Shows
PodGis with Ava ValE147 - From Mongolia to IrkuskIn this episode, Ava has a bone to pick with spreaders of misinformation (even the fun gay ones!), soft versus hard shell tacos, a Taco Bell employees use of her phone, cruelty as a principle and real-life villains, and the blatant coverup of the Epstein case and the impunity of US government corruption.She also touches on her plans to perform in the US.2025-07-1249 minPodGis with Ava ValE146 - Gadis Malam!In this episode, Ava does a mean impression of Morpheus from the Matrix, then discusses what it would be like hosting her own ghost hunter show (post-podcast title: "GHOST TAUNTER"), finds a new slogan for herself as a "Night Girl", and finishes with some thoughts about safe locations for transgender Americans to flee.2025-05-2458 minPodGis with Ava ValE145 - I'm Totally an EmpathIn this episode, Ava gushes about Mozart and the Toronto Maple Leafs before she reaffirms her stance on sports bandwagon jumping, then follows up with some thoughts on empaths and more.2025-04-2339 minPodGis with Ava ValE144 - Behold the Woman Who is a BeanIn this episode, Ava talks about her dastardly sleepy couch, hints at a new podcast, contemplates the future of her upcoming special, gives an update on her American 0-1 situation, discusses committing to something when things get tough and persevering despite having to do things the hard way, doing things HUNDO OR NUNDO, and the Mr. Bean's theme song (sorry for the singing!!)...2025-03-201h 01PodGis with Ava ValE143 - What If?In this episode Ava discusses nicknames, a hypothetical Canada/US war, movies whose only strong suit are their cameo appearances, and Marvel's "What If" series.Subscribe to her Patreon for more exclusive content!2025-03-071h 04PodGis with Ava ValE142 - Canda Won, BudCongratulations Canada! In this episode Ava talks about the recent Four Nations hockey tournament and tells some university stories. Check out her Patreon for more exclusive PodGis content!2025-02-2248 minPodGis with Ava ValE141 - Capacious CruntAva is back to distract you from the terrible goings-on int he world today, if but for a moment 2025-02-1349 minPodGis with Ava ValE140 - Say Goodbye to This Face...Ava solemnly reflects on her upcoming facial feminization surgery, and the standup special she is spontaneously filming for it.2025-01-0856 minPodGis with Ava ValE139 - This Was an EpisodeAva discusses pop singers in the 80's, the terrible acting by the VIP men in the first season of Squid Game, the trans character in season two of Squid Game and the discourse around trans people playing trans roles, Mr. Beast's new TV show, the first Sonic movie, and about posting her John Candy Award winning speech.
2025-01-0359 minPodGis with Ava ValE138 - To Be Happy, or To Be FreeAva discusses her recent visit to the Royal Ontario Museum, being called a 'person', the recent healthcare CEO shooter, the Great American Exceptionalism Bubble, the happiness index and the freedom index, dogs as compassion slaves and the philosophical question: "to be happy, or to be free?"2024-12-121h 20PodGis with Ava ValE137 - Official Egg SponsorWelcome back to the podcast that is Wii for me and WiiU for you!
In this episode, Ava talks about a really funny sponsor she noticed at a local soccer match, a retelling of Phineas Gage (sorry if I've done it before!), her favourite Arnold Schwartzenegger line, her squeamishness limits, her dad's cold hands, and eventually she ends on a rant about the current state of American politics and the depressing trend of anti-intellectualism.2024-11-201h 17PodGis with Ava ValE136 - She Gets the Job Done!Ava, with DEEPEST apologies for the long absence from posting, begins the pod with a quick statement on her newfound Chappell Roan fandom, followed by a lengthy explanation including reflections on her recent experience at the San Francisco Comedy Competition, her neck agony, her upcoming facial feminization surgery (FFS) and the external justifications involved, a strong plug for her upcoming paid content, discusses looking back on ex partners, and signs off with a little hope for the future. Vote Harris!
2024-11-041h 10PodGis with Ava ValE135 - Kickstart My HonkAva kickstarts this episode with a dive into the funniest mistranslation of a Motley Crue live performance, then discusses the emotional highs and lows of weddings, performing at the Toronto Blackout Anniversary, and experiencing full-circle progressive discrimination at roast battles.
2024-08-281h 06PodGis with Ava ValE134 - Ievitably Inedible
Ava talk about a bunch of stuff including the process of death-testing the eligibility of pufferfish as an edible dish.
2024-08-1447 minPodGis with Ava ValE133 - Provolone WolfIn this episode, Ava updates listeners about her standup special post-analysis, then goes on to talk about the US work visa process, her verse on the hit single "Y'all Ain't Never Met a Cheese Like Me", other trans comedians encroaching vaguely on her own material, how Kobe Bryant stole her thunder on a death pact, when something 'ruins your childhood', and a silly rant about the video game "Marvel: Midnight Suns". See ya soon! Also make sure you check Ava's special SO BRAVE!2024-07-311h 09PodGis with Ava ValE132 - Wet Thigh, Dry ThighIn this wondrous return to form, Ava repeatedly gets her thighs wet and dry as she discusses the dumbest story in the bible, flooding in Toronto, evil rich buttheads, the "I swear on my ___" phrase, a story of a man who came out of the closet after he'd died, and a story about one soul occupying two lumpy bodies.
Stay tuned for "Hannah Barbara Headlines"!2024-07-171h 05PodGis with Ava ValE131 - Mavis Beacon teaches TypingWe've got a FIERY episode for you today! Ava comes out red hot and reminisces about Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, going to the dentist to freeze her face, the summer heat, a story about accidentally going commando, paying honest compliments, being the 'supporting character' in a viral video, getting the best most validating comment for a trans woman from a cis lady, and then ending on a super positive note about spreading kindness and giving compliments to strangers.2024-06-191h 18PodGis with Ava ValE130 - The Crack of DawnAva is back after a brief hiatus to bring the funny to your a$$ for PRIDE MONTH!! Not only does she solve a longstanding lighting issue with flair, but she goes on to cover a range of topics, including: the dawn of Pride month, being a "PLUS" in the LGBT+, being competitive despite herself, doing standup for radio, good phone numbers that have rhythm, an announcement about the distant future, Patreon ideas, a recent horror film audition, "Douche Rehab", Red Shirt Guy, and a story about her lawyer making her accidentally racist.
Check out "...2024-06-051h 07PodGis with Ava ValE129 - BobaShe's back from Halifax and LOADED WITH ESTROGEN!!
In this episode of PodGis, Ava speaks at length about her new hormone regimen, her recent experience at the Halifax Comedy festival, the weird heteronormative grooming she received when she was young, her prized "Lounge Dragon" video, and a hot take about Marvel superhero Tony Stark/Iron Man.
2024-05-151h 10PodGis with Ava ValE127 - Like Watching Jeans DryWE HAVE A NEW INSIDE JOKE WITH THE FANS ;)
...Which Val introduces early, then goes on to discuss a myriad of topics including *more CharacterGis*; a miscommunication with a nail salon worker; a couple *big announcements*; trying not to reading the comments; being approved for gender affirming breast augmentation; *another rant* about the bystander effect, and fight/flight/freeze responses; *another rant* about closted admirers/chasers of trans women; her take on the first two episodes of Netflix's "Baby Reindeer"; reflections on her own weakness for validation; and some funny observations on 'if people...2024-05-011h 24PodGis with Ava ValE126 - Dubstep
Al Val is back from her comedy tour and bursting with stories to share!
In this episode, Val combs over many details from her recent two-week tour through western Canada and deviates into some personal reflections regarding her good nature and exploitable naivete, the upsetting self-serving futility of saying "I told you so", being more comfortable singing and dancing post-transition, and taking the stage after being immmediately misgendered by the emcee. Heck, she even throws in a new segment involving silly character premises!2024-04-171h 42PodGis with Ava ValE122 - I'll Be Home For QuizmoissIn this episode Val discusses her bag of dreadlocks, the highs and lows of glow-in-the-dark nails, being selected to perform in the upcoming Winnipeg Comedy Festival, making podcast mistakes like a metaphorical Super Mario, the lack of a star system in Canada, more tax agony, a funny bit about a dad who didn't think about names for his newborn, having cracked lips, Dylan Mulvaney's "Days of Girlhood" music video and the ensuing discourse about 'what makes a woman', overcompensating early in one's transition, the power dynamics of repeat transphobes in my comments, and the best YouTube video of all...2024-03-201h 24PodGis with Ava ValE119 - Al Val: RADICALIZED!Uh oh! Al Val's been RADICALIZED!!
In this episode, Val explains in great detail the 4 'encounters' with life that she had that day that totally RADICALIZED her - and essentially by that we mean "grounded her in reality, thus making her a misanthropic adult".
After that she briefly discusses getting misgendered by emcees during her intro at comedy shows, goofy pre-recorded show announcements at certain Canadian comedy club franchises, and finishes off with a wonderful story about meeting a young man named Andrew with super niche travel tips.2024-02-281h 32PodGis with Ava ValE118 - "Are You a Drag Queen?"In this episode of PodGis, Val discusses NEW MERCH, finalizing her legal name and gender changes, an episode involving a botched people-pleasing impulse and her ensuing regret, a run-in at a burlesque show that all trans women would despise, an old crowdwork video, surgery-obsessed trans women who sew insecurities in others, and the origin story of Val's constant self-awareness.
Is she a narcissist? If so, she's the BEST DAMN ONE AROUND2024-02-141h 15PodGis with Ava ValE116 - Deplorably Unscrupulous
"PodGis with Al Val" Episode 116 - "Deplorably Unscrupulous"AvaGis is back once again! And this time it has all gone off WITHOUT A HITCH!In this comeback episode, Val packs a extra whippaload of bonus content, discussing the wild things that have kicked off 2024 like the guy who got stuck in the urn and the "Jew tunnel" in NYC. She then goes off to cover a wide range of topics such as "Palworld" and the decay of society's opinions of plagiarism; musical genres; a theory on why the Canadian comedy industry and the standard Canadian comedy club show structure...2024-01-251h 44PodGis with Ava ValE115 - Joke is LifeBoy oh boy what a fun episode this one was! Val hops around happily from topic to topic once again, covering a variety of topics:
receiving a pair of mittens from a fan; Eminem as a playable Fortnite character; the mental battle that is auditioning for commercials as a trans woman; speaking breathily and vocal feminization training; fans who inundate her inbox with memes; the offputting YouTube algorithm of her phone's previous owner; Sneako as a groomer; YouTube accounts that read their scripts with a maddeningly repetitious inflection pattern; suffer a battle of 'wits' against sassy & superficial...2023-12-011h 21PodGis with Ava ValE114 - May I Be Excused?After a technical-difficulties-inspired self-imposed break from the pod, Val is back with wild rantings and ravings that range from silly to deeply self-reflective and somber.
Val dives right in, and after explaining her little break she discusses annoying background and theatre actors, seeing her old self on television, a bittersweet exchange with a former suitor who saw her old onstage antics and how she feels about potential partners being exposed to previous 'stages' of her identity, and concludes with some sober reflections on trans day of remembrance and the current unsettling global hostility towards trans people.
2023-11-221h 21PodGis with Ava ValE112 - BlobfishGisSure, saving the pandas, seals, and koalas is a fine cause, but WHY won't someone THINK of the BLOBFISH???? What about the uggo animals?? Why won't someone spare a thought?! One can only shake one's head at this cruel, cruel world.
In this episode, Val talks about her schedule, about the arctic tundra as an inferior biome, her experience at the Arctic Comedy Festival, a little bit about her Vancouver tour (Including a story about a lady who didn't know how to use a paper towel dispenser) and then goes on to blab about ugly animals. BUT THEY NEED...2023-10-2541 minPodGis with Ava ValE111 - Hungus BungusAl Val goes under the Al Val hood once again - before she removes most of the hair atop - to speak loosely and precisely on a wide range of topics, from comedians who laugh at their own jokes, to the Arctic, to the cloud, to posting before and after transition photos, her appearance on an old episode of "League of Skanks", and being followed on s*ssy p*rn accounts on Twitter.
2023-10-1757 minPodGis with Ava ValE103 - American Gladiators: The Tragedy of the Little Guy
Hello and good day! Thanks for always coming back to these rip-roarin' episodes of PodGis.In this sporty episode, Val talks about dry-clean only fabrics, backhanded fashion compliments, consumers marketing a company's product for them (ie. McDonald's Grimace Shake), adoption and orphancy. And THEN Val speaks at length about her latest binge watch of the American Gladiators documentary! What a trip!In addition, Val talks about bad words, shame, criminal kinks, Dennis Rodman, and a whole lot more about American Gladiators.
2023-07-181h 37PodGis with Ava ValE102 - Extemporaneousville, USA
Happy summertime, y'all! Al "Hollywood" Val is in the house and she's in full SUMMER MODE.
In this episode, Val talks at length about being a juror in this year's T.O. Webfest, times when Val tries so hard to be not be a nuisance that she becomes a nuisance, what she calls her biceps, the cruel irony of being genetically muscular and trans, motorcycle vests, and being a sleepy courier. After Musa unsuccessfully attempts to get Val to speak ill of the obese, she discusses her new self-made Pokemon 'rug' and teaching kids about taxes early...2023-07-111h 07PodGis with Ava ValE101 - The Goofiest City in the World
On this episode, Ava talks about feeling self-conscious about family, being a bad server and lying to customers, not knowing what to do with a Starbucks gift card, what makes Toronto the silliest city in the world, Ava's "U-Shaped Theory of Movie Enjoyment", and her recounting of her Pride Parade Weekend 2023 (which included marching with a cannabis group and being oblivious to flirtation).
2023-07-041h 36PodGis with Ava ValE099 - Retain YourselfARE YOU RETAINED! STICK AROUND! COME ON!
Just kidding! lololol. Anyways, in this episode Val covers a wide range of topics, beginning with a BIG (and extremely drawn out) announcement regarding her name change!!! After that, Val/AVA talks Kafka-esque-ly about scientists looking for 'cures' for embarrassing ailments, struggling with a retainer, influencer Rose Montoya's White House topless controversy, and trans influencers who lose themselves to the T'n'A temptation. Next episode is 100!!! Can you believe it??
2023-06-201h 18PodGis with Ava ValE098 - Mhmmm...Ahoy there! Yarr. Welcome to another PodGis on the open seas!
In this episode Val flies solo once again, doing her best to retain your ass by discussing a range of topics, including being the "Realest There Ever Was" despite being a people-pleaser; old gimmicky dirty comedians; her Pride Month Egale anti-hate campaign; dysphoria and how Val navigates it for herself; a fun way of being smug, and performative allyship; new merch(!); people who claim that "comedy is dead"; the Green Party if they were transphobic; the indistinct, confusing lyrical genius that is "Jump Around" by House...2023-06-131h 22PodGis with Ava ValE097 - The Realest One There Ever WasAhoy there! I just want to say thank you for sticking with PodGis through the thick and the thin. 2023-06-061h 26PodGis with Ava ValE097 - The No Lull ZoneNO LULLS! AT ALL! EVER!
In this rip-roarin', absolutely lull-less episode, Val and Musa explore a myriad of topics, from food, to the Deep State that Val couldn't care less about, to the assassination of JFK (that Val also does not care much about), balding, hair transplants, graffiti, travel, the "Toronto Mans" accent, and using 100% of the human brain.
Have a good week if you're a good person and as always, like, subscribe and share!
2023-05-301h 32PodGis with Ava ValE096 - The Wired EpisodeAfter getting over the worst intro in PodGis history, Val rips into another timeless episode, telling a *super compelling* water cooler bra story, the first almost fully-automated McDonald's (and A.I. in general), what kind of crime is best, porn-related brain rot and anal sex, Val's experiences performing murder mystery dinner theatre, another "ALchives" entry involving the high school 'attendance lady', Caitlyn Jenner, and a comedian's "process of panic".
Have a good week if you're a good person!
2023-05-231h 27PodGis with Ava ValE095 - Blue Checks and High RegretsWelcome back, chums!
In this episode, Val and Musa cover a ridiculously vast array of topics, including: blue checks on Twitter, pushing garbage cans as punishment in high school, Val's favourite most memorable punchline from another comic, insights on joke theft, Val's potential upcoming album name, the hazards of smoking weed with an anxiety complex, alcohol consumption, male clothing, and the legitimacy of 'fair weather fans' and 'posers'.
Remember to be a good person and to GIT YER FINGERS...
...OUTTA MY CHIPSSSS
2023-05-161h 33PodGis with Ava ValE094 - Foolishly Dabbling in PoliticsOh boy, here we go! Politics came up and we had a discourse! Oh GEEZ!
On this episode (coming atcha straight out of Santo Domino, California!), Val talks about her first experience with botox, gift-giving, Val's qualms with Christmas, and when joking becomes bullying.
THEN she introduces a new segment - the "Alchives" - in which Val blows the dust off ancient never-before-seen material!
She then proceeds to discuss (reverse) racism, a little foolish dabbling in politics, gender conformists' idiotic shenanigans, modern political debate, and the one time bullying actually somehow produced a net positive outcome.
See...2023-05-091h 22PodGis with Ava ValE091 - PelicanHelp yourself to a joyous slice of fun with this BONUS episode to commemorate the launching of PodGis on video! (Have you seen episode 90?? Hurry over to YouTube or anywhere podcasts are available and get yourself caught up!)
In this episode Val tackles (or more, caresses gently to the ground) big issues like artificial intelligence, dumb things to put on a resume, recently being the subject of a research paper, “not” enjoying fight videos, phone conversations, legitimizing her career to her relatives, and massage chairs.
If you’re enjoying these episodes don’t forget to like, su...2023-04-1849 minPodGis with Ava ValE090 - Audio, Video, Disco
LOOK AS US GO! Emphasis on “LOOK”, dontcha know! Use your eyeballs and feast on the majesty that is VideoGis as she kicks off a new era of podcasting on YouTube.
"But wait!" You surely are saying as you listen to the audio. "What about me?" ...Don't worry, we still got you with piping hot, fresh PodGis every week, the same way you've always enjoyed it. Even though PodGis has gone video, audio episodes will continue as scheduled, with the promise that I, Al Val, will do my best to be mindful of my audio list...2023-04-1848 min
PodGis with Ava ValE085 - Spoiler Alert!Uh Oh! SPOILER ALERT! This episode is so fun so sorry if you weren't sure whether or not this PodGis would be fun! I SPOILED IT.
SPOILER ALERT Algis (AKA Al Val) starts out in a weird little mood but never addresses it until the very end SPOILER ALERT but instead rips right into an exciting musing about SPOILER ALERT PodGis eventually moving to video format! And then SPOILER ALERT she talks about doing the Just For Laughs Festival and also showcasing (auditioning) for them, but SPOILER ALERT she also talks about 'stealing' a comedian's 'essence' and...2023-03-161h 04PodGis with Ava ValE084 - My Beautiful Inner PhaesesHello hello get your bag and away we gooooo
Val AKA ALGIS Kicks off the podcast in a dirty dirty way, commenting on her waterless predicament and how difficult a time she's been having lately combobulating her life together. She then proceeds to talk about commercial auditions and doing them over Zoom, being accused of doing "womanface", and spends a while on a few clankers of the week, including dogpilers, a stranger who defensively shared an insulting video, and an abusive "trans ally" on TikTok.
Val also ANNOUNCES HER NAME CHANGE! I HAVE A NEW...2023-03-071h 09PodGis with Ava ValE083 - Cringe, Ahoy!Ahoy there! It's time for Algis to get really BUSINESSGIS and give you the business! Because she's a BUSINESS GIRL!
Val kicks off this episode by ripping into a meandering riff about why old movies and old things in general suck and that things are all better now; Val's inability to keep her mouth shut during movies; buying her a coffee on Ko-fi; socialism; two absolute Clankers involving the Z-cup-sized trans impostor and a host that disrupted Val's set; a recent improv riff onstage; vocal feminization exercises, and struggling with ego.
Have a good week...2023-03-0151 minPodGis with Ava ValE081 - Clanker of the WeekHey you! Grab your bags and get in the car because we're going on a journey through an absolute HONK HONK silly billy time! Val opens right out the gate with an excitable intro to match her excitement that PodGis will be expanding to a video platform! So stay TUNED! After that, Val kicks off a new weekly segment called "Clanker of the Week" in which she highlights a particularly clankacious person who deserves to put a pot on their head and give it a good clankaround. After that, Val discusses growing up wishing she had an angelic soprano...2023-02-1549 minPodGis with Ava ValE078 - My Guest and FriendWelcome to a VERY special episode of PodGis, indeed! For just the second time in the history of PodGis, Val invites a special guest to join her in the "studio" to hang out, chit-chat and have the silliest time!
This episode's guest is Val's dear friend (and oft-mentioned PodGis character) Noah, who is a very talented actor in Toronto. Noah and Algis get into it right away, discussing houses designed to make you uncomfortable, yet focused; Noah defends their palate and the two have a taste test of a favourite scotch of Noah's; they discuss scents, and...2023-01-241h 22PodGis with Ava ValE077 - GetTheFugguppOnOuttaHeaaaaThis episode has everything!
SILLIES: Val comes hot out the gate with funny bits about rappers.
OBSERVATIONS: About the growing trend of neurodivergent self-diagnosis, and the kids in class who had ADHD growing up.
MORE SILLIES: Funny takes on Val's friend's drink preferences, and how stupid it is to like 'bitter' things.
INSIGHT: A new take on smelling like pizza and the virtues of bathing in piping hot pizza air.
HEART: A reflection upon how far she's come, and how powerful time and experience are.
VULNERABILITY: About...2023-01-1948 minPodGis with Ava ValE072 - Not For MeWelcome back! AGAIN! And again and again and again welcome back, because Val can't seem to nail down a regular weekly schedule! BUT she packs another episode with quality (with an extra 15 minutes of oomphy quantity!), covering such topics as: remembering the word for "gingham" and her family's inside jokes involving the word "Tannenbaum"; Arnold Schwarzenegger soundboard prank phone calls; profound thoughts on how our brains are like computers, and how memory might work; the zen advice she tends to give newer comics; her practice of the "not for me" mantra; another story about an auditory memory that makes...2022-12-011h 01PodGis with Ava ValE070 - Clank Those Thoughts CleanHello hi hello! Welcome to PodGis! Al Val's unofficially official podcast!
In this hairy scary episode, Val braves the growing fog outside her window and discusses the string of shows she'd recently had and the simple things that can make a set suddenly interesting and inventive; online dating and her cynicism towards the dating landscape; people who have an "INNUENDO ONLY" sense of humour; a funny memory involving Val's friend's Jamaican parents; tolerating boredom; being superficial on dating apps and in searching for a partner in general; an awkward run-in with a pizza guy; her insecurities about...2022-11-0244 minPodGis with Ava ValE069 - YouyouyouyouyouLet's start out by saying this first: in this episode of "PodGis", Val gets a ton of mileage out of a silly sounding stutter he accidentally exclaims. Otherwise, in this episode Val discusses voting and democracy; she discusses her hairline surgery - the grotesqueries, the discomforts and the triumphs of it all; Chance the Rapper's recent trans-related controversy, and the broader implications regarding male insecurity and sexuality; a tale about a man who got handsy during a horrifying moment in a film premiere; attending a seminar about writing environmentally-conscious content, ending in some thoughts on the subjective nature of...2022-10-2552 minPodGis with Ava ValE068 - "I Did Not Have Sexual Relations with That Dog"On the eve before her hairline surgery Val is brimming with exuberance, dancing lithely from topic to topic, streaming a thread of consciousness through a wide myriad of topics off the top: obsessing over a single song, being an obsessive person, pitching TV shows and the deadly secrecy around it, the lone hair on the box, what "street smarts" really means, and how Canadians say "aBOOT". Val then calms down, puts her hands on her butt for calm, and then talks about her dog whispering abilities, and then concludes on a very emotional note in which she talks about...2022-10-1247 minPodGis with Ava ValE067 - Unapologetic Marble LoverTime for a real "Open Concept" podcast! In this episode of PodGis, Val excitedly shares her new housing arrangement; debriefs about her experience writing for "This Hour Has 22 Minutes" and how it all started with her feet somehow; the mental anguish or trying to look sexy and the 22 Minute afterparty; an awkward and baffling encounter at a public bathroom that Val CANNOT get out of her head; minimizing your life; her current struggling of "turning off the funny" in sexy situations; and finally, Val tries her best to tackle the news story regarding the trans high school teacher who...2022-10-081h 11PodGis with Ava ValE065 - The Wheatest Podcast of AllUh oh oh boy! It's time for another "PodGis Excluuu"! Val kicks this one off being hella annoying (just trying to get those followers down, baby!), then discusses the origins of 'EXCLU'; the rise and fall of the generation-defining Cheese Factory rap group; and explores when things are wheat versus when they are chaff. Val then issues a definitely not apology for her emotional outburst in the previous episode; tells an "Am I the Asshole" segment; marvels at "chasers"; then ends on some inward observations regarding her psyche during the writing progress in her new sketch writing job.2022-08-3151 minPodGis with Ava ValE064 Confessions of Love and Dr. SeussVal records this podcast the day after attending a wedding as a plus one, and tells some silly anecdotes, reflects on the wonderful time she had, and then digs into some intimate details on what she sees (or rather, doesn't see) in her love life's future; she then closes on a reading of some of Dr. Seuss' finest quotes and what they mean to her.
Warning: Val gets pretty emotional in this one. It's got funny up front, and then a whole bunch of sappy thereafter. If you love vulnerability then this is the episode for you!2022-08-2353 minPodGis with Ava ValE063: Tickalie Pickalie!Val got sick with Covid! Oh nooo!!! But the worst of it is behind her, and so our plucky podcast heroine forges onward providing insights and giggles. In this especially enthusiastic episode, Val digs in and gets to the bottom of a number of topics, including: having hair extensions and YOLO'ing the extension experience; when people suggest movies and TV Shows; a brief thought exercise involving "Go Fund Me" campaign honesty; AIDS jokes; weddings and silly unspoken dress code rules; "Cutco" knives; "misgendering in one's head. Val then has some... choice words... about "The Bachelor/Bachelorette" TV shows, and...2022-08-181h 05PodGis with Ava ValE062 - The Official Al Val Just For Laughs Experience Recap!Sorry for the delay! Val is back and very excited to regale you with tales of her experience performing at the Jo Koy Gala in Montreal for the prestigious Just For Laughs festival! She walks you through the good and the bad - from the beginning of her trip, managing a massive wave of hatred from a silly impression, to SLAYING the Gala and feeling like she's really and truly arrived.2022-08-0547 minPodGis with Ava ValE061 - Gettin' Hard (Brought To You By Krogus, Against James)In this silly, upbeat episode, Val introduces a new sponsor: Krogus! She also discusses how she thinks she would fare in prison, and her desire to 'get hard'; about her experience seeing "Rage Against the Machine and walking around town looking like a head-turning rocker chick; the ways that people stare at her on the street; getting harassed; her explanation for being 'the hardest working comedian in Toronto'; and Imperial Pub's mouse/rat problem. See you next week, when Val has some tales of Just For Laughs!!2022-07-2647 min
PodGis with Ava ValE056 - "Drag Heals" Cut My D*** Off!HELLO MY LOVELIES!!!! AL VAL HAS RETURNED AND "PODGIS" IS BACK!
Oh boy, so much to catch y'all up on! Val rips right into it, describing her new setup; proposing a new catchphrase for all trans people (across the entire spectrum!); a new term for her favourite colour; talking about her recent big move across town; and speaks at length about her recent experience filming season 3 of "Drag Heals" for OutTV. As always, this episode is full of life, encouragement, and introspection!2022-06-061h 03PodGis with Ava ValE055 - Bindle SackHELLO HELLO PAT PAT PAT!
In this fun and introspective episode (were you expecting anything less??) Val talks bindle sacks, the relevance of clowns, how people talked in the 1920's, and a wide variety of philosophical reflections regarding meaninglessness, nihilism, and the movie "Everything Everywhere All At Once". Enjoy!!2022-04-2647 minPodGis with Ava ValE054 - Pocket ShortageAfter a brief hiatus, Val is back! In this one, she freeforms about recently losing her credit card because of silly pocket standards for women's clothing; funny sound bites with her Roommate & Friend; a tale about being far too stoned on edibles at the club; and some closing thoughts on neurodivergence, human nature and social media.
Have a good week, ya jackals!2022-04-1547 minPodGis with Ava ValE053 - Wobble Bobble!Hey hey hey happy 'Trans Day of Visibility'! Get your WOBBLE BOBBLE on and have a super visible day, trans friends!
In this fun, frolicking episode Val begins by offering some positive, optimistic thoughts on Trans Day of Visibility (as well as some observations on her own hormonal and... physical... progress). She then dives into two of the more ridiculous takes she's observed online in regards to the Will Smith/Chris Rock "Oscars slap" incident (I know, I know...), after which she describes her new favourite Twitter account @ClubPhotos_, then ends on some parting thoughts about teaching...2022-03-3147 minPodGis with Ava ValE052 - The Roast RevelationHello, PodGis listeners! Check out this episode, why dontcha??
In this episode, Val starts out joking about the "UNCUT JAHHHMZ" valley girl, and the idea of being one's 'muse'; after which, she tells you the full details of a hilarious Instagram video that made her laugh so hard she cried on the couch and got a headache. Finally, for the second half of this episode of "PodGis", Val digs pretty deep and personal, reflecting on a painful recent 'roast battle' experience, and reflecting on how she represents herself and her community onstage.2022-03-2349 minPodGis with Ava ValE051 - Pic-a-nic BasketThis is a true yin-yang, self-reflective episode of weighing the positives and negatives! In this one, Val talks about her gag reflex; about dress codes in standup; the cesspool of the comments section; her definition of modern day saintliness in the social media era; the time a woman wrote and performed a dating request to Val in song; and the previous night's misadventures with mentally unhinged folks in the city.2022-03-1456 minPodGis with Ava ValE050 - Positive EntropyOh no! Al Val is sick with Covid :( But that won't stop her joking and hanging out with you! It does, however, make her sound hella raspy. It is what it be!
In this one, Val talks about sad balloons; how her high school experience differs significantly from modern media's portrayal of being that age; the first time she got drunk; her life principle about "Positive Entropy"; and closes on an anecdote that illustrates how set in her ways Al Val can be. When you like something you like it, and YOU like PodGis!2022-03-0749 minPodGis with Ava ValE049 - RecoGnize, With a Hard G*I apologize for the hollow sound; it was a mistake I won't make again. The episode is still a fun one! :)*
In this episode, Al Val discusses her gift-giving philosophy, and how she is trying to be a better person; a Will Smith-inspired bit of life advice in regards to taking chances and making proactive decisions; a story about the highs and lows of being in the public eye; fish procreation; bank accounts that are there for no reason; and then a closing exploration of the Canadian Trucker Convoy as it relates to Captain America.2022-02-2449 minPodGis with Ava ValE048 - The Lugubrious EpisodeThis is the lugubrious episode.
Al Val ENDURES a crappy mood and delivers a shorter podcast with observations on the latest "Spiderman" movie, feeling lugubrious, micropenises and micropenis science, liars abound online, and a brief observation on Michael Cain and Forrest Gump.
We'll be back next week with more gusto! I promise!2022-02-0940 minPodGis with Ava ValE047 - "She's a MAN, Maury!"Welcome back and of course, "HAPPY NEW YEAR" from Algis herself LOL JK JK it's 2/2/2022 you dunderhead!
In this episode, Al Val pulls on some more complicated threads and explores some complicated multi-sided issues abound with different perspectives. Overall though expect such topics as: the doomsday clock on her computer; about being on the frontier of brand new material and taking the leap into material yet unexplored; brutally callous, outdated episodes of Maury Povich/Jerry Springer that made audiences determine whether the women onstage were "men or women"; arguing in the TikTok comments, and the idea of...2022-02-0351 minPodGis with Ava ValE045 - Deadskin BeardIn this fun, boundless episode of PodGis, Al Val kicks things off by 'trying something new' - as in, a video component (spoiler: it fails.)! BUT we'll work on that, I guess... After that interesting little experiment, Val goes on to talk about her rosacea; her history of adolescent acne and Accutane to get rid of it; her annoyance when people do a "gotcha" when they didn't actually get her; a couple stories about "Intention vs. Execution", which is a timelessly trademark Al Val struggle; and then ends things off with some rambling about religion and having a dry...2022-01-1948 minPodGis with Ava ValE044 - Clint Eastwood Talked to a Chair OnceHappy New Year, even though it's a 'new year' every day! Get it?? Algis does!
In this episode of PodGis, Al Val talks about being on the cusp of another lockdown in Ontario, tells all the scientists out there what to do about the aging process, talks about video games and the time she accidentally trolled someone in GTA5 Online, then proceeds to speak at length about Clint Eastwood in "Gran Turino", how racists think in general, and the time Clint Eastwood talked to a chair onstage at the 2012 Republican National Convention.2022-01-0549 minPodGis with Ava ValE043 - New Years, Anytime!HAPPY NEW YEAR...GIS!
Al Val breaks in the new year with a podcast reflecting back on the year she's had and the profound personal growth she's experienced, declares her New Year's Resolutions (with the caveat that you can resolve at various other times of the year, of course), sends lots of smushy, mushy love out to you, her listeners (2021-12-3149 minPodGis with Ava ValE040 - Sweet, Sour, Salty, and Bitter"I just got back from the Ontario Science Center, and boy are my arms science!"
-Al Val
In this episode of PodGis Val talks about her recent experience at the Ontario Science Center and her lifelong connection to David Attenborough; from then she explores a variety of topics such as people who believe that she's just "trans for stagetime", the science of Operant Conditioning as it applies to hopelessly romantic strangers on FaceBook, and the unfortunate amorality of pet ownership by the noisiest species on the planet.2021-12-0747 minPodGis with Ava ValE039 - I've Lost My MarblesAl Val is down as ever to have a hodgpodge, silly vanilly time this week! Al Val takes a short trip down memory lane, talking about album covers she'd designed for CD's she burned as a teen, a "letter from a fan" she received one time in university, domain names/capitalism and Martin Shkreli, one particularly personally resonant line from the movie "Hook", and finally a tale of putrid, comforting warmth on the subway.2021-11-2949 minPodGis with Ava ValE038 - Please ClapAl Val is back from her tour in B.C. (the place, not the... measurement of time) and she's getting her SILLY on! Welcome, new fans!
Val rips right into this one, talking about the stresses of everyday living, poignant memories of Jeb Bush, some observations on TikTok and joke theft, a fond memory of the time a flight attendant tried reading the synopsis to a Russel Crowe movie, and a new world order as a result of line etiquette deviance.
See you soon! Muah!2021-11-2247 minPodGis with Ava ValE037 - MindfulGisAl Val is away! In British Columbia, Canada! But have no fear - she recorded a "PodGis" so you don't miss a single fun-having dang-blasted crumb-nibbling moment.
In this one, Al Val talks about being "hoisted by your own petard" and then provides a transition update regarding boob pain in sports; after that she guides you through a very exclusive meditation practice, then closes on a whole bunch of nonsense about Rodney Dangerfield.2021-11-0846 minPodGis with Ava ValE036 - C'est L'Halloween!As the French say, "C'est L'Halloween!" Are you dressing up as Luke Skywalker wearing a t-shirt of all his friends? What are you doing? Listening to this podcast, of course!
Al Val talks a bit about Halloween (AKA Closet Crossdresser Christmas), a bit more about Dave Chappelle's "The Closer" and the ongoing fallout, being Luke Skywalker one time as a child, Al Val's very dear friend Omid, and her recent inspired performance as a "Sentient Speaker at an Open Mic".
Check out the Youtube clip online! Search "Al Val as 'Sentient Speaker does open mic...2021-11-0152 minPodGis with Ava ValE035 - Here Comes Trouble!Uh ohhhhhhhhh! Warning: BIG controversies addressed in this one! Lol just kidding, maybe! Algis tackles some big controversies like Netflix's "Explained" episode, elaborate high-fives, the Canadian Men's National Soccer Team, catchphrases, imbroglios, another story about Algis' naivete, and a short story about someone complaining about Al's arms.
Al Val is a controversial comic now! Look out! HERE COMES TROUBLE!2021-10-1448 minPodGis with Ava ValE034 - Oh, ChappelleAl Val recorded this one hot off the release of Dave Chappelle's last Netflix special "The Closer", and of course shares her opinions on the thing - the good, the bad, and the... inflexible.2021-10-1148 minPodGis with Ava ValE033 - Paisan!We're talking voices! You know you got a voice? Isn't that NUTS???
In this one, Al Val does a whole bunch of Italian accent nonsense, talks about being related to doctors, voice feminization training, "Hamburger" Jones, and comics who claim to have never bombed.2021-09-2954 minPodGis with Ava ValE032 - Bread Jesus and Pastrami PaulUh oh! We're getting a little sacrilegious on this one!
Al Val ventures headlong into the unknown this time with next to NOTHING prepared, but nonetheless finds delightful fodder in discussing the poster of Jesus she recently hung up in her room, a missed pitch opportunity to a TV exec, a perfectly silly and heretical TV show idea, and an old bit about a married couple raising a pet hippopotamus.2021-09-2233 minPodGis with Ava ValE031 - CriticGis!Al Val welcomes you back from a brief hiatus by getting SUPER introspective, pulling on several existential threads. She talks about her recent (hormonal?) crying episode, goes OFF on what she thinks of professional art/comedy critics, bathroom graffiti and legacy-making, The Marijuana Party of Canada, and ends on a tale of a recent catcalling experience that went sideways for both parties.2021-09-1554 minPodGis with Ava ValE030 - Standing OLDvationFresh from a weekend in which she got a standing ovation, Al Val riffs and raps about the sun, fun patronizing love games, treating her lovers as she would have liked to be treated while she was in the closet, and of course, standing ovations. Al then establishes her legendary "Horseshoe Theory" of bad movies, using M. Night Shyamalan's recent movie "Old" and the first "Suicide Squad" film.
This is the kind of podcast that will make you stand up from your chair and raucously applaud with all your might.2021-09-0255 minPodGis with Ava ValE029 Tickly Nose Catfish HunterAl Val's schedule is BONKERS, DAWG! Just ALL over the place! So we've got another mid-week episode coming atcha, whether you like it... or love it.
In this one, Al Val talks about a baseball player named Catfish Hunter; how to drink juice in a classy way; Val's obsessive love for Monty Python; her bidet conundrum; Tickly Nose Hair Syndrome; being Gulliblegis (+ eating a pigeon); the 'JFL Stool Story'; and a video Al watched involving gorillas and soccer moms.2021-08-2750 minPodGis with Ava ValE028 - AssGisIt's ASS time! Count up the "asses" and you get a prize!
In this episode, Al Val discusses her voice, online haters, the nature of being a "badass", people who like to cause scenes and make noises in public, using 10% of your brain and the hazards of getting punched in the head, and Al ends on a story about a Quebecois MMA coach.2021-08-2053 minPodGis with Ava ValE024 - That's What I Always Say!We're back to the usual antics! "You can't stop my antics" - that's what I always say!
In this episode, Al Val talks about her shitty memory (forgive her if she's spoken about this before), swallowing pills, time travel in movies and tv, funny air instruments, more complaints about movies, tv and Batman, wrangling children/the Harambe incident, and a brief story about Al's brother and a carpet store.2021-07-2049 minPodGis with Ava ValE023 - PsychGis - The Psychology Episode!IT'S THE PSYCHOLOGY EPISODE! This episode's got a new flavour to it, so put on your snuggest pants and firmest thinking cap! We're getting all academic on your ass, dudes!
In this episode, Al Val dives into the deepest recesses of her memory bank to pull out one intellectual nugget after another, drawing upon her University degree in Psychology in order to explain various social psychological phenomena. Some parts are dark, some parts are funny, but most parts are informative - and PodGis is all about surprising listeners at every turn! So sit back and enjoy Al...2021-07-1452 minPodGis with Ava ValE021 - Impulsegis!I know nobody asked, but this episode is THE most strem of consciousness episode of PodGis, EVER! Hang on for dear life as Al Val sorts through her conflicted emotional state in real time, soaked in true crime documentaries and canned peach juice!
Al Val bounces all over the place, discussing through the theme of her debilitating childishness: online age checks for 'mature' content; her first set of business cards; people who wait for days in line outside Apple stores for the latest phone, and belligerent, passionate 'Android vs. Apple' brand loyalty; "The Bowl Cut Laser Helmet...2021-06-2852 minPodGis with Ava ValE020 - Saint MEANgis*If you are religious (mostly specifically Catholic), fair warning: Algis goes a little harder on this one!*
In this delightfully rambunctious episode, Al Val talks about being forced by his fanatic grade 3 teacher to dress as a saint for Halloween; the online gaming community's hard-to-interpret adoption of gay culture; the world's biggest poop, which somehow tangentially turns into reflections on heaven itself, which then tangentially spirals into the pope, Catholicism, and church music.
Yeah, I guess this one flew off the topical rails. But it's like the sign on Al's front door (written in lamb's...2021-06-2147 minPodGis with Ava ValE019 - Pride and (Referee) PrejudiceHAPPY PRIDE MONTH! Al Val is once again back after life knocked her down for a bit; HOWEVER, this episode is sure to delight and make you giggle into your cold beverage!
In this triumphant return of an episode, Al Val talks about this year's Euro Cup, along with a couple soccer stories from her teen years (don't worry non-sports-fans, they're not too 'sport'-y); Pride month, corporate pandering and people who hate on queerbranding; and then Al closes with her thoughts on the French Prime Minister's relationship with his former high school teacher. WARNING: gratuitous French accent.2021-06-1148 minPodGis with Ava ValE018 - Fear Marbles & Bravery PogsFresh out of a hot cry session, Al Val gets right into the issues that matter in another episode that mixes the deeply personal and profound with the silly and irreverant.
Al advises on the many things that make a dick pic ineffective; tells a poignant, deeply poetic and personal story about homophobia, repression, and redemption (AKA the time she got suspended from her University Improv Troupe); the simple additive-subtractive nature of bravery vs. fear; then she ends on another vivid personal tale - this one about the time she performed Tom Green's "Bum Bum Song" in...2021-05-2656 minPodGis with Ava ValE017 - What I Wanna Know Is...FOIL BEGONE!
Al Val has shaken off the loathsome foil and in this one Al is back to their delightfully silly, optimistic ways! Al talks about being a chump and avoiding that chump life; 'Wheelies' and this generation's stigma against rollerblading, as well as another brief tale of childhood heartbreak; 'Boomer' internet confusion; and a profound realization on transness and triumphing over newly learned agoraphobia.
Al Val has come a long way, and damnit that's something worth celebrating! So let's get silly.2021-05-1746 minPodGis with Ava ValE016 - 'Git!Al Val is back with a firm message to any fans that are cruel to other people. GO ON, 'GIT! And same goes to you, depression! GO ON, GIT! GIT!
In addition, Al talks a lot about crying and getting emotional, an emerging subgroup of new Al Val admirers, wearing a skirt at work that one time, masculinity & repression & butt hygiene, therapy, and a whole bunch of other personal stuff. This one's reeeeal close to the heart! Take care of yourselves!2021-05-1349 minPodGis with Ava ValE015 - Trans/JediWhat an absolute HOOT! You bet your bottom dollar we're on a roll now.
Al Val sheds last week's Loathsome Foil and gets into a silly little reminiscent rumpus, waxing poetic about the buffet experience at Mandarin; Movie theatres AND a guaranteed way to get a laugh in the theatre during the previews; Al Val's childhood "am I trans?" moment; doing battle with modesty/self-esteem, and being a "SOOOO RANDOM" person; grown trans adults who detract from the human rights cause because they also seriously think they're Jedi; and naturally, Al Val's brief but thoroughly cynical thoughts...2021-05-0354 minPodGis with Ava ValE014 - Loathsome FoilAl Val discusses being on the cusp of a depressive "Loathsome Foil" episode and all the feels she's dealing with, but still forges onward with some insights on her pen pal friendship with Kentucky Fried Chicken; other people's embellished stories that end with "...and then everyone clapped"; The French crossdressing Duke in the movie "Elizabeth"; Al's totally scientific, totally legitimate concerns about Elon Musk's hyperspeed underground train; and a brilliant "House Turtle Party" that Al thinks Elon should put ALL of his focus and resources into.
Have a good week, and be good to each other, AH?!2021-04-2648 minPodGis with Ava ValE013 - YBWCWe're on episode (unlucky??) THIRTEEN! What a wild ride.
Al Val talks about watching back their "New Wave of Standup" set (available for free on CBC Gem in Canada!) and the dumb, cringey thing Al did at the very end; Al talks about cool slang that sounds weird when she uses it; some more gender insights; two PIPING HOT CATCHPHRASES that are super cool, will totally catch on, and are epic tools to help you live a better life and to leave incredible impressions in social situations; a little bit about video game characters that totally ease...2021-04-2148 minPodGis with Ava ValE012 - I'm Growin' Up FowlIn this one, Al Val gets deeply personal with some recent gender revelations and upgrades, but always sprinkles in goofs and riffy gags aplenty, touching on rap lyrics Al misinterpreted, 'morning wood' and the general characterization of a penis, chaos via egg selection, the time Al met a tax income guy who lived up to 'tax guy' stereotypes, and a dream Al had about a heavenly Apple Strudel that had hellish consequences.2021-04-1447 minPodGis with Ava ValE011 - Four is First LeatherHey we're back! And SILLIER than a horse wearing pants. Now THAT is silly!
In this one, Al gets a bit nostalgic, with the usual deviations along the way. We cover everything, including: The best number of all the numbers; The Magic School Bus and a highly recommended MSB-themed prank; "Small Talk with Al Val", the hit new radio show pumping out the classics; Al's 'First Leather'; and Tales from the time Al went to a Lithuanian Summer Camp as a child.2021-04-0551 minPodGis with Ava ValE009 - That Time I Mooned A LadyAl Val is back to their ramblin' ways, twisting this way and that with sincerity and silliness.
In this one, Al reveals a secret childhood wish that they kept to themselves and never told anyone until now - something that I'm sure you'll find is very telling about the person Al Val is. They also go on to talk about famous horses, 'horse girls', Al's super wicked awesome triplet of phone game ideas, and a riveting story about the time Al mooned a woman out the back of an elementary school bus and suffered the consequences of...2021-03-1658 minPodGis with Ava ValE008 - A Potato Ruined My ChildhoodAL VAL IS BACK after another lazy, undisciplined two-week break!
How do I top the "Roommate and Friend" episode? By making an INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY episode, baby!
In this one, Al Val does an International Women's Day Jokerrific countdown; speaks a bit about genderfluidity, about The Potato Head "controversy", Dr. Seuss and people who complain about their childhoods being ruined, and what Al would do if they were in charge of Westworld.2021-03-0949 minPodGis with Ava ValE006 - The Tale of Long John SchlongAl took a wee mental health break there but is BACK with a walloping new chunk of good times!
WARNING: EXPLICIT TALK OF CARTOONISH GENITALS IN THIS ONE
In this glorious homage to the comedy gods, Al talks about Tom Brady and "Deflategate" (don't worry non-sports-fans, it's not exhaustive); the tale of a (very real) man named Long John Schlong; St. Martin/St. Maarten the tropical island, and the time Al witnessed a boat burn down on New Years' Eve; people whose personalities are just RuPaul's Drag Race stereotypes; and Al Val's experience with bullying...2021-02-1747 minPodGis with Ava ValE003 - Fear and Loathing in Las AlgisIn this one, Al Val embraces their crappy state of mind and explores their own procrastination and self-loathing. But it's not all sad! Al also talks a lot of trans/genderbendy stuff, like "passing", male-pattern baldness, BREASTFORMS(!!) and trans dating apps. This one gets real personal.2021-01-2248 min