Funny People Talking

Funny People Talking

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Funny People Talking episodes

  • Improv Comedian Michael Serpe - Tragedy and Comedy

    Michael Serpe, improv comedian, stage combat teacher --and tire salesman -- jumps into the show to talk humor and depression, play a game show-themed improv game, taste some spicy chocolate, and reveal why he leans into having a name that sounds like an STD.

    • A guest portal in restaurant-shorthand
  • Panhandling strategy and an initiative to educate the homeless
  • Game Show Corner
  • Humor used for serious topics - "You are Not Alone - An Uplifting Show About Depression" at the Magnet Theatre
  • How far is too far in depression humor?
  • Diffusing difficult situations in everyday life with humor
  • Verbal pratfalls
  • Why you have to lean into a name that sounds like an STD
  • Hot salted Sriracha dark chocolate

    • With hosts Marc Raco and producer Elsie. Recorded in the MouthMedia Network studio.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr 11 min
  • Comedian Harrison Greenbaum - Jokes Are Magic

    Harrison Greenbaum, summa cum laude Harvard graduate turned stand-up comedian and magician, and one of Comedy Central's "Comics to Watch" (featured on NBC's America's Got Talent, NBC's Last Comic Standing, TBS's Conan, AXS.TV’s Gotham Comedy Live, and National Geographic Channel's Brain Games, and appeared on MTV, SPIKE TV, the Discovery Channel, and the Science Channel) joins Marc Raco, Danielle Beckmann, and producer Elsie for an hilarious and energetic conversation on everything from AGT, American Idol, Harry Potter, Holocaust survivors vs. comedy, amusement park rides, a new travel TV series, a strange subway experience with transgender bullies, going from Harvard too a life of comedy, pursing magic, a joke that didn't work, and a Shark Tank-style improv game "Guppy Tank".

    • Danielle shares some tips for anyone planning on visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  • Marc and Harrison share their experiences on America’s Got Talent from being surprised with an invite for Marc and auditioning next to a stripper dressed as a T-Rex for Harrison, to Harrison’s run on the show and eventual elimination
  • Some tips to know whether you’re close to getting to the TV judges on America’s Got Talent
  • Clay Aiken and why Danielle and Harrison haven’t watched American Idol in years
  • Why some pop songs get away with some pretty alarming lyrical content
  • Harrison’s grandparent’s story of how they met at a camp during the Holocaust
  • Marc shares a strange subway experience that raises the question of legality toplessness in New York City
  • How taking cabs or Ubers to/from comedy sets is a sign of making it
  • Danielle shares some tips for anyone planning on visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter that will definitely make your visit more magical
  • Harrison finally meets someone whose favorite Disney ride is Twister
  • Some interesting trivia about Coney Island and the town built for little people
  • A round of Guppy Tank, where we go around and try to sell each other on ridiculous business ideas
  • Harrison talks about the necktie and resonance theories of comedy and how they influence his acts as a comedian and as a magician
  • How the intelligence and diligence the got Harrison to the top of his class at Harvard has extended in his work ethic as a performer
  • The tendency for magicians to use comedy in their act, but not embrace it as a comedian, and what Harrison is doing to help magicians learn to use comedy effectively
  • Recalculating, the travel web series Harrison hosts that’s premiering in May
  • Harrison shares the backstory of a joke of his that didn’t get an expected response
  • Plus, Elsie surprises us with some crunchy end of show food

    • See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr 34 min
  • Designer and Letterer Brian Kaspr - Science Experiment Wallpaper

    RSVP culture, an improv game reveals a fight with Jackie Chan and the origins of the yellow school bus (not really), an incredible wallpaper coincidence, lettering vs. typography, social media's impact on valuing artists, expanding vocabulary, somebody knows the theme song, and End of Show---Drink?

    • Danielle shares some nerd tips for those who want to expand their vocabularies
  • Brian lets us know what a letterer does, and how he came to be one
  • Danielle’s miserable experience at the Brooklyn Coffee and Tea Festival, and the weird behavior that free samples sparks in crowds of people
  • The issue of modern RSPV culture and how inconsiderate it can be for major events
  • Wedding planning stresses and invitation nightmares (and some tips on how to combat them!)
  • A round of Audible, our improv game where one of us tells a story and anyone can call and audible and prompt the storyteller to mix things up
  • An appeal to the comedy gods to get Tina Fey on the show
  • How Brian’s creativity has been fostered from a young age and led him to find left of center ways to make a living
  • Brian and his wife’s wallpaper business, Flat Vernacular, and how a childhood wallpaper of Marc's ties into the inspiration that led to that side business
  • How humor and art changes one’s viewpoint of the world, and how an appreciation for humor and comedy influences Brian’s approach to his work
  • Social media’s impact on Brian’s work and how instantaneous feedback has changed how creative professionals approach their work
  • Brian’s path from art school and focusing on design to discovering a passion for lettering
  • The difference between a letterer and a typographer, and the difference between painting with letters and fonts
  • Brian compares his old LinkedIn photo with his latest professional photoshoot
  • Plus, Elsie brings in some End of Show Food and Brian surprises us with End of Show Drinks!

    • See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr 27 min
  • Comedian Shaun Latham – A Recipe for Comedy
    G.I. Joe vs. science fiction,  how Shaun became a comedian, a party RV,  learning on the road with a major comedian like Gabriel Iglesias, pushing past low moments, cooking meets comedy and the genesis of “20 Dollar Chef” and joining Bar Stool Sports, Shaun’s SiriusXM show, remarkable marshmallows, and an improv game features pitch one-upmanship.

    Shaun Latham, comedian, host of the very successful weekly Barstool Sports show “20 Dollar Chef” as he shows fans how to cook on a budget, and host of ‘The Shaun Latham show” on SiriusXM, shares his story, humor, and wisdom.

    • Danielle gives some nerd tips on how to avoid spoilers as we prep for the release of the newest Avengers film
  • Some TV series recommendations, and how binge-watching shows can feel like a chore, and finishing a series or season can be a relief 
  • How choosing between G.I. Joe or Space changed Marc and Shaun’s trajectories in fandoms
  • An appeal to the comedy gods to get Tina Fey on the show
  • A round of “What If?” where we build off each other’s pitches for a movie or TV show
  • How Shaun’s trajectory in standup comedy started from a comedy contest at a work event
  • The way Shaun padded his early gigs thanks to a party RV his boss provided to employees
  • Moving to LA to break into the standup scene, and the struggles of having to start over in a new town
  • How selling merch and opening for Gabriel Iglesias helped Shaun build up his confidence and hone his skills when things were looking bleak
  • The invaluable lessons learned on the road with a major league comedian, from the business end to honing his act to be able to work in any room
  • The goal of your day-to-day voice catching up with your stage voice, to where it just feels like you’re talking on stage instead of putting on an act
  • Some of the stand up comedians Shaun has encountered over the years who have stood out to him
  • How important a unique perspective is to comedy, and how some comedians are wise beyond their years
  • Shaun’s “crying on the couch” moment,  how he overcame the feelings of despair and the harsh reality of poverty and found the will and hope to push forward and succeed
  • The importance of perseverance and “staying in line”
  • How a move to Indianapolis and meeting the right people led to Shaun being a member of Morty’s Pugs and getting more gigs
  • How 20 Dollar Chef, Shaun’s comedy cooking show, got started and his goals to help his viewers build character and not take the easy way out
  • The important relationship lessons learned by cooking together
  • Shaun’s SiriusXM show, The Shaun Latham Show, and how he built the team of personalities that make the show unique
  • What “making it” would mean for Shaun 
  • Shaun walks us through the process behind two jokes he’s proud of
  • Plus, Elsie brings in some squishy snacks for End of Show Food!

    • The post Comedian Shaun Latham – A Recipe for Comedy appeared first on Funny People Talking Podcast.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr 32 min
  • Multi-talented Entertainer Lauren Mayhew – A Future Superhero Living out Loud
    Musician, Singer, Dancer, WWE Ring Announcer, Actress, DJ, Influencer – What Doesn’t She Do? Close calls with Mick Jagger Cyndi Lauper, Johny Depp, and Steven VanZandt, a scary train ride, making up songs on the spot, an incredible career in entertainment including a big-deal girl band, performing in front of 100,000 people, singing at Michael Jackson’s birthday party, and announcing WWE matches, plus the meaning of giving keys, and beef jerky made with stout beer!

    Entertainer Lauren Mayhew (@lolomayhew) joins Marc Raco (@racomarc), producer Elsie (@elsietheproducer), and guest host Lois Herzeca (MouthMedia Network) in the MouthMedia Network studios powered by Sennheiser.

    In this episode:
    • A celebrity encounter with Mick Jagger turns embarrassing
  • Meeting Cyndi Lauper and Johnny Depp
  • Does Steven VanZandt want to shiv Marc?
  • Tiny men in Hollywood
  • A scary surprise  on the train
  • A rhyme of the making up songs on the spot with the improv game “Mish Mosh Mix”
  • Lauren’s new song “Come with Me” is just one of thousands she has written
  • Voicing video game voices, animated series, acting, dancing, DJ-ing at a high level, and more
  • Connecting to humor in acting scenes
  • Learning to DJ, and staying on the edge of new music
  • Painting with sound
  • Does Lauren want to e a superhero, and action star?
  • Interjecting vs. interrupting
  • Becoming a WWE ring announcer and being a part of the WWE Universe
  • Performing in front of massive audiences
  • Performing in a girl band as opening act for Britney Spears, NSYNC, Destiny’s Child, and other huge acts on tour
  • Singing to Michael Jackson at his birthday, and at the Super Bowl pregame
  • What it is like to rip your pants in front of 50,000 people
  • Lauren reveals a detour she took which she’s never mentioned publicly before, which also led to the scariest thing she ever did in her life
  • Developing a skill as a social media influencer
  • Giving Keys
  • A girlband reunion?
  • And –stout jerky?

    • The post Multi-talented Entertainer Lauren Mayhew – A Future Superhero Living out Loud appeared first on Funny People Talking Podcast.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr 30 min
  • Cartoonist and Comedian Jason Chatfield – Ginger Meggs, Bathing with Scotch, and Star Trek Password
    A Starfleet captain, Australia, strange cereals, loving rice, Star Trek Password,  cartoons vs. comedy, Ginger Meggs, a podcast about creating comedy, stories about old white men, the “scotch and a bath” ritual, and why being an immigrant in America can be funny.

    Jason Chatfield, Australian cartoonist & comedian and Australia’s most widely syndicated cartoonist, producing the iconic comic strip Ginger Meggswhich appears daily in over 120 newspapers in 34 countries, and co-host of the podcast “Is There Something In This?”, joins Marc Raco and Danielle Beckmann in the MouthMedia Network studio powered by Sennheiser.

    In this episode:
    • Danielle fills us in on her upcoming role in the Shelter theater company production of , where she plays an actor playing a starfleet captainQuantum Attraction
  • A nerd tip about some interesting cereals, some of which you’ll want to avoid
  • Danielle’s lifelong love for rice  goes under the spotlight
  • We play a round of “Star Trek Password,” where someone gives clues while we try to guess their Star Trek-themed word
  • Jason’s road to comedy and being a cartoonist, and how going to school for drama shaped his approach
  • The difference between “word first” and “picture first” cartoonists, and how Jason developed his creative process for the page and the stage
  • How having a writer partner has shaped his workflow and led to his own podcast
  • “Ginger Meggs” the syndicated comic Jason is now the cartoonist for, which has been running daily since the 1920s
  • The approach Jason takes when handling a comic strip with a long history versus The New Yorker or his own standup where he can more freely express himself
  • Why single panel comics are harder than one might expect
  • Jason’s “scotch and bath” Sunday ritual 
  • How Jason’s standup routine has evolved over the years, and how he uses his status as an immigrant in 2019 America as a way to connect with his audiences
  • The process of working through tough material and knowing when you leave a joke behind
  • How Jason keeps an open mind for the future of his career

    • The post Cartoonist and Comedian Jason Chatfield – Ginger Meggs, Bathing with Scotch, and Star Trek Password appeared first on Funny People Talking Podcast.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr 28 min
  • Actress and Comedian Kathy Searle – More Laughs Per Second
    Working on a sitcom, why getting pooped on by a bird led to time with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, minor surgery, building an acting career, and laughing through news tragedies.

    Actress and comedian Kathy Searle (Baby Mama, My Man Is a Loser, Body of Proof, Blue Bloods, Gossip Girl, and Lipstick Jungle, etc.) joins Marc Raco and Danielle Beckman in the MouthMedia Network studio powered by Sennheiser.

    In this episode:
    • Danielle highlights Girls Who Code, Moms Can:Code and Kode With Klossy, nonprofits that help women pursue careers in the tech industry
  • Marc and Danielle share their experiences of revising old places of work, and how things can feel nostalgic even as they’ve changed over time
  • An on-the-fly round of “Old People News,” where a reporter can’t get through a breaking news report without cracking
  • Why acting at the Williamstown Theater was one of the most profound moments of Kathy’s career
  • Learning from Faith Ford, Kelly Ripa, and Ted McGinely while guest starring on Hope and Faith, the first multi camera sitcom Kathy has worked on
  • An appeal to the Comedy Gods to get Tina Fey on the show
  • They joys of getting positive feedback on set from actors and crew after a take
  • The importance of being in the moment while acting and being on set
  • Kathy tells us how a bird’s stray BM on the set of Baby Momma got Tina Fey and Amy Poehler laughing with her, not at her
  • Danielle and Kathy share their experiences of working together at The Actor’s Studio, and how weaving stories and roles together makes for a stronger overall show
  • The difficulty of being “in the moment” when playing comedic roles, and finding the balance between reading the audience and focusing on the interactions on the set
  • The importance of wardrobe and styling in returning to a familiar character 
  • Learning to hone the craft of acting by working with Anna Chlumsky and the “lucid body” technique
  • The importance of remembering that despite anyone’s status or reputation, that we’re all human beings 
  • Kathy’s goals as an actor, and why philanthropy is so important to her
  • Why perseverance and longevity is such an important factor in building a career in acting
  • The dangers of the “compare and despair” pitfall that’s so prevalent, especially with social media
  • Plus, since Elsie is on jury duty, everyone shares the strangest thing that happened to them this week!

    • The post Actress and Comedian Kathy Searle – More Laughs Per Second appeared first on Funny People Talking Podcast.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr 23 min
  • Mika Kenyah – The Tattooed Oprah?
    Thankless giving, no tipping, when old Star Trek becomes new, the fear of gum, admiring Oprah, launching a career from Vine, a Latina voice, when Brussel sprouts meet air, and an improv game that makes press conferences moody.

    Mika Kenyah (@mikakenyah),  Sr. Marketer in Gaming & Tech, Writer, Director & Horror Fanatic, podcaster, actress, and comedian, joins hosts Marc Raco (@racomarc), Danielle Beckmann (@deebeck) and producer Elsie (@elsietheproducer) in the MouthMedia Network studio powered by Sennheiser.

    In this episode:
    • A cola challenge
  • Zoom and Jolt Cola
  • Danielle is a birder
  • The Tine Fey Appeal
  • What the “E” in Chuck E. Cheese stands for
  • Thankless giving
  • Tipping in restaurants that don’t require service 
  • Restaurant jobs and smelling like french fries
  • Discovering new episodes of Star Trek!
  • The Moody News – sex robots for birds, throwing baby out with the bathwater, Nicole Kidman, and more
  • The fear of gum
  • How Mika is connected with Oprah in the cosmos
  • Being a comedy writer, content creator, and marketer in video games
  • Starting a career from Vine
  • Posting 6-second movie parodies (and getting paid!)
  • Living “out there”
  • A focus on horror
  • Mika’s new podcast and horror short film
  • A Latina voice and empowering women in creative roles
  • End of Show Food gets a rare 3 out of 4 perfect scores!

    • The post Mika Kenyah – The Tattooed Oprah? appeared first on Funny People Talking Podcast.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr 19 min
  • The Unaired Monkey Radio Reboot Pilot – 20 Fluorescent Band-Aids
    Marc and Danielle share the original test recording for a reboot of “Monkey Radio with Marc” (sans Elsie), which eventually became “Funny People Talking” more than year later. How bad (or fun) could it be?

    Marc Raco (@racomarc) and Danielle Beckmann (@deebeck) record for the first time together in the MouthMedia Network studio powered by Sennheiser.

    In this episode:
    • A union for subway beggars?
  • Why Vulcan ears can earn trust on a date
  • Getting to know Danielle,  joy rockets, and Jillian Richardsons’s “The Joy List”
  • Giving value to humans
  • Being a nerd and discovering a mutual love of Star Trek
  • The new Star Trek show Star Trek Discovery and Marc’s birthday
  • Being from California
  • The New York factor and walking with purpose
  • 21 Rapid Fire Questions
  • The Listerine guy on the subway
  • A Kate Mulgrew moment
  • Near misses with Tina Fey
  • Being authentic in everything you do
  • A round of the improv game “The Meh News” coverts toothbrushing and ant-frying
  • The sentiment of the “hump day”

    • The post The Unaired Monkey Radio Reboot Pilot – 20 Fluorescent Band-Aids appeared first on Funny People Talking Podcast.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr 32 min
  • Triple Threat Broadway Actor Phillip Attmore – Break Legs!
    A game of redemption, Kevin Bacon, the Green Lady, tweeting with Shatner, #DAILYDANCEITOUT, the life of a Broadway actor, and something surprisingly spicy. Plus, an improv game funds silver linings in anything.

    “Triple threat” entertainer Phillip Attmore (@phillipattmore – three-time Astaire Award winner, ACCA Award winner, Playbill “Breakout Performance” Award winner and NAACP Theatre Award nominee, and he has been recognized by the sixth season of Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance” as one of America’s “Top 20” dancers), joins hosts Marc Raco (@racomarc), Danielle Beckmann (@deebeck) and producer Elsie (@elsietheproducer) in the MouthMedia Network studio powered by Sennheiser.

    In this episode:
    • Danielle fills us in on a new game she’s been playing which leads to some startling ocean facts from Elsie
  • Marc recounts the latest update in his digital dealings with William Shatner
  • The gang figures out how many degrees from Kevin Bacon they are
  • Danielle fills everyone in on the Green Lady, her local Brooklyn celebrity
  • A round of Silver Lining improv
  • Phillip discusses the importance of storytelling and honing your craft offstage
  • What being a visionary means to Phillip
  • #dailydanceitout and why creating something daily is important
  • The difference between approaching acting as a commercial/ professional path versus acting for the sake of acting
  • Knowing when to take a break, when to reflect, and when to take work for the sake of it
  • Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and the need to take time to act and express in ways that may not be commercially acceptable
  • The moment Phillip felt like he had achieved something with his craft
  • Shuffle Along, and working with Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Billy Porter
  • Facing the “golden handcuffs” of a long-running Broadway production, and knowing when it is or isn’t the right time to step away for your own integrity, and how risky that can be
  • The physical demands of the roles Phillip has played, and how he stays healthy and inspired
  • The etymology of “break a leg”
  • Plus, Elsie surprises everyone with some spicy End of Show Food!

    • The post Triple Threat Broadway Actor Phillip Attmore – Break Legs! appeared first on Funny People Talking Podcast.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr 10 min

About Funny People Talking

From the publisher's feed

Marc Raco and hosts interview entertainers, influencers, icons, innovators, and incredible people who have one thing in common: they are funny! Episodes feature improv games, the latest and funniest…