Let me introduce you to Abby Sher! She has written and performed at The Second City, Upright Citizen’s Brigade, HBO, Nick Jr. and NPR. Abby has written six books including: Miss You Love You Hate You ByeAll the Ways the World Can EndBreaking Free: True Stories of Girls Who Escaped Modern SlaveryAmen, Amen, Amen: Memoir of a Girl Who Couldn't Stop PrayingKissing Snowflakes, SanctuarySolis, which is upcomingHer essays have appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Self, Jane and Elle. One of them was adapted for the television series Modern Love.Don't miss this one!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me introduce you to Frank! Frank King was a writer for the Tonight Show with Jay Leno for 20 years. He’s had two aortic valve replacements, a double bypass, a massive heart attack, three stents, and lived to joke about it all. So he is truly funny at heart.He’s fought a lifetime battle with depression, and thoughts of suicide, turning that long dark journey of the soul into a TED Talk, www.FrankTEDTalk.com “A Matter of Laugh or Death,” and sharing his insights with corporation, associations, government, and college audiencesHe uses the life lessons from all of the above, as well as lessons learned as a rather active consumer of healthcare, both mental and physical, to show how attendees can turn their messes and stresses into successes.They’ll laugh, learn, and leave loving life.Don't miss this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me introduce you to Kevin! He is an improviser, turned coach, and applied improv facilitator based in Oslo, Norway. He hails from Johannesburg, South Africa. He has lived, worked and studied in Ireland, the UK, and now Norway. Kevin’s values are a love of learning, communication, mindfulness, leadership development, and his family. Doing meaningful work is the goal.A “work hard, play hard” mindset has resulted in a colourful background of professional acting and theatre, juxtaposed with a day-job in engineering and project management and stints in start-ups. Kevin has been a leader of the Impro Neuf community over the years: founding house teams, teaching workshops, establishing and coaching mixer teams, directing the 18 hour Improv Marathon. He has also been the Artistic Director of the Oslo Impro Festival and Artistic Director of Impro Neuf community.Kevin and his partner have a 7 month old son called Aron - an experience that is rewriting the definition of "meaningful." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After med school at Creighton and residency at Tulane, Mike began his medical career, finding that he, and other colleagues, had issues communicating with patients and each other. In 2014, Mike began taking Level 1 improv classes, as they were a present from his wife.. Realizing early on that the skills learned through improv could help him as a hospitalist, Mike began implementing them at work. The result was more enjoyable work, better interactions with patients, and more effective teaching.  Mike will be performing with his group Dad Jokes at the Omaha Comedy Festival September 26-29. Tickets and information can be found here: www.omahacomedyfest.com.See Mike there, and listen to him here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brynna is  a multidisciplinary artist (writing, photography, fine art, singer, composer, musician) who has spent the last 30 years working in advertising. She has worked for massive brands and conglomerates, like Coca-Cola, American Airlines, PepsiCo, Hilton and Hyatt companies (etc.), while spending her remaining free time raising a daughter and creating pieces that matter.This was a really touching episode as she put me on the hot seat and became the interviewer. Great back and forth! Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me introduce you to Mark Riccadonna. Mark is known for his roles in the TV Series, Checked Out. The movies, Days of Power and Gail’s New Boyfriend. He has toured globally, playing theatres, clubs, with the USO and Armed Forces Entertainment (which landed him his Travel Column "Dad Trippin" in Today's Man Magazine. Mark has served as a contributing writer for Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update). He has performed on such diverse shows as Monsters of Rock Cruise, Disney Cruise Lines, Fox's Laughs, Red Eye, and Live at Gotham. Mark broadcasts on podcasts like Drinks, Jokes ’n Storytelling and Two Guys Comedy with Tom BriscoeCheck out his work at markriccadonna.com and listen here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me introduce you to Brandon.He grew up in a small SE Ohio town called Caldwell and graduated from Kent State University in Dec. 2012 with Applied Engineering and Tech Management.Brandon started at Imposters Theater April 2023 where he took sketch writing, and then started improv in July 2023. He just finished Level 4Brandon likes to write sketches, screenplays, journals and other projects. He “won” NaNoWriMo in 2013 by completing it. Brandon has a podcast called Wigglin’ and Gander which is about the TV show Dave.Brandon likes to do crafts and woodworking. He loves music, TV, movies and podcasts.You can check out his work on IG at @abrandoncraft, @buffoonbrandon, and @microtheatercle. Also check out his sketchwork on YouTube at Post Industrial Cactus Farts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Saturday Night Live and Pretty Woman, Rhonda Hansome’s comedy has opened for stars including Anita Baker, Diana Ross, James Brown and Aretha Franklin; in venues from LA’s Greek Theater to NY’s Radio City. She was Artist Coordinator and Host of Laughing Liberally (NY’s top political comics) Off-Broadway production of Indictment Excitement. Every Monday on Sirius XM, Rhonda is John Fugelsang’s guest. She’s an award winning director and offers an online Solo Show Development Workshop. When not regaling Storytelling audiences, Rhonda writes and anchors Real Newz on Politipod. In her free time she writes Politoonitics cartoons on Facebook and rollerblades. Check out this tremendous talent!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Friend of the Show, Tommy Hough and I talk about the craziness that was the Republican National Convention, the assassination attempt on former President Trump and the failure of the media to call out lies and misinformation. We also discussed Citizens United and the power that the donor class has. Check it out! It was a great hang and it will be a good listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clay Drinko, Ph.D. is an author and educator. He writes for Psychology Today about the intersection between improv comedy, science, and everyday life. He's also the author of the first academic book connecting improv and cognitive science, Theatrical Improvisation, Consciousness, and Cognition. His most recent book, Play Your Way Sane: 120 Improv-Inspired Exercises to Help You Calm Down, Stop Spiraling, and Embrace Uncertainty (Simon & Schuster) applies his improv research to everyday life. Give this one a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you met Jayant? Jayant is an improviser and facilitator with over 5 years of experience in the field. He has showcased his improvisational skills in various performances with his troupe, NIC (Nautankibaaz Improv Collective), for esteemed multinational corporations such as Adobe, Google, and KPMG, among others.He has honed his skills through comprehensive training under the guidance of influential mentors such as John Hildreth, Artistic Director at The Second City, Chicago, and Ankur Sardana, the Founder of Nautankibaaz Improv Collective, Gurugram. Additionally, he performs as a valued team member of Queen City Comedy's esteemed global team - Horrible Friends of Mine. We talked about the value of being focused, yet unprepared in improvisation and in life. He is a down-to-earth sort of fellow. Give this a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BJ Lange currently resides in Los Angeles, where he is actively involved in the improv community as both performer in various groups, including his two-man comedy duo, Tacklebox Improv, and instructor, at The Improv Trick, 3-2-1 Acting Studios, and The Second City Hollywood, where he leads the Improv for Veterans Program. BJ also teaches at the prestigious Orange County School of the Arts Acting Conservatory and coaches the high school’s Improv Club.BJ completed several improv programs, including iO West (formerly improvOlympic West) and Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theatre LA. He is a graduate of The Second City Hollywood Conservatory additionally completing the long form improv and musical improv programs. He has also studied at The Groundlings School. Naturally, this background in theatre performance, voiceover, and improv has been invaluable as BJ has moved into hosting duties for both live and televised events, including Maxim’s Spring Break in Panama City Beach, GameRiot for MTV2, X-Games BMX Jams, LG National Texting Championship, Mobile World Cup, and the Simon D Tour Live! presented by ABC Family. Two-time testicular cancer survivor BJ’s passions outside of “Yes, and”-ing, include beatboxing, riding motorcycles, aviation, barbecuing, and extensive volunteer work. A retired USAF Reserve medic and pilot, BJ proudly volunteers as a Public Affairs Officer for the Civil Air Patrol, the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary. Finding a way to combine his passion for performing with his devotion to service, BJ is an athlete, mentor, and ambassador in the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, serving also as a comedy coach teaching improv as part of the resiliency programs. He is a member of the Veterans of Comedy, Veterans in Media & Entertainment, and the American Legion, and a cast member of DIAVOLO Dance Theatre’s Veterans Project, which recently performed at the Kennedy Center.You don't want to miss this one! Check it out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Doug Shaw is a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Northern Iowa. He’s taught in at least five departments or programs there, won awards at three universities, is a Renaissance scholar, and is a heckuva nice guy to work with.His research is in tertiary math education, combinatorics, and graph theory. He is or has been an author, systems engineer, street-busker, variety show performer, comedy troupe director, emcee, and elected member of the Cedar Falls School Board. He’s facilitated workshops about teaching, mathematics, improv, creativity, innovation, and all sorts of things since 1995 in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Montreal. He’s an Applied Improvisation Certified Practitioner. He’s waiting to be invited to present in Hawaii, Scotland, or any other place his family wants to visit. Oh – and your town. That’s #1 on his list.You'll learn a lot from this one. Give it a listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Myers is a music and comedy encyclopedia with stories galore! He's toured with the Barenaked Ladies. He's worked with the Kids In The Hall. He's stayed at Todd Rundgren's Kauai residence (OK, he was interviewing the maestro for a book). You get the idea! Paul waxed poetic on his time in the Gravelberrys (Check out "Wonder Where You Are Tonight." It is a vibe!) and as a radio personality and writer. He has tremendous stories that can be found within this podcast! Give it a listen! Also, check out the Record Store Day Podcast biweekly wherever you get your podcasts! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Juliette has been a Playboy Bunny, a soap opera writer for ABC Television, a theater writer/performer, and an ATP airplane pilot and Master Flight Instructor. She won two Writers Guild Awards and was nominated for a Daytime Emmy. She is also an animal rights advocate who worked for Best Friends Animal Society for almost a decade. Juliette also added TedX Fargo Speaker to her extensive resume.  Her current mission is twofold: to help people who are struggling with the debilitating and potentially lethal symptoms of Compassion Fatigue; the emotional and physical burden created by caring for others in distress or neglecting your own life-stress, and guiding people to create the future of their dreams. Definitely give this one a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne Montgomery Is a decorated  television sportscaster, newspaper and magazine writer, teacher, author, and amateur sports official. Her first TV job came at WRBL-TV in Columbus, Georgia, and led to positions at WROC-TV in Rochester, New York, KTSP-TV in Phoenix, Arizona, and ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut, where she anchored the Emmy and ACE award-winning SportsCenter. We discussed the highs and lows of being a reporter and her transition to writing about what interests her.  Her novels include The Castle, A Light in the Desert, Wild Horses on the Salt, The Scent of Rain, and Wolf Catcher. Montgomery taught sports reporting at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and taught high school journalism for 20 years. She was an amateur sports official for four decades, a time during which she called baseball, ice hockey, soccer, and basketball games and served as a high school football referee and crew chief. Montgomery is a foster mom to three sons and a daughter. When she can, she indulges in her passions: rock collecting, scuba diving, musical theater, and playing her guitar. Listen to this episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jen is an improviser in Canada who started out studying improv at schools including WGIS, Queen City Comedy, Second City, and more. She teaches improv classes and hosts jams at World's Greatest Improv School (WGIS) and Queen City Comedy. In the before-times, Jen enjoyed teaching dance fitness and performing in semi-rural vaudeville/burlesque themed shows both of which took place on stages made of wood. She has an online improv website called FlatImprov.com and likes making videos and podcast episodes that five people listen to. Jen is still working on perfecting her Canadian accent. Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Shaver is new to the improv scene, performing at Imposters Theater in Cleveland, Ohio since 2022. After a decade of working in higher education, he now works in community mental health. Alex is passionate about comedy and mental health, and is interested in the parallels between the two. He loves his wife (Rachel) and his children (J. and Joan) and counts their presence in his life the greatest of gifts.  Give this one a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This one. This one is one for the ages! We (and by we, I mean Abby Sher, Bethany Hall, Lulu French, John Fugelsang, Michele Laikowski and me) discussed the present and future of comedy in New York City and other environs, The group waxed on satire vs. parody, talent winning out, improv as the best training for life and waiting for the whole fart.  Interested? Listen to this special episode!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gail Gallagher is a Chicago based Singer-Songwriter, Composer, improv music director, producer, and teacher whose lyric-driven songs reflect on the highs and lows of life exploring nuances of whimsy and wisdom.  Originally from Waterloo, Iowa, Gail attended University of Nebraska-Lincoln and graduated with a dual BA in Theater Performance & Directing/ Theater Management in 2010. She has worked as a music director in the improv and theater scene for over a decade and has composed original music for several musicals including Feathers: A Super Hero Musical which won “Best underscore throughout” at the 2017 Premiere Premieres Festival of New Musical Comedies at MCL Chicago. I describe my genre as “musical theatre folk rock” or “what it would sound like if Joni Mitchell, Amanda Palmer, and Tori Amos wrote a musical.”  Give this one a listen! You can reach Gail at @gailgmusic for artistry, or @sparklebardstudios for production work, on Instagram!   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If This Is True would like to introduce you to Michele Laikowski on this throwback! Michele was an associate producer and on-air personality on the Jenny McCarthy Show on SiriusXM Stars. She is also an improvising and voice over veteran of New York City. Michele finds solace and purpose in running and reaching for goals. She also has great stories of her time with Jenny McCarthy and her crew. You can find her voice and acting work at www.moshow.org. Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allow me to introduce you to Bracha! She was first published when she was 12 years old. She's written 41 children's books and a memoir, Nourish The Soul. Her books tackle difficult topics at a child's level. This was a fascinating half hour! Listen to this!     Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Please let me introduce you to Carlos Baker! Carlos is an author and musician whose latest album with the CK Baker Band, Find Your Way, and book, Songs for Ivy, are available wherever you get your content. Carlos overcame childhood cancer and used that experience to write and to play his bass guitar. He lives in Germany with his family, but is in Chicago working on his next album Give this a listen! https://ckbakerband.com/about-us/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talk about prolific! John Leister has published more than 100 e-books, Including the Lee Hacklyn and Urban Tiger crime series over the past few years. John is a big believer in having the right mindset and philosophy when reaching goals. He'd like to share this information with everyone, and does, here on If This Is True! GIve it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me introduce you to the multi-faceted Deborah Johnson. Deborah is an inspirational speaker, author and international award-winning music artist who helps others get unstuck by producing and executing a successful plan for their second half. As a musician she has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards and has spent over 20 years in the entertainment industry. She's an expert on how to constantly reinvent yourself in a gig-economy. Deborah is the author of six books, coming out including her most recent, Stop Circling. We talked about writing books and becoming unstuck, how to become a professional speaker (Spoiler Alert: just decide), and so much more. Listen to this episode! Like Deborah says, "Life is sweeter with jam!"     Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me introduce you to John Lehr! He is an actor and writer, known for 10 Items or Less (2006), Quick Draw (2013) and The Sweetest Thing (2002). He is also known for being one of the GEICO Cavemen! Currently, he has a production company, Triple Threat Media, that is working on several projects--which were on hold because of the Writers' and Actors' Guild strikes. We talked about his time at Northwestern University and how he has grown as a person and as performer since then. He feels he is better now than he was in his 20's. John walked me through his sobriety journey. We talked about balancing family, career and passions and he had great things to say about Cleveland. This one is a must listen!   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If This Is True would like to introduce you to singing sensation Nora O'Connor! Nora is a Chicago based singer/songwriter who has worked with everyone from the Decemberists to the New Pornographers to Mavis Staples. We discussed balancing work and family, what Americana is, and everything in between. Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me introduce you to Ted Leo, master of soul searching pop punk and indie rock! Ted has a long career with bands like Citizens Arrest, Chisel, Puzzlehead, and the Sin-Eaters. He's mostly known for his group, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. He's also put out albums with Aimee Mann as The Both and as a solo artist. We talked about the intersection of comedy and indie rock throughout the 2000's, and Ted's journey in putting out his first solo album, The Hanged Man. Since then, he has been recording EP's and putting them on Bandcamp. You can find his works there, https://tedleo.bandcamp.com/. You can also go to www.tedleo.com for tour dates and merch. Please give this one a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shari Hazlett is a Brooklyn–based director, writer, performer, producer and media professional who works at the intersection of storytelling, comedy, and technology to inspire civic engagement and social change. Shari just finished producing, writing and directing The March, an historical comedy, which was presented by The Tank Theater (NYC) in June 2023. Shari produces and performs in The Duo Show, a monthly comedy show featuring NYC’s favorite improv performers paired up for one-night-only character duos (Magnet Theater).  Shari is the co-creator and artistic director of the Social Justice Improv Project (SJIP) Collective, a media arts organization for marginalized and historically underrepresented theater and media arts creators to bring their voices to the stage and screen, and take their artistic practice out into the community (NYC/Chicago). Shari began her career as a community organizer and public health educator, from outreach to conducting HIV/AIDS testing and counseling, to program manager for the Congressional Black Caucus-funded (CBC) Medical Education Initiative, a multi-year pilot study and direct intervention to fight healthcare disparities and remove barriers to HIV/AIDS treatment. As a fellow for Equality Florida, she supported city and county lobbying efforts for workplace non-discrimination protection ordinances and statewide education and mobilization for marriage equality.  Shari has directed, produced and performed in original and scripted work at Magnet Theater (NYC); Dixon Place w/ Rubbish Comedy Collective (NYC); Tiny Cupboard (Brooklyn); QED (Queens); Upright Citizens Brigade (NYC), and at venues across NYC and beyond. A creative producer, director, and strategist, Shari has worked with NBC-Universal; SiriusXM; Comic Relief/Red Nose Day; NYC Big Apps; and the American Cancer Society, among others. Her work has been featured on WNYC and WBUR; The New York Times Live Broadcast of the DNC 2012 (Charlotte) and RNC 2012 (Tampa); The Stranger (Seattle, WA); Courier News - Election 2020 Series; and Creative Loafing, among others. Whew! That is a lot. Listen here for the details! Instagram:  @sharihazlett   @socialjusticeimprovproject  @themarch.play Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me introduce you to Vishok Verma. Vishok is a Social Entrepreneur and Professional Trainer for Communication Skills, (Corporates, Social Enterprises, and Non-profits), Personality Development Coach, and Budding Improv Artist based in India. He is the Founder & CEO of a Social Venture named “Let’s Express”. The venture has positively impacted the lives of more than 2000 individuals, online and offline through self-created modules about effective communication. The venture aims to boost the self-esteem of teenagers using Performing Arts. improv and serving the underserved. Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz has been coaching, directing and performing improv for the last 25 years. Liz coached the long-running IO (Improv Olympic) house teams Valhalla, Deep Schwa and Mission Improvable (founders of the Westside Comedy Theater in Santa Monica). Liz was IO’s Training Center Director for 3 years, and an ensemble level teacher for 10 years. A founding member of The IO Roadshow, Liz has taught hundreds of workshops at colleges and corporations nationwide. In 1999, 2000 & 2001 Liz won the Del Close Coach of the Year Award at IO, now called the Liz Allen Excellence in Teaching Award. In 2006, with Jimmy Carrane, Liz co-wrote the book Improvising Better (Heinemann) and co-created their popular Individual Assessment Workshop. Liz was honored to coach The Commune, the improv ensemble in Mike Birbiglia’s 2016 feature film Don’t Think Twice. Liz mentors improv coaches at The Improv Shop in St Louis, and thanks to Skype, coaches faraway improv teams around the globe. In 2017 Liz and her family moved back to Chicago where she continues to write and teach. She is happy to return to her alma mater, The IO Chicago, where she currently teaches Advanced Harold. Liz is a national treasure! Give it a listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jake is an actor, comedian, music producer, and filmmaker. He has produced numerous original sketch revues, musical comedy albums, web shorts, podcasts, plays, a documentary about the Chicago improv scene called “Off the Cuff,” and the original musical “Rich People in Space,” which will premiere this September. Jake's work embraces a theatrical style of humor that balances playful fun with thoughtful satire. Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me introduce you to Margot! She graduated from the New York University School of Social Work in 1983 and has lived and practiced in Naples since 1984. She attended the Rutgers Summer School of Addiction Studies in 1987 and 1990 and has extensive post-graduate training in addiction studies and co-dependency. For over thirty years, Margo has presented workshops and seminars on “Therapeutic Value of Humor and Play” on a national level, and has published several articles on humor, geriatric issues, and improvisational comedy. Using Improvisational Theatre exercises combined with cognitive-behavioral education, Margot helps people suffering anxiety disorders, Parkinson’s, and those in recovery from addictions. She offers a wide range of “Wellness through Improv” classes and workshops.  Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I interviewed Mary Hynes on her birthday in April. She is a professional improviser, educator and stage manager. Her performance and teaching career brings her back and forth between NYC, Chicago and LA. She is a faculty member with the storied Second City Training Center in Chicago, Toronto and LA.  After graduating with her BA in Theatre from Butler University, she discovered a love for helping students young and old discover their creative voices. The power of the “yes, and” mindset in improvisation teaches presence, acceptance, courage and creativity.  She is one of the pioneers of the role of virtual stage manager. During the pandemic, she was on a team of innovators with The Second City Training Center that assessed the needs, and implemented the solutions to keep theater vital and vibrant through trying times of isolation and uncertainty. She is now both highly revered and in demand as a remote operator, virtual stage manager, and facilitator for live and online events in education, entertainment and corporate workshops.  She is an inspiration. Give it a listen!     Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allow me to introduce you to Tashika Campbell, member of indie group Cake Walk from Baltimore. In addition to performing, Tashika has headlined festivals across the US and coordinated the first Improv festival dedicated to Black Improvisers, the From Another Mother Festival, in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area (also known as the DMV). Tashika is also a sought-after Coach, Teacher, and Workshop Facilitator. Tashika shares about being in an indie group, putting on a festival in 30 days and how she likes to do impolite i Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this throwback, If This Is True talks with Sam Dee, half of the Mass Hysteria Improv Fest in Cleveland and bon vivant at Imposters Theater! We discussed festivals, DC vs. Marvel, thrifting and improv everywhere. Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this throwback, which is the inaugural episode of If This Is True, I'm introducing everyone to RJ Tolan! RJ is the co-artistic director of Ensemble Studio Theatre's Youngblood in NYC. He is also a veteran of Shadowbox Live in Columbus, OH, where I met him. Come along for a visit! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this throwback, If This Is True would like to introduce you to Mandy Price. She's an improv bon vivant, performer, and teacher with Jet City Improv in Seattle. Mandy has worked with Second City BoatCo, the Annoyance and iO. She's really up for anything, including carpentry! We talked about carpentry, social anxiety and the state of the world. Mandy believes that everyone should do improv or at least take a class just to find the peace onstage that it gives her. For more on Mandy and her endeavors, go to www.jetcityimprov.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this throwback, If This Is True would like to introduce you to John Bolger, veteran of the Second City and co-founder of Schadenfreude Theatre in Chicago. John also does work with WGN Radio; is a creative director with TPN,; and started his own production company, Man Eating Cereal. John talks about these and other endeavors, including teaching improv at the University of Chicago. John is kind to everyone and a huge Chicago White Sox fan. Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this throwback, If This Is True would like to introduce you to Sean Geary! Sean is an improviser in the Bay Area who is also an educator and a physical trainer. Sean has worked at Endgames Improv with Wachaa and other improv teams. He is a big fan of Camp ImprovUtopia, having traveled across the country to participate in it several times. Sean believes that we should be more empathetic as a people and that improv can help with that. Give it a listen, won't you? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this throwback, If This Is True would like to introduce you to comedian, musician, and author Dave Hill. The Pride of Cleveland, as he's taken to calling himself, has appeared on multiple TV shows; performed at SXSW, Bonnaroo, Bumbershoot, and Sing Sing; hosts the Dave Hill Podcasting Incident and History Fluffer; and wrote "Parking the Moose," "Tasteful Nudes" and "Dave Hill Doesn't Live Here Anymore." We discussed the importance of dogs, nurses and doing what you like in life. Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this throwback, If This Is True wishes you a Happy New Year with a conversation with Bob Kulhan of Business Improv. Bob is an iO, Second City and Annoyance alum who took improv business seriously and created Business Improv, the company! Bob is an adjunct professor at Duke University and has taught his improv curriculum around the world! He believes that "yes, and" can be more than just an improv tool. The phrase can also help to garner respect and to communicate on a higher level. Bob also talks about his Chicago Cubbies and what makes his heart sing. For more information on Bob's business, go to www.businessimprov.com. Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If This Is True would like to introduce you to Lulu French, owner and head instructor at Rocket Improv in NJ. Lulu teaches kids and teens the fundamentals of improv and team building. She has a laundry list of experience from the PIT and Gotham City Improv in NYC, plus years of musical theater experience, even touring nationally with My Fair Lady. We talked about the transition from musical theater to improv, innovative ways to teach and how to keep a business going in a pandemic. Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this throwback, If This Is True would like to introduce you to Abdul Williams! Abdul is an award-winning screenwriter and producer, known for the Lottery Ticket, Surf 2, The New Edition Story, The Bobby Brown Story, and Salt N' Pepa. He is currently working on The Thanksgiving Text for Netflix. We talked about these projects, what it takes to be a good writer in any media and our time as Bobcats at OU. Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this throwback, If This Is True would like to introduce you to Kyle Siegrist! Kyle is a permanent fixture in the Columbus, OH music scene, playing in bands like Second State Butchers and doing his own solo projects. He is also the owner of Lost Weekend Records and Lost Weekend record label. Kyle got his start in the music business in the 80's and had an amazing trip to where he is today. You can find him at @lostweekendrecords on Facebook, or at www.lostweekendrecords.com. Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this throwback, If This Is True would like to introduce you to Shaun Landry! Shaun is at least a quintuple threat of actor, improviser, teacher, director and theater president. This Chicago native is the artistic director of Oui Be Negroes, founder of the West Coast Improv Alliance, cofounder of the San Francisco Improv Festival and founder of the Ledge--a new non-profit theater in Los Angeles. Shaun has come a long way from her days with Second City TourCo. She has worked with prisoners and dementia patients using improv techniques. We talked about working with drama therapy and what it takes to make it in the business and to start your own theater. Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this throwback, If This Is True would like to introduce you to Pat Byrnes--renaissance man in every sense of the word! He is a cartoonist, first and foremost, but he has also been a rocket scientist, ad man, playwright, improviser, and comedian in his illustrious career. Currently, he is a cartoonist for the New Yorker. Pat believes that all of his adventures have the through line of cartooning and that has helped him in many ways. Regale to the tales of his first sale, his putting on a full musical at a Catholic Church and his painting Matt Besser during a show. Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this throwback, If This Is True would like to Introduce you to Dana Quercioli! Dana is a long-time veteran of the Second City in Cleveland (RIP) and in Chicago, who now lives in Los Angeles. She is working on a pilot, Gumshoes, which she will film in Cleveland later this year. We talked about Cleveland, humility, and doing good works. Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.