Podcasts about second city touring company

In this captivating episode of Improv and Magic, I welcome the incredibly talented Anděl Sudik for an engaging interview that blends humor, insight, and inspiration. Anděl Sudik, a seasoned improviser, actor, and sketch comedy artist, shares her journey through the world of performance, offering listeners a look at her creative process and career highlights.Anděl Sudik is a veteran of the Chicago sketch and improv scene, known for her work with The Second City Touring Company and Boom Chicago in Amsterdam. With over a decade of experience, she has performed across the U.S. and Europe, earning acclaim for her dynamic stage presence and innovative approach to comedy. As a sought-after teacher and director, Anděl has shaped the next generation of performers through workshops and training programs at prestigious institutions like The Second City Conservatory. Her unique perspective on improvisation makes her a standout figure in the industry.In this episode, Anděl discusses her creative philosophy that emphasizes authenticity and playfulness. She also shares valuable insights into the art of improvisation, offering tips for aspiring performers and seasoned pros alike. This episode promises to entertain and inspire.Learn more about Anděl Sudik at her website, yesandel.com.Be sure to show the podcast some love by giving it a rating and leaving a review!

Chris Redd takes a break from his tour to join the table. We discuss losing weight vs tightening up, gym habits, “working on my hour.” Then, Chris delves into his peeves traveling for work, including leaving the window open on flights. Chris shines light on his attack outside the Comedy Cellar. He discusses his family reunion of 1000+ people. And lastly gets into his experience on SNL and funny rap songs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Chris: Chris Redd's first one-hour comedy special “Why Am I Like This?” premiered in November of last year and is currently streaming on MAX. He co-created and is set to voice a lead role in a yet-to-be titled project from Broadway Video and Audible, and stars opposite Eddie Murphy in the upcoming feature CANDY CANE LANE. Redd is the co-creator, writer, and star of Peacock's scripted comedy series, “Bust Down”. He was a repertory player on NBC's “Saturday Night Live” for 5 seasons. In addition to acting and writing, Redd is a rapper and stand-up comedian who performs across the country and has toured the United States and Europe with The Second City Touring Company. He received the Emmy Award in 2018 for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for the “SNL” song “Come Back, Barack.” In 2019 Redd released his debut stand-up album, “But Here We Are.” Redd starred in the independent horror film “Scare Me” and can be seen in the comedy films “Vampires vs. the Bronx”, “Deep Murder,” “The House” and “A Futile and Stupid Gestures.” He appeared in the 2016 film “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” and opposite Kathy Bates in the Netflix original comedy series “Disjointed” and was featured in the series “Wet Hot American Summer,” NBC's “Will & Grace,” Netflix's “Love,” TV' Land's “Teachers,” ”Comedy Central's “Detroiters” and “Comedy Central Stand-Up Presents.” He portrayed the character of ‘Gary Williams' on the NBC comedy “Kenan” for two seasons. Redd has also loaned his voice to many projects including Netflix's “Big Mouth,” Audible's “64th Man” and Disney's “Star vs. the Forces of Evil.” Additionally, he was featured as a 2016 Standup New Face at Just for Laughs in Montreal. Redd was previously a performer at Chicago's Second City and iO Chicago. About Tom: Tom Papa, a celebrated stand-up comedian with over 20 years in the industry, has made significant strides in film, television, radio, podcasts, and live performances. Notably, he's a regular on "The Joe Rogan Experience" and various late-night TV shows. Papa's literary skills are evident in his books “We're All In This Together” and "You're Doing Great!: And Other Reasons To Stay Alive," a collection of essays, and "Your Dad Stole My Rake: And Other Family Dilemmas," a comedic look at family life. His latest stand-up specials are “Tom Papa: What A Day!” and "Tom Papa: You're Doing Great!" on Netflix. Beyond comedy, Papa's engagements extend to hosting "What A Joke With Papa And Fortune" on SiriusXM and appearing on NPR's "Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me." His love for baking led to hosting the Food Network series "Baked." As an actor, he's worked with notable figures like Rob Zombie and Steven Soderbergh and has appeared in several films and TV shows, including the HBO film "Behind the Candelabra." Additionally, Papa has contributed as a writer to projects like "Bee Movie" and various TV series. Residing in Los Angeles with his family, Papa continues to balance his professional life with personal interests like baking. Get in touch with or go see Tom live on stage! Radio, Podcasts and more: https://linktr.ee/tompapa/ Website - http://tompapa.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tompapa Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/tompapa Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/comediantompapa #TomPapa #breakingbreadwithTomPapa

Ever wondered how an improv comedy group can create a hit TV show? Join me in this captivating episode as I sit down with the incredibly talented Kate Lambert to discuss her journey from the world of improv to the creation of her show, Teachers, on TV Land. We explore the origins of Teachers, from Kate's time with The Katydids improv group and their early videos to the eventual purchase of the show by TV Land. Along the way, we delve into the creative process, the surprise of not being replaced by big-name actors, and the importance of Chicago actors in the show. We also reminisce about Kate's first job at Second City, which just so happened to be on a cruise ship. Additionally, we touch on the development of the characters in Teachers, the professional elements like costumes and makeup that brought them to life, and the sketches from the web series that made it to the TV show. Finally, I share my own experiences with the Second City theater and the incredible people I saw there, such as Tina Fey, Stephanie Weir, Rachel Dratch and Tina Fey. In this episode, we discuss the crucial lesson of treating every job, even unpaid gigs, with the utmost professionalism and dedication. We'll also chat about The Katydids journey to LA, the value of having a supportive executive on their side, and the impact of the improv community in Chicago. Don't miss our conversation on Mo Collins' work on MADtv, Kate's recent projects, and her aspirations to return to Chicago and visit the space where her journey began. Join us for this engaging and entertaining episode — you won't want to miss it! Kate Lambert co-created, executive produced, wrote, and starred on the sitcom Teachers on TV Land. She has appeared on Reno 911, The Last Show Left on Earth, The Today Show, Last Call with Carson Daly, the film How to Ruin the Holidays, and done voiceover work for American Dad. Kate has also performed at The John F. Kennedy Center; La Jolla Playhouse; and TBS Just for Laughs.  During her time in Chicago, she was in The Second City Mainstage revue, Let Them Eat Chaos, and is also an alumna of The Second City Touring Company and iO. Connect with Kate Lambert on her website at: KateLambert.com Paul Vato⁠ is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur. Connect with Paul Vato across all social media at: ⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠ CHAPTERS (0:00:04) - Kate Lambert on Teachers and Second City: Kate Lambert and TV Land's Teachers, The Katydids improv group, Chicago actors, and Second City cruise ship job are discussed. (0:13:23) - Developing Characters and Second City Memories: Kate Lambert and I discussed her career in improv, the exaggerated characters for TV Land's Teachers, and the impact of The Second City Theater. (0:18:27) - From Improv to Success: Mo Collins' work on MADtv, Orange Alert, Improv Olympic's name change, Kate's family's support, and Kate's aspirations to return to Chicago are discussed. (0:27:26) - Moving to LA and Making It: Kate and her team's creative freedom, Mo Collins' work, the value of an executive, and the impact of the improv community are discussed. (0:40:05) - TV Shows and Creative Projects: Kate Lambert discussed her work on Reno 911, Teachers, Tap Time with Tabitha Brown, and an online sketch show, emphasizing the importance of taking all creative opportunities seriously. (0:45:26) - Meeting Thomas Lennon and Vegas Stories: Kate and Paul reminisce about Reno 911, exploring TV Land's creative freedom, improv, and plans for Las Vegas, plus Kate's upcoming projects. SPONSERS - Buy/rate/review his book, The Kama Sucia aka The Filthy Bed at ⁠VATO.tv⁠. Thank you! - Win a seat to the WSOP Main Event EVERY DAY IN MAY! ⁠bit.ly/ClubGGVato⁠ - Monetize your time & knowledge w/⁠Owwll⁠. Enter referral code "VATO" at sign-up to get $10 to use on the app: Apple: ⁠apple.co/35HC0hd⁠ • Android: ⁠bit.ly/OwwllGooglePlay⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paulvato/message

This week on Finding Your Bliss, Life Coach and Bliss Expert Judy Librach is joined by actress and comedian Clare McConnell! Clare is best known for portraying 'Effie Newsome' on the popular CBC series

Today, we sit with actor Steven Yeun! At the top, we discuss his new Netflix series Beef (3:40), a powerful church scene from the show (12:10), and his personal experience immigrating to the US from Seoul as a child (18:44). Then, we walk through Steven's coming of age in Michigan (21:35), his memorable audition for The Second City Touring Company (25:56), and his pursuit of on-screen work in Los Angeles (34:22). On the back-half, Steven reflects on his portrayal of Glenn on The Walking Dead (36:54), the films that followed, including Okja (45:54), Burning (49:42), and Sorry to Bother You (50:58), his transformative experience making and premiering Minari (55:17), and to close, a poem that guided him on set by the great Wendell Berry (1:08:02).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sharon Greeling, Director of Suburban Planning for Homogocile, talks about clear-cutting protected lands to build huge McMansion developments, and how every last one of her employees adores and fears her. Plus, Lester Friend, front man for the Christian band Spirit Supreme and CEO of the record label Arise Poor Children, discusses his many albums, how his poor behavior is justified, and the possibility that he is the Son of God.   ABOUT THE PERFORMERS Nicole Passmore (Sharon Greeling) is a Toronto-based improviser and actor who has performed with The Second City Touring Company, as a member of the award-winning troupe The Sketchersons, and with Bad Dog Theater Company in Toronto. Angus MacDonald (Lester Friend) is an improv performer and instructor with The Improv Embassy in Ottowa, and the co-creator and co-host of the podcast “Heroes Don't Do Paperwork.” Nathan Hartswick (Dean Ardenfell) is a comedy performer, teacher, and the co-owner of Vermont Comedy Club in Burlington, VT.   ABOUT THE PODCAST The Corporation is a podcast hosted by Dean Ardenfell (Nathan Hartswick), a superfan of the global corporation “Hogswood Cooper Media.” Each episode, Dean interviews folks who work for the many different subsidiaries of Hogswood Cooper.* * This podcast is improvised satire, “Hogswood Cooper Media” is fictitious, and the employees are comedians. But don't tell Dean.   SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST * Apple Podcasts * Spotify * Stitcher

Patrick McCartney came of age in the Chicago improv scene in the early nineties where he worked with the likes of Del Close and toured with Amy Poehler and Tina Fey in the Second City Touring Company. But it wasn't long before his early exploration of drugs and alcohol blossomed into a full blown heroin problem and rules like “I'll never use before going on stage” became “I'll never go on stage if I'm not using.” Heroin use eventually gave way to crack addiction, and he found himself alone and suicidal in a heatless cabin in Wyoming. But he got clean and found his way into recovery and is now finding a kind of spiritual practice teaching and performing improv

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

In this episode, Willow Schlunk, VP of Marketing at "Flubz Games," talks about using fun, free smartphone games to extract -- and profit from -- users' personal data. She also has a cat! Plus, conservative pundit and avid flyboarder Brad Shingles gets hot under the collar about cancel culture, and posits that we're all future victims of the phenomenon if we don't do something. ABOUT THE PERFORMERS: Rachael Mason (Willow Schlunk) is a legendary Chicago improviser who has headed up the training programs at iO and The Second City for the better part of two decades. She has also performed on the acclaimed teams "The Boys" and "Baby Wants Candy." Andrew Knox (Brad Shingles) is a native of Shelburne, VT who has performed and toured extensively with The Second City Touring Company, Improvised Shakespeare Company, and more. He currently lives in LA. Special thanks to Brian DeLaBruere for the advertisement voiceover. ABOUT THE PODCAST:
 The Corporation is a podcast hosted by Dean Ardenfell (Nathan Hartswick), a superfan of the global corporation Hogswood Cooper Media. In this important series, Dean seeks to interview folks who work for the many different subsidiaries of Hogswood Cooper. This podcast is a production of Unicow Media, the official podcast network of Vermont Comedy Club, located in beautiful Burlington, Vermont. Subscribe to The Corporation on: 
* Apple Podcasts * Spotify * Stitcher

On this week's episode, Alana and her guest Andy Hull (What We Do in the Shadows on FX, Second City Touring Company) discover new depths to their friendship and reveal some well kept secrets bringing them closer together than ever! Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

On this week’s episode, Alana and her guest Andy Hull (What We Do in the Shadows on FX, Second City Touring Company) discover new depths to their friendship and reveal some well kept secrets bringing them closer together than ever! Producer/husband/roommate Norm Sousa is feeling under the weather and more stressed out than ever but there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel. Join our Patreon and for bonus episodes of Self Esteem “After” Party where Alana will catch up with former guests and do a mandatory check in with producer/husband/roommate Norm Sousa! Check out our merch on TeePublic! We’ve got everything you could ever dream of with Alana’s beautiful face on it! Instagram: @selfesteemparty Twitter: @selfesteemparty Email: selfesteemparty@gmail.com Hosted by: Alana Johnston Instagram: @theonlyalanajohnston Twitter: @alana_johnston Guest: Andy Hull Instagram: @andyhullbone Twitter: @andyhullbone Brought to you By: The Sonar Network

Julia Morales is a writer, performer and improviser, originally from Houston, Texas. She's made appearances on CBS's The Red Line, and currently she performs with the Second City Touring Company. Relationship Therapists Monica Burton and Annette Reiter, long-time friends from St.Petersburg, Florida, bring more than 30 years of certified counseling experience to this new discussion about diverse medical and mental health concerns. These conversations will help educate and inform the audience of mental health issues affecting life in our American culture and the human experience. They talk about how to improve dialogue between partners in simple ways, how to resolve conflicts, and how to seek help. 

It's Tuesday and ... Andel Sudik is our guest! Andel was born and raised in Santa Clarita, California. She spent her winters and summers on her family's farm in Nebraska near Wahoo and moved to Chicago right after high school. She has performed all over the US with The Second City Touring Company and all over Europe with Boom Chicago. She lived in Amsterdam for two years and Arizona for two months among other random places. She has been performing and teaching sketch comedy and improvisation for the last 10 years. Check out her website https://www.yesandel.com/

Rachel LaForce is the featured guest on The KORE Women podcast. She is a Los Angeles based comedian, actor, director, producer, voice over talent, and writer. Rachel started her career in Chicago as an actor, writer, and improviser with The Second City Touring Company. Folks, this woman is witty, brilliant, she has something to say, and you are going to want to take a listen. The KORE Women Podcast can be found on iTunes, Google Play Music, Podbean, or by going to KOREWomen.com/podcast If you have yet to check out KORE Women go to, KOREWomen.com. To learn more about Rachel go to: RachelLaForce.com and follow her on Instagram and Facebook.  

Sarah Dell'Amico is a comedian living in Chicago, who is currently a member of The Second City Touring Company’s Mighty Mighty Blue Co. Molly Lartz is a retired stand up comedian, who has been working at the iO Theater for several years now.

Andel Sudik is an incredible improviser and teacher. She has performed all over the United States with The Second City Touring Company and in Europe with Boom Chicago, and she travels the world improvising and teaching. We talked to her about how she creates her wonderful characters on stage, what she learned about herself after being fired from the Second City ETC cast, and auditioning for Saturday Night Live.

Vernon Mina teaches and performs at The Annoyance Theater in Chicago where he is currently in Trigger Happy directed by Mick Napier. He also performs with the Second City Touring Company and has previously understudied for Second City’s ETC. We talked to him about the Annoyance style of improv, diversity in improv in Chicago and auditioning for Saturday Night Live.

Popcorn Talk Network, the online broadcast network that features movie discussion, news, interviews and commentary proudly presents “I Could Never Be.” Follow Michael on Twitter and Instagram: @TheOnlyMC Host Michael Clouse talks with Katy Colloton and Katie O'Brien. Follow Katy Colloton on Twitter: @KatyColloton Follow Katie O'Brein on Twitter: @KatieCOBrien Katy Colloton and Katie O'Brien are two of the creators, writers, producers, and stars of Teachers on TV Land. Season 3 of Teachers premieres June 5th. But Katy and Katie have been working together long before the show, as they're 1/3rd of the comedy group, The Katydids. The group all has names from the derivative, Katherine. They have performed for The Second City Touring Company, Broadway in Chicago, and TBS' Just for Laughs. But it wasn't all laughs for the group; as they sometimes performed for crowds made up mainly of family and friends. Some shows even had to be canceled bec

Rachel LaForce chooses her own religion! Rachel is a writer, actor and comedian from Atlanta via Chicago who has toured with the Second City Touring Company and a new friend of mine. In this episode we try to answer the question on if you can have compassion for Donal Trump. We also talk about past lives, how to really love your neighbor, the MLK Super Bowl ad, the fabric of non-religious society, and Christianity’s LGBT issues. Follow Rachel on Twitter and Instagram @rachellaforce!

On this episode of Talking Late Night, Max sits down with Ryan Archibald, a veteran improviser who has performed and taught at Boom Chicago (located in Amsterdam), iO Chicago, and Second City and who is the current Artistic Director for the Village Theatre. As soon as Ryan saw improv for the first time he knew that's what he wanted to do. Not only was he an improviser at all three of those theatres previously mentioned, but he also was a teacher, coach, and director for multiple shows and theatres. Ryan performed with the Second City Touring Company and was on a resident stage in Las Vegas as well. After performing all over the world for many years, Ryan was hired by the Village Theatre in Atlanta to be their new Artistic Director, a role that he serves as today. Interested in taking classes or seeing shows at the Village Theatre? Check out their website here where, more than likely, you'll be able to see Ryan in a few shows! Thank you for tuning in! Be sure to like and share our Facebook page here, and also rate and leave us a review on iTunes!

Today's Guest: Christopher Ward, Canada’s first MuchMusic VJ, author, Is This Live? Inside the Wild Early Years of MuchMusic: The Nation's Music Station Watch this exclusive Mr. Media interview with CHRISTOPHER WARD by clicking on the video player above!  Mr. Media is recorded live before a studio audience of Alannah Myles and Bryan Adams impersonators doing “The Safety Dance”… in the NEW new media capital of the world… St. Petersburg, Florida! "Is This Live? Inside the Wild Early Years of MuchMusic: The Nation's Music Station" by Christopher Ward. Order your copy today by clicking on the book cover above! What I don’t know about the Canadian music video scene could fill a half an hour or more… as rock ‘n’ roll historian Christopher Ward is about to discover. Ward has published a charming new oral history of MuchMusic—a Canadian take on MTV for my clueless fellow Americans. The book—Is This Live? Inside the Wild Early Years of MuchMusic, The Nation’s Music Station—takes us behind-the-scenes at the creation of the video music network where the only rule was, “You can do anything you want on air, just don’t spend any money.” CHRISTOPHER WARD podcast excerpt: "Being live at MuchMusic was like improv comedy. People love to see you fail and figure out how you're going to get out of it." Canadian music stars of the 1980s who blew up around the world—thanks in no small part to MuchMusic—included Bryan Adams, Corey Hart and Loverboy. And it also made mostly local guitar heroes out of Platinum Blonde, Gowan, the Spoons and Glass Tiger. Unless you’re a native of the Great White North, you’re probably wondering what Ward’s connection to all this might be, right? Well, he was Canada’s first VJ, or video disc jockey. But unlike their American counterparts who precorded all of their patter between music videos, Ward and his cohorts worked live. Ward got his start as an entertainer as a member of Second City Touring Company, where he became friends with future SNL comedian Mike Myers and was Myers’ sidekick on the original “Wayne’s World” before Dana Carvey brought life to Garth. He has also written songs for Diana Ross, Wynona Judd, The Backstreet Boys and Alannah Myles, for whom he wrote the #1 hit, “Black Velvet.” CHRISTOPHER WARD podcast excerpt: "Mike Myers calls me the 'entertainment survivalist' because we would go on the road together and I was prepared. I would bring a sandwich and I would have cold beer stashed in the van. I was ready to cope. I took pity on him and brought extra sandwich, extra beer, and a splitter for the headphones. And we both loved The Clash." Christopher Ward Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • TuneIn • LinkedIn • Wikipedia • Much • IMDB • Goodreads Kicking Through the Ashes: My Life As A Stand-up in the 1980s Comedy Boom by Ritch Shydner. Order your copy today by clicking on the book cover above!     The Party Authority in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland!

Theresa Mulligan Rosenthal is a TV writer and producer, working on such shows as "Lady Dynamite," "How I Met Your Mother" and "Whitney." She started out improvising in the '90s in Chicago and was a member of Second City Touring Company, Second City Northwest and Jazz Freddy. We talked to her about taking improv classes with her mom, how she went from being an improviser to writing for TV, and how she has overcome her insecurities.

Bob Fisher is a well-respected teacher and improviser at The Annoyance Theater, where he was in the original cast of Co-Ed Prison Sluts. He was in also in the Second City Touring Company and the amazing group's Cardiff Giant and Bang Bang. We talked about his career as a lawyer, how he used improv to win a jury trial, and how we can always learn from the bad shows as well as the good.

Mad Power is an arts organization dedicated to the encouragement of artistic achievement and the protection of the rights of psychiatric survivors.Miles G. Cohen (Producer & Project Director)Mr. Cohen is a survivor with 40 years theatre experience. A graduate Of Bishop’s University, Canadian Mime School, Playhouse Acting School, and an alumnus of The Second City Touring Company he has performed and taught in theatres and institutions across Canada. He currently teaches at “Learn” a CAMH day program as well as “Encore” a CAMH pilot program for patients on the ward. He is a member and past board member for Workman Arts; a CAMH based arts organization. He is a founding director for Friendly Spike Theatre and a founding member of Kytes youth theatre for street youth. He has been a facilitator for an adult encounter group at Bridgepoint Health Centre and taught meditation at the Ralph Thornton Centre.Stephen LaFrenie (Producer and Actor)Stephen has performed and taught physical theatre for over 38 years. His training includes Ecole Jacques Lecoq, Mime School Unlimited, Dean Gilmour, and Tony Montanaro. He has toured extensively across Canada, to Spain, Australia, France, Hungary, Jamaica, Haiti and the U.S. Recent collaborations have been with Toronto’s Keystone Theatre, co-creating their two latest productions of “The Last Man on Earth” & "Gold Fever", both which premiered at the Toronto Clown Festival and enjoyed great success on the Canadian Fringe circuit. Other collaborations include Gabrielle Houle performing with Toronto Consort. Over the last 16 years he has toured with both Faustwork Mask Theatre and with Metaphysical Theatre’s production of "Fool’s Gold", which he co-created. He has received multiple Arts in Education grants from the Ontario Arts Council and taught in schools, colleges/universities across Canada and in Australia.Stageworthy:http://www.stageworthypodcast.com Twitter @stageworthyPod Facebook: http://facebook.com/stageworthyPod

Joe Canale is a writer and actor from New York who has both studied and work in Chicago and Los Angeles. Some of his many accomplishments have been performing for the Second City Touring Company, BOOM Chicago, appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live and playing Mindy's boyfriend in the Mindy Project. Joe has also writes for various shows both live and televised, as well as hosts countless podcasts, The Sports Widow and The Big Red Cobcast to name a few. You can see him weekly at iO west and on Facebook live and hear his sweet, sultry voice all over iTunes. Tweet him at - @Weaselicious Check out The Sports Widow: https://www.facebook.com/joecanale?pnref=story Check out The Big Red Cobcast: http://bit.ly/1pAy3YY Get tickets to iO West's Armando show: http://ioimprov.com/west/show/the-armando-show-7/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Matt Dwyer is a writer, stand-up and podcaster. He was one of the youngest people to be hired for the Second City Touring Company at the age of 21. He has written for Funny or Die and Jonah Ray's Hidden America on Netflix. We talked to him about hanging out at Second City when he was high school, how getting fired at Second City led him to stand up, and the importance of writing for improvisers.

Kate Flannery is best known for playing Meredith on the NBC series "The Office." She is also part of the comedy lounge act The Lampshades and was a member of Second City Touring Company and The Annoyance Theater in Chicago. Jimmy talked to her about what is like to be on a hit sitcom, her days in Chicago and why she still keeps a costume change in her car.

With tales that take us through an awkward Much Music debut with Bon Jovi to a strange encounter with Diana Ross' hair to a Robert Plant dinner that takes a turn to the strange, Christopher Ward offers an hour of entertaining talk.Ward has written songs for Diana Ross, Hilary Duff, Wynonna Judd, The Backstreet Boys, Meredith Brooks, Tina Arena, Amanda Marshall, Roch Voisine and many others. His best-known song is the worldwide # 1 hit for Alannah Myles, ‘Black Velvet’. Previously, Ward was a member of the ‘Second City Touring Company’, based in Toronto. In 1984, as Canada’s first ‘VJ’, he helped launch MuchMusic, where he interviewed artists as diverse as Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen and Tina Turner.During his time at Trent, Christopher helped launch Trent Radio.

Ithamar Enriquez is a writer, actor, teacher and performer. He is an alumni of The Second City, writing and performing shows with the MainStage, ETC and the Second City Touring Company. Jimmy talks to him about physical comedy and his wonderful one-person silent sketch show "Ithamar Enriquez Has Nothing to Say."

Matthew Craig is a professional improvisor, actor, writer, and director. He is an alum of The Second City in Chicago, having performed in their Resident Company for over three years on both their Mainstage and their ETC theaters. He spent several years traveling the world with their touring company and has worked for their corporate training division as a writer/ performer/ instructor/ director for over fifteen years. Matt began his career at Washington University with the troupe Mama's Pot Roast. Previous theater credits include The Annoyance, iO, iOWest, Disney Cruise Lines, Brave New Workshop, The Second City Touring Company, The Second City ETC, and The Second City Mainstage. Matt fills his days with occasional commercial, voiceover, and television work, appearing on “The Office,” “According to Jim,” and on “Mobbed”, where Matt, an ordained minister, marries unsuspecting couples. He teaches improvisation and sketch writing at Second City Hollywood and performs all about town with his two-man improv group FrankenMatt. (www.frankenmatt.com) Most recently, Matt worked as a writer on “Saturday Night Live” during the 2010-2011 season. He currently resides in Los Angeles. Also, I went to school with him and he thought my dad was like Mike Brady.

Michael Delaney (The Other Guys, The Stepfathers) drops by to spread some Christmas spirit with his deep love for SCTV. Get a glimpse of what it meant to be a true fanatic pre-internet: going to libraries with a razor blade to cut out SCTV news clippings, stalking Catherine O'Hara outside of 30 Rock, and driving the Second City Touring Company around Florida to get a taste of the comedy world.

Tara Defrancisco is a former member of the Second City Touring Company. She performs and teaches for iO Theater and ComedySportz in Chicago. She discusses several exercises she uses in her classes and workshops.