This singer, actor and improv artist who comes from the Republic of Moldova, embarked on a daring journey when she was just 14 years old, leaving the comfort of her hometown to pursue her dreams in the sprawling city of Los Angeles. Afina's tale is a testament to bravery and resilience in the face of adversity, having to juggle a tedious job, the harsh realities of immigration, and her own online business, all while honing her passion for music. Afina Madoian shares the story of how Sweet Dreams was born. She explains the lyrics of the song, written as a source of comfort and support to herself during difficult times. Afina has recently started acting and shares the journey of her success so far. From her struggles in the unfamiliar land to the birth of her heartfelt song, 'Sweet Dreams', and her recent leap into acting, Afina's story shows us the beauty that can blossom when we dare to chase our dreams. She also shares about her current writing projects and her exciting plans for future music releases. Afina's journey is a lesson in perseverance and hope, and we're excited to share it with all of you. We hope her story ignites a spark in those who are at the crossroads of choosing between their passion and practicality. So grab a cup of your preferred beverage, sit back, and prepare to be inspired by Afina's journey filled with music, love, longing, and dreams. CHAPTERS (0:00:00) - A Conversation With Singer Afina Madoian: Afina Madoian left Moldova at 14 to pursue singing, worked long hours, built an online business, and ultimately quit to pursue music full-time. (0:13:39) - Pursuing a Music Career: Afina Madoian faced challenges transitioning to the US, going from packer to sales operations manager while pursuing music and opening an online business. (0:20:11) - Dreams, Songwriting, and Acting: Afina Madoian shares her story of creating Sweet Dreams, her acting journey, and upcoming singles. AFINA MADOIAN Soul, jazz and pop singer Afina Madoian (who goes by the mononym Afina) was born and raised in Moldova, performing since childhood all over Europe and landing a spot on X-Factor Romania in 2014. The Los Angeles performer with bountiful curly hair, a striking voice and an even bigger heart was granted the prestigious O1 visa for extraordinary abilities in the arts when she was just 19 years of age. Afina's story is on

Navigating the realm of art and comedy can often feel like walking a tightrope, especially when politics enter the picture. This episode features a conversation with Jason Seiler, an esteemed illustrator whose work has graced the covers of Time Magazine multiple times. Together, we uncover the nuances of capturing political figures in art, and the responsibility that comes with it. Jason shares his insights about treating his artwork as a form of recording history - a perspective that is both thought-provoking and reveals the delicate balance needed when dealing with political personalities. When Jason Seiler isn't painting, he's making people laugh. A personal anecdote leads us into his journey into stand-up comedy, spurred by encouragement from Steve Byrne who noticed his artwork for a documentary. Jason's first set at the Chicago Improv wasn't just a daring leap, it was a springboard for more opportunities. He shares the struggles he faced, his eventual triumph, and how Byrne continued to support him, paving the way for a remarkable career that blurs the line between art and comedy. We also delve into the challenges faced by content creators in today's world, and the courage needed to handle criticism. A bold statement by Jason about his video going viral, offers a masterclass in resilience and transforms our understanding of how art, comedy, and personal growth intertwine. This episode promises a deep exploration into the world of art, comedy, politics, and the surprising ways they intersect. Don't miss out on this engaging journey that spans from the pages of Time Magazine to the stages of stand-up comedy. JASON SEILER Jason Seiler is a Chicago based artist and standup comedian, and producer of The Breaking the Law Comedy Show! Originally from Green Bay Wisconsin, Jason moved to Chicago in 1996 and created a career for himself in illustration, painting covers for publications such as Time Magazine, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, MAD magazine and more!!! Always a comedian at heart, Jason had the pleasure of having the great Steve Byrne on his podcast, "Face the Truth", Steve invited him to try stand up for the first time and asked him to do a guest spot for him, at The Chicago Improv. I know, crazy right? Jason agreed to do it, the show went great, and he has since opened 5 more times for Steve, and the rest is history! His silly sense of humor, d

Uncover the candid and quirky world of Michelle MaliZAki, a stand-up comedian navigating the waters of cultural identity and humor. Our conversation with her is a delightful romp through her personal experiences from being a Japanese-American, having pets named after food items, and working in diverse fields like TV production and stand-up comedy. She opens up about her journey from Japan to America, her love for American television, and her surprising viral success with a song about napping. The laughter continues as we follow Michelle’s career path from working as a TV production assistant in Japan to stand-up comedy. Hear about her fascinating travels with the Yankees, trying out local foods at various baseball stadiums. She shares her transition into comedy, with improv classes at the Second City and Upright Citizens Brigade, and the surprising viral success of her song about napping. Also, learn why she always stylizes her last name as MaliZAki. The conversation gets even more interesting as we explore cultural differences and misconceptions. Discover the distinct variations between different regions of Japan and how Michelle blended in when she studied Taekwondo and developed a love for sushi. She shares a hilarious account of recognizing a Japanese person from Osaka due to their loud talking, and recounts her visits to Italy, Scotland, and England. Don't miss her funny anecdote about getting paid to see male genitalia during her sports-related job, and her first attempt at stand-up comedy in 2017. Plus, you'll hear about her encounter with the Minnesota Saints mascot, Hamlet the pig. Be sure to check out Michelle on Instagram and look into Ocean Tree Creative's post-production services and podcast coaching. Michelle MaliZAki The Number One Japanese Mom, Michelle MaliZAki, came from Japan to pursue her mom's dream, to become an American housewife! Michelle MaliZAki is a musical artist and a standup comedian. Her song, Nap Time! By nap8sta is the official song for National Napping Day. She was the second place winner at Calgary FunnyFest Comedy Competition (2023) and runner up for the US Comedy Contest in 2021 and the finalist for the Clean Comedy Challenge in 2020 and 2021. Her play, “How Did You Get TO LA?”, co-written with Christine Blackburn, premiered at Hollywood

This chef embarks on culinary adventures like hand-forging knives and harvesting salt from the Atlantic. Meet our guest, Joe Gatto, a celebrated chef, charismatic TV show host, and author of "Seriously From Scratch". He shares fascinating stories about cooking for sports celebrities and his experiences with brewing beer and making wine. This episode takes us on a journey with Joe, where he emphasizes the beauty of homemade cooking and the importance of dedicating time to craft meals with your family. We get a glimpse into his life as he talks about making pizza from scratch while Paul Vato shares a nostalgic tale about making tortillas with his grandmother and using unique cooking tools like a "mocajete" as well as a modified "garbage can" to make tamales. It's not just about cooking; it's about the memories we build, the relationships we create with food, and the conversations that occur around the dining table. Paul Vato unveils his encounters with a mysterious butcher in Chicago who would show up early in the morning, just before closing time, to distribute free meats to drunken late night revelers. We chat about Joe's new show with comedic genius, Bryan Callen, which involves culinary adventures with celebrities. Learn about Joe's exciting future plans and his unique perspective on cooking, all stemming from his background in filmmaking. This conversation is a delightful blend of food, family, and fun adventures. Whether you're a food enthusiast or just love a good story, this episode is sure to serve up something everyone can savor. CHAPTERS (0:00:01) - Exploring Food and Culinary Adventures (0:09:10) - Cooking From Scratch and Building Memories (0:16:00) - Tortilla Press and Mexican Food Memories (0:24:53) - The Butcher Truck and Future Plans (0:33:50) - Cooking, Filmmaking, and Fun Conversations (0:44:19) - Experiences Being a Chef for A-list Celebrities JOE GATTO Chef Joe Gatto is an author and the host of the hit cutting-edge cooking show, "Joe Gatto’s From Scratch" currently airing on Pluto TV and Roku. He is a renowned private Chef to A-list clients including Celtic and Red Sox players. Chef Joe is best known for his ability to bring people together with cooking by mak

Pamela "Pamsi" Balzano, a professional poker player from Argentina, shares her fascinating journey from starting in the poker world at 18 to becoming an influencer and content creator. Poker has exploded in Latin America, and we explore why it's so popular, particularly in Brazil, and how it's being embraced as a mental sport by both men and women. Pamela also gives us an insight into the unique aspects of Latin American culture, including the differences in poker terms and accents among various Spanish-speaking countries. She talks about her experience playing in Brazil and the World Series of Poker and shares her recent success in the Ladies Tournament at the WSOP. As we delve into the world of poker, we also explore the beauty and rich history of Argentina and its neighboring countries. Lastly, we touched on Pamsi's involvement with ClubGG, a platform that allows players to qualify for major tournaments like the WSOP Main Event through an accessible three-step process. She shared her tips for success on Twitch and her plans to tackle the Main Event this year. Join us for an inspiring journey into the world of poker, Latin American culture, and the unstoppable rise of Pamela "Pamsi" Balzano! CONNECT w/ Pamsi: Connect with Pamsi via her BioLink and on Twitter, TikTok, Twitch, and Instagram. HIGHLIGHTS 0:03:18 - TikTok for Content Repurposing (93 Seconds) 0:09:15 - Latin American Culture and Poker (77 Seconds) 0:15:09 - Poker and Content Creation (79 Seconds) 0:20:55 - Social Media and Language Learning (53 Seconds) 0:25:54 - Growing Poker Content and Community (95 Seconds) 0:36:35 - Pamela Balzano on Poker and Culture (89 Seconds) CHAPTERS (0:00:00) - Poker and Latin American Culture: Pamela Balzano shares her story of professional poker, creating content for YouTube and Twitch, and tran

Jon Barinholtz is a writer, comedian, and actor and shares how working with his mentor, Bob Odenkirk, helped shape his writing skills and encouraged him to write something every day. Jon also talks about the importance of perseverance, especially in the unpredictable world of Hollywood. Listen in as Jon shares his experiences touring with Bob, and how those experiences have influenced his career today. We also discuss Jon's work on NBC's American Auto and his new show, The Glue Factory Show. As we explore the concept of American Auto, we uncover how it serves as a reverse Superstore, shedding light on the lives of nameless people in corporate settings and how their actions affect blue-collar workers. Jon also shares the story behind the creation of the popular Twitter account 'Chicago Party Aunt' and how it evolved into an animated series on Netflix. Lastly, we touch upon Jon's personal life, including meeting his wife while working at Mozza (Osteria) and becoming a father to two young children. As we reminisce about the past, we can't help but marvel at the cyclical nature of life and how Jon's experiences seem to mirror those of other famous comedians and their families. Don't miss this entertaining and heartwarming conversation with the talented Jon Barinholtz. We may or may not discuss drug use from 20 years ago. Wait, mushrooms are no longer considered "drugs", are they? Jon Barinholtz is an American actor, comedian, and producer based in Los Angeles. He has appeared in film and television, and is best known for the role of Marcus White on the ⁠NBC⁠ sitcom ⁠Superstore⁠. Make sure to follow Jon on twitter at: ⁠⁠Twitter.com/JonBarinholtz⁠⁠ HIGHLIGHTS 0:01:39 - Bob Odenkirk's Sketch Comedy Mentoring (85 Seconds) 0:05:11 - Balancing Career and Family (109 Seconds) 0:09:10 - Retired Dad Moves to LA (60 Seconds) 0:13:05 - Corporate Comedy Show (115 Seconds) 0:19:30 - Pitching a TV Show Concept (71 Seconds) 0:29:43 - Chicago's Humor and Inspiring Scripts (70 Seconds) 0:35:31 - Splitting the Bill and Miscommuni

Jon Barinholtz, a comedic actor and improviser who took the leap from Chicago to the glitzy world of Hollywood is our very special guest today. Jon's journey is one of passion, perseverance, and learning from the best in the business, including his successful brother Ike Barinholtz, as well as the vibrant Chicago improv scene. From his early days at Colgate University to his current pursuit of comedy in Los Angeles, Jon shares with us his experiences, struggles, and how he found his footing in the competitive world of show business. Jon gives us a glimpse into his transformation from an "excited onlooker" at his brother's comedy shows to a talented performer in his own right. He reveals how his time at The Second City in Chicago helped him build a strong foundation in comedy, and how the city's unique creative energy ignited his passion for the craft. We also discuss the importance of finding mentors and supportive communities, and how Jon's experiences in Chicago gave him the confidence and connections needed to make the big move to Los Angeles. Finally, we delve into the challenges Jon faced in overcoming the fear of being seen as following in his brother's footsteps, and how he managed to break free from the comedic typecasting associated with his family name. We also learn about the hustle and dedication it takes to juggle a day job with a blossoming comedy career and the role of improvisation in today's entertainment industry. Join us for this entertaining and inspiring conversation with the ever-so-funny Jon Barinholtz! Jon Barinholtz is an American actor, comedian, and producer based in Los Angeles. He has appeared in film and television, and is best known for the role of Marcus White on the ⁠NBC⁠ sitcom ⁠Superstore⁠. Make sure to follow Jon on twitter at: ⁠⁠Twitter.com/JonBarinholtz⁠⁠ (0:00:02) - Comedian Jon Barinholtz's Journey: Jon Barinholtz's comedic success, his brothers' influence, Colgate University, and his passion for comedy in LA are discussed. (0:04:49) - From Writing to Performing: Jon Barinholtz recounts his journey from Colgate to Chicago, his struggles to get into the improv s

Ever wondered how an improv comedy group can create a hit TV show? Kate Lambert joins us to discuss her journey from the world of improv to the creation of her show, Teachers, on TV Land. We explore the origins of Teachers, from Kate's time with The Katydids improv group and their early videos to the eventual purchase of the show by TV Land. Along the way, we delve into the creative process, the surprise of not being replaced by big-name actors, and the importance of Chicago actors in the show. We also reminisce about Kate's first job at Second City, which just so happened to be on a cruise ship. Additionally, we touch on the development of the characters in Teachers, the professional elements like costumes and makeup that brought them to life, and the sketches from the web series that made it to the TV show. Finally, I share my own experiences with the Second City theater and the incredible people I saw there, such as Tina Fey, Stephanie Weir, Rachel Dratch and Tina Fey. In this episode, we discuss the crucial lesson of treating every job, even unpaid gigs, with the utmost professionalism and dedication. We'll also chat about The Katydids journey to LA, the value of having a supportive executive on their side, and the impact of the improv community in Chicago. Don't miss our conversation on Mo Collins' work on MADtv, Kate's recent projects, and her aspirations to return to Chicago and visit the space where her journey began. Join us for this engaging and entertaining episode — you won't want to miss it! Kate Lambert co-created, executive produced, wrote, and starred on the sitcom Teachers on TV Land. She has appeared on Reno 911, The Last Show Left on Earth, The Today Show, Last Call with Carson Daly, the film How to Ruin the Holidays, and done voiceover work for American Dad. Kate has also performed at The John F. Kennedy Center; La Jolla Playhouse; and TBS Just for Laughs.  During her time in Chicago, she was in The Second City Mainstage revue, Let Them Eat Chaos, and is also an alumna of The Second City Touring Company and iO. Connect with Kate Lambert on her website at: KateLambert.com CHAPTERS (0:00:04) - Kate Lambert on Teachers and Second City: Kate Lambert and

Will Luera, a globally touring improv comedy actor, instructor and director, joins us for a lively conversation about the unique naming conventions within his family and his journey to living in Florida. Will takes us on a fascinating exploration of the origins of his family name and the Latino tradition of taking the mother's maiden name as a middle name. Learn how the vibrant Cuban culture has evolved over the years and why Sarasota is home to the 'number two beach in America'! From Mexico to Texas and beyond, our family migration stories take center stage as we delve into the rich tapestry of our shared connections, ancestry, and diverse cultures that make up our heritage. In this episode, we explore the exciting world of improv and performance, with Will sharing how his background in physics and experiences in CrossFit and Yoga have influenced his teaching methods. We talk about the art of stand-up comedy and the process of crafting a set, as well as some of our favorite comedians. And if you're curious about the intersection of language learning and improvisation, Will shares his journey of learning Spanish and Portuguese, as well as his insights into the letter systems of Arabic, Russian, and Norwegian. Our laughter, connection, and discovery don't end there! We discuss the idea of a road trip to the cities our families originated from and the possibility of opening up our own improv club. We also consider working in Latin America and the connection between our fathers' experiences as boxers (you know, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, etc). Plus, we celebrate our podcast's success of breaking the top 10 of independent comedy improv podcasts on GoodPods! Don't miss this incredible episode filled with humor, insight, and camaraderie. Will Luera⁠ is the Director of Improvisation at Florida Studio Theatre, Artistic Director of Improv Asylum, Director of Big Bang Improv & serves as the Artistic Director Emeritus of ImprovBoston. Will is the co-creator of Healing Moments for Alzheimer’s, a non-profit organization that provides education, advocacy, and ministry for persons with dementia and their caregivers. He sits on the board of CreArte Latino, a Latino-centric cultural community center in the Sarasota area. Will tours globally as an improv comedy actor, instructor, director and perform and teaches regular

It's Owwll Week (Aug 14 - 20th, 2022) and Jason R. Hill, the founder of the Owwll App, joins us. We delve a bit into Jason's business and podcasting background and learn about the inspiration behind the creation of this game changing platform and along the way we learn what it takes to go from ideation to completion of a brand new app. We also meet and speak with one of the Owwll App's top Brand Ambassadors and find out how Owwll has positively affected her life. "Connect. Learn. Grow. Owwll connects you to professionals through live audio calls, and is focused on helping you seek or provide advice." - Jason R. Hill In this episode we learn: 1) How difficult it is create and market a success app (only 1% of all apps are successful). 2) Why using the Owwll App to make new business connections and to network makes perfect sense. 3) Why Jason has partnered up with Place of Hope and is donating the proceeds from Owwll Week to them. (Aug 14 - 20th, 2022) Proceeds from Owwll Week will benefit Place of Hope, a charity dedicated to "rescuing abused and neglected children" and "placing hope in a child's future". If you are looking to monetize your time and your knowledge in a SAFE way, download the Owwll App RIGHT NOW! (use referral code "VATO"). Disclosure: Paul Vato is an Owwll App Brand Ambassador. PAUL VATO ⁠⁠⁠Paul Vato⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur. Connect with Paul Vato across all social media at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SPONSORS - Buy The Kama Sucia aka The Filthy Bed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠VATO.tv⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you! - Play on ClubGG Poker with over $200,000 worth of prizes every month! ⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/ClubGGVato⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Monetize your time & knowledge w/⁠⁠⁠⁠Owwll⁠⁠⁠⁠

Paul and Natalie were both raised Roman Catholic and share their mutually traumatic family and school experiences. Apparently, Paul still holds a massive grudge against the CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) kids that used to invade HIS school to learn about Catholicism, of which Natalie was one of them. We also learn that maybe, just maybe, using tequila to soothe a child's sore tooth and whiskey to settle a little girl's tummy might just not be THAT great of an idea and MAY lead to a severe case of alcoholism and addiction. ¡Olé! In this episode we learn: 1. The differences in how men and women try to "fix" things. 2. How there is a 12 step program to suit everyone's needs, even yours! 3. How stand up comedy and satire actually helps us to digest information that otherwise would've hit against the cognitive dissonance. "If you are feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, my services aim to introduce clarity and self-motivation and end repeat cycles that make you feel stuck, frustrated, or constantly choosing toxic relationships." - Natalie Stavola NATALIE STAVOLA Natalie Stavola is an actress, writer, producer and certified life and dating coach with a degree in psychology. She specializes in toxic relationships both on and off screen and helps people overcome their insecurities and turn their fears into strengths while being an example of practicing what she preaches. She breaks out of limiting beliefs while coaching others on how to do the same. Originally from the northeast and currently residing in Los Angeles, Natalie has kept that east coast edge with an added Cali ease. Sharp wit with a cool vibe. You can see her on Amazon Prime or interviewed recently on the CW. PAUL VATO ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paul Vato⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur. Connect with Paul Vato across all social media at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SPONSORS - A

Ben Morrison has been doing stand up comedy for over 20 years and has discovered the importance of social media to help him land branding deals with major companies. Ben can also fully produce your next stand up comedy special for Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and all of the other streaming services. Paul and Ben also chat about what it was like studying with William H. Macey and David Mamet at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and his connection to Mark Cuban, the owner of Fireside, where this podcast is recorded in front of a live studio audience. In this episode you will learn: 1. The importance of using all social media to promote your brand. 2. The major differences and nuances of TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. 3. How Ben turned his disease into a money making business venture. "The cavalry isn't coming. You are the cavalry. Which is what I tell myself in moments where things aren't working." - Ben Morrison Ben Morrison is a Los Angeles based actor, writer, comedian and filmmaker. Acting since he was 6 years old, Ben is a graduate of NYU’s TISCH School of the arts where he trained under William H. Macy and David Mamet, and added stand-up comedian to his resume shortly thereafter. It’s been a blur ever since. A staple of LA area comedy clubs, Ben is a regular at the Improv and Laugh Factory, and most recently wrote and acted in The Telethon for America, a star-studded get-out-the-vote comedy special with Chelsea Handler, Charlize Theron, Natalie Portman and many more. On camera, Ben is best known for his recurring role as Young Eli David on NCIS, as the lead on a season of MTV’s Punk’d, starring in a season of Mr. Personalities for Marc Cuban’s HDNet, or guest-starring opposite Jon Lovitz and Bill Bellamy on Mr. Box Office. Additionally, Ben has been seen as a lead in feature films Ouija Exorcism, From the Dead, and FOX’s 30 Nights of Paranormal Activity where he played an eerily good Abe Lincoln. Connect with Ben at: BenTheMorrison.com PAUL VATO ⁠⁠⁠Paul Vato⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur. Connect with Paul Vato across a

"Why are you gay?" Andrew Roffe answers the most important question on everyone's mind. We also find out what it's like touring the country in a 14 seater van and opening for viral internet comedic sensation, Wisconsin's Charlie Berens. Even though this episode came in a little late for Pride month we still delve in to Andrew Roffe's personal life, even going as far as using this platform to find him a potential partner. In this episode you will learn: 1. How improv training helps you become a better stand up, quicker. 2. How a positive shift in your work ethic will lead you to more successful business opportunities. 3. How owning a t-shirt company is a horrible idea. "I could be a training wheels gay for a homophobe. I'm a very safe and non-threatening gay person." - Andrew Roffe Andrew Roffe graduated from the famed Second City Conservatory in Chicago. Some of his TV/Film credits include Year One, Think Like a Man, Maron, and Trophy Wife. He is a comedy writer on the award-winning film Purpose Over Prison starring Romany Malco and Regina Hall. Andrew performs across the country with internet sensation Charlie Berens. He can be found on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / TikTok at @ASAP_Roffe PAUL VATO ⁠⁠⁠⁠Paul Vato⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur. Connect with Paul Vato across all social media at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SPONSORS - Buy The Kama Sucia aka The Filthy Bed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VATO.tv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you! - Play on ClubGG Poker with over $200,000 worth of prizes every month! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/ClubGGVato⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. - Monetize your time & knowledge w/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Owwll⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Enter referral code "VATO" at sign-up to get $10 to use on the app: Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠apple.co/35HC0hd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Android: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/OwwllGooglePlay⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paulvato/message

Do you dream of leaving the rat race behind and hitting the road in a tiny home? Today we meet Artisan Josh who spent decades in prison and now roams the country in his tiny home inspiring and motivating others to do the same. We get to hear about the incredible tiny home communities that are sprouting up around the United States and get a sneak peak into the tiny home festivals happening all over. Van life forever! Artisan Josh is a tiny home dweller, builder and simple living advocate. In this episode of Paul Vato Presents, you will learn: 1. What's it like to live in a SWAT conversion van for 11 days in front of 30 Rock in the center of New York City. 2. Why living in a tiny home is becoming a more viable and eviable option for more and more people worldwide. 3. About the very powerful and inspirational tiny home community that is exploding around the world. "It is a phenomenal way of living. I tell people all the time that you can always go back. You can always get a house, you can always buy a piece of property. You can always accumulate your stuff again, that's no problem. The experience that you will get from living tiny and going on the road, living simply and just living and experiencing life is more valuable than any dollar amount." - Artisan Josh Instagram.com/Artisan_Josh PAUL VATO ⁠⁠⁠Paul Vato⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur. Connect with Paul Vato across all social media at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SPONSORS - Buy The Kama Sucia aka The Filthy Bed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠VATO.tv⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you! - Play on ClubGG Poker with over $200,000 worth of prizes every month! ⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/ClubGGVato⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Monetize your time & knowledge w/⁠⁠⁠⁠Owwll⁠⁠⁠⁠. Enter referral code "VATO" at sign-up to get $10 to use on the app: Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠apple.co/35HC0hd⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Android: ⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/OwwllGooglePlay⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paulvato/message

In a world of increasing polarization, Kelly Leonard is working to bridge the divide and bring people together by teaching the power of improv. In this episode you will learn: 1. The importance of play, especially as we get older. 2. The power of "Yes, And" to create agreement and understanding. 3. The importance of a shared humanity that includes people who may not think or vote like we do. "The world we live in right now, no one wants to work together. It's never been this bad, in my experience. If we could just enter rooms with curiosity instead of blame, if we could enter rooms with a 'Thank You, Because' orientation, I think we have a shot." - Kelly Leonard Kelly Leonard is the Executive Director of Learning and Applied Improvisation at Second City Works. His book, “Yes, And: Lessons from The Second City” was released to critical acclaim in 2015 by HarperCollins and was praised by Michael Lewis in Vanity Fair who called it “...an excellent guide to the lessons that have bubbled up in Second City’s improv workshops.” Kelly is a popular speaker on the power of improvisation to transform people’s lives. He has presented at The Aspen Ideas Festival, The Code Conference, TEDx Broadway, Chicago Ideas Festival, The Stanford Graduate School of Business and for companies such as Coca Cola, Microsoft, Twitter, Memorial Sloan Kettering and DDB Worldwide. Kelly co-created an initiative with the Center for Decision Research at the Booth School at the University of Chicago, The Second Science Project, that looks at behavioral science through the lens of improvisation. He also hosts the podcast, “Getting to Yes, And,” for Second City Works and WGN radio that features interviews with academics, authors and leaders such as Brene Brown, Adam Grant, Michael Lewis, Lindy West, Ash Carter and Amy Edmondson. For over twenty years, Kelly oversaw Second City’s live theatrical divisions where he helped generate original productions with such talent as Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, Steve Carell, Keegan-Michael Key, Amy Sedaris, Adam McKay and others. In 2019, Arts Alliance Illinois awarded Kelly and his wife Anne Libera with their Creative Voice Award. Twitter.com/KLSecondCity

Jonathan Pitts, an award-winning international improv theatre artist and storyteller who has performed and taught in 26 countries and 98 cities, is our guest today. Jonathan and Paul discuss the early days of Salsation, the world's first Latino improv and sketch comedy group and what it's like to travel the world teaching and doing improv. Jonathan reminds us the importance of saying "yes, and" to yourself! Jonathan Pitts is the former Executive Director of Chicago Improv Productions; Co-Founder/Producer - Chicago Improv Festival; Creator/Producer - College Improv Tournament; Founder/Producer - Teen Comedy Fest;  Founder/Producer - Chicago Podcast Festival; Creator/Director of improv theatre productions The Oracle; The Silent Movie; and Storybox Theatre. He also taught, coached, and directed at The Second City Training Center and was a contributing writer to Anne Libera's book, "The Second City Improv Almanac''. Currently, he performs and teaches on Zoom. Website: www.jonathanpittsimprov.com PAUL VATO ⁠⁠⁠Paul Vato⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur. Connect with Paul Vato across all social media at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SPONSORS - Buy The Kama Sucia aka The Filthy Bed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠VATO.tv⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you! - Play on ClubGG Poker with over $200,000 worth of prizes every month! ⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/ClubGGVato⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Monetize your time & knowledge w/⁠⁠⁠⁠Owwll⁠⁠⁠⁠. Enter referral code "VATO" at sign-up to get $10 to use on the app: Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠apple.co/35HC0hd⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Android: ⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/OwwllGooglePlay⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paulvato/message

Clayton Farris discusses his journey from Dallas to Hollywood and what it's like to be a working actor in Hollywood. We discuss whether it is easier to date men or women and who it's easier to have sex with. Another deep dive into the wonderful world of working actors. Clayton Farris is an actor, writer and social media influencer who hangs his hat in the Silverlake neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA. Originally from Dallas, Tx., Clayton has been seen in a ton of national commercials for brands you all know and perhaps love. He is a 2017 Shorty Award Nominee. Having studied at The Groundlings, Clayton enjoys the art of improv and fuses it into his character work whenever he can. His social media impact has reached over 350k viewers Worldwide across Vine, Instagram and Facebook. When not acting a fool on screen, you can catch him studying the Meisner technique at the BGB Studio in Los Angeles. TV Credits: Scream Queens, American Horror Story, Game Shakers. PAUL VATO ⁠⁠⁠Paul Vato⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur. Connect with Paul Vato across all social media at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SPONSORS - Buy The Kama Sucia aka The Filthy Bed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠VATO.tv⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you! - Play on ClubGG Poker with over $200,000 worth of prizes every month! ⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/ClubGGVato⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Monetize your time & knowledge w/⁠⁠⁠⁠Owwll⁠⁠⁠⁠. Enter referral code "VATO" at sign-up to get $10 to use on the app: Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠apple.co/35HC0hd⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Android: ⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/OwwllGooglePlay⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paulvato/message

Lisa Kaye Jennings, the voice of Lila Rossi and Cat Noir on Nickelodeon and Paramount Plus, joins Paul Vato to discuss what it's like being a working voice actor in Hollywood today. We also get to hear some of her favorite characters that she voices. Thank you for tuning in. Lisa Kay Jennings is an American Voice Actress best known for her work as Lila Rossi on Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir. She's currently voicing Gina Hemphill Toms in Nickelodeon and Paramount Plus's new hit show 'Big Nate'. In addition to animation, Lisa has worked in the gaming world including playing Tama in 'World of Final Fantasy,' and she has voiced numerous commercial spots. linktr.ee/LisaKayJennings • Instagram.com/lisa.kay.jennings PAUL VATO ⁠⁠⁠Paul Vato⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur. Connect with Paul Vato across all social media at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SPONSORS - Buy The Kama Sucia aka The Filthy Bed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠VATO.tv⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you! - Play on ClubGG Poker with over $200,000 worth of prizes every month! ⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/ClubGGVato⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Monetize your time & knowledge w/⁠⁠⁠⁠Owwll⁠⁠⁠⁠. Enter referral code "VATO" at sign-up to get $10 to use on the app: Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠apple.co/35HC0hd⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Android: ⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/OwwllGooglePlay⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paulvato/message

Jim McCaffree discusses the differences between improv and stand-up and reminisces about Paul Vato's strange dieting habits. Paul Vato has the privilege of sitting down with his friend from The Second City Chicago days on this fun filled walk down memory lane. Jim is a native of Illinois who spent some time in Chicago performing in theater and studying improv. Jim has appeared in Weeds, The Thundermans & Black Monday with Regina Hall. Look for Jim in the Netflix limited series Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, streaming later this summer. PAUL VATO ⁠⁠⁠Paul Vato⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur. Connect with Paul Vato across all social media at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SPONSORS - Buy The Kama Sucia aka The Filthy Bed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠VATO.tv⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you! - Play on ClubGG Poker with over $200,000 worth of prizes every month! ⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/ClubGGVato⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Monetize your time & knowledge w/⁠⁠⁠⁠Owwll⁠⁠⁠⁠. Enter referral code "VATO" at sign-up to get $10 to use on the app: Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠apple.co/35HC0hd⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Android: ⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/OwwllGooglePlay⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paulvato/message

World traveler, Jose Ucar, tells us the importance of making deep meaningful connections with your audience. Jose also implores us to share our personal stories because you never know who you might be able to positively help by putting your story out in the world. We also discuss what it's like for Latinos living in the UK. Jose Ucar helps business owners and people in business to present with impact and confidence! He has been featured on Yahoo Finance and Yahoo News as one of the Top Ten Public Speaking Coaches. Some of his articles have been featured on Mentors, Thrive Global, Disrupt Magazine and The Influencer Age. Jose Ucar is a global TEDx speaker, curator and host, NLP coach, international business, marketing specialist and founder of Jose Ucar Ltd. Jose has spent the last 10 years traveling the world, successfully growing and promoting different businesses by working alongside them to bring about transformational change through the power of advanced communication skills. His goal is to give you the confidence to present the best version of yourself when communicating with others and speaking in public. “My motto is, learn to communicate with yourself first, then with others, and finally broadcast your message to the world," Jose says. This is reflected in his own personal speaking style, which he has spent years perfecting through learning neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), business, marketing and professional public speaking from some of the best coaches in the world. Jose’s clients and partners include Procter & Gamble, SEAT, CUPRA, Sabio Group, Othership, Sports Work, The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, The NHS, and General Assembly, to name a few. Connect with Jose Ucar at JoseUcar.com. PAUL VATO ⁠⁠⁠Paul Vato⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur. Connect with Paul Vato across all social media at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SPONSORS - Buy The Kama Sucia aka The Filthy Bed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠VATO.tv⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you! - Play on ClubGG Poker with over $200,000 worth of prizes every month! ⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/ClubGGVato⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Monetize your time &