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 one of bravery, intense isolation but most of all of an immigrant artist following her dreams.

The powerhouse vocalist speaks Romanian, English and Russian and she is cultured beyond her years, immersed at a young age in Jewish, Greek and Armenian cultures growing up in Moldova. With a recognizable presence, Afina’s vocal prowess and stylings may remind listeners of artists like Amy Winehouse, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, and even Beyonce and Whitney Houston.



Paul Vato



⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paul Vato⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://withkoji.com/@Actor] is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur.

Connect with Paul Vato across all social media at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://withkoji.com/@Actor]



SPONSORS

- Are you a podcaster and/or a social audio enthusiast? Join the Podcast Elcat Mastermind & Think Tank at ⁠PodcastEclat.com⁠ [https://bit.ly/PodcastEclat].

- Check out Paul Vato's Step by Step Podcast Launch Course & Ignite Your Brand's Voice! Available at ⁠⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/PodcastLaunchCourse]

- Buy The Kama Sucia aka The Filthy Bed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VATO.tv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://vato.tv/]. Thank you!

- Monetize your time & knowledge w/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Owwll⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://owwll.com/]. Enter referral code "VATO" at sign-up to get $10 to

Chasing Dreams: The Inspiring Journey of Singer, Actor, and Entrepreneur Afina Madoian!

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, dry wit, and likable disposition, help illustrate stories and jokes drawn from personal experience.



CHAPTERS

(0:00:00) - Art, Politics, and Freedom of Expression: Jason and I discuss art, stand-up comedy, reactions to his art, and balancing work with politicians.

(0:15:24) - From Punk Bands to Stand-Up Comedy: Jason Seiler's journey to stand-up comedy was encouraged by Steve Byrne, culminating in a successful five-minute set at the Chicago Improv.

(0:24:56) - Artist's Offense and Recognition Navigation: Risks of content creation, pride of Time Magazine cover, handling negative comments, importance of true fans, and Sam Kinison's advice discussed.

(0:28:49) - Viral Video and Artistic Resilience: Jason Seiler reflects on the power of comedy and risks of content creation, and how going viral 15 years ago changed his outlook on life.



PAUL VATO

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paul Vato⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://withkoji.com/@Actor] is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur.

Connect with Paul Vato across all social media at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://withkoji.com/@Actor]



SPONSORS

- Are you a podcaster and/or a social audio enthusiast? Join the Podcast Elcat Mastermind & Think Tank at PodcastEclat.com [https://bit.ly/PodcastEclat].

Exploring Art, Laughter and Resilience with Illustrator, Jason Seiler!

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 [https://www.oceantreecreative.com]'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 Fringe 2022.



Connect with Michelle MaliZAki at ⁠⁠⁠MichelleMaliZAki.com⁠⁠⁠ [www.michellemalizaki.com], on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/mmalizaki/%E2%81%A0] & ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@mmalizaki?].



HIGHLIGHTS

(0:00:01) - Cultural Identity and Stand-Up Comedy (0:08:56) - TV Production, Comedy, Viral Songs (0:18:18) - Misconceptions and Cultural Differences (0:32:18) - Gratitude, Support, and Promotion



EPISODES

(0:00:01) - Cultural Identity and Stand-Up Comedy: Michelle's experience of becoming an American citizen, her pet names, Japanese beliefs, and affinity for American TV are discussed. (0:08:56) - TV Production, Comedy, Viral Songs: Michelle travelled to Japan, visited baseball stadiums, tried local food, transitioned into stand-up comedy, and wrote a viral song about napping. (0:18:18) - Misconceptions and Cultural Differences: Michelle shared her experiences blending in in Japan, visiting Europe, stand-up comedy, and the Minnesota Saints mascot, Hamlet the pig. (0:32:18) - Gratitude, Support, and Promotion: Michelle shares her experience of forming an improv team in Chicago, exploring regional culture differences in Japan, and encourages listeners to follow her on Instagram.



PAUL VATO

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paul Vato⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://withkoji.com/@Actor] is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player,

Exploring Cultural Identity and Humor with Japanese-American Stand Up Comedian Michelle MaliZAki!

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 crowds at Chicago late night bars. 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.



(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 making it accessible, fun and highly memorable. 

Joe also hosts prestigious food events such as Boston Magazine’s The Cue, private cooking classes and demos, and is regularly featured on radio shows such as NPR’s On Point for his culinary expertise and vibrant energy.

In Joe Gatto’s From Scratch, Joe successfully melded his unbridled passion for scratch cooking, entertaining personality and filmmaking background to create a unique cooking show with heart. From making charcoal to hand forging knives to milking cows to making his own bacon, Joe takes food to its origins, and in doing so, showcases the fascinating farmers and food artisans behind it all.

He is now in development for his new show WTF - Where’s the Food? Where he and his co-host Bryan Callen (Eddie in The Hangover, Ride Along, MadTv) take some of the biggest stars in Hollywood on an unforgettable culinary adventure then go back to the kitchen where Chef Joe shows them how to make unforgettable dishes from scratch.

In 2019, Page Street published his book, Seriously From Scratch.





PAUL VATO

⁠⁠⁠⁠Paul Vato⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://withkoji.com/@Actor] is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur.

Connect with Paul Vato across all social media at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://withkoji.com/@Actor]



SPONSORS

- Buy The Kama Sucia aka The Filthy Bed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VATO.tv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [VATO.tv]

Culinary Adventures and Family Traditions with Celebrity Chef Joe Gatto

I had a blast chatting with Pamela "Pamsi" Balzano, a professional poker player from Argentina, who shared 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 [https://biolink.website/Pamelabalzano ⁠] and on Twitter [https://twitter.com/pamelabalzano], TikTok [https://www.instagram.com/pamelabalzano/], Twitch [https://www.twitch.tv/pamelabalzano], and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/pamelabalzano/⁠].



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 transitioning to Instagram; TikTok's popularity; and Argentina's geography and similarities to Chile.

(0:12:45) - Poker Terms and Language Differences: Pamela Balzano shares her experience playing in Brazil and the World Series of Poker, discussing Portuguese, Spanish, English, Brazilian culture, and her success in tournaments.

(0:17:09) - ClubGG: Pamela Balzano shares her poker experience, tips for success on Twitch, and plans to play the WSOP Main Event via ClubGG.

(0:24:39) - Poker and Social Media Growth: Pamela Balzano shares her poker experience, friendship with Daniel Negrano, admiration for Joe "Stapes" Stapleton, thoughts on Fedor Holz, and her favorite player!



PAUL VATO

⁠⁠⁠Paul Vato⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://withkoji.com/@Actor] is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur.

Connect with Paul Vato across all social media at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://withkoji.com/@Actor]



SPONSORS

- Buy The Kama Sucia aka The Filthy Bed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠VATO.tv⁠⁠⁠⁠ [VATO.tv]. Thank you.

- Play on ClubGG Poker with over $200,000 worth of prizes every month! ⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/ClubGGVato⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/ClubGGVato].

- Monetize your time & knowledge w/⁠⁠⁠⁠Owwll⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://owwll.com/]. Enter referral code "VATO" at sign-up to get

Poker, Latin American Culture, and the Rise of Pamela "Pamsi" Balzano: A Journey into the World of Poker, Social Media and Beyond!

In this hilarious and insightful episode, we chat with Jon Barinholtz about his career as a writer, comedian, and actor. Jon 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 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBC] sitcom ⁠Superstore⁠ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superstore_(TV_series)]. Make sure to follow Jon on twitter [https://twitter.com/JonBarinholtz%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] at: ⁠⁠Twitter.com/JonBarinholtz⁠⁠ [https://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 Miscommunication (55 Seconds)



CHAPTERS

(0:00:00) - Comedy Mentorship and Family Life: Jon's career as a writer and comedian, Bob Odenkirk's mentorship, Jon and Mort Burke's comedy show, Bob's advice to write daily, and Jon's missed opportunity to meet Bob in Los Angeles are discussed.

(0:12:31) - American Auto and Glue Factory Show: Jon's success as a writer, comedian, and actor, Bob Odenkirk's mentorship, Superstore and American Auto casting, American Auto's metaphor for capitalism, The Glue Factory Show's NFT series and animal abuse in Australia are discussed.

(0:24:07) - Creating the Chicago Party Persona: Chris, Katie Rich, Ike, Dave, and Matt Craig created the TV show 'Chicago Party Aunt' based on the Twitter account 'Chicago Party Aunt', incorporating local humor into an animated series that resonates with Midwesterners and has been successful on Netflix.

(0:31:21) - From Chicago to Hollywood: Jon's struggles to get his show on the air, unpredictability of Hollywood, reminiscing about psychedelics, and importance of never giving up.

(0:38:03) - Salutations and Book Promotion: Jon and Paul's success as authors and NBC's American Auto.





PAUL VATO

From Chicago Comedy to Hollywood Dreams, The Laughs and Lessons of Ascending the Humor Hierarchy with Jon Barinholtz. Part 2

I had an absolute blast speaking with Jon Barinholtz, a comedic actor and improviser who took the leap from Chicago to the glitzy world of Hollywood. 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 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBC] sitcom ⁠Superstore⁠ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superstore_(TV_series)]. Make sure to follow Jon on twitter [https://twitter.com/JonBarinholtz⁠⁠⁠] at: ⁠⁠Twitter.com/JonBarinholtz⁠⁠ [https://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 scene, and the energy of the Chicago improv scene that inspired him to pursue comedy.

(0:13:46) - Navigating the Chicago Comedy Scene: Jon Barinholtz shares his experience of honing his acting skills in Chicago and preparing to move to L.A., discussing the importance of a strong base, Second City program, Mr Show, writing sketches, and performing confidence.

(0:22:13) - Naming Goals and Improv Benefits: Jon Barinholtz shares the importance of mentors, taking risks, improvisation, and speaking truth for comedy success.

(0:28:07) - Show Business Path: Jon Barinholtz's journey to comedy is discussed, from family support to Annoyance Theater and IO Improv, highlighting mentors and the importance of being oneself.

(0:34:19) - Scamming, Offensive Sketches, and Noah: Jon Barinholtz's hustle to make money from improv, being mindful of what is presented to the public, and the importance of mentors in the comedy world are discussed.

(0:40:30) - Chicago Improv and Overcoming Legacy: Jon and Rob bonded over comedy, developing courage and mentors, and being mindful of their public presence.

(0:44:12) - LA Comedy Scene Survival: Jon and Rob Belushi bonded over their comedic ambitions, discussed mentors, hustle and creating a two-man show.

(0:47:50) - Comedy Mentors and Starting Out: Jon overcame his fear of performing, gained confidence with a mentor, and bonded with Rob to break free of comedic typecasting.



<

From Chicago to Hollywood: Jon Barinholtz's Comedic Journey and Breaking Free from Family Legacy. Part 1

Ever wondered how an improv comedy group can create a hit TV show? Join me in this captivating episode as I sit down with the incredibly talented Kate Lambert 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 [https://www.katelambert.com] 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 [https://KateLambert.com]



Paul Vato⁠ [https://withkoji.com/@Actor] is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur.

Connect with Paul Vato across all social media at: ⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠ [https://withkoji.com/@Actor]



CHAPTERS

(0:00:04) - Kate Lambert on Teachers and Second City: Kate Lambert and TV Land's Teachers, The Katydids improv group, Chicago actors, and Second City cruise ship job are discussed.

(0:13:23) - Developing Characters and Second City Memories: Kate Lambert and I discussed her career in improv, the exaggerated characters for TV Land's Teachers, and the impact of The Second City Theater.

(0:18:27) - From Improv to Success: Mo Collins' work on MADtv, Orange Alert, Improv Olympic's name change, Kate's family's support, and Kate's aspirations to return to Chicago are discussed.

(0:27:26) - Moving to LA and Making It: Kate and her team's creative freedom, Mo Collins' work, the value of an executive, and the impact of the improv community are discussed.

(0:40:05) - TV Shows and Creative Projects: Kate Lambert discussed her work on Reno 911, Teachers, Tap Time with Tabitha Brown, and an online sketch show, emphasizing the importance of taking all creative opportunities seriously.

(0:45:26) - Meeting Thomas Lennon and Vegas Stories: Kate and Paul reminisce about Reno 911, exploring TV Land's creative freedom, improv, and plans fo

From the Improv Stage to TV Land: Kate Lambert's Journey with Teachers TV Show and the Power of Chicago Comedy

Paul Vato [https://withkoji.com/@Actor] sits down with the incredibly engaging Will Luera [https://Will-Luera.com] 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 [Will-Luera.com⁠] 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 regularly all across North America, South America, Europe and Asia. ⁠Will-Luera.com⁠ [https://will-luera.com]



--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------

(0:00:11) - Florida Living and Latino Names

Will and I discussed his family name, Cuban culture in Florida, and his love for Sarasota

(0:04:27) - Mexican-American Migration and Heritage

We discuss our family migration, the Bracero program, ancestry, cultures, and the stories behind them.

(0:15:22) - Improv and Physics in Performance

Will and I discuss physics, CrossFit, Yoga, his father's career migration, and the Bracero Program and how it applies to teaching improv.

(0:23:12) - Comedy, Comedians, Vegas Trip

We discuss crafting stand-up comedy, favorite comedians, evolution, and the romantic side of the cigar business.

(0:34:51) - Improvisation, Language Learning, and Personal Connections

Will and I discuss improv, stand-up comedy, South America, language systems, and DuoLingo.

(0:44:16) - Improv, DNA, Latin Opportunities

Will and I discuss road trips, improv clubs, Latin America, boxing, Mexico, stand-up comedy, and a Vato Cigars package for famous comedians.

(0:50:35) - Top 10 Comedy Podcasts

Will and I celebrate the podcast's

Family Migration Stories, Cultural Roots, Physics, Improv, and Stand-Up Comedy: A Discussion with Will Luera!

It's Owwll Week (Aug 14 - 20th, 2022) and we are joined by Jason R. Hill, the founder of the Owwll App. 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 [https://Owwll.com] Week will benefit Place of Hope [https://www.placeofhope.com], 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 [https://apple.co/35HC0hd] RIGHT NOW! (use referral code "VATO").

Disclosure: Paul Vato [https://bit.ly/OwwllPaulVato] is an Owwll App Brand Ambassador.



Paul Vato [https://bit.ly/PaulVatoOnline] is an on camera and voice actor, improvisor, podcaster and entrepreneur.

Connect with Paul Vato: PaulVato.com [//PaulVato.com]• [https://bit.ly/PaulVatoOnline] VATO.tv [//PaulVatoPresents.com] • [https://bit.ly/PaulVatoOnline] y.at/🎭🎥😏😂 [//PaulVatoPresents.com]

Help support our podcast by hitting the SUPPORT BUTTON [https://anchor.fm/paulvato/support] or using our Amazon Affiliate Link [https://bit.ly/MyAmazonLink] for any of your purchases today! bit.ly/MyAmazonLink [https://bit.ly/MyAmazonLink].

Win a seat to the WSOP and over $249K a month in poker tournament entries, no purchase necessary. bit.ly/ClubGGVato [https://bit.ly/ClubGGVato]

Use Popl [https://bit.ly/PoplVato] to instantly share anything with a tap, scan, or send. Share contact info, social media, websites, payment apps, files, videos and more. Shop Popl [https://bit.ly/PoplVato], enter "VATO [https://bit.ly/PoplVato]" & get 20% off! bit.ly/PoplVato [https://bit.ly/PoplVato].

Monetize your knowledge AND your time with Owwll App. Give & get advice at a moment’s notice. Become an Expert on Owwll and get paid for your expertise. Enter my referral code "VATO" during sign-up to get a $10 referral bonus. Apple users: apple.co/35HC0hd [https://apple.co/35HC0hd] • Android users: bit.ly/OwwllGooglePlay [//bit.ly/OwwllGooglePlay]

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Jason Hill, The Founder Of Owwll, On Using The Owwll App To Help Build Strong, Useful And Safe Connections

Comedic actor, Paul Vato, interviews his celebrity friends from entertainment, social media, travel & business.

Meet, laugh & learn from famous actors, improvisors, comedians, singers, voice over artists, authors, magicians, photographers, social media stars, influencers, travelers & entrepreneurs from around the globe!

Paul Vato has appeared on MADtv, The Sarah Silverman Program, Cedric The Entertainer Presents:, Reno 911, The Bold & The Beautiful, & ABC's To Tell The Truth. He appeared opposite Nicholas Cage in The Trust.

Look for Paul in Seth McFarlane’s latest show, Ted on Peacock!

PaulVatoPresents.com • PaulVato.com • VATO.tv • y.at/🎭🎥😏😂 

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/paulvato/support