The Galina Rivina Podcastina: Recent Episodes
podcast & curious
In this episode, I'm joined by comedian and writer Julia Austin. We dive into why comedians became so intrenched in politics, avoiding meaningless fights, fart etiquette, our trip to EDC Las Vegas, marriage advice, and much more.
To learn more about Julia, you can find her on IG @juliaaustinwastaken and follow her there for information on upcoming shows.
For more on your host, Galina Rivina is on IG @thumbgalina.
Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. It goes a long way to help the show!
This week on Podcastina, I'm joined by comedian and writer Lynn Maleh. We giggle lots as we cover whether you can be balanced as an artist, addiction to tanning, devious dentists, mean comments, why every business needs social media, and much more.
Lynn Maleh is a Syrian-American TV writer and comedian who has credits including Netflix, The Onion, and Reductress, just to name a few. Lynn also co-hosts Cleopodtra, available wherever you listen to podcasts. For more on Lynn, including tickets to her recurring show Hilarious Habibis, you can find her on Instagram @heylynnmolly
For more about your host, Galina Rivina, you can find me on IG @thumbgalina
Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
In this episode, I’m joined by Holocaust survivor, author, and motivational speaker Ben Lesser. Originally from Kraków, Poland, Ben and his family endured unthinkable violence at the hands of Nazi soldiers following the German invasion.
Ben speaks earnestly about his journey, which includes being uprooted from his home, separated from his family, weeks spent in a cattle car, a seven-week death march, and time in four concentration camps — Auschwitz-Birkenau, Durnhau, Buchenwald, and Dachau.
To learn more, please visit https://www.zachorfoundation.org/ where you can purchase Ben’s book, “Living A Life That Matters.” The site also includes additional resources, including where you can donate to the Zachor Holocaust Remembrance Foundation and help Ben in his mission to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive.
Socials:
Guest: Ben Lesser - @zachor18
Host: Galina Rivina - @thumbgalina
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Ready for a fun and enlightening conversation? I'm joined this week by comedian and actor Danny Jolles. Our discussion includes learning new skills, life philosophies, tennis vs. pickleball, taking care of our bodies, the problem with sports bars, and much more. Plus, we get to the bottom of how Danny really feels about magicians.
To learn more about Danny, watch his specials, and catch him on tour, please visit his IG @dannyjolles.
For more on your host, Galina Rivina, you can find me on IG @thumbgalina.
Don't forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode.
I'm joined by comedian and future city counsel member JT Parr. We chat motivations behind running for Burbank City Council, the impact of fatherhood on his life and campaign, going door-to-door to connect with the community, his vision for housing and other key issues facing Burbank, and much more.
You can support his campaign by visiting https://www.parrforburbank.com/
To learn more, follow JT at jtparr14 on IG
If you'd like to support this show, don't forget to hit that subscribe button! You can find me on IG at thumbgalina
This week, I'm joined by comedian and writer Amy Silverberg. Amy is a touring comedian, published author, creative writing professor, and human weiner dog. We chat about family planning, dating, cancelations, our upbringings, and much more.
You can learn more about Amy by visiting amysilverberg.com or by following her @amysilverberg on IG.
Don't forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode. You can support the show by leaving rating, reviewing, and sharing. Thank you, as always, for tuning in!
In this episode, I’m joined by comedian and writer Jerron Horton. He shares some jaw-dropping stories, we discuss the challenges of work/life balance, roast joke etiquette he picked up while working the Tom Brady Roast, and much more.
Jerron has several projects in the pipeline, including the upcoming show “Forever” coming to Netflix in 2025. His instagram and tiktok handle is ajokewriter.
For more on your host, I’m on IG at thumbgalina.
Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show. It’s a huge help!
I'm joined by comedian Andy Rider this week. Andy recently released his first comedy album titled, "The Get Together." Our chat is very comedy-heavy, including a glance at what it's like for him to balance prioritizing his marriage, finding discipline in the writing process, the starving artist lifestyle, and more.
To learn more about Andy, find him on Instagram at andyrideragain. His album is available now at burnthisrecords.bandcamp.com
For more about your host, I'm on Instagram at thumbgalina. You can support the show by subscribing, commenting, and sharing
I'm joined by licensed mental health therapist and relationship coach Ibbie Aromolaran. Ibbie specializes in bringing awareness around the parts of us that may be hindering our dating lives. We talk about identifying situationships, getting out of them, changing our environment, the internet's impact on dating, and much more.
For more on Ibbie's work, visit auroraloverelationships.com, and find her on socials at sickofsituationship
For more on your host, Galina Rivina, you can find me on socials at thumbgalina. Don't forget to subscribe so you'll never miss an episode
In this episode, I'm joined by Rapid Transformational Therapist (RTT) and Anxiety Mindset Coach Valerie Rubin. We chat about anxious attachment styles, getting over a breakup, hypnosis, the subconscious mind, dating tips, and much more.
To find Valerie's additional work, including the meditations mentioned in this episode, please visit valrubin.com or find her on IG at healwithval.
Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
In this episode, I'm joined by comedian Michael Lenoci for a fun and light-hearted conversation about looking for love. We cover topics including date do's and don'ts, apps, age, expectations, and much more.
For more about Michael, including upcoming tour dates, you can find him @MichaelLenociComedy or visit his website michaellenoci.com.
For more on your host, find me on IG at thumbgalina. You can support the show by liking, sharing, and rating, or by leaving a review.
This week I'm joined by my friend, comedian & writer Ian Edwards. We discuss spirituality, what we might do in an apocalypse, the merits of food safety, bad date ideas, and much more. Ian has a long list of credits including comedy specials on Netflix and Comedy Central. Follow him to learn more @ ianedwardscomic
If you'd like to support the show, please rate, review, and share with a friend. Ratings help the show get discovered.
I'm joined by comedian Josh Edelman for an in-depth discussion about comedy, from open mics to whether depression impacts creativity. Josh also shares his experience in documentary film making and his colorful past as a working magician in New York City. Josh's documentary "Mentally Al" is available now to stream on Amazon Prime and his other work, including a schedule of upcoming shows, can be found via social media @ joshedelmancomedy
Comedian Mike Glazer joins me this episode for an impactful conversation. We cover topics like researching potential partners online, participating in therapy, finding your authentic path in creative work, and much more.
For more on Mike, including upcoming tour dates, you can find him on IG at glazerboohoohoo for links to his other projects.
To help support the show, don't forget to rate & subscribe, share with a friend, and follow you host at thumbgalina
Comedian Richard Sarvate joins me for a fun chat this week where I spend most of the episode giggling. We chat internet trends, TikTok fame, crazy gig stories, and much more.
Richard is touring and always running some of LA's best comedy shows. Check out his IG at richardthecomedian for a full listing of upcoming dates.
Comedian Monarey Martinez joins me this week and for a fun, yet deep discussion on everything from personal development to dating. We discuss red flags, meditation, woo woo lifestyle, taking accountability, and much more.
Learn more about Monarey, including upcoming show dates, by following her @monareym here and on IG
Comedian and writer Garrick Bernard joins me for a fun chat about life and technology. He shares some hard truths learned from high school, his passion for hitting the track in some of the fastest cars he can get his hands on, our outlook on EVs, and much more. Garrick is on the road doing stand-up in a city near you. Find him on socials at @garrickbernard for tour dates, tickets, and more.
This episode I'm joined by therapist Ali Stepka, LMFT, LPCC. Ali specializes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), counseling, exposure and response prevention coaching, and individual and group therapy. She shares her wealth of knowledge on ACT, personality disorders, OCD, therapy, mindful practices, and much more. You can support Ali by pre-ordering her workbook ACT Your Way to the Life You Love on Amazon and visiting her website allisonstepkamft.com
This week I'm joined by longtime friend and comedian Katrina Davis. We explore the topics of aging, dealing with health, women in certain segments of the job market, the motivations for her new show, and much more.
Katrina can be found on social media @katrinasivad. Follow her to see her latest shows around NYC, as well as upcoming tour dates on the road.
Comedian Maxi Witrak joins me this week at the studio. We dive deep into work-life balance, being in the creative field, therapy, Maxi's rich history with horses, and much more.
For more on Maxi, you can find her Instagram @maddmaxi and keep an eye out for her shows. For more about your host, you can find me @thumbgalina.
Get ready for an absolutely hilarious episode with comedian Omid Singh. We talk about how his dog is ruling his life, his close encounter with a cloud seeding disaster, how stand up comedy and surfing are the same, and much more. Omid has a special available on Youtube that you can find @omidsinghcomedy or in IG @omidsingh
Comedian Ken Garr joins me this week to dish out travel tips, ponder work-life balance, and share some wild stories. Our conversation was both silly and motivational. Check out Ken's latest special, "Love From Las Vegas" available now on YouTube. You can see more of his work by following him on IG at kengarrwastaken and you can learn more about your host by subscribing to this page or following your host @thumbgalina on IG
Comedian Michael Burnett is here this week to relive the glory days of our former podcast Why the World is Ending Today. While we no longer think the world's ending today, we do chat about aging gracefully, discovering new hobbies, sleep issues, and more.
Michael has several stand up shows coming up in and around Austin, TX. Follow him on socials @MichaelMikeRoyBurnettShorts@ michaelbburnett for more details.
Back with NP Jamie Plaxco to discuss a variety of mental health topics including trauma, mania, conservatorships, and the cultural phenomenon of legendary pop star Britney Spears. Jamie offers incredible insight from her professional experience as a Psych Nurse and we're able to examine Britney's very public journey from a new angle.
Sources include the Netflix document Britney vs. Spears and the Hulu documentary TMZ Investigates: Britney Spears: The Price of Freedom
Back to catch up on what's been happening. I'm a surf competition comic now! Just visited London, am tired of hearing about Adam Levine, and Ukraine is still under attack by Russia. Oh! And if you're an influencer for a living, you're probably not working that hard.
For more on your host, find me @thumbgalina or on venmo @galina-rivina for donations
On this week's episode I'm joined by comedian Paige Weldon. We chat about diner culture, breakfast foods, late night hangs, and adulting.
For more on Paige, find her @paigeweldon
For more on your host, I'm @thumbgalina
Taking this train in a new direction. Many more new episodes to follow (on a regular schedule, dare I say). Trying to manifest the best for myself and earn some freedoms while I'm at it. If you'd like to help me with the podcast my venmo is @galina-rivina or you can help by ranking & reviewing or following me on social @thumbgalina
For this episode, I'm joined by my friend the hilarious national touring comedian Ken Garr. Ken just released his special American Hero very timely over July 4th weekend. Recorded in Chicago, it's his summary of life during the pandemic, travel stories from touring, and more. We have a fun chat, and you should check out his special available now on YouTube.
For more on Ken find him @kengarrwastaken and for more on your host @thumbgalina
This week I'm joined by one of my favorite people ever! Friend and comedian Allie Zisfein joins me on zoom to share about the wildest car accident she was in back in 2020. We get into the weeds of the aftermath and how people often don't know what to do in emergencies. While mostly a serious episode, we still manage to joke around.
For more on Allie, you can find her @alliebzis on IG and for more on your host, I'm @thumbgalina
As a Ukrainian, I wanted to share my thoughts and feelings regarding the ongoing Russian invasion. To help the people of Ukraine, please visit:
https://www.charitywatch.org/charities/care-usa
https://www.charitywatch.org/charities/direct-relief-direct-relief-foundation
UNICEF
international rescue committee
savethechildren.org
Don't listen to this one hungry. Comedian Steve Furey and I deep dive into his passion for restaurants and all things food. We talk about how we approach trying new spots and he shares some great pointers about finding places when he travels. Easily the most mouth-watering pod you'll ever hear.
For more on Steve, find him @scubastevefurey and check out his podcast World of Drugs. For more on your host, I'm @thumbgalina
Comedian Kelly Ryan joins me to reminisce about Spongebob being the best animated show of our time, life on the internet, and the horror of teenagers on social media. We find out some fun facts about each other in the process. Enjoy!
For more on Kelly, you can find her @thisiskellyryan and for more on your host I'm @thumbgalina
This episode is with comedian Lisa Curry. We catch up about her time touring with Jim Jeffries and we compare notes on our type-A ways. Then I learn about Lisa's childhood spent around boats... she's a pro! That being said, if you belong to the recording academy or know someone who is, Lisa's comedy album Alive for a While is being considered for Grammy nomination so please go vote!!
For more about the Lisa, she is @olympianlisacurry and for more about your host @thumbgalina
On this episode I chat with my friend comedian and writer Lynn Maleh about comedy and working out. Lynn comes from a background of working for a CrossFit gym and has a wealth of knowledge about all things CrossFit culture. We poke fun at cancelled workout gurus and fanatics. We also chat comedy and open mic culture (equally exhausting personalities). Enjoy the ep!
For more on Lynn, find her @heylynnmolly and for more on your host I'm @thumbgalina
This week I'm joined by my friend comedian Pete Lee. His hour special Tall, Dark, and Pleasant is now streaming on SHOWTIME.
Pete and I talked surfing, our relationships to the ocean, the taping of his special in Arizona, and our mutual crush on Justin Bieber.
Go watch his special or catch a live show. For more on Pete, find him on social @peteleepeteleepetelee and for more on your host, I'm @thumbgalina
So excited for this week's episode with my friend and comedian Todd Doram. Ever since meeting Todd, it's hard to ignore how involved and passionate he is about helping his community. We chat about his involvement with children in foster care, youth outreach programs and how we can help ourselves by helping others.
For more information on how to help, check out Big Brother Big Sister, A Child's Hope Foundation at achildshopefoundation.org or via benson@achf.org
For more on Todd check out @tdoram and for more on your host, I'm @thumbgalina
Thank you for joining me after my brief hiatus. You'll notice a few new things around these parts including the name and logo!
My return episode was recorded a little while back with comedian and friend Mike Menendez. We chat about getting in shape, navigating our self-care routines, and his parents meet cute (it's one of my favorites!) Please enjoy the episode.
For more about Mike you can find him @mikethemenendez and for more on your host, I'm @thumbgalina
Welcome back listeners! This week I have my friend, comedian and writer Amy Silverberg. It's like sitting in on our two person book club so readers beware; we give our recommendations in this one! We recorded over zoom so the audio gets a bit rough here and there but overall we have an amazing conversation about reading different genres and styles and how we reflect on writing. We also talk about Amy's shadow life as a wiener dog.
Amy is published and you can find her work on https://amysilverberg.com/ or follow her on social @amysilverberg or for more on your host, I'm @thumbgalina
The hosts of Why The World's Ending Today reunite to discuss why Texas is ending, not literally but ... we miss podcasting so much! Michael joins me to catch up, tell me his motivations for moving out to Austin last year, and then we get into a deep-dive of his experience with last month's polar vortex that caused so many Texans to lose power, heat and access to water. No spoilers, but we do end up talking about poop as it relates to what happened.
For more on Michael, you can find him @michaelbburnett or for more on me @thumbgalina
Will the real 2000's music fan please stand up? In this episode I'm joined by comedian Kelsey Cook. According to psychological studies, between the ages of 12-22, our brains undergo rapid neurological development - and the music we love during that decade seems to get wired into our lobes for good. Kelsey and I deep-dive into the music that was most influential to us during our teens and early 20's. We relive the boy bands we loved and lost, the concerts we can't forget, and how Ludacris deserves so much more credit. Kelsey has a half hour special dropping on EPIX on 2/26/21 followed her for more @kelseycookcomedy and for more on your host I'm @thumbgalina
Friend, comedian and co-owner of Westside Comedy Theater Chris Gorbos joins me this week to catch up and share his newly found pandemic passion of baking. Initially picked it up as a way to kill time, Chris has been baking up a storm over the last few months making desserts, breads, bagels, coffee cakes and more. We share our love for the Great British Baking Show and how it's been influential for both of us in the kitchen. Chris enlightens me about flour. But enough spoiler.. enjoy the episode!
For more information, follow @chrisgorbos, @westsidecomedy and @thumbgalina
This week I'm joined by comedian and friend Josh Lanzet. Josh and I ran a fun stand-up comedy show together so we spend some time reminiscing about before getting into our mutual love of true crime. We cover recent true crime documentaries we've watched like The Night Stalker, discuss the origins of our fascination, and explore the boundaries of what we think people will want to listen to. I also mentioned the book I just finished "Gift of Fear" by Gavin de Becker that relates to our safety concerns.
For more on Josh, find him @lanzetj and for more on your host, I'm @thumbgalina
This week comedian, artist and my dear friend Gabby Lamb joins me and we absolutely unleash on all things social media. We have a deep and earnest conversation about all the feelings we have around social media, following and unfollowing, etiquette surrounding the ol' unfollow and how it creates an inevitable stir deep in our hearts and subsequent real life interactions. We also touch on hacks for quarantine sanity, tattoos and a tragedy turned fun story about car break-ins. Enjoy our talk!
For more on Gabby, follow her @gabbylamby and check out her art @gabbylambart
This week I'm joined by my friend comedian Jeff Baldinger. Jeff talks to me about how sometimes music fans will "gatekeep" loving their favorite artists. As a huge Beatles fan, he used to do this himself but has since learned to share his love. We have fun discussing our own incidents of fandom and what we learned about culture exploring the symptoms of fandom gatekeeping. He also helps me with some intro music. Hope you enjoy!
For more on Jeff, you can find him @jeffbaldinger.
Joining me this week is comedian and friend Bill Squire. We get into our mutual love of animal companions, 00s music, and how much we miss stand up comedy. But mostly... another dog filled ep. This year Bill adopted his golden-doodle mix Whoopsie and she has been a force for good change in his life. We discuss how dogs can fight depression and give us structure, purpose and endless laughter during a time when everyone could use more.
For more on Bill, find him @billsquire and listen to him on The Bill Squire Show and The Alan Cox Show
For more on your host, I am @thumbgalina
Welcome back to Podcast & Curious with your dog obsessed host, Galina Rivina. In this episode I recap my experience with a DNA test I did on my dog (hello Embark would you like to sponsor me?!). I break down my dog's adorable ancestory and how I came to be a dog momma.
Thank you as always for tuning in to the show. For more on your host, you can find me on all social media @thumbgalina.
Welcome back! In this episode, comedian and friend Julia Austin joins me on my balcony (pardon the wilderness) to discuss the challenges of identifying as a moderate. We delve into the chaos of extreme left and right twitter posts, society's ineptness at finding unbiased information, and how to set boundaries with people looking to argue about politics.
I really enjoyed my talk with her and hope you will too. For more info on Julia, you can find her @caninesandcoupons on Instagram.
For more on your host, I'm @thumbgalina.
My first ever solo episode. That's right, no guests! Just the company of my sweet dog Mila.
Galina Rivina talks anxiety about solo recordings, Thanksgiving in a pandemic, missing stand up comedy, and outlooks for the future.
For more on the host, you can find me @thumbgalina.
Feel free to rate, comment & subscribe but no pressure. Enjoy the pod!
Welcome to the first ever episode of Podcast & Curious.
Katrina Davis (comedian/ tiny home enthusiast) came by to talk to me about all things small-house movement. She's passionate and well-versed in the matter and I learned a lot in this episode. We discuss everything from floorplan to building materials to sustainability.
You can find more on my guest Katrina on her instagram and twitter pages @katrinasivad.
For more on the host, you can find me @thumbgalina.
Feel free to rate, comment & subscribe but no pressure. Enjoy the pod!