IS THIS ON? - Broadcast on KMKR (99.9 FM/Tucson)

“Is This on?” welcomes Dan Price, award-winning community newspaper reporter, honored in 1995,1996, and 1997 by the Arizona Newspaper Association for sports writing. He is also the author of many books including his most recent novel , “The Dancer”. Dan shares his life story from his roots in Tucson to embarking on a career in journalism. We learn about the huge role that baseball has played in hi...

Dave and Phil describe their new monthly political comedy show, "Laughing Liberally" a mix of stand-up with desk pieces, sketches, news and improv. Phil recalls the history of the show which began in Tucson in 2011 at various locations from Sky Bar, Plush, FlyCatcher, and Club Congress. The newest version of the show will be hosted at the Tucson Improv Movement (TIM) and will feature the...

Former Mayor Rudy Guliani joins Dave and Phil in studio to discuss his indictment in the State of Georgia. Plus ITO Investigates has come into posession of the black box recording from the Russian plane crash which killed Yevgeny Prigozhin. Dave and Phil play it live on air and speculate if there could their be foul play? Plus we look at an unusual new "pay for play" opportunity for comi...

Dave and Phil are joined by ITO's 3rd Wednesday of the month host Roxy Merrari as we take a look at the comedy open mic scenes in nearby cities including Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas. Dave gives us a heads up on special days coming up in August. Plus, Art Fern shares his thoughts on the Barbie film craze and explores the trend toward creating films around our favorite childre...

Please leave your written thoughts in celebration of the life of Simon (the bald) Goldstein. We will read them on the next "IS THIS ON?" on July 12... ITO celebrates the life of local comic icon Simon (the bald) Goldstein who passed away at age 83. He was a fixture at LAFFFs Comedy club and always a crowd favorite. His rapid fire delivery was a tribute to borscht belt comics of yesterday...

Dave and Phil welcome the summer months by reviewing special days in June. Plus, we take a deep dive into the work and life of comedy legend Lenny Bruce. A special talent with a troubled life Lenny Bruce seems to be revisited routinely on the American entertainment spectrum. From Dustin Hoffman's film portrayal to the recent homage in "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" the complicated story of Lenny Bruc...

Dave and Phil welcome friend of the show legendary actor Al Pacino, age 82, who proudly announces that he and his girlfriend Noori Alfalla, age 29, are expecting a child. Our conversation reveals racy details of the night of conception. Plus we review the new Lorne Michaels' Peacock series, "Bupkis" starring Pete Davidson and a stellar cast of stars including Joe Pesci. We convene a...

Tucson comedian Jerrod Martin joins Dave and Phil in the studio to talk about the local comedy scene. Hear directly from the man about to be roasted for his 40th birthday this Saturday @ 6 PM at the Music Box on 6951 E, 22nd St. Plus, ITO reviews the new Netflix special from John Mulaney and also updates the status of the Monty Python Spamalot film.

ITO pays tribute to the Spark Project open mic hosted by our good friend Ernie Celeya as they prepare to host their final show on Friday, May 12 @ 7:00 pm. Dave and Phil encourage the Tucson Comedy Community to come out and hang out with Ernie. ITO welcomes back Prince Harry as he returns from a rather brief appearance at his father's Coronation. The Duke 0f Sussex spares no punches as he rail...

President Joe Biden drops by the studio to follow up on his 2024 candidacy announcement done by video release. Mr. Biden shares other release ideas that were considered but not used. Dave and Phil talk about the new baseball rules. Plus, ITO gets a job application for the new commentator position from a recently available candidate...Tucker Carlson.

Dave and Phil go back in time to search for answers to today's complex political questions and seek out the wisdom of America's third President, Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson offers some terse criticism of current American politics and shares his interpretation what the founding fathers intended regarding guns and the second amendment. We take a look at the new "Roast of Bert Kreischer&...

Dave and Phil discuss the World Baseball Classic and look forward to the start of the baseball season. We review audience reaction to last show's visit from Gov. Ron DeSantis and his verbal exchanges with Donald Trump following the publication of his new book. Also, we review the Academy Awards and welcome special guest and friend of the show, Elvis Presley who dropped by to share his disapoin...

Dave and Phil welcome Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to discuss his new book, "The Courage To Be Free".  Listen is as we probe Gov. De Santis on cancel culture, Disney, and his future plans for higher office.  Plus we review the newest Mel Brooks and friends film, The History of the World, Part II just released on Hulu with a star studded cast and many surprises.

ITO welcomes Tucson comic Cory Lytle who tells us all about his two new open mic nights at Cheba Hut and at Chicago Bar. Cory shares his insights on being a show runner from his previous experience with his long running mic at House Of Bards.  Dave and Phil also welcome President Joe Biden who stops by the studio with political consultant James Carville to discuss the President's State of the...

IS THIS ON? welcomes Tucson comedian, actor and writer Ron Reid to the studio for a lively discussion of all things comedy.  Ron traces his career from standup in NYC to Seattle and stops in between.  In addition to standup Ron has written, produced and acted in a feature 1990s length film, "The Montana Run" which is currently available on You Tube.  These days Mr. Reid runs a succe...

"IS THIS ON?" begins 2023 with highlights of the 139th ANNUAL TUCSON NEW YEAR'S DAY PARADE.  Join Dave and Phil directly from the parade route down Fourth Avenue as they review floats, marching bands and the food ad fun court.  Plus, many celebrities stop by the reviewing stand to chat.  It's the Old Pueblo's social event of the year and you have a front row seat.  We also talk...

Dave and Phil interview comedian Hari Kondabolu before his performance at 191 Toole on December 19.  Hari shares his insightful political comedy roots and tells us all about the making of his ground breaking documentary "The Problem With Apu".  Plus we have a holiday visit with the King of Rock & Roll.  Staff announcer Art Fern previews seasonal specials at Craycroft Tatoo Remov...

Dave and Phil discuss a few of the big name comics coming to Tucson in December, Hari Kandabolu (scheduled to appear on ITO 12/14) and Jim  Gaffigan with some cuts from their recorded comedy.  Dave makes his 2023 predictions.  We preview the announced guest hosts for the upcoming SNL holiday season.  an ITO Investigates exclusive, probes the recent controversial Mar-A-Lago dinn...

Dave and Phil are joined by Hollywood legend Al Pacino who stops by to preview the Oscar awards.  A look at longer set time open mics in Tucson. We're also joined in studio by Dave's sister, Ellen who shares memories about Dave’s youth.  

"IS THIS ON?" celebrates the Third Anniversary of the show.  Live from the Xerocraft ballroom, Dave and Phil welcome local dignataries, comedians, politicians and more to take part in the celebration.  Some of our favorite Tucson comics stop by to bring well wishes including Eliot Glicksman, Sylvia Remington, Katy Popiel and Kenny Shade.  Long time celebrity friends of the show scheduled to appear...

Mo Urban, voted Tucson Weekly’s 2022 Best Comedian joins the show for an interview. Sylvia Remington stops by with the current Open Mic calendar. Plus, Dave and Phil welcome back Democratic strategist James Carville to dissect the midterm US elections. Now, you can leave ITO a message and be a part of the show. Click the link and send ITO a message: https://anchor.fm/phil695/message Wish us a happ...

Dave and Phil share the story of comic Ariel Elias who got heckled in New Jersey club and wound up making her network debut on Jimmy Kimmel. Dave makes early 2023 Predictions. democratic political strategist James Carville reviews the 2022 elections.

Dave and Phil discuss a new comedy documentary in the works about John Candy and a new podcast series with JB Smoove about ground breaking black comedians.  Sylvia Remington provides an Open Mic report.  With the 2022 elections only a month away we sit down democratic strategist James Carville to project results.  Plus we provide equal time to conspiracy theory giant Alex Jones to d...

"IS THIS ON?" welcomes Stephanie Lyonga, Tre Farrington and Coy Johnson to the studio to chat all about the "What's Up...." show on Saturday, September 10 @ the Screening Room @ 7:00 pm.  We talk all about Stephanie's process for crowd work in her act and Tre Farrington tells us about how they've incorporated music into the show.  Coy Johnson will host the event.  ITO staff announce...

Dave and Phil look at the Fall TV Preview for the new season and recall what a huge deal the Fall TV Preview once was.  We look at comic and actress Aubrey Plaza's new film, "Emily the Criminal".  With the 2022 mid term elections around the corner we sat down with Senator Bernie Saunders for his thoughts on the democracy, classified documents, cole slaw and more.  We preview local s...