The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 19: Sam Varela & Thinking of Everyone

August 5, 2020

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Prolific indie comedy producer Sam Varela is this week’s guest on TCB Field Report. Before quarantine, Sam produced so many wonderful comedy shows in LA and NYC. In quarantine, she immediately transitioned to building up the nightly IG Live stand-up show @comedyquarantine and doing a virtual edition of Picture This!, the live animated comedy show. Sam zooms with TCB’s Jake Kroeger to talk keeping comedy going in this pandemic as well as inclusion and accessibility for everyone in that regard. Also, they gives takes on a petition for Eric Andre to host Ellen, unreleased Joan Rivers material that’s going to be released, and the UK’s recovery plans for comedy.

Please follow the shows that Sam produces @comedyquarantine & @picturethiscomedy as well as sign-up for newsletter that will keep you up-to-date on those shows and more at nakedcomedy.org.

The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 18: Jena Friedman & Dark Comedy Now

July 29, 2020

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adult swim, bridget everett, corporate, emmy nominations, emmys, i may destroy you, i'll be gone in the dark, jena friedman, soft focus

Jena Friedman (Soft Focus), one of the best dark comedians/humorists out there today, is TCB Field Report’s honored guest this week. As the pandemic has taken hold of Jena’s computer, Jena calls in on the phone with TCB’s Jake Kroeger and discusses the unfortunate luck of being right about the pandemic, some optimism about an eventual return of comedy, and some hints at what to look out for from Jena in the future when we have a vaccine. Also, they do some quick takes on being excited about the just announced Primetime Emmy nominations and Bridget Everett’s also just announced new HBO series, Somebody Somewhere.

Follow Jena @jenafriedman on Twitter. Watch Jena’s Soft Focus specials here and her last set on Conan here.

Shout outs: I May Destroy You on HBO, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, Supernatural with Ashley Flowers, Corporate on Comedy Central

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 17: Steven Feinartz & The Wait to See

July 22, 2020

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The Comedy Bureau Field Report welcomes its first director (of TV/film/documentary) Steven Feinartz who has helmed truly great stand-up specials and documentaries including Eddie Pepitone’s For The Masses and The Bitter Buddha. Steven zooms with TCB’s Jake Kroeger about the persisting lockdown affecting production and how he might approach shooting stand-up/comedy right at this moment. Also, they get into on comedy festivals going virtual, SNL’s possible return to studio 8H, LA’s The Satellite turning into a restaurant to survive, and a robust discussion about cancel culture and where it is now.

Follow Steven @stevenfeinartz on Twitter and Instagram and check out his filmography that also includes Please Understand Me, The Lot, and Bill Burr Presents The Ringers at stevenfeinartz.com.

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 16: Nore Davis & Change for The Better

July 15, 2020

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This week, the ray of sunshine that is Nore Davis gets into the nitty gritty of his brand new comedy album, Live From The Comedy Trap House, that was conceptualized, rehearsed, recorded, produced, and distributed all in quarantine. Despite the protestations of several comedians on the prospect of doing comedy on Zoom, Davis really made it work for this album and he shares every bit of detail that went into making it with TCB’s Jake Kroeger. On top of that, Davis’ positivity, both in general and the way the world is changing because of the cultural uprising is sincerely refreshing on this episode.

The cast members of Ramy that they’re both trying to remember are Dave Meherje and Mo Amer.

Follow Nore @noredavis on IG and Twitter. Go get and enjoy Live at The Comedy Trap House here.

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 15: Christina Catherine Martinez & Aesthetics

July 8, 2020

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This week, TCB’s Jake Kroeger zooms with the beloved comedy and art world hybrid Christina Catherine Martinez. Even without a pandemic, Martinez has managed to imbue her comedy with her professional art critic sensibilities to create marvelously absurdist, subversive, high brow, yet incredibly silly bits, stand-up, and characters. Her and Jake discuss what her detailed plans for translating her conceptual comedy to live-streaming platforms like Zoom on IG Live, the extension of her Aesthetical Relations brand/universe (even revealing plans for a special), and an attempt at a quick rundown of Groundlings’ controversy, MTV animated series revivals, and Comedy Central’s order of two new John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch specials.

Also, here’s John Cage’s 4:33 to get that John Cage joke at the end.

Follow Christina at @xtina_catherine on Twitter and IG and visit christinacatherine.info to delve into all things Christina Catherine Martinez. Get the e-book version of Aesthetical Relations here.

Shout outs: I May Destroy You, Search Party, and Nore Davis’ Live From The Comedy Traphouse

TCB Field Report Ep. 14: Naomi Ekperigin & Connection

July 1, 2020

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The latest TCB Field Report has the amazing comedian/writer/podcaster Naomi Ekperigin zooming with TCB’s Jake Kroeger this week. Naomi and Jake take time to remember the late, great Carl Reiner and also dissect what lies ahead with comedy on TV with the renewal of Curb Your Enthusiasm (i.e. how relatable will Larry be in a post-pandemic world?) as well as how Hollywood is still missing the mark in achieving true racial equity. Ekperigin also lets us in on how her podcast and now, weekly Twitch live-stream, Couples Therapy, has been fostering community in quarantine and her personal experience finding connection through doing comedy on Zoom.

Also, Jake would like to apologize for referring to the character Lawrence on Insecure as Louis. Please forgive him.

Shout outs: Eddie Pepitone’s For The Masses, Chris Fairbanks’ Rescue Cactus, Eric Andre’s Legalize Everything, John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch.

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 13: Eddie Pepitone Takes Over

June 24, 2020

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The great Eddie Pepitone stops by, virtually, to Zoom with TCB’s Jake Kroeger as his brand new hour special For The Masses just got released this week. Pepitone’s particular brand of satirical dark comedy is almost tailor made for the time that we’re living in and that’s clearly evident in their conversation that wanders around Eddie’s visions of his past, present in the pandemic, and future for whatever that may be. Also, Jake manages to squeeze in a bit of news about Boots Riley’s new series and saving Astronomy Club.

Follow Eddie and everything he’s doing at eddiepepitone.com and get For The Masses here.

Sign the petition to save Astronomy Club here.

The Comedy Field Report Ep. 12: Brodie Reed & Balance in Chaos

June 17, 2020

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8:46, brodie reed, chappelle, eric andre, still game

LA comedy favorite Brodie Reed zooms with TCB’s Jake Kroeger this week for the latest TCB Field Report and talks about balancing his own personal life, the pandemic, being active for BLM and social justice, and having more opportunity for his own comedy as a black comedian than he ever has before (and how that can also be exhausting). They also break down the intricacies of Chappelle’s 8:46, UCB’s reorganization addressing their need to include more BIPOC voices as well as revisit some of Brodie’s best bits.

Follow Brodie on Twitter @ayobrobro and @ayo.bro.bro on Instagram.

Shout outs: Still Game, Eric Andre: Legalize Everything

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 11: Atsuko Okatsuka & BLM Rising

June 10, 2020

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This week’s episode is yet another one happening during a historic moment defined by mass protests in solidarity of Black Lives Matter during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guest Atsuko Okatsuka of Let’s Go Atsuko: a Woke Japanese Game Show zooms with TCB’s Jake Kroeger about engaging with said moment, both inside and outside of comedy. They also talk the prospect of Let’s Go Atsuko, already a great weekly podcast (and a hell of a live stage show), going into production, possibly as one of the first TV shows to do so in Los Angeles. The final big story that they unpack is the unprecedented changing of the guard at storied comedy institution The Second City along with their vow to raise the voices of BIPOC and achieving racial equity as well as Chris Redd’s open letter demanding that The Second City do more.

Follow Atsuko Okatsuka @atsukocomedy across platforms. Get her album but I control me and listen to Let’s Go Atsuko, the podcast.

Shout outs: #BlackAF, Kim’s Convenience, My Brother’s Sneaker and Candice Thompson, Naomi Ekperigin, Petey DeAbreu, Larry Owens, DeWayne Perkins, Ian Edwards, Byron Bowers, Greg Edwards, Sam Ike, Baron Vaughn, Sydnee Washington, Ed Greer, Shalewa Sharpe, Kenice Mobley, Mandal, Dwayne Perkins, Dwayne Kennedy, Nore Davis, Brodie Reed, Obama’s Other Daughters, Astronomy Club, Kash Abdulmalik, Joyelle Johnson, Janelle James, David Gborie, and Solomon Georgio.

For the times we live in, consider donating money to a worthy cause like the Black Visions Collective.

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 10: Gareth Reynolds Right Before LA Curfew

June 3, 2020

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Gareth Reynolds, co-host of The Dollop, is the esteemed guest for this week’s Comedy Bureau Field Report. Getting ready to observe curfew here in LA on the date of of this recording, Mon. Jun. 1st, Gareth and TCB’s Jake Kroeger get into the state of things and the state of comedy, even questioning what’s the point of comedy right at this historical moment (and how to even go about doing it). It’s a “very special episode” in a universe of “very special episodes”.

Follow Gareth Reynolds @reynoldsgareth across platforms, listen to The Dollop, watch Ga’riffs on IG Live @reynoldsgareth at 6PM PT, and also listen to Point vs. Point.

Shout outs: Wyatt Cenac’s One Angry Night in November, Hannah Gadsby’s Douglas, and What We Do in The Shadows.

For the times we live in consider donating money to a worthy cause like the Peoples City Council Freedom Fund.

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 8: Jackie Kashian & Adaptation

May 20, 2020

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One of TCB’s all time favorite comedians and podcasters, Jackie Kashian, is this week’s guest on the TCB Field Report. Kashian, from the get go in quarantine, has been doing live-streamed shows as much as humanly possible, gaining more live-stream stage time than almost other comedian right now. Her and TCB’s Jake Kroeger talk about how much Zoom is too much Zoom, prepping to do a brand new hour of stand-up during pandemic times, this week’s premieres/releases, and more.

Follow Jackie Kashian @jackiekashian across platforms and at her site. Also, listen to her two wonderful podcasts The Dork Forest and The Jackie and Laurie Show.

Shout Outs: Brandie Posey’s Opinion Cave, Jared Logan’s My Brave Battle, Erin Foley’s Lady with Pockets, Solar Opposities, Cocktails & Dreams, The Great, and Freeway to Hell.

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 7: David Gborie and Chilling Alone

May 13, 2020

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Comedian/podcaster/voice of Comedy Central David Gborie is this week’s guest on the TCB Field Report. Gborie goes on Zoom with TCB’s Jake Kroeger to run through the last week’s news stories including the passing of the great Jerry Stiller and renewals of Bob’s Burgers and Alternatino and get into how Gborie has maintained a great level of chill, productivity, and his hysterical self all while quarantining alone.

Shout out to: Robbie
Follow David Gborie @thegissilent on Twitter and @coolguyjokes87. Tune into Faded’s Quaranstream every Friday during quarantine 7PM PT/10PM ET and listen to David on the fantasy draft of the anything and everything podcast, All Fantasy Everything.

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 6: Myq Kaplan and Staying Present

May 6, 2020

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absolutely fabulous, dan perlman, dave hill, dress up gang, dwayne kennedy, house hunters, insecure, jay jurden, midnight gospel, myq kaplan, samantha ruddy

Brilliant comedian Myq Kaplan, who is currently hunkered down near NYC, the epicenter of the pandemic in the U.S., Zooms with TCB’s Jake Kroeger as his album A.K.A. is set to come out this week. Despite the severity of the outbreak, Kaplan maintains his signature upbeat, positive attitude and finds himself as busy as he might be sans the global catastrophe brought on by COVID-19 thanks to a healthy combo of staying present with the moment, meditation, ayahuasca ceremonies, and more. Also, they talk House Hunters LOL and Insecure’s season 5 renewal at HBO.

Shout outs to: Dave Hill, Dwayne Kennedy, Dress Up Gang, Samantha Ruddy, Jay Jurden, Dan Perlman, Midnight Gospel, Absolutely Fabulous

Follow Myq Kaplan across platforms @myqkaplan. Get his album A.K.A. out this Fri. May 8th and listen and enjoy his podcast Broccoli & Ice Cream.

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 5: Ahamed Weinberg/Nick Nemeroff & Quarantine Beef

April 29, 2020

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ahamed weinberg, nick nemeroff, quarantine life, stand up comedy

Well, this was a wild one. Let’s just say that as the weeks have gone on, quarantine is driving people up the wall even if they just fully recovered from contracting COVID-19 like Ahamed Weinberg or released an amazing comedy album The Pursuit of Comedy Has Ruined My Life like Nick Nemeroff. Both are very, very funny comedians that are on the upswing right now and yet, these uncertain times can still throw a wrench in everything as was shown in their wayward “conversation” with TCB’s Jake Kroeger. All of that said, there is a Parks and Recreation reunion, Jamel Johnson’s new audience-less special Friend or Foe, and even three one-hour long improv specials from Middleditch & Schwartz to really help us not go stir crazy like Ahamed, Nick, and Jake.

Follow Ahamed @ahamedweinberg on Instagram & Twitter and do the same for Nick Nemeroff @nicknemeroff. Once again, get Nemeroff’s fantastic album The Pursuit of Comedy Has Ruined My Life. The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 4: Debra DiGiovanni & Adaptation

April 22, 2020

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amber preston, debra digiovanni, hbo, jackie and laurie show, just for laughs, livestream comedy, moontower comedy festival, run, seek treatment, sparkly parts, ucb, upright citizens brigade, zoom comedy

The wondrous and hysterical Canadian transplant Debra DiGiovanni and TCB’s Jake Kroeger have quite the hopeful chat about her numerous gigs doing live-streaming comedy in the last several weeks and how she might specifically imagine to take the stage again and what that might really look like (especially for someone who has played comedy venues of all sorts of sizes). Also, they touch upon the tragic closure of the Upright Citizens Brigade in NYC, the rescheduling of some major comedy festivals, as well as what’s new and/or noteworthy in comedy this week.

Follow Debra @debradg on Instagram & @debradigiovanni on Twitter. Tune in to her daily Instagram Live check-in show Afternoon Delight with Zach Noe Towers at 4PM PT via her Instagram handle. The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT

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