Bleav in The Comedy Bureau Field Report: Recent Episodes
Bleav Podcast Network
The Comedy Bureau Field Report, a nice, neat rundown of comedy news (and news about nothing else), with Comedy Bureau founder and director Jake Kroeger.
The memory and comedy of one Brody Stevens and the importance he highlighted for mental health both in comedy and beyond strongly continue to this day. The Annual Brody Stevens Festival of Friendship is a celebration of Brody's legendary, singular comedic stylings and support for the amazing work that Comedy Gives Back does in support of comedians in need. For this week's TCB Field Report, we chat, reminisce, and dream big with Comedy Gives Back founders Zoe Friedman and Amber J. Lawson.
Follow @comedygivesback across socials, donate to their work here, and buy tickets to this year's Brody Stevens' Festival of Friendship on 8/18 at the Comedy Store here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The idea that these are divisive times is so old hat, which is partially why the very funny Mary Houlihan is dead set on truly bringing back having comedians from opposite ends of the political spectrum to engage in fierce, hilarious debate. Thusly, Houlihan is reviving one of the debate shows ever, Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn. We get into every nook & cranny of Mary's grand plan of doing Rough Crowd on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Mary @maryhoulie across socials and get tix to next Rough Crowd @ Caveat on 8/30 here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Fresh off their win of Top of the Fringe at this most recent Hollywood Fringe Festival, the amazing Edib Farhan is already busy with a sequel to their award winning show, Syrian Soap, eager to create a trilogy of profound clown/solo shows. This week's TCB Field Report follows Edib's long sojourn from activist to performance artist to stand-up to clown to festival winner and beyond.
Follow Edib @farhan__inc and get tix for Syrian Slipper on 7/18 @ The Elysian here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Hot off the tail from Hollywood Fringe, Elysian's annual cavalcade of daring new work in Spaghetti Festival is just around the corner and we get a preview of a delicious bit of what's on the menu come July 15th when the fest starts. Elysian AD Jacquelyn Landgraf as well as Spaghetti Festers Brooke Sciacca, Lina Green, Hunter Sailing, Isabella Escalante, Kate Frydman, Adam Smith, Skarlett Red, Sylvie Wang, and Kelly McCaughan (but there are so many more at the actual fest!!!) give us the lowdown of what they have up their many sleeves.
Get into all things Spaghetti Fest 2026 here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
With all the things that The John F. Kennedy for the Performing Arts has had to endure this year under the 2nd Trump Administration, one might be surprised to find that there's a satirical, topical late night variety show that was built and blossomed from within. This week's TCB Field Report follows Amelia Cameron, the executive producer of Unofficial Late Night, the very grassroots comedy variety show that shows there is still spirit left in the Kennedy Center, and the circuitous path that lead her here.
Follow Unofficial Late Night @unofficiallatenight on IG
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
While there is a spotlight on clown, especially in LA, these days, one ought to know that this daring comedic work isn't a new phenomenon. With that in mind, we wax all things clown and beyond, from the past to the future, in front or behind it, with legend John Gilkey, founder of The Idiot Workshop, a cornerstone in LA's effervescent clown scene on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow The Idiot Workshop @idiotworkshop, Cruel Babes @wetthehippo, and John @gilkeypleas on IG. Get tix for the next Cruel Babes show here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
While the many functions and purposes of comedy will be up for debate, its ability and capacity for healing is pretty undisputed. Squarely in that healing corner is multi-disciplinary comedian and artist Greg Barris who has gone so far as to make a very enjoyable and accessible-in-almost-every-way, pocket book for "deep healing" called DEEP HEALING // A BOOK OF HEALINGS. We talk all about and around and through the reach and power of the art of comedy along with this delightful book that Greg co-wrote with Michelle Newman on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Greg @galimmus on IG and get DEEP HEALING // A BOOK OF HEALINGS here and get tix to the Deep Healing live release show on 6/18 at the Elysian here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Geri Courtney-Austein has done so many things in so many different lanes in LA comedy between sketch, improv, and clown (oh, and podcasting and filmmaking) and even combining those all into a live variety show for charity that being at the Cannes Film Festival for a short she made seems to be timing in Hollywood working out for once. We chit chat Geri up about this wild journey and what it took to get there and more on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Geri for everything at @gericourtneyaustein
Photo by @gregoryjmkasunich
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Coming fresh off of a sold out Netflix Is a Joke. Fest performance of How Being Black & Gay Made Me Better Than You!, the amazing (the name of the show is on point, FYI) Dewayne Perkins gives us the ins and outs of developing his show as well as the greater hopes and dreams for it (including it being seen by the whole world) on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Dewayne @dewayneperkins on IG
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
When doing the alchemy of taking heartbreak and turning it into comedy, it often manifests as stand-up or a short film. Doing an entire solo musical is a whole other incredibly ambitious endeavor and one Sydney Kane has found her way to doing just that with Wife Material, set to take stage at The Roxy later this month. Sydney traces her steps for us going from embarking on the biggest and most personal and most successful work to date on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Sydney @sydneymorgankane and get tix to Wife Material at The Roxy on 4/21 here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
As the volume of comedy specials released increases at an exponential rate, one really must go against the grain to stand out. Chicago's own Maggie Winters took that to heart with her very comedy special, which is a recorded edition of her solo show, Marguerite, handpicked by UCB and Abso Lutely. Winters shares her process behind wanting to something truly different from the crowd on her very first special and how she made that exactly happen.
Follow Maggie @saggiesplinters and watch and enjoy her special Marguerite on YouTube here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Taking a cue from San Diego's biggest annual happening, Comic-Con, Chris Colthurst is paving a way in similar fashion for all things celebrating and enlightening in the art form of theatrical improvisation by founding ImprovCon. We talk to Chris all about how much and how in-depth the improv will be in this convention (which even includes dramatic improv).
Follow all things ImprovCon @improvcon on IG and mark your calendars for Aug. 20th-23rd for the inaugural ImprovCon.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Believe it or not, NYC is about to add to its leading comedy club per capita stats with its newest spot, The Greenpoint Comedy Club. We get into the nitty gritty and the joy and everything in between with opening a new comedy club in one comedy's undisputed cultural centers with founder and owner, Jeremy Pinsly on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow The Greenpoint Comedy Club @greenpointcomedyclub on IG and get tix and info at greenpointcomedyclub.com. Follow Jeremy @jeremypinsly on IG.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Many of you are constantly pondering what's mutating in the Austin comedy scene, but not only are there plenty of other ever evolving comedy scenes around the country including an English language one in Barcelona, Spain. We chat with Nikolai Phalen who transplanted himself to Barcelona to thrive on his own terms and create the most daring show he could possibly imagine, Fever Dream TV, all on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Nikolai @its.k0lya on IG and tix for NYC Fringe run of Fever Dream TV, 4/4-4/17 are on sale here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jackie Kashian has long been and continues to be one of our absolute favorite comedians working today. Even in such dire, seemingly hopeless times, her brand new hour special, Alter-Kashian, much of which has to do with a very timely rage, is a much needed and very effective salve. We catch up with Jackie and the arrival of her latest and greatest on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Jackie @jackiekashian on socials and watch her brand new special, from Blonde Medicine, Alter-Kashian here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Album Art by Jenny Fine
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Oft these days, the question, "How do you do comedy in times like these?", gets asked into the wind only to go nowhere. Yet, comedy persists and we'd highlight Chandler Dean and his beautifully subversive comedy game show, Abolish Everything!, arrives as the perfect satirical humor for this current moment. We chat with Dean all about the inception, development, and ethos of his ruthless debate show that highlights the very best of the indie NYC comedy scene on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Chandler @chandlerjdean and Abolish Everything! @abolisheverythingnyc across platforms (and watch it here on Nebula.tv
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Taking even part of the reins to a long-standing comedy institution such as The Upright Citizens Brigade can be a tall order and then some. Thankfully, comedy industry veteran, one Rachel Olson has stepped in as Executive Director of UCB LA and is a crucial part of UCB expanding its reach and scope. We have a nice, long chat about how she has hit the ground running, what she is looking for in comedy, and navigating such a position for this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Rachel @rachelxolson on IG and all things UCB LA @ucbtla
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Natasha Mercado started off 2026 with a bang by putting on very first festival, Soft Clown Fest, a one-day, full throttle celebration of "soft clown", Mercado's own particular movement within the clowning discipline of comedy. Natasha takes us on a wondrous long walk through the winding roads of clown, both past and present as well as LA and beyond and how soft clown fits into it on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow all things Natasha @champagnetashi
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
When you're someone like the brilliant Mark Vigeant, the road in comedy can be very winding and circuitous, especially for the fact that he's setting to break new ground and push boundaries in the art form of comedy. This week's TCB Field Report has an in-depth conversation with Mark in the middle of him about to release his debut special on Dropout, then, simultaneously, touring and developing two other trailblazing shows and all of what it took to get there and aiming to go further.
Follow Mark on TikTok here and on IG here. The Best Man Show premieres on Dropout on Feb. 25th and you can get tix to Welcome to Hell @ LH on 2/21 here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
We kick off 2026 at The Comedy Bureau Field Report by giving a big ol' peel back of the curtain to show you what goes into making our 100 Best Things in Comedy We Were Witness To in No Particular Order list (and year end comedy lists in general). Our very own Jake Kroeger breaks down the methods to his madness and why he puts what is some form of 10,000 hours into making the list itself.
Follow Jake @notthesupermarket on IG
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
When divisiveness is the order of the day, some of the best bridges are the most personal stories that highlight the things all humanity has in common (which is almost always more than we think) no matter who is telling said story or what its original intentions were for. With that in mind, we have a frank, in-depth discussion about Ethan Stanislawski's acclaimed solo show about his Jewish identity and upbringing affecting and shaping his personhood now, Jew, Interrupted, that couldn't come at a more crucial time it would seem.
Follow Ethan @ethanstancomedy across socials and get tickets for Jew, Interrupted on 1/21 & 1/28 in LA and 5/9 in Toronto here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andy Sandford's philosophy of trimming all the fat from all his comedy has served him well in all his years in the art form and did him especially proud with his latest special, &y S&ford, freshly released. We chat with him all about the craft as well as relocating and building his latest special in and around Atlanta.
Follow Andy @andy.sandford & watch &y S&ford right here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
There was so much innocence and purity to those 2005 days of YouTube, but, then again, none of it was monetized. With that in mind, this week's TCB Field Report has the star of the brand span new indie comedy Skit, Jamie Linn Watson, join in on a chat about how the DNA of making Internet comedy has forever changed and done so greatly from the early aughts (incidentally, Skit is a satirical celebration of early YouTube).
Follow Jamie Linn Watson @jamie.linn.watson on IG and watch Skit on Tubi now here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Spaghetti Festival @ The Elysian represents a wholly rejuvenating spark of imagination and creativity as it puts up never-before-seen, never-before-produced works from some of the most original voices in and around comedy in LA. For this week's TCB Field Report, we get into the all the many works and workings of the festival with Elysian Artistic Director Jacquelyn Landgraf as well as Spaghetti Festival artists Emily Browning, Emily Westheimer, Reshma Meister, Clowns of Color, and Madi Hart.
Get all details and tickets for Spaghetti Festival here and follow @elysiantheater.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The popularity of the corner of comedy that is clown continues to burgeon, especially in LA. In that growth, there is a push for bringing clown to more than just niche audiences, namely children. One, R.M. Aranda is one such clown that aims to making a clown show that bucks the trend of the very adult ensemble and solo performances that have gotten so much notoriety and offer up something to be truly enjoyed by all (and they're succeeding so far). We talk all about their path to embracing clown and then wanting to spread its gospel and joy to as many as possible on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow R.M. @r.m.aranda for details on all of their shows and more coming up.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The coming-of-age of comedy will forever be a staple of comedy film and television as it both continues to resonate with audiences across the generations and also, well, time only goes one direction as far as we experience it. With that in mind, American High has carefully built an empire around feature length comedies that focus in on this very popular niche and have done so well that they've assembled a plethora of digital teams including Barely Adult. We got to talk with the brains and cast and boss of this very popular off-shoot of American High to see what goes into expanding the American High cinematic universe.
Follow all the fine folks on this ep. as follows:
- Axelle Azoulay: @axelleazoulay
- Julianne Lang: @juli_can_ne
- Jill Young: @jillisyoung
- Max Castillo: @bigtimemaca
- Matt Newman: @mattsnewmans
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barelyadult/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@barelyadult
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barelyadult
- Website: https://americanhigh.com/
- YouTube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@americanhighshorts
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanhighshorts/?hl=enA
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@americanhighshorts?lang=en
Produced by Jake KroegerMusic by Brian GranilloArtwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
With so many specials and hours of comedy already in existence and dozens of them getting put out every month, how could you possibly turn the form on its head? Well, we found out exactly how when we talked to the amazing, description-defying Joey Greer and he's wholly unique and unprecedented special, Teeny Tiny, freshly served on YouTube, and how it turns every trope of a comedy special inside out in the best way possible.
Watch Teeny Tiny on YouTube here and follow Joey @godblessjoeygreer on IG.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Such are the times that being a a brown-skinned comedian, much less one from a country South of the U.S. border, is, shall we say, dicey. That's only one of a myriad of reasons why Chilean comedian, now U.S. citizen Fabrizio Copano made sure to secure his status as an American citizen before releasing his latest special (given Trump's penchant for wanting kick everyone who isn't licking his boots out of the country). Fabrizio walked us through the whole, precedent setting, comedy history making journey on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Fabrizio @fabriziocomedian on IG and watch From The Future on YouTube here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The comedy of Beth Stelling offers up a warmth and a joy that feels rarer and rarer in this world. Even when she does a whole special about a toxic landlord, Stelling's voice is such a great relief. We chit chat in-depth with Beth about the journey to such a unique special (and how you'd even go about making a special focused on how much of a nightmare one person can be when they're in charge of your living situation), all on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Beth @bethstelling on IG, watch The Landlord Special on YouTube here, and get tix for upcoming dates and more at bethstelling.com.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
4319 Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles has long been a home for alt comedy and despite the insanely chaotic times we live in, it will continue to be that way, in large part due to the efforts of Isaac Landfert. Formerly the YARD Theater, that venue will live on as The Stray Theater and continue on to be a space even more dedicated to its mission in the LA comedy scene. We talk about the preservation of the venue and the ins and outs of running a small comedy theater with Landfert in the vast LA comedy scene on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow The Stray Theater @thestraytheater and Isaac @isaaclandfert on IG
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Much of the pervasive strangeness of these times is that there is palpable feeling of everything coming to an end, all while many, small everyday things in many people's lives weirdly continuing for the time being. We get into the thick of doing/talking about/philosophizing about comedy in such an obtuse moment in history with the marvelous, internationally touring Lisa Curry just as she is about to release her latest hour of comedy, Emotionally Edging.
Follow Lisa @olympianlisacurry across socials and please watch her special Emotionally Edging on YouTube on Sept. 17th.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Building an hour of stand-up, especially the first time you do it, is already hard enough with having no experience doing so. In 2025, with the ways of the world, both actual and of comedy, the consideration and craft that has to be put into an bonafide great first hour of stand-up comedy can feel near infinite. That's why we chatted all about this very process with the endlessly funny Bri Pruett who is shaping up what should be an amazing first hour.
Follow Bri @bripruett across platforms and get tix to Bri Pruett: Pleasure Champion @ Lyric Hyperion 8/22 here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In such dire times, the roles of comedy being both offering a salve to reality and speaking truth to power can seem to be at odds with each other. However, there are ways to walk such a tight line and we talk with celebrated veteran indie comedy producer Ali Hart (Peacock, The Frogtown Show, Slick Burn) on the intersection of comedy and trying to get folks to come around to making a better world.
Follow Ali @trahila
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Romance and the quest for it will forever remain fertile ground for comedy no matter how the art form changes and evolves. IG/Tik Tok sensation Walker Ward marches, or, more accurately, pedals, forward in this regard with Pedicab Connections by picking up strangers looking for love in a pedicab and makes an earnest attempt to match them with someone in real life, no apps needed. For this week's TCB Field Report, we talk to Walker about getting back to basics of human connection in looking forward into finding the funny in love.
Follow Walker @walksauce42_ on IG and watch Pedicab Connections on YouTube here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
While many of you have to come, know, and love the fantastic Shannon O'Neill through improv and wherever you watch TV, she has discovered another marvelous facet of herself through her work in ceramics. In fact, she's just about to close out her very first exhibition Beat One at The Empty Circle in Brooklyn and was very keen on infusing a comedic spirit into the whole experience of making, presenting, and interacting with her pieces. We have a truly wondrous conversation about art, improv, and the cross-pollination of the two on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Shannon @spotastic and @sporamics on IG and make sure to make the closing party for Beat One and the Empty Circle in Brooklyn this Friday, July 11th at 6PM.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
From just the look of Big Break, David Drake's third and latest hour, you might be surprised that Drake has helped build an entire corner of NYC comedy through the hallowed ground of The Gutter in Brooklyn (that also happens to be a lovely bowling alley). Between CYSKNYC and his multiple hour special in the space, Drake has gotten himself into rarefied air of making 80 minutes of stand-up very, very enjoyable. We get into all of that and more in this week's TCB Field Report.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @yocoland
At the same time, comedy can indeed speak truth to power and also express joy from one's unique perspective, but it can be quite the balancing act to do both at the same time. One wondrous Linzy Beltran manages the feat with a bold stroke of unabashed silliness with her solo show El Mago Loco, currently playing at the Hollywood Fringe. For this week's TCB Field Report, we explore Linzy's own explorations within and outside herself to bring to the stage a show that's crucial, playful, and kind-of-not-really-a-magic-show that has a magician as the main character.
Follow Linzy @linzybeltran and get tix for El Mago Loco @ Hollywood Fringe on 6/26 & 6/28 here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Almost always, the work that goes into a deeply personal solo show is almost entirely invisible. There are years of work and reworking and giving up and getting re-obsessed that drive a person to create something possibly so unique and inspiring and hilarious and then perform over and over and over and over again only to have audiences marvel an hour at a time. Erica Bitton and her work with her amazing solo show Vacuum Girl has gone through all of its peaks and valleys all the way to the marvelous place that it is now. We talk to her all about it on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Erica @gurubf and get tix for Vacuum Girl here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Julie Seabaugh has been and still very much is one of our absolute favorite people in comedy because, like us, she has dedicated blood, sweat, and tears to the telling of stories of, about, in, and around comedy. Following her endeavors as an esteemed journalist, author, and documentarian, Julie's latest work focuses on the comedy icon Marc Maron following the passing of his partner, Lynn Shelton in the doc, Are We Good?, brilliantly directed by Steven Feinartz (and screened at SXSW & Tribeca).
This week's TCB Field Report goes in on Julie's process of showing Maron's process of both grief and comedy, which are beautifully intertwined in this movie.
Follow @julieseabaugh & @arewegoodfilm on IG
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Troy Conrad
A lot of what has been dug up from the 90s, mostly by Gen Z, has kind of been a rude look into the mirror for Millennials, but acclaimed, veteran screenwriter Victoria Male has cooked up a comedy feature, Whatever Happened to Baby J?, that is taking a much more favorable look into the 90s, so much so that the one and only Jodie Sweetin (as well as Drew Seeley and stacked cast) is going to be part of a staged reading of Whatever Happened to Baby J? at Dynasty Typewriter on June 9th (tix available here). This week's TCB Field Report follows Victoria's journey all the way to doing this big time staged reading that will be support of the AIDS Resource Foundation for Children.
Follow Victoria @victoriamale1 and get tix to Whatever Happened to Baby J @ Dynasty Typewriter on June 9th here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
The undertaking of putting on a live comedy show can be a lot, but putting on a full scale, multi-week, improvised parody of a celebrated TV franchise is a whole other sport. Yet, that seems to be Sam Walt Jones' favorite thing to do as he is just about to cap off his third season of Survivor: Island of Idiots, one of the most ambitious comedy productions we've ever come across. We get into the how and why of Sam's process on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Sam @samwaltjones across socials and get tix for the remaining Survivor: Island of Idiots here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Cory Peter Lane, Jeremy Elder, and Hunter Sailing, better known collectively as the wondrously rambunctious Business Casual, are leveling up to having their very own ranch of controlled chaos with their new show on All Things Comedy, the aptly named The Business Casual Show. We catch up with the boys on this week's TCB Field Report on getting in on their process for pitching and running bits for what might seemed like really fun mayhem, but definitely has a plan (mostly).
Follow @businesscasualcomedy on IG
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
These days, the notion of representation mattering is more crucial than it has been in a long time, especially when it comes to trans/gender non-conforming/non-binary folks. Thank goodness for the likes of people such as Laser Webber, a do-it-all performer/producer in all worlds in and around comedy, music, and theater to co-found The Joy Who Lived, a festival celebrating trans and gnc comedy/performance/art (that's specifically counter-programming a Harry Potter play at the Pantages). We talk about the importance of communing and having joy whilst in survival mode in 2025.
Follow Laser @lasertheboy & The Joy Who Lived: trans/gnc comedy & performance festival (that still has a handful of shows left, FYI) @joywholived
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
The brilliant Alexis Dubus has made an entire career out of not only playing a character, but playing a misanthropic Frenchman, Marcel Lucont and that presents quite a winding path here in 2025, especially as Dubus is set to play a handful of American dates as Lucont coming up very soon. We have a badinage as well as an in-depth chat about Alexis' journey in and out of himself and Marcel and how he is forging ahead with a character drenched in tasty irony.
Follow Alexis @alexisdubuscomedy and Marcel Lucont @marcel.lucont and get tickets for his 4/21 show at The Elysian here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Still, to this day, Rebecca Drysdale is one of the funniest improvisers we've ever seen. Coupled with her vast writing experience, we'll take any chance to have her on TCB Field Report and what a chance it was for this episode. We legitimately intertwine The Force from Star Wars into improv theory and practice (along with some other IP based metaphors) for a marvelously comedy philosophy heavy episode.
Follow Rebecca @beckdrys on IG and sign-up for her classes (the latest round start next week) at drysdaleclasses@gmail.com.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
At a time where AI is threatening writing jobs and Trump is mercilessly dismantling all the DEI initiatives that he can, a hybrid improv/writers show, Pilot Season, rises, phoenix-like, from the rubble of the WGA Strike. Hosts/creators Chris De La Cruz and Saleh Karaman lead a packed improv show that creates a freshly baked before the audience eyes and ears where some of the most accomplished TV writers around collaborate with UCB's best and brightest. Also, very often, as it would happen, the panel of writers and cast of improvisers are from almost every background imaginable. This week's TCB Field Report talks to De La Cruz and Karaman in how they built this juggernaut of a show and exceeded any expectation they had.
Follow Pilot Season @pilot_szn on IG and get tix for 4/6 show UCB LA here. Follow Chris @chris_dlc_ and Saleh @cirquedusalad.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
A comedy festival premised on the idea of punching up and calling it the absurdity of those in power and also providing space for representation for those that are in the margins is now, more so than in a long time, pretty crucial. Thank goodness to the Yes And... Laughter Lab Comedy Festival AKA the YALL Comedy Fest. This week's TCB Field Report chats with the leadership team at YALL Comedy, Mik Moore, Erika Soto Lamb, and Chike Robinson on putting on this festival that fervently believes that comedy can make a difference and aims to make that notion a truth.
Follow Yes And... Laughter Lab @yallcomedy and get tickets to YALL Comedy Fest here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Skyler Higley and MANDAL are on the precipice of making what very well may be LA's next stand up to always be at with GUARANTEED! presented by Vulture (and produced by our very own Jake Kroeger). The trio breaks down launching this very special show (as well as the use of RICO charges in crime thrillers).
Follow Skyler @skylerhigley and MANDAL @themandalman and get tix for GUARANTEED every 2nd & 4th Tuesday starting 3/25 @ 7:30PM right here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Even though improv had one of the longest roads back from COVID, it's back and more expansive than we remember. Sarah Claspell, a longtime celebrated veteran of improv in LA, walks us, on this week's TCB Field Report, through how that's happening both with her touring the world doing/teaching improv and co-owning the World's Greatest Improv School (affectionately pronounced WEE-gis) and the best way to take notes on improv.
Follow Sarah @claspy across socials.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Clay Larsen
The wonderful Kristal Adams packed up from LA a few years ago and journeyed to the America's other comedy mecca, NYC. Adams had definitely established herself in the scene in LA, but opted for the wealth of stage time that New York. Over the last few years, Kristal has not only risen in that scene, but built up a wondrous independent show at multi-purpose bookstore, P&T Knitwear, Bookstore, Coffee, & Podcast Studio, with Alexis Bradby, another LA to NYC transplant. This week's TCB Field Report has a beautiful in-depth chat about how and where Adams has put so much thought into building an indie comedy show in NYC in the 2020s.
Follow Kristal @thedarkkristal and Astigmatism Comedy @astigmatismcomedy on IG.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Legendary weekly comedy show, Hot Tub with Kurt Kristen, just marked its 20th year anniversary this past weekend and, for now, has come to its end. It marks the end of an era and the wonderment of what lies ahead with the new era ahead. As such, we talk with long time Hot Tub co-producer Joel Mandlekorn (shout out to his co-producer/partner Mandee Johnson as well for making Hot Tub one of LA comedy's best shows) and pulling off one hell of a finale and where we all might go from here.
Follow Joel @cleftclips
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Teresa Lo still very much is a fiercely determined up and coming stand-up comedian in the vast and highly competitive LA comedy scene. The proof rests in the fact that she is returning to telling jokes on stage after being violently assaulted at an open mic by a comedian who took issue with how he was portrayed in the documentary Breaking the Fourth Wall, a film covering the LA comedy open mic scene. Lo shares her story and her delightful plans in the not so distant future on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Teresa @teresalowriter on IG and watch Breaking the Fourth Wall on Tubi here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @comedythatsbadass
As strange as it is to say since so much insanity has happened from Jan. 1st onwards, Happy New Year to you all. We're thankful to talk all things NYC comedy, specifically at the wondrous venue that is Littlefield in Brooklyn with Junior Booker Meg Penney. Meg walks us through all the little things that folks might take for granted to put on an unforgettable show at a super cool indie venue.
Follow Meg @megpenneywashere and Littlefield on @littlefieldnyc on IG
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
This week's TCB Field Report has a frank conversation with beloved LA scene staple Lindsay Adams on her constant quest to better herself as both a comedian and a person. This desire fueled her latest endeavor, an experimental solo show where she actively asks the audiences if they still like her after divulging the most cringeworthy moments of her life, offering up a great exploration of Lindsay's persona, drive, and creative process.
Follow Lindsay @lindsayadamsispopular and get tickets for Do You Still Like Me? on 1/3 @ Lyric Hyperion here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Sam Morrison, a wonderful, touring-round-the-world comedian, is hot on the trail of being the next big solo show turning into, possibly, a Broadway sensation (and probably a big time special) with his Sugar Daddy. This week's TCB Field Report gets into the countless hours (and miles?) of work that has gone into and will go into having this show and himself ascend into stardom.
Follow Sam @samuelhmorrison and Sugar Daddy @_sugardaddyshow
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
To do a live comedy show for 8 years is a feat, but try upping the ante to doing it in a romance novel only store and franchise it to the the romance novel store's second location all the way across the country, THEN record an entire album. That has been the trajectory of Romantic Comedy, the long running comedy show at the wondrous gem that is The Ripped Bodice and we talk to co-host/co-creator Jenny Chalikian about what's been integral to Romantic Comedy's success.
Follow Romantic Comedy @romcomshow, Jenny @jchalikian, and Erin Judge @iamerinjudge. Get Live at The Ripped Bodice here starting this Friday.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
The path of every artist is something truly singular and, far enough long, something amazing and often unprecedented. Emily Browning is marvelous example of this as she has found her way in and throughout stand-up, clown, writing, acting, and, yep, balloon art and is bringing all of that together in a very, very special balloon art crowd work special, shooting next month. TCB's Jake Kroeger has an enlightening conversation of how Emily has come to this splendid current moment.
Follow Emily @emilybrowntown across socials and get tix for her Improvised Balloon Comedy Hour taping at Lyric Hyperion on 12/3 here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
After really, truly, deeply not having the time to do an episode last week because of one of the stupidest elections in our lifetime, we are grateful to reconvene with the Field Report and the realignment of comedy in LA and elsewhere with the ever gallivanting John Hastings (on the path to releasing 8 specials this year that you should very much enjoy and watch).
Follow John @thejohnhastings and watch his specials on YouTube here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Lauren Leroux, the host/star of the illustrious NYC variety show, The Cigarette Club, talks with us about why she's bringing the show to a close as well as the bright shining horizon she's headed towards with her top secret new show. Lauren also details a nightmare of a show that she survived and looking onwards and upwards after such an ordeal all on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Lauren @laurendesleroux on IG and get tix for the very last Cigarette Club on 12/7 @ Chelsea Music Hall here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @enemypixels
On the week of The Comedy Bureau's 14th Anniversary, we're so very glad to have our dear friend and fellow comedy behind-the-scenes compatriot Sam Varela (Naked Comedy) joining us in on getting to the nitty gritty of the state of comedy (as well as discussing what's going in Texas where Sam is taking some time away from being on the coasts). As always, it was a deep, insightful on where the winds are blowing these days in comedy between generations/classes/schisms/etc.
Also, yes, there's a Silverlake Ramen opening in El Paso.
Follow Sam and all of her shows @nakedcomedy
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Van Corona
Luke Null is one of a handful of marvelous comedians that are leading the way forward with a guitar in a way that is very good (and not something to be looked down upon by every other corner of comedy). Null's innovation, daring, and sheer comedic verve have seen him rise into one of the best musical comedians we have today, which is perfect timing for the hour special he just shot. We chat with Null on this week's TCB Field Report about his chosen path and how he is blazing through it and how the stereotypical thinking towards guitar comedy and musical comedy might be changing these days.
Follow Luke @luke_null on IG.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Mike Falzone
There are so many reasons to talk to the wondrous writer/director/creator/connector of peoples Tiffany Kimmel. Definitely focusing on the splendor that can come from bringing seemingly disparate worlds together, dark comedy and puppets and clown, is what we hone in on with Tiffany for this week's ep. of the TCB Field Report and what goes into to pulling off something so magical, even if it's so specifically niche.
Follow Tiffany @nihildeclarandum on IG
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
One of comedy's most brilliant chameleons and searingly funny voices, James Adomian, has just released his very first hour special, The Path of Most Resistance. It's an astounding hour of comedy and James leaves it all out on the stage for the benefit of us all. We talk it up with our good friend and one in a lifetime talent, Adomian, about the journey to this special as well as every other facet of the comedy industry along the way (as well as a brilliant dream about performing for aliens).
Follow James @jadomian across platforms and watch/listen/enjoy Path of Most Resistance wherever you get your comedy specials.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
The wonderful Danny Jolles returns to the TCB Field Report having just taped his latest hour special. Thus, we're in a mood to talk the finer points of doing stand-up, namely anything from the value of your credits in your intro to the value of truly knowing yourself as a person in service of your comedy to the value of doing a special in this day and age.
Follow Danny @dannyjolles
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Jill Petracek
Caroline Hirsch is a name you might be better acquainted with in relation to Caroline's on Broadway, the famous NYC comedy clubs that stood for decades in Manhattan as a true, blue headliner comedy club. Indeed, Hirsch is the titular Caroline for the club as she co-founded it along with the New York Comedy Festival that will be celebrating its 20th year in 2024.
We talk to Caroline through her journey and rise over two score to being a pillar in NYC comedy and what goes into running a successful comedy festival in a city that has a veritable comedy festival every night.
Follow all things NYCF at nycomedyfestival.com
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Michael Blieden may have had a circuitous path through comedy but goodness gracious it's an amazing one. Being the director of Comedians of Comedy, Zach Galifianakis: Live at the Purple Onion, but also working diligently at Fallon and South Side, and also have a play adapted into a movie by Bob Odenkirk, Blieden has seen and been part of the inner workings of comedy for many of your favorite things (especially since he was on the ground floor comedy what is now the streaming comedy juggernaut "Netflix Is a Joke").
This week's TCB Field Report goes in deep with Blieden's journey to now, where he's deep into producing and shooting an painstakingly detailed Mitch Hedberg doc, as well as his adoration for the art of the joke.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Longtime LA comedy stalwart/producer extraordinaire Joel Mandelkorn returns to the TCB Field Report as one of the marquee show he produces, Hot Tub with Kurt and Kristen, is coming to a close. We talk with Joel at length at what makes the center of a comedy scene, what that has been in the past, and what to look for going forward in trying to find that hub of comedy connective tissue going forward.
Follow Joel @cleftclips and @hottub_show on IG.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
20 years in comedy, done on both coasts with two well received late night sets and Chris Laker has come to an intriguing crossroads in his career where he is calling his latest hour "Toiling in Obscurity". It's not necessarily the self-deprecating angle that you might think the name would entirely suggest, but something much more, if you can believe it, affirming. We talk to Chris about his journey to letting go of expectations and focusing on evolving as a comedian and human being.
Follow Chris Laker @chrislaker on IG and get tickets to Toiling in Obscurity with Special Guest John Early on 8/28 @ Lyric Hyperion here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
When run properly, an open mic can be truly a safe space, free of expectation and hierarchy, and a crucial hub of community with in art form/scene. Open Screen LA fills a very specific, but much needed niche for budding filmmakers or folks that want to make films in and around LA with providing the most egalitarian film open mic possible. We talk to one of the organizers behind Open Screen LA about what goes into the ethos and actual practice of their beautifully engineered open mic.
Get all things Open Screen LA at openscreenla.com
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
800 Pound Gorilla went from indie comedy record label to a force to be reckoned with as 800 Pound Gorilla Media wheeling and dealing in hour specials all around the world, especially voices that you might have not in North America and U.S. comics that might not have had the chance to reach beyond the lower 48. We talk to 800 Pound Gorilla's Ryan Bitzer and Ian Adkins about 800 Pound Gorilla's journey over the last 8 years, how they've done what they've done despite people thinking it was impossible, and going about comedy distribution in a way that attempts to directly connect their favorite comedians to their biggest fans.
Follow all things 800 Pound Gorilla at 800poundgorillamedia.com
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Director Caroline Suh once was a Louis C.K. fan and then everything came out about his abuse of fellow female comedians, changing her perspective forever. Suh joined forces with co-director Cara Mones to examine the several forces and dynamics at play in comedy/entertainment, often against women, in the fall from grace and very quick rise back to an altered prominence of one Louis C.K. in their newly released documentary from Greenwich Entertainment, Sorry/Not Sorry. They especially hone in on the backlash against the women that came forward, even after #MeToo had been well established as a movement.
This week's episode of TCB Field Report talks in-depth with Mones and Suh about their journey and outlook and hope from making this crucial documentary.
See Sorry/Not Sorry at Lyric Hyperion on 8/3 and stick around for Abby/Megan/Andy Not C.K. after or go see it on VOD.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
When you think of the sort of life that one might have lead that might be worthy of a memoir, one that is so full of stories that it probably could fill more than one book, former comedy agent turned producer turned author Priyanka Mattoo has lead such a life. Said life includes living in several dozens places across the world starting out in Kashmir and eventually ending up in LA, then working her way up the agency ladder, then wanting to manifest her own big time ideas/projects. Thusly, Mattoo has just published her wild journey in her memoir Bird Milk & Mosquito Bones, available now wherever you get books.
We have a nice in-depth chat that takes a tour of this far reaching journey that is inextricably tied to comedy for this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Priyanka @primattoo on IG and get her book Bird Milk & Mosquito Bones.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
It's the rare and celebrated "birds" in comedy that wheel and deal in silly one-liners and that's why we're greatful for Tyler Jackson. Jackson walks the path of the completely absurd and farcical and is so goddamn funny in doing so. We catch Tyler in the days leading up to his upcoming debut taping (that you absolutely should go to) to see how a one-liner silly-billy comedian prepares to go for a whole hour and put it on wax.
Follow Tyler @tjaxkson and get tix to his debut taping on 7/12 at the Yard Theater here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Leave it to taking a chance on a storytelling open mic to take Uriah Wesman from a one-liner comedian to developing an earnest, funny, vulnerable, enthralling solo show about growing up in three separate cults. We talk to Uriah on this week's TCB Field Report to see what the comedic turning point was for him as well as the creative and emotional journey he has had to go on to get to the point of selling out the debut of his very first solo show.
Follow Uriah @uriahjokes on IG and get tix for Three Cults Walk Into a Bar on July 18th @ Lyric Hyperion here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @damu_malik_photo
The slow burn, ultra clever joke tellers of the 2020s are a rare breed, but they are a delight whenever they magically appear. Such is the case with Emily Catalano who came up in SF/Bay Area and has since transplanted successfully down in LA (don't worry, she goes back to the Bay quite a bit as well as touring all over the country) serving up her finely honed and sharpened, wry and oh-so-wondrous bits. We catch up with Emily as she is about to release her delightful debut album HEY. this Friday and what the journey to that has been, especially as she was set to do this in 2020.
Follow Emily @catalano_emily on IG and get her album HEY. this Friday fresh from Blonde Medicine.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Jim McCambridge
Fresh off the heels of releasing a brand new very shiny, funny hour, Gay Fantasy, the marvelous Rachel Scanlon seems have everything lined-up with a new special dropping, in the midst of 2024's Pride. We chat with her on this week's TCB Field Report all about it and what work really goes into the making of a "gay fantasy" (and what that means for her, both now and in the future).
Follow Rachel @rachelscanloncomedy and watch her brand new special Gay Fantasy here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Internationally renowned Irish comedian Tommy Tiernan is set to come back through North America for a big tour, playing a gig virtually every single night of the run. Tiernan's tenacious imagination has seen him through decades of comedy around the world as well as record for a singular stand-up comedy performance going past 36 hours. We catch up with him as he gets ready to cross the pond and dig into what he loves about performing in America despite our global reputation.
Follow Tommy on IG @officialtommedian and get tix for his upcoming North American tour here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @tommyallday
There was a time where Dave Ross was doing seemingly all the things you could be doing in comedy in LA and doing them so well. While that was years ago, Dave has since transplanted himself to NYC, taken some much needed rest, and then revved himself back up to putting on his own live shows, putting out a record out once a month, and prepping for his very first special taping (on 6/22 @ The Gutter in Brooklyn-Tix available here). We catch up with Dave while he's on the road to talk all about thriving in NYC and diving back into everything he took a break from.
Follow Dave @davetotheross and keep up at davetotheross.com, buy his 7 inch records/merch here, and go to his first special taping last
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @tommyallday
One of the best working comedy photographers out there, Noah Eberhart, returns to the The Comedy Bureau Field Report to not only update us on the NYC comedy scene, which he's firmly rooted in these days, but have an in-depth discussion on the ins-and-outs of comedy photography and working with shows/venues and building your notoriety (as well as taking care of yourself both financially and mentally).
Follow Noah @enemypixels
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Self-Portrait by Noah Eberhart
If you've ever wondered what it might be like to run a theater and a bureau at the same time (alongside running this very podcast), you're in luck as this week's episode is TCB's very own Jake Kroeger interviewing none other than himself with his involvement as the Artistic Director of the Lyric Hyperion Theater on top of running TCB for almost 14 years. (and being on the ball to a degree where he can just talk extemporaneously for 40 minutes about curating, writing about, and doing comedy).
Follow Jake @notthesupermaket and thecomedybureau.com
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Over two years, Mike Bridenstine has transformed a very atypical space for comedy, the lovely neighborhood bar that is The Fable in Eagle Rock, CA, into one hell of a destination for a weeknight stand-up show, Microdose, at a bar in Northeast LA. We have Mike return to the TCB Field Report to break down the basics of what it takes to make a field-of-dreams-comedy-show out of a locals' favorite tavern.
Follow Mike @mikebridenstine and microdose @microdosecomedy on IG. Microdose is every Wednesday at The Fable at 8PM, free admission.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Kel Cripe is one of the very lucky few (along with their bright and shining talent/sweet demeanor that's deserving of the spotlight) to have been highlighted by the massive Netflix Is a Joke Festival that's currently underway. Cripe got picked as one of their "Introducing" comedians (essentially Netflix's answer to JFL New Faces) and we talk all about their journey to that very stage (both literally and figuratively) and what it's like. Also, Kel is part of one of LA's currently cherished sketch groups, Babe Motel, and they fill us in on how to balance all of this while ascending into the comedy spotlight.
Follow Kel @kelcripe_ and @thebabemotel on IG
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Believe it or not, there is a world of sketch comedy outside of Saturday Night Live (and a thriving one at that). Hot LA sketch group Rabble Rabble and the group's marvelous writer/performer Caitlin Linden are a splendid example of that, taking far more than a week (and rightfully so) to put together an hour-ish show of sketches that are narratively tied together and abjectly absurd in such a beautiful way, unique to Rabble Rabble. Caitlin talks to us about the whole of what goes into being part of comedy sketch team that sells out regularly as well as what she wants to do on her own.
Follow Caitlin @caitmonstar and Rabble Rabble @gorabblerabble on IG and get tix for their 5/25 show @ The Elysian here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Jasper Lewis
As a comedian who was a science communicator who was a comedian, Shane Mauss has had a long circuitous road towards living kind of an idyllic comedy life by playing the venues he wants with crowds made up of his own fanbase (not to mention wheeling and dealing with his other passions by starting a legal drug company). Catching up with him on this episode of TCB Field Report was astounding as to see how much he has carved his very own niche and living the life he wants to live as a comedian on the road (in case you thought that was entirely extinct path in comedy).
Follow Shane @shane_mauss
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Jon Ohia
Kate Willett is not only coming out with a special that really stands out of the rest of the pack this year (and oh what a pack of dozens there is of YouTube specials uploaded every week), but is already working on her very next hour and a solo show as well as being as involved as possible in socialist communities and activism, which sometimes has its intersection in comedy. This week's TCB Field Report talks to Kate about coming up with her keeping the tides of her comedy going as well as navigating her way between pursuits in comedy and trying to effect direct change.
Follow @kate.willett on IG and please watch and enjoy Loopholes on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime on 4/23.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Of all the disciplines in comedy, improv might have had the longest road back from lockdown. Connected to that, improv festivals that used to be an annual celebration to be relied on are now having to be revived from the ashes. Thus, one of the oldest indie improv nights in LA, Mach Improv, is taking up the mantle from what used to be known and beloved as The LA Indie Improv Festival and throwing their very own 12 hour improv festival, the wonderfully abbreviated MILF (Mach Improv LA Festival), later this month at what essentially is LA indie improv HQ, The Clubhouse. Mach's very own Jessica Svendsgaard tells us all about the festival, the state of improv in spring 2024, and why all of this is important/worth doing in times like these.
Follow Jessica @thebyebyemancuckedme on IG and get all info for MILF on Sat. Apr. 27th at The Clubhouse from Noon to Midnight at milfcomedy.com.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Together, Dakota Ray Hebert, Danny Knight, Dylan Jay Williamson, Ryan Moccasin, and Shawn Cuthand are the touring (mostly) indigenous sketch/stand-up comedy troupe, Red, White, & You, hailing from up above in Canada. They all found each other/bonded/made each other laugh (i.e. the best way to form a comedy group) in Saskatoon (and hopefully will put on the map outside of being a joke reference of a city for Canadian comedians) and have really gelled into a special group touring all over North America. This week's TCB Field Report talks to Red, White, & You about not only continue the push for indigenous representation in the arts, but showcasing, like great comedy often does, how we are all more alike than we aren't.
Get all the info and tour dates for Red, White & You at redwhiteyou.ca and buy tickets for their Asylum NYC shows on Sat. Apr. 13th here (7:30PM) and here (9:30PM).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
While it would seem that stand up and comedy clubs reign supreme in the NYC comedy scene, there are plenty of performers that defy that notion and not only go for alternative spaces and types of comedy, but find ways in between all of them. One such comedian is Sydney Duncan who constantly switches gears between performing in character, as herself, on stage solo, with other folks on teams, and so much more. It's a delicate balance to strike to do try to fit in the pre-existing spaces in comedy and simultaneously make those perfectly suited to you, but Sydney has amazingly found her footing in doing so.
We talk to Sydney on this week's TCB Field Report all about that, this, and the other things in her lanes of NYC comedy.
Follow Sydney @sydneyduncanonem
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @enemypixels
2005 seems both so recent and yet so distant, but that marks the time at which a happenstance pairing of Kurt Braunohler and Kristen Schaal backstage at the Peoples Improv Theater in NYC eventually led to run of the longest running, most beloved weekly live comedy shows in comedy history, Hot Tub with Kurt and Kristen.
Coming up on its 20th anniversary (and subsequent swan song), Hot Tub has been a treasure in LA, NYC, and wherever its toured (notably, for us, in Portland & Edinburgh). Kurt joins us this week to give an oral history of what is and will always be one of the landmark comedy shows of the this part of the 21st century.
Follow Kurt @kurtbraunohler across socials and at kurtcomedy.com. Find all things Hot Tub with Kurt and Kristen @hottub_show across socials.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @nickgast
Chloe Radcliffe has been taking radical honesty and capturing of the full breadth of the human experience to a new level with, rest assured, plenty of jokes, in her astounding solo show, CHEAT. Radcliffe shares, in the hour, an in-depth journey of her pattern of cheating and really getting into the nitty gritty of perhaps why it might be happening (and that's she still human and is not solely defined by her faults). It's a hysterical, beautiful, and heart-wrenching show that really needs to be seen and heard and we're so lucky that we got to talk to Chloe on this week's TCB Field Report all about what openly talking about cheating as the sole basis for a show (and doing it so well) is really like.
Follow Chloe @chloebadcliffe across socials and get tickets to her latest performance of CHEAT if you're in LA on Tues. Mar. 26th @ 7:30PM.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Club Video is the latest welcoming, short film/video/sketch showcase that's as inviting and low key as it is cool and the place to be in NYC, at the intersection of film and comedy and wanting a great weekend hang with good folks. This week's TCB Field Report is dedicated to how the hell one strikes that balance and we talk to Club Video's Whitley Watson and Micah Phillips how they manage to keep Club Video in the creative and good vibes sweet spot.
Follow Club Video @clubvideoshow, Whitley Watson @videotapezzzz, Micah Phillips @micahrockandroll, and Marshall Louise @marshalllouise
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @allierosejokes
Intrepid indie comedy producers, Sam Varela, returns to TCB Field Report to talk the state of comedy with TCB's Jake Kroeger at this juncture of (still) early 2024. Varela produces shows in both LA and NYC (including the amazing Picture This) as well as live-streams that are genuinely worth watching and definitely is one of the perfect people to weigh in on where the art form/community/scenes of comedy are right now and where they're headed going forward.
Follow all of Sam's great comedy things/happenings at nakedcomedy.org.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @heyjasperlewis
After spending so much time in LA that it seemed like they already lived in Los Angeles, Hay Beacon has made the move on down from SF to the City of Angels and we here at TCB are personally grateful to have such a delightful addition to our ever evolving comedy scene. For this week's TCB Field Report, we talk to the freshly transplanted Hay and how they're acclimatizing and an insightful perspective on how to move up from one comedy scene to another, especially if one is considered to be the "big show".
Follow Hay @haybeacon across socials
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Part of the magic of live comedy, especially when it comes to just putting on stand-up, is that it seems like a lone person is captivating and inspiring spontaneous laughter to a group of strangers shrouded in darkness. Of course, the ingredients as to what make that magic actually happen are elusive and ever changing (not to mention, wholly impermanent). LA comedy torchbearer and beloved comedian Paul Danke and TCB's very own Jake Kroeger dig into what makes live comedy special (when it is indeed special, of course) as well tease what they got up their sleeve to possibly make that happen.
Follow Paul @pauldanke across socials and get into his brand new album, Mad River, here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
There are many folks that make the magic of comedy really snap and pop and one of those groups of people are the technical directors/operators/stage managers that take the logistics of comedy of all ilks and make it seamless. Jimmy Jatho has made himself one of the foremost names in that regard with his 40 plus years experience, tech'ing at least a guess-timated 30K shows all around the country in theaters big and small, Second City, UCB, Lyric Hyperion, and so much more.
Also, Jimmy has some of the best showbiz stories to boot. We talk to Jatho all about the world of tech in comedy and so much more on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Jimmy @jimmyjatho on IG
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Not that this podcast is a stranger to taking big swings or chatting with characters that might as well be from another galaxy, but, for a podcast that ostensibly pulls back the curtain, we go above and beyond with this episode by devising a show with a comedian live on tape.
If you haven't gathered in recent episodes, TCB's Jake Kroeger is now also the Artistic Director at Lyric Hyperion and tapped the hysterical Ian Farley to do a show next month and captured the creative process of working out what the hell his show is going to be on a podcast. Ideally, coming up with this show is this crackling and fun (part of the reason we have Ian both on the pod and doing a whole show by himself).
Follow Ian at enefarley.com
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
There's way more that goes into being a clown than just doing something wild on stage with only a few things planned and messing with the audience, especially if you want to make a legitimately living as a clown. Rising star in LA comedy's clown scene, Natasha Mercado, is not only working on her latest solo show to tour, but is also juggling teaching clown classes and guiding incarcerated youth into the world of clown and doing several other clown shows including a completely G-rated, family friendly one, and directing multiple other solo shows.
It's all in a days work for a clown and we talk to her all about it on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Natasha @champagnetashi and get tix to #1 Son from 1/30-2/1 here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Atheer Yacoub has survived starting in and coming up through the NYC comedy scene over the last 15 years, which is a daunting feat unto itself. Yacoub also happens to be Palestinian and has survived living in Palestine under the shadow of an ever-encroaching Israel as well as, of all places, Alabama, bringing her comedy to the forefront at this current moment.
As one of the headliners of the upcoming 20th Arab American Comedy Festival, Yacoub talks, on this week's TCB Field Report how the Arab visibility brought about by that very festival (where she now is on the bill) was a big turning point for her comedy and how the last year has galvanized her Palestinian identity in her stand-up.
Follow Atheer @atheeryacoub on IG and TikTok and get details and tickets for The 20th Arab American Comedy Festival at arabcomedy.com.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
When one goes to see an improv show, the supposition is that your going to see comedy gold being born out of thin air, something that's almost beyond a veritable comedy alchemy. If you've gone to enough improv shows or taken classes, you ought to know that there is a precision and structure applied to much of improv to make it seem magical. One of LA improv's favorite sons, Jeremy Culhane, joins us on this week's TCB Field Report to break down the importance of the Harold, what makes good improv (especially short form), and, most importantly, whether bad stand up or bad improv is worst (apologies for one of the mics cutting out for the last 15 min. or so and doing this podcast at our favorite Gelato place, Pazzo Gelato).
Follow Jeremy @jazzy_jelly on TikTok
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Strikethrough Project
Sachi Ezura has overseen, along with longtime host John F. O'Donnell, the comedy institution that is 50 First Jokes for well over a decade and is, for the first time ever, doubling up the show to feature 100 comics telling their first new jokes of the new year. Ezura joins us for the TCB Field Report to give us the rundown of the history of this show, now in its 17th year, and spread across more than a dozen cities, and how exactly they pull it all off.
Get tix for 50 First Jokes on Sat. Jan. 6th here and here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
While "daddy issues" are certainly well trodden territory in comedy, few, if any, comedians have gone to the level that Mo Welch has gone to with her new special Dad Jokes. Not only does she dig up and recontextualize super dark "dad jokes" that she has written throughout her comedy career, but she goes above and beyond by seeking out her actual estranged father to, ostensibly uncover where this affinity for dark dad humor comes from. TCB's Jake Kroeger talks all about it with Mo on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Mo @momowelch on IG and stream Dad Jokes on Veeps now
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Yep, it's the episode where we, esteemed comedian/author/historian/podcaster/GM Mike Bridenstine and TCB's Jake Kroeger, run down, as noted comedy experts, their 2023 comedy faves that come from several tens of thousands of hours of watching comedy (in person and on a screen). Essentially, whether you agree or not, the takeaway here should definitely be, as much as you can, catching comedy in person at an intimate venue.
Follow Mike @mikebridenstine on IG and peep Microdose @microdosecomedy and Flagship @glendaleflagship and get The Perfect Amount of Wrong here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Truly, one of our favorite specials of the year is Joe Zimmerman's Cult Classic, which is saying a lot considering the wide spectrum of truly enjoyable hours of stand up comedy that were released in 2023. So, we have Zimmerman on this week's TCB Field Report to get into what went into such a fantastic hour of stand-up, specifically achieving a great baby Hitler bit (when there have been so many before Joe's) as well as the landscape of NYC comedy from Joe's POV.
Follow Joe Zimmerman on IG @joezimmerman and watch Cult Classic here. As of the recording of this podcast, Kenny DeForest sadly passed away. You can support his memorial fund in his memory here. Kyle Ayers' GoFundMe for aid for treating his Trigeminal Neuralgia is here as well.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
As instrumental as the hubs of LA and NYC are to comedy, smaller scenes are crucial to the art form too. Johnny Gold returns to the TCB Field Report to extoll the virtues and dissect the experience of small, upcoming comedy scenes. He ought to know since Johnny was one of the first comics we ever met in the LBC in in the 2010s, when we started, and is now getting up in small rooms and mics in the I.E. in the 2020s.
Follow Johnny @johnnygold777 on IG
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Kristian Mercado has very quickly made a name for himself not only as a director of comedy specials (Hannibal Buress, Aida Rodriguez, Michael Che, Taylor Tomlinson to name a few), but an up and coming auteur in comedy with his first feature, If You Were the Last, a very charming take on an outer space rom com. This week's TCB Field Report talks to Mercado in depth about the in's and out's of directing all sorts of comedy these days on all sorts of screens.
Follow Kristian @krismerc on IG and watch If You Were the Last now on Peacock.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Frank Chindamo went from comedy nerd to SNL to mobile video innovator to professor to CEO and founder of Laugh MD, an app tailor made to bring comedy for wellness to hospital patients. This week's TCB Field Report follows Chindamo's unbelievable journey that has actually been bookended by two different WGA strikes, at this point, and found himself leading the way to putting a spotlight on laughter demonstrably/scientifically/undeniably making people's lives better.
Follow all things Laugh MD at laughmd.com
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Cam Gavinski utilizes cardboard and duct tape in a way that would befuddle most comedians and, in doing so, comes up with some of the most outlandish, ridiculous, meta, and thoroughly hilarious bits at almost every LA stage we can think of. This week's TCB Field Report dives into Cam's psyche and process and how he gets inspired and goes meta with his comedy (and pulls it off).
Follow Cam @camgavinski across socials
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
It's one of the ever enduring questions in the entertainment biz: how does one get repped? When trying to get seen by an agent or manager, it would often seem as though you have to be on projects in places that you could only get to with an agent manager. Up and coming comedy manager and live show producer and (good peoples) Derek Del Core joins us on this week's TCB Field Report to demystify these questions and more and hopefully give you a road map to actually getting reps (or if you're even ready for it).
Follow Derek @derekdelcore on IG
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Ian Zandi
Like the hard working performers that he puts on all of shows, comedy producer Adam Gold has done the behind-the-scenes version of working your way from open mics up the comedy ladder in a scene. Cutting his teeth by waiting tables at Caroline's several years ago, Gold climbed his way up in independent comedy producing with indie shows in LA & NYC all the way to the point where he has been a producing staple at the New York Comedy Festival. This year alone, he has 33 shows going requiring a team of folks to make sure they go off without a hitch.
This week's TCB Field Report follows Adam's journey in comedy producing, some crucial producing tips, as well as what drives him to do so many damn shows in less than two weeks in November.
Follow Adam @adamgooold on IG and get tickets to any and all NYCF shows at newyorkcomedyfestival.com.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Sam Cashell
After 13 years of covering comedy pretty much every single day, it's incredibly hard to take us by surprise or show us something that isn't, at the very least, reminiscent of something else we had seen before. Thanks to Sunny Zimmerman and Caitlan Moore, LBJ The Play, a meta play within a play (that's almost in another play) about an LBJ impersonator having an identity crisis was one of the most original comedy productions we had seen in awhile.
Suffice it to say, it achieved that near impossible feat of surprising us and we have been thoroughly delighted by the memory of watching its very first performance at Forget About Spaghetti Fest. So, this week's TCB Field Report talks with star Sunny Zimmerman and director Caitlan Moore to talk how creating one of the most original comedy plays we've ever seen when they didn't even originally set out to write a play.
Follow LBJ The Play @lbjtheplay, Sunny Zimmerman @zimmer_down_, & Caitlan Moore @caitlan_deniro on IG
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Between being a pillar of the stellar Spanish Aquí Presents, being one of the four artistic directors at the revived UCB, doing her own comedy (mostly improv, but dipping her toe into stand-up now), and going hard in the paint in a beloved comedy rec basketball league, Raiza Licea still envisions much more ahead of her. For many, juggling those three endeavors would be more than a full plate, but Raiza is looking to indeed build an empire founded on her comedy chops, which are some of the most highly regarded at the Upright Citizens Brigade.
This week's TCB Field Report not only uncovers how Raiza pulls all of what she currently has going, but envisioning pulling off even more.
Follow Raiza @raizalicea as well as SAP @spanishaquipresents across socials.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @josephcaptures
From Philly to LA back to Philly (and probably some other stops along the way), Blake Wexler has gotten more than enough stage time under his belt to handily craft and serve up a refreshingly strong debut hour special. Daddy Long Legs is a not only a testament to the handiwork and care that goes into the artistry of comedy, but a great example of how much blood, sweat, and tears goes into making something seem effortless or as if, in comedy parlance, happened "the other day". We dive into all the nitty gritty of Wexler's journey to really being ready and meeting the moment of doing your first comedy special.
Follow Blake @blakewexler on IG and watch Daddy Long Legs on YouTube here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Little did NYC comedy staple Eitan Levine know that essentially starting a comedy festival as a bit in getting rejected from an actual comedy festival would manifest into running a successful comedy festival out of his apartment. Returning post-panedmic, Apartment Fest is a weekend long comedy festival complete with beloved NYC headliners and sponsors with the main difference from every other festival being that it's still run entirely out of Eitan's apartment (despite getting evicted once from doing it).
This week's TCB Field Report sits down with Eitan to find out how he pulled all of this off and what he envisions for the future of it and, most importantly, what to be mindful of when you make a submission tape.
Follow Eitan @eitanthegoalie across socials and get tickets for Apartment Fest 10/19-10/22 here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @photojuice
Zach Zucker has taken his creation Stamptown and its ringleader Jack Tucker to the height of international comedy stardom with having it being a rollicking circus of all types of comedy and wild performance in LA, NYC, and London (and elsewhere too). For our money, Zucker is one of the only folks in all of comedy to pull this off on a regular basis and his award winning antics are the proof to back up such a feat. This week's TCB Field Report dives into the ins and outs of touring all around the globe doing some of the wildest comedy out there (and continuing to push the comedy envelope beyond that).
Follow Stamptown at stamptowncomedy.com and Zach Zucker @zach_zucker across platforms.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Jill Petracek
1000 shows over 100 cities in a year sounds like something that the likes of Live Nation could only pull off for some sort of huge touring act. Well, Don't Tell Comedy will have notched in 3000 shows over 140 cities by the end of 2023. They've accomplished that feat with only doing stand-up comedy shows in secret locations, often backyards, all around the country and, just recently, the world, with secret line-ups, often featuring great up and coming comedy talent. We get the lowdown on all things Don't Tell Comedy for this week's TCB Field Report from Don't Tell's founder and CEO, Kyle KA.
Follow Kyle @donttellkyle on IG and Don't Tell Comedy at donttellcomedy.com
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Matt Misisco
For those who that pine catching someone's ascension in comedy as it's happening, one might not need to look further than NYC comedy staple Nataly Aukar. From Lebanon to NYC to all around the world, Nataly has worked her way through the comedy ranks, refined her skills, found her voice, and crafted her story with plenty of punchlines to tell on stages all around the U.S. and around the world (she's playing Dubai later this month). This week's TCB Field Report has a beautiful chat with Aukar about her process and perspective on comedy, both within herself and all around her.
Follow Nataly @natyourcolor on IG
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Carly Hoogendyk
For an independent comedy show of any kind to last a year is a feat in such a city as Los Angeles. UnCabaret, created by Beth Lapides, has lasted for around 30 years and is very much continuing to foster a special community with its sort-of-light-bulb-moment-focused storytelling/stand-up show. It's an undeniable institution in comedy and foundational to alternative comedy as we know and love it. This week's TCB Field Report talks to Lapides and the history of her beautiful gathering that she has created and what goes into keeping conversation, especially the sort that's had between performer and audience, sacred.
Follow UnCabaret @uncabaret across socials and Beth @beth_lapides on IG.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
It's undeniable that memes are a touchstone of culture in the 21st century. With that in mind, renaissance man Jesse Friedman (brewery owner, app developer, avid Epicurean) has gone and developed a whole app centered on coming up with your own memes as quickly and as simply as possible (and even doing so competitively).
The product of that idea is Meme Fighter, which will do all of the above and probably more, and we here at TCB are partnering with Jesse to put on an exclusive live show, Meme Fighter LIVE!, that will pit comedians in ultimate combat with only memes at their disposal. This week's TCB Field Report talks all about Jesse's journey from brewing all the way to Meme Fighter and finding some grassroots for the app in the LA comedy community.
Get Meme Fighter at memefighter.app and follow Meme Fighter on IG @memefighterapp. Get tickets for Meme Fighter LIVE! @ Lyric Hyperion on Sat. 9/23 here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Often, the comedy version of Field of Dreams involves places and spaces that are much more humble than a field. Perhaps, an apartment courtyard to many is just something to merely pass by even though there might be seating of some kind. To others, like comedy producing team Maddy Martin and Ben Berke, creators of Aggressively Alive, it's clearly the home of their very slick, DIY house show that has survived both the pandemic and the aftermath of it all the way to the 2 year mark. Any live comedy show lasting 2 years at this point in time is pretty damn impressive and we chat all about all things Aggressively Alive (and comedy in general) with Martin for this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Maddy @fakemaddymartin and Aggressively Alive @aggressivelyalive on IG. Get tickets for Aggressively Alive at aggressivelyalive.com.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Rare is the blend of poetry and comedy, despite, when either is performed, go to evoke emotion and visceral response. One Derrick Brown, for many years, has toed the line of being simultaneously a poet and a comedian, often the twain at the same time, bridging the subtle majesty of poesy and the irresistible joy of comedy. Derrick has balanced both for so long that he actually will have released a critically acclaimed book of poetry and comedy album this year. This week's TCB Field Report explores every twist and turn it takes to straddle both worlds as Brown has so cleverly done and how, more curiously, one ends up there.
Follow Derrick @derrickbrownpoetry on IG, get his book Love Ends in a Tandem Kayak, and look out for his upcoming album A Close Shave with Heaven from Sub Pop/Pretty Good Friends, coming out soon.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @briiankiim
Few take on politics in their comedy like James Fritz, mostly because Fritz sees how everything in the world is politicized and accordingly satirizes it. For our money, he's one of the best at it right now. James joins for this week's TCB Field Report to talk how politics in and out of comedy and vice versa in 2023 and just how important basketball is.
Follow James @fritzisdead across socials
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Despite their being several more months of the year left to go, right around now is the time of each year when a big share of the "comedians to watch" lists come out. Namely, the Just For Laughs Montreal New Faces of Comedy and Variety's Top 10 Comics to Watch came out recently, highlighting what are supposed to be 2023's class of comedians you should be paying attention to if you haven't done so already.
That said, there is much more nuance that goes into picking the many dozens of comics between those two lists (FYI, Vulture's Comedians You Should and Will Know List has yet to come out) and we enlisted comedy expert and historian and beloved comic Mike Bridenstine to make choice picks from those already highly selective picks. Essentially, Bridenstine and us do an all-star line-up of JFL and Variety's all-star line-up in this very special episode of TCB Field Report.
Follow Mike @mikebridenstine on IG, pre-order his book The Perfect Amount of Wrong and get info/tix for Microdose and Flagship here.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
A spirited, hysterical performer, Mark Vigeant, has been making his mark on the LA comedy scene in the short time that he's lived in Los Angeles. In fact, Vigeant is about to go international as he is taking his lauded solo show, Mark Pleases You, for his debut run at the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
This week's TCB Field Report gets into Mark's long journey in taking his darkest moments and sourcing joy in the form of a vibrant, silly solo show and why you one should go across the planet to perform said show as much as you physically can.
Oh yeah, Mark truly and deeply highlights the importance of self-love in the creative process, especially as it relates to doing comedy about your life.
FYI, the rest of JFL Montreal's New Faces of Comedy can be found here.
Follow Mark @mark_vigeant on IG
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Allison Goldberg, creator of things to be enjoyed comedically, not only has a knack for showing a crowd a cracking good time through her own comedy driven game shows, but making a point with them at the same time. Goldberg pointedly made a feminist twist on the classic Dating Game format with her show, Love Isn't Blind, where the bachelors aren't allowed to speak and is exploring the extent (or limits) of AI when it comes to doing comedy with Comedians vs. AI. This week's TCB Field Report explores Goldberg's journey with addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time, but doing so with the tasty, tasty sugar of comedy.
Follow Allison @alli_goldi on IG and check on everything that she is up to at allisongoldberg.com. Tickets for Comedians vs. AI @ 7/20 available at comediansvsai.com.
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
It's kind of a sweet spot if you, as a comedian, can have your day job also be in comedy. JoAnn Schinderle has managed to land there with being the Venue Manager at UCB Franklin in addition to being a wonderful stand-up in the LA scene (and even making some dough from commissioned erotic fiction). Switching gears between all three and whatever falls in between can be a challenge, which is why we talk to her all about how she pulls it off (as well as what's going on behind-the-scenes at Upright Citizens Brigade these days).
Also, "hot"/hot takes on this year's Emmy nominees.
Follow JoAnn @joann.schinderle on IG
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Vidiots is one of those local institutions in LA that help weave the fabric that makes the city into a beautiful tapestry of cultures and passions and dreams. Originally born as a video rental store in the 80s, Vidiots was a landmark not only to its old neighborhood of Santa Monica to movie and art lovers all across LA. Having to close its doors as a video store, Vidiots has now been reborn as a non-profit movie theater that will open in Eagle Rock early next year.
This week's TCB Field Report has a chat with Vidiots Executive Director Maggie Mackay about the importance of cultural spaces such as Vidiots, comedy to come at Vidiots, the never ending journey of running brick-and-mortar, and probably why we should both take vacations.
Follow @vidiots across socials and visit vidiotsfoundation.org for more info and get/gift memberships here.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
From Bangkok to NYC to LA to Melbourne, Sunanda has an astounding comedy CV (resume for Americans) that ranges from directing a webisode of Broad City before it hit the big time to being awarded Best Newcomer at the renowned Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Sundanda's journey took them all over the world, but it was doing a solo show about their deep love of inspiration drawn from the one and only Britney Spears that brought them into the spotlight.
TCB's Jake Kroeger gets in deep with Sunanda about what goes into such a physical and creative journey, especially when it comes to what identity really means in comedy (and in life).
Follow Sunanda @youknowsunanda on IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via Patreon or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
To be a clown fronting acrobats, contortionists, and all sorts of other performers capable of astounding physical feats in a gambling town is something that seems, at first glance, to be at the core of clowning itself, an impossible task. Yet, amazing comedy multi-hyphenate/dancer Scout Durwood has uprooted herself from LA to do just that in Atlantic City. That's in addition to constantly writing, developing a solo show, putting out music, and figuring out LA style comforts and queer community in a place as straight as Atlantic City.
TCB's Jake Kroeger goes deep with Durwood on her many journeys (professional, emotional, self-discovery) that brought her to this milestone in comedy and in her life and where she's looking towards in the distant and not so distant future.
Follow Scout Durwood @scoutdurwood across socials and check out her cover for "Hanky Panky", complete with music video, on Jun. 23rd.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via Patreon or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Matt Catanzano, not unlike us, does a lot of wonderful stuff in comedy. Perhaps, too much? Both Matt and TCB's Jake Kroeger are too busy to really ruminate on that, but they do have time to talk how Matt amazingly balances doing and running stand-up and sketch shows on top of making his own short films and writing anything else in order to have every other comedy base covered (and the essentially genetic connection between comedy and horror).
Also, "hot" takes on the search for the British "Simpsons", an A24 take on Barney, and more.
Follow @mattcatanzano and @protectedunderparody and @illpreparedcomedy all on IG
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @dusty.zone
This week's TCB Field Report invites The YARD Theater's GM and overall "guy at the YARD", Isaac Landfert, to talk shop with TCB's Jake Kroeger. Landfert explains the ins and outs of being a small, but very crucial theater in the LA comedy scene, specifically one that caters to folks trying to do something different/experimental/wild, especially when Fringe season comes around. It's this sort of wondrous strangeness and cavalier experimentation that really has us coming back to the YARD all the time.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via Patreon or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
When it comes to be an untethered "silly goose" on stage, few comedians do it quite as well (and as satisfyingly for folks of all kinds) like Chris Fleming. With as much flexibility as those wavy arm inflatable tube men and the panache and comedic verve to match, Fleming orchestrates his comedic performances in such a thrilling way that he deserves to play such renowned places like Largo on a regular basis.
TCB's Jake Kroeger talks to Fleming about what it's like to preserve a spirit of silliness at such gritty, dark times as we continue to live in and even get in a bit of what it's like bouncing around the scenes betweeen LA, Boston, and NYC for this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow Chris Fleming @chrisflemingfleming on IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via Patreon or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Jill Petracek
In the time since Babs' last appearance on TCB Field Report, she has helped erect a venue in the backyard of the one and only Paul Provenza dubbed "The Green House" (via Paul's brilliant Showtime series The Green Room with Paul Provenza). Unlike the majority of shows that happen at a person's home or "house venues", there's such a plethora of wondrous comedy gatherings that happen at the sane space of The Green House and Babs details all of it as well as the journey it took to get to transforming a patch of gravel by a hot tub into a joyous place for comedy and comedy adjacent things.
Follow Babs @babsromen on Twitter and @babsromen1316 on IG. Tickets for the live-stream of the latest Green with Paul Provenza (featuring special guest Doug Stanhope and others) on 6/17 are available at Nowhere Comedy here.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via Patreon or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
We're in the fourth week of this Writers' Strike and it doesn't seem like the spirits or solidarity has wavered one bit. WGA East Board Member and beloved comedian and one of the all around nicest human beings Josh Gondelman joins TCB's Jake Kroeger for this week's TCB Field Report to break down exactly what's at stake here. So many unions are joining in on the picket lines of this strike every day because this is very much becoming an overall fight for labor rights as a whole and just for the very immediate future for TV and film writers, many of which wheel and deal in comedy.
Follow Josh @joshgondelman on IG and Twitter.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via Patreon or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @michaelpielocik
The collectors and curators of comedy history are rare, but they are usually delightful beings to not only shoot the breeze with, but learn the tenor of a comedy scene in decades past.
One of our favorite comedy folks, Mike Bridenstine, transplanted from a time period of Chicago comedy that has vastly influenced comedy at this very moment, has captured an exhaustive history of those years in his book The Perfect Amount of Wrong, which boasts the early days of Kumail Nanjiani, Hannibal Buress, Cameron Esposito, Jena Friedman, and many more. We talk to Bridenstine about what it takes to pull off a historical account of comedy, why to do it, and what is holding back TCB's Jake Kroeger from doing his own comedy history book.
Also, Mike really wanted this episode to be called "Butthole Vietnam" and we love making our guests happy.
Follow Mike @mikebridenstine on IG & @brido on Twitter and listen to Hunk wherever you get your podcasts and, most importantly, pre-order his book The Perfect Amount of Wrong here or wherever you get your books.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via Patreon or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
As we're getting into the thick of this latest Writers' Strike, we got the perfect guest in one of the world's only comedian/union negotiators with the one and only, amazing Nato Green.
Green has simultaneously been a long-standing and highly effective union organizer/negotiator and an equally shrewd and clever comedian based out of SF/Bay Area. This week's TCB Field Report goes into Green's notable work at the negotiating table and on stage and how the two are intertwined as well as his expert analysis on this current and very necessary WGA Strike.
Follow Nato @mrnatogreen on IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via Patreon or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @abhayoy
Noah Eberhart, better known as @enemypixels in comedy circles had established himself as a go-to photographer in the LA comedy scene, but made the move to NYC in 2022 and has very quickly gotten roots planted in snapping some of the best shots of NYC comedy. This week's TCB Field Report dives into how Noah sees LA and NYC comedy though his wildly colorful and imaginative lens.
Follow Noah @enemypixels on IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via Patreon or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Alan Kliffer, the esteemed Artistic Director of Asylum NYC (as well as a million other things including pioneering a national high school improv program), joins us for this week's TCB Field Report to give us the lowdown on NYC comedy. Specifically, we dive into NYC being on the precipice of a wave of comedy theaters opening/reopening focused on improv and sketch, which has been kind of wandering all around NYC since lockdown ended. Kliffer already has so many exciting things in the works all throughout North America (and even at The Edinburgh Fringe this Summer).
Follow Alan @klif on IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via Patreon or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @dylanwoodley
The famous line from Field of Dreams, "If you build it, they will come," has inspired many wondrous places to open and has certainly been an ethos for comedy venues for decades. That said, there are instances where someone is building a space with the hopes of just having a space to do exactly what they want without having to stress too much about turn out. Through such a spirit, Public Displays of Altadena was opened by both Claire Woolner and Kevin Krieger as the Greater LA Area's newest comedy venue wanting to be a limitless sandbox for genre-bending, experimental comedy.
We go in-depth with Claire, on this week's TCB Field Report, about her journey to wanting to open a micro-theater through wanting to develop a solo show and not wanting to rehearse in her garage all the way to co-founding PDA and getting ready to take said solo show to the world famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Also, "hot" takes on comedy news is suspiciously more fun than usual?
Follow PDA at publicdisplaysofaltadena.com and @pda_space across socials. Submissions for The Official Altadena Film Festival are due Fri. 4/21 (5/11 for late deadline) here, then screened at PDA on 6/10. Follow Claire @clairewoolner on IG and don't miss Retrospection @ PDA on 4/29.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via Patreon or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
When all is said and done, the exploits of comedy pioneers Joe Pickett & Nick Prueher, founders of The Found Footage Festival, should be well documented and celebrated.
Thankfully, not only are the life long friends and comedy partners back out on the road for the fest's latest edition, but they've got an astounding and nearly unbelievable documentary, Chop & Steele, following a giant media company suing them for doing a bit on a local morning news show set for release very soon (May 9th). Pickett and Prueher commitment to bits is almost unrivaled as they essentially making a living through having every bit of fun they possibly can conceive of. This week's TCB Field Report talks to Joe & Nick about their whole journey to court and back because of "news experiments" and the ethos behind their comedy that centers on awkward, cringe, and the "unintentional".
Also, "hot' takes on Max (formerly HBO Max) ordering a new Big Bang Theory, Taiwanese Winnie-the-Pooh-getting-punched patches, and more.
Follow Joe @jojopickett and Nick @chimplips on IG and Found Footage Festival at foundfootagefest.com and all things Chop & Steele at chopandsteele.com including screenings at LA's Alamo Drafthouse on 4/13 & 4/14 and in NYC 4/21-4/24.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via Patreon or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
We here at TCB love comedy that takes big swings and there are few comedians that take the sort of big swings quite like one Addie Weyrich. Doing an entire solo show that involves very specific participation from every single person in the audience or playing a version of Ted Cruz with severe amnesia is only a couple wondrous bits that the ambitious Weyrich loves diving into. This week's TCB Field Report has Addie talk us through her process and experience of needing as big of a creative sandbox as possible in order to bring joy to as many folks as she possibly can.
Follow Addie @addieyomind on IG & @addieweyrich on TikTok
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via Patreon or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @selashiloni
To our knowledge, there is no single joke ever written that can transcend all language barriers and bring people joy and make them laugh. However, internationally renowned and celebrated balloon twister/artist, Addi Somekh, has made folks all over the planet from virtually every background and identity smile/laugh/cry with joy through his craft of fashioning improvised balloon hats based off the aura he gets from them. Addi isn't a comedian per se, but he's very likely made more different types of people laugh than the majority of comedians in history. Thus, we follow Addi, on this week's TCB Field Report, through his journey and philosophy that makes life better through simple, pure joy of some of the most intricate and exuberant balloon hats you've ever seen.
Follow Addi @inflatableplanet on IG and visit inflatableplanet.com. Also, you can get the book Inflatable Planet here.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via Patreon or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Well, it has been officially three years that The Comedy Bureau Field Report has been bringing you all the going-ons in comedy from every possible corner that we know about or discover. With that in mind, it's magically apropos that the great Myq Kaplan returns to not only talk about his new-old album release Live In Between Albums and his upcoming Edinburgh Fringe run, but to dive deep into the existential nature of comedy through the lens of Buddhism and high-minded philosophy (with some ultra-clever wordplay thrown in of course). Myq and TCB's Jake Kroeger do indeed go deep, but, as this podcast has done for 156 weeks, bringing it all back to the wondrous, relief-giving art form that is comedy.
Follow Myq @myqkaplan across platforms, get his new album fresh from 2018, Live in Between Albums, here, and get into his Substack, his podcast Intra Quest, and more on his linktr.ee here.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via Patreon or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Though it might be strange to read, comedy can really exude its healing/relieving powers when done in a funeral home. NYC based Ben Wasserman has been proving that while touring with his most personal work to date, Live After Death, a wild solo show about grief and loss created in the aftermath of several deaths of family members and friends in the span of a few years. It's a rambunctious show that brings an exuberance and a communal joy while also very much holding space for those any and all that are currently or have ever been beset with grief. Wasserman talks candidly to us about how all this came about and how it has changed his comedy and his entire trajectory with performing.
Follow Ben @benwassergram on IG and @benwassertweet on Twitter
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via Patreon or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Often, the idea of being raw on stage gets misconstrued with spouting off and saying shocking things for unfettered schadenfreude. The rawness of Byron Bowers and his comedy comes from such a genuine place as he is in between so many worlds and wants to speak his comedic truth in the purest way possible. The result often takes him and his audience into darker territory, but always subverted with hysterical observations, which has gotten him his first special on the coolest cable network, FX, and a number of roles on such high profile shows as Irma Vep and the upcoming Natalie Portman-vehicle Lady in the Lake. We talk with Byron on this week's TCB Field Report on his whole journey to being truly one of the funniest comedians working today.
Follow Byron across socials @byronbowers and watch Spiritual NGA on Hulu.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via Patreon or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Troy Conrad
Only Fans isn't only for individually empowered adult content anymore and, to prove that, Only Fans put on their very own stand-up comedy competition on their safe-for-work side of the platform of.tv. Up and coming UK comedian Mary O'Connell emerged victorious for the Only Fans Creative Fund: Comedy Edition winning £100K and talks us through that entire wild ride as well as how UK comedy is getting on these days compared to us here, Stateside.
Follow Mary @marywiththegoldshoes on IG, @marydoesgigs on Twitter, and @marebearmarebear on Only Fans.
You can watch the entire Only Fans Creative Fund: Comedy Edition completely for free at of.tv here.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via Patreon or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
For years and years and years, Shaun Landry has made her mission to really "do the work" and really, truly, and deeply commit shows and venues and festival (that she has all founded by the way) to include as many voices of all backgrounds as possible. That's why she has seen her dream, The Ledge Theatre through several venue changes to its current home, a space shared by The Impro, on the second story of a strip mall in Los Feliz in LA to put on exactly the type of inclusive shows she would like to see more of.
Landry talks with us on this week's TCB Field Report about her comedy journey throughout the decades (Shaun has so many great comedy biz stories) and making The Ledge Theatre her answer to the shortcomings of so many improv theaters/schools before she founded it.
Follow Shaun and The Ledge Theatre @ledge_theatre on IG, @ledgetheatre on Twitter, and @shaunlandry on TikTok.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Photo by JJ Koester
One of our favorite guests/people/minds in comedy, Joel Mandelkorn, returns as has one of LA's biggest comedy shows, Hot Tub with Kurt Kristen, the show he has co-produced for almost a decade here in LA. Joel fills us in, as part of the "new normal" we live in, on moving the show from its historic time of 8PM on Mondays (it had that time in NYC for all the years that it ran there as well) to Wednesdays, being permanently outside, and his thoughts on Angelenos being properly prepared for any wintry conditions.
Also, "hot" takes on the return of @midnight, Tina & Amy's four city tour, and more.
Follow Joel @cleftclips and follow Hot Tub with @hottub_show across socials.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Photo by Mandee Johnson
Renowned comedic mind and self-made food celebrity Bill Oakley (Simpsons, Futurama, Portlandia, Steamed Ham Society) joins TCB's Jake Kroeger for this week's TCB Field Report to talk through the changing decades of satire, especially when it comes to adult animation. More importantly, Bill is revisiting Mission Hill, his unfortunately short lived series co-created with Josh Weinstein after their time at The Simpsons, and currently touring it throughout theaters in the U.S. with an entirely new 4K restoration.
Also, "hot" takes on Simpsons episode being dropped in Hong Kong, AI Seinfeld going dark, and the future of Rick and Morty.
Follow Bill @thatbilloakley on IG and join in at The Steamed Ham Society at patreon.com/steamedhamssociety
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
There are endless hours of content and pages of books dedicated to the process of stand up, sketch, improv. Such is not the quote the case, yet, with clowning. We talk with rising LA clowning star Reshma Meister, one of 100 Best in Comedy for 2022, about all her motivations and intuitions when it comes to things like blending her own inner monologue while playing a Na’vi on stage.
Follow Reshma @cadetkellycapoor on IG and TikTok
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Even before the pandemic, Bobcat Goldthwait had one of the most fascinating careers in comedy history with, as he says, "selling out" first as a stand-up, then finding his way to be a beloved indie director with work ranging from World's Greatest Dad to God Bless America to Call Me Lucky to Jimmy Kimmel Live. Goldthwait continued along his own path as he moved from LA to the woods in Illinois to maintain his "day job" of doing stand-up comedy in order to make his small, but fiercely loved movies.
On this week's TCB Field Report, Bobcat talks wonderfully in-depth with TCB's Jake Kroeger about the ever-changing landscape of comedy through film/TV/stage through all the decades he has been in comedy and what lies ahead in the decades to come.
Follow Bobcat @bobcatgoldthwait on IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Despite the pandemic's best efforts, an inseparable part of live comedy is the live audience. Part of the thrill of performing stand-up/improv/sketch/clown/etc. is having a crowd of (hopefully) friendly strangers communing in order to laugh. We talk to performers all the time on this podcast, but what about hearing from those who revere comedy just as much as those that take the stage, but choose to revel from the crowd?
This week's TCB Field Report has one of the best and most intrepid comedy fans in LA, Kenneth Rudnicki (who happens to be a therapist as well!) and we get into everything in comedy on the other side of that fourth wall.
Follow Kenneth @rud_ken on IG or probably run into him at a live comedy show somewhere in LA.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
When it comes to doing all the things in comedy, few have done it quite like Sara Schaefer. Her career spans being an acclaimed stand-up comedian, an Emmy award winning writer, having her own late night talk show with Nikki Glaser, and, amongst everything else, a celebrated miniaturist. Her latest project, a solo show that's a loving satire of the art and business of comedy, Going Up with Sara Schaefer, is about to go on tour and we talk to Schaefer, on this week's TCB Field Report about finding her way in comedy, then adapting for lots of gigs, then finding her way back to what she really wants to do and who she truly wants to be on a comedy stage.
Follow Sara @saraschaefer1 across socials.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Plenty is said about "safe spaces" and the effects they have on social discourse and, very specifically, comedy, but it isn't often that you actual hear from a legitimate safe space and the folks that built something to directly address rampant, systemic issues in the art form and community of comedy such as misogyny, exclusion, and even hack writing.
Bobbie Oliver has spent several years taking on all such issues through her own classes and workshops as well as the venue she founded in LA, Tao Comedy Studio, dedicated to being as inclusive as can be and free of chauvinist and purely edgelord comedians. TCB's Jake Kroeger kicks off 2023 with a deep chat with Bobbie Oliver about pushing the art form forward (as well as addressing Andrew Tate ever claiming he was being some sort of comedic character).
Find more about Tao Comedy Studio at taocomedystudio.com and follow @taocomedystudio across platforms and follow Bobbie @thebobbieoliver on Twitter on IG and watch her special, Bobbie Oliver's Greatest Hits.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
We’re at the doorstep of 2023 and it’s only natural that we take a look back at what 2022 hath wrought in comedy. With such a task at hand, we are thrilled to have the one and only Megan Koester, both a treasured comic’s comic and a crucial voice in indie comedy, to do one of these annual wrap-up things that everyone does. Take a listen as TCB’s Jake Kroeger and Megan riff through 2022 with sarcastic abandon (and tinges of sincerity)
Follow Megan @bornferal on Twitter and IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Sean Casey has successfully made LA comedy's coziest room with The Glendale Room and is now about to launch a brand new, NEW era of Silverlake staple, The Lyric Hyperion. Casey's long time experience in the LA comedy scene will absolute get Lyric Hyperion it back to being a jewel of Hyperion Ave. He already has so very many great things in store for the coming weeks and months (and changing up the feel/experience/vibe/etc.) and we thankfully talk all about it on this week's TCB Field Report.
Follow all things Glendale Room at theglendaleroom.com & Lyric Hyperion at lyrichyperion.com
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
While older, stodgier comedians (some of whom just came out with a Netflix special this week) will get hung up on pronouns, there is an ever burgeoning crowd of Non-binary comedians that eschew the gender binary and, consequently, have the best jokes about using they/them. Sammy Mowrey is a bright and shining example of this as they have carved out their place in LA comedy between a handful of their own shows and their acutely, hilarious observed world view when it comes to being Non-binary, Bipolar, and wanting to have their own sitcom (multi-cam or single-cam). We talk with Sammy about how exactly it is to be Non-binary in comedy in 2022 and what might lie in the future for them.
Also, "hot" takes on Caroline's on Broadway closing and The Daily Show's upcoming stable of fill-in hosts.
Follow Sammy @sammymowrey and Permanent Vacation @permanentvacaycomedy
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Photo by John Michael Bond
Whether it be MENA, MENASA, or SWANA or any other acronym, the several Middle Eastern, African, and Asian countries that constitute a version of "brown", so to speak, are coming more and more in prominence. This is evidenced with LA local favorite Lynn Maleh and her MENA based stand-up show Hilarious Habibis that she runs with Gena B. Jones at the Hollywood Improv. We talk with Lynn about working her way through producing beloved house shows in LA for years to making space and highlighting Middle Eastern and North African comedians and working towards being inclusive of even more shades of "brown".
Follow Lynn @heylynnmolly on IG and get tickets for the upcoming Hilarious Habibis on Dec. 5th at The Hollywood Improv that will benefit The Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Photo by Kelly Dwyer @kellydwyerphotographer
Johnny Gold, the oldest friend we have in comedy, is someone we hold dear not only because he gave us our very first laugh when attempting stand-up, but has been so purely his hysterical himself on stage and has such a reverence for the art form of comedy. For decades, Johnny has been honing his craft all over the Greater LA Area stretching from Long Beach to the Inland Empire to the Sunset Strip, dedicated to perfecting his socio-political and vulnerability-when-it-comes-to-relationships comedy. We share in our mutual reverence for comedy for this week's TCB Field Report, no matter how many comedians self-deprecatingly exclude themselves as "artists".
Follow Johnny on IG @johnnygold777
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Photo by Jake Kroeger
Ariel Elias has been steadily worked her way up through the comedy scene in NYC for several years and was well on her way on the strength of her jokes. Then, a funny thing happened when playing a club in South Jersey that happen to go viral and then resulted in her having network TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live. We talk to Ariel about that whole amazing blaze of a journey and where she is now for this week's TCB Field Report.
Also, actually hot takes on Grammy comedy noms, Chappelle on SNL, and more.
Follow Ariel across platforms @ariel_comedy
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Photo by Jordan Ashleigh @jordanashleighf
The look and feel of a comedy special has been largely subtle, unadorned, and stripped down for a long time. Thankfully, that is starting to change thanks to folks like Bo Burnham and this week's TCB Field Report guest, Hasan Minhaj. Fresh off the release of his latest, fantastic special The King's Jester, we get into the finer points of how to redefine stand-up through reimagining how a special, arguably the pinnacle of a comedian's work, can be done.
Follow Hasan @hasanminhaj across platforms and watch The King's Jester, streaming now on Netflix.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Comedy already doesn't lend itself to a typical lifestyle/routine, but it can become even more tricky when you, inevitably, take on multiple hats within comedy itself. We talk to beloved NYC comedy staple Chloe Radcliffe on balancing time between the journeys of doing stand-up comedy and comedy screenwriting. It's not so easy to juggle all of those AND get the doctor recommended amount of sleep all the time.
Also, "hot" takes on A Christmas Story Christmas, what separates comedy/drama/dramedy, and more.
Follow Chloe @chloebadcliffe across platforms
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
There is a narrative in the world of comedy that one must be going up as much as possible to be and maintain status as an amazing comedian. Jane Harrison stands in defiance of this notion as she is still one of the funniest people telling jokes in and around LA despite doing so rarely. In fact, she made sure to note to us that she hasn't been doing comedy a lot at this juncture in her life when we invited her to be a guest. This week's TCB Field Report talks to Jane about reimagining what really goes into being a comedian and what makes one really happy and how the two can intertwine without burning yourself out or getting jaded.
Follow Jane @janeiferrrrr on IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
There is a narrative in the world of comedy that one must be going up as much as possible to be and maintain status as an amazing comedian. Jane Harrison stands in defiance of this notion as she is still one of the funniest people telling jokes in and around LA despite doing so rarely. In fact, she made sure to note to us that she hasn't been doing comedy a lot at this juncture in her life when we invited her to be a guest. This week's TCB Field Report talks to Jane about reimagining what really goes into being a comedian and what makes one really happy and how the two can intertwine without burning yourself out or getting jaded.
Follow Jane @janeiferrrrr on IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Curtis Cook, despite his own protestations and sometimes self-identifying as petty in own comedy, is truly one of the most thoughtful comedians around on top of being so damn hysterical and writing for several hit shows, the latest of which just happens to be This Fool on Hulu. This week's Comedy Bureau Field Report goes into the ethos of comedy and the relationship between one's intended joke and how it's received and how there's no magical balance for all of it.
Also, "hot" takes on The Daily Show pondering a trio of hosts, a new Naked Gun, and more.
Find Curtis @curtiscookcomedy on IG and @curtis_cook on Twitter.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Curtis Cook, despite his own protestations and sometimes self-identifying as petty in own comedy, is truly one of the most thoughtful comedians around on top of being so damn hysterical and writing for several hit shows, the latest of which just happens to be This Fool on Hulu. This week's Comedy Bureau Field Report goes into the ethos of comedy and the relationship between one's intended joke and how it's received and how there's no magical balance for all of it.
Also, "hot" takes on The Daily Show pondering a trio of hosts, a new Naked Gun, and more.
Find Curtis @curtiscookcomedy on IG and @curtis_cook on Twitter.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
One of the oldest and most mysterious comedy clubs in LA is the revered Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach. Alternatively, one of the newest and yet also, incredibly mysterious comedy clubs is The Stand Up Comedy Club in Bellflower, CA. They exist on either extreme of LA County and one man books both of them, Richard Barrett. We talk to Richard about how exactly he pulls that off and what goes into bringing stand-up to two very different cities as well as giving deserving comics as much work as he can.
Follow Comedy & Magic Club at thecomedyandmagicclub.com & The Stand Up Comedy Club at thestandupclub.com.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
One of the oldest and most mysterious comedy clubs in LA is the revered Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach. Alternatively, one of the newest and yet also, incredibly mysterious comedy clubs is The Stand Up Comedy Club in Bellflower, CA. They exist on either extreme of LA County and one man books both of them, Richard Barrett. We talk to Richard about how exactly he pulls that off and what goes into bringing stand-up to two very different cities as well as giving deserving comics as much work as he can.
Follow Comedy & Magic Club at thecomedyandmagicclub.com & The Stand Up Comedy Club at thestandupclub.com.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Joel Mandelkorn remains as both the frequent guest of this podcast and one of the most highly regarded comedy producers out there. One of the most notable shows he produces, Hot Tub with Kurt & Kristen, is still in hiatus, but we catch up with him in what he gleefully calls the "slow apocalypse" and eek out some hot takes on what's going on in comedy at large including The Daily Show, Bros, etc.
Follow Joel @cleftclips across platforms.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Photo by Mandee Johnson
Joel Mandelkorn remains as both the frequent guest of this podcast and one of the most highly regarded comedy producers out there. One of the most notable shows he produces, Hot Tub with Kurt & Kristen, is still in hiatus, but we catch up with him in what he gleefully calls the "slow apocalypse" and eek out some hot takes on what's going on in comedy at large including The Daily Show, Bros, etc.
Follow Joel @cleftclips across platforms.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Photo by Mandee Johnson
Born from the roughs of a chance meeting at an open mic, NYC comedy darlings Dylan Adler and Kelly Bachman found both peace and an indelible comedy partner. Together, they made, for our money, one of the best hours of comedy this year and certainly one of the best albums/specials about trauma, Rape Victims Are Horny Too. This week's TCB Field Report talks to the freewheeling duo of survivor comedians and how they managed to make such a fantastic, rollicking hour of story and song about surviving rape and trauma.
Follow Dylan @dylanadler6 on Twitter, @dylanadler_ on IG, and @dylanadler7 on Tik Tok and Kelly @bellykachman on Twitter and TikTok and @kellybachman on IG. Follow their weekly Brooklyn show I Made You a Playlist @playlistcomedy.
Stream Rape Victims Are Horny Too on your favorite audio platform.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
It's a very small group of folks that manage to tape a special at one of Australia's most heralded landmarks, the Sydney Opera House. One of those esteemed comedians, Simon Taylor, joins us for this week's TCB Field Report to talk how Australian comedy got on during quarantine and lockdown, a bit on how Australian comedy operates differently from American comedy, and what it takes to do a stand-up special at a national landmark.
Also, hot takes on Roseanne Barr doing a special at Fox Nation.
Follow Simon @simontaylorfunnyboy on IG and @mrsimontaylor on Twitter.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Photo by Sam Wong
There is so much focus on the craft of comedy these days that one might look past how the economics of it often contribute to just how hard it is to do comedy as either passion or a career. Being aware of both is necessity and both rising stars in the LA comedy scene and the face of splendid monthly show Funnilingus, Ellory Smith and Dana Donnelly, sit down with TCB's Jake Kroeger on this week's TCB Field Report to talk how to keep their dreams alive while the winds of capitalism often blow fiercely against them.
Also, "hot" takes on some of this year's Emmy winners as they were being announced during this recording.
Follow Ellory @ellory_smith on IG and @ellorysmith on Twitter and Dana @hottestdana on IG and @danadonnelly on Twitter and their show @funnilingusla and get tickets to Dana's half hour @ Hotel Cafe on 9/28 here.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Photo by Andrew Max Levy
At this point of the pandemic, we're so glad to find many of our favorite things in comedy surviving in tact and coming out thriving on the other end. One of those things is one of the best comedy festivals around, Denver's High Plains Comedy Festival, founded by one of the funniest working comedians/podcasters/authors/actors today, Adam Cayton-Holland. We talk with Adam about keeping the very beloved High Plains Comedy Festival as well as his own comedy on track through some of the most insane years in all of our lives.
Also, "hot" takes on Creative Arts Emmys winners and Tiffany Haddish having to apologize for sketch comedy scandal.
Follow Adam @caytonholland across platforms.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
One of the great things about comedy in LA is that there is literal space to create your own niche and do what you want. Brett Davis is exemplifying this with the ultra underground venue he co-runs, Little Secret, and his dedication to experimenting with slow burning bits and characters, almost exclusively. Davis breaks down his philosophy on doing such characters on stage as well as being DIY with, well, everything he does with TCB's Jake Kroeger.
Also, "hot" takes on Chris Rock not hosting next year's Oscars, JFL going to the metaverse, and more.
Follow Brett @brettdavisrip across platforms
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
No matter the art form, the folks who push boundaries and blaze trails are a rare breed. That's why we were thrilled to get into the big comedy swings that one Blake Rosier has made a name for himself by taking. Whether it's living on stage for 5 days or creating an entire live show in an afternoon with someone he finds on Craigslist, Rosier's imagination and commitment seems drawn to unexplored reaches of comedy and Blake has honed a way to make that thoroughly engrossing and funny no matter what happens. We talk with him about what exactly goes into his wild ideas and executing them and just how he got to daring himself to push the fringes of comedy further and further.
Follow Blake @blakerosier across platforms
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Not only is Roz Hernandez one of the folks that you should absolutely be watching while they ascend to comedy stardom, but she has one of the most fascinating comedy journeys that we've ever come across. From comedy to drag to doing both, then, in the midst of lockdown, opting to transition from the drag queen Roz Drezfalez to Roz Hernandez and being her most hysterical self to waves of raucous laughter and applause. Roz shares that long and winding path while we recorded the episode for a 2nd time, relocating from Erewhon patio to Del Taco parking lot.
Without a doubt, one of the most fun eps. we had and worth going around a 2nd time.
Follow Roz @itsrozhernandez on Twitter and TikTok, @rozhernandez on IG, and listen to Ghosted!
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Photo by @photohoracio
The venerable Todd Glass joins us on this week's Comedy Bureau Field Report to break down the state of comedy between generations and just exactly how you can still say whatever you want in comedy. Glass is a guiding light both with his very own signature, beloved comedy and is a champion of the newer classes of comedy that, perhaps, might be incomprehensible to comedy purists of yesteryear. Glass and TCB's Jake Kroeger really dive into what is at the core at the folks that might be holding the art form back by trying to keep right where they had it.
Follow everything Todd at ToddGlass.com
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Even after almost 50 years of being around, one of the best ways to get in at The Comedy Store to get your name on the wall is working the door at the world famous comedy club. Alex Hanna is one such comedian on his way, starting from every indie crevice in the LA scene and then chancing upon one of the few open spots to both develop at The Comedy Store and work the door. From his vantage point, we chat about the state of The Comedy Store these days and how, if you can believe, live comedy is healthy (depending on who you are) in Summer 2022.
Also, "hot" takes on Everybody Hates Chris getting an animated series, whether SNL should end at 50, and more.
Follow Alex @alexhanna_good on Twitter and IG.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Photo by Van Corona
Hailing from the Bay Area, Hayley Beacon is gracing LA with their undeniably charming irreverence. As they intersect between Gen Z and being a millennial, we venture into what the nuances of all cultures, mainstream and sub- and everything in between, come into play into their comedy and what they ultimately want to do (run Taco Bell's Twitter account). Also, we get an inside perspective on what comedy in SF/Bay Area is like these days with it being more and more tech driven.
Also, "hot" takes on JFL New Faces, Full Frontal with Sam Bee being canceled, and more.
Follow Hayley @haybeacon across socials & @comedyoscar on Tues. in Oakland.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Photo @tallsmallphoto
When it comes to producing a comedy show, it's ideal that you have someone who loves comedy just as much as the performers do, but, for their own reasons, would rather not take the stage and just work behind the scenes. Olivia Amerling has emerged as a go-to NYC comedy producer with three weekly shows on her plate, Seance Comedy at Easy Lover, I Made You a Playlist at Three Diamond Door and Drule at Fette Sau, after just being a hardcore comedy fan that would show up at as many shows as she possibly could. We go through NYC comedy, especially neighborhood specific NYC comedy, and break down what she does to make her shows staples in New York
Also, "hot" takes on Mo'Nique getting a hour Netflix special, the passing of Jak Knight, and more.
Follow Olivia @olivemartini on IG as well as her shows @seancecomedy, @playlistcomedy, and @drulecomedy.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Photo Arin Sang-urai @photojuice
MC Chris has dedicated his life to both being a nerd and being a rapper and has brilliantly and hilariously married the two for his own self-made rap career. He has been such "the guy" when it comes to rapping about Star Wars or the MCU or Ghostbusters or Nightmare on Elm Street that his fans have made an entire community around his nerdy rap canon and supported each other, found partners, started families etc. We talk all about how deep this rabbit hole goes while Chris is in the middle of his Last Tour (he's not so sure about that, FYI). Also, MC Chris is probably one of the only rappers in the game to have a referential joke play out well over a decade.
Follow Chris at mcchris.com and get tickets for his 8/13 Lodge Room show at lodgeroomhlp.com/shows/mc-chris.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Unfortunately, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the world in 2022 is still not a fair, equitable, or even hospitable place for women. Things for women in comedy are objectively better than they were in the 70s or 80s, but that doesn't mean there's actual equality and true inclusion. The beaming delight that is comedian Bailey Norton has a chat with us about how she gets death threats from men for innocuous humor all the time as well as what it means to be a woman playing a ukulele in comedy these days.
Follow Bailey @baileyenorton across platforms.
Photo credit @photohoracio
NOTE: "Simmah down now" was the catch phrase of SNL's Cheri Oteri
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
It's one thing to be a rising star in the comedy scene and navigating all the terrain that comes with that, but it's a whole other thing entirely to also navigate your identity, especially if you're openly transitioning between genders at the same time. If you've seen one Max Beasley recently, you'll agree that they're balancing the two journeys exquisitely and getting funnier every time you see them. Max chats in-depth about the ins and outs of forging that path for themselves and always going for the jokes vs. so-called "clap-ter".
Also, we say goodbye to the one and only Nick Nemeroff.
Follow Max @maxbeasleyy on IG & @maxbeasleyyy on Twitter
Listen to Nick's album The Pursuit of Comedy Has Ruined My Life and donate to your local Planned Parenthood chapter in his honor.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
The issue of identity in comedy is more prevalent than perhaps it has ever been in comedy. That's actually a great thing even though the seeming explosion of varying perspectives and backgrounds that all have their different takes and stories may feel overwhelming to some. Both Sophie Santos, wonderful comedian/creator of The Lesbian Agenda, and TCB's Jake Kroeger delves into their own intersectionality and what that means for their comedy and comedy at large wherever they go.
Yep, we also get into Chappelle's latest deal, Cosby being found guilty, and where to watch season 3 of Wellington Paranormal.
Follow Sophie @sophieesantos on IG and sophiesantos.com. Get tickets for The Lesbian Agenda @ Dynasty Typewriter on 6/28 here. As mentioned in the ep., please donate to Trans Lifeline.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Though the comedians today aren't as unhinged as those of decades past, the community of comedy is one that is still very much in need of supportive infrastructure rather than the less blind leading the more blind as it is now. Thanks to Comedy Gives Back, working comedians have some sort of a safety net as CGB is dedicated to making sure that comedians (who so often help folks get through the darkest of times), can get through their own dark times.
This week's Comedy Bureau Field Report has two of the three founders of Comedy Gives Back, Amber J Lawson and Zoe Friedman, talk about their altruistic aims to make sure things like living expenses, health insurance, mental health, and more are covered rather than relying on a deluge of GoFundMe's.
Comedy Gives Back's Brody Stevens Festival of Friendship 818 Walk is on Aug. 20th. Register here.
Donate to Comedy Gives Back here.
Follow Comedy Gives Back on all platforms @comedygivesback
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
While the reverberations of the pandemic are still being felt and both the commercial and artistic sides of comedy have been changed forever, there is hope springing eternal in new venues that have blossomed.
Thanks to the blood, sweat, tears, and compassion of one Nicole Blaine, a longtime producer and comedian, her club, The Crow, represents a new oasis for comedy in a veritable comedy desert on the Westside of LA (both the county and the city) relative to LA's thriving Eastside. We talk to her about establishing a comedy club in the now, in an artist colony, hand built chairs, and, of course, free Santa Monica parking.
Also, "hot" takes on CBS' future plans with The Late Late Show and Deadpool not being "Disney-fied"
Follow The Crow at crowcomedy.com, @crowcomedy on IG, and @thecrowcomedy on Twitter and Nicole @nicblaine on IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Photo credit: Andrew Max Levy @justoffthesix
One of the key things in running an actually great open mic is consistency. Well, having a proper stage in a proper venue, great sound system, actual staff, drinks and snacks, not charging to go up, and audience helps too.
Avry Ross and the rest of the good folks at Third Wheel Hollywood/Podcast Studio have actually done all of that and do it on a nightly basis at midnight with what has been coined Midnight Madness. This week's TCB Field Report has Avry giving us the origins and rise of what is the last (and often the best) stop for open mic'ers largely because there are real audience members sitting in with the dozens of comics waiting to go up (a phenomenon we had, years ago, just accepted doesn't happen at open mics).
Also, "hot" takes on Norm MacDonald's new special, horror comedy, and Amazon's gay rom com.
Follow Third Wheel @thirdwheelhollywood and @thirdwheelpodcaststudio and Avry @avryross.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Photo credit: Van Corona
The prospect of doing your first nationwide tour as a comedian is as thrilling as it can be daunting. So much of it is a mystery that you can't really prepare for ahead of time. That said, to actually play to folks that specifically came to see you across the country is part of the electrifying feeling of doing comedy that makes up for all the other numerous hardships you go through in trying to make a living through comedy.
Cara Connors just embarked on a successful first run across the U.S. and is actually extending her Straight For Pay tour with additional dates. Connors talks us through the whirlwind you're required to go through when on your first tour as well as her feelings on where she fits in as a comedian that is queer and the ever changing landscape of what might be one of the more fluid art forms out there.
Also, yes, oof, we talk about Gervais' unsurprisingly controversial special and Chappelle's attacker at The Hollywood Bowl, Isaiah Lee.
Follow Cara @caraconnscomedy on IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Many great sketch groups did survive to this side of the pandemic, but were left to figure out things in a whole new world of comedy with new theaters or old theaters with new owners and have to, like every single on the planet, rebuild.
Fortunately for the scrappy, DIY trio of Business Casual (Jeremy Elder, Corey Peter Lane, and Hunter Saling) adapting to unforeseen change has been the name of the game for them. So, we chat with them about how they're now one of the handful of sketch groups that you should absolutely be following and deserving of a break for bigger and better and brighter things.
Also, "hot" takes on Zelenksy saying we need a new Chaplin, Netflix's roast of Tom Brady, and more.
Follow Business Casual @businesscasualcomedy (@idealstepdad @jeremyelderr @captain_sad_beard) on IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
As it has been for years and years now, the world is so absurd that trying to be absurd comedically is an incredibly daunting challenge. That still doesn't stop such brilliant and amazing folks such as Cricket Arrison from finding ways to satirize the world and be comedically ludicrous in such the ridiculous, preposterous time that we live in. We chat with Cricket about how the gauntlet of the last few years has transformed both her comedy and herself as a person into something that's still on the stranger side of the spectrum of hilarity, but more tender and, in so many way, beautifully funny.
Also, "hot" takes on Netflix foregoing making Chappelle's Hollywood Bowl performances into specials, I Think You Should Leave getting season 3, and Russell Peters' upcoming new sneakers.
Follow Cricket @cricketcricketcricket on IG and @cricketarrison on Twitter
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
While it's rare, there are folks that go and see almost the same amount of comedy that we do. It should go without saying that we enjoy the company of those folks, which is exactly why we had a splendid chat with the YARD Theater's uber-friendly co-manager Brett Johnson. With his involvement, Brett has made a home for some of the more genre and tone bending types of comedy and, thusly, we have spent a good deal of time standing in the back and cracking up.
This week, we chat with Brett about The YARD's journey through the last few years and where it looks to head. Also "hot" takes on Chappelle getting taclked, Corden ending his run at The Late Late Show, and the first reveal of Daniel Radcliffe as Weird Al Yankovic.
Follow @theyardtheater across platforms and @whatbrett on IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Though roasting in comedy has taken on a new chapter via the Comedy Central Roasts and Roast Battle, it's rare to see actual fury channeled into comedy. It has also even been rarer that the predators and monsters within comedy are held accountable in a meaningful way. Alice Hamilton, a rising comedian in the LA scene, struck both rare chords with her self-produced and self-released half hour special CEX KRIMINAL, which goes for the jugular, in great detail, of all the alleged and confirmed pests/predators/pieces of trash that she can think of.
We have Alice on to talk about how she came to put all of this together in the matter of a few weeks (or days if you ask her) and what such a special means in the art form of comedy.
Follow Alice @alicerhamilton on Twitter and @missalicehamilton on IG and watch CEX KRIMINAL here.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
These are the days of the comedy multi-hyphenates. Not only does that mean that taking a 100% focus on one direction within comedy isn't very feasible anymore, it has inspired many comedian of the current and recent generations to expand their repertoire into all sorts of different corners.
This week, we chat it up with one of our favorite comedy multi-hyphenates, Sara June. A writer/comedian/director, Sara's work has had us busting up, both on stage and on the screen (that includes her most recent short Bathroom Time) and we thus talk about anything from the inner workings of trying to make it as a comedy director these days to balancing that with performing live to bed frames and starting an indie fashion label.
Also, "hot" takes on Arsenio returning for a short run and Julia Roberts taking 20 years off of rom coms.
Follow Sara @corpseflour on IG and get everything else at sarajune.online
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
While the primary focus of The Comedy Bureau is in LA and NYC, there is plenty of great comedy to be had and shared all around the country (and the world). In fact, there are so many folks in smaller cities/markets that would love to see more than whatever the comedy club in the biggest city near them offers them that there would seem to be a niche to be filled.
That's where Chris Copen and Bottlerocket Social Hall come in.
Copen, a la Field of Dreams, is opening up an indie comedy theater, following in the footsteps of Philly's Good Good Comedy Theatre, that will be a forward thinking, "hip", multi-faceted comedy and performance theater. After trying a traditional industry route that was upended by the pandemic, Chris followed his dreams down a long, very winding road to open a dreamy, 70s inspired comedy spot. Copen shares his journey as well as the lay of the land of how comedy works in smaller markets and what the future holds with TCB's Jake Kroeger for this week's Field Report.
Also, "hot" takes on the passing of Gilbert Gottfried & Sara Mostajabi, The BBC Comedy Festival, and more.
Follow Bottlerocket Social Hall @bottlerocketpgh across platforms and Chris @chris_copen on Twitter & @typicalwhitegiant on IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Helen Levenson, a rising person in the inner-workings of comedy, might be the freshest LA from NYC transplant we've ever had on The Comedy Bureau Field Report. As such, we catch her perspective on the LA comedy scene (and LA in general) in the very first days of living in the City of Angels. Helen herself works at one of the biz's top management companies and is an intrepid fan of comedy (as it should be). In fact, we caught two shows back-to-back before we recorded this past midnight.
Also, of course we get into Louis winning his 3rd Grammy and how all sorts of wrong that is.
Follow Helen @helenisawkward across platforms.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Love it or hate it (and so many people hate it while being obsessed with it), social media has become throughly woven into the fabric of comedy. Gianmarco Soresi has not only honed his skills as a stand-up and sketch comedian as well as storyteller and podcaster, but meticulously and tirelessly built up a very enviable social media following (across all the platforms to boot) on top of that. Gianmarco joins TCB's Jake Kroeger to dissect how to balance purely doing the craft of stand-up versus feeding the beast of social media, somewhat like Steven Soderbergh's noted strategy of doing one film for the studios and doing one for him.
Also, of course, we talk about Will Smith's slap of Chris Rock as well as the return of UCB (under new ownership)
Follow Gianmarco on all things @gianmarcosoresi
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
When having your late night TV debut, it's an affair framed with bright lights, an applause sign, a big TV audience, and a sharply dressed late night host. Due to COVID-19, the amazing Kenice Mobley made her Tonight Show debut on a rooftop in wintry temperatures and still managed to kill anyways. Mobley talks her journey getting to the very set as well making space for black weirdness in comedy and talking sex without feeling all that blue.
Also, "hot" takes on JFL Montreal, season 2 of "And Just Like That" and more.
Follow Kenice @kenicemobley across socials, listen to her podcast Love About Town, and tune into Make Yourself Cry on Planet Scum on Thursdays at 10PM ET/7PM
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Though you might be skeptical, there are indeed, real, honest, good industry folks that are less about the industry than their job title might suggest. Cue in one of our favorite industry folks, producer Danielle Lee, who has brought great and wonderful things to stages and screens of all sizes across the country and is a fierce supporter of the best, forward thinking comedy out there. TCB's Jake Kroeger sits down with Danielle to talk shop and specifically get an industry insider perspective on how comedians can best serve themselves going forward in 2022.
Follow Danielle on all platforms @fndanielle.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Of all the grandiose comedy goals one might have had over the last two years, starting a comedy festival in a national park in Utah was probably both far out of sight as well as far from being a potential reality. The effervescent and determined writer/comedian/producer Val Douroux truly pulled off doing a comedy festival in Zion National Park with the Electric Comedy Festival, not once, but twice. Douroux walks through that journey of starting a DIY comedy festival in the unlikeliest of times with TCB's Jake Kroeger and shares in her joy for the art form.
Also "hot" takes on Muppet Mayhem, Spirit Award comedy winners, and more.
Follow Val @valdouroux on IG and Electric Comedy at @electriccomedynight on IG and @comedy_electric on Twitter
Photo: David Dudley
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
There is and has been some sort of prevailing narrative as to the trajectory of a comedian's career for decades. The milestones of doing late night or doing specials, getting your show, playing theaters/stadiums, etc. are just some of the trappings that many have thought is some sort of path for the artist that is a comedian. That said, it doesn't have to be that way and the very funny and very thoughtful Yedoye Travis unravels these ideas and notions with TCB's Jake Kroeger as he is blazing his very own trail that just so happens to include a lot of Yedoye performing really great stand-up comedy.
Also, "hot" takes on Larry David postponing his HBO doc premiere, SXSW Comedy 2022, iHeart Podcast Union, and more.
Follow Yedoye @professoryedoye on IG and @yedoye_ on Twitter. Also, give Bury Me Loose, Yedoye's half hour special a watch here.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Yes, it is The Comedy Bureau Field Report's 100th Episode. This podcast started at the beginning of the pandemic and the pandemic has been going on this damn long. That said, it's quite the milestone and, as such, we have Yemi Afolabi, a comedian who TCB's Jake Kroeger started out with back at the turn of the decade to the 2010s, who has had an astounding journey himself going from finding himself in some corner of comedy in LA to gaining real heat doing stand-up in Sweden (often in Swedish/English hybrid known as Swenglish) and then coming back to NYC to focus in on climbing the ladder in the endlessly competitive NYC comedy scene.
Yemi talks all about that and more as well as "hot" takes on Aziz Ansari/Bill Murray's latest feature project, the passing of Amazing Jonathan, and more.
Follow Yemi @yemicomedy and Hot & Bothered at @hotandbothered.comedy on IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
This week's TCB Field Report has the marvelous Will Miles takes his through his journey that has seen him start out in stand-up in Chicago and brought him to writing and acting in an acclaimed sitcom, South Side, about Chicago. Miles came full circle with this path while having a family with a great full time comedian, by the way.
Also, "hot" takes on this year's White House Correspondents Dinner, Nikki Glaser's new reality show, Kanye offering up Michael Che double his SNL salary, and more.
Follow Will @mrwillmiles across socials and watch South Side, now streaming on HBO Max.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Katrina Davis has not only charmed the LA comedy scene in the years since she moved here, but has become a trailblazer for being one of the first comedians to have both a virtual audience and live audience together at her show. In general, her passion to continue with both in-person and virtual comedy ought to light the way for more stubborn or purist comedians. She shares her pandemic era comedy journey with TCB's Jake Kroeger as well as getting to actually hot hot takes on the Joe Rogan-Spotify saga and Awkwafina's apology for her use of a "blaccent"/AAVE.
Follow Katrina @katrinasivad across socials and look out for Valley Girl at Junior High (or virtually through Asembl)
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
If you've listened to the nearly 100 episodes of The Comedy Bureau Field Report that have been recorded and released, you ought to know that there are an unbelievable amount of forces pushing and pulling at each other underneath the shiny, delightful surface of comedy. As of 2022, there is stil no real union that comedians have largely organized behind and, as such, fairness and equity for labor in comedy is one of its most critical issues (and is connected to inclusivity, access, safety, etc.). Intrepid LA indie comedy producer Erik Abriss and TCB's Jake Kroeger get into the thick of these intersections of comedy, labor, representation, and really trying to figure some sort of North Star to look for and follow to a better future in comedy.
Yes, that means we talk about Joe Rogan's mess with disinformation on The Joe Rogan Experience and ignorantly the potentially dangerous level of influence he has on his listeners. Also, "hot" takes on Ali Wong's new special and Bob Odenkirk and David Cross' new project.
Follow Erik @jew_chainz on IG and Everything's Great @theshowisgreat on Twitter and @everythingsgreatshow on IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Littlefield's Gabe Henry not only helms the treasured comedy and music venue in Brooklyn for years and years, especially throughout this darkest timeline of COVID-19, but has gathered many of the best comedians to write haikus all for a book, Eating Salad Drunk, featuring all sorts of artfully hilarious morsels in the form of 5-7-5. Henry talks with TCB's Jake Kroeger about the journey to actually get a book published and released during the pandemic as well as keeping Littlefield going.
Follow Gabe @_gabehenry on Twitter and @gabe.henryy on IG. Follow Littlefield @littlefieldnyc across socials.
Eating Salad Drunk: Haikus for the Burnout Age by Comedy Greats will come out at wherever you get your fine books on Feb. 22nd, 2022 or 2/22/22.
Also, "hot" takes on Righteous Gemstones being renewed, Neil Young taking his music off Spotify because of Joe Rogan's disinformation, Laura Ingraham doing an impression of SNL's Kate McKinnon doing an impression of Laura Ingraham, and more.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
It's one thing to think of young people as the future, but it's a whole other thing to actually talk to them about what the prospect of the coming years has in store for them. Taking a cue from C'mon C'mon, we talk to Ruby Karp, a comedian who is both Gen Z and has had more experience in doing comedy than people in their 30s and 40s. Karp has an inspiring passion for comedy that is both captured through her own very genuine hope for the future of comedy and convinces that there is something actually better to come with 2022 onwards. It also helps that she is an unstoppably bubbly person to talk to.
Also, "hot" takes on Daniel Radcliffe as Weird Al Yankovic, the fame of Pete Davidson, Chelsea Handler's memoir being adapted into a Peacock series, and more.
Follow Ruby @rubykarp on socials
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Long form improv, pretty much at any level, almost exclusively happens in black box theaters as they just happen to be the perfect set up for a team to improvise comedic scenes out of "thin air". The enduring pandemic has not afforded such spaces with ease as was had in 2019 resulting in improvisers having to, well, improvise. Casey Feigh leads off one of the only weekly improv shows in LA, which used to have dozens upon dozens a show per week, Holy Sht Improv, currently housed at long standing Silverlake watering hole, The Silverlake Lounge*.
It's kind of a challenge to do live comedy in any bar where the main bar and the main stage are in the same room, but Feigh, a veteran improviser/comedian, sees his way past any of the challenges through the community he fosters with the very best improvisers in and around the once improv-saturated Los Angeles comedy scene. Casey joins TCB Field Report to chronicle trying to run one of the only recurring improv shows during a pandemic.
Also, "hot" takes on a new SNL podcast, Aziz Ansari's upcoming new Netflix special, and more.
Follow Casey @caseyfeigh on Twitter and IG and Holy Sh*t Improv @holyshitimprov on IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
It's technically a new year even though 2020 feels like it's still happening. So much live comedy has already gone dark at the top of the year making the rest of 2022 feel uncertain to say the least.
That said, there was a bunch of great comedy things in happened in 2021 as captured in our actual-end-of-year list. We have Joel Mandelkorn, indie comedy producer extraordinaire, as one of the best authorities on the happenings in comedy, in for this week's TCB Field Report to scratch the surface of what was great in comedy last year and break down what's there to look forward to, if anything, in 2022 comedy. Also, RIP Betty White and John Bowman.
The 100 Best Things in Comedy We Were Witness To in No Particular Order
Follow Joel @cleftclips on Twitter and IG and listen to Haunt the Johnsons on Audible.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
As 2022 approaches, there's a lot on the horizon, despite everything in live performance going dark for a few weeks at least, if not several. Thankfully, Sam Varela, one of the best people in comedy, joins again to not only break down the situation that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has brought to comedy, but highlight the ongoing importance of her virtual stand-up show, Self-Care Comedy, that has been going weekly for almost a year and still has strong regular audience as well as that there is no going back to any sort of element of 2019 ever again. For whatever we have to look forward to in 2022 with the pandemic still well in place, Sam and TCB's Jake Kroeger attempt to see what's ahead (and talk a lot about Adam McKay's brilliant Don't Look Up in the process).
Also, hot takes on the boycott of Licorice Pizza, Joe Rogan postponing a 4/20 show because he doesn't want to obey any vaccine mandates, and more (including world politics and astrophysics even though this is a comedy podcast).
Follow Sam @naked_comedy on Twitter & @nakedcomedy on IG and please get tickets to Ever's The Tops! top surgery fundraiser on 1/7 @ The Elysian. Stay tuned to Self-Care Comedy every Tuesday at 7PM PT/10PM ET here.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Rebecca Drysdale has not only been one of the best all around comedy folks that we know with writing on Key & Peele and having the longest running UCB Cagematch record with Hebecky Drysbell (partnered with Heather Anne Campbell), but is the founder of the magical DIY-as-can-be comedy venue The Clubhouse, which has thankfully survived to this side of the pandemic (and will need your help to continue to survive on this Kickstarter). She joins in with Jake Kroeger and TCB Field Report this week to talk how doing punch up for superheroes was her salvation after having one of the Tonight Show's shortest stints of being a head writer and getting into the nitty gritty philosophy of doing comedy as a career. It's the sort of beautiful conversation where time just faded away.
Also "hot" takes on Lorne Michaels potentially retiring from SNL, Emmy rule changes for comedy and drama, and more.
Support the Clubhouse's reopening Kickstarter ASAP here: kickstarter.com/projects/clubhouseisback/clubhouse-phoenix-rising and follow Rebecca @beckdrys on IG.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
At this side of the pandemic, there's a whole row of exciting new comedy venues that have popped up in the stead of all the ones that have closed, one of them being The Glendale Room, located in the vibrant streets of Downtown Glendale. This week's TCB Field Report has the founder of The Glendale Room, Sean Casey, chat with us about providing a crucial space that can be comfy for those on the rise in comedy or those with success, a place to be a "work in progress". On top of all of that, it might be the coziest venue in town with its bookstore vibe.
Also, "hot" takes on comedy The Black List, CA's new universal indoor mask mandate, and more.
Follow The Glendale Room @theglendaleroom on IG and Twitter.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Discovering Dylan Adler for the first time this year was absolutely one of the highlights of 2021 for us at TCB. His mix of Broadway flair, darkly personal comedy, and acrobatics (Dylan does a backflip in his act) blew us away when we saw it on a rooftop of a parking structure and must be a real gift to the NYC comedy scene. Dylan joins TCB’s Jake Kroeger for this week’s TCB Field Report to follow his rise in the NYC comedy scene through queer and asian comedy spaces and spaces that are very much not that.
Also, “hot” takes on Netflix is a Joke Fest returning, comedians trying to renegotiate their deals with Spotify, and more.
Follow Dylan @dylanadler6 on Twitter, @dylanadler_ on IG, and @dylanadler7 on TikTok
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Dave Ross is pretty much as cherished of a fixture in the LA comedy scene as one can be. Holy Fuck, WOMEN, Suicide Buddies, What's it Called, and, of course, Good Heroin are just a few of the things that Dave has made over the last decade and change and left an indelible mark in comedy. So, Ross joins the Field Report this week to talk his mental/emotional/spiritual journey in both coming up in comedy in the 2010s and coming back to it out of lockdown. This conversation really spotlights the artistry in comedy and the sort of dedication and humility (on top of being funny) that comedy really requires.
Also, "hot" takes on PEN15, The Simpsons on Disney+ in Hong Kong, and more.
Follow Dave @davetotheross across socials.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Long form improv comedy was free flowing pre-pandemic with dozens and dozens of shows filled by so many teams it was often hard to keep track of all of their names. On this side of the pandemic, long form improv is coming back, but like everything else, it's not the same. We get improv and podcast star Carl Tart (also co-starring on the upcoming Grand Crew on NBC) to break down the state of improv in LA and how it's reminiscent of the days when he was coming up.
Also, actually hot takes on The Grammys nominations for comedy and the Taliban banning comedy where people are humiliated.
Follow Carl @dammitcarl on IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
Catherine McCafferty is on the way to achieving the dream of many comedians, being bi-coastal. McCafferty had been based out of LA for years doing stand-up, acting, and more, but has now just freshly broke ground in NYC. It was 8 days in for her on the day she recorded this episode of TCB Field Report with Jake Kroeger and it's a great portrait of expectations meeting reality and the whirlwind that transplanting from one metropolis to another can be.
Also, "hot" and actually hot takes on Party Down revival, JFL NFTs, and an upcoming Lethal Weaponsequel with Mel Gibson attached to direct.
Find Catherine @catherine_mccaff on IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
It is National Adoption Awareness Month and, for those that don't know TCB's very own Jake Kroeger's story, he's adopted. So, we thought it would be a perfect time to have both a great comedian on who is an adoptee and also talk about adoption jokes from the adoptee perspective (and how hopefully it's no longer a punchline to suggest someone is weird or stupid).
That's why Skyler Higley joined in with us this week for TCB Field Report all the way from Chicago. Skyler's journey as black kid adopted by white parents in Salt Lake City and being raised Mormon all factors into a lot of the great comedy he has put out (much of which has found it's way to Conan, Clickhole, and The Onion). It's a great, deep philosophical conversation on the nature of identity and how it indelibly ties into comedy, even if you're pretty in the weeds about what your identity is.
Also, "hot" takes on Alanis Morrisette's CBS comedy, Dave Grohl's Studio 666, and season 5 of Search Party being the final season.
Find Skyler @skylerhigley on IG and @skyler_higley on Twitter
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
LA's newest home for comedy, especially the kind that colors outside the lines, The Elysian, is officially alive. We have artistic director Kate Banford join us for this week's TCB Field Report to give us the origin stories of both herself (her first theater in Philadelphia, The Good Good Comedy Theatre) and this shiny new theater (and even explain why they went with a skunk for a logo). Banford has long since done and championed comedy that pushes the art form forward and, with so many LA venues closed over the last two years, it's a saving grace that Kate and company have come in with The Elysian in Frogtown (or more formally known, but never referred to as Elysian Valley).
Also, "hot" takes on Vulture's Comedians You Should & Will Know list, Dan and Eugene Levy's lifestyle series, and the new Charlie Chaplin doc on Showtime.
Find Kate @katebanford on IG and @kbanf on Twitter at and The Elysian at elysiantheater.com and on IG and Twitter @elysiantheater
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Building your own thing in the thick of a sprawling comedy scene is beyond a tall order. If that thing is a weekly comedy show that expands into an entire brand that now has branched out to the thriving comedy scene in Denver, it's even more impressive.
That's exactly what one Mike Mulloy has done with Faded Comedy over the last few years, tirelessly working to make a cornerstone Friday stand-up show (one of the hardest days to pull off a weekly indie comedy show in LA, FYI) and branching out to do more shows, more cities, and do so with the comedians he digs. Faded managed to stay virtual through lockdown and keep going with a virtual presence with their weekly Happy Hours on Twitch and live-streaming in-person shows. Mulloy and TCB's Jake Kroeger go into how Mike has carved out this niche in LA comedy as well as do "hot" (and some actually hot) takes on more Chappelle "The Closer" non-sense, the Joan Rivers biopic getting nixed, and more.
Follow Mike at @fakemikemulloy on IG and @mikemulloyesq on Twitter Faded Comedy @fadedcomedyla on IG and Twitter, Faded Denver @fadeddenver on Twitter and @fadedcomedydenver on IG, and on Twitch at fadedcomedy.com.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
There is so much happening with comedians that are trans that has nothing to do with Dave Chappelle. This week's guest, the splendid Jeena Bloom, is proof positive that there is much to be celebrated and enjoyed with the comedic stylings of many trans men and women just like comedians of any other background. That includes stand-up, TV, movies, podcasts, etc. as well as thorough discussion of local neighborhoods in LA and NYC (neighborhood maps per the podcast conversation linked below). Also, "hot" takes on Mel Brooks' History of the World Part 2, Tarantino thinking about doing a comedy, and, oh yeah, that Chappelle mess over at Netflix (NOTE: this podcast was recorded on 10/19/21, the day before the #NetflixWalkout).
Follow Jeena @jeenabloom on Twitter and IG
For reference, as promised, here are neighborhood maps of LA (Frogtown is denoted as Elysian Valley for some reason) and NYC
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
One of the more wide ranging comedy multi-hyphenates we know, Caitlin Cook, joins us as a musical comedian/writer/director/designer/illustrator to not only give us the lowdown on how in flux the NYC comedy scene is (even though it's supposedly "back"), but the vast spread of projects she has taken on. That includes directing the fantastic solo show/musical hybrid, A.J. Holmes: Yeah, But Not Right Now, working on her own original music, comedy and otherwise, and gearing up to go back on the road (and a million other things as doing all that you can at all times is a prerequisite in NYC comedy). Also, "hot" takes on Chappelle, The New York Comedy Festival, That 90s Show, and more.
Follow Caitlin @thecaitlincook on IG and Twitter and get tickets to the final weekend of AJ Holmes: Yeah, But Not Right Now at aj-holmes.com.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Now might be the perfect time an animated dark comedy that follows a reanimated/undead mother trying to redeem herself with her family that just happens to run a funeral home in Florida. Thus, Teenage Euthanasia has just arrived from the beautifully funny minds of Alissa Nutting and Alyson Levy, who just happen to be this week's guests on TCB Field Report. They both take us through the long journey to getting one of the most unexpectedly joyful and redemptive new shows on TV and how it changed from its inception in 2016 to starting a writers room in April 2020 and going on air while the pandemic isn't over. Also, "hot" takes on new HBO Max comedy from Chris Kelly/Sarah Schneider, Silver Linings Playbook becoming a musical, and more.
Oh yes, we do talk about 'crotch beatles' and its Florida origins.
Follow everything Teenage Euthanasia @teenageeuthanasia on IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
One of comedy's most respected minds, Paul Provenza, joins in for this week's TCB Field Report to go down the rabbit hole of the art form of comedy. Paul and TCB's Jake Kroeger explore so many different angles, different generations, and different perspectives that they ended zipping through the running time of a Marvel movie. Truly, a fascinating conversation that weaves through the new SNL hires and Just For Laughs partnering with Moontower and explores the philosophy of comedy and what many people are missing out that's coming up because they aren't looking to the past at Brother Theodore or Charlie Barnett. Also, Paul discusses his groundbreaking work with Andy Andrist, both in documentary (that he's still working on) and comedy special form with Andy's Last Shot, The Green Room with Paul Provenza on Showtime, and Set List: Improvised Stand Up.
Follow Paul @paulprovenza and Set List @setlistshow on Twitter and IG and watch Andy Andrist's Last Shot at naturejack.com.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Just a bit over a few weeks ago, a mysterious entity only known as The Comedy Co-op was announced as a group that sought to make comedy better on nearly early level for performers, fans, and people working in comedy.
That was about all when knew back then, but they've slowly pulled back the curtain over the weeks explaining exactly who they are (including their ever burgeoning Steering Committee) and what they're about (as well as what sociocracy is). This week's TCB Field Report has Jake Kroeger get even a deeper explanation how they're trying to break some of the more debilitating cycles in the art of comedy with The Comedy Co-op's very own Blake Wilding, Yaki Margulies, and Nikki Osborne (and a special guest appearance/explanation from Jessica Zepeda).
Also, "hot" takes on the Emmys, The Comedy Store Records, Kathryn Hahn as Joan Rivers, and NYC venues vs. New York City.
Follow The Comedy Co-op @thecomedycoopla on IG, visit thecomedycoopla.com for more info, and get tickets for The First Show on 10/3 @ Junior High here. Follow Blake Wilding @blakewilding, Yaki Margulies @yakimargulies, Nikki Osborne @nikki0h, and Jessica Zepeda @creditcardmommy.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Chase Bernstein. Perhaps, the guest we have the best chemistry with on The Comedy Bureau Field Report? You judge for yourself as Chase and TCB's Jake Kroeger delightfully run through the news of the passing of Norm MacDonald, season renewals of Only Murders in the Building and The Amber Ruffin Show, and Jim Breuer refusing to perform at venues that require proof of vaccination. Chase also details the virtue of really just not giving an "F" and the freedom of it when doing comedy.
Follow Chase @chasebernstein on IG and listen to her podcast Composed with Chase Bernstein.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The superb DeAnne Smith joins TCB's Jake Kroeger for this week's TCB Field Report as they have just re-transplanted themselves from LA to NYC (with love for both cities and their respective comedy hubs). Also, DeAnne fills us in their upcoming special which would expressly taped with some of their exes in the audience (complete w/interviews after the taping) and explains the joy they found in live-stream, front facing camera comedy.
Follow DeAnne @deanne_smith on Twitter and IG and get tickets to DeAnarchy on 9/15 and DeAnne Smith & Acquaintances on 9/17.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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There is a vast new landscape to comedy as things may or may not continue to open up for live comedy here in the U.S. and across the world. Navigating this new world of comedy is, it would seem, as daunting as starting over, which is why we talk to LA staple Kelly McInerney about how she is figuring her way through a scene she already knew (and possibly looking across the pond to the UK for more opportunity). She's also reviewed movies while stoned on the podcast she co-hosts, IMDWeed, leading to what movies they've missed out on watching high (2001: A Space Odyssey?!?). Finally, "hot" takes on Ms. Pat getting an hour special, What We Do in the Shadows' After the Shadows, Steve Harvey getting his own court show.
Follow Kelly @hollyweirdo on IG and Twitter and listen to IMDWeed wherever you get your podcasts.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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For our money, Julie Seabaugh is the preeminent comedy journalist out in the world and we're so lucky to have her on TCB Field Report this week. Her expertise and depth of comedy knowledge are so far reaching, which came in quite handy for the upcoming documentary she co-directed, Too Soon: Comedy After 9/11. As such, we talk about the effect 9/11 had on comedy and, conversely, how comedy's healing properties dealt with the aftermath (not unlike what's happening right now). Also, "hot" takes on SF Sketchfest returning, Showtime's updated comedy slate, and Brody Stevens Day.
Follow Julie on IG @julieseabaugh, get more info on Too Soon: Comedy After 9/11 (premiering on Vice on Sept. 8th) at toosoondoc.comand get a Brody Stevens pin from Rockin Pins here.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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Going from coast to coast more than once, Mikala Knezevich has built quite the reputation for producing comedy. She got the comedy bug after seeing one live comedy show and then asking for a job at the comedy club that very night and just wanted to be in and around comedy at all times. That has led her to taking on a plethora of shows in NYC, many of which are weekly. If you know the ins and outs of the production side of live comedy, which Mikala and TCB's Jake Kroeger go into here, you ought to know that it's such an ambitious undertaking to do one weekly show. Thus, you'll be delightfully surprised to discover that Mikala paints as well.
Also, "hot" takes on the NY Comedy Festival, What We Do In the Shadows getting renewed, and Wyatt Cenac's deal at Warner Animation/Cartoon Network Studios.
Follow Mikala @mikalalk on IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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LA comedy scene favorite, Jared Goldstein, is having a splendid whirlwind of a time in NYC, doing all the shows, taping a Comedy Central Featuring set, and even running into comics he used to be intimidated by (when starting in LA) that now live and grind in NYC. Don't worry, there are no LA vs. NYC jokes here (that's so very early 2000s).
That said, Jared and TCB's Jake Kroeger speed through this ep. on "New York minutes" and run through Jared's extended stay in NYC and lots of comedy headlines including Nicole Byer's first hour Netflix special, The White Lotus getting renewed for season 2, and more.
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Hands down, one of the most electrifying and fun (and hopeful) comedy shows out there is Tinder Live! with Lane Moore. In addition to being an acclaimed comedian/author/frontwoman of a band, Moore has made an indelible mark in current comedy landscape by improvising her way through the dating app Tinder live on stage. This week's TCB Field Report follows Lane as she revives the in-person version of Tinder Live! for a giant 30+ city nationwide tour (after having to cancel a nationwide tour for lockdown, then rescheduling it so many times due to the pandemic enduring and also doing it virtually to great success). Also, "hot" takes on NYC's vax mandate, The Comedy Co-op, and more.
Follow Lane @hellolanemoore across socials and all her dates, content, and merch at LaneMoore.org.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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One of our favorite comedy hyphenates Carly Hoogendyk (comedy producer-talent manager-photographer) joins us for this week's TCB Field Report to give us the NYC perspective on comedy reopening (we literally ask her to give us the lay of the land when looking out her apartment window) and what's going on behind the scenes out in the streets of NYC comedy (across several boroughs). FYI, there's some nice comedy show lineage history here between the ungodly amount of comedy that has been seen between both Carly and TCB's Jake Kroeger. Also, we go in on with "hot" takes on this year's JFL New Faces of Comedy and Neal Brennan using the world's new preeminent magician, Derek Delgaudio, to direct his new special.
Follow Carly @carlyhoogs and keep tab on her shows including @the100percentshow & @gooddeliverycomedy
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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Prolific cartoonist/illustrator/animator/musician Luke McGarry, who has done all sorts of wonderful comedy and music posters and art (including for Festival Supreme and MAD Magazine), joins in for this week's TCB Field Report. Luke runs us through his winding path to being one of the go-to illustrators, especially when it things get imaginatively silly, and the wide, wide, very wide myriad of projects he has coming up (graphic novels to tour art to much much more). Also, "hot" takes on Julio Torres' A24 movie, The Mary Tyler Moore Show doc, and Bo Burnham's Inside getting a theatrical run.
Follow Luke @lukeymcgarry on IG and at lukemcgarry.com
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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True Romance's Carolina Barlow joins in on this week's TCB Field Report as she and TCB's Jake Kroeger go in on the newly announced Primetime Emmy nominations (which, for some reason include Cobra Kai in the comedy category?). There are plenty of actually spicy takes that follow.
With that in mind, they reimagine what awards shows should be, especially for those that have been collectively snubbed. Carolina then takes us through going through a break-up just as she started a podcast about healthy relationships with Devin Leary, True Romance, and even get a bit True Romance-y by dissecting the break-up that Jake also went through near the beginning of quarantine. Lastly, we address the not-often-enough-addressed issue of comedians potentially ruining relationships when doing crowd work.
Follow Carolina @carolinarosebarlow on IG, listen to True Romance and The Ron Burgundy Podcast, and read Attached.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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Sarah Squirm, a trailblazer in meshing the grotesque into comedy, joins us for this week's TCB Field Report to not only break down the shift from quarantine life back into in-person life that's somewhat like the before times, but also get into the nitty gritty of absurdist comedy. We actually dissect several parts of the absolute must-see season 2 of I Think You Should Leave in breaking down how to come up with absurdist humor. Also, "hot" takes on Netflix's latest line-up of half hour specials and new comedy venues that opened in LA as we're coming out of lockdown.
Follow Sarah @sarahsquirm and watch The Sarah Vaccine on Means.TV
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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Danielle Perez joins in the fray for this week's TCB Field Report where we follow her big pause from stand-up comedy during lockdown and then finding her way to acting (that includes acting classes on Zoom) and then, starting back into stand-up comedy with an already sold out live show. Also "hot" takes on Variety's 10 Comics to Watch, JFL's hybrid format this year, and what venues they know survived. Note, as Danielle said so deftly in this ep., that there will always be new lists.
Follow Danielle @divadelux on IG and Twitter and listen to the WOW RUDE Podcast.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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If you've come to a point of being so in tune with who you really are, as Robby Hoffman has, you might have fared well, personally and otherwise, during lockdown. Hoffman is so masterfully herself whether on stage or in the writers room or in her personal life that taking on the pandemic was akin to taking care of business.
Hoffman joins TCB's Jake Kroeger for an exploration of Robby's seemingly unflappable nature and the myriad of things she has been juggling this whole time from her call-in show on Planet Scum to her project Rivkah at Showtime. Also, "hot" takes on Ziwe getting renewed, Peabody Awards going to Colbert and Ted Lasso, and the final week of Conan.
Note/correction: Andrew Yang answered "Times Square" to Ziwe asking his favorite metro stop in NYC and Robby found that so very funny.
Follow Robby @iamrobbyhoffman on Twitter and @robbyhoffman on IG and watch her special I'm Nervous on YouTube.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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The energy that Ever Mainard brings to a room or, for that matter, a Zoom call is undeniable and a welcome jolt to the monotony of any given day or yet another one during a global pandemic. Ever joins TCB's Jake Kroeger to simultaneously go through finding themselves as a performer once again (with some help from a very exclusive psychic), doing a solo show on Zoom, and juggling all of that while answering crucial e-mails. Not to give too much away, but Ever pulled it all off. Also, "hot" takes on a Sarah Silverman musical, new projects from Todd Solondz and Kitao Sakurai (apologies to Kitao: Jake says "Sarukai" in the ep.), and more.
Follow Ever @evermainard on IG and Twitter.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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Welp, the tides of going back out again and, subsequently, live comedy being performed in person and also, being seen in-person, are rising. Ashley Ray is riding high on that said tide as she has road dates now all across America and a special coming out this month on HBO Max after making it through quarantine with a popular newsletter and podcast, TV, I Say. Ray runs through her comedy journey through the pandemic with TCB's Jake Kroeger leading to quite an entrance back into the world. Also, we definitely talk about Jeff Singer resigning as the JFL New Faces Booker, Netflix Is a Joke Fest returning, and more.
Follow Ashley @theeashleyray on Twitter, @theashleyray on IG, and listen to TV, I Say wherever you get podcasts.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KTWelp, the tides of going back out again and, subsequently, live comedy being performed in person and also, being seen in-person, are rising. Ashley Ray is riding high on that said tide as she has road dates now all across America and a special coming out this month on HBO Max after making it through quarantine with a popular newsletter and podcast, TV, I Say. Ray runs through her comedy journey through the pandemic with TCB's Jake Kroeger leading to quite an entrance back into the world. Also, we definitely talk about Jeff Singer resigning as the JFL New Faces Booker, Netflix Is a Joke Fest returning, and more.
Follow Ashley @theeashleyray on Twitter, @theashleyray on IG, and listen to TV, I Say wherever you get podcasts.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Kevin Allison, founder of the nationally beloved storytelling institution RISK! and member of legendary sketch group The State, joins TCB's Jake Kroeger to give a bit of a state-of-the-nation breakdown of what the storytelling scene/art form has gone through during the pandemic. As you might imagine, folks have gone through so much and are still, largely, processing what has happened/is happening still.
RISK! thankfully evolved into a recurring virtual show and survived through 2020 and 2021 and is now set to return to in-person events (where the intimacy and vulnerability of storytelling is best featured). Also "hot" takes on Comedy Dynamics x Tribeca Film Festival's slate of comedy specials and John Oliver's latest 'gonzo comedy' pranks.
Follow Kevin @thekevinallison on Twitter and RISK @riskshow on Twitter and IG. Tickets for upcoming RISK! shows including 6/17 @ Caveat in NYC can be purchased at risk-show.com/tour. Listen to RISK! wherever you get your podcasts.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On probably what would be the most metaphysical episode of The Comedy Bureau Field Report, writer/comedian Teresa Lee joins Jake Kroeger to not only examine the nature of reality/singularity/solo shows, but go through her journey in lockdown and how she did so much virtual stand-up (leading up to an entire virtual album) and was recruited for OnlyFans and how she is looking forward to flipping the script on the voyeuristic platform.
Also, "hot" takes on A Black Lady Sketch Show getting renewed, Colbert returning to Ed Sullivan Theater with a full audience, and a KFI host getting suspended for racist Asian sketch.
Follow Teresa Lee @teresaleebot on IG only fans, subscribe to her OnlyFans here, get her album We're Still Doing This, and listen to her podcast You Can Tell Me Anything with Teresa Lee
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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Since the good majority of folks have been (hopefully) staying safe at home, there has been plenty of time for people to get perspective on their life, drive, purpose, etc. Well, that's the hope anyway. Former TV development executive, comedy manager, and indie comedy producer Holly Gabrielson has indeed given plenty of thought as to go from helping orchestrate a comedy variety show on gondolas to what might be next for her. Thus, she discusses social justice, healthcare, and the entertainment industry at large and how it specifically affects comedy with TCB's Jake Kroeger. Also, "hot" takes on Kumail Nanjiani being cast as the founder of Chippendales, series renewals during this Upfronts, and the passing of Charles Grodin.
Follow Holly on Twitter @hollygabrielson.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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There are an ambitious, pioneering few that really made a go at virtual comedy and, whatever the platform may be, they "figured" it out. Fizaa Dosani, one of the ringleaders behind Facial Recognition Comedy, is one of those few.
She transitioned from doing a live stand-up showcase and a podcast to doing bunches of virtual shows on all the platforms, then became one of the chosen few finalists for Clubhouse's Creators First Pilot Season program. Fizaa joins TCB's Jake Kroeger to go over her hustling through all of that over the last year as well as "hot" takes on indie venues finally getting COVID-19 relief, Donald Glover's take on cancel culture, and Seth Rogen's stance on not planning to work with James Franco at this time.
Follow Fizaa @fizaadosani on IG and Twitter and follow Facial Recognition Comedy @facialrecomedy on Twitter and @facialrecognitioncomedy on IG. Be sure to get tickets for their May 28th live-stream at RushTix.com.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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Coming to know James Adomian remains as one of our fortunate strokes of luck in all our time in comedy. The brilliant comedian, impressionist, voice over artist joins us for this week's TCB Field Report to recount how he has made it through all the continuing trials and tribulations of the last year including, but certainly not limited to international comedy tours getting cancelled, the tragedy that befell Armenia by way of Azerbaijan, and no critical breaks on rent. That said, Adomian still voiced a cornucopia's worth of cartoons on major networks, streaming services, and even on Snapchat. Also, James got to satirically confront the My Pillow guy Mike Lindell on Jimmy Kimmel Live as Mike Lindell and is ready to get back into the swing of comedy, virtual and otherwise.
Follow James @jadomian on IG and Twitter, buy tickets to his Nowhere Comedy club headlining show on Fri. 5/7, and please support The Children of Armenia Fund.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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Babs Romen has been anything from Mitzi Shore's right hand to a big time network development executive to a producer of the improvised stand-up international phenomenon Set List and everything in between. She knows the business and the art of comedy in and out and that made for a great, deep chat on the purpose of comedy and what she seeks to do with it, specifically Set List, as the world aims to open again. Also "hot" takes on an English remake of the Oscar winning Another Round, an adult animated spin-off of The Flintstones, and, yep, Joe Rogan's nonchalant anti-vaxxer stance.
Follow Babs Romen on FB here & on Twitter @babsromen. Keep up to date on Set List @setlistshow on Twitter and IG.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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Far before the pandemic ever began or was even a whisper of a thing, Jessica Watkins took it upon to herself to simultaneously make a stand-up comedy special and walk across America. She did indeed accomplish both, but it was not at all what she expected, which is a very timely experience to have as we've all had to go through the intense journey of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Watkins' captured her entire experience in a documentary called SPECIALish, a stunningly beautiful portrait and meditation on having purpose and drive in comedy, art, and life. After finishing the journey in 2014, the doc has been set for release on May 11th and, of course, TCB's Jake Kroeger talks to Jessica all about that especially in relation to that journey in 2014 and how things have been comparatively in the terrifying specter of 2020/2021. Also, "hot" takes on Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumulo's Cinderella evil stepsisters movie in the works, potential anti-trust case for LiveNation/Ticketmaster, and Seth Rogen's silent action comedy passion project.
Follow Jessica at @ajessicawatkins on IG and Twitter and look out for SPECIALish on streaming platforms on May 11th.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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Commercial/music video director and Clubhouse maven, Eli Green, joins TCB's Jake Kroeger for a truly in-depth conversation on the nature of comedy, especially at this time, especially on Clubhouse. Green is the creator of the "Crazy Good Fun" club on Clubhouse which has spawned dozens and dozens of irreverent rooms in addition to juggling the prospect of making "fun" commercials throughout the pandemic. It's a grand, sprawling conversation spanning trying to execute being funny for poorly thought out ad campaigns to tinkering with the very things that make comedy work. Also, "hot" takes on Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan, The Amber Ruffin Show expanding it's staff, and ArcLight Cinemas closing.
Look into all of Eli's work at eligreen.com and join the Crazy Good Fun on Clubhouse to see what new hijinks Green and the collective are getting into.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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Lizzy Cooperman remains a monumental comedian in our formative years of comedy even before The Comedy Bureau ever came into existence. The wide expanse of her creativity, her beautiful spirit, and her reverence for comedy is something we have always been inspired by and those things are still alive and well while in quarantine and leaving LA for a spell. TCB's Jake Kroeger delves into what Lizzy has been pouring her energy into in this time as a comedian who is severely immunocompromised and what she is pondering of doing in what is still, unfortunately, a still very unsure future. Also, we actually do speed through the news/"hot" takes this time on Paul Feig's Minx, SAG Awards winners, and Gutfeld!
Follow Lizzy @lizzycooperman on IG and Twitter and get her remarkable album Organism wherever you get your comedy albums.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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There's a great new comedy book, Notes from the Bathroom Line: Humor, Art, and Low-Grade Panic from 150 of the Funniest Women in Comedy, that has just arrived on shelves, both IRL and virtual, that is actually the first collection of writing by women comedians since the 70s. Amy Solomon, writer/producer on such great things like Barry and the editor of Notes from the Bathroom Line, joins TCB's Jake Kroeger to discuss the journey of this crucial, hilarious book, how, even with 150 contributors, doesn't come close to featuring all the funny women that you need to see/hear, and "hot" takes on Rick and Morty Day, SpongeBob Squarepants' virus episode, and more.
You can and should get Notes from the Bathroom Line at notesfromthebathroomline.com
OR
get it and support some local bookstores (instead of Amazon) like Book Soup, Chevalier's, Vroman's, and Skylight Books.
Follow Amy @amybethsol on Twitter and IG.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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Without really knowing that it was coming, we've been at The Comedy Bureau Field report, officially, for a year now (quarantine has a funny way of messing with our perception of time). On our anniversary(?), we're thrilled to have the great Danny Jolles with us to not only celebrate the release of his fabulous first hour special, Six Parts, but also recount his very long, delay-filled journey through the last year leading up to this point. Danny persevered despite, like so many folks in comedy, having their entire identities stripped of them (as well as so many life-changing career prospects). Also, "hot" takes on WGA Award winners, A Black Lady Sketch Show returning next month, and Russell Peters calling his upcoming podcast Culturally Cancelled. Oh, and there's a big shout out to the one of the best choreographers in the biz, Kat Burns.
Follow Danny @dannyjolles on Twitter and IG and please watch/enjoy/share his hour special Six Parts, now streaming on YouTube.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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Candice Thompson has managed to thrive, as much as you can, in quarantine. She has been writing on The Netflix Afterparty, recording multiple podcasts, and manifesting her home to be as prepared for this time and the potential dystopian future. TCB's Jake Kroeger and Candice have quite the time figuring out what they're going to do in the not so distant future as the world keeps sinking into chaos (and yes, we talk aliens too). Also, "hot" takes on Rutherford Falls and the possibility of content consumption sinking after the pandemic ends.
Follow Candice @jokesbycandice and listen to The Struggle and look out for her new Spotify podcast, Noisy Neighbors.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week's TCB Field Report welcomes comedian/writer/actor/social media prankster extraordinaire (and one of our longtime favorites) Yassir Lester to go over the continually rocky times that we and comedy are going through.
That includes making some much needed updates with animated characters of yesteryear, SXSW, one of the world's biggest festivals, doing their entire program virtually (with comedy clubs around the country offering SXSW exclusive streamed performances), how virtual writers' room might be a little bit better than the in-person equivalent, and how he is totally fine with waiting to perform live and in person whenever that's completely safe to do (and how other folks comedy should be too).
Follow Yassir @yassir_lester on Twitter and IG
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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One of TCB's favorite LA comedy staples Megan Koester joins TCB's Jake Kroeger for this week's Field Report. Koester is beloved for her subversive, meta, rebellious rants and bits on stage and her extensive pieces of writing all over the Internet found anywhere from VICE to The Guardian.
Megan has been quarantining properly here in LA and walks us through how working eBay has kept her going during this time while stuck inside. Also, she is the perfect person for actually hot takes on The Golden Globes and Seth Meyers hosting Late Night through 2025 (as well as what she would do with her own late night show) and makes this one of the most fun, rollicking episodes in the tenure of the podcast.
Follow everything Megan at inoffensivecomedian.com/
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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Filmmaker and comedy booker Symone Baptiste has had a great run with her short film, Sixteen Thousand Dollars in the past year going through all sorts of film festivals, done virtually of course. The short hits on the crucial topic of reparations for black people that the U.S. government seems like they're barely willing to entertain, much less actually go through with. Going further with that idea, Symone dives into the importance of people getting to tell their own stories as opposed to just white people doing it. Also, "hot" takes on Spotify's global expansion and the upcoming premiere of Showtime's Ziwe.
NOTE: If you are able to catch Symone out in public when we can all gather safely again and she is wearing jeans (AKA hard pants), she will pay you money.
Follow Symone on Twitter @sym_debeauvoir & IG @symonejett and Sixteen Thousand Dollars @16kfilm across platforms.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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A member of the Groundlings Main Company, Comedy Store regular, and Taurean on Insecure, Leonard Robinson joins TCB's Jake Kroeger to talk on how the Groundlings have survived/thrived through both virtual improv/sketch shows almost kind of like they used to do in person (with a few clever changes for Zoom) and how they're moving forward with diversity and inclusion measures (even beyond what they were already doing before last summer). Also, Robinson gives just a little insight on Insecure season 5 and "hot" takes on the Phoebe Waller-Bridge/Donald Glover reboot of Mr & Mrs. Smith and the reopening of Cap City and The Creek & The Cave down in Austin, TX.
Follow Leonard @iamleonardrobinson on IG.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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Aristotle Athiras is the rare sort of comedian that has actually flourished in improv, sketch, and stand-up and also worked in front of and behind the camera as performer and director. With such a diverse quiver of skills, Aristotle has found opportunities and managed to stay working, as a director for Will Smith's home show, and very much look forward to be prepared for where the next thing in comedy might be (i.e. Clubhouse). Athiras zooms with TCB's Jake Kroeger about his time in lockdown and the future of comedy as well as "hot" takes on Munawar Faruqui getting arrested on suspicion of jokes, Melissa Villasenor hosting The Spirit Awards, Search Party getting renewed, and the pilot for a live action reboot of Powerpuff Girls at CW.
Check out Aristotle's work as part of Goatface Comedy here (this is the specific sketch we kept talking about during the episode)
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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The hardship comedy has taken on during COVID-19 touches every single facet of the art form and industry. Yep, management has taken its knocks just like the talent that it represents. Thus, TCB's Jake Kroeger zooms with Jessica Kelley of Avail Comedy who is one of our favorite comedy managers not only because of her lovely client list, but the fact that she was always out and about at shows almost as much as we were in the before times.
Jake and Jessica go over what she has figured out for her clients, the, for now, virtual audiences, and herself in the entirety of lockdown as well as what she has planned/envisioned ahead (spoiler alert: it's actually encouraging). Also, "hot" takes on a new podcast about The Office, the first ABFF Comedy Festival, and Noah Baumbach's exclusive deal at Netflix.
Find Jessica and everything she's up to/putting on at availcomedy.com or @availcomedy on Twitter and IG.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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The beginning of every year, as far as comedy is concerned, can be celebrated with the venerable SF Sketchfest, one of the biggest, most respected, longest running comedy festivals in the world. It's three weeks of hundreds of shows and thousands of the best performers in comedy all over San Francisco making for the first big comedy event of the calendar year.
Of course, that can't happen this year due to COVID-19 and SF Sketchfest co-founder Cole Stratton zooms with TCB's Jake Kroeger about what to do in place of nearly a month of live in-person shows with one big virtual comedy extravaganza (and fundraiser for SF Sketchfest itself) Festpocalypse. Cole also details how doing improv has adapted to the virtual space as well as "hot" takes on Chappelle getting COVID-19, the CA stay-at-home order being lifted, and the debacle of combining the late night and sketch variety categories with the Emmys.
Oh yeah, we'll remind you once more: don't gather in person to watch the Super Bowl. Watching it alone is fine.
Follow Cole @colestratton on Twitter and @strattoncole on IG. Get tickets and more info about SF Sketchfest: Festpocalypse this Sat. Jan. 30th at 5PM PT/8PM ET here.
The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT
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Performing stand-up comedy on a street corner, unannounced in Riverside might be quite the risky, lonely proposition. However, given the times of COVID-19 that we’re still very much in, we’re not afforded much else in live comedy. Thusly, Aaron Chase, currently based in Riverside, has tried to busk on the corner, unannounced, with his stand-up … Continued
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On the week of the 100th episode of his delightful podcast, Hunk, Mike Bridenstine recounts the long winding journey to that 100 eps. mark as well as how the pandemic inspired him to change his podcast format for the better, specifically by adding a panel discussion by comedian (a facet of comedy that needs reinvigorating in … Continued
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It’s the first ep. 0f 2021 and the future of comedy is still very, very much up in the air. Not only is the pandemic set to probably keep live comedy a precarious endeavor through a good portion of 2021, but what will be left on the other side of the pandemic in regards to … Continued
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- Was it the year that comedy took a “little nap”? Was it a year where the effects of the pandemic will forever change the business dynamics and artistic direction of the art form of comedy? Were the latest seasons of Corporate and What We Do In The Shadows some of the year’s best TV? As … Continued
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Rising star filmmaker Zane Rubin has craftily built a delightful filmography of darkly comedic and hysterically discomforting work. That ranges from short films to web series and everything in between at networks like Comedy Central and the like. As you might guess, she, like the rest of Tinseltown, had to set almost all of her … Continued
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The proliferation of virtual comedy due to the COVID-19 pandemic would naturally bring about the creation/transition of entire platforms/venues/etc. in order to serve a gradual mass exodus of comedy, for the time being, into the live-streaming sphere. Jill Paiz-Bourque founded RushTix to serve that exact purpose and has done quite well with building and creating … Continued
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Andrew Max Levy is one of the LA comedy scene’s favorite comedy photographers. He has been covering the beat for local LA shows for some time now and has even shot outdoor shows during the pandemic (when it was safe to do so and if shows were taking enough precaution/enacting enough protocol). TCB’s Jake Kroeger … Continued
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One of the realities of this pandemic era of live comedy is “drive-in shows”. As far as we know, a historic precedent is being set by those in comedy that organize and go and perform comedy in front of a parking lot of cars due to COVID-19 closing all indoor comedy venues. Two of those … Continued
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Chris Gethard has not only built his career in comedy on his own terms, but Gethard has also built beautiful communities around so much of his work. From his public access days to the cable days of The Chris Gethard Show all the way to his current podcast, Beautiful Anonymous, there is something special about … Continued
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At the top of 2020, Morgan Jay was riding high off of his network TV appearances on Bring the Funny, playing colleges across the country, and being set to make a run at the world famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival. COVID-19, of course, put a full stop to all of that, but that didn’t hold Jay … Continued
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Before COVID-19 took hold, a new form of “clowning” that was so much more rebellious and absurd than most other live comedy, or even any clowning you likely would have seen in the past, had really started to take hold in Los Angeles. Through the last few years, such inspired, spirited, and ingenious performers like … Continued
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LA scene favorite Chris Estrada was poised for a great 2020 before the pandemic took hold. Now, 8 months into lockdown, Estrada is, thankfully, still getting some great things that he deserves coming his way like a HBO Latino Entre Nos special premiering later this month. Estrada zooms with TCB’s Jake Kroeger about weathering the … Continued
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You might have come across the magnificent comedy of James Austin Johnson via one of many spectacular, spot-on, yet absurdly bent Trump impressions, but one ought to know that Johnson has been offering up hysterical flights of absurdist comedy fancy for several years (even some of which was captured on our TCB compilation album). Johnson … Continued
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Lost Moon Radio, for our money, has long been a paragon of what a comedy group can be. Part high concept sketch comedy, part live musical comedy, part respected theater company, Lost Moon Radio has been putting on their runs for their one-of-a-kind live shows up in and around LA for over decade and, in … Continued
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The COVID-19 pandemic upended comedy with its arrival and its furthering duration has forced comedy folks to further adapt to a world that’s as unsure as it has ever been. Accomplished comedian and writer Matt Kirshen shares, with TCB’s Jake Kroeger, his journey in quarantine that has led him from his last big writing gig, The … Continued
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Jamel Johnson was one of the first comedians to record a special in all of quarantine during this COVID-19 pandemic with the audience-less Friend or Foe. He’s also done a remote segment on Conan, kept up a basketball podcast going during the NBA Playoffs, and managed to do some of LA’s newly minted outdoor shows, which … Continued
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The great Sean Patton, one of our all time favorites, is this week’s esteemed guest on the TCB Field Report. Right now, he’s one of a rare few that’s gotten to headline live in-person (outdoor and socially distanced) shows around the country (where COVID-19 isn’t so rampant right at the moment). Sean zooms with TCB’s … Continued
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Fifi Dosch has taken one hell of a road to get where she is now as a trans woman who, after achieving her goal of getting to the status of paid regular at one of the most legendary comedy clubs in the world, The Comedy Store, found that there was something still very much missing … Continued
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It takes a special sort of comedian to release their very first hour of comedy during a global pandemic after going through recording it far from home in the UK. Lisa Curry is that special sort of comedian on top of having a really great penchant for dark humor. Curry zooms with TCB’s Jake Kroeger … Continued
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Before lockdown, one of LA’s best comedy shows, sometimes described as one of the best indie comedy shows in the entire country happened on Sunday Nights at The Chatterbox in Covina. Steve Hernandez not only built the show from the ground up over several years, but has also grown his own personal podcast empire in … Continued
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To pull of a live-stream stand-up show is hard just as it. To do it consistently and charge and have a dedicated audience that’s willing to pay in an unprecedented time of economic fallout is truly amazing. That’s what Carmen Morales has done with her recurring live-stream Zoom stand-up show, Social D. Carmen zooms with … Continued
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The Pack Theater here in LA has always been a small, but mighty theater with its verve and boundary pushing and irrefutable sense of community. Artistic Director Elyssa Phillips has been a big part of building that spirit and keeping it going under the pall of this pandemic. Phillips zooms with TCB’s Jake Kroeger and … Continued
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Emma Willmann has pioneered like so few have into the great unknown of doing stand-up in person in an indoors venue under the shadow of COVID-19. She also has driven all around the the U.S. of A and getting tested and quarantining from coast to coast. As this week’s guest on TCB Field Report, she … Continued
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The brilliant Kyle Kinane hops on Zoom with TCB’s Jake Kroeger for this week’s Field Report with just having released his latest album, a comedic work of grandeur called Trampoline in a Ditch. Jake and Kyle talk the thought behind releasing a 100 minute comedy album and the phenomenon of the podcast fan via Kinane’s shows … Continued
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Prolific indie comedy producer Sam Varela is this week’s guest on TCB Field Report. Before quarantine, Sam produced so many wonderful comedy shows in LA and NYC. In quarantine, she immediately transitioned to building up the nightly IG Live stand-up show @comedyquarantine and doing a virtual edition of Picture This!, the live animated comedy show. … Continued
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Jena Friedman (Soft Focus), one of the best dark comedians/humorists out there today, is TCB Field Report’s honored guest this week. As the pandemic has taken hold of Jena’s computer, Jena calls in on the phone with TCB’s Jake Kroeger and discusses the unfortunate luck of being right about the pandemic, some optimism about an … Continued
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The Comedy Bureau Field Report welcomes its first director (of TV/film/documentary) Steven Feinartz who has helmed truly great stand-up specials and documentaries including Eddie Pepitone’s For The Masses and The Bitter Buddha. Steven zooms with TCB’s Jake Kroeger about the persisting lockdown affecting production and how he might approach shooting stand-up/comedy right at this moment. Also, … Continued
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This week, the ray of sunshine that is Nore Davis gets into the nitty gritty of his brand new comedy album, Live From The Comedy Trap House, that was conceptualized, rehearsed, recorded, produced, and distributed all in quarantine. Despite the protestations of several comedians on the prospect of doing comedy on Zoom, Davis really made it … Continued
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This week, TCB’s Jake Kroeger zooms with the beloved comedy and art world hybrid performer Christina Catherine Martinez. Even without a pandemic, Martinez has managed to imbue her comedy with her professional art critic sensibilities to create marvelously absurdist, subversive, high brow, yet incredibly silly bits, stand-up, and characters. Her and Jake discuss what her … Continued
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The latest TCB Field Report has the amazing comedian/writer/podcaster Naomi Ekperigin zooming with TCB’s Jake Kroeger this week. Naomi and Jake take time to remember the late, great Carl Reiner and also dissect what lies ahead with comedy on TV with the renewal of Curb Your Enthusiasm (i.e. how relatable will Larry be in a … Continued
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The great Eddie Pepitone stops by, virtually, to Zoom with TCB’s Jake Kroeger as his brand new hour special For The Masses just got released this week. Pepitone’s particular brand of satirical dark comedy is almost tailor made for the time that we’re living in and that’s clearly evident in their conversation that wanders around … Continued
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LA comedy favorite Brodie Reed zooms with TCB’s Jake Kroeger this week for the latest TCB Field Report and talks about balancing his own personal life, the pandemic, being active for BLM and social justice, and having more opportunity for his own comedy than he ever has before (and how that can also be exhausting). … Continued
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This week’s episode is yet another one happening during a historic moment defined by mass protests in solidarity of Black Lives Matter during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guest Atsuko Okatsuka of Let’s Go Atsuko: a Woke Japanese Game Show zooms with TCB’s Jake Kroeger about engaging with said moment, both inside and outside of comedy. They … Continued
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Gareth Reynolds, co-host of The Dollop, is the esteemed guest for this week’s Comedy Bureau Field Report. Getting ready to observe curfew here in LA on the date of of this recording, Mon. Jun. 1st, Gareth and TCB’s Jake Kroeger get into the state of things and the state of comedy, even questioning what’s the … Continued
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For the entirety of quarantine, LA comedy gem Barbara Gray has help run and host one of the most enduring, most put together, daily live-streamed comedy shows around, Comedy Quarantine. Barbara has an extensive chat with TCB founder Jake Kroeger about the intricacies of doing comedy on Instagram vs. other platforms and actually making more … Continued
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One of TCB’s all time favorite comedians and podcasters, Jackie Kashian, is this week’s guest on the TCB Field Report. Kashian, from the get go in quarantine, has been doing live-streamed shows as much as humanly possible, gaining more live-stream stage time than almost other comedian right now. Her and TCB’s Jake Kroeger talk about … Continued
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Comedian/podcaster/voice of Comedy Central David Gborie is this week’s guest on the TCB Field Report. Gborie goes on Zoom with TCB’s Jake Kroeger to run through the last week’s news stories including the passing of the great Jerry Stiller and renewals of Bob’s Burgers and Alternatino and get into how Gborie has maintained a great … Continued
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Brilliant comedian Myq Kaplan, who is currently hunkered down near NYC, the epicenter of the pandemic in the U.S., Zooms with TCB’s Jake Kroeger as his album A.K.A. is set to come out this week. Despite the severity of the outbreak, Kaplan maintains his signature upbeat, positive attitude and finds himself as busy as he … Continued
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Well, this was a wild one. Let’s just say that as the weeks have gone on, quarantine is driving people up the wall even if they just fully recovered from contracting COVID-19 like Ahamed Weinberg or released an amazing comedy album The Pursuit of Comedy Has Ruined My Life like Nick Nemeroff. Both are very, very … Continued
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The wondrous and hysterical Canadian transplant Debra DiGiovanni and TCB’s Jake Kroeger have quite the hopeful chat about her numerous gigs doing live-streaming comedy in the last several weeks and how she might specifically imagine to take the stage again and what that might really look like (especially for someone who has played comedy venues … Continued
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Brilliant comedy multi-hyphenate Jamie Loftus (The Bechdel Cast, My Year in Mensa) remotely sits down with TCB Director Jake Kroeger for this latest episode of the TCB Field Report. As Jamie has done a wide variety of live-streams, she has already figured a bit of what is working for her in that space, namely brandishing … Continued
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This second episode of The Comedy Bureau Field Report goes a bit behind-the-scenes as TCB founder Jake Kroeger sits (remotely) down with one of the best comedy producers around, Joel Mandelkorn (Hot Tub with Kurt & Kristen, The Super Serious Show, Toasty, plenty of short films and TV projects). Having co-produced (with producer/life partner Mandee … Continued
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The first episode of The Comedy Bureau Field Report, a nice, neat rundown of comedy news (and news about nothing else), with Comedy Bureau founder and director Jake Kroeger is finally here and features its first guest co-host Ian Abramson. Thus far, while sheltering at home, Ian has done two entire ambitious, amazing episodes of … Continued
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