Dec. 22: Harry Doupe

It's the show before Christmas, and all through the coop will be our usual end-of-year guest Harry Doupe. Nuff said, right? It'll be the tenth visit with Harry, but we'll never run out of conversation. Or will we?!

Tune in at 11 and find out! We're on the air until midnight on CFRO 100.5 FM.

Podcast episode 554ish: Brigitte May

With this drop, we're all caught up with the podcast side of things. Brigitte May was with us just a few days ago talking about her upcoming improv show The Tragic Comedy of Macbeth. And just like that, it's here. The show started last night and runs until December 15 at the Jericho Arts Centre so it's not too late for this conversation to inspire your ticket-purchasing leanings. In this episode, Brigitte also tells us about the grim reality of living outside the bubble of the lower mainland elsewhere in Canada. We also talk about film theory and she pens numerous essays for us throughout the hour.

It's all below for your listening pleasure. You can also download the show on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and wherever else fine podcasts are made available.

Podcast episode 553ish: Steve McGowan

I first met Steve McGowan when he was briefly managing Lafflines comedy club in New Westminster. He has long since left that side of the business and even more recently left the day-job side of the business, too, and has committed himself one hundred percent to standup comedy. You can call him "Shooter" if you must, but he just goes by his regular name.

Have a listen to the full episode. You can click below or download us to your phones at iTunes and all the usual places.

Podcast episode 552ish: Daniel Chai

Lord, it looks like Daniel. It is, in fact, Daniel Chai, who visited us a couple weeks back. The improviser and founder of The Fictionals improv troupe and creator of the show Improv Against Humanity joins us and fills us in on his backstory. Who knew he was a legit journalist? Who knew he is from Surrey? Who knew that he owes his artistic life to Legion hall karaoke? If you knew all that, bully for you. Don't be a show-off. I'm sure there will be other factoids you'll learn if you listen to this episode.

You can do so below. Or you can get it on all the usual podcast outlets.

Podcast episode 551ish: Glenn Wool

It's always fun visiting with the great Glenn Wool. We thought he was back in the lower mainland for good now that he's got a family. But no, it's only temporary. He'll explain why. We got around to lots in this episode, including kids birthday parties, scary Canada, playing arenas, getting kidnapped in Vietnam, doing Paul Provenza's Green Room, and drinking on the job as a radio mascot.

We're trying to get caught up with our podcast posting. Hurry up and listen to this one because another new one is right behind it. You can click below to get going or, better yet, go download directly on to your listening device at iTunes or Spotify or Stitcher or wherever.

Dec. 1: Brigitte May

Let the countdown to Christmas begin. After weeks seeing yuletide merchandise in the stores and hearing carols piped in through speakers, I'm ready to embrace it. December 1st is my official start date to the season. All this to say, our guest tonight has nothing in particular to do with Christmas, but maybe improviser Brigitte May has her own thoughts on it. I guess we'll find out. Brigitte is a regular on the live anime show Fistful of Kicks, which runs once a month at Havana. Live anime? Okay, so we'll find out about that, too. And she's a regular contributor to The Beaverton. But more pressing is the show The Tragic Comedy of Macbeth, which opens up December 4 and runs until the 15th at Jericho Arts Centre. Perfect Christmas fare, no?

We're on the air at CFRO 100.5 FM tonight at 11pm. You can live stream us all the way in Denmark at coopradio.org or find us on one of them radio streaming apps that are all the rage with the kids these days.

Nov. 24: Steve "Shooter" McGowan

Our guest on this Grey Cup evening will be a first-timer: standup comic Steve McGowan. Is Shooter a Canadian football fan? Am I? Is Sam? Is anyone? Tune in tonight to find out. We'll also talk to Shooter about his life in comedy from both sides of the ledger: stage and management. He recently recorded a standup album, along with everyone else in comedy. His is called "Pleasantly Offensive" and it fits him to a tee. And we'll find out how the name "Shooter" came about. There's gotta be a story behind it.

Tune in to CFRO 100.5 FM at 11pm Vancouver time. You can livestream us at coopradio.org or on various radio-streaming apps such as TuneIn Radio.

Nov. 17: Daniel Chai

Tonight we've got Vancouver improviser and man about town Daniel Chai with us. Daniel's been a guest once before, back in 2015. On Wednesday, his Fictionals improv troupe is putting on their ninth anniversary Improv Against Humanity show at the Rio Theatre. And in twelve days, is doing performing the Knockout Punchlines show at Yuk Yuk's. We'll talk all about that and about more general topics. We'll figure it out. Don't you worry. Just tune in.

We're on the air, as always, at 11pm on CFRO 100.5 FM in Vancouver. You can livestream us at coopradio.org or on any number of radio streaming apps that are all the rage with the kids these days.

Podcast episode 550ish: Nestor Pistor

We have a really special episode for our 550th-ish. Canadian comedy legend Nestor Pistor was in town and we scored him. He talked all about the early days in the 1970s performing comedy all over the country, releasing top-selling albums, and being nominated for numerous Juno Awards. Nestor is in his seventies now but works out two hours a day, no doubt why he still has the stamina to work the road. Growing up, I'm not sure I ever knew that Nestor Pistor was a character, the creation of mortgage broker Don Ast. Live and learn. But it's Nestor we get on this show, with only a brief few words from Don.

Listen to the episode down below or better yet, go find it on iTunes or Stitcher or Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Nov. 10: Glenn Wool

When Glenn Wool was last with us, way back in 2015, he had just moved back to the lower mainland after eons in Europe. That didn't exactly take. The pull of the road got to him. But guess what? Now he's back... for maybe good? Oh, he'll still do his international dates, I'm sure, but now he returns with a wife and baby. We'll see if that keeps him around a little longer. Whatever happens, he's here for us tonight. We'll find out what happened last time and if this time will be different. And get more tales of comedy in far-off places.

Tune in tonight at 11pm on CFRO 100.5 FM here in Vancouver, but you can listen in from wherever you are in the world by livestreaming us at coopradio.org or finding us on your favourite radio-streaming app, such as TuneIn Radio.

Podcast episode 549ish: Dino Archie (& Jon Bryant)

When Dino Archie came over to play, he brought a friend: musician/singer Jon Bryant. We didn't know Jon would participate, so he didn't get the introduction he deserves. But we eventually got around to it, and we all had a grand old time. Dino talks about his life of leisure now that he's retired. Or should I say "retired"? I still don't know if he is or not. We talk about Dino and Jon's LA exploits, the perils of Twitter, door-to-door knife salesmen, and an idea for a new podcast.

Listen below or find us on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, all the usual places. Subscribe to us wherever you download podcasts. And leave a review, while you're at it.

Oct. 20: Dino Archie

Old pal Dino Archie, who has been our guest five previous times, hasn't paid us a visit in 3.5 long years. But that all changes tonight when he returns. We always have a fun, spirited discussion. I like the way he thinks. About everything. Who knows what we'll talk about, but it's never hard coming up with topics with him. Dino spends time both here and in Los Angeles, where he's kinda from (I mean, technically Fresno, but... close?). He performs standup all over North America, and even did a set on Jimmy Kimmel Live a couple years ago.

Tune in tonight at 11pm to CFRO 100.5 FM. If you're in LA or Fresno or wherever you may be, you can livestream us at coopradio.org or find us on the TuneIn Radio app somewhere. Dig around. You'll find us.

Podcast episode 548ish: Travis Watters

Attention wrestling fans: We've got Ladies Choice on this episode, along with his creator Travis Watters. We get a taste of both of them here, learning about Watters childhood in the rough-and-tumble Fredericton where he wiled away the time at the local roller skating rink. We also hear tales from the rassling ring. We even discuss Travis' sensitive side: oil painting on big canvasses. All this plus lots of zinging of Sidekick Sam Tonning. What more could you want? No chairs were thrown in the making of this episode.

Have a listen, won't you? Below, or over at iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify... all your favourite podcast hotspots. We're there for you.

Podcast episode 547ish: Kalvin Olafson

We're a little late getting this episode up and running, missing by two days our guest's run in a play. But the episode is still relevant and fun and all that. Along with guest sidekick Lars Callieou from Edmonton, we talk to actor Kalvin Olafson about his youth growing up on a farm in Manitoba, about his connections with the Vancouver standup comedy scene, about his process in getting to the heart of his characters, about his former band Minto, and lots more! It was my first time meeting Kalvin, but Lars and I go way back to his first appearance on the show back in 2004. It was good to see him again.

Listen to the episode here or go download it at iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Podbean, Podbay... all the usual suspects.

Oct. 13: Travis Watters

On this Thanksgiving Sunday, we give thanks to our guest Travis Watters for stepping away from the turkey to be with us. Travis is a real Renaissance man – if they did pro wrestling during the Renaissance. But he's more than just a hunky body who goes by the name Ladies Choice when he's in the ring. He's also a standup comic, actor, and painter. So we've got a ton to talk to him about. I've seen him smash sidekick Sam Tonning over the head with a cookie sheet so I will keep a respectful distance.

We'll be on the air as usual at 11pm on CFRO 100.5 FM. If you're without radio, listen online at coopradio.org or find us on one of those amazing radio apps everyone's talking about, like TuneIn Radio.

Podcast episode 546ish: Kyle Bottom

Here's a fun episode for you. It's Kyle Bottom's fourth visit with us, but his first in five years. He's a new man, having been married in the intervening years. We talk about his honeymoon in Japan, his obsession with toilets, impending fatherhood and vetoed baby names, his latest SiriusXM Top Comic experience, and what he's learning in radio school. Plus he wasn't the only baritone on the air on this night.

Here's the link you need to get your listening party started. Or simply download the episode on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, et. al.

Podcast episode 545ish: Shawn Farquhar

We spent another magical hour with master magician Shawn Farquhar. As usual, we surprised him with another apt song (a snippet of which you'll hear right off the top). And he surprised us with stuff we didn't know. For example, when he was younger, he wanted to be an Anglican minister. Who knew?! He also talks about performing sick, and tells us about his hobbies outside of magic (barely outside, but still). Shawn's intimate show, Hidden Wonders, is playing Vancouver until October 26. You really should go. I did!

Listen to the episode here or download it on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, et. al. You can do it.

Sept. 22: Kalvin Olafson

On this rainy Sunday, our guest will be actor Kalvin Olafson, who is currently starring in What We're Up Against, which runs Oct. 1-12 at the Havana. The Manitoban's also been in tons of TV commercials, was a member of the sketch troupe Idle Minds, and we'll find out what else tonight. Sidekick Sam will be away dancing to Elton John, but we have a special sidekick, old pal Lars Callieou on loan from CJSR, where he hosts his own show, Comic Jenius.

Tune in to CFRO 100.5 FM tonight at 11 pm for all the scintillating discussion. Even if you're far, far away in Manitoba or Alberta, you can listen via livestream on coopradio.org or on the TuneIn Radio app, among others.

Podcast episode 544ish: Ola Dada

When Ola Dada visited us a few weeks ago, he hadn't yet learned if he made it to the finals of the SiriusXM Top Comic competition. Three days later, he got the news: He did. He'll be off to Toronto to perform in the live theatre show final. Good luck to him. In this episode we learn about his home country Nigeria and also what it was like to grow up in Fort McMurray. And he tells us tons of original dad jokes.

Have a listen right here. Or download the episode on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify... wherever fine podcasts are dispensed.

Sept. 15: Kyle Bottom

Photo of Kyle Bottom by John Sutton

Back for his fourth visit with us – but first since 2014 – is the smooth baritone of Kyle Bottom. The regular host is sick but the show must go on so he'll be there, safely ensconced in the control room where he can hack away in private between talking points with Kyle. And of course Sam Tonning will be there to take up the slack. Kyle hasn't been with us since Sam joined the show. We'll talk about what Kyle's been up to lately: radio school, visiting Japan, the SiriusXM Top Comic competition, writing articles, his beloved pet pooch, impending parenthood. All that stuff and more!

We're on the air, as usual, at 11 pm on CFRO 100.5 FM. If you're in Japan, even, you can listen by livestreaming us at coopradio.org or finding us on whatever radio app you happen to use. Something like TuneIn Radio works, I know that.

Sept. 8: Shawn Farquhar

It's always a treat to have master magician Shawn Farquhar on the show with us. He's so full of life and good stories. This 2-time world champion of magic spends most of the year entertaining the world. I think he was in 40 countries last year. It's only fitting that he spend a few weeks in his backyard showing his fellow lower mainlanders his bag o' tricks. His current show is a really intimate affair at a secret location. Once you buy your ticket, it'll give you the lowdown. It's a lot of fun. I saw it today, as a matter of fact.

We'll talk all about it, and find out what travels and stories he has for us since his last visit. Listen to us at 11 pm on CFRO 100.5 FM here in Vancouver (and area). If you're not in the area, you can always find us on the TuneIn Radio app or at the station's website: coopradio.org.

Sept. 1: Ola Dada

Happy back-to-school week. It's been a few years (ahem) since I was last in school, but it still depresses me on behalf of summer-lovin' kids everywhere. Tonight we're back at it with another live in-studio guest. It's a first-timer, too. Ola Dada is with us. Ola is a local standup but was raised in northern Alberta. We'll find out exactly tonight. We'll also talk about his SiriusXM Top Comic experience. He was one of 18 picked for the public voting portion of the competition. The voting recently closed, so you can't help him now (timing is everything) but we'll see how it all went.

We're on the air at CFRO 100.5 FM from 11pm to midnight. If you're wanting to tune in from northern Alberta, say, or Nigeria, no problem. Livestream us at coopradio.org or find us on the TuneIn Radio app. You can do it!

Podcast episode 543ish: Joey Commisso

While Guy was away, Sam Tonning hosted his good pal Joey Commisso in this episode. Joey's been in the Vancouver standup scene for almost ten years. He and Sam talked about lots of stuff, and only some of it was comedy related. They talked bowling (of course), nineties sitcoms, old-school standup Pat Cooper, and mental health, among other topics.

Listen to the episode here, or go download it on iTunes, Stitcher, Podbay, Podbean, Spotify... you name it.

Podcast episode 542ish: Sunee Dhaliwal

Sunee is back! Not just on the show, either. After living for a few years in Toronto, Sunee Dhaliwal is moving back to the lower mainland. We have a good time, as always with Sunee, but this time he also gets serious for a bit. Not too long, but just enough. Tune in to hear a side of Sunee you hadn't heard before.

You can listen right here, if that's your desire. Or you can find us wherever you normally get your podcasts. You know, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, et. al.

Aug. 18: Sunee Dhaliwal

Sunee Dhaliwal appeared on What's So Funny? in 2011, 2012 and 2013. He was on a roll. Then... nada. Gonzo. Where has he been? We'll find out tonight when Sunee makes his triumphant return to the show! I know he left us for Toronto at some point (which may explain his absences, but we've had other Toronto comics on in those years) and we'll catch up with him about his official whereabouts. I ran into Sunee a few weeks back at an outdoor basketball tournament (we were spectators) and we reconnected. Hopefully he's more sober tonight!

Tune in to CFRO 100.5 FM at 11pm for all the trash-talking.

Podcast episode 541ish: Angela Galanopoulos

What a grand time we had with improviser Angela Galanopolous. And not just because she brought us edible figs. We had a great chat. She told us about living in Mexico City, visiting Athens as a kid (see figs above), improv training in Chicago, and performing in Vancouver. It's a world tour in one hour!

Listen to us talking here and now (see link below) or save us for later by downloading the episode on iTunes/Stitcher/Spotify/PodBay etc. And subscribe while you're at it! Give us a review. Good or bad; we can take it.

Podcast episode 540ish: Myles Anderson

Another newbie graces our studios in this episode. Myles Anderson is the only standup comic/piano teacher I know. We don't often think of classical music and comedy – especially since Victor Borge died. But Anderson doesn't use the piano in his act. Not regularly, anyway, although we encourage him to. We talk about his island upbringing, music school, his new album (Myles from Home) on 604 Records, and lots more.

You can listen here, if you wish. Or download the show at iTunes or Stitcher or listen on Spotify. Do what you like. It's available (almost) everywhere.

Podcast episode 539ish: David Thomas Newham

Sidekick Sam Tonning takes the reins in this one, both booking and interviewing first-time guest David Thomas Newham, a multidisciplinary theatre artist who acts, writes, directs, and lights at Seven Tyrants Theatre company and also runs the comedy lounge at The Penthouse. Sam gets to the bottom of it all in this episode.

Listen right here (below) or find What's So Funny? on your favourite podcast place, like iTunes, Stitcher, Pod Bay, Spotify, et. al.

Aug. 4: Angela Galanopoulos

Tonight on this holiday long-weekend our esteemed guest is a first-timer to the program. And it'll be the first time we meet, although I've seen her on the stage before at VTSL's Improv Theatre. Angela Galanopoulos is also a member of the Fictionals improv troupe and in the dramatic comedy soap opera-style web series Michelle's, which she created with former What's So Funny? guest Andrew Barber. We'll get the lowdown on everything else she does, both professionally and for fun, tonight.

So tune in to CFRO 100.5 FM tonight at 11 pm for all the fun and frivolity.

Podcast episode 538ish: Scott Patey

We forgot to immortalize this episode with a photo, but it's immortalized anyway as a podcast. Scott Patey made a return visit to the What's So Funny? studios. He talks about the greatness of Newfoundland, bar fights, playing nerds, acting with stars, and bonding with Jim Carrey. And we couldn't have Scott on without talking about the greatest sporting event known to man: Rock, Paper, Scissors. Sam was away but Pal filled in admirably as announcer.

Listen below or download us on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, et. al. You know the drill.

Podcast episode 537ish: Guy & Sam

What? No guest? How can that be? Easy. Guy and Sam just conversed for the hour in the episode, just like most podcasts do. Sure, they talked about comedy. But along the way they talked about lots of other things, too. It's an easy-breezy chit-chat. Have a listen; see what you think.

Download it at iTunes, or anywhere else fine podcasts are available.

July 7: Scott Patey

It's been three years since Scott Patey was last (and first) with us. He was a lot of fun then so it should be lots of fun catching up with him. Scott is an improviser, actor and referee. We'll talk about all three tonight, with his work with Vancouver TheatreSports League, his movie roles with names such as "Injured Nerd", and his hosting the weekly Rock, Paper, Scissors competition at Corduroy in Kits.

Tune in to CFRO 100.5 FM for all the fun and frivolity. We on the air at 11 pm (or 12 if you're in Lloydminster, his hometown).

Podcast episode 536ish: Ari Matti

So long, Ari Matti, we hardly knew ye. Ari spent a year in Vancouver perfecting his English comedy chops. Now he returns home to Estonia. In this episode, he comes in injured with a freshly separated shoulder. He explains how that happens, talks a bit about the magical Raptors post-season, and explains his country's fun sauna techniques. Enjoy it! Ari's a blast.

If you're listening from Estonia or elsewhere in Eastern Europe, leave us a comment on iTunes, give us a rating. Spread the word! We're also available on Spotify, Stitcher, and all the usual podcast places. Oh, and right below, too, if you absolutely can't wait.

June 16: Ari Matti

Ari Matti was last (and first) with us this past November, but he's back again tonight. We figured we had to get him back in before he leaves us for his home and native land, Estonia. Ari's been in our fair city for a year playing all the clubs and rooms. A farewell show will take place July 3 at the Rio, where he will close out after Andrea Jin, Ola Dada, Andrew Packer and our old pal Dino Archie. Should be a good one. We'll see how his year has gone and if he'll miss us.

Tune in to CFRO 100.5 FM tonight at 11 pm or livestream us on coopradio.org or on your TuneIn Radio app.

Podcast episode 535ish: Taz VanRassel

Better late than never, folks. Here's our episode with improviser extraordinaire Taz VanRassel. We recorded this so long ago, I hardly remember what was said. But I do know he was a bit late to the show since he was coming straight from his weekly Sunday Service show at the Fox Cabaret. I also recall he was curious to find out about Big Chungus. And his favourite animal is the beaver. Legit.

Have a listen. We're on all your favourite podcast platforms, including iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, etc. And here, too, at the link below.

Podcast episode 534ish: Chris Gaskin

We've got Chris Gaskin here for you. Chris was our guest a few weeks back and this is proof of that. We quizzed him on his wrestling knowledge. He dropped some obscure, but very funny, comedy names. And we patched up a non-feud.

You can listen with that link below or go download the episode at iTunes or Stitcher or ListenNotes.com or Spotify, etc.

Podcast episode 533ish: Jacob Samuel

We're a tad late getting this episode uploaded. It's worth the wait. Jacob Samuel is our guest, a very clever young standup comic and single-panel cartoonist. It had been four years since his first appearance on the show. He joined us fresh off the plane from a weekend at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival. We talked about preparing for his shows there, being Jewish in Canadian show business, and Charlie Demers.

Get it while it's hot. Listen immediately below or take your sweet time by moseying over to iTunes or Stitcher or Podbay.fm or wherever you get your podcasts.

May 19: Taz VanRassel

My records indicate that Taz VanRassel hasn't been with us since 2006, but that can't be right, can it? It says he was with us those long 13 years ago with Alistair Cook and Ryan Beil. Well, let's go with the records until we can clear it up with him tonight when he comes on solo. Taz will be scooting over to our studios straight from his weekly gig, The Sunday Service, at the Fox Cabaret. You can also see him many nights of the week at the Improv Centre on Granville Island in various Vancouver TheatreSports productions.

Tune in to CFRO 100.5 FM tonight at 11. We'll start then even if Taz hasn't shown up yet. You can livestream us at coopradio.org or listen to us via the TuneIn Radio app.

May 12: Chris Gaskin

Can it really have been eight years since Chris Gaskin was last with us? Wow. Well, he's back again tonight, on Mother's Day. We've got lots of catching up to do. I ran into Chris during the last week of shows at the Comedy MIX a couple weeks ago. Sometimes that's what it takes for me to book a guest. I run into them and then ask. Just like that. If you visit his website, you'll learn that he's an avid video game player, he loves professional wrestling, and hates raccoons. I also know that he knows his alcohol without being a drunk.

Tune in to CFRO 100.5 FM tonight at 11 pm for all the talk. Livestream us at coopradio.org if you must or look for us on the TuneIn Radio app.

May 5: Jacob Samuel

It's Cinco de Mayo so who better to celebrate with than... Jacob Samuel? Well, Jacob's our guest and we're sticking with him! It's been four years since young Mr. Samuel was last with us. Today, he's travelling back from the Winnipeg Comedy Festival so he might be jet-lagged but we'll try to keep him awake for the hour. Jacob is a smart young standup who also draws cartoons which have been published in the esteemed New Yorker. Pretty impressive. Along with Winnipeg, he's performed at many of your top comedy festivals, including last summer at Montreal's Just For Laughs. Tonight we'll get caught up on his career and all that kind of stuff.

Tune in to CFRO 100.5 FM at 11 pm. Livestream us at coopradio.org or find us on the TuneIn Radio app.

Podcast episode 532ish: Levi McCachen

No matter what you think of them, conspiracy theories are fun. Our guest, standup Levi McCachen, liked them a little too much at one point in his life. But he still kinda likes them. So we discuss a bunch of them in this hour. We also talk about him trying on various looks, like law student, philosopher, and slam poet. He also tells us a couple street jokes, one of which we apologize for in advance.

Listen by clicking on the link below or simply go find us in iTunes, Stitcher, Podbay FM, or even Spotify. We've got you covered.

Podcast episode 531ish: Jason Rowland

What a career Jason Rowland has had. He goes from anonymous restaurant worker to become the GM of a professional baseball team. How does that even happen? He explains in this issue. And we also find out how he goes from sports management to comedy club manager and booker. And from there to become the VP of the World Series of Comedy festival/competition. Crazy. He also gives the latest on the status of his old club, the Comedy MIX, which closed after a 15-year run in the city. But Jason is looking to get it back up soon.

Have a listen. Click here or download us at iTunes or Stitcher or Podbean or Podbay or wherever else you can find us.

Podcast episode 530ish: Ryan Williams

We brainstormed some new names for standup comic Ryan Williams in this episode. It seems there are quite a few other Ryan Williamses in show business. I like Ryan O. Williams, which could also be Ryan O'Williams since he's Irish. We also talked about football, history, and a spirited conversation he had with Jim Gaffigan. Fun times, and high energy, as is always the case with Ryan.

Click below if you can't wait. Otherwise go download the episode at iTunes or Stitcher or Podbay or wherever you usually get your podcasts.

Apr. 28: Levi McCachen

Tonight we've got, as they say in the business, an up-and-comer. Levi McCachen is a standup comedian I've only seen a few times but have really enjoyed him. He talks about subjects that aren't done to death and really gets into them. He'll reference Aristotle and Socrates, talk about his love of conspiracy theories that is at once a paean and a put-down, covers all the angles on death, and gets into his history of dating Asians. And as far as I know, he's not in the band The Rural Alberta Advantage. But he may have been in Amsterdam. Should be a fun show.

Tune in to CFRO 100.5 FM at 11 pm Vancouver time. Don't have a radio? Who does? Go to coopradio.org and livestream us. Or find us on the TuneIn Radio app.

Apr. 21: Jason Rowland

Happy Sunday, everyone! And for chocolate fans, Happy Easter! Tonight we've got first-timer and industry insider Jason Rowland. I got to know Jason when he was the manager and booker at the Comedy MIX. Then he left. Somewhere. I heard Las Vegas. Maybe other places south of the border, too. I think he was involved in the World Series of Comedy. We'll find out tonight. Is he back in Vancouver or still out wandering the world? Oh, and did you know the Comedy MIX is closing its doors at the end of this month? We'll talk about that, too, and how often he gets brain freeze from all the Slurpees he consumes.

You can listen in at 11 pm on CFRO 100.5 FM. Alternatively, you can livestream us at coopradio.org or find us on the TuneIn Radio app.

Podcast episode 529ish: Lauren Mather

Our guest in this episode was Lauren Mather, the darling of New South Wales. Lauren manages Vancouver's Yuk Yuk's comedy club, where she will also take to the stage on occasion and do some standup herself. She kind of stumbled into the business in Halifax, as you'll hear her explain here. And you'll hear lots more, if you download the episode. So go do that. We also talk about her video series, Yuk Yuk's – Who's There?, where she talks to the various comics who grace the Yuk Yuk's stage. A note on the photo: We usually commemorate the occasion before the show but it completely slipped our minds. Thankfully the three of us (including Sidekick Sam Tonning) found ourselves together the very next night at Yuks, where we snapped a pic in the greenroom.

We're at iTunes and Stitcher and Podbay and all the usual places. Subscribe to What's So Funny? on Apple Podcasts. That's an order!

Apr. 14: Ryan Williams

Tonight we've got another first-timer on board. Ryan Williams may be new to the show, but he's not new to the standup scene. He's originally from the 'Loop, he's a former footballer who exhibits as much energy on stage as he did on the field. I'm assuming he exhibited energy on the field. I never actually saw him play football. But we'll find out tonight. Ryan was a finalist in the Sirius XM Top Comic national competition in 2018. Oh, and he's also a really lousy karaoke singer. But funny!

Tune in at 11 tonight to CFRO 100.5 FM. Livestream us if you're sans radio at coopradio.org or you can search for us on the TuneIn Radio app. That works, too.

Apr. 7: Lauren Mather

Photo by Richard Lett

Tonight we're in studio with a first-timer to the program. We've got Lauren Mather all the way from Oz. Well, originally anyway. She's the manager at Yuk Yuk's here and managed another comedy club in Halifax before this. Not sure of the fine details but we'll get those all sorted out tonight. Ms Mather also is the creator and host of Yuk Yuk's – Who's There?, a video interview show with comedians from the green room of the club. And Lauren is also a budding standup comic herself. I know she's got a few shows coming up this week.

Tune in at 11 pm to CFRO 100.5 FM to get the full story, especially if you're an Australophile. You can livestream us on coopradio.org or on the TuneIn Radio app even if you're all the way down in Pappinbarra or in the maritimes.

Podcast episode 528ish: Neema Nazeri

Toronto's Neema Nazeri guests in this episode, while Sidekick Sam Tonning guest hosts. Nazeri was in town for the week and it coincided with spring break so he got the guest host treatment. It's a shorter-than-usual episode because Neema had to leave a bit early. But the pair talk about Persian comedy, pot rooms, how to correctly pronounce his name, how he got into standup comedy, and touring Australia with Joe White.

Enjoy! Listen right here and now, or listen to it on iTunes/Stitcher/Podbay.fm or any similar place. If you're over at Apple, why not subscribe to What's So Funny? It's the least you could do!

Mar. 24: Neema Nazeri

Happy spring break. Regular host Guy MacPherson is away in some exotic locale but the show will go on! Sidekick Sam Tonning takes over the hosting duties, while also keeping his fingers on the buttons. He’s one of the best multi-tasters in the business. Sam’s guest tonight will be Neema Nazeri, a Persian standup comic based in Toronto.

If you’re from Toronto, Iran, or some exotic locale, you can livestream the show at 11 pm Vancouver time on coopradio.org or on the TuneIn Radio app. If you’re in the Vancouver area and own an old-timey radio player, turn the dial to 100.5 FM.

Podcast episode 527ish: Susan Thompson

If you knew Susan Thompson like I know Susan Thompson... Actually, I didn't know Susan much at all before this episode. But if you listen to this hour with her, we'll be about even. We find out why she's a bit of a karaoke queen in Japan, she used to run an automotive shop, she's dropped about 100 pounds, she's done standup, and is now transitioning to more of a behind-the-scenes role in the comedy business. Those are the broad strokes. The details can be found in this episode. We weren't sure this would make it to air because about half-an-hour before going live, Susan used the hand dryer seen in this photo. At that exact moment, the power went off at the station and the whole block. She blamed herself, but I'm pretty sure she wasn't culpable.

The power returned in time for the show, which you can now hear here. Or you can go subscribe to What's So Funny? on iTunes (make sure it's the right one, though – there are a few, but we were the first). We're also available on all the other usual podcast providers.

Podcast episode 526ish: Amy Shostak & Tom Hill

Improvisers Amy Shostak and Tom Hill made their What's So Funny? debut in this episode. They are also instructors at Blind Tiger Theatre and they tell us what's going on down at the East Van school. Along the way, we learn about them... including a big reveal at the end! Who knew?! As much fun as we have through the hour, we stumbled into a heavier discussion right at the end so we run a little longer than usual, but it's worth it. And a special shout-out to Sam in the booth.

The episode is right here for your listening pleasure. But you'll probably prefer to go find us on your favourite podcast app.