Dystopia Tonight With John Poveromo

Day 227 - The Potential For Trouble with Jamie Alcroft

Jamie is an American comedian and voice actor renowned for his exceptional voice-over work in movies, TV shows, and video games. Many of you may know him as one half of the legendary comedy duo, Mack & Jamie.

Jamie's journey into comedy began in a serendipitous way when cartoonist Mack Dryden left a note for him at his Key West radio station, acknowledging Jamie as one of the funniest men in town. The duo quickly hit it off and embarked on a stand-up comedy adventure that would soon captivate audiences worldwide.

Their incredible chemistry and comedic prowess caught the attention of industry giants, and they were invited to grace the iconic stage of "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." The duo's uproarious performance on the show opened doors to their own syndicated series called "Comedy Break" in 1985. Within a year, they filmed a staggering 125 half-hour shows, leaving a lasting impression on viewers everywhere.

Jamie's talent extends beyond the world of comedy as he has established himself as a prolific voice actor. His versatile voice has brought to life a multitude of animated series, commercials, and video games. From iconic characters in games like "Gears of War" and "Call of Duty" to lending his voice to Dr. Dean in "Scooby-Doo! and the Witch's Ghost," Jamie's vocal range is truly remarkable. He has also delighted fans with his contributions to beloved animated series such as "Rugrats" and "Justice League," adding his comedic touch to these timeless classics.

Beyond his comedic and voice acting endeavors, Jamie has made a significant impact on his community and beyond. Named the 2009 Westlake Village Citizen of the Year and recognized as one of the "25 Most Influential People" in Ventura County, he has devoted himself to philanthropy and supporting schools and charities. His passion for giving back shines through his tireless efforts to raise funds in collaboration with local business partners.

Recently, Jamie has teamed up with the renowned Phil Proctor, of Firesign Theatre fame, to create the hilarious and relatable series called "Boomers on a Bench." This delightful show, which can be enjoyed on YouTube and Facebook weekly, resonates with audiences of all ages and demonstrates Jamie's enduring comedic genius.

Day 226 - The Odd Duckisms of Paula Poundstone

Paula Poundstone is a comedic force known for her improvisational skills, wit and sharp sense of humor. With a career spanning several decades, she has established herself as a beloved and respected figure in the world of stand-up comedy.

Paula's comedy style is characterized by her quick-thinking, impeccable timing, and engaging storytelling. Her ability to find humor in everyday situations, coupled with her unique perspective on life, allows her to connect with audiences on a profound level. Whether she's sharing hilarious anecdotes from her own life or offering insightful commentary on current events, Paula's comedy is relatable, clever, and always entertaining.

Throughout her career, Paula has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the American Comedy Award for Best Female Stand-Up Comic. She has also made memorable appearances on various television shows, including "The Late Show with David Letterman" and "The Tonight Show." Her comedy specials and albums have garnered critical acclaim, cementing her status as one of the most talented and respected comedians of her generation.

Paula Poundstone's unique blend of intelligence, humor, and authenticity sets her apart as a true comedic trailblazer. Her ability to find laughter in life's quirks and challenges continues to captivate audiences around the world, making her an enduring and cherished figure in the world of comedy

 

https://paulapoundstone.com/

 

Day 225 - A Bazillion Lifetimes with Boy Meets Girl

Boy Meets Girl - comprised of George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, stands as a musical duo renowned for their exceptional songwriting skills and contributions to the music industry. Their global hits, including their own chart-topper (a personal favorite) “Waiting For A Star To Fall” and Whitney Houston’s iconic tracks like “How Will I Know” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” have solidified their place in the musical pantheon until the end of time.

The duo’s ability to encapsulate raw human emotions and translate them into breathtaking harmonies has captivated audiences worldwide. Boy Meets Girl’s lyrics have become an integral part of countless cherished memories, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of our lives, establishing them as true icons of their craft.

 

Check out their new album and more here: https://www.boymeetsgirlmusic.com/

Day 224 - Cherishing Mistakes with George Schlatter

George Schlatter: The visionary maestro who shook up television with "Laugh-In," crafting a kaleidoscope of laughter, counterculture charm, and unapologetic satire, forever imprinting his comedic genius on the annals of entertainment history joins us on Dystopia Tonight for an unforgettable interview. 

A masterful director, George Schlatter's creative genius has imprinted an indelible mark on both the silver and small screens. It was his groundbreaking work on the irreverent sketch show "Laugh-In" that catapulted him to legendary status, shaking up the status quo and fearlessly pushing boundaries throughout the politically charged '60s and '70s.

During this episode, Schlatter mesmerized listeners with captivating tales of his collaborations with comedy icons. He fondly reminisced about discovering the infectious energy of Goldie Hawn, the character building brilliance of Lilly Tomlin, and the unruly genius of George Carlin. He shared stories of working with Robin Williams, who effortlessly merged comedy and pathos, and the puppeteering genius of Jim Henson, whose characters brought joy to audiences of all ages.

But Schlatter's influence extended beyond the realm of comedy. He spoke fondly of the late John Denver, recounting their collaborations that blended music and humor, and he even shared anecdotes about the Chairman of the Board himself, Frank Sinatra, whose comedic timing surprised and delighted both Schlatter and audiences alike.

We also discussed the realm of contemporary comedy, as Schlatter offered his thoughts on the current TV and Movie landscapes, and comics who are currently at the top of their games like Dave Chappelle, acknowledging the impact of his fearless and thought-provoking brand of humor while lamenting the fact that not all of it appears to be comedy to him.

From the vibrant chaos of "Laugh-In" to his collaborations with the most revered names in the industry, Schlatter's legacy is one of innovation, fearlessness, and unbridled creativity. His work has paved the way for future generations of comedians, inspiring them to challenge norms, question authority, and elicit laughter from the depths of the human experience. George Schlatter, a maverick director who forever changed the landscape of comedy.

 

Day 223 - Fostering Conversation with Julie Seabaugh

Julie Seabaugh, the celebrated comedy journalist renowned for her captivating writing style, deep comprehension of the comedy world, and infectious passion for humor, joins us on the latest episode of Dystopia Tonight! With years of immersive industry experience, Julie has amassed a treasure trove of stories and conducted interviews with the brightest minds in comedy, establishing herself as a trusted voice in the realm of comedy journalism. Her contributions have graced the pages of esteemed publications such as Rolling Stone, GQ, The Village Voice, Variety, The New York Times, Spin, Playboy, and many more.

In our conversation, Julie delves into her recent documentary, titled "Too Soon: Comedy After 9/11," which offers a profound and thought-provoking exploration of how comedy emerged as a coping mechanism and a source of healing during a time of national tragedy. We also dive into her beginnings, her favorite comedians who inspire her, and the driving forces behind her creativity. Enjoy!

http://julieseabaugh.com/

Day 222 - Keeping Cool with Ariel Elias

Ariel Elias was crushing the comedy club scene long before an incident at a dingy hole-in-the-wall comedy club in New Jersey propelled her to a house hold name. Poor management from the club’s chef lead to an unruly Trump supporter deciding it was a bright idea to hurl a can of alcohol towards her, narrowly missing her head. Ariel didn’t miss a beat, picked up the can and chugged it to raucous applause from the audience before tossing out a one liner that leveled the room.

On this episode of Dystopia Tonight, we talk about the incident, how’s she’s managed the amount of press she was getting, the parlay into her first network television appearance on Jimmy Kimmel live, and why it takes something like this to further an already incredibly hard working and talented comic’s career.

In the wake of that notorious incident, Ariel Elias has continued to dazzle audiences with her incisive wit and irresistible stage presence. She's solidified her status as a rising star in the comedy realm, captivating fans with her sharp observations, relatable anecdotes, and fearlessness in tackling the most contentious of topics. With every performance, Ariel reaffirms her position as a prodigiously talented and industrious comedian, reminding us that true success often springs forth from a potent combination of skill, unwavering determination, and the ability to seize unexpected opportunities that come hurtling your way.

Day 221 - Pushing The Envelope with Robert Wuhl

Robert Wuhl, the renowned actor, comedian, and writer known for his roles in "Good Morning Vietnam," "Bull Durham," and "Batman," brings his incisive wit and captivating anecdotes to Dystopia Tonight. In this episode, we explore Wuhl's multifaceted career, spanning stand-up comedy, acting, writing, and producing. He shares insights into the creation of his groundbreaking HBO show, "Arli$$," which paved the way for hits like "Entourage" and "Ballers." We get a glimpse into the inspirations behind the show's compelling characters and storylines, as well as the challenges he faced in authentically portraying the world of professional sports and its intricate dynamics between agents and athletes.

Wuhl also reflects on his collaboration with the late Robin Williams in "Good Morning Vietnam," offering heartfelt anecdotes and lessons learned. Through their work together, the profound impact of Williams' comedic genius becomes evident. Wuhl's experiences alongside Williams serve as a testament to their enduring partnership and the lasting impression they made on the entertainment industry.

Through his work, Wuhl carries the legacy of those who inspired him, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. His journey in show business instills in him a deep appreciation for influential figures who came before him. With his own remarkable body of work, Wuhl effortlessly continues their legacy while imparting invaluable insights to future generations. Prepare for an engaging conversation that captures the essence of Wuhl's remarkable journey.

Day 220 - A Powerhouse of Talent, Heart, and Inspiration - Megan Cavanagh Returns!

Hailing from an envious background in Improv from Second City, Cavanagh’s journey in the entertainment industry has been nothing short of extraordinary, leaving an indelible mark on the big screen. From her unforgettable portrayal of the talented baseball player Marla Hooch in “A League of Their Own” to her uproarious performance as Broomhilde in “Robin Hood: Men in Tights.”

She has also made a beloved contribution to the world of voice acting, most notably in the animated television series “Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.” In the show, she effortlessly brought life to the character of Judy Neutron, Jimmy Neutron’s loving and supportive mother. Her portrayal of Judy Neutron captured the warmth, humor, and affection that endeared the character to audiences, adding another dimension to Cavanagh’s diverse range of performances.

What truly sets Megan apart, though, is her warm and down-to-earth personality. Despite her immense success, she remains humble, approachable, and relatable. Her genuine nature shines through every time I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with her, making her a fan favorite on Dystopia Tonight and an inspiration to aspiring actors and performers everywhere.

Day 219 - Keith Roberts - Going Off The Deep End

Keith Roberts, the charismatic frontman of Celtic rock band the Young Dubliners, is a force to be reckoned with. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, Roberts brings an unparalleled authenticity to his music that has captivated audiences across the globe. With his band, he has crafted a unique sound that merges traditional Irish melodies with modern rock sensibilities, earning them a devoted following and critical acclaim.

Roberts' soulful vocals and electrifying stage presence have been the driving force behind the Young Dubliners' success. He formed the band in 1988, and they have since released several albums and embarked on countless tours, both in the United States and Europe. Along the way, Roberts has collaborated with other musicians and even ventured into solo work.

This marks his second time on Dystopia Tonight and with two appearances on Dystopia’s annual MS benefit Keith has become a fast friend of the show and a fan favorite. Using his unique perspective as an Irish musician living in America to provide a fresh take on our potential dystopian future, the conversation is always lively, spontaneous and tons of fun. Enjoy!

 

Day 218 - Music Is A Love Language with Jorge Calderón

On this episode of Dystopia Tonight I had the great pleasure of hosting the legendary Jorge Calderón on the show!

Calderón is a highly accomplished musician, songwriter, and producer known for his work in the rock, pop, and Americana music scenes. He has collaborated with some of the most iconic artists of our time, including Jackson Browne, and the Eagles, and has contributed to countless hit records throughout his career.

Perhaps one of the most significant partnerships in his career was his friendship and creative collaboration with the late Warren Zevon, a legendary singer-songwriter known for his irreverent wit and unique blend of rock, folk, and pop.

We discuss Calderón meeting Zevon in the early 1970s, the two quickly becoming close friends and musical collaborators, and playing bass on Zevon's eponymous 1976 album, which included the hit single "Werewolves of London.”

He also talks in depth about how he came to sing on Warren’s tribute album, “Enjoy Every Sandwich” where he sang a cover of “Keep Me In Your Heart.”

Jorge played a significant role in helping Warren finish writing the song which ultimately became one of Zevon's most beloved and poignant compositions. For Calderon, the experience of helping his friend complete the song was both deeply moving and a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and human connection. In the years since Zevon's passing, Calderon has continued to honor his memory and legacy through his own music, and remains a cherished member of the wider music community as a result of his many contributions to the world of rock, folk, and pop music