Lisa Curry [Interview]

 

Hello Folks! We are kicking off the week and month with a true banger of an interview, with an absolutely hilarious and multifaceted human being. It’s Lisa Curry, Everyone! Over the last few years, Lisa has become a staple in the world of comedy. Not only was she a globe-trotting stand up comedian in the before times, but Lisa wrote and worked on hit shows like The Office, The Jim Jeffries Show, and TruTV’s hilarious comedy competition show Comedy Knockout, which featured appearances from several hilarious people who have also graced our digital pages. Lisa has had a career with a list of achievements that only begin to reflect just how absolutely god damn funny she is.

If I am being completely honest (I mean, what’s the point of lying?), my first realization of Lisa’s brilliance came from a place that is sometimes the most uninspiring digital place on earth. Of course, I mean Twitter. It was a couple of years ago when I began to notice that everybody on that wretched site that I actually admired was sharing Curry’s witty and hilarious tweets, and that I should jump on board. And it’s been a hell of a ride since. In addition to that, she also became a regular attendee of You Up with Nikki Glaser, alongside our dear friend and past guest Tom Thakkar. So, for all of you regular readers out there, you can probably guess that she runs with the same wonderful folks we have bene known to showcase in the past. So you know she’s damned hilarious!

As Lisa will mention below, Lisa has a new podcast! It’s called Long Story Long with Lisa Curry. It is currently premiering on Sirius XM’s She’s So Funny Channel 771 each Thursday until February 11th at 12 p.m. PST, 8 p.m. EST. After that, look for her brilliance on iTunes! Read on for more deets.

So Folks, please enjoy some wonderful words from the hilarious human being, the great Lisa Curry!

 

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What inspired you to get into the world of comedy? Was it something you aspired to do since your youth, or did you happen to find yourself in this world one day?

I kind of slowly stumbled into comedy. I always loved performing – I was in dance as a kid and I’d often put on little recitals with my friends at home, but I was in my twenties before I really realized that comedy is a viable line of work. My family is working class and so I grew up thinking jobs in the arts were a mere fantasy. I watched a ton of comedy with my family, mostly sitcoms, but because it was the only genre of television we watched, I didn’t realize it was comedy. As in, I thought everything was funny. It didn’t occur to me that there were shows without jokes in them. I don’t think it really sank into my brain that anyone on TV was making money, or at least I didn’t consider it. I thought Johnny Carson and Jerry Seinfeld had somehow been ordained as comedians.

What was your first paid gig in the world of comedy? And were there any sort of lessons learned from this experience that still impacts your work to date?

I couldn’t even guess what my first paid gig was, but I’m sure it didn’t pay much. I started standup in Los Angeles, which is about as good a place to start as Antarctica. Nothing pays and everyone’s waiting for a celebrity to drop in and do some time. I’m glad that’s the case, because it’s part of what drove me to go on the road. The gigs I’ve done outside of LA have been incredibly impactful to my life and career.

I always like to ask comedians who (used?) to travel across the globe making people laugh this one question: What are some of the more obscure cities and/or venues that you have enjoyed performing in? What are some places that most people may not realize are wonderful places for live comedy?

I had one of the best shows of my life in a theater in Copenhagen. I couldn’t believe how good the crowd was. Of course, that’s not really an obscure city, but I certainly wasn’t anticipating the very warm welcome I got. Another unlikely place I love is Wales. I was the first American to perform in the Mach Comedy Festival, and so I’m very partial to Wales. The people there are very warm and welcoming and love to laugh.

 

 

Can you tell us a bit about your new show Long Story Long with Lisa Curry, currently on Serius XM? While it seems just about mandatory for comedians to have a podcast these days, I am still always curious to know what makes them want to do their own specific show? So what made you want to do this project?

I had been sitting on the podcast idea for a while, but wasn’t quite bored enough to follow thru with it. Separately, I had become a regular guest on Nikki Glaser’s show on Sirius. The producers liked my appearances on the show and offered me the opportunity to launch my own podcast on the network. I love working with Sirius. It’s great to be able to reach their audience, especially now with standup comedy on pause.

If you were greenlit & received an unlimited budget to create the biopic (series, film, etc.) of any figure from the days of comedy past, who would you choose?

Carol Burnett. She’s incredible! Has been for decades. To my knowledge, no one has made a flashy documentary about her. Those are all reserved for men and serial killers.

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

Who knows! I’m dying to get back to standup, but I’m unwilling to put people’s lives at risk to tell jokes. I have a couple projects I’ve been shopping around. Hopefully, one will take off soon. In the meantime, you can subscribe to Long Story Long on iTunes, so you’ll get new episodes as they drop there beginning February 18th.

Your readers can find me at my website: lisacurry.net / on Twitter: @lisa_curry / on Instagram: @olympianlisacurry . 

What was the last thing that made you smile?

My dog. Every morning I wake up, I’m so grateful to get to spend another day with her.

Jamel Johnson [Interview]

 

Hello Folks! Today we are excited to share with you all some words from an absolutely brilliant stand up comedian and podcaster. It’s Jamel Johnson, Everyone! Jamel is a hilarious comedian that I had being hearing as a guest on several different podcasts, but especially with our dear friends and past guests on All Fantasy Everything. After probably three appearances, I decided that this man was downright hilarious and needed to be thrown into my regular podcast rotation.

Jamel is the co-host of two wonderful athletic podcasts, Air Buds and Sorry We Love Football. And on a personal note, I have to say that Jamel actually brought back my interest in sports! Well, that and a year of not a damn thing to do, but mainly Jamel! I had long since forgotten about the joy of basketball, until I starting listening to Air Buds regularly, and decided I should probably know who the hell some of these people are that they were talking about. But nevertheless folks, I truly believe that even if you are not deeply knowledgable (as am I) about basketball and/or football, you are going to love his shows. There have even been a few crossovers with some of our friends and past guest like Steve Hernandez, Zak Toscani, Liza Treyger, Billy Wayne Davis, and many more!

Also, for a person recommendation, I highly encourage everyone to watch his “Jamel Johnson Critiques Black Lives Matter Art” on Team Coco’s (Conan O’Brien team) YouTube channel. It’s one of the most hilarious videos of 2020, in my humble opinion.

So Folks, please enjoy some amazing words from the brilliant Jamel Johnson!

 

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What inspired you to get into the world of comedy? Was it something you aspired to do since your youth, or did you happen to find yourself in this world one day?

It was watching stand up with my family at a real young age and seeing how people react to laughter.

What was your first paid gig in the world of comedy? And were there any sort of lessons learned from this experience that still impacts your work to date?

I got 50 bucks to do 30 minutes at this spot, Axum Lounge. It was pretty empty so it was low pressure but I realized I really only had like 15 minutes pretty fast. The lesson being, write more jokes be over prepared basically.

I always like to ask comedians who (used?) to travel across the globe making people laugh this one question: What are some of the more obscure cities and/or venues that you have enjoying performing in? What are some places that most people may not realize are wonderful places for live comedy?

I don’t travel much but being from DC I am extremely biased. DC Improv is the best club. Love a underground music venue anywhere really.

 

 

Besides the fact that it is practically required for every comedian to have a podcast, I am always curious to know the origin behind fine shows such as yours, the wonderful Air Buds podcast. You’ve had some of our dear friends and past guests on the show actually, like Steve Hernandez, Zak Toscani, Mike Mulloy, & more. So what made you want to put this show out into the digital either?

Well, in 2016 I had just moved to LA and linked with Mike Benner pretty early on and I did his live show, Mixtape, in a SuperSonics shirt and he was like do you wanna do a basketball show with me and Peter? Lol pretty simple shit but back then we were like it’s a lot of basketball people who can crack jokes but there’s not a lot of comedians talking basketball. That’s obviously changed but I think we’ve adapted with the times

If you were greenlit & received an unlimited budget to create the biopic (series, film, etc.) of any figure from the days of comedy past, who would you choose?

2 come to mind.

Martin Lawrence: He’s from DC so I’m hooked already. Then he’s like the biggest voice in black comedy for most of the 90s arguably. There’s a rise. There’s a fall. Sex, drugs, violence, etc.

Kim Wayans: Could be a real ill story of one the only women in the room for a lot of comedy classics. Plus she’s in like a comedy Royal Family at this point.

 

 

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

You can expect me to keep trucking on these pods, Baby. @Airbudspod for any basketball needs, @SorryweloveNFL for my American football thoughts. I’m personally at @nonprofitcomic on Twitter and @broccolihouse on IG. My website is BroccoliHouse.com and I have 30 minutes of live quarantine safe standup you watch up there right now. It’s just me with no audience which is weird but chill.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Oh yesterday I was playing Street Fighter online and had a sick comeback with my first born son, Zangief. I was very pleased with myself.

Duane Whitaker [Interview]

 

Holy Smokes, Folks! We have an absolutely incredible interview for you all here today! Today’s guest is a writer and performer that I have wanted to have on the site since jump! It’s Duane Whitaker, Everyone! If you are a horror fan, you absolutely know and love this man. And if you are a 30 something film nerd who started watching indie film in the mid to late 90’s, it’s quite possible you would definitely tell somebody at a party that Pulp Fiction is your all time favorite film, and in that case, you know Duane as well!

Duane Whitaker has been working in the world of film and television for about as long as I have been alive. He is more than a character actor, he is an actor with character. Whenever this guy shows up on the screen, which is often, you just know that the story you are seeing told out on the screen will be either amplified or improved, depending on how things are going. He is a man of brilliance, and as you will learn from his words below, a hell of a nice guy.

So Folks, please enjoy some incredible words from the absolutely brilliant Duane Whitaker!

 

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What inspired you to get into the world of entertainment? Was it something you have aspired to do since your youth? Or did you happen to find yourself in this world one day?

I kind of decided to be an actor when I was in high school. I got some encouragement from a couple of people and really went at it shortly after that. Did theater there in my hometown of Lubbock Texas there for about three years and then moved to LA.

What was your first paid gig in the world of entertainment? And were there any sort of lessons learned from this experience that still affects your work to date?

My first professional acting job I guess would be there at the Hayloft Dinner theater. I was a “Haymaker.” We did a preshow thing and waited on tables in between acts. You also played smaller parts in the main show. It was an interesting gig…

You have done some amazing work in the one of our favorite genre of film here at TWS, and that genre is horror. From working alongside dear friends of ours such as Leslie Easterbrook, Sid Haig (RIP), & Daniel Roebuck in films directed by Rob Zombie, to action-horror classics like From Dusk Till Dawn 2, which happens to be co-written and directed by our old pal Scott Spiegel…you’ve done it all! So I am curious to know what it is that you enjoy about the world of horror? What do you believe sets it apart from other genres?

As far as doing so much work in the horror genre, it wasn’t planed or anything. I think I’ve been a part of something like 7 different horror franchises. I used to say I was in the horror genre but not of the genre. I know less about it than you might think but I enjoy working in it. I’ve got to play some interesting characters. I worked really early on with Jeff Burr in some horror stuff and got known a little within that world. I’m an actor and I like to work. The genre has giving me some opportunities to do that. The fan base is really loyal. I do Conventons sometimes and it’s interesting to talk to the fans about the stuff I’ve been involved in.

 

 

In 1992, you wrote and starred in the title role of the indie gem of a film Eddie Presley is one of the most unique sounding films that I sadly have not had the chance to see. But, I promise you I will! Either way, can you tell our readers a bit about the film? Where did the idea for this incredible original story come from?

Eddie Presley was a movie I wrote and started  in which started as a one man play I did. It was an idea that I’d been kicking around for years and something just clicked and I sat down and wrote the play in one night. Jeff Burr directed it and we had an amazing cast. I’ve been kind of critical of the movie through the years but I’m very proud of it. The people who like it, like it a lot. It seems to mean something to them. It was a pretty great opportunity for me and I’m proud of the work. Lawrence Tyranny said we should have called the movie Eddie Depressly.

 

And it would behoove me to ask about your absolutely legendary performance in one of the most renowned films of all time, Pulp Fiction. And of all the moments in the film that are memorable, I would make a strong argument that your scene with Peter Greene, Ving Rhames, Bruce Willis & our old pal Stephen Hibbert is by far the most intense and shocking. So how was your experience working on this film? And even further, how do make something that is so damn dark, an enjoyable experience to create? Were there any ways of taking the tension away during filming?

Yeah, Pulp Fiction was a pretty amazing experience. Quentin had played a small part in Eddie Presley  and I ran into him while he was casting it. I read it, thought it was a great script. We shot for about a week. I felt like it was something special and the part was pretty damn interesting but I don’t think any of us knew it was going to explode like it did.  Pretty damn happy to be in that one. I don’t remember a lot of tension at least on my part. I was a little shocked at how bizarre the sequence was when I saw it the first time cut together.

 

 

With a career that is entering it’s 5th decade, and having worked on so many incredible projects in all of them, I am curious to know how you feel the world of acting has changed over the years? With all of the advancements in technology over the years, what do you believe is the biggest difference from when you started? Also, at its core, what do you believe to be the same?

As far as things changing through the years, the technology has jumped. When I started it was a lot more difficult and expensive to make a movie. Now anybody with a phone can do it. There are a lot of things that have changed on the technical side but the actual work from my perspective is the same. A very smart person once said, “Acting is being truthful in imaginary circumstances.” That’s what I’ve always tried to do. The part of this business I really enjoy is the space between action and cut. All the other stuff? Not so much.

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

As far as what I’m up to at the moment, obviously it’s a bit slow right now. I’m set to do a couple of things soon including a horror thing but we shall see. I’ve have some films sitting and waiting at the moment. A film called Edge Of Town which we shot in Georgia a while back. A film I just did recently called Lucky Louie which was shot in Pennsylvania and directed by my friend Dan Roebuck and his daughter.  I’ve probably worked with Danny more than anyone else at this point. We met as extras on General Hospital so you can imagine how long ago that was. Just shot [a film for] kids called Sally Floss: Digital Detective.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

The last thing that made me smile was watching my dog do something stupid.

 

Kelly Masterson [Interview]

 

Hello Folks! We are headed to the proverbial writer’s room again for our latest interview. Today we have the absolutely legendary playwright & screenwriter of projects such as the legendary Sydney Pollack directed Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead which usually lands respectably somewhere on many different lists of my favorite films. It’s Kelly Masterson, Everyone!

For years, Kelly was writing plays that were controversial and mind-blowing in their time, as they tended be geared towards such “astonishing” things as being gay and the importance of social justice and environmental torture that non cis-white dudes were (are) bringing down on to people they did not agree with. Can you imagine the audacity of Mr. Masterson? How dare he? I kid of course. While I have not been privy to these works, I have had the great fortune to see his work that was written for the screen. And while Snowpiercer originated as a graphic novel, knowing his previous work in the world of the theatre, it’s easy to see why Kelly was the best person for the job when it came to writing the 2013 film that would be directed by the forthcoming Academy Award winning director, Bong Joon Ho.

We are so very excited to have Kelly join us here at TWS to learn a bit more about this legendary figure. So Folks, please enjoy some wonderful words from the brilliant writer, Kelly Masterson!

 

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What inspire you to get into the world of writing and entertainment in general? Was it something you have strived to do since your youth, or did you happen to find yourself in this world one day?

I started as an actor when I was 10 years old performing in community theater plays and got bit by the show biz bug.  I had an aunt and an uncle who were Broadway performers and that was my first dream.   I wrote my first stage play while I was in college with the intent of starring in it.  I never studied writing but read every play I could get my hands on.  I was influenced by Tennessee Williams and Eugene O’Niell (that should be pretty apparent in my work). 

In the early 80’s, there were exciting contemporary playwrights that inspired me – Lanford Wilson, Peter Schaffer and, the one that blew my mind, Harvey Fierstein.  His play, Torch Song Trilogy, made me want to write plays.  I wrote a play about five men with AIDS living in a hospice (Touch).  It won a local playwriting contest in Las Vegas and was subsequently produced in San Francisco and Boston.  Again, it was written primarily for me to act in.  It opened off-off-Broadway in 1987 and, while I was not in it, my husband was.  We moved to New York where I tried to be an actor.  Alas, I had no luck.  Over time, my scripts stopped being vehicles for myself and rather expressions of themes and stories that interested me.  Early stage plays were either gay themed or about social justice.  It was not until I started writing for the screen that my themes became more universal. 

 

What was your first paid gig in the world of writing and/or entertainment? And were there any sort of lessons learned from this experience that still affect your work to date?

My first performance was in the role of Sir Jim in the play Sir Slob and the Princess (I know, what a bombshell!) at the Huntington Beach Playhouse.  My first script was Happymattox (I know, how horrible), a musical comedy about Ulysses Grant and Robert E. Lee.  Luckily for me, no copy exists.  My first screenplay was Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead.

 

 

Your debut original screenplay Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead will always be not only one of my favorite heist films, but just one of the best stories ever brought to screen in my opinion. I am curious to know what made you want to bring this story into the world? 

 

I read a book by John Burnham Schwarz (Reservation Road) that had a fascinating structure.  It told the story from one point of view before backing up and telling it from a second. I stole that structure and made it even more complicated by pursuing three POV’s in Devil.  I wrote it without knowing where it was going to go so I was surprised by it.  It was very dark and maybe that is because it was a very harsh winter while I was writing it.  I wanted to write about fathers and sons.  I wanted to write about obsession.  Each of the three male characters have obsessive behavior they cannot break free of even though it leads them to tragedy.

And when you first heard that the legend himself, Sidney Lumet was interested in working on what would unfortunately turn out to be his last project?

It was May 15, 2006 that I learned that Sydney Lumet was directing.  I was working at a bank in New York City.  My lawyer called me and asked if I was sitting down.  I sat down.  She told me she just learned from the producer that Devil was greenlit with Sydney directing.  I was also told the casting for the first time that day. I was so overwhelmed and happy.  I wrote it 7 years earlier and it had bounced around for years and I came to think it might never happen.  My lawyer and I celebrate every May 15^th.  

I don’t really have the words to describe how grateful and lucky I am to have had Sydney direct this movie.  It was his last.  It was my first.  It has made my career.  I quit the bank on August 1 of that same year and have worked as a writer ever since.  I am so proud of the movie that Sydney made out of my script.

 

 

And of course, it would behoove us to ask about your 2013 film Snowpiercer, as it is another wonderful story that is an incredible analogy for the struggle of class warfare and social injustice. Can you tell us a bit about where in your mind this story was coming from? And do you believe the message you wanted to convey was carried on the screen?

Snowpiercer existed as a graphic novel before Director Bong Joon Ho and I adapted it.  So, the bones of the story already existed.  Director Bong and I discussed early on in the process the themes of inequality, injustice and revolution that we wanted to emphasize.  This project was such a joy to work on.  Director Bong is a wonderful collaborator and, of course, an amazing, visionary director.  He is also a wonderful man.  The success of the movie, and the clarity of its message, are terrific achievements and I am proud to have been a part of them.

 

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

 

I have written another script for Director Bong and hope that he will find time in his very busy, post-Parasite schedule to make it.  I have a few other feature projects in the works, including one which we hope to shoot this summer, Covid willing, to be directed by Steven Shainberg (Secretary) and starring Juliette Binoche.  I have a few TV projects in development.  I am lucky to get the opportunity to continue writing.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

From the silly: my dog chasing birds on the beach; to the profound: the prospect of Joe Biden’s inauguration which is tomorrow as I write this.  These made me smile today.

 

Mike Carrozza [Interview]

 

Hello Folks! And welcome back to Trainwreck’d Society for yet another incredible interview for your beloved eyeholes. Today we have one of my downright favorite comedians of the modern era. It’s Mike Carrozza, Everyone! I have to be straight up honest here, and let you know that I have only become acutely aware of Mike’s comedy over the last 6ish months. As most of you know, I listen to a LOT of podcasts. And many times, especially when a comedian is promoting a new album, I tend to hear the same guest on many of the podcasts I love. And this was definitely the case in regards to Mike for about a month stretch this last summer when he was promoting his debut comedy album, Cherubic. He appeared on 4 of my absolute favorites in just a months time, and then again on another a couple of months later. Specifically, I heard him on Who’s Your God?, Stand By Your Band, Dumb People Town, Doug Loves Movies, and Never Seen It. Now if, these sound familiar to you regular readers, that makes sense. These shows feature folks like Amy Miller, Steve Hernandez, Tom Thakkar, Tommy McNamara, Daniel Van Kirk, and Kyle Ayers….all past guests! And now, we are so excited to have Mike join the TWS family amongst some lovely company!

One amazing characteristic about Mike Carrozza, that we will definitely get into in the words below, is that he is just..so…fucking…NICE. It sort of hurts to say that a person’s general way of being is just to be nice is such a revelation, but sadly it is true. Mike has made a name for himself for simply being a kind human being. Which is a quality that sadly isn’t found that often in the world, let alone the world of stand up comedy. But to be fair, along with the names mentioned above, there is a solid group of very nice people. But, I would bet dollars to donuts (as another nice boy comedian and past guest, Sean Jordan, would say) that Mike Carrozza is the NICEST GUY IN COMEDY! There I said it, all caps. This dude is the best.

Mike also has two wonderful podcasts, xBummerxBoysx & We Didn’t Get A Rose, that he will mention below, and they have become a part of my regular rotation, and I highly recommend you all do the same. I would say that I demand you do it, but I don’t believe Mike would want me saying such a thing. See? He is rubbing off on me. Hopefully he does the same for the world.

So Folks, thank you all for dropping by, and please enjoy some incredible words from the brilliant and hilarious Mike Carrozza!

 

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What inspired you to get into the world of comedy? Was it something you have strived to do since your youth, or did you happen to find yourself in this world one day?

I’d always been interested in jokes and making people laugh at a young age. I grew up watching some cartoons which mostly always had comedy in them and stuff like Whose Line is it Anyway? or Friends. I think most importantly, Just For Laughs tapings would air on The Comedy Network (Canadian Comedy Central basically) and I would watch those with my dad. So I was in it early. Pair that with the fact that I’m from Montreal and grew up there, where the Just For Laughs festival happens, I just gravitated to it strongly. My dad would always tell me street jokes or jokes he’d read online or whatever. I’d memorize them and tell them at school. I got a reputation for being a jokester and leaned in. Before I knew it, I was doing jokes at my elementary school recorder concerts between the grades. I hosted my elementary school graduation, lots of high school events, sketch and whatnot in college and university before doing stand up when I was 19. Honestly, I was doomed from the start, bud!

 

What was your first paid gig in the world of comedy? And were there any sort of lessons learned from this experience that still affect your work to date?

I really couldn’t tell you what my first paid gig was. I had won money from like little competition shows or open mics where the host would have the audience vote for their favourite and I’d won a few times. But honestly, the first time I got paid for comedy and booked with the understanding of being paid was when I started getting booked to host open mic night at The Comedy Nest and then weekends hosting or guest spots. David Acer’s really been good to me and The Comedy Nest is my home club. I hope they’ll be alright after all this. I love that place and the people there. Shout out to Sheila and Dougie and Ellie and Theo and Peter and Ocean and Justin and…

 

Back when the world was “normal”, what were some of your favorite unconventional spots to do comedy? Were there any cities and/or venues that you worked in that the average comedy fan would never have thought to be a great place for comedy?

I think what [Kyle] Kinane does by doing shows at punk venues is the coolest and the best. I love that. I think in the spirit of that, my favourite unconventional venue I’ve performed in would be a house show for bands I really like. I got to go up between bands whose work I was already a huge fan of like Gulfer, Secret Stuff, and I Love Your Lifestyle. Some of them were online friends because the emo revival/math rock community is relatively small. It was just so cool to not only see them, but to be on the lineup and watch the audience and my new friends laugh at my dumb jokes. I’d known the Gulfer guys for a while and shout out to them and their incredible new record. They’re so good, please check them out. Shout out to Jessica too, always.

 

You have one of the absolutely positive vibes when it comes to your social media presence, especially in the sometimes virtual hellscape that is Twitter. Yet, you work in a field that is often littered (sometimes even in a hilarious way) with negativity. So I simply have to ask…how do you do it? I can only imagine from what I have heard that your delightfully positive attitude is not simply a social media thing, but is just your nature. So, how the shit do you keep it together, Sir?

I think it has something with being sheltered and naive if I’m being completely transparent. I haven’t struggled with things too hard besides you know the emotional stuff. I’ve always had some support of some kind and people who believe in me. It’s also so much nicer to look on the bright side. I’m certainly capable of being critical and blunt and whatever, but I prefer it to be in service of bettering people’s lives. I don’t believe at this moment in altruism, but there are still so many stories that challenge that. From a personal perspective, I love being a nice guy and to give to others, to make them feel good, etc. However, it’s not entirely selfless because I know it makes me feel good. But there are stories of people out there just doing the right thing and sacrificing for others. I will also say that my online presence isn’t necessarily always positive, like i’ve had my share of tweeting about anti-maskers being absolute fucking morons or earnestly believing people who believe/follow Trump deserve to be punished severely for it. It’s not all positive, but I can say it is in service of making things more positive for everybody.

 

 

Can you tell us a bit about your podcast xBummerxBoysx? Besides the fact that it is practically a requirement these days to have a podcast, where did this premise come from? And how did you know that this was something that you could do really, really, well?

“Really really well”? Thank you, that’s so nice! xBummerxBoysx! We have the Xs there to make it look like a dumb hardcore band! We started it literally right before the pandemic. Alex Kolanko (my co-host) and I had been talking about music for a long time and one day hanging out we both said it’d be cool to just talk about tunes on a podcast where we can have friends on or even people we haven’t met but admire. We were thinking like “Oh, man! Spanish Love Songs are gonna be in town in April and I have a connection to them, maybe we can get them on the podcast!” But then we ended up reaching out to Dylan (SLS’ singer) deeper into the pandemic, because why not! And he did it and it ruled and I can’t believe it sometimes! I love his band and to just hang out and be funny with someone you admire and appreciate, what a feeling!

The premise is that we talk about songs that made us sad that week and also talk about one nice thing from the same week. When we have a guest, we get to know them and their relationship with music before talking about our selections and why they made us sad.

I did however start a new podcast at the beginning of 2021 called We Didn’t Get a Rose with me and Chris Mejia. It’s a Bachelor/Bachelorette/Bachelor in Paradise recap show and maybe if Are You The One? comes back, we’ll cover that, too. It’s been really fun and honestly having two podcasts to focus on has been very good for me. This has absolutely been the roughest time of my life as I’m sure plenty of people can relate. I essentially built my life and self-worth into how I can help and impact people. Comedy makes me feel great because laughter is my favourite feeling and I assume those who seek it out feel similarly. That’s the quickest validation that what I do has a positive impact on people. Now that that’s gone (and Zoom shows, while they can be fun, they caaaaaan’t replicate the feeling), having two chunks of time a week where I can hang out with friends and cool people I’m meeting, make some laughs happen, talk about stuff I like, man it’s a good feeling.

 

 

If you were handed the opportunity, with an unlimited budget, to write/direct/star, whatever you would like basically, in the biopic of any legendary figure in American history, who would it be?

This is a good question and I have no idea how to answer it. The Canadian in me wants to say “hmmm why American huh?! They already get to dominate our sitcom slots to the point that our country doesn’t invest into its own art or identity or star system! Why should it be an American!” but also realizes “The reach!”

That said though, the first person to come to mind was Chris Farley. I have a fondness for how well loved he was and his legacy, but those final years definitely have some room for a truly dramatic turn that I am eager to sink my teeth into. I have a degree in Theatre with a specialization in Performance and what can I say, I miss it! But I think if I was to take a day on this question, I’d pick another person, but then keep changing every 15 minutes. Either way, agents out there if you’re reading this, first of all thank you, second of all, I’m money on the table. Get me in the rooms and I’ll bake us some bread, baby!

 

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

I have an album out called Cherubic available wherever you get your music (Apple Music, Spotify, iTunes, Bandcamp, etc). I’m really proud of it. It was included in the 2020 comedy roundup The Comedy Bureau put out and Jake wrote some really nice things that made me smile. Please check it out!

My podcasts xBummerxBoysx and We Didn’t Get a Rose are weekly podcasts so subscribe to those please.

I’m sure I’ll be doing more Zoom shows here and there so follow me on Twitter or Instagram @mikecarrozza I’m way more active on Twitter.

I’ve gotten to do some pretty cool stuff last year despite everything. I worked with my favourite comedian, appeared on some of my favourite podcasts (Doug Loves Movies and Dumb People Town, I couldn’t believe it when I got those emails), I got to play Magic: The Gathering with friends all over the world, I got to play Magic DnD with Rachel Weeks, Dan Sheehan and Sheldon Menery (one of the guys who came up with the Magic format I play! Isn’t that nuts!). Hopefully, 2021 will lead to more cool stuff. But I learned that I’m just going to have to ask for things I want. So follow me on Twitter and keep up :).

 

What was the last thing that made you smile?

I was going to be cheesy and say this question because it did lead me to reflect on a bunch of cool stuff that I ultimately mentioned in the last question.

But truthfully, the last thing that made me smile was just earlier today I started laughing because as a joke to myself I started learning Danish on DuoLingo. It’s a wild language, it’s so strange and funny sounding to me. But it’s so cool. I did it because I got a screener to see Druk starring Mads Mikkelsen (good movie!) and I thought it might be helpful. But now I’m on my third day of Danish and I was doing a few levels on DuoLingo before getting to this questionnaire and I had a hard laugh at the fact that I’m now invested. Like I’m actually learning Danish. WHAT?! Hahaha isn’t that the silliest turn? I was so amused by it.

But if you had asked me right before then I’d have probably said a tweet or something. It’s a nightmare hellscape of a site, but it has made me laugh.

Anyway bud hope this was good enough for ya! Fart city, baby!

Thanks for asking me 🙂 love and appreciation

Rebecca Matthews [Interview]

 

Hello Folks! We have another wonderful interview to share with you all today. We have an absolute genius from the world of horror, fantasy, and beyond, it’s the incredible Rebecca Matthews! To begin with, Rebecca wore multiple hats (from producer, director, casting director, & more) on two of my favorite horror films from the last Halloween season, Cupid and The Candy Witch. Both of which are amazing and you should definitely check out ASAP. Don’t wait for October for a good scare, as the world is scary year round. You might as well have some fun with it. We talk about these films in the amazing answers that Rebecca passed along to us.

I did commit one act of damn tom foolery though, I must admit. At the time I was making up the questions for Matthews, I somehow failed to realize that she is also the mastermind beyond the absolutely incredible film, Pet Graveyard. Before I get too into the details of what I loved about this film, be sure to check out our review from 2019. But it is suffice to say that I absolutely LOVED this film, and while it may have been titled with a circumstance of requirements for sales, I will forever attest that it is a brilliant stand alone film despite any sort of supposed likeliness to any other film that could have possibly been remade and released in the same year. In fact, I would highly recommend it over any other hypothetical project that might have been around in that same year.

So here we are, with an extremely talented producer, director, editor, and so much more. Beyond the couple of films we talk about in the interview below, as well as the beloved Pet Graveyard, Rebecca has worked on several incredible projects. Some I have watched in the past, but sadly didn’t get a chance to cover here, as well as a some (at least one) film that is forthcoming, and is absolutely wonderful! So Folks, please enjoy some incredible words from the amazing Rebecca Matthews!

 

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What inspired you to get into the world of entertainment? Was it an early aspiration you can always remember having since your youth, or did you just find yourself in this world one day?

I’ve always had aspirations to be involved in the world of showbiz ever since I was a youngster, so it’s something I’ve always strived to be involved with in some way. I had originally done my training in theatre before exploring other roles and avenues in the world of film, so this was something that I ended up gravitating towards in the end.

 

What was your first paid gig in the world of entertainment? And were there any kind of lessons learned from this project that still affect your work today?

I did A LOT of unpaid work before I ended up getting a paid gig. I had to build up my experience, knowledge and professionalism so these unpaid jobs actually ended up being some of the most valuable experiences I’ve ever had in a roundabout way. I feel like there were many hard lessons learnt on my first fully paid feature film as a producer — the results actually weren’t that great as an outcome so a lot of lessons were learnt. I find that with each new project I’m learning something new – it never stops – but that keeps me on my toes and makes the jobs even more rewarding to know that you are learning and growing after each project.

 

I recently really enjoyed one of your most recent films, Cupid, which features our friend and past guest Sarah T. Cohen. I am curious to know what drew to Scott Jeffrey’s insane story?

Scott had the idea of doing a Cupid horror movie a while back so it was great to be involved in the development and production of this. I was excited by the premise and concept as it’s something that hasn’t really been seen from any movies I have knowledge of – where Cupid is being depicted as a monster over valentines day. It was fun to take the myth of this figure and put our own little spin on it.

And another recent project you also worked as a director as well as a producer is the film The Candy Witch, which is also phenomenal! So what was it about this project that made you want to bring it to the world?

Ah thank you for the kind words! I am a fan of supernatural ghost horrors so I was really excited to be able to direct this kind of movie as it’s something I hadn’t done myself before. It was a huge challenge as we only had 6 days to shoot the entire thing! But the team were amazing and I’m pretty proud of the outcome given the restrictions we had to work with.

 

 

In your own personal opinion, what do you believe it is that makes the horror genre special? What sets it apart from other genres you have worked in?

I love working with horror because there is so much to be played with – the emotional stakes for the characters are always high, there’s drama, action, thrill, supsense, gore. It’s like a filmmaker’s dream to dabble with all of that in one movie and that’s why I love it as an audience member too. Horror has so many sub genres too – be it supernatural, slasher, psychological etc – it’s so varied and interesting from project to project. I love delivering content to horror audiences as well – it’s a great audience to be working with.

 

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

I’ve been delving into the action genre recently with some upcoming releases in 2021 – including HellKat and The Gardener which I’m pretty excited about. I’ve also worked on a heavy CGI monster movie which is hopefully getting a release in 2021 too, that was definitely a new challenge for me. Upcoming projects, I am co-directing another supernatural ghost horror early this year which I hope can be turned around in time for a late 2021 release – plus a couple of Shark movies – it’s going to be a crazy year!

 

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Doing this interview – of course 😀

Zed Cutsinger [Interview]

Hello Folks! Welcome back to another wonderful interview here at Trainwreck’d Society. Today we have an absolutely wonderful guest. It’s Zed Cutsinger, Everyone! Zed is a former amateur wrestler, and current podcast co-host of the brilliant shows Views From the Vista & The Male Gaze, both alongside our dear friend and past guest Steve Hernandez, as well as the latter being co-hosted by another past guest of ours, the great Allen Strickland Williams. They are two of my favorite podcasts for very different reasons, both of which I never miss each week.

Zed is an absolutely hilarious human being and we are so excited to have him grace our digital pages. He’s just an overall sweet man, and it is an absolute joy to have him with us. He is also delightfully devoted to his wife, and also co-host of Views From the Vista, Honor Nezzo. So I offer my sincerest apologies if the above photo of Zed might have gotten you all riled up. Please try to control yourselves.

So Folks, please enjoy some wonderful words from the brilliant Zed Cutsinger!

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What inspired you to get into the world of entertainment? Was it something you have aspired to do since your youth, or did you just happen to find yourself in this world one day?

My first tastes of “entertainment” were in high school. When I was a freshman I ran for class treasurer. I was thirsty for power. For my speech I just wrote a few minutes of inane drivel. Just a laundry list of reasons I should be elected: how I treated old ladies nicely, I always tied my shoes, etc. Really stupid stuff. It got a reaction and from that point forward my thirst for power could only be clenched by laughter. I never thought it was something I could do beyond the audience of a classroom until I lived in New York and took an improv class at UCB in 2006.

What was your first paid gig in the world of entertainment? And were there any sort of lessons learned from this project that still affect your work to date?

The first I can recall was in NY, it was an anti-piracy PSA commercial ~2010. During the audition I was supposed to be peddling bootleg DVD’s and I made some joke about Leslie Nielsen (he had died that day). At least one of them must’ve loved The Naked Gun as much as I did. The video was shot in Union Square during a cold period (Fall?) and I sat in a van with crew members waiting to do my “scene”. (It was just a couple lines.) There was some bigger name talent that had to go first and the whole ordeal took so long I never ended up doing my part. I still got paid. My big lesson: Pirating is good.

Can you tell us a bit about one of my new favorite podcasts, Views From The Vista? How did you link up with our new friend Steve Hernandez to create one of the best movie podcasts in the game right now?

The Vista Theater is the Greatest Movie Theater Ever. (GMTE). Their matinees were $6.50 so every friday I’d see the first showing of whatever was playing there because why the hell not. I kept running into Steve Hernandez (I liked to save money, I’m not sure what his excuse was). During one of our run ins, I was making him laugh an average amount (LOTS) and when he finally caught his breath he said, “We should do a movie podcast together.” At this point I had never podcasted but something about Steve made me say, “Yes.” We had my girlfriend on for episode ten and from that point forward she, Honor Nezzo, has been a co-host and eventually my wife. When we first started I liked movies but now I love them more than anything (including Honor by a LOT).

What would you say are some of the most difficult genres of films you have covered on VFTV?

Comedies. My natural inclination is to break down the jokes like math and figure out what and what didn’t work about them but I can see that being boring to listen to. And It’s hard to joke about jokes? If that makes sense. Also, since we’re in the world of comedy, belittling/criticizing a movie might come off like we’re better than it. I’m not better than anything (including Honor by a LOT). Then there are movies that are SO humorless and serious (AND NOT GOOD) that it can be a struggle to discuss. (2016’s The Birth of a Nation comes to mind.) We try not to review movies that we dislike. I’d rather recommend something than push someone away from something they might enjoy. I straight up feel bad when someone asks me what I thought about a movie and I say something bad to find out they loved it.

You also co-host another podcast, also with Steve Hernandez, as well as other former guest Allen Strickland Williams, entitled The Male Gaze? Same question as before, sort of. How did this show come to life, and what could our readers expect to hear on it?

Steve and Allen were trying to make a horny podcast with a focus on the news. Honor guilted Steve into having me co-host it with them. She was my girlfriend at the time. But she should’ve been my wife. Since day one. Then we asked Brodie Reed to join us. We do discuss what’s going on in the world but it’s mostly us just gabbing. We’re four dudes… but we’re sensitive. That’s the hook. The only sensitive guys ever. We have a lot of fun. And you will too. Just listen to us already.

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

That’s the question! Watching movies and making people laugh by accident. Hopefully by then (tomorrow) I’ll figure out why they laughed. Check out my two podcasts, Views From The Vista & The Male Gaze, and my Letterboxd as well: @zedcutsinger.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

When I was answering your questions, Honor was watching Bridgerton on Netflix. She got my attention during an intense sex scene. (“Zed! Look!”) That made me smile. And it’s the last thing that’ll ever make me smile. I’m done.

Jonathan Katz [Interview]

 

Hello Folks! And welcome to 2021! Isn’t it great that everything is all better now?! Phew, what a relief! Just kidding, we are still living in a tunnel of misery, but the remote possibility of an end is (sort of) insight. Anyway, let’s kick this year off with an even more special than normal version of our signature interviews here at Trainwreck’d Society. I am really, really, excited for this one, Folks.

To kick off the year, we have some amazing words from the absolutely brilliant man and a legendary figure in the world of comedy. It’s Jonathan Katz, Everyone! If you’re a 90’s kid who grew up on mid to late 90’s Comedy Central (which sounds specific, but oddly I believe there are a lot of you out there), then you will definitely recognize Jonathan as the one and only, Dr. Katz. This was such an ideal show for me growing up. I knew a little bit about stand up comedy at that age. But, I was more on a level, say around 96 or 97, where I was wondering why all the comedians didn’t smash fruit with a mallet as a finale? But, through Dr. Katz, I discovered that what was happening was essentially just a few minutes of stand up, infused with a story line and additional characters. It was revolutionary to me at the time, and still holds as one of the greatest achievements in comedy history.

Basically, Dr. Katz started it all for me just over 20 years ago. I’ve stated my love on this site regarding past guests for pre-South Park Comedy Central, that held so many gems but didn’t really catch a ton of attention until South Park, and later The Chappelle Show. Don’t get me wrong, these shows are classics. But I, being the unknowing hipster that I am, was well into the channel before Viacom realized they have a sound investment on their hands.

Of course, I am rambling on about one single facet of the 40 year career of Jonathan Katz, a man who has an illustrious career both on and off of television. In fact, Dr. Katz has been turned into a wonderful Audible Original series, and he even has bigger plans in the near future. Jonathan was kind enough to take some time out if isolated yet busy schedule to share a few words with us below about how he got into comedy, the legend of Dr. Katz, and what the future holds for him. We are honored to have Jonathan with us to kick off the new year.

So, without any further babbling, please enjoy these amazing words from the brilliant Jonathan Katz!

 

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What initially drew you into the world of comedy? Was it something you were passionate about from your youth, or did you just happen to find yourself in this world one day?

I guess I discovered as a kid that I had a talent for making people laugh.  Before comedy I was drawn to the world of music. While I was living in Chicago, I met a Japanese jazz singer, named Debie Sabusawa and we formed an act called Sabusawa and Katz. I was Katz. In the late 70s, I formed a band in NYC called Katz and Jammers. I was Katz. That led to working as Robin Williams musical director and then, ultimately, to stand-up comedy.

What was your first paid gig in the world of comedy? And were there any sort of lessons learned from this experience that still affects your work to date?

I performed in a red-neck part of Connecticut. The  crowd consisted of a softball team that had just been defeated and they were very drunk. They hated me and after a few minutes the owner of the club came on stage, he took the mic out of my hand and said “You have no business being on stage you. You should get a job in factory” I said, “Wait! I have the administrative skills.”  What did I learn? My comedy is an acquired taste and not everyone has acquired it by the time they get to the club.

With close to 40 years of experience in the world of comedy, and the advancements in technology since you first began, there are clear and obvious differences in the way that comedy is produced and consumed. With that in mind, I am curious to know what aspects of the world of comedy have actually remained the same since you first began? At its core, what do you feel are some applicable characteristics in 2020 that were similar to 1981?

My comedy has always thrived on long pauses and well-crafted jokes. The only thing that has changed is that I’ve gotten better at it.

In my early days and for years, almost my entire act was pre-recorded. I held a guitar in my hands but I wasn’t playing it. The guitar had a tape-recorder built in which could play back on cue.  In fact,.  So the use of technology has always played a part in my act and I still love the challenge of combining comedy and technology.  Right now, I’m doing it on a much larger scale, performing virtually during this pandemic.

I grew up loving Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist on Comedy Central, and it remains one of my all time favorites. I am curious to know what it was like to develop this genius show? Where does an idea like the premise of the show come from? And what would you personally believe to be the ultimate legacy of the series?

Dr. Katz had two creators: Tom Snyder and myself. When we met I had been doing stand-up for 15 years. Tom had built a very successful educational software company.  We had very different skill sets but we both loved comedy. We did several projects together but Dr. Katz was the one with “traction.”

The part of the show that Tom and I liked best was the relationships between Ben, Dr. Katz, and Laura.

 

 

Back when we were allowed to leave our homes, you performed your genius comedy all across the globe. I always like to ask comedians about some of the more interesting rooms or locations that they have worked. Especially within the “fly over states”. So, what are some of the unique places that you have done comedy in? And what are some places that were incredible that most people may not realize are great to do comedy at? 

My favorite place to perform was at Catch a Rising Star in Cambridge, MA – great crowds. The Improv in NYC, where I cut my comedy teeth and learned how important it was to connect with the other comics. Their acceptance meant so much to me. It’s like being part of a club. One of my best night in comedy was opening for the legendary jazz singer and pianist, the late Mose Allison, at the Bitter End in NYC. That club had such an amazing history, with incredible musicians and comedians passing through. It was great feeling like I was a part of that.

In contrast – sometimes I’d be doing a one-nighter in a remote Mid-West town and it felt like I was wearing a Tutu in front of a bunch of pirates — I just wasn’t who they had in mind.

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

I’m looking forward to the vaccine.  In the meantime, I’m working on a new virtual show being streamed by a company called RushTix. This will be the “home version” of Dr. Katz Live.  All my patients and I will be performing in our own homes. Laura and Ben will be part of it and I’ll probably have 4 or 5 patients — TBA.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

A video of my 29 year-old daughter that cracks me up every time I see it. I watch it at least once a day.

 

Be sure to check out Dr. Katz: The Audio Files, only at Audible! And stay in touch with everything that Jonathan has going on a jonathankatz.com.

 

Brian Markinson [Interview]

 

Hello, Folks! Welcome back to another wonderful interview here at Trainwreck’d Society. Today we are sharing some words from a guy who not only appeared in one of our favorite film’s of 2020, but an absolute legendary star of stage and screen for over 30 years. It’s Brian Markinson, Everyone! 

Brian can be seen, as of last week, in the truly heart-warming film All Joking Aside, where he plays a down and out stand up comedy vet who is hired by a would be open mic-er to work on her act. It is a heart-warming tale that moves along brilliantly to get to the bottom of who these characters are deep down. Brian has the delivery for a true road dog comic with a no frills catalyst for dealing with people’s nonsense. The film is great, and that is by all means thanks to the work of Markinson, as well as the rest of the stunning cast.

Brian has done so much other amazing work, which he will discuss below, including 3 different Woody Allen projects, acclaimed Canadian TV series such as Continuum, Shattered, and the most recent, Tribal. Brian was kind enough to give us a little bit of back ground on his career, working on All Joking Aside, and looking ahead towards the future. 

So without any further babbling from me, please enjoy some wonderful words from the brilliant actor, Brian Markinson!

 

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What initially drew you to the world of entertainment? Was it something you have wanted to do since your youth, or did you simply happen to fall into this world one day?

I got started in high school. I had a great drama teacher who made the process safe and fun. I was also drawn to the community of people that were involved in the program. I decided then that acting was going to be the path I pursued.

What was your very first paid gig in the world of entertainment? And were there any sort of lessons learned from this experience that still affects your work to date?

I got my equity card doing a play called Nocturne at a fantastic theatre in New Rochelle, New York called East Coast Playhouse. It was a theatre dedicated to the development of new work. Wonderful playwrights like David Rabe and Percy Granger workshopped their writing there. It had a great subscription audience and critics were not allowed. A very safe place for a writer, director and cast to develop a piece to its full potential. I learned about the importance of collaboration. Art can’t really flourish without it.

You have appeared in 3 different films from one of my personal favorite filmmakers, the legendary Woody Allen. I am curious to know what it is like to work with such a legendary figure. What sets a Woody Allen project apart from the plethora of other filmmakers you have worked with?

I loved working with Woody. He has immense trust in his cast. There is nothing precious about the work. He doesn’t concern himself with vanity. He doesn’t shoot a lot, and much of what he does shoot is in the master shot, so actors can play a scene in real time without the scene being edited to bits. Feels more like theatre. Woody and I played a scene in Curse of the Jade Scorpion walking out of a jazz club in Harlem where he set the camera up across the street and just let it run. No coverage. I think we did 2 or 3 takes and that was it. Absolutely thrilling.

Can you tell us a bit about one of your latest projects, All Joking Aside. What can our readers expect to see? And what made you want to bring this story to the world?

I was approached by the director, Shannon Kohli, who I adore, when we were working together on another project. She asked me to read the script, and I loved the guy, Bob. I said yes immediately. It’s a student/mentor story set in the world of stand-up comedy. It takes a deep dive into the struggles of a young woman, played by Raylene Harewood, who is trying to make it in the world of comedy, and hires an older, retired comic who has heckled her off stage to teach her the ropes . Heart-felt. Funny.

 

 

If you were given free range to create and/or star in the biopic of anybody from U.S. history, who would it be?

I am fascinated by Roy Cohn, who was chief-council to Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Army- McCarthy hearings in 1954, then went on to be one of the most feared attorneys, representing Fred Trump and his son, the 45th president of the USA. Cohn was the template for the Donald Trump we know. Weaponizing fear and lying until the lie becomes truth. I played him in the play Angels In America, and would love another run at him.

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

I am currently in Calgary, filming season 2 of the TV series Tribal. We are filming 10 episodes that will air sometime in 2021.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ victory speeches.

 

 

Brandie Posey [Interview]

 

Hello Folks! Today we have some wonderful words from a full blown KILLER in the world of comedy. It’s Brandie Posey, Everyone! I have been a fan of Brandie’s comedy for quite some time, ever since I first heard her on the Trainwreck’d acclaimed podcast Who’s Your God, hosted by our dear friends Amy Miller and Steve Hernandez. It’s been close to two years since this one singular episode, but it has been a staple in my mind, as I have followed Brandie’s career closely ever since and it has been an absolute delight.

Brandie has co-hosted the incredible podcast, Lady to Lady, for going on 9 years. It’s a wonderful program, and has featured some of our wonderful friends in the past. She also hosts the truly original show Face to Face, that is an absolute must see as well. She digs into these projects and much more in this wonderful interview below. We are so excited to have Posey join the TWS family. It’s truly an honor. With that, please enjoy some amazing words from the great Brandie Posey!

 

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What initially drew you into the world of comedy? Was it something you had aspired to do since your youth, or did you happen to find yourself in this world one day?

I’d always been a big comedy fan – me & my friends in middle school would watch SNL & Seinfeld with notepads & write down our favorite lines, then bring them into lunch the next day. I wanted to write sketch & went to film school where I argued with my professors about the genius of Ace Ventura (I’m a 90’s kid, sue me) then when I graduated I moved to LA & fell in love with alternative stand up at places like the UCB. Paul F Tompkins & Maria Bamford blew my mind & I wanted to be in that world.

What was your first paid gig in the world of comedy? And were there any sort of lessons learned from this experience that still impact your work to date?

I’ve always treated every gig like I was getting paid, even though I’ve done a LOT of free shows over the years, ha. My first paid gig out of town was probably on my first solo tour in 2014 & I learned a ton during that 6 weeks on the road. I am always thankful for a paying audience, they’re more invested a lot of the time than a free audience because they want to get a good night out of what they pay for. I think more shows should charge, and more comedians should really think about what their act is worth to their audience.

As a comic who has been across the country making folks laugh, I am curious to know about some of the more obscure places across the land that you have managed to perform at?

I’ll play just about anywhere, last week I did my first outdoor show in quarantine at a minor league baseball stadium an hour outside of LA. But I’ve playedcemeteries, bowling alleys, dance studios, yoga studios, a truck depot in Central PA – you name it I bet I’ve done some version of it.

And what have been some places that were surprisingly great for stand up comedy? Places that people would not believe are gold mines, or at least good, to perform? 

My favorite show a few years back was in Whitesburg, KY. I’m a huge fan of the Leftist podcast Trillbilly Worker’s Party & had an extra day on tour so I reached out to see if they wanted to meet up & throw a show that night, we were close to Halloween. My openers were a Dolly Parton cover band & a Latinx gal painted like a skeleton dancing to Dia De Los Muertos songs. The audience was a bunch of Appalachian witches & college kids from the surrounding area, it was a total blast. I’m the first comic to ever come through Whitesburg & I’d recommend it to anyone worth a shit.

I am very intrigued by your show that you have taken across the country entitled “Picture This”. Could you tell our readers a bit about this project? How did this idea come to fruition?

“Picture This” is a show that I co-created with Sam Varela my producing partner, it pairs up comedians with animators who draw their jokes during their set. It’s like dealing with the most talented heckler of all time! Remember that old Bugs Bunny costume Duck Amuck where Daffy keeps getting erased & redrawn as different things? It has that vibe haha. We’ve been doing the show in LA for over 9 years now to sold out crowds & in NY for about 6 years now too. We’ve taken it to a ton of festivals & even played the Kennedy Center twice. Now we do the show monthly over Zoom which has been great because we’ve been able to merge our artists & comics from around the country onto the same show. It’s the most fun I have in comedy.

 

 

And since it almost seems mandatory these days, you have a wonderful podcast entitled Lady to Lady, which you have had several guests that were also kind enough to grace the TWS pages (Martha Kelly, Blair Socci, Steph Tolev, Christine Lakin, & more!). Can you tell us a bit about the show for those readers out there who may not be familiar?

Lady to Lady is myself, Babs Gray & Tess Barker. We’ve been going for over 9 years now too & every week we feature a different female identifying comedian (although every once in a while we’ll have on French Stewart haha). We goof off & play games & answer advice & it’s like being at the funniest brunch of all time. We also do ridiculous stunts like we were sent a sex machine by a PR company a few years ago & we sold it off to raise money for a party bus for some listeners & us to go to Magic Mike XXL in Last Vegas, which was a total blast!

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

I’m waiting patiently for live stand up to come back, so you can’t really see me live any time soon, but Lady to Lady drops every Wednesday & we have been doing really fun Zoom shows even 2 months as well – our next one will be on 12/6! “Picture This” is on Zoom every 2nd Saturday of the month & you can get those tickets at https://www.littlefieldnyc.com/. Plus just come follow me on twitter & insta at @brandazzle, I have a cute dog & goofy jokes.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

This morning I was looking at this old picture of my dog with me dressed up as the East Bunny, it kills me every time.