In this throwback, If This Is True would like to introduce you to Jimmy Carrane, the master of the art of slow comedy. Jimmy has worked and taught at the Second City, iO, and is a founding member of the Annoyance. He was also in the original cast of the Armando at iO! He has written two books, Improv Therapy, and Improvising Better: A Guide for the Working Improviser with Liz Allen. Jimmy also hosts the Improv Nerd podcast. He teaches the art of slow comedy nationwide. We talked about improvising better and being a working improviser. 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 Jo Rou and Ryan Santa of Imposters Theater. Jo is a veteran of the NYC improv scene, having studied and performed at the Magnet Theater, the Pit and the Upright Citizens Brigade. Ryan is a veteran of the Chicago improv scene, having studied and performed through iO Theater and the Second City Conservatory. How are their styles different? How are they similar? Give it a listen and find out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this throwback, If This Is True is proud to introduce you to John Fugelsang! John is a Drama League nominated actor, comedian & broadcaster who hosts the acclaimed "Tell Me Everything" series on SiriusXM Progress #127. He's been murdered on CSI, picketed by Westboro Baptist Church,  interviewed 2 Beatles on 2 different continents in the same week, and once got Mitt Romney's advisor to call Romney an 'etch a sketch' on CNN. He's been a regular on CNN, MSNBC, FOX News and hosted "Viewpoint" on Current TV.  He sold out theaters across the country with Stephanie Miller, Hal Sparks and Aisha Tyler on The Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour; their album "Volume 1" became the 1st political album to ever hit  #1 on the Amazon, iTunes & Billboard Comedy Charts. This was recorded on Friday, June 24, when the Roe decision came down, literally. I was going to run it in August, but it was too important and timely to run it then. 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 the Sohns! Rich and Rebecca Sohn are improvisers/actors/directors living in Los Angeles. They are both veterans of the Second City and Annoyance Theatre. Rebecca has also performed with Steppenwolf, Remy Bumppo and About Face Theatres. She is also an ensemble member of the No Stakes Theater Project. Rich is teaching at the Pack Theater and at Second City, We talked about being married improvisers, working with each other and their teaching styles. 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 Brad Barton! Brad is an NYC based actor, entertainment journalist, host, and producer. Plus, he's a content writer for Marvel! Brad also works with and for his wife, Lulu French (Friend of the show!) at Rocket Improv, an improv school for youth, in NJ. We talked about Marvel vs. DC (guess which won?), Harrison Ford, Oprah and so much more. 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 Neal Dandade! Neal is an actor, improviser and writer based out of Chicago. He has acted on TNT's Sirens, ABC Family's Kevin From Work, and NBC's Shrink. Neal was featured in the 2016 CBS Diversity Showcase. He was also a member of the Second City National Touring Company and a regular writer/performer/improviser at the iO and Annoyance theaters in Chicago. We talked about educating the underserved, Los Angeles vs. Chicago improv aesthetics, and much more. 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 Siddharth Venkatesh! He is our first guest from outside the continent. Siddharth performs with Improv Comedy Bangalore in Bangalore, India. He recently performed at the ImprovIsAsian festival and works as an engineer when he is not entertaining people. Siddharth believes in connection with others, so he wanted me to share these links with you:  www.facebook.com/ICBangalore www.facebook.com/zmackcomedy www.facebook.com/ImprovisAsianFestival 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 Asaf Ronen, recently, of the Institution Theater and currently the Austin Creative Alliance. Asaf is an author (Directing Improv: Show The Way By Getting Out Of The Way), producer (Trust Us, This Is All Made Up) and the founder of www.yesand.com. You can also learn about the Alliance at www.austincreativealliance.org. We discussed the TJ and Dave documentary, the wonders of Austin, TX and the need for humanism in art. 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 Vik Pandya! Vik is a nationally touring comedian and one-third of Team Us Comedy in Chicago. Vik trained at the Second City, recorded a #1 iTunes comedy album "Friends with (401k) Benefits" with Team Us in 2019. He waxes poetic on this episode on whiskey knowledge, living by his schedule and taking on acting. Give it a listen, won't you? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this 2021 throwback, If This Is True would like to introduce you to David Whitehouse and Jimmy Mak of Shadowbox Live. Dave and Jimmy are old friends and sketch comedy creators and innovators who make live sketches great. They discuss what makes a sketch great and how comedy has kept food on the table for them for more than 25 years. 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 Tara DeFrancisco and Rance Rizzutto of the Nest Theatre in Columbus! Tara and Rance have been engaging audiences all over the globe, whether with iO, the Second City, or with their two-person improvised musical, "Here." These 20+ year veterans of improv have done it all. They opened their theatre, the Nest, in Columbus, OH--with a new location at 2643 N. High St., just north of OSU's campus. Speaking of campuses, Tara and Rance are now guest professors at both Ohio University and Columbus College of Art and Design. They talk about what it takes to run a theater during a pandemic, the joy of performing across the world and the relief that this is an explicit podcast! Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the first city panel on If This Is True! We have Abdul Williams, David Razowsky, Mary Hynes and Rich Baker talking about all the goings on in the City of Angels and in Hollywood from the writer's strike to AI and everything in between! For those of us interested in the entertainment industry, it's a great listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In honor of Susan visiting Cleveland this weekend, I'm dropping this flashback to late 2021. I would like to introduce you the indomitable Susan Messing! Susan is an improvisation and comedy legend, who has performed and taught at iO, iO West, the Annoyance, The Second City Chicago and around the globe. Susan is also an instructor at DePaul University, the University of Chicago and the School at Steppenwolf. We talked about taking risks and how to move forward as improvisers, comedians and as people–to go toward that which is difficult. Give it a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me introduce you to Bill Chott! He of the Dana Carvey Show/Second City/Improv Olympic kind of fame. Bill has been improvising and acting since he left St. Louis for Chicago back in the early nineties. He was one of the cast members of the cult favorite Dana Carvey Show in 1996. Bill is also known for his role as the Mailman in 'This Is Us.' Bill performs and teaches in Los Angeles with his corporate gig, the Improv Trick; he is also a proud father to a daughter. We talked about his role as Fred Mertz at the National Comedy Museum in Jamestown, NY and how we both deal with ADHD in our lives. It's a great listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me introduce you to my pal, LeeAnn Marie Webster! She is an attorney turned international Keynote speaker, Moth Story Slam winner, and entrepreneur with 20 years’ experience in marketing and business development in a range of industries. LeeAnn has a substantial event background, having successfully produced 130+ virtual summits and founding the largest speed dating company in Southern California. Her entrepreneurial journey started when she became the first person to host a speed dating event outside of the Jewish community, ultimately creating the largest speed dating company in Southern California. Her first national TV appearance was as a contestant on MTV’s Remote Control. Since then, her entrepreneurial insights have been featured on NBC, The Huffington Post, The Los Angeles Times, and dozens more. She is also the creator of Fancy Meeting Me Here, her inspirational one woman show. Oh, and she just climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. No big whoop! Here is her Moth Story Slam link:  https://vimeo.com/736179555?share=copy You can find tickets to Fancy Meeting Me Here at  https://leeannmariewebster.com/ Give this one a listen! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tommy Hough is a media/activist/political powerhouse! Based in San Diego, he's worked as an on-air personality at FM 94/9, KPRI, and 91X. He's also had the good fortune of working for several outstanding environmental organizations, including Surfrider chapter and San Diego Audubon, helping with leadership and coordination of the ReWild Mission Bay campaign, and managing communications and media for Oregon Wild during his time in Portland. He is the co-founder and original president of San Diego County Democrats for Environmental Action, and has run for City Council in San Diego twice. We talked about our time at Ohio University together, sanity in politics, the All-Campus Radio Network and much more. Give it a listen! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Give a listen to this one with Mr. Improv DIY, Rich Baker! Not only has he written a book, Improv Made Easier, he has performed all over the US with Second City, Mission Improvable, ComedySportz and his duo with Rolland Lopez,  Rollin in Riches. Rich is also a teacher on his YouTube show Improv Breakdown and through his corporate business, Play Like a Team.  He's written and performed for Epic Rap Battles of History! Do I need to say more? Check out this episode! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ladies and Gents, it gives me great pleasure to introduce Dave Razowsky to you. Dave has created and performed in countless Second City revues, where he performed with Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell and Rachel Dratch. He was the artistic director of the Second City Hollywood. He is also a worldwide teacher of a methodology that stand improv on its ear and connects people through relationship and emotion. He definitely put me through my paces, and I want to learn more. Give it a listen, please! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me introduce you to Deana Criess, Senior Organizational Development Specialist at Perkins School for the Blind and accomplished improviser! Deana uses applied improvisation for training staff and students to help the visually impaired. She has led workshops at festivals, theaters and colleges all around the USA. We discussed critical thinking in improv and how improv can be anything--especially during a pandemic! Give it a listen! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let us introduce you to Phillip Faiss--actor, playwright, writer and Las Vegas treasure! He's trained with the Groundlings and the Second City in his past, including stints with Liz Allen and Cheryl Hines. He's written a book, Philoween, and has written and performed three one-man shows based off this book! He currently works for MGM as a trainer teaching, well, I guess you'll have to listen to find out! Give it a listen! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me introduce you to one-man indie powerhouse, Jason Narducy. Jason is the touring bassist for Superchunk, the bassist for Bob Mould, and the front man for his project, Split Single. He's touring the midwest and east coast during March and April (Including Cleveland! Shows are listed in this episode.). Jason started playing guitar at nine in his band Verboten, whose singer, Tracy, is Dave Grohl's cousin. Grohl credits seeing Verboten as a teen with convincing him that he needed to be a performer! Learn all of this rock goodness and more in this episode. Give it a listen! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frances Callier and Angela V. Shelton are real life best friends who met and honed their skills at the world famous Second City Theatre. Frangela is known for NBC’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. They were featured on The Oprah Show on the “Best Standups in America” episode. They are well known for their commentary on VH1’s Best Week Ever and hilarity on the big screen in the hit films He’s Just Not That Into You and Slow Learners. They are also recurring fan favorites on HULU’S Quick Draw. Frances and Angela have starred in, written and produced their own pilot for FOX called Frances and Angela. They both starred in and wrote for their award winning animated show Hey Monie for Oxygen and BET. They also wrote a pilot for The Disney Channel and Showtime. Together they have starred in pilots for VH1, The Travel Channel, OWN and recently wrote and produced on shows for Lifetime Television, VH1 and the Game Show Network. They have many other credits, but they eschewed listing them for this show as "this show is the only credit [they] are concerned with right now." Awww! Give it a listen, por favor! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If This Is True has the distinct privilege of welcoming Jon Wurster to the show! Jon is the drummer for Superchunk, the Mountain Goats, and the Bob Mould Band. Did you know he has also played with the Pretenders, R.E.M., the Buzzcocks and the New Pornographers? Jon also has a burgeoning comedy career working with his partner Tom Scharpling on the Best Show. His #mynewworstfriend on Instagram is also the best scavenger hunt on the internet. If you know, you know.  Please, do yourself a favor and give it a listen! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A "Jack of All Trades" (and master of some), Jay Sukow has been performing with and without a script for the better part of the past 27 years. He has trained with, among others, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell and Del Close. He is a graduate of training centers of The Second City, The Second City NW, iO Chicago, and ComedySportz Chicago. He is the founder of Today Improv, who teaches improv to actors, businesses and everybody else. He has extensive experience helping businesses drive behavior change through improvisational philosophies and exercises. Jay teaches currently at MI's Westside Comedy Theater, and is a large fan of the Beastie Boys! He wants to share improv--and the Beasties--with people to show how they can benefit from knowing both. Give it a listen! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Asif Khan is what Rush would call a "New World Man!" He has become an immunologist and allergist, while also performing as a drummer in bands such as Overlord, Johnny Hi-Fi and, most recently, Spy Convention. He's handled adversity as well as allergies and touring over the years, and he's done so while raising a family and guest lecturing about Passion and Profession at universities so students can learn about feeding the soul and putting food on the table at the same time. He's especially proud of the Canfield (Ohio) Cardinals and their state football championship. We could all learn lessons about what's important from Asif! Give it a listen! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If This Is True would like to kick off the year with Charone Frankel. Charone is a lawyer, an improviser, a mezzo soprano and a podcaster here in Cleveland. Her Habeas Humor podcast has covered everything from Aaron Hernandez to Vladimir Putin. Charone has lived in California and in the NYC area, studied with UCB Theater and has been featured in independent films and TV pilots. We talked about DIY auditioning and podcasting and what it takes to bloom where you're planted. Give it a listen! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If This Is True would like to wrap up the year with the esteemed Paul Bellini! Paul, better known as the "Man in the Towel" from The Kids In The Hall, is a Gemini Award and Cable Ace Award nominated writer for the Kids and This Hour Has 22 Minutes. He teaches sketch comedy as part of Humber College's comedy program. We discussed the bravery it took to be out and gay in the late 80's and on The Kids In The Hall, his writing partnership with Scott Thompson and their queer core band, Mouth Congress.  We also discussed successfully creating a career out of hobby work that goes on to this day. Give it a listen! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If This Is True would like to introduce you to Kevin Mullaney. Kevin created the Improv Resource Center--a Facebook for improvisers before Facebook--in the early 2000's. He teaches through the IRC and often travels around the country conducting workshops. Kevin started teaching improvisation 25 years ago at iO Theater in Chicago, later at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theatre in New York and more recently Under the Gun Theater in Chicago. Currently, Kevin resides in Peoria, IL, where he is an IT professional. We talked about making crazy choices--both in life and in improv, being a loose cannon, and enjoying the journey of life we are all on. We even discussed enjoying some poker along the way. Give it a listen! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If This Is True would like to introduce you to Anya Marina! This singer-songwriter has songs in movies like Twilight: New Moon and TV shows like Grey's Anatomy and Gossip Girl. She left alternative radio more than ten years ago when she received her first record contract and she hasn't looked back. We talk about what it takes to make it as a performer and what it's like to tour with a comedian like her best friend, Nikki Glaser. Give it a listen! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If This Is True would like to introduce you to Jim Phillips, my Dad's best friend and accomplished songwriter. He recently retired as a school treasurer and wrote and recorded a song in honor of my Dad, Jim Hall. They had over a 20 year friendship, before my Dad passed in February 2021. We talked about my Dad and their friendship and Jim's future as a singer/songwriter. Give it a listen! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If This Is True would like to introduce you to Jeff Scherer! Jeff is a veteran of the NYC improv scene (Magnet, PIT, UCB) who currently performs with Vern musical improv and Chicago City Limits. He was also an improv rocker with the BTK Band. We talked about musical improv, finding what makes you happy and the NYC improv scene over the years. Give it a listen! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-hall7/support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.