IS THIS ON? - Broadcast on KMKR (99.9 FM/Tucson)

Dave and Phil describe their new monthly political comedy show, "Laughing Liberally" a mix of stand-up with desk pieces, sketches, news and improv. Phil recalls the history of the show which began in Tucson in 2011 at various locations from Sky Bar, Plush, FlyCatcher, and Club Congress. The newest version of the show will be hosted at the Tucson Improv Movement (TIM) and will feature the improv troupe "Ballot Babes" who provide a fresh and custom made style of lampooning. The opening show featured long time Arizona Star Editiorial cartoonist, Dave Fitzsimmons and Mo Urban, voted Best Comic in last year's Tucson Weekly poll. Dave and Phil host the show and provide political news with a twist of hilarity plus timely newsmaker interviews. Plus we look at the Tucson Comedy scene and review the new Adam Sandler Netflix film.

Former Mayor Rudy Guliani joins Dave and Phil in studio to discuss his indictment in the State of Georgia. Plus ITO Investigates has come into posession of the black box recording from the Russian plane crash which killed Yevgeny Prigozhin. Dave and Phil play it live on air and speculate if there could their be foul play? Plus we look at an unusual new "pay for play" opportunity for comics.

Dave and Phil are joined by ITO's 3rd Wednesday of the month host Roxy Merrari as we take a look at the comedy open mic scenes in nearby cities including Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas. Dave gives us a heads up on special days coming up in August. Plus, Art Fern shares his thoughts on the Barbie film craze and explores the trend toward creating films around our favorite children's toys.

Please leave your written thoughts in celebration of the life of Simon (the bald) Goldstein. We will read them on the next "IS THIS ON?" on July 12...

ITO celebrates the life of local comic icon Simon (the bald) Goldstein who passed away at age 83. He was a fixture at LAFFFs Comedy club and always a crowd favorite. His rapid fire delivery was a tribute to borscht belt comics of yesterday. Here's a link to a recent article about Simon published in the AZ Jewish Star...

https://azjewishpost.com/tag/simon-the-bald/

Dave and Phil welcome friend of the show legendary actor Al Pacino, age 82, who proudly announces that he and his girlfriend Noori Alfalla, age 29, are expecting a child. Our conversation reveals racy details of the night of conception. Plus we review the new Lorne Michaels' Peacock series, "Bupkis" starring Pete Davidson and a stellar cast of stars including Joe Pesci. We convene a session of the ITO Book Club with a summer reading selection from Senator Josh Hawley's new book, "Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs". Really...we're not kidding.

Tucson comedian Jerrod Martin joins Dave and Phil in the studio to talk about the local comedy scene. Hear directly from the man about to be roasted for his 40th birthday this Saturday @ 6 PM at the Music Box on 6951 E, 22nd St. Plus, ITO reviews the new Netflix special from John Mulaney and also updates the status of the Monty Python Spamalot film.

ITO pays tribute to the Spark Project open mic hosted by our good friend Ernie Celeya as they prepare to host their final show on Friday, May 12 @ 7:00 pm. Dave and Phil encourage the Tucson Comedy Community to come out and hang out with Ernie. ITO welcomes back Prince Harry as he returns from a rather brief appearance at his father's Coronation. The Duke 0f Sussex spares no punches as he rails on the Royal family. Plus we review at the Vice TV series "The Dark Side of Comedy" as we look at the sad but true personal struggles that many top comedians have faced.

President Joe Biden drops by the studio to follow up on his 2024 candidacy announcement done by video release. Mr. Biden shares other release ideas that were considered but not used. Dave and Phil talk about the new baseball rules. Plus, ITO gets a job application for the new commentator position from a recently available candidate...Tucker Carlson.