We're talking all that POP with a new bracket of the best SNL hosts! The "Of the Show Fellas" are back joining Jason to talk about their favorite hosts of Saturday Night Live! PLUS, we have a new bracket and it's one of our toughest! They fellas show love to some all-time great hosts of SNL and select their top pick for best host. It's not easy tas…

We were joined by comedian Evan Forde Barden for a great talk on pursuing comedy. Evan joins the podcast to discuss his extensive 21-year journey in improv and sketch comedy. Evan shares his early days doing improv at Fairfield University and his subsequent experiences with renowned groups like 'Bodywork' and 'Young Douglass.' He opens up about nav…

In this episode, we pay our respects to the legendary actor Val Kilmer. Jason's favorite actor has always been Val Kilmer, thanks to his all-time favorite movie: Real Genius. To honor Kilmer and his legacy, we dive into conversations about his impact on film and on us personally. “Best Friend of the Show,” Rob, joins Jason first to discuss many of …

Will Jacobs joins us to talk comedy, writing, and his web series! Jason talks to Will about writing plays, what he thinks about his perfectionist college approach to writing now, and his moving to New York City to study improv. Will has a very robust improv career and has studied at all the major theaters in NYC. He currently performs regularly at …

We talk to comedian and founder of Gold Comedy, Lynn Harris! Lynn shares the story of how a ski trip became a pivotal moment in her getting into comedy and ultimately starting Gold Comedy. She sheds light on the persistent challenges women face in comedy, the importance of creating inclusive opportunities, and the impactful work Gold Comedy is doin…

We had a great chat with writer and comedian Howard Finkelstein! Howard is a creative director at the ad agency, Mischief. He delves into his decade-long journey in improv and advertising. Howard shares his experience balancing grounded and silly elements on stage, his hilarious story of how his wife prompted him to pursue comedy, and the process b…

In this captivating episode, we talk to comedian Jonah Nigh! Jonah is a former opera singer turned stand-up comic and he shares his extraordinary journey from classical music training to the comedy stage. He details the pivotal throat surgery that forced him to pivot careers, how he found relief, and the challenges of transitioning into comedy. Jon…

The "Of the Show" fellas are here to talk all that pop about the Oscars! Brother of the Show, Trey, and Best Friend of the Show, Rob, join Jason for a fun talk about this year's Oscars telecast! They start out at the end of the broadcast with the announcement of Best Picture then they go into talk about what they loved about Conan O'Brien's hosting…

Reunited and it feels so good! Dear friends of the show Seann Cantatore and Nicole Pascaretta join us to talk about collaborating with friends! Seann and Nicole have a unique bond and use it to create incredible work together. It only made sense to have them on to talk about how they collaborate! Jason gets them talking about what their process is,…

We took the show out West! Jason and Wife of he Show, Justina, went to Los Angeles to visit Brother of the Show, Trey! In LA we talk about seeing the Lakers, going to Disneyland, if In-N-Out Burger is worth it, and more before heading off to San Francisco. In SF, Jason and Justina take in the sites, including seeing some famous pop culture locales …

We had an awesome conversation with New York City-based comedian Art Cai! Art shares how a college stand-up class first sparked his love for comedy, his bold move from New Orleans to NYC, and how he juggles a slew of projects—from stand-up shows to podcasting. He also talked about his fusion of soccer and comedy with his show, Joga Comedy, that sta…

We talk all that pop about the Oscars, the new Captain America movie, and the Super Bowl! This Pop Talk episode, aka 'After Hours with the Boys', Jason, Rob, and Trey dive into an extensive discussion on their predictions and speculations for the upcoming Chiefs/Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl, including a hilarious dispute over potential halftime g…

We had the pleasure of speaking to filmmaker Christian Schu! Christian talks to Jason about how cultural differences influence storytelling methods and his early passion for cinema, which eventually led him to switch careers from an insurance broker to a filmmaker. Christian discusses the challenges he faced, the skills he had to quickly learn on-t…

In this mini episode, Jason dives into the ins and outs of producing your own show! Whether it’s stand-up, improv, a variety show, Jason offers some key steps to making your show a success. He covers the basics between defining your vision and figuring out your practical needs. He also emphasizes the importance of clear communication with your team…

In this mini episode, Jason dives into a phrase every improviser has heard: “You can’t do improv wrong.” While it’s meant to encourage improvisers to make bold choices and get out of their heads, could this mantra be taken too far? Jason explores how this idea helps beginners but might also cause confusion in more structured contexts, like advanced…

In this mini episode Jason talks about how to be inspired by recognizing your achievements. He shares some thoughts and tips from experts on how to take pride in all that you've done in your pursuits. The comparison game is an easy trap to fall into and it makes us overlook all the hard work we've put into trying to accomplish our goals. Jason ment…

Join Jason and the 'Of the Show' gang, as they discuss the best Christmas songs of the last 30 years (post Mariah Carey's classic) and share spirited opinions on holiday tunes. The conversation also spans pop culture, with their fresh thoughts on the new Superman teaser trailer sprinkled with lively banter and fun. This episode is packed with festi…

We had the pleasure of talking to actor, director, writer, and improviser, the great Joel Murray! Joel joins Jason to share some awesome stories throughout his career, from growing up seeing his brothers Bill Murray and Brian Doyle-Murray and other legends at Second City before becoming a performer there to meeting previous guest Dave Pasquesi in c…

We got to speak to the incredibly talented comedian and Broadway actress, Natalie Ortega! Jason talks with Natalie, currently starring in "Wicked" on Broadway, about her journey from musical theater to stand-up to performing in NYC. Natalie shares her experiences balancing eight shows of Wicked a week with performing in the New York Comedy Festival…

Jason talks with the multifaceted director and improviser Brian James O'Connell. This great conversation with Brian (who is currently on an improv tour) starts with a little chat about improv before it dives into Brian's work behind the camera. They discuss his journey from aspiring musician to acclaimed director, touching on his work with the come…

In this 2024 Thanksgiving Episode, Jason talks about what he's thankful for with the podcast, great episodes of the year and to come, and he also talks about why it's important for all of us to be grateful for our experiences when pursuing a career in entertainment. We hope it's an encouraging listen! Check out the link below for info on how to be …

We got to talk to actress/director/writer, Emmy Harrington! In this edifying episode, Jason sits down with actress and comedian, Emmy Harrington, to discuss her diverse career journey. Emmy talks about doing theater and comedy in California before eventually becoming a New Yorker. They dive deep into Emmy's unique perspective on truth in comedy and…

We talked to Atlanta-based comedian, Joel Byars! Joel and Jason dive deep into the nuances and challenges of stand-up comedy. Joel shares his journey from starting out in Tennessee to building a name in Atlanta's comedy scene, his experiences teaching aspiring comedians, and the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the craft. We also disc…

This is a quick episode to encourage you to get out an vote on Election Day 2024. We're not doing an exhaustive breakdown on each candidate. That's not what we do. But we do want to provide some sites you can visit to learn about what's on the ballot where you live and check your registration and where to vote. Here are those links:https://www.vote…

For this spooky Halloween episode, the "Of the Show" gang (Justina, Rob, and Trey) join Jason to delve into a haunting bracket to determine the ultimate horror movie villain. They discuss iconic characters like Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, and many others. Listen in to find out who becomes the final girl and get some suggestions f…

We do a deep dive into improv with performer, Sam Rogal! Jason sits down with New York-based performer Sam Rogal for this fun chat! Sam shares his extensive experience at the Magnet Theater, recounting his time performing improv and sketch with teams like Metal Boy and Nitro Girls. He also discusses Metal Boy's current show, 'Your Worst Idea,' whic…

We sat down with speech pathologist, children's book author, and "Best Friend of the Show," Clay Hadden. Clay, also known as Mister Clay, shares his journey from a traditional career to a creative professional, providing entertaining and educational content for kids. He delves into the impact of working closely with children and the importance of l…

Dive into an engaging conversation about improv and writing with Ashley Siflinger! Jason's good buddy, Ashley, discusses her journey from growing up in Long Island to discovering her love for comedy and improv in college after initially pursuing a more serious acting path. She shares insights into her experiences with the Magnet Theater, how improv…

It's a Pop Talk with the entire "Of the Show" gang! Rob, Trey, and Justina are here to talk about the premiere of the 50th season of Saturday Night Live, what they hope to see the rest of the season, potentials hosts, and they talk about what other shows they are watching or hope to watch. The South has been devastated by Hurricane Helene. Please c…

We had a great chat with improviser and Magnet Theater co-owner, Sean Taylor! Jason and Sean talk about Sean's starting improv at Dartmouth and how Mindy Kaling played a role in him starting his journey through the NYC improv scene from studying at UCB and The PIT to landing at Magnet, where he performed and taught at before becoming a co-owner. He…

Join us on an exciting journey through Japan as we breakdown our honeymoon adventures! From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Kyoto and the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, we experienced incredible food tours, cultural sightings, and phenomenal hospitality. Jason and Justina share highlights of their honeymoon that include…

In this quick lil' episode Jason talks about where comedy is at these days. There's talk about sitcoms being dead, comedy movies being hard to make, inspired comedy, and how the comedy scene seems to be doing. Look at this as a conversation starter! How do you think comedy is going these days? Let us know!Instagram: @ThereItIsPod, @JasonFarrPics Th…

We got a great talk in with comedian Andy C. Rider! The two old pals chat about their Winthrop University days, how their careers evolved, and lament their schools getting glowed up after they paid their tuition. They explore the challenges of pursuing comedy, the differences in stand-up scenes in various cities, the struggles of moving to LA, and …

We chatted with NYC improviser, performer, and co-founder of VoteDown, Matt Abedi. In this engaging conversation, Jason and Matt discuss the intricate relationship between politics and comedy. Matt shares his journey from a politically-inclined youth to a comedy lover, drawing inspiration from icons like Chris Rock, Robin Williams, and Jim Carrey. …

It would appear that sanctioned encampments could command a price tag of around $30 million. How could this be the case and how is our view/opinion on encampments changed? Guest: John Best, Publisher of The Bay Observer - We continue with the topic of sanctioned encampments and what that could look like in Hamilton. Guest: Danielle Blake, Manager o…

We had a lively chat with "DRANKIN' with Dory" host, Dory Gail Greenberg! Dory is a neighborhood pal of Jason and Justina's. We had to have her on to talk about her fun live show "DRANKIN' with Dory" and how she got into doing shows. Dory talks about her time coming up in Boston, how she got into doing shows, her approach to interviews, her career,…

A link has been discovered between daily use of cannabis and cancers found in the neck and head. Was this known when it was legalized? How much do you need to consume in order for this to apply to you? Guest: Dr. James MacKillop, Director of the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research at McMaster University - A Hamilton resident has been crowned…

We got to talk to the talented actress and filmmaker, Melissa Center! Melissa talks about her time in Los Angeles before moving to New York City, developing short films, starring in TV shows like Chicago Fire and True Detective, her early love for acting, and performance troupes in her youth. We also explore her creative process, the inspirations b…

The "Of the Show Fellas" are here to talk all that pop about their favorite Summer for going to the movies! After Jason shares his new ranking for popcorn movies and issues a necessary rebuke of snobby film critics he talks to "Best Friend of the Show" Rob, and "Brother of the Show" Trey, about how much they liked Deadpool & Wolverine, how well the…

We got to talk to Magnet Theater musical improv director, instructor, and performer, Chris Bell! Chris reveals his journey from performing in high school drama classes to becoming an accomplished musical improviser. Jason and Chris discuss the importance of ensemble mentality, theatricality in musical improv, and balancing real-life experiences wit…

We talked to stand-up comedian Lauren Reilly! This lively and relatable conversation touches on navigating comedy through personal challenges. Jason and Lauren discuss the nuances of comedy careers, the significance of knowing oneself, and the benefits and challenges of taking breaks due to life events. They touch on impactful moments, finding thei…

We talk to performers and founders of First Coast Comedy, Alex and Madelaine Grindeland! Alex and Madelaine bring a whole new meaning to the term "power couple," Alex and Madelaine do improv, run a comedy theater and festival together, and wrestle. Yes, they are improvisers AND pro wrestlers! They both have unique backgrounds and Jason talks to the…

Jason Farr returns for another edition of The Brightest Conversation in Hamilton Radio where he and Scott discuss Hamilton's police getting body cameras, mispronouncing player names as a stadium announcer, the Herculean task of setting up a barbeque, caring for Hamilton's homeless population, an unbelievable case of nepotism in the NBA and more. Gu…

When Canada was pulling out of Afghanistan, was there a push to have the military save Afghan Sikhs before Canadians? Guest: Dr. Aurel Braun, Professor of International Relations and a Senior Member of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of TorontoBy Curiouscast

How does City Council get tents out of city parks while still taking care of the homeless population? They want to know too and are working to find that answer. Where do we stand now? Guest: Tammy Hwang, City Councillor, Ward 4, City of Hamilton - When Canada was pulling out of Afghanistan, was there a push to have the military save Afghan Sikhs be…

A film about Payne Stewart is on the horizon and it's being made by a local man from Burlington. What set Payne apart from the others on the PGA Tour and how does someone go from working in logistics to movies? Guest: Mark Sutcliffe, Film ProducerBy Curiouscast

The challenge that is building affordable housing is one that the public sector cannot tackle alone so how can the private sector play a larger role and what's holding them back? Guest: Vito Sgro is a former mayoral candidate and provincial candidate, former board member of Infrastructure Ontario, and political analyst - The projected future popula…

Which local MPs should be terrified by the result of the Toronto/St. Paul by-election? Also, why would Hamilton disregard a way of addressing homelessness in the city? Guest: John Best, Publisher of The Bay Observer - Keeping with the Toronto/St. Paul by-election, does the Conservative win spell an end for Justin Trudeau as leader of the Liberals? …

In this mini episode Jason gives tips on how to start a podcast. We delve into the essentials of starting your own podcast! We cover the basic steps, from choosing your podcast type and target audience to deciding between audio or video formats. Learn about ideation, hosting sites, and distributing your podcast to platforms. We'll also share tips o…

For a world full of increased sensitivity and cancel culture, there aren't many speaking out against the calls for violence against Jews. Victoria Mancinelli has noticed this and wrote about it in the National Post saying, "It is up to all Canadians to stand against the hate directed towards Jews." Guest: Victoria Mancinelli is the Director of Publ…