The Wake Up Call with Josh Denny

We kick off our first episode with guest Carl Spitale talking about BUSINESS, and particularly his new black owned business called “Black Owned Business.” What happened to Walter Jr? We cover today’s top stories which include horse racists and companies with products that have suicide benefits.

The last episode of March of The Pigs. Josh and Neda talk about what’s next.

Writer, podcast, and provocateur Isaac Simpson is here, and we start off by talking Thanksgiving recipes and Turkey hacks. Get your sundial ready, because these brines take centuries. Josh has thrown out the recipe book, and starts telling people how to “season to taste.” Josh thinks food blogs are getting more gratuitous than ography, and some things (like making your own cinnamon rolls) can’t be unseen. Getting groceries delivered for Thanksgiving seems like a great idea, until none of it shows up. We talk about Lisa Bloom, and the startling realization that all lawyers are still lawyers. We talk about Isaac’s podcast “Not a Huge Fan” w/Charles Disney, and how Charles loves to stir shit. We talk about likability in comedy and whether or not it’s actually important. We talk about societies quickness to labeling, vs. truly researching, testing, and understanding problems. We talk about the recent rash of Hollywood harassment allegations - are they all good intentioned? What are the possible side effects? Enjoy this long episode that would’ve been longer if we didn’t stop recording for an hour.

In one of our longest episodes yet, Josh sits down with Comedian and Ellen staff writer Adam Yenser, also known as Kevin the Cashier. We start off talking about Hungry Crowd, Toluca Lake’s newest cafe/restaurant, despite the unwanted adult supervision. Josh hits peak “Larry David” in his nuanced restaurant complains, so take note. We talk about comedy battlegrounds in Stand-Up, Sketch, Improv, and TV writer’s rooms in today’s politically charged climate. Josh brags about his ballin’ in unit laundry, which is the highest luxury in Los Angeles - and also leads to the classic “laundry room fight club” story. We discuss people’s lack of compassion in general, but particularly in LA traffic. Josh shares one of his all time favorite Uber stories. Adam talks about his climb through the ranks in the industry, which highlights a crazy time in late night TV history. We talk comedy, controversy, influences, and technique (which everyone loves). Josh is excited that white guys are the new black guys. We dive into comedy in politics and politics in comedy, and what it’s like being libertarian or conservative in today’s landscape. Oh, and if you want Weinstein talk, get ready. Could there ever be a conservative SNL or Daily Show? Let’s Discuss!

Los Angeles Chargers starting Right Guard Kenny Wiggins is here, and we get into sports really fast. We talk about the common misconceptions of NFL players. We talk about Kenny’s story from undrafted Free Agent to starter over 7 years (which is pretty incredible). We talk about the growing concern of CTE in the NFL, and some of the misconceptions of the general public about player safety and general safety. We talk about who eats the most on the team, shocker - it’s not who you’d expect. We go down the rabbit hole of food, and this one turns into food commentary. Kenny had the perfect restaurant concept stolen from him, and we’re not happy about it. Josh shares stories about rude fans and unexpected hecklers. We check out the Carving Board in Burbank, and talk about what separates the greats from the not-so-greats. Also, bring back sit down pizza places! We wrap up talking about “Last Chance U” on Netflix, and how it compares to coaching throughout sports. We also talk about heated NFL rivalries between players. Enjoy!

Sam Tripoli is here, and we get right into it. I’d attempt to make show notes but this one is all over the place. We talk Basecamp, a local hipster breakfast place in Josh’s neighborhood. We start out talking about the calls we missed over the years. We start off by naming names of the worst people in comedy, as well as some of the best. Sam shares his Golden Corral PTSD. We recap what it takes to be a “Hollywood Fat,” and when it gets to be Josh’s turn. We discuss the magic of 4-dick chess, and how it is best played. We talk about the pack mentality of the internet and how nobody makes sense. Sam invents Christmas Cake, and its better than you could ever imagine. We discuss how comedians terrify the entertainment industry. Oh yeah, and we discuss Josh’s recent twitter beef. You know which one.

Tony Vinh is back, and we pick up where we left off talking Ray’s BBQ - spoiler alert: It’s the best. We talk about great food documentaries on Amazon Prime, Fires in Burbank, and Josh’s history with former Strikeforce fighter Brett “Da Grim” Rogers. We devolve into entitlement around human behavior, and how technology’s instant gratification has raised our expectations. We talk about the new documentary “What the Health,” and how insane some of the claims are, and the problem with scientific studies and research habits. Lots of good stuff in this one. Enjoy!

#213 - SWAPCAST! with the Meghan Jenkins Show

We’re doing something a little different on this episode of Pigs! This is a Swapcast with the Meghan Jenkins Show. Meghan had been trying to get me on her show for a while, and after spending a great day with her and Brian, we’re putting it out on both feeds! We still incorporate your favorite part of ‘Pigs with a visit to Little Dom’s in Los Feliz. Joined by the always charming Neda Gheybi, we talk comedy, and head right into the MJS interview format. Enjoy!

We’re finally back in the UnPops studio with Adam Tod Brown after a few months off. Comedian Joe DeRosa joins us after eating a ton of food with Josh at a Korea-town favorite known as Beer Belly. Joe is struggling with the carb-load right out of the gate. Joe finds out that Adam and Josh are the worst people to discuss moderation with. Joe talks TV writing with us, and we all share our nightmares of crappy network notes. We share stories of adjusting to West Coast food after growing up on the east coast, and share our favorite gravy recipes. Joe hates unnecessary sex scenes in movies, and Josh surprisingly agrees because airplanes. This one is all over the place (aren’t they all?) so enjoy!

Only one day after Josh bragged to Vanessa Johnston about the newness of his car, it breaks down on the way to Mexican food with comedian and actress Emily Hanley. We decided to record it, and share all the worst parts of a car breaking down in LA with all of you! It’s a million degrees (again). Do we make it to lunch? Listen and find out!