Bill Foley is a walking miracle. I don’t know how else to put it. Earlier this year on February 11, 6 p.m. 30-year-old Mohamed Barry came into the Nazareth Restaurant in Columbus, OH while Bill was preparing to perform. Barry started swinging a machete and quickly had injured a couple seated near the door. Bill Foley…
Jeffrey Jena started comedy in … 1978! Were you even born? Ha. I was just 10 years old eating fruit loops in my jammies when Jeffrey Jena first hit the stage. Thirteen years later I worked with him for the first time. And now, some 18 years later, we catch up. Jeffrey is still performing…
With three Comedy Central specials, appearances on Live at Gotham, The Tonight Show, The View, VH1, MTV and becoming a finalist in Last Comic Standing, Luis Ramey has now set his sights on the globe. He performed on a 40 country world tour that took him to Mumbai, Hong Kong, London, Dubai and Johannesburg. His…
Former student Mike James drops by today to catch up. I met Mike James back in 2005 or so and he was starting to get his set together. Writing, tweaking and performing his material constantly has improved his consistency. Now, he is a full time funnyman traveling across the country doing the job he loves. We…
Stephen Bargatze joins us today. If that name sounds familiar it may be because you saw him in Las Vegas, caught him at Opryland, perhaps he visited your school or maybe because he is the father of Nate Bargatze. Regardless of whether you knew him before or not, you will love his generous and insightful interview.…
Are you trying to emulate your favorite comedians? Have you already determined your comedic style before your third open mic? If so, you may be limiting yourself and shortchanging your potential. In this episode, Dan Swartwout (or “Swarty” as his friends call him) and I discuss how our influences are like training wheels. They help at…
This episode is all about YOU. That’s right. I opened the mail bag and found a bunch of great questions and some jokes that … well, you wanted fixed. Join me as we answer the following questions … Do you have any tips on writing every day? Specifically, is there a place or web site…
Monty Mitchell Wrangled Snakes Have you ever driven 6 hours (one way) to an open mic for a quick 5 minute set and then headed home as the sun was coming up? Do you chip away at your vacation benefits one hour a a time so you can pursue your calling? Monty Mitchell has! Monty…
Have you ever struggled with alcohol, depression or meaningfulness in your pursuit of a comedy career? You’re alone. Numerous comedians and entertainers get sidetracked by self-destructive behavior. Fortunately for us audiences everywhere, Jeff Allen was able to get his act together on and off the stage. This veteran comedian started in 1978 and weathered many…
NEW AT COMEDY? YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING … Do you have beginning comedy questions about stand-up? Are you just dipping your toes in the waters of writing and performing? Today I am joined by three current writing students in this “after school special”. They each bring forth a slew of excellent questions. I am willing…