Ruse Radio

Sam Miller is a touring comedian from Olympia, Washington 💯 His debut special, 'Round Trip', is OUT NOW on YouTube! 🙌 In this episode, we discuss Sam's rise to comedic stardom (& the important role Chicago played in it), how performing new material has changed since accumulating more supporters, why farting in an elevator is funny, how oversaturation and shock humor have spoiled...

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 🤯 You can also catch him in THE SPAGHETTI MAN 🍝 You can also catch him in GOBBLEHEAD 🦃 Wherever you go, you can not escape Stevo. In this episode, we discuss being honest wit...

Levi Stress is a hip-hop artist working in Chicago, IL. He is part of multiple groups, one of which being the ever-so lyrical SANDS OF THE HOUR. His solo project, 'Brink of Insanity', is available on all streaming services now! 💯 In this episode, we discuss the predatory nature of the entertainment industry, getting into "the zone" while performing, what makes a true emcee, Levi...

Dr. Rabbit is a comedian, educator, & social media personality! 🔥 You might recognize her from her viral appearance on Kill Tony 💯 In this episode, we discuss her experience appearing on Kill Tony, why she's known as the DoorDash professor, growing up in Amish country, how Reddit turned on her, whether or not crossing state lines to place a bet means you're addicted to gambling, why...

Steven Black is a comedian & producer working in Chicago, Illinois. Catch his latest production, Bingo Bash Comedy Show, once a month and win yourself some prizes! 💯 In this episode, we discuss the downfall of Marvel movies, the world before the Internet, if Jesus ran for President, who makes the best Batman, why Eddie Murphy was so revolutionary, and much more! 🔥

Dan Garcia is a stand-up comedian & producer based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 he produces THREE shows. These shows are: 'Jokes on Division' (FREE, weekly @ Butch McGuires in Gold Coast), 'Uncensored Comedy' (monthly @ Lincoln Lodge), & 'Comedy F--- Fest' (monthly @ Lincoln Lodge) 🙌 not only that, but Dan is the Production Manager of the one and only Red Room Comedy C...

Tim the Mime is an entertainer based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 In this episode, we discuss the misunderstandings surrounding clowns, why miming is foundational, the last time we went to a Red Lobster, why Chicago Mime Club is the opportunity of a lifetime, the power of rejecting dualism, and much more! 🔥

Martin Phillips is a comedian based in Austin, Texas! 🔥 You might recognize him as one of the few Golden Ticket winners from Kill Tony 💯 Catch him at a city near you on the Killers of Kill Tony tour! 🔪 In this episode, we discuss the impact of Kill Tony, pet demographics, how MTV has changed over the years, why Better Call Saul was better than Breaking Bad, what it was like starting a stand-up...

Sam Barry is a stand-up comedian based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 In this episode, we discuss the legacy of M. Night Shyamalan, why Norm Macdonald is the G.O.A.T., what comedians have gotten away with on daytime television, how Halloween in 2015 changed Sam's life forever, and much more! 🔥

Claire Parlette is a comedian & producer working in Chicago, Illinois! She produces FOUR shows! Those shows would be: 'WIGS' & 'Comedy and Caviar' 💯 keep an eye out for her latest creation, 'Big Red Claire & Friends at Rogers Park Social ✨️ not to mention, she runs the 'Windy City Merch Queen' program! 🤯 In this episode, we discuss our newfound solution t...

Andrẽs Merlos is a comedian, filmmaker, and producer based in Chicago, IL. Perhaps you have heard of the masterpiece, 'Coconut Cruise', presented in conjunction with 773 Studios & High TV Chi! 🥥Andrẽs produces live events all throughout the year! MUST SEE ENTERTAINMENT!! 💥 In this episode, we discuss what makes a good Macho Man impression, why we lose our childlike creativity, Andres...

Monchi is a stand-up comedian & producer based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 You can catch his show, Legion Comedy, monthly (typically every 4th Friday) in various American Legions & VFWs around Chicago! 🙌 In this episode, we discuss the legitimacy of horoscopes, whether or not we'll get microchips in our brains, how comedy can be a vehicle for empathy, the realities of manifestation, why...

Agapito Rodriguez is a stand-up comedian & producer based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 He's one of the minds behind 'Just a Guy Productions', bringing you Chicago's finest comedians monthly @ Smallworld Bar and Grill! 🙌 In this episode, we discuss our favorite films, the time Agapito met Tyler the Creator, why Tom Cruise's laugh is so unnerving, how Twin Peaks and Oz were the...

Jack Dwyer is a clown, event coordinator, actor, podcaster, comedian, entertainer-for-hire, and more based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 he is one of the hosts of the legendary Hawk Winds Radio Picture Show, a weekly live broadcast bringing you Chicago's finest 🥇 In this episode, we discuss why bringing joy to others is the main motivator, the value of dopamine décor, why it's better to "...

Ray Roberts is a stand-up comedian & producer based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 he is one of the pioneers behind 'Was That Good For You?', a pop-up comedy show happening here in Chicago 🙌 In this episode, we discuss what George Carlin got right, quitting drinking, the horrors of tinnitus, how oversharing can tamper your legacy, why it's okay to look stupid, and much more! 🔥

Bontrager is a stand-up comedian & producer based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 You can catch his show, 'Prompt Battle Royale', MONTHLY 😎 Full episodes available on YouTube. In this episode, we discuss the best thing you could do with a time machine, whether or not people actually enjoy Daniel Day Lewis films, the inspiration behind Prompt Battle Royale, how to determine if AI has become c...

Professor Pizza is a pizza wizard based in Chicago, IL 💯 Currently, he has two locations. The first is in Old Town at 1610 N Wells (dine-in, pickup, delivery). The second location is in West Town at 1374 W Grand Ave (only pickup/delivery this location). 🍕 In this episode, we discuss the Professor Pizza origin story, why the chase for perfection never ends, the difference between stuffed VS true...

Jerry S. Gonzalez is a filmmaker based in Chicago, IL! His upcoming film 'Big Spooky House', is coming soon to a screen near you. He's also created 'The Spaghetti Man', 'Hamster In My Head', & more! 💯 In this episode, we discuss the making of 'Hamster In My Head', the time Jerry almost met Lady Gaga, why he loves directing films more than watching them, the...

Bronwyn Galloway is a stand-up comedian based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 In this episode, we discuss the meaning of 'twiddle', why you shouldn't chug milk, how to avoid AI voice cloning scams, the ways society raises us more than our parents ("it takes a village"), how to properly speak Pig Latin, and much more! 🔥

Nathan Oelker is a filmmaker based in Chicago, IL! He is one of the founding fathers of Kino Crew Productions, the masterminds who orchestrated the iconic 'Gobblehead' series! Their upcoming film 'LOADS', is coming soon to a screen near you. 💯 In this episode, we discuss Nathan's high-school feature film 'Escape From Death Mountain', what it was like to shoot 'Load...

Tim Perez is a comedian and hip-hop artist based in Chicago, IL. He's also the mastermind behind Guerrilla Taco Party, a DIY HQ for the rawest talent Chicago has to offer 💯 In this episode, we discuss the memories made at the Midsummer Cash Bash, Snoop Dogg's latest antics, whether or not we will join the Church of Scientology, what Tim's dream festival would look like, and so much mo...

Will Cunnington is a stand-up comedian & producer based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 he has single-handedly pioneered TBD Open Mic, a weekly occasion (every Tuesday) at Monsignor Murphys 🎤 In this episode, we discuss the origin story of TBD Open Mic (& how far it's come in a year), the outrageous price of cockatoos, Will's college bat encounter, Robin Williams' lesser-known film &...

James Najjar is a comedian, producer, & social media personality in Chicago, Illinois. Catch his apartment comedy show, 'Cozy Corner Comedy', once a month in Andersonville! 💯 In this episode, we discuss why emotional intelligence can be more important than an IQ, why working hard can make it difficult to slow down and appreciate the moment, James's money-spending addiction, how to book a come...

Kat Diaz is a comedian & producer working in Chicago, Illinois! She produces Buena Onda, a Latina-run standup comedy show where all good vibes are welcome 🙏 You can catch it monthly at Lincoln Lodge. 💯 In this episode, we discuss why making moves in the real world means more than going viral, how stand-up has changed Kat for the better, running outdoors VS. on a treadmill, whether or not you...

Rebecca Jaffe is a stand up comedian & musician based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 she's one of the two masterminds behind the comedy duo 'Jaffe and Magy', an extremely anxious comedy duo with classic hits like 'It's Okay To Poop Your Pants' 👖 In this episode, we discuss Rebecca’s musical comedy origins, the exclusive content she creates for the Roast Battle Chicago Patreo...