Funny In Failure

Episode 300! thank's so much.

Emmy, Peabody, and Writers' Guild of America Award winning writer/producer Mike Scully has written many forms of comedy: animation, single-cam, multi-cam, hidden-cam, award shows, and live performance.

After seven years of writing for shows you've never heard of, he joined The Simpsons writing staff as a producer in 1993. He was promoted to showrunner in 1997 for Seasons 9 thru 12 (considered the four most consecutive seasons of the show) and co-wrote and co-produced The Simpsons Movie, released in 2007. He was a consulting producer on the show until 2021 and recently wrote a new episode.

Mike also served as writer/producer on the Emmy-winning Everybody Loves Raymond, as well as Parks & Recreation, starring Amy Poehler. (He also appeared on the show several times as a disgruntled citizen asking stupid questions at town meetings.) He was a writer/producer on the critically acclaimed NBC series "The Carmichael Show" starring comedian Jerrod Carmichael.

He co-created (with wife Julie Thacker-Scully & Amy Poehler) the animated Fox/Hulu show Duncanville starring Poehler, Ty Burrell, and Rashida Jones, which ran three seasons. He also co-created some quickly cancelled shows such as "The Pitts", "Complete Savages", and an animated version of Napoleon Dynamite." He and Julie wrote the pilot for the ABC/Hulu show Shifting Gears.

He is a Consulting Producer on the upcoming second season of the Netflix series, A Man On The Inside starring Ted Danson. He has written jokes for Tina Fey and Amy Poehler when they hosted the Golden Globes and for their current live Restless Leg tour.

In 1998, he organized writing staffs of all the Fox animated shows to win Writers Guild of America union coverage for the writers, who had previously been underpaid and without healthcare and pension contributions, unlike their live action counterparts.

He has five daughters who provide him a never-ending financial reason to keep working.

We chat about the Simpsons and being a show runner, leadership style and empowerment, moving to LA, his many 'odd' jobs, cancelled shows and rejection, false promises, Everybody loves Raymond, creating shows, art vs the business, doing comedy after Robin Williams, point of view, working on Parks and Recreation, moving forward plus much more!

Check Mike out on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mike_skullzz Twitter / X: https://x.com/scullymike -------------------------------------------

Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/

and @Michael_Kahan on Insta & Twitter to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/ https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan

Matt Tilley is a former comedian and radio presenter and now the CEO of FightMND. He was one of Australia's most respected radio personalities, with more than 20 years on air on major stations like FOX FM and Triple M. Many remember from his famous Gotcha Calls which were a national hit across Australia.

Matt's Melbourne breakfast shows have consistently reached number one for over 14 of his 20 years in breakfast radio. The Matt and Jo Show on Fox FM was a long running breakfast show that was known for holding the highest ratings over many years between 2003 and 2013. In 2014 Matt moved to Triple M to take on National Drive time for the Triple M network alongside Joe Hildebrand in a ground-breaking news and entertainment show The One Percenters.

Matt has also brought his comedy appeal to screen through his television appearances. He has been featured in Comedy Inc, Fast Forward and The Late Report. He has also co-hosted Channel 9's show "Surprise, Surprise Gotcha!" and Channel 10's "Thank God You're Here".

Matt's voice has also featured as Zeke on the award-winning kids cartoon and movie feature Dogstar. His many character voices and impersonations have also featured on various platforms – from Neighbours to beer ads to inflight entertainment. Matt's engaging manner, versatility and quick wit have also made him a much sought-after MC and host.

Matt transitioned to non for profit. He previously served as Chief Communications Officer at Foodbank Victoria and was the Founder and CEO of the Aussie Dollar Drop which supported homeless Australians. Matt has also held several Board positions across the NFP sector. Check out his great work at FightMND (links below).

We chat about being at the top of the game, life changing moments in urinals, chopping wood (surprisingly funny), riding, public scrutiny, charity work and FightMND, his famous gotcha calls, his drive plus plenty more.

Check Matt out on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vegetative.state/ About FightMND: https://fightmnd.org.au/about/what-is-mnd/ Donate to FightMND: https://support.fightmnd.org.au/donate FightMND: https://fightmnd.org.au/ -------------------------------------------

Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/

and @Michael_Kahan on Insta & Twitter to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/ https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan

Brennan Brown is a stage and screen actor known for portraying complex and multifaceted characters. After graduating from Yale School of Drama, he landed roles on Broadway in revivals of Shaw's Major Barbara, and Stoppard's The Real Inspector Hound and The Fifteen Minute Hamlet, and in leading theatres throughout America.

On screen Brennan has worked with such visionary directors including Tim Hooper on HBO's "John Adams", John Requa and Glenn Ficarra on both of their films, I Love You Phillip Morris, and Focus, State of Play (dir. Kevin Macdonald), Detachment (dir. Tony Kaye), Midway (dir. Roland Emmerich), The Wolf Hour, and Not Okay.

He has appeared in dozens of primetime shows most notably as antique dealer Robert Childan on the acclaimed Amazon series "The Man in the High Castle", Edward Biben on "Mozart in the Jungle", Agent Donnelly on "Person of Interest", and for the past ten seasons as Dr. Sam Abrams on "Chicago Med". He also appears in the upcoming Netflix series "The Beast In Me". Other appearances on long running shows including "Madam Secretary","Elementary","The Blacklist","Damages","Bull", "Ugly Betty","The Good Wife", "Breaking Bad" and others.

We chat about being an introvert, flow state, his medallion on circle cinemas walk of fame, moving around a lot as child, sobriety, auditioning, the Man in the High Castle, Chicago Med, perfectionism and wanting to get it 'right', unlearning, meditation + plenty more!

Check Brennan out on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrennanbrown -------------------------------------------

Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/

and @Michael_Kahan on Insta & Twitter to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/ https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan

Maurice LaMarche is a Canadian comedian and voice actor from Toronto. He is most well-known for voicing The Brain from Steven Spielberg Presents Pinky and the Brain (for which he was nominated for a Daytime Emmy), Kif, Lrrr, Morbo and Calculon from Futurama (for which he has won two Primetime Emmys and been nominated for a third), Mr. Big from Zootopia, King Agnarr from Frozen, Mr. Freeze from Batman: Arkham City, Yosemite Sam from The Looney Tunes Show, Abradolph Lincoler from Rick & Morty, Toucan Sam for thirty three years in commercials for Froot Loops, and Orson Welles from The Critic. He was also the Voice of Lexus from 2009-2016.

We chat about meeting the Dalai Lama and the impact he had, his many voices, sobriety and moving forward, Futurama, professional autograph seekers, journey with live action, losing weight, voice over world post c0vid, listening plus plenty more!

Check Maurice out on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maurice_lamarche/ Twitter/ X: https://x.com/MAURICELAMARCHE -------------------------------------------

Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/

and @Michael_Kahan on Insta & Twitter to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/ https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan

Jena Friedman is an Academy Award-nominated writer, comedian, and creator behind critically acclaimed series such as TRUE CRIME STORY: INDEFENSIBLE on AMC+, SOFT FOCUS on Adult Swim, and co-writer of BORAT 2: Subsequent Movie Film, which garnered her an Oscar nomination. Her writing credits include Netflix's NOBODY WANTS THIS, ABC's THE CONNERS, and she served as a field producer for THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART and writer for THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN. A contributing writer to THE NEW YORKER, Jena's bestselling debut book, Not Funny: Essays on Life, Comedy, Culture, Et Cetera., was published by Simon & Schuster in 2023. She has appeared on THE LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT, CONAN, THE NIGHTLY SHOW WITH LARRY WILMORE, and in the Sundance hit film PALM SPRINGS.

Her first stand-up special and Edinburgh show, AMERICAN C*NT, was named one of the Top Ten Comedy Specials by Paste Magazine in 2016, and her sold-out follow-up, MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE, was critically-acclaimed. Her 2022 show, LADYKILLER, was ranked #2 in Decider's "Ten Best Stand-Up Specials of 2022."

Her new show MOTHERF*CKER is now out, also performing in Edinburgh so check it out!

We chat about her new comedy shows in Edinburgh, fake copies of her book, not playing the 'game', John McAfee, grief, writing for Roseanne*, working on Jon Stewart, life changing moments from Conan, being kicked out of improv, working on Borat 2 plus plenty more!

Check Jena out on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenafriedman

Website: http://www.jenafriedman.com/ Tickets including Edinburgh: http://www.jenafriedman.com/tour.html Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Not-Funny/Jena-Friedman/9781982178291?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAac1mm--WCiwGjnjAeZhpZalCe-0A66YNFrdA6iA6QSWflvK-r0wpxmyBFqqGw_aem_NEQ4unGsoT17fMPMGVCbDg TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenafriedman Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/JenaFriedman2 John McAfee interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfe4Fjf3sds Substack: https://jenafriedman.substack.com/ -------------------------------------------

Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/

and @Michael_Kahan on Insta & Twitter to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/ https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan

Mike de la Rocha is visionary strategist, acclaimed artist and compelling voice for change. He is the co-founder of Revolve Impact, a globally recognised creative agency that merges art, activism and storytelling to drive social change, and Tepito Coffee, a company dedicated to providing meaningful jobs for formerly incarcerated individuals through its partnerships with Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention and rehabilitation organisation in the world.

Celebrated as one of the most influential change makers of our era, Mike has been instrumental in some of the largest policy victories and cultural shifts in modern history. He has been recognized as one of GOOD Magazine's 100 people reshaping the world, a recipient of the AFL-CIO's Justice, Peace & Freedom Award, a Shorty Social Good Award for Social Justice. His debut book, Sacred Lessons: Teaching My Father How to Love (Simon and Schuster) was just released!

The book explores how inherited definitions of manhood profoundly impacted Mike's ability to connect with his father, his family, and ultimately himself, inviting readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and love. It delves into the struggle men face in connecting with themselves and others, offering tools for personal growth and ways to build meaningful and authentic relationships in their lives. His personal experiences with loss and emotional vulnerability, combined with his professional success in creating impactful community-building initiatives with his company Revolve Impact, position him as a credible guide for those on a similar path of transformation. The lessons shared in his book are not only born from his own healing process but also enriched by his broader understanding of how we can heal collectively, making his voice resonate deeply with readers.

We chat about his incredible book, the healing power of nature, music, performing and vulnerability, his Ted talk, Tepito Coffee - providing work for formerly incarcerated people, wanting to help everyone, acceptance plus plenty more!

Check Mike out on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrmikedelarocha/

Website + book: https://sacredlessons.com/ Tepito Coffee: https://www.tepitocoffee.com/ Revolve Impact: https://www.revolveimpact.com/ Sacred Lessons: Teaching My Father How To Love; https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Sacred-Lessons/Mike-de-la-Rocha/9798888454152 -------------------------------------------

Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/

and @Michael_Kahan on Insta & Twitter to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/ https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan

Liz Guterbock is an American born British citizen stand-up comedian, award-winning actor, improviser and voice over artist. In 2023 she made The Guardian's 10 Best Jokes of Edinburgh Fringe and Dave Joke of the Fringe lists. Her 2023 Edinburgh Fringe debut show Liz Guterbock: Geriatric Millennial 4-star reviews from Funny Women, The Mumble and Pepper & Salt, and complimentary press from The Scotsman, Festmag and Chortle.

In 2022, Liz was nominated by some of the country's best promoters as one of 10 stand-up comedians on Union Jack Radio's 'Ones to Watch' list. She was a finalist in the 2021 British Comedy Guide Pro Performance Awards and a nominee in the 2021 Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Awards. In 2019 she was a finalist in the Funny Women UK Awards and a BBC Radio 4 New Comedy Award nominee.

Liz's television highlights include Armando Iannucci's hit sci-fi comedy series Avenue 5 on HBO, Channel 4's 'For the Love of Cars,' and CBBC's Victorian Drama series 'Hetty Feather.' Stage highlights include: 5 stars in Time Out and a special mention in The Stage for 'It's All True' (The White Bear Theatre). She trained at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

Liz's voice has an impressive vocal range from a naturally upbeat and sunny Californian commercial voice to that understated comedic delivery that she embellishes in her stand-up. Liz has worked extensively as a voice artist, having lent her voice to commercial campaigns for King and Amazon as well as demanding character work in video games like Pillars of Eternity II and Payday 2: Midland Ranch Heist.

Liz is also a member of The Free Association, which Time Out has dubbed "the improv comedy super group." She regularly performs at The Free Association's theatre in Haggerston, as well as in their residencies at Battersea Arts Centre, VAULT Festival, and 21 Soho.

Her new show 'NICE' is now out, check them out below – also performing in Edinburgh which is exciting!

We chat about getting into voice acting, moving to England, new comedy shows in Edinburgh (Nice), Steve Martin's impact, anxiety and breathing, life changing lunches and cranial osteopathy, perseverance, nurturing creativity + plenty more!

Check Liz out on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizguterbock

Website: https://lizguterbock.com/ -------------------------------------------

Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/

and @Michael_Kahan on Insta & Twitter to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/ https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan

Sergio Perera is a chef & nutrition expert. Having trained as a professional chef in some of Spain's most respected restaurants and then training in Japan, a serendipitous moment saw Sergio become the go to private chef to Hollywood actors (such as Tom Cruise, Robert Downey Jr, Leonardo DiCaprio, Chris Hemsworth), athletes, royalty and politicians.

Growing up in Spain he was naturally an advocate for the healthy Mediterranean diet, but it was working with actors which prompted him to study and learn more about nutrition and during his time with Chris Hemsworth he helped prepare him for the role Thor, optimising his nutrition to support his exercise and muscle building regime. He was an integral part of the successful training app known as CENTR by Chris Hemsworth, writing recipes, diet programs and meditations, offering subscribers a holistic wellness approach.

Sergio has an international upbringing, born in Spain to a Mexican/American and Spanish Parents and growing up on a US Airforce base, has given Sergio a unique perspective on food and culture. Sergio's love for food and cooking began in his Grandfather's kitchen where he learnt the traditional cuisine of the Aragon region. At the age of 18, he set off to expand his repertoire of Spanish cuisine by training at some of the world's most prestigious restaurants such as ARZAK, Mugaritz and with Albert Adria at the iconic el Bulli restaurant in Roses, Spain. His curiosity and passion for culture eventually lead him to Kyoto, Japan where he was introduced to Kaiseki which is an exquisite form of dining that moves elegantly and poetically with the seasons.

Sergio has used his culinary and artistic experience to create beautiful and inspirational images for food books, magazines and film productions. He is currently the brand ambassador for Winning Appliances, working alongside John Winning's team on numerous culinary and creative projects. The most recent has been the opening of ORA Japanese dining and bar in Sydney's Waterloo. Always eager to embrace new opportunities, Sergio welcomes the chance to work with clients—whether they are actors preparing for a film, high-profile individuals seeking an exclusive private dinner, or those planning a special event. He has also trained numerous chefs in becoming the ultimate private chef/nutritionist for high profile families and individuals and has been creating a small team of elite chefs throughout Australia. He actively participates in restaurant consultations across Australia, Europe, and the U.S., ensuring that each culinary experience is tailored to meet the unique needs of his clients.

We chat about his life changing time in Japan, intuition, mindfulness, living in his car, creativity and food, flow, Molecular gastronomy and working with the masters, the new chef, vulnerability, moving to Australia and working with Chris Hemsworth, love of music, fear, and of course food plus plenty more!

Check Sergio out on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sergio.perera

Website: https://www.pererasergio.com/ -------------------------------------------

Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/

and @Michael_Kahan on Insta & Twitter to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/ https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan

Adriano Zumbo is a chef and TV presenter. He is one of Australia's most celebrated pâtissiers and the star of the Netflix TV shows Zumbo's Just Desserts and Sugar Rush. As a popular figure in the pastry world he has garnered many nicknames including, 'The Sweet Assassin', 'Pâtissier of Pain, 'Dark Lord of the Pastry Kitchen' and has been lauded as 'Australia's answer to Willy Wonka'. Adriano is a regular guest judge on MasterChef Australia and has appeared on Dessert Masters on Network 10.

This country boy's first taste of the sweet life was raiding the lollies and cake mix from his parent's Coonamble supermarket. Adriano began his apprenticeship at the age of 15 where his love affair with pastry flourished. An appearance on the first series of MasterChef Australia was instrumental in introducing the croquembouche to an even wider audience and made Adriano – and macarons – a household name.

Adriano has released three bestselling cookbooks, has competed in several prominent international competitions including Coupe de Monde and the Asian Pastry Cup. It is, however, his love affair with confectionery, combined with his Parisian training at institutions that include l'Ecole Lenôtre, Bellouet and Pierre Hermé and which has resulted in a sensibility as delicious as it is irreverent. Adriano is a favourite on the international events circuit traveling to India, Indonesia, Mexico, South America and Malaysia demonstrating his sweet skills to an audience of devotees.

Creativity is evident in every layer of Adriano's elaborate desserts. Constantly evolving and always considering his next move, cake, or idea, Adriano's infectious energy keeps his fans on their toes. They love it that way, and so does he.

We chat about the creativity, loss of his businesses and the toll it took, his love of creating, crazy macaroons flavours, stress and cooking, getting on TV & MasterChef, tailored needs of the school system plus plenty more!

Check Adriano out on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zumbopatisserie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesweetassassin/ -------------------------------------------

Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/

and @Michael_Kahan on Insta & Twitter to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/ https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan

Troy Kinne is an award-winning comedian, actor, writer, producer and director. In the early days of his stand-up comedy career, Troy won almost every new comic competition in Australia. The Comic's Lounge 'You Gotta be Joking' competition saw him receive the prize of a trip to New York to attend the American Institute of Comedy. He went on to perform at several well-known clubs in the U.S. including Caroline's on Broadway, Stand Up New York, Gotham Comedy club, the Laugh Factory, The Hollywood Comedy Store and The Comedy Cellar. On returning to Australia Troy became a sought-after headline act for The Australian Armed Defence forces, Mining camps and Comedy clubs around the country. In 2010 Troy added some steady work alongside the comedy club circuit, becoming a content producer for the Fifi and Jules radio show and hosting his own regular segment interviewing celebrity guests such as Seth Rogen, Josh Lawson, Simon Pegg and DJ Havana Brown.

Troy has made guest appearances on TV and radio including Nova FM's Hughsie and Kate for breakfast, Hamish & Andy, Chrissie, Sam and Brownie, Have You Been Paying Attention, The Hundred with Andy Lee and The Comedy Channel's Stand-Up Australia.

However, Troy is mostly known for his own Sketch Comedy TV shows - KINNE (7 Mate) and KINNE TONIGHT (CH10). The KINNE show saw Troy nominated for the 2015 Logie Award for Most Outstanding Newcomer and a number of sketches from his shows have racked up millions of online views worldwide.

Troy's comedy is known for being extremely relatable. Proof of this is his video content constantly going 'viral' with his online following currently sitting at well over 1 million plus across all social media platforms.

FULL STORY which is a special movie length opening episode is out now on YouTube which Troy funded himself – check it out (below)! I loved it!

About Full Story:

Full Story is being labelled by Kinne as a 'one hour showcase special'. "Rather than being a standard 'first episode' pilot, episode one of Full Story is essentially a mini movie, resulting in a much more comprehensive example of the vast opportunities for the series and the characters in terms of longevity."

The story follows Tucker Taylor and his struggling publicity agency who find themselves thrust into a situation requiring more time executing crisis management for themselves than their clients.

This bold new series boasts a diverse lineup of talent in both background and experience ranging from newcomers, to rising stars to Aussie screen legends – Troy Kinne (Kinne, Kinne Tonight), Genevieve Hegney (Colin from Accounts), Tiana Hogben (Thank God You're Here), Kevin Hofbauer (Hamish and Andy's True Story), April Rose Pengilly (Neighbours), Colette Mann (Prisoner), Kaily Emma Smith (Stakes), Rob Mills (Every musical ever made ever), and Sicilee Diep-Dubois (Acting debut).

The popularity of Kinne's previous work has resulted in eager guest appearances from Aussie stars. Lending their talents are Sophie Monk, Josh Lawson and Scott Ryan.

The Full Story series explores cancel culture and the consequences that can come with fame whether seeking it or not. However, the real heart of the series is its honesty when portraying behaviour (even if it's a tough pill to swallow for the audience). This is its point of difference – no holding back. We see desperation at its finest from every perspective possible which can be an uncomfortable eye opener, encouraging the viewer to think about, and in some instances, question their own behaviour/thoughts.

FULL STORY promises to be a hilarious and entertaining journey for audiences keen to once again indulge in a scripted series with 'some balls'.

We chat about his love of Thailand, creating videos, FULL STORY, heart issues, trusting your gut, being 'made wrong', regrets, comedy, magic writing on planes, getting tv shows plus plenty more!

Check TROY out on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troykinne/ FULL HOUSE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dyyg5uflmoY&list=PLoXYRLb-WmOVE-SCTwGe1iqPH9snbk7pj Website/ tickets: https://www.troykinne.com/#shows Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KinneTVshow -------------------------------------------

Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/

and @Michael_Kahan on Insta & Twitter to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/ https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan