Podcast
Talking Shop w/ James Dugan & Rob Grabowski
Each week, James Dugan and Rob Grabowski sit down with a member of the Chicago Comedy Community to discuss comedy, life, and everything in between. Please subscribe, rate, and review!
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Catalog
Episodes
- The Last One with Paige ManeyApr 22, 2022 · 1 hr 26 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by Paige Maney to end the podcast.
Thanks for listening everybody.
- I'm Better Now with Bryan DuffApr 12, 2022 · 1 hr 4 minIn the second to last episode, James and Rob are joined by local man Bryan Duff!
They talk with Bryan about his start in Chicago, Improvised Shakespeare, Baby Wants Candy, rough auditions, and how everytime you're out they pull you back in.
Follow Bryan on twitter @ bryanevansduff and check out his podcast 15 Minutes with Lincoln
Want to share some improv advice? Email us at Talkingshopshow@gmail.com
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- Chaotic Nature with Louie SaundersApr 6, 2022 · 1 hr 12 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by lover of serial killers Louie Saunders!
They talk with Louie about creative fulfilment, getting old in improv, tanking in shows, Boy-ish, and jams. This is the first episode in awhile where we get into the nitty gritty of improv so enjoy.
Follow Louie on twitter at LouieSaunders and see him in several shows over at CIC Theatre
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- Goofballs with Brian StackMar 29, 2022 · 1 hr 22 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by late night writer Brian Stack! Yes, that Brian Stack.
They talk with Brian about growing up in the suburbs, early influences, introverts, working with Conan for 20 years, and luck.
Follow Brian on twitter @ BrianStack513 and watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (and check out their podcast).
Here are links to the sketches we references: Whale Week and SlipNutz
Have a piece of advice? Email us at TalkingShopShow@gmail.com
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- Better Than the Status Quo with Mike JohnsonMar 23, 2022 · 1 hr 8 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by improviser and puppeteer Mike Johnson!
We talk with Mike about his finance background, how he found improv, early days at The Playground, The Pool, leadership, and the history of FELT.
Follow Mike on twitter @ mjjmike and see him every Saturday with FELT at CIC.
Also, check out classes and other shows at CIC.
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- Yes and Go F**K Yourself with Mick NapierMar 16, 2022 · 1 hrThis week, James and Rob are joined by director, theatre owner, and improv legend: Mick Napier!
They talk with Mick about the beginning of the Annoyance, improv "rules", video games, directing, and what's going on with the new iO.
Follow Mick on instagram @ mickjnapier
Check out his books Improvise: Scenes from the Inside Out and Behind the Scenes: Improvising Long Form
Also, go see shows and take classes at The Annoyance Theatre
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- Year of Yes with Kelly LeonardMar 8, 2022 · 1 hr 1 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by fellow podcaster: Kelly Leonard!
They talk with Kelly about his start at Second City, how he rose through the ranks to become Executive Vice President, why he stepped down, the new path he found, the true business of improv, and the importance of dinner clubs.
Follow Kelly on twitter @ KLSecondCity
And check out this podcast Getting to Yes, And.
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- I Can Write Stuff with John LutzMar 1, 2022 · 55 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by actor/writer/improviser and nice guy: JOHN LUTZ!
They talk with John about his start in Chicago, creating new forms, auditioning for SNL, paying attention, working on 30 Rock, and being imtimidated by nice people.
Follow John on twitter @ shutuplutz and listen to ESCAPE FROM VIRTUAL ISLAND
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- Gallows Humor with Susan MessingFeb 23, 2022 · 1 hr 11 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by improv legend and all around great person: Susan Messing!
They talk with Susan about volunteer laughter, F.I.D.S., stupid goals, early Annoyance, and the healing properities of improv.
Follow Susan on twitter @ MessingSusan and on instagram @ susanalicemessing
See her perform live in the World Comedy Expo in Messing with Mason and The 1ZS
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- Try Everything with Dave PasquesiFeb 15, 2022 · 1 hr 2 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by the great Dave Pasquesi!
They talk with Dave about Harold openings, successful improv, worst shows, stand up, and Star Wars. It's a real treat.
Follow Dave on twitter @ DPasquesi, purchase his book, Improvisation at the Speed of Life, and watch him in The Grave Yard Show.
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- Hedonic Treadmill with Andy JunkFeb 8, 2022 · 1 hr 5 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by their first (and maybe only) repeat guest: ANDY JUNK!
They talk with Andy about moving to New York, personal trust, restarting, hobbie vs career, and inside out boy.
Follow Andy on instagram @ therealandyjunk and if you're in NYC check out the Brooklyn Comedy Collective
Here's the episode of the HIDDEN BRAIN Andy was talking about.
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- A BIG ANNOUNCEMENTFeb 1, 2022 · 3 minThis week, James and Rob share a big announcement.
- Chef's Arrogance with Bruce PhillipsJan 25, 2022 · 1 hr 23 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by the guest they swore they would never have on: Bruce Phillips!
They talk with Bruce about early memories, post show hangs, auditions, so much ship talk, devised works, and boy scouts.
Follow Bruce on instagram @ brulcifer and see him perform with Hitch-Cocktails, Clued In, Trigger Happy, and ComedySportz.
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- Dog Relaxation Protocol with Meredith StepienJan 19, 2022 · 1 hr 4 minThis week, James and Rob are virtual with special guest Meredith Stepien! They talk with Meredith about Star Trek, training a dog, working for the Alder Planetarium, talking to astronauts, and Star Kid.
Follow Meredith on twitter @ ghostydiddy and on instagram @ merediddys
Listen to her podcast REACH: a space podcast for kids
Follow the Alder Planetarium on youtube and here's the Alien Drum Circle Video.
Listen to the music from VHS Christmas Carol Live!
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- Very Successful Failed Comedian with Geoff DowJan 11, 2022 · 1 hrThis week, James and Rob are joined by generic white guy Geoff Dow! They talk with Geoff about danger zones, auditioning for SNL, Just for Laughs, failing at important moments, improv advice, and churches per capita.
Follow Geoff on twitter @ GeoffDow2 and on instagram @ gquilks; And do check out HOLY FUCK at The Annoyance.
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- Stone Soup with Tara EganJan 4, 2022 · 1 hr 13 minAnd we're back! Kicking off 2022, James and Rob are joined by the president of improv Tara Egan! They talk with Tara about gifted schools, staying artistic, college improv, auditions, short form vs long form, and Annoyance stuff.
Follow Tara on instagram @ tara.egan and see her in several shows (including ComedySportz).
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- EPISODE RE-BROADCAST with Tina ArfaeeDec 21, 2021 · 1 hrThis week, James and Rob have to air a rerun. The holidays are a busy time!
Back in August 2020, they were joined by Tina Arfaee! This was originally episode 81.
Follow Tina on instagram @ tinatwocats and see her in DECK THE HALLMARK. Also check out her podcastLAKESHORE & LIMBO.
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- ME-YOW with Brad JohnsonDec 15, 2021 · 1 hr 6 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by Baton Rouge's own Brad Johnson! They talk with Brad about understudying, SNL dreams, writing, true friendship, method acting, and brushes with celebrities.
Follow Brad on twitter @ bradapalooza and on instagram @ bradapalooza
See him live with DARK WEB at CIC and maybe in Deck the Hallmark.
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- Hot Boy Cast with Josie BenedettiDec 7, 2021 · 1 hr 8 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by new camera owner Josie Benedetti! They talk with Josie about growing up in Montana, attending school in Portland, Baby Wants Candy, Fringe Fest, moving to Chicago, Trigger Happy, and much more.
Follow Josie on twitter @ josiebenedetti and on instagram @ josiebenedetti
See her perform live with Trigger Happy and Baby Wants Candy.
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- Self-Sabotage with Annie SullivanNov 30, 2021 · 1 hr 3 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by Annie Sullivan! They talk with Annie about her time in comedy studies, cool older brothers, writing partners, inspiration, phases of comedy, Devil's Daughter, and much more.
Follow Annie on twitter @ WhiteMystery95 and see her perform with Devil's Daughter and Holy Fuck Comedy Hour.
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- Beetlejuice with Dan SheaNov 23, 2021 · 1 hr 3 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by tech guy Dan Shea! We talk with Dan about this time as house manager at iO, event planning, producing shows, running the board, bad pulls, and college issues.
Follow Dan on twitter @ MrDWShea and check out CIC Theatre!
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- Dutch Total Football with Karl BradleyNov 16, 2021 · 1 hr 11 minAND WE'RE BACK!
After a week off, James and Rob are joined by the smartest man they know: Karl Bradley! We talk with Karl about grad school, neuroscience, emo scream bands, teaching, love of the Harold, fomo, and cigarette sandwich.
Follow Karl on twitter @ kralspaceman
For information on Cigarette Sandwich go HERE. Also check out they're PATREON.
If you're in Atlanta, check out Dad's Garage.
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- Concentrated Joy with John SabineNov 3, 2021 · 1 hr 12 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by one of the best: John Sabine! They talk with John about tracking shows, the return of the Late 90s, teaching, twitter, and how Yes And might be bad.
Follow John on twitter @ jsabine214 and see the Late 90s Sundays at 8pm down at Logan Square Improv.
And follow Claussen Pickles and Velveeta Cheese while you're at it.
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- JPM (Jokes per Minute) with Jesse SwansonOct 27, 2021 · 1 hr 5 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by Second City producer Jesse Swanson! They talk with Jesse about his self proclaimed mediocre rise, updates, senses of humor, how we're all broken, and how he wears many, many hats.
Take a class with Jesse in The Second City Writing Program and follow him on twitter @ funnies4monies
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- Musical Liaison with Harrison LottOct 19, 2021 · 1 hr 9 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by their final punch (kinda) on the Devil's Daughter free sandwich card: Harrison Lott! They talk with Harrison about traveling, comfort zones, confidence, art outside of your normal art, and Blue Man Group.
Follow Harrison on twitter @ harrisonlott and listen to his band to do list.
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- A Very Relaxed Woman with Claire McFaddenOct 12, 2021 · 1 hr 3 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by the wonderful Claire McFadden! They talk with Claire about social media rules, long boarding, tour co, Arts and Crafts, negativity, working for JackBox Games, and how much improv rocks.
Follow Claire on twitter @ czmcfadden and get JackBox Party Pack 8 10/14.
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- A Dart Through Jelly with Rosie MoanOct 5, 2021 · 1 hr 4 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by the fantastic Rosie Moan! We finally got her!
We talk with Rosie about vacations, gig life, on camera coaching, teaching, Paddington Bear, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Denver, and Groupon.
Follow Rosie on instagram @ romo89 and see her on stage every Thursday at Annoyance with FISHBOWL
For coaching, life advice, etc. go to rosiemoan.com
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- Definitely Not a Flex with David YontzSep 28, 2021 · 1 hr 12 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by a Wooster Rooster Alumni David Yontz. They talk with David about having a child, college days, thesis projects, writing comedic music, becoming an MD for improv and magic shows, and Daniel Tiger.
Check out David's music at DAVIDYONTZMUSIC.com and follow him on instagram @ theyontzermash
And check out his wife's podcast MUSIC THERAPY WITH JESSICA RISKER
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- Schlubby with Tim MetzlerSep 21, 2021 · 1 hr 14 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by This Man Tim Metzler! They talk with Tim about marriage, recharging yourself, the worst auditions, moving, Garden Boys, Beth Kuhn, and the quickest ship talk so far!
Follow Tim on twitter @ Timmy_the_Metz, on instagram @ timmy_the_metz, and on TikTok @ Timmy_the_Metz
Hear Beth's beautiful singing voice on Dave Shelton Trio's album DRIFT
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- Rebel with No Cause with Maria KonopkenSep 14, 2021 · 1 hr 6 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by Maria Konopken! They talk with Maria about her start in comedy/story telling, solo shows, specific cultural references, Matt Damon Improv, Burlesque is More, and how her grandfather was a spy.
Follow Maria on instagram @ mariakonopke and see her with FLEX, Wednesday at 8pm opening for Devil's Daughter and with at the Annoyance.
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- Healthy Comedians with Anne LiberaSep 7, 2021 · 1 hr 6 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by comedy mom Anne Libera! They talk with Anne about various comedy theories, thick vs thin comedy, ethics, how mistakes are good; we get really nerdy in this episode.
Look out for Anne's upcoming book and purchase her last book: The Second City Almanac of Improvisation.
For more info on the comedy studies program, click HERE.
For more info on the comedy degree, click HERE.
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- Big Magic with Meghan BabbeAug 31, 2021 · 1 hr 6 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by South Dakota's own Meghan Babbe! They talk with Meghan about Tour Co, Covid Companies, stress dreams, understudying, TV, Work in Progress, and much more.
Follow Meghan on twitter @ m_babbe and on instagram @ mbabbe
See THE LATE 90s every Sunday at 8pm at Logan Square Improv.
Check out Asher Perlmans' Patreon
Check out Logan Square Improv's Patreon
Check out our Patreon.
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- Buncha Hams with Jessica AntesAug 24, 2021 · 1 hr 8 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by the always teaching Jessica Antes! They talk with Jess about teaching every age, She Camp, Spoon River, teaching virtually, and Jess shares some fantastic stories.
Follow Jessica on instagram @ classicantes and check out SHE CAMP
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- Feet Off with Scott PiebengaAug 18, 2021 · 1 hr 1 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by the fastest moving 80 year old man we know Scott Piebenga!
We talk with Scott about new challenges, improv "rules", living in Denver, cults, friendly competition, Devil's Daughter, and skateboarding.
Follow Scott on instagram @ scottpiebenga and see him with Devil's Daughter on Wednesdays, 8pm at the Annoyance!
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- Talking Shop: Remake the PodcastAug 10, 2021 · 1 hr 11 minHello Shopaholics! No new episode this week but instead of nothing here's something from Rob's first endeavor into podcasting.
An episode of REMAKE THE PODCAST. Rob, a co-host, and special guest sit down to pitch remakes of movies.
This features Rob, James Dugan, and Marie Maloney talk about Forgetting Sarah Marshall. This was record back in October of 2016.
Follow Marie on twitter @ marie_maloney and listen to her podcast ADAM SANDLER PLEASE STOP.
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- Good Right Away with Phylicia McLeodAug 3, 2021 · 1 hr 7 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by the top skechers sales person Phylicia McLeod! They talk with Phylicia about growing up in Wisconsin, wishes, scam child acting classes, bar-prov, improv festivals, and a little bit about Matt Damon Improv.
Follow Phylicia on twitter @ Phy_Phy and on instagram @ laugh_with_phee
Check out Phylicia's podcast Unlearning and Comedy has an Ouchie
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- Is Improv Good? with David SchwartzbaumJul 27, 2021 · 1 hr 15 minJames and Rob took a week off! But now they're back and better than ever with special guest David Schwartzbaum!
They talk with David about growing up in Miami, Meisner technique, Switch Committee, Muppets, working in LA, and feeding the beast.
Follow David on instagram @ schwartzugh and check out his videos David Teaches Jewish Stuff
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- Spoons Up with Colin RourkeJul 13, 2021 · 1 hr 6 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by Colin Rourke! They talk with Colin about cruise ships, Second City House Co, remembering names, his journey to find comedy, magical moments, and blowing up on twitter.
Follow Colin on twitter @ ballin_rourke and on instagram @ colinrourke
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- Raised on TV with Ashley WhitehurstJul 7, 2021 · 1 hr 16 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by their old friend Ashley Whitehurst! They talk with Ashley about Late Night shows, analyzing comedy, callbacks, classics, and so much more.
Check out Ashley's podcast Comedy Has an Ouchie and follow her on instagram @ ashleymdub
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- Episode Re-Broadcast with Alex BellisleJun 29, 2021 · 59 minRob was busy this week! So here's a rerun.
From Nov 2019, episode 40, it's the fantastic Alex Bellisle!
Follow Alex on instagram @ alexbellisle and see her the last Tuesday of each month with GIRLS NIGHT IN.
Also, she's the newest member of the Second City ETC.
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- Party Mom with Brooke BreitJun 22, 2021 · 1 hr 9 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by improviser, writer, game director Brooke Breit! They talk with Brooke about her time on Second City's ETC Stage, Reality TV, baking, working at JackBox Games, Improvised Shakespeare, raising children, and so much more. Names are dropped in this episode!
Following Brooke on twitter @ brookebreit and look out for the new JackBox Party Pack
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- Throw Me a Line with Pad ConnellyJun 15, 2021 · 1 hr 17 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by one of the nicest guys Padraic Connelly! They talk with Pad about human attractions, Vegas, Mission: Improvable, ComedySportz, being an Artistic Director, Whirled News Tonight, the life of an improviser, and Ship Talk Royal Caribbean Style.
Follow Pad on twitter @ PadConnelly and see him in ComedySportz on TWITCH
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- Don't Do Improv with Bill SternJun 8, 2021 · 1 hr 18 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by Bill Stern! They talk with Bill about working out, 15 year plans, Out of Bounds fest, twitch, Cigarette Sandwich, moving, and cruise ships.
Follow Bill on twitter @ dollarbillstern and on instagram @ dollarbillstern
For sketches, shows info, etc from Cigarette Sandwich, follow them on twitter @ CigSandwich
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- Learning to Read with Christine WinesJun 1, 2021 · 1 hr 10 minThis week, James and Rob sit down with Christine Wines IN STUDIO! Under the chandelier! It's good to be back.
We talk with Christine about living, working, and performing in Australia, Bio Diversity, performing with your significant other, CIC, The Playground, and her hatred of space.
Follow Christine on twitter @ ihatechristine2 and on instagram @ ihatechristine2 and check out her podcast WINES, WINES, WINES
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- Grateful and Upset with Evan MillsMay 25, 2021 · 1 hr 12 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by musician, comedian, and good dude Evan Mills! They talk with Evan about updating sketches, zoom-prov, Just For Laughs, solo material, writing music, his beginnings in comedy, and the 1993 movie Demolition Man.
Follow Evan on twitter @ awkvanmills and on instagram @ awkvanmills. Check out his music on Spotify.
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- FREE SPAGHETTI with Mike GeraghtyMay 18, 2021 · 1 hr 5 minThis week, Jame and Rob are joined by the working man's actor Mike Geraghty! They talk with Mike about Dumb John, bartending, tipping, Big Spoon, acting in movies, the important of stage time, and we reveal who bought iO (HINT: maybe Dugan).
Follow Mike on twitter @ MiggityMikeG and on Instagram @ geraghtywm
Watch the 3rd Annual Dumb John Spaghetti Dinner HERE
For fun, follow GiddyUpYaHorse
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- Teacher's Pet with Val AgnewMay 11, 2021 · 1 hr 1 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by former campaign manager Val Agnew! They talk with Val about her time in grad school, improv intensives, Zoom-prov, Groupon, co-creating The Trident Network, and how none of this matters.
Follow Val on instagram @ agalpalval
Check out all the podcasts, twitch streams, and more at THE TRIDENT NETWORK
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- In this Economy with Mary Catherine CurranMay 4, 2021 · 1 hr 22 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by the multi-talented Mary Catherine Curran! We talk with MCat about her college improv days, her journey through Second City, The Annoyance Theatre, garbage trucks, and a little ship talk. And these are just some of the sprinklings in this very fun episode.
Follow Mary Catherine on instagram @ itismarycatherine and check out her show MY KIND OF CONTENT Mondays on twitch @ Chicago4Real
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- Like Your Teammates with Shelby Jo PlummerApr 27, 2021 · 1 hr 7 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by therapist in training Shelby Jo Plummer! They talk with Shelby about grad school, therapy (and how it relates to improv), children's podcasts, potty humor, Comet, She's the People, and being the creative director for iO.
Follow Shelby on instagram @ sloppyjoe69 and/or shelbyjoplummer
For more information on the James Conklin Memorial Scholarship, click HERE.
Check out Liam Hackney's podcast School of Imagination
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- Give Me the Weird with Jonald ReyesApr 20, 2021 · 1 hr 14 minThis week, James and Rob are joined by director Jonald Reyes! They talk about tough love, notes, Jonald's start in directing, Second City, resumes, virtual shows, Stir Friday Nights, and the upcoming Stepping Stone Theatre.
Follow Jonald on twitter @ jonaldjude
For more information on Stepping Stone Theatre, follow them on twitter @ BIPOCcomedy and donate to their GoFundMe.
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