Achilles' Heel with Alex Hooper

Latest Episodes:

Letting Down Walls with Lisa Curry Sep 06, 2021

Show notes

Breaking barriers has never been more fun!

Someone call border patrol because this comedy queen is guarded. Lisa Curry (The Jim Jeffries Show) has been protecting herself from getting hurt, but at what cost? We break down the emotional cost of vulnerability, eating at a brothel in Dubai, and why sometimes you have to yell at your boss to get what you need.

Lisa is a fantastic comedian and writer. Check out her album "Alive For A While" recorded live in London n 2019. She also has a podcast "Long Story Long."

Follow Lisa: @olympianlisacurry

Lisa-curry.squarespace.com

Expectations of Myself with Mateen Stewart Aug 30, 2021

Show notes

"It seems like the doors that are slamming in your face are getting bigger. Bigger doors are easier to go through." -Mateen's Mom

From theatre kids to officiating weddings, Mateen Stewart (HBO, TruTV) and I learn that we have way more in common than we realized. We chat about winning the once prestigious Bill Cosby Scholarship, the trials and tribulations of navigating the entertainment business, and how life is cyclical when it comes to loved ones.

Mateen has some very exciting things in the works so make sure you follow him and go out and catch a show when he visits your city.

Follow Mateen: @mateenstewart

Self-Absorbed with Megan Gailey Aug 23, 2021

Show notes

"Isn't going on a podcast already the most self-absorbed thing you can do?"- My fiancé

Comedian Megan Gailey (HBO, The Tonight Show) joins me to discuss her favorite topic: herself! While navigating the labyrinth of this topic we also talk about spending your first year of marriage shoved together thanks to the pandemic, aggro-feminimity (a term she teaches me), and how volunteering in a hospice will completely change your perspective about how we treat our elders.

Megan is skyrocketing toward being an elite comedian. With a ton of her credits already under her belt, make sure you jump on board this plane before it takes off for good and never looks back.

Follow Megan: @bettermegangailey)

www.megangailey.com

Validation with Jonny Loquasto Aug 16, 2021

Show notes

Cars deserve validation. Don't you?

Comedian and Commentator Jonny Loquasto landed his dream job...why is it so difficult to feel good about it? We also discuss the importance of creating your own opportunities, the need for finding health after growing up fat, and the beauty of embracing the uncertainty of everything.

Jonny is worth your time and validation. Go watch his special, Physical Therapy, and then immediately tell him how wonderful he is.

Follow Jonny: @jquasto

Jlocomedy.com

Self-Worth with Jamal Coleman Aug 09, 2021

Show notes

What's it like to be involved in a drive-by at 8 years old?

Just another day for my amazing guest. Rapper/Comedian Jamal Coleman is no stranger to danger as he recants tales of growing up in South LA. In a place where life can be hard to value, how do you find worthiness in yourself? We also discuss the benefits of teaching hip hop, relocating to the Pacific Northwest, and we go fathoms deep on meditation, motivation, and consciousness.

Jamal is as talented as he is funny and kind. Check out his soundcloud and follow him on instagram to stay up to date on everything he's doing.

Follow Jamal: @jamalcolemancomedy

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/colemanjamal

Vaping with Anna Valenzuela Aug 02, 2021

Show notes

Sometimes we live with our heads in the clouds...that happens to taste like a caramel apple.

Statutory Vape and stories galore! Comedian Anna Valenzuela (Comedy Central's Roast Battle, 12 Questions Pod) puffs on some "Keep It 100 Blue Slushie" as we figure out why she can't quit sucking on an E-Cig, even after quitting a plethora of other substances. We also discuss why 13 is too young to start doing acid, how to cope in an abusive household, and the crazy shit that happens when you work at a treatment center.

Anna is a wonderful comedian and podcaster. Check her out in every way you can.

Asking for Help with Grant Lyon Jul 26, 2021

Show notes

Sometimes its easier to get eaten by a bear than to admit you need assistance.

We often mistake asking for help with a lack of independence. Comedian Grant Lyon (New Album: Scheduled Fun Time) can directly relate his hesitance to being raised as a Christian Scientist. We discuss the shame of needing medicine as a child, breaking away from religion without exiling your family, how asking is not a sign of weakness, and why when someone says you don't need to wear a condom, YOU DEFINITELY NEED TO WEAR A CONDOM.

Grant is a stellar human, hilarious comic, and also a super fun board game creator. Listen to his new album and go buy Curmudgeon the Game, both available at his website.

Follow Grant: @grantlyon1

www.grantlyon.com

Procrastinating with Crystal Marie Denha Jul 19, 2021

Show notes

Stop delaying the inevitable, you filthy procrastinator!

Putting it off is simply off-putting. Comedian Crystal Marie Denha gives me a lesson in Aramaic as she enlightens me with her life as a Detroit born, Iraqi woman. We discuss the fear of success vs failure, empowering women who have more traditional roles, favorite distractions, and why every man should come in the first minute of sex.

Crystal is a wonderful comic and TV host so go see her immediately.

Follow Crystal: @iamcrystalmarie

www.crystalmariedenha.com

Habits with Joe Carl Abousakher Jul 12, 2021

Show notes

Call me 1993 Whoopi Goldberg cuz today we are getting back in the habit!

Some are good. Some are bad. Some are just plain disgusting. Comedian and tennis club leader Joe Carl Abousakher is here to talk about patterns. Falling into them, breaking them, and how to harness their powers for personal benefits. We also discuss how stepdads are the real heroes, growing up as a Palestinian in rural Tennessee, bowl cuts vs rat tails, and why mindfulness is truly the key to happiness.

Joe is a hilarious stand up comedian and a mediocre tennis player. Go see him in the clubs and on the courts.

Follow Joe: @herewithjoecarl

www.herewithjoecarl.com

Assertiveness with Paige Wesley Jul 05, 2021

Show notes

Ask and ye shall receive.

There's a fine line between aggression and assertiveness and it must be walked carefully. Paige Wesley (Cult Podcast) has many reasons to convey confidence, but being in the entertainment industry will make anyone question if they truly have what it takes to survive. Through a litany of personal rejections, we cover what its like to be told you're not good enough, the power of cultivating your own crowd, the troubles of auto-immune diseases, and how sometimes Batman can be a real fucking asshole.

Paige is a brilliant comic, writer, and podcaster. She deserves all the attention you're about to give her.

Follow Paige: @rampaigewesley

www.paigewesley.com