Suzi Chicago

Today I finally get to sit down properly with the incredible Karen Mills, Hall of Famer, Grand Ole Opry veteran, and one of the funniest women touring today. She came back to do this twice because we lost the audio the first time. That's the kind of woman she is.We talk about cancer, car accidents, the Ryman, and why comedy is the only medicine that matters. ⸻⏱️ Episode Timeline & Highlights[00:40] – Basketball, limo driving, and finding comedy [04:21] – Karen's record-breaking stats at UT Chattanooga [12:26] – From open mic to full-time in three years [23:19] – Standing in the circle at the Grand Ole Opry [29:15] – The parking lot Nell incident and 15 very upset fans [38:07] – Three travel must-haves (the foam roller always wins) [45:35] – Cancer, a car accident, and being hard to kill [47:49] – "Humor for the Tumor": The comedy community shows up [49:37] – Sneaking my brother's ashes into the Ryman [53:14] – Memoir "Hard to Kill" coming summer 2027⸻Links & Resources Mentioned• Follow Karen on Instagram & TikTok: @karenmillscomedy • Karen on Facebook: @karenmillscomedian • Karen's website: karenmills.com • Dry Bar Special & Natty Etsy Showcase – Available now at karenmills.komi.io • Sirius XM – Catch Karen regularly on the comedy channels⸻Closing ThoughtsKaren Mills is proof that resilience and humor can get you through anything. Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs a laugh today. See you next time!#suzichicago #karenmills #hardtokill #grandoleopry #womenincomedy #comedypodcast #cleancomedy #cancersurvivor #leannemorgan #kathleenmadigan #standupcomedy #podcastinterview

I'm sitting down with Sergio Novoa, comedian and producer of Fresh Faces Comedy Show, known for one simple rule: book equal men and women, every show. We met at a New Faces competition in LA, and I knew I had to get him on the podcast.From growing up in Nicaragua dreaming of telenovelas to producing shows across Southern California, Sergio breaks down what comedians get wrong about the business, why funny alone isn't enough, and what Joan Rivers means to him. Real, refreshing, and packed with wisdom for anyone chasing the stage.⸻⏱️ Episode Timeline & Highlights[04:08] – Growing up in Nicaragua and falling in love with TV for the first time [09:25] – Moving out at 16 and staying in survival mode instead of chasing dreams [11:23] – Why every comedian needs "a little delusion, arrogance, and childhood trauma" [14:56] – Suzi on fast-tracking comedy at 70 with no time to waste [22:58] – Why Sergio's Fresh Faces rule #1 is equal men and women on every lineup [25:32] – A mic and a speaker do not make a comedy show [30:15] – The bringer club trap and what makes a show producer truly great [35:44] – "Put your name on a marquee, if tickets don't sell, you're not a headliner" [37:12] – Joan Rivers, a tattoo, and why you can always turn things around [47:24] – How Suzi got tricked into her very first open mic in South Carolina⸻Links & Resources Mentioned• Fresh Faces Comedy Show: FreshFacesComedyShow.com • Follow Sergio on Instagram: @thesergionovoa • Comedians mentioned: Gary Goldman, Felipe Esparza, Chelsea Handler, Mike Birbiglia, Joan Rivers • Suzi's upcoming show: Yellow Door, San Diego – End of August⸻Closing Thoughts.Like, subscribe, and share with a comedian who needs to hear this. See you next time!#suzichicago #sergionovoa #freshfacescomedy #sandiegocomedy #comedypodcast #womenincomedy #standupcomedy #comedybusiness #joanrivers #newcomics #comedyproducer #podcastinterview

My producer, Devin Smith, flips the script and puts me in the hot seat at Podium Studios in Marietta, Georgia! I'm in town for the Blade Show, roasting knife makers, and my husband for a living, and answering your listener questions live.From Sam the skeleton's Roman Coliseum incident to why I'll never retire, bringer club truths, and why Home Depot is San Diego's hottest singles bar; this one is pure, unfiltered Suzi.⸻⏱️ Episode Highlights[00:55] – Why I'm in Georgia: The Blade Show and roasting knife makers [06:12] – Waymo chaos in Atlanta: floods, blocked streets, and "No Way." [12:43] – My special "Late Life Crisis" update and release plans [19:51] – Q&A: Where are the skeletons? The full story of Sam [21:50] – Getting kicked out of the Roman Coliseum with a plastic skeleton [30:35] – The truth about bringer clubs and how the comedy business really works [38:07] – Q&A: Why aren't you retired? [47:55] – Home Depot: San Diego's most surprising singles scene [56:17] – The Balboa Theater moment that changed my comedy dream [1:03:05] – Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional⸻Links & Resources Mentioned• Podium Studios(thepodium.studio/) – Our production home in Marietta, Georgia • Suzi's Special Late Life Crisis – Coming soon around the 4th of July! • Podcast: Breaking Bread with Tom Papa • Follow Suzi: SuziChicago.com⸻Closing ThoughtsThanks for hanging out with us in Georgia! If you enjoyed this one, like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs a laugh. Keep those questions coming, and remember: pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. See you next time!#suzichicago #podiumstudios #latelifecrisis #comedyspecial #bladeshow #sandiegocomedy #comedypodcast #samtheskeleton #grandmafunfun #neverretire #adhdcomedy #podcastinterview

In today's episode, I sit down with Pamela Wardrop and Carol Johnson, the Silver Sisters, comedians and show promoters carving out their own space in San Diego. We're exploring why it's never too late to start something new and how life's biggest curveballs become the best stage material.From navigating dark humor after a cancer diagnosis to the reality of being a grandma in comedy clubs, this episode is about making your own room and finding your tribe. If you've been waiting for permission to follow your dreams, this is your sign to stop waiting and start picking yourself.⸻⏱️ Episode Timeline & Highlights[01:19] – Carol's ultimate revenge story: Her ex said she wasn't funny, so she started writing [02:03] – How a cancer diagnosis became Pamela's "now or never" catalyst [05:15] – My surreal moment reaching out to Mike Birbiglia at 69 [08:42] – The Silver Sisters' philosophy: Stop waiting to be picked [15:43] – Raising "Tornado Boy" and teaching to a child's strengths [24:07] – From naval cryptologist to comedy stage: Pamela's military journey [30:00] – Why women in comedy need to produce their own magic [38:37] – Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP) and healing through comedy [45:00] – Finding your tribe and creating community in comedy [52:00] – Final wisdom: Dress like your own character every day⸻Links & Resources Mentioned• Youtube Channel: Pam Without a Plan (@pamwithoutaplan371) • Instagram: Carol Johnson Comedy(@caroljohnsoncomedy) • Instagram: Silver Sisters Comedy(@silversisterscomedy) • ASAP (Armed Services Arts Partnership) – asapasap.org • Mic Drop Comedy Club, Sandiego - www.micdropcomedysandiego.com/⸻Closing ThoughtsIf you enjoyed hearing from these fabulous ladies, subscribe and follow the Suzi Chicago Podcast. Also, leave a rate and review. Remember: make your own room, find your tribe, and dress like your own character every single day. See you next time!

Welcome to our first 100% video episode! I'm sitting down with the beautiful, brilliant, Emmy-winning Trish Suhr in my newly transformed art studio.Trish shares the "Swedish Death Cleanse" philosophy that'll make you want to toss your clutter immediately, plus a three-minute encounter with Dolly Parton that literally stopped her from quitting show business.We dive into growing up in a funeral home, the "high tides" mentality for women in comedy, and why being "seasoned" means you still have plenty of shine left. If you've ever felt underestimated or wondered if your best work is still ahead, this conversation is for you.⸻⏱️ Episode Timeline & Highlights[02:57] – Blessing my convertible at CarMax: Gratitude for things that served us[04:26] – The Swedish Death Cleanse and giving your stuff away while you're alive[11:06] – Caskets and cadavers: Growing up in a funeral home and med school drawing[22:34] – How a surprise open mic in South Carolina launched my comedy at 68[31:25] – The "High Tides" mentality: Why women in comedy don't compete[43:59] – The "Spring" patent story: Never judge an engineer by their cover[01:00:00] – Emmy-winning writing and Clean House memories[01:20:00] – Why "seasoned" performers have more to give than ever[01:36:45] – Three minutes with Dolly: The moment that saved Trish's career[01:45:00] – Final thoughts on shine, gratitude, and Grandma Fun Fun wisdom⸻Links & Resources Mentioned• Book: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson• Hotel Recommendation: St. Regis Venice• Comedians: Leanne Morgan, Karen Mills, Josh Johnson• TV Shows: Clean House, The Office, Ted Lasso, Rooster (HBO)• Follow Trish Suhr on Instagram, @trishsuhr for more stories and wisdom⸻Closing ThoughtsIf you loved this conversation, follow the show so you don't miss a single episode. Rate, review, and share this with someone who needs a little "Grandma Fun Fun" wisdom in their life.

In today's episode, I sit down with Margaret Starr, a powerhouse vocalist who traded opera houses for comedy clubs, armed with nothing but a tiny pink toy piano. We're exploring her career "switcheroo" from rigid classical training to the wild world of musical comedy, and why sometimes the smallest instrument makes the biggest impact.We get real about how postpartum depression sparked Margaret's comedy journey, why "attention is oxygen," and the technical chaos of amplifying a toddler's toy mid-set. If you've ever wondered if it's too late to find your voice or reinvent yourself, this conversation about creativity, resilience, and embracing your "sage" status at any age is your break from the real world.⸻⏱️ Episode Timeline & Highlights[02:44] – How postpartum depression led Margaret from opera to comedy [04:40] – "Attention is like oxygen": The therapy breakthrough that validated performing [06:45] – The origin story of the Little Pink Piano (and why keys fall off mid-show) [10:15] – Leaving high-stakes opera to find a comedic voice [14:05] – Italian opera intermissions, boat-pulling, and the magic of real bread [24:15] – The business of funny: Why "clean is green" in corporate comedy [31:05] – Turning 70 with no fear and planning the next five years[38:00] – Voice lessons, comedy, and building multiple income streams [45:00] – Why Margaret's toy piano resonates more than any aria [52:00] – Final thoughts on finding your voice at any age⸻Connect With Us• Follow Margaret on Instagram & TikTok: @margaretsingsfunny • Voice Lessons & Coaching: MaggiesVoice.com • Suzi's Special: February 19th at Film Hub in Vista - SuziChicago.com⸻Closing ThoughtsThanks for hanging out with me today! If you enjoyed this episode, hit that subscribe button, leave a rating, and share this with someone who needs a laugh. #suzichicago #margaretstarr #musicalcomedy #operasinger #toypiano #standupcomedy #comedypodcast #cleancomedy #findingyourvoice #postpartumrecovery #womenincomedy #podcastinterview

In today's episode, I sit down with JJ Barrows, author, artist, and Dry Bar comedian, for a conversation about why humor might just be the most underrated healing tool we have. JJ is a deep-feeler who has found a way to make comedy out of the hard stuff, and this episode is proof that laughter and honesty go hand in hand.We get into JJ's unexpected email collaboration with Dolly Parton (which she was completely convinced was a scam), her handmade egg-carton crowns and what they're really about, and our shared love of extra accessories. We also get real about depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and my own experience with Lupus, and why finding the funny doesn't mean pretending everything is fine.Episode Timeline Highlights[00:00] – Introduction[04:02] – The secret Dolly Parton email: Why JJ was convinced she was being scammed until she heard the unreleased track.[08:26] – Calling a spade a spade: Breaking the "everything is fine" facade to talk about depression and recovery.[12:06] – Why comedy is more than just jokes: Using humor as a tool to take a breather from the tough stuff in the world.[15:19] – Unexpected therapy: The calming power of smelling a baby’s head and why I talk to my chickens over the fence.[19:45] – The Crafting Queen: How JJ’s egg-carton crowns are actually about giving other people their "golden buzzer" moment.[31:34] – Becoming fearless at 70: How facing mortality erased my stage fright and why I’ll talk to anyone now.[46:23] – The secret to a great act: Why you owe it to your audience to do what they find funny, not just your own agenda.Connect With Us:Follow JJ Barrows on Instagram @ jjbarrowsJJ Barrows Official Website: jjbarrows.comJJ’s Books: 'A Spade a Spade' and 'Kind of Funny'Watch JJ's Dry Bar Comedy Special on YouTubeFinal Thoughts:Thank you for tuning in for this one. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a friend who could use a good laugh.

In today's episode, I'm sitting down with my comedy teacher, coach, and special director Jesse Egan for the final stretch before we tape on February 19th at Film Hub in Vista.We dive into the "daily dose of strange" that keeps me going, from the two life-sized plastic skeletons I've hauled across the globe to my days at Second City in the 80s when I was the only person in the building not doing cocaine. We're also talking about the "Fine Art Model" of comedy, treating a year of stand-up like a gallery show, and why I'm bringing in a professional film crew from New Mexico to make this special worth the price of admission.Episode Timeline Highlights[00:00] – The bizarre reality of traveling with life-sized skeletons.[02:11] – Medical illustration and Suzi's love for a "good dead body."[04:23] – Why TSA spent six hours investigating a plastic skeleton.[05:52] – Taking Sam the skeleton to the dentist for dental work.[12:18] – Surviving the 80s Second City scene without the "white powder."[15:36] – Why Josh Lawson is the best storyteller to "take the bullet."[25:38] – The "worst gift": Being tricked into my first comedy set.[34:09] – Using the "Fine Art Model" to fast-track your comedic voice.[36:42] – Jean Smart vibes and looking worth the price of the ticket.[43:28] – Naming blow-up dealership guys after comedy legends.Connect With Us- Follow Jesse Egan on Instagram: @Jesseegancomedy- Suzi’s Special Show: February 19th at the Film Hub in Vista.- Balboa Theater Show: Zoltan Kaszas on Valentine’s Day.Final ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this episode, hit that follow button, leave a comment and review, and share it with someone who needs to stop waiting for permission. See you next time!

In today's episode, I sit down with local comedian Brian Hartwell, a guy who spent 25 years as a soccer referee getting yelled at by angry parents, only to realize it was the perfect training for stand-up comedy. We're exploring the "Zero to Hero" mentality and how you can build a whole new life from scratch, whether you're 20 or 70.We dive into why Brian's therapist actually suggested comedy as "artistic expression," how the Mormon missionary trail became an unintentional stand-up training ground, and the Susan-isms that keep me on the fast track at 70. If you've ever felt like an underdog or wondered if it's too late to find a new social circle and start over, this episode is for you. We're making our own room and having serious fun along the way!⏱️ Episode Timeline & Highlights[03:21] – How 25 years of refereeing builds a bulletproof shield against hecklers.[09:33] – Why soccer is the perfect metaphor for the "unfairness" of life.[13:29] – The Mormon missionary trail as an unintentional stand-up training ground.[35:19] – The "bombing on purpose" strategy for getting comfortable on stage.[55:06] – Transitioning from comedy clubs to corporate speaking and connection.[1:03:00] – Why you need to stop waiting to be picked and "make your own room."Links & Resources MentionedFollow Brian Hartwell on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube: @hartwellcomedyBook Brian: [email protected]'s Special: February 19th at Film Hub in Vista - SuziChicago.comPodcast: Working It Out with Mike BirbigliaClosing ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this episode, hit the like & subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a good laugh. Remember: stop waiting to be picked and make your own room. Let's keep building our community together. See you next time!

In today's episode, I sit down with the delightful Ed Hearton (Eduardo, as I call him), a local comic who's so much more than just a man with a fantastic mustache. From his "Little Mermaid" roots in Brazil to our shared love for the "diva" lifestyle, we're exploring why some of us are just "a lot", and why that's exactly how we like it.We dive into Ed's journey through film school and the drag world, but the real mystery is why he thinks my life is a sitcom waiting to happen. Between my husband's tactical knife business and my history as a chicken judge, he might be onto something. Plus, I finally tell the full story of Sam, the plastic skeleton who got me kicked out of the Roman Coliseum and nearly landed me in federal prison over a Facebook ID check. Trust me, you can't make this stuff up.⏱️ Episode Timeline & Highlights[01:49] – Why I'm not a "joiner" and my lifelong fear of being controlled[03:26] – Eduardo's "Little Mermaid" origin story from Brazil[11:58] – The Sitcom Pitch: Chickens, tactical knives, and late-in-life comedy[16:37] – Sam's Facebook crisis: Why my skeleton needed a state ID[17:42] – Getting kicked out of the Coliseum by the "Carbonara"[30:37] – The Divine Goddess vs. The Mean Girl in drag[41:51] – Spackle and bronzer: Finding my inner diva at 70[50:00] – Ed's comedy evolution and what makes us "a lot"[58:30] – Why laughter is better than self-help[01:05:00] – Final thoughts on embracing your inner everythingLinks & Resources Mentioned• Book: The Heroine's Journey by Maureen Murdock• Check out Ed's shows around San DiegoClosing ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this episode, hit the like and subscribe button! And if you're feeling extra sweet, leave a review or share this episode with that one friend who is also "a lot." Life's too short not to embrace being everything and nothing all at once. See you next time for more laughs and chaos!