Wilfully Funny
Simone Holder
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I am a stand-up comedian in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. I like to talk to interesting, funny people about comedy and life in general.
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2 days ago
Season 6, Episode 7: Gary Kroeger
Waterloo, Iowa-based actor/comedian/politician/writer Gary Kroeger is my guest this week.
Facebook
Blog: Gary has Issue
Podcast: The Gary and Kenny Show
Gary and I are working on a project called “What made you funny?”. If you’d like to participate, please email your story to how.did.i.get.funny@gmail.com
#podcast #comedy #standup #ottawa #canada
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Sep 17, 2023
Season 6, Episode 6: Sheri Flanders
Chicago-based improvisor/musical comedy/standup performer and writer Sheri Flanders is my guest this week.
Instagram, Facebook
#podcast #comedy #standup #ottawa #canada
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Sep 10, 2023
Season 6, Episode 5: Serge Nkusi
Ottawa-based comic Serge Nkusi is my guest this week.
This turned into the young one asking the old one comedy-related questions. At Serge’s request, not much was cut from this conversation.
Instagram: @sergenkusi_
#podcast #comedy #standup #ottawa #canada
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Sep 3, 2023
Season 6, Episode 4: Mark McNally
Toronto-based comic Mark McNally is my guest this week.
Instagram/TikTok/Twitter: @dudermcnarly / Facebook: Mark McNally Comedy / Instagram: @mcnarlymedia
#podcast #comedy #standup #ottawa #canada
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Aug 27, 2023
Season 6, Episode 3: Flo Penicaud
Montreal-based comic Flo Penicaud is my guest this week.
Facebook: @thefunnyfloshow
#podcast #comedy #standup #ottawa #canada
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Aug 20, 2023
Season 6, Episode 2: Brad Doiron
Ottawa-based comic Brad Doiron is my guest this week.
Instagram: @brad_doiron , TikTok: @somepeoplesaybrad
#podcast #comedy #standup #ottawa #canada
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Aug 13, 2023
Season 6, Episode 1: Kyle Mesdag
Season 6 premiere!
Ottawa-based comic Kyle Mesdag is my guest this week.
Instagram: @kalmezdawg
#podcast #comedy #standup #ottawa #canada
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Jul 22, 2023
Season 6 coming on August 13, 2023!
First episode of Season 6 drops at 9:00am Sunday, August 13!
Thanks for your support! Here's to another fun season!
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Jul 16, 2023
Season 5, Episode 16: Michael Friedman
Season 5 finale!
Ottawa-based comic and chiropractor Michael Friedman is my guest this week.
Instagram: @dr.michael71, @the.essential.dc
#podcast #comedy #standup #ottawa #canada
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Jul 9, 2023
Season 5, Episode 15: Nick Burden
Ottawa-based comic and comedy club owner Nick Burden is my guest this week.
Instagram: @nickburden_, @laughloungeottawa
#podcast #comedy #standup #ottawa #canada
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Jul 2, 2023
Season 5, Episode 14: Lauren Lane & Rob Morgan
Ottawa-based comics Lauren Lane and Rob Morgan are my guests this week.
Instagram: @laurenlanecomedy, @robmorganphotography, @pintsnpunchlines
#podcast #comedy #standup #ottawa #canada
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Jun 25, 2023
Season 5, Episode 13: Steve Love
Ottawa-based actor/comedian Steve Love is my guest this week.
Instagram: @drstevelove
#podcast #comedy #standup #ottawa #canada
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Jun 18, 2023
Season 5, Episode 12: Kris Kingsbury
Ottawa-based comedian Kris Kingsbury is my guest this week.
Instagram: @kingsbury.kris / Facebook: Brewing Up Laughs
*The sound is terrible because I had the gain too high on both mics and I was holding the mic too close to my mouth. SORRY!
#podcast #comedy #standup #ottawa #canada
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Jun 11, 2023
Season 5, Episode 11: Betty Baewatch
My guest this week is Betty Baewatch, a burlesque performer in Ottawa.
Instagram: @bettybaewatch
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Jun 4, 2023
Season 5, Episode 10: Small Fish Show
My guests this week are Glenys Marshall and Maggie Harder, the creators and producers of “Small Fish Show” a variety show highlighting marginalized communities in Ottawa.
Instagram: @smallfishshow, @maggiemayharder, @glenys.marshall
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Jun 1, 2023
Season 5, Bonus Episode: Isabelle Pierre
American comic Isabelle Pierre is one of the performers at this year’s Black Women in Comedy Laff Festival (https://www.bwiclafffest.com/).
Instagram/TikTok: @theisabellepierre
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May 28, 2023
Season 5, Episode 9: Shelly Colman
American comic Shelly Colman is one of the performers at this year’s Black Women in Comedy Laff Festival (https://www.bwiclafffest.com/).
Instagram: @awfullysnippy
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May 21, 2023
Season 5, Episode 8: Nikkie Knowles
S5E8 – Nikkie Knowles
Nikkie is one of the performers at this year’s Black Women in Comedy Laff Festival (https://www.bwiclafffest.com/).
Social media: @funnygirlproductions
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May 14, 2023
Season 5, Episode 7: Kelly Zemnickis
Toronto-based comic Kelly Zemnickis is my guest this week.
Kelly and I met online during the pandemic. We merely scratched the surface with this conversation. For the record, we were NOT drinking all afternoon.
Instagram: @thelatvianfoodie
Twitter: @aijagreen
Facebook and YouTube: Kelly Zemnickis
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May 7, 2023
Season 5, Episode 6: Amma Marfo
Boston-based comic Amma Marfo is my guest this week.
Amma and I met online during the pandemic. We will finally meet in person this June. We merely scratched the surface with this conversation.
Instagram and YouTube: @ammamarfo
“Enjoy Your Nachos” is available on YouTube and wherever you listen to music or comedy.
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Apr 30, 2023
Season 5, Episode 5: Steve Bottomley
Vancouver-based comic Steve Bottomley is my guest this week.
Social media: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
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Apr 23, 2023
Season 5, Episode 4: Brad Martin
Ottawa-based comic Brad Martin is my guest this week.
Brad performed his first stand up set at age 14 at a sketchy dive bar in Hamilton, Ontario. Years later he performed in NYC at an Olive Garden in Queens…it counts.
Instagram: @bradleymartin40
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Apr 19, 2023
Why I changed the name to "Wilfully Funny"
I changed the podcast name from "Shooting the Breeze" to "Wilfully Funny". Here's why.
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Apr 16, 2023
Season 5, Episode 3: Rae Lockdust
Hamilton-based comic Rae Lockdust is my guest this week.
Rae and I talked about mental health, how we met, and the wacky, sinister situation in which we found ourselves in 2021.
Social media: @raelockdustcomedy on all platforms
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Apr 9, 2023
Season 5, Episode 2: Luke Bawn
Kingston-based comic Luke Bawn is my guest this week.
Luke and I updated each other on what we’ve been up to since the last time he was on the podcast. For the record, I did not have 18 shots of Jameson.
Website: https://www.lukebawn.com/
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Apr 2, 2023
Season 5, Episode 1: Keesha Brownie
Toronto-based comic Keesha Brownie is my guest this week.
Keesha and I talked about the pandemic, our comedy journeys, and being introverts.
Website: https://www.gotbrownie.com/
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Mar 26, 2023
Season 4, Episode 15: Todd Van Allen
Ottawa-based comic Todd Van Allen is my guest this week.
Todd and I talked about the pandemic, being on set, and rich people slapping other rich people.
Social media: @heyitstva
Host of @CATPPodcast and @WriteEmUpShow
Website, album, etc. linktr.ee/heyitstva
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Mar 19, 2023
Season 4, Episode 14: Kathy Brennan
Springfield, Illinois-based comic Kathy Brennan is my guest this week.
Kathy and I met virtually in 2020 when we both performed on a Zoom comedy show. She had me howling when she told me about her first job.
Social media: Instagram, Facebook
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Mar 12, 2023
Season 4, Episode 13: Johnny Rogers
Ottawa-based comic Johnny Rogers is my guest this week
Johnny and I talked about comedy, his previous career as a YouTube host, and transferrable skills.
Follow Johnny on all social media: @thejohnnyrogers
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Mar 5, 2023
Season 4, Episode 12: Wafik Nasralla
Ottawa-based comic Wafik Nasralla is my guest this week.
Wafik and I caught up on what’s gone on since he was last on the show. Among other things, we talked about watching comics bomb and the butterfly effect.
Facebook fan page: https://tinyurl.com/wafik-nasralla-fanpage
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Feb 26, 2023
Season 4, Episode 11: Christabelle Witt
Formerly Ottawa-based, now Kingston-based comic Christabelle Witt is my guest this week.
Christabelle and I are good friends. We talked about double-standards, weird encounters, and other things we deal with as women comics.
Instagram: @creativechristabelle
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Feb 19, 2023
Season 4, Episode 10: Casey McNeal
Boston-based comedian Casey McNeal is my guest this week.
Casey and I met at an online show during quarantine in 2020. Casey has been a comic for over 30 years and is also an actor. He shared some behind-the-scenes stories about stand up and about working on a movie set.
@caseyscomedy: Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Website: https://www.caseyscomedy.com/
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Feb 12, 2023
Season 4, Episode 9: Julie Dugas
Ottawa-based comedian Julie Dugas is my guest this week.
Julie and I talked about our respective comedy experiences. Then we moved on to our favourite subject: hook-up culture in our comedy community.
Facebook: Sex and Giggles
Instagram: @funny_girl_julie
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Feb 5, 2023
Season 4, Episode 8: Bobby Knauff
Ottawa-based comedian Bobby Knauff is my guest this week.
Bobby and I talk about mental health and stand up and how to preserve one while succeeding at the other. Hint: It’s hard.
Instagram: @bobbyknauffandcats
@andre_thealien: Instagram and Twitter
Bobby’s album “Rock Bottom” is available wherever you listen to music.
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Jan 29, 2023
Season 4, Episode 7: Peter Egnatoff
Kingston-based comedian Peter Egnatoff is my guest this week.
Peter and I are close friends. This is his 4th time on the podcast!
He was with me for a monumental event in my comedy career so we talked about that.
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Jan 22, 2023
Season 4, Episode 6: Ashley Perna
Kingston-based comedian Ashley Perna is my guest this week.
Ashley and I are good friends. On top of doing stand up and her career as a law clerk, Ashley also ran for Kingston city council in 2022. She was also very open and candid about the mental health struggles she’s had.
Instagram: @ashleyjperna
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Jan 15, 2023
Season 4, Episode 5: Al Val
Toronto-based trans comedian Al Val is my guest this week.
Al and I bonded over our shared anxiety about performing in small towns. She told me about how her comedy evolved once she came out as trans.
Instagram and TikTok: @alvalcomedy
CBC Gem: “The New Wave of Standup”, Season 1, Episode 3
Crave: “The Standup Show with John Dore”, Season 2, Episode 6
Out TV: “Drag Heels”, Season 3, February 2023
Debut album coming in 2023!
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Jan 8, 2023
Season 4, Episode 4: Danny Martinello
Toronto-based comedian/actor/writer Danny Martinello is my guest this week.
Danny and I talk about his childhood in Edmonton and his start in entertainment and comedy.
Instagram: @dannymartinello
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Jan 1, 2023
Season 4, Episode 3: Logan Brown
Ottawa-based comedian/musician Logan Brown is my guest this week.
After years performing as a professional musician, Logan started stand up in 2021. We talk about his experiences so far.
@logandoingstuff on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and all other social media platforms.
Podcast “Breaking all the Rules” @ruckuscomedy on Instagram
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Dec 25, 2022
Season 4, Episode 2: Sterling Scott
This is part one of a two-part interview. Stay tuned for Part 2 coming in 2023!
Alberta-based comedian/actor/writer Sterling Scott is my guest this week.
Sterling and I talk about his start in entertainment and comedy. We also talk about being black in stand up comedy in Canada and the "stuff" we face that other comics do not.
@sterlingsjokes
Comedian | Actor | Writer
🥇2019 SFICC Comedy Champ
🎥 Laugh after Dark Season 3
🎞 Roast Battle Canada Szn 1
📺 CBC/CTV/CRAVE/Winnipeg comedy festival
gem.cbc.ca/media/winnipeg-comedy-festival/s19e02
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Dec 18, 2022
Season 4, Episode 1: Rob Morgan
After a long hiatus, Shooting the Breeze is back!
My good friend Rob Morgan is the first guest of Season 4! Rob is a comic and photographer based out of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. In this episode we talk about our love, passion, and respect for stand up.
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Oct 8, 2021
Season 3, Episode 20: Danny Dechi
** Recorded on June 29, 2021 **
Danny Dechi is a comedian, host, and producer based in San Francisco, California. We had a fun conversation back in June. (IG: @dannydechi, Twitter: @dannydechi, Website: DannyDechi.com/).
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Oct 8, 2021
Season 3, Episode 19: Jennifer Brigden
** Recorded on June 22, 2021 **
Jennifer Brigden is a comic based in Ottawa. We had a fun conversation back in June. (IG: @jenniferbrigdencomedy, Twitter: @jenniferbrigden)
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Oct 8, 2021
Season 3, Episode 18: Ana Melo
** Recorded on May 23, 2021 **
Ana Melo and I had a fun conversation back in May. Ana is a new comic who started doing stand-up online during the pandemic. Ana lives and studies in Portugal. We met on a Zoom open mic based out of California. (IG: @anaruimelo)
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Oct 8, 2021
Season 3, Episode 17: Steve Love
** Recorded on May 22, 2021 **
Steve Love and I had a fun conversation back in May. Steve is an accomplished actor, impersonator, and comedian based in Ottawa. (IG: @drstevelove, YouTube: DrSteveLove)
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Oct 8, 2021
Season 3, Episode 16: Rabbit Hole Radio
** Recorded on May 15, 2021 **
Rabbit Hole Radio is a podcast/radio show hybrid hosted by cousins and best friends David Haddad and Jordan Fournier. David is an Ottawa-based comic originally from New Brunswick. Jordan is a musician based in New Brunswick. We had a crazy and hilarious conversation back in May (IG: @rabbitholeradiopod, @davidhadfather, @jordanfournier)
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Oct 8, 2021
Season 3, Episode 15: Kyle Brownrigg
** Recorded on May 8, 2021 **
Toronto-based Ottawa comic Kyle Brownrigg and I had a fun conversation back in May. Kyle is a Canadian Comedy Award winning comedian who has taped various stand-up performances for The Comedy Network, CBC Radio & Television. He has also performed at Just for Laughs, JFL42, JFL Northwest, The Halifax Comedy Festival, The Debaters, Bluesfest, The Sudbury Comedy Festival, The 905 Comedy Festival, We’re Funny That Way Comedy Festival, Icebreakers Comedy Festival and was a finalist in Sirius XM’s Top Comic Competition; a nationwide search for Canada’s next top comic. (IG: @kylebrownrigg, @bestactresspodcast)
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Oct 8, 2021
Season 3, Episode 14: Graham Kay
** Recorded on May 8, 2021 **
NYC-based Ottawa comic Graham Kay and I had a fun conversation back in May. Graham has been on Colbert, Fallon, and has a special on YouTube (IG: @instagrahamkay, @theedgelordspod)
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Oct 4, 2021
Season 3, Episode 13: Jenn Hayward
** Recorded on May 2, 2021 **
Ottawa comic and Gopher It Deliveries CEO Jenn Hayward and I had a fun conversation back in May. (IG: @the_jenn_hayward_show)
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Sep 6, 2021
Season 3, Episode 11: Christina Walkinshaw
** Recorded on April 25, 2021 **
NYC-based Ottawa comic Christina Walkingshaw and I had a fun conversation back in April. (Twitter: @walkinsauce)
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Jun 13, 2021
Season 3, Episode 10: Julien Dionne
Ottawa comic Julien Dionne (June 13, 2021, Recorded on April 25, 2021, IG: julien_dionne)
Julien and I both love zoom shows but we are both eager to get back on stage. We touched on a bit of everything in this episode: work/life during the pandemic, edge lords, performing sober, and breaking into the French comedy scene.
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Jun 8, 2021
Season 3, Episode 9: Caroline Alary
I spoke with my friend from Montreal, Caroline Alary (IG: @caro823)
My scheduled guest stood me up today. I put a call out and my friend Caroline decided to come on. We caught up and had fun. She’s not a comedian although I think she should give it a go.
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Jun 1, 2021
Season 3, Episode 8: Aiden Javed
Former Ottawa comic Aiden Javed (IG: @thatbrowncomic)
Aiden moved back to Vancouver last year. We talked about life and comedy over the last year.
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May 28, 2021
Season 3, Episode 7: Issa Kixen
Winnipeg comic Issa Kixen is the host/producer of Woke Comedy Hour (IG: @wokecomedyhour, FB: @wokecomedian)
Issa and I met on a show about medical experiences. We talked about the prejudice that BIPOC experience in the medical community. We also discussed finding our place in our respective comedy communities and the challenges we both faced in doing so.
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May 23, 2021
Season 3, Episode 6: Trevor Thompson
Ottawa comic Trevor Thompson (IG:@trevorthompson75, Twitter: @TrevorWThompson)
Trevor is one of my favourite people. We talked vaccines, the way Doug Ford says “COVID”, masks, and “the numbers”. Of course, we did talk comedy.
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May 18, 2021
Season 3, Episode 5: Kia Mazhar
In this episode, I spoke with Ottawa comic Kia Mazhar (IG:@kiamazar)
Kia is currently in the BC interior planting trees. He drove an hour to Williams Lake, BC to speak to me from a Walmart parking lot. We talked about lockdown, vaccines, tree-planting, drugs, condoms, consent, and of course comedy.
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May 11, 2021
Season 3, Episode 4: Joel Slavik
In this episode, I spoke with Montreal comic Joel Slavic (IG:@joelslavik)
Joel and I spoke about how we’re broken after these last few lockdowns and curfews. Can we take much more? We talked about our love of stand up, influences, and experiences over the past year.
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May 4, 2021
Season 3, Episode 3: Linda Camacho
In this episode, I spoke with Toronto comic Linda Camacho (IG:@hippyrockercomedygirl)
Linda and I talked about performing stand up during a pandemic and online. We both love Zoom shows and think every comic should have a few Zoom shows under their belts. We talked about the thrill of making other comics and new people laugh…what a rush!
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May 1, 2021
Season 3, Episode 2: Dianne Skoll
In this episode, I spoke with Ottawa comic Dianne Skoll (https://dianne.skoll.ca/).
Dianne and I had an incredibly fun conversation. We talked about coping through the pandemic and our love of stand up comedy.
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Apr 20, 2021
Season 3, Episode 1: David Brennan
In the premiere episode of season 3, I spoke with my friend comic, actor, and improv actor, David Brennan (IG/Twitter:@brennandavidn).
We went all over the place! We talked mental health, vaccines, the George Floyd verdict, and paying your comedy dues. We both love standup so much and discussed the lengths we’ve gone to get on stage. It was an incredibly fun conversation.
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Apr 18, 2021
Season 3, Bonus Episode: Personal commentary on the latest stay-at-home measures for the province of Ontario
The province of Ontario has since rescinded the part of the order giving police the authority to stop and question people. Cold comfort since it happens anyway. This is my perspective.
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Apr 1, 2021
Season 2, Bonus Episode: Scott Brown and Jean-François Frenette
In this bonus episode, I spoke with fellow comics and film directors Scott Brown and Jean-François Frenette.
I asked them about the impact their movie "Comedy-19: The Last Laugh" has had on the Canadian comedy community since its release in early March 2021. Of course we went off course and talked about many other topics.
Comedy-19: The Last Laugh: https://comedy19movie.com/
Canadian Comedy Relief Fund: https://gofund.me/22441732
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Mar 29, 2021
Season 2, Episode 41: Jeff Nixon
In this final regular episode of Season 2, I talk with my good friend Kingston comic Jeff Nixon (IG: @jeffnixonguy, Twitter: @bigfatboxofshi)
Jeff and I talk about comedy, our standup journeys so far, the handling of COVID-19, cancel culture, censorship, etc. He answers a few of my 250 random questions too.
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Mar 24, 2021
Season 2, Episode 40: Oliver George
In this episode I talk with my friend Ottawa comedian, actor, and musician Oliver George (IG: @justchillwitholivergeorge, Twitter: @justchillwithOG).
Buckle up! Oliver and I go all over the place in this one: drinking, interviewing, phobias, dancing, roller coasters, microscopic bugs that live on us, Tiger King.
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Mar 22, 2021
Season 2, Episode 39: Liam Rado
In this episode I talk with Ottawa comic Liam Rado(IG/YouTube/TikTok: @radocomedy).
Liam is a new comic who started his comedy career during the pandemic. I asked him about his experiences so far in the standup world. We also talked about finding your voice/niche on stage and our lives outside of standup.
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Mar 19, 2021
Season 2, Episode 38: Al Babcock
In this episode I talk with my friend Kingston comic/producer Al Babcock (IG/Twitter: @ab3comedy).
Al and I talked about the vague, confusing, colour-coded COVID-19 zone designations. We also discussed performing, downtime, people expecting us to be “on” all the time. We also talked about hecklers and people who don’t understand the etiquette of attending a comedy show.
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Mar 17, 2021
Season 2, Episode 37: Christabelle Witt
In this episode I talk with Ottawa comic Christabelle Witt (IG: @creativechristabelle).
Christabelle and I have much in common. Both divorced, we’re in similar lines of work, we're both quiet and introverted, and have dirty standup acts. We discussed the trauma and stigma of divorce and traded dating horror stories.
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Mar 15, 2021
Season 2, Episode 36: Wardie Leppan
I talk with Ottawa comic Wardie Leppan.
Wardie and I talked about comedy, the pandemic, and age. He told me about how he fled to Canada in the mid-1970s due to his work forming unions for Black people in South Africa. He also disclosed his daughter’s stage name suggestion for him.
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Mar 12, 2021
Season 2, Episode 35: Hamilton Burger
I talk with my friend, Ottawa comic Hamilton Burger (IG: @hamilton_burger).
Hamilton and I talk about how difficult the last year has been. We did talk comedy but most of the conversation dealt with working from home, isolation, quarantine, performing post-lockdown, and what we’re looking forward to when (not if) things get better.
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Mar 11, 2021
Season 2, Episode 34: Mike Leblanc
I talk with Ottawa comic Mike Leblanc (IG: @mikeleblanccomedy, Twitter: @mikeleblanchaha)
Mike is one of a handful of Ottawa-area comics who perform in both English and French. He spoke about how he started comedy in Vancouver six years ago. He had a crazy story about his first time on stage at an open mic in Vancouver and other cool stories about doing comedy in LA and NYC. It was a fascinating conversation!
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Mar 5, 2021
Season 2, Episode 33: Dawn Xanklin
I talk with my good friend, former co-host, and comic Dawn Xanklin (IG: @dawnxanklincomedy, Twitter: @dxanklin)
We were co-hosts last year on our podcast “Black Don’t Crack” until the end of the first lockdown last summer. We talked about comedy, lockdown, quarantine, and vaccines. Dawn told me about the cool things she’s been doing since the last time she was on the show. We also shared that neither of us were wearing bras or real pants.
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Mar 4, 2021
Season 2, Episode 32: Lindsay Ventzke
I talk with comic Lindsay Ventzke.
I was fortunate enough to be hosting the show where Lindsay had her first set. She killed it. We talked about her journey into standup comedy so far and what motivated her to start.
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Feb 26, 2021
Season 2, Episode 31: Dylan Black
I talk with radio personality and friend Dylan Black.
We could have talked for hours more! Dylan told me about his almost 25-year radio career. I made him blush by telling him how much I liked his voice.
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Feb 23, 2021
Season 2, Episode 30: Emmett Morrison
I talk with Ottawa comic and good friend Emmett Morrison.
We met in a comedy class in 2019 and reconnected during the pandemic. We reminisced about our first forays into standup. I asked him how getting started in comedy during a plague has been.
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Feb 23, 2021
Season 2, Episode 29: Dan Allaire
I talk with Cornwall comic and radio personality Dan Allaire.
Dan and I discussed our love and passion for standup comedy. We talked about how people think we’re crazy for driving for miles to do 5 minutes for no pay. We both started “late” and want to enjoy the ride for as long as we can.
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Feb 20, 2021
Season 2, Episode 28: Victoria Blair
I talk with Montreal comic Victoria Blair.
We met at The Comedy Nest in Montreal after the first lockdown. Victoria and I talked about sexism and ageism in our comedy communities. We talked at length about getting hate and mansplained. She finds it funny while I find it infuriating.
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Feb 18, 2021
Season 2, Episode 27: Ashley Krawchenko
I talk with Ottawa comic and friend Ashley Krawchenko.
Ashley is the only woman so far to have won the Yuk Yuk’s summer comedy competition. I asked her about her prolific TikTok and Instagram posts. We also talked chins and making crazy faces. We discovered that we both have huge pandemic online shopping addictions. We also talk getting mansplained by psychopaths.
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Feb 16, 2021
Season 2, Episode 26: Wafik Nasralla
I talk with Ottawa comic and friend Wafik Nasralla.
Wafik and I got deep talking about lockdown, how we’ve been doing, and what life has been like a year into the pandemic. We did have light-hearted, funny moments like when he told me about his very first set.
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Feb 15, 2021
Season 2, Episode 25: Ashley Perna
I talk with my close friend Kingston comic and show producer Ashley Perna.
Ashley and I are not happy that it’s Valentine’s Day. She tells us about presenting a bill to city council to ban conversion therapy in Kingston. Currently she is working towards getting comedy recognized as an art form in Canada. We also talked comedy, getting stuck in an elevator, people “giving us jokes”, and sex injuries.
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Feb 13, 2021
Season 2, Episode 24: Luke Lynndale
I talk with Toronto comic, improviser, actor, and writer Luke Lynndale.
Luke and I are big fans of online comedy shows. We discussed the pros and cons of online and live comedy. He performs 17-20 online shows a month! He will be producing 50 shows March 8-27! We had a fun, awesome conversation.
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Feb 10, 2021
Season 2, Episode 23: Spence Charles
I talk with Ottawa comic Spence Charles.
We talked about the technical aspect of standup comedy...is it giving away trade secrets or merely breaking down the structure of a joke to non-comedians? We both like the solitary nature of standup. As usual, Spence brings his high energy and positivity to the conversation.
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Feb 8, 2021
Season 2, Episode 22: Rory Gardiner
I talk with Ottawa comic and musician Rory Gardiner.
We talked more about music and being your authentic self than we did about comedy. Rory told me about his journey in music and comedy and his Ted Talk experience. Very engaging and interesting conversation. We literally shot the breeze.
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Feb 5, 2021
Season 2, Episode 21: Melanie Paige
I talk with Ottawa comic Melanie Paige.
We started off crusty. We talked lockdown rage and the toll it’s taken on our mental health. We both had apprehension about performing in small towns and were fortunately proven wrong. We also talked responsibility and accountability in standup. Melanie humoured me by answering some of my crazy questions at the end.
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Feb 3, 2021
Season 2, Episode 20: Aaron Hill
I talk with Ottawa comic and musician Aaron Hill.
Aaron and I talk about the things we did/learned while in lockdown. We had an in depth convo about tattoos. Aaron shares my enthusiasm for zoom comedy shows!
He also released some music! Listen and download here: http://bit.ly/3ts96IC
Video music video for Not Gonna Eat Your Bum: https://youtu.be/HqTsw5RZXLI
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Feb 1, 2021
Season 2, Episode 19: Chris Borris
I talk with Ottawa comic Chris Borris.
Chris told me how posting tweets and selling photocopiers led to his first standup gig. He is one of the few comics I know who did not have dreams of doing standup since childhood. One of the things we have in common is starting comedy “old”.
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Jan 31, 2021
Season 2, Episode 18: Candy
I talk with the one person who’s known me the longest and knows me best…my sister Candy.
Candy gives us some background about her performance experience and how surprised she was when I told her I was pursuing stand up. We also talk about how we think our late parents would have reacted to my material.
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Jan 30, 2021
Season 2, Episode 17: Missy and Lucie
In this special episode, I talk with two of my dearest and closest friends, Missy and Lucie.
We’ve been friends since high school and have been through everything with each other. I wanted to know what they thought about my comedy journey so far.
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Jan 29, 2021
Season 2, Episode 16: Lewis Hill
I talk with Ottawa comic and musician Lewis Hill.
We talked COVID fatigue, missing comedy, and getting creative during lockdown. Lewis recorded an album while in lockdown!
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Jan 29, 2021
Season 2, Episode 15: Janelle Niles - Part 2
Although this is a comedy podcast, this episode deals with depression, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, neglect, abuse, and racism. Listener and viewer discretion is advised.
In Part 2 Janelle continues to talk about how her difficult, traumatic childhood and strained relationship with her mother has affected her. We talk about trying to fit in, low self-esteem, negative/harmful stereotypes, how not to raise a serial killer, broken friendships, as well as healing and therapy. We ended on a light note by answering some silly questions.
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Jan 29, 2021
Season 2, Episode 14: Janelle Niles - Part 1
Although this is a comedy podcast, this episode deals with depression, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, neglect, abuse, and racism. Listener and viewer discretion is advised.
I talk with my good friend, Ottawa comic Janelle Niles.
Part 1 deals with the COVID-19 vaccine, how black and indigenous people are treated differently in the health care realm, how people are finally realizing that systemic racism is real, and how much we miss live comedy and hugs. We also talk about the conundrum of being too black or not black enough, the stigma of mental health, and the reluctance to use medication to treat it. Janelle opens up about her difficult childhood and we discuss what being called the n-word feels like.
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Jan 26, 2021
Season 2, Episode 13: Mitch Muirhead
I talk with my friend, Ottawa comic Mitch Muirhead. We talked recording farts, keeping busy during lockdown, things we miss the most, what/who makes us laugh, and people who order Champagne from Champagne in a dingy, basement comedy bar.
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Jan 25, 2021
Season 2, Episode 12: Jake Daly
I talk with my friend, Ottawa comic Jake Daly. We talked everything comedy for almost 2 hours that I can’t narrow it down. We had a lively in-depth conversation…it was awesome!
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Jan 25, 2021
Season 2, Episode 11: Michaela Chung
I talk with Ottawa comic Michaela Chung. We talked about being a woman in Ottawa comedy, slut shaming, our writing processes, and how we cope while in lockdown. Also Michaela shared an awkward moment involving a cameraman at a JFL show.
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Jan 25, 2021
Season 2, Episode 10: Emile Mansour
I talk with my good friend Ottawa comic Emile Mansour. We talked a lot about comedy and our Ottawa Comedy Community. I think Emile coined a new phrase…“Hierarchy of Laughter”.
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Jan 25, 2021
Season 2, Episode 9: Tom Hills
I talk with my good friend Ottawa comic/musician Tom Hills. We went there. We talked mental health and how we’re handling the current lockdown and stay-in-place orders. Surprise…we’re both over it. We also talked racism, social injustice, and our experiences with it. Still funny tho.
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Jan 25, 2021
Season 2, Episode 8: David Haddad
In this episode, I talk with Ottawa comic/musician David Haddad. We talk lockdown, self-isolating in paradise, and of course comedy. David shares the greatest “best moment in comedy” ever and gets an earful of cat-drama. He also answers a question about the perfect murder weapon…it got dark.
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Jan 25, 2021
Season 2, Episode 7: Pierre Brault
In this episode I talk with award-winning actor, writer, teacher, and comedian Pierre Brault. We talk about his stand up classes, how live stand up has changed, and what he’s learned and seen after 40 years in the biz. I forgot to ask him if was his favourite student ever.
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Jan 25, 2021
Season 2, Episode 6: Pete Egnatoff
I talk with Kingston comic Pete Egnatoff. Pete and I talk performing post lockdown, mental health, and the incident that solidified our friendship. He gets roasted and complimented in the comments and he answers some silly questions.
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Jan 25, 2021
Season 2, Episode 5: Kia Mazhar
I talk with Ottawa comic Kia Mazhar. We talk scooters, favourite local comics, and Kia’s early experiences and pranks that ultimately brought him to standup. Who should play Kia in his bio pic? Also, dumbest injury?
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Jan 25, 2021
Season 2, Episode 4: Scott Brown
I talk with Ottawa comedian, musician, and filmmaker Scott Brown. We discuss the differences between the London and Ottawa comedy scenes, his film “Comedy-19: The Last Laugh?”, and whether he would take on a horse-sized duck or 100 duck-sized horses. Also, did you know that more comics get punched on stage than attacked by sharks?
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Jan 25, 2021
Season 2, Episode 3: JF Frenette
On this episode I talk with Ottawa comedian JF Frenette. We discuss gross pre-COVID-19 habits, pay phones, Monopoly, and Rubik’s cubes. We also talk about the film project JF worked on during the summer with another local comic.
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Jan 25, 2021
Season 2, Episode 2: Jesse Reynolds
On this episode I talk with comedian, host, and actor Jesse Reynolds. We touch on a bit of everything…the disaster that was 2020, Zoom comedy shows, stereotypes and assumptions, and online dating. Take a shot every time one of us says the word “suck”.
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Jan 25, 2021
Season 2, Episode 1: Dylan Parker
The Season 2 premiere episode is with my friend Dylan Parker. We talk about standup during lockdown (we’re in lockdown #3!!), zoom shows, and so much more!
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Jan 24, 2021
Wilfully Funny (Trailer)
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