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Chris, Nikki, and Whip of The Morning Mix chat with comedian, writer, and actor Dewayne Perkins! Dewayne is a Chicago native who received improv training at The Second City and also worked for iO Theater. He has appeared on Wild 'n Out and The Upshaws. Perkins was on the writing staff for The Break with Michelle Wolf, the Saved by the Bell reboot, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and he is a staff writer for The Amber Ruffin Show, for which he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. He is the co-writer and star of horror-comedy film The Blackening.Listen to The Morning Mix weekdays from 5:30am - 10:00am on 101.9fm The Mix in Chicago or with the free Mix App available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Andrew and Alex are joined by guest Andrew Maurer, who is a licensed attorney in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan. Maurer has also trained in comedy writing with the Second City and a SNL television writer. Maurer served for four years as a creator/writer/producer for “Master Comics LLC.” an independent comic book label which he helped bring onto the national and international market, before leaving to pursue his J.D. from Wayne State University Law School. They discuss his career path and how he ended up where he is now!
Frank is joined by Emmy-winning writer-producer Dick Blasucci ("Mad TV," "The Larry Sanders Show") and Emmy-winning writer-director Paul Flaherty ("Clifford," "Who's Harry Crumb?") for a loving tribute to the life and career of the late "SCTV" stalwart Joe Flaherty. In this episode, Dick and Paul discuss Joe's passion for classic cinema, his rise from Second City stage manager to performer, his repertoire of celebrity impressions and the (rumored) origins of Count Floyd, Vic Hedges and Guy Caballero. Also, Dick remembers Rip Torn, Paul tangles with Burt Reynolds, John Candy dines with Larry Fine's cousin and George Burns tries (unsuccessfully) to butter a bagel. PLUS: Brother Theodore! "Maudlin's Eleven"! "Morton & Hayes"! Paul jams with Ray Charles! And Joe pays his respects to the legendary Roberto Clemente! Subscribe now on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fun-for-all-ages-with-frank-santopadre/id1824012922 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/18EQJNDwlYMUSh2uXD6Mu6?si=97966f6f8c474bc9 Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13b5ed88-d28d-4f0c-a65e-8b32eecd80f6/fun-for-all-ages-with-frank-santopadre YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvlbF41NLLPvsrcZ9XIsYKkH_HvUXHSG iHeart https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-fun-for-all-ages-with-fran-283612643/ TuneIn http://tun.in/pxOWO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey, welcome Dr. Katerina Grigoropoulos to the podcast! This is a Part 1 episode, we hardly touched on Podiatry! This episoed is sponsored by Bako Diagnostics! Dr. Grigoropoulos is a board-certified podiatric physician specializing in diabetic limb salvage and wound care at the Weil Foot and Ankle Institute in Illinois. She completed her fellowship in Diabetic Limb Salvage at UT Southwestern Medical Center and her residency at Loyola University Medical Center/Hines VA Hospital. Dr. Grigoropoulos currently serves as a board member and executive secretary for the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, where she also contributes as social media sub-chair and sits on the public outreach and member newsletter committees. She is the founder of Sole Fit, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to providing new shoes to underserved children. Outside of medicine, Dr. Grigoropoulos blends creativity with service as the founder of MediThings, a medical-themed Etsy shop, and is a recent graduate of Chicago's Second City improv comedy program. Enjoy!
She's Connie from The Godfather franchise (nepotism much?) and Adrian from the Rocky films. But what else has Talia done to earn a spot in Fanacek's Hall of Fame? Follow me as I go through her screen credits and uncover some projects you've likely never heard of. I will also brighten your day with tales of Roger Corman, folks I knew at The Second City, Troma films, the Big Bopper, and naked Blossom. I'll even sing some Bobby Darin. Go ahead and have a listen.
Jane Luk is a celebrated Canadian actress, comedian, and improviser whose career spans stage, screen, and voice work. Coming up next, she is set to recur as Maureen Alvorson in the highly anticipated horror television adaptation of Stephen King‘sThe Institute which made its premiere on July 13 on MGM+. Throughout her career, Jane has maintained a strong presence in Canada's live comedy scene, performing improv for several decades with institutions like The Second City, Bad Dog Theatre, SoCap Comedy, and Theatresports in both Toronto and Vancouver. She has also taught improv and drama for over 30 years, working with organizations such as Toronto Metropolitan University, Centre for Indigenous Theatre, ArtStarts, the University of Windsor, and a wide range of corporate clients. On screen, Jane has appeared in major film and television productions including The Handmaid's Tale, Murdoch Mysteries, Kim's Convenience, and in the award-winning web series like Streams Flow from a River (Christopher Yip) and Chateau Laurier (James Stewart). She also played the angel Maureen opposite Chad Michael Murray in Angel Falls Christmas. Most recently, she made her Stratford Festival debut in Les Belles-Soeurs, and starred as Umma in Kim's Convenience on stage for Soulpepper Theatre and Thousand Islands Playhouse. Her voice work is equally impressive, featuring roles in animation series like Rosie's Rules, Unicorn Academy, and Abby Hatcher, as well as major video games such as Star Wars Outlaws, X-Men: MutantAcademy, and Deus Ex: HumanRevolution. Want to watch: YouTube Meisterkhan Pod (Please Subscribe)
Improv is so much more than hilarious. It's a comedy writing tool, a key to unlocking our truest selves and a valuable collection of life lessons. Whose Line's Colin Mochrie is here to enlighten and entertain!He starred in the British and American versions of Whose Line Is It Anyway for over 30 years while also making hundreds of TV, film and stage appearances. Colin is an author, an actor, a touring performer and an activist. His stage shows include Asking For Trouble with fellow Whose Liner Brad Sherwood, and Hyprov… a unique blend of hypnosis and improv with noted hypnotist, Asad Mecci. Joining us on the panel to learn from Colin is Chicago's 13-year-old Lane Tech Improv Team Member Rowan Keel. His first question? “What do you do when you get a bad audience suggestion?” Colin is not stumped. We did, however, him a curve when we requested too much intel about his appearance in the first American Girl Doll movie, Kitt Kittredge in a rousing round of IMDB Roulette. But Colin was able to provide details about his time spent on the sets of: The Paul Anka Show, Goosebumps, The Drew Carey Show, The Tonight Show, Ted Lasso and his newest film, Magnetosphere! Plus, Colin shares improv wisdom as it applies to real life, his intriguing connection to Animutation and the powerful lessons he is learning from his trans daughter, Kinley. In recommendations--Weezy: Building The Band on NetflixFritz: Apple TV+ Documentary Series: The Long Way Home Path Points of Interest:The Long Way Home - Apple +Building The BandColin Mochrie on WikipediaColin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood - Asking For TroubleHyprov: Comedy Under HypnosisColin Mochrie on FacebookColin Mochrie on InstagramNot Quite The Classics by Colin MochrieMagnetosphereMagnetosphere Trailer
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 Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ being canceled by CBS, and a recent podcast he hosted with psychologist and professor Caroline Fleck about her book, ‘Validation: How the Skill […]
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 Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ being canceled by CBS, and a recent podcast he hosted with psychologist and professor Caroline Fleck about her book, ‘Validation: How the Skill […]
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 Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ being canceled by CBS, and a recent podcast he hosted with psychologist and professor Caroline Fleck about her book, ‘Validation: How the Skill […]
A new threat to the Second City has emerged. Chicago’s best morning radio show now has a podcast! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and remember that the conversation always lives on the Q101 Facebook page. Brian & Kenzie are live every morning from 6a-10a on Q101. Subscribe to our channel HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@Q101 Like Q101 on Facebook HERE: https://www.facebook.com/q101chicago Follow Q101 on Twitter HERE: https://twitter.com/Q101Chicago Follow Q101 on Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/q101chicago/?hl=en Follow Q101 on TikTok HERE: https://www.tiktok.com/@q101chicago?lang=enSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We talk to comedian and video creator, Willy Appelman, about his work and his show, 'A Gaggle!' We had a great chat with comedian and creator Willy who delves into his journey through the world of improv, starting from his early days at Second City and Magnet Theater, to making viral TikTok videos and producing sketch comedy for Business Insider and Fast Company. He shares insights into his methodologies, the importance of physicality in performances, and the significance of community and collaboration. Willy also talks about balancing a creative career and family life in Vermont and how family has impacted his comedy like his one-person show 'A Gaggle!' Tickets for 'A Gaggle' - Thursday, 7/24: asylumnyc.com/the-conductor TikTok: @Appelman, @JasonFarrToks YouTube: @AcceptAllCookiesComedy Instagram: @Wappelman, @ThereItIsPod, @JasonFarrPics Threads: @ThereItIsPod, @JasonFarrPics Facebook: @ThereItIsPod Subscribe to our comedy newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/e22defd4dee2/thereitis
We're all family in this week's improvised musical - this time with charming guest Ross Taylor (Missed Call, TMI, The Second City)! Ross takes us back to his time on stage in Edward Albee's "Zoo Story," so naturally we have to do the sequel. Journeying giraffes, faraway families, and New York nonsense abound in "2 Zoo 2 Story." Just as Albee intended. Cast: Lily Ludwig, Austin Packard, Ross Taylor Music Director: Sam Scheidler Drums: Chris Ditton Follow us @CharmScenePod on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, or shoot us a message at CharmScenePod@gmail.com!
A new threat to the Second City has emerged. Chicago’s best morning radio show now has a podcast! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and remember that the conversation always lives on the Q101 Facebook page. Brian & Kenzie are live every morning from 6a-10a on Q101. Subscribe to our channel HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@Q101 Like Q101 on Facebook HERE: https://www.facebook.com/q101chicago Follow Q101 on Twitter HERE: https://twitter.com/Q101Chicago Follow Q101 on Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/q101chicago/?hl=en Follow Q101 on TikTok HERE: https://www.tiktok.com/@q101chicago?lang=enSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Officials at the University of Chicago Crime Lab's Policing Leadership Academy brought members of The Second City, Chicago's storied improv theater, to teach police leaders the more diverse skills found in improv exercises—like thinking on your feet, reserving judgment and fully listening. The academy, a workshop taught over five months, tackles some serious topics like how to make data-driven decisions or how to help officers handle on-the-job trauma. The skills might not apply to all policing situations in the field, but being a better listener or learning to take a breath before responding can make for better leaders, according to Tree Branch, a strategic client partner at The Second City Works. The Policing Leadership Academy's creators believe those skills can also help meet their goals to increase community engagement, improve officer morale and ultimately reduce violent crime. Capt. Louis Higginson with the Philadelphia Police Department said the academy provided a much broader training than the two weeks of police job training he got before being promoted to captain a little more than a year ago. “The big thing for me was thinking about the things we allow to happen because they've been that way before us,” he said. “And the ways we can change the culture of our district by changing the thinking around why we do things.” Albuquerque Police Department Commander Ray Del Greco said he's still thinking more about how he communicates weeks after the improv class. “When people talk to you and come to have you help solve their issues, to be able to push your ego out and worry less about your own agenda and listen, that's an understanding of leadership,” Del Greco said. “To me, that was the most valuable class we had.” Academy leaders stressed the learning doesn't stop at graduation. They create communication channels so classmates can continue to support each other, they encourage captains to put on training with their departments, and participants are required to implement a capstone project that lasts well past the last day of class and addresses a real problem in their district or department. This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Gillian Bellinger is an SAG character actor. To watch her character bits, follow her on Instagram @gillianbellinger.She has played roles on Hulu's "How I Met Your Father", "Disney's "Just Roll with It" as well as being a principal in commercials for Harris Bank, Time Warner, NorthShore Healthcare, and Unitrin Auto Insurance. She's also rocked out a bunch of short films, industrials, and starred in Red Letter Media's Feeding Frenzy, a comedic horror flick. So if you're watching TV late at night and think, "Was that...?" Probably. Gillian studied improv in Chicago at The Second City, I.O. Theater, The Annoyance Theater, and The Groundlings. Gillian is very fancy and attended The London Academy of Theatre, The National Theater Institute, and Hamline University.She was an ensemble member on Second City House teams in LA and Chicago, ComedySportz Chicago and Minneapolis, the Del Tones at I.O. West, Laugh Out Loud Theater in Chicago, Westside Comedy Theater in Santa Monica, and Improv Acadia in Bar Harbor, Maine.She has taught improv & acting at The Second City Hollywood, Intentional Acting Studio, Improv Utopia, AMDA, and Westside Comedy Theater. She has been a guest teacher at Finest City Improv, All Out Comedy Theater, Alchemy Comedy Theater, Think Fast Theater, Asheville Improv Collective, and Curious Comedy Theater.She is now the Artistic Director of Misfit Improv in Asheville, NC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this edition of The Catered Quiz, comedy legend Ed Furman joins the show to answer questions about AWA Wrestling and suspension bridges. We also talk about Second City, Andre the Giant and gaming the system. Ed is a frequent host of The Signature Show at the Chicago Magic Lounge. Tickets for The Signature Show are available at www.chicagomagiclounge.com. If you are an improviser, Ed is hosting a character workshop Saturday, July 19th at the Revival Theater. Register here.
Actor Richard Kind – known for such shows as "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Only Murders in the Building" – talks with CBS News' Dr. Jon LaPook about his comfort level with fame. He also discusses being recruited as the announcer-sidekick for the Netflix talk show "Everybody's Live with John Mulaney"; his experience with improv at The Second City; and playing an imaginary friend in the animated feature "Inside Out." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this hilarious and heartwarming episode of Still Here Hollywood, Steven Weber (Wings, Chicago Med, Studio 60) dives into his most memorable celebrity run-ins—from spotting Dolly Parton mid-traffic rant, to brushing elbows with Barbara Streisand, Kathy Bates, and Stephen Soderbergh—all while still geeking out like the lifelong fan he is. Steven and host Steve Kmetko swap unbelievable Hollywood moments, discuss their mutual love of dogs (meet “Cat the dog”), and wax nostalgic about Chicago's theater scene, including the legendary Second City, Steppenwolf, and Goodman Theatre. Weber reflects on his improv roots, regrets about fanboying too hard, and why being cast as “the affable jerk” was both a blessing and a typecast. This episode is a wild ride through Hollywood history, fan encounters, and aging in an industry that doesn't always age with you. #StevenWeber #StillHereHollywood #SteveKmetko #CelebrityStories #WingsTVShow #ChicagoMed #BarbaraStreisand #DollyParton #StephenSoderbergh #SecondCityChicago #SteppenwolfTheatre #ImprovComedy #HollywoodIcons #BehindTheScenes #TVLegends #BroadwayToHollywood #ActorInterview #StevenWeberInterviewShow Credits Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko All things technical: Justin Zangerle Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein Music by: Brian Sanyshyn Transcription: Mushtaq Hussain https://stillherehollywood.com http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com
Kelly Leonard, Executive Vice President of Creative Strategy, Innovation, and Business Development at The Second City and host of the “Getting to Yes, And…” podcast, joins Karen Conti to talk about The Second City’s training that is being given to the Chicago Police Department to improve their interactions with the public. Kelly emphasizes the importance […]
In this episode we recap NASCAR's weekend at the Chicago Street Course, SVG's dominant sweep, Will NASCAR return to Chicago in 2026 and the bombshell F1 rumor of Max Verstappen heading to Mercedes
Arlieta Hall joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernial to talk about her caregiving journey with dementia on this edition of Caregiver SOS. Special guest-cohost Tina Smith fills in for Carol Zernial on this episode of Caregiver SOS! About Arlieta Arlieta Hall is a host, actress, improviser, stand-up comedian, writer, Certified Dementia Communication specialist, and a first-time filmmaker from Chicago. She is one of The Second City NBC Bob Curry Fellowship recipients. Arlieta also co-starred as Sadie on Showtime’s The CHI episodic. She is also a co-producer of the popular comedy variety show My Best Friend is Black. Arlieta was a caregiver for her father who died from Alzheimer’s disease. She took the power of “Yes, and...” to communicate with him and used their story to make her first feature documentary “Finding Your Laughter.” Her film was one of ten documentaries selected to participate in The New York Gotham Documentary Feature Lab, which is one of the US film industry’s most prestigious labs. Prior to caregiving for her father Arlieta was an Human Services Caseworker for the State Of Illinois Department of Human Services. Arlieta also obtained her Bachelor of Arts In Communications and has over a decade of experience in the educational and social services field. She recently wrote and performed in The Second City’s sold-out 2023 Black Excellence Revue and is now a 2023-24 Sisters in Cinema Documentary Fellow. She is currently performing comedy all around while she continues to work on the completion of “Finding Your Laughter” and other projects. Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of Into The Smoke, Evan recaps SVG's domination in Chicago, and how the NASCAR tower needs to get their act together once again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on What's My Frame I'm joined by comedy casting legend, G. Charles Wright for some much needed laughs, encouragement and stories from his incredible career in casting. G. has nearly 700 episodes of television that are still running in syndication and streaming. Notable credits include THE MIDDLE, ANGER MANAGEMENT & LOPEZ VS LOPEZ to name just a few. G. has been on both sides of the camera, as an actor and casting director. He brings his prolific insight into the world of casting into his classes at the G. Charles Wright Studio. Today G. shares advice on the craft, self tapes and so much more. To learn more about classes and private coaching at G. Charles Wright Studio click here!Full bio:A graduate of USC with a degree in communications (emphasis on television, critical studies,) G. has been on both sides of the camera, as an actor, a casting director, a content creator, a producer and a director. In addition, G's been teaching actors how to audition in his private studio classes since 2002. He began his professional casting career in 1996 as an intern on 3RD ROCK FROM THE SUN for Liberman/Patton at Carsey/Werner studios. Shortly after, G moved up the ranks from assistant to associate and finally casting director on THAT ‘70s SHOW seven+ of the series' eight seasons. G is the original casting director of the PBS and Jim Henson Co. animated series SID THE SCIENCE KID, the FX channel's ANGER MANAGEMENT starring Charlie Sheen, the ABC comedy series, THE MIDDLE starring Patricia Heaton, the IFC horror/comedy series from Dana Gould, STAN AGAINST EVIL, the family comedy DIARY OF A FUTURE PRESIDENT on Disney+ and LOPEZ VS LOPEZ for Universal Television and NBC, Peacock, and Netfix.As a performer and creative, G. is a graduate of both Second City and Acme Improvisation companies and has an extensive list of stage credits in sketch, improv, and legit theatre, as well as many onscreen and VO credits. He also fronted two bands over a 25-year period and has spent what feels like a lifetime trying to play the banjo. --What's My Frame, hosted by Laura Linda BradleyJoin the WMF creative community now!Instagram: @whatsmyframeIMDbWhat's My Frame? official siteWhat's My Frame? merch
In this empowering episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Andrea Coli—Executive Director of Lead Bold, teaching pastor, and improv performer—who shares her dynamic journey of stepping into ministry leadership and embracing her voice as a woman of faith. With over 25 years of ministry experience, an MA in Theology from Fuller Seminary, and a background in improvisational comedy with The Second City, Andrea brings a rare and insightful blend of humor, wisdom, and spiritual depth. From overcoming early limitations on her leadership to guiding other female pastors through moments of transformation, Andrea opens up about how risk-taking, collaboration, and trusting one's instincts have shaped her leadership style. She also explores the challenge and beauty of “narrow influence,” encouraging listeners to embrace purposeful impact over widespread reach. If you've ever felt the tension between humility and owning your power—or you're curious about how laughter, faith, and leadership intersect—this conversation will inspire you to lead with more authenticity and courage.
TVC 696.4: Via remote from Davenport's Restaurant in Encino, California: Part 2 of a conversation that began last week with Robert Crane, co-author, along with Christopher Fryer, of Three-Cornered Circle, is a screen play released in book form that is also an adaptation of one of the most poignant stories of Bob and Chris' book Crane: Sex, Celebrity, and My Father's Unsolved Murder: the period in Bob's life when he had to juggle the biggest break of his career at the time—being hired as right-hand man for movie superstar John Candy—with the tragic news that Bob's wife at the time, artist and landscape designer Kari Hildegrand, has been diagnosed with cancer. Joining Bob and Ed at Davenport's are commercial artist John Cerney, who did the cover art and other illustrations that appear in Three-Cornered Circle, and Meagan Bejar, the managing editor of the book. Topics this segment include how Bob first met John Candy while interviewing him and the other cast members of SCTV for Playboy magazine, how Candy embodied the Second City philosophy of “Yes, and…,” and how Candy was a sweet man with a huge heart who always did his best to take care of his family and the people who were closest to him. Three-Cornered Circle is available through Kill Fee Publishing.
Rose Abdoo joined me to discuss us being birthday buddies; The Flintstones; staying up to watch The Tonight Show; going to Michigan State; moving to Chicago to join Second City; ETC with Stephen Colbert & Amy Sedaris; seeing seeing Mike Meyers & Geena Davis; Chris Farley "Whale Boy" sketch; Tim Meadows; Happy Happy Good Show with Conan O'Brien, Bob Odenkirk & Robert Smigel; winning a Joseph Jefferson Award; creating one person shows; performing in Utah; her TV debut Johnny Bago; my dog; heat wave; playing a version of her mother in My Best Friend's Wedding; Detroit Tigers; dressing for baseball games; Gilmore Girls; the greater great writing; always opposite weather than what was supposed to be in Stars Hallows; Gypsy never in a scene with Ms. Kim; working with Liz Torres & Sally Struthers; the show Reboot and and playing a version of Selma Diamond; Curb Your Enthusiasm; Good Night & Good Luck; George Clooney's generosity; Hacks; Jean Smart; Hannah Einbinder; wanting to not play a character with an accent; Selma Diamond; Happy Days; Lotsa Luck; water cooler moments; Hack fans; CBS Saturday 70's and NBC Thursday 80's lineups; Newhart finale; St. Elsewhere; 25th Anniversary of Gilmore Girls; fan theories; Del Close
Actress Jessica Lowe (The Righteous Gemstones, Minx, Wrecked) joins Nicole to share the romantic saga of falling in love on a Second City cruise ship. On the ship, she met a British bassist who became her cruise ship boyfriend - whom she later realized wasn't as smart as she thought his accent sounded (he tried to dry his pants on a ceiling fan and designed a nightmare demon tattoo for himself).Jessica recalls dating a Dutch chef with a penis that was “too much!” and recounts what might be the most romantic first date ever told on the podcast. She reflects on the men who surprised her, disappointed her, and the slow work of building a relationship that actually lasted.Plus, Jessica and Nicole reminisce about the chaos of filming Curse Friends when everyone tested positive for COVID - and Nicole opens up about sobbing in a makeup chair over a man who simply wasn't worth it.Watch this episode on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@WhyWontYouDateMePodcastSupport this podcast and get discounts by checking out our sponsors:» OneSkin: OneSkin is redefining the aging process with their proprietary OS-01 peptide. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code DATEME at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod» SquareSpace: Head to squarespace.com/DATEME to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code DATEME.» Booking.com: Book now at Booking.com!» Smalls: Give your cat the food they deserve. For a limited time only, get 60% off your first order PLUS free shipping when you head to Smalls.com and use code DATEME.View all of our sponsors and discounts codes at wwydm.notion.site/sponsors.Follow:Tour Dates: linktr.ee/nicolebyerwastakenYouTube: @WhyWontYouDateMePodcastTikTok: @whywontyoudatemepod Instagram: @nicolebyerX: @nicolebyerNicole's book, #VERYFAT #VERYBRAVE: indiebound.org/book/9781524850746This is a Headgum podcast. Follow Headgum on Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok. Advertise on Why Won't You Date Me? via Gumball.fm.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
We talked to award-winning comedian, Tom Hearn! Tom Hearn is an award-winning sketch comedian, actor, drag performer and director living in New York City. Tom shares his journey from growing up in New Brunswick, Canada, to tearing up comedy stages across North America. Tom shares how his love for theater started early and how joining an improv team in high school opened the door to a lifelong passion for comedy. Tom talks about auditioning for musical theater, performing at Bad Dog and Second City, and creating sketch shows. We talk about the power of character work, the differences between performing on stage and on camera, the real challenges of touring and promoting live shows, and his new comedy album, "Gay Garbage." It's a thoughtful, funny, and inspiring look at the life of a multi-talented performer. www.isthattomhearn.com YouTube: @TomHearn, @ThereItIs TikTok: @isthattomhearn4real, @jasonfarrtoks Instagram: @isthattomhearn, @ThereItIsPod, @JasonFarrPics Facebook: @isthattomhearn, @ThereItIsPod Threads: @ThereItIsPod, @JasonFarrPics Subscribe to our comedy newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/e22defd4dee2/thereitis
This Podcast is Making Me Thirsty (The World's #1 Seinfeld Destination)
Seinfeld Podcast Interview With Linda Kash. Linda played "Gwen" in the Season 5 "Seinfeld" episode, "The Lip ReaderLinda is an actress of stage and screen, she got her start at the famed Second City in Toronto, you know her from "Waiting For Guffman" and "Best in Show," "Cinderella Man," "Fargo," "Third Rock form the Sun," "Everybody Loves Raymond" and as the Philly Cream Cheese Angel This Podcast Is Making Me Thirsty is a podcast dedicated to Seinfeld, the last, great sitcom of our time. We are The #1 Destination for Seinfeld Fans.We talk with those responsible for making Seinfeld the greatest sitcom in TV history. Our guests are Seinfeld writers, Seinfeld actors and actresses and Seinfeld crew.We also welcome well-known Seinfeld fans from all walks of life including authors, entertainers, and TV & Radio personalities.We analyze Seinfeld and breakdown the show with an honest insight. We rank every Seinfeld episode and compare Seinfeld seasons. If you are a fan of Seinfeld, television history, sitcoms, acting, comedy or entertainment, this is the place for you.Do us a solid, support the Podcast
Meet the talented Rich Sohn! After being introduced to improv in college, he moved to Chicago in 1987, so he's definitely a seasoned pro in the Improv world. He studied, taught and directed at the Annoyance Theatre, IO and, Second City. As a teacher, he was at The Annoyance Theatre where Rich primarily found his voice and approach. His teaching style is highly influenced by Mick Napier. He moved to LA in 2017 and now teaches at The Pack Theater. He has directed, written and performed hours and hours of comedy content. Designed curriculum to help professionals and students find and perfect their voice. And improvisation has remained at the root of everything he does. We talked about what he looks for in his students and his teaching style. I think you'll admire Rich as much as I do!
In the wake of SNL's success the Second City gang get their own show, they rub elbows in Hollywood, and John gets his first taste of movie stardom after scoring a plum role in Steven Spielberg's next film.John Candy: The Lou Gehrig of Comedy is a series that honours the timeless humour and heartfelt performances of John Candy, star of hits like Splash, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Home Alone.Follow us on our socials: Instagram, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube & SubstackWritten & Hosted by Ryan BarnettProduced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia GemmitiRecorded by Tyler RaumanAdditional voices by Matthew Barnett & Sean QuinlanA Knockabout Media ProductionAdditional audio material:Retrontario, The Bobbie Wygant Archive, Breadcrustcouncil, Dash Retro, Kamenliter, Ugazzovision*This program and all relevant content is for educational purposes only and to the best of our knowledge is being used under Fair Dealing/Fair Use Act guidelines and within Canadian and United States standards of fair dealing/fair use* Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Landecker to talk about his book Yes and, Second City’s 65th anniversary, and talk about Viola Spolin’s impact.
I met Rebekah through Marc Warzecha at the Sketch School and knew I wanted to know more about this intriguing person! Rebekah Walendzak Slepski has been an adjunct faculty member at The Second City since 2008. She has developed comedy writing courses for SCTC, Lesly Kahn & Co, and The Sketch School. Co-creator and executive producer of Chicago's long-running LGBTQIA+ soap opera, The Ville, Rebekah is a former associate member of The Actors' Gang with a B.A. in Theatre Arts from San Jose State University. She is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and a founding member of the Association of International Comedy Educators (AICE-CWA Local 9505). In Part 1 we talk about her early life, interest in theater and her path that led her to Second City Chicago. Be sure to check out her website at: https://rebekahwalendzakslepski.com This summer she Rebeka perform for Shakespeare on the Bluff: https://cfa.lmu.edu/programs/theatrearts/shakespeareonthebluff/ If you'd like to study sketch writing with her she teaches at the Rodney Dangerfield Institute @LACC. https://lacitycollege.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=13113&int_category_id=0&int_sub_category_id=0&int_catalog_id=0
We continue our fascinating talk with Rebeka Walendsak Slepski and her journey in sketch writing and life. She spoke about her recovery from Hodgkin lymphoma and subsequent bone marrow transplant. Despite going through treatment and surgeries she persevered and went to Second City LA. She was on the faculty teaching writing and sketch. Rebekah has been an adjunct faculty member at The Second City since 2008. She has developed comedy writing courses for SCTC, Lesly Kahn & Co, and The Sketch School. Co-creator and executive producer of Chicago's long-running LGBTQIA+ soap opera, The Ville, Rebekah is a former associate member of The Actors' Gang with a B.A. in Theatre Arts from San Jose State University. She is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and a founding member of the Association of International Comedy Educators (AICE-CWA Local 9505). Be sure to check out her website at: https://rebekahwalendzakslepski.com This summer she Rebeka perform for Shakespeare on the Bluff: https://cfa.lmu.edu/programs/theatrearts/shakespeareonthebluff/ If you'd like to study sketch writing with her she teaches at the Rodney Dangerfield Institute @LACC. https://lacitycollege.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=13113&int_category_id=0&int_sub_category_id=0&int_catalog_id=0
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 a recent conversation he had with University of Toronto professor Christopher DiCarlo where they discussed the ethics of artificial intelligence. Are robots going to kill us? Kelly […]
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 a recent conversation he had with University of Toronto professor Christopher DiCarlo where they discussed the ethics of artificial intelligence. Are robots going to kill us? Kelly […]
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 a recent conversation he had with University of Toronto professor Christopher DiCarlo where they discussed the ethics of artificial intelligence. Are robots going to kill us? Kelly […]
Before Erin Diehl was training Fortune 500 teams to think on their feet, she was juggling job fairs by day and Second City by night.In Part One, we go back to the origin story—how a recruiting job collided with a comedy stage and sparked a business idea no one saw coming. From cold pitching United Airlines with zero credentials to redefining ROI as “Return on Objective,” Erin shares how improv became her leadership laboratory. Along the way, we talk about joy, failure, and what really happens when you turn your side hustle into your full-time mission.Key Highlights of Our Interview:From Stage Lights to Slide Decks“I was working in recruiting by day and performing improv by night. Eventually, I realized improv wasn't just funny—it was functional.”How Erin's stagecraft became a corporate tool.United We Improv“My first client was United Airlines—and I didn't even have a logo yet.”How one bold pitch turned into a paid pilot and a new career.In the Business of Joy“I just knew I wanted to help people and bring joy.”Why Erin sees her work as more than training—it's emotional transformation.Forget ROI, Focus on ROO“We don't measure ROI—we measure ROO: Return on Objective.”How Improve It tailors every session to real business outcomes.From Talk Show Dreams to Leadership Teams“I wanted to be Oprah. I ended up helping people lead better lives through improv.”The full-circle moment that turned childhood dreams into professional purpose.________________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Erin Diehl --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.18 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1.5% Podcast.Top 10 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>170,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.
Good Sunday morning to you,I am just on a train home from Glasgow, where I have been gigging these past two nights. I've had a great time, as I always seem to do when I go north of the wall.But Glasgow on a Saturday night is something else. My hotel was right next to the station and so I was right in the thick of it. If I ever get to make a cacatopian, end-of-days, post-apocalyptic thriller, I'll just stroll through Glasgow city centre on a Friday or Saturday night with a camera to get all the B roll. It was like walking through a Hieronymus Bosch painting only with a Scottish accent. Little seems to have changed since I wrote that infamous chapter about Glasgow in Life After the State all those years ago. The only difference is that now it's more multi-ethnic. So many people are so off their heads. I lost count of the number of randoms wandering about just howling at the stars. The long days - it was still light at 10 o'clock - make the insanity all the more visible. Part of me finds it funny, but another part of me finds it so very sad that so many people let themselves get into this condition. It prompted me to revisit said chapter, and I offer it today as your Sunday thought piece.Just a couple of little notes, before we begin. This caught my eye on Friday. Our favourite uranium tech company, Lightbridge Fuels (NASDAQ:LTBR), has taken off again with Donald Trump's statement that he is going to quadruple US nuclear capacity. The stock was up 45% in a day. We first looked at it in October at $3. It hit $15 on Friday. It's one to sell on the spikes and buy on the dips, as this incredible chart shows.(In other news I have now listened twice to the Comstock Lode AGM, and I'll report back on that shortly too). ICYMI here is my mid-week commentary, which attracted a lot of attentionRight - Glasgow.(NB I haven't included references here. Needless to say, they are all there in the book. And sorry I don't have access to the audio of me reading this from my laptop, but, if you like, you can get the audiobook at Audible, Apple Books and all good audiobookshops. The book itself available at Amazon, Apple Books et al).How the Most Entrepreneurial City in Europe Became Its SickestThe cause of waves of unemployment is not capitalism, but governments …Friedrich Hayek, economist and philosopherIn the 18th and 19th centuries, the city of Glasgow in Scotland became enormously, stupendously rich. It happened quite organically, without planning. An entrepreneurial people reacted to their circumstances and, over time, turned Glasgow into an industrial and economic centre of such might that, by the turn of the 20th century, Glasgow was producing half the tonnage of Britain's ships and a quarter of all locomotives in the world. (Not unlike China's industrial dominance today). It was regarded as the best-governed city in Europe and popular histories compared it to the great imperial cities of Venice and Rome. It became known as the ‘Second City of the British Empire'.Barely 100 years later, it is the heroin capital of the UK, the murder capital of the UK and its East End, once home to Europe's largest steelworks, has been dubbed ‘the benefits capital of the UK'. Glasgow is Britain's fattest city: its men have Britain's lowest life expectancy – on a par with Palestine and Albania – and its unemployment rate is 50% higher than the rest of the UK.How did Glasgow manage all that?The growth in Glasgow's economic fortunes began in the latter part of the 17th century and the early 18th century. First, the city's location in the west of Scotland at the mouth of the river Clyde meant that it lay in the path of the trade winds and at least 100 nautical miles closer to America's east coast than other British ports – 200 miles closer than London. In the days before fossil fuels (which only found widespread use in shipping in the second half of the 19th century) the journey to Virginia was some two weeks shorter than the same journey from London or many of the other ports in Britain and Europe. Even modern sailors describe how easy the port of Glasgow is to navigate. Second, when England was at war with France – as it was repeatedly between 1688 and 1815 – ships travelling to Glasgow were less vulnerable than those travelling to ports further south. Glasgow's merchants took advantage and, by the early 18th century, the city had begun to assert itself as a trading hub. Manufactured goods were carried from Britain and Europe to North America and the Caribbean, where they were traded for increasingly popular commodities such as tobacco, cotton and sugar.Through the 18th century, the Glasgow merchants' business networks spread, and they took steps to further accelerate trade. New ships were introduced, bigger than those of rival ports, with fore and aft sails that enabled them to sail closer to the wind and reduce journey times. Trading posts were built to ensure that cargo was gathered and stored for collection, so that ships wouldn't swing idly at anchor. By the 1760s Glasgow had a 50% share of the tobacco trade – as much as the rest of Britain's ports combined. While the English merchants simply sold American tobacco in Europe at a profit, the Glaswegians actually extended credit to American farmers against future production (a bit like a crop future today, where a crop to be grown at a later date is sold now). The Virginia farmers could then use this credit to buy European goods, which the Glaswegians were only too happy to supply. This brought about the rise of financial institutions such as the Glasgow Ship Bank and the Glasgow Thistle Bank, which would later become part of the now-bailed-out, taxpayer-owned Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).Their practices paid rewards. Glasgow's merchants earned a great deal of money. They built glamorous homes and large churches and, it seems, took on aristocratic airs – hence they became known as the ‘Tobacco Lords'. Numbering among them were Buchanan, Dunlop, Ingram, Wilson, Oswald, Cochrane and Glassford, all of whom had streets in the Merchant City district of Glasgow named after them (other streets, such as Virginia Street and Jamaica Street, refer to their trade destinations). In 1771, over 47 million pounds of tobacco were imported.However, the credit the Glaswegians extended to American tobacco farmers would backfire. The debts incurred by the tobacco farmers – which included future presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson (who almost lost his farm as a result) – grew, and were among the grievances when the American War of Independence came in 1775. That war destroyed the tobacco trade for the Glaswegians. Much of the money that was owed to them was never repaid. Many of their plantations were lost. But the Glaswegians were entrepreneurial and they adapted. They moved on to other businesses, particularly cotton.By the 19th century, all sorts of local industry had emerged around the goods traded in the city. It was producing and exporting textiles, chemicals, engineered goods and steel. River engineering projects to dredge and deepen the Clyde (with a view to forming a deep- water port) had begun in 1768 and they would enable shipbuilding to become a major industry on the upper reaches of the river, pioneered by industrialists such as Robert Napier and John Elder. The final stretch of the Monkland Canal, linking the Forth and Clyde Canal at Port Dundas, was opened in 1795, facilitating access to the iron-ore and coal mines of Lanarkshire.The move to fossil-fuelled shipping in the latter 19th century destroyed the advantages that the trade winds had given Glasgow. But it didn't matter. Again, the people adapted. By the turn of the 20th century the Second City of the British Empire had become a world centre of industry and heavy engineering. It has been estimated that, between 1870 and 1914, it produced as much as one-fifth of the world's ships, and half of Britain's tonnage. Among the 25,000 ships it produced were some of the greatest ever built: the Cutty Sark, the Queen Mary, HMS Hood, the Lusitania, the Glenlee tall ship and even the iconic Mississippi paddle steamer, the Delta Queen. It had also become a centre for locomotive manufacture and, shortly after the turn of the 20th century, could boast the largest concentration of locomotive building works in Europe.It was not just Glasgow's industry and wealth that was so gargantuan. The city's contribution to mankind – made possible by the innovation and progress that comes with booming economies – would also have an international impact. Many great inventors either hailed from Glasgow or moved there to study or work. There's James Watt, for example, whose improvements to the steam engine were fundamental to the Industrial Revolution. One of Watt's employees, William Murdoch, has been dubbed ‘the Scot who lit the world' – he invented gas lighting, a new kind of steam cannon and waterproof paint. Charles MacIntosh gave us the raincoat. James Young, the chemist dubbed as ‘the father of the oil industry', gave us paraffin. William Thomson, known as Lord Kelvin, developed the science of thermodynamics, formulating the Kelvin scale of absolute temperature; he also managed the laying of the first transatlantic telegraph cable.The turning point in the economic fortunes of Glasgow – indeed, of industrial Britain – was WWI. Both have been in decline ever since. By the end of the war, the British were drained, both emotionally and in terms of capital and manpower; the workers, the entrepreneurs, the ideas men, too many of them were dead or incapacitated. There was insufficient money and no appetite to invest. The post-war recession, and later the Great Depression, did little to help. The trend of the city was now one of inexorable economic decline.If Glasgow was the home of shipping and industry in 19th-century Britain, it became the home of socialism in the 20th century. Known by some as the ‘Red Clydeside' movement, the socialist tide in Scotland actually pre-dated the First World War. In 1906 came the city's first Labour Member of Parliament (MP), George Barnes – prior to that its seven MPs were all Conservatives or Liberal Unionists. In the spring of 1911, 11,000 workers at the Singer sewing-machine factory (run by an American corporation in Clydebank) went on strike to support 12 women who were protesting about new work practices. Singer sacked 400 workers, but the movement was growing – as was labour unrest. In the four years between 1910 and 1914 Clydebank workers spent four times as many days on strike than in the whole of the previous decade. The Scottish Trades Union Congress and its affiliations saw membership rise from 129,000 in 1909 to 230,000 in 1914.20The rise in discontent had much to do with Glasgow's housing. Conditions were bad, there was overcrowding, bad sanitation, housing was close to dirty, noxious and deafening industry. Unions grew quite organically to protect the interests of their members.Then came WWI, and inflation, as Britain all but abandoned gold. In 1915 many landlords responded by attempting to increase rent, but with their young men on the Western front, those left behind didn't have the means to pay these higher costs. If they couldn't, eviction soon followed. In Govan, an area of Glasgow where shipbuilding was the main occupation, women – now in the majority with so many men gone – organized opposition to the rent increases. There are photographs showing women blocking the entrance to tenements; officers who did get inside to evict tenants are said to have had their trousers pulled down.The landlords were attacked for being unpatriotic. Placards read: ‘While our men are fighting on the front line,the landlord is attacking us at home.' The strikes spread to other cities throughout the UK, and on 27 November 1915 the government introduced legislation to restrict rents to the pre-war level. The strikers were placated. They had won. The government was happy; it had dealt with the problem. The landlords lost out.In the aftermath of the Russian Revolution of 1917, more frequent strikes crippled the city. In 1919 the ‘Bloody Friday' uprising prompted the prime minister, David Lloyd George, to deploy 10,000 troops and tanks onto the city's streets. By the 1930s Glasgow had become the main base of the Independent Labour Party, so when Labour finally came to power alone after WWII, its influence was strong. Glasgow has always remained a socialist stronghold. Labour dominates the city council, and the city has not had a Conservative MP for 30 years.By the late 1950s, Glasgow was losing out to the more competitive industries of Japan, Germany and elsewhere. There was a lack of investment. Union demands for workers, enforced by government legislation, made costs uneconomic and entrepreneurial activity arduous. With lack of investment came lack of innovation.Rapid de-industrialization followed, and by the 1960s and 70s most employment lay not in manufacturing, but in the service industries.Which brings us to today. On the plus side, Glasgow is still ranked as one of Europe's top 20 financial centres and is home to some leading Scottish businesses. But there is considerable downside.Recent studies have suggested that nearly 30% of Glasgow's working age population is unemployed. That's 50% higher than that of the rest of Scotland or the UK. Eighteen per cent of 16- to 19-year-olds are neither in school nor employed. More than one in five working-age Glaswegians have no sort of education that might qualify them for a job.In the city centre, the Merchant City, 50% of children are growing up in homes where nobody works. In the poorer neighbourhoods, such as Ruchill, Possilpark, or Dalmarnock, about 65% of children live in homes where nobody works – more than three times the national average. Figures from the Department of Work and Pensions show that 85% of working age adults from the district of Bridgeton claim some kind of welfare payment.Across the city, almost a third of the population regularly receives sickness or incapacity benefit, the highest rate of all UK cities. A 2008 World Health Organization report noted that in Glasgow's Calton, Bridgeton and Queenslie neighbourhoods, the average life expectancy for males is only 54. In contrast, residents of Glasgow's more affluent West End live to be 80 and virtually none of them are on the dole.Glasgow has the highest crime rate in Scotland. A recent report by the Centre for Social Justice noted that there are 170 teenage gangs in Glasgow. That's the same number as in London, which has over six times the population of Glasgow.It also has the dubious record of being Britain's murder capital. In fact, Glasgow had the highest homicide rate in Western Europe until it was overtaken in 2012 by Amsterdam, with more violent crime per head of population than even New York. What's more, its suicide rate is the highest in the UK.Then there are the drug and alcohol problems. The residents of the poorer neighbourhoods are an astounding six times more likely to die of a drugs overdose than the national average. Drug-related mortality has increased by 95% since 1997. There are 20,000 registered drug users – that's just registered – and the situation is not going to get any better: children who grow up in households where family members use drugs are seven times more likely to end up using drugs themselves than children who live in drug-free families.Glasgow has the highest incidence of liver diseases from alcohol abuse in all of Scotland. In the East End district of Dennistoun, these illnesses kill more people than heart attacks and lung cancer combined. Men and women are more likely to die of alcohol-related deaths in Glasgow than anywhere else in the UK. Time and time again Glasgow is proud winner of the title ‘Fattest City in Britain'. Around 40% of the population are obese – 5% morbidly so – and it also boasts the most smokers per capita.I have taken these statistics from an array of different sources. It might be in some cases that they're overstated. I know that I've accentuated both the 18th- and 19th-century positives, as well as the 20th- and 21st-century negatives to make my point. Of course, there are lots of healthy, happy people in Glasgow – I've done many gigs there and I loved it. Despite the stories you hear about intimidating Glasgow audiences, the ones I encountered were as good as any I've ever performed in front of. But none of this changes the broad-brush strokes: Glasgow was a once mighty city that now has grave social problems. It is a city that is not fulfilling its potential in the way that it once did. All in all, it's quite a transformation. How has it happened?Every few years a report comes out that highlights Glasgow's various problems. Comments are then sought from across the political spectrum. Usually, those asked to comment agree that the city has grave, ‘long-standing and deep-rooted social problems' (the words of Stephen Purcell, former leader of Glasgow City Council); they agree that something needs to be done, though they don't always agree on what that something is.There's the view from the right: Bill Aitken of the Scottish Conservatives, quoted in The Sunday Times in 2008, said, ‘We simply don't have the jobs for people who are not academically inclined. Another factor is that some people are simply disinclined to work. We have got to find something for these people to do, to give them a reason to get up in the morning and give them some self-respect.' There's the supposedly apolitical view of anti-poverty groups: Peter Kelly, director of the Glasgow-based Poverty Alliance, responded, ‘We need real, intensive support for people if we are going to tackle poverty. It's not about a lack of aspiration, often people who are unemployed or on low incomes are stymied by a lack of money and support from local and central government.' And there's the view from the left. In the same article, Patricia Ferguson, the Labour Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Maryhill, also declared a belief in government regeneration of the area. ‘It's about better housing, more jobs, better education and these things take years to make an impact. I believe that the huge regeneration in the area is fostering a lot more community involvement and cohesion. My real hope is that these figures will take a knock in the next five or ten years.' At the time of writing in 2013, five years later, the figures have worsened.All three points of view agree on one thing: the government must do something.In 2008 the £435 million Fairer Scotland Fund – established to tackle poverty – was unveiled, aiming to allocate cash to the country's most deprived communities. Its targets included increasing average income among lower wage-earners and narrowing the poverty gap between Scotland's best- and worst-performing regions by 2017. So far, it hasn't met those targets.In 2008 a report entitled ‘Power for The Public' examined the provision of health, education and justice in Scotland. It said the budgets for these three areas had grown by 55%, 87% and 44% respectively over the last decade, but added that this had produced ‘mixed results'. ‘Mixed results' means it didn't work. More money was spent and the figures got worse.After the Centre for Social Justice report on Glasgow in 2008, Iain Duncan Smith (who set up this think tank, and is now the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions) said, ‘Policy must deal with the pathways to breakdown – high levels of family breakdown, high levels of failed education, debt and unemployment.'So what are ‘pathways to breakdown'? If you were to look at a chart of Glasgow's prosperity relative to the rest of the world, its peak would have come somewhere around 1910. With the onset of WWI in 1914 its decline accelerated, and since then the falls have been relentless and inexorable. It's not just Glasgow that would have this chart pattern, but the whole of industrial Britain. What changed the trend? Yes, empires rise and fall, but was British decline all a consequence of WWI? Or was there something else?A seismic shift came with that war – a change which is very rarely spoken or written about. Actually, the change was gradual and it pre-dated 1914. It was a change that was sweeping through the West: that of government or state involvement in our lives. In the UK it began with the reforms of the Liberal government of 1906–14, championed by David Lloyd George and Winston Churchill, known as the ‘terrible twins' by contemporaries. The Pensions Act of 1908, the People's Budget of 1909–10 (to ‘wage implacable warfare against poverty', declared Lloyd George) and the National Insurance Act of 1911 saw the Liberal government moving away from its tradition of laissez-faire systems – from classical liberalism and Gladstonian principles of self-help and self-reliance – towards larger, more active government by which taxes were collected from the wealthy and the proceeds redistributed. Afraid of losing votes to the emerging Labour party and the increasingly popular ideology of socialism, modern liberals betrayed their classical principles. In his War Memoirs, Lloyd George said ‘the partisan warfare that raged around these topics was so fierce that by 1913, this country was brought to the verge of civil war'. But these were small steps. The Pensions Act, for example, meant that men aged 70 and above could claim between two and five shillings per week from the government. But average male life- expectancy then was 47. Today it's 77. Using the same ratio, and, yes, I'm manipulating statistics here, that's akin to only awarding pensions to people above the age 117 today. Back then it was workable.To go back to my analogy of the prologue, this period was when the ‘train' was set in motion across the West. In 1914 it went up a gear. Here are the opening paragraphs of historian A. J. P. Taylor's most celebrated book, English History 1914–1945, published in 1965.I quote this long passage in full, because it is so telling.Until August 1914 a sensible, law-abiding Englishman could pass through life and hardly notice the existence of the state, beyond the post office and the policeman. He could live where he liked and as he liked. He had no official number or identity card. He could travel abroad or leave his country forever without a passport or any sort of official permission. He could exchange his money for any other currency without restriction or limit. He could buy goods from any country in the world on the same terms as he bought goods at home. For that matter, a foreigner could spend his life in this country without permit and without informing the police. Unlike the countries of the European continent, the state did not require its citizens to perform military service. An Englishman could enlist, if he chose, in the regular army, the navy, or the territorials. He could also ignore, if he chose, the demands of national defence. Substantial householders were occasionally called on for jury service. Otherwise, only those helped the state, who wished to do so. The Englishman paid taxes on a modest scale: nearly £200 million in 1913–14, or rather less than 8% of the national income.The state intervened to prevent the citizen from eating adulterated food or contracting certain infectious diseases. It imposed safety rules in factories, and prevented women, and adult males in some industries,from working excessive hours.The state saw to it that children received education up to the age of 13. Since 1 January 1909, it provided a meagre pension for the needy over the age of 70. Since 1911, it helped to insure certain classes of workers against sickness and unemployment. This tendency towards more state action was increasing. Expenditure on the social services had roughly doubled since the Liberals took office in 1905. Still, broadly speaking, the state acted only to help those who could not help themselves. It left the adult citizen alone.All this was changed by the impact of the Great War. The mass of the people became, for the first time, active citizens. Their lives were shaped by orders from above; they were required to serve the state instead of pursuing exclusively their own affairs. Five million men entered the armed forces, many of them (though a minority) under compulsion. The Englishman's food was limited, and its quality changed, by government order. His freedom of movement was restricted; his conditions of work prescribed. Some industries were reduced or closed, others artificially fostered. The publication of news was fettered. Street lights were dimmed. The sacred freedom of drinking was tampered with: licensed hours were cut down, and the beer watered by order. The very time on the clocks was changed. From 1916 onwards, every Englishman got up an hour earlier in summer than he would otherwise have done, thanks to an act of parliament. The state established a hold over its citizens which, though relaxed in peacetime, was never to be removed and which the Second World war was again to increase. The history of the English state and of the English people merged for the first time.Since the beginning of WWI , the role that the state has played in our lives has not stopped growing. This has been especially so in the case of Glasgow. The state has spent more and more, provided more and more services, more subsidy, more education, more health care, more infrastructure, more accommodation, more benefits, more regulations, more laws, more protection. The more it has provided, the worse Glasgow has fared. Is this correlation a coincidence? I don't think so.The story of the rise and fall of Glasgow is a distilled version of the story of the rise and fall of industrial Britain – indeed the entire industrial West. In the next chapter I'm going to show you a simple mistake that goes on being made; a dynamic by which the state, whose very aim was to help Glasgow, has actually been its ‘pathway to breakdown' . . .Life After the State is available at Amazon, Apple Books and all good bookshops, with the audiobook at Audible, Apple Books and all good audiobookshops. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theflyingfrisby.com/subscribe
The founder of TheOnion.com, a best-selling author with over 30 published books including the million-copy #1 bestseller Our Dumb Century, and a creative catalyst and coach. In his 20s, he created the comic strip Jim's Journal, which ran in over 100 college newspapers and spawned a self-published book collection that made the New York Times bestseller list. He helped create The Onion and led it from small college newspaper to internationally known humor brand. He founded The AV Club. He won the Thurber Prize for American Humor and a Peabody Award. Scott has authored over 30 books,. Entertainment Weekly placed him on their “It List” of the top 100 entertainers in Hollywood. He amassed millions of social media fans, performed on Saturday Night Live and on stages around the world. His video shorts are viral hits online with millions of views. He founded How to Write Funny in 2014 in partnership with the Second City training center in Chicago, sharing his signature method for unleashing creativity and writing humor. His students have gone on to win Emmys, Grammys, and Oscars.
Jeremy Piven, coming to St. Paul for a standup comedy show, joins Chad to talk about his career in TV and film, transitioning to standup, his young life and the lessons he learned about performing while working at Second City in Chicago.
George Wendt was a comedy legend. His work at Chicago's Second City, international fame through the sitcom Cheers and even time on Broadway. Amy & JJ remember the legend and have some surprising facts for you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Speaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning
Can spontaneity and scholarship go together? “Yes and…” In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, we welcome Dr. Meredith Rausch—Associate Professor of Research, Counseling & Curriculum at Augusta University's College of Education and Human Development. An NBCC Servant Leadership Award recipient and Augusta University Outstanding Faculty Award winner, Dr. Rausch's award‑winning research on underserved populations informs her inclusive approach to teaching. We trace her journey from the classroom to Chicago's famed Second City, where immersive improv training sparked her “A‑ha” moment: recognizing that the same principles that make improv so engaging—active listening, embracing failure, and building on others' ideas—can transform scholarly instruction. Dr. Rausch then shares improv‑inspired strategies for the classroom—from quick “yes, and…” warm‑ups to collaborative storytelling exercises—that foster creativity, build community, and help both faculty and students adapt in real time. Join us to discover how weaving improv into your pedagogy can spark curiosity, deepen engagement, and make learning more dynamic. Get free access to more of our content, visit our show page for full episodes and additional resources.
George Wendt, best known for his iconic role as Norm Peterson on NBC's 'Cheers.' has passed away at age 76, leaving behind a legacy admired by many. The episode highlights his career, including his six consecutive Emmy nominations, his work with Second City, and memorable moments from 'Cheers' and its spinoffs. Johnny Mac also shares personal anecdotes from Wendt's life, including his family connections and a fun anecdote about Bono.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news--4522158/support.
Did you know that seven words can change your life? Jerry Giordano is an award-winning advertising copywriter/Creative Director working and living in NYC, Chicago, Los Angeles, Austin and Dallas. He is a co-producer of TEDx events, penned four screenplays, studied comedy at Chicago's Second City, and performed sketch comedy in NYC and LA. He collects old cameras, photographs manhole covers, is a JFK assassination nut, meditates, and lives in the moment. He's also the author of Your 7 Words to a Happier You; unlock the story sabotaging your relationships. In this episode:What is “Your 7 Words to a Happier You” about?What does “unlock the story sabotaging your relationships” mean?What the discovery of the 7-word sabotaging story done for relationships What the 7 words have to do with getting into one dysfunctional or narcissistic relationship after anotherConnect with JerryFB https://www.facebook.com/jerrygiordano LI www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-giordano-52344a5TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@jerry.giordano IG https://www.instagram.com/JERRYGIORDANOAUTHOR ►Please subscribe/rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts http://bit.ly/lastfirstdateradio ►If you're feeling stuck in dating and relationships and would like to find your last first date, sign up for a complimentary 45-minute breakthrough session with Sandy https://lastfirstdate.com/application ►Join Your Last First Date on Facebook https://facebook.com/groups/yourlastfirstdate ►Get Sandy's books, Becoming a Woman of Value; How to Thrive in Life and Love https://bit.ly/womanofvaluebook , Choice Points in Dating https://amzn.to/3jTFQe9 and Love at Last https://amzn.to/4erpj7C ►Get FREE coaching on the podcast! https://bit.ly/LFDradiocoaching ►FREE download: “Top 10 Reasons Why Men Suddenly Pull Away” http://bit.ly/whymendisappear ►Group Coaching: https://lastfirstdate.com/the-woman-of-value-club/ ►Website → https://lastfirstdate.com/ ► Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lastfirstdate1/ ►Get Amazon Music Unlimited FREE for 30 days at https://getamazonmusic.com/lastfirstdate
This is a preview of The Weekender edition of the Muckrake Podcast. Please go to our Patreon to gain access to the regular Weekender episodes on Fridays. Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman discuss the first American Pope who hails from the Second City. Next up is a brewing conflict between Pakistan and India that has deep ramifications. While Israel plans to take over Gaza completely, the US is trying to deport people to war zones and force other countries to buy Starlink as part of trade negotiations. Corruption: what is it? They finish the pod on John Fetterman and his mental deterioration after suffering a stroke. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we talk about David Cronenberg, The Shrouds, the Station 11 series, Thunderbolts*, Movies we're looking forward to, Second City, The Monkey, Come Play, Crime Scene Cleaner, 12 o'clock High, Greyhound, Matrix 2, Magnificent 7, collectible cards, Pogs, The Superfriends, Xbox raises prices, Clayface resets, Neflix goes Tok, Marvel changes the name of Thunderbolts, Alex Ross on Display, and Clockwork Torgo: Field of Dreams. So, build it already, it's time for a GeekShock!
Chicago icon Jeremy Piven joins Brian & Kenzie for an intimate and exclusive conversation about touring in Second City with Chris Farley, how Piven's career dramatically changed after 'Entourage', his first TV gig on 'The Larry Sanders Show' and how it led to a 'Seinfeld' audition, and so much more! Jeremy Piven brings his standup tour to The Vic Theater on June 6. https://www.jamusa.com/events/detail/jeremy-piven-live-756929 Chicago’s best morning radio show now has a podcast! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and remember that the conversation always lives on the Q101 Facebook page. Brian & Kenzie are live every morning from 6a-10a on Q101. Subscribe to our channel HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@Q101 Like Q101 on Facebook HERE: https://www.facebook.com/q101chicago Follow Q101 on Twitter HERE: https://twitter.com/Q101Chicago Follow Q101 on Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/q101chicago/?hl=en Follow Q101 on TikTok HERE: https://www.tiktok.com/@q101chicago?lang=enSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
TCB Infomercial - Episode #726: Bryan & Krissy welcome The Office cast member Kate Flannery. Playing the frisky, ornery and possibly intoxicated Meredith Palmer, Kate joined the ensemble early in its run and quickly became a fan favorite. Kate shares her long road to the front doors of Dunder Mifflin. From a near casting on SNL to improv work with Second City, Kate proves that the overnight success' never happen overnight. KATE'S LINKS: Follow Kate on Instagram Watch EP #726 on YouTube! Text us or leave us a voicemail: +1 (212) 433-3TCB FOLLOW US: Instagram: @thecommercialbreak Youtube: youtube.com/thecommercialbreak TikTok: @tcbpodcast Website: www.tcbpodcast.com CREDITS: Hosts: Bryan Green & Krissy Hoadley Executive Producer: Bryan Green Producer: Astrid B. Green Voice Over: Rachel McGrath TCBits Written & Produced by Bryan Green To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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