(Improvised) Intelligence from Noah Vargas

What does it really take to survive stand-up comedy?

In this episode of Improvised Intelligence, Mikey joins the show for a raw, honest conversation about the realities of comedy, art, and independence. From bombing on stage in New York to navigating Austin’s comedy explosion, this episode dives into what separates real comedians from people chasing the idea of being funny.

We talk about learning how to be yourself on stage, why bombing is necessary, and how owning your platform matters more than chasing validation. Mikey also shares his upbringing in group homes, his roots in hip-hop culture, and how art, breaking, and graffiti shaped his voice as a comedian.

This conversation goes far beyond comedy — touching on education, creativity, politics, independence, and why most people quit when things get uncomfortable.

If you’re an artist, comedian, or anyone trying to build something real without compromising who you are, this episode will resonate.

🎙️ Guest: Mikey Mayes (@mupnasty)
📍 Albuquerque, NM

Topics Covered:

• Finding your voice in stand-up comedy

• Bombing, growth, and stage confidence

• New York vs Austin comedy scenes

• Joe Rogan’s influence on comedy business

• Hip-hop’s influence on art and comedy

• Group homes, identity, and creativity

• Why most comedians quit

🎬 Dive into the world of indie filmmaking with Derek Bauder! In this episode, Danny shares his journey creating low-budget horror films, the challenges of directing your own scripts, and the passion that drives his projects. From his upcoming film Around Midnight—a dark, family-focused horror—to his love of DVD and 4K movie collecting, this conversation is packed with insights for filmmakers, horror fans, and movie enthusiasts alike.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Tips for making meaningful movies on a small budget

• Behind-the-scenes challenges of indie filmmaking

• Influences from cult horror films like The Coffee Table and Pollo Loco

• The thrill of DVD and 4K collecting for cinephiles

• Upcoming projects, auditions, and ties to Breaking Bad

Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a horror fan, or someone who loves movies, Derek’s insights are authentic, entertaining, and inspiring.

Follow Derek Bauder:

• Instagram/TikTok: @dannydorito23

• Film-focused TikTok: @derekjbauder

Actor, comedian, and former county commissioner Steven Michael Quezada joins the show for an in-depth conversation about his journey from stand-up stages to the set of Breaking Bad—and now into entrepreneurship with the launch of Quezada’s Comedy Club & Cantina.

Steven shares how he broke into comedy, what it was like playing DEA Agent Steven Gomez, the unexpected turn into politics, and why opening his own comedy club is the next big chapter in his career. This episode blends humor, real talk, and powerful insight from one of New Mexico’s most recognizable entertainers.

In this episode:
– Steven’s start in stand-up comedy
– His path to landing a role on Breaking Bad
– Life as a Bernalillo County Commissioner
– Opening Quezada’s Comedy Club & Cantina
– The future of comedy and local community impact

Follow, rate, and share the podcast if you enjoyed the conversation!

🔗 Follow Steven: @steven_michael_quezada @quezadascomedyclubFollow us here!Instagram: @improvisedintelligencepod @noahvargas2🎙️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46eFKCrHGNkWejeT8XpcjTFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/improvisedintelligencepod/Produced by Royal Tier Productions LLCIntro/Outro Theme written by Toby GomezSupport the podcast here!https://www.patreon.com/c/improvisedintelligencehttps://choppedchileco.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Emily Zumwalt — a talented SAG actress, model, and costume designer whose creative path has taken her through film sets, fashion shoots, and the world of character design.

Emily shares how she found her way into acting, what it's like balancing multiple careers in entertainment, and the behind-the-scenes work that brings characters to life through costume. We talk challenges, inspiration, industry realities, and the joy of building a creative career on your own terms.

Whether you’re into film, fashion, or storytelling, this conversation is packed with insight, honesty, and plenty of inspiration.

🎙️ In This Episode:

• Emily’s journey into acting and modeling

• How she discovered costume design

• The creative process behind building characters

• Staying grounded in a competitive industry

• Advice for up-and-coming performers and designers

Follow the show and leave a rating to help more listeners find the podcast!

🔗 Follow Emily Zumwalt: @emily.zumwalt Follow us here!Instagram: @improvisedintelligencepod @noahvargas2🎙️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46eFKCrHGNkWejeT8XpcjTFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/improvisedintelligencepod/Produced by Royal Tier Productions LLCIntro/Outro Theme written by Toby GomezSupport the podcast here!https://www.patreon.com/c/improvisedintelligencehttps://choppedchileco.com/#EmilyZumwalt #SAGActor #ActressLife #ModelLife #CostumeDesigner #HollywoodPodcast #FilmIndustry #BehindTheScenes #ActingCareer #CreativeProcess #PodcastInterview

Comedians Josh Canada and AJ DeLeon join the show for a fast, funny, and absolutely unhinged debate about the greatest comedic actors of all time. From iconic movie moments to underrated legends, we break down what makes a performer truly hilarious — both on stage and on screen.

In this episode we talk about:

• The real best comedic actors of all time

• Comedy movies that shaped stand-up

• Performance styles that make actors unforgettable

• Underrated and overrated comedy legends

• How stand-up and acting overlap

If you love stand-up comedy, movies, or comedians arguing in good fun… this one’s for you.

👉 Follow the show for weekly comedy conversations and new episodes!

🎙 Guests:Josh Canada @canada.josh505AJ DeLeon @ajdeleoncomedyFollow us here!Instagram: @improvisedintelligencepod🎙️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46eFKCrHGNkWejeT8XpcjTFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/improvisedintelligencepod/Produced by Royal Tier Productions LLCIntro/Outro Theme written by Toby GomezSupport the podcast here!https://www.patreon.com/c/improvisedintelligencehttps://choppedchileco.com/#StandUpComedy #ComedicActors #ComedyPodcast #MovieDebates #JoshCanada #AJDeLeon #FunnyPodcast #ComedyMovies #ComedyLegends #BestComedicActors

Comedian Loy Lee joins Improvised Intelligence to share what it’s really like living life on the road as a traveling stand-up comedian. From performing in dive bars to big city comedy clubs, Loy talks about chasing stage time in all 50 states, building a career in comedy, and the hilarious (and sometimes brutal) moments that come with it.

🎙️ In this episode:

• The grind of being a traveling comedian

• Lessons learned from performing across America

• How to stay funny and consistent while always on the move

• What new comedians should know before hitting the road

• The weirdest and wildest comedy gigs you’ll ever hear about

If you love stand-up comedy, road stories, and real talk about the comedy grind, this episode is for you.

🎧 Improvised Intelligence brings you authentic, funny, and insightful conversations with comedians, creators, and thinkers shaping modern culture.

Viral content creator News Guy Johnny joins the show to talk about his rise on social media, covering Albuquerque’s mayoral race, and life after leaving the Army. From breaking local news stories to building a digital following, Johnny shares how he turned reporting into a platform that blends humor, honesty, and viral moments.

🎙️ Hosted by Improvised Intelligence, where comedy meets culture, politics, and real stories from people making an impact.

👉 Subscribe for more Albuquerque interviews, local news commentary, and unfiltered comedy conversations.🎧 Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube📲 Follow News Guy Johnny: @newsguyjohnny📲 Follow the podcast: @ImprovisedIntelligencePodFollow us here!Instagram: @improvisedintelligencepod🎙️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46eFKCrHGNkWejeT8XpcjTFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/improvisedintelligencepod/Produced by Royal Tier Productions LLCIntro/Outro Theme written by Toby GomezSupport the podcast here!https://www.patreon.com/c/improvisedintelligencehttps://choppedchileco.com/#Albuquerque #NewsGuyJohnny #ImprovisedIntelligencePodcast #AlbuquerqueNews #NewMexico #MayoralRace2025 #LocalPolitics #ComedyPodcast #VeteranStories #LeavingTheArmy #TikTokCreator #ContentCreator #AlbuquerquePolitics #GoingViral #PodcastInterview

In this episode of Improvised Intelligence, we roll into the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) with two dedicated practitioners — Alejandro Tagle (Purple Belt) and Gerald Rivera (Brown Belt).

They share their stories about how they got started, the grind of daily training, and what it really takes to develop both the physical discipline and mental toughness that Jiu Jitsu demands.

We dig into:

• 🥋 The techniques and philosophies behind BJJ

• 💪 Their favorite training regimens and routines

• 🤕 How they handle setbacks, injuries, and burnout

• 🧠 The mindset that fuels long-term growth on and off the mat

• 🙌 Tips for newcomers stepping onto the mats for the first time

Whether you’re a lifelong martial artist or just curious about the art of grappling, this episode is full of insight, discipline, and real talk.

🎙️ Improvised Intelligence — comedy, culture, and conversations that dig deeper.
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @improvisedintelligencepod
🔗 Watch full video episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@improvisedintelligencepod

Jake and Jayme Semeniuk join the show for an episode full of muscle, madness, and movie talk. From powerlifting and bodybuilding culture to pro wrestling chaos, superhero burnout, and horror movie favorites, this one’s a heavy lift of laughs and hot takes.

We talk about what it’s really like being a powerlifting couple, share funny gym stories, and debate which superheroes could actually survive a deadlift session. Whether you’re into fitness, wrestling, or pop culture, this episode has something for every kind of nerd with a barbell.

💪 In this episode:

• Powerlifting vs. bodybuilding — who’s tougher?

• Gym fails, stereotypes, and the best lifting advice

• Pro wrestlers gone Hollywood

• Superhero fatigue — is Marvel finally tapped out?

• Horror movies that still deliver chills

🎤 Guests: Jake & Jayme Semeniuk @jake_sod and @jbirdsoup @jbirdsoupcoaching
📅 New episodes every week with comedians, athletes, and creators.

👉 Follow, rate, and review the show — it helps us grow and keeps the chaos coming!

Reacting live to the 2025 Albuquerque Mayoral DebateFollow us here! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46eFKCrHGNkWejeT8XpcjTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/improvisedintelligencepod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/improvisedintelligencepod/Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/improvisedintelligencepodProduced by Royal Tier Productions LLCIntro/Outro Theme written by Toby GomezSupport the podcast here!https://choppedchileco.com/https://organicpricedbooks.com/ Promo Code: NOAH