On "ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky,” guests from the worlds of comedy, theatre, film, television, and literature discuss their journeys and life philosophies with podcast host David Razowsky. David’s an alum of The Second City Chicago where he performed with Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Amy Sedaris and numerous others. He’s the former artistic director of The Second City Hollywood, is a member of The Reduced Shakespeare Company, served as a consultant for Dreamworks, and taught for Steppenw ...
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“Love and play are the only things where more is better.” Today’s guest on ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky is author Sam Wasson. Sam has written books on Bob Fosse, Paul Mazursky, Audrey Hepburn, Blake Edwards, and, the one that brought Sam to my attention, “Improv Nation, How We Made A Great American Art.” This is the only book I’ve ever read on how…
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Stephen Burrows' Trusts His Inner Del Close
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Today’s guest on ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky is Stephen Burrows. I’ve known Steve for almost 35 years. The award-winning Burrows was in “Barron’s Barracudas,” the first Harold team I ever saw. The Harold is an improv form that is now taught and performed worldwide. Steve’s gone on to direct, act and write films, but his HBO documentary “Bleed Out…
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Today's guest on "ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky" is writer, director, actor, teacher, creator, and innovator, Shira Piven. Shira's directed the motion picture “Welcome to Me,” with Kristen Wiig, and episodes of Amazon’s “Transparent” and “One Mississippi.” She currently works with Tim Robbins’ Actors Gang Prison Project, teaching commedia dell’arte…
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Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is my dear friend Ian Gomez. Ian and I both performed at Chicago’s Improv Olympic and Second City. Ian has been in more television shows than anyone else I know. Here’s a short list: “The Drew Carey Show,” “Felicity,” “Supergirl,” and “Cougar Town.” He also was in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” written b…
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Measuring Each Measure with Joey Bland
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Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Joey Bland. Joey’s performed with The Second City, ComedySportz, and iO. He played the title role in Second City's “Rod Blagojevich, Superstar.” He’s a two-time Jeopardy champion, and a member of the Improvised Shakespeare Company which creates fully improvised plays in Elizabethan style. They inv…
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Recorded at Rockefeller Center, our guest today on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Amber Ruffin. Amber is an Emmy nominated writer and actress on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” and the narrator on “Drunk History.” She was the first African-American woman to write for a late-night network talk show. Amber’s an alum of The Second City, iO and Boom…
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"Modern Family" Director Jason Winer's The Last to Know
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“Let things play.” Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Jason Winer. Jason is best known as the Emmy Award-winning director and co-executive producer of “Modern Family,” having directed the pilot episode as well as 20 episodes of the amazingly popular show. He is a director, an Emmy-award wining producer, and writer. He directed Robi…
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Today’s guest on ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky is Kate Lambert. Kate is from the Second City which is where I first met her. In Chicago she worked with a cast of women whose names were all variations of Catherine, so they became The Katydids. They got themselves a nice following, and eventually they all found their way out west, where they created …
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Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Dick Chudnow. In 1984 Dick created and licensed the ComedySportz improvisational comedy format and the world has never been the same. There are now over 20 cities with licensed ComedySportz franchises in the United States including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Not bad for someone who thinks…
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Today’s guest on ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky is Charlie Hartsock. I met Charlie in the ‘80s when he, Steve Carell and I joined a cast for Michael Gellman’s Seed Show 2 at Chicago’s Organic Theater. We all worked together at Second City, and in LA Charlie and Steve teamed up with Vance DeGeneres to form Carousel Productions, where Charlie executiv…
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Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Fabio Maccioni. Fabio is an internationally renown improv actor and teacher. He’s a member of Teatribu, Milan’s foremost improv theater, where he teaches and performs. I met Fabio briefly in Chicago, then in Australia where we performed and co-taught in Perth. Fabio is kind, caring, a great perfor…
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“There were six or seven people on stage having fun, and I thought, ‘How can I get a piece of THAT?’” Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Eric Boardman. Eric’s worn many a hat as a director, producer, a host on Discovery Channel, Food Network, Travel Channel, and HGTV. He was a performer and writer on CBS’s Tim Conway Show, was regu…
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“I’m a firm believer in you don’t run *away* from something, you run *toward* something.” Bob Kodzis is our guest today on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky,” continuing the booking of guests who help me breathe during these challenging times. Bob’s bio says he’s “one of the happiest people you will ever meet.” It’s true. He’s the creative force behin…
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These are challenging times, and I really needed a guest who would be joyful, hopeful, kindhearted, and smart. Today’s guest is perfect. Eliza Coyle is our guest today on "ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky." I know Eliza from my days at Second City, where we both started out in the Training Center together, then moved on to the Touring Company. Eliza’s…
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Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky,” is Phelim McDermott. Phelim is an innovative performer and director with productions spanning from improv to Broadway to the Metropolitan Opera, and recently directed LA Opera's spectacular production of Philip Glass's "Akhnaten." Phelim is also co-founder of London’s groundbreaking Improbable Theat…
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Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Jules Munns. Jules is the Co-Artistic Director of The Nursery, the great improv school in London. Jules is a passionate improvisor and teacher, who has studied under our friends Patti Stiles, Susan Messing, Rachael Mason, and Keith Johnstone. He studied at the Guildhall School, which specializes i…
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Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Brett Paesel. Brett’s an actress, having just wrapped season 3 of Amazon’s Emmy-winning “Transparent,” she’s the author of the Los Angeles Times Bestseller “Mommies Who Drink,” and she’s a teacher. I know Brett from our days at The Annoyance Theater in Chicago, where we performed in “Splatter Thea…
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Our guest today on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Alan Wilder. Alan is a Joseph Jefferson Award-nominated ensemble member at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater, and he’s appeared in over 60 Steppenwolf productions all over the world. He’s also appeared on numerous shows on NBC, CBS, HBO, and FOX. Alan’s hilarious, and smart, and wise, and honest. We…
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Recorded at Improvention in beautiful Canberra, Australia. Our guest today is the wonderful “Queen of Improvisation,” Patti Stiles. Patti is an actor, improviser, director, and just one of the most inspiring people you’ve ever met. She’s worked with the world renowned “Loose Moose Theatre,” and was trained by and worked closely with Keith Johnstone…
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Recorded in Melbourne, Australia, today’s guest on ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky is Australian improv veteran Jason Geary. Jason is a teacher, a film and television actor, and the former Artistic Director Of Impro Melbourne. I’ve worked with Jason at Improvention, the awesome week-long celebration of “Impro Down-Under,” that annually occurs in Canb…
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Our guest today on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Simon Helberg. Yep, Howard Wolowitz on “The Big Bang Theory,” of the Coen Brothers’ “A Serious Man,” “Dr. Horrible’s Sing A-long Blog,” “Studio 60 on Sunset Strip,” “Good Night, and Good Luck,” and…it doesn’t stop, but let’s stop at this credit: “Florence Foster Jenkins,” where he co-stars with …
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Rachael Mason is our guest today on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky.” I only wish I can be as cool as Rachael. As if being the head of Advanced Improv at Second City in Chicago, having run the Training Center for iO West, improvising with The Second City Improv All Stars, “The Boys,” a former member of “Baby Wants Candy,” and having performed on Sec…
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Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is the wonderful actor and writer Joe Liss. Joe was one of my Second City favorites, and when I moved out to LA I was able to work with him on a number of projects. Joe’s been on “According to Jim,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Strangers with Candy,” and the great satirical film, “God Bless America.” Joe…
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Improvisor Dave Hill is our guest today on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky,” and you’ll be hard-pressed to meet a more positive and upbeat improv teacher and performer. Dave was awarded the iO West “Teacher of the Year” honor in 2014, and it’s not surprising at all. He’s seen in numerous commercials, and shows on the tube including “Quick Draw” on H…
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Theresa Mulligan Rosenthal is our guest today on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky,” and I am so happy about that! I’ve known Theresa since my days at Second City Chicago. Theresa and I were castmates in one of my favorite improv casts, “Stacy’s Not Here.” Theresa’s been nominated for an Emmy, has written on “How I Met Your Mother,” “South Park,” “Gre…
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Graham Elwood is our guest today on ADD Comedy withDave Razowsky. What a fun interview! Graham is a stand-up, havingperformed all over the world, but dedicating a great deal of timeand energy to playing for the USO. Graham’s done tours inAfghanistan and Iraq, inspiring him to direct the documentary,“Laffghanistan: Comedy Down Range.” He’s the co-cr…
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Bruce Rheins is our guest today on ADD Comedy with DaveRazowsky. Bruce is a bit of a departure from our standard guests inthat his background isn’t in comedy, it’s in news. Bruce recentlyretired as the CBS News Deputy Bureau Chief here on the west coast.Bruce has covered first-hand the Royal Wedding in London, HurricaneKatrina, the Iraq War, the OJ…
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Carrie Aizley is our guest today on ADD Comedy. I love this person! Carrie is a former Groundling, and was one of the creators of “Campus Ladies” on the Oxygen Network. She’s been in TWO Christopher Guest films, not to mention a bunch of commercials directed by Mr. Guest. We chatted about working with her “comedy camp friends,” naming babies, the c…
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Today’s guest on ADD Comedy is Miles Stroth. Miles is a cornerstone in the world of improvisation, having worked and studied under Del Close and Charna Halpern at Improv Olympic (now known as iO). He was a cast member of the legendary improv troupe known as “The Family,” whose members include Adam McKay, Matt Besser and Neil Flynn. He’s appeared in…
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Jeff Bryan Davis is our guest on ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky. I’ve known Jeff since my days as a producer for “KwikWitz,” but Jeff is known for his excellent work on “Whose Line is it Anyway?” He’s been on Broadway, on “The Sarah Silverman Show,” “The Norm Show,” and he tours with “Drew Carey and The Improv All Stars.” Jeff’s the comptroller of D…
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Jackie Hoffman is our guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky.” Yes, she’s been in “Kissing Jessica Stein,” “Birdman,” “Inside Amy Schumer,” “The New Normal,” “Girls,” “30 Rock,” and dozens more appearances on TV and in movies. Yes, on Broadway she’s opened “Hairspray,” “Xanadu,” “The Addams Family,” and was a standout in “On the Town” and “Once Up…
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Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Ali Reza Farahnakian. Ali founded New York City’s Peoples Improv Theater (aka “The PIT”) where we recorded this podchat. Ali was a founding member of Upright Citizens Brigade, he was a writer on Saturday Night Live, and at Second City he performed with the likes of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Ali’s …
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Rachel Dratch is today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky.” Finally! Rachel is a Second City alum, an alum of Saturday Night Live, one of the funniest folks to show up on “30 Rock,” is the author of “A Girl Walks into a Bar…,” a two-time Joseph Jefferson Award winner, was Wanda Jo on “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” and was in “The Awes…
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Today’s guest on ADD Comedy is Keiko Agena. Keiko’s been on “Scandal,” “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” “House M.D.,” and, once and once again, “Gilmore Girls.” I know Keiko from the couple of years when I was her improv director working out of a small theater in a converted two-car garage! Keiko’s a bright light, she’s funny, she’s inspiring, and…
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Actor and writer Brad Morris is our guest today. Man, this was fun. Brad’s a Second City alum, who’s presently on USA Networks comedy “Playing House.” He’s been on “Veep,” “Cougar Town,” “Key and Peele,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and “The Office.” Brad’s also a member of the legendary improv crew known as “The Reckoning.” He’s smart, funny, energized…
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Today’s guest is Nate Herman director, writer, musician, artist, and fine human. Nate was my director at Second City where he midwifed the show with the longest name of any Second City show ever…I think. ``The Heliotrope Players` Production of Thornton Wilder`s American Classic, `Our Town,` as Directed by d`Eric Blakemore, or “Cash Stations of the …
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Melanie Hutsell is our guest today, and boy was this podcast a blast to do. Melanie’s been on “Saturday Night Live,” “Transparent,” “United States of Tara,” and “Bridesmaids.” I know Melanie from her great work at The Annoyance Theatre in Chicago, where she performed in numerous shows with great titles like “The Miss Vagina Pageant,” and the cult c…
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Writer and actor Julie Larson is our guest. I’ve known Julie from the days of the Second City Alumni Jam on the pier in Santa Monica. Julie’s written on “Mom,” “Are you there, Chelsea,” “The Drew Carey Show,” “Dharma and Greg,” and “Last Man Standing.” Julie’s smart, sharp, honest, and not afraid to speak her mind. In other words, a great guest to …
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Justin Kaufmann is our guest today, and boy was I looking forward to chatting with him. Justin is the host of Chicago’s WGN-720 radio show “The Download,” and well, that’s where we recorded this interview, which, by the way, was recorded after Justin interviewed me for his show. Justing worked for Chicago Public Radio’s WBEZ, but I know Justin from…
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My guests are master improv teachers Susan Messing and Joe Bill. Susan, Joe and I worked together at iO, The Annoyance Theatre, The Second City, and improv festivals across the world. They're former ADD guests, but this time we gathered for a powerful reason: The past few months have seen women improvisers express their frustration and anger at the…
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Today’s guest is Rebecca Corry, and her pitbull Angel. Rebecca’s a stand-up of renown, and yes, she’s been on “The King of Queens,” “The Bernie Mac Show,” Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend,” and was a series regular on NBC’s “One Big Happy,” but what Rebecca’s passionate about is her Stand Up For Pits Foundation. It’s a non-profit she founded which r…
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Today’s guest is Reed Diamond. This podchat could have gone on for another two hours AT THE LEAST! It was a whirlwind talk with the actor you know from “Homicide: Life on the Street,” “Agents of Shield,” “24,” “Judging Amy,” “Good Night, and Good Luck,” “Moneyball,” and too many more to list here. Go to imdb if you got the time. I’m so glad to have…
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Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Rich Fulcher an old friend who has had quite a life. After studying to be a lawyer Rich decided he didn’t want to be a lawyer, but he just couldn’t stomach telling his mother. Thus gave birth to his show “Mom, I’m not a Lawyer.” Rich is best known for “The Mighty Boosh,” but he’s also been on “Dru…
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This is a very special ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky in that it’s NOT an ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky. This episode is actually ADD Comedy with Rose Abdoo INTERVIEWING Dave Razowsky. We thought what better idea to start the new year than start the new year with a start! Rose Abdoo is an alum of Second City, she's been in Gilmore Girls, Scandal, Th…
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Today’s guest is Jonathan Mangum. Jonathan is Wayne Brady’s co-host on CBS’s “Let’s Make a Deal,” and he’s been a series regular on Wayne’s “The Wayne Brady Show,” “Whose Line is it Anyway?”, “The Drew Carey Show,” Comedy Central’s “The Stripmall,” and “Drew Carey’s Improv-a-ganza.” He’s performed at Carnegie Hall and does several yearly performanc…
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Today’s guest is writer, artist and friend John Matta. I thought I’d be talking with John about his experiences writing for Jamie Kennedy, Andy Dick, Martin Short, or Brad Garrett, but like any great improv scene, things didn’t go in that direction. Instead we talked about the journey John was on while his wife (and my dear friend) Rose Abdoo was g…
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We’re celebrating Stephen Colbert’s September 8th inaugural episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” by rereleasing our interview from a couple of years back. It’s perfect. We talk about the process of working on a show, having a vision, leading an “institution,” and the process of process. Stephen also reminds me that I was with him when di…
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Today’s guest is J. Elaine Marcos. J. Elaine is a Broadway actress having had principal roles in “Annie,” “A Chorus Line,” and “Priscilla Queen of the Desert.” She’s been seen on “30 Rock,” “Rescue Me,” and “Law and Order: SVU.” As if that’s not enough, she’s done standup at Caroline’s and lists “Canadian” as a special skill on her resume. We talke…
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Today’s guest on "ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is actor/writer Michael Stoyanov. Michael’s best known for his five years on “Blossom,” but he’s also been on “Reno 911,” “The Dark Knight,” “Justified,” and he had a memorable arc on "Beverly Hills, 90210.” He talks about George Clooney’s graciousness, the benefits of working out of your wheelhouse,…
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Today’s guest on "ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Andy Richter. Andy’s the guy who’s been at Conan O’Brien’s side from show one! Andy’s been nominated for seven Primetime Emmys, he’s been on “Arrested Development,” “Talladega Nights,” “Madagascar,” and, who can forget, “Andy Richter Controls the Universe”? We talk about Andy Richter as a “brand,"…
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