Inquizative Minds

This episode I sit down with community activist Mike Why and Green Party House of Representative candidate Zarah Livingston to discuss politics, corruption and scandal in western Pennsylvania. http://tinyurl.com/JoeGo2024

Pittsburgh based standup comedian Trevor Austin joins us to talk all things comedy and his unlikely journey towards finding sobriety while staying in the nightlife scene.

Club Sandwich a web series tv show starring Todd "Double D" Defazio, Big D & Tim Abretske. 3 Yinzers go on a quest to find Pittsburgh's best sandwiches #BIG BOYS BIG BITES BIGGER SANDWICHES!

Ed Kelemen is a retired Allegheny County Officer where he was one of the founders of the Bomb Squad. Nowadays he is an author, playwright, and columnist who spends an inordinate amount of time with the Pennsylvania Investigators of Paranormal Phenomena (P.I.P.P.) as both a technician and a paranormal investigator. During the course of writing his Haunted Pennsylvania Collection consisting of seven books, he has been involved in over 350 paranormal investigations.
When not investigating and interacting with the denizens of the afterworld, he relaxes with one of his sons in their hundred and twenty-five year-old house with a teeny-tiny dog, a clutch of attitude-ridden cats, and whatever rodents decide to brave the winter months inside. They all share that ancient house with a trio of haunts that are more entertaining than spooky.

Michael Whatule is the best friend you wish you had in grade school. He would literally do anything to make you laugh. He may sing, do impressions, or even dance to dispense his unique nerdy perspective on pop culture, relationships, employment, and religious upbringing. His fun, witty, sometimes edgy commentary will have you reeling in you seat saying “Wow I didn’t think it would be like this.”Since entering the world of stand up in 1999 Michael has delighted audiences of all ages at charity and corporate events, colleges and comedy clubs in over 30 states.he has opened for Nick DiPaolo, Todd Barry, Greg Giraldo, Craig Robinson, Jimmy Shubert ,and graced the screen with Ice-T. in a very forgettable movie. His something for everyone show is not to be missed.

Nate Booker is a Veteran, a Father, and currently a General Manager at M@C Discount in the Pittsburgh Area. Through trials and tribulations, Nate has made it back to PA, and is just trying to get through and help people get through this thing we call Life.

Ron is the Inventor/Owner of GOAT GRINDER and is a Pittsburgh Comedian who has been hosting Scarpaci's Comedy Open Mic for 10 Years.

Mike Matthews is a pastor, disability rights advocate and stand-up comic. From pastoring churches, protesting in Washington DC for disability rights and doing comedy for 15 years, he has lived a remarkable life even though doctors said being born with cerebral palsy meant he would not do much living with a disability. He is living proof on why we can’t live by the labels others try to stick on us.

LocNoJoke is a Pittsburgh based comic who began his career in 2006. He has performed at many venues in and out of the city, with a raw style and some street stories he has been able to go from the stage to media. Starting his first podcast in 2020, he also placed 3rd in 2019's King of Spring competition. From voice overs to sports talk Loc have been able to fit his unique style and humor on multiple platforms. You can find him on all social media platforms under the name LocNoJoke.

Specializing in comedy, music, improv, voiceover, and audio/video editing, Paulie Stags is a modern day bard from Philadelphia. His stand-up leans into subjects like science, philosophy, and ancient history. With an unassuming irreverence and abundant use of misdirection, he follows false logic to unexpected and hilarious conclusions. Paulie is also a music, theatre, and improv instructor in Cranberry, PA. He has classical and jazz training in voice and percussion. He plays steelpan and can fake it ok on the piano.

Cory Brennan is a Restauranteur, Comedian, and Podcaster. His new restaurant concept Sokah opens up in March and you can listen to his podcast The Cory Brennan Show on YouTube and Spotify.

Alyssa Maurer is an interdisciplinary artist and performer residing in the Pittsburgh area. She co-runs the Linoleum Comedy showcase, has a cat, and guzzles a whole pack of glizzy’s faster than you can say Mississippi. Her hobbies include crossing streams with homeless people, impersonating Matt Rife on Feetfinder, having BBQ’s with ghosts, and hanging around (with hooks in her back).

This picture may look like a crazy group, but the knowledge, accomplishments and work ethic in this pic is going be hard to beat! Someone asked me recently if I ever recorded an episode without releasing it. I have not, but this is the closest episode. This episode was a whirlwind, full of laughs and knowledge! Make sure you check it out!  

Dave Specht - real estate and cryptocurrency investor. Nearly ten years of industry experience across various aspects of the financial services industry. Regulatory compliance subject matter expert. #crypto #metaverse #investing   

Tripp, a sexual tyrannosaurus who eats battleships for breakfast, not only is the greatest artist of his generation, but the best science fiction author the world has ever seen. Hailing from Jacksonville Florida (JAGS!) he spent 12 years steeling souls with his camera in the Marines and now spends his time haunting the Appalachian mountains, and being frequently misidentified as the Mothman. #author #smokepitfairytales #writing   

Dan Brady hails from the muddy banks of lake Erie, in North Western, PA. If you are a fan of dark comedy, then come listen to Dan's dark yet humourous take on the demons he battles with. He regales the crowd with stories and dark observations from his life, and he is always heavy with the white trash undertones. #standupcomedy #podcasting #grinder   

Help support the podcast and look good doing it!  https://inquizative-minds-merch.myteespring.co/

Karl Prohaska is a 56 year old Air Force Veteran, Chef, comedian, and painter. He grew up in Lower Burrell who came back home 3 years ago after 34 years away. He's been happily married for 20 years to a woman who is probably planning his murder.

Help support the podcast and look good doing it!  https://inquizative-minds-merch.myteespring.co/

Andreas O'Rourke is a comedian and actor from Mobile Alabama. He started doing comedy in 2017 and has since performed at festivals, bars, firehalls, comedy clubs, backyards, street corners, competitions, and even a memorial (went terribly). In addition to stand up comedy Andreas occasionally acts in independent films as well as commercials. Help support the podcast and look good doing it!  https://inquizative-minds-merch.myteespring.co/

This episode I got to sit down with the multitalented Jeff Fieldhouse as we discuss his stand up origins as well as his work with music. Jeff Fieldhouse is a Comedian, host of the Babyface Assassin podcast, & a hosts a monthly all arts show! He started comedy in high school & fell in love ever since. 

Help support the podcast and look good doing it!  https://inquizative-minds-merch.myteespring.co/

Friend of the podcast Jake Aretz returns to discuss his battle with alcohol abuse and how he has overcome it. This episode was recorded on his 1 year anniversary of sobriety, Congratulations Jake!  Help support the podcast and look good doing it!  https://inquizative-minds-merch.myteespring.co/

This episode I sat down with Caroline Hawthorne to discuss her journey through comedy as well as many other things. Caroline Hawthorne is an up and coming actress, singer, and musical comedian from Los Angeles, CA. She aims to create witty, cynical, and honest comedy by women, for women. She recently premiered her show The Slutty Virgin at the Playground Solo Festival in San Francisco. She has also performed at Flappers Comedy Club, Plano Virtual Comedy Festival, and the New York Underground Comedy Festival. She is the winner of the Eargasm Christmas Comedy Contest, and will be appearing in the Ladies Room Comedy Competition in November. She has also written satire for The Nordly and The BroadwayBeat, and wrote the satirical advice column "The Crazy Kazoo Lady". Caroline is currently a Steel City AF Grantee under Steve Hofstetter. 

Help support the podcast and look good doing it!  https://inquizative-minds-merch.myteespring.co/

This episode I am once again rejoined by Brittany Alexis as we discuss The Real Pink Panthers. The Pink Panthers are an international jewel thief network responsible for a number of robberies and thefts described as some of the most audacious in the history of organized crime. The organization has roughly 800 core members, many of whom are ex-soldiers with extensive military and paramilitary backgrounds. 

Brittany Alexis is an up and coming comic in the Pittsburgh comedy scene. She has performed on stages across the city including Burning Bridges Comedy Club, the Improv, Arcade Comedy Theater, and the Byham Theater and has opened for the likes of Franqi French. She began her comedy journey to become a better public speaker but fell in love with the craft. She is currently teaching a comedy class at Arcade Comedy Theater and is really excited to be a part of this show. 

Help support the podcast and look good doing it!  https://inquizative-minds-merch.myteespring.co/

This episode I sat down with Lisa Kipps-Brown, the marketing strategist behind the history-making NASCAR team racing to combat veteran suicide. Responsible for the first crowdfunded Xfinity Series car, first to pay for stem cell treatments for a veteran, first to let micro businesses be part of a national NASCAR campaign, first Black-owned, Service Disabled Veteran-owned NASCAR sponsor, first underwritten campaign to support the blind, Braille paint scheme, and blind-owned NASCAR sponsor. She is the host of Disrupt Your Now weekly live show on FB & YouTube. Author of - 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒓𝒖𝒑𝒕 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑵𝒐𝒘: The Successful Entrepreneur’s Guide to Reimagining Your Business & Life (2021). 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕: Increase Your Business’s Value & Marketability to Sell For Retirement (2017). 𝑴𝒂𝒖𝒄𝒉’𝒔 𝑺𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒃𝒐𝒂𝒕 𝑮𝒖𝒊𝒅𝒆 Vol. III (1998). Started her web & marketing strategy business in ‘96 while raising 2 kids & caring for her father-in-law with Alzheimer’s (7+ yrs) & was later the caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer’s (4yrs). Big believer in building a business that can be adapted to fit evolving markets & your life stages. 15 years experience in Economic Development. https://lisakippsbrown.com/  

Help support the podcast and look good doing it!  https://inquizative-minds-merch.myteespring.co/

This episode I sat down with Wolfie to discuss his books, his time at The Comedy Store,, his time as Buzz Nutley and so much more. Wolfie has spent the last 14 months in his comedy cocoon creating an hour of outrageous stand-up material. His new release will be titled, Breaking Bald. Check it out at clubs near you.  So you’ve seen Wolfie live and you want to know what goes on in the mind of comedian. The best way to do that is to read his writing. Check out his scripts, books and jokes here: Wolfiecentral.com  

Help support the podcast and look good doing it!  https://inquizative-minds-merch.myteespring.co/

This episode I sit down with Tamara Linnan aka Tami-Girl.  Tamara’s secret sauce behind the scenes has earned her the nickname “Ghost Management” Which means Tamara with her teams design, produce, seek out and serve any clients needs in a stealth like manner. “We may not see Tamara but we see the magic and know when her team has arrived” Tamara L. Hunter-Founder of Chemo Buddies for Life  

Most recently Tamara has founded The Starving Dog Action Pak. The Starving Dog Action Pak is a group of entrepreneurs that embrace and live by the motto #putactionwhereyourhashtagis  Tami-Girl began writing in childhood, having written over 30 books to date and is especially proud of the Little Guru Series, providing age appropriate discussions regrding mental health. Proceeds from Tami-Girl’s books go directly to support mental health services in her communities.  

Help support the podcast and look good doing it!  https://inquizative-minds-merch.myteespring.co/

Cavin Eggleston is an up-and-coming comic who combines personal stories with an absurdist twist. Originally from Wenatchee, Washington, his comedy has taken him to clubs, bars, breweries, and places with microphones all around the country and even as far as the World Series of Comedy Main Event. Cavin pulls experiences from the classroom onto the stage and is great at reminding the audience that those who can’t, teach.

Help support the podcast and look good doing it!  https://inquizative-minds-merch.myteespring.co/

This episode I sit down with the hilarious Deric Brown. From his origins in Virginia to his new show "Time Machine Talk Show" at the Steel City Improv Theater. 

Help support the podcast and look good doing it! 

 https://inquizative-minds-merch.myteespring.co/

Justin Sabo joins me in studio to discuss his many travels through out the country's comedy scene.  Help support the podcast and look good doing it!  https://inquizative-minds-merch.myteespring.co/

New album, new books, same awesome dude! Tripp joins the podcast to discuss all his new ventures. His art is really starting to take off, due in part to TikTok. I ask him about the current goings on in Afghanistan, ghosts, cults, religion and more.  

Help support the podcast and look good doing it!  https://inquizative-minds-merch.myteespring.co/

I sit down with former guest and friend of the podcast Nancy Wilkins. She brought in her crystals, did and Oracle Card reading , discussed paranormal investigations and more. 

Help support the podcast and look good doing it!  https://inquizative-minds-merch.myteespring.co/

I'm joined in studio by Kelsey M and her opponent Mark Shimkits in Roast War Championship 9/11. I call Matt Light on the episode as well.   

Enter promo code: Johnny  For $2 discount and to credit you for the sale  Or  Roast War Championship “9\11” EVENTBRITE.COM Roast War Championship “9\11” The Roast War Championship matches comic vs comic INSIDE A STEEL CAGE! Check out @roastwarchamp on FB or IG, or www.roastwarchamp.com

Help support the podcast and look good doing it!  https://inquizative-minds-merch.myteespring.co/

DJ Biggie Falls aka Dave Stewart drops by the studio to discuss his hit show Real Pittsburgh Stories, life as a DJ and some paranormal experiences.

Help support the podcast and look good doing it!  https://inquizative-minds-merch.myteespring.co/

Derek Minto is a stand-up comedian currently residing on the top of a mountain in Pittsburgh, PA. Derek has been a featured comic for the WDVE comedy festival and voted best comic in the City Paper Best of the Burgh in 2016. In 2020, Derek recorded his first comedy album, ‘Live from Lawerenceville’s Finest Ham Themed Bar’ inside Hambone’s during the Covid lockdown. Derek has opened for Hannibal Burgess, Todd Glass, John Heffron, and Amy Schumer once drunkenly told him he was very funny. Derek has traveled the United States doing comedy but still finds any city without fries on their salad gross.

Help support the podcast and look good doing it!  

https://inquizative-minds-merch.myteespring.co/  

Johnny Lee Dam has been performing comedy ever since he could utter a sentence. As the resident class clown, he quickly developed a knack for comedic timing, something his teachers soon came to regret. Fortunately, it did not stop there. A native of Los Angeles, Johnny began his comedy career in December of 1991. After a six-week class at a community college, he delivered his first five-minute set and was hooked for life! Since then, he has performed in 1 1 countries, 33 states, and even a nudist resort (yes, he was, and no, it wasn't pretty). He has also traveled abroad to entertain the troops. These 30-day tours included traveling into war zones on numerous occasions armed with only a microphone, and, if warranted, the ability to scream like a little girl (his only superpower). If he looks familiar it's because you've seen him most recently on Fox Sports and TMZ Live. Johnny has also starred in a national commercial. He produced and hosted "The DAMage Report," his own 2x award-winning daily radio show in the LA talk radio market. In his spare time, he wrote and directed two short films. His album, "The Painful Truth," recorded back in 2007 (available on iTunes), is still downloaded on a regular basis. Whether he's on the stage or in a chair, you'll most likely find him behind a microphone. His shotgun-like delivery and scope of material has made him a crowd favorite among all ages and demographics... except his parents. Johnny gives the audience what it wants. But beware, Johnny's humor is brutally honest, and if asked to define comedy he will tell you that every joke has a victim, and the only thing funnier than the truth is "The Painful Truth" — available on iTunes 

johnnyleedam.com

Local Comedian, Podcaster, Jack of all trades, master of none, & "A Work in Progress" -Aaron Douglas

Dr. Andre Samuel, Ph.D. (Founder, President & CEO) The Citizen Science Lab www.thecitizensciencelab.org   

Andre Samuel, was raised in Washington, DC and  graduated from the University of the District of Columbia with a degree in Biology. Following graduate study at the George Washington University in Genomics and Bioinformatics, he received his PhD in Biology from Duquesne University. At Duquesne, his research focused on studying the structure and function of the cold shock related proteins in E. coli. As a Ph.D. candidate, Dr. Samuel founded the S.I.G.M.A Science Mentorship Initiative, a summer study program designed to introduce diverse ninth graders to the University’s lab with the long-term goal of encouraging the pursuit of careers in scientific research. Dr. Samuel’s research experience includes studying toxicology and carcinogenicity effects of novel drugs, hookworm vaccine development under the direction of Dr. Peter Hotez and tuberculosis reactivation in non-human primates in the laboratories of Dr. JoAnne Flynn. Dr. Samuel has a passion for STEM education and life science research. He believes that creating fun engaging and hands on lab experiences for people is the best pathway to an interest in STEM. Over the past 5 years The Citizen Science Lab and his executive director have received a number of awards for its work throughout the community. In 2015 Dr. Samuel was awarded the BMe leadership award recognized for his excellence and positive impact Through The Citizen Science Lab on black males. In 2016 The Citizen Science Lab received four awards for their participation and Seaperch and The Citizen Science Lab was also selected to participate in the Navy embark program. This program selects highly recognized educators in stem to be flown out to and they will base in San Diego and spend 24 hours on a deployed aircraft carrier. Als, in 2016 Dr. Samuel received the President's Volunteer Service Award from the Obama Administration. In 2017 The Citizen Science Lab received the PSAYDEN after school champion award and the Iota Phi Foundation’s Excellence in Education Award. Dr. Samuel has also been selected as an inaugural member of the Lead Now Pittsburgh cohort created by Leadership Pittsburgh and just recently, in 2020, received the Carnegie Science Center’s Leadership in STEM education award.

Brittany and I try our hand on a new and interesting topic series Fairly Innocuous. This episode is supposed to be about the interesting history of diamonds, but we quickly went off the rails.

This episode I sit down with the host of Greenfield's Finest Podcast Mike Zydel. We touch on many topics including stand up comedy, bad bookers and his journey through sobriety.

This episode I welcome back Nichole Purvis. She brings all of her paranormal experiences, from growing up in Wyoming to camping in Japans suicide forest.

My guest today is John Ventre. John Ventre is a retired Security and Public Affairs Executive and an author-actor. He was his company’s liaison to his local Congressman. John has made numerous televised appearances, including the Anderson Cooper show in 2012 and 33 episodes on 7 TV series including 20 episodes on History Channels “Hangar 1”. He has appeared in 3 movies and wrote and produced 90 YouTube episodes for his “String Theory of the Unexplained” channel. He is an occasional columnist for 8 different magazines and was a multi-state Director for MUFON for 10 years. He is the author of 10 books and lectures on UFOs and demonology. More can be found at www.johnventre.blogspot.com and www.imdb.com .

Check out Murderous States of Mind available on all streaming platforms.

This episode I sit down with 25 year old musical artist/producer Ty Dansuzo, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His music ranges from laid back chill hop instrumentals to funky electronic synth filled tracks with poetic lyrics sprinkled throughout. He plays guitar, keyboards (synths), bass, and he's always challenging himself to learn new instruments. In 2019 he released his debut self produced EP “Soul” and has been producing and releasing his own music since then with the help of fellow Pittsburgh studios such as ID Labs and Serenity Sounds. He hosts a monthly art show with our friend and comedian Jeff Fieldhouse called “The All Art Show” @ The Mt. Troy Inn where they display the talent of local comedians, musicians, and artists. In 2020 when the pandemic hit he decided to build his own home studio with his girlfriend and call it “Poetic Records”. They offer recording and production services for a reasonable price for an independent artist to come in and really explore their creativity. His music is available for streaming and purchase on all platforms and his merchandise can be found on my bandcamp page.

Author of the new book "Haunted Objects of Pennsylvania" Ed Kelemen joins me to discuss his investigation process. Nancy joins us and discusses her being "sensitive" and her work with crystals.

ekelemen.com

This episode I sit down with professional wrestler, actress, model, artist, manager, muse and more... Monique Dupree. We discuss her new venture in Lingerie Fighting Championship, upcoming movie projects, convention appearances, how she adapted during quarantine and so much more. In her words "Google Me!"

My guest this week is Thomas Balaban. Thomas is a person that defies social stigmas and loves talking about items that make others feel weird. As a person that struggles to fit in he ended up becoming a nudist, stand up comedian, (former) professional gamer, and a self taught software developer. He is excited to share everything about himself, and his personal paranormal experiences.

This episode I sit down with Kelsey Moschetti. Kelsey is a former collegiate track & field athlete turned fitness instructor. She is a budding stand up comedian and has some fascinating tales about her personal paranormal experiences.

This episode I sit down with Amanda Averell. Amanda is a stand up comedian, writer, producer, co-owner of the Burning Bridges Comedy Club, actor, educator, coach & improviser. We discuss her beginnings in stand up, advice, Burning Bridges Comedy Club, the current state of the Pittsburgh scene and a bunch more.

On the this episode I sit down with Craig J. Stadler. Craig is the Founder of his own privacy-focused, multilingual, video search engine bringing you videos from 50+ diverse sources and networks that are non-biased, peteyvid.com .  Craig bootstrapped the business from the ground up being a programmer for 40+ years, specializing in search architecture for 10+ years. Originally founding TV streaming service called CTube back in 2001 many years before YouTube was a ‘thing’. He’s since gone on to be featured countless times while developing the Petey Vids network being the biggest privacy-focused video search engine and growing! When he's not coding and developing, you'll find him collecting classic Tron memorabilia, playing the drums in death metal and grindcore bands for 25+ years and running a retro-movietheatre - Erie Movie House. eriemoviehouse.com He is also a vet tech assistant and a volunteer caretaker for the Erie Animal Network. 

Help support the podcast: https://inquizative-minds-merch.myteespring.co/

I sat down with musician Payso Best Ever and we discuss not only his musical journey, but what also makes him tick. I thought I was interviewing a musician... turns out I was talking to a business man. Hustle, motivation, drive! Payso's journey is truly inspiring. 

 Help support the podcast: https://inquizative-minds-merch.myteespring.co/

This episode I sit down with Jim Baumgratz. We discuss his process, love of true crime and his upcoming projects. James Baumgratz resides in Saint Marys, Pennsylvania, Elk County. He has been fascinated with true crime since his early teens and has devoted his writings to historic murder/mysteries that took place in the not so distant past. Future works will include many counties in Pennsylvania and New York with a McKean County, Pennsylvania book being published next. check out his webside elkcountymurders.com

This episide I sit down with Mateo (IG: themindofmxteo) He's a self taught artist and photographer from Pittsburgh Pa.  22 yrs. old and has been taking pictures for 3 years now. He specializes in moody and creative photography likes to base his work off his emotions or however he's feeling.