Paul Vato Presents:

This singer, actor and improv artist who comes from the Republic of Moldova, embarked on a daring journey when she was just 14 years old, leaving the comfort of her hometown to pursue her dreams in the sprawling city of Los Angeles. Afina's tale is a testament to bravery and resilience in the face of adversity, having to juggle a tedious job, the harsh realities of immigration, and her own onl...

Navigating the realm of art and comedy can often feel like walking a tightrope, especially when politics enter the picture. This episode features a conversation with Jason Seiler, an esteemed illustrator whose work has graced the covers of Time Magazine multiple times. Together, we uncover the nuances of capturing political figures in art, and the responsibility that comes with it. Jason shares hi...

Uncover the candid and quirky world of Michelle MaliZAki, a stand-up comedian navigating the waters of cultural identity and humor. Our conversation with her is a delightful romp through her personal experiences from being a Japanese-American, having pets named after food items, and working in diverse fields like TV production and stand-up comedy. She opens up about her journey from Japan to Ameri...

This chef embarks on culinary adventures like hand-forging knives and harvesting salt from the Atlantic. Meet our guest, Joe Gatto , a celebrated chef, charismatic TV show host, and author of "Seriously From Scratch " . He shares fascinating stories about cooking for sports celebrities and his experiences with brewing beer and making wine. This episode takes us on a journey with Joe, whe...

Pamela "Pamsi" Balzano, a professional poker player from Argentina, shares her fascinating journey from starting in the poker world at 18 to becoming an influencer and content creator. Poker has exploded in Latin America, and we explore why it's so popular, particularly in Brazil, and how it's being embraced as a mental sport by both men and women. Pamela also gives us an insight...

Jon Barinholtz is a writer, comedian, and actor and shares how working with his mentor, Bob Odenkirk, helped shape his writing skills and encouraged him to write something every day. Jon also talks about the importance of perseverance, especially in the unpredictable world of Hollywood. Listen in as Jon shares his experiences touring with Bob, and how those experiences have influenced his career t...

Jon Barinholtz, a comedic actor and improviser who took the leap from Chicago to the glitzy world of Hollywood is our very special guest today. Jon's journey is one of passion, perseverance, and learning from the best in the business, including his successful brother Ike Barinholtz, as well as the vibrant Chicago improv scene. From his early days at Colgate University to his current pursuit of...

Ever wondered how an improv comedy group can create a hit TV show? Kate Lambert joins us to discuss her journey from the world of improv to the creation of her show, Teachers, on TV Land. We explore the origins of Teachers, from Kate's time with The Katydids improv group and their early videos to the eventual purchase of the show by TV Land. Along the way, we delve into the creative process, t...

Will Luera, a globally touring improv comedy actor, instructor and director, joins us for a lively conversation about the unique naming conventions within his family and his journey to living in Florida. Will takes us on a fascinating exploration of the origins of his family name and the Latino tradition of taking the mother's maiden name as a middle name. Learn how the vibrant Cuban culture h...

It's Owwll Week (Aug 14 - 20th, 2022) and Jason R. Hill , the founder of the Owwll App , joins us. We delve a bit into Jason's business and podcasting background and learn about the inspiration behind the creation of this game changing platform and along the way we learn what it takes to go from ideation to completion of a brand new app. We also meet and speak with one of the Owwll App&#39...

Paul and Natalie were both raised Roman Catholic and share their mutually traumatic family and school experiences. Apparently, Paul still holds a massive grudge against the CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) kids that used to invade HIS school to learn about Catholicism, of which Natalie was one of them. We also learn that maybe, just maybe, using tequila to soothe a child's sore tooth...

Ben Morrison has been doing stand up comedy for over 20 years and has discovered the importance of social media to help him land branding deals with major companies. Ben can also fully produce your next stand up comedy special for Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and all of the other streaming services. Paul and Ben also chat about what it was like studying with William H. Macey and David Mamet at NYU's...

"Why are you gay?" Andrew Roffe answers the most important question on everyone's mind. We also find out what it's like touring the country in a 14 seater van and opening for viral internet comedic sensation, Wisconsin's Charlie Berens. Even though this episode came in a little late for Pride month we still delve in to Andrew Roffe's personal life, even going as far as us...

Do you dream of leaving the rat race behind and hitting the road in a tiny home? Today we meet Artisan Josh who spent decades in prison and now roams the country in his tiny home inspiring and motivating others to do the same. We get to hear about the incredible tiny home communities that are sprouting up around the United States and get a sneak peak into the tiny home festivals happening all over...

In a world of increasing polarization, Kelly Leonard is working to bridge the divide and bring people together by teaching the power of improv. In this episode you will learn: 1. The importance of play, especially as we get older. 2. The power of "Yes, And" to create agreement and understanding. 3. The importance of a shared humanity that includes people who may not think or vote like we...

Jonathan Pitts , an award-winning international improv theatre artist and storyteller who has performed and taught in 26 countries and 98 cities, is our guest today. Jonathan and Paul discuss the early days of Salsation, the world's first Latino improv and sketch comedy group and what it's like to travel the world teaching and doing improv. Jonathan reminds us the importance of saying &quo...

Clayton Farris discusses his journey from Dallas to Hollywood and what it's like to be a working actor in Hollywood. We discuss whether it is easier to date men or women and who it's easier to have sex with. Another deep dive into the wonderful world of working actors. Clayton Farris is an actor, writer and social media influencer who hangs his hat in the Silverlake neighborhood of Los Ang...

Lisa Kaye Jennings, the voice of Lila Rossi and Cat Noir on Nickelodeon and Paramount Plus, joins Paul Vato to discuss what it's like being a working voice actor in Hollywood today. We also get to hear some of her favorite characters that she voices. Thank you for tuning in. Lisa Kay Jennings is an American Voice Actress best known for her work as Lila Rossi on Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir....

Jim McCaffree discusses the differences between improv and stand-up and reminisces about Paul Vato's strange dieting habits. Paul Vato has the privilege of sitting down with his friend from The Second City Chicago days on this fun filled walk down memory lane. Jim is a native of Illinois who spent some time in Chicago performing in theater and studying improv. Jim has appeared in Weeds, The Th...

World traveler, Jose Ucar, tells us the importance of making deep meaningful connections with your audience. Jose also implores us to share our personal stories because you never know who you might be able to positively help by putting your story out in the world. We also discuss what it's like for Latinos living in the UK. Jose Ucar helps business owners and people in business to present with...

Yoshua Greenfield writes books and creates things about living life via truth, nature, music, food, and his bare feet. He talks to us about how he discovered the joys of walking, hiking, running and dancing barefoot and learned to love his feet. Rather than tout his "accolades", Yoshua's actions speak louder than words. For the last many years he has been acting as a guide, supportin...

Lauren Lox an actor, director and producer reveals what motivates her to continue creating and producing her own projects in Austin. We also discuss her difficult LGBTQIA2S+ origin story and what it's like to live in Texas as a "closeted hippie"! Lauren Lox is a filmmaker based in Austin, TX. While primarily an actor, she’s also written, directed and produced three films in less than...

Film & voice actor, improv teacher, musician & gamer reveals the direct impact that improv has had is his very successful acting career and why YOU should be studying improv. We discuss Lincoln Hoppe's improv teaching program and masterclass available at ImprovWizards.com , which he teaches with his friend and fellow improv master, Eric Artell. Check out Eric's interview with Paul...

Stephanie Clark tells us about the LA comedy scenes as well as what it's like being married to fellow stand up comedian and improvisor, Tom Clark.  Steph Clark is described as "a rising star in the Los Angeles comedy scene," by the Pasadena Weekly. Her sarcastic absurdity leaves a lasting impression. She was featured in the Bellflower Comedy Fest, Pubs and Paws Brew Fest, and in the...

Comedic actor and author of DC's Sasquatch Detective, chats about her time working at MADtv, Family Guy and many other comedic shows of the last decade. Brandee Stilwell shares with us some incredible stories about Ron Jeremy, Gene Simmons, Betty White and Seth MacFarlane! Make sure to pick up her hilarious book of true stories, None of this is Going According to Plan , you won't be disapp...