How do you go from bad ass military career to the kinder, gentler and funnier world of comedy? And rose gardens?  Liz Frisius, a former military intelligence officer, now a stand-up comic and voice actor, shares how she transitioned from the military to the microphone, how house hunting for veterans is just a little different, and how a cat named Archie lives high above the roses.

We reminisce about comedy greats, discuss the shifts in public discourse, and delve into how the pandemic reshaped the voice acting industry. Liz's tales from buying her first home in Arkansas to stepping onto the comedy stage in Nashville illustrate how of life's unexpected twists can make life a lot more interesting. She shares her take on the best real estate agents, the idiosyncrasies of the VA loan and why her favorite room is soundproof.

Follow Liz Frisius on the socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liz.frisius
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liz.frisius/

And watch for her bringing the laughs around town:
Clean Comedy Mic at The Chill Room: https://www.thechillroomtempe.com/event-page
Comedy shows brought you by ComedySchool.com: https://www.comedyschools.com/shows/

Be sure to visit the Rose Garden and say hi to Archie! https://heritagesquarephx.org/rose-garden/

Today I am chatting with the wonderfully witty Saskia B, whose humor shines as brightly as her insights into the oddities of life on and off stage. From her non-Dutch heritage to the comedic corners of Huntsville's high-IQ society, Saskia shared stories of her journey across the country, her theater beginnings and  her leap into the world of standup comedy.

We talk of thrift store finds, the ups and downs of upsizing and downsizing , and the eclectic collections we curate over years. But it wasn't all nostalgia—our chat also delved into the Phoenix comedy scene, the shows that tickled on our funny bones the best, and camaraderie that comes from fully engaging.

Finally, we strolled through the historic neighborhoods of downtown Phoenix, mused over the charming quirks of old homes and the evolving trends in urban living. We pondered the future of real estate, from Next Gen homes catering to multigenerational families wealth-building power of DIY videos on Youtube.

Don't miss the stories, laughs, and real estate savvy that Saskia B and I bring to the table, or rather, to the mic.

You can find Saskia at 
Crackups Comedy: https://www.crackupscomedy.com/
Games Show Battle Rooms: https://gameshowbattlerooms.com/phoenix
Mystery Mansion Dinner Theatre: https://www.mysterymansion.com/

and on the socials at
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beesaskia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beesaskia/

Have you ever wondered what it's like to juggle punchlines and property lines? Cari Medina stops by to share her unique blend of comedy and real estate savvy, offering a glimpse into the world where laughter meets ledger. With the ease of a seasoned comedian and the acumen of a shrewd business owner, Cari narrates the tale of acquiring her Deer Valley abode, showcasing that timing isn't just essential in comedy—it's key in making a house a home. Her story is a masterclass in materializing your goals, and a reminder that sometimes, adding a personal note can tilt the scales in a real estate negotiation. Plus, we get an aromatic twist as Cari uncovers the scents hidden behind her podcast guests' personas, proving that the devil is truly in the olfactory details.

Strap in for a session that blends the therapeutic with the comedic as Cari walks us through how improv and stand-up comedy have been pillars in her journey through sobriety and mental health. She paints a vivid picture of the highs and lows of live performances, from the electric buzz of an audience's laughter to the challenges of maintaining recovery in the nightlife scene. Cari spotlights Stir Crazy Comedy Club as a haven that nurtures talent and camaraderie, and touches upon her commitment to community upliftment through initiatives such as hygiene drives for the homeless. Our discussion also wades into the real estate waters, where Cari shares her personal insights on downsizing and maximizing living space efficiency in today's housing market.

We wrap up our session by drilling down on why owning real estate is not just a smart choice but a cornerstone of financial security, especially for those carving their own paths as self-employed individuals. Cari and I pull back the curtain on strategies for financial freedom, drawing inspiration from the likes of Dave Ramsey, and we highlight the unsung benefits of homeownership that extend beyond the tangible. From the empowerment of making your own home decisions to the fiscal boons of equity and property appreciation, we underscore the undeniable fact that for the self-employed, such as hairstylists, owning property is more than an investment—it's a declaration of independence and a blueprint for prosperity.

Laugh along with me, Kristin LaVanway, as I sit down with the quick-witted triplet Leigh Cummings, who flawlessly combines stand-up comedy with savvy travel hacks. Leigh spills the beans on her love affair with Trusted Housesitter, letting us in on the secret to her laugh-packed, globe-trotting lifestyle. As we swap tales from the road and the stage, you're in for a treat with behind-the-scenes insights into the life of a comic, the dedication it demands, and a heartwarming anecdote about a home investment in Ahwatukee that proved its worth over the years.

We reminisce about our favorite jokes and the unpredictable nature of performing live. From the lasting impact of Leigh's go-to Oompa Loompa gag (keep those Willy Wonka remakes coming!!)  to Leigh's candid recount of her first stand-up success and the humbling art of flopping on stage, we explore the emotional spectrum of making people laugh. And it’s not just the stage that holds our affection; we share our most cherished spaces for crafting jokes, from cozy nooks at home to the venues where our punchlines first landed, weaving a narrative of the places that have left an indelible mark on our comedic journeys.

Wrapping up with more than just chuckles, we delve into the real estate realm, discussing random topics like squatter rights, title fraud, hot places to buy land (no pun intended) and the water availability critical to Arizona's property development.  Fear not, the levity returns as we circle back to the perks of pet sitting, revealing how it can enrich the lives of those bitten by the travel bug. So, if you're itching for both advice and amusement, tune in to 'Arizona Laughs and Listings' for a delightful blend of real estate wisdom and the lighter side of life.

You can follow Leigh Cummings at:
FACEBOOK: LeighCummingsLaughs
INSTAGRAM: leighcummings_comedy

AND if you'd like to join the world of globe-trotting pet-sitters check out this site for pet lovers offering in-home pet care for a free place to stay. Use this link to join with 25% off. https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/refer/RAF82993/?utm_medium=refer-a-friend&utm_campaign=refer-a-friend&utm_source=app_native_share

Have you ever laughed your way through a tough time or used humor to lift others? I'm Kristen LaVanway, and on this episode of "Arizona Laughs and Listings," I sit down with the quick-witted Mike Bolland, a stand-up comedian with a heart as big as his punchlines. Mike Bolland is a congenital amputee, comedian and super cool dude. He's funny, he knows his way around a Home Depot, and he is an inspiration in the way he tackles life with one hand tied behind his back. He performs comedy all over the Valley also a regular at our favorite Downtown Mesa open mic at Jarrod's Coffee, Tea and Gallery.

Mike brings the house down sharing his journey through life with a limb difference, sprinkling in the comedy that's helped him disarm (ha!) the social awkwardness that comes up when living a life looking different than others. In his podcast, We're Not Stumped, Mike interviews other amputees, family members of amputees plus people in the prosthetic / support fields. These interviews are both fun and educational and nothing will be held back – no questions are off limits!

Mike talks about founding the Joe and Marie Bolland Helping Hands organization that empowers amputees and other people with limb differences to realize their boundless potential through transformative collaboration with their peers. They nurture a mindset of infinite possibilities, foster self-advocacy, and inspire our community to live a life without limitations.

Transforming a space into something uniquely yours is a theme that runs deep in this episode.  A home is more than four walls and a '70s sunken living room,  and we talk about the evolution of Mike's mancave/podcast studio and how he and his wife helped their daughter ditch the landlord and buy a fixer-upper townhome. We peel back the curtain on the emotional side of real estate that often gets overlooked.

Lastly, we tackle the nuts and bolts of the housing market—specifically, mortgage rates and the truth about waiting for the "right time" to buy. Spoiler alert: that time is more elusive than a straight answer from a politician. We navigate through different loan options and what influences rates, wrapping up with a heart-to-heart on why seizing the moment in real estate investment is so crucial. Plus, don't miss out as Mike gives you a sneak peek into his upcoming one-man show, "I'm Not Stumped" where he merges his comedy with his amazing journey navigating limb loss, cancer and a professional bowling career (!!?) into one unforgettable show.

For more about Joe and Marie Bolland's Helping Hands Organization, check out their website at https://joeandmariehelpinghands.org/.

Check out Mike's podcast, We're Not Stumped, at www.https://werenotstumped.com/.

You can visit Jarrod's Mic at Saturdays from 3-5pm (keep it clean for this one!) and Thursdays from 5-7pm (no holds barred on this one. Jarrod's is located at 154 W Main St, Mesa AZ 85201 in fabulous Downtown Mesa. 

And me, Kristin LaVanway...I'm a Realtor with The Valley Solutions Team at Homesmart Elite. For all your real estate questions or to check out homes for sale, you can reach her at 
[email protected]
www.HereInPhoenix.com

Thanks for tuning in!