Amy Miller [Interview]

I’m just going to be straight with you all right off the bat: today we are featuring my absolute favorite comedian working today. You know that feeling when you just absolutely KNOW in your heart of hearts that somebody is a genuinely nice person, yet you have never met them? When I think about a feeling like this, I instantly think of the great Amy Miller. I’ve never actually met this amazingly talented woman. Hell, I haven’t even watched her perform live. But, I have spent hours upon hours just listening to her be her best hilarious self.

Now, I know that might sound a bit stalker like, so let me explain. I have managed to find Amy Miller in several variations of podcasts that I have been always enjoyed. I first found out about Amy the same way I have discovered several other hilarious folks who have appeared on this site. From a little show called Doug Loves Movies. I always knew that when I saw her name on the episode title, it was going to be a fun one. I felt the same way about a guy named Sean Jordan. And as it turns out, Sean and Amy had a connection to not only each other, but to the city in which I (sort of) hail from, the great Portland, Oregon. And this led to me hearing Amy appearing several times on All Fantasy Everything, which Sean Jordan is a co-host on, which would lead me to be a huge fan of her own podcast, Who’s Your God. Basically, I just want Amy to know that she is KILLING IT in the podcast game, and it is working for her, and she should do even more. But, that is just me being selfish.

Alright, that is enough rambling from me. I’ll just reiterate that Amy Miller is my absolute favorite comedian working today. She is a hilarious person who inspires me personally with her drive and determination to succeed in a business/world that can sometimes get you down simply because you weren’t born with a useless flesh stick. It’s because of people like Amy that I am determined to make sure that my daughter’s know that they can be whatever the hell they want to be in life. And for that, I have to say, thank you Amy!

So ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy some amazing words from the brilliant Amy Miller!

What inspired you to jump into the insane world of stand up comedy? When did you realize that you were a hilarious and you could use that to make a living?

I sort of had a life crisis and was depressed but also needed a shake up and to conquer my extreme social anxiety and fear of public speaking. So I just dove in like a lunatic. Im still not sure I can make a living from it, but nevertheless, I persist!

You have been appearing consistently across the country, performing just about everywhere. So what are some cities that you love, that many people may not realize is actually a pretty great spot for comedy?

I love the crowds in Portland. They’re super supportive and ready for comedy, and Portland is much more varied than people realize, especially if you go out to Beaverton or Tigard or Gresham. While the town itself is VERY white, they’re not all bicycle riding flute player baristas or whatever the cliche is. Portland proper is surrounded by working class towns and people who wear Ed Hardy and voted for Trump. I do well with white trash crowds because it’s what I know and what I am. Not the voting for Trump part obviously. I also love working in Denver, Minneapolis, and Oakland where I started. The longest set I ever did was in Birmingham, Alabama. I loved that crowd but they really should have made me stop talking.

After a solid 3 years of working your way to becoming one of the biggest acts of the fair city of Portland, and rightfully moving on to bigger things, what is it like to go back? Does the reception from audiences feel the same now that you aren’t a physical residing in there?

When Sean Jordan and I moved out of Portland, 600 people came to our going away show. We sold out a theater. Portland’s support has never made much sense based on how much shit I talk about the place. But it’s real and it’s followed us to our podcasts, shows in other towns, TV appearances, etc. Portlanders like to see a local girl make good and they stay loyal. Im very grateful for it. Even tho Portland sucks and Im not from there. Heh.

And for the question I hate that I have to ask, but I feel it needs to be addressed whenever possible: What are some of the worst challenges you face as a woman in the world of stand up? In your experience, does it seem as though we are getting any closer to any resemblance of equality in the world of comedy?

Uhhh. I mean. The challenges I’ve faced as a woman in comedy haven’t been much different than what I faced working in music or tech, or any workplace I’ve ever had, from non-profit work to a cake shop. Misogyny and discrimination are everywhere and only amplified in comedy or other areas of entertainment because people/ comedy fans feel like they know comedians, they KNOW actors, because we lead semi-public lives. In some ways it’s an advantage for ME that people are talking about harassment in entertainment so much right now but it doesn’t address the fact that it’s rampant everywhere. Like nobody is writing think-pieces about the harassment my sisters have to deal with in their regular jobs. I think there’s more work for me than there may have been 10 years ago because a lot of the old farts who don’t REALLY care about diversity in booking or having a woman’s perspective are starting to finally just do it out of obligation, so that’s nice. But the day to day bullshit Im putting up with is still mostly the same and much of it perpetrated by my very liberal/ wanna-be feminist male coworkers. They still interrupt me, alienate me, mostly only help each other, tell shitty jokes about women, and talk about women in gross ways. But what am I gonna do, stop? (Editor’s Note: NO! DEFINITELY DON”T STOP!!!)

We have spoken with quite a few folks who also appear on Doug Loves Movies quite often. And this is actually where I heard you for the first time. With that, I am always intrigued to ask what it is like to do this show? Is it as much fun to do as it is to listen to?

It’s super fun! Yes. However I’ve always been sort of a teacher’s pet so while I am having a lot of fun Im also always worried about breaking Doug’s rules or structure. For the poster boy for weed, he’s much more regimented than I think people realize. This has become a bit now, where I just say “sorry, Doug” to him a lot when I think I’ve fucked up. But I love the people he picks to do the show, and many of them are my good friends, and it is a fun and silly time. It’s also a place where I never have to talk about or joke about politics or rape. So that is nice.

You also happen to have a new(ish) podcast entitled Who’s Your God? which is fantastic and very funny. But, it also gets very deep. So what inspired you to start to do this show? And how has the experience been for you? What has been your favorite part of creating WYG thus far?

I grew up very religious, as did my two co-hosts, and religion and beliefs aren’t things comics spend a ton of time talking about, either professionally or in casual conversation. Partially because any comic who DOES have religious or spiritual beliefs is often mocked by peers. So we wanted to create a space where people could really examine their universal VALUES. Comedy as a job can be so all-consuming that I think it’s hard to sometimes even take time out and think about the big BIG picture. Not like, “I want a TV show one day” but “why do we all exist.” My favorite part has been people feeling comfortable enough to open up about their own existence while we all navigate a job based on surface, survival, outward appearances, and narcissism. It’s big stuff!

If you were given the chance, after vomiting out all the nerves, to have a nice dinner with the amazing Dolly Parton, who I hear you adore quite a bit, what would be some conversation starters you would begin with? How do you think that dinner would go?

Dolly is extremely charming and we both have excellent social skills so I don’t think it would be that weird. I think it would feel normal. She is a very calming presence. I think the dinner would go like many other dinners with a friendly person would go – maybe we would talk about big stuff but maybe I would just ask for her biscuit recipe.

What does 2018 hold for you? Anything cool coming up that our reader’s should know about?

I wish I knew! Let’s hope this vision board works.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

A friend just told me that after she farted in front of her boyfriend for the first time, she said “I guess Time really IS up.” Im still laughing about it.

Find out more about Amy Miller and when she may be in a city near you at amymillercomedy.com.  And if you reside in the L.A. area, make sure you make your way to her show Two Doors Down on January 22nd to catch her, another co-host of the aforementioned Who’s Your God Steve Hernandez, and several other hilarious folks!

Lachlan Patterson [Interview]

We have another amazing comedian to showcase today for you fine folks! Lachlan Patterson is, amongst many other and far more important things, the first stand up comic I ever saw in an actual comedy club. And actually, the only comedy club I have ever been to. It was at the Funny Bone in St. Louis where I saw this hilarious man, and it was quite a different experience from other chances I have gotten to see live comedy (Theatres, USO shows, etc.). And I simply can not think of a better comic to see to bust my comedy club cherry, so to speak.

Again, I simply can not say enough great things about this man, and chances are that if you are just checking in here, it is because you already know this to be true. So with that, please enjoy some amazing words from the brilliant and hilarious comedian, Mr. Lachlan Patterson!

When did you first realize that you were born a hilarious human being, and you had an obligation to stand on stage and make people laugh as a way to make a living?

When I was about 12 I was eating raisins at my buddy Andrew’s house. While we were eating the raisins I told him a story about how my Aunt had to go to the emergency room when she was a kid for getting raisins stuck up her nose. A little while later he was talking to his friend on the phone in front of me and I was bored so I put two of the raisins on the ends my nostrils. When he saw me do it he began laughing which caused me to also laugh which sent the raisins up into my nose. His laughter became so uncontrollable that he began to piss pants. Luckily I coughed the raisins out. I’ve been hooked on making people laugh ever since.

I am always curious about comedy scenes in different parts of the world. I understand you worked pretty heavily out in the lovely city of Vancouver, Canada. Can you tell us a bit about what it was like working out of this city? What is the comedy scene like in such a place?

Vancouver has a fantastic comedy scene. On any given night you can get up in front of a great audience somewhere in the City. The Comedians are some of the best I’ve ever seen anywhere. I really miss those days.

In your lengthy experience as a stand up comedian, what have been some of the more delightful cities you have worked on that are not L.A. or NYC? What are some of the hidden gems that many people may not realize are amazing places for comedy?

Man, thats a tough one because there are so many little cities all throughout the US that I love. Pretty much anywhere on the Pacific Northwest is fantastic but maybe I’m biased because I’m from there. I go to Fairbanks, Alaska every year and always have a blast. Salt Lake City is beautiful. Boston, Denver, San Francisco of course.

While I am definitely no expert, really just a fan, in the world of stand up comedy, I find the idea of tournaments or contests in the world of comedy to be a bit strange and inaccurate at times. For example, I enjoyed hearing jokes on a show like Last Comic Standing, because there were great folks like yourself on the program doing great stuff. But, I never understood how you all could be judged against one another. Am I completely out of line in this train of thought? Do you have an opinion you would be willing to share with us about LCS, or the “judging” of comedy in any type of setting?

It’s hard to judge stand up comedy because we all laugh at different things. Some people like a well crafted spin on some simple observation while others can laugh at how funny someones voice is. I love it. How does your perspective of performing change based on the audience type and size at any given show.

For example, I saw you perform on a Thursday night, on Cinco De Mayo, at a mall on the outskirts of St. Louis about a year and half ago. The crowd was pretty sparse, although I’m sure it grew over the weekend, and I’ve watched clips of you performing to thousands. So how do the different atmospheres effect what you do?

When the audience is small or perhaps, not really energized I know that I have to work a little harder to make the connection and give them a great show.

What sort of adjustments do you feel you need to make?

I have to be much more present and make sure that each and every person in the room is with me.

What does the future hold for you? Creating new and funnier content for everyone. Anything you would like to plug to our readers?

I’ve been having a lot of fun with my Instagram lately. They can check me out @lachjaw .

What was the last thing that made you smile?

A warm cup of coffee. Thank you! Thank you!

Check out Lachlan’s latest special, Live From Venice Beach, available on iTunes!

Brian O’Halloran [Interview]

Today we are featuring a guy that I have wanted to have on Trainwreck’d Society since day one. In fact, if I had physically written down my bucket list of people to have on the site, Brian O’Halloran would have been right there at the top. This cat was the lead role in what is one of the greatest films of all. A film that redefined what we saw as creative cinema during the boom of independent film releases in the 90’s. And not only am I crazy excited to have Brian on the site today, I am also excited to tie his appearance into the fact that I am helping to showcase the ultimate ode to Clerks, the amazing indie gem of a film that is Shooting Clerks, which has embodied TWS for a while now.

I seriously can not express how excited I am to have O’Halloran with us here today. He is an incredible actor, who has some amazing insight into the world of acting. He has been a staple of existence in my life since I was a young child. His role as Dante Hicks may not define his existence as a human being or as an actor, but it is a role that I’m sure he is very grateful to always have in his proverbial back pocket, should the need for it ever arise.

With that, don’t forget, that if you currently reside on my side of pond here, the London premiere of the film is coming this Tuesday, January 16th! Tickets for the event can be found via The Prince Charles Cinema, and be sure to check out the Q&A that will follow.

Now ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy some great words from the legend himself, Mr. Brian O’Halloran!

While the whole world knows how you broke out into the world of film, I am more curious about what lead you into the world of acting to begin with? When did you decide that you wanted to play pretend for a living?

Well Ron, I always was a child (youngest of 3 boys in an Irish Catholic family) who was “acting up”.  I would be part of school plays and participate in chorus. But also when I was a teen and played “role playing games” i.e. Dungeons and Dragons, Villains and Vigilantes, and many other table top games I always wanted to escape into other characters. So I guess it was not a far leap to get into the acting profession.

What was it like revisiting the world of Clerks so many years later during your appearance in Christopher Downie’s excellent biopic, Shooting Clerks?

It was a bit odd to see someone portray myself “Brian O’Halloran” on screen. It’s weird to see a film depicting something you did nearly 25 years ago. Never in a million years would I have guessed that someone, let alone a whole crew of people, from SCOTLAND would make a bio-pic of a group of gen X er’s making a really indie film.

Did you happen to work with Kit Alexander on how to play both the character of Dante, and the real like Brian O’Holloran from 20 something years ago?


As of this day, I still haven’t talked to Kit. Not by choice, I just wasn’t contacted by him. But I thought his portrayal was spot on. I actually had friends watch the film and whom have known me for years think that the footage of Kit, especially the audition footage, think it was actually me. So that should be a huge compliment.

And in the end, after seeing the final product, what are your thoughts on Shooting Clerks? Should viewers expect a very realistic interpretation of the events that unfolded so many years ago?


I have seen the film about 10 time in different edits. And knowing the actual story of what happened in ’93-’94 I’m really proud of what Chris and everyone who took part in making the film. The story is about 85% accurate with 15% creative licence.

I’ve been following you around in the social media world for quite some time, and it seems like you are a mission to hit every single Con imaginable! It seems like you are constantly jet-setting to a new town to greet even more adoring fans. So how is the Con experience for you? What do you enjoy most about this type of setting?

I really enjoy visiting new cities and enjoying the sights. I also enjoy meeting the other guests who attend the cons. Plus I enjoy meeting the fans and hearing what they enjoy about the films.

I managed to catch an amazing appearance from you this year in the film Bad Frank. That was a hell of a role, and lets just say that you kind of got your ass kicked! How was your experience working on this insane movie, especially during said ass kicking scene?


Yeah, I was contacted by a mutual actor friend about that film and I thought the script was really intense. I wanted to try playing a role in serious drama and it was a role far from what I’m known for. I really enjoyed being on set and I thought the cast and director did a fantastic job with the film.

I know that the Jay and Silent Bob Reboot project is pretty fresh at this point, so I know you aren’t able to give us much insight. But, I am curious about what you are most excited about in entering that world once again?

Visiting the “View Askew Universe” is always a fun ride. I will work on anything Kevin wants me to be a part of, especially “View Askew” related. I just enjoy those characters.

What else does the future hold for you? Anything you would like to plug to our readers?

The best way to find out what I’m up to is to follow me on Twitter @BrianCOHalloran or Instagram @BrianCOHalloran or Facebook @TheBrianCOHalloran. By next year my Podcast should be out Twitter @TheOHalloRANT ; Instagram @TheOHalloRANT; Facebook @TheOHalloRANT

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Well Ron, I just moved into a new home. So when I finally got to sit in front of the fireplace with my lovely girlfriend on Christmas Eve with it snowing outside I thought “Man, this is beautiful”.

Chris Bain [Interview]

Hello Dear Readers! We are about to kick an amazing Shooting Clerks related weekend that you are all going to love! And we are kicking things off in a major way with one of the major players from the film itself, the great Chris Bain!

Chris Bain is a brilliant actor who recently took on the task of playing the legendary Jason Mewes in Shooting Clerks, a film we have been fanboying over here at TWS for quite some time now. And when I was given the chance to talk with one of the film’s prominent cast members, I simply had to jump at the opportunity! And just as I expected, he is a hell of a nice guy who gives some amazing insight into not just his work on Shooting Clerks, but on how he found his way into the world of acting has continued to thrive within the profession.

The man has a whole lot to say, so how about we just jump right into it? Ladies and gentlemen, the wonderful Chris Bain!

When did you first discover your passion for acting and the world of film and television as a whole? When did you realize you wanted to make a living in this world?

I’ve always been a film buff. From an early age my dad instilled that in me,  letting me watch films like Indiana Jones and Highlander really whetted my appetite for visual storytelling. Even now, at thirty years old, I still view going to the cinema as an experience and associate it as a bit of an adventure. I’ve always had a passion for acting and love the thrill of being someone else, although I started that journey somewhat later in life, at around twenty-six years old I realised how passionate I am about it and decided to take the plunge and forge a career out of it.

How did you manage to become involved with Shooting Clerks to play the legendary Jay Mewes in this brilliant biopic? Were you well versed in the View Askewinverse prior to taking on the role?

A few years prior to Shooting Clerks, I didn’t consider myself an actor, at all. I did it occasionally as something to do, unprofessionally as a hobby. A good friend of mine knew someone who was making a short film based on a podcast that Kevin & Jason recorded and needed someone to play Mewes. That someone was Chris Downie. We met, discussed the production and the role, I auditioned for him and took the part. Kevin & Jason viewed the finished production and were so taken by it, they decided to host it on their SeeSmod YouTube channel. I knew from then that working with Chris was special and that he not only had a unique vision but a lot of talent too. About a year later, he mentioned that he wanted to produce a feature based on the trials and tribulations Kevin faced when making Clerks and wanted me to play Jason again. Needless to say, it was a decision that didn’t take me long to make. Previously, I had watched Mallrats and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back in High School so I was familiar with Smith’s work but I wouldn’t consider myself a fan at that stage. From preparing to play Mewes in Shooting Clerks I ensured that I was familiar with Smith’s entire back catalogue and discovered a great appreciation for his work, I’d definitely consider myself a fan now!

And how was your experience portraying one of the most infamous and beloved stoners in the history of cinema? Was it a tad nerve-racking to play a person who is still very much alive and would eventually witness you portray his character on the big screen?

I think for any actor, to play a real life person who is also still alive comes with some trepidation. I knew how passionate and devoted Kevin & Jason’s fans are and wanted to make sure that not only I play him in the way that you would expect, that you are used to so that my performance is authentic and believable, but to ensure that it’s a sincere performance too. It’s easy to mimic someone, I didn’t want to do that. I wanted to make sure that yes, this is the Mewes everyone knows and loves, but that you also see some aspects of his character that he isn’t immediately associated with so that my depiction is rounded and believable. I have met Jason previously but wasn’t able to attend the New Jersey screening that he and Kevin attended in August due to other acting commitments. However, I have heard that he was pleased with my performance. As long as the man himself is happy then I hope I’ve done him justice!

Shooting Clerks has already been released to some mighty acclaim in the states, and will have its UK release date on January 16th. After being a part of this project for so long, what does it feel like to finally see the film come to fruition and finally being shown in front of audiences? Is it surreal in any way?

I’ve been lucky enough to attend four separate screenings of Shooting Clerks prior to this one. With the cast & crew I was at the screenings in Orlando, New York, New Jersey and in Edinburgh too and the audience reaction has not only been incredible but also humbling. It’s wonderful to see such a phenomenal response to a film that everyone involved worked so hard on for the best part of three years. I’m just glad that people like it for what it is, not only some excellent performances and funny lines, but a wonderful piece of filmmaking with a lot of heart.

Aside from obviously portraying the legendary Jason Mewes, if you were given the chance to portray another legendary figure from the world of film, who would it be?

It’s such a difficult question to answer. For me, it would have to be someone who made a difference, not just someone who has achieved a lot in the world of film, but who made a genuine difference to the lives of others. I think it’s important to bring to life a story like that. It may seem cliché but that’s why I’d choose Marlon Brando, not only a giant in cinema who revolutionised screen acting, but a man with a huge heart who used his fame and recognition to raise awareness for various causes and charities. Also, a role like that would require a lot of make up as I look nothing like Brando!

What does the future hold for you? Anything you would like to plug to our readers?

I’ve been keeping busy. I’m still relatively at the beginning of my career and although I’ve been lucky to appear in some fantastic productions and do some excellent work, I’m still starting out. I have a few projects that I’m working on, but as ever, I  can’t say too much at this stage. Watch this space!

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Being a huge fan of another cult film, The Room. I saw The Disaster Artist in the cinema the other day and loved it. It’s one of the first films in a while where I have ended up crying with laughter during it. I think it’s quite apt that we’re screening our film in the same cinema that James Franco showed The Disaster Artist in when we appear in London.

Shooting Clerks featuring Chris Bain as the legendary Jason Mewes will have its London premiere on January 16th at the Prince Charles Cinema – 8:45pm. Tickets are available HERE.

Sean Patton [Interview]

Welcome to 2018 folks! We are kicking things off this year in a major way with an amazing interview from one of the finest comedians working today. And with the controversial year that the world of comedy had in 2017, I think it is important to continue the conversation of the importance and cultural relevance of comedians in our modern era. And I can not think of anyone better to kick off this conversation with than the brilliant Sean Patton.

Sean Patton is a brilliantly funny comedian with jokes that will hit you harder than that girl hit her mom in the face with that ArkAngel laptop in Black Mirror. A very specific reference, I know. But, it is very true. He is one of the best in the business and we feel so very fortunate that he has chosen to digitally be here with us today. For die hard comedy fans, Sean has hit just about every spot on television you could want, from his own Comedy Central half hour special, to a couple of appearances on one of my favorite programs, This Is Not Happening. Yes, he is true working comedian who has done some incredible work in his career thus far, and has the promise and will do even greater thing sin 2018 and beyond.

So Ladies and Gentlemen, please enjoy some amazing words from an even more amazing comedian, Mr. Sean Patton!

When did you first realize that you were a hilarious human being, and it was your civic duty to stand on a stage and bring joy to random strangers?

The first time I remember making anyone really laugh was in the 7th grade. At school, my teacher was pouring BC headache powder into a glass of water, and I said “My dad snorts headache powder up his nose”. The teacher did a legit spit take. My Dad’s doesn’t snort coke, not that I knew of then or now, but I remember thinking “This will be funny”, so I just blurted it out.

Sarah Silverman once played a version of herself on the Larry Sanders show as a stafff writer who gets her first TV credit doing stand up on his show. Watching her set on that show was amazing for me. I identified with her sense of humor so much. That’s when I decided I wanted to do stand up.

What were your early days like when you were first starting out in comedy in New Orleans? I will admit, I am not very up my knowledge of the comedy world of NOLA. I know you and Mark Normand have started there, and that’s about it. So what was that world like when you were first starting out? And when you make your way back to your homeland, does it seem like it has changed a bit?

It was a very DIY scene back then. It didn’t then, nor does now, have a full time stand up club. I don’t know if it ever will, but it’s doing so well as an independent scene. That is what’s important. The New Orleans comedy scene now is very supportive and eons better than when I started out.

In your obvious expert opinion, what are some cities across America that are incredible to do perform stand up in, that many people may not be aware of? Beyond L.A. and NYC, what are some of those hidden gems hiding in plain sight across the land? 

Minneapolis, Madison, WI, Eau Claire, WI, Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, The Bay area, Pretty much every city in North Carolina but specifically Asheville and Wilmington, Washington DC, Cincinnati, Detroit, Burlington, VT, Houston, Austin, Dallas, Portland OR, and I’m sure many more. In all of these cities There’s a great club(s) or independent show, and they all have great local comedians.

Beyond the American borders, you have performed at the legendary Just For Laughs festival in Montreal. As an avid comedy viewer and podcast listener, I hear about Montreal a lot, but haven’t grasped the concept of why this is one of the biggest festivals in the comedy world. So in your opinion, what is it about Montreal that makes it such a huge deal?

Montreal is a beautiful city to be in during the summer, and it seems to love the festival. They book great comedians year in and year out and do not fuck around when it comes to the shows. It’s also been around for over 30 years. Also, Canadians are mostly happy people who travel to Montreal specifically for JFL. Add all that up and that’s why I’d say.

A few years ago you appeared on a couple of episodes of one of my favorite television comedies of all time, Maron. We’ve spoken with folks like Troy Ruptash and Dave Anthony who appeared on the show as well, but I am interested to know what your take was on working on this show? And was there anything about working on this show that set itself apart from the numerous other projects you have worked on?

I had a small part in two episodes, but I’ve known Marc for a bit now. He’s a particular guy, and often times that’s where the best comedy comes from. I had a great time working on that show. What set it apart was how into it everyone involved was. It felt like everyone knew they were making something good, which goes a long way in this business.

What does the future hold for you? Anything cool coming up that you would like to tell our readers about? 

My first hour special. I can’t say exactly when it will premiere, so check in at meseanpatton.com from time to time. I am excited about it.