Best Ann Arbor SPARK Podcasts (2025)

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351. See the World - Legend of the Shadow Zoo (LIVE from San Diego) 1:15:03

Play Pause

2d ago1:15:03

1:15:03

The following was recorded LIVE at the Music Box in San Diego on July 24th 2025! It features the entire fam band (Scott Passarella, Brett Morris and Dana Wickens) on their respective keys, frets, and sticks. Have you ever wondered about the Shadow Zoo? The zoo BEHIND the zoo? How much do you want to know? How much are you WILLING to know? Want to s…

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350. A Streetcar Made of Beans (LIVE from Minneapolis) 1:32:11

23d ago1:32:11

1:32:11

The following was recorded LIVE at the Cedar cultural center in Minneapolis on March 23rd 2025. BACK TO BACK SHOWS BABY It once again features the incredible Scott Passarella on the keys, and the still incredible Josh Kaplan on drums! This one may SEEM like it was painstakingly crafted by a very specific playwright, and that's because it was. Also …

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349. Retirement Community (LIVE from Minneapolis) 1:33:20

1M ago1:33:20

1:33:20

The following was recorded LIVE at the Cedar cultural center in Minneapolis on March 22nd 2025. It features the incredible Scott Passarella on the keys, and the also incredible Josh Kaplan on drums! It's a tale as old as time when a retirement community rallies to help a grandma show her grandkids a good time, and take down the local evil casino ow…

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348. Lighthouse! (LIVE from Madison) 1:20:29

2M ago1:20:29

1:20:29

The following was recorded LIVE on March 21st at the Bur Oak in Madison WI. It features keys by Scott Passarella (K.O.P.P.O.K) and Jack Harris, hometown hero of an Ann Arbor who drove all the way here to crush it again on the drums. Have you ever wondered about who works in that old lighthouse? Why they work in that old lighthouse? WHEN they work i…

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347. Peter Man! (LIVE From Chicago) 1:26:21

2M ago1:26:21

1:26:21

The following was recorded LIVE at the Park West Theater in Chicago on March 20th, 2025. It features K.O.P.P.O.K. Scott Passarella on the keys and the legendary Chris Ditton hit-on the Drums. This show is important for many reasons: 1. We get to correct the lore of Peter Pan, 2. It's the largest show we've ever done. 3. At the end we all make Scott…

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346. Snapple Facts! (LIVE from SF Sketchfest) 1:08:15

3M ago1:08:15

1:08:15

The following was recorded LIVE at the Marines' Memorial Theater as part of San Fransisco Sketchfest on February 1st 2025. It is accompanied by the consistent brilliance of the entire FAM BAND (Scott Passarella on Keys, Brett Morris on Guitar, and Dana Wickens on drums.) We're flying too close to the sun with this one. Join us to find out who write…

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345. 15 Year Old Portal (Act 1 Demo Tracks) 29:00

3M ago29:00

29:00

This is all the 15 Year old Portal Act 1 Demo tracks, compiled with no long prelude or advertisements for your listening convenience. If you've stumbled across this with no context, check out the episode directly before it, or any of the earlier ON BOOK episodes if you want the full lore/process. TLDR: We're writing a musical and these are the demo…

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345. On Book: A Tour! A Movie! An Act of Music! 43:28

3M ago43:28

43:28

This episode of Off Book is not an improvised musical, but it does have ALL the special announcements you didn't know you were waiting for! We're going on tour! We're making an improvised movie about MOCK TRIAL! We've got demo tracks for all the Act 1 songs of our original musical "15 Year Old Portal. Thank you so much for all of your support. We c…

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344. Pure Michigan! (LIVE from Ann Arbor) 1:17:24

4M ago1:17:24

1:17:24

The following was recorded LIVE from The Ark theater in Ann Arbor Michigan on 3/19 2025. It is accompanied by Scott Passarella (KoP. PoK) and hometown hero JacK Harris on drums! It is rare that we do an episode of this show that almost entirely about the city we happen to be touring in, but it DOES happen and in this case it DID happen. What does i…

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343. Enuiiiiiiiii! (LIVE from Toronto) 1:33:20

5M ago1:33:20

1:33:20

The following was recorded LIVE at the Royal Theater in Toronto ON on December 10th 2024, and features masters of their craft (instruments) Eric Gersen on keys and Nick Fraser on the drums! Due to some technical difficulties the audio quality of this recording is unfortunately slightly distorted, but don't let that stop you from enjoying the story …

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342. The Pyramid of Needs (LIVE from Brooklyn) 1:17:53

5M ago1:17:53

1:17:53

The following was recorded LIVE at the Bellhouse in Brooklyn NY on December 7th 2024. The brilliant Eric Gersen (keys) and also brilliant Sarah Mullins (Drums) played such a fantastic show the night before we decided to let them play this one too, and ya know what? They killed it. Never has a bowling alley been filled with SUCH ROMANCE. Come for st…

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Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast: Milton Dohoney, City of Ann Arbor 22:00

5M ago22:00

22:00

We've upgraded to video! View the full podcast on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKhZpETRvGoThis episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Milton Dohoney from the City of Ann Arbor.By Ann Arbor SPARK

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341. One Great Day on Mount Olympus (LIVE from Brooklyn) 1:17:01

6M ago1:17:01

1:17:01

The following was recorded LIVE at the Bellhouse in Brooklyn NY on December 6th 2024. It features the combined majesty and genius of Eric Gersen (keys) and Sarah Mullins (Drums). For legal reasons we've been told we can't call this one Hadestown, despite the fact that both Hades and a Town are involved. Also at one point the keyboard instrument pat…

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340. Spark of Salvador Dali (LIVE from Philly) 1:22:29

6M ago1:22:29

1:22:29

The following was recorded LIVE at the Theater of the Living Arts in Philadelphia on December 5th 2024. It features the massive talents of Eric Gersen on the keys and Sam Pasternack on drums. I know we frequently say "this one gets wild" but would be believe, this one in fact does get wild? Come for the historical accuracy, stay for the pocket dime…

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Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast: Chris Kowitz, Wacker Chemical 16:11

6M ago16:11

16:11

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Chris Kowitz from Wacker Chemical.By Ann Arbor SPARK

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339. A Club For You (LIVE from DC) 1:20:54

7M ago1:20:54

1:20:54

The following was recorded LIVE at The Howard in Washington DC on December 4th 2024. It features the return of the key change king Eric Gersen on keys, and the incredible Shareef Taher on drums. This one is about clubs (the school kind), bugs (the metaphorical kind), and blatant product placement (you know who you are, hit us up). You're gonna love…

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338. Mistake on a Plate (Live from Denver) 1:20:23

7M ago1:20:23

1:20:23

The following was recorded LIVE on November 25th 2024 at the Gothic Theater in Englewood CO, which we know ISN'T Denver, but also isn't NOT Denver. It features our beloved Scott Passarella on keys and the incredible Steve Wright on drums. This one is kinda wild so we're not even gonna attempt to summarize what went down. IFKYK, and once you listen …

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Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast: Erica Chappell, Briarwood Mall 18:04

7M ago18:04

18:04

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Erica Chappell from Briarwood Mall.By Ann Arbor SPARK

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337. Focus on Now (LIVE from Nashville) 1:27:05

8M ago1:27:05

1:27:05

The following was recorded LIVE in Nashville TN, on November 24th 2024. It features Scott Passarella (KoPaPoK) on keys and the incredible Donnie Moretti on drums! This is the tale of a generational feud between a zoo and an aquarium, and saying anything more than that would be a spoiler so let's just leave it at that shall we? ALSO our March midwes…

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336. The Center of The Bullseye (LIVE From Asheville) 1:22:11

8M ago1:22:11

1:22:11

The following was recorded live at the Orange Peel in Asheville NC on November 23rd 2024, and features geniuses Scott Passarella and Ross Montsinger on keys/drums. This is what happens when two dudes share their stories, and embark on two equally high stakes adventures. Put in your most daring chipotle order, sit back, and get ready to break the so…

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Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast: Jeff Hauptman, Oxford Companies 23:51

8M ago23:51

23:51

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Jeff Hauptman from Oxford Companies.By Ann Arbor SPARK

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335. Captain Dangersky and the Daily Special (LIVE from Austin) 1:17:34

9M ago1:17:34

1:17:34

The following was recorded live the State Theater in Austin Texas on November 22nd 2024. It features the return of the king (of pianists, and pianist of kings) Scott Passarella on keys, and the incredible Marty Eck on the drums. Prepare to set sail on an adventure of self discovery, seafood, and meaningful staring. Come look at the sea with us. The…

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334. A Big Strong Stretchy Kiwi Christmas: (LIVE with Paul F. Tompkins and Nicole Parker) 1:12:38

9M ago1:12:38

1:12:38

It's time again for Off Book's annual holiday musical with the incredible Paul F. Tompkins and Nicole Parker (and of course, the Fam Band!) For the first time ever, the holiday spectacular was recorded LIVE at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles (December 18th 2024.) Follow the Christmas star (The CORRECT one) to a tale of shared gifts, marriage, tropica…

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333. LIVE from Somerville: GoldenEye and The Three Bears 1:12:16

10M ago1:12:16

1:12:16

We're jumping out of order for our tour episodes because this one ended up having holiday vibes! Who could have guessed? Not us. The following was recorded LIVE in Somerville MA at Arts at the Armory on December 8th 2024. It features the key change king/helpful bear Eric Gersen on the keys, and the incredible Dave Byer on the drums. This is a very …

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Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast: Jim Adox, HistoSonics 28:24

10M ago28:24

28:24

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Jim Adox from HistoSonics.By Ann Arbor SPARK

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332. LIVE from Portland: The Penguins of the Phantom Club 1:16:34

10M ago1:16:34

1:16:34

The following was recorded LIVE from the Aladdin Theater in Portland on October 23rd 2024. It features the incredible Zach Marsh on the keys and the also incredible Kyle Stebbins on drums. If you suspected this one would be about Club Penguin, The Phantom of the Opera, and the Titanic, WOW that's incredible! You should go get a lottery ticket. See …

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331. LIVE from Vancouver: The Hero of Marathon 1:05:32

11M ago1:05:32

1:05:32

The following was recorded LIVE at the Rio Theater in Vancouver BC on October 22nd 2024. It features Zach Marsh on keys (the best) and Malcolm Craig on drums (also the best.) Get ready for the history they WON'T teach you in school (because it's wrong.) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.c…

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Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast: David Ruud, DTE Energy 19:55

11M ago19:55

19:55

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features David Ruud, DTE Energy.By Ann Arbor SPARK

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Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast: Marie Klopf, Lower Town Riverfront Conservancy 30:16

11M ago30:16

30:16

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Marie Klopf from the Lower Town Riverfront Conservancy.By Ann Arbor SPARK

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330. LIVE from The Lodge Room LA: The Names Of Our Family 1:24:52

1y ago1:24:52

1:24:52

The following was recorded LIVE at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles on August 7th 2024. It's got the whole fam band! Speaking of family, this one is all about a bunch of people in a family and they've all got names! Will we list them all? Are the moms tech-savvy? Will the dad come out of the bathroom? What's the deal with Jonathan? Listen and find out…

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329. On Book: Three Short Bits 39:18

1y ago39:18

39:18

Look, you wanna know what happens in this one? Zach and Jess are gonna continue writing a musical. There's gonna be new lyrics. There's gonna be new parts of songs. There's gonna be a tour announcement. And yes there is gonna be a brief check in re: Love Island. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https:…

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328. Every Place I Cry: Four Bespoke Funeral Songs LIVE at Dynasty Typewriter 58:10

1y ago58:10

58:10

The following was recored LIVE at Dynasty Typewriter (hosted by Holy Sh*T Improv) in Los Angeles on June 23rd 2024. Everyone's favorite four lead singer emo band is back to talk tapas, long time beefs, whether their girl is or is not a car, and reveal the songs they will sing at each other's funerals. Accompanied by piano God Scott Passarella, mast…

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327. LIVE from Dublin: Phew! 1:19:30

1y ago1:19:30

1:19:30

The following was recorded live in Dublin at the Laughter Lounge on May 22nd 2024. It is accompanied by the incredible Paul Prior on keys, and features fire-jumpers, jet skis, bad medical guidance, and a number one jam from Ireland's youth. Think you can stop we we do? I doubt it, we already recoded this one (although we did somehow lose the openin…

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Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast: Kelly Sexton, University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships 34:25

1y ago34:25

34:25

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Kelly Sexton, University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships.By Ann Arbor SPARK

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326. LIVE from London: Take Me To There : The Story Of The Tunnel! 1:35:56

1y ago1:35:56

1:35:56

The following was recorded LIVE at Bush Hall in London on May 20th 2024. It features the absurdly talented Jordan Paul Clarke on keys, and the also absurdly talented Georgia Ayew on drums. We know everyone has been very curious about how the London underground was created, but don't worry, these two Americans knows exactly how it went down. Let us …

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325. On Book: Two Song Swap 59:13

1y ago59:13

59:13

Zach and Jess both wrote first draft lyrics of songs and they're gonna talk about it! Come to our show at the lodge room! More live shows announced sooooooon! linktr.ee/offbook See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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324. LIVE from Vienna: Are You There God? It's me, Goo 1:02:03

1y ago1:02:03

1:02:03

The following was recorded live at Die Neue Tribüne in Vienna on May 17th 2024, and features accompaniment by piano wizard Diego Collatti (who learned what he was being asked to do like 30 minutes before and absolutely crushed it.) Thank you so much to American Improv and Peter Graff for bringing us out! Now join us on a 100% scientifically accurat…

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Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast: Mandy Grewal, Pittsfield Charter Township 22:13

1y ago22:13

22:13

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Mandy Grewal, Pittsfield Charter Township.Audio only. This podcast was recorded as a video as well. To view the full video please visit youtube.com/watch?v=3mLwJEhouu4By Ann Arbor SPARK

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323. LIVE from the Bourbon Room: Mountain Do In Your Room 1:17:56

1y ago1:17:56

1:17:56

The following was recorded live at The Bourbon Room in Los Angeles, on May 5th 2024. It's got the whole Fam Band (Scott Passarella on keys, Brett Morris on guitar, and Dana Wickens on the stickens)! This one is a classic college tale of doubling down on rash decisions, math in the abstract, and a certain trademarked soft drink. If you don't like th…

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322. On Book: Tracklist 51:40

1+ y ago51:40

51:40

We're back and we're trying to figure out how many songs we can actually fit into this thing, and what those songs should be. Also, we get way into the sci-fi weeds. That's writing baby. Sorry about the birds. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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321. LIVE from Amsterdam Bar & Hall (Saint Paul): 15, 30, 40, Love 1:22:17

1+ y ago1:22:17

1:22:17

The following was recored live at the Amsterdam Bar and Hall in Saint Paul MN on March 1st 2024, and was accompanied by the incredible Sam Scheidler on keys. It's got tennis, it's got robots, it's made by humans and not AI! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info…

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320. On Book: Want Song Part 2 (Wont Song) 31:54

1+ y ago31:54

31:54

Woah, an off schedule release! In this one In this one the team iterates on/creates part of the teenage portal musical want song, and unravels the mysteries of the word "wont." Looking for an improvised musical? Try one of the episodes that doesn't start with "On Book," these are different! Thank you to everyone who came to see us in Vienna, London…

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319. LIVE from The Den Theater (Chicago): Electric Feels 1:23:56

1+ y ago1:23:56

1:23:56

The following was recorded live at The Den Theater in Chicago on February 29th 2024. It is accompanied by Sam Scheidler on Keys, and Chris Ditton on drums, both of whom are absolute kings and wizards. This one features a bunch of fish, a dance craze, and throwing a party for your dad. Thank you Chicago, you're OUR KIND OF TOWN! Note: Unfortunately …

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318. LIVE from City Winery (Atlanta): Cinderella Name Game 1:29:34

1+ y ago1:29:34

1:29:34

The following was recorded live at City Winery in Atlanta on February 27th 2024. It is accompanied once again by the ever brilliant Eric Gersen. This musical answers the question: "What's the full story behind that jump rope rhyme about cinderella and the snake and the doctors?" Put this one on the list of things Disney can sue us for. Thank you At…

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317. LIVE AGAIN from Sea Tea Improv (Hartford): A Partial Architect 1:08:52

1+ y ago1:08:52

1:08:52

The following was the second show of the night live at Sea Tea Improv in Hartford CT on February 24th, 2024! It was accompanied AGAIN AGAIN by the incredible Eric Gersen. Architects, engineers, exes, the Seattle Kraken, the president. What could possibly bring these people together together? Listen and find out. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.…

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316. LIVE from Sea Tea Improv (Hartford): Good Kid, Good Dad. 1:07:26

1+ y ago1:07:26

1:07:26

The following was recorded live at Sea Tea Improv in Hartford CT on February 24th, 2024! It was accompanied AGAIN by the incredible Eric Gersen. A girl goes to school. A city government crumbles. Some cats do cat stuff. Also, it is the official position of Off Book: The Improvised Musical Podcast that the books of Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean series ar…

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Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast: David Parsigian, Honigman 10:53

1+ y ago10:53

10:53

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features David Parsigian of Honigman.By Ann Arbor SPARK

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315. LIVE from The Bell House (Brooklyn): Flow Of The Rings: A Volcano Story 1:22:12

1+ y ago1:22:12

1:22:12

The following was recorded live at The Bell House Theater in Brooklyn NY on February 23rd 2024. Join Zach, Jess, the incredible Eric Gersen on keys and Josh Bailey on drums, as they journey to a premier honeymoon destination where the lava is definitely moving so so slow. Invite your uncle, we've saved him a spot at the table. See Privacy Policy at…

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Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast: Cynthia Wilbanks, University of Michigan 22:24

1+ y ago22:24

22:24

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Cynthia Wilbanks from the University of Michigan.By Ann Arbor SPARK

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314. ON BOOK: More Opening and the "Want Song" 1:11:32

1+ y ago1:11:32

1:11:32

Zach and Jess are back with a tour recap, life updates, an INTERNATIONAL TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT (London/Dublin/Vienna), a wandering story about a play Zach saw, and of course more development of their new musical. Follow @offbookpod on instagram to get the most up to date touring/ticket info. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Californi…