Ruse Radio

Ryder Olle is a stand-up comedian & musician based in Chicago, IL! 💯 He is the drummer of Dropship, one of the doom metal bands of all-time 🤘 In this episode, we discuss why Andrew Dice Clay was the OG character comic, whether shape-shifting sky anomalies are fourth-dimensional objects or not, when performers become their stage persona, the origin story of Dropship, and much more! 🔥

Drew Graf is a podcaster based in Chicago, IL! You can catch his show, 'Drew Sits With', wherever you listen to podcasts 💯 In this episode, we discuss the long-term fallout of Shane Gillis's SNL cancellation, why Lizzo's appearance at the Kevin Hart roast was so effective, whether producer laughter improves or ruins a podcast, learning not to disagree when hearing something you do...

Tracy Baker is a musician based in Chicago, IL 💯 you can hear his latest singles ('Breaking Free, 'Get Moving', & 'Don't Give Up') NOW on all your favorite streaming services 🎷 In this episode, we discuss why success is more about survival than anything else, how painting helped Tracy cut down on smoking, what makes Neuralink so dangerous, how social media has made us...

Haikal is a stand-up comedian based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 In this episode, we discuss Haikal's comedic origins in Columbus, the worst names for a baby, the genesis of 'Freestyle Rehab', 'Stoner HQ', & 'Beijing Beef', how Bobby Lee & Harland Williams tell lies, why Bill Burr's infamous Philly rant lives on forever in comedy history, why being the bad guy i...

Tom Bambara is an impressionist & stand-up comedian based in Chicago, IL! 💯 In this episode, we discuss how finding a 'point-of-view' shapes an impression, how Chris Farley was almost the voice of Shrek, why 2019 was the year that films changed forever, Tom's friendship with the legendary Paul Walter Hauser, the genesis of 'Gay Seinfeld' & how Tom's voice work w/ C...

Nina Kern is a stand-up comedian, producer, & podcaster based in Chicago, IL! 💯 In this episode, we discuss Chris Brown's meet-and-greets, the value of VeggieTales, whether there is an age limit for acquiring a sugar daddy, Chris Pratt and Shia LaBeouf's rap abilities, growing up as a PBS kid, and much more! 🔥

Manny Petty is a stand-up comedian based in Chicago, IL! 💯 His latest comedy special 'The Pink Man Cave' (filmed at the Comedy Bar) is OUT NOW! 🤯 In this episode, we discuss Manny's childhood crush on He-Man, how he's preparing for a nude comedy show, why our political tendencies may be more deep-rooted than we realize, how 'International Mr. Leather' brings all of the wo...

Pernevlon Sheppard is a professional fighter based in Chicago, IL 💯 In this episode, we discuss the legendary career of Mike Tyson, why inner peace is invaluable, how to help the homeless, what to look for when studying an opponent, using trash talk and emotional pressure as fight strategy, shadowboxing in the mirror, and so much more! 🔥

Nick Marnos is a filmmaker, photographer, artist, & Greek based in Chicago, IL! 💯 His latest project, 'Rerun', is coming soon to a screen near you🎬 You can find his production company, 'StressHead Productions', on all your favorite social media platforms 🍬 In this episode, we discuss the Tupac hologram, why Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds' was so influential for Ni...

Magdalena Conway is an actress based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 You can catch her in 'Whispers of the Witching Hour', 'Grinners', 'It Came From Somewhere', 'Attack of the Corn Zombies', & much more! 🎭 In this episode, we discuss the time Magdalena won 'Best Young Actress' at a Rome film festival, what makes 'The Conjuring' films so brilliant, why...

Galaxy Francis is a musician based in Chicago, IL 💯 he's currently releasing 1 NEW SONG for EVERY WEEK OF 2026 🔥 always another one on GALAXY FRIDAYS 🌌 In this episode, we discuss the power of producing your own music, Galaxy Francis's songwriting process, how our living spaces reflect our personalities, what made 'Sinners' such an excellent film, why Netflix's cancellation...

Claire Malkie is a stand-up comedian based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 In this episode, we discuss why caffiene is more addictive than you think, whether we would try 'dirty soda', breaking free from our bad habits, the problem with Pop Rocks, what makes auditioning is so emotionally taxing, and much more! 🔥

Kyrie Da Comic is a comedian, producer, & podcaster based in Chicago, IL! 🔥 He (along with Felonious Monk & Kathryn Gongaware) hosts the eye-opening 'Beyond Bars Podcast', a show that focuses on giving a platform to people who have been justice-impacted — meaning those who have been incarcerated or affected by the criminal justice system. On the show, they highlight second chances...

Amy Simon is a stand-up comedian & producer based in Chicago, IL! 💯 She is the mind behind 'Throwdown: the Gauntlet' taking place WEEKLY at Burton Place (in Oldtown) on FRIDAYS at 8 PM 🎭 In this episode, we discuss why we love the book 'Brave New World', LOL Dolls, what motivated Amy to create 'Throwdown the Gauntlet', how stand-up is about much more than being funny,...

Stevo Nystrom is a musician, actor, comedian, director, writer, artist, & teacher based in Chicago, IL! 💯 He's the lead singer of the one and only NYSTRODAMUS, Chicago's greatest shrap metal band to ever exist 🤯 Their latest project, 'Even The Scale' is OUT NOW on all streaming platforms 🤘 You can also catch him in THE SPAGHETTI MAN 🍝 You can also catch him in GOBBLEHEAD 🦃...

Teddy Hill is a stand-up comedian & producer based in Chicago! 💯 His production, 'Cannabesties', is a comedy show bringing the HIGHEST quality BESTIES to their sesh every month 💨 You can catch the show LIVE at the Salt Shed Dispensary. He also hosts a weekly comedy open mic titled 'Underground Lounge Mic', taking place EVERY Thursday at the Underground Lounge in Lakeview 🎙 In...

Juby DaGod is a hip-hop artist based in Chicago, IL 💯 His latest project, 'Jubilee' is OUT NOW on all streaming platforms 🎵 In this episode, we discuss whether or not subwoofers were used while building the pyramids, why Lauryn Hill never released a second album, the difference between dropping singles and full-length projects as an emerging artist, how J Cole embraced the YouTube produc...

Emily Ogle is a stand-up comedian based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 In this episode, we discuss calling your mom, how major life changes can boost your confidence, the strength in performing for emotional release rather than monetary gain, what makes a good wife, whether Ruse should pluck his eyebrows, and much more! 🔥

Connor Musarra is a musician based in Los Angeles, CA 💯 You may know him from his viral Law & Order SVU song, the time he posted a song every day for an entire year, his 'Steal This Idea' series, or maybe his latest ongoing project where he adds to a never-ending song everyday indefinitely 🎵 In this episode, we discuss the unpredictability and superstitions surrounding virality, what...

Saku Yanagawa is a Japanese stand-up comedian and podcaster based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 You can catch his podcast, 'Saku in the USA', on YouTube and all streaming platforms! In this episode, we discuss the difference between Japanese and American police, the legacy of Michael Jackson, Japanese idol culture and the genius of 'Perfect Blue', our favorite foreign Kit Kat flavors, a...

Kaori Semaj is a fashion designer based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 He is the founder of the Haus of ChrJorInc. and Gautii Chicago 🔥 During his work as a photographer & graphic artist, Kaori took an interest in fashion design. After winning the first annual Avant Garde competition in 2016 at Chicago's Fashion week, he released his first read-to-wear collection the following year and it's...

Marlon Hue is a stand-up comedian & producer based in Chicago! 💯 His production, 'Variants', is an interactive comedy experience with a new theme for every show. The variety between us is empowering. Embrace it. 💪 CATCH the NEXT EDITION of Variants on MAY 30TH @ Revel Supper Club at 8PM 🎉 In this episode, we discuss the downside of emotional intelligence, how trauma can accelerate a...

Johnny Mocny is a stand up comedian, podcaster, & producer based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 he is one of the hosts of Rocket Force Podcast, one of the greatest pods in the game 🙏 he also hosts a film-based podcast titled 'We Are Movies', where he discusses films in-depth with his fellow comedians 🎬 available on all streaming services! 🚀 His production, Rocket Force Comedy, takes place...

Matthew Doyle Perez is a comedian & producer based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 You can catch him hosting the 'Standup at the Store' Open Mic EVERY Saturday @ 4PM at 2002 N Halsted (The Store) 💪 In this episode, we discuss Bill Burr's infamous Philadelphia rant, Ruse's least favorite podcast guests, why fear is the best motivation for growth, our favorite Russian cinema, the diffe...

Christian Royce is a comedian & producer based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 Catch his show 'The F U Comedy Showcase' every 2nd Friday @ the Lincoln Lodge at 9:30! 🎭 In this episode, we discuss why comedians have cancellation anxiety, how having ADHD can help in the creative world, Chappell Roan's unusual treatment of her fans, what it means to be 'walk around famous', growing...