UCB Improviser, Brett Schultz

In this special episode, I welcome a pivotal figure from my high school days, Gwen Shroyer. Gwen shares memories and insights from our time together in high school. We discuss the importance of creativity, the evolution of their school's film and broadcasting program, and the value of a supportive learning environment.

Join us as Brett shares his journey from training at UCB and working as a creative producer, to finding unexpected fame on TikTok during the pandemic. We kick off with a fun improv warm-up and dive into Brett's unique comedic style, his thoughts on originality in comedy, and the impact of social media on his career. He's a really funny guy.

Today we are joined by a cinematographer that I highly respect, Valentina Vee! She has worked on so many notable projects including Apurture's YouTube channel, and TikTok commercials, and has even worked with The Rock! She's insanely talented and I was so lucky to be able to interview her for this episode. Please enjoy!

In this episode, I have the honor of welcoming the incredibly talented filmmaker Nathan Mowery. Known for his charismatic personality and undeniable talent, Nathan joins to discuss his journey in filmmaking, his unique film company "Kind Punk," and the creative community he's built at the Kind Punk House. We dive into Nathan's documentary "Relentless," which chronicles the inspiring story of Diamond Dallas Page and the creation of DDP Yoga. Listen in as we explore the importance of helping others, the power of belief in oneself, and Nathan's punk rock approach to creativity and kindness.

Today's special guest is one of my favorite people, Chas McBee! Join us as we dive into the craziness of 2020 in this hilarious and reflective episode. They discuss everything from self-discovery during lockdown to bizarre headlines and quirky news stories. Hear about a man on a horse getting a ticket, a fire tornado in California, and even the legality of Subway bread. Plus, they play a fun game guessing if wild news stories happened in 2020 or not.

Today, we have a special guest: Rory Rodriguez, frontman of the band Dayseeker and creator of the new project, Hurtwave. In this episode, we chat about navigating the music scene during the pandemic, the inspiration behind Hurtwave's unique sound, and the process of creating music that resonates deeply with fans. Rory shares his journey from playing guitar as a teen to fronting two successful musical projects, and offers insights on writing emotionally charged lyrics.

Today I have a very special guest: 80s icon Stan Bush! We dive into Stan's illustrious career, from his iconic hit "The Touch" in the Transformers movie to his latest album, "Dare to Dream." Stan shares stories from the road, the inspiration behind his timeless sound, and the songwriting process that has kept his voice and music relevant through the decades. We also explore the nostalgic 80s sound, his Emmy Award-winning experience, and what it’s like to have fans singing along to his hits at conventions.

Today's episode is special as we dive into a panel discussion with two incredible filmmakers, Matt Dickstein and Shane Hartline. These talented creators not only made a feature film but also navigated the complexities of independent filmmaking with passion and ingenuity. Join us as we explore the making of their found footage horror film, "The Haunting of Grady Farm." Matt and Shane share the highs and lows of their journey, from crowdfunding and shooting in Shane’s hometown to the thrill of setting a car on fire on set—with safety measures, of course. Hear about their creative process, the challenges they faced, and the innovative solutions that brought their vision to life.

Today I've got a very special guest on the show – Tom Farley. Tom, who is the brother of the legendary comedian Chris Farley, joins me to share his fascinating life story. We dive into Tom's eclectic journey, from his days in finance in New York to his return to Wisconsin, and his heartfelt work in substance use prevention and recovery. Tom opens up about the Chris Farley Foundation, using humor and improv to educate and connect with kids, and how his brother's legacy continues to inspire and help others. We also touch on Tom's bestselling book, "The Chris Farley Show," and some hilarious stories from their childhood that perfectly capture Chris's comedic genius. Tom reminisces about Chris's iconic characters, his time at SNL, and the transformative power of improv and theatre. He also delves into their family's unique dynamics, comparing them to a circus, and reveals how Chris's natural talent and ability to connect with people set him apart.

In today's special episode, we welcome the incredible Rich Ward, the guitarist for the band Fozzy, and an all-around amazing human. Join us as we dive deep into Rich's journey, his love for the 80s, and our shared passion for the synthwave genre. We reminisce about the golden days of rock, guerrilla filmmaking, and the ever-evolving music industry. Rich shares hilarious stories from the road, insights into his creative process, and how he stays inspired in the face of challenges. Whether you're a die-hard Fozzy fan or just love good music and great stories, this episode is a must-listen. So, sit back, relax, and let's rock with Rich Ward!