Draftful Dodger

In the Season 2 finale of the Draftful Dodger Podcast, host Vova Zeeon sits down with comedy veteran Michael Harrison!

Starting out as one of only two comedians in Saskatchewan, Michael worked his way through the Canadian comedy circuit to headlining NYC clubs, performing on cruise ships, TV specials, and international tours.

In this deep-dive episode, Michael shares invaluable insights for aspiring and working comedians on:

• Why comedy is like playing an instrument unique to your personality.

• Navigating the transition from Toronto's comedy scene to New York City.

• How to break free from "clean comedy" handcuffs and speak your truth on stage.

• Why finding new material matters more than "killing" every night.

• Overcoming stage fright, bombing, and audience rejection.

• The rapid-fire blitz round: favorite pre-show routines, worst gigs, and pre-show hype tracks!

00:00 - Season 2 Finale Intro & Guest Introduction

01:40 - Starting Out in Saskatchewan: Comparison & Early Struggles

03:52 - Navigating Saskatoon’s Limited Pro Scene

06:08 - The Internet Era: Why Comedians Don't Need Big Markets Anymore

07:28 - Social Media Content vs. Real Stage Stand-Up

10:33 - The Difference Between Influencers & Actual Comedians

13:18 - Why Stand-Up is Thriving in the Modern Internet Era

15:15 - Storytelling, Anti-Comedy, and Defining Stand-Up

18:32 - What is the True Definition of a Stand-Up Comedian?

23:06 - Finding Your Instrument: Unlocking Your True Personality

28:50 - The "Clean Comedy" Trap & Financial Handcuffs

34:24 - Watching Industry Dreams Die & Finding Freedom in Art

39:40 - Toronto vs. New York Comedy Scene Breakdown

45:05 - Do You Need 1 Million Followers to Make It Now?

51:45 - The Death of Hollywood & Self-Producing Specials

54:00 - What Makes a Truly Successful Set? (Working New Material)

1:00:15 - Overcoming Stage Fright & Learning to Care Less

1:06:25 - Transitioning from Sketch Comedy to Stand-Up

1:09:50 - Toronto "Show-off" Culture vs. NYC "Worker" Mentality

1:10:50 - Canadian Comedians to Watch Right Now

1:13:18 - Rapid Fire Blitz: Worst Gigs, Pre-show Meals & Controversial Tropes

1:24:28 - The #1 Habit for Surviving as an Artist

1:25:35 - Where to Follow Michael Harrison & Wrap Up

📌 Follow Michael Harrison:

• Website: https://michaelharrisoncomedian.com

• Instagram: @MichaelHarrisonComedian

• Special: "Overcritical" on Amazon Prime

• Twitter/X: @MikeHcomedy

📌 Support & Follow Draftful Dodger Podcast:

• Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/vovazeeoncomedy

• Instagram: @its.me_zeeon

• Subscribe to the channel for more stand-up comedy interviews!

#StandUpComedy #ComedyPodcast #MichaelHarrison #VovaZeeon #DraftfulDodger #StandUpAdvice #NYCComedy #CanadianComedy

In this record-breaking episode of the Draftful Dodger Podcast, Vova Zeeon sits down with comedian, actor, and content creator Alex Brovedani (a.k.a. Toronto Batman).

What happens when your viral character eclipses your real comedy act? Alex breaks down the highs and lows of overnight internet fame, encounters with legendary filmmakers, the grinding reality of Canadian stand-up, and rebuilding an identity beyond the cowl. A deeply personal and honest conversation about stand-up, survival, and creative rebirth.

Timestamps:

00:00 — Intro & Welcome to Episode 12

00:25 — Supporting the Podcast & Buy Me a Coffee

00:42 — Introducing Alex Brovedani: Cosplay, Acting & Local Legend

01:05 — On-the-Road Gigs & The 7-Hour Trip to Grand Bend

02:05 — Stand-Up for Retirees: "Selling Time Shares"

03:00 — The Cost of Driving, Hotels & Unpaid Comedy Promises

03:50 — Stepping Away From the Mic & Becoming a Workaholic

05:30 — Balancing Content Creation vs. Live Stand-Up

08:30 — Navigating Gigs, Travel & Event Promotions in Ontario

10:20 — The Origin of Toronto Batman & Going Viral Overnight

10:50 — "I Was Wearing The Bat Suit, But My Act Wasn't There"

11:50 — Egos, Online Drama & The "Christopher Nolan" of Parodies

12:06 — Meeting Real Batman Directors: Tim Burton, Zack Snyder & Christopher Nolan

13:12 — San Diego Comic-Con: Fan Reactions vs. Internet Haters

13:30 — Bat in the Sun & "I Don't Like Parodies"

14:10 — Pushing for the Spider-Man Video & Superhero Mashups

16:00 — "Toronto Batman Was My Tony Clifton"

17:22 — High School Bullies & Intimidation at Industry Parties

18:10 — Dealing with Toxic People in College & Early Career

25:00 — Behind the Scenes of Toronto's Local Comedy Scene

35:00 — The Pressure of Maintaining a Public Persona

45:00 — Mental Health & The Trap of Character Identity

55:00 — How Viral Fame Impacts Personal Relationships & Family

01:10:00 — The Evolution of Cosplay Culture & Fan Conventions

01:25:00 — Driving Rickshaws in Toronto: Wildest Street Stories

01:40:00 — Transitioning From Character Work Back to Barefoot Stand-Up

01:52:00 — The Gritty Reality of Bombing on Stage & Learning From It

02:01:25 — The Music That Keeps You Alive: White Snake, Journey & Sting

02:03:25 — The Lightning Round: Alex Brovo vs. Alex Brovedani

02:03:37 — Best Post-Gig Food in Toronto: Pizza or Wendy's

02:04:03 — Sold-Out Paid Show vs. Bombing an Honest Set

02:04:38 — Viral Character Fame vs. Authentic Crowd Work

02:05:09 — Upcoming B-Day Gig (Oct 29th) & Where to Follow Alex (@mralexbrovo)

02:06:04 — Closing Tracks & Final Thoughts

Connect with us:

• Follow Alex Brovedani: Instagram @mralexbrovo

• Follow Vova Zeeon & Draftful Dodger: All links in bio!

It’s hilarious to be a comedian and not be naturally funny! In this episode of Draftful Dodger, Vova Zeeon sits down with the brilliant Toronto comedian Winny Clarke for a raw, unfiltered, and deeply honest conversation. We dive deep into the chaotic reality of stand-up comedy, the psychological trap of being a "people pleaser" on stage, the mechanics of mastering crowd work, and why constantly breaking down your own act is just part of the process. Plus, we geek out over classic sitcoms like Seinfeld and Friends, discuss the quirks of the local comedy scene, and explore the creative struggles behind writing sharp material.

🔗 Link in bio

📸 Follow Winny Clarke on Instagram: @winnyclarke

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction: Welcoming Winny Clarke and Setting the Vibe

01:45 - Breaking the Ice: Early Life, Comedy Influences, and Finding Your Voice

04:20 - The Toronto Comedy Circuit: Navigating Open Mics and Local Venues

07:15 - "It’s Hilarious to Be a Comedian and Not Be Naturally Funny": The Core Paradox

10:30 - Nature vs. Nurture in Comedy: Can Anyone Be Taught to Be Funny?

14:00 - The Psychological Trap of Being a "People Pleaser" on Stage

17:45 - Overriding the Urge to Be Liked by Every Single Audience Member

21:10 - The Anatomy of a Joke: From a Raw Idea to a Finished Bit

25:35 - The Pain of Killing Your Darlings: Cutting Material That Doesn't Work

29:00 - Mastering Crowd Work: Reading the Room and Improvised Banter

33:40 - The Worst Crowd Disaster Stories and How to Recover Live on Stage

38:15 - Sitcom Obsessions: Why Seinfeld and Friends Still Shape Modern Comedy Writing

43:20 - Writing Sitcom Scripts vs. Performing Stand-Up: The Creative Differences

47:50 - The Business Side of Comedy: Social Media, Algorithmic Pressure, and Self-Promotion

52:30 - Dealing with Hecklers, Internet Trolls, and Constructive Criticism

57:10 - Behind the Scenes of Creative Burnout and Keeping the Passion Alive

01:02:05 - Rapid Fire Questions & The Ultimate Advice for Up-and-Coming Comics

01:08:30 - Where to Catch Winny Clarke Live & Outro

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:

• Podcast: Draftful Dodger

• Host: Vova Zeeon

In Episode 10 of Season 2, Ukrainian Toronto-based comedian Vova Zeeon sits down with Yukon native George Rivard. With over 13 years on stage, George shares unfiltered insights on mastering stand-up comedy, breaking bad stage habits, and using satire as a lens for social commentary.

In this episode, we cover:

• [00:02:46] Rookie stage crutches: Why you need to move the mic stand and drop the notebook.

• [00:07:15] The hardest trick in comedy: Learning to "just be yourself" on stage.

• [00:10:21] How breakdancing, violin, and musical theater prepare you for bombing.

• [00:22:51] From raw idea to polished bit: How long does a 7-minute set actually take?

• [00:40:05] Why satire punches up while parody stays toothless.

• [00:54:45] Housing, politics, and why "manifesting" doesn't erase systemic issues.

Follow George Rivard on IG: @yukonsblackcomedian

Follow Volodymyr Zeeon on IG: @its.me_zeeon

Support the podcast on Buy Me a Coffee!

In Season 2, Episode 9 of Draftful Dodger, host Vova Zeeon sits down with comedian Kansei Yasuda—fresh off his breakout performance on Kill Tony at the Comedy Mothership in Austin, Texas.

From earning the prestigious Golden Ticket from Tony Hinchcliffe to standing completely alone in a dark back alley minutes after his biggest career break, Kansei opens up about the unfiltered reality behind viral comedy moments. We dive deep into the mechanics of his iconic deadpan delivery, the art of controlling silence on stage, and the cultural shift from Japanese Manzai to North American standup."Trim it, trim it, trim it. You have to find the sweet spot in the silence." — Kansei Yasuda

• [00:00] — Intro & Host's Reflection

  Host Vova Zeeon introduces season 2, episode 9, sharing thoughts on treating podcasting as a craft, navigating the Canadian comedy scene, and building host-guest dynamics.

• [02:06] — Welcome Kansei Yasuda

  Vova welcomes Japanese comedian and Kill Tony Golden Ticket winner Kansei Yasuda.

• [03:12] — Visa Struggles & Moving from Canada to the US

  Kansei discusses his working holiday visa ending in Canada and getting a visa to relocate to the US.

• [04:40] — Drafts, Exemptions, and Comedy Origins in Ukraine

  Vova explains how he left Ukraine due to health exams/draft exemptions and reflects on starting comedy through sketch groups before stand-up exploded in bomb shelters.

• [06:41] — Stand-Up & The "Manzai" Culture in Japan

  Kansei breaks down Manzai (traditional Japanese two-person conversational comedy), why political topics are taboo in it, and why stand-up in English appealed to him.

• [09:00] — Political Satire & Cancellation in Japanese Media

  A look into why political comedy struggles on TV in Japan, referencing comic Daiki Muramoto's cancellation from the Manzai scene and move to New York.

• [13:00] — Immigration & Cultural Respect in Japan

  Kansei shares insights on tourist vs. immigrant dynamics in Japan and the unwritten societal rules (taking shoes off, greeting neighbors, respect culture).

• [18:53] — Wild Japanese TV Shows & Early Comedy Spark

  A look at crazy Japanese TV variety shows. Kansei recounts making people laugh in elementary school with songs about rice and jokes about his parents fighting.

• [21:08] — High School in the US, Working at Disney, & First Stand-Up Class

• [23:15] — Developing Delivery & Trimming the Fat

• [26:43] — Comedic Influences: Ralph Barbosa, Louis C.K., & Steven Wright

• [29:15] — Mastering the Deadpan & Eye Movement on Stage

• [35:33] — The Kill Tony Debut: Back Alley Panic & Golden Ticket

• [40:28] — Blowing the Second Appearance on Kill Tony

• [43:42] — Writing in English vs. Japanese & Stereo Types on Stage

• [48:58] — Toronto Culture & Worst Bomb on Tour

• [53:32] — Favorite Venue Vibes: Basements & Backrooms

• [56:59] — Performing English Stand-Up in Japan

• [01:03:09] — Shower Thoughts & Infamous Jokes

• [01:08:10] — Pre-Show Hype Music

• [01:09:04] — Rapid Fire Blitz Round

• [01:13:00] — Career Ambitions & Final Outro

• Enjoyed the episode? Rate 5 stars on Spotify and follow the show so you never miss an episode!

• Subscribe to Draftful Dodger on YouTube for full video episodes and visual artwork.

• Follow Kansei Yasuda on Instagram: @kanseicomedy

What happens when a comedian throws away the rulebook? In this deeply reflective and raw episode of Draftful Dodger, host sits down with Toronto-based alternative comic and writer David Foggia. Moving far beyond the rigid formulas of traditional stand-up, David opens up about his artistic transformation, navigating the chaotic energy of his unhinged alter-ego "Rat Boy," and embracing the vulnerability of being an outsider in the comedy world.

From exploring the profound influence of legends like Bill Hicks and Sam Kinison to discussing the existential crisis of bombing on stage and finding genuine magic in creative expression, this conversation is a masterclass for anyone interested in authentic art, subculture, and the unfiltered psyche of a true underground creator.

Tune in as we break down the barriers of conventional comedy to find the true magic underneath.

* 00:00 – Opening thoughts and introduction to the episode's core theme: breaking free from conventional comedy expectations.

* 02:10 – Discussing the current state of local art scenes and why underground culture remains a fiercely guarded secret.

* 03:15 – The foundational influences: exploring the impact of legends like Bill Hicks and his spoken-word style, alongside Sam Kinison's raw intensity.

* 04:21 – Deconstructing early performances: why initial acts felt like chaotic, spasmodic screaming rather than structured performance art.

* 05:40 – The fine line between alienating an audience and finding your authentic, uncompromised artistic voice.

* 06:28 – The philosophy of Andy Kaufman and Will Ferrell: subverting norms and embracing deliberate awkwardness.

* 07:50 – How audiences react to unpredictable pacing and non-linear storytelling on stage.

* 08:38 – The psychology of "bombing": dealing with harsh silences in the room and learning to anchor yourself to a single attentive listener.

* 09:50 – Surviving the mental toll of a rough set and using failure as a catalyst for creative growth.

* 10:54 – Letting go of the desperate chase for external validation, viral fame, and mainstream approval.

* 11:34 – Accepting the reality of working in a niche genre where commercial success takes a backseat to artistic integrity.

* 12:24 – The defining quote of the episode: redefining comedy as a magical, transcendent form of personal expression ("It's truly like a magic").

* 13:04 – Moving past the rigid, predictable architecture of the traditional "setup and punchline" formula.

* 13:54 – Transitioning toward a slower, more deliberate, and poetic cadence in writing and performing.

* 14:14 – Experimenting with rhythm, pause, and atmospheric tension instead of rapid-fire jokes.

* 16:30 – The internal friction between what a club crowd expects and what an alternative creator actually wants to deliver.

* 19:10 – The mechanics of writing non-standard material: how ideas mutate from a raw draft into a performance piece.

* 22:00 – Addressing self-doubt, creative blocks, and the constant fear of artistic stagnation.

* 23:37 – Introducing the chaotic alter-ego "Rat Boy": exploring the unhinged, feral, and unfiltered energy that refuses to fit into neat social media boxes.

* 25:15 – Why giving voice to darker, wilder personas is a necessary therapeutic release for a creative mind.

* 27:10 – Navigating the digital landscape: the struggle of translating raw, anti-establishment art into short-form content.

* 28:50 – The gritty reality of the Toronto underground scene: limited infrastructure, performing primarily for other comedians, and minimal financial return.

* 32:40 – The community aspect of the local scene: finding camaraderie among fellow outcasts and misfits.

* 36:00 – Reflecting on whether the struggle of being an independent creator is ultimately worth the toll.

* 40:15 – Advice for emerging alternative artists who feel pressured to conform to mainstream comedy templates.

* 43:23 – Closing thoughts: why the underground will always stay niche, unapologetic, and true to itself.

In Season 2, Episode 7 of Draftful Dodger, host Vova Zeeon sits down with Toronto comedian, bar owner, and vinyl enthusiast Jamal Watson!

Jamal opens up about his lifelong passion for physical vinyl records, hunting down rare pressings, and why listening to full albums rewires your brain compared to digital streaming platforms. He also shares the hilarious realities of becoming a new father ("you can't negotiate with a baby"), how fatherhood trims the fluff out of comedy writing, and the unwritten rules of late-night bartending—including why ordering a Caesar at 1:45 AM is an instant red flag.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Record collecting origins, Jamaican pressing history, and rare album hunts

• Spotify vs. Vinyl and its impact on artistic focus & standup pacing

• The transition from managing cool Toronto bars (Loveless, Tommy's) to early morning baby routines

• Navigating open mics, stage control, bombing, and room presence

• Lightning round: favorite late-night food, red flag drinks, and top Toronto stages

Follow Draftful Dodger on YouTube and social media for weekly episodes!

"The challenge is to plate your idea as funny as possible... presentation is really important."

This week on Draftful Dodger, host Vova Zeeon welcomes comedian, actor, and Second City mainstage performer Tim Blair!

In a candid and detailed conversation on the craft of comedy, Tim breaks down the subtle line between unscripted improv energy and polished stand-up writing. They discuss building chemistry on stage, taking risks with smart and dark humor, transitioning from live venues to television (TallBoyz), and why embracing failure is the fastest way to find your comedic voice.

Key Highlights:

- Improv vs. Stand-up: Finding freedom in mistakes

- The Michelin Dish metaphor for joke presentation

- Adapting stage performance for screen

- Pacing, burnout, and staying consistent as a writer

Follow Draftful Dodger on Instagram and subscribe for weekly deep dives into the creative mind.

Crowd, Work and Crowdwork | Why arts and politics are related? |

40 mics in 40 nights. Is it absolute madness, or the only real way to forge a comedian? 🎙️🔥

In this episode of Draftful Dodger, host Vova Zeeon links up with stand-up comedian Ian Dickie to unpack the real machinery behind stand-up comedy. From dissecting crowdwork dynamics and joke construction to surviving comedy during COVID and performing across the US and Canada—we cover it all.

Plus, a direct look into why art and politics are fundamentally entangled, whether comedians like it or not.

Follow the hosts:

• Ian Dickie: @i.dickie

• Vova Zeeon: @its.me_zeeon

Draftful Dodger • Episode 4: The Stand-Up Samsara (feat. Aubrey Davis)

What happens when you lock two comedians in a room and ask them to solve the mysteries of life, death, and the absolute horror of modern bureaucracy? You get this episode.

This week, Vova is joined by the absolutely brilliant Aubrey Davis (@aubthorityfigure). We’re diving deep into:

• The raw reality of women in comedy and the dynamics of the local comedy scene (shoutout to the Ottawa scene!).

• Family hierarchies: breaking down who actually holds the title of the funniest person in the family.

• Pivoting from soul-crushing paperwork to the metaphysics of reincarnation and re-birth.

• Personal style and finding your comedic voice on and off the stage.

If you’ve ever wondered what outfit you’ll be wearing in your next life while waiting in line at a government office, this conversation is exactly what you need.

👉 Connect with the Guest:Follow Aubrey: @aubthorityfigure

👉 Connect with the Host:Follow Vova: @its.me_zeeon

🔗 ALL OTHER LINKS IN BIO (Draftful Dodger, etc.)

🎧 LISTEN/WATCH & SUBSCRIBE:If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that subscribe button, leave a 5-star review, and share it with a friend who is also obsessed with reincarnation (or just complaining about taxes).

#DraftfulDodger #AubreyDavis #ComedyPodcast #Reincarnation #Bureaucracy #OttawaComedy #StandUp #StandUpSamsara #PodcastEpisode #LocalComedy