Improv Nerd With Jimmy Carrane

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Paul Grondy Aug 02, 2014

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Paul Grondy has been improvising for over 20 years and has been a beloved teacher and a member of the iO Road Show, Frank Booth, and Carl and the Passions. On the eve of iO’s relocation from of its historic Clark Street location, Jimmy and Paul reminisced about iO in the '90s, confronted each other on perceptions of their relationship, revealed some regrets and wisdom about their careers. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

George Wendt Jul 28, 2014

Show notes

George Wendt is best known as Norm Peterson from the hit sitcom "Cheers" and for his stint as a Super Fan on SNL. In this episode, Jimmy talks to George about being fired from The Second City's Mainstage and then earning it back, his relationships with improv legends like Del Close and his apprehension about improvising. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Mike Kosinski Jul 21, 2014

Show notes

Mike Kosinski has written and performed in three revues at Second City and is currently in the cast of "Depraved New World" on The Main Stage. He and Jimmy sat down and talked about his unique path to Main Stage, auditioning for SNL twice, and what makes comedy the perfect platform to explore what makes us uncomfortable.

Caitlin & Alex from The Upstairs Gallery Jul 09, 2014

Show notes

Alex Honnet and Caitlin Stephan are two of the founders of The Upstairs Gallery, on of Chicago's hottest indie improv venues. In this episode, Jimmy talks to them about what it takes to start your own improv theater, how to make it popular, and how not making a team at io turned into a good thing. Enjoy!

Beth Stelling Jun 23, 2014

Show notes

Beth Stelling is a stand-up who has appeared on Conan, @midnight and Chelsey Lately. In this episode, recorded at the Chicago Women's Funny Festival, she talks with Jimmy about how she started doing open mikes, how taking improv classes at The Annoyance Theater helped her stand-up, and her thoughts on women in comedy. Enjoy!

Jeff Hoover Jun 19, 2014

Show notes

Jeff Hoover is the executive producer of the WGN TV Morning News in Chicago, a show known for its hilarious bits and constant joking around. In this episode, Jimmy talks to Jeff about his improv training at Second City, his love of impressions, and his years working in morning radio. Jeff also takes the plunge into improvising again after not having done it in 20 years. Take a listen!

Nnamdi Ngwe Jun 07, 2014

Show notes

Jimmy sits down with Nnamdi Ngwe live from Stage 773. Nnamdi has performed all over Chicago at the Annoyance, and the iO Theatre.

Candy Lawrence May 26, 2014

Show notes

Candy Lawrence is a rising star in the Chicago comedy scene, having opened for such comedians as Maria Bamford, Todd Barry, Judah Friedlander, and Kurt Braunohler and twice performing at the TBS Just For Laughs festival. In this episode, Candy discusses how she turns pain into comedy, her sketch group with Lauren Lapkus and where she finds her quirky stage energy. Please enjoy!

Kevin Mullaney May 19, 2014

Show notes

Kevin Mullaney is a well loved improviser and improv teacher in Chicago who previously served as the Artistic Director of the UCB in New York and ran its training center. Kevin discusses playing the game of the scene, the excitement of being with the UCB at the very beginning and taking the first class that Matt Besser ever taught. This episode is like an improv class unto itself. Don't miss it!

Jimmy Carrane May 12, 2014

Show notes

This is the episode of Improv Nerd you've been demanding! Improv legend Susan Messing turns the tables and interviews Jimmy Carrane. Susan pulls no punches and asks Jimmy about his aggressive interview style, the roadblocks to his own happiness, and what the deal is with his Facebook page. Listen in as Susan gets inside the complicated mind of Jimmy Carrane like only she can. Thanks for listening!

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