Comics Take on the News

This is the second 1/2 of a show that aired in June of 2026.

This episode features:

A news-satire comedian panel show

Another month and another month of listening to the Portland's comedians breakdown on the news. This month's episode features Katie Nguyen, Megan Otto, and Travis Abels.

Katie Nguyen (@KatieNguyen): Katie Nguyen is a writer and comedian. Her work has been featured in The New Yorker, you can hear her on SiriusXM, and she's a regular at Helium Comedy Club. Katie teaches stand-up at Helium, she was a writer & the host of PBS Kids Mega Wow, and she co-wrote & starred in the short film Crouching Comic.

Megan Otto (@MOttoBot): Megan is a Portland based comedian who doesn't understand the concept of oversharing, which everyone in her life truly appreciates. She performs regularly in Portland and occasionally hosts at Helium when she's not collapsing in on herself. Or she's funny enough, come see her. Whatever you need

Travis Abels (@travisjay): Travis Abels is a storyteller, filmmaker, and creator of The Tiniest Party, a monthly storytelling show in Portland. While he knows remarkably little about current events, he remains surprisingly informed on topics such as squirrels, flies, erotic thrillers from the ’90s, and banana Runts. He’s a ten-time winner of The Moth, a trailer editor whose credits include Dune, La La Land, and Bridgerton, and is currently developing his next solo show, Candy, premiering August 6 at Back Door Theater in Portland, Oregon. Whether any of this qualifies him to discuss the news remains to be seen.

This is the first 1/2 of a show that aired in June of 2026.

This episode features:

A news-satire comedian panel show

Another month and another month of listening to the Portland's comedians breakdown on the news. This month's episode features Katie Nguyen, Megan Otto, and Travis Abels.

Katie Nguyen (@KatieNguyen): Katie Nguyen is a writer and comedian. Her work has been featured in The New Yorker, you can hear her on SiriusXM, and she's a regular at Helium Comedy Club. Katie teaches stand-up at Helium, she was a writer & the host of PBS Kids Mega Wow, and she co-wrote & starred in the short film Crouching Comic.

Megan Otto (@MOttoBot): Megan is a Portland based comedian who doesn't understand the concept of oversharing, which everyone in her life truly appreciates. She performs regularly in Portland and occasionally hosts at Helium when she's not collapsing in on herself. Or she's funny enough, come see her. Whatever you need

Travis Abels (@travisjay): Travis Abels is a storyteller, filmmaker, and creator of The Tiniest Party, a monthly storytelling show in Portland. While he knows remarkably little about current events, he remains surprisingly informed on topics such as squirrels, flies, erotic thrillers from the ’90s, and banana Runts. He’s a ten-time winner of The Moth, a trailer editor whose credits include Dune, La La Land, and Bridgerton, and is currently developing his next solo show, Candy, premiering August 6 at Back Door Theater in Portland, Oregon. Whether any of this qualifies him to discuss the news remains to be seen.

Comics Take on the News is produced and hosted by Portland comedians Dani Schi and Cimberly Nickell. This is the second half of an episode that aired May 2026.

This episode features:

Ameerah Sanders (@ameerahsanderscomedy): Ameerah Sanders is a Portland based comedian known for her dry dark wit and engaging stage presence. She says what we’re all thinking but are too afraid to say out loud let alone on stage! Her humor draws from her life as a former Muslim and current queer heathen. Ameerah headlined the Chief Comedy Festival in 2023. She’s opened for Ron Funches, Hari Kondabolu, Nikki Glaser, and Fortune Fiemster. Ameerah was as an Artist in Residence in the Smart Funny Black Comedy Writer’s Track with Amanda Seales. Ameerah is a resident cast member of the historic Lincoln Lodge Comedy Club. She also is the creator and host of the #1 astrology comedy show in Portland, Astrobabe!

Kristin Rowan (@kristinlrowan): Kristin Rowan is a comedian based in Portland, OR whose style ranges from the personal to the absurd. She hosts the comedy show Stretch. She’s a pro player at ComedySportz Portland. In 2015 she won BAHFest Seattle with her fake invention of social media for plants. She’s also the author of the young adult novel “Paula and Mr. Meanie Pants.”

Dan Wiancko (@DanWiancko): Find Dan at Paddy's on Sunday nights at 7pm producing an open mic, and ask him yourself about himself.

Comics Take on the News is produced and hosted by Portland comedians Dani Schi and Cimberly Nickell. This is the first half of an episode that aired May 2026.

This episode features:

Ameerah Sanders (@ameerahsanderscomedy): Ameerah Sanders is a Portland based comedian known for her dry dark wit and engaging stage presence. She says what we’re all thinking but are too afraid to say out loud let alone on stage! Her humor draws from her life as a former Muslim and current queer heathen. Ameerah headlined the Chief Comedy Festival in 2023. She’s opened for Ron Funches, Hari Kondabolu, Nikki Glaser, and Fortune Fiemster. Ameerah was as an Artist in Residence in the Smart Funny Black Comedy Writer’s Track with Amanda Seales. Ameerah is a resident cast member of the historic Lincoln Lodge Comedy Club. She also is the creator and host of the #1 astrology comedy show in Portland, Astrobabe!

Kristin Rowan (@kristinlrowan): Kristin Rowan is a comedian based in Portland, OR whose style ranges from the personal to the absurd. She hosts the comedy show Stretch. She’s a pro player at ComedySportz Portland. In 2015 she won BAHFest Seattle with her fake invention of social media for plants. She’s also the author of the young adult novel “Paula and Mr. Meanie Pants.”

Dan Wiancko (@DanWiancko): Find Dan at Paddy's on Sunday nights at 7pm producing an open mic, and ask him yourself about himself.

This is the second 1/2 of an episode that aired live in April 2026, and the episode features:

Amir Kat (@ohamirkat): Amir Kat is an absurdist comedian who relies on silent tension like rope to keep you tied to your seat. This Portland-based part-time mime is down to clown and flirt with dirt

Annie Weeks (@annieweeksjokes): Annie hosts a stand up showcase the 3rd Saturday of every month at Bside Records called Between the Grooves as well as an annual storytelling and music event called the Tails of Terror.

Sabrena Contretas (@sabslaughsalot): Known entity in Portland

This is the first 1/2 of an episode that aired live in April 2026, and the episode features:

Amir Kat (@ohamirkat): Amir Kat is an absurdist comedian who relies on silent tension like rope to keep you tied to your seat. This Portland-based part-time mime is down to clown and flirt with dirt

Annie Weeks (@annieweeksjokes): Annie hosts a stand up showcase the 3rd Saturday of every month at Bside Records called Between the Grooves as well as an annual storytelling and music event called the Tails of Terror.

Sabrena Contretas (@sabslaughsalot): Known entity in Portland

This is a special episode of Comics Take where PNW comedians breakdown in front of a live audience as part of Podfort as part of Treefort. Cimberly is let out of the airroom!

Comedians on this panel include:

Timmy Booth (@AdultTimmyB ): Timmy Booth lives in Seattle where he brought home a Pacific-Northwest-best third place in the 2022 Seattle International Comedy Competition. He's been featured on Cut, The New Yorker, and The CBC. Steve Hofstetter called him a "hilarious weirdo." He brought his show Timmy Booth's Manhole to the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Wee Review called it "a ramshackle hour of messy goodness that won't soon be forgotten."

LJ Sullivan (@ThatF_ckingguyLJ)): Lj sullivan started comedy at 18 in his family’s small town bar in Boise Idaho and since he then rose to be one of the Northwest’s youngest headliners. He’s a regular at comedy festivals in Portland and Boise. He’s shared the stage with Boise comedy hero’s like Emma Arnold, Road legends like Mo Alexander, rising stars like Casey Rocket, and the hilarious Geoff Tate. They all say he’s got the stuff! but why don’t you come decide for yourself? If you decide you need more of his hilarity listen to his podcasts available on Spotify; He has a podcast of his own ThatF*ckingPodcast, and one with his friends, Whatcha Kickin Around. He is one half of the “Cause we can” comedy production team currently producing a weekly open mic at Liquid Laughs underground a showcase in the same location the first Saturday of every month.

Cimberly Nickell (@DudeWheresMyMic): Listeners know here as Comics Take on the News sound engineer and funniest person.

This is the second half of an episode that aired March 23, 2026.

Comedians joining the panel this month are

Andrea Joseph (@AndreaDJoseph): Andrea Joseph, (Oxygen, Damon Dash Studios, Freeform). Currently based out Portland, OR, Andrea Joseph got her start by performing and producing shows in Los Angeles’ World famous Comedy Store. Andrea would go on to perform in theaters and clubs throughout the country. Andrea shares her unique perspective as a biracial, dyslexic only child with a knack for overthinking and over sharing with a hilarious and relatable touch.

Jaren George (@jaren.george): Hailing from the bustling streets of New York City and now living in Portland, OR, Jaren George brings a fresh and dynamic energy to the stage. With his trademark blend of energetic storytelling and clever wit, Jaren keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, hanging onto every word. Having shared the stage with comedy heavyweights like Joe Pera, Chris Gethard, and Gary Gulman, Jaren's comedic chops are undeniable. Recognized as one of Willamette Week’s Funniest Five Comedians in Portland and a genius of comedy by Portland Mercury, Jaren's star is on the rise. Plus, catch him on the hit HULU show Shrill – even your cat adores him!

Mx. Dahlia Belle (@mx.dahliabelle) - Mx. Dahlia Belle's comedy has been compared to a Swiss Army knife - different tools to extract sharpness, softness, vulnerability, hope, and wicked wit. She's been declared one of "11 Trans Comedians... Funnier Than Dave Chappelle" by Out Magazine and the funniest of Willamette Week's Funniest Five. In addition to having written for Cosmopolitan Magazine, The Guardian, The Stranger, and Portland Mercury, she has been a repeat guest on NPR, CBC, XRAY FM, and Portland Radio Project (PRP). Live performances have included NW Black Comedy Festival, Upper Left Comedy Festival, Hannah Gadsby's "Gender Agenda" on Netflix, and an awkward conversation with John Waters and Piers Morgan.

This is the first half of an episode that aired March 23, 2026.

Comedians joining the panel this month are

Andrea Joseph (@AndreaDJoseph): Andrea Joseph, (Oxygen, Damon Dash Studios, Freeform). Currently based out Portland, OR, Andrea Joseph got her start by performing and producing shows in Los Angeles’ World famous Comedy Store. Andrea would go on to perform in theaters and clubs throughout the country. Andrea shares her unique perspective as a biracial, dyslexic only child with a knack for overthinking and over sharing with a hilarious and relatable touch.

Jaren George (@jaren.george): Hailing from the bustling streets of New York City and now living in Portland, OR, Jaren George brings a fresh and dynamic energy to the stage. With his trademark blend of energetic storytelling and clever wit, Jaren keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, hanging onto every word. Having shared the stage with comedy heavyweights like Joe Pera, Chris Gethard, and Gary Gulman, Jaren's comedic chops are undeniable. Recognized as one of Willamette Week’s Funniest Five Comedians in Portland and a genius of comedy by Portland Mercury, Jaren's star is on the rise. Plus, catch him on the hit HULU show Shrill – even your cat adores him!

Mx. Dahlia Belle (@mx.dahliabelle) - Mx. Dahlia Belle's comedy has been compared to a Swiss Army knife - different tools to extract sharpness, softness, vulnerability, hope, and wicked wit. She's been declared one of "11 Trans Comedians... Funnier Than Dave Chappelle" by Out Magazine and the funniest of Willamette Week's Funniest Five. In addition to having written for Cosmopolitan Magazine, The Guardian, The Stranger, and Portland Mercury, she has been a repeat guest on NPR, CBC, XRAY FM, and Portland Radio Project (PRP). Live performances have included NW Black Comedy Festival, Upper Left Comedy Festival, Hannah Gadsby's "Gender Agenda" on Netflix, and an awkward conversation with John Waters and Piers Morgan.

Comics Take on the News is a satirical news panel show airing live on KBOO radio the 4 Monday of the month. It is hosted by comedians Dani Schi and Cimberly Nickell and features a rotating group of comedians. This is the first 1/2 of an episode that aired on February 23, 2026.

Comedians joining the panel this month are

David Seung (@sunnyd.o.g): David Seung (he/him) is a second-generation Korean-American substitute teacher, standup comedian, adjunct professor, founder and sole employee of Side Dish Mafia Food Tours, and author of Silkworm’s Pansori (a full-length engagement with and appropriation of the traditional Korean sijo form of poetry releasing May 2025 through The Song Cave). He has two cats and every Pokémon.

G Wade (@gwade2): You are going to have to tune in to learn anything more than his handle.

Also, James Hartenfeld.