On this episode of the Velvet Sugar Podcast, we're joined in the studio by Tania Lewis for a wide-ranging conversation about comedy, success, and the realities of making it in the entertainment business.

We kick things off by talking about Alex and David's video going viral on Facebook and Instagram, and how social media can change a comedian's career overnight. From there, we explore the journey of a stand-up comic, why no two careers follow the same path, and why success in comedy isn't always a meritocracy.

We discuss the grind of stand-up, the unrealistic expectations created by social media, and whether the pendulum is swinging back toward live stand-up over viral content. Tania also shares the story of one of her own viral videos—and what happened after the internet took notice.

The conversation dives into how comedians evolve after finding success and whether they can remain relatable to audiences. We also examine the history of American comedy, from blackface and minstrel shows to vaudeville, and how those traditions continue to influence comedy today.

Along the way, we swap stories from the road, including driving through Oklahoma and Arkansas, what consistency really looks like as a working comic, performing stand-up at a funeral home, and how's pooping after double quad tendon repair surgery.

If you enjoy the conversation, please like, comment, subscribe, and share. Your support helps us grow the channel, and we truly appreciate you watching!

Episode 48 is here! This week we're joined in the studio by the hilarious Connor O'Brien. We talk about his journey from getting passed at the Comic Strip to performing on roast shows at the Comedy Cellar. Connor even roasts a 100-year-old—you'll have to watch to see how that goes!Alex also shares the story of narrowly escaping what could have been a complete disaster.

David remembers his very first open micThe guys dive into performing stand-up at hostels, crafting new bits, navigating open mics, comedy contests, and the process of developing material. They also discuss what makes a great comedy show—is it the audience, the lineup, or social media? Plus, they break down some of the biggest self-sabotaging mistakes comedians make.Tune in for a fun, honest conversation about stand-up comedy and the business behind the laughs.Don't forget to like, share, comment, and subscribe!

The incredibly funny, sweet, and talented Monique Latise joins Velvet Sugar for an honest and inspiring conversation.

Fresh off her victory in the "Funny Over 50" contest on Sherri, Monique reflects on her remarkable comedy journey. A veteran stand-up comedian, she's toured the country, headlined shows, auditioned for America's Got Talent, appeared on Kevin Hart's Funny AF, gone viral, and accomplished it all without an agent.

We dive into her writing process, where her comedy bits come from, and how she transforms real-life experiences into unforgettable stand-up. Monique also opens up about the highs and lows of pursuing comedy, the uncertainty that comes with chasing your dreams, and what "starting over" really means. Does it mean giving up—or something entirely different? You'll have to listen to find out.

She also shares her experience as a prison mom, how she's explored that deeply personal journey on stage, and the role healing has played in both her life and her comedy. It's a powerful conversation about resilience, authenticity, and finding laughter through life's toughest moments.

Don't miss this heartfelt, hilarious, and inspiring episode with the one and only Monique Latise.

In this episode, the Velvet Sugar podcast welcomes comedian Andrew Alfredo! Andrew performs and produces comedy shows throughout Connecticut.After Game 1, David is happy but cautious, while Alex doesn't want to jinx the team. The guys cover a wide range of topics, from Gulliver's Travels to which ethnicities wear socks with sandals—and who skips socks with sneakers altogether.Could you guess who goes on a rant about terms like "unhoused," "plant-based," and "locally sourced"? You'll have to tune in to find out!The guys also share what it's like performing comedy in places they've never been before and whether wealthy audiences make for good comedy crowds.As always, please like, comment, subscribe, and share!

On today’s episode, Velvet Sugar welcomes comedian Jess Xu to the podcast. Originally from New York and now living in Connecticut, Jess joins us for a fun, free-flowing conversation packed with laughs, stories, and plenty of sharp observations.We dive into food and the spices we can’t stand, Jess’s early aspirations as a competitive swimmer, and her unexpected journey to becoming an ice hockey referee. Of course, we had to talk about the New York Knicks’ exciting playoff run, along with how language and social norms have evolved over time.Jess also shares how she got started in stand-up comedy, what her parents think about her comedy career, and her experience attending college in Canada. As a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen, she offers a unique perspective on identity, culture, and the question of where “first generation” really begins.Along the way, we touch on celebrity deaths, cultural differences, and a variety of other topics that make for an engaging and entertaining listen.If you enjoy funny, thoughtful conversations with plenty of laughs, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.As always, please like, comment, share, and subscribe!

Paola is a NYC comic born in Israel with Polish roots, and this episode goes everywhere — from Israeli politics and comedy to accents, imaginary friends, and Knicks basketball.We dive into the complexity of the current conflict in the Middle East, talk about losing accents (or never losing them at all), and give our take on Kevin Hart’s Funny AF contest — what does winning that competition really mean?Plus:Which country has the most political parties?Who had imaginary friends growing up?A little Knicks talk, because of course.Tune in for laughs, honest conversation, and a little bit of everything.As always, like, share, and comment — and don’t forget to tag us when you do!

Today in the studio, we’ve got the Shoe Man himself — actor, comic, and traveling shoe salesman Danny Livingston. He walks us through his wild career on the road, selling shoes across America. He’s visited 47 out of 50 states, and along the way, he’s definitely found himself in some pretty hairy situations.We also get into how a surprising number of cults in America seem to have roots in Western New York (seriously… why is that?). Alex shares stories from his days working as a bouncer in NYC, plus we talk about a simple statistic that can actually help you avoid getting robbed.Ever wonder what to do when you're hundreds of miles from home and suddenly run out of money? We get into that too.And of course, we dive into the unique experience of eating at Russian restaurants in Brooklyn — including some surprisingly common (and unexpected) Russian names.Check out Velvet Sugar Podcast, Episode 43 — you’re going to love this one.As always, don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe!

In the studio today with comedian Geordan Mallas 🎙️We get into everything:🇬🇷 Greek heritage🌕 Was the first moon landing real?🏴 A crazy Scottish lady story you won’t forget🎭 When is it actually okay to use an accent… and is there an age limit?👽 Are aliens out there—and if they are, why haven’t they shown themselves?Plus, Alex and David take a trip down memory lane to their very first open mic, roast some comedians we know and love, and dive into bigger topics like:⚡ What kind of world Gen Z is inheriting🏙️ What gentrification really does🚲 Is bike culture taking over Europe?Also—Mamochka is now streaming FREE on Tubi! 🎬As always, please like, share, and comment 🙌

In this episode of Velvet Sugar Podcast, we’re joined by the hilarious Elizabeth Becz! 🎤We dive into all things stand-up, including what it’s like opening for touring comedian Jim Florentine, and the differences between performing in upstate NY vs. NYC. Elizabeth also shares her experience as a 6'3" female comic and how that shapes her presence on stage.We get into growing up in immigrant families—comparing Slovakian and Polish language roots, cultural similarities, and the realities of being raised both in and outside the U.S. From discipline to identity, nothing is off limits.It’s a funny, honest, and real conversation you won’t want to miss.👉 Please like, comment, and share—it helps us more than you know. Thanks for the support!

Actor, singer, and songwriter Patrick Brancato joins the pod for today’s episode!

We dive into his early childhood and what first sparked his passion for acting, along with his journey into classical music and opera training. From there, we get into the differences between film/TV acting and theatre—does one truly make you a better actor?

We also talk about the realities of working with difficult actors on set, managing expectations, navigating success and disappointment, and so much more.

Tune in for a great conversation, and as always, don’t forget to comment, like, share, and subscribe! 🎙️