Catching Up With Comedians

Comic, writer, producer Carrie Snow joins host Rich Stein

Carrie Snow was raised in the Bay Area with one sister and two parents.  These days that might not always be the norm but in her day it generally was.
In 1978, she took an under grad degree from ( CAL) Berkeley, and to the sheer delight of her parents,  started doing stand up comedy at what she, nor anyone else knew, was to be the advent of a comedy boom unlike any other time in American or modern day history.
 Many things contributed to that timing but Carrie was actually hopping on to a train that had been slowly chugging along since 1972, when The Comedy Store first opened its doors and within five years, every major city would have comedy clubs and most minor cities would have comedy in bars, saloons, restaurants or wherever someone could convince an establishment to let three novice funny people talk into a microphone at least one day per week.
 Carrie went further than most in the biz and ended up as a television writer, producer and talent in addition to being a much sought after stand up comedienne in Major Comedy Clubs in the U.S. and the greater planet Earth!
Please welcome the rather saucy and outspoken:Carrie Snow! 🎙️🤣🎬

Comedian, actor, writer, producer Craig Shoemaker joins host Rich Stein

Craig Shoemaker says you can’t hit a moving Target and he proves that every day.He started comedy as a junior in high school and put himself through college doing stand up. Craig Shoemaker may not have hit the ultra fame of Seinfeld, Tim Allen or some but he has gone far beyond the limits of many comedians.He tore through the early years doing every show that comedians did like Evening At the Improv, Caroline’s, Comedy Central, and as his career flourished he did two Comic Reliefs and through Whoopi he did 75 Hollywood Squares, tons of sit coms: Night Court, Coach, The Fresh Prince, Parks and Rec and many more.    
He went on to write and produce his own comedy specials, television series, Films and he was named  Comedian of the Year at the American Comedy Awards.While many might be resting on their laurels after all that he has been mentoring younger comics in sobriety and  inviting them into his circle by letting them tour and open for him and see what life is like in the higher levels of the comedy world.
Craig has authored two books and through his Laughter Heals Foundation and Laughter Worx  he has been bringing the power  of laughter to the business and corporate world and raising the bar from stand up and trying to help people really experience the healing powers of laughter.
Craig was getting pulled by his business partner so this is a somewhat abbreviated podcast today but all things Craig Shoemaker are easy to find online. He is still a busy touring comedian, as since recording  this podcast he just returned from Headlining at the Tempe, Arizona Improv and knowing him he is probably already off sharing the love and the laughs with another lucky group of humans somewhere in the world.
I hope you enjoy ( as much as I did hahaha) the dynamic comedy of Craig Showmaker!

Comic Bruce Baum joins host Rich Stein

Bruce Baum first attended UC Davis as a Poli/Sci Major and intended to play for the Football team. But providence stepped in and he joined up with his cousin Ken and started a comedy duo on campus where they also played guitar and banjo, sang funny songs and started getting people's attention. 
Before long he wrote a screenplay and moved back to LA and was accepted into the UCLA Film Dept. based on Bruce's screenplay and their ever growing list of gigs they were performing around town. 
AS Bruce says on the pod this was all pre comedy club and comedy explosion but his timing was spot on as no less than Robin WILLIAMS, DAVID LETTERMAN, GARRY SHANDLING et al were featured in his early student films.
As fate would have it Bruce was just starting to cook as the infamous Sunset Strip was giving birth to The Comedy Store and with it the first wave of comedians who were  born and bred there, most of whom traveled from the four corners of the USA as well as Russia ( Yakov ). Bruce was one of those original types who wasn't just telling jokes or doing a monologue on stage, rather he used props and played musical ditties and created more of an audio/visual panorama of comedy from the stage. 
His class of Comedy (1976) gave stand up a Turbo boost by doing comedy in syndication on the show "MAKE ME LAUGH" hosted by Bobby Van.  It played the same comedians for five days straight and in smaller markets that did not yet have comedy clubs. By the early eighties every major, medium and small city had COMEDY CLUBS EVEN IF IT WAS ONLY IN A BAR, SALOON, RESTAURANT OR BANQUET ROOM.  Comedy had exploded and Bruce and his comedy colleagues were riding the perfect storm.  Bruce went on to headline at comedy club, casinos and night clubs for the rest of his career all the while writing, producing for television series as well as appearing on Hollywood Squares, Match Game, Arsenio Hall, The Simpsons and creating his own brand of short films and independent features which were always and still to this day his passion. 
Look for " BRUCE BAUMS PERSONAL STASH" soon to be streaming on your favorite services as well as all his award winning shorts and films that were featured on Fox television, Comedy Central, SHOWTIME, HBO, as well as his student films with Robin, David and Garry and his epic Clown Away starring George Carlin, Garry Shandling and Carrie Snow.
When in doubt go to BruceBaum.com where you can access his Facebook, Instagram and Youtube Channel which will link to all of his comedy content, films and merch.
please welcome to our mics this week,  Bruce "baby man" Baum 

Comedian Mark Knope joins host Rich Stein

Comedian Mark Knope has the distinction of getting divorced and doing his first stand up comedy spot, while he was training for his insurance license in Albuquerque, New Mexico way back in 1986.
That sounds more like the start of a Farrelly Brothers comedy film but for Mark it was the start of a new life and his comedy career has been going strong for 40 plus years.
Mark had been working as an insurance salesman for Liberty Mutual, but once he found comedy he attacked it with the type of perseverance that one truly needs to not only make it but have a sustained career as a comedian.   I first ran into Mark at the Newport Beach LAFF STOP where they ran a Monday ZOO nights for the up and comers, first timers, and guys like us who had a little experience but needed a room to practice and work on " The Act!"
We kind of fell out of touch until social media came around, but we reconnected as Fbook friends and it was easy to see that he has worked his entire adult life as a stand up in comedy clubs, colleges, and on the corporate circuit, which is a very coveted and niche market for any comedian to maintain.
I always remember Mark as a friendly and good guy who always had a smile on his face and it seems like his confident and friendly demeanor has served him well throughout his professional life.
We catch up and chat about the glory road days of the eighties and nineties and how he stays closer to home now and in addition to headlining clubs and opening shows for big name stars, he also does many benefits and shows for causes to help out folks who need some assistance or a little more attention to their programs.
Mark was also happy to bring me up to date to his son Drew and daughter in law Lauren and their three children who have made him a proud Grampa.
I only wish the hour didn't go by so quickly but it was great to catch up with not only a great comedian but just a great guy; Please welcome to the CUWC's mics this week:
Mark Knope
 
 
 
 
 

Bruce Fine joins host Rich Stein

 
Bruce graduated from Boston University with a business degree in marketing in 1988 and quickly headed to Los Angeles to try his hand at stand up comedy and acting. From the first time I met Bruce he always had a smile on his face and a positive spirit and determination that whatever he was doing it was going to work.He took his training in competitive wrestling (Freestyle State Champion) and Powerlifting ( He set National Records) and used that ambition to drive him to success in stand up comedy as well as writing for sit coms and Variety shows. 
Bruce readily admits that the timing of coming to Los Angeles and breaking into stand up in 1988 could not have been better.  Stand up was still in its first boom and they were handing out sitcoms to whichever comic, male or female was funny enough and powerful enough to lead a sitcom ensemble cast.
 Bruce early on was one of three MC’s at the Santa Monica and Melrose Improvs and consequently was not only bringing up all the brightest and best comics who were on the fast track to their own sit coms but he was also being seen by the agents, managers and show runners in Hollywood who cast those same shows.  Before long Bruce was promoted from MC to regular spots and then he was noticed by comics who were a few years ahead of him and liked what they saw.
The Wayans brothers brought Bruce into their group and he started hanging with them, pitching jokes, bits, ideas and over the course of many years Keenan, Damon, Shawn and Marlon were instrumental in Bruce getting staff writing jobs on all three of their respective talk shows and sitcoms two of which made the 100 plus  episode mark. Bruce was nominated for an Emmy for his work producing The Wayne Brady Show! 
Earlier in his career,  Bruce’s own comedic and stand up talents got him great spots on Arsenio, Star Search, Evening at the Improv, LCS and finally on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.  He also scored TV Guest Star shots on Married with Children, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Weird Science, Men Behaving Badly, The King of Queens and the MTV Video Music Awards, The Critics Awards and Comedy Central
Bruce’s comedy resume had so many television and writing credits he went on to headline clubs, colleges and casinos in Las Vegas, Reno and Atlantic City. In 2009 he created, hosted and produced over 200 live shows of THE LAUGH PACK with all the best comedians around. ( See clips on YouTube) Also checkout  www.brucefine.com 
Bruce joined his family business about 12 years ago and is now a Financial Registered Representative and Insurance Specialist. He helps friends and folks in and around the entertainment industry become more fiscally safe and sound.
Please welcome to my podcast this week:
Bruce Fine

Comic Rick D'Elia joins host Rich Stein

Comic Rick D’Elia is on the podcast this week.  Born and raised in Boston he came up in comedy in his freshman class with Bill Burr, Dane Cook, Patrice O’Neal and many other notables. A booker told him early on to work clean as he was opening up for Joe Rogan and Louie C.K. Afterwards the booker told Rick those two guys are funny but they will never succeed in the business because they are too dirty. Rick later called him out on that remark and he said,“ Don’t ever listen to a booker!”Rick later moved to LA, took classes and tried out acting, screenwriting, tv production but like so many comics he worked most steadily on the road and made good money.  
After a while he started getting a  lot of  work on cruise ships. While they used to have a negative connotation, ( Boat Acts) now every comic of his generation always asks “ Hey, can you get me on the ships?”About fifteen years ago he moved to Las Vegas where he found he could live cheaper than in Los Angeles and have nicer amenities. Now after working for Royal Caribbean cruise line steadily for 20 plus years he calls the Lake Tahoe area his home with a wife three kids and fresh air, skiing and and less stress and strife from the city life.Rick is one of the good guys and counts himself as one of the lucky ones to be able to make a living at comedy for all of his adult life.I hope you enjoy the podcast!

Comic Jeff Wayne joins host Rich Stein

Born and raised in Northern Kentucky and the oldest of six boys, Jeff brought a certain wisdom to his stand up as he witnessed many comics, singers and entertainers in a club his father introduced him to as a young teen; The Beverly Hills Night Club just outside of Cincinnati. Not only did he see young comics like Kelly Monteith but he also got to meet legends like The Ritz Brothers!Inspired by WC Fields, The Marx Brothers and beyond, Jeff made it out to California before the Comedy Gold Rush. He  quickly became one of the early paid regulars at The Comedy Store and his wisdom and insight got the attention of Mitzi Shore who relied on him for thumbs ups and/ or downs when new comics were brought in for auditions.Jeff was also instrumental in managing and booking other comedy venues in Los Angeles, most notably The L.A. Cabaret where he produced shows and learned the craft of putting together shows that would offer the optimum entertainment value for the paying customers. As time went along Jeff became an act who worked the Las Vegas strip regularly as a comic in casinos and opening for singers. He also has been on most of the comedy tv shows along the way: Evening at the Improv, Comic Relief, Comedy on the Road and Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen and continues to perform on current shows such as Dry Bar Comedy as well as the lucrative cruise ship comedy circuit which has become an invaluable gig for the baby boom generation of stand ups.Please welcome to the CUWC mics:  Jeff “ BIG DADDY” Wayne

Comedian, writer, producer Paul Boland joins host Rich Stein

Paul Boland joins me on the podcast this week.Paul was interested in the theater as a young man and acted, sang and performed in plays and musicals during high school and later in college and  community theater. 
He grew up on the east coast but visited his Dad in Los Angeles when he was 22 and decided to just stay and see what he could do in the LA theater scene. From doing impressions and impersonations as a waiter he landed a role on  Rick Dees late night talk show and everything kind of snowballed after that. 
He worked hard and networked and he was getting announcing jobs and warm up comedy gigs for sitcoms and it all stemmed from his talent for using his voice and all the impersonations he was able to do which was just starting to become a real commodity in the business of entertainment. 
He booked a number of jobs on television shows as a voice over actor or character part but he also started doing voice and singing impressions as a cruise ship entertainer and that has served him well for over thirty years.He met his wife, Marlise through his theater work and now, their daughter Juliette is a young woman  and also doing well working behind the camera and editing booth in the technical aspects of the business. 
Never one to sit around waiting for the phone to ring, Paul and Marlise have worked in tandem on many projects they have written and created themselves and they produce, edit and make them all happen right down to the red carpet and award shows for talent.Paul also works in collaboration with friends  to write and produce entertainment for film and television.  Just check out his IMDb page!I was quite inspired by all that Paul and his friends and family have created from starting out with no show biz connections or wealthy uncles in the biz. A great example of how anyone with the talent, desire and drive to take a shot can create whatever they want to be a success. 

Comedian Ritch Shydner joins host Rich Stein

Stand up Comedian, writer and show biz historian RITCH SHYDNER comes on the podcast this week.  A native of Pennsville, New Jersey, oldest son of a large family and his Dad  was funny and showed his oldest boy the comedy of Jackie Gleason from his first sketch show on TV.  By the time Ritch was of college age he was a fan of the brilliant comedy of Pryor, Carlin, Klein and other up and comers and he himself worked as a bartender and was known as a funny guy among his friends and bar patrons.
 
He went to law school after college and was on track to go into law after passing the bar but along the way, not unlike most comics he started doing open mics almost as a whim or to just say they he took a stab at it but also not unlike most comics he was instantly hooked and like most alpha type A’s he not only tapped out on his promising law career but he started getting up on stages like all comics must do with consistent regularity and commitment to even be able to get stage time on what was still a slowly burgeoning  “Pre boom era“  stand up comedy explosion.
 
He was getting some stage time in Washington DC and New Jersey but before long did what it took to make the move to New York City which was then and still remains to this day one of the most important and visible stand up markets where a young performer can get the most stage time nightly, and make their bones in more clubs than any other city at that time or even today as well.  
 
His move paid off because he was a regular emcee at all the same clubs that other comics who were already working and making strides also worked at such as David Brenner, Robert Klein, Larry David, Jerry Seinfeld, et al.  He was constantly writing and adding material to his already growing act and his high energy and passion for comedy was quickly helping him to get more emcee spots and showcase spots not only in New York and New Jersey as well as all the satellite clubs that were slowly opening up to get young up and coming comics to get paid work while also giving them the experience and stage time that all comics need to find their voice and develop a workable act.
 
Ritch worked tirelessly at his craft and was never shy about taking as much work as he could get and he often mentions he went on the road as an opening act but after an extended tour of some of the toughest bars, saloons and clubs in Alaska he returned to the states as a closing act with a solid hour of material suitable for any comedy club in the states.Ritch went on to do Evening at the Improv, The Smothers Brothers comedy special, a dozen Tonight Shows with Johnny Carson as well as numerous David Letterman appearances. When he remarried and had young kids he turned to writing for sitcoms and comedy specials for other comedians and quickly became a coveted sitcom staff writer  script doctor, editor and consultant for shows such as Roseanne, Titus, The Mind of the Married Man, Becker, Blue Collar Comedy Tour and the Jeff Foxworthy Show and his Comedy Specials
 
Ritch has done about everything a comedian could do throughout a long career where generations come and go and tastes and material travel through different points of reference.For the last five years he has  toured the country with his “ History of Stand Up Comedy Special.
Often times comedians are their own harshest critics and Ritch in this episode talks about the inequity of talent vs breaks vs luck and all the myriad stressors, behaviors and personal challenges that can make or break any career and certainly the fragile plane where “ show biz success “ is just one blog, post or reel away from getting one cancelled.Ritch has done whatever he had to do to keep going and keep producing laughs on stage, television and film whether by writing, producing or performing it himself. He is a cherished personage and commodity in a business that has generally not been kind to those of a certain age.  Ritch has helped many comedians when they needed assistance in their last years whether it be with go fund me’s or benefit performances or helping out on documentaries and it’s good to see him now busier than he has ever been with not only his history of comedy show but performing in shows with comics of his generation or in his local community where he champions the up and coming comics who he feels are some of the greatest young comics he has seen to date.Please give a listen to one of the greats from the boomer generation who not only honors the legendary comics on whose shoulders we stand but also gives a leg up to the next generation of comics who are just now entering the  fold.Ladies and gentleman: Ritch Shydner

Comedian Darren Carter joins host Rich Stein

Darren Carter joins me this week on Catching Up With Comedians.Darren is a natural upper and one of those people who represent the comedy profession in the most positive way.  Despite his youthful appearance and high energy style, it’s hard to believe he has been performing for over thirty years. Growing up in Fresno, his first years in comedy were in San Diego but he was on the  "ROAD” quickly as an opening act due to his many years of performing comedy style raps around California. He also took his many years of speech and prose competitions in his College days where he ended up in the Nationals in Minneapolis.
While most comedians start off from scratch he already had a fair amount of time speaking and performing in front of audiences and at many different venues.
He loved comedy and the whole art of stand up so he was hungry and caught on fast. He has been working steadily as a standup comic since the early nineties and has long since not only become a headliner but a headliner that is a “ draw” where people are coming to see him specifically which is the ultimate credit that every comedian seeks to attain. Darren did his first Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 2002 and has added numerous more television credits such as Premium Blend, Comic View, Dry Bar Comedy and he is currently in the comedy film “ Holy Cash“ at AMC Theaters and streaming networks.
 Darren is a stand up who has risen to the highest levels and maintained a humility and likeability that is not always the case in the comedy world.  Not only has he hit close to 20 million views on his short comedy clips he features on Instagram  but is most proud of his happy marriage to his wife as well as their son Austin, aka "AusTheBassBoss" who is an accomplished musician and following quickly in the entertainment footsteps of Dad.
Please welcome to the mics, Darren “ the PARTY STARTER” Carter!