing on experiences across comedy, performance and research, the speakers highlight how improv may help reduce depression and anxiety, which are key risk factors for dementia. Alongside co-hosts Jay Ingram and Dr. Allison Sekuler, guests Tim Paul, Romy Teperson, Robert E. Daniel and Dr. Kristin Krueger (Rush University Medical Center, Cook County Health) share how improv promotes social connection, physical movement and cognitive engagement.  From training to community programs, the conversation underscores how humour, creativity and practice can build confidence, resilience and well-being, making improv a powerful and accessible tool for enhancing quality of life across the lifespan. Guests: Tim Paul Improv teacher and performer since 2010; Second City, Annoyance Theatre; Chicago and screen credits; psychology student focused on applied improvisation. Romy Teperson Actor-writer trained at Harvard, Yale, Juilliard; improviser with major comedy programs; credits include TV, film and comedy writing roles. Robert E. Daniel Founder and Chief Comedy Officer of Standups & Startups helping leaders communicate through comedy; trained performer, workshop leader and creator of Pitches Get Stitches®. Dr. Kristin Krueger Board-certified neuropsychologist from Rush University Medical Center and Cook County Health, studying aging and improv; leads Chicago-area groups.

There's an internal debate among us whether this is a high-concept theme or not, but just trying to title it convinced me that it is. John Candy, Rick Moranis, and Martin Short all had cartoons, and they were also on SCTV. Oh maybe that WAS easy. THIS WEEK'S EPISODES: Camp Candy Episode 2, "Small Foot, Big Trouble" Rick Moranis in Gravedale High Episode 1, "A Long Day's Gurney Into Night" The Completely Mental Misadventures of Ed Grimley Episode 1, "Tall, Dark, and Hansom" Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/StaYgR7HW2 Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/satamtuesdays Our Website: http://www.satamtuesdays.com/ The Hosts: Andrew Eric Davison, Austin Bridges, Rory Voie Audio Production: Andrew Eric Davison

Judi Holler will happily tell you she is one of the biggest fraidy cats you will ever meet. She is afraid of all the things. She is also a keynote speaker, USA TODAY bestselling author of Fear Is My Homeboy and a self-described professional experimenter who has spent nearly twenty years treating fear as her most important advisor. That contradiction is precisely the point of this conversation, because as Judi sees it, the goal was never fearless. The goal is brave. Her courage was built in unlikely places. Working in corporate America by day, Judi spent her nights in the dark, dingy little theatres of Chicago’s improv scene, eventually training at the legendary Second City. She calls improv her fear yoga. With no script and no safety net, those basement stages taught her how to make mistakes, recover, listen and act before she felt ready. Then she started smuggling those lessons into the office: speaking up first in meetings, sitting in the front row, going for the promotion, asking for the raise. Small brave moves that walked new people and opportunities into her life, until the morning her boss sat her down over breakfast and told her to choose between her corporate career and her growing speaking work. She set down her fork and knife, looked at him and said, I don’t choose you. I’m going to choose me on this one. I quit. A decade later, she has never looked back. Fearless is for five-year-olds and sociopaths Judi takes issue with the word fearless, plastered as it is across t-shirts, bumper stickers and tattoos. If you were truly fearless, she points out, you would never see a doctor, you would eat poisonous food on purpose, you would punch a shark in the face. Borrowing a line from Elizabeth Gilbert, she reminds us that the only genuinely fearless people are five-year-olds and sociopaths. Fear is wisdom. The work is not to eliminate it but to fear your fear less, and bravery, like confidence and creativity, is a muscle built through daily experimentation. Your brain versus your soul At the heart of Judi’s methodology sits a tension we all live with: our brains are louder, faster and more practised than our souls. The brain has one job, safety, and it can only reference past data, endlessly auditing your life and pulling you back towards the familiar. But life does not follow old data. Life is improv. There is no script. The soul is your capacity to trust yourself and make decisions inside uncertainty, and Judi is quick to note this is no longer woo. She points to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Work research, where skills like resilience, creative thinking, motivation and self-awareness now top the list of what the world needs, and every one of them lives in the soul. Reclaim, don’t reinvent When Judi felt creatively caged five years ago, she resisted the urge to tear it all down. Reinvention, she says, whispers that what you have built is not good enough. Reclamation says the opposite: I love what you have made here, and I want to see more. Through a confrontational journey of self-discovery, she realised nothing was ever wrong with her. She had simply been painting the canvas of her life with everybody else’s brush. Out of that season came the HOLLER Method, a personal operating system for courage built letter by letter from her own surname, along with nightly rituals like her 9.30pm glitch list, where she captures the ideas her brain would rather she forgot. Judi leaves the audience with three golden nuggets: Trust it all. Every twist, delay and detour is preparing you for what comes next. Experiment with your fear. Every day. On purpose. Small brave moves compound into a courageous life. Honour the graveyard rule. As Les Brown says, the graveyard is the richest place on earth, full of dreams that were never acted on. Do not let yours be buried there. It is a funny, honest and deeply practical conversation about courage, self-trust and the experiments that bring us back to ourselves. Whatever you have been waiting to do, take the first step. Go scared. Watch the full conversation on YouTube. Find Out More About Judi Holler Website: https://judiholler.com Instagram: @judiholler Facebook: Judi Holler Fan Page YouTube: @JudiHoller

Blogger and model The Strange Goth and comedian Dave Carter joined Hannah and Mark for a fun show and found that they had a lot in common.   The Strange Goth talked about her parents recognizing the darkness within her at an early age. How she initially found he goth scene in the Bay Area but has now found a home in the Los Angeles scene. She talks about what it was like to be on the cover of LA Weekly's goth issue, why she doesn't wear black all the time, what it is like being a woman of color in the goth scene and set the scene for her future wedding where she will walk down the aisle on fire.   Dave talked about how he discovered death rock and darker music while serving in the Air Force (where he was assigned to play volleyball), his beginnings doing improv in the hallowed halls of Second City in Chicago, his work as a voice over actor as the voice of dramas on FreeForm among others, how his wife reacts to him making jokes about her in his stand up act and how he is at a point now where his 5 year old daughter gives him advice on how to audition and survive in show business.   And we discussed the eternal arguments…are The Smiths, Marilyn Manson and Depeche Mode goth?

I met Cooper at a Dialect class and loved her teaching style and her skills! We chat about her growing up in St. Louis and her early influences. She received a degree in Theatre Arts from New Mexico and eventually made her way to Chicago. A friend suggested that she take classes at Second City and she auditioned for and was a member of the Conservatory with Michael Gellman. I know you'll enjoy this terrific episode.

Hi Everyone! My guest on this episode is Rachel Rizzuto, kidlit author and illustrator. Rachel's work makes me laugh in a good way! I'm so glad she agreed to be a guest. Here's more about Rachel:Rachel Rizzuto is an author-illustrator using character-driven storytelling to provide touchstones for anxious and inquisitive children. She's been a Chicago stage actor, a dolphin show narrator, a bookshop graphic designer, a marketing executive, and a teacher at The Second City. She infuses humor and hope into stressful situations, creating a safe environment in which readers can process their own experiences while knowing we're on our way to a happy ending.Rachel's websiteThanks for listening!

Tyler Kempf, Creative Director of Second City, joins John Landecker to talk about Second City’s partnership with Panda Express in Streeterville to perform improv for people’s fortunes in fortune cookies on Monday in honor of National Cookie Day.

Today's Sports Daily covers World Cup action this weekend, an expected Wimbledon classic semis matchup today, NCAA Tournament announces the second city to host play-in games and how seeding will work, & Lebrons next team.       Music written by Bill Conti & Allee Willis (Casablanca Records/Universal Music Group)  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You can find more from Judi here:https://judiholler.com/https://youtu.be/pUrYjBTuRAM?si=hZVcjmTBt8zgaptghttps://holleratyourdreams.com/https://judiholler.com/book/https://www.instagram.com/judiholler/https://www.linkedin.com/in/judiholler/https://www.tiktok.com/@thejudiholler?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pchttps://stan.store/HOLLAVERSEAre you waiting to feel confident before you take action?In this episode, I sit down with keynote speaker, USA TODAY bestselling author, and creator of The HOLLER (Me)THOD™, Judi Holler, to explore why confidence isn't something you wait for—it's something you build through courageous action.Drawing on her background in corporate leadership and professional improvisation with The Second City, Judi shares practical strategies to help you overcome fear, perfectionism, overthinking, and self-doubt so you can step into the opportunities you've been avoiding.In this conversation, we discuss:• Why confidence is built through action—not before it• How to overcome fear of failure and self-doubt• The surprising lessons improv can teach us about leadership• Why perfectionism keeps high achievers stuck• How to stop overthinking and trust yourself more• Practical ways to develop courage in everyday life• The mindset shift that helps you become more visible and impactfulIf you're a high-achieving professional, entrepreneur, or leader who knows you're capable of more but keeps waiting until you feel "ready," this episode will challenge you to think differently about confidence.Because confidence doesn't come before action.It comes because of it.

In this episode, Sam speaks with Jet Eveleth, a clown teacher, performer, writer, and integrative medicine practitioner who lives at the fertile crossroads of medicine and mischief. Jet has studied integrative medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, meditation, and psychotherapy at Harvard Medical School, while also training with legendary clown teacher Philippe Gaulier, touring with Second City, and performing in the spectacular Las Vegas show Absinthe. Together, Sam and Jet explore clowning as a spiritual practice, the power of embarrassment, and the difference between comedy and clowning. Jet reflects on her teachers, including Philippe Gaulier, Paola Coletto, Eckhart Tolle, and Wim Hof, and discusses how improvisation, Daoism, acupuncture, meditation, and the body all inform her work. They also talk about Clown Church, the ritual power of clown names, the importance of reading the room as a teacher, and why Esalen may be one of the most natural places to practice this kind of work. Links: Jet Eveleth online improv classes: https://jeteveleth.wixsite.com/my-site-2/about-2 Instagram: @Clownchurchla Jet is also launching a new company, Presence in Play, which will include her classes in Los Angeles, Clown Church, retreats, and online improv workshops. The website is expected to launch around mid-July 2026. Jet's workshop at Esalen, January 1 -3, 2027 https://www.esalen.org/workshops/sacred-clown-presence-in-play-010127

Trey and Goldie are joined by Lloyd (Andy St. Clair: The Kids Are Alright, Second City) who makes a living writing Yelp reviews for companies. Also, Trey punks Goldie big time about his Mom having to have surgery. Like the show Punk'd. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yuehan is a designer by day and an improv nerd by evening. Originally from Shanghai, China, and now based in Stockholm, Sweden. She is the founder of English improv community - Fika Improv Group in Stockholm, where she's committed to connecting improvisers and sharing our passion for improv in a welcoming space. Graduated from Second City, she has also been training with teachers from different schools around the world like Jay Sukow, Liz Allen, Susan Messing, Aretha Sills and Billy Merritt. Yuehan is half of the Scandinavian Asian duo "Herring & Chopsticks", is a performer at BIT Comedy Network, teaches and performs at several international improv festivals as well as locally. Through her performances and teaching, Yuehan strives to create a fun, connected atmosphere and is passionate about spreading the joy and freedom that improvisation brings. Yuehan brings joy to everything she does. Don't miss this one!This episode, like all episodes of If This Is True, brings forth what drives creatives to do what they do. For more of this content and interaction, you can also go to my substack, coolmite25.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Catharine Savage to explore why failure might not be something to avoid after all. As an improviser, facilitator, educator, and performer, Catharine has spent years helping people discover that growth often lives on the other side of discomfort.If you've ever avoided taking a chance because you were afraid to fail, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on why mistakes can actually be fun.Inside This Episode:Why We Fear Failure So Much: Catharine and Erin unpack the stories we tell ourselves about failure and explore why so many high achievers struggle to take risks in the first place.How Improv Changes Our Relationship with Mistakes: Drawing on her experience with The Second City and years of facilitating workplace workshops, Catharine shares how improvisation helps people build resilience, adaptability, and confidence through experimentation.The Surprising Joy of Failing: Failure doesn't have to mean defeat. Catharine explains how reframing mistakes as data, stories, and opportunities can transform both our careers and our lives.Building Psychological Safety Through Play: Erin and Catharine discuss why teams that normalize mistakes are often the most innovative, collaborative, and successful.Taking Yourself Less Seriously: Some of the best learning happens when we let go of perfectionism. Catharine shares practical ways leaders can create space for humor, curiosity, and growth even in high-pressure environments.What to Do Now:Try Something You're Bad At: Pick one small activity this week that feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Give yourself permission to be a beginner and notice what you learn.Celebrate a Recent Mistake: Reflect on a recent failure or setback. What did it teach you? Share the lesson with a colleague or friend.Practice "Yes, And" Thinking: The next time something doesn't go according to plan, challenge yourself to ask, "Yes, this happened...and what might be possible now?"About the GuestCatharine Savage is a facilitator, educator, improviser, and performer with extensive experience helping individuals and teams build communication, adaptability, and leadership skills through the principles of improv. She performs with The Second City National Touring Company and facilitates professional development experiences through The Second City Works, bringing humor and humanity into workplaces across industries. In addition to her performance work, Catharine teaches and coaches others to embrace experimentation, navigate uncertainty, and find growth through failure. Before pursuing improv professionally, she worked in consulting and sales enablement, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges leaders face in today's workplace. Catharine is passionate about helping people become more resilient, collaborative, and willing to take risks—both on stage and at work.Your FreebieHow do you lead through failure and uncertainty?Today's workplace demands adaptability, creative problem-solving, and leaders who can navigate uncertainty without freezing in perfectionism.This quick quiz will reveal your unique approach to failure and uncertainty, plus give you simple ways to strengthen your adaptability muscles and help your team thrive when things don't go according to plan.Connect with Catharine SavageCatharine's InstagramCatharine's LinkedInCatharine's websiteConnect with Erin Diehl x improve it!Leadership Playground online membership communityErin's websiteErin's InstagramErin's TikTokErin's LinkedInimprove it!'s websiteimprove it!'s InstagramFor more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com. Connect with Erin Diehl

TOTAL DISCLOSURE PODCAST LIVE: Featuring SAL AMATOSal Amato—a storyteller, media pioneer, actor, producer, novelist, and one of the rare people whose career has spanned the worlds of entertainment, technology, broadcasting, and digital media for nearly five decades.From appearing in films and television shows like My Best Friend's Wedding, While You Were Sleeping, Chicago Fire, and The Big Leap, to becoming one of the earliest innovators in internet radio and streaming technology, Sal has consistently been ahead of the curve.A graduate of the Midwestern School of Broadcasting and one of the youngest performers ever accepted into The Second City, Sal has built a career around understanding people, culture, media, and the hidden forces that shape how we think.Today, he's bringing those experiences into the world of fiction with his novel Hidden Powers: Disclosure From Within—a story that explores influence, power, perception, and the unseen systems operating behind the curtain of modern society.Whether he's producing media, preserving history, writing stories, or challenging conventional narratives, Sal has spent a lifetime asking questions most people never think to ask.Sals Website & New Book: Hidden powers Book By Sal Almata: https://salamato.com/hidden-powersTOTAL DISCLOSURE WEBSITE: www.totaldisclosure.coBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/total-disclosure-podcast--5975113/support.CONTACT TDP DIRECTLY For Collaboration, Use of Segments/clips, or any other media produced by “TDP” —TY.TotalDisclosure@gmail.comSpecial Thank you to all of our PODCAST/YouTube Channel Members for your continued support, and dedication to seeking the truth, together. We can't do this WITHOUT YOU!-COPYRIGHT-2020-Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commenting, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. Total Disclosure Podcast Copyright 2020 and …  segments, early access to interviews, and a yearly gift autographed by yours truly!thank you in advance now, Let's explore the unknown together!

For much of our history, Chicago has called itself America's Second City. But ever since the early 80's LA has surpassed Chicago in population. And now, after decades of endless striving, LA appears to have become America's Second City of Corruption as well.

Communications professor Heather Barnes teaches us how to use what she learned teaching at Second City, managing the Museum of Science and Industry, and taking classes at the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science to truly engage with difficult people through the power of positive rants. Kitted Previous Episodes How Minds Change Heather Barnes Improv@Work Second City The Center for Enlightened Disagreement Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science David McRaney's Twitter David McRaney's BlueSky YANSS Twitter YANSS Facebook Newsletter Patreon Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jack McBrayer (Zillow Gone Wild, 30 Rock, Wreck-It Ralph) is an Emmy-nominated actor, and comedian. Jack joins Armchair Expert to discuss growing up in a family of school teachers, finding his people in Chicago improv, and why he's wary of letting too much private silliness become public record. Jack and Dax talk about the early magic of Second City, his steel trap memory for dates and birthdays, and the wild houses and homeowners of Zillow Gone Wild. Jack explains why reading the room isn't the same as being inauthentic, how suntanning is his version of meditation in a chaotic world, and why sometimes your skin feeling tight is enough reason to leap into the next chapter.Sign up now in the app or at grubhub.com/plus/golddays to unlock exclusive Gold Days deals.Check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds: https://www.allstate.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brick's going into the archive tonight. Three tracks, three different moods. First up: August Heat and Tempers Rise, pulled from last preseason when the timeline was on fire over dropped passes and vanilla scheme. Brick logged the panic when it was loud. He's playing it back now that everyone who was loudest in August has gone quiet about what they said in August. Then: Second City Blues. Brick has nothing against the city of Chicago — beautiful architecture, great skyline, Lakeshore Drive is worth seeing before you die. Their football team, however, is a civic embarrassment. Their pizza is a casserole. The song documents both positions thoroughly. And finally: Green Bay Grotesque. Written in 7/8 time. Contains a brass section. Uses the phrase "diminished and strained" to describe a wide receiver's hamstring. Brick has been waiting for the right moment to air it. He decided tonight was the moment.

John welcomes five-time Emmy-winning writer Ali Barthwell (Last Week Tonight) to ask, can writers learn to be funny? Drawing from her time as a teacher at The Second City, they look at what writers can learn from sketch and improv, and how to reliably find ways to make an audience laugh. We also celebrate the WGA membership's ratification of the 2026 MBA, the educational future of the Scriptnotes book, and answer listener questions on the first scene of a comedy and when to stop taking assistant gigs and bet on yourself. In our bonus segment for premium members, Ali shares how she built a thriving writing career without ever having to live in New York or LA. Links: Ali Barthwell Preorder Ali's new book, Reality TV for Snobs The Second City Pre-inked star stamps The Padilla Pause: How the Breakout Star of SNL Nails Comic Timing by Jason Zinoman for NYTimes Funnier by Anne Libera Get your copy of the Scriptnotes book! Get a Scriptnotes T-shirt! Check out the Inneresting Newsletter Become a Scriptnotes Premium member, or gift a subscription Subscribe to Scriptnotes on YouTube Follow Scriptnotes on Instagram and TikTok John August on Bluesky and Instagram Outro by Matt Gillespie (send us yours!) Scriptnotes is produced by Drew Marquardt and edited by Matthew Chilelli. Email us at ask@johnaugust.com You can download the episode here.