Paul Vato Presents:

This singer, actor and improv artist who comes from the Republic of Moldova, embarked on a daring journey when she was just 14 years old, leaving the comfort of her hometown to pursue her dreams in the sprawling city of Los Angeles. Afina's tale is a testament to bravery and resilience in the face of adversity, having to juggle a tedious job, the harsh realities of immigration, and her own online business, all while honing her passion for music.

Afina Madoian shares the story of how Sweet Dreams was born. She explains the lyrics of the song, written as a source of comfort and support to herself during difficult times. Afina has recently started acting and shares the journey of her success so far.

From her struggles in the unfamiliar land to the birth of her heartfelt song, 'Sweet Dreams', and her recent leap into acting, Afina's story shows us the beauty that can blossom when we dare to chase our dreams. She also shares about her current writing projects and her exciting plans for future music releases. Afina's journey is a lesson in perseverance and hope, and we're excited to share it with all of you. We hope her story ignites a spark in those who are at the crossroads of choosing between their passion and practicality. So grab a cup of your preferred beverage, sit back, and prepare to be inspired by Afina's journey filled with music, love, longing, and dreams.

CHAPTERS

(0:00:00) - A Conversation With Singer Afina Madoian: Afina Madoian left Moldova at 14 to pursue singing, worked long hours, built an online business, and ultimately quit to pursue music full-time. (0:13:39) - Pursuing a Music Career: Afina Madoian faced challenges transitioning to the US, going from packer to sales operations manager while pursuing music and opening an online business. (0:20:11) - Dreams, Songwriting, and Acting: Afina Madoian shares her story of creating Sweet Dreams, her acting journey, and upcoming singles.

AFINA MADOIAN Soul, jazz and pop singer Afina Madoian (who goes by the mononym Afina) was born and raised in Moldova, performing since childhood all over Europe and landing a spot on X-Factor Romania in 2014. The Los Angeles performer with bountiful curly hair, a striking voice and an even bigger heart was granted the prestigious O1 visa for extraordinary abilities in the arts when she was just 19 years of age. Afina's story is one of bravery, intense isolation but most of all of an immigrant artist following her dreams.

The powerhouse vocalist speaks Romanian, English and Russian and she is cultured beyond her years, immersed at a young age in Jewish, Greek and Armenian cultures growing up in Moldova. With a recognizable presence, Afina’s vocal prowess and stylings may remind listeners of artists like Amy Winehouse, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, and even Beyonce and Whitney Houston.

Paul Vato

Navigating the realm of art and comedy can often feel like walking a tightrope, especially when politics enter the picture. This episode features a conversation with Jason Seiler, an esteemed illustrator whose work has graced the covers of Time Magazine multiple times. Together, we uncover the nuances of capturing political figures in art, and the responsibility that comes with it. Jason shares his insights about treating his artwork as a form of recording history - a perspective that is both thought-provoking and reveals the delicate balance needed when dealing with political personalities.

When Jason Seiler isn't painting, he's making people laugh. A personal anecdote leads us into his journey into stand-up comedy, spurred by encouragement from Steve Byrne who noticed his artwork for a documentary. Jason's first set at the Chicago Improv wasn't just a daring leap, it was a springboard for more opportunities. He shares the struggles he faced, his eventual triumph, and how Byrne continued to support him, paving the way for a remarkable career that blurs the line between art and comedy.

We also delve into the challenges faced by content creators in today's world, and the courage needed to handle criticism. A bold statement by Jason about his video going viral, offers a masterclass in resilience and transforms our understanding of how art, comedy, and personal growth intertwine. This episode promises a deep exploration into the world of art, comedy, politics, and the surprising ways they intersect. Don't miss out on this engaging journey that spans from the pages of Time Magazine to the stages of stand-up comedy.

JASON SEILER

Jason Seiler is a Chicago based artist and standup comedian, and producer of The Breaking the Law Comedy Show! Originally from Green Bay Wisconsin, Jason moved to Chicago in 1996 and created a career for himself in illustration, painting covers for publications such as Time Magazine, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, MAD magazine and more!!!

Always a comedian at heart, Jason had the pleasure of having the great Steve Byrne on his podcast, "Face the Truth", Steve invited him to try stand up for the first time and asked him to do a guest spot for him, at The Chicago Improv. I know, crazy right? Jason agreed to do it, the show went great, and he has since opened 5 more times for Steve, and the rest is history!
His silly sense of humor, dry wit, and likable disposition, help illustrate stories and jokes drawn from personal experience.

CHAPTERS

(0:00:00) - Art, Politics, and Freedom of Expression: Jason and I discuss art, stand-up comedy, reactions to his art, and balancing work with politicians.

(0:15:24) - From Punk Bands to Stand-Up Comedy: Jason Seiler's journey to stand-up comedy was encouraged by Steve Byrne, culminating in a successful five-minute set at the Chicago Improv.

(0:24:56) - Artist's Offense and Recognition Navigation: Risks of content creation, pride of Time Magazine cover, handling negative comments, importance of true fans, and Sam Kinison's advice discussed.

(0:28:49) - Viral Video and Artistic Resilience: Jason Seiler reflects on the power of comedy and risks of content creation, and how going viral 15 years ago changed his outlook on life.

PAUL VATO

Uncover the candid and quirky world of Michelle MaliZAki, a stand-up comedian navigating the waters of cultural identity and humor. Our conversation with her is a delightful romp through her personal experiences from being a Japanese-American, having pets named after food items, and working in diverse fields like TV production and stand-up comedy. She opens up about her journey from Japan to America, her love for American television, and her surprising viral success with a song about napping.

The laughter continues as we follow Michelle’s career path from working as a TV production assistant in Japan to stand-up comedy. Hear about her fascinating travels with the Yankees, trying out local foods at various baseball stadiums. She shares her transition into comedy, with improv classes at the Second City and Upright Citizens Brigade, and the surprising viral success of her song about napping. Also, learn why she always stylizes her last name as MaliZAki.

This chef embarks on culinary adventures like hand-forging knives and harvesting salt from the Atlantic. Meet our guest, Joe Gatto, a celebrated chef, charismatic TV show host, and author of "Seriously From Scratch". He shares fascinating stories about cooking for sports celebrities and his experiences with brewing beer and making wine.

This episode takes us on a journey with Joe, where he emphasizes the beauty of homemade cooking and the importance of dedicating time to craft meals with your family. We get a glimpse into his life as he talks about making pizza from scratch while Paul Vato shares a nostalgic tale about making tortillas with his grandmother and using unique cooking tools like a "mocajete" as well as a modified "garbage can" to make tamales. It's not just about cooking; it's about the memories we build, the relationships we create with food, and the conversations that occur around the dining table.

Paul Vato unveils his encounters with a mysterious butcher in Chicago who would show up early in the morning, just before closing time, to distribute free meats to drunken late night revelers. We chat about Joe's new show with comedic genius, Bryan Callen, which involves culinary adventures with celebrities. Learn about Joe's exciting future plans and his unique perspective on cooking, all stemming from his background in filmmaking. This conversation is a delightful blend of food, family, and fun adventures. Whether you're a food enthusiast or just love a good story, this episode is sure to serve up something everyone can savor.

CHAPTERS

(0:00:01) - Exploring Food and Culinary Adventures

(0:09:10) - Cooking From Scratch and Building Memories

(0:16:00) - Tortilla Press and Mexican Food Memories

(0:24:53) - The Butcher Truck and Future Plans

(0:33:50) - Cooking, Filmmaking, and Fun Conversations

(0:44:19) - Experiences Being a Chef for A-list Celebrities

JOE GATTO

Chef Joe Gatto is an author and the host of the hit cutting-edge cooking show, "Joe Gatto’s From Scratch" currently airing on Pluto TV and Roku. He is a renowned private Chef to A-list clients including Celtic and Red Sox players. Chef Joe is best known for his ability to bring people together with cooking by making it accessible, fun and highly memorable. 

Joe also hosts prestigious food events such as Boston Magazine’s "The Cue", private cooking classes and demos, and is regularly featured on radio shows such as NPR’s On Point for his culinary expertise and vibrant energy.

In "Joe Gatto’s From Scratch", Joe successfully melded his unbridled passion for scratch cooking, entertaining personality and filmmaking background to create a unique cooking show with heart. From making charcoal to hand forging knives to milking cows to making his own bacon, Joe takes food to its origins, and in doing so, showcases the fascinating farmers and food artisans behind it all.

He is now in development for his new show "WTF - Where’s the Food?", where he and his co-host Bryan Callen (Eddie in The Hangover, Ride Along, MADtv) take some of the biggest stars in Hollywood on an unforgettable culinary adventure then go back to the kitchen where Chef Joe shows them how to make unforgettable dishes from scratch.

In 2019, Page Street published his book, "Seriously From Scratch."

PAUL VATO

Pamela "Pamsi" Balzano, a professional poker player from Argentina, shares her fascinating journey from starting in the poker world at 18 to becoming an influencer and content creator. Poker has exploded in Latin America, and we explore why it's so popular, particularly in Brazil, and how it's being embraced as a mental sport by both men and women.

Pamela also gives us an insight into the unique aspects of Latin American culture, including the differences in poker terms and accents among various Spanish-speaking countries. She talks about her experience playing in Brazil and the World Series of Poker and shares her recent success in the Ladies Tournament at the WSOP. As we delve into the world of poker, we also explore the beauty and rich history of Argentina and its neighboring countries.

Lastly, we touched on Pamsi's involvement with ClubGG, a platform that allows players to qualify for major tournaments like the WSOP Main Event through an accessible three-step process. She shared her tips for success on Twitch and her plans to tackle the Main Event this year. Join us for an inspiring journey into the world of poker, Latin American culture, and the unstoppable rise of Pamela "Pamsi" Balzano!

CONNECT w/ Pamsi:

Jon Barinholtz is a writer, comedian, and actor and shares how working with his mentor, Bob Odenkirk, helped shape his writing skills and encouraged him to write something every day. Jon also talks about the importance of perseverance, especially in the unpredictable world of Hollywood. Listen in as Jon shares his experiences touring with Bob, and how those experiences have influenced his career today.

We also discuss Jon's work on NBC's American Auto and his new show, The Glue Factory Show. As we explore the concept of American Auto, we uncover how it serves as a reverse Superstore, shedding light on the lives of nameless people in corporate settings and how their actions affect blue-collar workers. Jon also shares the story behind the creation of the popular Twitter account 'Chicago Party Aunt' and how it evolved into an animated series on Netflix.

Lastly, we touch upon Jon's personal life, including meeting his wife while working at Mozza (Osteria) and becoming a father to two young children. As we reminisce about the past, we can't help but marvel at the cyclical nature of life and how Jon's experiences seem to mirror those of other famous comedians and their families. Don't miss this entertaining and heartwarming conversation with the talented Jon Barinholtz.

We may or may not discuss drug use from 20 years ago. Wait, mushrooms are no longer considered "drugs", are they?

Jon Barinholtz, a comedic actor and improviser who took the leap from Chicago to the glitzy world of Hollywood is our very special guest today. Jon's journey is one of passion, perseverance, and learning from the best in the business, including his successful brother Ike Barinholtz, as well as the vibrant Chicago improv scene. From his early days at Colgate University to his current pursuit of comedy in Los Angeles, Jon shares with us his experiences, struggles, and how he found his footing in the competitive world of show business.

Jon gives us a glimpse into his transformation from an "excited onlooker" at his brother's comedy shows to a talented performer in his own right. He reveals how his time at The Second City in Chicago helped him build a strong foundation in comedy, and how the city's unique creative energy ignited his passion for the craft. We also discuss the importance of finding mentors and supportive communities, and how Jon's experiences in Chicago gave him the confidence and connections needed to make the big move to Los Angeles.

Finally, we delve into the challenges Jon faced in overcoming the fear of being seen as following in his brother's footsteps, and how he managed to break free from the comedic typecasting associated with his family name. We also learn about the hustle and dedication it takes to juggle a day job with a blossoming comedy career and the role of improvisation in today's entertainment industry. Join us for this entertaining and inspiring conversation with the ever-so-funny Jon Barinholtz!

Ever wondered how an improv comedy group can create a hit TV show? Kate Lambert joins us to discuss her journey from the world of improv to the creation of her show, Teachers, on TV Land.

We explore the origins of Teachers, from Kate's time with The Katydids improv group and their early videos to the eventual purchase of the show by TV Land. Along the way, we delve into the creative process, the surprise of not being replaced by big-name actors, and the importance of Chicago actors in the show. We also reminisce about Kate's first job at Second City, which just so happened to be on a cruise ship. Additionally, we touch on the development of the characters in Teachers, the professional elements like costumes and makeup that brought them to life, and the sketches from the web series that made it to the TV show. Finally, I share my own experiences with the Second City theater and the incredible people I saw there, such as Tina Fey, Stephanie Weir, Rachel Dratch and Tina Fey.

In this episode, we discuss the crucial lesson of treating every job, even unpaid gigs, with the utmost professionalism and dedication. We'll also chat about The Katydids journey to LA, the value of having a supportive executive on their side, and the impact of the improv community in Chicago. Don't miss our conversation on Mo Collins' work on MADtv, Kate's recent projects, and her aspirations to return to Chicago and visit the space where her journey began. Join us for this engaging and entertaining episode — you won't want to miss it!

Will Luera, a globally touring improv comedy actor, instructor and director, joins us for a lively conversation about the unique naming conventions within his family and his journey to living in Florida. Will takes us on a fascinating exploration of the origins of his family name and the Latino tradition of taking the mother's maiden name as a middle name. Learn how the vibrant Cuban culture has evolved over the years and why Sarasota is home to the 'number two beach in America'! From Mexico to Texas and beyond, our family migration stories take center stage as we delve into the rich tapestry of our shared connections, ancestry, and diverse cultures that make up our heritage.

In this episode, we explore the exciting world of improv and performance, with Will sharing how his background in physics and experiences in CrossFit and Yoga have influenced his teaching methods. We talk about the art of stand-up comedy and the process of crafting a set, as well as some of our favorite comedians. And if you're curious about the intersection of language learning and improvisation, Will shares his journey of learning Spanish and Portuguese, as well as his insights into the letter systems of Arabic, Russian, and Norwegian.

Our laughter, connection, and discovery don't end there! We discuss the idea of a road trip to the cities our families originated from and the possibility of opening up our own improv club. We also consider working in Latin America and the connection between our fathers' experiences as boxers (you know, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, etc). Plus, we celebrate our podcast's success of breaking the top 10 of independent comedy improv podcasts on GoodPods! Don't miss this incredible episode filled with humor, insight, and camaraderie.

It's Owwll Week (Aug 14 - 20th, 2022) and Jason R. Hill, the founder of the Owwll App, joins us. We delve a bit into Jason's business and podcasting background and learn about the inspiration behind the creation of this game changing platform and along the way we learn what it takes to go from ideation to completion of a brand new app. We also meet and speak with one of the Owwll App's top Brand Ambassadors and find out how Owwll has positively affected her life.

"Connect. Learn. Grow. Owwll connects you to professionals through live audio calls, and is focused on helping you seek or provide advice." - Jason R. Hill

In this episode we learn:

1) How difficult it is create and market a success app (only 1% of all apps are successful).

2) Why using the Owwll App to make new business connections and to network makes perfect sense.

3) Why Jason has partnered up with Place of Hope and is donating the proceeds from Owwll Week to them. (Aug 14 - 20th, 2022)

Ben Morrison has been doing stand up comedy for over 20 years and has discovered the importance of social media to help him land branding deals with major companies. Ben can also fully produce your next stand up comedy special for Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and all of the other streaming services. Paul and Ben also chat about what it was like studying with William H. Macey and David Mamet at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and his connection to Mark Cuban, the owner of Fireside, where this podcast is recorded in front of a live studio audience.

In this episode you will learn: 1. The importance of using all social media to promote your brand. 2. The major differences and nuances of TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. 3. How Ben turned his disease into a money making business venture.

"The cavalry isn't coming. You are the cavalry. Which is  what I tell myself in moments where things aren't working." - Ben Morrison

Ben Morrison is a Los Angeles based actor, writer, comedian and filmmaker. Acting since he was 6 years old, Ben is a graduate of NYU’s TISCH School of the arts where he trained under William H. Macy and David Mamet, and added stand-up comedian to his resume shortly thereafter. It’s been a blur ever since.

A staple of LA area comedy clubs, Ben is a regular at the Improv and Laugh Factory, and most recently wrote and acted in The Telethon for America, a star-studded get-out-the-vote comedy special with Chelsea Handler, Charlize Theron, Natalie Portman and many more.

On camera, Ben is best known for his recurring role as Young Eli David on NCIS, as the lead on a season of MTV’s Punk’d, starring in a season of Mr. Personalities for Marc Cuban’s HDNet, or guest-starring opposite Jon Lovitz and Bill Bellamy on Mr. Box Office.

Additionally, Ben has been seen as a lead in feature films Ouija Exorcism, From the Dead, and FOX’s 30 Nights of Paranormal Activity where he played an eerily good Abe Lincoln.

"Why are you gay?" Andrew Roffe answers the most important question on everyone's mind. We also find out what it's like touring the country in a 14 seater van and opening for viral internet comedic sensation, Wisconsin's Charlie Berens. Even though this episode came in a little late for Pride month we still delve in to Andrew Roffe's personal life, even going as far as using this platform to find him a potential partner.

In this episode you will learn:

1. How improv training helps you become a better stand up, quicker. 2. How a positive shift in your work ethic will lead you to more successful business opportunities. 3. How owning a t-shirt company is a horrible idea.

"I could be a training wheels gay for a homophobe. I'm a very safe and non-threatening gay person." - Andrew Roffe

Andrew Roffe graduated from the famed Second City Conservatory in Chicago. Some of his TV/Film credits include Year One, Think Like a Man, Maron, and Trophy Wife. He is a comedy writer on the award-winning film Purpose Over Prison starring Romany Malco and Regina Hall. Andrew performs across the country with internet sensation Charlie Berens.

He can be found on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / TikTok at @ASAP_Roffe

PAUL VATO

Do you dream of leaving the rat race behind and hitting the road in a tiny home? Today we meet Artisan Josh who spent decades in prison and now roams the country in his tiny home inspiring and motivating others to do the same. We get to hear about the incredible tiny home communities that are sprouting up around the United States and get a sneak peak into the tiny home festivals happening all over. Van life forever!

Artisan Josh is a tiny home dweller, builder and simple living advocate.

In this episode of Paul Vato Presents, you will learn: 1. What's it like to live in a SWAT conversion van for 11 days in front of 30 Rock in the center of New York City. 2. Why living in a tiny home is becoming a more viable and eviable option for more and more people worldwide. 3. About the very powerful and inspirational tiny home community that is exploding around the world.

"It is a phenomenal way of living. I tell people all the time that you can always go back. You can always get a house, you can always buy a piece of property. You can always accumulate your stuff again, that's no problem. The experience that you will get from living tiny and going on the road, living simply and just living and experiencing life is more valuable than any dollar amount." - Artisan Josh

In a world of increasing polarization, Kelly Leonard is working to bridge the divide and bring people together by teaching the power of improv.

In this episode you will learn:

1. The importance of play, especially as we get older.

2. The power of "Yes, And" to create agreement and understanding.

3. The importance of a shared humanity that includes people who may not think or vote like we do.

"The world we live in right now, no one wants to work together. It's never been this bad, in my experience. If we could just enter rooms with curiosity instead of blame, if we could enter rooms with a 'Thank You, Because' orientation, I think we have a shot." - Kelly Leonard

Kelly Leonard is the Executive Director of Learning and Applied Improvisation at Second City Works. His book, “Yes, And: Lessons from The Second City” was released to critical acclaim in 2015 by HarperCollins and was praised by Michael Lewis in Vanity Fair who called it “...an excellent guide to the lessons that have bubbled up in Second City’s improv workshops.”

Kelly is a popular speaker on the power of improvisation to transform people’s lives. He has presented at The Aspen Ideas Festival, The Code Conference, TEDx Broadway, Chicago Ideas Festival, The Stanford Graduate School of Business and for companies such as Coca Cola, Microsoft, Twitter, Memorial Sloan Kettering and DDB Worldwide.

Kelly co-created an initiative with the Center for Decision Research at the Booth School at the University of Chicago, The Second Science Project, that looks at behavioral science through the lens of improvisation. He also hosts the podcast, “Getting to Yes, And,” for Second City Works and WGN radio that features interviews with academics, authors and leaders such as Brene Brown, Adam Grant, Michael Lewis, Lindy West, Ash Carter and Amy Edmondson.

For over twenty years, Kelly oversaw Second City’s live theatrical divisions where he helped generate original productions with such talent as Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, Steve Carell, Keegan-Michael Key, Amy Sedaris, Adam McKay and others.

In 2019, Arts Alliance Illinois awarded Kelly and his wife Anne Libera with their Creative Voice Award.

Jonathan Pitts, an award-winning international improv theatre artist and storyteller who has performed and taught in 26 countries and 98 cities, is our guest today. Jonathan and Paul discuss the early days of Salsation, the world's first Latino improv and sketch comedy group and what it's like to travel the world teaching and doing improv. Jonathan reminds us the importance of saying "yes, and" to yourself!

Jonathan Pitts is the former Executive Director of Chicago Improv Productions; Co-Founder/Producer - Chicago Improv Festival; Creator/Producer - College Improv Tournament; Founder/Producer - Teen Comedy Fest;  Founder/Producer - Chicago Podcast Festival; Creator/Director of improv theatre productions The Oracle; The Silent Movie; and Storybox Theatre.

He also taught, coached, and directed at The Second City Training Center and was a contributing writer to Anne Libera's book, "The Second City Improv Almanac''. Currently, he performs and teaches on Zoom.

Clayton Farris discusses his journey from Dallas to Hollywood and what it's like to be a working actor in Hollywood. We discuss whether it is easier to date men or women and who it's easier to have sex with. Another deep dive into the wonderful world of working actors.

Clayton Farris is an actor, writer and social media influencer who hangs his hat in the Silverlake neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA.

Originally from Dallas, Tx., Clayton has been seen in a ton of national commercials for brands you all know and perhaps love. He is a 2017 Shorty Award Nominee.

Having studied at The Groundlings, Clayton enjoys the art of improv and fuses it into his character work whenever he can.

His social media impact has reached over 350k viewers Worldwide across Vine, Instagram and Facebook.

When not acting a fool on screen, you can catch him studying the Meisner technique at the BGB Studio in Los Angeles.

TV Credits: Scream Queens, American Horror Story, Game Shakers.

PAUL VATO

Lisa Kaye Jennings, the voice of Lila Rossi and Cat Noir on Nickelodeon and Paramount Plus, joins Paul Vato to discuss what it's like being a working voice actor in Hollywood today. We also get to hear some of her favorite characters that she voices. Thank you for tuning in.

Lisa Kay Jennings is an American Voice Actress best known for her work as Lila Rossi on Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir.

She's currently voicing Gina Hemphill Toms in Nickelodeon and Paramount Plus's new hit show 'Big Nate'.

In addition to animation, Lisa has worked in the gaming world including playing Tama in 'World of Final Fantasy,' and she has voiced numerous commercial spots.

Jim McCaffree discusses the differences between improv and stand-up and reminisces about Paul Vato's strange dieting habits. Paul Vato has the privilege of sitting down with his friend from The Second City Chicago days on this fun filled walk down memory lane.

Jim is a native of Illinois who spent some time in Chicago performing in theater and studying improv.

Jim has appeared in Weeds, The Thundermans & Black Monday with Regina Hall.

Look for Jim in the Netflix limited series Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, streaming later this summer.

PAUL VATO

World traveler, Jose Ucar, tells us the importance of making deep meaningful connections with your audience. Jose also implores us to share our personal stories because you never know who you might be able to positively help by putting your story out in the world. We also discuss what it's like for Latinos living in the UK.

Jose Ucar helps business owners and people in business to present with impact and confidence!

He has been featured on Yahoo Finance and Yahoo News as one of the Top Ten Public Speaking Coaches. Some of his articles have been featured on Mentors, Thrive Global, Disrupt Magazine and The Influencer Age.

Jose Ucar is a global TEDx speaker, curator and host, NLP coach, international business, marketing specialist and founder of Jose Ucar Ltd. Jose has spent the last 10 years traveling the world, successfully growing and promoting different businesses by working alongside them to bring about transformational change through the power of advanced communication skills.

His goal is to give you the confidence to present the best version of yourself when communicating with others and speaking in public. “My motto is, learn to communicate with yourself first, then with others, and finally broadcast your message to the world," Jose says. This is reflected in his own personal speaking style, which he has spent years perfecting through learning neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), business, marketing and professional public speaking from some of the best coaches in the world.

Jose’s clients and partners include Procter & Gamble, SEAT, CUPRA, Sabio Group, Othership, Sports Work, The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, The NHS, and General Assembly, to name a few.

Yoshua Greenfield writes books and creates things about living life via truth, nature, music, food, and his bare feet. He talks to us about how he discovered the joys of walking, hiking, running and dancing barefoot and learned to love his feet.

Rather than tout his "accolades", Yoshua's actions speak louder than words. For the last many years he has been acting as a guide, supporting others to pull back the mask of fear and illusion and live a life in truth, an author of their own life. He expresses these "bigger" concepts through simple and common parts of life such as connecting through music, mindful cooking and living barefoot.

Lauren Lox an actor, director and producer reveals what motivates her to continue creating and producing her own projects in Austin. We also discuss her difficult LGBTQIA2S+ origin story and what it's like to live in Texas as a "closeted hippie"!

Lauren Lox is a filmmaker based in Austin, TX. While primarily an actor, she’s also written, directed and produced three films in less than three years. She’s currently working on her comedic web series “Making It”, focused on the hilarious struggles of beginning actors.

Lauren Lox hails from Austin, Texas, the live music capital of the world. She's best known for her roles as Audrey and Jessica in the respective award-winning short films "Allergies" and "Cleanse". She has made appearances in several feature films, shorts, commercials and music videos all over the southeast.

Born a creator, she began acting at age seven and quickly culminated a love for theater, securing roles such as Sandy in Grease and Olivia in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. She later expanded her world view by earning a communications degree, and after a quick stint running a PR firm, found a familiar escape through turning back to the creativity residing in her bones. Thus, she launched into the world of filmmaking.

While acting is her primary forte, she sometimes steps on the other side of the lens. Lox has produced and directed three films in the last three years, earning her a Best Female Director award and several nominations for her recent film, "Positive".

When not filming, she loves to travel, attend music festivals, go hiking or rock climbing, and perpetually hopes to be a guest judge on RuPaul's Drag Race someday.

Stephanie Clark tells us about the LA comedy scenes as well as what it's like being married to fellow stand up comedian and improvisor, Tom Clark. 

Steph Clark is described as "a rising star in the Los Angeles comedy scene," by the Pasadena Weekly. Her sarcastic absurdity leaves a lasting impression. She was featured in the Bellflower Comedy Fest, Pubs and Paws Brew Fest, and in the Semi Finals for the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club Contest. She has been a guest on WKLH FM 96.6 Milwaukee. She performs at theaters and comedy clubs across the country. Last fall, she was a part of KMA Productions Hawaiian Comedy Tour.

Comedic actor and author of DC's Sasquatch Detective, chats about her time working at MADtv, Family Guy and many other comedic shows of the last decade. Brandee Stilwell shares with us some incredible stories about Ron Jeremy, Gene Simmons, Betty White and Seth MacFarlane! Make sure to pick up her hilarious book of true stories, None of this is Going According to Plan, you won't be disappointed.  

BRANDEE STILWELL

Born and raised as both Quaker and Cherokee in the number-one flyover state of Kansas. Brandee left the Midwest so she wouldn't become another statistic of being a divorced mother of three by the age of 19 or serving any time in the local state pen. So, she moved to Los Angeles, where she became an unsuccessful comedy writer instead. Her parents are super proud!

Brandee's resume includes stints at Mad TV, Family Guy, American Dad, and DC Comics. She has worked on various other shows for the CW, Fox, and Nickelodeon. She has written several things that she promises you've never heard of or are currently out of print.

In late 2021, Brandee’s book of true, sometimes tragic but always funny short stories was published by Sideshow Media Group called None of this is Going According to Plan.

Brandee is the creator / writer of Sasquatch Detective published by DC Comics. She's also the writer of audio dialogue for Amazon Echo's partnership with The Walt Disney Company for Disney Dailies including Zootopia and The Incredibles as well as My Disney Story featuring The Little Mermaid, Cars, The Princess and the Frog and Mickey & Friends.

She was the audio editor/ rewriter for the Star Wars: Choose Your Own Adventure series (Obi-Wan & Anakin, Han & Chewie, Luke & Leia, and Finn & Poe).  Brandee has studied at Comedy Sportz, The Groundlings, and UCB and is a graduate of Improv Olympic-West (RIP) and Second City - Hollywood.

PAUL VATO

Paul Vato had the amazing opportunity to chat with the very inspirational and motivational actor and podcaster, Amber Wegner.

Amber Wegner is an award winning actor and producer based out of Los Angeles, California. Born and raised in Sacramento CA, she knew at a young age, after her first visit to the backlot tour at Universal Studios, that she belonged in Los Angeles.

She moved to LA at 28 years old to start her career in film and TV.  Amber ended up meeting her husband, Paul, just weeks after moving to LA and the acting was temporarily put on hold to help raise a family. Finally, at the age of 37, Amber joined SAG-AFTRA and the rest is history. Amber has worked on multiple TV shows and most of all feature films.

Amber won Best Supporting Actress at the Milan Independent Film Awards in 2021. In 2019, her film Underdog won Best Narrative Feature, Best Actress, Best Actor, and Best Cinematographer at the Los Angeles Film Awards. Underdog, which Amber was one of the Executive Producers on as well as acted in the film, went on to win the Spotlight Award at The Block Island Film Festival.

Amber is the proud creator and host Actors Inspiration, an (almost) daily podcast created to motivate and encourage artists on what can sometimes be a very challenging journey.

PAUL VATO

Magical Katrina delves into her meteoric rise in the world of magic and clowning. We discuss how the pandemic changed how magic is performed and ways for artists to make a living. We also chat about her recent appearance on Penn and Teller's Fool Us television show.

MAGICAL KATRINA

Katrina Kroetch has performed her unique blend of playful and whimsical magic worldwide in Africa, India, Mexico, Europe, and America. She’s volunteered and been an advocate for Magicians Without Borders and the non profit Emergency Circus. She has been a cast member of the international touring show Champions of Magic and a performer on numerous network television shows including Masters of Illusion and Penn and Teller: Fool Us.

Magical Katrina has lectured for the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the Society of American Magicians and the world’s largest online magic retailor: Penguin Magic. She’s also performed magic for the Academy of Magical Arts  in Hollywood, California. She is the winner of 5 different magic awards including winning first place at AbraCORNdabara’s virtual magic contest. She was awarded the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians Children’s Entertainer of the year.

Despite our changing world she continues to dazzle audiences with her interactive virtual magic shows and live in person performances. She has written for and been featured in a variety of magazines including The Linking Ring and Vanish Magazine. Katrina has been featured in the Wall Street Journal & has been written about in the Washington Post.

The importance of studying improvisational comedy, not just for acting but for relationships, business and life in general is one of the many exciting topics that we cover today on Paul Vato Presents with our very special guest, Eric Artell. We chat about working for America's Funniest Videos: Prank Academy and what it's like to be a working actor in Hollywood. Come learn about the power of "Yes, and"!

ERIC ARTELL

Eric Artell is an actor, comedian, and host from New Jersey. 

After studying Economics, the acting bug was too strong, and he began acting professionally while in Salt Lake City. His first professional job came with a role in the independent feature "Net Worth" opposite Daniel Baldwin. 

Since making the move to Los Angeles, he's guest starred on a variety of TV shows (Scrubs, Monk, Zoey 101) and starred in dozens of national commercials (and even hugged Smokey Bear).  Eric has also been the Host for numerous shows, including America's Funniest Videos' (AFV) digital series "Have You Seen This" and PBS' Emmy-Award-winning science show "DragonFly TV". 

Off-camera Eric has lent his voice to video games, radio and TV spots, and animated shows. He's also been teaching and performing improv comedy for over a decade after studying with LA's Groundlings. 

He resides north of Los Angeles with his family, and he enjoys in his free time (if he ever has any!) playing sports (basketball, golf, tennis, softball, soccer, ping pong, you name it), reading, and napping.

PAUL VATO

Natalya Michelle discusses her career as an actor and director and now a social media maven. By just implementing some of her tips, tricks and recommendations you will definitely see a growth in your social media presence.

NATALYA MICHELLE

Natalya is a full-time actress, influencer, 6 figure entrepreneur, and director at just 20 years old.

She has worked on some major shows such as, “TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress America”, took social media accounts from 0 followers to 500k, and grew her own social media presence to 300k.

As an actress / influencer she is known for her appearance in Jubilee’s "Ask Me Anything" series, with well over a million views, and several commercials appearing both local and nationwide.

Natalya is an actress, director, model, dancer, influencer and entrepreneur with over 10 years in the industry. Not only does she do this full time, but she also teaches new and skilled storytellers the secrets within the entertainment industry, in which many are not aware of; and, could be limiting their success. She also teaches entrepreneurs and the average day to day person how to achieve success so they can live the life they’ve always wanted to.

Not only does she teach, on top of that, she hosts unique meetups and networking events that leave people walking away with new friends and job opportunities.

Within the last year alone she has obtined over 250,000 new followers across her social media platforms and helped over 10,000 individuals.

She has worked with over 300 brands and businesses grow their social media, and create content for them as well in front and behind the camera.

Natalya has also been featured on many news articles and magazines locally and nationwide.

PAUL VATO

Paul Vato chats with Victor Ramos about his latest projects, drop your questions in the comment section to be answered in an upcoming episode of Tells From The Crypto!

Victor Ramos aka Cryptovicny is an entrepreneur, visionary and business development professional.  As the Founder and Creator of Famecoin© as well as The F*KN GUY NFT Project he is looking to change the landscapes of entertainment and blockchain technologies plus he’s Puerto Rican so you know he’s a cool ass F*KN GUY!

What happens when a West Coast Chicano kid decides to go to school in New York in the 1900s? What does being a Latino Filmmaker mean? Is Melissa Villaseñor being unfairly judged by the Latino community for her latest Saturday Night Live Sketch, Peek At Pico? Tune in and find out. Paul Vato chats with his old pal, Patrick Perez Vidauri, an OVERNIGHT SUCCESS, 25 years in the making!

PATRIC PEREZ VIDAURI

Patrick Perez Vidauri is a writer/director based in Los Angeles. His first feature "Lola's Love Shack" about three Latinx boys coming of age in Los Angeles earned a nod from Will Ferrell, who had this to say about it: "Heartfelt and silly. It made me laugh, and I hate laughing." Patrick's sophomore feature "In Other Words" about love across the language barrier starred Chris Kattan, Edy Ganem, and Brian McClure and was picked up by HBO Max in 2020. It was named Best Comedy at the Sacramento International Film Festival.The movie "Divorce Bait" was shot during the pandemic of 2020, with no illnesses or injuries to speak of. It was acquired by Samuel Goldwyn Films in Spring of 2022 for limited theatrical and worldwide release in the fall of 2022.

Patrick recently wrapped post production on his fourth feature comedy, "Townhouse Confidential" a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice shot entirely in New York's Greenwich Village. "Like, Share Kill", an action/thriller he co wrote with Cristina Nava was optioned by Grandave Capital with Patrick attached to direct in 2022.

Patrick was born in Los Angeles, earned his BA in Anthropology from Columbia University, and MFA from UCLA Film School. For over a decade he could be heard on the Latinx political satire comedy talk show The Pocho Hour of Power on 90.7 KPFK where he wrote and performed political satire and sketch comedy. Also, his mother thinks he's a genius!

PAUL VATO

Alex Hooper, a stand up comedian, actor, author, calendar maker, pug dad, festival socialite likes to galavant around the world spreading joy! Today we chat about his recent marriage after a 15 year courtship, his multiple appearances on America's Got Talent and clotheslining a small child while slack lining in the park.

ALEX HOOPER

He delights crowds by blending dark humor with silly positivity. His joke writing is clever and fearless. Onstage he bursts with energy.

Alex shines just like his sparkly wardrobe. He’s headlined clubs all over the world and whether it’s an audience of 11 or 11,000, Alex leaves comedy goers begging for more.

Alex is best known as the America’s Got Talent comedian who infamously roasted the judging panel in 2018.  He’s the only contestant ever to get a “yes” from Simon Cowell and a “no” from the rest of the judges. His audition went viral and in 2020 he was invited back again, this time making it all the way to the live shows.

In total, his performances have over 100 million views. Other credits include Comedy Central’s Roast Battle, Corporate, New Girl, Nickelodeon, and more.

His hilarious self-help book, Roast Yourself To Happiness, is available on Amazon. He currently has two full length albums available on all platforms and a half hour special from London that was released in 2020 on Youtube.

He's been seen in sitcoms, commercials, and walking on tightropes in the park.

Oliver Price discusses his journey from Leicester to London and what it's like to be an actor in the UK. Oliver travels the world as an actor and stuntman after leaving his life as a body builder behind. We also discuss the differences between speaking "American" and "English". No worries, mate!

OLIVER PRICE

Having been a British Champion bodybuilder weighing a lean 240lbs and standing at 6'2" he is a physically imposing actor, (voted most popular cyborg) in the TV series 'Beat The Cyborgs' and horrifying audiences as the lead villain 'Needletooth' in 'Dark Corners', yet he possesses the delicate touch required for comedy ('The List') and Shakespeare ('Caliban').

He has worked with Hollywood directors James Gunn and Nicolai Fuglsig, and on the Royal Opera House stage ('Anna Nicole') with Richard Jones CBE. In 2020 he appeared in the acclaimed show 'Vikings' playing the character 'Galan' over several episodes. In 2022 he heavily featured with action star Tiger Shroff in the Bollywood feature 'Heropanti 2' directed by Ahmed Khan.

Away from acting he is a big RPG fan, his earliest gaming memories being 'Pong' on the Atari 2600 woody and 'Elite' on the BBC. Born and raised in Leicester, he now resides in London.

PAUL VATO

Going from troubled gang banger, to rap artist to actor in Hollywood, Anthony “Big CiTRic” Campos shares his storied career. Anthony & Paul discuss the origins of Anthony's nickname, "Big CiTRic", what it's really like to work with George Lopez & why taking a Greyhound bus from LA to Las Vegas is just a HORRIBLE idea!

Anthony “Big CiTRic” Campos

Anthony Campos was born and raised in Boyle Heights, a predominantly Latino neighborhood in East LA. As a child, Anthony was impressed with performers such as Michael Jackson & John Travolta & dreamed of becoming a performer one day.

Inspired by Latino hip-hop artists Kid Frost & Mellow Man Ace, Anthony started performing with the hip-hop group Brown Town Looters in the 1990s. The group played at local venues and eventually landed a record deal with an independent label. When one of their singles became a huge hit in Japan, Anthony & the group had the privilege of traveling to Japan to headline the annual Japan Lowrider Super Show.

Throughout the 90s, Anthony continued to book background roles as thugs, gang members and prisoners, & was ultimately “discovered” by Mike Judge. A casting director saw a photo of Anthony on a website promoting his music and tracked him down to audition for a role in Judge’s new film “Idiocracy.” Although he had no acting experience, other than gigs as a background actor, Anthony booked the job & unleashed his huge comedy chops when he played the hilarious & memorable role of Secretary of Defense in the film.

Since that time, Anthony has appeared in numerous films & TV shows, including the film “Harsh Times” with Christian Bale & Eva Longoria & the TV comedy series “Silicon Valley” on HBO. He has also performed voiceover services for characters on comedies such as “King of the Hill” & “Squidbillies.

PAUL VATO

Richard Villa discusses what doing comedy is like as a stand up comedian who happens to be Latino. We delve into his upbringing as a child crack dealer in order to help support his family and what it's like to bridge the world of Mexican and American stand up comedy and how to come back from the brink of being canceled!

RICHARD VILLA

Richard Villa is a bilingual (English/Spanish) stand-up comedian and actor whose comedic influences draw from life experiences growing up as a Mexican-American Latino in the United States.

His crossover comedy appeal has landed him with appearances and specials on Netflix, MTV, Comedy Central, HBO, Comedy Central Mexico, Netflix, Televisa, Galavision, Azteca TV, DirecTV, and more.

He was the longtime Friday night host of “Refried Friday’s" at the world famous Hollywood Improv, and was the first Latino to land this coveted gig.

Richard has performed alongside the comedy world’s top talent including: Luis de Alba, Gabriel Iglesias, Franco Escamilla, Russell Peters, Carlos Mencia, Louis C.K., Mike Epps, Orlando Jones, El Costeño, and more.

He has traveled the world performing his comedy and is the key player in developing Spanish stand-up comedy in the United States, Mexico and Latin America.

PAUL VATO

Meet "aLiveShow" App Founders, Forrest Haigh & Ruben Cagnie as they discuss their inspiration for the "aLiveShow" platform and what it takes to bring an app to market!

aLiveShow

It was March 2020….

Forrest - a software engineer / comedian (the perfect combo, right?) was stuck in his house quarantining along with the rest of the world. Itching to perform but having nowhere to go, he decided to create a space for creative folks to perform during quarantine and beyond. Working with his best-programmer-bud Ruben, they dreamed up the concept for "aLiveShow".

A free app for performers and their fans to engage nightly. A place to test out new material and interact with others. And best of all… you don’t even have to put pants on.

As time went by and the world opened back up, "aLiveShow" evolved into a toolkit for all things comedy.

Free open mics, joke workshops, virtual shows, and livestream in-person shows… "aLiveShow" is your Comedy Toolkit!

PAUL VATO

Ray Buffer talks about being adopted, finding and connecting with his birth family and eventually getting to work on Curb Your Enthusiasm. We discuss what life in Florida and the East Coast is like for actors and when is the right time to move to Hollywood. We also discuss the importance of nice cold hot tub beers!

RAY BUFFER

Ray Buffer is an actor, singer, voice over artist, director and producer with over 35 years experience.

He was adopted at the age of 29 days and has searched and identified his birth family.

Buffer discovered his talent first in music, playing violin at an early age and the progressing to other instruments. The theatre became his passion when he reached high school.

Buffer works in television, film and theatre, but with a deep, resonate and powerful voice, is also a busy concert soloist (bass-baritone) and voice-over artist. 

He lives in Long Beach, CA and is managed by Clayton Music Management (CMM) & Jacqueline Stander, of The Stander Group is his agent.

He is an avid comic book collector.

Iconic Chicago improvisor and teacher dishes on all things improv, her amazingly talented daughter, her ex-husband and her experience as a widow. After 25 years, Paul Vato reconnects with his level 3 improv teacher, Susan Messing! A truly heartfelt episode of Paul Vato Presents.

SUSAN MESSING

Susan Messing, a NJ native and graduate of Northwestern University’s Theatre School, has been an improviser and comedian for 35 years. She is an alumna of the iO Theatre, Second City’s Mainstage, and a founding member of Chicago’s infamous Annoyance Theatre. Susan created and taught her curriculum at iO Chicago, iO West in Hollywood, The Annoyance Theatre, The Second City, and around the world. Susan was an adjunct instructor for DePaul University and taught for The School at Steppenwolf, and currently teaches at the University of Chicago.

Her standup act with her puppet, Jolly, was featured at the HBO/US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, and on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend and NBC’s Late Fridays, and her most impressive bit movie role was as a bad stripper in a halo brace in Let’s Go to Prison!

Since the pandemic began, Susan has shifted to teaching on Zoom, and is restarting her drop in class for The Annoyance.

Recently, she performed in Chicago’s World Comedy Expo and headlined the Baton Rouge Improv Festival with the brilliant John Lehr.

Every Friday night you can find her with her friends in ‘High Society’ on Twitch.

“Improviser of the Year” – Chicago Improv Festival

“Best Improviser” – Chicago Reader

“Funniest Woman in Chicago” – Chicago Magazine

PAUL VATO

Paul Vato sits down to discuss Jason's upcoming concert and Base Set Unlimited Box Break at The Space in Las Vegas. We discuss Jason's love of Pokémon and his fans. We touch on Jason's rich musical history and get to hear, not only an original and improvised Paul Vato and Fireside theme song for THIS show, but also an amazing medley of commercial jingles that have been performed by Jason throughout his musically storied career.

Paul and Butch discuss what it's like to have a residency at the newly remodeled LA Comedy Club inside The Strat Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas! We delve into what it takes to make it in the very competitive world of stand up comedy and what Butch Bradley has had to do to achieve his success. This episode is both informative and funny!

Veteran comedian, Butch Bradley has taken his unique blend of stand-up and improv around the globe; from small clubs to big casinos, feature films to late-night television, to active war zones in the Middle East for USO venues.

A true “comic’s comic,” Bradley’s longevity and popularity come from his insightful, always freshcomedic material. Eternally casting his wry observational net over day-to-day existence, his comedy is in a constant state of metamorphosis.

As longtime friend of Bradley, Tiffany Haddish says, "Butch Bradley always makes me laugh. Even when I was homeless, sad and found nothing funny, he always found a way to make me pee on myself a little, from laughing so hard and that’s it!"

Named Best Comedian 2020 by "Best of Las Vegas", Bradley can currently be seen in his first highly anticipated standup special, which is widely available across many streaming platforms.

Jeffrey Keller reminisces about being raised in Los Angeles and his very colorful childhood, mingling at parties thrown by his parents where the who's who of the music scene would show up, some of them to buy stolen goods!

Jeff was born in Los Angeles to a white mom and black father. 

He has performed on BET's comic view for 3 seasons, opened for for Paul Mooney, and has been seen on HBO and in other small parts in film and television. 

He can be heard Fridays from 4 to 5pm on KPFK 90.7FM on the Pocho Hour Of Power.

PAUL VATO

Paul Vato first met Joe Stapleton when he was a runner at MADtv around 2005. Years later, Stapes has become, not only a top stand up comedian in the US and the UK, but one of the most recognized faces and voices in the world of poker! At the top of the show we catch Joe ripping into his secret addiction, and it's not pretty.

This self described comedian, shaman, mother, conquistador, attention whore, social vigilante, upward failer and hooker with a heart of gold is our esteemed guest today.

After spending a few years in LA seeking opportunities in comedy, in 2006 Joe (Stapes) Stapleton took a summer job as a blogger in the professional poker world. Seeing room to make poker fun and funny, Stapes' unique brand of humor got him fired from his first poker job, and then hired for the next dozen.

In 2009 he landed his big TV break on the syndicated FOX series "The Big Game," as the comic relief and color-commentator. Since then he's done the same on over half dozen poker shows airing in over 20 countries around the world. In 2017 he won "Poker Media Person of the Year" and most for 2017/2018 he was the sideline comic relief for the World Series of Poker live on ESPN.

While living in London, Stapes humor (humour) and presence on UK TV led him to develop a solid social media presence, which in turn caused him to draw some crowds on the London stand-up comedy circuit. Since then he's also performed at comedy clubs in New York (Greenwich Village Comedy Club), Los Angeles (The Comedy Store & Laugh Factory), and a handful of other countries around the world.

Before COVID he toured the US as the feature act and opener for Norm Macdonald and produced/hosted his own monthly standup show in Las Vegas.

PAUL VATO

Meet one of the brilliant minds behind the wild success of MADtv. After a 15 year hiatus, Paul Vato reconnects with "Uncle Chris" and they chat about how a chance encounter with Dan Aykroyd changed the trajectory of his life forever and what writing on SCTV was like. If you have questions for "Uncle Chris" please drop them in the comments and will get them answered for you in a future episode.

CHRIS CLUESS

Chris Cluess is a producer and writer, known for MADtv (1995), SCTV Network (1981), The Simpsons (1989) and Night Court (1984).

When I first met Naomi, her spark was undeniable. A vibrant actress and comedian, Naomi's life story is as captivating as her performances. From her early days in Denver, where her Peace Corps volunteer parents shaped her cultural upbringing, to her transformation into a Spanish teacher turned actress – Naomi's journey is one of resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication to her craft. Join us as she takes us through her dynamic career, revealing how she transitioned from teaching Spanish to starring in theater and television and sharing her thoughts on audience interaction, algorithms for platforms, and her aspirations for securing investment.

Immersed in the bustling comedy scene in Chicago, Naomi honed her craft at Northwestern University and the Torso Theater. A pivotal point in her journey was her involvement in ImprovOlympic and the Second City, which led to her producing her own shows and eventually moving to Los Angeles. Her experiences in Argentina as an exchange student profoundly influenced her life and career, and she shares these insights, along with her connection to her friend Ike Barinholtz, in this candid conversation.

As an actress, Naomi is well-versed in the ups and downs of auditions and the importance of resilience. She shares her audition experience for American Horror Story, reflecting on the unconventional roles she has taken on and emphasizing the importance of creative motivation. Naomi also gives us a sneak peek into her plans for her one-woman show. Throughout her career, Naomi's dedication to her fans has remained unwavering, and she expresses her gratitude and shares her experiences in this episode. As we wrap up, we switch languages and thank Naomi for her insightful contributions. Join us for this riveting conversation, and be prepared to be inspired by Naomi's journey.

CHAPTERS

(0:00:04) - Naomi's Journey

(0:04:57) - Life Experiences and Career Paths

(0:18:50) - Career Path and Connections in Comedy

(0:24:15) - The Journey of a Comedian

(0:39:18) - Actress Discusses Audition Experiences and Promoting

(0:51:30) - The Number Three and Fan Appreciation

(0:59:20) - Switching Language, Thanking Naomi

NAOMI GROSSMAN

Naomi Grossman is a 2018 Primetime Emmy Nominee for “Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama” for her role in Ctrl Alt Delete.

Naomi is best known as the first crossover character, the fan-favorite “Pepper” on FX’s hit anthology series, American Horror Story: Asylum & Freak Show. 

Naomi also appeared as a new character, the Satanist “Samantha Crowe” in the eighth season, Apocalypse, as well as “Rabid Ruth” in the spin-off series, American Horror Stories.

Naomi made #5 of IMDb’s “Top 10 Breakout Stars” after her STARmeter skyrocketed to #1, making her the most searched in its entire 8 million person database!

Meet award winning improv coach, Bill Chott, an American actor and comedian best known for his role as Mr. Laritate on the Disney Channel series, Wizards of Waverly Place. Bill is not only a wealth of information when it comes to improv comedy he is also very generous with his motivational and profound wisdom.

Paul Vato interviews his old friend and fellow improvisor from Chicago and one of the stars of the Jonny Knoxville movie The Ringer, Bill Chott.

BILL CHOTT

Bill Chott is an American actor and comedian and is best known for his role as Mr. Laritate on the Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place.

Film roles include performances in Galaxy Quest, Dude Where's My Car, Brainwarp, Dante's Inferno, Wild Girls Gone, Dancing at the Blue Iguana and The Ringer.

Bill’s television appearances include Third Rock from the Sun, Freaks and Geeks, Popular, ER, Crossballs, Weekends at the DL, CSI, Wizards of Waverly Place, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, She Spies, Young Sheldon, This Is Us, and Monk.

Kaye Parker shares her very own personal trials and tribulations, such as the loss of her child & her horrific first ever visit to Las Vegas where she and her nebbish ex-husband were promptly attacked and had all of their belongings stolen because of an AirBnB scam gone from bad to worse. In this season 2 premier, Paul & Kaye chat about her podcast, Trials & Tribulations, as well as being a judge on The Shot: Canada.

Overall, Kay Parker's journey in entertainment is a testament to the unpredictability of the industry and the importance of staying open to new opportunities. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entertainers who may be facing obstacles or setbacks in their own careers. With determination and a willingness to adapt, success can be achieved, even in the most unexpected ways.

Kaye Parker's personal experiences and reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of considering others' feelings and honoring the changes in relationships. Additionally, her journey on TikTok and as a judge on The Shot: Canada highlight the power of authenticity and vulnerability in connecting with others and finding opportunities for growth and transformation. Overall, this episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own boundaries and embrace vulnerability as a means of personal and interpersonal growth.

KAYE PARKER

Born in St. Catharines, Ontario, Kaye Parker's upbringing is nothing shy of eventful. As an adopted child, Kaye began developing a love for music and the arts. In her early teen years, Kaye got discovered by various entertainment industry contacts. This lead to a music career that lasted a few years before starting her family and having her three beautiful children.

Fast forward a few years, Kaye wanted to develop a platform and her voice to be shared beyond music. In late 2020 an idea sparked that encompassed all of Kaye's passions, an online show called "Trials & Tribulations". The show goes into detail about the guests successes, failures and what they've learned over the course of their career and life. With over 70 episodes captured, Kaye plans to bring the messaging of the show around the globe by connecting with people from all walks of life.

This Super Secret Celebrity was discovered during an acting class as a boy, today he is one of Hollywood's most recognized faces with more than 150 large and small-screen credits to his name over a 25-year career!

PAUL VATO

This ALMOST Pulitzer Prize winning Super Secret Celebrity makes his living using his hands AND his mouth!

We’d like to thank our very first supporter, MARY!

PAUL VATO

This self described comedian, shaman, mother, conquistador, attention whore, social vigilante, upward failer and hooker with a heart of gold is our Super Secret Celebrity on this episode of, The Super Secret Celebrity Show!

JS is considered a Super Celebrity and is super famous to only about 3,000 people worldwide, can you guess who this is?

PAUL VATO

You can catch this Secret Celebrity on such hit TV shows as Wizards of Waverly Place, The Dana Carvey Show & Saturday Night Live. He has also graced the big screen with stand out performances in Dude, Where’s My Car, Galaxy Quest & The Ringer. Can you guess who our Super Secret Celebrity guest is?

PAUL VATO