Alec Shea

Heightening Headlines: Improvising The News

Comedy EN ↓ 31 episodes

Real news, improvised comedy. Improviser and voice actor Alec Shea (@alecsheaimprov) and a guest host read and discuss interesting, weird, and completely true news stories from around the world, then improvise comedic scenes inspired by the story, the people involved, and the discussion that follows. They also discuss improv techniques and comedy styles. Weekly episodes Alec, and very cool, funny, awesome special guests! (Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the news stories will be accurately depicted during the improv. In fact... they may be depicted somewhat inaccurately... Hmm... Actually its p...

Author

Alec Shea

Episodes

"You Got A Big Pair Of Vernaculars" - Discussing Six Seven Ranking No. 1 For Overused Words 08.01.2026 32:07

In this episode, Alec and Ryan read and discuss how "6-7" (six seven) was number 1 in the Michigan State University survey of misused and overused words. Then they improvise scenes about a German superhero named The Vernaculizer, and rejected ideas that lead to the creation of beloved German children's character Bernd Das Brot, the depressed loaf of bread. Follow them at @alecsheaimprov and @ryan_...

"Let's Share That Cigarette Butt You Found." - Discussing the Racoon That Went on a Drunken Rampage in Virginia 01.01.2026 43:49

In this episode, Alec and Ryan read and discuss the story about the racoon that broke into a Virginia liquor store and went on a drunken rampage. Sounds like a classic Friday night, am I right!?!?!?!??!!? Then they improvise scenes about the liquor store calling pest control, and the racoon's deteriorating relationship with his wife. Follow them at @alecsheaimprov and @ryan_stands_up _____________...

"They're Stealing The Jewels!" - Discussing The Louvre Heist, AI, and Social Circumcision 18.12.2025 33:52

In this episode, Alec and Ryan introduce themselves and find the direction for the future of the podcast. This leads to them discussing the Louvre heist, and improvising a scene about the security guard who was on duty that day. Oh, they also did that typical podcast thing where they discuss AI for a while, and how it sucks. Follow them at @alecsheaimprov and @ryan_stands_up ________________ Real...

"We Will Make Sweet Love Turtle-Style" - Discussing Illegal Exotic Pet Trade, The CITESWFF, and a Weird Turtle 18.12.2025 35:57

In this episode, Alec and Ryan discuss a story about illegal exotic pet trade, the Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITESWFF), and a weird turtle. This inspires two scenes, one about attending the CITESWFF and one that gives insight into how rhinos might feel about the fear of being hunted. Oh, and there's some promo for a new cereal called Ryan-Os....

"Sometimes Teachers Can Be Dumb" - Discussing an Anime Made by the Otavalo People, and Interviewing Jared 18.12.2025 35:41

In this episode, Alec and Ryan read and discuss a story about the Otavalo people in the Andes Mountains in Ecuador creating an anime called "We're Aya" to help revive their Quichua language and culture, and the influence they took from famous Japanese animated movies like those of Studio Ghibli. Then a kid named Jared who was raised exclusively on Nickelodeon TV comes onto the scene, and Ryan spen...

Promo Teaser 13.12.2025 1:38

A promotional teaser trailer for Ryan & Alec’s upcoming podcast, Heightening Headlines: Improvising the News. Includes a short intro from Alec and Ryan, and some short clips from upcoming episodes. Intro music and voiceover by Alec Shea (@alecsheamusic)