Yes But Why Podcast

This week on Yes But Why Podcast, we talk to eleven different filmmakers about their craft, their journey and their process. Listen in as they share stories from their experiences! And, since Austin Film Festival is still going on, you can check out all of these movies!

Austin Film Festival was an amazing adventure for me. Yes But Why was invited to join the press corps and I spent the better part of Friday the 25th and Saturday the 26th doing interviews in and around the Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin. I am excited to share them with you now!

MARK WILSON & CHRIS RETTS (start 00:00:57)
My first interview is with Mark Wilson and Chris Retts, the director and writer, respectively, of the film, Wade in the Water! They told me about how they have been working as a filmmaking team for 6 years and how they channel their creative flow to make movies together. Check out Wade in the Water tonight, Monday October 28th at 6:15pm at the Alamo Drafthouse Village.

GUILLAUME LEVIL (start 00:18:47)
Next up, I spoke with French screenwriter, Guillaume Levil. At the festival, Guillaume is presenting his uplifting short film, Running Naked in the Universe. In our chat, we talk about collaborative story development and the importance of making connections at festivals. I had the opportunity to moderate the Q&A for his premiere and it went great! Check out the 2nd screening of Running Naked in the Universe on Wednesday October 30th at 7pm at the Galaxy Highland movie theater.

KATIE HYDE (start 00:53:22)
Our next interview is with Katie Hyde, the director/producer/DP of Indie City Films. Katie is a “Jane of all trades” and in our conversation, we talked about giving opportunities to those who need it and building a great creative community. Katie is at the festival, promoting and presenting her film, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: Oh My God I Think It’s Over,” a peek behind-the-scenes of the final rehearsals before the Crazy Ex-Girlfriend series finale! The documentary already played at the festival but keep your eyes peeled for a hopeful future release from the CW!

ZOE WARD (start 01:14:00)
My next chat was with filmmaker, Zoe Ward. Zoe’s short film, Soft & Pink, was made as her MFA thesis presentation at UCLA. I was excited to talk to Zoe about writing and directing her movie as well as composing both of the film’s musical numbers. I was also fortunate enough to moderate the Q&A for Zoe’s shorts program; Here, we discuss the theme of “good people doing bad things.” Your chance to see Soft & Pink is tonight, Monday October 28th at 6pm at the Galaxy Highland movie theater.

DREW ROSAS (start 01:40:47)
In my next interview, I chatted with filmmaker, Drew Rosas. Drew and his creative partner, Nick Sommer, have created a funny web series called Shangri-LA. Listen in as we chat about the magic of editing, doing PA work on commercials, and Drew’s newfound love of composing music. Check out the upcoming #AFF26 screening of Shangri-LA on Tuesday, October 29th at 3:45pm at the Rollins Theater or, go to the Shangri-LA website and watch the whole series at home!

PAR PAREKH (start 02:04:31)
The next conversation was a total surprise and I couldn’t be happier that I connected with him! Par Parekh is one of the most delightful people I have ever met. Par wrote, directed and acted in his short film, The Happy. He was sweet and funny in the interview and you’re going to love his stories! You can see Par’s short film, The Happy on Tuesday October 29th at 1pm at the Rollins Theater!

ZACH LAMPLUGH & BRIAN EMOND (start 02:26:35)
In this upcoming interview, I spoke with Zach Lamplugh and Brian Emond about their feature film, The VICE Guide to Bigfoot. I had moderated the Q&A for their premiere the night before and so we continued the conversation about the Atlanta comedy scene and about what it takes to put together a full length comedy movie...

This week on Yes But Why Podcast, Amy talks to Austin improviser Kenny Madison.

Kenny Madison is an improviser and improv coach from Oklahoma. Kenny currently performs improv all around Austin and he is beloved by every one of the theaters. Kenny also produces a podcast called Shame Watch, in which he and co-hosts review guilty pleasure movies!

We met at a busy hotel café to chat and the action underscores a really great conversation with Kenny about anxiety, shame, and the benign violation theory. Kenny talks about his tumultuous trip to Austin improv. We discuss improv coaching and the benefits of emotional mapping. Kenny and Amy also geek out about Gene Roddenberry and Star Trek: The Next Generation. This was a delightful conversation!

Support Kenny by listening to his podcast, Shame Watch on iTunes! And if you are an Austin improviser, you should take advantage of Kenny’s great coaching skills!

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

This week on Yes But Why Podcast, Amy talks to writer, producer, director, improviser Mike D’Alonzo.

Mike is the Digital Executive Producer at Spectrum News Austin. Mike is also an important part of the Austin improv scene. Mike first appeared on the Austin Improv Live show we did a few weeks ago and now he is returning to tell his own story.

In this interview, Mike talks about his career producing sketch comedy for television. Mike shares stories of his early days in Austin improv, including the origin story of Out of Bounds. We also hear how a joke video he and Jeremy Sweetlamb made ended up on tour with Boyz II Men!

Support Mike D’Alonzo by watching him perform with his troupe, Knuckleball Now, all around Austin. You can also see Mike at his show called "Grandslam Comedy" on the third Friday of every month at The Hideout at 7:30!

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

This week on Yes But Why Podcast, Amy talks to actor, director and writer, Larry Hankin.

Larry Hankin is an everpresent face in the landscape of comedy for the past 60 years. He is is in everything you love to watch! You know him as Officer Balzak in Home Alone, as Tom Pepper in Seinfeld, as Mr. Heckles in Friends, and as Stovka in Barry. You will even be able to see him reprise his role in the Breaking Bad franchise when “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie” comes out this Friday, October 11th.

Larry Hankin is a lifelong performer – everything he does is in service of the creative projects he has and will work on. Larry talks about how he got started doing standup comedy in New York City and how he ended up doing improv with Second City in New York, St, Louis and Chicago. He tells stories about taking a class taught by Viola Spolin alongside fellow student, Del Close. Larry is also one of the founding members of The Committee in San Francisco.

Once Larry got an agent and started doing movies and TV, he was hooked. He loves the experience of performing and directing and he keeps busy with it as much as he can. Larry tells great stories and he is amazingly relatable! Larry tells Amy a story about his experience on Breaking Bad and, in the middle, clarifies that the story is about “how dyslexia interrupts [his] great bliss of performing in front of the camera.”

Support Larry by buying his book of stories, "The Loopholes Dossier" available NOW on Amazon! You can also watch him in the upcoming Netflix film, “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie”!

Larry calls our host, Amy “a kindred soul” so we’re feeling pretty good about this episode! Tune in!

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

This week on Yes But Why Podcast, Amy talks to San Francisco improvisers, Jill Eickman & Steven J Burnett. This interview happened when they brought their absurdist duo improv troupe, Magic, to Austin for the Out of Bounds festival.

Jill Eickman is the founder and artistic director of Leela Improv Theater Company in San Francisco, CA. She is also a Producer/Board Member for The San Francisco Improv Festival and Founder/Executive Producer for Femprovisor Fest: SF’s all womxn’s improv festival. Since 2003, Jill has directed hundreds of original improvisational theatre productions at Leela; and, in the training center, she has taught her signature style of improvisation to thousands of improvisers of all ages and walks of life.

Steven J Burnett is the associate artistic director of Leela. Steven joined Leela in 2013 and was a founding member of Leela’s resident Harold Team, Sketchy Alley. He plays regularly in many troupes but he especially loves playing in Magic with Jill.

In this episode, Jill and Steven talk about mindfulness and balance in the practice of improv. This was a deep dive into the minds of conscientious improv instructors. Jill, Steven and Amy chat about drama therapy, social activism, and inspiring mentors! We also giggle A LOT about selfcare and the wacky characters in our lives!

Support Jill Eickman & Steven J Burnett by taking classes and by watching shows at Leela in San Francisco! If you are not in San Francisco, that’s OK too. Watch videos of their shows and keep an eye out for when their troupe, Magic, might be touring to your town!

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

This week, Yes But Why Podcast features stand-up comedian, Ella Gale.


Ella is a hardworking stand-up and comedy writer that is currently living in Los Angeles. Amy watched Ella perform her wonderful version of stand-up in Austin and she was really intimidated to talk to her for this interview!

In this episode, Ella tells Amy about writing satire articles and how to submit them to online publications like Reductress. Ella shares how she performed musical improv with Merlin Works in Austin. She talks about the tough crowd that has been stand-up comedy in Los Angeles since she’s been there. Amy and Ella chat about writing and Ella mentions that she is working now with a writing group to develop TV pilots.

Support Ella Gale by reading her satire articles on McSweeney’s, Hard Drive, and Medium. Also, if you’re in the LA area, you should watch her perform comedy!

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

This week on Yes But Why, Amy talks to New York City-based performer, Noel Dinneen.

Noel is currently co-host of the popular radio show “Get Rich Quick with Josh & Noel” on Radio Free Brooklyn. Amy and Noel knew each other in the early 2000s when they went to the same open mics: The O’Debra Twins “Show and Tell”, Faceboyz Open Mic, and Reverend Jen’s Anti-Slam.

In this interview, Noel shares his beginnings in improv at iO in Chicago in the mid 1990s. He reminisces how the landscape of improv comedy has changed over the years.

Noel and Amy discuss New York City, Surf Reality, and the experimental performance scene they both played in. Noel tells stories about the experience of doing the play, Charlie Victor Romeo with Collective: Unconscious. Listen in as Noel talks about taking acting classes, doing the podcast, and finding his way as a storyteller.

Support Noel by listening to “Get Rich Quick with Josh & Noel” every Saturday night at 8pm on Radio Free Brooklyn or on the following week via Apple Podcasts!

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

This week on Yes But Why, Amy talks to filmmaker and friend, Andy Young.

Andy is a comedy writer and director. He is currently in Los Angeles working as a Film Editor at Motion Picture Editors Guild, I.A.T.S.E. Local 700 .

In this interview, Andy talks about interviewing people for Moviemaker Magazine. Andy shares his excitement about a recent video that he edited: “Frank’s 2KTV” featuring Jonah Ray. Andy discusses the hard work of networking and making friends in LA. Andy and Amy chat about making comedy, creating your own work, and examining the underlying message in a movie.

Support Andy by watching videos he is working on right now! Also, you should watch Andy’s movie “Keith & Heath” that features our host Amy!

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

This week’s episode of Yes But Why features Norway-based improviser and scientist, Aree Witoelar!

Aree Witoelar is the founder and artistic director of Impro Neuf International - Oslo, Norway’s first English-speaking improv comedy theater. Aree is also a neuroscience teacher at the University of Oslo.

Aree is part of the team that runs the Oslo Impro Festival. He performs with The Improv Speakeasy and other fun improv projects as well as touring Denmark, Canada, Romania and the US. He also writes the improv blog, On Cloud Nine, where he chats about life, love and Impro Neuf.

In this interview, Aree tells the story of the journey of his improv discovery, from PHD student looking for fun to committed artist excited about teaching his craft! Aree tells Amy about how he balances his science academia life with his improv comedy life. Aree and Amy discuss multilingual improv shows and their effect on the audience. Aree shares his personal goal as a performer to work on doing more slow, grounded improv.

Support Aree by taking workshops with him whenever you can, or by watching him perform! You can also get involved in the Oslo impro Festival that is coming up October 29th through November 3rd!

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

This week’s episode of Yes But Why features UCB teacher and performer, Billy Merritt.

Billy Merritt has been with the UCB Theatre since it first opened in New York. He teaches and performs in both the New York and Los Angeles theaters. As a teacher, Billy has developed many improvised longform shows. Billy is also an actor on TV (Parks and Rec, Brooklyn Nine Nine, and Another Period) and a voiceover artist (Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe).

In this interview, Billy talks about his love of comedy as a kid. Billy shares his journey as a performer looking for a community and all the odd rooms he found before UCB. Billy talks about when the original UCB crew first came to NYC to teach improv and how he loved the strict structure of the Harold. In this conversation, Amy asks about the “UCB method” and Billy debunks quite a few misconceptions! Listen in for a great discussion on improv education and the cycle of building a show.

Billy also shares how his UCB teachers Kevin Mullaney, Armando Diaz, and Amy Poehler inspired him to write the book, Pirate Robot Ninja. Billy discusses how he and co-writer Will Hines translated their lessons into a fun fable about improv.

Support Billy Merritt by purchasing this book, Pirate Robot Ninja, RIGHT NOW!

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.