A.D.D. Comedy with Dave Razowsky

On "ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky,” guests from the worlds of comedy, theatre, film, television, and literature discuss their journeys and life philosophies with podcast host David Razowsky. David’s an alum of The Second City Chicago where he performed with Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Amy Sedaris and numerous others. He’s the former artistic director of The Second City Hollywood, is a member of The Reduced Shakespeare Company, served as a consultant for Dreamworks, and taught for Steppenwolf Theatre Company. David is a master teacher of improvisation, a gifted improv actor and director, and performs and teaches all over the world. He can be reached at [email protected].

Sam Wasson's Made Improv History 02/14/2019

Sam Wasson's Made Improv History “Love and play are the only things where more is better.” /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/8650400

Stephen Burrows' Trusts His Inner Del Close 01/28/2019

Stephen Burrows' Trusts His Inner Del Close The director of HBO's documentary “Bleed Out” shares with Dave how improvisation guided him throughout his grueling journey. /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/8417333

Stephen Burrows' Trusts His Inner Del Close 01/28/2019

Shira Piven's Creative Superpower 03/03/2018

Shira Piven's Creative Superpower Today's guest on "ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky" is writer, director, actor, teacher, creator, and innovator, Shira Piven. Shira's directed the motion picture “Welcome to Me,” with Kristen Wiig, and episodes of Amazon’s “Transparent” and “One Mississippi.” She currently works with Tim Robbins’ Actors Gang Prison Project, teaching commedia dell’arte to inmates in California prisons. /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/6323778

Ian Gomez...the Equalizer 12/22/2017

Ian Gomez...the Equalizer Today’s guest is Ian Gomez. Ian and I performed at Chicago’s Improv Olympic and Second City. Ian has been in more television shows than anyone else I know. Here’s a short list: “The Drew Carey Show,” “Felicity,” “Supergirl,” and “Cougar Town.” He was in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” written by his wife Nia Vardalos. We discussed the peace that comes from seeing others as your equals, what it’s like to be fired, and the success that comes from being a “chameleon.” Ian is honest, /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/6081759

Measuring Each Measure with Joey Bland 09/22/2017

Measuring Each Measure with Joey Bland Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Joey Bland. Joey’s performed with The Second City, ComedySportz, and iO. He played the title role in Second City's “Rod Blagojevich, Superstar.” He’s a two-time Jeopardy champion, and a member of the Improvised Shakespeare Company which creates fully improvised plays in Elizabethan style. Joey’s energetic, informed, wise, and a great actor to play with. Hold onto your toque and muffin cap, ‘cuz this chat flies. Enjoy. /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/5765633

What?? It's Late Night's Amber Ruffin 09/16/2017

What?? It's Late Night's Amber Ruffin Amber Ruffin is an Emmy nominated writer and actress on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” and the narrator on “Drunk History.” She was the first African-American woman to write for a late-night network talk show. Amber’s an alum of The Second City, iO and Boom Chicago in Amsterdam. We talked about our love of Amsterdam, living and eating in New York City, and bearing witness to the nation waking up to the racism so many people of color have known since our country was founded. /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/5745083

"Modern Family" Director Jason Winer's The Last to Know 09/06/2017

"Modern Family" Director Jason Winer's The Last to Know Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Jason Winer. Jason is best known as the Emmy Award-winning director and co-executive producer of “Modern Family,” having directed the pilot episode as well as 20 episodes of the amazingly popular show. He is a director, an Emmy-award wining producer, and writer. He directed Robin Williams in Robin’s last television series, and directed Russell Brand in the remake of “Arthur.” /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/5712471

Kate Lambert Learns from "Teachers" 08/30/2017

Kate Lambert Learns from "Teachers" Today’s guest on ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky is Kate Lambert. Kate is from the Second City which is where I first met her. In Chicago she worked with a cast of women whose names were all variations of Catherine, so they became The Katydids. They got themselves a nice following, and eventually they all found their way out west, where they created the opportunity for themselves to produce Teachers for TV Land. Kate is positive, focused, smart, and funny. /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/5689624

ComedySportz Founder Dick Chudnow 08/21/2017

ComedySportz Founder Dick Chudnow Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Dick Chudnow. In 1984 Dick created and licensed the ComedySportz improvisational comedy format and the world has never been the same. If you’re a fan of improv, comedy, business, or just being a mensch, this is the interview for you. After all, how do you argue with someone who also thinks that farts are funny. Recorded during the ComedySportz World Championship in San Jose, California. Enjoy /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/5661209

Charlie Hartsock is a Collaborator 04/20/2017

Charlie Hartsock is a Collaborator Today’s guest on ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky is Charlie Hartsock. I met Charlie in the ‘80s when he, Steve Carell and I joined a cast for Michael Gellman’s Seed Show 2 at Chicago’s Organic Theater. We all worked together at Second City, and in LA Charlie and Steve teamed up with Vance DeGeneres to form Carousel Productions, where Charlie executive produced Crazy, Stupid Love, and The Incredible Burt Wonderstone. Charlie developed and co-created the series Inside Comedy for Showtime. He’s now producing a series in development at HBO. Charlie’s the real thing, and our conversation was wonderful. Enjoy. /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/5282594

Fabio Maccioni: Mellow in Milano 04/01/2017

Fabio Maccioni: Mellow in Milano Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Fabio Maccioni. Fabio is an internationally renown improv actor and teacher. He’s a member of Teatribu, Milan’s foremost improv theater, where he teaches and performs. I met Fabio briefly in Chicago, then in Australia where we performed and co-taught in Perth. Fabio is kind, caring, a great performer, and one of the nicest people you will ever meet. We spoke in the offices of Teatribu, and though English isn’t Fabio’s first language, this chat had tons of heart and connection. Enjoy. /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/5226222

Eric Boardman's Awesome Journey 02/28/2017

Eric Boardman's Awesome Journey “There were six or seven people on stage having fun, and I thought, ‘How can I get a piece of THAT?’” Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Eric Boardman. Eric’s worn many a hat as a director, producer, a host on Discovery Channel, Food Network, Travel Channel, and HGTV. He was a performer and writer on CBS’s Tim Conway Show, was regularly seen on the Disney Channel, and Eric’s an “Imagineer,” having designed The Mickey Mouse Club-Audition attraction for Disney World. Cool, huh?? I know Eric as an alum of The Second City in Chicago. Eric’s company included Shelly Long and George Wendt. We hit so many subjects that we ran long. Nice. Enjoy my chat with Eric Boardman. /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/5126483

Bob Kodzis Helps Me Breathe 02/07/2017

Bob Kodzis Helps Me Breathe “I’m a firm believer in you don’t run *away* from something, you run *toward* something.” Bob Kodzis is our guest today on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky,” continuing the booking of guests who help me breathe during these challenging times. Bob’s bio says he’s “one of the happiest people you will ever meet.” It’s true. He’s the creative force behind “Flight of Ideas, Inc.,” a “creative think-tank designed to help groups think outside of the tank.” Bob’s also an artist who created a “mind map,” an illustrated work that captured some of my most precious life philosophies. (For a look, head to www.davidrazowsky.com, then click on the "Media" tab.) Bob’s also designed and executed an inspiring mural at SAK Comedy Lab in Orlando, where this great podchat was recorded. Please give a listen, and you’ll be able to breathe, too. /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/5064192

Eliza Coyle Helps Me Breathe 01/26/2017

Eliza Coyle Helps Me Breathe These are challenging times, and I really needed a guest who would be joyful, hopeful, kindhearted, and smart. Today’s guest is perfect. Eliza Coyle is our guest today on "ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky." I know Eliza from my days at Second City, where we both started out in the Training Center together, then moved on to the Touring Company. Eliza’s bold, smart, funny, and charming. She’s been in God Bless America, Shakes the Clown, and The Mighty Ducks. Eliza’s husband is Joel Murray, a former ADD Comedy guest. This interview made me feel better! /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/5025128

Improbable Phelim McDermott 12/31/2016

Improbable Phelim McDermott Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky,” is Phelim McDermott. Phelim is an innovative performer and director with productions spanning from improv to Broadway to the Metropolitan Opera, and recently directed LA Opera's spectacular production of Philip Glass's "Akhnaten." Phelim is also co-founder of London’s groundbreaking Improbable Theatre Company. We talk about the tool of tension and the role of improv in our life and work. Improv is a central inspiration for all of Phelim’s work. To quote Improbable’s mission statement:“Whether in performance, rehearsal or development we will use the practice and philosophy of improvisation in the process of creation (even when we’re working on classic plays or operas)." In other words, the product is the process. This was a great interview, recorded in a pub outside of London. Enjoy. /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/4952615

Jules Munns Live From London 12/25/2016

Jules Munns Live From London Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Jules Munns. Jules is the Co-Artistic Director of The Nursery, the great improv school in London. Jules is a passionate improvisor and teacher, who has studied under our friends Patti Stiles, Susan Messing, Rachael Mason, and Keith Johnstone. He studied at the Guildhall School, which specializes in classical theater, and when you watch him play, it comes through. Jules and his Co-Artistic Director Judith Amsenga have brought me out to London to teach and perform many times. The actors of The Nursery are truly inspiring. Over too many cups of thick coffee we chatted about overcoming challenges, the journey to acceptance, and, in Jules’ words, learning to “just be with the stuff that’s happening here.” This is one great chat recorded in a flat in London. /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/4940972

Brett Paesel 11/04/2016

Brett Paesel Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Brett Paesel. Brett’s an actress, having just wrapped season 3 of Amazon’s Emmy-winning “Transparent,” she’s the author of the Los Angeles Times Bestseller “Mommies Who Drink,” and she’s a teacher. I know Brett from our days at The Annoyance Theater in Chicago, where we performed in “Splatter Theatre,” directed by Mick Napier. Brett’s draw is her passion, her focus, her energy, her clarity, and her truth. We spoke at the apartment she shares with her husband, actor and director Pat Towne, a former guest on ADD, and their two sons. Oh, this is a great podchat, and, spoiler alert, we talk about her “Transparent” character’s arc. You’ve been warned. /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/4804337

Alan Wilder of Steppenwolf Theater 10/19/2016

Alan Wilder of Steppenwolf Theater Our guest today on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Alan Wilder. Alan is a Joseph Jefferson Award-nominated ensemble member at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater, and he’s appeared in over 60 Steppenwolf productions all over the world. He’s also appeared on numerous shows on NBC, CBS, HBO, and FOX. Alan’s hilarious, and smart, and wise, and honest. We chatted in Chicago at Steppenwolf’s rehearsal space located alongside the “el” tracks at Halsted and North. We had a blast and could have talked for a long time. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/4758010

Patti Stiles 07/07/2016

Patti Stiles Recorded at Improvention in beautiful Canberra, Australia. Our guest today is the wonderful “Queen of Improvisation,” Patti Stiles. Patti is an actor, improviser, director, and just one of the most inspiring people you’ve ever met. She’s worked with the world renowned “Loose Moose Theatre,” and was trained by and worked closely with Keith Johnstone, author of the seminal improv book “Impro.” Patti is the Artistic Director of Die Nasty AU, co-Director of Secret Impro Theatre, and Impro Melbourne. She’s traveled all over the world, and is as sought-after as any improv inspiration could be. I’d never before met Patti, but, boy, did we share a lot of improv philosophies. Stick around for Patti’s “Not My Finest Hour” segment. It’s crushingly good. Enjoy. /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/4497707

Jason Geary 06/30/2016

Jason Geary Recorded in Melbourne, Australia, today’s guest on ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky is Australian improv veteran Jason Geary. Jason is a teacher, a film and television actor, and the former Artistic Director Of Impro Melbourne. I’ve worked with Jason at Improvention, the awesome week-long celebration of “Impro Down-Under,” that annually occurs in Canberra, Australia. (The reason I’m in Australia and soon to be in New Zealand!) Jason’s smart, funny, confident, and one of the best people to sit down with and have a pod chat. And, stay tuned, of course, for his installment of “Not My Finest Hour” at the end of our episode. This is a good one. /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/4482057

Simon Helberg 06/13/2016

Simon Helberg Our guest today on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is Simon Helberg. Yep, Howard Wolowitz on “The Big Bang Theory,” of the Coen Brothers’ “A Serious Man,” “Dr. Horrible’s Sing A-long Blog,” “Studio 60 on Sunset Strip,” “Good Night, and Good Luck,” and…it doesn’t stop, but let’s stop at this credit: “Florence Foster Jenkins,” where he co-stars with Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant. This podcast interview is profound, deep, fun, illuminating, and oh, so special. And it wouldn’t be an “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” without our un-trademarked “Not My Finest Hour” segment starring none other than Mr. Helberg. I’m so happy with this episode I could explode. /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/4433911

Rachael Mason 06/06/2016

Rachael Mason Rachael Mason is our guest today on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky.” I only wish I can be as cool as Rachael. As if being the head of Advanced Improv at Second City in Chicago, having run the Training Center for iO West, improvising with The Second City Improv All Stars, “The Boys,” a former member of “Baby Wants Candy,” and having performed on Second City Tour Boats isn’t accomplishment enough, she also travels around the world performing with Susan Messing. She’s an accomplished teacher, mentor, and constant source of inspiration. I’m not screwing around here when I tell you how awesome she and this podcast episode are. Stick around for Rachael’s addition to our newly named podcast segment, “Not My Finest Hour.” This episode was recorded at Chicago’s wonderful Kopi Cafe. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/4403118

Joe Liss 05/30/2016

Joe Liss Today’s guest on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky” is the wonderful actor and writer Joe Liss. Joe was one of my Second City favorites, and when I moved out to LA I was able to work with him on a number of projects. Joe’s been on “According to Jim,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Strangers with Candy,” and the great satirical film, “God Bless America.” Joe is one of the writers and performers in the hit stage show “The Bicycle Men,” and has written on “Drawn Together,” “Third Rock from the Sun,” “SpongeBob Squarepants,” among others. Our discussion is lively, funny and honest. We discuss Chris Farley, a wonderful and troubled soul we both worked with and cared for and miss. There’s another bonus at the end of the episode, so stay tuned for that. Enjoy. /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/4379909

Dave Hill 05/23/2016

Dave Hill Improvisor Dave Hill is our guest today on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky,” and you’ll be hard-pressed to meet a more positive and upbeat improv teacher and performer. Dave was awarded the iO West “Teacher of the Year” honor in 2014, and it’s not surprising at all. He’s seen in numerous commercials, and shows on the tube including “Quick Draw” on Hulu and “Reno: 911” on Comedy Central. He’s a voice-actor, having worked on “American Dad,” “Squidbillies, and “The Most Popular Girls in School,” a great show both of us have recurring roles on, and one of the most “not safe for work” series on YouTube. There’s a very special story following the announcements, so be sure to stick around for it. By the way, the scratching sound you may hear are painters working on the apartment building. Enjoy Dave Hill! /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/4361928

Theresa Mulligan Rosenthal 05/16/2016

Theresa Mulligan Rosenthal Theresa Mulligan Rosenthal is our guest today on “ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky,” and I am so happy about that! I’ve known Theresa since my days at Second City Chicago. Theresa and I were castmates in one of my favorite improv casts, “Stacy’s Not Here.” Theresa’s been nominated for an Emmy, has written on “How I Met Your Mother,” “South Park,” “Greetings from Tuscon,” and, coming soon to Netflix, Maria Bamford’s “Lady Dynamite.” Theresa’s been on 12 episodes of “Mr. Show with Bob and David,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” and “Seinfeld.” Teresa has a nice little story at the end of podcast following our announcements. Stay tuned for that jewel. In the meantime…enjoy my podchat with Theresa Mulligan Rosenthal. /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/4347468

Graham Elwood 05/09/2016

Graham Elwood Graham Elwood is our guest today on ADD Comedy with /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/4335942

Bruce Rheins 05/02/2016

Bruce Rheins Bruce Rheins is our guest today on ADD Comedy with Dave /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/4335148

Carrie Aizley 04/25/2016

Carrie Aizley Carrie Aizley is our guest today on ADD Comedy. I love this person! Carrie is a former Groundling, and was one of the creators of “Campus Ladies” on the Oxygen Network. She’s been in TWO Christopher Guest films, not to mention a bunch of commercials directed by Mr. Guest. We chatted about working with her “comedy camp friends,” naming babies, the challenges of auditioning, and the joy of filming commercials. It CAN be joyous. Oh, and there’s a great story at the very end of our chat. Stay tuned for that. Meantime…enjoy. /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/4294772

Miles Stroth 04/18/2016

Miles Stroth Today’s guest on ADD Comedy is Miles Stroth. Miles is a cornerstone in the world of improvisation, having worked and studied under Del Close and Charna Halpern at Improv Olympic (now known as iO). He was a cast member of the legendary improv troupe known as “The Family,” whose members include Adam McKay, Matt Besser and Neil Flynn. He’s appeared in Comedy Central’s “Crossballs” and “Reno 911.” Miles is the driving force behind LA’s Pack Theater. This was a great chat. And there’s a bonus little piece of a poem at the end! Stay tuned. /episode/index/show/addcomedy/id/4294709

A.D.D. Comedy with Dave Razowsky

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