Episode 15 - The Nathan Fielder Experience

To listen to episode 15, click here.

When I was in university, I wanted to write for television. I imagined being the next David E. Kelly. I had this idea to create a series about ordinary people, like Sri Lankan dishwashers and gawky substitute teachers. Unfortunately UVic's writing program didn't focus on that style of writing so I gave up on that dream. (I write the news for City TV on occassion, but it's totally different.) So it was real neat to meet Nathan Fielder. The Vancouver-born comedian has been writing for TV since he was 23. (He's now 26.) He currently lives in LA where he writes for Important Things with Demetri Martin.

I also share an anecdote about a weird chain of restaurants here and their unavoidable hostesses.

I had some technical problems with my audio, which is why my intro sounds like I'm in an echo chamber but I kind of like it.

Also on this episode, I got my writing partner Ayma Letang to sit in and help me find my voice. Here's a picture of her and her beautiful cheekbones.

Next episode will be devoted entirely to Paul Anthony, everyone's favourite man about town. Until then, check back here for news. There's some coming on the way. And check out the Links to Click section, cause they are all worth clicking. Today I added my dear friend Sarah Steinberg's blog, which is one of my most favourite blogs ever. She's real funny and smart and stylish.

Easy like Sunday Morning

Look, an S&M swing horse.

My friend Daniel Perlmutter started a podcast called Sundays with Dan. He interviews me on episode two. I tried to be kind of funny but I think I need help. Dan's also one of the guys from Automatic Vaudeville, which is a funny filmmaking studio thing.

My podcast is coming soon.

Point Break

A few announcements.

First off, I did a really interesting interview with Nathan Fielder. You might recognize him from the times you went to your parents house and they were watching This Hour Has 22 Minutes. Well, he's in LA now, where he was hired to write for Important Things with Demetri Martin. I'm going to work on editing in the next few days and hope to have something out soon-ish.

Other upcoming episodes include the lovely and talented Lisa Joyce, Paul Anthony and Andy Dixon, who turns 30 tomorrow.

Also, my arm candy is co-hosting a show tomorrow (August 25) at the Biltmore. It's called Arrogance and it's co-hosted by Dave Shumka of Stop Podcasting Yourself (of which I'm a big fan.) It pits improvisers against comedians in the ultimate showdown. Here's the flyer.


Finally, Lightning Dust has a new album out. They're the beautiful little band who let me use their song "Wind Me Up" as the theme for my podcast. Anyhow, their new album is called Infinite Light and it's delightful. They're playing the Biltmore on Thursday here in Vancouver so be sure to come down if you're in town.

Nike SB

In my three years at the Canadian Press, the article I was most proud of was the one above. I think it was a slow weekend (I worked weekends) and I wanted a reason to check out Nike's premier skate video and so I somehow made a story out of it. I remember being so frustrated that Nike turned down my request to be interviewed because I wasn't "core" media. But I have to give them credit. They know exactly what they're doing. Hence the video below.




Yummy.

!Attention!

I'm looking for a professional photographer who'd be open to working on an exciting project ON SPEC. If it flies (which we'll make happen, obviously) it'll be awesome and good exposure. So please get in touch, noneandonly@gmail.com

Hit It

It's been an interesting little while. So much crazy stuff going on, all of which I can't talk about.

Oh hey, check it. Pink Mountaintops has a new video, directed by fellow Jew Shira Blustein. A few of my babe friends are in it:



The "lead singer," Deandra, is one of my most favourite girls alive. Her boobs almost turned me gay once. True story. The story ended with me crying, partly out of confusion and partly out of hilarity while Deandra laughed her horse, dry laugh, till she could barely breath. She's one of those rare gems who doesn't bullshit. Here's a picture of her at my best friend Chris' birthday:



Last night was the first night of Olio. My main man Nardwuar was part of an improv night where he went on stage and told his crazy stories and then some improv people interpreted them.

On the podcast front, I'm still working on a few things. Aiming to interview Paul Anthony next week and my friend who's intentionally homeless for the next six months. So keep checking back. I know you do anyways.

Episode 14

Click here to listen to Episode 14 of the People's Program Project.

After a month long hiatus, we have an episode out. And it's a great one, which includes two stories and a musical interlude by a mysterious artist who shall not be revealed. Yet.

The first story is called Long Beautiful Hair. The second one is called Not the Leavening Agent. I'm not going to give a summery, 'cause they're strong enough on their own.

So if anyone knows the French word for "yeast infection" get in touch: noneandonly@gmail.com

Here are the pictures I promised of my tattoo, before and after (the after is a bit cropped.)



Thanks Chad, for making my life a little easier.

I just found out today that I know yet another person who's going to the Toronto Film Festival. The absolutely darling Alex Craig, along with Corey Adams, will be having the world premier of their film, Machotaildrop at the festival. Alex is one of those solid guys who blows your mind away with his niceness. The nicest man, husband and father. I'm pretty good friends with his beautiful wife Saz D, and have spent so many fun times having dance parties in their living room and lovely afternoon eating delicious food on their porch. Here's a picture of them on one of the best nights of my life. Definitely in my top ten:

So congrats to those boys. So impressed.

Support Your Local Skate Shop

If you're in Vancouver tomorrow, come down to AntiSocial to watch Dear & Yonder, a documentary about ladies who surf. It's getting a lot of good buzz from all the lady blogs out there so I'm really excited to check it out. On a side note, I have to express my sincere love for Antisocial and its owners Michelle and Rick. I've never seen two business people put so much into a community. They are selfless. It gives me a warm feeling in my heart. Michelle was my go-to girl when I used to be the resident skateboard expert at the Canadian Press...she has supplied me with many a good quotes. She is also so committed to the community, it's a real inspiration. And Rick is by far the most humble person I've ever met, considering his ridiculous talent. If I had a kid, these are the type of people I'd want to use as roles models. So yeah, big fan of Antisocial.

And I want to say a huge congratulation to Ali Liebert, Paul Anthony and Craig Anderson, who all have one or two films in the Toronto Film Festival. That's a big deal. To celebrate, here's a hot picture of Ali:

Speaking of Paul, he's hosting Talent Time tonight. If you haven't gone, go. It's a bizarre experience.

Working on the podcast today. It's actually going to be really good. Really funny.

Let Yourself Go

So I don't have a podcast ready yet but I have another one you could listen to in the meantime. I shared a story at Stop Podcasting Yourself Live the other night. Click here to listen. It was such a great show. Graham and Dave are such marvels and Charlie Demers' quick wit is really something else. I can't say enough good things about these guys. If you don't subscribe to them already, get on it. Top notch comedy.

My outfit that night was inspired by this commercial:




I've been feeling nostalgic. I didn't quite pull it off like Cindy did. However, it made me realize that in my old age, I'm getting less and less conservative.

A few announcements. My good friend Les Ramsay is having an art show, put on by Life Collective: I'm pretty sure this guy will be huge so check him out before he explodes.

Also, I am really busy right now. I hope to have a podcast episode by this week, for reals. Thanks for everyone who cares enough to check in. It means the world to me.

PS I really love my friends. I hope they know that.