The Johnny Rogers Show

In episode 246 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with comedian Jeannette Rizzi. Raised by a former Franciscan monk and a nun, Jeannette shares what her unusual childhood was really like, the humiliating Hollywood audition where she was mistaken for a witch, and why she uses five imaginary dog voices to help write her stand-up. We also discuss rebuilding her comedy act after becoming a mother,...

In episode 245 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with Anto Chan. We dig into the brutal psychological reality of stand-up comedy and why the constant need to prove yourself on stage destroys so many performers. Anto reveals the exact moment his partner watched his act and shattered his entire perspective on performing, prompting him to build an expressive arts therapy group exclusively for com...

In episode 244 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with stand up comedian Jesse Singh! Jesse explains why his chosen word for this episode is "Authenticity," directly challenging the old-school gatekeepers who claim that leveraging social media means you aren't a "real" comic. He reveals his writing process of never putting pen to paper, choosing instead to workshop raw p...

In episode 241 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with legendary rock n’ roll photographer John Rowlands along with acclaimed music journalist and author Bob Klanac. We discuss their new book, Shooting Stars, Telling Tales, which chronicles John's wild life on the road, from dodging Pete Townshend’s hotel-pool-bound TV to sharing rice pudding with The Beatles. John reveals the terrifying mo...

In episode 243 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sat down with my good friend and host of The Creative Imbalance, Sean Sirianni!. We talk about the absolute carnage of his one and only wrestling match where he was gorilla-pressed into a pickup truck full of shovels and rakes. Sean and I get into why burnout is his chosen word for the episode and the digital sludge of social media overstimulation. A FRE...

In episode 242 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with Michael Harrison. We discuss why standup is the only art form left with a thriving middle class and why the decline of Hollywood is a massive win for independent creators. Michael breaks down his chosen word, Beast, and explains the animalistic energy required to go all-out on stage without letting the audience sway your set. We also explor...

In episode 240 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with musician Michael Bell . We break down the business of "soft-seater" theaters and why Michael’s chosen word, "Inspired," led him back to the stage after a 30-year career as a publisher and promoter. Michael reveals the specific mechanics of his show, a chronological journey from Space Oddity to Lazarus and explains why th...

In episode 239 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with Joe Cash to explore his harrowing year of health scares and his triumphant journey toward recovery. We dive into how a life-threatening ruptured appendix and a subsequent diverticulitis diagnosis fueled a massive creative explosion, leading Joe to produce seventeen new paintings while healing. Joe shares raw insights on shifting from a self...

In episode 238 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with veteran Canadian comedian Casey Corbin to discuss the release of his new bootleg album, Casey Corbin Live at Massey Hall . We dive deep into his decades-long career, exploring the technical similarities between building a comedy set and crafting a professional wrestling match . Casey also shares an incredible, must-hear story about a bizarr...

In episode 237 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with MuchMusic legend Bill Welychka . We dive into his decades-long career interviewing icons like Robert Smith of The Cure and how those moments shaped his perspective on life and fame. Bill opens up about his battle with depression, and the importance of " faith ,". It’s a raw conversation about nostalgia, mental health, and finding...

In episode 236 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with Amani Roberts to explore the power of resilience and how he transformed 20 years of hospitality experience into a thriving career as a DJ, author, and professor. We discuss his concept of "revenue fountains," the hard-earned lessons from finishing a USA Today bestselling book, and why your biggest failures are often your greatest...

In episode 235 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with Keith Andrews . We dive deep into the concept of "grit" and what it takes to survive the setbacks of a comedy career, including Keith’s journey from taking a year-long hiatus to finally signing with Yuk Yuk's , Canada’s largest comedy chain. From the Japanese concept of "Ikigai" to a wild story about a boss using AI...

In episode 234 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with James Mullinger, a world-renowned comedian and author, to explore the delicate art of capturing and managing attention. We dive into his late-in-life ADHD diagnosis, his bold transition from a high-powered career at GQ in London to the East Coast of Canada, and his unique philosophy on building a grassroots comedy empire. James shares hard-...

In episode 233 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with stand up comedian Kyle Bergstresser to talk about his word for this episode, ‘Crazy’. We dive into Kyle's unique approach to stand-up, including why he wants the audience to wonder if he is having a mental health crisis during his sets. We also discuss the struggles of the Canadian comedy scene and how he uses sensory memory to write hi...

In episode 232 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with country musician Kelsi Mayne to talk about her word for this episode, 'unleashed'. From her background as a national champion sprint hurdler to how she turned betrayal into a powerhouse music career in Nashville. We explore her refusal to fit the country music stereotype, her Motown and Eric Church influences, how she regained her i...

In episode 231 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with Spencer Delisle, President of the Art of Living Foundation in Canada. We dive into the idea of “self” and how breathwork can be a powerful tool for reducing stress, healing trauma, and staying present. Spencer shares his journey from biochemistry to global humanitarian work, along with practical techniques like Sudarshan Kriya and a simple...

In episode 230 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with musician and producer Brent Bodrug. We dive into the idea of “fidelity” not just in sound, but as a philosophy for staying true to yourself creatively. Brent shares stories from building Sly Fidelity in a converted church to working with artists like Alanis Morissette, and how limitations can fuel innovation. We also get into persistence, e...

In episode 229 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with comedian Dan Galea to talk about the mindset shifts that helped him rediscover his creative drive. We dive into his “Do Anything Now” (D.A.N.) mantra and how taking immediate action can break you out of stagnation. Dan also shares why he stopped chasing a 9-5, and instead focused on finishing projects and enjoying the craft of comedy. Plus,...

In episode 228 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with Jordan Valters to talk about navigating major life and career transitions. From radio roots to DJing and entrepreneurship, we break down how adaptability and authenticity drive long-term success. Jordan shares lessons from live events gone wrong, and how those moments became turning points. This episode is all about taking risks, embracing...

In episode 227 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with stand-up comedian Hadi Kubba, whose word for this episode is “Peace.” We dive into how creativity, mental health, and identity collide in today’s fast-moving world, and how his Palestinian roots shape both his comedy and perspective on global conflict. Hadi also shares how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu helps him manage the chaos of social media and t...

In episode 226 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with Nathan MacIntosh to talk about his evolution in comedy, his pursuit of creative freedom, and the moment that forced him to take control of his health. We dive into his unique approach to themed comedy specials, his journey from Toronto to New York City, and what it takes to succeed in stand-up at the highest level. Nathan also opens up abou...

In episode 225 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with stand-up comic Alex DeWitt to talk about his word for this episode — “Uninhibited”. From going viral with his Tucker Carlson impressions to being publicly praised by Mike Judge at Comic-Con, Alex shares the surreal highs of sudden internet fame. We dive into the mental battle of content creation, overcoming performance anxiety, and breaking...

In episode 224 of The Johnny Rogers Show, I sit down with stand-up comedian, musician, and podcast host Lewis Hill. We dive into his philosophy on time—why waiting is the biggest mistake creatives make, and how the pressure to constantly produce content is killing authenticity. Lewis breaks down his DIY approach to comedy, music, and podcasting while reflecting on how our relationship with time ch...

In episode 223 of The Johnny Rogers Show , I sit down with musician Addis Luv to talk about his word for this episode, “Love.” Born in Trinidad and now performing across Florida, Addis shares the journey behind his signature “Country Soul” sound — a fusion of R&B roots, island influence, and classic country inspiration from artists like Dolly Parton. We talk about his transition from performin...

In episode 222 of The Johnny Rogers Show , I sit down with comedian Chris Locke to talk about his chosen word for the episode: “Hell.” We discuss the grind of stand-up comedy, the importance of bombing on stage, and how comedians develop their voice through trial and error. Chris also shares his perspective on creativity and why confronting uncomfortable ideas can sometimes lead to the most intere...