10 Tonight Shows, One HBO Special, and 40 Years of Telling the Truth: The Unstoppable Cathy Ladman

Episode Summary

Hosts Sarah J. Halstead and Rich Chassler sit down with veteran comedian, actress, writer, and comedy coach Cathy Ladman for a rich and deeply personal conversation spanning four decades in stand-up. A native New Yorker now based in Los Angeles, Cathy has appeared on The Tonight Show ten times — with Johnny, Jay, and Jimmy — and was the only female comic to appear on the final two anniversary shows of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. She's won the American Comedy Award for Best Female Stand-Up Comic, headlined an HBO One Night Stand special, written for Roseanne and Caroline in the City, and appeared in films directed by Mike Nichols. In this candid and warmly funny episode, Cathy reflects on her earliest comedy influences (she memorized comedy albums at age 8), the turning points that shaped her career, navigating the comedy industry as a woman, the art and craft of writing jokes, and her upcoming solo show Does This Show Make Me Look Fat? — proving that after 40 years, she's still evolving, still performing, and still utterly herself.

👤 Guest Bio

Cathy Ladman is an award-winning stand-up comedian, actress, television writer, and comedy coach with one of the most accomplished and enduring careers in American comedy. Born October 15, 1955, and raised in New York, she fell in love with comedy at age 8 watching comedians on TV with her father and memorizing the entire Nichols & May Examine Doctors album performing selections for her mother at bedtime.

Her stand-up career spans more than four decades of headline performances at top venues across the country. She is perhaps best known for her 10 appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson (1989–1992), Jay Leno, and Jimmy Fallon (2023) and for being the only female comedian on the last two Tonight Show anniversary specials. She won the American Comedy Award for Best Female Stand-Up Comic (1992), headlined her own HBO One Night Stand special and a Showtime special, appeared 6 times on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and earned a special on Dry Bar Comedy.

As an actress, Cathy has appeared in two Mike Nichols films (What Planet Are You From? and Charlie Wilson's War), as well as Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead, White Oleander, My Fellow Americans, and The Aristocrats. Her television credits include Mad Men, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Everybody Loves Raymond, Modern Family, Pretty Little Liars, Brothers & Sisters, Dr. Katz Professional Therapist, Politically Incorrect, and a recurring role in Caroline in the City. As a writer, she worked on Roseanne, Caroline in the City, The Caroline Rhea Show, The Wayne Brady Show, and co-wrote an episode of The King of Queens. She also performed Off-Broadway in J.A.P. The Princesses of Comedy and was in the 25th anniversary production of Last Summer at Bluefish Cove. Her current project is the upcoming solo show "Does This Show Make Me Look Fat?"

The Los Angeles Times said it best: "Ladman has such clever, well-written material and such a breezy, unassuming delivery that it would be easy to overlook just how good she is: Her act seems effortless."

📣 Calls to Action

• 🎤 See Cathy live — check upcoming dates at cathyladman.com … https://www.cathyladman.com/

• 📺 Watch her Dry Bar Comedy special for a taste of her brilliance

• 🎥 Subscribe to her YouTube channel for classic sets and clips: @cathyLadman … https://www.youtube.com/user/cathyLadman

• 🌐 Explore Moon Tower Comedy Festival at moontowercomedy.com … https://moontowercomedy.com/

• ❤️ Follow Cathy:

  • Instagram @cathyladman1 … https://www.instagram.com/cathyladman1/

  • Facebook … https://www.facebook.com/cathyladman

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:40 Comedy and Personal Experiences

05:32 Wine and Relationships

08:19 Self-Care and Personal Growth

11:09 Comedy Journey and Family Dynamics

13:58 Early Influences and Career Beginnings

16:38 Navigating the Comedy Scene

19:25 Reflections on the Comedy Industry

22:29 The Evolution of Stand-Up Comedy

25:07 Women in Comedy and Personal Stories

29:31 The Journey to Stand-Up Comedy

37:27 Navigating the Comedy Scene

42:25 The Impact of The Tonight Show

48:52 The Art of Writing Comedy

52:33 Balancing Performance and Writing

57:22 Future Projects and Aspirations

🍷 Featured Beverage

Wine - discussed warmly alongside relationship stories and self-reflection.

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#DrinkingDuringBusinessHours #CathyLadman #StandUpComedy #WomenInComedy #TonightShow #HBO #ComedyPodcast #AmericanComedyAward #40YearsOfFunny #ComedyCraft #DoesThisShowMakeMeLookFat

How a Comedy Legacy Shapes Today's Industry: Zoe Friedman's Mission

Hosts Sarah J. Halstead and Rich Chassler sit down with Zoe Friedman, comedy industry veteran, co-founder of Comedy Gives Back, former Late Show with David Letterman talent booker, and daughter of legendary Improv founder Budd Friedman. Zoe didn't just grow up around comedy she grew up inside it, doing cartwheels on stage during Andy Kaufman's Children's Cabarets and getting homework help from Richard Pryor at the bar. From talent booking at Letterman to VP of Development at Comedy Central to co-founding the only nonprofit dedicated solely to the financial, mental health, and recovery needs of stand-up comedians, Zoe's life is a master class in turning a legacy into a lifeline. This episode is a rich, warm, and illuminating conversation about the business behind the laughs, the people who make comedy possible, and why giving back to the comedy community isn't just important, it's essential.

Guest Bio

Zoe Friedman is a Los Angeles-based comedy executive, co-founder of Comedy Gives Back, and one of the entertainment industry's most respected behind-the-scenes forces. The daughter of Budd Friedman, who opened the first comedy club in America The Improvisation in New York City in 1963, Zoe literally grew up in the greenrooms and bar stools of stand-up history, rubbing shoulders with Richard Pryor, Jay Leno, Andy Kaufman, and Jerry Seinfeld before most kids knew what a punchline was.

Zoe launched her professional career as a talent booker and producer for the Late Show with David Letterman (1992–2000), helping shape one of the most iconic comedy platforms in television history. She then moved to Comedy Central as Director of Development, rising to VP of Development & Original Programming, before consulting for Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2012–2014) as a comedian development specialist earning the nickname "the Comic Whisperer" for her rare ability to connect with and develop stand-up talent.

In 2010, alongside co-founders Amber J. Lawson and Jodi Lieberman, Zoe co-founded Comedy Gives Back the only 501©(3) nonprofit dedicated exclusively to stand-up comedians. The organization has granted over $1 million to more than 1,000 comedians, providing financial crisis relief, mental health therapy (in partnership with Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services), and chemical dependency treatment. She is also a co-producer of The Improv: 50 Years Behind the Brick Wall, a documentary featuring Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, and Judd Apatow.

Connect with Zoe

Instagram: @wowiezowie … https://www.instagram.com/woweezowie

Facebook … https://www.facebook.com/zoefriedman

Website … comedygivesback.com … https://comedygivesback.com/

Chapters

0:00

Opening, podcast growth milestones, host check-in

3:02

Wine story and guest introduction welcoming Zoe Friedman

5:48

Legacy of comedy: growing up at The Improv, Budd Friedman's founding story

11:26

The evolution of comedy how the industry has shifted over decades

17:15

Business dynamics in comedy: booking, deals, and personal reflections

22:52

Childhood aspirations, early influences, and formative comedy memories

28:29

The currency of laughter what comedy means as a cultural force

30:15

The craft of stand-up: what makes a great comedian

32:22

The evolution of comedy and its modern challenges

35:12

Behind the scenes of comedy booking (Letterman, Kimmel, Comedy Central)

37:15

The importance of opportunity discovering and developing comedians

41:09

Comedy Gives Back: origin story, mission, and what the org provides

47:24

Supporting comedians in crisis mental health, financial relief, recovery

50:05

Building a sustainable future for the comedy community

Projects & Resources Mentioned

Project / Resource

Description

Link

Comedy Gives Back

501©(3) nonprofit — financial relief, mental health & recovery for comedians

comedygivesback.com

Entertainment Community Fund

Support org for actors & entertainment workers

entertainmentcommunity.org

MusicCares

Music industry equivalent of Comedy Gives Back

musiccares.org

Calls to Action

• 🌐 Visit comedygivesback.com to learn more, donate, or apply for support

• 🎭 Encourage your local comedy clubs to partner with Comedy Gives Back's Club Network

• 🤝 Share resources and CGB information with struggling comedians in your network

• ❤️ Follow & support Zoe: @wowiezowie on Instagram | Facebook

🍷 Featured Beverage

Wine for this episode — pair it with a conversation worth savoring.

🎙️ Hosts

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Sarah

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Rich

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Website richardchassler.com

📧 [email protected] 🎧 Please rate & review the podcast on your favorite platform — it helps more than you know!

#DrinkingDuringBusinessHours #ZoeFriedman #ComedyGivesBack #TheImprov #BuddFriedman #StandUpComedy #ComedyPodcast #MentalHealth #Philanthropy #LettermanShow #ComedyCentral #GivingBack

I Don't Want to Be Strong Today: Vanessa Graddick, The Social Worker Who Became a Comedian

Hosts Sarah J. Halstead and Rich Chassler sit down with the brilliantly funny and deeply thoughtful Vanessa Graddick, comedian, producer, social worker, and now published author. Vanessa opens up about starting comedy on November 1, 2006, after her mother's cancer diagnosis, serving Allen Iverson at Applebee's, performing for troops across Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, South Korea, and Japan, and why she believes every human being should be required to work in a restaurant for 90 days. The conversation weaves between hilarity and genuine depth, touching on female safety on the road, the psychology of performance, and the powerful new affirmation journal she wrote I Don't Want to Be Strong Today.

👤 Guest Bio

Vanessa Graddick is a Los Angeles-based stand-up comedian, supervising producer, and author originally from St. Paul, Minnesota. A psychology major with a Master of Social Work (MSW), Vanessa brings a uniquely sharp, emotionally intelligent lens to her comedy fiercely funny, Midwest-grounded, and unapologetically edgy. She's been a regular at the Comedy & Magic Club and the Laugh Factory, has performed for U.S. troops overseas, and has built an impressive producing career behind the scenes in Hollywood. Her credits include supervising producer on Miss Pat Settles It, and producer on Funny You Should Ask, Comics Unleashed (CBS/Paramount+), and Ida Rodriguez's podcast Say What You Mean. Her debut book, I Don't Want to Be Strong Today, is an affirmation journal now available on Amazon.

🔗 Instagram: @VanessaGraddick | vanessagraddick.com

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

02:58 Comics Unleashed Experience

05:56 Guest Introduction: Vanessa Gratik

08:52 The Journey from Social Work to Comedy

12:00 First Stand-Up Experience

14:59 Plans for a Comedy Special

18:06 The Psychology of Comedy

20:53 Navigating Comedy and Personal Life

24:42 The Art of Bartending and Hospitality

31:24 Relationships and the Importance of Kindness

32:43 Navigating Career Paths in Comedy and Production

45:32 Empowerment Through Self-Publishing and Personal Growth

🍷Featured Beverage

Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc — Vanessa's favorite grape, shared with the hosts during the episode.

Special thanks to Doug Bass at Bass Hole Studios for recording.

#DrinkingDuringBusinessHours #VanessaGraddick #StandUpComedy #IDontWantToBeStrongToday #WomenInComedy #ComicsUnleashed #MissPat #Affirmations #ComedyPodcast

We've All Been One - Doug Bass Gets Real

Grab your favorite glass and pull up a chair this week, comedians and husband-and-wife duo Sarah J. Halstead and Rich Chassler welcome a familiar face to the DDBH couch: LA-based comedian, actor, and podcast host Doug Bass.

You may remember Doug from when Sarah and Rich were guests on his show The Basshole Podcast — in what Doug himself called "the first time a married couple has ever graced the show." Now the tables are turned, the wine is poured, and Doug is spilling everything about building a comedy brand from the ground up, the art of getting people to share their most embarrassing stories, and what it really takes to survive and thrive in the entertainment industry.

GUEST

Doug Bass is a stand-up comedian, actor, director, and podcaster based in Los Angeles, originally from Cedar Grove, New Jersey. He trained at The Groundlings, UCB, and IO West, performs regularly at major LA clubs including the Hollywood Improv, and has appeared on national television and in commercials.

Doug is the creator and host of The Basshole Show a live stand-up and storytelling experience turned hit podcast where comedians, actors, celebrities, and everyday people share their best a**hole stories, get roasted and judged, and then try to redeem themselves. Past performers on the live show include Jo Koy, Kevin Hart, John Mulaney, Tom Arnold, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Jamie Kennedy, Alonzo Bodden, Kimiko Glenn, Brittany Furlan, and Mindy Sterling.

He also owns and operates Basshole Podcast Studio in West Hollywood, a fully equipped recording space available to independent podcasters.

Connect with Doug:

• 🌐 bassholeshow.com

• 🎧 Basshole with Doug Bass on Spotify

• 🎧 Basshole with Doug Bass on Apple Podcasts

• 📸 Instagram: @dougbasshole

• 📸 Show Instagram: @bassholeshow

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

01:15 Milestone: First Monetized Episode

02:20 The Role of Basshole Studios in Success

03:18 Guest Introduction: Doug Bass

06:57 The Basshole Show: Concept and Evolution

08:34 COVID-19 Impact and Podcast Growth

10:43 On the Road: Touring the Show

12:35 Building a Podcast Studio at Hollywood Improv

14:25 Challenges of Podcasting and Monetization

16:10 Celebrity Podcasts and Industry Trends

18:23 Balancing Acting and Diversification

20:05 Wine Tasting and Storage Insights

22:18 The Art of Wine Collecting and Cellaring

25:57 Doug Bass: From Theater to Entertainment

27:44 Lessons from Acting and Industry Advice

29:59 The Future of Podcasting and Content Creation

32:00 Closing Remarks and Guest Socials

CONNECT W/ THE HOSTS

Sarah J. Halstead and Rich Chassler are comedians, podcasters — and husband and wife. Together they host Drinking During Business Hours, where guests from the worlds of entertainment, food, wine, and culture sit down for real conversations over a drink (or two). Their warmth, wit, and genuine curiosity make every episode feel like a night out with your funniest friends.

• Sarah J. Halstead — @SarahHalstead on all platforms

• Rich Chassler — @RichChassler on all platforms

• 📧 Email: [email protected]

DID YOU LOVE IT?

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen — it makes a huge difference and helps Sarah and Rich bring incredible guests like Doug to you every week. And while you're at it, go check out The Basshole Show — you won't regret it. Cheers! 🥂

Drinking During Business Hours — Where Comedy & Fine Wine Meet.

#Viral #Trending #FunnyAF #MustListen #PodcastRecommendations #FYP #ForYouPage #Reels #PodcastClip #Funny #Comedy #LOL #TrueStory #RealTal

My Dad's in Jail, My Girlfriend Left Me, and I Became a Comedian: The Arturo Vaca Story

In this fresh and funny conversation, hosts Sarah J. Halstead and Rich Chassler welcome rising comedian and viral content creator Arturo Vaca for an honest, hilarious deep-dive into the unlikely road from the Valley to the comedy stage. Born and raised in Van Nuys, Arturo's path to stand-up wound through teenage delinquency, a short-lived skateboarding career, two years of MMA fighting (including a trip to Thailand), and the kind of hard family circumstances that either break you or become your best material. In just two years back at the mic, Arturo has amassed over 83,000 Instagram followers, is headlining his own shows, and is dipping his toes into acting all while using his grandfather's house as his production studio. Raw, relatable, and refreshingly humble, this episode is a masterclass in grinding with nothing to fall back on.

GUEST

Arturo Vaca is a 27-year-old Van Nuys-born stand-up comedian, viral content creator, and aspiring actor who has taken the LA comedy scene by storm in just two years. Inspired by Kevin Hart's ability to turn a dark childhood into unforgettable comedy, Arturo mines his own turbulent upbringing, a father incarcerated for drug trafficking, teenage struggles, a brief MMA career, and a staph infection scare for material that is equal parts gut-punch and gut-laugh. Currently headlining his own shows and growing rapidly across all social platforms, Arturo is one of the most exciting emerging voices in comedy today.

Connect with Arturo:

• Instagram: @arturo.vaca

• TikTok: @arturovacacomedy

• YouTube: Arturo Vaca Comedy

BEVERAGE OF THE EPISODE

• Arturo: Coke Zero

• Sarah & Rich: San Benedetto Flat Mineral Water

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

03:00 The Comedy Scene and Personal Background

05:52 Early Life and Family Dynamics

09:04 Transitioning to Comedy and MMA Background

11:50 Content Creation Journey

15:11 Social Media and Audience Engagement

17:49 Finding Humor in Personal Struggles

21:11 The Importance of Consistency in Comedy

23:58 Future Aspirations and Upcoming Shows

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📧 Email: [email protected] ⭐ Rate & Review on all podcast platforms — it takes one second and means everything!

#DrinkingDuringBusinessHours #ArturoVaca #StandUpComedy #ContentCreator #VanNuys #MMA #RisingComedian #LaughFactory #Flappers #ViralComedy #ComedyPodcast #NewComedy #LAComedy

Adam Ferrara on Comedians, Carburetors & Carnegie Hall: A Working-Class Hero's Guide to Showbiz

In this heartfelt and hilarious conversation, veteran stand-up comedian and actor Adam Ferrara joins hosts Sarah J. Halstead and Rich Chassler for a deep dive into the entertainment industry, family influences, and the art of survival in show business. From performing at mobster-run comedy clubs in Brooklyn to landing recurring roles on major network shows, Adam shares candid stories about his Italian-American upbringing, his father's life-changing advice, and why being funny in the office doesn't make you a comedian. The episode touches on everything from vintage cars and Carnegie Hall to the emotional reality of watching your parents age while pursuing your creative dreams.

About Adam Ferrara

Adam Ferrara is a veteran stand-up comedian, actor, and podcaster who has spent over three decades mastering authentic storytelling across every entertainment platform. Best known for his recurring roles on Nurse Jackie (Netflix), NCIS as "Sloppy Joe Sammy," and Rescue Me, Adam represents the last generation of comics who cut their teeth in mob-run Brooklyn clubs before graduating to Carnegie Hall. His podcast "The Adam Ferrara Podcast" features intimate conversations with guests like Nathan Lane, Ann Wilson, and Billy Gibbons, capturing the warmth of friends laughing around a dinner table. A Long Island native splitting time between LA and NYC's West Village, Adam brings blue-collar authenticity and hard-won wisdom to everything he does—whether sharing his father's life-changing advice ("Do it now, before your life gets complicated"), discussing vintage cars, or explaining why being funny in the copy room doesn't make you a comedian.

Connect:

@AdamFerrara on all platforms

AdamFerrara.com ... http://adamferrara.com/ for tour dates

The Adam Ferrara Podcast ... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-ferrara-podcast/id1473543128 on all platforms

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the New Year

02:42 Celebrating Growth and Community

05:27 Bagels and Lox: A Culinary Surprise

08:23 The Life of a Stand-Up Comedian

11:02 Navigating the Acting World

14:03 Memorable Experiences in Comedy

16:47 The Importance of Mentorship

19:29 The Evolution of Podcasting

22:15 Connecting with Celebrities

24:58 Family Influence and Personal Growth

27:39 The Journey of a Stand-Up Comedian

30:23 Reflections on Life Choices

33:17 The Role of Comedy in Coping

36:01 Advice for Aspiring Comedians

38:48 The Changing Landscape of Entertainment

41:50 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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Rich

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#adamferrara #topgear #ncis #standupcomedy #comedian

In this delightful and heartfelt conversation, hosts Sarah J. Halstead and Rich Chassler welcome Emmy-nominated actor, writer, and magician Michael Shayan for an engaging discussion about family, identity, theater, and the transformative power of storytelling. From his early days as a 12-year-old magician at the Magic Castle to his critically acclaimed one-man play about his Persian mother, Michael shares his remarkable journey through entertainment with humor, vulnerability, and grace.

Michael Shayan - Emmy-nominated writer, actor, and former magician

• Instagram: @MichaelShayan https://www.instagram.com/michaelshayan

• Follow him on all platforms: Michael Shayan

• Current Project: Audible play "Cruising" featuring Christine Baranski and Tituss Burgess (available now on Audible)

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Family Dynamics 03:04 The Magic of Performance and Personal Stories 05:40 Exploring Identity and Coming Out Experiences 08:27 Theater and Relationships with Family 11:04 Creating a Play from Personal History 13:57 The Journey of a Play: From Concept to Stage 16:25 The Impact of Cultural Stories in Theater 19:11 The Role of Humor in Addressing Serious Topics 22:09 Theater as a Healing Experience 24:59 Broadway Dreams and Future Projects 27:47 Navigating the World of Performance 30:28 The Joy of Performing and Audience Connection 33:13 Reflections on Success and Adversity 36:08 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors PROJECTS MENTIONED

1. "Avaaz" - Michael's one-man play about his Persian mother

   • National tour continuing through 2025

   • Upcoming: Theatre J in Washington DC (June 2025)

   • Directed by Moritz von Schipnagel (Tony-nominated)

   • Set design by Bill Wolf Barrett (Tony winner)

2. "Book of Queer" (HBO) - Emmy-nominated documentary series

   • Michael served as writer and consulting producer

   • "Drunk history but for queer history"

   • Features celebrities reenacting LGBTQ+ historical moments

3. "Cruising" (Audible) - Available now

   • Audio play starring Michael Shayan, Christine Baranski, and Tituss Burgess

   • Available on Audible

4. "The Big Everything" (Short Film)

   • Directed by Sal Paskowitz

   • Starring Michael Shayan, Bradley Whitford, and Jimmy Wolk

   • Produced by Andrew Carlberg and Gil Cates Jr.

   • Playing the festival circuit

5. Upcoming Broadway Debut - Details TBD

   • Featuring "some of the finest actors in New York"

   • Under NDA at time of recording

Michael's warmth, humor, and vulnerability make this a deeply engaging conversation that moves from hilarious to heartfelt and back again. Whether you're a theater lover, someone with "mom stuff," or just appreciate a good story told beautifully, this episode delivers.

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#DrinkingDuringBusinessHours #MichaelShayan #AvaazPlay #PersianStories #Broadway #Theater #Magic #LGBTQStories #HBO #EmmyNominated

Join hosts Sarah J Halstead and Rich Chassler for a hilarious and honest conversation with legendary Canadian comedian Jeremy Hotz! In this episode, Jeremy opens up about living with generalized anxiety disorder while maintaining a successful comedy career, his viral TikTok explosion in Africa, why he travels with his emotional support chihuahua Shaq, and the real story behind his career-defining moments on Letterman and The Tonight Show.

From writing for The Daily Show to starring in the iconic Canadian series "The Newsroom," Jeremy shares behind-the-scenes stories from Speed 2, working with Sandra Bullock, and why comedy competitions don't work. Plus: hilarious tales from the Melrose Gelson's, parking lot muggings at the Improv, and why New York summers are unbearable.

Whether you're a comedy fan, aspiring comedian, or just love authentic conversations about mental health and show business, this episode delivers laughs and real talk in equal measure.

Featured Guest

Jeremy Hotz is an internationally renowned stand-up comedian, actor, and former writer for The Daily Show. Known for his neurotic, observational comedy style, Jeremy has performed on Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and starred in the critically acclaimed Canadian series "The Newsroom" (which won multiple awards). His film credits include Speed 2: Cruise Control with Sandra Bullock. Despite living with generalized anxiety disorder, Jeremy has built a thriving international comedy career, recently experiencing viral success on TikTok throughout Africa. He tours extensively in Canada and is planning his first-ever African tour. Jeremy never travels without his emotional support chihuahua, Shaq.

Find Jeremy Hotz:

• Official Website: JeremyHotz.com
• TikTok: @JeremyHotz (HUGE following in Africa!)
• Instagram: @JeremyHotz
• Twitter/X: @JeremyHotz
• YouTube: Jeremy Hotz Comedy

Chapters

0:00 - Welcome Back & Recent Updates

2:50 - Introducing Jeremy Hotz

5:00 - Why Beer Instead of Wine

6:30 - Living with Anxiety & Social Situations

9:15 - Meet Shaq: The Emotional Support Chihuahua

12:20 - The Newsroom & Speed 2 Stories

16:45 - Lucky Break: Episode 13 Award Win

19:30 - Starting Stand-Up at 18-19

22:40 - Getting Letterman & Tonight Show

27:15 - Finding Your Comedy Voice

31:20 - New York vs LA Life

36:50 - Comedy Club Stories & Improv Tales

41:30 - Going Viral on TikTok in Africa

45:20 - Auditions & Industry Advice

49:40 - Television Industry Problems

53:15 - Celebrity Stories & Gelson's Tales

56:30 - Upcoming Tour Dates

58:45 - Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

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Rich

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#JeremyHotz #StandUpComedy #MentalHealthAwareness #ComedyPodcast #AnxietyAndSuccess #TikTokComedian #DrinkingDuringBusinessHours #CanadianComedy #EmotionalSupportDog #LettermanStories

The Grind of Comedy with Dean Delray

In this episode of "Drinking During Business Hours," hosts Sarah J Halstead and Rich Chassler sit down with veteran comedian and podcaster Dean Delray for an honest, inspiring conversation about the comedy hustle. Fresh from a memorable road trip complete with incredible food stops (including the legendary Rose's Cantina in El Paso), the hosts dive deep into Dean's journey through the stand-up world. Dean shares the story behind his groundbreaking new comedy special "5836," filmed in a Tennessee cave, and discusses why self-production has become essential in today's entertainment landscape. This episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom, hilarious stories, and a raw look at what it takes to survive

FEATURED GUEST

Dean Delray - Stand-Up Comedian, Podcaster, and Host of "Let There Be Talk"

IG @deandelray ​​https://www.instagram.com/deandelray/

X @deandelray https://x.com/deandelray?lang=en

Website https://www.deandelray.com/

Podcast Let There Be Talk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dean-delrays-let-there-be-talk/id546210508

Dean Delray is a veteran stand-up comedian known for his authentic, high-energy performances and his popular podcast Let There Be Talk, where he interviews fellow comedians, musicians, and artists. With decades of experience grinding it out on the road, Dean represents the true working comedian, someone who's built a career through relentless perseverance, authenticity, and an unwavering love for the craft. His latest special "5836" showcases his unique approach to comedy production and his commitment to doing things his own way.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Welcome Back and Road Trip Tales

02:43 - Introducing Dean Delray

04:56 - Dean's New Special: 5836

10:15 - The Grind of Comedy and Perseverance

19:31 - Influences and Early Days in Comedy

29:16 - Navigating the Industry and Staying Authentic

39:02 - Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

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Sarah

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Rich

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#StandUpComedy #Comedian #ComedyPodcast

The Legacy of Lenny Bruce with Ronnie Marmo

Join hosts Sarah Halstead and Rich Chassler in a captivating conversation with actor, writer, and Artistic Director Ronnie Marmo as they explore the enduring legacy of legendary comedian Lenny Bruce. This episode delves deep into the world of boundary-pushing comedy, the art of performance, and why Bruce's revolutionary work remains vital in today's cultural landscape. Marmo, who has performed his acclaimed one-man show "I'm Not A Comedian… I'm Lenny Bruce" over 412 times, shares intimate insights into bringing this iconic figure to life on stage and the challenges of preserving authentic, controversial material in modern theater.

Featured Guest

Ronnie Marmo - Actor, Writer, Director, and Artistic Director of Theatre 68 (Los Angeles & New York City)

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Ronnie Marmo is a bi-coastal theater artist best known for his critically acclaimed portrayal of Lenny Bruce in "I'm Not A Comedian… I'm Lenny Bruce," directed by Joe Mantegna. With over 412 performances to his credit, Marmo has dedicated himself to keeping Bruce's legacy alive and relevant. As Artistic Director of Theatre 68, he creates spaces for bold, meaningful theatrical experiences while teaching acting classes internationally via Zoom.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:52 - Theater and Performance Insights

05:58 - Lenny Bruce's Legacy and Impact

08:42 - Navigating Controversial Material

11:42 - Personal Journey and Career Development

14:17 - Theater Group and Community Engagement

17:20 - Audience Reactions and Performance Challenges

19:56 - Cultural Relevance of Lenny Bruce Today

22:52 - Final Thoughts and Future Projects

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Sarah

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Rich

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#lennybruce #standupcomedy #ronniemarmo

Jamie Anderson explores the journey of transitioning from acting to directing, the importance of joy in creative work, and the power of networking in the film industry. They discuss the role of meditation in maintaining mindfulness and creativity, as well as the significance of creating provocative art that sparks conversation. Jamie shares insights into her upcoming projects and the creative process, emphasizing the importance of relationships and doing what makes you happy.

Where to Watch:

• Me Too Nice (short film) - Available on Amazon Prime

Follow Jamie:

• Instagram: @JamieAndersonFilm

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:59 Transitioning from Acting to Directing 05:28 The Importance of Joy in Creative Work 08:29 Navigating the Film Industry 11:27 The Power of Networking and Relationships 14:05 Meditation and Mindfulness in Creativity 16:59 Upcoming Projects and Creative Process 19:27 Controversial Art and Provocation 22:22 Conclusion and How to Connect

#FilmDirector, #WomenInFilm, #HollywoodPodcast, #IndependentFilmmaker, #Filmmaking, #CreativeCareer, #MeditationForCreatives, #HollywoodInsider, #Screenwriter