The 50/50 Podcast

This week on the 50/50 Podcast, Bebe Katsenes joins us (LINDA wig sadly not included) to talk about the art of building a live comedy show from the ground up. She shares how her improv roots inform her standup, the origin story behind her and Johnny Marx’s beloved character LINDA, and how she keeps audiences coming back month after month.

We also dive into the challenges of finding your comedic voice in today’s divided standup scene—does only performing for like-minded crowds help or hurt the art form? Tune in to find out! 

GET YOUR TICKETS TO LINDA! (Monthly Comedy Show)

Clip of Bebe Performing

Take notes, people, because this is the ultimate how to episode! This week, we’re joined by Gabby Fiszman, co-founder of Odd One Out Films (with previous pod guest Maria Quesada). In this episode, Gabby walks us through exactly how she and Maria started Odd One Out on their own terms, through building trusted networks with their closest friends and collaborators.

Additionally, we touch on how to strategically transition away from your full time job while maintaining good relationships, gaining compassionate leadership skills through experience, varied forms of communication with your financiers, and yes… taxes. 

ODD ONE OUT

GABBY’S BAND, GROCERIES!

Ever wonder what it's like smoking cigarettes with Natasha Lyonne outside of UCB at the age of 15? Well, you're in the right place. This week, we chat with comedian/writer/performer RUBY KARP! Credits include AFTER MIDNIGHT on CBS, THE CHARLIE PUTH SHOW, and Ruby's debut Off-Broadway stint, I DON'T TRUST ADULTS! 

We dig deep into the trials and tribulations of childhood fame, how social media is vital for self promotion, and what it takes to invite collaboration into a solo act. This episode is NOT one to miss. Welcome to the 50/50 Family, Ruby.

RUBY IS STRESSED (New Insta Web Series)

THE CHARLIE PUTH SHOW

We have a new Dude of the Day, and it’s Jacob Staudenmaier! His 50/50 Nominated Film, BOYS, answers the very simple question: What do Boys do tho?... 

But when Jacob isn’t calling out the delicate turf war of masculinity, he is a jack-of-all trades filmmaker whose consistent output of professional grade shorts is awe inspiring. 

In this episode, we discuss how a viral promposal to Emma Stone unexpectedly sparked Jacob's filmmaking career, how he filmed a festival short in just three hours, and the simultaneous restrictions and privileges of shooting on film. Some of Jacob's work below! 

PEPPERONI

BABY

EMMA STONE, PROM?

This week, we’re joined by Rachel Brodsky, accomplished music/pop culture journalist. We spoke for just over an hour about what it's like to chart your own path in media and criticism, and what we in the film industry can learn from the film critic. Rachel shares the early words of encouragement that nudged her toward writing and analyzing pop culture, and how learning to think critically shaped her voice as a journalist.

Rachel brings up the challenges of breaking free from the algorithm to become your own curator, and how to sharpen your taste in an overwhelming media landscape. Rachel also reflects on her experiences interviewing actors like Mikey Madison and Eva Victor — including a behind-the-scenes look at Eva’s upcoming film, SORRY, BABY.

Rachel's Rolling Stone Article about SORRY, BABY linked here! 

In film, a "calling card" refers to a project, often a short film, designed to showcase a filmmaker's talent, style, and vision to potential collaborators and industry professionals (Wyatt didn't know this so we figured he'd learn it if he read the episode description). 

Well, this week, 50/50 Alum Maria Quesada gives us the ultimate download on HER Calling Card, HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, which she wrote, directed, produced, and STARRED in! She takes us through how to allow comedy to be enhanced with stellar visuals, how to take ego out of directing yourself, and spills her secrets on how to film a traffic scene on a small budget set. 

We also cover how family allows us to show love through humor, how to find projects that are authentically you, and we delve into her production company, Odd One Out Films, which she co-runs with Gabby Fiszman (future guest on the pod)! 

Maria's short was an offical selection of the 2025 50/50 Comedy Festival, and we look forward to having her back next year! 

LINK TO ODD ONE OUT PRODS

This week, we're diving headfirst into the wild world of animation with creators Torey Strahl and Elena Ridker. From knowing when it’s time to stop waiting for permission and start making your own work, to surviving the endless loop that is the Network Pitching Process, Torey and Elena share real talk on balancing creative ambition with commercial realities. We also get into the tricky business of separating your art from your income — and why that might just save your sanity.

If you're a cartoon nerd, an aspiring showrunner, or just curious about how an animated series gets made, this one's for you. Check out Torey and Elena’s offbeat animated series Buzzards Bay now streaming on Adult Swim’s YouTube channel. Elena’s already a 50/50 Comedy Festival alum, and we’re thrilled to officially welcome Torey into the 50/50 family!

LINK TO BUZZARDS BAY HERE! 

This week, we sit down with writer/actor/musician Michael Doshier, who gives us a glimpse into the glamour of his thorough artistic process. We touch on topics such as finding confidence on set, surrounding yourself with collaborators who share passion as a driving force, and how to successfully find your niche in the festival circuit, ending up with a reliable distributor.

We loved having Michael at the last 50/50 festival, and we’re so glad that he’s now a part of the 50/50 Family.

All the World’s a Stage on this week’s episode of the 50/50 Podcast. Joaquin Madrid Larranaga not only introduces us to the complex world of finding work in the Theatre, but also (like the true multihyphenate he is) applies his stage managerial knowledge to the world of Film. And there is a LOT to learn. We touch on non traditional paths in the arts, technical skills vs. people skills, and what it really takes to create a thriving on set environment resulting in long-lasting relationships.

It was so special having Joaquin join us at the last 50/50 festival, and we look forward to furthering his involvement in the 50/50 community.

This week, we share a laugh with stand up comic Johnny Marx. We dive into the science behind crafting jokes, the differences in processing conceptual and personal material, and how Johnny manages to bridge the gap between his own voice and the styles of his comedic heroes. Johnny also stresses the importance of enjoying every stage of the comedic process; from writing to booking to hitting the stage. Want to learn how to escape the endless hamster wheel of bringer shows? THIS episode is for you. 

Johnny is a 50/50 alum and repeat attendee of the festival, and we couldn't be more grateful to have him in our orbit.