Drinking During Business Hours with Sarah Halstead and Rich Chassler | Where comedy & fine wine meet!

Comedians - and husband-and-wife duo - Sarah Halstead and Rich Chassler, bring their love of great beverages to every conversation. Each episode features a guest from the worlds of entertainment, wine, food or culture, as Sarah and Rich dive into their stories over a drink (or two). Interesting, funny, and always a little unruly, it's the podcast where comedy meets conversation...and it's always happy hour somewhere.

From Magic Castle to Broadway: Michael Shayan’s Journey as The Gay Persian Who Plays His Own Mother 02/09/2026

From Magic Castle to Broadway: Michael Shayan’s Journey as The Gay Persian Who Plays His Own Mother In this delightful and heartfelt conversation, hosts Sarah J. Halstead and Rich Chassler welcome Emmy-nominated actor, writer, and magician Michael Shayan for an engaging discussion about family, identity, theater, and the transformative power of storytelling. From his early days as a 12-year-old magician at the Magic Castle to his critically acclaimed one-man play about his Persian mother, Michael shares his remarkable journey through entertainment with humor, vulnerability, and grace. Michael Shayan - Emmy-nominated writer, actor, and former magician Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelshayan Follow him on all platforms: Michael Shayan Current Project: Audible play “Cruising” featuring Christine Baranski and Tituss Burgess (available now on Audible) Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Family Dynamics 03:04 The Magic of Performance and Personal Stories 05:40 Exploring Identity and Coming Out Experiences 08:27 Theater and Relationships with Family 11:04 Creating a Play from Personal History 13:57 The Journey of a Play: From Concept to Stage 16:25 The Impact of Cultural Stories in Theater 19:11 The Role of Humor in Addressing Serious Topics 22:09 Theater as a Healing Experience 24:59 Broadway Dreams and Future Projects 27:47 Navigating the World of Performance 30:28 The Joy of Performing and Audience Connection 33:13 Reflections on Success and Adversity 36:08 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors PROJECTS MENTIONED “Avaaz” - Michael’s one-man play about his Persian mother National tour continuing through 2025 Upcoming: Theatre J in Washington DC (June 2025) Directed by Moritz von Schipnagel (Tony-nominated) Set design by Bill Wolf Barrett (Tony winner) “Book of Queer” (HBO) - Emmy-nominated documentary series Michael served as writer and consulting producer “Drunk history but for queer history” Features celebrities reenacting LGBTQ+ historical moments “Cruising” (Audible) - Available now Audio play starring Michael Shayan, Christine Baranski, and Tituss Burgess Available on Audible “The Big Everything” (Short Film) Directed by Sal Paskowitz Starring Michael Shayan, Bradley Whitford, and Jimmy Wolk Produced by Andrew Carlberg and Gil Cates Jr. Playing the festival circuit Upcoming Broadway Debut - Details TBD Featuring “some of the finest actors in New York” Under NDA at time of recording Michael’s warmth, humor, and vulnerability make this a deeply engaging conversation that moves from hilarious to heartfelt and back again. Whether you’re a theater lover, someone with “mom stuff,” or just appreciate a good story told beautifully, this episode delivers. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS! Sarah IG @sarahhalstead FB @sarahjhalsteadcomic X @sarahjhalstead Rich IG @richchassler FB @chasslerfans X @richchassler #DrinkingDuringBusinessHours #MichaelShayan #AvaazPlay #PersianStories #Broadway #Theater #Magic #LGBTQStories #HBO #EmmyNominated /episode/index/show/sarahjhalstead/id/40049115

Navigating the Comedy Scene with Jeremy Hotz 01/30/2026

Navigating the Comedy Scene with Jeremy Hotz Join hosts Sarah J Halstead and Rich Chassler for a hilarious and honest conversation with legendary Canadian comedian Jeremy Hotz! In this episode, Jeremy opens up about living with generalized anxiety disorder while maintaining a successful comedy career, his viral TikTok explosion in Africa, why he travels with his emotional support chihuahua Shaq, and the real story behind his career-defining moments on Letterman and The Tonight Show. From writing for The Daily Show to starring in the iconic Canadian series "The Newsroom," Jeremy shares behind-the-scenes stories from Speed 2, working with Sandra Bullock, and why comedy competitions don't work. Plus: hilarious tales from the Melrose Gelson's, parking lot muggings at the Improv, and why New York summers are unbearable. Whether you're a comedy fan, aspiring comedian, or just love authentic conversations about mental health and show business, this episode delivers laughs and real talk in equal measure. Featured Guest Jeremy Hotz is an internationally renowned stand-up comedian, actor, and former writer for The Daily Show. Known for his neurotic, observational comedy style, Jeremy has performed on Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and starred in the critically acclaimed Canadian series "The Newsroom" (which won multiple awards). His film credits include Speed 2: Cruise Control with Sandra Bullock. Despite living with generalized anxiety disorder, Jeremy has built a thriving international comedy career, recently experiencing viral success on TikTok throughout Africa. He tours extensively in Canada and is planning his first-ever African tour. Jeremy never travels without his emotional support chihuahua, Shaq. Find Jeremy Hotz: Official Website: TikTok: @JeremyHotz (HUGE following in Africa!) Instagram: @JeremyHotz Twitter/X: @JeremyHotz YouTube: Jeremy Hotz Comedy Chapters 0:00 - Welcome Back & Recent Updates 2:50 - Introducing Jeremy Hotz 5:00 - Why Beer Instead of Wine 6:30 - Living with Anxiety & Social Situations 9:15 - Meet Shaq: The Emotional Support Chihuahua 12:20 - The Newsroom & Speed 2 Stories 16:45 - Lucky Break: Episode 13 Award Win 19:30 - Starting Stand-Up at 18-19 22:40 - Getting Letterman & Tonight Show 27:15 - Finding Your Comedy Voice 31:20 - New York vs LA Life 36:50 - Comedy Club Stories & Improv Tales 41:30 - Going Viral on TikTok in Africa 45:20 - Auditions & Industry Advice 49:40 - Television Industry Problems 53:15 - Celebrity Stories & Gelson's Tales 56:30 - Upcoming Tour Dates 58:45 - Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS! Sarah IG @sarahhalstead FB @sarahjhalsteadcomic X @sarahjhalstead Rich IG @richchassler FB @chasslerfans X @richchassler #JeremyHotz #StandUpComedy #MentalHealthAwareness #ComedyPodcast #AnxietyAndSuccess #TikTokComedian #DrinkingDuringBusinessHours #CanadianComedy #EmotionalSupportDog #LettermanStories /episode/index/show/sarahjhalstead/id/39932805

The Grind of Comedy with Dean Delray 01/20/2026

The Grind of Comedy with Dean Delray The Grind of Comedy with Dean Delray In this episode of “Drinking During Business Hours,” hosts Sarah J Halstead and Rich Chassler sit down with veteran comedian and podcaster Dean Delray for an honest, inspiring conversation about the comedy hustle. Fresh from a memorable road trip complete with incredible food stops (including the legendary Rose’s Cantina in El Paso), the hosts dive deep into Dean’s journey through the stand-up world. Dean shares the story behind his groundbreaking new comedy special “5836,” filmed in a Tennessee cave, and discusses why self-production has become essential in today’s entertainment landscape. This episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom, hilarious stories, and a raw look at what it takes to survive FEATURED GUEST Dean Delray - Stand-Up Comedian, Podcaster, and Host of “Let There Be Talk” IG @deandelray X @deandelray Website Podcast Let There Be Talk Dean Delray is a veteran stand-up comedian known for his authentic, high-energy performances and his popular podcast Let There Be Talk, where he interviews fellow comedians, musicians, and artists. With decades of experience grinding it out on the road, Dean represents the true working comedian, someone who’s built a career through relentless perseverance, authenticity, and an unwavering love for the craft. His latest special “5836” showcases his unique approach to comedy production and his commitment to doing things his own way. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Welcome Back and Road Trip Tales 02:43 - Introducing Dean Delray 04:56 - Dean’s New Special: 5836 10:15 - The Grind of Comedy and Perseverance 19:31 - Influences and Early Days in Comedy 29:16 - Navigating the Industry and Staying Authentic 39:02 - Closing Thoughts and Future Plans FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS! Sarah IG @sarahhalstead FB @sarahjhalsteadcomic X @sarahjhalstead Rich IG @richchassler FB @chasslerfans X @richchassler #StandUpComedy #Comedian #ComedyPodcast /episode/index/show/sarahjhalstead/id/39809180

The Legacy of Lenny Bruce with Ronnie Marmo 01/09/2026

The Legacy of Lenny Bruce with Ronnie Marmo The Legacy of Lenny Bruce with Ronnie Marmo Join hosts Sarah Halstead and Rich Chassler in a captivating conversation with actor, writer, and Artistic Director Ronnie Marmo as they explore the enduring legacy of legendary comedian Lenny Bruce. This episode delves deep into the world of boundary-pushing comedy, the art of performance, and why Bruce’s revolutionary work remains vital in today’s cultural landscape. Marmo, who has performed his acclaimed one-man show “I’m Not A Comedian… I’m Lenny Bruce” over 412 times, shares intimate insights into bringing this iconic figure to life on stage and the challenges of preserving authentic, controversial material in modern theater. Featured Guest Ronnie Marmo - Actor, Writer, Director, and Artistic Director of Theatre 68 (Los Angeles & New York City) IG: @ronniemarmo ... X: @realronniemarmo ... Ronnie Marmo is a bi-coastal theater artist best known for his critically acclaimed portrayal of Lenny Bruce in “I’m Not A Comedian… I’m Lenny Bruce,” directed by Joe Mantegna. With over 412 performances to his credit, Marmo has dedicated himself to keeping Bruce’s legacy alive and relevant. As Artistic Director of Theatre 68, he creates spaces for bold, meaningful theatrical experiences while teaching acting classes internationally via Zoom. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:52 - Theater and Performance Insights 05:58 - Lenny Bruce’s Legacy and Impact 08:42 - Navigating Controversial Material 11:42 - Personal Journey and Career Development 14:17 - Theater Group and Community Engagement 17:20 - Audience Reactions and Performance Challenges 19:56 - Cultural Relevance of Lenny Bruce Today 22:52 - Final Thoughts and Future Projects FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS! Sarah IG @sarahhalstead FB @sarahjhalsteadcomic X @sarahjhalstead Rich IG @richchassler FB @chasslerfans X @ #lennybruce #standupcomedy #ronniemarmo /episode/index/show/sarahjhalstead/id/39682635