We talked to improviser and instructor, Jamie Rivera! Jason and Jamie met at the Magnet Theater where Jamie is an instructor. He's also a performer on one of the theater's flagship shows, The Armando Diaz Experience (aka ADX). Jamie tells Jason about how he got into improv, what he learned performing on a cruise ship, and how that experience impacted him. The two also talk about the importance of not getting so worked up about things at the top of an improv scene you're in and how they work through some of the challenges of instructing an improv class. It's a funny and informative chat!

For more on classes and shows at the Magnet: https://magnettheater.com 

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No. 394 - Improv Instructrion with Jamie Rivera

We talked to award-winning comedian, Tom Hearn! Tom Hearn is an award-winning sketch comedian, actor, drag performer and director living in New York City. Tom shares his journey from growing up in New Brunswick, Canada, to tearing up comedy stages across North America. Tom shares how his love for theater started early and how joining an improv team in high school opened the door to a lifelong passion for comedy. Tom talks about auditioning for musical theater, performing at Bad Dog and Second City, and creating sketch shows. We talk about the power of character work, the differences between performing on stage and on camera, the real challenges of touring and promoting live shows, and his new comedy album, "Gay Garbage." It’s a thoughtful, funny, and inspiring look at the life of a multi-talented performer.

www.isthattomhearn.com

YouTube: @TomHearn, @ThereItIs
TikTok: @isthattomhearn4real, @jasonfarrtoks
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No. 395 - Tom Hearn on Characters, TikToks, and More

In this episode, the "Of the Show Gang" talk Summer Movies and celebrate Jaws and Back to the Future! Wife of the Show, Justina, Brother of the Show, Trey, and Best Friend of the Show, Rob, join Jason to talk all that POP about the anniversaries of Jaws and Back to the Future, the big movies of the Summer so far, make predictions on what will be this Summer's big movie, and discuss the New York Times' list of the Best Movies of the 21st Century. It's a fun chat for all you film buffs out there!

The NYT's list: www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/movies/best-movies-21st-century.html

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Pop Talk- Summer Movies 2: Jaws and BttF (No. 396)

Improvisers (and friends of the show) Greg Tavares and Amber Nash have written a book called "Improv for Couples." It written to help couples spark or rekindle their sense of play. Jason and "Wife of the Show," Justina, take you through the first lesson in the book to give you a feel for it. It's a simple, fun chat about the bits and silly gags they've done to make each other laugh throughout their relationship. It's a nice trip down memory lane and gives a good idea of how the book can help you and your partner laugh together.

Buy Improv for Couples: https://a.co/d/haWrPx8


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No. 397 - Improv for Couples

We talk to comedian and video creator, Willy Appelman, about his work and his show, 'A Gaggle!' We had a great chat with comedian and creator Willy who delves into his journey through the world of improv, starting from his early days at Second City and Magnet Theater, to making viral TikTok videos and producing sketch comedy for Business Insider and Fast Company. He shares insights into his methodologies, the importance of physicality in performances, and the significance of community and collaboration. Willy also talks about balancing a creative career and family life in Vermont and how family has impacted his comedy like his one-person show 'A Gaggle!'

Tickets for 'A Gaggle' - Thursday, 7/24: asylumnyc.com/the-conductor

TikTok: @Appelman, @JasonFarrToks
YouTube: @AcceptAllCookiesComedy
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No. 398 - Willy Appelman on Physicality in Comedy

We talk to our dear friend, Hailey McAfee, a writer, director, and actor in Los Angeles! In this episode, actor, director, and writer Hailey McAfee joins the show to discuss her career in theater. Hailey shares her journey from studying theater, to moving to NYC, to getting into New York's improv scene. Jason also talks to her about her recent success with a modern re-imagining of 'Mother Courage and Her Children,' her experiences with dramatic and comedic roles, the challenges of live performances, solo shows, and the creative process behind devising new plays through dramatic improv. It's an engaging and fun chat between pals that delves into the complexities and joys of the performing arts.

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No. 399 - Solo Shows with Hailey McAfee

In this special 400th episode, Brother of the Show, Trey takes over as host to interview Jason Farr! They discuss Jason's early life that led to him wanting to be an actor, how he was first exposed to the stage, performing comedy when he was in elementary school, and what he learned in the Theater and Mass Communications department at Winthrop University. Jason shares insights about his time working in radio, his transition to acting and then stand-up comedy, and his formal introduction to improv through Alchemy Comedy. He also talks about moving to New York, joining and teaching at the Magnet Theater, and meeting Wife of the show, Justina, through improv. The episode concludes with reflections on the podcast's milestones and hopes for the future, including potential high-profile guests and continuing to grow the 'There It Is' community.

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Our 400th Episode!

In this mini episode, Jason talks about how truth is utilized in comedy, namely in improv. Truth in Comedy is one of the main principles in improv, but the idea of using or telling the truth is not only familiar to improv. The truth, what we all know is real or what we know to be happening is something you have to get right for comedy to land. Jason mostly discusses improv, but he also talks about how using the truth can play out in various forms of comedy like stand-up and even late night TV. He also discusses how using your truth can be helpful in your work.

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Mini Episode No. 28 - Truth in Comedy

In this mini episode, Jason shares practical steps on how to build a comedy community, whether in a town with no existing scene or an established one. Jason emphasizes identifying what the community lacks, understanding your own style, the importance of getting people involved, and establishing trust within the community. The episode also honors the late Frank Spitznagel, a pillar in the musical improv community, as an example of successful community building. 

Source material: www.cmxhub.com/blog/build-a-thriving-community-from-scratch

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Mini Episode No. 29 - Building a Comedy Community

In this mini ep, Jason addresses the concept of separating art from the artist when the latter faces allegations of misconduct. Jason explores how people often respond by either dismissing or defending the artist based on their work and provides insights into the complexity of continuing to enjoy art when its creator's actions are known. He suggests a thoughtful, principled approach to how you engage with work from problematic figures. He also discusses the responsibility we as artists have. Let's have a thoughtful discourse.

Some articles to consider reading:

The Complex Politics of Separating the Art from the Artist:
theaggie.org/2024/02/27/the-complex-politics-of-separating-art-from-the-artist/

The False Comfort of Separating the Art from the Artist:
https://www.thegazelle.org/issue/262/the-false-comfort-of-separating-the-art-from-the-artist

Interview with "Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma" author Claire Dederer:
https://www.gq.com/story/claire-dederer-monsters-interview

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Mini Episode No. 30 - Can You Separate the Art from the Artist?

The "There It Is" podcast is for comedy fans as well as comedy creators. Here you can get into the minds of the comedians we admire. Listen in as host Jason Farr picks the brains of some comedy greats! 
There It Is also has a comedy lifestyle newsletter devoted to helping you find your inspiration on and off stage! Find more at ThereItIsPod.com!

New tracks tagged #There It Is Pod