Courtney McClean : Laugh Your Way to Success

Think Outside the Lines with Shawn Feeney

In this episode, I chat with Actress/Musician Courtney McClean about following your dreams and pursuing your passion, no matter the cost. Guest Bio: Courtney McClean (born McLean) is a comedic performer/writer, musician, storyteller, actress, and co-host of the upcoming podcast "Bits & Ask." A native Californian, Courtney was raised in Orange County, spent a few years in San Diego, then a few years in New York City, then a few more years in the Twin Cities, MN. She's now currently based in Los Angeles, CA, and plans on staying there. Courtney has also authored numerous songs, stories, and jokes and presented them on stages all over North America. NYTheatre.com said she is “funny and endearing with a seductive twinkle in her eye,” and Twin Cities’ Metromag.com said Courtney “is uproariously funny… a superb storyteller.” Her band Courtney McClean & The Dirty Curls, pioneers of naughtybilly (dirty & bluegrassy comedy music), was recently crowned City Pages’ Music Artists of the Year 2014. 89.3 The Current’s Local Current Blog coined The Curls “Minnesota’s most ribald bluegrass group” with the release of their debut album on Stand Up! Records, “This One’s For Dad.” Andrea Swensson, The Current's Local Show Host, was the City Pages Music Editor when she called The Dirty Curls “Irresistible,” and Lucy Michell, then of Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles, said live on stage that Courtney was “the Peaches of bluegrass.” Courtney has read alongside Ileana Douglas and Michael Urie in Minneapolis’ edition of Celebrity Autobiography, and had a story published in the anthology “Dirty Girls Come Clean.” Her comedic bluegrass stylings have charmed the crowds at the Hell Yes Comedy Festival in New Orleans, and at Stand Up! Records' Akumal Comedy Festival (in Akumal, Mexico, duh). She has been heard on the radio on San Diego’s old Star 100.7 FM, and Minnesota Public Radio, Twin Cities’ KFAI and myTalk107.1, as a frequent contributor to "Laughing Matters" with Robert Baril on MN's AM 950, and countless podcasts including her stint as a co-host on the Twin Cities' Hit Show. In 2011, Courtney was #52 of the Twin Cities’ City Pages 100 Creatives. For more information, please visit Courtney's website: courtneymcclean.com Courtney McClean and The Dirty Curls : YouTube Courtney McClean and The Dirty Curls : Facebook In this episode, we discuss: Books: Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life The Highly Sensitive Person The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles Music: Magic Spell : This Is The Kit Tori Amos Alanis Morissette Podcast : Conversations With Alanis Morissette Comedy: Maria Bamford Chris Maddock : Point of Entry Broad City // Think Outside the Lines Podcast Subscribe / Leave a review on iTunes Subscribe on Soundcloud Subscribe on Player.FM Subscribe on Stitcher (Must have an account) // If you would like to stay updated on all things podcast-related, click here to sign up for the mailing list. // Return to main podcast page //