American Comedy

Interview: Daddy-Less Issues Podcast

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Daddy-Less Issues is a podcast created and hosted by orphan comedians Amber Rollo and Chanel Ali, with the aim of opening up discussion about the experiences of losing one or both parents, whilst also investigating the effects that this can have on an artist’s outlook and process.
This podcast discusses topics that are often seen to be too heavy or sensitive for casual conversation, but Rollo and Ali are challenging this presumption by producing such a fascinating and largely upbeat show. MoodyComedy spoke to Amber and Chanel to find out more about Daddy-Less Issues…

What spurred you to start The Daddy-less Issues podcast?

We kept seeing this pattern of orphans talked about in fiction but not in real life. Fairy tales, comic books and movies are filled with stories about orphans that are fantastic and magical, we wanted to show that real life orphans are pretty fantastic and magical themselves.

What, for both of you, does it mean to be an orphan?

In the nitty gritty definition sense, we go by the UN definition of orphan “a child who has lost one or more parents through death or abandonment.” But in a general more spiritual sense, it means we are enterprising independent kick ass hustlers, but who like also need love too.

Chanel Ali (left) and Amber Rollo, © Mindy Tucker

How do you think being an orphan has affected your career choices and comedy style?

We have found that we are a bit more free to talk about whatever we like on stage, compared to other comics who struggle with parental tsk tsking.

Have you discovered anything surprising about being an artist without parents as you’vebeen making this podcast?

We’ve discovered so many things, but our favorite is a sentiment best stated by Armistead Maupin “there are biological families, and then there are logical families” and we are both growing beautiful and supportive logical families. We have enjoyed the freedom to pursue our dreams and define success without the pressure or judgment that is often accompanied by two parent households.

What is the most difficult aspect about talking to people about potentially painful subjectssuch as losing a parent?

Often guests have never openly talked about this stuff with others who truly understand, sometimes they get so swept up in that release that they don’t want to stop talking about the past traumas. One of the hardest most delicate parts is to move the conversation forward into the present: what they are doing now, what tools have they picked up to self-parent and how are they thriving.

What has been the most valuable thing you have gained or learned since beginning thispodcast?

We love learning about all the famous orphans from history, it is really inspirational to hear all their stories and at the same time seeing our guests making history, in real time, right in front of us.

Who would be your dream future guest?

That’s a hard question, there are so many amazing orphans. Someone we are reaching for right now is Tiffany Haddish, she is killing as an orphan comedian and we love that. But a real dream dream, Obama or Madonna (both orphans).

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DADDY-LESS ISSUES AND LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE

March Comedian of the Month #45, Bo Burnham

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Each Comedian of the Month on MoodyComedy is a comic who has never previously featured on the website. Reasons for selection can include various current projects the comedian is involved with, or perhaps recent appearances on television programmes or podcasts. There is no strict criteria however, as Comedian of the Month simply stands as a collection of recommendations, highlighting interesting and original aspects of certain comedians and their work.

It feels a rare thing to find a musical comedian who combines both integral elements with equal skill; in this case I’ve come across someone with a vocal range that matches their talented piano hands, teamed with a cheeky, ironic sense of humour. Bo Burnham is, unsurprisingly, a very popular US comedian. At the time of writing, Burnham has 1.3 million subscribers on YouTube and his stand up hour Make Happy was released on Netflix in 2016. So why haven’t I watched it until now? There’s no excuse.

Make Happy was recorded at the Capitol Theatre in New York and is a show that explores the harshness and downright unfunny-ness of this world in a loud, theatrical but non-egotistical fashion. Bo is an artistically progressive performer and it’s clear that he has a deep understanding of comedy and its place in today’s world. He’s self critical, and this means that he is constantly challenging himself (‘Original does not mean good. Anyone can do anything.’).

© Andy Hollingworth

Bo is 27; he has a young face but his audiences seem to easily to get on board and relate to him. This unquestioning trust might very well be down to how confidently he shows he understands his audience in relation to himself. He’s appealing to punters because he doesn’t seem to take himself, or his comedy, particularly seriously. He’s the butt of the jokes but he’s the king of the show.

It’s no wonder Bo Burnham has such a big turnout for his live shows; the whole thing is a theatrical performance. This is high energy, enthusiastic and all-encompassing entertainment, and I thoroughly recommend it if you need a pick-me-up.

For more information, follow Bo Burnham on Twitter, or visit his website.

COMEDIAN OF THE MONTH

Seven Questions With… Iliza Shlesinger

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© Robyn Van Swank

Iliza Shlesinger is an American stand up comedian who is making her UK debut this month as she brings her show Freezing Hot to the Soho Theatre. Shlesinger is a sharp and powerful force in the world of stand up comedy, particularly as a result of her damning observations regarding gender stereotypes and admirable onstage fearlessness, ensuring that she will make waves on the British comedy scene.
I asked Iliza these seven questions…

1) What inspired Freezing Hot?

I was extremely motivated to put out a sophomore comedy special that blew the first one, War Paint, out of the water. I wanted Freezing Hot to serve as not just a piece where I made observations, but where I took those observations and dove deeper, offering explanations for behaviours, not just making fun of them. I really wanted to offer some insight to the way girls think and feel, I wanted to make some statements and be mindful and, dare I say, even intelligent about what I was saying. So many comics, male and female, go for shock or think just by being crass then that’s enough, but there’s not love behind the jokes, no personalisation. Every scenario I talked about I lived through, physically or in my own head, the thoughts are all uniquely my own- I love Party Goblin and I wanted to share her with the world. My inspiration was just to share in the most authentic way possible and expose my brain, heart and soul to the masses… and also a little bit of side boob.

2) What motivates you to work hard?

The fear of failure. Not by anyone’s measure other than my own. I just want to be heard on the biggest stage possible, whatever that ends up being. The fear of going unheard or unexpressed saddens me. I’m not good at much- math, sports, decorating- but I am good at being funny and I think to waste the talent I have by settling for anything less than I know I’m capable of would be a shame. This rule should apply to anyone; unfortunately, most people are feckless and convince themselves that their goals aren’t worth the effort. Also, somewhere weird in my head, I think if I make enough money I can turn my long haired dachshund into a tiny hair covered person and I can send her to private school.

3) Have you met your comedy idol?

I have a few, some I’ve met, some I haven’t. I was going to do a deal with Will Ferrell’s company, I would have met him, he is amazing. I saw Adam Sandler from across The Comedy Store once, and I teared up. I love Billy Crystal- I’m sure meeting him is in my future, I tweet him enough. I sat at a table next to Tina Fey at an AFI event… So that’s something. I’ll never get to meet Chris Farley, sadly. I’ve met others who I looked up to as a kid but… a lot of comedy stars burn bright and in person aren’t that funny, which is sad. I often wonder if it’s better to never meet your idols. Also my dad is hilarious, I’ve met him a few times.

4) Do you have any nicknames?

In high school we did a play and my character was named Bernice. So like, 3 people in the world call me Bernice. Aside from that, my close friends all call me Mew and I call them Mew, it’s a term of endearment. Oh, sometimes random dudes will call me “super hot” but that’s less of a pet name and more of a superlative… Also ridiculous.

5) Do you enjoy musicals?

Yeah, I guess I do? Always loved Guys and Dolls… Am I missing something with this question?

6) Who is the most inspiring person you know?

I’m supposed to say my mom, right? Isn’t that what everyone says? I don’t get inspired by people, I get inspired by situations and potential outcomes. That being said, my cousin has Cystic Fibrosis and I’ve always enjoyed watching how much she loves life and lives hers, seemingly, unfettered by her illness. Watching someone who has been dealt an unfair hand be happy is always inspiring.

7) What is your biggest complaint about modern life?

© Robyn Van Swank

Oh God, where do I start. Too many people have access to broadcasting tools- every idiot who was ever told they did a good job thinks they should be famous and they have a podcast or a web show- it saturates the market, there should be a comedic aptitude test you have to take before you’re allowed to make an account for anything from Twitter to Youtube to Periscope. We should have a boot camp that breaks people down to see how much they really want it, then again, I guess that’s sort of what Hollywood does. I hate passwords. I think it’s insane that I should have to remember so many AND if and when I do forget, I’m never able to simply “find out” your password, no, I have to reset it. I can never use old familiar passwords so all of a sudden I find myself straying into weird parts of my brain in an exasperated effort to create a new password that first the security criteria like PANCETTAcatFART##1492 and that’s insane to remember because those words mean nothing to me, on a personal note. Can we please hurry up and have retinal scans on our phones already?

ILIZA SHLESINGER BRINGS HER SHOW ‘FREEZING HOT’ TO THE SOHO THEATRE FROM 17-29TH AUGUST

Seven Questions With… Ari Shaffir

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Dude! I love it. All I look forward to in the summer is getting mushrooms and going to Joshua Tree. Or getting mushrooms and going to Sequoia National Park. Or getting mushrooms and walking around the city, but I guess that’s not really the great outdoors. The point is, yes, I love being in nature. People and their creations are overwhelming. I like being away from as many of them as possible. When I leave comedy, it’ll either be to commit suicide or to get on a boat and just sail out until I never see anyone again.

2) Which comedians are you influenced by?Screen Shot 2015-08-02 at 20.51.19

Burr, Bobby Lee, Kinison, Brody Stevens, some dead guys, the Simpsons, Joey Diaz. I guess I’m influenced by almost every comedian I’ve seen. I like seeing different techniques, different paths to get at a problem, different styles. I can take from anything. I like arm movements and pauses. If I see somebody nailing it with a technique I’ve never used, of course that’s gonna influence the way I go at ideas.

3) Books or e-books?

Books. But probably neither. I’ve read like, 3 books in the last 15 years. I read a shitload all through university, but then I stopped cold as soon as I got out. E-books seem like a great way to have your book with you, but it seems lame for some reason. It’s probably not justified. I have the same problem with dating websites. I remember the time when online dating was for losers and mutants. But that time is done. And yet, I’m still stuck thinking it’s a problem. I gotta get over my younger self.

4) How would your friends describe you?

They’d describe me as a fun dick maybe. I don’t know. I don’t even want to think about this. I don’t know how they’d describe me. They’re my friends. They’re idiots. They’d probably describe me as tall and bearded. 

5) Is your stage persona the same as your own personality?

My stage persona is almost identical to my personality. The only difference might be that I feel freer sharing embarrassing details in front of a crowd than I do in front of a couple people. But I’m coming to things from the same place on stage or off.

6) Do you ever feel like you’re too honest?

I feel like I’m very honest compared to most people. For sure. But, no. I don’t feel too honest. It’s gotten me in trouble before. Plenty of times. But I still don’t think I’m too honest. I rather think most other people are not honest enough. If everyone was open about who they are, we wouldn’t really be judging each other so harshly. Just be who you are and don’t worry about what people are going to say. They don’t matter. So that’s what I do usually.

7) What are you waiting for?

I’m waiting for this new special to be done so I can stop touring for a while. I’m waiting for the US revolution to start moving a little faster, I’m waiting for South Park to come back on. I’m waiting for a hot girl who’s also genuinely interesting and not self-absorbed. The revolution should be here first.

ARI SHAFFIR BRINGS ‘THIS IS NOT HAPPENING’ TO THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL

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