There It Is Podcast

In this mini episode, Jason dives into a phrase every improviser has heard: “You can’t do improv wrong.” While it’s meant to encourage improvisers to make bold choices and get out of their heads, could this mantra be taken too far? Jason explores how this idea helps beginners but might also cause confusion in more structured contexts, like advanced players' rehearsals or team performances. Jason d...

In this mini episode Jason talks about how to be inspired by recognizing your achievements. He shares some thoughts and tips from experts on how to take pride in all that you've done in your pursuits. The comparison game is an easy trap to fall into and it makes us overlook all the hard work we've put into trying to accomplish our goals. Jason mentions Demi Moore's recent Golden Globes speech, ins...

Join Jason and the 'Of the Show' gang, as they discuss the best Christmas songs of the last 30 years (post Mariah Carey's classic) and share spirited opinions on holiday tunes. The conversation also spans pop culture, with their fresh thoughts on the new Superman teaser trailer sprinkled with lively banter and fun. This episode is packed with festive cheer and entertaining pop culture talk! It's a...

We had the pleasure of talking to actor, director, writer, and improviser, the great Joel Murray! Joel joins Jason to share some awesome stories throughout his career, from growing up seeing his brothers Bill Murray and Brian Doyle-Murray and other legends at Second City before becoming a performer there to meeting previous guest Dave Pasquesi in college. Joel reflects on his early days with Del C...

We got to speak to the incredibly talented comedian and Broadway actress, Natalie Ortega! Jason talks with Natalie, currently starring in "Wicked" on Broadway, about her journey from musical theater to stand-up to performing in NYC. Natalie shares her experiences balancing eight shows of Wicked a week with performing in the New York Comedy Festival, being a theater-loving kid, why she started doin...

Jason talks with the multifaceted director and improviser Brian James O'Connell. This great conversation with Brian (who is currently on an improv tour) starts with a little chat about improv before it dives into Brian's work behind the camera. They discuss his journey from aspiring musician to acclaimed director, touching on his work with the comedy crew Dr. God, the films he has directed, and th...

In this 2024 Thanksgiving Episode, Jason talks about what he's thankful for with the podcast, great episodes of the year and to come, and he also talks about why it's important for all of us to be grateful for our experiences when pursuing a career in entertainment. We hope it's an encouraging listen! Check out the link below for info on how to be more grateful www.mindful.org/an-introduction-to-m...

We got to talk to actress/director/writer, Emmy Harrington! In this edifying episode, Jason sits down with actress and comedian, Emmy Harrington, to discuss her diverse career journey. Emmy talks about doing theater and comedy in California before eventually becoming a New Yorker. They dive deep into Emmy's unique perspective on truth in comedy and storytelling, her experiences with rejection in t...

We talked to Atlanta-based comedian, Joel Byars! Joel and Jason dive deep into the nuances and challenges of stand-up comedy. Joel shares his journey from starting out in Tennessee to building a name in Atlanta's comedy scene, his experiences teaching aspiring comedians, and the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the craft. We also discuss the intersection of stand-up and improv, the c...

This is a quick episode to encourage you to get out an vote on Election Day 2024. We're not doing an exhaustive breakdown on each candidate. That's not what we do. But we do want to provide some sites you can visit to learn about what's on the ballot where you live and check your registration and where to vote. Here are those links: https://www.vote411.org https://www.factcheck.org Happy Voting! I...

For this spooky Halloween episode, the "Of the Show" gang (Justina, Rob, and Trey) join Jason to delve into a haunting bracket to determine the ultimate horror movie villain. They discuss iconic characters like Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, and many others. Listen in to find out who becomes the final girl and get some suggestions for must-watch horror films this season! Download y...

We do a deep dive into improv with performer, Sam Rogal! Jason sits down with New York-based performer Sam Rogal for this fun chat! Sam shares his extensive experience at the Magnet Theater, recounting his time performing improv and sketch with teams like Metal Boy and Nitro Girls. He also discusses Metal Boy's current show, 'Your Worst Idea,' which celebrates creative failures. From the importanc...

We sat down with speech pathologist, children's book author, and "Best Friend of the Show," Clay Hadden. Clay, also known as Mister Clay, shares his journey from a traditional career to a creative professional, providing entertaining and educational content for kids. He delves into the impact of working closely with children and the importance of listening to them. He and Jason also discuss media...

Dive into an engaging conversation about improv and writing with Ashley Siflinger! Jason's good buddy, Ashley, discusses her journey from growing up in Long Island to discovering her love for comedy and improv in college after initially pursuing a more serious acting path. She shares insights into her experiences with the Magnet Theater, how improv has influenced her playwriting, and vice versa. T...

It's a Pop Talk with the entire "Of the Show" gang! Rob, Trey, and Justina are here to talk about the premiere of the 50th season of Saturday Night Live, what they hope to see the rest of the season, potentials hosts, and they talk about what other shows they are watching or hope to watch. The South has been devastated by Hurricane Helene. Please consider donating to your preferred organizations t...

We had a great chat with improviser and Magnet Theater co-owner, Sean Taylor! Jason and Sean talk about Sean's starting improv at Dartmouth and how Mindy Kaling played a role in him starting his journey through the NYC improv scene from studying at UCB and The PIT to landing at Magnet, where he performed and taught at before becoming a co-owner. He talks about his thoughts on performing and teachi...

Join us on an exciting journey through Japan as we breakdown our honeymoon adventures! From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Kyoto and the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, we experienced incredible food tours, cultural sightings, and phenomenal hospitality. Jason and Justina share highlights of their honeymoon that include visits to the Snoopy Museum, the Tokyo Comedy Bar...

In this quick lil' episode Jason talks about where comedy is at these days. There's talk about sitcoms being dead, comedy movies being hard to make, inspired comedy, and how the comedy scene seems to be doing. Look at this as a conversation starter! How do you think comedy is going these days? Let us know! Instagram: @ThereItIsPod, @JasonFarrPics  Threads: @ThereItIsPod, @JasonFarrPics Facebook: @...

We got a great talk in with comedian Andy C. Rider! The two old pals chat about their Winthrop University days, how their careers evolved, and lament their schools getting glowed up after they paid their tuition. They explore the challenges of pursuing comedy, the differences in stand-up scenes in various cities, the struggles of moving to LA, and realizing you're living someone's dream. Andy shed...

We chatted with NYC improviser, performer, and co-founder of VoteDown, Matt Abedi. In this engaging conversation, Jason and Matt discuss the intricate relationship between politics and comedy. Matt shares his journey from a politically-inclined youth to a comedy lover, drawing inspiration from icons like Chris Rock, Robin Williams, and Jim Carrey. His debate background and experience working on th...

We had a lively chat with "DRANKIN' with Dory" host, Dory Gail Greenberg! Dory is a neighborhood pal of Jason and Justina's. We had to have her on to talk about her fun live show "DRANKIN' with Dory" and how she got into doing shows. Dory talks about her time coming up in Boston, how she got into doing shows, her approach to interviews, her career, and much more. It's a super fun chat with some li...

We got to talk to the talented actress and filmmaker, Melissa Center! Melissa talks about her time in Los Angeles before moving to New York City, developing short films, starring in TV shows like Chicago Fire and True Detective, her early love for acting, and performance troupes in her youth. We also explore her creative process, the inspirations behind her projects, such as the intriguing play Ma...

The "Of the Show Fellas" are here to talk all that pop about their favorite Summer for going to the movies! After Jason shares his new ranking for popcorn movies and issues a necessary rebuke of snobby film critics he talks to "Best Friend of the Show" Rob, and "Brother of the Show" Trey, about how much they liked Deadpool & Wolverine, how well they think it and Twisters will do at the box office...

We got to talk to Magnet Theater musical improv director, instructor, and performer, Chris Bell! Chris reveals his journey from performing in high school drama classes to becoming an accomplished musical improviser. Jason and Chris discuss the importance of ensemble mentality, theatricality in musical improv, and balancing real-life experiences with performance emphasizing how commitment and makin...

We talked to stand-up comedian Lauren Reilly! This lively and relatable conversation touches on navigating comedy through personal challenges. Jason and Lauren discuss the nuances of comedy careers, the significance of knowing oneself, and the benefits and challenges of taking breaks due to life events. They touch on impactful moments, finding their comedic voice through authenticity, and how come...