एपिसोड लिस्ट

In this first ever episode of There It Is we hear from author, comedian, and actress Tess Rafferty about her book "Recipes for Disaster: A Memoir" and her time at TV's The Soup. A deeper discussion about comedy and political correctness is also had.

Jason talks to half of GREAT TIMES w/Cory and Kevin, comedian Cory Cavin, formerly of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and Nikki and Sara Live. They have a great talk about his work, how long it took him to love Justin Timberlake, and there's mention of the movie, The Room.

World Champion Beatboxer Kaila Mullady, of New York City improv troupe North Coast, joins Jason for this enlightening episode. Kaila talks with Jason about beatboxing and comedy, and then teaches Jason a little something about the musical art form.

Jason talks to hilarious musical comedy duo, the Reformed Whores. Marie Cecile Anderson and Katy Frame talk about how they met and started Reformed Whores as well as how they approach music and comedy. They also wax inspirational. It's a great talk with two great people and Jason.

On today's episode Jason chats with the always funny and sweet comedian and actress, Sarah Hylander. Sarah has been on Punk'd (2003) and MADtv (1995). She is quite well known for characters she created for her YouTube channel. Jason and Sarah talk about her character work, her approach to stand up, and how a fan of Modern Family (2009)'s Sarah Hyland invited the wrong Sarah to the prom.

Jason has an inspiring talk with world renowned improv performer and instructor Jill Bernard. Jill Bernard co-founded the HUGE Improv Theater in Minneapolis, performed with ComedySportz-Twin Cities, was part of the world championship ComedySportz team, and had a critically acclaimed one-person show, "Drum Machine." Jason and Jill talk about improv technique, fear, and instruction.

In today's fun-filled episode, Jason talks to comedian and writer for HBO's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Josh Gondelman. Josh co-created Modern Seinfeld, the Twitter account of premises for episodes of Seinfeld if the show were still on today. Jason and Josh talk about how he came up with premises for Modern Seinfeld and writing comedy in general. Josh also has a new comedy album out called Physical Whisper, available now on iTunes, Rooftop Comedy and BandCamp.

Jason talks to the multi-talented Douglas Widick of the renowned UCB theatre's Maude Night, the acclaimed Pop Roulette, and the fantastic Hip Hop improv group North Coast. You'll remember from episode 3 that Jason talked to beatboxer Kaila Mullady about North Coast. Doug talks about how practice to be prepared for these tremendous shows. Spoiler Alert: there's no easy trick, ya just gotta do the work.

Jason has a discussion with improviser, actor, and co-founder of Theatre 99 in Charleston, SC, Greg Tavares. They get into a fun and deep discussion about coaching at Theatre 99, having integrity as a performer, and continuing to grow and learn as an artist. It's a great talk. Greg wrote a great book titled, "Improv for Everyone," and it's a must read for anyone interested in doing improv. It's available on Amazon and Kindle. Greg performs regularly at Theatre 99 in various shows including company staple, The Have Nots.

Jason talks to improviser, writer, and actress Lindsay Calleran. They have an engrossing chat about the fundamentals of improv, covering topics like what it really means to support your partner, not judging others, and keeping good vibes.

In today's episode, Jason has a great talk with the always candid Jarrod Harris. Jarrod is a phenomenal stand up comic who has appeared on Nerdist, Lopez Tonight, Fox, and Comedy Central. The two of them cover topics like touring, the comedy business, and how to approach doing character work on stage. It's a great listen for stand ups who need a dose or two of reality.

In today's episode Jason talks to the very funny Atlanta comedian, Mia Jackson. You've seen her on Fox, Last Comic Standing, TLC, and in the Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts movie "Mother's Day!" Jason and Mia discuss those exciting topics plus coming up with stand up material and starting out as a stand up. It's a great talk.

Today's guest is Joe Toplyn, former head writer for both the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and the Late Show with David Letterman. Joe started his career in television as a staff writer for Late Night with David Letterman and went on to work on In Living Color, The Chevy Chase Show, Monk, and more. Jason talks with him about his work in TV, the process of working on various kinds of shows, and his book, "Comedy Writing for Late-Night TV." It's a very helpful discussion for anyone who wants to create comedy professionally or as a hobby.

Jason speaks with his old friend Toby Morrell, who is the lead singer of Emery, co-host of the Bad Christian podcast, and host of the upcoming The Unstoppable Badass podcast. We have a great chat about the drive to create, taking risks, and how comedy. It's a great listen.

In today's episode Jason talks to the incomparable Charna Halpern. Ms. Halpern is the founder and director of the magnificent iO theater and co-creator of the Harold, the basis of long form improv. Jason talks with Ms. Halpern about the heart of improv, the iO theater and the greats who have come through it like Tina Fey and Adam McKay, as well as her role in getting many greats of SNL past and present on the show. It's an enjoyable and informative talk.

Today Jason talks to Dave Stone, stand up comedian from Late Late Show, Just for Laughs, Last Comic Standing, and Adult Swim. Jason gets Dave to talk about his old crew, The Beards of Comedy, DIY touring, and his time living in his van. Dave gives some very sound advice for any stand up comedian who wants to move ahead. It's a great listen.

Today's episode has some excellent people from the Greenville, SC comedy scene. This was a panel discussion that was part of the Greenville Comedy Marathon, an annual marathon put on by Alchemy Comedy. It was moderated by Alchemy Artistic Director, Harrison Brookie, and features Meg Pierson, Todd Janssen, Tom Emmons, Traysie Amick, and Carrie Adams. Great insight into the Greenville comedy scene and into starting and being a part of your own scene.

In today's episode, Jason has a giggly good time with actor and writer, Ayden Mayeri, who appears in tonight's episode of New Girl (2011) - House Hunt (2016). She's also done some fun commercial work and was on the web series "Harder Than it Looks." The two of them become new friends for life talking about the entertainment industry, hustle, nicknames, and buzz saws. Enjoy this fun-filled chat stuffed with insight into working in the industry.

In today's episode, Jason and Jimmy talk about podcasting, coaching, and how to capitalize on a trip to New York in this insightful, fun, and encouraging chat. It's a good listen for improv instructors and coaches as Jimmy really delves into what one can do to make the most out of leading a group. The trick is in letting them lead you. As with many things in life, the improv fundamental of agreement always helps. Listen as Jimmy exemplifies that in this rich chat with Jason.

The guest for today's episode is New York City. Jason and his lovely girlfriend, Justina, also a comedian, take the show on the road to the best city in the world and hit up all of the comedy hot spots and more. Along the way they talk about their experiences and what they learned. The two went to a concert put on by The Roots called The Roots Picnic where they saw John Mayer and D'Angelo perform with the Roots as well as stand up from Neal Brennan and surprise appearances from Common and Dave Chappelle. Jason and Justina saw great shows at the Magnet Theatre, UCB, and the Comedy Cellar. They also saw tapings for both The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015) and Late Night with Seth Meyers (2014), where Jason got to ask Seth Meyers advice about moving to the big city. It was a thrilling trip chock full of life and comedy lessons.

Today's episode is with performer and instructor of the Magnet Theater in NYC, Rick Andrews. Jason and Rick have a really great talk about many things improv. They talk about instructing and coaching methods that help your reach your players to be more free and how not to be "the star of the workshop." There's also some talk in there about how the famed Armando Diaz is as an instructor. If you're a performer you will get a lot out of the discussion about what to focus on in different styles of play or in grounded scenes. Rick also discusses his approach to his performance in the duo he does with Louis Kornfeld, Kornfeld and Andrews. There is also talk about the differences between different schools of thought within improv. Respect is given to other styles, but there are differences of opinion and everyone needs to be okay with that. Rick is a wealth of knowledge and understanding.

Today's episode is with the fantastic stand up comedian Joyelle Nicole of New York City. Joyelle and Jason talk about her comedy career, working as a stand up in the NY comedy scene, and her work with advocacy group, "Lady Parts Justice." There is a lot of good nuggets of advice in here from good times to write to how to think when you approach a career in comedy. Want to learn to hustle up in a big city? Joyelle knows how to do it, whether you're a tortoise or a hare. Joyelle also shares some stories and words of wisdom from comic luminaries like Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock. If you want to do stand up, this is a must-listen episode.

Today's episode is with Harrison Brookie. He is the improviser, instructor, and Artistic Director of the Alchemy Comedy Theater in Greenville, SC. Harrison is a fast talker, so you gotta keep up, and he has plenty to say, too. Harrison is not only a co-founder of the Alchemy Comedy theater, he's a history teacher. Harrison talks with Jason about improv, his time at Clemson University and in Chapel Hill, NC at DSI, starting the Alchemy Comedy Theater, juggling running a theater with his other part-time job, and the New South Comedy Festival, which starts this week in Greenville, SC. It's a great talk for any improviser who wants to coach, start their own theater, or people who want to know how to juggle working multiple jobs. It's an informative one.

On today's episode, Jason talks to improviser and co-founder of Charleston, SC's Theatre 99, Brandy Sullivan. Jason and Brandy talk about her history in and approach to improv, ways to focus while performing, how to coach and teach performers, the responsibilities a performer has, and how to get invested or vulnerable in a scene. The convo spans a lot of improv talk. You can learn so much from this as an improviser. Take it in. Brandy is a delight.

Today's guest is Emmy and Peabody award winning Stand Up Comedian, Writer and Podcaster, Paul Mecurio, of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Paul talks with Jason about his remarkable career in comedy that started as a Wall Street lawyer/banker before getting into comedy after a chance meeting with Jay Leno leading to his working for The Tonight Show. His career so far spans working at The Daily Show, appearing on CBS, ESPN, Comedy Central, and at the Montreal Just for Laughs festival. Paul chats about his stand up, writing political humor, warming up for the Late Show, and he explains how he got Paul McCartney to appear on his podcast, 2 Chairs and a Microphone. It's a very insightful interview with plenty for you to learn from.

Today's episode is a special Thanksgiving Episode showing thanks to past guests and commentary about creating during tough times. Jason talks briefly about art, particularly music, from the 1960's that was written and recorded during tumultuous times. The hope is that you, creators, feel inspired to get back up and get to work in what was, for many, a shocking and troubling election cycle.

Molly is a dynamic improviser who performs on the UCB Harold team "Women and Men" and a sketch team called "Buzz Off, Lucille." She's pretty impressive. Jason picks Molly's brain about how she approaches the beats of a Harold. They also talk about how Molly approaches performance in general. Molly also shares her motivation for what improv theater to join. Hint: CUTE BOYS. If the Harold is a form of improv that you've struggled with, you will gain a lot from checking out this talk as UCB has a very clear vision on approaching scene work. Molly is performing on a unique show tomorrow night (November 30th) called "Night Late" at the UCB.

Today's great episode is with Los Angeles actor, writer, and director, Brian James O'Connell who also performs and instructs improv at the iO West as well as at the Pack Theater. Brian is a well versed improviser who Jason met at the New South Comedy Festival. Jason and Brian got into some good stuff about the process of performing more successful improv and coaching improv. They barely scratched the surface of Brian's wealth of knowledge, so Jason will certainly be having him on again. Dig in, it's a great talk.

Today's episode is with the insanely and uniquely talented Atlanta performer, Mark Kendall. Mark performs solo shows including, "Magic Negro and Other Blackness." Mark performs in Atlanta and around the country at various festivals and he teaches workshops as well. Jason and Mark talk about how he approaches creating and performing solo shows. They also discuss teaching and coaching. Mark has had some really cool experiences to become the dynamic performer he is. He's certainly one to watch and he's also one to hear from. There's plenty to learn from this great performer.

Today's episode has the wonderfully talented and all around great person, Amber Nash. Actor and improviser known for her role as Pam from the F/X series, Archer (2009). Jason and Amber have a stellar and cheerful talk about how Amber got her start, learning and performing improv at the famed Atlanta Theater, Dad's Garage, and of course, how she got her role on "Archer." It's a great and informative talk for improvisers and actors seeking work in the business. Take this delightful chat in and learn plenty while you're at it.

This is a short but special episode. It's the Christmas Episode. It's similar to the Thanksgiving one, in today's episode Jason talks to his partner in life and crime, Justina. They talk about this year's accomplishments, performances, the work that goes into developing as a performer/creator, and general nonsense. Let's all take stock of the year we had in our performances and practices so that we can learn, grow, and make the most of 2017. Let's do this.

Today's episode is a New Year's Special. It's a review of all of the 2016 episodes. Jason talks about what he learned or what he liked most about each episode. It's a great starter episode if this is your first time with us. Enjoy and Happy New Year.

Matt Holmes, of the Philly Improv Theater as well as at the Good Good Comedy Theatre, has performed and taught at various national improv festivals like the Del Close Marathon, the Boston Improv festival, and the Chicago Improv Festival. Jason and Matt talk about Matt's renowned improv show, "Matt &," where Matt picks an audience member up to do a two-person show with. Aside from talking at length about that show, they chat about instruction and the basics of performing improv. It's an insightful discussion about improv for beginners, players who feel a little stuck, instructors, and those who want to develop their own show.

Today we talk with NYC Stand Up Comedian, Joe Zimmerman. Joe's a great comic who has appeared on Conan, Last Comic Standing, Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and his own Comedy Central Half Hour, just to name a few. His album, "Smiling at Wolves" was #2 on iTunes. Jason and Joe met when Joe lived in the Carolinas and was a part of "The Beards of Comedy." They reminisce about some old days, talk about developing new jokes, approaching the NY comedy scene, and mention how people ruin conversation for comics. Joe is currently on his "Self Help Me" tour. Dive right into this fun chat.

Jason took the show on the road as he got to tour with the Alchemy Comedy Touring Co. to the very fun Charleston Comedy Festival. This festive episode has talk about the festival, performances, along with some fun and games. Jason chats with performers on the team like Jason Underwood (co-host of The Bearded Ones podcast), former guest Harrison Brookie, Ben Burris, Nicole McAden, Brooke Provost, and Larry Simonson. Jason also talked to some of the team members' off-stage partners Justina, Miley, Lauren, and Andy. Making a special appearance are next week's guests, Henry Riggs and Maari Suorsa, who are performers out of Theatre 99.

Today's guests are performers Maari Suorsa and Henry Riggs of the Charleston, SC sketch duo, "Nameless Numberhead." Jason has a great chat with them about their approach to improv, how they create their brand of comedy, and managing being a couple who perform together. It's a really fun chat because Henry and Maari are fun people.

Today's episode is with actress, improviser, and instructor, Jeris Donovan. Jeris has been acting and performing comedy for over 20 years. She learned the craft of improv in the Chicago theaters The Annoyance, Second City, and iO. She moved to Los Angeles and taught and directed at iO West. While in LA Jeris appeared on TV shows like Spin City and Two Guys a Girl and a Pizza Place. Jeris and Jason talk about her start in improv, being a challenging instructor, her TV work, and an awkward moment with Ryan Reynolds, whom we all love. No shade. Jeris is an instructor at the Moonlight Stage Company in Raleigh, NC and has a few teams performing this year at the NC Comedy Arts Festival.

Today's guest is improviser, instructor, and founder of Improv City in Orange County, CA, Devin Dugan. Jason and Devin have a really great talk about performing improv, teaching improv, his experience running his theater, and more. It's a great one for improvisers who are brand new and those who have been doing it for some time. Instructors can get some insight from this conversation, too. Even if you're running your own theater or would like to, you can get some info from this installment. Devin sets a great example of always using your creativity.

Today's episode is with Actress, Comedian, and Writer, Erica Rhodes, of A Prairie Home Companion, @midnight (2013), and more. Erica has done so much in the industry already. You may have seen her on I Don't Know How She Does It (2016), Clavado En Un Bar (2014), एपिसोड #1.8 (2015), Carly Rae Jepsen Wears a Chunky Necklace and Black Ankle Boots (2015), or Dave Coulier (2014). Erica and Jason talk about how she got started as a performer on A Prairie Home Companion at the tender age of 10, how she transitioned into writing, and then her work as a stand up comedian and actress. Erica is a great lesson for us all on how to live an adventurous life full of possibilities and accomplishments. Take a listen to this wonderful and inspiring chat.

The podcast is on the road this week. Jason, along with fan favorite Justina, got to have their last hurrah with their Greenville comedy crew from the Alchemy Comedy Theater at NCCAF. What a fun time they had. Jason and Justina talk about performing and the shows they attended. The two also got to talk to friends Evan, Brooke, Nicole, Andrew, and Larry about their experience at the festival, as well. It's a shorter episode, but just as sweet. Give it a listen.

Jason and Justina talk about their move to the greatest city in the world, New York. In it they discuss the experiences they have had involving art and comedy. In the first couple of weeks of living in NYC, Jason and Justina took their first improv class at the Magnet Theater (taught by previous guest Rick Andrews!), Jason doing stand up in Queens, going to the MET, and seeing World renowned improvisers TJ and Dave perform at the Town Hall, which includes a chance meeting with one of Jason's favorite entertainers. It's an excellent chat that not only charts their experiences, but gets into the head space of making such a big move. If you're thinking about making a big move to chase your goals and dreams then listen to this installment. It aims to be entertaining and encouraging.

Chicago improviser and instructor Susan Messing is renowned for her work at iO, Second City, and the Annoyance. Jason and Susan talk about Susan's approach to and "rules of" improv, how she started teaching improv and that Peter Grosz and Seth Meyers were in the first class she taught, and how Susan co-founded the Annoyance Theater. Susan also creates one of our favorite moments from There It Is (2016) by answering a phone call as a little girl. Susan is a bastion of knowledge and is not only a treat to listen to, but also very informative.

Today's episode is with Stand Up Comedian, Jeremy McLellan. Jeremy is a thoughtful, intelligent stand up comic living in Charleston, SC. Jeremy talks about hot-button issues. He has an appetite for topics like religion, disabilities, gender, and politics, which is reflected in his comedy. Jason and Jeremy talk about these topics as wells as his transition from working with people with intellectual disabilities into doing comedy full-time; how he manages to get comedy out of tough topics; navigating through discussing such hot-bed issues that everyone seems to argue about; and his famous (and some might say infamous) night hosting the International Students for Liberty Conference where he poked fun of Rand Paul. It's a really great, fast-paced talk that squeezes two hours worth of fun and insight into just an hour. Give it a listen.

Today's guest is the founder of comedy-centric website Splitsider, Adam Frucci. Adam is also an improviser and started out at UCB in NY in 2005. Jason talks with Adam about performing regularly at UCB with the group Airwolf, improv theory, writing about comedy, and of course, starting Splitsider. They have a deeper discussion about how people discuss comedy online and joke theft accusations. Jason mentions a fun experience he had seeing episode 2 guest Cory Cavin's show, Great Times with Cory and Kevin.

Today's episode is with improviser and actor out of the Magnet Theater in NYC, Kristina Grosspietsch. Kristina is a dynamic performer who not only performs improv and acts, but also writes, and is an all around rock star of the stage. Jason and Kristina talk about becoming a member of the Magnet Theater. She tells Jason about her time in community theatre, realizing how much she missed performing, performing improv versus acting in scripted work, getting on a sketch team at Magnet, what the "and" part of "yes and" really is, and that one time Kristina was on Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?

Today's episode is with improviser and artistic director of the Magnet Theater in NYC, Megan Gray. She's been performing for over a decade and has so many experiences for you to learn from. Jason and Megan have a great talk about what goes in to being the artistic director, her time performing on a cruise ship, how being entertaining is better than trying to be clever, immersing yourself in an improv community, and the importance of diversity in improv.

Today is a new fun-sized episode of the podcast's new special edition series, "Comedy Shop Talk!" Periodically Jason will chat with Justina or a special guest about different stories, topics, or thoughts swirling around in the comedy community. The hope is to spur conversation among fellow comedians. In today's episode Jason and Justina talk about a friend's thoughts on moving to a big city, a serious accusation of sexual harassment and how the club handled it, doing improv scenes with people you don't know, taking Steve Martin's Masterclass, and falling flat when you try to make a joke. Give it a listen and share your thoughts with us on social media.

Today's episode is with NYC writer and comedian, Katy Berry. Katy performs improv with hip hop improv group North Coast and at the Magnet Theater. This starts off with Jason talking about seeing less great acting work permeating TV and film like he used to see growing up and why that might be. Then Katy talks about creating her web series, her start and meteoric rise in improv, having confidence on stage, and what to do to achieve that confidence. Jason and Katy also share a thoughtful discussion about social awareness in comedy and the reasons we need it. It's an incredibly wide ranging discussion that you can learn all sorts of things from, so dig in.

Today's episode is with the musician who created the music for the podcast, Niel Brooks. We love this installment. For one, it's the 50th one. It's a celebration. Secondly, it's an enjoyable chat. Lastly, there's a fun surprise at the very end. Jason and Niel talk about how Niel came up with the music for the theme song, playing music solo or with a band, improvising with a band versus playing written material, playing live, intellectual theft, and they even talk a good bit about comedy before they flat out nerd out about Sting and The Police. Even if you're not a musician you can still learn something about creating, performing live, and performing with others.

Today, Jason talks to the mother of all guests...his mother. They discuss 60s music, her own desires to be a dancer, her time serving as a talent booker for A&T State University and the phenomenal talent that performed there, and what it was like having a child with entertainment industry aspirations. Before you think there's nothing to learn from this installment, think again. For those who have a kid who wants to be in entertainment or if you're that kid, this chat will help you know how to maneuver all of that. Plus, hearing about Parliament Funkadelic is always fun.