Podcast episode 309ish: Hari Kondabolu

The Hari Kondabolu episode ran a few weeks ago radio-side. If you tuned in, you might have noticed a couple glaring technical glitches. But the beauty of podcasts is all those snafus can be seamlessly edited out and you're none the wiser. So have a listen as the New Yorker and I get all racial and political. Prior to his week headlining the Comedy MIX in Vancouver, I had always assumed Kondabolu was a Seattle native. That's where I first saw him and met him. We find out the standup comic was just discovered in the Emerald City. Go figure, discovered in Seattle! If that doesn't provide inspiration to comedians everywhere, I don't know what will.

Click on the gizmo below or go to iTunes for the download and away you go.

Mar. 24: Darren Frost & Kenny Robinson

Darren Frost

Kenny Robinson

Darren Frost and Kenny Robinson have each been on What's So Funny? before. Solo, though. Tonight, they join us as one. Together again for the first time. Frost and Robinson brought their Rank & Vile Comedy Tour to Vancouver a week or so ago so I took the opportunity to catch up with them. Topics covered: getting fired from cruise ships, dissatisfied comedy club patrons, their contentious first encounter, regrets, wives and ex-wives, and how to book a role on a TV sitcom through Twitter. If you want to make a drinking game of it, take a swig every time Kenny drops one of his patented musical references. Warning: you'll be hung over for work tomorrow.

It all get underway at 11 pm PST (or thereabouts) on CFRO, 100.5 FM in Vancouver. If you're outside the lower mainland, check in via livestream at coopradio.org. That'll do the trick. It runs a little longer than usual but it's well worth it.

Podcast episode 308ish: Nelson Giles

There's a new face on the Canadian comedy scene: veteran standup Nelson Giles. Allow me to explain. After a couple decades in the business, Giles took a 14-month break. During this time, he also happened to drop 60 pounds. Now, three weeks back into his career, Giles walks into clubs unknown. In this episode, he talks about the excitement of getting back on stage and what led him to take a break from it. Also, his good buddy Jack Nicholson makes an appearance!

Podcast episode 307ish: Dino Archie & Sunee Dhaliwal

Here's one of the liveliest episodes we've had. Dino Archie invited along his good buddy Sunee Dhaliwal at the last minute and the two of them left me in the dust. Sunee would help things along by translating Dino's hip street talk to old white guy so I could understand. Along the way, Dino emotes like a true thespian for any casting agents who might be listening, Sunee tells the story of a time when he innocently used a racial epithet by accident, and I talk about getting dunked on by Alonzo Bodden. It's three dudes enjoying each other's company... pause. (Did I do that right?)

Have a listen below or go download it at iTunes. It'll do your heart good. If you don't see a player below, click on this link for the stream.

Mar. 10: Hari Kondabolu

Last week New Yorker Hari Kondabolu was in town headlining the Comedy MIX on Burrard St. so I scooped him up for a recorded conversation, which you'll hear tonight on What's So Funny? I did my best Charlie Rose impersonation (I had huge bags under my eyes) and we talked about trailblazing South Asians, rape vis-à-vis Daniel Tosh and the c-word vis-à-vis the Onion, and the Seattle comedy scene. And, of course, plenty more.

If your only timepiece is a wristwatch or old-timey clock radio, don't forget we've leapt ahead so 11 pm comes one hour earlier tonight than it did the last four months. If you forget, though, not to worry –we've got you covered. In a week (or so) it'll be available as a podcast. Meanwhile, tonight at 11 on CFRO 100.5 FM or lifestream it at coopradio.org.

This week in press releases: Anthony Jeselnik

This just arrived via the teletype machine. Anthony Jeselnik is coming to town, thanks to the good folks at Just For Laughs. I haven't seen Jeselnik's new TV show but I hear it's good. I do have his hilarious CD, Shakespeare, though. And I saw him before he really hit it big back in 2008 when he opened for Sarah Silverman at the River Rock Show Theatre. Back then, I was blown away at his great joke-writing, and the disconnect between his smiling boyish good looks and the darkness of his material. Of course, now everyone knows what to expect. But seeing it for the first time without any foreknowledge was pretty great. I got that chance to hang a bit with him the night before and then again after the show and he's a super nice guy, too. Maybe he doesn't want that image of him out there, but I think most people understand that persona on stage is just that – a persona.

ANTHONY JESELNIK

Live in Vancouver

Thursday, June 6

Montreal, Tuesday March 5, 2012 – Just For Laughs is thrilled to announce comedy sensation Anthony Jeselnik will be performing on Thursday, June 6 at the Vogue Theatre in Vancouver as part of his North American Tour. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 8 at 10:00 AM.

Anthony Jeselnik is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  He is a stand-up comedian, most famous for The Comedy Central Roast of Donald Trump and The Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen.  Anthony has also performed on CONAN, Jimmy Kimmel Live and was the first ever stand-up comic to appear on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.  Anthony has also written for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and received an Emmy Nomination for his work on A Night of Too Many Stars: An overbooked concert for Autism education.

Anthony was named one of Variety's 10 Comics to Watch in 2008 and one of Comedy Central's Hot Comics in 2009. In 2010, Anthony released his critically acclaimed debut comedy album, SHAKESPEARE, through Comedy Central Records.

Anthony currently stars in his own show “Jeselnik Offensive” which airs on the Comedy Network.

"Jeselnik... has rapidly emerged as the Satanic prince of stand-up, a black-hearted joke-slinger with a ferocious and unstoppable will to power."  - Nathan Rabin, Head Writer - A.V. Club

"...a bad man." - Conan O'Brien

Anthony Jeselnik

Vogue Theatre

Thursday June 6, 2013 – 7:30 PM

Tickets: $25 (taxes included + facility & service charges)

Tickets go on sale Friday, March 8 at 10:00 AM

In person: Vogue Theatre Box Office - 918 Granville Street

By phone: (604) 569-1144

Online: www.voguetheatre.com

For more ticket information please visit hahaha.com/concerts

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Mar. 3: Nelson Giles

Tonight I speak to comedy vet Nelson Giles for the first time. The guy's been doing comedy in this country for 23 years and is based in Vancouver yet for some strange reason I've never had a conversation with him. We met briefly once and we've had some email correspondence but never had even a shallow discussion let alone the in-depth one you'll hear tonight. I have so much respect for comedy road warriors so I'm looking forward to tonight's show. We'll hear about the comedy scene then and now, as viewed through his lens. Nelson took some time away from the spotlight but has recently climbed back on that horse. We'll find out all about it. He works clean, too, so we'll try to draw the f-word out of him at some point. In a good way, of course.

It all gets started tonight at 11 pm PST on CFRO, 100.5 FM. Or, if you'd rather, on your computer at the same time if you click coopradio.org.

Podcast episode 306ish: Gerry Swallow

Here it is, finally. The long-awaited podcast version of the Gerry Swallow episode from a couple weeks ago. The episode itself was long-awaited from his first visit back in 2005. And it was worth the wait. The man is a veritable show business jack-of-five-trades. He had a successful stand-up comedy career, was a writer on a TV sitcom, wrote a syndicated humour column in the States, has written several Hollywood movies, and penned three novels. We talk about all that plus Roger Ebert's cheap shot, love in the animal kingdom, and Marisa Tomei's underpants! You don't want to miss this special 90-minute extravaganza.

Here's what you need to do to listen: Click on that little pink button below OR head on over to iTunes and tell them I sent you. If that doesn't work, search for What's So Funny? and download the show to your computer or device. That's what I'd do anyway. Not telling you how to live your life or anything. 

It looks now like that player has disappeared. If that's the case for you, this link will stream the episode for you.

Feb. 24: Dino Archie

Your Oscar party is over. The adrenaline has subsided. Time to ramp it up again listening to our old pal Dino Archie. Dino's really made his mark on the Vancouver stand-up scene in his relatively short time here. He's running shows, headlining at clubs, hosting Super Bowl parties, and getting roasted by his peers. The California native will mark his third appearance on What's So Funny? tonight at 11. Have I run out of questions for him? You'll have to tune in to find out. You know where to find us: 100.5 FM in Vancouver or listen to the livestream at coopradio.org.

Surprise surprise

I've known Diana Frances for years now. Don't know exactly how long but at least 10, I'd say. She's been on the show numerous times. Maybe we'll have to get her again to talk about this. I won't give away the payoff – you'll just have to watch it yourself. It's her audition tape for Amazing Race Canada. So that's one surprise: I had no idea they were doing a Canadian version. But Diana's story is even better. Check it out.

Podcast episode 305ish: Kyle Jones

Here's another late one for you. Kyle Jones made his WSF? debut a couple weeks ago. It was Super Bowl Sunday. He'd been working for eight hours, hosting a party at a local bar but he paced himself with the drink just for us, only throwing up three times that day, so he was lucid. He came dressed to the nines, too, wearing a velour smoking jacket to replace the comfy sweater he's known for. The Artist Formerly Known as Snoop talked about his weight problem, his love of Jon Secada, being one of Vancouver's most eligible bachelors, and working with strippers.

Have a listen. Click below or head on over to iTunes and download the episode there. It's free. Tell all your friends.

Feb. 10: Gerry Swallow

Swallow between William Shatner and Jay Leno

The last time Gerry Swallow sat down in the swank What's So Funny? studios was in 2005. What's he done since then? He's written a couple of movies (The Babymakers and Ice Age: The Meltdown) and penned three novels (A Whole Nother Story, Another Whole Nother Story, and No Other Story, all under his alter ego's name, Dr. Cuthbert Soup). And there's probably more I don't know about. The guy is a machine.

Quitting standup has been very good for him, it appears. And he was damn good at standup, believe me. He did The Tonight Show with Jay Leno five times (as you can see by the photographic evidence above). And I recently found online video evidence of his appearances on the ubiquitous Evening at the Improv from back in the day, but unfortunately we can't watch those segments outside of the United States. Maybe one day he'll hop back on the stage to show the young tykes how it's done.

So while I can't find any clips of his former career, here's a funny spot he did on the Today show with Al Roker. But tonight we'll talk about so much more. And for so much longer. Tune in at 11 pm PST to 100.5 FM in Vancouver for the fun and games, or livestream the show at coopradio.org.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Podcast episode 304ish: Monica Hamburg

I had a good time talking with the Vulgarian Monica Hamburg. Or I mean Hungarian. Actually, both. She's one of the hosts of the Dazed and Convicted podcast and a self-described "weirdo magnet." In an earlier post, I wrote about her morbid fascination with porn. Find out if I was out of line in writing that (hint: she once worked as a projectionist in a porno theatre/bakery in her hometown of Montreal.) We also play a few clips from her show. Given its name, it's perhaps no wonder the podcast is a hit in Australia.

Have a listen right here or download it however you choose to. Personally, I use iTunes, but whatever works for you.

Feb. 3: Kyle Jones

Happy Super Bowl Sunday! For me that means watching the mighty Raptors then taking a nap while all that football nonsense is on TV. But our guest tonight – Kyle Jones – is totally into it. In fact, he and Dino Archie are running some kind of public Super Bowl party so no doubt he'll show up to the show tonight hammered. And won't that be fun? Either that or a disaster. But that can be fun, too.

This is Kyle's first time on the program. I don't know him well so this will be a good chance to fill in the blanks. And who knows, maybe his buddy Dino Archie will show up, too. It's non-stop hot sexy fun coming your way all night long. Or at least until midnight. The big question: Will Kyle be sporting his comfy sweater?

So tune in tonight at 11 pm to CFRO, 100.5 FM, for the festivities. Livestream, if you must, at coop radio.org.

Podcast episode 303ish: Shirley Gnome

The impish Shirley Gnome makes her What's So Funny? debut in this episode and brings along her boyfriend, Martin. Together they make beautiful music as she fondles his midsection. Gnome's got the voice of an angel with the mind of a devil. Not only does she perform three live c*untry songs for us, we also get to know something about the performer herself and we hear one track from her latest album. It's a fun episode. Have a listen. Check it out here or download it at iTunes (or, you know, wherever).

This week in press releases: Improv Camp

Do you know a creative teenager? Or one you'd just like out of the house for a week this summer? Or maybe you're one yourself (in which case what are you doing here? Did you get lost on the way to porn?). Got just the thing for you. Spread the word. Tell your friends. It's something I would have loved if I were ever creative or if I were ever a teenager.

13th Annual IMPROVCAMP returns this Summer with
"The Best Camp Ever" August 21-August 28, 2013.At Camp Fircom on Gambier Island, British Columbia

"Improv Camp changed my life. It pretty much got me through high school, and the friends I made at Improv Camp are still some of my closest."     -Averie MacDonald, Camper

For a week this summer, over a hundred teens from all over the country will gather on Gambier Island, a beautiful getaway just minutes off the coast of Vancouver. There they will each learn to work together, to tap into their imaginations and discover a passion and self-confidence that will bring them back year after year. And they will laugh. A lot. This is IMPROVCAMP.

WHAT IS IMPROVCAMP?

IMPROVCAMP is a unique week-long event that draws in teens from all over Canada and the world to learn and develop skills in improvisational theatre. Now in its 13th year, IMPROVCAMP is a hotbed for funny teens looking to share their love of comedy and performance while forming friendships that will last a lifetime. Did we mention that it’s also lots of fun? Participants receive top notch instruction and supervision, working with over twenty professional instructors, many of them former participants who have gone on to spread their love of improv to the next generation.

WHY IMPROV?IMPROVCAMP draws its roots from the Canadian Improv Games (improv.ca) which has been teaching positivity, problem solving and storytelling through improvisation for the past 37 years though it’s National Tournament, with teams participating from high schools all across Canada. Improvisation theatre has proven to be instrumental to development in youth, teaching communication and quick thinking skills useful in all walks of life. Improvisation opens doors to countless professional, scholastic and personal opportunities throughout a lifetime. The benefits of improv training have been lauded by parents nation-wide, increasing demand for programming outside of school. Hence, IMPROVCAMP, and its fantastic continued success.

WHO SHOULD GO TO IMPROVCAMP?
IMPROVCAMP is open to teens from ages 13 to 18. No previous improv or performance experience is necessary and each camper’s experience is tailored to their individual needs. All you need is a willingness to learn! IMPROVCAMP consistently sells out when registration opens in February, and discounts are available for those who sign up early, so act fast in order to secure a spot, as well as to ensure a summer filled with laughter, learning and fast friendships.

"I believe in the power of Improv!" - Tara Stanford, Parent.

To reserve spaces or find out more, visit www.improvcamp.com

Jan. 27: Monica Hamburg

Monica "Cold Bum" Hamburg

Our 2013 continues to be a year of firsts. Granted, we're only three episodes in, but a pattern is a pattern. Tonight marks the second week in a row we have a first-time guest who also happens to be someone I've never spoken to before. So I'll be full of questions. And like last week's guest, Shirley Gnome, tonight's guest also seems to have a certain morbid fascination with porn. At least judging by her tweets. But not only porn. She scours the internet for all matter of darkly hilarious criminal behaviour.

Monica Hamburg isn't a comedian but she's the host of the comedy podcast Dazed and Convicted. As you can see if you follow the link, the show won "Most Vulgar Canadian Podcast" from some organization I never heard of. And recently it was listed as "New & Noteworthy" on iTunes Australia. Go figure. We'll find out all about it tonight.

We're on the air, as usual, at 11 pm precisely (or thereabouts) PST on CFRO, 100.5 FM. Not in Vancouver, you say? No problem. If everything's running as it should (which is never a given at co-op radio) you can listen live on your computing machines. You'll have to do the math for your own time zone, but the live stream is at coopradio.org.

Podcast episode 302ish: Paul Hooper

Are you ready for another podcast episode? Yeah, I know, it's been a while. I think our last drop was Nate Bargatze back in December. Well, this is another good one (aren't they all?). This one features another American southerner: Paul Hooper managed to leave his possessions in his hotel room for an hour and join us in studio for a revealing look at the inner workings of a madman. Not really. He's just got a lot of neuroses and anxieties, which he is wont to talk about and I am wont to ask about. It was fun. We covered his love of Kenny Loggins, his hatred of Pitbull, his steadfast refusal to pander (except when it comes to hockey), sharing a dressing room with a mime, the beauty of A-Rod's bod, performing with food poisoning, and parading around in public in his pajamas.

Click on this gizmo below to hear the streaming audio or go download the show at iTunes or a place like that. If you act now, it's absolutely free!

Jan. 20: Shirley Gnome

The winner and still champ
Shirley Gnome

We are back with our second live show of the calendar year, but there are plenty of firsts, too. Shirley Gnome is our first female guest of 2013. She's also the first musical guest. And to top it all off, it's her first time on the show. I first saw Gnome at the People's Champ of Comedy competition last summer, where she was a crowd favourite with her raunchy songs and when the month-long showdown was all said and done she won the whole enchilada. In fact, she could buy a lot of enchiladas with the prize money of $20,000.

That's all I know of her. Tonight we'll find out the rest, like how she got her start and how she spent all that cash. Tune in to CFRO, 100.5 FM in Vancouver at 11 pm PST, or livestream it at coopradio.org.

Meanwhile, check her out on YouTube. Here's a jaunty little number called Go F-ck Yourself to whet your whistle. Nothing personal.

This week in press releases: Sugar Sammy

A shout-out to my main man, Sugar Sammy, today. (Do I sound hip enough? Lord knows I try.) Sammy's been a guest on What's So Funny? at least three times that I remember. He's a good guy. And a funny guy, which helps because, after all, he's a professional stand-up comedian. He's also chill, charming and probably even another word that starts with 'ch' that isn't 'Chinese'. Cheeky! Yes, definitely cheeky. Chill, charming and cheeky. Put that on the poster, stat!

Sugar – no wait, Sammy's got a TV special airing on Saturday night on the Comedy Network. Check it out if you like comedy, which I know you do because you're reading here. And before you do, why not listen to his last episode on my show to warm you up and get to know the man behind the stage persona. Here it is for you:



Now here's the press release you've been dying to read:

Sugar Sammy: Live In Concert – airs on Comedy network’s Saturday Night Standup series Saturday, January 19 at 9pm ET/PT 

After traveling across the country in the winter of 2009 hometown boy, comedian Sugar Sammy, makes his triumphant return to Montreal for the final leg of his cross-Canada tour in this one-hour comedy special. Filmed in the beautiful Place des Arts – Théâtre Maisonneuve, Sugar Sammy Live in Concert: Direct From Montreal, produced by Just For Laughs, showcases a rising comedy star at the top of his game with A-list material guaranteed to bring the house down. 

 A Canadian born to Indian parents, Sugar Sammy draws on everything from arranged marriages in his own Indian ancestry to his view on politics, pop-culture and modern-day relationships. Brilliantly entertaining, Sugar Sammy will have you laughing, thinking and seeing life in a whole new way. 

Sugar Sammy has been having incredible success in Canada and around the world. In the last year and a half he has sold over 100,000 tickets to his shows across Quebec, including 60,000 to his groundbreaking bilingual show. 

Setting him apart from the pack, Sugar Sammy performs in four languages (English, French, Punjabi and Hindi), and travels the world, performing to his dedicated fans in cities and countries as varied as London, the U.S., Dubai, South Africa, Singapore, Holland, Australia and of course, Canada. He’s been invited to perform at Montreal’s Just For Laughs Festival seven times and has performed in their English, French and Toronto editions. No stranger to the prestigious festival circuit, he’s also performed at the Sydney, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Melbourne, Auckland, Halifax, Winnipeg and Quebec City comedy festivals.