The Inspiring Brains Podcast: Recent Episodes
Niek Theelen
The Inspiring Brains Podcast with Web Designer, Filmmaker and Comedian Niek Theelen. A podcast created to discover the midset and methods of people that I am inspired and motivated by.
Flyin’ Bob, aka Bob Palmer, lives in the greatest country on Earth: Canada (yay) and lives in Sylvan Lake. He was born in Nova Scotia and grew up in Saskatoon. He has performed as a guitar player in many rock bands, taught school, coached spring board diving and had a huge number of “real jobs” (none of which really took). He finally and luckily heard the call of the variety performer life and has never looked back…except to see what was stuck to his shoe…
For over 30 years, across Canada and 16 countries around the world, Bob Palmer has performed as a juggler, tightwire walker, comic, and musician in every venue imaginable. The street, stage, corporations, national television shows and festivals in Europe, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Korea, Israel, Egypt, and the US have all experienced Flyin’ Bob’s unique brand of comedy and physical theatre. He has toured extensively through the Alberta, Saskatchewan, and BC School systems, and has performed at many outdoor and corporate events throughout Canada. He also teaches Circus Skills at Schools and circus camps around the country.
Kevin Rempel was a member of the 2013 Sledge Hockey World Champion with team Canada and a member of team Canada's Sledge Hockey Team that won Bronze at the 2014Paralympics in Sochi, Russia in addition hw is the author of an autobiographical book titled Still Standing: When You Have Every Reason To Give Up, Keep Going which is available on Amazon in addition Kevin is the creator of the Resilience Toolbox for Mental Health. He can be booked for public speaking engagements via his website www.kevinrempel.com there you will also be able to read his blog. I want to give a special thank you to Kevin for joining me and sharing stories about his journey as athlete as an advocate for people with disabilities and for mental health awareness. I am grateful that he took the time to speak with me. Thank you for taking the time to listen to the episode.
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There is a video version of The Inspiring Brains Podcast on my YouTube Chnnel "Niek Theelen" under the "Inspiring Brains Podcast" tab.
Lisa Baker has been performing standup for 13 years
She is the winner of Edmonton's Funniest Comic with a Day Job contest in 2016. She has been a part of theatre tours across Western Canada and Newfoundland. She has performed with Canadian comedy icons Darren Frost, Kenny Robinson and Mike MacDonald as well as Tom Green and Rob Schnieder. You can follow Lisa on social media Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and you can also catch Lisa on Outhouse TV or on CBC's The Debaters.
This conversation is one that was recorded in March of 2020 in the very early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Mark Debonis is a Canadian Comic who has been doing comedy for 12 years starting out in 2009 and putting all his energy into standup which lead him to winning a Canadian Comedy Award for best Newcomer followed by 2011 Great Canadian Laugh off winner and a Sirius XM's Next top Comic Finalist. Mark shared some great insight about his start in Comedy and gives unique insight into the Green card process and some of the major differences between Comedy in Canada and the US. I believe he provides a lot of great insight into standup for comics and promoters regardless of experience. Mark is also an actor he was in the Film "Picture Day" which gave him the opportunity to walk the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
This is episode 48 of the Inspiring Brains Podcast with Niek Theelen. This episodes guest is Ryan Niemiller. Ryan is a standup comedian who took part in America's Got Talent season 14 and placed 3rd. He has 14 years of experience in the industry. I had a great time chatting with him about his journey to becoming the comic he is today As well as chatting with him about his love of wrestling, video games and about his memories as a kid growing up in a trailer park. If you have not already go watch his standup on YouTube and follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @cripplethreat8 there you will also find his upcoming tour dates. Ryan is a super nice guy, I am grateful that he took the time to chat with me and for his help and advice through my own personal journey as a standup comedian myself. Thank you for watching my videos please consider liking and subscribing.
I had been meaning to release this episode earlier but life got busy so I am releasing it now. I was extremely thankful to have a discussion with DK Anokye who is a good friend of mine and a teacher at a school on the Tsuut'ina Nation reserve in Calgary Alberta. In this discussion not only did I learn about the lessons and discussions he has had with his students about creating a safe space for them to talk and ask questions about their experiences as Native students growing up in Alberta but I also heard a lot about what DK heard from his students that he learned from them about their native culture as well as him teaching his students about his experiences growing up as a black man in Alberta. Not only that but I was able to get some very valuable insight into the types of issues DK has faced in Alberta over the last 11 years and the issues he faced growing up in Toronto Ontario and the differences between the 2 cities.
In addition we discussed what can be done to ensure that changes are made so this is not just another event in history or a daily story on the news and I personally felt that DK would be a great person to offer insight into how we can adjust our current education system to better educate younger generations about equality and race. We both agree that discussions like the one we had are a great way to open dialogue and educate others and educating and informing is my primary goal with this episode. There are things I learned during this discussion that I did not know about previously that opened my eyes and caused me to look inward into what kind of changes I can make in my life and if a few more people listen to our discussion on this episode and learn a thing or two then we can start to create a more diverse and accepting society and one that is equal for all races and cultures.
I want to extend a HUGE thank you to DK Anokye for his time and sharing his personal stories. I wish you and your family happiness and success moving forward and am grateful for our discussion . THANK YOU!
Happy Canada Day, everyone, I had the opportunity to speak with Canadian comedy legend John Wing a few days ago. John recently celebrated 40 years of performing standup the opportunity to speak with him and get advice from him was an honor. For those who don't know here's brief overview of just some of John Wing's Accomplishments.
John Wing began in Toronto and moved to Los Angeles in 1988. He has performed on “The Tonight Show” six times and at the Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival nine times. A regular performer on Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines, John has traveled the length and breadth of the North American continent, working in 36 states and 10 Canadian Provinces. Most recently he almost made it to the final ten contestants on America’s Got talent. He can be heard regularly on CBC’s the Debaters and is a regular contributor to Definitely Not The Opera. John recently celebrated 40 years in the comedy business and has recently started a podcast called "The Bad Piano player where he reviews music from the 1900's to the 1960's which is available on all major streaming platforms.
I know the audio is not the best but i really enjoyed the conversation. I really gained a lot of insight into his career and got a lot of great advice from someone who is very respected in the industry. Most of all I appreciate Mr.Wing for taking the time to connect with. It means a lot to me for him to take the time to take an interest in my questions even though I am a relatively new comedian. The next time John is in Alberta I will definitely purchase a ticket just for the opportunity to watch him work.
Andrew got his start in stand-up comedy in 1997 as a dare at the Yuk Yuk’s in Windsor, Ontario. Much to his surprise, it was an annual contest searching for the greatest Canadian amateur. And although he did not win, his stand-up routine won him second place.
Since then, he has entertained audiences from Florida to B.C. Andrew is also an accomplished sketch writer and performer as well as an actor both on stage and on the silver screen.
As a professional touring comic, Andrew has performed twice at the Just for Laughs festival and has appeared at the Boston Comedy festival. His material has been heard on countless radio morning shows, XM radio as well as on CBC.
Andrew most recently was featured on CBC television in a stand-up comedy showcase, “The New West”.
Andrew is also very passionate about food and wine, becoming a sommelier in 2008. Andrew has released two albums including "Warning Canadian Content" in 2017 and "Guns N Yoga in 2019.
Along with producing Comedy Monday Night at Broken City in Downtown Calgary which just celebrated its 15th year on April,20,2020 James is also a well established and respected comedian he is a 2 time Great Canadian Laugh of Finalist and a 5 time Invitation only Just For Laughs showcase comedian. He is a road warrior who's adventures have seen him travel Canada from Coast to Coast, The USA and Asia. Thank you for taking the time to be on the show James. Here's to many more great years of Comedy Monday Night!
A veteran in the country music industry with a career spanning over 15 years, Clayton Bellamy is a true renaissance man; award winning musician, family man and even Motorcross racing star, once ranking 4th in Canada. Originally from rural Bonnyville, Alberta, he is surely no stranger to the world of country music with a career filled with accolades and achievements including multiple awards (such as a Juno for Best Country Recording, a five time Canadian Country Music Award winner, and SOCAN Songwriter of the Year). Bellamy has dominated the stage performing at the Grand Old Opry and even for President Carter, and is best known for his rock n' country style, reflected in both his music and fashion sense (with a little inspiration from Marlon Brando's Wild Ones). He is an artist who believes actions speak louder than words, a statement which holds true throughout his successful career as both a solo artist and notably, a member of the award-winning band The Road Hammers.
The Road Hammers
www.theroadhammers.com
Clayton Bellamy & The Congregation
www.congregationmusic.com
All music is available on Itunes Spotify and wherever you buy/stream your music.
All songs are used with permission
Dave Merheje Interview Video on YouTube
I am Grateful to have had the chance to talk with Dave Merheje about his standup and acting career. He is one of the hardest working and unique comedic voices working in Canada today which is evident in his recent Juno win for his album Good Friend, Bad Grammar, and his Comedy Special ""Beautifully Manic" which is part of Comedians of The World Now streaming on Netflix and took time out of his day to talk to a relative newcomer in the industry with 5 years of experience it was a pleasure to talk to Dave as you will see by the smile on my face and I hope you enjoy it as well
- Niek Theelen
You can follow Dave on social media
@davemerheje & www.davemerheje.com & myself @InspiringBrainsPodcast @NiekTheelenComedy & www.niekscomedy.com
Here is Dave's Bio:
Dave Merheje is considered to be one of the most original stand-up acts on the comedy scene today. His multiple award-winning act has gained a loyal following across in North America with his “no fear” approach on stage and a comedy style best described as aggressive in-your-face funny. Dave had his first comedy special air in Australia on ABC2, and has made appearances on Comedy Network’s Match Game, was a regular contributor on MTV Live, recurred on CBC’s Mr. D, and he co-stars in the comedy series Ramy on Hulu.
As a stand-up, Dave won the Just For Laugh's 2011 Homegrown Comic Competition and NOW Magazine's 2011 Best of Toronto Award for Best Male Stand-up. In 2012 he was a part of the NBC Standup for Diversity tour, and a Canadian Comedy Award-nominee for Best Stand-up. In 2013 he was nominated for another Canadian Comedy Award, this time for best taped live performance, and was a finalist at the Seattle Comedy Competition. Dave has made multiple appearances at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, JFL42 in Toronto, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, the Halifax Comedy Festival, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in Australia, and tours clubs and theatres regularly. In 2018 Dave released his comedy special “Good Friend Bad Grammar” which is available on iTunes and Amazon Prime, and won the 2019 Juno Award for Comedy Album of the year. His most recent comedy special, Beautifully Manic, can be seen on Netflix as part of Comedians of the World, right now.
Lars Callieou has appeared at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montréal and has a 1-Hour Comedy Special currently airing on The Comedy Network. He's been overseas to entertain the troops 4 times (Kuwait, IRAQ, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Dubai and Abu Dhabi) and is a 2-Time Canadian Comedy Award Nominee. He can be heard on CBC's LoL, CBC's The Debaters and on Sirius/XM.
Lars has toured with the likes of Miss Joan Rivers, Jeff Foxworthy, Bob Saget and Martin Short. This upcoming spring he'll be making his sixth appearance at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in Australia. He’s also appeared at the Bridgetown Comedy Festival in Portland, the Boston Comedy Festival, the World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas and the Halifax Comedy Festival in… well… Halifax. It’s safe to say he’s become an overnight success in just 17 years.
Today I am proud to share my conversation with someone who is undeniably one of the most recognized and well respected comedians in the industry!!
It's a privilege to welcome Derek Seguin to the show! Thank you Derek for sharing your time with me.
In addition to all his other content. During the Covid-19 outbreak you can visit www.derekseguin.com and click the "PanDEREK" Section of his website to see the live stream zoom & YouTube shows Derek is doing in addition to customized pandemic merch packages which include signed toilet paper and a unedited raw copy of his upcoming New comedy album. All his shows are pay what you want so no matter your budget, you can be included.
https://www.derekseguin.com/
@TheDerekSeguin - Twitter @thederekseguin - Instagram
You can also find his albums " Newfie Octapus" & Derek Seguin 43.0 on Itunes & all streaming services.
You can also listen to him and Co-host Abdul Butt on the Bacon, No Bacon podcast on Itunes and also on YouTube.
Undeniably one of Canada’s hottest comedians, he has been touring clubs and theatres across North America intensely for the past few years and his debut concert album “Newfie Octopus” is a bestseller on CD Baby and on iTunes. Whether he’s ragging on politics or describing life with his children, he brings us into his perspective without preaching any selfish point of view. His undeniable charm makes him simply fun to watch and listen to and is in large part why he is one of Canada’s most “in demand” comedians.
Curtis Labelle is a Canadian pop/rock singer-songwriter, composer and pianist who is known for his energetic piano entertainment. Originally from British Columbia, now in Alberta Canada. Having performed around Canada, working alongside and collaborating with artists in the industry.
Pawn In My Shade was released on October 5, 2019 with digital distribution and a music video available on YouTube.
Collaborating with a new team, Curtis Labelle will be releasing his debut album "Vulnerable" set to be released in 2021.
Curtis Labelle has been a respected instructor in Alberta for 17 years, prepping professionals in the industry, students for high school drama, college's and universities, including Broadway and New York. with nominations of Excellence in Arts Teaching and Emerging Artist Award through various chambers of commerce and organizations.
As a composer Curtis Labelle has worked with Ozmosis Entertainment and Matchbox Theatre Foundation;"Year After Year Musical", Music by Curtis Labelle, Lyrics by Stephanie Ridge and Spenser Pasman. Various pieces for piano; Rhapsody in D Minor, Minuet in A Major, Theme for Atlantis and more. Orchestra works include Contra Contira, QECII Suite for Violin and Orchestra.
Winner of the 2019 Rock 104.5 Star Search, Curtis Labelle will be working on his NEW single with JUNO Nominated Producer Mark Troyer.
All music now available on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, Amazon Music, Google Play, Deezer and more.
In the episode we discussed development on his album, involvement in the Juno Awards, and new musical developments since the Covid - 19 outreak.
Shawn Gramiak has been Canada’s top Up and Coming Comic for almost 20 years. His brand of comedy, when mixed with his smoldering sensuality, has made him a hit across Western Canada, and one part of Quebec. Shawn’s been an opening act for comedians such as Dom Irrera, Mad TV’s Bobby Lee, Kevin McDonald from Kids in the Hall and The One Man Hit Parade, André-Philippe Gagnon. And he’s headlined numerous comedy clubs and venues of questionable nature. His act, like his appearance, defy description. No one knows quite how to classify him. Let’s just say he’s smart with a touch of stupid, clean with a touch of risqué, and a little of everything you need him to be. One thing you can be guaranteed is that he’ll always be genuinely funny. Shawn’s always been more than just a hot blond with a great set of wits.
The Movie Jerks
Making You Love the Movies You Hate. Or Hate Them Even More!
Check us out at:
https://themoviejerks.podbean.com/
https://www.facebook.com/themoviejerks/
www.themoviejerks.ca
http://themoviejerksblog.blogspot.com/
Add them on Instagram: themoviejerks
Or on Twitter: @MovieJerks
Darren Frost is the only comedian in Canada to independently release four full length standup comedy DVD’s and two CD’s, this is Darren Frost's SEVENTH independent comedy release - the most in Canadian History. A firm believer in the importance and power of uncensored and socially penetrating comedy, Frost's latest 45 minutes of “Story Yelling” provides audiences with a blast of hyper-driven criticism, dark revelation and amusing lunacy. Story Yelling Debuted at #1 on the Itunes Comedy charts on March 1, 2020 and it will be accompanied by Darren’s first cross Canada comedy tour in five years.
Darren Frost was in the Hollywood blockbuster Hairspray with John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Christopher Walken. and has many movies to his credit including Assault On Precinct 13 with Ethan Hawke, Fever Pitch featuring Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon, and Don’t Say A Word with Michael Douglas. Darren is perhaps best-known for his appearances in over 50 commercials including “The Cash For Life Fairy” and “Listerine’s Action Hero Bottle”. Most recently Darren Frost worked with Nicolas Cage on Pay The Ghost, in addition to appearing in multiple episodes of Murdoch Mysteries and CBC's Mr. D. He has performed at the Halifax Comedy Festival, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Just For Laughs and on The Ron James Show. One of the busiest voice actors in Canada, Frost can also be heard in cartoons like Total Dramarama, Ranger Bob, Little Charmers, Chuck and Friends, BeyBlade, Bakughan Brawlers, Stoked, Sixteen, NBC Discovery Kids Time Warp Trio, PBS’s Timothy Goes to School, Showtime’s Gahan Wilson’s The Kid, and Fox’s Medabots. "The comedy equivalent
Lori has been a professional stand-up comic for over 30 years. She began her love for comedy in 1988. A bit of a fairytale beginning…while working as a waitress, one of her regulars offered to sponsor her dream of stand- up comedy as a career. Soon after Lori was voted B.C.’s Funniest New Comic and four years later B.C.’s Funniest Woman. Lori has toured all over Canada and the United States, she has graced the stages of Yuk Yuk’s, The Improv, The Laugh Factory and the Comedy Store…just to mention a few. Lori has also made television appearances on CTV, CBC, WTN and The Comedy Network, as well as CBC Radio’s Madly Off In All Directions.
Tim Nutt is a Comedian who personifies not judging a book by it's cover his long-haired beard and rough around the edges look are unexpected once you hear his razor sharp punchlines and well conjured premises that making him one of Canada's top comics working today. Tim has made appearances at JFL Montreal, Halifax Comedy Festival Winnipeg Comedy Festival and also performed for military troops all over the world. You can find out more about tim by visiting his website timnutt.ca or by searching "Tim Nutt" on YouTube
Today's Interview is with Singer/Songwriter, Photographer and Writer Gabriel Thaine from Lethbridge Alberta. His music combines elements of folk, country and blues to date Gabriel has released 5 Albums including Feelin' Blues (2020) Monster (2019) Alone In This World (2018), Promised Land (2018) which is an album recorded as part of a 48 hour album recording challenge and his first album Well Here Goes... (2017) All of his albums are available. on his website www.gabrielthaine.com and through Bandcamp his website also includes his photography and some of his short stories. Additional Photography can be found through his Facebook page " Gabriel Thaine Photography. Gabriel also started doing live streams of his music regularly back in 2018 and they can be seen on his facebook fan page and personal facebook page. During the Coronavirus quarantine he will be posting daily live stream concerts to his Facebook page as well. This interview was recorded in 2019, I apologize to Gabriel and to my fans of the podcast for this delay but, I had a lot of fun doing this interview and I hope you have as much fun listening to it as much Gabriel and I did during the interview.
During a time of uncertainty in our world it was an absolute privilege to have a 1 on 1 conversation with Big Daddy Tazz who is not only an extremely talented Comedian who has toured Canada Coast to Coast but also a one of a kind caring human being who cares about those around him. With 30 years of experiences and regular appearances on CBC Television, CBC's The Debaters, Just For Laughs and the Winnipeg Comedy Festival Tazz knows what it's like to make a career out of standup comedy. As a comedian myself I learned a lot from our conversation and I hope you do too.
During this time of Covid 19 pandemic Big Daddy Tazz is reading to kids ( and adults too) twice a day on his Facebook page under " Tazz Norris" or you can go to his website www.bigdaddytazz.com and all the videos are available for free on his website. He will continue to read to kids until the quarantine we are all going thorough is lifted.
Glad to be back doing the podcast shout out to J.R Bjornson from blindguycomedy.com for creating the new intro. I was ver pleased to be joined in this episode by Bradley Layden a fantastic Comedy show producer here in Central Alberta who you can find out more about by visiting "LongShot Comedy" on Facebook and Simon King who has been doing standup for 30 years, in the UK, US and Canada and he has been featured on JFL, HBO, The Comedy Network, CBC, CTV and Sirius XM as well as comedy competitions including The San Fransisco International Comedy Festival and the Seattle International Comedy Competition. You can visit his website and upcoming tour dates on www.thisissomonking.com and listen to his podcast "What's Wrong with Simon King" which is available on Itunes and all streaming services
This is the Audio version of an interview I did with my friend Christian Burton from 94 Productions live at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer. You can watch this live interview with video on my YouTube Channel "Niek Theelen Comedy"
I've had some up's and downs in standup recently which is why I think now is the perfect time to release episode 20 of The Inspiring Brains Podcast this episode featured my good friend Comedian Mike Dambra who's advice to me and all other comedians and artists was "Don't Give Up, Don't take No for an answer and learn from others!" Mike is an amazing guy who has worked with the likes of Rosie O'Donnell, Adam Sandler, Howie Mandel and Norm MacDonald, He's got some great stories about lie on the Road, the people he's worked with and some crazy heckler stories. Thank you for being an the show Mike and most of all thanks for being an amazing friend. People like Mike are the reason I still continue what I do after 5 years.
Episode 19 features the comedic duo of Vidi Epson and Daren Brockovich together they form the Comedic Duo known as The @notnecessarilysoberNews Team you can find out more about them by following them on their Facebook page . I had a great chat with them while enjoying a cup of coffee at Denny's and talking with them about their thoughts on standup, their writing process current events and how this effects their creative process. Thanks so much to the guys from Not Necessarily Sober for joining me on the show we had a ton of fun. Feel free to share the podcast with your friends and like @InspiringBrainsPodcast on Facebook
Hey Everyone, I'm excited to announce Episode 18 of the The Inspiring Brains Podcast will feature Author Bianca Rowena from Lethbridge who sat down with me to talk about the trials, tribulations and Joy, and beauty her writing and creative process
Bianca Rowena was born in Romania, Transylvania and has enjoyed writing from a young age. She now lives in Canada with her daughter and husband. She attended Film School for Writing/Producing/ Directing at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
To date Bianca has self published 4 books the first Being a romance"The Virgin Diaries" in 2015 and the other 3 being part of a series Sci-Fi/ Fan Fiction inspired by the recent Star Wars Films Titled "The Gifted Series"
Last week she released the third book in that Series titled "The Rise of Rynn" and I was extremely excited and grateful to have her on the show.
If you would like to find out more about Bianca's work you can visit her website at www.biancarowena.com you can also find her books online and in the database at Indigo.Chapters and Coles. You can connect with Bianca on her Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram and Wattpad
The episode will be released on MONDAY since I'm gone this weekend doing comedy shows, I look forward to having you hear it
I sat down with 3 of my closest friends in standup Randy Webb, Eden Rodriguez and comedian Angus Fraser recorded live in Lethbridge.
This is Part 2 of my 2 part conversation with them.
Randy Webb has been performing standup for 13 years while Eden Rodriquez and Angus Fraser have been performing for 4 years.
You can find Angus Fraser Celtic comedian on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
You can find Eden Rodrequez on Facebook and on Eden M Rodrequez Photography on Instagram
You can also find Randy Webb on Facebook and Instgram
I sat down with 3 of my closest friends in standup Randy Webb, Eden Rodriguez and comedian Angus Fraser recorded live in Lethbridge.
This is Part 1 of my 2 part conversation with them.
Randy Webb has been performing standup for 13 years while Eden Rodriquez and Angus Fraser have been performing for 4 years.
You can find Angus Fraser Celtic comedian on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
You can find Eden Rodrequez on Facebook and on Eden M Rodrequez Photography on Instagram
You can also find Randy Webb on Facebook and Instgram
Transit22 is an Independent Music Award winner and Western Canadian Music Award nominated rapper, a Calgary poet laureate finalist and a winner of a Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Emerging Artist Award. His music has received over 2,500,000 streams, and has garnered a substantial amount of national broadcast media coverage and airplay. Transit22 has toured as a headliner several times, has also supported tours of Canada, the United States, and Europe with Doomtree, Sage Francis, P.O.S., Swollen Members, Astronautalis, Apathy & Celph Titled. He has been selected to showcase at prestigious festivals like SXSW, CMW, and Breakout West, and has performed live in front of over 200,000 people with a stint as a featured artist on the Calgary Stampede main stage. Transit22 is one of the hardest working rappers in Western Canada, and the results are evident.
You can listen to more of Transit22's music on Spotify, iTunes, Bandcamp and stay up to date on the latest news by liking the Transit22 Facebook page.
Part 2 of my 2 part conversation with Comedian Chris Gaskin.
to listen to part 1 on Spotify click here https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Abzl9Sc70qQWKD6cLMdpU?si=-eqjuKqTQOq0vwkEH4dIiA
Hailed by Brielle Magazine as "The Baby-Faced Assassin," Chris Gaskin is one of Canada's fastest rising comedians. Known for commanding audiences' attention with his innocent looks, and sharp tongue has led to him being described as, "brutally honest, and hysterical."
Growing up as the runt of the litter in a small town with a single mother, and a congenital heart defect has created a goldmine of material. After moving to Vancouver, BC and doing his first three minute spot at Kino Cafe, Gaskin was hooked.
In just a few short years he's been a finalist in the national comedy competition "Stand Up & Bite Me" on Bite TV, and was featured on SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Since then he has won the Champion of Champions Comedy Competition, released his debut album, "Lambda Male," and has worked with some of the biggest names in comedy including: Emo Philips, Godfrey, and T.J. Miller.
Described by Star Search winner Tracey MacDonald as, "A star," people are quickly discovering he is a comedy force to be reckoned with.
Part 1 of my 2 part conversation with Vancouver comedian Chris Gaskin.
Hailed by Brielle Magazine as "The Baby-Faced Assassin," Chris Gaskin is one of Canada's fastest rising comedians. Known for commanding audiences' attention with his innocent looks, and sharp tongue has led to him being described as, "brutally honest, and hysterical."
Growing up as the runt of the litter in a small town with a single mother, and a congenital heart defect has created a goldmine of material. After moving to Vancouver, BC and doing his first three minute spot at Kino Cafe, Gaskin was hooked.
In just a few short years he's been a finalist in the national comedy competition "Stand Up & Bite Me" on Bite TV, and was featured on SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Since then he has won the Champion of Champions Comedy Competition, released his debut album, "Lambda Male," and has worked with some of the biggest names in comedy including: Emo Philips, Godfrey, and T.J. Miller.
Described by Star Search winner Tracey MacDonald as, "A star," people are quickly discovering he is a comedy force to be reckoned with.
Randy S Kirk fell in love with movies at an early age. He would sneak out at night and ride his bike down to the local drive in and sit out side the fence and get lost in the movie on the giant screen. This started at age seven and his love of film continues to grow. He has written several full length features, shorts and a T.V. Pilot. He loves the entire process of bringing what he has written to life and the collaborative effort of bringing a scene to life. Randy has created a production company with his son Ryan Kirk called "One Inch Punch Productions" and Randy also has a film company called "Whole Village Moving Pictures". The latter comes from his belief that it takes a village of creative, dedicated and talented people to make a film. He is very great full to have met and work with such people and hopes one day to be able to pay them for their time and contribution. Randy and his cast and crew won Best Picture, Best FX and Best Death Scene for the 6th annual Horror Fest Film Festival put on by The Okanagan Society for Independent Film in 2014. He has been lucky enough to share his passion with his son and only wishes he would have got at it many years earlier but "life Happens". It is all good though as more "Films will happen".
"I have asthma, allergies, a lazy eye, and my last name is 'Blank'...." Stand up comedy came pretty naturally to Adam Blank. "People have been laughing at me since I was a kid, whether I liked it or not. I figured I might as well get in on the joke."
A life long comedy fan, Adam decided to "hit reset" at the age 32, walking away from his day job as a forklift operator to become a stand up comedian. Today, he's considered one of the top up and coming comics in Western Canada. He has been invited to appear at both the Okanagan & Edmonton Comedy Festivals, and has performed in comedy clubs all across Canada. He also hosts a weekly show at 'Rick Bronson's The Comic Strip' in West Edmonton Mall, one of the top comedy clubs in the country.
In addition to stand up, Adam has been featured on Shaw TV, and appeared alongside Hopper Penn & UFC Star Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone in the feature film "Puppy Love".
Combining his self-depreciating sense of humour and "in the moment" audience interaction, Adam's laid-back, happy-go-lucky stage presence charms audiences of all ages.
"All I want out of comedy is to earn a living, and to show people that you're never too old to chase a dream...
...and to meet Bill Murray."
Cam Moon studied at NAIT before taking a job with the Nanimo Clippers of the BCHL before moving back to Central Alberta to take work with the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League (WHL) the same league in which he played his junior hockey in total Cam played 60 WHL games with the Prince Albert Raiders, Saskatoon Blades and Medicine Hat Tigers. Over 21 seasons as the play by play voice of the Rebels Cam has called over 1600 games and has no plans of slowing down any time soon. It was my pleasure and privilege to sit down with him and talk about everything from his broadcasting career and hockey career to his personal inspirations, goals for the future and advice to those looking to follow in his footsteps
“Have fun” was the best comedy advice Lori Gibbs ever received, so naturally, she had it tattooed on her arm. She is known as the “human antidepressant” and she probably loves you.
In addition to a Comedy Now! national special, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, the Hubcap Comedy Festival, the Calgary Comedy Festival, the Edmonton Comedy Festival, CBCs Laugh Out Loud, SheDot Festival and being a regular on CBC’s The Debaters, Lori was nominated as Best Standup Comic at the Canadian Comedy Awards this year. She has more credits and they can be found on her Mom’s fridge.
For extra fun, Lori is a morning show host on 95.9 CHFM in Calgary with Mookie & Billie Jo (weekdays 5:30-9:00 am). She also combines crafting and comedy and calls it Hot Glue Schtick. She performs hilarious and inspirational comedy keynotes and has lost 120 pounds in the last couple of years. In her spare time, she likes bragging about her two sons and fantasizing about Pringles.
Shawn Freeborn is a former Professional bodybuilder crowned Mr. Alberta 1992.
Shawn is also former part owner and coach of The Red Deer Rustlers a former Junior A ice Hockey team in the Alberta Junior Hockey league from 1967-89 The rustlers now run a spring training hockey program which prepares youth aged 5-15 years old for the Western Hockey League (WHL) Draft former NHL alumni of the Red Deer Rustlers program include Kelly Kisio, all 7 of the famous NHL Sutter family as well as Glen and Blake Wesley just to name a few. t
I sat down with Shawn on the anniversary of his 36th year in business at Planet Fitness Alberta Inc. serving central Alberta and the rest of our province with a fitness facility that includes over 200 machines, tanning, pool, hot tub, steam room, massage oxy bar life coaching and nutritional advice. Not only is his business thriving but it is thriving and continues to expand across the province. I sat down and got his thoughts on all of it from hockey to body building, his business and his goals for the future, I had a blast and we had some great laughs
Thanks to Shawn for joining me, I hope you all enjoy it.
Here is a little more info about this weeks guest Cassius Morris:
Cassius is the Host of The Cassius Morris Show is a music & entertainment podcast featuring interviews with some of the biggest names in Music & Comedy, in-depth music reviews of a wide variety of genres, and solo personal narrative segments. Show host Cassius Morris’ relaxed,candid style of interviewing creates a stimulating environment for his guests and listeners alike, and gives fans the chance to communicate with their favourite artists by sending questions via social media. Previous guests featured on his show have included Terry Crews, Gene Simmonds, Eric Singer and Ace Frehley From Kiss, Adam Carolla and John Dunsworth (Mr.Lahey on Trailer Park Boys)
Comic Jenius is a show where Cassius and Co-host Norm Shaw take listeners on an inside tour of the Green room where they meet comics after performances. They interview headliners as well as up and coming comics as well as clips from comedians and comedy musicians and learn about what motivates them. Comic Jenius is an unscripted show that airs on 88.5 FM CJSR in Edmonton every Wednesday at Midnight until 2 am.
He posts weekly content which you can find on YouTube and on your favourite streaming service
You can also like @CassiusShow on Facebook
Follow cassiusmorris_ on instagram & listen to him from Midnight - 2 am as Co-Host of Comic Jenius with Norm Shaw on 88.5 CJSR FM
Chris Fonseca has been performing Standup for 35 years some of his credits include HBO's Loco Slam, The Arsenio Hall Show, The Montreal International Comedy Festival and Late Night with David Letterman just to name a few. Chris and I chatted via Skype. He joined me from his home in Colorado we discussed how he got into standup, his favourite moments so far ,his goals/ plans for the future and also discussed what it is like for each of us living and performing with Cerebral Palsy. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to speak with Chris and I hope we can meet in person in the near future.
To Find out more about Chris check out his Facebook page @FonsecaComedy and his website www.fonsecacomedy.com
Christian is a photographer, videographer and founder of 94 productions. He has worked with 9 time World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) racer Kurt Bensmiller (stat via www.wpca.com) attending and taping chuckwagon events across Canada becoming Kurt Bensmiller's official videographer in the process. Since that time he has worked with some of the best in the WPCA including Kelly Sutherland, Jason Glass as well as Jordie and Chad Fike. Hehas also been the videographer for the Curtis Glencross Charity Roughstock event in 2016. He also volunteers with the Heritage Junior Hockey League (HJHL) Red Deer Vipers and is the CEO of 94 productions located in Red Deer Alberta which he started in 2014.
Christian is 20 years old and pursuing a Bachelor of Education Degree at Red Deer University. On the podcast we also talked about his experiences as a baseball umpire and stories from his part time jobs. To find out more about Christian and his work visit 94 Productions on Facebook.
Jason Steele is a man of many talents well known within the Red Deer arts scene for his work with Central Alberta Theatre (CAT) as well as Red Deer Players. Jason has been in several productions including One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Soul Mate and has played the lead role in CAT’s production of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes since it began early in 2018 and has had consecutive sell outs ever since. When he is not on the theatre stage, you might find him doing stand-up at Heritage Lanes or spending every spare moment he has on his latest film project. While Jason has been an extra on Unionized productions like AMC’s Hell on Wheels as well, you are most likely to find him lending his talents to a local Central Alberta production. Jason has done the majority of tasks on a film set including grip, production assistant, sound recordist, boom operator, producer and Director. On this Episode of the Inspiring Brains Podcast Jason talks with Niek about how he got started in film, his inspirations and talks about his latest project “The Bin” The Free web series. A 10 – episode free web series The first episode will be released June 1st.
Check out " The Free Web Series" on Facebook
On this weeks early release episode of the inspiring Brains Podcast with Niek Theelen I was joined by Vancouver based comedian Ryan Lachance. Ryan has 20 years of experience in the industry so it was great to learn from him, like me he also lives with Cerebral Palsy. Ryan has Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy which means most of his body is affected by CP and he is confined to a wheelchair. This makes physically getting on stage a challenge for him and thus they are doing a fundraiser to raise $3000 for him to buy the ramp system and make stages more accessible so he can share his talent across Canada.
The ramp is 92% funded at this point and has been ordered with the hope the rest will be raised in the coming days and at the Show Sunday, May 26,2019 at the Vancouver Yuk Yuks
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ramp-for-ryan-a-comedy-fundraiser-tickets-59568085748?fbclid=IwAR0PW6KRDv3V1WXqgoAZ_sa-Q0J2a7XfHqzO0bgSsQu0ZN2mbUU54a9qPeo
If you don't live in Vancouver you can still donate, simply go to the Eventbrite link below, click buy tickets and donate any amount you like. The link to Eventbrite is below. To learn more about Ryan, see his upcoming shows, book him or purchase Merch you can visit. https://ryanlachance.com/
Episode 2 of the Inspiring Brains podcast with Niek Theelen on this episode I sit down with Comedian and YouTube Sensation J.r. Bjornson.
This podcast is also available on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and all your other favourite streaming services.
If you would like to be on the show contact me at theelenn@gmail.com.