The Other Side: Recent Episodes
The DC Improv
Christian Finnegan has been a favorite at the club for years, and he'll be part of our 30th anniversary party at the 9:30 Club on June 27. (Also, we just put his October shows at the Improv on sale.) This week we're talking to him about music and more ... have a listen!
The DC Improv celebrates its 30th anniversary on June 27 at the 9:30 Club, with an all-star edition of The Goddamn Comedy Jam.
DC-area native Josh Adam Meyers is the creator and producer of the Jam, so we're talking to him about the show's origins, how he puts it all together and why the 9:30 Club is so special to him.
Julia introduces herself before her Washington DC debut May 20-22 in our lounge showroom. Talking about her journalism background, freckles, her unexpected side hustle and more.
Steve Byrne was one of the first comics to perform on our stage when we reopened in spring 2021. He's back May 5-7 for another weekend -- plus he'll be at our June 27 birthday party at the 9:30 club. We're talking about The Goddamn Comedy Jam, his new podcast with Joe Gatto and life in Tennessee.
Bonus content: To get you pumped for the May 4 Pun DMV show, we've got the audio of host Dana Fleitman as she opened up the winter edition of the pun competition.
Two interviews, same low price ... [3:00] Jak Knight (@jakknight123) headlines the club April 21-23. We're talking about how Seattle shaped his comedy perspective, his new hit show "Bust Down" and what he wants the next phase of his comedy career to look like.
[26:30] Rob Maher and Joe Robinson (@dielaughingproductions) are the guys behind the murder mystery comedy shows at the Improv. They're plugging the April 20 show, "Hit Me '90s One More Time," and we're sharing our own '90s nostalgia.
Marshall (@marshallbrandonstory on IG) headlines our lounge showroom April 14-16. We're talking about his start in Connecticut, how he got hooked up with Donnell Rawlings, what makes his style unique and classic vinyl.
Plus we close out the episode with audio sketches from Bad Medicine and High Dramma, who will be performing in our lounge April 9.
April 8-9 is a variety weekend in our lounge showroom, so it's time to crank up the hype machine ... Stand-out local stand-ups Matt Deakins and Bria Beddoe call in before competing in Comedy Kumite 33 on April 8. We're talking about whatever gets their competitive juices flowing.
Plus we've got free audio sketches from High Dramma and Brick Penguin, the two troupes featured April 9 when Bad Medicine presents sketch night.
Gina Brillon headlines the DC Improv for New Year's Eve, capping a great run -- in the last two years she had a special on Amazon, made the finals of "America's Got Talent," AND she had her first kid. In this interview we talk about her roots in the Bronx, balancing parenthood with an entertainment career, and lessons she learned on the way to the top.
Listen, then get your tickets to close out 2021 at our NYE party!
Lara Beitz (@larabeitz) is a few weeks away from her DC Improv debut, so we're chatting to her on this latest episode. We're talking about her comedy start in the Midwest, meditating, what it's like to process her "big break" (getting some publicity from Joe Rogan) and more. Have a listen, then check her out in the DC Improv lounge Nov. 12-14.
Sketch comedy takes over the Improv's main room on October 20 -- maybe for the first time ever! Andy Weld and Leila Drici of the sketch group Bad Medicine Zoom in to talk about their upcoming show, the inner workings of the sketch group and more. Get some insight in to the sketch world, then get your tickets for the show at dcimprov.com.
Mike Finoia is a DC Improv favorite, combining great crowd work sharp material. Getting ready to headline our lounge October 1-3, he calls in to talk about his cool crossover project with the music world, working for "Impractical Jokers," how great his wife is and lots more.
Listen, then get your tickets for this weekend!
Pete Lee has been in the comedy game for two decades, spreading his brand of Midwestern "nice" across the country. Ahead of his DC Improv debut November 12-14, we're talking about what it means to be a nice person in the modern world, his approach to stand-up and lots more.
Have a listen, then come check this guy out in November!
Josh Potter started his comedy career in Buffalo, then jumped to national status with an assist from Tom Segura -- he opened for the "Your Mom's House" star on one of his tours and went on to serve as a producer on that popular podcast. Now he has his own podcast, "The Josh Potter Show," and a DC Improv debut on the books. Get to know him before the 9/30 show.
Ryan Niemiller (@cripplethreat8) broke through in 2019 thanks to a third-place finish on "America's Got Talent." AGT showcased both his comedic gifts and his personal story -- how he tackles the world with disability in both arms. In this chat we talk about his road comic experience, getting engaged, video games and lots more. Have a listen, then check out his DC Improv debut on August 15.
Wil Sylvince is bringing some of his best comedy friends to the DC Improv for shows June 10-12, including Cipha Sounds. In this interview, Wil and Cipha talk about how they met, what friendship looks like in the comedy world, Chappelle summer camp and lots more.
Have a listen, then get your tickets at dcimprov.com.
@wilsylvince @ciphasounds
Winston Hodges hosts our Memorial Day weekend showcase -- and as a good host, he's using this podcast to introduce himself. We're talking about his teaching experience, his Virginia road warrior status, and how he approached 2020 to keep his comedy career on an upward trajectory. Have a listen, then get your tickets to see him at dcimprov.com.
Tom Thakkar (@TomAThakkar) headlines our main room for the first time May 20-22. We're talking about his 2020, changing his last name, meeting his comedy heroes and "Stand By Your Band" -- his podcast where guests defend their allegedly terrible taste in music.
Have a listen, then jump over to dcimprov.com to get your tickets.
Carmen Lynch (@carmencomedian) headlines the DC Improv for the first time, May 13-15. We're getting to know her: She talks about her pandemic projects, growing up in Spain and Northern Virginia, working on Spanish-language stand-up, scoliosis and more.
Have a listen, then get your tickets at dcimprov.com
Jordan Rock first headlined the Improv as part of our 25th anniversary celebration. Now he's back again as part of our grand reopening celebration.
We're catching up on his 2020 in South Carolina -- returning home, recording a special and launching some new projects. Have a listen then come check him out live.
Longtime friend of the Improv Christian Finnegan headlines the club April 22-24. We're catching up on his pandemic -- talking about keeping a small businesses afloat, recording a special in the middle of the madness, and (of course) how his dogs are handling the whole thing. Have a listen, then get your tickets at dcimprov.com.
Steve Byrne headlines the club April 29 - May 1, for the third weekend of our grand reopening celebration. We're getting stories about his last year -- moving to Nashville, hitting the road and seeing the release of his movie, "The Opening Act."
Erin Jackson (@ejthecomic) headlines the DC Improv's grand reopening, April 15-17. We're catching up to see how she's been handling the pandemic, plus we're getting the story behind the Netflix special she taped in the middle of it all. Have a listen, then get tickets to see her at dcimprov.com.
In the 1800s, the Brothers Grimm compiled and published more than 60 fairy tales and folktales. Those stories are really weird ... and they're really in the publci domain.
We asked people in the DC comedy scene to pick a fairy tale and read us their interpretation, whether it's doing voices, adding sound effects, or chiming in with running commentary.
If you enjoy listening, support the comedians! Find them online and go see them perform when life gets back to normal. And support the Improv by going to dcimprov.com and learning more about venue credits and donating to our staff.
Volume Two:
Rahmein Mostafavi reads "Hansel and Gretel"
J.P. McElyea reads "The Mouse, the Bird and the Sasuage"
Chris White reads "Doctor Knowall"
Help out some nice people! The DC Improv (like most entertainment venues and restaurants) had to lay off its staff for the duration of this public health situation. To help our once and future employees out in these tough times, we are collecting donations through a GoFundMe linked at dcimprov.com. We're also selling DC Improv venue credits to keep the club running until it's time to open our doors again.
But we don't want something for nothing! Presented for your listening pleasure: A 2009 interview with the late, great Greg Giraldo. Enjoy the chat!
In the 1800s, the Brothers Grimm compiled and published more than 60 fairy tales and folktales. Those stories can be enchanting, bizarre, magical or cruel -- sometimes all at once. But most important, in the year 2020, they're all in the public domain.
We asked people in the DC comedy scene to pick a fairy tale, and read us their interpretation, whether it's doing voices, adding sound effects, or chiming in with running commentary.
If you enjoy listening, support the comedians! Find them online and go see them perform when life gets back to normal. And support the Improv by going to dcimprov.com and learning more about venue credits and donating to our staff.
Volume One:
Dylan Vattelana reads "The Fisherman and His Wife"
Tim Miller reads "Old Sultan"
Chris White reads "The Turnip"
Chris White (the host of our podcast) recorded a full-length comedy album in the DC Improv lounge in 2011. To keep you quarantined in style, we're presenting it in its entirety, free of charge.
Our request: If you enjoy this, go to dcimprov.com and support the club by buying venue credits, or donating to our staff GoFundMe.
Help out some nice people! The DC Improv (like most entertainment venues and restaurants) had to lay off its staff for the duration of this public health situation. To help our once and future employees out in these tough times, we are collecting donations through a GoFundMe linked at dcimprov.com.
But we don't want something for nothing! Presented for your listening pleasure: A 2011 interview we did with John Mulaney, before he was a mega-star and before podcasts were cool. Enjoy the chat, and if you have the means, please donate over at dcimprov.com.
Thank you!
Ian Edwards has Valentine's weekend duty at the DC Improv -- his first time headlining the club! So we're calling ahead to get to know him. Finding out about his love of soccer, his approach to romance, some of his writing plans and plenty more. Have a listen, then get your tickets for Feb. 13-16 ...
Instagram: @ianedwardscomic
We know Steve Byrne (@stevebyrnelive) is a great stand-up -- he's headlining our club February 20-22. But the last few years he's been honing his director skills. His first project was a documentary about the great comedic magician The Amazing Johnathan. And now he has put the finishing touches on "The Opening Act," a film he wrote about a young performer pondering a life in show business. Steve calls in to give us the back story on that project, his on-the-job training as a director and (for good measure) some thoughts on his latest hour of stand-up.
Sure, Fahim Anwar is an accomplished multi-platform comedian. But did you know he can DANCE? On this episode of The Other Side, we ask him about his BFAB status. And then, because it's our job, we ask him about comedy too: How his training as an engineer helps him approach the entertainment business; whether Goatface will rise again to produce more sketch comedy; and sorting out what it means to be a brown comic in 2019. Have a listen, get to know him, then come see his DC Improv debut, January 23-26.
Instagram: @fahimanwar
A lot of impressive people come to the DC Improv, but it's hard to top Kiran Deol -- how many stand-ups have starred in a network sitcom AND filmed a documentary in the mountains of Nepal? The "Sunnyside" star calls in to chat about the holidays, her path to comedy, the joys of being on (the side of) a bus and lots more. Get to know her, then snag tickets for her DCI debut -- January 10-11 in our lounge showroom!
www.kirandeol.com
Adam Ray will be our last 2019 headliner and the star of our New Year's Eve celebration. But the rest of his resume ain't too shabby: He's a magical flying unicorn, an NBA star (sort of), a movie star, a veteran podcaster and a karaoke champion. He's calling in to talk about all these things -- so listen, get to know him, then snag your tickets for the last week of the year. You won't regret it!
www.adamraycomedy.com
#ALNPodcasdt
Jessica Kirson is about to have a great December. Comedy Central releases her first special on December 6 -- and then she comes to DC for a supershow on the last night of Hanukkah (December 30). She's calling in to chat about those projects, her new documentary on women in comedy, and how to entertain elderly Jewish people. Catch up with one of our favorite performers!
https://www.dcimprov.com/home/festival-of-laughs.html
Nathan Macintosh built a comedy career in two countries -- first his native Canada, and now the United States. A few weeks before his DC Improv debut, he calls in to talk about "positive anger," his high-energy style and what put him on the path to comedy. Plus there's a guest appearance by Nathan's chihuahua. Have a listen, then get your tickets to see Nathan on November 8-9.
www.nathanmacintosh.com
You've seen Michael Rapaport: He's been in 60 movies, popped up in tons of television shows and worked as a sports broadcaster. But even with all that success, now he's stretching his legs as a stand-up comedian. In some ways, it's a return to his roots -- and he tells us all about it in this interview. Have a listen, then get your tickets to see him October 4-6.
www.michaelrapaportcomedy.com
Daniel Weingarten is half Mexican, half Argentinian, all Jewish and all funny. He calls in to tell us about his journey from a self-professed "annoying kid" to an accomplished stage performer -- including some of the bumps on that road (like his rap phase). Plus we sing the praises of "I Love Lucy," and get a great story about doing stand-up in Spanish. Have a listen, then get your tickets to see him in our lounge October 18-19.
www.danielweingarten.com
Margaret Cho is on the program! The comedy icon stops by to tell us about her latest project, The Margaret Cho podcast on the Earios network. We're talking about her goals as an interviewer, why she came back to podcasting, her dream guests, and what she looks for in up-and-coming comedians. Plus we sneak in one "Masked Singer" question at the end. Have a listen to this interview, then go check out The Margaret Cho podcast.
Erin Foley loves doing stand-up, but she's over the moon about women's sports. Her "Sports Without Balls" podcast has been picking up steam in 2019, as she gets great athletes, journalists and more to share their stories.
We're talking about her "rebranded" podcast, her approach to stand-up comedy and more ... have a listen, then get your tickets to see her headline our lounge showroom September 27 and 28!
https://erinkfoley.com/
https://sportswithoutballs.com/
Instagram: @erinkfoley
Brad Williams (headlining Labor Day weekend) is in studio! We're talking about his impending fatherhood, comedy culture in 2019, his wrestling skills and lots more. A great chat with a VERY funny guy. Have a listen then get your tickets ....
Rahmein Mostafavi gives us the scoop on two of his projects: the wildly popular "Couples Therapy: A Comedy Show" and his multi-night album recording this July. Can one comedian solve ALL the world's romantic problems? For sales purposes, we're willing to say: YES!
Listen to this interview with a DC Improv favorite, then check out his shows at dcimprov.com.
Once a refugee, now a world-famous comedian: Mo Amer has been on a journey that's both inspiring and hilarious. Before making his DC Improv headlining debut (June 7-9), he calls in to share his story. We talk about his role on the breakthrough Hulu sitcom "Ramy," how winding up in Houston helped him as an artist, the advice he gets from Dave Chappelle, and some timely summer travel tips. Have a listen, then get your tickets ...
We're killing it on this episode of the Other Side: Rob Maher is in studio to take us behind the scenes at Die Laughing Productions. Their murder mystery comedy shows have been a hit at the Improv over the last several years -- and they're back July 21 with "Hit Me '90s One More Time."
Rob explains how the company got off the ground, what goes into producing a murder mystery show, and shares some of the highlights from past performances. Have a listen ... then assemble your Scooby gang to to solve a murder July 21.
Paul Virzi (our headliner May 16-19) talks about his great comedy year: taping his first TV special, reaching a podcasting milestone and collaborating with stand-up giants. Plus we get insights into his early days on the "urban" scene, what it's like to play Madison Square Garden (!) and why he prioritizes work/life balance. Get to know Paul, then get your tickets to see him at the club.
paulvirzi.com
dcimprov.com
We're catching up with the great Greg Proops before he comes to town for shows May 31 - June 2. Greg is never afraid to share his opinions -- so we're talkin' baseball, feminism, the art of political comedy, and his place in the Star Wars universe. (Among other things.) Get your sample of one of the liveliest minds in comedy, then snag your tickets at dcimprov.com.
One of our favorite guests is back! Tony Roberts headlines the club April 26-28, and he stopped in Friday morning to talk about his family, his tattoos, his ground-breaking documentary projects and his rap album. Never a dull moment with Tony ....
Tim Dillon chats with us a few weeks before headlining the main showroom April 4-6. He's just your typical real estate guy / "Sesame Street" extra / bus tour guide / conspiracy enthusiast. Listen to this very animated 30 minutes then get your tickets ...
Jenny Johnson headlines our lounge showroom March 15-16, so she's calling in to introduce herself. We're talking about her Texas roots, her past work in TV news, and how she climbed to Twitter fame (@JennyJohnsonHi5). Plus we're getting a little behind-the-scenes info on what it takes to be a drunk historian. Listen, then get your tickets before the shows sell out.
On this punderful episode of The Other Side, we're sharing some of the action from our first Pun DMV event of 2019. Have a listen to Sai D, Jarad Schofer, Dana Fleitman and one of our tournament battles -- then get on board for our next pun events, March 10 and May 1. Tickets and info at dcimprov.com.
We're getting to know Benji Aflalo before his DC Improv headlining debut, Feb. 15-16 in our lounge. Talkin' 'bout his hometown of Los Angeles, what he learned while making "Alone Together," the challenge of writing mean jokes and more. Listen!
Adrienne Iapalucci calls in to say hi before headlining our lounge January 18-19. We're talking about "dark" humor, the perils of having your mom do stand-up, and what it meant to grow up in the Bronx. Listen! Learn! Buy tickets!
Jesus is the reason for ... this episode! Jesus Trejo calls in to talk about "Care to Laugh," the new documentary about his efforts to build a comedy career while also serving as a caregiver for his parents. We also get a rundown of classic Mexican comedy and a lesson in positivity. Have a listen, then come see Jesus make his DC Improv debut February 8-9 in our lounge showroom.
Luenell knows how to make an impression, whether it's through her stand-up or her acting. A few weeks ahead of her DC Improv debut, she calls in to talk about "A Star Is Born," the upcoming "Dolemite Is My Name," some of her favorite comedians and more. Have a listen, then get your tickets for early January ...
Easily one of the most fascinating people you'll ever meet, Dov Davidoff returns to the Improv to close out 2018. We're chatting with him about his new kid, his recent memoir, his work on "Crashing" and a few other odds and ends.
Bonus content: Keep listening at the end for the audio from our 2008 conversation with Dov.
Emmy Blotnick is having a great year: Two late-night talk show spots, a half-hour special on Comedy Central, and a new job as a staff writer for Stephen Colbert's "Late Show." We say hello before she headlines the lounge October 5-6. (Or as we like to think of it, the cherry on the sundae.)
Plus, a little Pun DMV preview to get you excited for October 18.
Tammy Pescatelli went back to school for her latest special ... literally. She made the "Way After School Special" in the auditorium of her old high school. Listen to that cool story and more, then come see her June 29-30.
We're talking relationships, comedy and more with the host of #datefails. Also, there's a story involving Katt Williams and his "stable." Good times. Kate headlines our lounge June 22-23 ...
Are you a good person? Finally, there's a show that answers this question (and for only $17-$22 a ticket, yowza). When Christian Finnegan comes to town July 12-15, he'll be polishing up "My Goodness," a comedic look at what it means to be good. We're chatting with Christian about what inspired the concept and how he measures up.
The British correspondent on "The Daily Show" knows how to take risks. She walked away from a great day job to try comedy. Then she walked away from great success in the U.K., hoping to crack the U.S. market. We talk about those bold moves and more in advance of her DC Improv debut, June 8-10.
All puns intended! Pun DMV events are the showcase for wordplay in the nation's capital. Check out these clips from May 16, featuring Dana Fleitman, Walt Matthey, Aaron Schwartzbaum and some of our tournament semifinalists. Then check out our next Pun DMVs on June 28 and August 2.
Erin Jackson started her comedy career in DC, and she's coming back to record her first album. Get to know one of our favorite local success stories, then come see her July 13-14. Also, fly Eagles fly.
Dhaya has two degrees from MIT and she worked in venture capital. Now she applies all that brainpower to make people laugh. We're talking to our May 20 headliner about nerds, comedy by the Bay, the mixture of politics and laughter and lots more.
Nemr has a fascinating story: After growing up in both San Diego and Lebanon, he helped put stand-up comedy on the map in the Middle East. A day before his six-show run (April 19-22), he stopped into the club to share his perspective on what laughter can accomplish. And we also conclusively prove that anyone NOT coming to the show supports ISIS. Get to know him ...
We're saying hi to Jordan Rock a few days before he headlines our main showroom (April 13-15).
Talking about growing up in South Carolina, his relationship with his brother Tony and the one way that he's like a white Southern woman. Good times!
Ramon Rivas makes his DC Improv debut April 20-21, so we're saying hi in advance. If you love a self-made success story, check him out -- we talk about his work building up Cleveland's comedy scene and creating some of his own opportunities.
Plus: A little pun preview to get you warmed up for our May 16 pun contest.
Taylor Tomlinson makes her DC Improv headlining debut in two weeks, so we're saying hi to her in advance. We talk about starting comedy young (she's 24), her very unusual stand-up origin story and the joys of self-help.
A chat with Brad before his headlining weekend, March 15-18. We talk about his life as a newly married man and a first-time homeowner, the joys of having a Bed Bath and Beyond guy, and what happens if you try to physically pick Brad up. Takeaway: Do not try to pick Brad up.
Andy Woodhull makes his DC Improv headlining debut April 13-14, 2018, in our lounge. One month in advance, we're saying hello. Listen in for a fun conversation about step-parenting, long distance relationships and what goes into following a comedy dream.
One of our favorite guests is back in advance of his shows at the club March 8-11, 2018. He explains why he is the Warren Buffett / Albert Einstein of stand-up. Also we discuss waterskiing.
Jessica Kirson headlines the lounge showroom March 2-4, so we're saying hello with a phone interview.
In honor of our upcoming pun events (March 28 / May 16), you get a look back at one of our top entries from January.
And before Bob Marley gets here (March 8-11), we're revisiting a chat from his last time in town.
The WWE Hall of Famer calls up to chat, a few weeks before the August 10 "Ringside" show at the DC Improv. We talk about great wrestling towns, President Trump's cup of coffee with the WWE, a legend of women's wrestling, DC's own Dave Batista and more.
Have a listen, then get your tickets to see JR at the Improv in a few weeks.
Before headlining the club July 6-9, the "Last Comic Standing" champ tells us about his summer vacations, his quest to become the world's greatest breakdancer, and the fun of digital detox.
Every few months the Improv hosts "Beltway Pundits," the DMV's No. 1 pun competition. We rolled tape on the May 2 edition, and a few of the contestants gave us the thumbs up to put their speeches online.
Check out these pun soliloquies from Dana Fleitman, Alex Snider, Gail Ballantyne, Rachel Gross, Libby Bowers and Aaron Schwartzbaum.
The reigning "Last Comic Standing" champ is back at the Improv to headline April 21-23. We talk about repping his hometown of Atlanta, the intersection of pot and comedy, and naturally which exotic pet he would want.
As part of our 25th anniversary celebration, we asked great headliners to recommend rising stars that DC needs to see. Bob Marley picked Mike Speirs, so we're getting to know him before he headlines the lounge April 15.
Pat headlines the Improv on April 7-9 ... and this summer, she works to turn her amazing personal story into a TV pilot. We get her thoughts on the crazy process of adapting her life for the screen.
Brad Williams made his DC Improv headlining debut on March 2. The next day, he stopped by to talk about his path through the stand-up world, his upcoming wedding and more.
Check out this conversation, then get your tickets to see Brad March 3 or March 5. (Saturday shows are sold out!)
In January 2016, we asked a simple question: Who is the funniest president of all time? After shining the spotlight on 43 different men, we have our answer.
Join host Chris White for the inauguration of the Headliner of State!
Lincoln might be the greatest president. Can he also claim the title of funniest president?
Lincoln Prize winner Richard Carwardine spent the last several years researching and writing "Lincoln's Sense of Humor." He joins us to chat about Abe's remarkable gift for storytelling, his purposeful use of comedy, and the ways it affected his public career -- for better or worse. It's a thoughtful, joke-filled discussion about the humanity of an American legend. And it's a great conclusion to our profiles in presidential humor!
Lincoln: A Life of Purpose and Power
Lincoln's Sense of Humor
MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "Leapin' at Lincoln Gardens" by Charlie Barnet, "Springfield Stomp" by Cecil Scott and His Bright Boys
James Garfield was an insatiable student. But did he learn to be funny?
The National Park Service is here to help us find out. Todd Arrington, the site manager for the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, tells us all about the 20th president's personality -- and why Garfield's good nature helped him become a contender in the first place. It's a cool look at an underappreciated POTUS.
Garfield Historic Site online
Garfield NHS on Twitter
MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "The Chant (St. James Informary)" by Art Shaw and His New Music, "My Ohio Home" by Jean Godkette and His Orchestra
Was Zachary Taylor the funniest president ever? If any experts out there know, they ain't talking.
So on a very special episode, we're going straight to Zachary Taylor himself. Get ready for seven minutes of stand-up comedy from the 12th president. Old Rough and Ready is back from the dead and on the mic. Will you Whig out?
Would it be prudent to call George Bush funny?
This episode of Headliner of State, we're joined by Bush speechwriter Curt Smith, who tells us about the 41st president's personality and character. We cover the kind of humor that Bush enjoys, the "rules" he lives by as a public figure, and how he uses laughter to build personal relationships. Plus there's some great insight into the Bush-Reagan relationship.
Pull up your brightly colored socks and get to listening ...
"George H.W. Bush: Character at the Core" on Amazon.com
Curt Smith's website
Tragedy brought Gerald Ford to the White House ... but did humor help define his presidency?
Our excellent expert is Ron Nessen, an accomplished journalist who served as Ford's press secretary. Ron talks about Ford's character and his sense of what was "needed" from the president in the post-Watergate era. And we also chat about Ron's special place in comedy history, as the first political figure to host an episode of "Saturday Night Live."
It's an interesting look at an underappreciated president ... enjoy!
Ron's SNL episode on Hulu
Ron's books on Amazon.com
MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "Michigander Blues" by Jabbo Smith's Rhythym Aces, "Nightmare Boogie" by Slim Gaillard and His Boogiereeners
When we restarted this podcast in 2015, our first guest was Tom Rhodes. He's in town to headline the New Year's Eve shows, so he's back on the program!
We talk about celebrations around the world, looking sharp on stage, setting up shop in L.A. and lots more. Have a listen, then come party with us on NYE!
Jimmy Carter punched his ticket to Washington by running as an outsider. Could he make people laugh in the ultimate insider town?
Our excellent expert is James Fallows, who worked as Carter's lead speechwriter for two years. (These days, he's an astounding journalist working at The Atlantic.) We talk about Carter's voice, his appeal in the post-Watergate era, and whether he adapted to the rapidly changing "rules" of the modern media era.
Also, there's a story about an exploding gas station. What's not to love?
James Fallows in The Atlantic
"The Passionless Presidency"
"Ask President Carter" on SNL
MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "Georgia Cake Walk" by Art Hodes and his Orchestra, "Salt Peanuts" by the Miles Davis Quintet
Orny Adams, one of the best observational comics in the business, headlines the Improv December 2-4. He stops in the lounge to talk about his amazing hair, memories of 20 years performing at the DC Improv, the "Comedian" documentary and more.
Stick around to the end for an amazingly cool story about the December 1 show.
Teddy Roosevelt believed in "the strenuous life," and part of that was the strain of having so damn much fun. Wherever TR went, laughter was sure to follow.
Joe Wiegand (teddyrooseveltshow.com) is our excellent expert. As a "reprisor," Joe transforms himself into the president to educate and entertain audiences all over the country. (Performance is in his blood -- his dad is the legendary "saloon comic" Jim Wiggins.) He's got great insight into TR's "machismo" based storytelling, his infectious personality and his role in the evolution of presidential humor.
Have a listen -- you'll be deeeeeelighted.
Joe Wiegand's website
Jim Wiggins
MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "Teddy's Boogie Woogie" by Teddy Powell and His Orchestra, "Moose the Mooche" by the Charlie Parker Septet.
Lots of people have given John Quincy Adams the title of America's greatest diplomat. But could he negotiate his way to the title of America's funniest president?
Biographer James Traub ("John Quincy Adams: Militant Spirit") is our excellent expert this week, and he tells us how Adams developed a personality to suit his work in foreign relations. We're also looking for humor in one of the most remarkable documents ever produced by a president: JQA's 15,000-page journal. Get a glimpse of the personality of one of the most interesting guys to ever serve this country.
"John Quincy Adams: Militant Spirit" on Amazon.com
James Traub on Foreign Policy's website
MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "Quincy Street Stomp" by the Bechet-Nichols Blue Five, "Quincy Hopping" by Larry Elgart's Orchestra
You can't deny that Woodrow Wilson was one of the most important presidents. But was he the funniest president?
Andrew Phillips, the curator of the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, is our excellent expert. We talk about Woody's famously complex personality, his love of wordplay and some of the unfortunate aspects of his humor. It's an episode a century in the making ...
The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum online
Bob is hands down one of our favorites, and he's headlining the club November 17-20. On today's podcast, you get 35 FREE minutes of Bob. We talk about his blown opportunity to be the craisin guy, the time he got run over, his advice for people planning to move to Maine, and his family vacations.
Great times with a great comedian. Come see him at the club!
Adam Ferrara headlines the Improv November 4-6, and he stops in to chat with us again on the podcast. Comedy is a process, and Adam has fascinating perspective on the building of a joke.
Plus we're talking "Top Gear," getting tips for traveling, and mentioning Renaissance art. You know, same old same old.
Comedy Hack Day matches comedians with coders. Together, they figure out funny ideas for apps and websites. Then they build 'em. And then they present 'em.
This year, the grand finale for Comedy Hack Day DC is at the Improv on November 13. We're talking to Ross Nover, who helps organize the event, and Kasha Patel, who was on the winning team for 2015. They explain how the event started -- and what it takes to be a champion. Have a listen, then come party at the presentations on 11/13.
The Comedy Hack Day DC website
John F. Kennedy charmed voters, reporters and just about everyone he met with his quick wit and self-effacing jokes. Why was humor so important to JFK, who might be our most charismatic president?
Author Thomas Maier ("When Lions Roar: The Churchills and the Kennedys," "The Kennedys: America's Emerald Kings," "Masters of Sex") joins us to talk about the "Irish" nature of Kennedy's humor. For all his privileged upbringing, JFK knew how to use the humor of an outsider. And blessed by the flourishing medium of television, he managed to leverage laughter more effectively than almost every public political figure who came before him.
Thomas Maier's website
Kennedy humor on video (via the Kennedy School)
MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "Boston Bounce" by Dan Belloc's Orchestra, "Gambling Jack" by Jelly Roll Morton and His Red Hot Peppers
Grover Cleveland must have been fun -- the guy won the popular vote three times. But was he funny?
Sharon Farrell, the caretaker of the Cleveland Birthplace in New Jersey, is our special guest. She gives us a tour of both sides of Grover: The hard-working politician and lawyer, and the fun-loving guy who enjoyed drinking, fishing and hunting with friends. Was Grover a cut-up in private? Did his upright reputation prevent him from joking in public? And what exactly is "rotund jocularity"?
Cleveland Birthplace website
Sharon on C-SPAN
MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "Jersey Bounce" by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, "Jersey Sweet" by James P. Johnson
Ronald Reagan was called the "Great Communicator," and a big part of that was humor. Whether he was explaining his philosophy, deflating an opponent or firing up a crowd, Reagan knew that a well-placed joke could make all the difference.
Journalist and Reagan biographer Lou Cannon joins us to explain how Reagan's use of humor was both natural and practiced -- and why Reagan was so great at connecting with people both in person and through mass media.
President Reagan: The Role of a Lifetime
MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "Hollywood Jump" by Count Basie and His Orchestra, "Hollywood Hop" by Earl "Fatha" Hines
John Tyler is the answer to a few trivia questions: The first vice president promoted to the big job, the president with the most kids, and the only president who joined the Confederacy. But what about this distinction: Was Tyler the funniest president?
Professor Edward P. Crapol (retired from the College of William and Mary) is our guest. His 2006 biography, "John Tyler: The Accidental President," is one of the most significant studies of the 10th president in the last 50 years. Ed helps us understand Tyler's "aristocratic" bearing and shares some choice examples of the Virginian's wit.
"John Tyler: The Accidental President" on Amazon.com
Ed on C-SPAN
MUSIC: "The Outlaw" by the Horace Silver Quintet, "Big John's Special" by Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra
For eight years, Brian was one of the funniest guys on "TMZ." But the last few years, he's been branching out from that gig to acting, parenting, AND stand-up comedy.
The PG County native talks to us about his very eclectic and very cool career in the entertainment industry. Have a listen, then come to the DC Improv lounge on November 12 to see Brian headline.
You know Tony Perkins from his work on Fox 5 and "Good Morning America." You've heard him on "The Tony Perkins Show" podcast, which tapes live at the Improv on October 8.
But did you know that Tony worked for a decade as a stand-up comedian? He stops into the Improv to tell us about his experiences on the comedy stage -- and whether he'll ever do it again.
Sean Patton makes his DC Improv headlining debut on September 29, closing out our DC Beer Week celebration with DC Brau. So we got him on the phone to say hi, tell us about his amazing comedic storytelling powers and share a drinking story.
Check out this chat, then get your tickets for 9/29 ...
The search for the funniest president continues! We know that people liked Ike. But was comedy part of Dwight Eisenhower's appeal?
Our guest is Michael Birkner, a history professor at Gettysburg College -- the very place where Eisenhower kept his offices after leaving the White House. We talk about Eisenhower's fundamental good nature, and the way he used his avuncular image to his strategic advantage. And while we know that Eisenhower was able to laugh at himself, we tackle the question: Could Ike tell a joke? It's a very cool look at one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century ...
Michael J. Birkner bio
Eisenhower National Historic Site
Gettysburg College
MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "The General Jumped at Dawn" by Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra, "American Patrol" by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra
Lots of people know Roy Wood Jr. from "The Daily Show," but that's only the latest phase of his career. He's one of the great working road comics, who spent his 20s driving hundreds of thousands of miles to comedy gigs around the South and Midwest.
Now that the road has brought him to the DC Improv (headlining September 2-4) he tells us about his experiences, and how they shaped the comedy he's producing today.
The search for the funniest president continues! Warren Harding was amazingly popular in his day. Was he also amazingly funny?
We're joined by Sherry Hall, the site manager of the Harding Home Presidential Site in Marion, Ohio. She gives us insight into Harding's personal style (he considered himself a newspaper editor above all), his love of socializing, and his Midwestern humor -- the qualities that made him irresistable to a huge number of voters.
For all you scandal lovers, we also touch on the affairs and schlocky love letters that made Harding into a punchline when they were made public in 2014. And there's also some mention of Pokemon Go. Something for everyone!
Harding Home website
Harding Home on Facebook
Harding letters at the LOC
MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "Beautiful Ohio" by Glenn Miller and his Orchestra, "My Ohio Home" by Jean Goldkette and His Orchestra
The search for the funniest president continues! Andrew Jackson has a reputation for killing ... but not in a comedic sense. He actually murdered a dude. So if we're looking at the comedy of Jackson, how does that work, exactly?
Our guest is Michael Friedman, the composer and lyricist for the hit musical "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson." That production turned Jackson into an emo rock star, producing big laughs and amazing insights into the populist wave that Jackson rode into the White House. Michael helps us understand why Jackson CAN work as a comedic figure on stage -- even though much of Jackson's historical legacy can be seen as tragic.
Michael Friedman on the New Yorker Radio Hour
BBAJ Original Cast Recording on iTunes
MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "I'm Slappin' Seventh Avenue" by Duke Ellington's Famous Orchestra, "Tennessee Twilight" by the Eddie Condon Orchestra
The search for the funniest president continues! James Buchanan didn't have much to laugh about as president, what with that whole "Civil War" thing starting on his watch. But how much has that one huge stain warped our view of POTUS No. 15?
Patrick Clarke, the director of President James Buchanan's Wheatland, welcomes us into the historic home to talk about Buchanan's personality. JB enjoyed a four-decade career in politics that took him around the world, and strategic charm was a big part of his success. Find out what it looked like in practice!
Visit Wheatland online
LancasterHistory.org on Twitter
MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "Buck Jumpin'" by Fats Waller and His Orchestra, "Pennsylvania 6-5000" by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra
Tony Roberts is one of the most purely entertaining headliners in the game ... and we've got him back headlining for a second year in a row (July 28-31).
On Friday morning, Tony and feature act Katrina Pope came by the club for another podcast interview ... or more accurately, we turned the mics on and Tony and Katrina took over. Lots of fun talking about hot dogs, live music, favorite comics and more.
Have a listen, then catch them at the club this weekend!
The search for the funniest president continues! Some presidents weren't all that funny in life ... but thanks to Twitter, they're cracking people up in death.
Yes, there are people out there using Twitter to assume the identity of dead presidents. And one of the funniest accounts is tied to one of the most obscure presidents, Millard Fillmore. Evan Marcus and Ira Lieman started @fillmoremillard in 2009 to speak on behalf of a guy who is six feet under the Buffalo tundra.
Who are they? Why are they doing this? What do they think of the actual Millard? And can we somehow hook them up with Alec Baldwin? All these answers and more on a fascinating and funny edition of Headliner of State!
The @fillmoremillard Twitter feed
Millard Fillmore and You (video)
Fillmore's Buffalo home
MUSIC: Hail Columbia, "Off to Buffalo" by Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra, "Mason Flyer" by Lucky Millinder and His Orchestra
The search for the funniest president continues! Thomas Jefferson left behind a huge paper trail, but we're still arguing about where that trail leads. Was Jefferson a brilliant philosopher or a hypocritical racist? Was he a principled revolutionary or a calculating politician? And with all this background noise, can we ever hope to figure out the important stuff: If Jefferson was funny?
LSU Professor Andrew Burstein, the author of "Democracy's Muse," is our guest. And he has fantastic insights into both Jefferson's character and the ways that Jefferson has been misunderstood over the last 200 years. It's a great discussion that might change the way you think about American history.
"Democracy's Muse" on Amazon.com
Andrew Burstein's website
Monticello
Music: Hail Columbia, "I'm Coming Virginia" by the Benny Carter Orchestra, "In the Hall of the Mountain King" by Henri Rene's Orchestra
The search for the funniest president continues! Harry Truman might be one of the most likable presidents ... but does that mean he's also one of the funniest?
Matthew Algeo, the author of "Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure," is our guest. His book tells the story of ex-president Truman's 1953 road trip with his wife -- where he drove the car himself and tried (unsuccessfully) to travel incognito. It's a charming story that lets Harry's personality shine through.
Did Truman's "regular guy" ethic carry over to his comedy? Was he the best practical joker among presidents? And did highway patrolmen find his driving a little funny? Find out!
Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure
Mathhew Algeo's blog
Truman and the Marx Brothers
Music: Hail Columbia, "Kansas City Stride" by Count Basie and His Orchestra, "Kansas City Squabble" by Bennie Moten's Kansas City Orchestra
