Spiraling Up

Jon Fisch talks to people from the world of comedy about how they handle daily struggles and how they dig themselves out of life’s major ruts. Sounds heavy but it's funny too.

In the Tank Episode 112 - Kurt Metzger 12/31/2021

In the Tank Episode 112 - Kurt Metzger Original release date: April 6, 2009 Originally from South Jersey Kurt started his stand up career in Philadelphia and in 2001, he moved to NYC. I think we could have left Kurt alone in my kitchen with a 6 pack of Budweiser and a list of topics and pressed record. But luckily we were there to be the laugh track. After listening to this podcast, it will be easy to see how Kurt’s unique brand of humor has led him to numerous writing jobs and appearances on Showtime’s White Boys in the Hood, Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham and most recently his own half hour Comedy Central Presents. Please enjoy this very adult episode of In the Tank. /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/21644609

In the Tank Episode 111 - Becky Donohue 12/31/2021

In the Tank Episode 111 - Becky Donohue Original release date: March 27, 2009 This week we welcome New York native . Ever wonder how Becky makes sunshine? We found out. Also learn about my new use for hand sanitizer, how Becky deals with “gentle violations” on the road, and how Shaki triumphs over diversity. Dan Allen you ask? Approaching his 200th day of homeless status. /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/21644579

In the Tank Episode 110 - Ted Alexandro 12/31/2021

In the Tank Episode 110 - Ted Alexandro Original release date: March 20, 2009 This week we welcome Queens, NY native . We ease into the tank by catching up on Dan’s squatting and my pledge for better dental hygiene. After Jon surprises us with an old picture of Ted and Jon both with hair, we have Ted answer some listener submitted questions. From there we delve into Ted’s life and views on comedy covering such topics as the importance of being able to adapt to different environments, the comedy coalition, Ted’s first comedy vehicle, the advantages of starting stand up in NY, and how growing up has changed Ted’s act. Lastly Ted tells us about his fondness for Jamie Lissow and the trials and tribulations of their current long distance relationship. Thanks for listening and enjoy. /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/21644525

In the Tank Episode 109 - Mark Babbitt 12/01/2021

In the Tank Episode 109 - Mark Babbitt Original release date: March 16, 2009 This week I was in Houston at the Laff Stop with my buddy Jason Kanter. Jason introduced me to Mark Babbitt. Mark is the former managing partner of the Houston Laff Stop and he’s the voice you hear introducing Mitch Hedberg on Mitch’s first CD, Strategic Grill Locations. Along with Mitch, Mark talks about Doug Stanhope, Margaret Cho, Greg Fitzsimmons and Richard Lewis. /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/21333953

In the Tank Episode 108 - Baron Vaughn 11/28/2021

In the Tank Episode 108 - Baron Vaughn Original release date: March 7, 2009 Baron braved the snowstorm from the Upper West Side to Queens to talk about magic, Garfield, developing in Boston, commercials, college work and he kicked off the show with a little beat boxing. /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/21303308

In the Tank Episode 107 - Ophira Eisenberg 11/24/2021

In the Tank Episode 107 - Ophira Eisenberg Original release date: Feb 26, 2009 Sweet Ophira talks about Sweet Paprika, taping of her new DVD at Comix, leaving a boy in Canada, the woes of producing your own show and a deer committing suicide. /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/21271742

In the Tank Episode 106 - Andy Pitz 11/03/2021

In the Tank Episode 106 - Andy Pitz Original release date: Feb 20, 2009 Andy Pitz tells a tale about a kid getting his hand blown off by a homemade pipe bomb, his experience as a bouncer for exotic dancers and enlightened us with his expert knowledge of helium tanks. /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/21039869

In the Tank Episode 105 - Pat Dixon 10/26/2021

In the Tank Episode 105 - Pat Dixon Find out why became a "suit comic." /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/20948069

In the Tank Episode 104 - Nate Bargatze 10/19/2021

In the Tank Episode 104 - Nate Bargatze Original release date: Feb 6, 2009 Fun Trivia: One of only two guests to be on twice: /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/20865935

In the Tank Episode 103 - Moody McCarthy 10/14/2021

In the Tank Episode 103 - Moody McCarthy Original release date: Jan 30, 2009 This was our first episode with a guest and you know it's ! /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/20815610

In the Tank Episode 102 More with the Dans 10/13/2021

In the Tank Episode 102 More with the Dans Learn more about Dan Shaki and Dan Allen from the year 2009 (January to be specific) /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/20803868

In the Tank Episode 101 My Two Dans 10/05/2021

In the Tank Episode 101 My Two Dans Holy crap, let's take the way back machine to January of 2009 for the release of our very first episode. As Spiraling Up is on hiatus I thought it would be great to revisit In the Tank and I hope you enjoy.... /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/20713733

Episode 315 - Erica Spera 10/15/2020

Episode 315 - Erica Spera This week we welcome hilarious comedian First Jon and Sam go over some jokes. Then Erica shares the pitfalls of producing comedy shows as a comedian, when to tell your parents you have herpes and sheds light on some misconceptions about the STD. /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/16418042

Episode 314 - Sam and Jon hash it out 10/02/2020

Episode 314 - Sam and Jon hash it out Jonny and Sam talk about New Year stuff and comedy stuff and putting stuff out there /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/16247108

Episode 313 - Sammy & Jonny & a "Happy" New Year 09/18/2020

Episode 313 - Sammy & Jonny & a "Happy" New Year Sam and Jon check in on the state of comedy and the state of their lives as Rosh Hashanah arrives and not a moment too soon. Check out our /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/16064969

Episode 312 - Adam Mamawala 09/10/2020

Episode 312 - Adam Mamawala This week we welcome the hilarious . Adam has appeared on Comedy Central, MTV, BET, and SiriusXM and has headlined over 200 colleges across more than 35 states. His debut album , released through Comedy Dynamics, debuted at #1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts. Adam shares his experience getting over his divorce, the pressures of portraying a certain image and leaning into sadness for your comedic material. Please rate & subscribe and check out our Ko-fi page... /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/15955739

Episode 311 - Michael Stahl (2) 09/01/2020

Episode 311 - Michael Stahl (2) This week we welcome back to the podcast. Michael is a freelance journalist, writer and editor based in Queens, New York, and the co-author of , published by Abrams Books. Sam and Jon do a brief weekly check in before talking with Michael as we explore dating in COVID times and parallels between writing and standup. Check out our Ko-fi page... /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/15834407

Episode 310 - Dave Merheje 08/20/2020

Episode 310 - Dave Merheje Excited to welcome to the podcast this week. A true original comedy voice, David is one of the funniest around. He talks with us about winning a Juno, developing his voice after trauma, and getting cast in the hit Hulu show Ramy. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/15693566

Episode 309 - Ophira Eisenberg 08/07/2020

Episode 309 - Ophira Eisenberg Sam and Jon dive in deep with comedian, author, storyteller and host of NPR's Ask Me Another, Ophira shares experiences raising a child and broadcasting her NPR show from the confines of quarantine. If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and subscribe on iTunes. And check out our . /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/15517703

Episode 308 - Jonny's a Dad 07/30/2020

Episode 308 - Jonny's a Dad Jonny recaps the birth of his baby. Sam contemplates what’s next for life in the pandemic. Enjoy /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/15413414

Episode 307 - Sam & Jon Reconnect 07/04/2020

Episode 307 - Sam & Jon Reconnect While in the final days of pregnancy of his first child, Jonny reflects on his major life changes. Meanwhile Sam returns to Queens (thankfully) childless. /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/15084776

Episode 306 - Myq Kaplan (2) 05/26/2020

Episode 306 - Myq Kaplan (2) Support Spiraling Up... This week Spiraling Up welcomes back the prolific and hilarious . Myq has been seen on Conan, The Tonight Show and The Late Show to name a few. His new hour of comedy has just been released and it is worth listening to from beginning to end. We discuss the goal of comedy, the success of failure and if Sam is a good candidate for ayahuasca. But first, Sam and Jon check in and go over some new material... /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/14573981

Episode 305 - Casey Balsham 05/19/2020

Episode 305 - Casey Balsham Help support the podcast at This week we welcome the hilarious co-host of , . We learn how to party like a theater major, the best day for a comedian to get married and what it will be like when we finally get back on stage. But first, Sam and I go over some bits... /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/14485109

Episode 304 - Moody McCarthy 05/12/2020

Episode 304 - Moody McCarthy Want to support the podcast? And as always, please rate and subscribe on iTunes This week we welcome the hilarious . Moody is the King of Astoria and has appeared on television shows like Conan, The Late Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live and Last Comic Standing. Jon brings Sam up to speed on how well Moody and Jon know each other, Moody gives Jon some advice on how to be a dad and find out how your GPS can reflect your relationship. But first Sam and Jon check in on their weeks.... /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/14392007

Episode 303 - Living and Learning 05/05/2020

Episode 303 - Living and Learning Sam and Jon break down the importance of a relationship milestone, what things will be like when Sam returns to NYC, and how growing as a person can mess up your act. Plus goals for the upcoming week... /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/14292191

Episode 302 - Getting to Know Sammy 04/28/2020

Episode 302 - Getting to Know Sammy This week we learn how Sam started stand up and where Sam and Jon's bond began. Then hear what happens when your therapist is at your show, decide if you let your girlfriend listen to your podcast and who retweeted Sam's Farmedy Club tweet. /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/14185262

Episode 301 - Back with Sam Rubinoff 04/20/2020

Episode 301 - Back with Sam Rubinoff Comedians Jon Fisch and cope with these uncertain times together. /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/14065787

Episode 213 - Alingon Mitra 10/17/2019

Episode 213 - Alingon Mitra Very excited to welcome from Last comic Standing, Colbert, Conan the Late Late show. We share some New England memories before getting into ’s book . It’s all about how you react to expectations both internal and external (which I annoyingly call exterior - oops sorry) Alingon explains why it can be so difficult to do things you want to do when you are an obliger, how to push the right lever for external accountability and some examples of an accountability group. Plus, how tendencies work within relationships, what your tendency says about your values and Alingon’s own test to determine your tendency. /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/11686319

Episode 212 - Dan Wilbur 10/03/2019

Episode 212 - Dan Wilbur My guest is comedian, author, podcaster . In addition to his books How Not to Read and Never Flirt with Puppy Killers, Dan’’s been featured on Sirius XM, College Humor, McSweeney’s and , where he was the Ecards editor. We start talking books and try to figure out when it’s okay to give up on a book. Then Dan gets a life lesson from a surprising source. What’s worse than poutine? All or nothing thinking. How relationships can change your diet and who was the first comedian Dan saw in NYC? /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/11502143

Episode 211- Chelsea White 09/18/2019

Episode 211- Chelsea White This week I welcome host, podcaster, producer and show-runner Chelsea White We pick things up as I’m explaining why I don’t watch the NFL. Then we stress the importance of following Josh Gondelman on Twitter and what it’s like when a Chelsea meets another Chelsea. And we get into the similarities between OCD and Tourette. Plus how to date purposefully. /episode/index/show/spiralingup/id/11309204

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