I interview a few cool people on the pod, such as John Marmysz and Michael Taillard, and sometimes they have a few surprises. Probably the coolest I've interviewed has been my guest on this episode of The Madness Continues - Chanel Preston!

As well as working in adult entertainment, Chanel Preston is co-host of the very interesting and engaging Sex Think podcast along with her co-host Rob Nelson (available on iTunes: goo.gl/5Uxaaz and Stitcher: goo.gl/r8jkLi).

Chanel occupies a very unique social position at the intersection between sexuality, media, and our changing social perception of sex. I discover in this episode that working in the adult industry gives Chanel a unique perspective on all sides of the #metoo issue.

Again, I'd like to apologize for my audio in this episode - she sounds great over the phone and I sound like a total stooge. Bear with it, what she has to say is worth it!

Do yourself a favor and check out SexThink!

Find Chanel on Twitter: goo.gl/XNUemb @chanelpreston
Find SexThink: goo.gl/1Jsmwy @sexthinkshow
Chanel's Website: www.chanelpreston.com

Check me out on YouTube at goo.gl/DU5oxs
Follow me on Twitter at goo.gl/Yo8BvN
Find me on Quora at goo.gl/im4NDG

admin's Album

2-6 Chanel Preston - Remember There Are Normal People Out There

I talk with the lovely and hilarious Silvia Saige. It's amazing how hard this woman hustles.

We chat about porn, comedy, balancing something you love with a profession, and why I can't get cast in any adult films.

Check out Silvia's podcast here: http://sexualdisorientation.com/
Check out Silvia's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUSyt8vLuzJVP4Rl0AEE_IA

Find her on all social media @SilviaSaige

8 - 20 Silvia Saige, What Would You Do For Comedy?

For the better part of two weeks Chris Trani and I shared a bed in Edinburgh, Scotland. It would've been sexy except for the fact that we were both completely exhausted from comedy during the Fringe and we were sharing the room with Dylan Scott and somtimes St James or even Josh Otusanya.

Chris Trani is one of my best buddies in Chicago comedy - he's one of the first people I really respected and looked up to for his work ethic and skill. He's produced documentaries, lived in other countries, and performs stand-up in both English and Spanish.

He performs all over the city and works the road as well as holds down shows at The House of Blues and Finley Dunnes. The guy's a workaholic.

Strangely we veer off into talking about politics which is nuts because we've never done it before and I hadn't intended to talk with him about it at all. I'll have to have him back soon.

Chris Trani 10 - 29

One of the first times I remember laughing so hard I was crying in Chicago comedy was watching Jeff Arcuri. It was at the now-closed Five Star Comedy at the Four Star Lounge. The guy's a talent - I laughed so much in this episode I probably ruined this recording.

Check out Jeff on Colbert: https://youtu.be/YbiJgpr74F8
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeffarcurious
The man himself on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jarcuri

4 - 9 Jeff Arcuri

Nick Ogle has always been one of the funnest comedians to watch in Chicago. He wins over audiences with his huge smile, and grinds shows all over the city. He's a member of The Young Hustle Crew.

Forgive the talk about a porn festival I went to at the the start. Actually, don't forgive it, get into it, it's cool.

Nick and I talk about all kinds of things, including him in comedy, the sketches he does with his buddy Skyler Higley, getting a Just For Laughs audition, law school, and North Carolina.

Check out Problemagic: http://bit.ly/2Umheb4
Follow Nick on Twitter: http://bit.ly/2XcbClu

4 - 8 Nickolas Ogle

I talk with Chicago darling Tucker Brookshire. He's able to create a kind of levity that I'm envious of.

Follow him on twitter: https://twitter.com/tuckbrookshire
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tuckerbrookshire/
Check out Untucked: https://youtu.be/ops0zB_q7gQ

4 - 22 Tucker Brookshire

Headed to New York recently and caught up with my friend William Beteet and co-host of the upcoming SiriusXM show they have together, Keren Margolis.

We have a chat about comedy, about hustle, about all kinds of things.

Check them out.
Bill:
https://twitter.com/billbetweet
https://www.instagram.com/billbeteet
Bill's great podcast: https://soundcloud.com/user-50844001

Keren
https://twitter.com/kerenkardashian
https://www.instagram.com/kerenmargolis

5 - 13 Bill & Keren

I talk with the very talented and hilarious Shannon Noll about comedy and their amazing show Just Call Me Ripley, which they wrote, directed, and starred in.

Shannon's been an amazing talent since I met them, and they continue to impress at every turn.

Check the show out on Open Television or https://www.justcallmeripley.com/

6 - 28 Shannon Noll

Today on The Madness Continues, we talk to the business-minded comedian Ron Tite. Founder of Church+State, he cut his teeth in the world of comedy and advertising before moving more thoroughly into the world of marketing.

He and I are of one mind about "marketers" - they're pretty eye-roll-y. He has an authentic, grounded, no-BS approach to branding and I dig it.

We get into the details about his philosophy from his book, Think Do Say. It's available TODAY! Check it out here: https://amzn.to/2VvJJp2

Also, I'M RELEASING A BOOK! Sign up for the early-release & discount list here: http://bit.ly/2p4uFCo

Cold Call Like A Comedian, currently available on Amazon: amzn.to/36dI8ZQ

10 - 8 Ron Tite, Think Do Say

An unofficial theme for this podcast from the beginning has been men and women and the #metoo movement.

I saw Judith Taylor, professor of sociology and women & gender studies talking about Incels (involuntary celibates)on the CBC after the tragic events in Toronto (https://youtu.be/wEeLSTOZA2Q). She displayed a level of understanding and compassion for men in this community in a way that I've never seen in mainstream media.

I looked her up and forwarded an email, and she responded!

We talk through a bunch of issues with boys and girls, men and women, incels, why people turn to violence, and how as a culture and community we can prevent it.

We also have a couple of laughs too!

Also, check out my book, Cold Call Like A Comedian, currently available on Amazon: amzn.to/36dI8ZQ

10 - 14 Judith Taylor - Friends, Incels, Countrymen, gather your fears

Rocco Siffredi is perhaps *the* most prolific male pornstar. He's transcended the world of porn, particularly in Europe, and is a genuine celebrity.

Outside of his career, he's mostly a normal guy, a family man with a wife of 25 years and two great sons. How does he do it?

Aside from his, ahem, career work, I took notice of him on the Netflix doc Rocco, which chronicles a bit of his life. 

Truly, he's an interesting man who chalks up much of his success in life to honesty, to passion, to authenticity, and to having a good sense of humor about life.

We talk about a broad range of things and he shares stories of his career, projects he's working on now, how much he loves his family, and more. Truly, I'm looking forward to seeing his next project, a one-man-show he's launching in Italian first, French second, and (if I can talk him into it) English as well.

Follow him on social media:
https://twitter.com/RoccoSiffrediXX
https://www.instagram.com/roccosiffredi_official/
https://www.roccosiffredi.com/


A link to Rocco's Pornstar Academy: https://www.roccosiffrediacademy.com/

Also, I'M RELEASING A BOOK! Sign up for the early-release & discount list here: bit.ly/2p4uFCo

Cold Call Like A Comedian, currently available on Amazon: amzn.to/36dI8ZQ

10 - 22 Rocco Siffredi - Passion, Honesty, Irony

Matt Koff's new comedy album, Who's My Little Guy drop this Friday 11/1 on Spotify, iTunes, and his website, www.mattkoff.net

He's been a writer on The Daily Show since the halcyon days of Jon Stewart, and continued through the tumultuous Trump period. He's overcome a lot of frustrating comedy poverty (such as we all know), and all the while continued writing until something stuck. Through his network an opportunity for The Daily Show came together and Matt sprung at it.

This is his first comedy album and he's excited about it. So am I - can't wait to check it out on Spotify!

Matt's Twitter: https://twitter.com/mattkoff
Matt's website: www.mattkoff.net

Btw, check out my upcoming book, The Power Bible, and get on the mailing list for early release and the first chapter, FREE, by following this link: http://bit.ly/2p4uFCo

Cold Call Like A Comedian, currently available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/36dI8ZQ

10 - 29 Matt Koff, The Daily Show, Dropp'n Dem Albums

I've known Mark Ridley for over half my life, since I started doing stand-up when I was about 16 years old.

But even before meeting him and doing comedy, I heard about the Comedy Castle from my dad, who's best friend was a stand-up comedian in Detroit in the 80s and 90s. The place was like a kind of temple to me, where some of the most talented and interesting people came, and hundreds of others came to watch. My dad and uncles would tell me stories about the Comedy Castle and all I wanted to do was go and be there.

Ridley knows everyone in the business, and is genuinely a huge fan of comedy. He was a lot of fun to talk to, and it was great catching up with him.

Check out Cold Call Like A Comedian (leading it's category on Amazon!): https://amzn.to/36dI8ZQ

Early release for The Power Bible, co-written with William Beteet: http://bit.ly/2p4uFCo

11 - 12 Mark Ridley

Dre is the man behind a kind of legend on the internet. Codename: Diablo is thrown around so much in forums, on reddit, twitter, and is somewhere between a curiosity, a fetish, and a punchline.

Quite frankly, I have a ton of respect for someone who creates anything. The drive to helm a project, put money into it, gather investors, get talent, rent equipment, scout locations, everything, takes so much commitment and energy. It's amazing that anything ever gets created.

Dre has a specific interest in big boobs, cartoonish humor, action, in short, classic Hollywood B movies.

He's created one of the most prolific online, Codename: Diablo, and is about to go to production on the sequel, with an even bigger budget and larger production (no puns intended here).

Check out Codename: Diablo here: http://bit.ly/2DN1fwF

Dre, Codename Diablo

Zach Tomasovic and I met at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017, we both had shows at the same venue. Whereas mine went on to receive horrible reviews, Zach received glowing reviews from The Scotsman, AP News, and Time.

Time: http://bit.ly/2EtoX1C
AP: http://bit.ly/36FzUZK

Zach is a very charming, super funny, and extremely personable guy - we hit it off right away. He's hilarious, very creative, and ambitious. After only one conversation about Funny Planet (https://www.funnyplanetshow.com/) he convinced me we had to do it.

We're launching a new podcast soon with the same name and subject matter, talking to some of the best comedians all over the world, famous in their countries, but almost unheard of outside.

Get on board with the early release list here: http://bit.ly/35zU7jG

Zach Tomasovic, Funny Planet

Everyone who knows anything about comedy knows about Lenny Bruce. He's the godfather of socially relevant, edgy, interesting comedy that pushes boundaries.

Ronnie Marmo somehow manages to not only deliver Lenny's bits in a 90 minute show, but also channels the man so convincingly it really feels like you're watching the guy live.

Lenny passed away more than 50 years ago, but Ronnie has brought him back to life in his play I'm Not A Comedian, I'm Lenny Bruce.

I sat down with Ronnie after a performance at The Goodman Theater in Chicago and talked with him about the play, the craft of acting, and how he's able to embody the character so well. The guy is not just a talent, but a real artist who is committed deep down to the craft, and to being present in life.

Honestly, it was pretty inspiring.

Check out Ronnie here:
Ronnie's website: http://bit.ly/2QNsoHb
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2NmBV61
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2RbNQEJ

Check out the play: Lennybruceonstage.com

Back in Chicago on 1/25 through 2/16 and TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

If you have a moment, check out Funny Planet! It's my new podcast exploring comedy around the world!

Funny Planet here: https://spoti.fi/2teqqXx

Ronnie Marmo

There are a ton of great shows in Chicago, but of them, the most fun I've ever had was at Makespace at Packback's headquarters.

Mike Shannon & Alex Prevolos have done an amazing and unique job creating a space for all kinds of creative people to come together and share their works.

The night I did it there was music, graphic art, and of course, comedy. It's a really unique thing that more companies could take a lesson from.

Check out Packback here: https://www.packback.co/
Makespace's website: https://www.makespacechicago.org/

At the time of this posting, the next Makespace is on February 19th at Packback's headquarters at 55 E Jackson in Chicago.

Mike Shannon & Alex Prevolos

I know Michael Boothby through Facebook and Chicago comedy. Though now in Florida, he was in Chicago for some time telling jokes.

Message with Purpose (https://amzn.to/2Gc5jIj) is an interesting take on dating in our modern times. Mike wrote it and pushed it all out himself! The guy pivots!

Just shy of five stars on Amazon, he's had a great launch.

Michael Boothby, Message With Purpose

Ian Olasov is a philosopher professionally. In a way, I'm very jealous that he's decided to devote his life to intellectual and abstract thought.

As I mention in the pod, I've been thinking a lot about what comedy and what philosophy can do in the world - and this guy is REALLY doing it. He literally sets up booths and talks to members of the public about philosophy, answering their questions, and engaging in discourse... you know, pretty much what Socrates got killed for.

The Article I discovered Ian Olasov from: http://bit.ly/2S26IGN

This weekend, 2/1, he's going to be around New York with a whole bunch of other philosophers with booths doing Ask A Philosopher. Honestly, it's a great idea. Hope you see them if you're in The Big Apple.

Please excuse the weird audio for the first 15 minutes of the conversation, not sure what was going on, but solved it.

Follow Ian on social Media:
Instagram: http://bit.ly/31a2lxn
APA's blog by Ian: http://bit.ly/36CIyb1
Ian's website: http://bit.ly/38PXAM5

Check out Brooklyn Public Philosophers on Facebook: http://bit.ly/36E7b7w

If you enjoyed this pod, please like and subscribe. A good rating and a share mean a lot.

If you want to support, truly, I'd be over the moon. It's just me doing this, and any little bit helps. Check me out on Patreon: http://bit.ly/2M059HM

Check out my other podcast, Funny Planet, right here: https://spoti.fi/2teqqXx

Ian Olasov, Ask A Philosopher

Brian Roe is a blast to talk to - he's a natural storyteller and a huge fan of comedy. I love having him as a guest, was finally time to have him in for just the two of us.

Check out his youtube channel: http://bit.ly/2XNfniO

Brian Roe

I sit down and chat with Jon Boreamayo, head of running things at Stand Up NY. What's it like to helm a classic New York comedy club?

Follow him and StandupNY:
https://twitter.com/StandUpNY
https://twitter.com/boreamayo

Jon Boreamayo - Chief, Stand Up NY

I chat with Brandon Rhoten, CMO of Potbelly Sandwich Shop. He has a career of changing brands with unique and authentic voices and an eye on social and digital media.

Brandon earned a reputation for creating the unique brand voice behind Wendy from Wendy's on Twitter.

We talk about all kinds of things on this podcast; how to have an authentic voice, how to build and change a brand, how to fight against institutional lethargy while preserving tradition. Honestly, it was a good one. The guy is fantastic and I was glad to have him on.

Brandon Rhoten, Authentic Voices

Adam Gold is a hilarious New York comedy producer. He's worked for College Humor and done improv and sketch. The guy's really fun to talk to and one of the nicest people.

We chat about all kinds of BS on here. What a lovely man.

Check him out: https://www.twitter.com/The_Chai_Life
His website: https://www.adamgold.co/

Adam Gold

I talk with John McCombs, hilarious comedian based in Chicago about his experience in the military and telling jokes all over the world.

The guy's work ethic and attitude is fantastic. One of these days I have to arrange a tour around Europe with the guy.

Check him out online:
https://www.facebook.com/johnmccombscomedy/
https://twitter.com/realjohnmccombs
https://www.johnmccombscomedy.com/

John McCombs, On Campaign For Comedy

I have a chat with @JJTheFitnessCoach (www.instagram.com/jjthefitnesscoach) about positive mindset, his fitness journey, and what "no excuses" means.

He's launching another 30 day challenge! If you want to join, follow and message him on Instagram!

@JJTheFItnessCoach - JJ Velasquez

I talk with Janelle Murphey, comedian I've known for years from Chicago. We sat down and chatted about New York, comedy, being creative, and generally caught up on life in pre-COVID America.

What a strange time, how things have changed.

Hope you're well.

Follow her on instagram www.instagram.com/comedianjmurph

Janelle Murphey From Pre - COVID

The second conversation I have with friend of the show philosopher and nihilist John Marmysz. The punk-rocker and philosopher of humor gives me his take on the weirdness that is COVID-19 and our strange COVID year.

Unfortunately both he and his wife had it, but each has recovered, though he admits that it was rough.

Check out John's writings on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WHydZg

Check out The Happiest Hour on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3hjFfeH

John Marmysz Part 2

I talk with my co author from The Power Bible (available on Amazon now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578605031) about the recent spat that James Altucher, our friend who wrote the foreword for our book, had with The King of Comedy, Jerry Seinfeld.

What To Do When The King Of Comedy Attacks You In The New York Times

I talk with consultant and author Doug Fletcher, who is just charming and delightful.

Check out his book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/33ym50D
Or directly here: https://howclientsbuy.net/
Follow Doug on social media: linkedin.com/in/dougfletcher

Looking forward to his tiny house stories!

Doug Fletcher - How Clients Buy

Linda Steele is the kind of woman rock ballads of the 1980's were written about. This woman is fit, badass, fun, funny, and sexy as hell.

We talk about Chicago, exercise, getting fit, being a hot chick, and joke a ton about what's going on in the world today.

Check her out at:
https://www.lindasteelehotbod.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lindasteelefitbod/?hl=en
twitter.com/lindasteelehot1

Linda Steele Hot Bod

I sit down and talk with Brian Morton & Rachel Ibrahim of Zanies in Old Town, Chicago.

Brian you may remember from years ago when I furtively kept glancing at my phone and he very much noticed it. Rachel is head of marketing at Zanies and is a complete delight.

This was a fun one - it was really something to get back in that room and actually share space with some real humans.

They're open! Book your tickets to see the show at http://chicago.zanies.com/

Brian Morton & Rachel Ibrahim

I catch up with my Chicago comedy buddy Tony Sykowski, who's embedded in the New York comedy scene. We talk doing comedy in COVID, telling jokes on a ship, and what stand-up will be like in the future.

Check out Tony on Instagram: www.instagram.com/tonysykowski/

If you want to check out The Power Bible, as I mention on the opening of the show, check it out here: https://amzn.to/2Et2uVx

Tony Sykowski

Interviewing comedians, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, deep-thinkers and diving into the beliefs and ideas that inform our shared world.

I'm a comedian based in New York. Check out my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfIons39cHlADBQcPJj11SA

The Madness Continues

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