Are You Famous, Yet?

The Truth and the End - Episode 236

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 01:14:33 +0000

We discuss our low numbers and cost/benefit ratio. Download numbers are revealed. Laura and Jake talk about stopping regular production of the podcast. As is fitting, the sound would not work (curse you dongles) so we are using a MacPro mic and it sounds as bad as you'd expect.

See https://jakescruggs.com/blog/2019/01/01/the-truth-about-my-podcast for the data we discuss.

Stay subscribed if you like: We may do updates of our lives as events progress.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Lauren Sowa of Form & Pressure Films - Episode 235

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Bryn W Packard and Nilsa Reyna join us from New York City, update us on their lives, and introduce us to Lauren Sowa.

Lauren Sowa is an actor and independent filmmaker. In 2016, she co-founded Form & Pressure Films to tell stories that inspire and provoke thought, while encouraging diversity and equality on set and on screen. Their first film, Marisol, is currently beginning its festival journey. As an actor, Lauren has been featured in the films Café Artist, The Devil's Well, 42 Seconds of Happiness, which won multiple awards on the festival circuit and is now available on Amazon Prime, and The Rainbow Experiment, which premiered at Slamdance and was just picked up for distribution. She is on the board of NYC Women Filmmakers, an organization in the city devoted to cultivating the careers of women filmmakers through education and community. Her interview series Women in Film Portraits can be found on Instagram. Lauren received her BFA from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and is proud member of Actor's Equity and SAG-AFTRA.

Links:
Website - https://www.laurensowa.com/
Form & Pressure Films - http://formandpressurefilms.com/
Women in Film Portraits - http://independent-magazine.org/authors/lauren-sowa/

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Cabaret on the Lake September 14th, 2018 - Episode 234

Mon, 08 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000

This week's episode is the audio of the Friday September 14th, 2018 Three Cat Theater's Cabaret on the Lake hosted by Rob Dorn and produced by Laura Force-Scruggs. The performers were: Judy Parker (Storyteller), Matthew Lee Amyx (Storyteller), Danii Gallegos (Comedian), Bob Lawrence (Author/Reader), and Willa Moore (Musician/Poet). Willa Moore's guitar wasn't behaving so she asked us not to record her but gave us two recorded songs to insert.

As always the Berger Park Cultural Center was wonderful to inhabit and the staff helpful. There is video of this event (along with 2 videos that Willa Moore provided) online here: https://youtu.be/Hz1Yokz3Pcg

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Daniela Thome's Journey to "Not For Sale" - episode 233

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Daniela Thome is an actor, and recently writer, who has traveled from New York city for just a few months to be a part of the play "Not For Sale" which just recently opened and is Jeff Recommended. She's acted in Fru Mary, The Surprise , The Addicts, Elvira, One Minute Play Festival, Patience, Fortitude, & Other Antidepresants, Three Sisters, Cinderella, Life Without Joey, In The Shadow, and Oh de Sea! And that's just the theater. She has been in the films: God I Miss You, Fat Guy, Saudade?, and Hispanacea.

Not For Sale
By Guadalis Del Carmen, Directed by Sara Carranza
http://urbantheaterchicago.org/not-for-sale
Produced by Urban Theater Company in Chicago
9/18- 10/20 2018
Part of Destinos Festival
http://www.clata.org/destinos-main

A bunch of links to things we discussed in the podcast:
Childrens Theater of Madison CTM - https://ctmtheater.org/
Maduka Steady - https://vimeo.com/51212982
Young Shakespeare Players - http://www.youngshakespeareplayers.org/
West High School, in Madison WI - https://www.facebook.com/WestHighDrama1/
Jay Hoggard - http://jayhoggard.com/
https://www.wesleyan.edu/academics/faculty/jhoggard/profile.html
AmeriCorps -https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps
Northwestern University Settlement House - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northwestern_University_Settlement_House
The Three Arts Club - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Arts_Club_of_Chicago
Janet Bentley - https://newplayexchange.org/users/1319/janet-bentley
Dreamwell Theatre
https://www.dreamwell.com/

The Young Lords - http://www.youngpatriots-rainbowcoalition.org/ylo-introduction/

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

David A. Holcombe and "Blacksite: The Musical!" - Episode 232

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000

David Holcombe returns for his 3rd appearance and updates us about projects that were just a gleam in his eye when we last talked... For instance: The 3 part "Anthropology Anthology" is now finished and plans are in the works to release it as a single unit. A big part of the discussion is about "Blacksite: The Musical!" A musical that David has filmed but not finished because he needs your help to finish production. There's an IndieGoGo campaign https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/blacksite-the-musical#/ that only has 3 days left so please go there now if you'd like to help make this musical. The film is about an illegal detention/interrogation building run by the Chicago police with no accountability. The Guardian released a series of articles detailing the crimes committed by the Chicago police force a few years ago - they can be found here: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/homan-square

http://daholcombe.com
http://www.softcagefilms.com
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/blacksite-the-musical#/

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Thom Britton and Jonathan Pritchard Play with the Dead - Episode 231

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Thom Britton and Jonathan Pritchard join us to discuss "The Seance" which is best described by this quote from their recent press release:
A 'spook-house' show for the smart set; The Seance is an original stage show that recreates an authentic Victorian-era seance. We will investigate the history of the seance, tell stories of the participants and demonstrate the exact techniques used by psychics and mediums who claimed to contact the dead. You will learn exactly how a seance was performed in a theatrical environment.

"The Seance" is playing Oct. 13 at the Prop Theater in Chicago and in Detroit's Hilton Garden Inn Southfield on Oct. 19 & Oct. 20th. Their website is: www.WePlayWithTheDead.com

We had a interesting discussion of mentalism, the origins of the seance and escape artistry, and how crazy popular mysticism was in the 1890-1910 era. Thom and Jonathan are complete pros at audience interaction so it should have come as no surprise to me that they were non-stop interesting and engaging with great story after story and yet I was almost intimidated by how smooth they were in the interview. Normally I get time to check my notes and the levels as a guest pauses or struggles to find a phrase but this was 'all killer no filler' so I think this episode will be a joy to listen to.

Links for Thom:
https://freakshowtell.com/
www.WePlayWithTheDead.com

Links for Jonathan:
https://www.likeamindreader.com/
http://www.jonnyzavant.com/

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Wisps of Ash w/ Greg Ledger - Episode 20

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 17:26:43 +0000

Classic episode from Apr 7, 2014

This week Laura brings Greg Ledger, storyteller and fellow podcaster!
Greg's Podcast: A Dear School
0:01:30 Say hello to Greg!
0:02:20 Obamacare may be working for Bryn shortly
0:02:50 Nilsa already has Obamacare… because she's more organized than Bryn
0:06:00 Recorded some radio spots for Engine Lab of Tampa with Brian McKenna at BToven Studios
0:08:00 This Greg had an incredible guest on his podcast… our own Laura Scruggs. Drinking may have been involved.
0:10:30 Greg tells us how storytellers do it
0:12:25 Practicing storytelling in the shower
0:15:20 Greg took a 30 year moritorium on creativity
0:18:50 Early problems with drink and fleeing the country… to paint a guy's house
0:20:05 Calgary, The Stampede, and roving hoards of intellectuals
0:23:10 Deported by the RCMP and the road to sobriety
0:25:25 Moving to Chicago and the worst phone ever
0:29:00 Getting back into artistic stuff and getting nasty
0:29:55 Writing and breakdowns
0:33:30 Schwarzenegger
0:37:55 Masking your feelings with writing may be hazardous to your mental health
0:40:15 Bag A Bag A 'Begas- the latest snack food craze and other diversions
0:50:00 We love the origin story of our podcast, we're trying to figure out how to nurture it, too
0:53:55 According to Nilsa, Bryn loves reacting to things
0:58:40 What brought Greg to improv…
1:02:00 Favorite poems
1:10:00 A rejection of popular culture
1:13:00 Nilsa auditioned for the role of... Brynn (with two n's)
1:15:00 Bryn gets to shoot a movie with a previous podcast guest… who could it be?

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

"Wicked, Immoral, Utterly Bad!" with Pete Blatchford - Episode 230

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 18:36:34 +0000

Pete Blatchford has been an actor for 35 years. He has performed in Chicago, New York and Edinburgh. He has acted with Yippie Fest, On the Spot, Three Cat and many other Chicago theatre companies. Pete is an ensemble member of On the Spot theatre company. He wrote the book, "Wicked, Immoral, Utterly Bad!" an illustrated history of Chicago Theatre, 1837 - 1974. For more information about his book, visit wickedchicagostage.com. Pete is available for presentations about his book as well! He also co-wrote the play, The Night Chicago Died, with Tim Davis. It was produced by the Beowulf Theatre Company. His other scripts, The Warthogs of Wartonia, as well as adaptations of The Count of Monte Cristo and War of the Worlds, were performed by Pete's theatre company, Pendragon Players. And he earned his Master of Fine Arts degree at Roosevelt University.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Baltimore Here We Come - Episode 229

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Super quick update about a new showing of "Uncle Fun: You're the One" (https://unclefunyouretheone.com) with some very interesting women at the American Visionary Art Museum (http://www.avam.org) in Baltimore. The show is September 23rd, 2018, is a benefit for the museum, and costs 100 smackers.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Musicals, Death, Sports, and Food - Episode 19 remastered

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 08:00:00 +0000

01:12 - The Benefactor returns. Matt Shuemaker is Bryn's high school friend and our first repeat guest (back from the 6th episode)!
02:18 - Yet another person comes in from out of town and paints the town red. A discussion of Rocky - the musical ensues.
05:22 - Guess which members of our crew have never seen "Rocky"? Surely not our star and focus of the show...
09:40 - "All the Way" the LBJ bio play with Bryan Cranston
13:30 - Jake tells a sports story!
20:22 - Uh... We explain the triangle offense. What happened to this podcast?
21:15 - A Death in the family http://t.co/vJGcXWf893
29:17 - Similarities between Nilsa's Dad and Bryn's Mom.
38:13 - Death chat ends with Jake transparently changing the topic to "Community." How 'bout the 2nd D&D episode, eh?
40:21 - Nilsa doesn't like one of Bryn's favorite movies: "House" the super artsy Japanese movie from 1977. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_%281977_film%29
44:44 - Matt, still lives in the "death sty" and has become "The Grain Elevator Specialist"
48:22 - Jake talks about the apprenticeship program he's starting at work
54:26 - The Benefactor's culinary good deeds are recounted. Steaks!
59:24 - The indecipherable and delightful video Jake saw in a Korean restaurant: http://youtu.be/3O9YceKnDo4
1:07:16 - Jake's review of the Veronica Mars movie.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Maureen Smith and Daniel Johanson of Scapi Magazine - Episode 228

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 08:00:00 +0000

03:12 - When did Maureen and Daniel know they wanted to sing?
06:04 - Origin story of and what is Scapi?
10:19 - Advice on promotion, especially on social media.
10:55 - Ashley Ray: https://www.facebook.com/arayhay
13:04 - Scapi's podcast: https://scapimag.com/category/podcasts/scapi-radio/
22:38 - YouTuber Casey Neistat: https://www.youtube.com/user/caseyneistat
25:20 - What is Scapi now? https://scapimag.com/
30:15 - Natalia Roxas: https://scapimag.com/2018/07/24/scapi-radio-07-24-18-filipino-kitchen-natalia-roxas/
33:47 - DIY Fest:
https://scapimag.com/2018/05/01/scapi-diy-theater-and-performance-may-2018/
https://scapimag.com/2018/05/31/scapi-diy-theater-and-performance-june-2018-2/
35:02 - DIY Chicago: https://www.facebook.com/groups/diychicago/
36:42 - 24 Hour Concert: https://www.facebook.com/events/2191744730840136/
40:26 - Politics and Scapi.
41:06 - Eat the Rich: A Case for Land Value Tax: https://scapimag.com/2018/07/23/eat-the-rich-a-case-for-a-land-value-tax-in-chicago/
41:30 - Andre Vasquez: https://scapimag.com/2017/12/31/community-organizing-local-action-reclaim-chicago-conversation-andre-vasquez/
44:06 - Socialist and identity politics.
44:45 - Divisive political topics and content people can latch onto if they're not politically active.
45:31 - Future dreams for Scapi and promotions.
48:54 - How do you make an interview show sticky?
53:23 - Promotions:
https://scapimag.com/
Scapi on social media:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/scapimag/
Twitter https://twitter.com/scapimag
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/scapimag/
Scapi Radio https://scapimag.com/category/podcasts/scapi-radio/
24 Hour Concert https://www.facebook.com/events/2191744730840136/

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Father and son with Walter J. Packard - Episode 18 remastered

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 08:00:00 +0000

This week we welcome Dr. Walter J. Packard (Bryn's Dad) to the podcast for a heart-to-heart.
Twitter: @WJPACK2
0:00:30 Bryn introduces "the big guns"
0:02:25 Nilsa's Dad…
0:03:00 Is Bryn famous, yet? No… not yet.
0:04:25 "Kinky Boots" with Dad and Broadway's survival.
0:09:00 "12 Years A Slave" worth seeing, even if you don't want to see a super-heavy movie about people being terrible in an institutionalized way.
0:12:30 Walter's first memory of Bryn: he was late.
0:13:45 Grandmothers and desperate measures
0:14:55 Bryn's relationship with classy horror movies as nurtured by his grandmother
0:21:45 "Some horrible things can't die"
0:22:35 Nilsa's in absentia observation: "I think you just enjoy reacting to things"
0:24:00 Bryn Packard is presented in "Feel Around"
0:24:35 LOUD NOISES!
0:29:30 A shout-out to Romero's "Day of the Dead" and intestine yanking
0:31:25 Nature vs. nurture
0:33:45 Bryn and his Dad love "Halo". A lot.
0:38:00 We sure talk about serial killers a lot- what is this, 1996?
0:40:00 Childhood in Florida
0:43:45 Grade-mongering, the Air Force Academy and money
0:51:15 Is Bryn in a state of financial rebellion? Is he just lying to himself?
0:54:45 The text message
1:00:05 "Bryn Packard's Dad is essentially an older Bryn Packard"
1:01:00 Bryn's mom
1:04:00 Laura's experience with Bryn's mom
1:05:25 Email scams and warning signs and Fronto-Temporal Dementia
1:09:30 Dad took care of her on his own for quite a long time
1:10:00 Yes. Bryn really said that.
1:12:00 Barry Peterson's "Jan's Story"
1:15:00 Having the resources to care for ourselves
1:18:25 Why pursue a career in the arts?
1:19:05 Go buy some of Leslie Scruggs art! http://lesliescruggs.com/
1:21:00 Picking-up the bill
1:25:15 Shared demons
1:27:20 We've got to wrap this up, Dad's got to get to Birdland, with his lady
1:28:30 "I have to say, I like my son."

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

July 13th, 2018 "Cabaret on the Lake" - Episode 227

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 08:00:00 +0000

This episode is a recording of the July 13th, 2018 Three Cat Theater Productions' "Cabaret on the Lake" performed at the Berger Park Cultural Center, sponsored by this very podcast, and hosted by its own Laura and Jake Scruggs. Video of the event is at: https://youtu.be/dhsijBYDU9E

T'was a hot night so we had a box fan blowing on the performers which, unfortunately, was picked up extremely well by our microphone. Our audio engineer did his best to filter out a fair amount of the "box fan sound" but it is still pretty audible. We are sorry about the audio quality of the episode.

That being said, it was a great show with a packed house, heaps of emotion and laughs so please do enjoy.

Performers:
1) Deborah Hines - Storyteller
Deborah is native Chicagoan, a former South Shore-ite, transplanted to the strange land of the North Side.
Since childhood she's been a writer and a lover of writing, throughout stints working as a long lines telephone operator, a typesetter, a licensed esthetician and a devoted spa manager through boom and bust economic cycles.
She earned her BA with an English major and a French minor at Southern Illinois University and worked on a Master's in Creative Writing at Columbia College in Chicago. A Storyteller with 2nd Story, Deborah's twice been admitted on the merits of her writing into Northwestern's Apprentices Writing Program.
Threecat's "Cabaret on the Lake" is one of her favorite places to perform. Deborah's always thrilled to be at beautiful Berger Park, sharing her writing with threecat audiences.

2) Chels Harvey - Storyteller
Chels Harvey is an agender writer, podcaster, storyteller and UX designer from Atlanta. As a marketer, their writing highlights the many contradictions that fuel our relationship with the Internet of Things around us. (After the show, please resist telling them to watch Black Mirror.)

3) Cameren Rau - Singer
Cameren Rau prefers most foods dipped in honey mustard.

4) Nestor Gomez - Storyteller
Nestor Gomez has won the Moth Story Slam over 30 times, and is the current Chicago Grand Slam Champion, he also host/curates and produces his own storytelling show 80 Minutes Around the World Immigration Storytelling show. Find out more about Nestor at Nestorgomezstoryteller.com

5) Amy Sumpter - Comedian
Amy Sumpter has done stand up for 11 years. She has traveled all over the midwest doing shows and she loves making people laugh. She was one of the top 100 comics chosen for season 9 of Last Comic Standing. You can find her at the Book Cellar with the Kates and performing with her band, She's Crafty at City Winery on July 16. They are an all-female Beastie Boys Tribute band.

Note, these artist declined to have their performances recorded for the podcast:
RC Riley - Storyteller
Brittny Congleton - Musician

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Naked and Fearless with Janie Martinez - Episode 17 remastered

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 22:27:46 +0000

We interview Nilsa's childhood friend and "Sextra" from the movie "Shortbus" Janie Martinez
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2554808/
@MartinezJanie

01:44 "Can anyone truly know Janie Martinez?" No.
03:34 How Nilsa and Janie met
06:15 And almost destroyed their high school
12:30 Chicago suburbanites marvel at the well funded and versed South Texas high school drama program Janie and Nilsa come from: Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School
15:23 The College of Sexual Frustration
17:15 On not getting cast b/c costumes cost too much to make for a large woman
22:15 Making $186 to be wardrobe supervisor on the original production of "How I Learned to Drive"
26:45 Walking away from a paying gig to pursue more
38:00 Working once or twice a year on something artistic
39:22 Fat Sex by Details magazine comes a calling
54:51 "I just want to hug the screen right now!" screams Laura
59:00 And Janie does a public access TV show once a month called Goddesses: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/goddessbbw
01:05:36 We bring it back around to Bryn
01:12:40 We are blown away by a famous follower of the podcast
01:15:00 Bryn talks about working out. A Lot.
01:22:16 Prince Rupert's Drop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xe-f4gokRBs

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

The Good in the Bad - Episode 16 Remastered

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 08:00:00 +0000

This week we welcome Shawn Wickens and Gavin Starr Kendall: founders of The Bad Theatre Fest and Bad Film Fest

Gavin Starr Kendall: @TheStarrKendall
Shawn Wickens: @shwickens

0:02:00 Our guests are the founders of "The Bad Film Fest" www.badfilmfest.com
0:02:39 Starr hails from Texas, which he has in common with Nilsa
0:03:00 Turns out Shawn has actually listened to an episode of the podcast and proves it
0:04:46 Starr Fellows a woman to New York, as one does, and falls-in with some cool artists
0:07:33 Performing arts, ice sculptures and ephemerality
0:09:55 Twigs and "True Detective"
0:10:27 The Brick Theatre and its "dangerous" beginnings
0:19:13 What's Shawn's story?
0:22:08 "I immediately thought: this guy is interesting."
0:28:18 Tell us about the Bad Theatre Fest and Bad Film Fest Mr. Kendall and Mr. Wickens
0:38:30 Where's My Cereal?
0:41:20 We're targeting people that share the same definition of the word "bad"
0:44:40 "There's things that get in that we're scared of…"
0:48:20 BadFilmFest.com - 2014's Bad Film Fest is April 11 and 12 at Cloud City in Brooklyn
0:49:40 "30,000kHz of Sound" - Shawn's Improvised Podcast - Bryn wants in
0:51:35 The Polar Vortex returns to wreak vengeance on Chicago.
0:54:00 How has stuff been going for Bryn and Nilsa? Perhaps an audition had happened…
0:56:30 A side business for Nilsa and Bryn?
1:05:00 Bryn's going to be shouting into his closet again
1:06:15 Bryn Packard in "Pain and Gain 2: More Pain, Less Gain"
1:15:45 Starr asks the hard question on everybody's mind about our twitter handle…

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Short Update on our Last 5 or 6 Things - Episode 226

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Jake and Laura sit down for an quick chat about Laura's new job at Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co. - http://chicagotrolley.com, recent film premiere, cabaret, and fairy training events.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Uncle Fun: You're the One premiere Q&A&Performances - Episode 225

Mon, 18 Jun 2018 08:00:00 +0000

02:37 - 2PM Q&A session begins
26:25 - Gentleman John Battles start paying
39:53 - Captain Ambivalent performs
52:11 - Gentleman John Battles spills some water and plays a bit more.
56:36 - 7PM Q&A session begins

Video of all this is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ALQ6knI-o3o

1000 thanks to Chicago Filmmakers for handling all the logistics of 2 shows at 50, then 60, 75, then a third show, then building risers in time for the show before us (and therefore us too). Please donate to https://www.chicagofilmmakers.org/ if possible. All of their personnel were very supportive and helpful.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

June 8th Three Cat Cabaret on the Lake - Episode 224

Mon, 11 Jun 2018 08:00:00 +0000

This episode was recorded live at the fabulous Berger Park Mansion on June 8th, 2018. Curator/Creative producer Laura Scruggs made it all happen and Jake Scruggs hosted and told some comedy jokes. If you like what you hear, the show is presented the 2nd Friday of every month except January.

Video of the event is here: https://youtu.be/WUZT5xC0EtM

Jake Scruggs - Jokes about being married to Laura
Jake grew up in Lansing, IL the son of a sculptor and a writer and spent his pre 30s getting 2 degrees in education and teaching for the better part of a decade. In 2004 he turned an apprenticeship into a career as a software developer. Executive producing his wife's documentary "Uncle Fun: You're the One" has involved mostly sound editing, tech support, and funding. He also co-hosts and produces the podcast "Are You Famous, Yet?" (also with his wife Laura Force Scruggs). Jake took a stand up class 5 years ago and this will be his second performance ever.

Writer Amy Crider (special thanks for filling in for an artist who had to cancel)
Amy is a Chicago playwright whose work will be in the Chicago One Minute Play Festival June 26 and 27 and also has a play reading at the Jarvis Square Pottery on June 27.

Slide Guitar Master Jon Spiegel
Jon Spiegel has been fascinated with music and storytelling since he was a small boy. His mother was a great musician, and his Pop was a confirmed long-form joke teller. Jon grew up telling all kinds of stories from the stage as a musician (his primary career). He moved to Chicago from the East Coast after graduating from Harvard thirty years ago and has worked with The Old Town School, the Goodman Theatre, Blue Man Group, the Lyric Opera, the Northlight and many other others. He is a songwriter and a playwright and most recently rediscovered storytelling. He has told stories in Chicago at Story Jam, Do Not Submit, Illinois Storytellers, TenX9, and Cabaret On The Lake!

Storyteller W.C. Williams, accompanied by Ramblin' Rose
W.C. Williams, known professionally as Afram Bill Williams, is a native of the Mississippi delta, and is a playwright, poet and short story writer. He has appeared with Steppenwolf Theatre in such productions as Balm In Gilead, Tracers, Curse Of The Starving Class, Of Mice And Men, and One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. He helped to adapt and appeared in Remains Theater's production of Moby Dick, and has appeared on Broadway, The Kennedy Center, The Royal Shakespeare Theater in London, as well as on stage in Los Angeles. His film credits include Flatliners, The Fugitive, and Chain Reaction. Mr Williams resides in the Englewood community of Chicago, with his wife, Lydia Bledsoe Williams.
Ramblin' Rose is a Blues Singer, Composer, Musician, Goodman Theater GeNarrations Storyteller, Line-dancer & Fashion Designer. Her band, Ramblin' Rose & The 290 East Ramblers, just finished an 8 concert series with Chicago Park District (Night Out In The Parks). She has performed as one of the "Chicago Women In The Blues" for many years, as well as the 2010 Blues Festival in Grant Park.
Rose will also be performing at 3 Chicago Park District Concerts: Shedd Park, July 3rd; Welles Park, July 10th; Brown Memorial Park, August 18th and Willie Dixon Blues Heaven, August 2nd.

Timelord band vocalist and guitarist Ronen Kohn
Raised in upstate New York by a pack of wild folk musicians, Ronen later graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in theatre. Fae went on to appear in shows with The Right Brain Project, The Living Canvas, and The Runaways Lab. Faer solo singer/songwriter album, Cracks, was released in 2013, and fae fronts the trock band Time Crash, which has released a full album, Regeneration (2014) and an EP, The Empty (2016). For more information, visit masshysteriamusic.com.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Steve Presser: Merchant of Happiness Remastered - Episode 66

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 08:00:00 +0000

http://bigfunbigfun.com
03:27 - Steve has the largest piece of Whoops fake vomit. If it were any bigger, there would be a failure in the physics of creating the product.
05:12 - The first time Steve walked into Goodies, it changed his whole life and career path.
08:55 - We discuss Ted Frankel, known as "Uncle Fun," former owner of a now-defunct store that bore his nickname.
16:13 - Steve returned to Cleveland and worked with people with special needs
18:28 - Big Fun Columbus
19:05 - Steve called Ted/Uncle Fun and said he wanted to start a store like Goodies and told him about the warehouse (a very unusual thing for a collector to do)
22:14 - Big Fun has been open for 24 years.
25:28 - Steve went from stock (market) to (selling) schlock.
27:15 - A mini tornado knocked out a window in a warehouse and ultimately helped him start his Big Fun empire.
30:55 - Mile High Comics.
33:54 - Nilsa asks for a visual tour of the store
36:38 - Ernie Anderson Giulardi - Paul Thomas Anderson's father. He was the voice-over guy on the "Love Boat"
39:38 - Steve's mom told him not to have stained underwear; he says no one would know, because he has tie-dyed underwear
49:26 - The story of the David Cassidy poster and Ted.
54:28 - Dan the Coffee Drinking Man
57:52 - One of Ted's best finds: A warehouse of pulp art in New Mexico.
59:48 - Closing his Cleveland store location, his Cleveland Heights location will remain open
65:56 - Jake has never seen anyone do high and low end side by side like Big Fun
68:34 - There is a Fun Rockin' in New Orleans.
71:56 - Shop local, local stores near Big Fun: Mac's Backs & Tommy's Restaurant
72:36 - Steve is going to open up an e-commerce website so he can ship anywhere.
73:48 - Steve has been on "Market Place"
72:26 Steve's advice for Bryn and Nilsa
81:31 - Visit Ted Frankel at the BEST museum gift shop in the world.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Surreal Cupcake Comedian Martin Felshman - Episode 223

Mon, 28 May 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Martin Felshman is a freelance baker who has been doing stand up for the last 7 years. His proudest comedy accomplishment was when he was invited to Wizard-con 2015 in Madison Wisconsin where he got to tell jokes while wearing a very pretty dress. He is a co-producer of the Cupcake Comedy Cabaret every Thursday evening at the Gallery Cabaret, and a co-host of the machine culture podcast "Podzooky" where a bunch of comedians get real tired and talk about kaiju monvies, and co-producer of the new Dungeons & Dragons themed Comedy Show "Slide into your Dm's" the third Thursday of every month at Bonus Round Cafe in Boystown. Also, he loves thrifting and you check out his odd finds on Instagram @weirdthriftshopfinds. He's been presented on The Three Cat Cabaret on the Lake and The Chicago Digital Arts and Music Fest as well as being a co-producer and contributor to the Ghost Planet's, a defunct surealist talk show. And he is a fellow member of Uncle Fun Nation, has co-custody of the Wishbot and is featured in the documentary, "Uncle Fun: You're The One!"

Cupcake Comedy Cabaret
https://www.facebook.com/CupcakeComedyCabaret/

Podzooky
https://www.machineculture.com/podzooky-pod/

Weird Thrift Shop Finds
https://www.instagram.com/weirdthriftshopfinds/

Slide Into Your DMs
https://www.facebook.com/events/889916997855497/

Martin's Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/mfelshman

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Fairy 101 at the WasteShed w/ Laura Scruggs - Episode 222

Mon, 21 May 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Laura and Jake discuss Laura's new fairy workshop at the WasteShed (Saturday June 30th 3-5pm) after they catch up on some "Uncle Fun: You're the One" premiere news and events. Laura is excited to teach 7-13 year olds about the ways of the faerie and Jake is excited to see some of the larger bags of 'tiny fairy things' leave the house. Does Jake look like the Maxell 'blown away' guy in chair? Laura thinks so. Here's the image: https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/areyoufamousyet/maxell_guy_in_chair.jpg for the curious. Also, Laura announces her new summer job at the last possible moment in the episode.

https://unclefunyouretheone.com
http://www.thewasteshed.com

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Tales of Awesome Heaviness Part 2: The Relativity of Failure - Episode 15

Mon, 14 May 2018 08:00:00 +0000

First: Sorry about the sound quality on this one.
Second: This the second of two episodes where the hosts talk about failures.

0:02:00 Jake's turn to pour his heart out.
0:02:15 "I was bored in school and developed NO study habits"
0:05:00 Let the begging begin.
0:06:40 Failing at relativity
0:12:15 Colleges want to take your money
0:13:38 Taking the leaving the gang beating… or not.
0:14:10 The hard lesson of learning how to manage upward
0:15:30 Dead teacher walking
0:16:10 "When things are hard it makes you try harder, but that's not always a good thing."
0:22:15 Nilsa had a completely different college experience
0:23:35 I don't like this anymore...
0:30:45 Cheap suits + Draconian Rules = Remedial Love and the rise of Hitler
0:34:15 "You must love inspirational teacher movies…"
0:37:40 Laura's most recent teaching experience: name deleted to protect the guilty
0:38:20 Over-preparing and bad vibes
0:43:00 "This is going to be an awkward phone call…"
0:45:20 "One of the evil-est people out there are mothers."
0:49:15 Bryn and Jake ask Laura to identify a time where she felt she'd failed
0:50:20 Laura felt like she'd failed by not following her true desire to go into theatre
0:56:20 Surrounded by mountains of practicality
0:58:05 What is a school with no clocks and bells?
1:02:50 Guilt about not bringing-in the money
1:03:30 Bryn calls-out Laura for being unwilling to talk about the things that trouble her and she's saved from answering the question by Jake getting an urgent page from his job. Alas, we may never know.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Laura's New Documentary Subject - Episode 221

Mon, 07 May 2018 08:00:00 +0000

We are back after a week off and Laura has just gotten off a plane from seeing the last ever "Spoutwood Fairie Festival" http://www.spoutwood.org/fairie-festival/2018-may-day-fairie-festival/ where she interviewed many and got lots of footage for her next documentary project. She also went to see a certain "Uncle Fun" in Baltimore and has a bit to say about that.

Get your tickets for the June 10th showing of "Uncle Fun: You're the One" soon because over half of the tickets are already sold: http://unclefunyouretheone.com

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Chels Harvey talks social media, podcasting, and writing - Episode 220

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 08:00:00 +0000

We talked about social media, Chels' writing, podcast, Sell Me A Pup; and graphic novel, Dead Weight with Brooklyn-based illustrator and "Lenny Letter" contributor Danie Drankwalter.

http://chelsnotchelsea.com

https://www.machineculture.com/chels-harvey/

Sell Me A Pup podcast

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sell-me-a-pup/id1259048087?mt=2

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Tales of Awesome Heaviness Part 1 - Episode 14 remastered

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Originally released Feb 24, 2014.
The first of two episodes where the hosts talk about failures.

0:01:40 - Josh Force (http://forcedesignhouse.com/) is the graphic designer behind Laura's impending website. Note from the future Laura's website is done and here: https://lauraforcescruggs.com/ Jake is very proud of the SSL/TLS certification.
0:02:15 - Laura Force: Porn star?
0:04:50 - What happened to Bryn and social media?
0:09:13 - Apparently Facebook is . Jake breaks it down courtesy of Veritasium https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9ZqXlHl65g
0:15:50 - The theme of this podcast is Failure. Nilsa goes first.
0:22:20 - Nilsa is a complete professional.
0:22:58 - Bryn talks about how getting laid off from Motorola was heralded by a spooky "subjectless meeting" with his boss appearing on his calendar.
0:27:20 - "Arsenic and Old Lace" may have gotten Bryn promoted.
0:30:00 - Nilsa married her college sweetheart - a division III basketball player. Oh yeah.
0:35:27 - An early mid-life crisis.
0:37:40 - It happened in tech.
0:39:55 - Now she has this theatre company
0:42:30 - Bryn's failings in relationships and jobs
0:46:30 - The School at Steppenwolf
0:50:30 - How did Bryn's marriage go from nice suburban house and wine parties to divorce?
0:54:40 - "You guys were awesome roommates."
0:59:30 - Bryn and relationship overlap
1:02:45 - Breaking the overlap cycle
1:11:40 - Laura is performing at "Loose Chicks"

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Uncle Fun Documentary is Done! - Episode 219

Mon, 09 Apr 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Links to tickets for world premiere screenings of "Uncle Fun: You're The One" at Chicago Filmmakers:
2 pm showing http://chicagofilmmakers.org/screenings/2673
7 pm http://chicagofilmmakers.org/screenings/2674

Facebook event pages for Chicago Filmmakers' screenings:
2 pm https://www.facebook.com/events/210131949752110/
7 pm https://www.facebook.com/events/212771492644835/

Website unclefunyouretheone.com
Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UncleFunYoureTheOne/
Twitter https://twitter.com/UncleFunYoureT1
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/unclefunyouretheonedocumentary/
Big Fun
http://bigfunbigfun.com
https://bigfuntoystore.tumblr.com

State Street Stuff https://www.facebook.com/State-Street-Stuff-228217517276287/

Uncle Fun was officially declared done by Laura Scruggs on Thursday March 15th, 2018.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Jenn Mello: Following Different Avenues - Episode 13 remastered

Mon, 02 Apr 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Originally released Feb 17, 2014.

0:00:52 Jenn Mello founder of the first networking event Bryn attended in NY
0:01:50 "Nat Geo" and other mysterious abbreviations and acronyms
0:03:50 A mysterious text to Jake from Nilsa
0:09:20 Film Interchange and the origins of it's founder (http://www.filminterchange.org)
0:14:50 "Let's talk to filmmakers about film making…"
0:17:20 "No one stands alone at my events"
0:20:45 K. Lorrel Manning and "Happy New Year" (http://happynewyearfilm.com/)
0:34:00 A tribute to the bygone Bryn-O-Plex
0:36:20 "Bring out the gun show, Bryn…"
0:38:20 Producing Class with Indie Producer Rich Guay
0:42:10 Jenn what does Bryn need to do to become famous?
0:50:50 What did Bryn think of Dan's training comment in the last episode?
0:58:38 Alexander technique
1:01:49 Voice and speech and probation
1:06:33 Film Interchange- all set for friendly world domination
1:08:15 More love for Rich Guay
1:12:45 Phil
1:14:30 "I'm having a lot of fun not working."

A Lifetime of Music with Jon Spiegel and Some Storytelling - Episode 218

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 08:00:00 +0000

00:38 - Presenting: Jon Spiegel! https://www.facebook.com/jonspiegel
02:20 - Someone wants to make a movie of Jon's life!
03:07 - Ten x 9, http://www.tenx9.com
05:39 - How Jon is famous.
10:23 - Jon's favorite gigs and other musicians he's met.
18:40 - How Jon got involved with music.
26:36 - An important story.
36:45 - Storytelling!
40:17 - Jon tells a story!
45:15 - Fairy wands and Do Not Submit http://www.donotsubmitchicago.com
57:51 - Jon the playwright.
59:33 - Jon has been working with Brigid Murphy, creator of "Millie's Orchid Show." http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/media/94054265-132.html
1:01:41 - Jon's circus story.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

The Condition of Femme - Episode 217

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Recorded at the Pride Arts Center on "The Condition of Femme" set minutes after their 3/16/2018 performance.

00:35 - Presenting: the playwright, director, producer, sound designer & several cast members of Circle Theatre's "The Condition of Femme." www.circletheatrechicago.org
00:58 - Inspiration for show.
05:17 - Highlights of rehearsal process.
13:58 - Holding space for each other.
16:24 - Favorite parts of script or moments played.
22:33 - Jake's compliment & video montages.
26:43 - Interesting what makes people feel uncomfortable and why.
28:29 - Police officer moment in play and how men are learning from the show.
38:12 - Playwright Lauren Powell is calling people in, not out.
39:23 - Did Lauren consider writing male characters into the script?
49:41 - Rachel's story.
51:57 - We're taught to mind our own business, but need to look out for and truly see each other.
56:40 - A few of Laura and Jake's thoughts about the show.
58:30 - "The Condition of Femme" runs through April 1st. Tickets are available at: www.circletheatrechicago.org

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Rosina and Ryan Snow, Jazz, Song, and the Law - Episode 216

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Ryan Snow hails from Stanford, California and has his B.A. in Politics and his B.M. in Jazz Studies from Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music. He is a former member of Sister Sparrow and The Dirty Birds and was a professional trombonist based in Brooklyn from 2005 to 2014 and is now pursuing law.

Rosina Snow is from New York, New York. She attended LaGuardia High School and Oberlin College. She is a singer and environmentalist. She is currently working on her thesis about the environment and the divine. Check out her website at: https://rosina-snow.squarespace.com/

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Dan Taube All Together and Remastered - Episode 12

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 09:00:00 +0000

Originally recorded late March 2014
02:13 - Introducing Dan and a glimpse into his history with our group
04:00 - Dan and Nilsa and The Women
07:38 - "…it started when I was 11, 12 years old…"
10:45 - Encounters with soon-to-be-famous campers
14:28 - The Notorious C.T.S.
19:25 - Dan goes method
22:04 - Going to Chicago Academy for the Arts and meeting Ronnie
33:01 - "…I can drink more than anybody else, all of a sudden people like me..."
40:44 - The Great and Terrible NYU
47:55 - Acting vs. Directing and Teaching
53:35 - Seymour
59:33 - A Warlock's Dark Magic
1:04:15 - "We want to start a theater company and we want to name it after a Bruce Springsteen song."
01:09:41 - Finding the opposite
1:12:20 - "I was so engrossed with all of this stuff that I had to pull myself out of it."
1:17:07 - Summer of 2001
1:20:42 - Fools for love
1:24:56 - A lot of chaos leads to a Wonderful Life
1:30:24 - Mystery Science Theater 3000: An Obsessive Odyssey
1:37:44 - Why aren't you auditioning?
1:43:10 - Dan Taube's advice to Bryn
1:47:59 - Baby With The Bathwater and other upcoming coolness
1:50:37 - A sincere discussion about the title of our podcast
1:52:41 -"I've done what I've done because I love it and I can't imagine doing anything else…"

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Jake, Laura, Ladie M, Uncle Fun, and Stand Up Comedy - Episode 215

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode Jake and Laura talk about last night's showing of her Uncle Fun documentary to "The Benefactor" and "The Benefactor Jr" (see http://areyoufamousyet.libsyn.com/the-benefactors-identical-twin-episode-55) and some lessons learned.

Then they discuss two recent readings of Laura's play "The Magic of Ladie M" which is MacBeth from Ladie MacBeth's point of view with lots of magic and set in an alternate modern world where politics are even crazier than now.

Finally they reflect on the amazing Chicago stand up comedy scene now that they live within walking distance of 3 open mic comedy shows. More importantly, they reveal the secrets of getting free drinks at said shows.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Drugs, Richard J. Miller, The Facts, and Society - Episode 214

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 08:03:04 +0000

00:38 - Presenting Richard J. Miller: richardjmiller.org
01:16 - How we met Richard and his relationship to previous podcast guest, Lauren Miller.
02:01 - How Richard got into his field.
04:24 - Story of Richard attempting to mix up his own drug.
09:11 - Proliferation of various drugs from morphine.
12:51 - Origin of the name of heroin.
13:22 - Bayer and heroin.
16:58 - Part of opioid crisis.
21:36 - Can drugs be made less addictive through chemistry?
26:03 - Kratoms.
27:14 - Harry Potter.
38:02 - Is magic real through medicine?
38:54 - How Richard and Lauren met.
40:12 - Love is a drug and it's hard to get a grant to study love.
41:05 - Romanticism.
44:23 - Richard's theory about Christina Rossetti.
47:06 - Symphony Fantastique by Berlioz.
48:16 - Heroin.
53:55 - Promotion time - Richard's blog: richardjmiller.org

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Amy Crider, Self Producing, Leda, and Metadata - Episode 213

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 09:00:00 +0000

amycrider.com

02:18 - "Leda." ledaplay.com
06:37 - Oedipus.
08:05 - Prophecy and fate.
10:04 - Thoughts on what it was like to self-produce "Leda."
15:29 - Lines Bek improvised!
18:06 - Would Amy self-produce again and breakdown of expenses for "Leda."
22:02 - Some of Jake and Laura's self-producing experiences.
25:47 - A funny thing that happened during "Leda."
27:14 - Amy has a reading of the opening scene of "Charlie Johnson Reads All of Proust" at the Make Ready with Dandelion Theatre Tuesday, February 13th at 7 pm at The Galway Arms in Chicago: https://www.dandeliontheatre.com/make-ready
33:49 - Amy's play, "Metadata," in Three Cat Productions' Next Draft Reading Series on Sept. 17th: http://threecatproductions.com/next-draft
38:20 - Some of Amy's thoughts about play writing.
43:02 - Amy's play, "Metadata" and the Steppenwolf. https://www.steppenwolf.org
45:13 - Baby steps/in-between you have to go through as a writer.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Andrea Prestinario: The Intersection of Preparation and Opportunity - Episode 11

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 09:00:00 +0000

Audio Note: Bryn used a decent microphone and recorded the episode on his computer. I used the built in MacBook Pro mic and so this is one of the few episodes where the New York side sounds much better than the Chicago recording.

Guest: Andrea Prestinario http://andreaprestinario.com/ and Twitter: @aprestinario
01:10 Introducing Andrea
03:45 Intro to Meisner
08:50 Bryn and Andrea reconnect
10:14 Jake calls-out Bryn on living with women who are not his girlfriend
14:00 Finally, we let Andrea talk
20:20 Three early survival jobs
22:32 *Name deleted to protect the guilty*
27:07 http://www.eddieshrake.com for web design
30:10 "You have to be worth it for a producer to pay more for you."
40:05 Working with a legend
45:13 A worthy derailment
49:00 Finally moving to New York… and leaving again.
51:52 "The highs are higher, but the lows are lower"
52:43 Bryn asks Andrea if saying "Yes" to everything was helpful
59:05 Nilsa's New York perspective
1:03:00 Advice to the aspiring actor
1:07:43 Bryn plugs Andrea's next big show- with a falsetto.
1:12:05 Laura Scruggs: Documentary Filmmaker
1:21:54 Bryn's first Vine https://vine.co/v/hlBxVYhhIbt

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Corson Barnard: Straight out of College - Episode 212

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 09:00:00 +0000

02:30 - The story of how our guest's first name became Corson
05:00 - The movie "Ladybird" felt very familiar.
08:00 - University of Chicago's pre-orientation program and how it helped Croson transition from rural small town to a big crazy city.
10:31 - The value of seeing shows you don't like.
13:50 - Corson's plan for college and how that quickly changed during her freshman year.
18:15 - Sophomore year.
19:26 - Music directing "Urinetown" in her 3rd year.
25:04 - Having the best Halloween costumes b/c your mom is, amongst many things, a costume designer.
30:13 - Picking up the guitar after a long absence to break through some songwriter's block.
31:42 - Junior year vs senior year
34:35 - Composing the music for an adaptation of "The Great Gatsby"
36:50 - A "pipe dream thesis project" to adapt "A Wrinkle in Time" as a musical.
40:16 - First job out of college: Assistant musical director on Victory Garden's production of "Fun Home."
45:04 - Working on "Josephine the Mouse Singer" at Rhino Fest.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

The Almost Tweet Redux - Episode 2 Remastered

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 09:00:00 +0000

A trip back to Nov 25, 2013 with a bit of audio magic to make it all a wee bit more listenable.

Orignial notes:

Until 3:15 Bryn's mic is misplaced and his voice is quiet - sorry.

Robot Voice is discussed and observed.

Laura Scruggs is generally a delight but also plays the piano while singing a potential theme song. (Future note: Eventually our permanent theme song)

In the social medial section, Bryn discusses a tweet he almost made about a movie that has delighted him.

At the time of the podcast we were not on iTunes, which we mention. We are now.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Laura, Jake, 2017, and Beyond - Episode 211

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 09:00:00 +0000

Laura and Jake discuss the previous year (2017) and their hopes for 2018.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Episode 1 Remastered

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 09:00:00 +0000

Happy New Year, loyal listeners. On this Jan 1st 2018, we take a trip back to our very first episode released Nov 17, 2013. Full disclosure: I poured myself a stiff drink before the start of the show and the start was delayed. I made the mistake of continuing to drink while waiting what turned out to be enough time to get me slurring my words and meandering in conversation.

Even though I remastered the sound, it is pretty bad. We recorded this first episode using Apple FaceTime, Quicktime player, and the built in MacBook microphone on Chicago side. Bryn was in New York City receiving the call on his iPhone 4. I think he was wearing the headphones that come with an iPhone of the time. Later we would record both sides of the conversation, use decent microphones, and mix the tracks together in the edit.

We discuss how there was currently no way to see "Children Without Parents," which Bryn had just finished shooting. It is now on Amazon and free with Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Children-Without-Parents-Bryn-Packard/dp/B076N285VJ/

Original show notes:

The players are introduced:
Bryn Packard: Aspiring Actor recently moved to New York from Chicago
Jake Scruggs: Bryn's left behind friend, podcaster, and chief interrogator.
Laura Scruggs: Innocent bystander and musical producer.

Why Bryn is not famous yet is discussed.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Dolores Diaz, Wendy Schmidt, Lisa Scott, and Laura Scruggs Write a Holiday Show - Episode 210

Mon, 25 Dec 2017 09:00:00 +0000

00:45 - Presenting: Dolores Diaz, Wendy Schmidt, Lisa Scott and Laura Scruggs, playwrights of Three Cat's Holiday Radio Show. All female playwrights, actors and even stage manager. http://threecatproductions.com/201718-three-cat-season/the-holiday-radio-show
02:05 - Main concept of each short play.
09:32 - When was A Kidnapped Santa Claus written? Originally published in December of 1904.
10:44 - Favorite part of each play.
14:25 - This is done as if it was a radio show in the 40's, a live recording at a USO.
15:06 - Favorite foley and sound effects.
17:10 - Highlights and challenges of experience.
23:01 - The letters.
26:44 - Favorite parts of working with Jason and Three Cat Productions. http://threecatproductions.com
32:55 - Three Cat is devoted to the development of new artists. http://threecatproductions.com
34:05 - The cabaret! http://threecatproductions.com/upcoming-season/cabaret-on-the-lake
34:46 - Promotions!
Lisa Scott's "The Inner World of Christmas Trees:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZ5qKkS4knI
37:26 - Jason Paul Smith has been on the podcast twice:
http://areyoufamousyet.libsyn.com/a-home-to-fail-or-jason-paul-smiths-unexpected-gift-to-artists-episode-58
http://areyoufamousyet.libsyn.com/jason-paul-smith-in-a-beulah-box-episode-100
38:00 - Dolores has a reading at the New Works Festival at Three Cat!
Sat., Feb. 3rd at 12 noon
"Man of the People"
40:26 - Laura has a play for the first time in the New Works Festival at Three Cat! "The Magic of Ladie M." Jan. 20th at 3 pm
43:01 - More about the New Works Festival
43:46 - Wendy has a reading in NYC at La Mama on Jan. 18th - a reading of her new play http://lamama.org
45:13 - Wendy started writing hew new play on the La Mama retreat. http://lamama.org/programs/la-mama-umbria/international-playwright-retreat/
46:26 - Lisa has a storytelling performance at The Fillet of Solo in Jan., with Serving the Sentence!
Friday, Jan. 12th at 8:30 pm
http://www.lifelinetheatre.com/performances/17-18/filletofsolo2018.shtml
https://www.facebook.com/servingthesentencechicago/
47:48 - Laura is on the brink of finishing her Uncle Fun documentary.
https://www.facebook.com/unclefunchicago/
48:40 - Do Not Submit
http://www.donotsubmitchicago.com
50:19 - Why people should come and see our Holiday Radio Show!
http://threecatproductions.com/201718-three-cat-season/the-holiday-radio-show
We are listed in the Chicago Tribune as one of the top holiday shows to see in Chicago:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/ct-ott-holiday-shows-guide-1124-story.html
and all of the beautiful music and cider and cookies!
All ages and something for everyone!
And veterans are free!

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Interruptions the Remix - Episode 3.5

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 09:00:00 +0000

0:00-7:05 The perils of wireless in a city where the signals never sleep

09:10 - Laura arrives and we discuss the new song

15:16 - The interruptions of a scrambling actor

19:16 - Dealing with powerlessness

22:20 A discussion of being "Equity," AKA in the Actors Union, vs. Non-Equity.

30:14 - USPS interrupts the podcast and we hear from Bryn's roommate

31:20 - Brief discussion of "The End of the World"

33:02 Social Media section: The fate of the "Almost Tweet" is revealed and I try to convince Bryn to post more shirtless photos.

40:00 We discuss an important 50th anniversary

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

The Cast of Three Cat's Holiday Radio Show - Episode 209

Mon, 11 Dec 2017 09:00:00 +0000

00:46 - Devri Chism, Rachel Livingston, Lauren Miller, Beverly Munro, and Steph Vondell are the cast of this show that they just finished performing and will start again in about an hour.
01:41 - What is "Three Cat's Holiday Radio Show"?
02:59 - Letters from the audience.
07:54 - Favorite audience interactions.
10:29 - Favorite moments of playing various characters.
12:46 - How do the actors interpret the parts? (as themselves or as their main characters)
14:41 - Another favorite moment: geese noises
15:19 - Favorite foley moments.
16:48 - What it's like to work with Director Jason Paul Smith and Three Cat Productions.
20:12 - Most challenging moments.
24:44 - Why should people see the show?
29:17 - Promotional time:
Steph will be in a show with Fierce Theatre at Columbia:
"Mary Shelley Sees the Future" https://www.facebook.com/fiercetheatrecollective/
30:41 - They sing us out with "Auld Lang Syne!"

Devri Chism https://www.devrichism.com
Rachel Livingston https://www.actorlivingstonipresume.com/
Lauren Miller https://www.facebook.com/lauren.miller.3154284
Beverly Munro https://www.facebook.com/beverly.munro.5
Steph Vondell https://www.facebook.com/steph.vondell

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Perpetuum Bruce Lee - Episode 6

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 09:00:00 +0000

Re-release of the classic episode 6 from Dec 23, 2013. Our sound was a bit off back in those days (mac standard microphones recorded through FaceTime) so please do forgive us.

00:34 Nilsa, Bryn's girlfriend who is also an actress, joins the podcast
01:05 The guests keep coming! Matt Shuemaker, who's known Bryn since high school, shows up.
02:40 Some auditions for Bryn
05:34 The Time To Live calculation! How long until Bryn runs out of money?
07:04 Bryn's whirlwind week sponsored by: The Benefactor.
10:53 Matt causes the first ever censor's beep to be heard on an already explicit podcast...
13:36 All bridges are burned
14:24 Jake fulfills a 20 year long quest to identify a song: "Perpetuum Mobile"
http://youtu.be/6E3znZoFnN8?t=19s
16:47 Simon and Simon theme song again. For some reason.
19:04 Bryn's rendition of "Sy Snootles and the Max Rebo Band" from Return of the Jedi
22:08 Matt gets Bryn to hum the melody from Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story http://youtu.be/vx89RcYZC5A?t=1m33s
26:26 An expensive and memorable play is, well, remembered.
30:00 The difference between comedy half nakedness and sexual half nakedness
30:36 New Theme song by Laura!
33:15 Jake and Laura and Baz Luhrmann's "Great Gatsby"
40:54 Laura talks about a time she was "forced" to make out with Bryn
44:41 Jake promotes the TV show "The Fall" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fall_%28TV_series%29
44:54 Social Media corner
46:44 One last impersonation demand from Matt concerning a beer choice: Heineken or PBR?
49:25 Potential podcast money maker?
50:00 Laura's brief "Piano Bar" job
53:32 Nilsa goes on some print media auditions or "casting"

Other Links:
"Mary and Max" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0978762/
"Prince of Darkness" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_of_Darkness_%28film%29

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

The Courtesan and the Cabin Boy - Episode 208

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 09:00:00 +0000

01:58 - Origin story of group and name: "Courtesan and the Cabin Boy" https://www.facebook.com/courtesancabinboy/
03:25 - International Cosplay Corps https://www.facebook.com/InternationalCosplayCorps/
07:58- How they developed the name of the group.
13:12 - Colonel Quick Stitch. https://www.facebook.com/Colquickstitch-669213319832513/
Picture of them meeting: http://traffic.libsyn.com/areyoufamousyet/CourtesanandtheCabinBoy.jpg
21:09 - What was the first song they felt they really gelled together on?
21:31 - Renaissance period music and a demonstration of a round.
23:24 - Shilling song to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat."
24:03 - Court and Country. https://www.courtandcountry.com https://www.facebook.com/CourtAndCountry/
24:14 - Society for Creative Anachronsim http://www.sca.org
31:05 - In studio performance of their song "Well-oiled Beef"
33:09 - Upcoming Krampus album!
34:13 - Two, exclusive to this podcast only, songs from their upcoming Krampus themed album: "Carol of the Bells" and "Dreidel"
42:23 - Next year, they'll probably have a Krampus show!
42:33 - Ludicrous Theater Company https://www.facebook.com/LudicrousTheatreChicago/
48:30 - They do Renaissance Faires throughout the Midwest and are looking for other opportunities.

They also play conventions.
They have their Chicago Street Performer License.
They have a Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/posts/here-we-go-14110908
They do house parties and weddings.
Their first album is on CD Baby https://store.cdbaby.com/artist/TheCourtesanAndtheCabinBoyAndT
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1cf1hHSyNE&list=PL7xK6jbLj8Cqz9ZYAfWhnQEHhUqsfeaVz
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/6X1KDxIFn8xtcH82O4hW5L
They'll be at Christkindlmarket in Chicago http://www.christkindlmarket.com
and are looking to release their Krampus CD at the end of the month.
A Renaissance Christmas at the Prop Theatre on Dec. 22nd
http://www.propthtr.org
https://www.broadwayworld.com/chicago/article/Prop-Thtr-Presents-A-RENAISSANCE-HOLIDAY-20171121
Benefit Concert at the Wellness House on Dec. 20th http://wellnesshouse.org/
Capricon in February, playing various parties. http://capricon.org/capricon38/

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

RUFY 207 - "Avenge Our Blood" w/ David Finney and Bec Willett

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 09:00:00 +0000

03:37 - "Avenge Our Blood:" inspiration. http://threecatproductions.com/201718-three-cat-season/avenge-our-blood
08:08 - How David and Bec found each other and how they made "Avenge Our Blood" a one person show.
11:12 - How does David Finney relate to this play/is he religious?
13:00 - As a director, how does Bec portray this solo show?
18:51 - Collaboration between the playwright and director in development of "Avenge Our Blood."
24:12 - What surprised David and Bec about the process of doing "Avenge Our Blood?"
29:14 - Bec's experience assistant directing "Southbridge" under the direction of Russ Tutterow.
31:23 - Bec has a great idea for "Frankenstein" with Bower Theatre Ensemble.
33:13 - What goes into starting a theatre company.
36:13 - Origin of the name of Bower Theatre Ensemble.
42:05 - Promotion time:
See "Avenge Our Blood"
http://threecatproductions.com/201718-three-cat-season/avenge-our-blood
Check out Bower Theatre Ensemble:
https://www.facebook.com/bowertheatre/
https://bowertheatre.com
https://twitter.com/bowertheatre
https://www.instagram.com/bowertheatre/

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Changes with Jake and Laura - Episode 206

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 09:00:00 +0000

Jake and Laura Scruggs talk about:

Laura's new Job working with the mentally disabled.
Moving to Logan Square.
Selling their Rogers Park Condo and losing 10k on the deal.
Living next to their niece.
Trying to be more happy.
Laura's documentary, full length play, 10 minute holiday play, monthly storytelling show, and other artistic endeavors.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

We're Holding Out for a Hero: Captain Ambivalent - Episode 33

Tue, 07 Nov 2017 04:56:10 +0000

06:34 - Origin of "Captain Ambivalent"
09:41 - "Precious" a song about "Lord of the Rings"'s Gollum in the style of country
15:05 - Almost all of Captain Ambivalent's music is up on SoundClound as free samples
23:09 - How Captain Ambivalent's costume & persona came about
28:09 -Video of Cafe Vivaldi performance in New York City
31:00 - Discussion of Capt. A's song "Everything"
33:48 - "If I Were A Pirate Ninja Zombie" & how it is possibly the most romantic song Capt. A. has ever written
37:04 - Constructive feedback from worst performance Capt. A. ever had - a Sat. night at a pizza joint, at an intermission for a jug band performance.
50:09- Capt. A's performance at Neo Futurist benefit at Metro - Special Guest and Neo Futurists
51:09 - "Pizza Girl" and Dungeons & Dragons
55:19 - Torturing Barbies and Capt. A.'s song about it
56:44 - Capt. A. plays "Everything" Live in studio
1:00:18 - "Crazy Picasso-Eyed Lady"
1:01:16 - Exploration of "Run, Will Robinson, Run"
1:03:00 - "Ray is not the Name of the Accordion" animation in the video by Capt. A.!
1:05:35 - Origin of the song - "Irv!" - about the inventor of dental floss

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Amy Crider is About to Re-read All of Proust - Episode 205

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 08:00:00 +0000

02:21 - Debate about the pronunciation and the basis of 'Leda,' Amy's play. www.ledaplay.com
06:31 - Julia Swift.
08:16 - Reading in Ann Arbor, Michigan. http://www.a2ct.org/shows/the-play-s-the-thing-2015
09:40 - Director Pat Henderson!
11:31 - All ticket proceeds will go to the charity, Mercy Corps! https://www.mercycorps.org
13:01 - Amy's next project, "Charlie Johnson Reads All of Proust."
15:22 - Amy has applied to the Millay Colony to work on her Proust play. https://www.millaycolony.org
15:51 - Various artist residencies:
McDowell in New Hampshire
http://www.macdowellcolony.org
and
Yaddo in NY
https://www.yaddo.org
and
Ragdale
http://ragdale.org
17:01 - What is Amy's writing process?
18:14 - Used to be more concerned about selling her writing.
20:00 - Amy doesn't consider herself a novelist.
23:28 - Amy's evolution in being able to provide constructive criticism.
www.ledaplay.com www.amycrider.com/

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Tony Mendoza Has Wanted to Make Movies Since "La Bamba" - Episode 204

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 08:00:00 +0000

01:33 - "Stuffing the Turkey." Workshop a version in 2014. Coming again next year.
https://www.meetup.com/Chicago-Film-Lover-Exchange/events/172385132/
05:29 - Tony's theatre experience. Illinois Theater Center http://www.ilthctr.org
07:11 - Studying play writing at Milliken https://millikin.edu/theatre
23:06 - Differences between performing onstage and on film.
25:09 - Seven Deadly Sins https://www.facebook.com/SDSCHICAGO/?hc_ref=ARQvMUmNVMmzmLOaV6FbIRoeTliZiMTPDF9MZqEUPnW7FSCWTmmZYeNfm3NH12m_MsM
25:28 - South by Southwest - 20 by 2 https://www.sxsw.com/conference/experiential-storytelling/
26:00 - Radio plays Tony did with his brother at the ages of 7 and 11.
28:27 - Broad Shoulders Productions http://bspfilm.com
32:38 - Why Vimeo instead of youtube?
33:52 - The Wire. https://www.hbo.com/the-wire
35:23 - Graham Cracker. https://vimeo.com/212592718 https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/graham-cracker/Event?oid=26366305
46:26 - Graham Cracker will be released over the next couple of weeks!
46:47 - Promotions: www.bspfilm.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bspfilm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/topcat136/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1298754493487272/
Tony's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jantonio.mendoza1?fref=ts

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

The Q Brothers' Burgeoning Empire - Episode 125

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 08:00:00 +0000

Apologies for the "blow outs" and the "thumps" - it was a great interview with a few recording issues.
01:55 - How the Q Brothers started writing and performing hip hop using Shakespeare as the source text.
07:50 - GQ on how he got involved with "Drumline." http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0303933/
09:40 - Video for "White Nigga from Drumline" by the Retar crew: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1dQOZY1KiM
10:38 - Genesis of "Funk It Up About Nothin'" and how it came to Chicago Shakespeare Theater
19:16 - The Q Brothers' heritage
27:05 - "Othello: The Remix" at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. https://www.chicagoshakes.com/plays_and_events/othello_the_remix_2016
28:43 - GQ gives Jake the business about having a hefty serving of salt with his pepper.
31:12 - "Othello: The Remix" was commissioned by The Globe (of London) in 2012
53:40 - The Q Brothers' shaving business and Small Flower TV: https://www.youtube.com/user/smallflowertv
1:04:35 - "Q Gents" and "Mad Summer"
1:05:49 - GQ flips the script and ask us how "Are You Famous, Yet?" began.
1:08:54 - Q Brothers Freestyle!!!

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Brittany Meyer: Fake TED Talks, Arm Wrestling, and Strip Joker - Episode 203

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 08:00:00 +0000

00:35 - Presenting: Brittany Meyer! http://www.brittanymeyerdoesthat.com
01:37 - Strip Joker w/You are Beautiful
https://www.uptownunderground.net/strip-joker
https://www.facebook.com/stripjoker/
04:22 - You are Beautiful campaign. https://you-are-beautiful.com
08:43 - The Kates http://www.thekates.org
11:52 - How Brittany's act changed from before she took Feminine Comique with Kelsie Huff. https://www.femininecomique.com
13:44 - Arm wrestling.
14:52 - Hari Kondabolu http://www.harikondabolu.com
15:56 - Stone Cold Jane Austen with Chicago League of Lady Arm Wrestling http://www.sideshowtheatre.org/performances/productions/cllaw
20:55 - Design experiences.
23:56 - We're Not Gonna Take It. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xmckWVPRaI
25:31 - Events. https://fireflyfestival.com
26:41 - Various comedy shows Brittany has been a part of:
The Kiki
https://www.facebook.com/TheKikiComedy/
Freakfest
https://www.facebook.com/Freakfest-With-Stalter-1246863708773444/?fref=ts
VHS: Tape Fear
https://www.facebook.com/events/116939252321319/
31:40 - What else is Brittany working on right now?
Performances in the frame of TED Talks.
36:50 - Promotion time
Strip Joker
https://www.uptownunderground.net/strip-joker
https://www.facebook.com/stripjoker/
and
Her fake TED talks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoGZhnBVzFg

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Santa is the Baum w/ Laura and Jake - Episode 202

Mon, 02 Oct 2017 08:00:00 +0000

00:54 - Laura is adapting a story by L. Frank Baum, "A Kidnapped Santa Claus," for Three Cat Productions' holiday radio show: http://threecatproductions.com/201718-three-cat-season/the-holiday-radio-show
06:52 - Laura is now curating the cabaret at Three Cat, starting in December. http://threecatproductions.com/upcoming-season/cabaret-on-the-lake
08:39 - Laura is a co-host of Do Not Submit in the West Loop at Open Books at 651 W. Lake. http://www.donotsubmitchicago.com/dns-west-loop.html
11:24 - There are numerous Do Not Submit locations! http://www.donotsubmitchicago.com
11:55 - If there isn't a Do Not Submit near you and you would like one, e-mail Scott Whitehair here: http://www.donotsubmitchicago.com/contact-us.html
12:51 - Discussion of the Podcast's problems and future.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Jacob Reyes Brings His Own Theater - Episode 201

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000

05:13 - How Jacob got started in technical theatre and at Light Opera Works. http://www.musictheaterworks.com
07:11 - "Disgraced" / the first time Jacob was doing focus work with lighting.
09:06 - American Theater Company. https://www.atcweb.org
09:16 - David Cromer! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Cromer
11:06 - Oak Park Festival Theatre. http://oakparkfestival.com
19:14 - The 24 Hour Bring Your Own Theater festival. http://www.byotproductions.com
23:54 - Really long title of a play Jacob directed at The 24 Hour BYOT: The Dissent and Disapproving Complaints caused by Habitual Use of Artificial Correspondence
30:05 - Jacob doesn't have a formal degree, developed his resume on his own and through referrals.
40:55 - What Jacob learned from Chicago Fringe. http://chicagofringe.org
42:20 - Superman, Black Man, Me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54_GkkscMyA
46:03 - The play, "ID" and No Shame.
http://www.wearetheagency.org/no-shame/
https://www.facebook.com/NoShameTheatre/
http://www.noshame.org/chicago/index11.htm
http://www.thelincolnloft.com/no-shame-theatre.html
58:40 - Jacob is on the Short List Committee for the Chicago Humanities Festival. https://chicagohumanities.org

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Bryn and Nilsa 200th Episode Spectacular!

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000

06:54 - Gilbert Godfrey's podcast http://www.gilbertpodcast.com
07:25 - Gilbert's documentary http://www.indiewire.com/2017/04/gilbert-gottfried-documentary-review-tribeca-film-festival-2017-1201807032/
09:47 - What has Nilsa been up to?
14:50 - Nilsa was asked to join the company New York Madness https://nymadness.com Lonestar Theatre Company http://www.lonestartheatre.com
20:06 - Nilsa is also writing for "The Lost Girls Blog" http://www.lostgirlsworld.com/blog/
I am Not Your Negro, documentary about James Baldwin http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5804038/
25:01 - Jake remembers bit about when Bryn and Nilsa would imitate each other
31:08 - Cultural events of the last few years have been hard for Bryn to reckon with and he's been writing about it.
41:15 - Jake would like to talk a little more concretely about what Bryn has been doing:
played the ghost of Benjamin Spock in the play, "Baby Hubris," by Jacqui Rego
http://www.babyhubris.com
You can listen to our podcast episode about this here:
http://areyoufamousyet.libsyn.com/jacqui-rgo-and-the-cast-of-baby-hubris-episode-182
Festival show, "From A to Double D"
https://www.facebook.com/events/1915146762090057/
47:35 - Now they're doing another run of "From A to Double D."
48:29 - And the marketing is great, with
Instagram
http://toptagram.com/user/fromatodoubledplay
Twitter
https://twitter.com/FromAtoDoubleD
and
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/FromAtoDoubleD/
50:30 - Bryn gets sucked into reading/watching the news.
55:05 - Softball: a retreat with the twins!
56:15 - The MTA has been falling apart.
1:01:43 - Bryn is trying to get a job now.
1:03:59 - Cats and the next CJ3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy28it0ul6E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLV44zOUusY

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Farah Williams Loves All of Chicago - Episode 199

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000

01:41 - Shout out to Ines Bellina and her podcast: XX Will Travel https://xxwilltravel.com
03:07 - How Farah got into podcasting. Serial https://serialpodcast.org Start-Up by Gimlet Media https://gimletmedia.com/startup/ Sampler https://gimletmedia.com/sampler/
06:40 - Farah's first interview with "L."
07:48 - The problem with interviewing a Trump voter.
16:16 - Most recent episode with Stacey.
19:35 - Mothers Against Senseless Killing. http://ontheblock.org
21:48 - On the dude who left Chicago and trashed it: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/goodbye-chicago-what-its-like-to-live-in-a-city-you_us_59ac5f1de4b0bef3378cd9ba
26:56 - Farah's history and moving around.
30:50 - Farah is an introvert!
33:58 - The future of Deeper Dish.
35:42 - The latest episode that Farah hasn't yet released.
45:15 - Farah did one episode with a dominatrix.
45:56 - We listened to the "gun episode:" Episode #13.
49:35 - Promotional time:
Deeper Dish podcast
http://www.deeperdishchi.com
Mothers Against Senseless Killing: MASK
http://ontheblock.org
52:01 - Farah's princess warrior daughters.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Ada Cheng's Change - Episode 198

Mon, 04 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000

02:10 - Ada's change from being a professor into a storyteller/improviser/stand-up comedian.
13:34 - Her one woman show, "NOT QUITE: Asian American by Law, Ahttp://www.fringefestival.orgsian Woman by Desire," at Fringe festivals.
24:10 - The subject of the immigration process in her show.
31:55 - The second story in her solo show, about teaching.
33:14 - Surprised by outcome of Fringe festivals.
Capital Fringe
https://www.capitalfringe.org
Minnesota Fringe
http://www.fringefestival.org
Boulder Fringe
http://www.boulderfringe.com
35:50 - Supposed to go to Houston Fringe, but not going now, due to Hurricane Harvey. http://houstonfringefestival.org
37:18 - Sept. 15th performance at The National Cambodian Heritage Museum & Killing Fields Memorial. https://www.cambodianmuseum.org/new-events/2017/9/15/ada-cheng-not-quite-asian-american-by-law-asian-woman-by-desire-1
39:36 - Ada's sex-positive style.
48:19 - Magic wand. http://www.adameve.com/adult-sex-toys/vibrators/wand-massagers/sp-magic-wand-rechargeable-100664.aspx
52:06 - Promotion Time: Ada's Sept. 15th show at 7 pm at The National Cambodian Heritage Museum & Killing Fields Memorial https://www.cambodianmuseum.org/new-events/2017/9/15/ada-cheng-not-quite-asian-american-by-law-asian-woman-by-desire-1
52:23 - Advice for mid-lifers who want to change direction in their lives.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Classic Episode - Uncle Fun: The Man Behind the Store - Episode 101

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 08:00:00 +0000

03:01 - Why is Ted Frankel Uncle Fun? What are the origins of the store called "Uncle Fun"? http://www.unclefunchicago.com https://www.facebook.com/unclefunchicago
09:55 - Goodies - Ted's first store.
12:15 - Where did Ted get his stuff/new/old stock from?
19:56 - The really good stuff is at the bottom/developing relationships with warehouses
24:06 - Funny story, Mickey Mantle bobbing head dolls in a NY warehouse
28:47 - Does Ted watch shows like American Pickers?
29:53 - When the Antiques Roadshow came to town
41:13 - When Ted moved Goodies to the bigger location he shared the store with his two unhappy sisters. It did not go well. Very not well.
54:03 - Hawaii trip with friend after the family horribleness.
1:05:00 - Come to the American Visionary Art Museum; it's a hands-on place!
1:09:52 - How Ted met his husband, Bill Gilmore, The Executive Director of The Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts http://www.promotionandarts.org/about-us
Promised link to pictures of Michael Jackson sitting on Ted's lap in the store's photo booth: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=959694127428562

Intro and Outro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet? (Remix)." Written By: B. Packard and L. Scruggs. Performed By: B. Packard, N. Reyna, J. Scruggs, L. Scruggs.

New Place and Stuff in Our Lives - Episode 197

Mon, 21 Aug 2017 08:00:00 +0000

Jake and Laura record their first episode at their new place in Logan Square.

They discuss Laura's holiday playwriting project with Three Cat Productions, updates on her Uncle Fun documentary and why they love their new neighborhood.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

John Battles: "Let's All Go To Uncle Fun" - Episode 196

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 08:00:00 +0000

05:58 - How John started playing music: high school band, "Born in an Elevator."
16:51 - John's two solo performance art acts: "Neutron Prom" and "Elvis From Hell."
23:59 - Joe Bob Briggs is a persona! http://www.joebobbriggs.com http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0089185/
25:13 - "Let's All Go To Uncle Fun" song.
28:22 - "Dennis Dupre from Danville"song.
31:37 - "Harold's Fried Chicken" song.
35:20 - "Put the Hurttt on You," a song about cancer.
46:13 - Chic-A-Go-Go and "Werewolf in Wicker Park." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_2_mUvHSWE
54:31 - John will be DJ-ing at East Room for Bric-a-Brac's summer show: http://www.bricabracrecords.com/upcoming-events/ https://www.facebook.com/events/332015063900447/
Yes. Horton Heat and Roky Erickson, father of psychedelic music.
Roky Erickson will be performing on
Sept. 15th at the Empty Bottle http://emptybottle.com/?event_id=7492005

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Jamey and Susan Barnard - Episode 195

Mon, 07 Aug 2017 08:00:00 +0000

03:10 - How did Jamey and Susan meet?
11:30 - The Chipmonkeys.
12:36 - The many voices of Jamey Barnard and the "phone revenge" tapes.
20:59 - Favorite jokes Jamey has played on Les Scruggs.
23:50 - Susan's favorite costume designs.
28:15 - Favorite family project?
30:44 - Jamey's puppet thing with wrecked paintbrushes: Spent Brush Theatre.
31:27 - Animated phone revenge on Funny Or Die, Roseville Cemetery. http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/d5864ab63e/roseville-cemetery
33:31 - The Benzie Playboys. http://www.benzieplayboys.com
36:10 - Souled American. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Souled_American https://www.discogs.com/artist/349171-Souled-American
37:15 - What was it like for Susan to work with Peter Sellers?
39:30 - How did Susan and Jamey end up in Manistee/Onekama?
40:57 - Highlights of Snake The Lake/The Art Snake. http://artsnakeartists.blogspot.com
43:45 - Promotions/anything else?
Stay tuned for Spent Brush Theatre & more paintings
Visit:
The Art Deck
http://www.visitmanisteecounty.com/web-2-0-directory/the-art-deck/
http://www.lesliescruggs.com
and
Handstand
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Handstand/525826527487534

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

A Structured Conversation with Elizabeth Cambridge - Episode 194

Mon, 31 Jul 2017 08:00:00 +0000

01:32 - How did Elizabeth get involved in storytelling?
03:13 - Scott Whitehair http://www.scottwhitehair.com
06:00 - Elizabeth's first experience in storytelling.
07:12 - Cheddar. https://vimeo.com/142402403
15:54 - Weirdos Welcome.
21:15 - Co-hosting Do Not Submit in Rogers Park. http://www.donotsubmitchicago.com/dns-rogers-park.html
26:36 - Elizabeth has been telling stories at comedy open mics.
27:23 - Gilead, a storytelling-inspired church. http://www.gileadchicago.org
33:25 - Gilead on the Today Show http://www.today.com/video/today-visits-the-church-that-holds-its-services-in-a-pub-918603331630
41:08 - Elizabeth tells a story.
47:39 - Writing down sad things and incorporating them into her storytelling and meeting with comics to see how she can flip them.
49:08 - Chicago Podcast Coop and Random Conversations with Elizabeth. http://chicagopodcastcoop.com http://www.randomconversations.net/about/
49:33 - Chicago Podcast Festival http://chicagopodcastfestival.org https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoPodcastFestival/
50:06 - Unexpected interruption.
51:31 - Elizabeth's most listened-to episode.
52:26 - Love your Lady Landscape. https://www.amazon.com/Love-Your-Lady-Landscape-Feminine/dp/1781807361/ref=sr_1_1
53:51 - From The Chicago Podcast Coop have come some other support groups; one hired by MTV, you send them your show and they clean up your episode!
54:43 - Editing and other frustrations of podcasting.
55:40 - Listen to back episodes of Random Conversations With Elizabeth on:
Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/randomconvos
and
iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/random-conversations-with-elizabeth/id1004233188?mt=2
57:36 - Weirdos Welcome on August 2nd at Earphoria and it's free!
https://allevents.in/chicago/weirdos-welcome/326643617779083
and
Random Conversations with Elizabeth http://www.randomconversations.net/about/
and
Check out Chicago's storytelling scene!
The Moth
https://www.themoth.org
This Much Is True
http://www.thismuchistruechicago.com
The Stoop
https://www.facebook.com/StoopStyleStories/
http://www.thestoop.us
Story Circle
https://www.facebook.com/events/246829335742953/
Do Not Submit
http://www.donotsubmitchicago.com

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Shariba Rivers Has A Lot Going On - Episode 193

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 08:00:00 +0000

01:21 - "Bad Date" at Leapfest with Stage Left Theatre. http://stagelefttheatre.com
07:46 - Another role of Shariba's, Mother Wit, in "Insurrection." http://stagelefttheatre.com/season-35/season-36/
10:17 - What it's like to be an Instructional Coach at Betty Shabazz International Charter Schools.
15:17 - An amazing lesson plan witnessed by Shariba.
18:44 - About Betty Shabazz International Charter Schools. http://www.bsics.org
23:41 - There are stupid questions.
28:15 - Being a casting director with MPAACT. http://www.mpaact.org
37:00 - How does being a director affect Shariba as an actress?
41:39 - Shariba has a lot coming up:

Understudying Lady Capulet with "Romeo and Juliet" with Chicago Shakespeare w/Shakespeare in the Park
She will be going up on August 19th at Ridge Park
https://www.chicagoshakes.com

Chicago Theatre Marathon
"Long Canoe"
https://www.chicagotheatremarathon.com

Erasing the Distance
"Breathe With Me." in September
http://erasingthedistance.org

"Starting Over" at Governor's State
http://www.mpaact.org
MPAACT at October 21st and 22nd, 2017

City Lit
http://www.citylit.org
J.B. in Fall 2017

"Insurrection: Holding History" with Stage Left - Winter 2017/2018.
http://stagelefttheatre.com/season-35/season-36/

"Dontrell Who Kissed the Sea" directed by Chika Ike with First Floor Theater - Spring 2018
http://www.firstfloortheater.com

(re)discover theatre
http://www.rediscovertheatre.com
"For One"
A Series of plays built for an audience of one
Aug. 30th - Sept. 30th

Black Lives, Black Words
https://www.facebook.com/blklivesblkwrd/
"Our America Project"
Aug. 14th, 21st and 22nd

"Black Lives, Black Words" was founded by previous podcast guest, Reggie Edmund.
http://areyoufamousyet.libsyn.com/webpage/entreponegroes-blaculas-and-the-mind-of-reginald-edmund-episode-92

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Schoen Smith Does Theater/Film/Directing in New York/Chicago/L.A. - Episode 192

Mon, 17 Jul 2017 08:00:00 +0000

01:29 - When Schoen knew she wanted to do theatre and early disc jockey experience.
07:05 - Modeling then off to college to study finance and business economics.
11:31 - First show in New York.
15:20 - Independent film experiences.
19:04 - LA CAUSA Youth Build. http://www.lacausainc.org
22:08 - How Schoen got into producing theatre.
22:34 - The show, "Elevator." http://www.hollywoodfringe.org/learn/content/348 https://thisstage.la/2010/08/michael-leonis-elevator-is-a-moving-experience/ http://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/West-Coast-Premiere-of-ELEVATOR-by-Michael-Leoni-to-Play-Hudson-Guild-Opens-729-20100821
24:56 - Venture Hill Entertainment. http://www.anmt.org/conference/conference_panelists.asp?ID=13290&PanelID=91 http://vhellc.com/about-us/
26:21 - DOMA Theatre Company in L.A. http://www.domatheatre.com
27:20 - Some actors in L.A. don't value theatre as much as they could.
29:11 - How did Schoen get from New York to L.A. to Chicago?
33:28 - Director of Development at Collaboraction. http://www.collaboraction.org
34:09 - Schoen has been doing a lot of directing lately.
"Token," a one woman show by Kaye Winks:
at Collaboraction's Gender Breakdown Lounge https://www.meetup.com/Chicago-Creatives-Social-Club/events/237738081/ http://collaboraction.tumblr.com
Second City at Judy's Beat Lounge https://www.facebook.com/events/203741633448860/
Out of Bounds Comedy Festival in Austin http://www.outofboundscomedy.com/artists/token/
United Solo Festival in NYC http://unitedsolo.org/us/token-2017/
*"Hoods" at Peacebook http://www.collaboraction.org/peacebook2017
Opens August 26th at the Goodman Theatre
and then Hamilton Park Oct. 5th, 6th and 7th.
38:53 - As a director, how does Schoen prod actors in the right direction?
43:05 - Schoen's show in
44:21 - Schoen highly recommends visiting all of the gorgeous parks that Collaboraction works with:
Hamilton http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/Hamilton-Park/
Lafollette Park http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/La-Follette-Park/
Austin http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/Austin-Park/
Kelvyn http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/Kelvyn-Park/
48:43 - Schoen and previous podcast guest, GQ, at Kidzapalooza
https://www.lollapalooza.com/kidzapalooza/
Promotions:
Schoen is the co-producer of the documentary American Street Kid http://www.americanstreetkid.com/schoen-smith http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1524931/
Trailer for American Street Kid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vCuvi8I1-c https://www.facebook.com/AmericanStreetKid/ http://cni.castingnetworks.com/talent/profile/931015 http://www.americanstreetkid.com/schoen-smith http://wgnradio.com/2017/04/29/hannah-stanley-4-29-17-chicagos-impact-on-theater-and-entertainment/

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Les Scruggs at Snake the Lake - Episode 191

Mon, 10 Jul 2017 08:00:00 +0000

01:16 - "Snake the Lake" https://www.facebook.com/events/840648652760824/
05:04 - Why do a lot of artists live in the Manistee/Onekama area?
05:32 - Les' time in Chicago and the origin of the Art Deck.
07:13 - Les' piece, Weeping Willow, was recently bought by the Michigan Legacy Art Park. http://michlegacyartpark.org
08:27 - Art theory.
09:49 - The Artist Moment.
11:10 - Socialism/what is behind Les' pieces.
17:14 - Existentialism and more about what is behind Les' work.
19:13 - Moebius strips in Les' work.
20:50 - A gallery in Tucson is collapsing that showed Les' work.
24:13 - Why should you never give someone sculpture.
27:36 - How Les and Deb got together.
30:56 - Promotional time: Jamie Barnard, Handstand, Susan Barnard https://www.facebook.com/susan.barnard.756?fref=ts
http://www.lesliescruggs.com

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Daniel Knox Learned Piano in Public - Episode 190

Mon, 03 Jul 2017 08:00:00 +0000

01:31 - When did Dan start singing and how did he end up in film school?
03:40 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0ej50JK2LM - Dan's teenage films.
08:04 - Dan and Laura as kids in Springfield, Illinois.
15:49 - Dan Knox on scoring Mary Arrchie's "Glass Menagerie." http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/chi-ugc-article-mary-arrchies-the-glass-menagerie-announces-2013-07-22-story.html http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-12-23/entertainment/ct-ent-1224-glass-meangerie-review-20121223_1_tennessee-williams-the-glass-menagerie-masterpiece
19:05 - Dan's favorite songs that he's written. "Blue Car" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQPxGcz_gXo
31:30 - Music posted on iTunes that is a scam.
38:56 - Dan Knox performs! (recorded with less compression and at a low volume for fidelity. May be hard to hear -- sorry.)
Promotional time: Peace on Earth.
Dan's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/danielknoxmusic/?hl=en
Dan on Bandcamp https://danielknox.bandcamp.com/
Dan on iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/daniel-knox/id938262216
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/evryman-for-himself/id435763946
http://danielknox.com/shop/
50:30 - A teenage following as a result of a song that was featured on "Welcome to Nightvale:" https://danielknox.bandcamp.com/track/what-have-they-done-to-you-now
"Don't Touch Me." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0ej50JK2LM
http://danielknox.com

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "AYFY 1" - Christopher Kriz

Rick Olson, Stephanie Palko, and The Edge of Orion Theatre - Episode 189

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 08:00:00 +0000

01:25 - Origin story of The Edge of Orion Theatre. http://edgeoforion.com
06:08 - Light saber effects. https://www.ultrasabers.com/ and www.saberforge.com
11:10 - Finding differently abled people to be in their shows.
14:23 - Favorite production with constellation project.
21:12 - What was it like for Stephanie to be directed by Laura?
24:55 - How did Stephanie get involved with The Edge of Orion Theatre?
25:12 - Who is Orion?
33:45 - Muggle Quidditch.
41:06 - Adaptations.
43:12 - Special news about "Richard the Third" in the Star Wars universe.
45:21 - "What's All This Then?"
48:10 - How big is the theatre company and where do they generally perform?
51:08 - Gender blind casting.
51:40 - Steven Ivcich.
53:51 - edgeoforion.com
Summer camps in July, Mondays at Clock Tower Park w/theatre hikes of "Wind in the Willows," "Romeo and Juliet" and "Python in the Park."
Constellation project in Schaumburg https://www.gofundme.com/constellationnorthside

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Melanie Adcock, Bryan Sperry, and the "House of the Apocalypse" - Episode 188

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 08:00:00 +0000

00:35 - Presenting:
Melanie Adcock
https://twitter.com/melanie_adcock
President of Tech Month Chicago https://www.techmonthchicago.com
Host of Tech Scene Chicago http://www.techscenechicago.com
https://www.facebook.com/melanie.a.adcock
&
Bryan Sperry
http://sperryart.com
https://www.facebook.com/bryan.sperry.3
https://twitter.com/BryanSperryArt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCa0YP-DXfg
https://vimeo.com/126844674

01:31 - House of the Apocalypse art gallery. https://www.facebook.com/houseoftheapocalypse/ http://www.imgrum.org/user/warriorsperry/475701902
08:21 - Bryan is an anarchist and expresses his beliefs through his sculptures.
11:35 - Transhumanism.
16:59 - What it's like to be a woman in the business world.
21:01 - Vivian Maier: http://www.vivianmaier.com
22:47 - Melanie's Tech Scene show on Lumpen Radio: http://lumpenradio.com/techtalk.html
35:48 - They love to go to Maxwell Street Sunday Market. https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/maxwell_street_market.html & Swap-O-Rama https://swap-o-rama.com
43:51 - If you want to be free, come to the House of the Apocalypse on the Second Friday of the month: http://chicagoartsdistrict.org/secondfridays_main.asp
46:31 - Tech Month Chicago. https://www.techmonthchicago.com
53:41 - Promotional time:
House of the Apocalypse
1908 S. Halsted St.
https://www.facebook.com/houseoftheapocalypse/
https://www.instagram.com/warriorsperry/
Tech Month Chicago in September
https://www.techmonthchicago.com
Techscene Chicago at 105.5 FM
http://www.techscenechicago.com

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

"The Finder of the Lucky Devil" and Megan Mackie - Episode 187

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 08:00:00 +0000

00:40 - Podcaster and writer Megan Mackie is back! You may remember her from ep. 173: https://www.mixcloud.com/areyoufamousyet/megan-mackie-and-the-princess-peach-conspiracy-episode-173/
00:53 - "The Finder of the Lucky Devil" is Megan's first book.You can find it on: Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Finder-Lucky-Devil-Megan-Mackie-ebook/dp/B071LRWXG5
and Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-finder-of-the-lucky-devil
07:32 - This is the first of three or four books investigating magic and software in an alternate reality.
10:07 - The editor.
11:50 - Megan reads a section from her book!
19:45 - Finishing up the second season of "Princess Peach Conspiracy," blooper reels, and writing the third season. http://ppconspiracy.libsyn.com https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-princess-peach-conspiracy/id1132325428?mt=2 http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/megan-mackie/the-princess-peach-conspiracy https://www.ppconspiracy.com/listen
24:36 - Also, review Megan's book on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35276525-the-finder-of-the-lucky-devil
25:07 - The self-publishing world.
30:08 - Megan's play, "Eros & Psyche, Play" that she wrote with Women's Theatre Alliance. http://www.wtachicago.org/index2.html
34:30 - Megan's biggest lesson learned about writing.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

John Abbott, Buddy King, Holly McGuire & Connie Foster - Episode 186

Sun, 04 Jun 2017 23:46:50 +0000

00:59 - How did the cast of "Audition!" meet?
03:18 - Origin story of the show.
06:25 - Introductions for everyone: John Abbott, Buddy King, Holly McGuire & Connie Foster.
11:42 - The story behind the name of the show.
18:54 - Holly's CD, "Catch 38." https://www.amazon.com/Catch-Steve-Sandner-Holly-McGuire/dp/B00004S9W6
20:05 - Holly's performances at The Playboy Club and what was Minsky's Burlesque? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minsky%27s_Burlesque
22:20 - Connie on writing songs for the first time.
22:49 - Connie has been involved with the arts since she was a child.
27:19 - The Floppy Show. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Floppy_Show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-VLY20ikXg
33:18 - Process of the development of "Audition!"
41:00 - Buddy's past and many plays.
55:42 - John's improv experiences.
1:01:25 - Charles.
1:05:52 - What is "Audition!" about?
1:10:34 - Promotions:
August 10th: SAG AFTRA Senior Radio Plays at Chicago Cultural Center:"Wild Jack Rhett" and "Rocket from Manhattan" https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_culturalcenter.html/

Holly is singing at the Drake Hotel on June 30th and August 11th: http://www.thedrakehotel.com

Information about "Audition!" http://outtathebox.site

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Laura does Postmates, Baltimore, and Door County - Episode 185

Mon, 29 May 2017 08:00:00 +0000

Laura got back from Door County a few hours before our release so the notes will be abbreviated for this episode.
Summary: Laura wanted to go on trips to Baltimore, MD (to see a fairy festival and interview Uncle Fun's husband) and Door County (for a writing retreat) so she used Postmates, an "app based delivery service," to earn 1300 bucks. She also tried Caviar and Door Dash (similar apps) along the way.
Questions we answer: How much, on average, did she get paid per hour? Is it a good way to earn money as an artist? How many tickets did she get? What are other downsides and unexpected perks? What's it like to hang out with Uncle Fun all day? What was her writing retreat like?

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

'Do Not Submit' to Karen Genelly - Episode 184

Mon, 22 May 2017 08:00:00 +0000

01:36 - How Karen got involved in the storytelling scene and integrated storytelling into the classroom as a teacher and counselor.
04:01 - Her favorite instance of storytelling in the classroom and some memorable moments of teaching sex ed.
10:37 - Favorite questions Karen received from students.
14:41 - What made Karen want to be a teacher?
25:35 - One-on-one time with students.
29:25 - Karen's story, "Exploding Rainbow." https://storyclubmagazine.com/2015/09/30/exploding-rainbow-karen-gennelly/
37:36 - Highlights of being a docent for the Chicago Architectural Foundation. https://www.architecture.org/experience-caf/tours/
42:22 - Karen and Laura are very excited to announce that they are co-hosting the newest "Do Not Submit" in the West Loop at Open Books, the first Wed. of every month! http://www.donotsubmitchicago.com
48:12 - Baby storytelling time at Open Books. http://www.open-books.org
51:04 - Scott Whitehair. http://www.scottwhitehair.com

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Sara Maslanka: Artistic Director of Chicago Danztheatre - Episode 183

Mon, 15 May 2017 08:00:00 +0000

01:04 - How Sara got involved with Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble. http://www.danztheatre.org
02:10 - What is an artistic director?
07:34 - Sara's time in London and her study of Dance Science.
18:24 - How did Sara start dancing?
22:29 - Sara's teaching style and experiences.
29:08 - Specific example of frustration in teaching.
35:25 - "Consumed," Sara's inaugural show with Chicago Danztheatre. http://www.danztheatre.org/consumed.html
44:56 - "Ethereal Abandonment." http://www.danztheatre.org/ethereal-abandonment.html
47:46 - Additional promotions:
Variety shows with Edgewater Theatre District.
https://www.edgewater.org/programs-and-events/theatre-district/
and
Dance and poetry collaboration with Poetry Center of Chicago on Aug. 19th & 20th.
http://www.poetrycenter.org

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Jacqui Rêgo and the cast of Baby Hubris - Episode 182

Mon, 08 May 2017 08:00:00 +0000

00:45 - Presenting the cast and crew of "Baby Hubris!" https://www.facebook.com/BabyHubris http://www.babyhubris.com
02:25 - Magical realism and Introductions.
04:53 - Cerberus photo: https://www.facebook.com/BabyHubris/photos/a.1268108106638252.1073741832.782497848532616/1268111983304531/?type=3&theater
06:21 - How did Bryn get involved with "Baby Hubris?"
11:44 - What inspired Jacqui to write the show?
13:43 - Doing the show at Fringe NYC. http://fringenyc.org
20:02 - Tama on playing a baby and lover.
31:57 - Fragility of the male ego.
33:05 - Women still can't act like a stereotypical man.
37:10 - Rachel Bloom's Lady Boss sketch: http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/04/rachel-bloom-ladyboss-video
41:54 - She's crazy, but he's an artist.
48:08 - Manhattan Repertory Theatre for their venue: http://manhattanrep.com
51:01 - The play: http://www.babyhubris.com
May 16th at 7:45 pm
and
May 21st at 8 pm

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Owen Hickle-Edwards and Andrew Root from Runcible Theatre - Episode 181

Mon, 01 May 2017 08:00:00 +0000

2:03 - Origin story of Runcible Theatre. http://www.runcibletheatre.org
2:55 - Sweet Phoebe was their first show (a two person cast). http://www.runcibletheatre.org/sweet-phoebe-2014.html
6:01 - After that, Andrew decided to do shows with bigger casts. http://www.runcibletheatre.org/scenes-from-an-execution-2015.html http://www.runcibletheatre.org/a-number-2016.html
7:15 - Wounds to the Face. http://www.runcibletheatre.org/wounds-to-the-face.html
9:12 - Howard Barker, one of Andrew's favorite playwrights. http://www.doollee.com/PlaywrightsB/barker-howard.html
16:39 - Proscenium vs. Traverse/Alley stages.
21:48 - Someone walked out on Scenes from an Execution.
30:54 - Sarah Kane. http://www.inyerfacetheatre.com/archive7.html
31:53 - After the Dance. http://www.runcibletheatre.org/after-the-dance-2016.html
41:30 - Some scenes need to be blocked.
48:41 - Owen's roles at Runcible.
54:59 - A Number. http://www.runcibletheatre.org/a-number-2016.html
58:18 - Jake gets "crass" and asks about money.
1:14:37 - Promotional time: Wounds to the Face. http://www.runcibletheatre.org/wounds-to-the-face.html

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Ellyzabeth Adler and Danztheatre - Episode 180

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 08:00:00 +0000

01:48 - Impact of Ellyzabeth's father on her life.
08:31 - Misty Copeland and Ellyzabeth both got their start at a park district. http://mistycopeland.com http://www.ellyzabethadler.com
12:08 - Turning point at Roosevelt. https://www.roosevelt.edu
16:17 - Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble is not just a performance outlet, but an educational program as well. http://www.danztheatre.org/arts-education.html
18:01 - The German Expressionist Movement.
26:24 - Chicago Danztheatre's extensive outreach programming! http://www.danztheatre.org/arts-education.html
35:06 - Ellyzabeth's time teaching at Baale Mane in India. http://www.baalemane.org
40:49 - Project-based learning.
41:41 - Ethereal Abandonment, opening May 12th! http://www.danztheatre.org/ethereal-abandonment.html
49:09 - Chicago Danztheatre will be announcing their new season soon; it will be their 17th year! http://www.danztheatre.org

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Maria Vorhis, Sexpert Franzen, Clowns, etc. - Episode 179

Mon, 17 Apr 2017 08:00:00 +0000

01:31 - Sexpert Franzen. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kbusbee/sexpert-franzen-a-short-film https://www.facebook.com/sexpertfranzen/
08:56 - Jake's Dad's website 'organically' came up: http://lesliescruggs.com.
10:57 - 'Petunia' and Clowning.
27:19 - Maria recently appeared on the Today Show. http://www.today.com/video/today-visits-the-church-that-holds-its-services-in-a-pub-918603331630
28:43 - Adventures with Petunia in the car.
37:44 - Maria's one woman show, "Are You There, George?" http://areyoutheregeorge.weebly.com http://littlevillagemag.com/coming-to-a-living-room-near-you-are-you-there-george/
43:19 - Fringe. https://fringefestivals.us Maria at the Minneapolis Fringe: http://www.letoilemagazine.com/2014/08/06/in-review-the-2014-minnesota-fringe-festival/ https://www.facebook.com/areyoutheregeorge/posts/662928843793022
50:42 - Promotions. https://www.mariavorhis.com/upcoming
DO NOT SUBMIT: Storytelling Open Mic
Last Monday of every month!
Cafe Chien (4749 N Spaulding Ave)

FICTLICIOUS: Animals Show
Sunday, April 23 7pm
The Hideout (1354 W Wabansia Ave)

TRUTH BE TOLD II: Stories from the Heart:
Saturday, May 6 8pm
Gorton Community Center (400 E. Illinois, Lake Forest)

IS THIS A THING?
Monday, May 8 7pm
O'Shaughnessy's (4557 N Ravenswood Ave)

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Talking Taboo, Los Improviachis, and Making "Shift" Up w/ Nelson Velazquez - Episode 178

Mon, 10 Apr 2017 08:00:00 +0000

02:21 - Shamilton. http://www.theatreinchicago.com/shamilton/9006/
05:40 - RAPture. https://www.facebook.com/events/696217163800541/
http://www.chicago3media.com/comedysportz-chicago-prepares-rapture-hip-hop-improvised-comedy-show
07:35 - Improvisation Program at Crown Point Community Theatre. http://cpct.biz
15:58 - Talking Taboo: Playing With Race, Gender and Other No-No's with Nelson Velazquez.
26:47 - Los Improviachis. https://www.facebook.com/LosImproviachis/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzqOraeewFjOB8lRTXZbf8Q
28:36 - Mariachi Heritage Foundation. http://www.mariachiheritagefoundation.org
31:35 - Salsation Theatre Company. https://www.facebook.com/salsationco/ http://salsationtheatrecomapnynfp.improvteams.com https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL09E6CA4617176426
33:23 - Impronol. https://theannoyance.com/events/event/impronol/ https://www.facebook.com/impronol/
36:39 - Wavelength. http://www.wavelengthinc.com
40:01 - Promotions:
Shamilton https://www.shamiltonmusical.com
Don't buy tickets to Spamilton http://spamilton.com
Los Improviachis losimproviachis.com
Impronol https://www.facebook.com/impronol/
Salsation Theatre Company salsation.org
Makeshift Up http://cpctbiz.fatcow.com/makeshift-up/
Crown Point Community Theatre http://cpct.biz
Tony Stanzas https://www.facebook.com/thetonystanzas/
41:10 - How to promote one's self as an artist.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

"Uncle Fun: You're The One" Update - Episode 177

Mon, 03 Apr 2017 08:00:00 +0000

00:43 - "Uncle Fun: You're The One" rough cut screening at: Chicago Filmmakers http://www.chicagofilmmakers.org Hosted by: Chicago Documentarians' Support Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/999351053460656/
01:38 - Set-up of event and "Cornucopias:" http://jamieskitchenblessings.blogspot.com/2008/11/cornucopia-treat.html
03:26 - Origin story of Uncle Fun documentary. http://unclefunchicago.com https://www.facebook.com/unclefunchicago
08:21 - Feedback.
14:04 - Adam Hines. http://projectonward.org/adam-hines/wppaspec/oc1/cv0/ab5/pt33
16:34 - Credits.
17:20 - Feedback to put more of ourselves in the film.
20:00 - Laura wants more of Jake in the documentary.
20:09 - Captain Ambivalent will be composing transitional music for the documentary! http://captainambivalent.com
22:30 - Anger and Uncle Fun.
24:02 - Ted interacting with drawer of babies.
28:21 - Romance at Uncle Fun.
29:18 - Trailer: https://youtu.be/xTEVzS-XSno

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Mariah Karson's Powerful Dad Joke - Episode 176

Mon, 27 Mar 2017 08:00:00 +0000

01:28 - Origin story of Modern David. http://www.moderndavid.com Firecat Projects. https://www.firecatprojects.org
03:12 - Mariah's show is sponsored by Doug Sohn, former owner of Hot Doug's! http://www.hotdougs.com
16:53 - When/Where is "Modern David" happening: Chicago Cultural Center 'The Subject is Chicago: People, Places, Possibilities' 4th Floor Exhibition Hall 78 E Washington St, Chicago. February 11 - April 9, 2017
David Meetup Saturday, February 25 10:30am - 11:30am Photos from Meetup by Ashley LeTorneau
The following Davids are included in the Cultural Center show:
Nelson, Nakamura, Orikoff, Valentine, Gebhart, Rustile, Robbins, Fink, Cady, King, Hammond, Quinlan, Yurgil, Krofta, Stephens, Burke, Matthews, Jordano, Barsotti, Arts, Sanchez, Skalski, Tolliver, Pertuz, Lane, Echeverry, Willhelm, Jude Greene, Bermingham, Tennenbaum.
Robert F. DeCaprio Gallery: Moraine Valley Community College. 9000 W College Pkwy. Palos Hills, IL. March 26 - April 25, 2017
Artist Reception Sunday, March 26 1-3pm , Artist talk at 1:15pm
21:58 - American Legion project. http://mariahkarson.com/index.php/americanlegion/project-overview/
30:27 - Salton Sea in California http://www.desertusa.com/salton/salton.html https://www.yelp.com/biz/salton-sea-mecca
33:38 - A documentary about Salton Sea. "Plagues & Pleasures on the Salton Sea" http://www.saltonseadoc.com
41:36 - Roller Derby.
46:18 - Shout out to David Fink!
48:08 - Mariah is especially looking for men of color, anyone interesting-looking, fun and willing to take their shirts off!
If your name is David and you're interested, contact her at: moderndavid.com
48:15 - Where can you find her book in July: http://mariahkarson.com
48:26 - July 28th party at Firecat: https/www.firecatprojects.org

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Freckles and Camp Grounded - Episode 175

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 08:00:00 +0000

00:45 - What is Camp Grounded and how did Freckles get involved with it? http://campgrounded.org
05:10 - Technology isn't bad; it's just that we don't use it intentionally.
13:58 - Getting off the bus/arriving at camp.
16:32 - WMD.
24:45 - Some of the camp guidelines.
26:21 - How you wake up at camp and camp activities.
34:43 - Awareness.
41:24 - Silent dinner.
51:53 - Artists in residence at the camp.

Visit http://campgrounded.org

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Ele Matelan, Josh Zagoren, Foley, Horror, and Wildclaw - Episode 174

Mon, 13 Mar 2017 08:00:00 +0000

01:38 - Origin story of Wildclaw Theatre. http://www.wildclawtheatre.com
08:08 - Live readings of B movies with Wildclaw.
12:17 - Blood Radio Podcast. http://www.wildclawtheatre.com/bloodradio-podcast/
15:25 - Deathscribe, Wildclaw's flagship show: http://www.wildclawtheatre.com/deathscribe/
20:35 - David "The Rock" Nelson. http://davidrocknelson.com/order-david-rock-nelson-monster-movies-on-dvd-2/ https://www.facebook.com/david.r.nelson.96
22:02 - Bad Ben. https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Ben-Nigel-Bach/dp/B01LXRMYSN
23:53 - Ele's favorite moments as a foley artist.
38:23 - Straight plays: "The Woman in Black" http://www.wildclawtheatre.com/shows-events/
43:14 - What scares Ele and Josh?
1:01:16 - What is universal and what is microcosmic in regards to conventions in horror.
1:08:00 - More about Deathscribe.
1:09:45 - What scares Laura and Jake?
1:12:03 - Promotion time:
The Woman in Black http://www.wildclawtheatre.com/shows-events/ https://www.facebook.com/events/251673188614124/
Submissions open for Deathscribe on May 1st: http://www.wildclawtheatre.com/deathscribe/
Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter https://www.facebook.com/WildClawTheatreCompany/ https://www.instagram.com/wildclawtheatre/ https://twitter.com/wildclawtheatre

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Megan Mackie and The Princess Peach Conspiracy - Episode 173

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 09:00:00 +0000

01:38 - The Princess Peach Conspiracy http://ppconspiracy.libsyn.com https://www.facebook.com/ppconspiracy/ @ppconspiracy
03:06 - Originally a stage show with New Millennium Theatre Company http://www.nmtchicago.org/portfolio/the-princess-peach-conspiracy/
06:58 - A clip from The Princess Peach Conspiracy podcast.
13:03 - A 6 minute podcast? On the short nature of Megan's podcast.
16:29 - Highlights and challenges of Princess Peach podcast.
20:51 - Other changes in play version of Princess Peach play.
25:55 - "Wolves of Chicago Book Club" with 20% Theatre Company http://www.twentypercentchicago.com/snapshots
28:32 - Megan's book "The Finder of the Lucky Devil"
32:35 - How does Megan write?
36:34 - Megan is working with The Women's Theatre Alliance for the fourth year in a row: http://www.wtachicago.org/index2.html https://www.facebook.com/WTAChicago/
37:49 - "Vilification of Aqua Woman"
39:24 - This year with WTA: her adaptation of Eros and Psyche
40:33 - New Play Development Workshop with The Women's Theatre Alliance: http://www.wtachicago.org/1536/3801.html

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Tim Barnes Makes With the Smart Funny - Episode 172

Mon, 27 Feb 2017 09:00:00 +0000

01:35 - How Tim's comedy career began in 2011.
09:42 - How do the comedy scenes between Chicago, New York and L.A. compare?
21:04 - Tim Barnes on Touch Vision. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TouchVision
23:54 - His experiences with "Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me." http://www.npr.org/programs/wait-wait-dont-tell-me/
26:44 - Tim Barnes' documentation of his testicles for Men's Health. http://www.menshealth.com/health/talk-about-your-balls
28:47 - Tim's favorite moments from podcasting. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/its-all-true!/id874288659?mt=2
33:00 - A love of editing? Sort of.
35:26 - Working with VICE https://www.vice.com/en_us

Twitter: @TimBarnes451
Website: https://timbarnescomedy.com/

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

David Zak, The Bailiwick, South Korea, Hammond, and Priscilla - Episode 171

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 09:00:00 +0000

01:34 - Origin story of Pride Films and Plays. http://pridefilmsandplays.com
06:25 - "Priscilla: Queen of the Desert." http://pridefilmsandplays.com/priscilla-queen-desert/
08:45 - "For the Love of Roller Derby." http://pridefilmsandplays.com/love-roller-derby-play-world-premiere/
18:19 - "Jerry Springer: The Opera." http://www.theatreinchicago.com/jerry-springer-the-opera/1256/
22:05 - How does David go about finding plays?
28:15 - Highlights of Bailiwick.
31:35 - David's experience teaching in Hammond.
38:27 - Pride Fest at Chandler in Vermont. http://www.pridecentervt.org/news/item/vermont-pride-theater-s-sixth-annual-summer-pride-festival

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Rachel Finan is Stripper Jesus & Corey Eno Ruffin is Trouble - Episode 170

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 14:46:32 +0000

02:03 - Stripper Jesus and how we found Super Happy Funtime Burlesque at Acorn Theater this past New Year's Eve. http://www.superhappyfuntimeburlesque.com http://www.acorntheater.com
04:40 - Genesis of the show.
12:46 - Rachel's plan of raising money to do 'real art' and her training.
16:01 - Corey's background, what he was doing before Super Happy Funtime Burlesque.
18:21 - Crashing at other people's houses and day jobs.
23:36 - Bangarang Circus: https://www.facebook.com/BangarangCircus/
26:52 - Connecting with other communities such as Ringling Bros. & Cirque du Soleil.
28:13 - Doing an over-the-top show in a conservative community.
36:05 - What would they like to promote?
Chicago May 21st at The Emporium Arcade Bar. http://emporiumchicago.com
http://www.superhappyfuntimeburlesque.com/
Give some money at Super Happy Funtime Burlesque's patreon: https://www.patreon.com/shfb
44:27 - Audience interaction after the show and being themselves onstage.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Barbara J. Wells: Playwright, librettist, lyricist, screenwriter, novelist, producer - Episode 169

Mon, 06 Feb 2017 09:00:00 +0000

http://barbarajwells.weebly.com

02:08 - How an ink pen & a leather briefcase inspired Barbara to know she was a writer.
07:10 - Barbara's writing in middle school and high school.
09:00 Meeting, and getting some advice from, Sam Cooke. http://www.abkco.com/index.php/artists/artist/16/Sam-Cooke
12:00 - A poem she wrote but was accused of plagiarizing.
26:28 - Barbara's writing in college.
30:30 - "Copycat Capers," three kids' plays that Barbara wrote.
37:43 - What Barbara is writing right now: "Rag Doll."
41:42 - Men and musicals.
49:05 - Stephen Schwartz http://stephenschwartz.com
55:07 - "Johnny, Don't Eat Your Sister."
1:00:47 - Barbara's modern dance involving pregnant women, dope dealers, miscarriage, etc.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Caryl Pohlmann is the 'Punk' Grandma - Episode 168

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 09:00:00 +0000

01:02 - How did grandma meet "punk grandpa?"
01:44 - Why Laura chose to call her play "Punk Grandpa."
03:22 - First date and Dating before punk grandpa.
05:47 - Grandpa in the service.
09:36 - Mammoth Cave story.
13:44 - Ladies at the bank.
16:49 - Grandpa and the saxophone.
26:43 - Dr. story.
29:01 - Stolen Rock story. Pic of rock now: https://www.facebook.com/areyoufamousyet/photos/pb.1019464621399109.-2207520000.1485742663./1418647911480776/?type=3&theater
30:28 - Role of big band jazz in grandma and grandpa's lives.
33:42 - "Punk Grandpa" is now available for licensing and perusal copies are available: http://www.chicagodramaworks.com/punk-grandpa.html
33:56 - Why grandma thinks you should see "Punk Grandpa."

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Mitch O'Connell Draws Everything Sexy - Episode 167

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 09:00:00 +0000

Our computer crashed during recording and the first 20 min of this episode has a lot of references to the lost part of the interview. I am very sorry about this as it does not make for an easy listen.

02:03 - Mitch O'Connell on Boing Boing. http://boingboing.net/?s=Mitch+O%27Connell
05:30 - The 12 Million Dollar Shark http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3717320-the-12-million-stuffed-shark
08:11 - Jim Shooter's extremely nice rejections.
09:00 - Mitch's training at School of the Art Institute and American Academy of Art. http://www.saic.edu http://www.aaart.edu
11:09 - Son of Svengoolie. http://svengoolie.com
14:25 - Mitch hawking his wares in New York at the age of 15 or 16.
"Females With Furry Things" - http://mitchoconnell.blogspot.com/2012/01/females-with-furry-things-top-100.html
"Pin the Mr. on the Man" - https://www.amazon.com/Pin-Mr-Man-Mitch-OConnell/dp/0811870812
33:04 - Fucked by Lady Luck.
Mitch O'Connell's Tattoos, Volume 2 - https://lastgasp.com/d/43072/mitch-oconnell-tattoos-volume-2
36:54 - Donald Trump as a guy from They Live. http://mitchoconnell.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-real-donald-trump-revealed-youll-be.html
39:10 - Goodies' illustration by Mitch O'Connell & Uncle Fun. http://traffic.libsyn.com/areyoufamousyet/goodies_mitch_Oconnell.jpg
45:51 - Black light posters! http://mitchoconnell.blogspot.com/2012/06/black-light-posters.html
52:19 - How does being a father affect Mitch as an artist?
55:16 - Promotion for Alex White, "Goodnight Brooklyn": https://www.facebook.com/events/1082355141874663/

Mitch O'Connell links:
http://www.mitchoconnell.com
http://mitchoconnell.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mitch.oconnell
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MitchOConnell
https://mitchoconnell.threadless.com/

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Richard Henzel plays Ronald Reagan and Mandolin - Episode 166

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 09:00:00 +0000

03:01 - How did Richard start acting?
14:29 - Acting with a bunch of coeds at Cedar Point.
19:08 - The Detroit producer.
24:24 - High school mentor James Thornton.
28:36 - New York.
35:28 - Left New York and went back to Cincinnati.
36:28 - Chicago and Shirley Hamilton.
41:00 - Nice time to play the mandolin.
47:50 - Richard's experience playing Ronald Reagan.
Promotions:
Richard will be playing Captain Shotover in "Heartbreak House" with ShawChicago http://shawchicago.org/heartbreak-house/
An upcoming podcast guest, musician Alex White of White Mystery, will be moderating this event as well as curating the post-show playlist: https://www.facebook.com/events/1082355141874663/
Schubas | Sat., Jan. 28 | 6:00 PM | ALL AGES | $10
Goodnight Brooklyn - The Story of Death by Audio: goodnightbrooklyn.com

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Laura Interviews Jake! Also: 2016 Art Retrospective - Episode 165

Mon, 09 Jan 2017 09:00:00 +0000

00:49 - Laura interviews Jake. She starts by asking Jake's feelings about this podcast's journey.
04:55 - Laura and Jake met in a theatre class taught by previous podcast guest, Dan Taube, listen to his episodes here:
http://areyoufamousyet.libsyn.com/ignorance-is-bliss-dan-taube-interview-part-1-episode-12a
http://areyoufamousyet.libsyn.com/thunder-road-dan-taube-interview-part-2-episode-12b
08:07 - Jake's favorite podcasts:
Harmontown http://www.harmontown.com/category/podcasts/
How Did This Get Made? http://www.earwolf.com/show/how-did-this-get-made/
Pete Holmes' podcast: "You Made It Weird" http://nerdist.com/podcasts/you-made-it-weird-channel/
13:50 - Should we change the name of our podcast?
16:23 - What first drew Jake to Dungeons and Dragons as a child and what made him return to it now. Link to John Frigo episode: http://areyoufamousyet.libsyn.com/john-frigo-and-sherri-mcglothlins-artistic-life-episode-40
23:19 - Jake's job as a software developer.
31:21 - Laura's year in review.
33:50 - "Punk Grandpa" is available for licensing and also has perusal copies out: http://www.chicagodramaworks.com/punk-grandpa.html
34:11 - Another first for Laura in 2016: Being commissioned.
34:28 - Listen to Three Brothers Theatre's Executive Director, Josh Beadle and Artistic Director, Caroline Beadle's episode: http://areyoufamousyet.libsyn.com/josh-and-caroline-beadle-and-3-brothers-theater-episode-163
38:31 - Laura's Uncle Fun documentary.
47:30 - Our wonderful New Year's Eve at The Acorn Theater, with co-owner & previous podcast guest, David Fink:
http://www.acorntheater.com
http://superhappyfuntimeburlesque.com
http://www.sidetrackchicago.com/outspokenchicago/
57:44 - Unlisted YouTube video of Laura and lizard person/Godzilla Trump act w/Jax Nippleson: https://youtu.be/GgDnCr7Cezc

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Rhonda Findley and David Gordin and Fun Rock'n and Pop City - Episode 164

Mon, 02 Jan 2017 09:00:00 +0000

Note: Recorded on video, for non-podcast reasons, 50min before their store opened -- References to visuals things and disturbances may distract.

00:48 - How did David Gordin meet Ted Frankel?
02:27 - David at the trade show in Vegas.
10:14 - What it's like for David to be with Ted in Las Vegas at the toy trade show twice a year.
13:31 - New old stock.
19:36 - How did Rhonda find David and Fun Rock'n?
24:01 - David's former booth at the flea market in New Orleans.
25:35 - Pop City
29:29 - This is all because of Ted and Steve.
33:48 - Ted and Bill's visit to New Orleans.
34:28 - Giving spirit of Ted Frankel.
37:26 - Promotion time:
Visit Fun Rock'n and Pop City in New Orleans! https://www.facebook.com/FunRockn.PopCity/ http://www.funrockn.com

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Josh and Caroline Beadle and 3 Brothers Theater - Episode 163

Mon, 26 Dec 2016 09:00:00 +0000

Recorded in a cold section of the basement wearing winter coats -- apologies for the background noises.
01:37 - Origin story of Three Brothers Theatre https://www.3brostheatre.com
05:30 - First show Josh directed.
09:31 - When did Caroline and Josh become involved as part of the artistic endeavor of Three Brothers Theatre?
13:29 - Surprisingly low cost rental agreements.
17:29 - Jazz Wave: https://www.facebook.com/Jazz-Wave-Big-Band-230269417017348/
18:30 - What is it like to be a husband-wife team?
29:57 - How Three Brothers Theatre incorporates a mixture of new and older plays into season.
36:39 - 2017 season of Three Brothers.
38:40 - Santa vs. Krampus. https://www.3brostheatre.com/santa-vs.-krampus.html
41:47 - Dreams and goals for Three Brothers.
44:32 - Laura's Lady Macbeth commission.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Rev. David Holcombe Returns with More Films - Episode 162

Mon, 19 Dec 2016 09:00:00 +0000

02:27 - Happy to have returning podcast guest: Rev. David Holcombe. http://daholcombe.com
03:32 - "Breaking," David's most recent film. http://daholcombe.com/films-and-other-projects/
12:36 - David's film, Pilgrim. http://www.softcagefilms.com/single-post/2015/11/24/PILGRIM-Premiere-FRAME-BY-FRAME
16:00 - Guerilla style.
40:30 - Third piece of anthology.
45:49 - Run Rainbow. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5194892/?ref_=nm_flmg_edt_1
51:43 - Bryn talks about an author's view of writing "The Arrival" that he read at: http://thetalkhouse.com/how-i-wrote-arrival/
56:02 - More about Run Rainbow.
1:01:54 - Getting funding for your art project.
Click this link to see the selfie. https://www.facebook.com/areyoufamousyet/photos/pb.1019464621399109.-2207520000.1482079690./1372801252732109/?type=3&theater

Other links from David: www.vimeo.com/daholcombe/breakingtrailer www.vimeo.com/daholcombe/pilgrimtrailer http://www.softcagefilms.com/

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Dan Rybicky and 10 Years of Almost There - Episode 161

Mon, 12 Dec 2016 09:00:00 +0000

02:42 - What it was like to win the Audience Award for "Almost There" in South Korea. https://www.kartemquin.com/films/almost-there
08:57 - Jake and Laura are on their third year of making their documentary.
09:48 - How did the team go about putting "Almost There" out into the world?
17:46 - Screening of "Almost There" at Pierogi Fest. http://www.pierogifest.net
23:23 - Troubling/messy correspondence and boundaries.
26:07 - "Stevie." https://www.kartemquin.com/films/stevie
28:18 - How Dan decided to be a filmmaker. Ordinary People http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081283/ Grey Gardens http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073076/ Hoop Dreams http://www.kartemquin.com/films/Hoop-dreams Roger and Me http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098213/ American Movie http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0181288/
32:09 - How did Dan end up working with Martin Scorsese?
37:18 - Coming to Chicago and why Dan prefers documentaries.
42:02 - "The Spanish Prisoner" and working with John Sayles. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120176/
46:30 - Karen Kusama. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0476201/
47:28 - Sarah Green. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0338320/
51:20 - Kickstarter experience for "Almost There." https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/almostthereproject/almost-there-a-coming-of-old-age-story
55:29 - VHX https://www.vhx.tv
1:00:27 - Getting an interview they'd been trying to get for three years.
1:01:29 - Promotion time: You can find "Almost There" on Hulu and on DVD. http://www.hulu.com/watch/898404 https://www.kartemquin.com/products/k1602/almost-there-special-edition-pre-order-dvd

Intro and Outro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet? (Remix)." Written By: B. Packard and L. Scruggs. Performed By: B. Packard, N. Reyna, J. Scruggs, L. Scruggs.

Madelyn Sergel Knows the Many Sides of Production - Episode 160

Mon, 05 Dec 2016 09:00:00 +0000

01:52 - How did Madelyn come to be the Founding Artistic Director of Clockwise Theater?
22:08 - Three Brothers Theatre is doing great work. https://www.3brostheatre.com
24:50 - Re-run theatre.
26:42 - Totally Okay, Right Now. https://www.youthplays.com/play_details.php?play_id=359
31:49 - What is Madelyn's favorite aspect of theatre?
34:45 - Does Madelyn recommend that playwrights direct their own plays?
43:35 - What is Madelyn working on right now?
48:57 - What would Madelyn like to promote? http://www.madelynsergel.com
51:15 - Madelyn asks Laura what she would like to promote: Her short play, Bossy, will be produced by Unity Players next year http://www.unitylutheranchicago.org/unity-players.html Commission by Three Brothers about Lady Macbeth, will be performed next year https://www.3brostheatre.com Documentary about Uncle Fun, out by the end of the year https://www.facebook.com/unclefunchicago/
52:26 - Great things about Three Brothers! https://www.3brostheatre.com

Intro and Outro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet? (Remix)." Written By: B. Packard and L. Scruggs. Performed By: B. Packard, N. Reyna, J. Scruggs, L. Scruggs.

Corky Siegel Plays Chamber and Symphonic Blues - Episode 159

Mon, 28 Nov 2016 09:00:00 +0000

03:00 - A Fat Line and A Skinny Line Walk into a Barcode: Scandalous! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10209832197535377&set=a.1723908211284.94755.1045724355&type=3&theater
05:37 - How Corky has combined blues and classical music and brought people together.
12:40 - When Corky met Seiji Ozawa.
14:48 - One of Corky's favorite stories.
20:36 - Corky's first commission.
22:31 - Chamber music is super square, right?
31:15 - How Corky makes his living.
36:25 - Corky co-wrote the musical guidebook "Let Your Music Soar, the Emotional Connection" with Peter Krammer. https://www.amazon.com/Let-Your-Music-Soar-Connection/dp/9077256261
46:14 - Corky's fourth Chamber Blues album. http://www.hatchfund.org/project/corky_siegels_chamber_blues_is_it_blues_or_is_it_classical_yes
55:34 - Corky performs a 'couple of licks' on his harmonica.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Don Hall Directs All the Events - Episode 158

Mon, 21 Nov 2016 09:00:00 +0000

01:24 - Don is The Director of Events for Chicago Public Media. https://chicagopublicmedia.org/
12:12 - Keep the bathrooms nice.
13:41 - Don's teaching days, busking and how he left his mother's house in Wichita.
19:13 - Gun story.
26:35 - Co-host of The Moth for five years. https://www.themoth.org/
34:00 - First story Don Hall told at The Moth.
35:18 - Don is happy now in his marriage to Dana Jerman: http://www.blastfortune.com/
42:15 - Don toured with Harry Connick, Jr. https://www.harryconnickjr.com/
42:47 - Jazz trio with jazz standards and stories at Haymarket. http://www.haymarketbrewing.com/
43:00 - Identity Flip at Steppenwolf. https://www.steppenwolf.org/
45:06 - Don's blog: www.literateape.com
http://www.donhallchicago.com/

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Bryn, Nilsa, Laura, and Jake - Episode 157

Mon, 14 Nov 2016 09:00:00 +0000

01:55 - Uncle Fun documentary first viewing party.
10:36 - Nilsa's furious writing and working pace.
30:24 - Our new business cards (https://youtu.be/qWDcIL6r2_s) and what Bryn the Golden Boy has been doing.
38:17 - Bryn's student film from years past could get picked up as a pilot. Will he be the next "the Todd"?
46:50 - Bryn can give it to you.
52:53 - Promotion time
56:04 - Nilsa's reactions to Bryn's video of pushing about 800 pounds https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbryn.packard%2Fvideos%2F10210936770232137%2F&show_text=0&width=400

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

What has Laura Force Scruggs been doing this Year? - Episode 156

Mon, 07 Nov 2016 09:00:00 +0000

05:03 - New York. http://www.horsetrade.info/event/231ddf10cc1f53a8aa0735a974eca4b4 http://www.horsetrade.info/frigid-festival-df84
05:45 - Budget breakdown/money spent in New York.
07:05 - Air b and b situation and then back to the money.
11:05 - How did Laura promote "Punk Grandpa?" https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DWP7B5abmCxN245aU85kf4zsokTaq3Y
12:54 - Bernardo Cubria's podcast, episode 124: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/off-on-new-york-theatre-podcast/id495866786?mt=2
13:06 - Radio Free Brooklyn: https://www.mixcloud.com/RadioFreeBrooklyn/frigid-ny-festival-sunday-brunch-on-radio-free-brooklyn-2282016-partial/
13:47 - How did the show go? Well. Theres the "Hang-over Award" and the "Sold-Out Award"
14:35 - Reviews of "Punk Grandpa" and quotes from said reviews.
http://www.theasy.com/Reviews/2016/P/punkgrandpa.php
http://nytheaternow.com/Content/Article/2016-3-1-punk-grandpa
http://culturecatch.com/theater/frigid-new-york-festival-2016
http://www.myentertainmentworld.ca/2016/02/frigid-festival-2016-ii/
http://www.theaterinthenow.com/2016/02/review-grandpa-me-and-ensemble.html
16:03 - If we had looked at this as a money-making affair.... Also, how the hang-over performance works.
17:31 - Rehearsal spaces in New York.
18:20 - We hired choreographer Rori Nogee and absolutely loved her: http://www.rorinogee.net http://areyoufamousyet.libsyn.com/rori-nogee-will-get-back-to-broadway-episode-121
19:24 - Experience of paying people.
20:22 - Ken Coughlin did a fantastic job of playing my grandpa. http://areyoufamousyet.libsyn.com/ken-coughlin-musician-actor-punk-grandpa-episode-122 https://outerstage.wordpress.com/2016/08/06/a-minute-with-ken-coughlin-cause-thats-all-he-had/
20:43 - How did Laura feel about the actress who played her in "Punk Grandpa?" http://www.beckychong.com
22:18 - Projector issues, the techs never got a proper tech rehearsal, and why we are done self producing at least for now.
26:26 - Chicago Dramaworks is publishing "Punk Grandpa!" http://www.chicagodramaworks.com
27:21 - "Punk Grandpa" was produced as part of Three Brother's Theatre's season: https://www.3brostheatre.com/punk-grandpa.html http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/lifestyles/ct-lns-punk-grandpa-st-0226-20160224-story.html
28:29 - Laura's commission with Three Brothers about Lady Macbeth.
30:20 - Laura is working on a documentary about Uncle Fun, that will be out by the end of this year. https://www.facebook.com/Punk-Grandpa-454768321352477/
34:02 - Listen to Uncle Fun/Ted Frankel and Steve Presser episodes here:
http://areyoufamousyet.libsyn.com/uncle-fun-the-man-behind-the-store-episode-101 & http://areyoufamousyet.libsyn.com/steve-presser-merchant-of-happiness-episode-66
35:18 - Other stores inspired by Uncle Fun:
Big Fun
http://www.bigfuntoystore.com
Toy Joy
http://www.toyjoy.com
Fun Rock'n
https://www.facebook.com/FunRockn.PopCity/
Similar concept store (Uncle Fun carried many of their items):
Archie McPhee
https://mcphee.com
36:00 - More about New York and how did Laura deal with her husband's month long absence?
42:52 - "Punk Grandpa" Video Diaries: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2DWP7B5abmCxN245aU85kf4zsokTaq3Y
43:10 - Another highlight of New York with Medicine Show Theatre: http://www.medicineshowtheatre.org & Brooklyn Superhero Supply Store: https://www.superherosupplies.com
45:36 - Diverse casting of "Punk Grandpa" at FRIGID New York.

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers

Mare Swallow's Life Adaptation - Episode 155

Mon, 31 Oct 2016 08:00:00 +0000

01:35 - When did Mare know that she was a writer?
05:21 - Origin story of Chicago Writers Conference. http://www.chicagowritersconference.org
22:28 - How does Mare promote herself? The "Chicago Writers Conference newsletter" sign up here: http://www.chicagowritersconference.org
23:59 - Ok Go donated music for the Chicago Writers Conference Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/chiwritersconf/make-the-chicago-writers-conference-a-reality
31:48 - How did Mare start performing in the Live Lit scene in Chicago?
33:21 - Mare's reading at Tuesday Funk about celebrity crushes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsw2GEhtKW4
36:59 - Mare's book: 21 Ways to Engage an Audience https://www.amazon.com/21-Ways-Engage-Your-Audience-ebook/dp/B005OZJ9E4/
41:12 - Mare's previous Etiquette Bitch and Chicago Publishes podcasts.
44:43 - What is Mare reading right now?
48:45 - Promotions: Building Your Literacy Community at Off Campus Writers' Workshop in Winnetka - March 9th https://ocwwinfo7333.wildapricot.org/event-2360049 Writers Institute in Madison, Wisconsin - March 24th - 26th https://uwwritersinstitute.wisc.edu/speakers/mare-swallow/ Chicago Writers Conference http://www.chicagowritersconference.org

Intro Music: "Are You Famous, Yet?" - Laura Scruggs. Outro Music: "The Devil Is In The Beats" - The Chemical Brothers