Dystopia Tonight With John Poveromo

Jimmy Tingle and I discuss his upcoming one man show, "Humor and Hope for Humanity" at the SoHo Playhouse in NY, the influence of Jackie Mason, Lily Tomlin, Spalding Gray and John Leguizamo, stand-up, Boston Comics, The Ding Ho, Steven Wright, Paula Poundstone, Denis Leary, When Standup Stood Out, Competing with yourself and more! In his newest one person show, comedian and political humorist Jimm...

Irish comedian Katie Boyle, now based in NYC, is a rising star in the comedy scene, known for her sharp wit and captivating storytelling. From her debut album hitting #1 on iTunes Comedy Charts to headlining sold-out shows across the US and Ireland, Boyle's comedic prowess knows no bounds. With appearances at prestigious festivals and features in top showcases, she's making waves on and off the st...

The Cowsills have a rich history woven into the tapestry of music, captivating audiences in the 1960s and early 1970s with their unique blend of pop melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Their infectious tunes, like "The Rain, the Park & Other Things" and "Hair," became anthems of a generation, capturing the spirit of the era with their catchy hooks and uplifting melodies. Bob joins me to talk about...

Inspiring laughter and thought in equal measure, Robert Smigel is a comedic genius who has left an iconic mark in this history of comedy as an actor, comedian, writer, director, producer and puppeteer, known for his SNL "TV Funhouse" cartoon and as the puppeteer and voice behind Triumph The Insult Comic Dog.    We talk about his new animated film, "Leo," a class pet Iguana voiced by one of his bes...

Ivan Decker's got a new comedy special out titled, "Popcorn" and he's here to talk about that, life on the road, reality tv, family life, coming up in Canada, bad interviews, old timey headliners, the dreaded algorithm, and more. Enjoy! 

Ted Lasso’s Brendan Hunt joins John to talk about his new solo show at the SOHO Playhouse in NY running from Feb 7-10 titled, “The Movement You Need.” The show comically explores his relationship with his departed mother, a fraught kinship that had one area of life-long concord: the music of The Beatles. In this episode we also talk about his time on Ted Lasso as Coach Beard, powerful connections...

legendary comedian and actor Dom Irrera joins me after his final show at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal. We discuss his retirement from touring due to his parkinsons diagnosis, his early days touring with Cher, how comedy has evolved today, Bill Burr, Joe Rogan, Eddie Murphy, Carson, Seinfeld, the Pandemic, his parents divorce, his teaching days, Hey Arnold, and more. Enjoy!

The much-anticipated second issue of 1/6: The Graphic Novel is now available, offering a deeper and more complex exploration of a world where the January 6th insurrection was successful. Harvard Law School Professor Alan Jenkins and New York Times bestselling author Gan Golan, alongside veteran comic book artist Will Rosado, continue their provocative narrative under the auspices of the Western St...

Had a fascinating conversation with William Goldstein. an American composer, recording artist, arts philosopher and improvisational pianist. We talk about his trajectory as a musician, the slow reveal behind his gift for improvisational composition, touring, movie scores, producing, speaking the language of music, fall back plans, great teachers, and more. Enjoy!

The legendary comedian, actor is now an author! We discuss his incredible new book, Out Of My Mind , his writing process, creating characters, his inspirations, comedy, the art of writing scientifically, and of course we go on some lovely tangents brought that can only happen when you're talking to Charles Fleischer. Enjoy!  

Author of "My Peacock Tale: Secrets Of An NBC Page," Shelley Herman is an Emmy-nominated writer whose career began as an NBC Page in Burbank, CA.   We discuss her writing process, her time as an NBC Page, the friends she made a long away, some scandals, sex, how the business has changed, her trajectory into television writing, and who we've both admired and come to know and love in show business....

Just some oversharing with the beloved Author, Activist, And Actor Ed Begley Jr. who returned to Dystopia Tonight to talk about his phenomenal new book “To The Temple Of Tranquility and Step On It!” We discussed the book, the influence of Alan Watts, His Parkinson’s diagnosis, his time as a standup, his parents, his close friendship with Harry Dean Stanton and life in general. Enjoy!   Ed's Book:...

Ed Byrne, the Dublin-born comedy maverick, who has spent decades unleashing his razor-sharp humor, fearless self-deprecation, and an electrifying energy is back in New York at the So Ho Playhouse from November 4th-6th and the 8th-12th. His comedy specials, unconventional insights, and TV appearances have cemented his status as a comedic renegade. Every performance comes with his signature badge of...

The Spooky Season Has Officially Begun as LVCRFT Unveils V & Dominates the your Halloween Playlists with DeepKutz and Norman Cates joining me on  @dystopiatonight ! From Shaqtoberfest’s Block Party Stage to their haunting track in Chucky’s TV trailers, brace for a spine-chilling Fall filled with live spectacles and gripping tales! The brainchild of spooky pop aficionados, LVCRFT, renowned for...

Richie Furay, founder of Buffalo Springfield, a band that shaped an era, stands as a pillar in rock history. His legacy as a singer, songwriter, and all-around music legend, from the iconic “For What It’s Worth” to his solo work, continues to inspire new generations to this day. Enjoy this one guys it's filled with some incredible stories from Richie and everything he's been working on currently w...

With Ted Michaels, the stage isn't just a platform – it's a portal to infinite creative dimensions. As luminary of the Jim Henson Company’s "PUPPET UP!" and a trailblazer of improv, he's a founder of the uproarious "The Crazy Uncle Joe Show" at the Groundlings Theater in LA, where his comedic brilliance shines as a main company member. Ted's improvisational genius reached new heights alongside Edd...

Scott Sharrard is a highly talented musician and songwriter best known for his role as the musical director for the legendary Gregg Allman. With a deep passion for blues, rock, and soul, Scott’s guitar skills and dynamic stage presence have earned him widespread acclaim. He played a vital role in Gregg Allman’s band, contributing to their iconic sound and helping to keep the legacy of Southern roc...

Roddy Bogawa is a filmmaker and artist known for his unparalleled storytelling approach and his ability to delve into themes that deeply resonate with audiences. His films, blending documentary and narrative elements, offer an enthralling and thought-provoking journey. I've been captivated by his exploration of complex subjects like identity and memory, enriched by his experimental techniques, whi...

Barry Andrew Hay is a renowned Dutch musician and the charismatic lead singer of the iconic rock band Golden Earring. Born in India and later moving to the Netherlands, Hay's distinctive and powerful vocals have been a driving force behind Golden Earring's success for several decades. With a career spanning numerous hit albums and singles, Golden Earring achieved international fame and became one...

Marshall Crenshaw is an iconic singer-songwriter who has left a lasting mark on the ever-changing world of music. His unmistakable pop-rock sound has etched into the hearts of music enthusiasts for decades, shaping the industry's landscape. His debut album in the early 1980s, featuring hits like "Someday, Someway" and "Cynical Girl," instantly captivated audiences with infectious melodies and hear...

They say laughter is the best medicine, and Bruce Baum is a comedic doctor with a prescription for hilarity. This American comedian has carved a niche for himself with a distinctive act that combines prop comedy and traditional stand-up material. But it's not just his comedic prowess that sets him apart; Baum's larger-than-life mustache and flowing locks make him a dead ringer for the legendary mu...

Introducing Jamie Manelis, the quintessential LA native with a touch of the infamous 'valley girl' spirit. As a Jewish, queer writer/comedian/actress, she fearlessly blazes her own trail, breaking boundaries and leaving a lasting impression on the entertainment industry. Jamie's journey in the entertainment world began as a writers assistant, where she honed her skills while working on various pro...

Alex Skora, the enigmatic guitarist and founding member of Love Crushed Velvet, oozes charisma just as much offstage as he does on. Born and bred in a small town, he developed an insatiable appetite for the creativity and an unyielding love for rock ‘n’ roll. Armed with his trusty guitar and a mischievous grin, Alex infuses the band’s sound with a potent mix of alternative rock, post-punk, and a d...

Christie Simpson's journey in the music industry began when she joined forces with friends and fellow musicians Josh Burgess, Charlie Ryder, and Sam Perry to form the band Yumi Zouma. Captivating audiences around the globe and leaving an enduring impact on fans and critics, as a charismatic and talented singer, Christie has been instrumental in shaping the band's distinct sound. Her vocals possess...

Leland Sklar, legendary bassist and session musician, is as captivating offstage as he is mesmerizing on it. With his unmistakable long beard and infectious smile, Sklar's personality exudes warmth and a genuine love for music. His jovial nature and down-to-earth demeanor have endeared him to fans and colleagues alike, making him a beloved figure in the industry. However, it is Sklar's exceptional...