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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Originally published in Ninth Letter as “Heart River Dirge,” the poem is now titled “Mutual Testament” in the as of yet unpublished manuscript “Style, Elements.”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.] -
SN5:EP4 “Kronberg’s List”
Our show begins with some loud banjo music, me picking @benkronberg up, and a brief deliberation about how we’re gonna do this with masks on.We head off to a grocery store in downtown Denver, a tobacco place, and one of those “You don’t have to make me wear a mask rallies” at the Capitol building. -
SN2:EP3 “On Being in Jeff”s Apartment When He’s Not There”
A tiny documentary on what it’s like to be in a friend’s apartment when they’re not there. Followed by me and Jeff talking about: people who don’t wring out the kitchen sponge; getting way deep into the nature of storytelling (he helps coach me through an impossibly climax-less story I keep insisting on telling). He comes over and cooks me the mushrooms I helped watch for him one weekend in March.Jeff’s a real heavyweight and it was an honor to have him on. He’s “a storyteller, standup, and the guy behind “‘And I Am Not Lying,‘ a variety show that combines stand-up, storytelling, burlesque, sideshow and music on the second Friday of every month at UCB East.”
He’s won a bunch of Moth StorySLAMS, And you may recognize him from stories on This American Life, The Moth, and some things he’s written for The Paris Review Daily.
He also teaches a storytelling class that’s a “six-week workshop for experienced comics and storytellers, to teach the structure and technique of comedic storytelling.” If you’re interested go to his site and contact him here.
Oh and at the end of the show I play one of the stories he told on the moth. With thanks and attribution to The Moth. That’s from their show on the week of August 5th, 2015.
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).
