So, you thought manifesting things was a surefire way to get what you want? Tune into our latest Discombobulated episode, where I debunk that myth and share some hilarious life stories, including my ill-fated sixth-grade romance and my tumultuous relationship with the seasons. Ever wondered about the health effects of Palo Santo? I've got you covered there, too. Strap in as we take a trip down memory lane to a Story of the Year reunion show that will have you reminiscing about the glory days of 'Razor Blades' and 'Holding on Forever'. You'll catch the anticipation in my voice as I recall the thrilling build-up of 'And the Hero Will Drown'. I’ll also spill the beans on my love for the band Gel, and how their music sets the mood at their shows, and why I can't help but keep the mic stand on stage during my stand-up performances.On a more serious note, we'll grapple with the taboo topic of suicide and the dark humor of writing sketches about it. There's also the fun part about my plans for releasing bonus episodes on Patreon and the birth of a new podcast series, the 'I Just Woke Up Podcast'. And finally, the age-old fashion conundrum - hoodie or jean jacket? You'll get a kick out of my thoughts on that, and the peculiar concept of Mr. and Jess. Trust me, you won't want to miss this one!
Welcome on board, fellow Discombobulators! Ever find yourself reminiscing about your high school days, those team colors, the mascot, and the rivalries? We sure do! Join us as we journey back in time, letting nostalgia sweep us off our feet and into an era of vibrant colors and spirited competition. But, oh look, we've taken a detour and ended up exploring the symbolism of the American flag and pondering over post-9/11 country songs. Makes you wonder, doesn't it? How would a color change in the flag affect our sense of national pride? Fasten your seatbelts, adventurers! We're shifting gears and diving into mature territory. From the mysteries of smoke to the allure of pot and the art of timing that perfect lighting-up moment, we've got you covered. We've all been there, sneaking peeks at comedy and adult content too early, and we're pulling no punches in our candid chat. Picture this: a comedy night punctuated by gambling, impassioned debates, and a backdrop of the Atlantic City Boardwalk. All of it swathed in a haze of smoke— creates some stories worth re-telling, doesn't it?Our journey doesn't end here, folks! We're hitting the beach, and things are about to get wild. Ever navigated the awkwardness of a forced hug or the hilarity of a friend's... let's say... 'excitable' anatomy? Well, we have, and trust us, it's a tale to remember. We've also got some wise words on the power dynamics within friend groups, the art of compromise, and the hidden costs of boundary violations. And as we wrap up, let's not forget the unsung heroes of our laughter riots, our comedians. Join us as we advocate for their craft and explore the transformative power of community support. So, ready to Discombobulate? We thought you might be. Tune in and let's get this party started!
Watch out! A new episode is here, and it's a discombobulated delight! The hilarious and talented Lizzie Cassidy joins me for a wild ride, switching gears from laughter to serious topics without missing a beat. You see, Lizzy and I share this uncanny comedy connection, although we've only met a handful of times. This is the magic of the comedy world, where you can know someone for ages, yet discover new things about them every time you meet. Our conversations span from the laugh-out-loud hilarious to the deeply insightful, from the day I had a run-in with an impound lot to the strange texting habits of comedians during podcasts.Ever wondered how stand-up comedians handle sensitive topics? Well, Lizzy and I don't shy away from them. We dive headfirst into deep waters, discussing everything from father figures to religion, and even the fascinating concept of ADHD as a stim toy. But don't worry, we lighten things up by sharing our thoughts on fashion, the idea of starting our own cult, and the peculiarities of life in Peoria, Illinois. We even exchange stories about dating mishaps, the challenges of removing hair from unexpected places, and our unique strategies for wowing someone with a one-foot tap.We also peel back the curtain on our lives off-stage, discussing living situations, creating art, and maintaining a positive relationship with religion. Plus, Lizzy shares anecdotes from her own life and we chat about connecting with new people, practicing safe sex, and our future plans. We even touch on darker topics like jealousy, the competitive nature of comedy, and potential motivations behind pedophilia. So, brace yourself for an episode filled to the brim with laughter, revelations, and the right amount of discombobulation. It's a wild ride, but we promise, it's worth every minute.
A sojourn to New York City can be an exhilarating adventure or a daunting challenge, depending on your perspective. As your host, I recently spent a mind-blowing birthday week in the city that never sleeps, and let me tell you - it was a memorable one. I experienced the city's energetic pulse, encountered its unique characters, and discovered rich history at spots like the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Can't forget to mention the reliable iPhone 13, that became my companion in this journey with its incredible battery life and the eco-conscious decision to keep the city clean.I was lucky enough to share a night out in the city's thriving comedy scene with fellow comic, Emma. She proved to be the perfect hostess, showing me around the city, introducing me to other comics, and immersing me in the local comedy culture. Laugh with us as I share anecdotes from the night and explain how New York's vibrant comedy scene differs from my hometown of St. Louis. You'll also get a glimpse into my post-show city exploration and my partner's awe-inspired reaction to the city's mesmerizing charm.As I reflect on this stimulating journey, I can't help but ponder the possibility of moving to New York - a thought that both excites and scares me. Join me as I dissect my love for stand-up comedy, the life-changing experiences it's brought me, and the wonderful friendships I've forged. I also delve into a revealing interpretation of a scene from Men in Black and its resonance with my comedy journey. Brace yourself for a heartfelt discussion on the importance of chasing your passions and practicing kindness - pivotal life lessons that have been stamped onto my heart by the city that never sleeps.
Welcome to another belly-laugh packed episode of Discombobulated! Picture this: you're in NYC, in the midst of a stand-up routine, the crowd's laughter echoing off the walls. As we navigate the comedic jungle of playing dumb, slaying our stand-up acts and even thrifting, we're also shining some light on the darker undertones of comedy. Confidence - or the lack thereof - can make or break the scene, but it's also about finding comfort in our own skin, even under the unforgiving spotlight.The fun doesn't end there though. We've got some mind-boggling tales from the wild side, including a bear fight and an encounter with a cowboy hat-wearing stranger. Maybe it was the heat, maybe it was the alien encounter, but things took quite a turn when an ill-considered parking choice had us facing the grim reality of impound. But, hey, it's all part of the show's discombobulation, isn't it? From the sweet rush of a successful gig to the sour sting of unexpected challenges, we explore the very essence of comedy on the road.Join us as we take a detour into the world of music, aesthetics, and, surprisingly, iced coffees. Learn about our thrilling experience at a Slipknot concert and hear the shocking revelations about our favorite chilly brew. As we wrap up, we'll look at the importance of supporting our friends' craft, whether they're in a band or launching a Patreon. So, buckle up and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through laughter, life, and a little bit of chaos.
Ever dream of attending Story of the Year's 20th anniversary show for their Platinum album, Page Avenue? What if you could relive the thrill of such a concert, right from the heated excitement of Austin and Tampa, to the camaraderie at a concert, and even the backstage action? Brace yourselves! This episode is a time capsule, transporting you to the heart of live music and the intoxicating energy that comes with it.We're not just any spectators though, we're your backstage pass to the hustle and bustle behind the scenes. We navigate through the language barriers with some new friends, band members, and crew, all united by our shared love for music. But the band is not the only star of the show. Melissa, a hilarious comedian who brings an extra dose of laughter to the weekend. We delve into the role of comedians in hosting shows and even share a friendly debate about the age limit of confidently boasting about physical capabilities. The episode winds down with some post-concert anecdotes that are sure to keep you entertained. From a spontaneous casino adventure to a foot injury mishap with Adam, the bass player, there's never a dull moment. So, join us as we relive the magic of this memorable night, filled with music, laughter, and a dash of chaos. Because at the end of the day, isn't that what the best concerts are all about?
Have you ever wondered about the liberating power of self-love and the unconventional aspects of life? Well, we were fortunate enough to have the witty and insightful Zach Noe Towers, who led us through a fascinating journey into these often overlooked realms. Together, we unveiled the importance of putting oneself first, the intriguing perspective of singleness as a choice, and the intricate dynamics that casual sex brings to relationships. Venturing further, we took on societal pressures and expectations, a battle that many of us often find ourselves entrenched in. We discussed the balancing act between conforming and protecting our invaluable time. On a lighter note, we also delved into the mystic world of astrology and crystals with Robbie, sparking a lively debate about their potential to bridge communication gaps and manifest our desires. The conversation took a deeper turn as we tackled topics around morality, sex work, and their intersections, advocating for safe spaces and innovative ways to reduce societal violence.In the latter part of our chat, we broached the realms of trust, jealousy, and setting boundaries in relationships. We shared insights on how our upbringing can influence these aspects and how we can foster healthier interactions. We also discussed the challenge of navigating societal privilege while advocating for the less privileged. Furthermore, we shared a laugh over our names, interests, personal experiences, and reminisced about our childhood scary stories. Lastly, I shared my experiences from comedy clubs and a memorable visit to Nashville. Join us for an episode filled with laughter, profound insights, and captivating stories.
How often do you have serious bouts of laughter when you listen to a podcast? Get ready for a laughter riot as we welcome the incredibly talented comedian Aaron Brooks in our latest episode of Discombobulated. As we journey through the world of stand-up comedy, we tackle the highs and lows that come with the gig. We discuss the art of crafting a joke, sometimes plucked right out of thin air, and how supportive mentors and peers have played a pivotal role in shaping us as comics. We also reminisce about classic movies, VHS tapes, and the nostalgia that comes with it. But there's more, we dive into our awkward childhood memories, including the transition from black and white to color films. We also chat about our experiences with the Texas Grocer, HEB, and the fascinating and sometimes bizarre world of off-the-grid comedy shows. Finally, we discuss the importance of being authentic, not just in comedy but in life, and how music has been instrumental in helping us relax and stay grounded. So, tune in and join us for a laughter-filled journey with Aaron Brooks!
Ever wonder about the invisible expectations of a stand-up audience? Join us as we dive behind the scenes with the incredibly talented comedian, Ryan Stout. We discuss the complexities of stand-up comedy, from hosting open mic nights to handling a wide variety of audience dynamics. Ryan shares his insights about the often unspoken expectations of the audience and the art of conversationally pitching something to the listeners.Our chat isn't just about comedy. We also open up about the intimate dynamics of our personal lives. We examine the mechanics of our relationships and how we support our partners. Ryan talks about his marriage, revealing how he and his wife Stacey use their strengths to complement each other. We also touch upon the importance of empathy, understanding, and emotional connection in maintaining healthy relationships.The journey of a stand-up comedian is not easy, but the importance of constant learning and growth cannot be overstated. Together, Ryan and I express gratitude for the generosity of mentors and the comedy community. We explore the journey from being a beginner to having a serious career in comedy, touching upon the importance of feedback and building confidence on stage. With plenty of laughs and valuable insights, this episode promises to offer something for every comedy lover. Tune in and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of stand-up comedy with Ryan Stout.
Imagine swapping pants with a fellow comic just to get some stage time! The world of stand-up comedy is full of such hilarious and sometimes bizarre experiences, stories that Jeremy Essig and I have lived and laughed through. From the time I switched trousers to make it to the Funny Bone stage to Jeremy's unexpected encounter with a knight-in-shining-armor at the Helium Comedy Club, we've seen and shared it all. Stand-up comedy is not just about the laughs we bring to others, but also about the emotional roller coaster we ride ourselves. The most rewarding part of being a comic is also the most challenging - constantly questioning our jokes, fearing the call-outs, and struggling to strike a balance between personal life and comedy. It's an addictive journey that has led us all to a suspension of adolescence, yet it's a journey we wouldn't trade for anything. This episode shares insights into the evolution and addictive nature of comedy, and how it shapes us, both as performers and individuals.But what happens when the curtain falls, and it's time to bow out? Jeremy and I sit down to discuss the bittersweet experience of quitting comedy and moving on to other pursuits. It's about acknowledging the end of an era, thanking the craft that's been an integral part of our lives, and bravely stepping into the unfamiliar. Join us as we celebrate the highs, lows, and everything in between in our comedy careers and as we bid farewell to a chapter that's been every bit as rewarding as it's been challenging.