So What Do You Really Do?

On this episode I spoke with Jennie Stencel. In addition to being the owner of The Idiot Box Comedy Club, she is also founder of the North Carolina Comedy Festival. We talked about the potential reopening of the club and what may or may not happen in the future for her comedy festival. And if you would like to see Jennie’s rapping weather report, I have that right here for you. Enjoy. Music in this episode provided by my good friends Scott Lester & The Dirty Dottys.

On this episode of the podcast I talked to comedian and law student Laura Lyons. However, before listening to the episode I feel I have to issue a trigger warning, because I don’t want to get messages of people upset about the content of this episode. On May 19th (which was my birthday), just a few days ago, I saw a very heavy post from Laura about that day being the 9 year anniversary of her suicide attempt. Laura and I have met online in some virtual comedy open mics and chat sessions over Zoom. That is where this conversation was extracted from, so sorry if the quality isn’t up to my usual standards, but it sounds good. I also think it was an important story to share. And of course if you are someone in need of help, or are thinking about suicide, please do not hesitate reaching out to a friend or to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255. Music in this episode provided by my good friends Scott Lester & The Dirty Dottys.

On this episode of the podcast I spoke with, from a safe distance, comedian Emily Ruskowski. In addition to being one of the funniest comedians I know, she is a licensed social worker dealing with teenagers. We talked about how the recent quarantine has affected her clients, their families, and the way she and her coworkers do their job. Music in this episode provided by my good friends Scott Lester & The Dirty Dottys.

On this episode of the podcast I talked with comedian and podcaster Ken Reid about how the recent Covid-19 crisis has changed his job working in Medicaid insurance industry. We talked about how he’s coping with, not working from home, but having to help his coworkers who aren’t as qualified to, how this quarantine will  inspire creativity in comedy, how he’s keeping his podcast on track, and of course, toys. Lots of talk about toys. And podcast tech. Check out Ken‘s own podcast, TV Guidance Counselor, where he and a guest go through old edition of TV Guide together to talk about what they would’ve watched, why the loved it, and nostalgic stories and trivia about entertainment. Music in this episode provided by my good friends Scott Lester & The Dirty Dottys.

On this episode of the podcast I talked with Chris Trew, who is a comedian and owner of The New Movement, a comedy club, theatre, and school in New Orleans. We discussed what his preparations were for the upcoming quarantine, how things have changed, what he’s doing to keep the theatre afloat, and his optimism for how all this will turn out in the end. Help support a performance place for comedians throughout the country by buying a Comedy No Show ticket today. Music in this episode provided by my good friends Scott Lester & The Dirty Dottys.

On this episode of the podcast I talked with, from a safe distance, DMV area comedian Rob Maher. He has opened for such big names as David Koechner, Tiffany Haddish, and more. We talked about where Rob was when the quarantine started, how it has affected his career, where he thinks we’ll be after this all ends, and much more. Check out Rob’s new comedy album Comedy for the Quarantine available on iTunes, Spotify, and everywhere comedy albums can be found online and his podcast The Rob & Joe Show. Music in this episode provided by my good friends Scott Lester & The Dirty Dottys.

On this episode of the podcast I talked remotely with comedians Dan Martin and Andrew Mayer about how the recent Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine has affected their expected comedy album releases. Please support comedians during this maddening time by listening to both Dan and Andrew’s albums. And, lastly, times are tough for everyone right now, but if you are one of the more fortunate ones, consider donating a small bit to the New England Comedy Sunshine Fund. It is a emergency relief fund for comedians ran by comedians to help those in need. Thank you for listening, leaving a comment, and sharing with a friend. Stay safe and healthy everyone. Music in this episode by my good friends Scott Lester & The Dirty Dottys.

Humor, music, and why Andy Borowitz is the absolute worst, with the creators of punk’s satirical savior This week on the podcast I spoke with founders of The Hard Times website, a punk-rock satirical comedy site. Not a day goes by in which one of my musician friends don’t post a Hard Times article, or […]

The NY Comedian’s Crush on Boston On this episode of the podcast I spoke with comedian Paul Virzi. He’ll be performing at Laugh Boston June 27th – 29th. This interview was setup in conjunction with DigBoston. This is a follow up interview with Paul. 2 years ago local comedian Tommy O’Deeds interviewed Paul for Dig, and they asked if I wanted to talk with him this time around. We talked about his kids, sports, being a comedian and a father, and much more. Paul also told me about why he loves coming to Boston and why it means so much to him. You can read my Q&A with Paul by picking up a print copy of DigBoston on newsstand throughout the Boston area right NOW! or read it online here. Music in this episode by my good friends Scott Lester & The Dirty Dottys.

Diversity in SciFi This episode of the podcast was recorded live at Orleans Restaurant in Davis Square as part of the 44th Annual Boston SciFi Film Festival. This panel was called PEELING THE COVER: Diversity in Science Fiction and featured filmmaker Paul J. Salamoff (Encounter), director Izzy Lee (My Monster), voice actor Pat Bordenave (The Geek Down Podcast), pop-culturist Meghann Ackermann, and community activist Andre Green.

Industry Tricks of the Trade This episode of the podcast was recorded live at Orleans Restaurant in Davis Square as part of the 44th Annual Boston SciFi Film Festival. This panel is called Inside Dope: Industry Tricks of the Trade and featured documentary filmmakersKelley Slagle & Brian Stillman (Eye of the Beholder: The Art of D&D), actress & producer Taryn O’Neil (Live), writer & director John Burr (Muse), and director Marco DeLuca (Beneath the Trees).

Doing It Down & Dirty This episode of the podcast was recorded live at Orleans Restaurant in Davis Square as part of the 44th Annual Boston SciFi Film Festival. This panel was called DIY SCIFI: Doing It Down & Dirtyand featured filmmaker Paul J. Salamoff (Encounter), actress Taryn O’Neil (Live), filmmaker Peter Stray (Alien Party Crashers), and director Marco DeLuca (Beneath the Trees).

Loving SciFi in a Dystopian Future This episode of the podcast was recorded live at Orleans Restaurant in Davis Square as part of the 44th Annual Boston SciFi Film Festival. This panel is called Who Are They? (Loving SciFi in a Dystopian Future) and featured filmmaker Paul J. Salamoff (Encounter), writer and editor of Fireside Magazine Julia Rios (Skiffy & Fanty Show), and podcaster Adrian Ryan (Spectology).

The Disturbing Mind Of A Magic & Comedy Teacher. On this episode of the podcast I sat down with Magician, Comedian, and Teacher of comedy at Emerson College Mike Bent. I’m so glad I could finally sit down and talk with him. I’ve wanted him on my podcast long before the introduction of the Comedy Studies major at Emerson College. I wanted to know what goes into creating the first ever college major on comedy. Who are the students that take it and what does it take teaching kids how to be funny. Also, as you’ll read, Mike has had an interesting background in comedy and magic. Mike started during the comedy boom of the late 70’s and managed to carve out a successful career for over 30 years, inspiring hundreds of performers along to way. He even managed to get the approval of quite a few comedy legends too. Music in this episode by my good friends Scott Lester & The Dirty Dottys.

Director of the documentary Life After Flash Today on the podcast I found the lost interview from Boston SciFi Film Fest with documentary filmmaker Lisa Downs. I was really glad Lisa could make time to sit down and talk with me. She had a very busy schedule premiering her film Life After Flash (available on VOD February 26th), which is about actor Sam Jones and his life after… Flash… Gordon. You know, that old scifi film they mention A LOT in Ted. She was also part of panels talking about the film and women in the film industry. I found her story on getting into the film-making business and things she’s come across along the way. We also have a conversation that went too long on accents and why and how they came about. Regardless, it was a fun chat and I hope you enjoy it. Music in this episode by my good friends Scott Lester & The Dirty Dottys.

FROM TEACHER, TO COMEDIAN, TO AMERIKAN WARRIOR Today on the podcast I sat down on the phone with comedian and actor Erik Griffin, who may know most as Montez on Workaholics. By the way, I meant to ask him how much he hates being called that by people just yelling it at him in the airport, but I forgot. This was a fun interview, after a few questions I think he really warmed up and spoke openly about being a comedian, fights along the way, and how much he is enjoys podcasting. This is another podcast that is a joint article with DigBoston. Feel free to pick up a print copy at your local newsstand today. He’ll be at Laugh Boston February 21st – 23rd and give his podcast Riffin’ with Griffin a listen. Music in this episode by my good friends Scott Lester & The Dirty Dottys.

WELL-KEPT SECRET IN THE DORK FOREST EXPLAINS IT ALL On this episode of the podcast I talk with comedian and podcaster Jackie Kashian. Despite earlier technical difficulties that I will not go into, it was a fantastic conversation about Armenian jokes, podcasting, and much more. Jackie will be here in Boston Saturday, January 19th at Sonia (formerly TT the Bear’s Place) doing both stand up and recording an episode of her podcast The Jackie & Laurie Show, with co-host Laurie Kilmartin. This interview was in conjunction with DigBoston, which you can read here. Photo credit Luke FontanaMusic in this episode by my good friends Scott Lester & The Dirty Dottys. Also, I have mugs and t-shirts for sale now based on my stand-up comedy. Check it out by clicking the Storefront tab above.

Today on the podcast I spoke with comedian, television writer, and host Guy Branum! This interview was done in part with an article for DigBoston, which you can read by clicking here. This was a fun, quick chat with Guy about video games, writing for TV, what makes for a good interview, and his new book, My Life as a Goddess: A Memoir Through (Un)Popular Culture.And if you like the interview, and go out to pick up a copy of his book (available everywhere books are sold), swing by Laugh Boston December 21st & 22nd to get it signed. Music in this episode by my good friends Scott Lester & The Dirty Dottys.

Boston’s Mother-Daughter Comedy Combo Today on the podcast I sat down and talked with mother and daughter comedians Kathe & Jessica Farris. This is another podcast I did in conjunction with a DigBoston article. We talked about how each got into comedy, their similarities and differences, and we play a fun game. Music in this episode by my good friends Scott Lester & The Dirty Dottys.

Well, this episode of the podcast is a bit of a divergence from the norm; although regular listeners may be used to that by now. To start off with, I was fired (laid off, same thing) from my job in radio. 15 years I worked for Clear Channel/iHeartMedia/Total Traffic and Weather Networks came to an end last week. We used to joke about how I had 9 lives in the radio biz because I managed to dodge getting fired for so long, well, looks like I may have hit my last one. My buddy Steven Richard K, formerly of the sketch group Mister Bismuth (we’ll get into that), knew I was sitting alone at home moping, so he decided to swing by for an impromptu podcast and motivational speech. This podcast is mostly a focus on me and is a swapcast with SRK, so be sure to head over to his site and listen his intro and give him a nice review. As for me, I’ll be fine… I think. Stay tuned for that and more interviews with comedians soon. Music in this episode by my good friends Scott Lester & The Dirty Dottys.