Dystopia Tonight With John Poveromo

Day 27 - Steve Breen

When I was a kid I wanted to be two things when I grew up. A comedian and a cartoonist. For a very long time I thought cartooning was going to be my main focus and one of my inspirations in that field was Steve Breen. He was living in NJ at the time and working for the Asbury Park Press. A paper my parents got every morning. I'd grab the funny pages and the editorial cartoon before heading to school to read both. Comics were my shield against the rest of the world and Steve's biting commentary on both the editorial page and in his strip, Grand Avenue always helped me feel less alone. Getting to finally talk to the self proclaimed good will ambassador for New Jersey and finding out he's just as funny and down to earth as I'd always assumed he'd be was a thrill for me. Hope you guys enjoy this one! Enjoy!

Day 26 - Hannah Joy

The Middle Kids' lead singer/songwriter, Hannah Joy joins me to talk about life in Australia, going to High School in Maryland, surviving this pandemic, her new album "Today We're The Greatest", becoming a mom, never performing in Jersey (we're gonna fix that), and lays down some solid life advice for anyone looking to go into music or any kind of art. Enjoy!!

Day 25 - Art Alexakis

Everclear's lead singer Art Alexakis hangs out with us in one of the most chill interviews I've had so far on the show. He talks candidly about finding out he has MS, his new single Hot Water Test, and goes in depth with our producer Tom Banis, whose wife is also struggling with MS. He also talks about his upcoming Summerland Tour, The NFL Draft, his battle with congress for HR1488, Spam, his missing Space Ghost Coast to Coast episode and more! Enjoy!

Day 24 - Mike Rowe

Mike Rowe's a true comedy hero of mine. He started out in stand-up, worked the clubs and the road, and switched gears into writing on some of my favorite TV shows, Futurama being my all time favorite. But besides all that his new book "It's a Funny Thing" is the BEST new book about coming into your own as a comedian, and comedy writer in this crazy business. It reads funny, and is wildly informative. Check out his book but before you do that check out this interview for some great stories, and more nuggets of wisdom by one of the nicest guys in the business. Enjoy!

 

Mike's Book

Day 23 - Cathy Ladman

Loved getting to talk to Cathy Ladman about her stand-up days, who her comedy crew was and still is, how she made her way into acting with some of the greats, how Nichols and May influenced her comedy, and some advice for younger comics coming up today. She also recalls her role in the documentary "The Aristocrats" and retells a great Bob Saget story from the film. Enjoy!!

 

 

 

 

Day 22 - Mark Brazil

Mark and I have zero trouble finding the words to describe the last administration, the past year under lock down, and our complete and utter distaste for how the Dems are and probably will be fucking us for the next four years with a little hope for small progressive leaps sprinkled in. We also talk that 70s show for a bit, Topher Grace, and of course stand-up comedy. With a brief appearance by the hilarious and always lovely Felicia Michaels. Enjoy!!

Day 21 - John Romita Jr

One of the best parts about doing these interviews is getting to meet people I've admired for years. The other is finding out they're incredibly humble and a blast to talk to. John's been my favorite comic book artist since I was a kid, and that's who I let host the show. We discuss other comic book artists, writers, independent publishing vs the big three, Kickass, the MCU, his dad's influence, the 9/11 comic, John's art style, tequila, comic-con, more tequila and John leaves us with a cliffhanger!! Enjoy!

Day 20 - Mike Farrell

Mike Farrell has been fighting for people who cannot fight for themselves long before he was ever famous. In this two part interview we deep dive into his road to activism, both at home and abroad, the causes he's passionate about, personal struggles, growing up as a shy kid, and he even let me dablle in some alien govt conspiracy talk at the end. Thoughtful, intelligent, funny and a true humanitarian - it was an honor to have Mike on the show and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Enjoy!

Day 19 - Billy Van Zandt

Talking with someone who has spent their entire life writing, and creating and doing it successfully will only leave you wanting to know more about them. Which is exactly what it was like getting to speak with Billy Van Zandt. I got the pleasure to speak with him for a little over an hour about how he met his writing partner and best friend Jane Milmore, growing up in NJ, his acting career, writing for Bob Newhart, Lucille Ball, Richard Lewis, Don Rickles, an - look if I kept going with this list we'd be here for months. Please enjoy the interview, ignore me, and soak up all the knowledge and fun Billy brings as a guest. Enjoy!!

Day 18 - David Champion

David Champion joins John on the show to talk about touring with his brother as CHAMPS, some road stories, Ana De Armas and 3000 Miles, sibling comradery, guilty music pleasures, pandemic habits and the state of the world. If by the end of this episode all the world's problems aren't solved...don't worry, he's coming back with his bro for round 2! Enjoy!