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SN1:EP9 “The Barber of Sunset Park”
This week I visit Eric Aleman, owner of the storied King of Kings Barber Shop in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. I’ve been going to him for a couple years and it’s always an odyssey which begins on my scalp and ends in my heart.
Eric, like a lot of good barbers, is able to step in and out of conversation. He’ll talk if you want to talk. Or he’ll just step back and keep working on your hair. That’s part of why I like him.
He’s not only a really solid barber, he’s also a talented lyricist, hip-hop artist/ whatever you want to call it. He’s a founding member of BLKLYST. Who you can check out playing at Littlefield’s or here on youtube.
If you listen real close here you can hear him shaving my neck at one point. It’s pretty hard to talk w a knife to your neck, but I did my best.
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SN5:EP9 “But You White”
First, a fiercely compassionate and steely listener letter from Kisha Baskin–Andy’s Junior High School friend who, maybe on accident, changed the direction of his life by telling him he was funny. And meant it. Next, (you’ll notice this episode is still rated “explicit.”) You’d think a clergy member would shy away from Andy’s earthy lexicon and subject matter. Not so with the Reverend James Dollins. This conversation will surprise the Hell out of you. (No pun.) Dollins is a socially-progressive; insightful; startingly “non-shamey”; compassionate, and super quick-witted Methodist minister in Anaheim, CA. A city which is 55% Hispanic or Latino, 24% White Alone, 15% Asian Alone, and only 3% African American or Black. (The remaining 3% being a diverse mix of Native, Two or More Race, and a bunch of folks that identify as “Other”.) Full disclosure: I consider myself extremely lucky to call this man my cousin. @wanderingaisles. Consider supporting the show on Patreon! (or just tell a friend). -
SN5:EP1 “Six Foot Feelings
Season five’s inaugural episode is just me and you (a reasonable distance from each other) at an Aldi in Omaha, a Safeway in Denver, and notes from one of the most purgatorial weekends in the history of standup.
SN1:EP5 “There and Back Again”
Over a year in the making, this epic episode spans several conversations with NYC comedian Aalap Patel. From Alpha Donuts in Queens, along Avenue A in the village, 3 of Andy’s apartments, a rooftop in Brooklyn, and into the dark heart of one of New York’s most beloved funny men.
[Correction: The poem that I read about 22 minutes in to this episode is by Greg Koehler and his name is actually pronounced “Keeler.” Originally published in Ninth Letter as “Heart River Dirge,” the poem is now titled “Mutual Testament” in the as of yet unpublished manuscript “Style, Elements.” For now it’s here. Check out Greg on Instagram. I’ve loved that poem for years and was finally able to track him down recently and get to know him a bit.]
