On The Mic With Tim Drake

Today's episode of the podcast is Part 2 of our Oscar Week coverage!  This week I have four-time Oscar nominee Marshall Curry and Siqi Song! Marshall was on the show last year for his documentary short "A Night at the Garden" that was nominated for an Oscar and it was great to have him back on the show. While this is Siqi Song's first Oscar nomination, she was also part of the art department for the Oscar nominated animated film "Missing Link".  It was great to talk with Marshall about the new venture into Live Action Shorts instead of the Documentaries that he's best known for, and hear about how his film "The Neighbors Window" came together. Siqi's film "Sister" was her final student film project that tells such a unique story of the One Child Law in China. She used an incredible form of stop motion animation using yarn to build all of her characters.  I had such a great time talking to both of these Oscar nominees and can't want to see what happens this Sunday during the 92nd Academy Awards. Make sure t

Oscar Week is here! After a month long hiatus I am thrilled to be back and talking with the Oscar Nominated filmmakers of this year's short films.  This episode is Part 1 of the coverage featuring Daria Kashcheeva from "Daughter", Rosana Sullivan & Kathryn Hendrickson from "Kitbull", & Everett Downing Jr. from "Hair Love".  All three films are part of my favorite of categories, the Animated Shorts.  This first group of filmmakers had such great stories about how their films came to be. Rosana and Kathryn both have a long history in animation. Rosana was one of the Producers on Toy Story 4, and they have both worked on films like The Incredibles, Finding Dory and The Good Dinosaur. Everett Downing Jr. is another animation juggernaut animating films like WALL-E, Up, Brave, Ratatouille, and Ice Age. Which brings us to Daria Kashcheeva. Daria's film is only the second short film she's made. It was her student film final, and it's absolutely breathtaking. I have never seen anything like "Daughter". Daria

Happy Holidays, Everybody! This episode is being recorded and released on Christmas Eve and will be the final episode of 2019.  Our annual Christmas and New Year episodes were unfortunately not able to be recorded this year. A lot of changes have happend over the past few years and this year we sadly couldn't put it together. But that doesn't mean I don't have plenty to talk about.  At the end of November I spent the weekend in Anahiem at DesignerCon 2019. This was our first time visiting DesignerCon and it quickly became one of our favorite conventions and will be one that we will definitely return to. Make sure to visit our Instagram for all of the pictures and coverage from the convention.  During the episode I cover my time at DesignerCon, as well as talk about my plans during the holiday break as my wife and I stayed at home in Los Angeles for the holidays, new projects slated for 2020, as well as the upcoming hiatus. It feels funny to announce a hiatus when I have kind of been on one not having an ep

On today's episode I have actor and comedian, Samba Schutte! Samba is best known for his current work on NBC's new show "Sunnyside", as well as the newly released video game, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. I had never met Samba going into this episode, but I was really enjoying his work on "Sunnyside" and invited him on the show. It was such a delight getting to know Samba and hearing his incredible story.  On the episode we talked about growing up in Ehtiopia, moving to the Netherlands and starting his comedy career, being a corespondant on the Dutch version The Daily Show, moving to Los Angeles and the struggles he faced as an immigrant, trying to build his career while getting his green card, palm reading, the "Sunnyside" audition process, and so much more.  Thank you to Samba Schutte for taking the time to come on the show. I didn't know what to expcet while we recorded and hearing Samba's story was both humbling and inspiring. Make sure to watch "Sunnyside" every Thurday on the NBC app, NBC.com, and Hu

Happy Halloween! Today's episode of the podcast is a recap of this year's 31 Days of Horror, as well as my time at LA Comic Con and more.  There was so many incredible locations on this year's 31 Days of Horror. Some of my favorites this year were: The Queen Mary, Rockhaven Sanitarium, The Oman House, The Harris House, and Brand Park, just to name a few. All of the videos are available through my Instagram @timdrake42 or @onthemicpodcast Thank you for following along and sending messages and comments throughout the month. A lot of work goes into these simple videos and it's great to get feedback that you're enjoying them.  LA Comic Con was also an incredible time this year. There were so many great panels with the cast of The Office, Elijah Wood's Spectrevision, Rhett and Link, and a special Jay and Silent Bob Reboot Panel. There was also an awesome Jay and Silent Bob & Clerks pop up that Kevin Smith and Jay Mewes stopped by in costume to chat and take pictures. It was such a great time with them!  The

On today's episode I have drummer and podcaster, Tony Thaxton!  Tony is the drummer for one of my all-time favorite bands, Motion City Soundtrack, as well as the band Don't Stop or We'll Die. Tony also hosts one of my new favorite podcasts, "Bizzare Albums", as well as the "Feliz Navipod" podcast, and is the on-air Producer from Andrea Savage's new podcast "Andrea Savage - Grown Up Woman #Buttholes", and Alison Rosen's podcast, "Alison Rosen is Your New Best Friend".  I talked to Tony about growing up in Virginia, how he started playing drums, his musical inspirations, joining Motion City Soundtrack, breaking his arm before recording, getting into podcasting, Bizzare Albums, producing podcasts, and so much more! A huge Thanks to Tony for taking the time out of his incredibly busy schedule to come on the podcast. Look for Tony on tour with Motion City Soundtrack this January and make sure to subscribe to Bizzare Albums and Andrea Savage - Grown Up Woman #Buttholes. Follow Tony on all of the links at www.ont

Today's episode is a little different from our usual episode as it's a re-release of an old 2014 episode with comedian, Pete Holmes.  Normally I wouldn't be a fan of re-releasing an old episode. But with some of the new changes going on with the podcast, going forward I am only going to be keeping the most recent 50 episodes available for download. This chat with Pete was a great talk and he gave some great advice in the episode that I didn't want new listeners to miss out on. I clearly had no idea what I was doing on this episode and the podcast has come a long way, but Pete's advice, lessons learned in comedy, and chat about Late Night TV is worth the listen.  Pete originally came on the podcast in 2014 as Episode 15 to promote his TBS late night show, "The Pete Holmes Show".  Of course since this episode Pete has gone on to make the incredible HBO series "Crashing", and recently released his book, "Comedy Sex God". Pete is also the host of the long running comedy podcast, "You Made It Weird", and has sev

On today's episode I have one of my longtime friends, musician David Charles back on the podcast! Dave was previously on the podcast on Episode 1! Back when I was trying to decide if I should start a podcast, I knew Dave would be the perfect person to talk to as he had been touring with Neon Trees as their tour guitarist and we had a history in music together. All these years later Dave is finally back on the show. Even though we just live a few streets away from each other, we rarely get to catch up and usually only run into each other at comedy shows or when I see Dave waiting to cross the street (listen to the episode for context).  Dave and I talked about what we've been up to, the awkward social pressure of having adult friends, the people we see around our neighborhood, The Simpsons, Norm MacDonald impressions, and a lot of other nonsense. A huge Thanks to Dave for coming by and hanging out on the podcast. Make sure you follow Dave on all of the links on the website, download is solo albums, and look

Today's episode of the podcast is another solo episode! This week wasn't planned to be a solo episode, but after a few guests had to reschedule this week, I decided to improvise.  As I mentioned in the first solo episode, one of my biggest issues when I started the podcast years ago was a lack of consistency. This was something I wanted to change and vowed I would. So in the wake of my frustration of not having a guest, I decided to take a deep breath and not let it ruin my week.  If you listen to The Good Place: The Podcast, at the end of every episode Mark Evan Jackson asks each guest "What's Good?". The guest can answer anything here that brings them joy. It could be a charity, their family, ice cream, really anything that brings them joy. As I sat here frustrated I found me asking myself, "What's Good?". This inspired me to record an episode to talk about how all of us can try and do better and do good.  There's so many terrible things going on the world. While putting our head in the sand and pretendi

On today's episode I recap the news and experiences we had at D23 and Long Beach Comic Con! There's no guest on this episode as I wanted to take the time to share some of the big news from D23 and talk about our experiences at Long Beach Comic Con. We recieved so much news at D23, primarily focused on a lot of the Disney+ programming. There was a lot of news from Star Wars, Marvel, The Muppets, and of course The Simpsons.  It was great to return to Long Beach Comic Con this year. It seemed to be a little quieter this year with the lack of some past vendors and guests, but I attributed that to the stiff competition in the convention circuit this past weekend. Nonetheless, we still have a great time. One of the stand out vendors that we've looked at before was Unwrapped Art. We've had some of their work on the instagram and you'll hear all about them in this episode.  There's a lot of great things happening in entertainment right now. So many great new shows in the works, great comics, new films, and great a

On today's episode I have comedian, writer, and musician, Luke Null! Luke is best known for his work on Saturday Night Live as he was part of the Season 43 cast. Luke also just released his first comedy album called, "Guitar Comic", which I cannot suggest enough. Luke and I had never met before, but was somebody I was a fan of that I wanted to learn more about it. I decided to reach out to him and was thrilled that he was willing to come on the show. I talked to Luke about growing up in Ohio, finding his path to comedy, moving to Chicago, his path to SNL, being part of the "one and done" SNL group, his new album "Guitar Comic", and so much more! A huge Thanks to Luke Null for taking the time to come on the podcast and talk about his career. As I've mentioned in the podcast, "Guitar Comic" is an incredibly hilarious album and one that you absolutely need to listen to. You can also see some of Luke's SNL sketches at www.onthemicpodcast.com Also make sure to follow Luke and listen to "Guitar Comic" on the lin

On today's episode I have comedian and writer, Janet Quinonez!  Janet and I first crossed paths during my time at Metldown as she and her husband were regulars at shows. I knew Janet had a popular comedy show here in Los Angeles called Drunkalogue, and knew that she would be a great guest to talk comedy and building her career.  I talked with Janet about getting her start in radio, living in Texas and moving to LA, deciding to make the career change from the corporate world to TV writing, going through UCLA's TV writing program, studying at UCB, working for NBC, how Drunkalogue came about, and so much more.  A huge Thanks to Janet for taking the time to join me on the podcast this week. Make sure to follow her on the links below and go see Drunkalogue here in Los Angeles at The Clubhouse. The next show is September 11. Come hang out with me at the show and see Janet as well.  Thanks, Janet! Enjoy the episode. 

On today's episode I have viral sensation Alex Kack, aka Green Shirt Guy!  Alex became a viral sensation this past week after he was caught on camera laughing at the response of some protesters at a Tuscon City Council meeting. After talking with Alex I also took the time on this episode to talk about two of the recent Emmy FYC events that Netflix invited us to for "Russian Doll" and "When They See Us".  I talked with Alex about what it's like to become a viral sensation and know that he will live forever on the internet as a meme and gif, peoples misconceptions about Sanctuary Cities, his activism work with Sanctuary Tucson, how people can get involved, and so much more. I also talked about listening to Maya Rudolph and Natasha Lyonne talk about "Russian Doll" at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, and the importance of Ava DuVernay's show "When They See Us".  A huge thanks to Alex Kack for taking the time to come on the podcast. Another thanks to Netflix for inviting us to attend the Emmy FYC events for "Russian

On today's episode I have actor and comedian, Matt Knudsen!  Matt and I have been Facebook friends for a few years, but it took us a bit of talking to actually remember how we met. Matt is an incredible actor and comedian who has been seen on CONAN, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The Kominksy Method, and The Big Bang Theory, just to name a few.  I talked with Matt about moving to Los Angeles and starting comedy, the weird first comedy show he was part of, his stand up debut on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, figuring out how to get acting jobs, working on shows like Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The Kominsky Method, being part of the last few episodes of The Big Bang Theory, and so much more. A huge Thanks to Matt for taking the time to make the journey from the west side of Los Angeles all the way to my corner of East Hollywood. Make sure to follow him on all of the links on the website www.onthemicpodcast.com and check out the few clips that I've provided on the site as well.

Today's episode of the podcast is a change of pace from our normal episode. There's no guest today, no co-host today, it's just me.  Leading up to the San Diego Comic-Con episode, I didn't release an episode for 2 months. I wasn't taking an hiatus or anything of that nature, episodes just simply didn't happen. I went through a lot during those two months. A lot of self discovery, and a lot of loss in someways. During that time I found my way to Ron Funches new podcast "Gettin' Better", which ultimately inspired to record this particular episode.  I decided to take the time in this episode to talk about changes coming to the podcast, as well as a lot of personal changes. I've always lacked consistency with this podcast, which is critical to a podcasts success. While I restructure some of the show, I will now be releasing episodes EVERY FRIDAY. I also talk about my battle with depression, understanding how to get through it, weight loss and weight gain, battling food addiction and understanding addiction, Lit

On today's episode we are coming to you LIVE from San Diego Comic-Con 2019! This is our fifth year returning to SDCC to do a live show, and this years show did not disappoint! A few days leading up to Comic-Con, I actually didn't know if this panel/show was even going to happen. Guests continued to fall through, and a few days before the convention my co-host also dropped out. Luckily though with moments notice, Todd Masters and Stacie Carver from Toddland quickly jumped on as guests. I knew my friend James Simenc would also be in town taping with Conan, and he joined the show last minute as my co-host. With our largest crowd to date, we had possibly my favorite shows we've done here.  On the episode I talked with James about prepping for the Conan Comic-Con sketches and some of his moments with Conan, as well as a little bit of our Nerdmelt history for the audience. We also talked with Todd and Stacie about their creative process for their Comic-Con exclusives for Bob's Burgers, Family Guy, and American Da

On today's episode I have the Creators & Producers of the new Netflix show, "Historical Roasts", Eddie Furth and Ryan Pigg! I first met Eddie and Ryan very briefly in passing during my time at Meltdown when Historical Roasts and Fictional Roasts were regular shows at NerdMelt. However, this was the first time we've actually sat down and talked and it was such a great time! I talked with Eddie and Ryan about their time as interns at NerdMelt and how they created the show during one of their shifts, how the concept for the show evolved, bringing our mutual friend Samee Junio on as a Producer, selling the show to Netflix, working with Jeff Ross, seeing it on The Tonight Show, and so much more!  A huge thanks to Eddie and Ryan for taking the time to come and join me on the show. They've had an incredibly busy week with press and the premier of "Historical Roasts" and were kind enough to still squeeze this in. Make sure you tune in starting TONIGHT at Midnight on Netflix and watch the show. The cast of thes

On today's episode I talked with writer Guinevere Turner and Director Mary Harron! Guinevere and Mary are best known for writing and directing the hit film, "American Psycho", and their new film "Charlie Says" is in theaters now! I was so incredibly excited to talk with Guinevere and Mary as "American Psycho" is one of my favorite films. I actually didn't know I would be talking to Mary on this episode. As soon as I hung up with Guinevere, their publicist let me know they actually had Mary for me as well an hour later. I talked with Guinevere and Mary about how their filmmaking relationship started, writing and directing "American Psycho", Mary's early work helping start the legendary "Punk Magazine", exploring the stories of Charles Manson, casting "Charlie Says", and so much more.  A huge thanks to Guinevere and Mary for taking the time to join me on this episode. It was such an honor to speak with both of them. Make sure to go see "Charlie Says" in theaters now! Visit our website www.onthemicpodcast.com

On today's episode, Actor, Writer, Director, and Producer, Brooke Trantor returns to the podcast!  Brooke made her first appearance on the podcast on Episode 98, almost exactly 2 years ago! It was great to have Brooke back on the show to catch up and talk about her new film "Yours Are Mine", which is currently on the film festival circuit.  Brooke and I talked about loving our East Hollywood neighborhood after realizing we only live a few streets apart, going to the movies, social media and careers, the inspiration behind "Yours Are Mine", lifting up Women in Film, our Second City family, and so much more.  A huge Thanks to Brooke for taking the time from her busy schedule to come back onto the podcast. Make sure to follow Brooke on all of the social media links below. She is such an incredibly hard worker and positive person, and somebody that everybody can definitely benefit from following and getting know better. Watch the trailer for "Yours Are Mine" and make sure to see them it if it's playing in a ci

On today's episode, I have Writer and Director Nathan Catucci.  Nathan's first feature film, "Impossible Monsters", premiers this Satuday, March 9th at the Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose. I rarely go back and watch a film twice when prepping to record shows, but "Impossible Monsters" is such a fun, twisted thriller that I wanted to make sure that I didn't miss anything. "Impossible Monsters" follows an ambitious professor who gets caught up in the murder of a participant in his sleep study, as the line between dreams and reality blur.  On the episode I talked with Nathan about about the idea for "Impossible Monsters" came about, dealing with his own sleep paralysis, the intense paitings in the film, how the production design fit in with the story, casting, and so much more.  A huge Thanks to Nathan Catucci for taking the time to join me on the podcast. Make sure to follow "Impossible Monsters" on all of the sites listed at www.onthemicpodcast.com to know when it's playing near you. Don't miss it's pre