Shows
Breaking Down Bits"Comedy Festivals" - Joe Machi, Cipha Sounds, & Ian Lara
The boys are back talking the yak yaks for season 7. It was a long hiatus but we finally kicked it off live at The Riot Comedy Festival in Houston, TX held March 23-26, 2023 with some of our festival headliners sharing what they think makes a great comedy festival.
The Riot Comedy Festival 2 has been announced and submissions are open until August 31st. Submit early and get extra discounts, no need to submit videos until later. It will be held April 4 – 7, 2024 in Houston, TX. https://riotcomedyfestival.com
In this episode:
Joe Machi https://joemachi.co...2023-05-0538 minBreaking Down Bits"Consistent Voice" - Katie Hannigan
The boys are joined by NYC comedian, actor, and writer Katie Hannigan. Coming off the release of her latest comedy album “Feeling of Emptiness”, Katie is building up her new material while exploring other passionates such as screen acting.
Her writing processes are inspiring including transcribing other comedians material she likes to figure out the writing, writing exercises before working on material, scanning past social media posts, and so many more great tips! Everything began to click for Katie once she was able to establish a consistent voice for all of her material. If you feel stuck in w...2022-09-2151 minBreaking Down Bits"Shorts" - Sarah Tollemache Returns!
No, we’re not debating wearing shorts on stage, we’re talking digital shorts… Are you making them? Are you struggling getting eyes on them? How can you level up? Have you considered submitting them to festivals? Sarah has been perfecting the craft of DIY production of her sketches and has recently found success with her digital short “Sleepover Mom” being accepted to the 2022 Just For Laughs “Eat My Shorts” film competition directed by none other than Breaking Down Bits own Drew Jordan!
We also talk building new standup material post special recording and post pandemic and talk about her...2022-07-2858 minBreaking Down Bits"Live a Life" - Adam English
Comedian and writer Alex English joins the guys to talk comedy! Alex has come a long way in the last decade in the game since being unknowingly signed us for an open mic to just be completing his first season of writing for Saturday Night Live! Admittedly he says he feels like had to start over in comedy as a new SNL writer but embraces the challenge and is optimistic about how he will grow while continuing his standup at the Comedy Cellar and clubs around New York and across the country.
Alex encourages you to visit...2022-07-2151 minBreaking Down Bits“Barking” – Adam Hunter
If you take away anything from Adam it is to grind it out and hustle. For five years he was barking at a club in New York in exchange for stage time. Then fought for each opportunity he got including three times getting passed on NBC’s Last Comic Standing but only making it on to the next round the third time when he stood up for himself.
He has always run his own room, even to this day running a room in LA and came up in an era alongside so many greats sharing stories and wi...2022-07-151h 06Breaking Down Bits"Don't Skip Any Steps" - David Gborie
So much great advice shared by David! Work Hard and don’t skip any steps! It’s a cumulative effect of all the progress of the work you put in. Some things that help, start a mic or a showcase where your comfortable and work out new jokes. Start a podcast and not necessarily a comedy podcast. If you like comedy and like getting better, work hard and don’t be in such a hurry the breaks will come!
Follow David: https://www.instagram.com/cool
guyjokes87/
Check out his podcast: All Fantasy Everyth...2022-06-0957 minBreaking Down Bits"Networking" - Kim Congdon
The guys are joined by LA comedian, writer, and actress Kimberly Congdon! Kim’s first two standup sets ever were both at the World Famous Comedy Store. She rolled the Pot Luck open mic spot into a spot on the new (at the time) Kill Tony Show where she became one of the first show regulars.
If we can learn anything from Kim, it is to network, even when it’s out of your comfort zone. She later made connections to that got her onto the Comedy Central Roast Battle, a writer for the Impractical Jokers, and so m...2022-05-2655 minBreaking Down Bits“Producing Shows ” – Kyle Kazanjian-Amory
Brian and Drew sit down with CEO and founder of “Don’t Tell Comedy” Kyle Kazanjian-Amory to dig into one thing… How to start and produce successful comedy shows. The boys exchange what they have learned over the years of running their comedy room “The Riot” in Houston with Kyle who has built a comedy empire runing shows in over 40 markets producing upwards of 20-30 comedy shows each weekend across the country plus dozens of high quality comedy specials.
Whether you are considering starting a show or taking your production to the next level, this is over an hour pack...2022-05-181h 15Breaking Down Bits"Taking Weird Opportunities" - Ahamed Weinberg
Brian and Drew talk the hahas with Ahamed Weinberg. Ahamed is a Los Angeles-based comedian from Philadelphia. He made his late night stand up debut on Late Night w/ Seth Meyers (NBC), is one of TimeOut LA’s Comics to Watch and Vulture’s 20 Comics to Watch and was awarded New Face at the 2016 Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal.
Interesting discussion on script writing and other creative comedy projects outside of standup. We talk about taking chances on stage and ways to get into the right headspace. Mining material and things to talk about on stage by t...2022-04-1356 minBreaking Down Bits“1000 Funny Things” – Mike Vecchione
Brian and Drew talk comedy with NYC comedian, writer, and actor Mike Vecchione! Weeks before recording his standup special produced by Nate Bargatze in Nashville we catch Mike as he tightens up his hour. He shares some lessons he has learned from his career journey including how to get booked for late night and other projects. He also opens up his writing strategy suggesting that over 1000 funny things happen to us each day and encourages us to capture those things and write about them.
We watch a clip from his most recent Tonight Show appearance and much...2022-03-3053 minBreaking Down Bits"Charmingly Naive" - Matt RifeBrian and Drew talk with LA actor, writer, and comedian Matt Rife. We get into the early days of his career, a non-conventional start at the age of 15 he has been a kid after what he wants, to be famous. He talks about it in the episode as if it is his destiny and […]2022-03-151h 04Breaking Down Bits"Write it Down" - Nick YoussefBrian and Drew talk with comedian, writer, and actor Nick Youssef about his journey starting out in LA and working his way up the Comedy Store ladder to being the last comedian to be passed by the iconic Mitzi Shore. He shares experiences like how taking an acting class lead to a connection to get […]2022-03-111h 08Breaking Down Bits"Greyhounds" - Raanan Hershberg“You don’t get to choose the comic you become” a great quote from Raanan on finding your voice. We cover the basics of starting out as a comic and some tips on how to improve as quickly as possible. He covers his years of hustling the clubs scene, working a day job, emailing bookers, and […]2022-02-041h 09Breaking Down Bits“Making it in America” – Steph TolevBrian and Drew visit with Canadian standup comedian Steph Tolev, now based in LA. We follow her journey from Toronto to LA and learn a few lessons along the way. We discuss running shows, hosting, working with bookers, writing on stage, and so much more. You’ll love Steph’s insights and her energy even more! We […]2022-01-1955 minBreaking Down Bits"Jokes From Your Past" - Caleb SynanBrian and Drew talk comedy with LA comedian Caleb Synan. Like most of us, writing during the shutdowns from the pandemic was difficult. Caleb talks about going deep into his past which opened up the discussion about mining for material from your past and upbringing. Bringing animation to your bits including eye movements, act outs, […]2021-12-0255 minBreaking Down Bits"Hosting" - Caitlin PeluffoBrian and Drew are joined by NYC comedian Caitlin Peluffo. She is SO FUN and discusses the importance of building your comedy networking to accelerate your career. Including details about submitting for festivals and strategies for getting the most out of attending festivals. We dive into some show hosting tips that are helpful, we listen […]2021-11-081h 12Breaking Down Bits"Transitions" - Geoff PlittBrian and Drew speak with LA director, writer, and standup comedian Geoff Plitt. This is a must listen for all comics! Geoff’s disciplined approach to writing and his commitment to growing his social media channels are inspiring and actionable. Geoff discusses is content creation strategy and shares some of his tips to grow your TikTok […]2021-10-2659 minBreaking Down Bits"Visual" - Francisco RamosHis success started with working the door at the World Famous Comedy Store in LA and got his first break as a voice actor in the animated hit Rio. Then passed at the comedy store and appearances on TV like Shameless and NBC’s Last Comic Standing. He cautions not to do anything you may regret […]2021-10-031h 15Breaking Down Bits"Farmer" Dustin NickersonGet into a routine like a farmer! Do your sets, record them, post clips, record your podcast and do it on a regular cadence. If you get fans you win! Focus on social media YouTube & TikTok because the algorithms put you in front of new people. Find ways to make your money outside the […]2021-09-1645 minBreaking Down Bits"Questions" Steven RogersBrian and Drew are joined by friend of the show, NYC comedian Steven Rogers. For years Steven has been on tour with the great Brian Regan and made his late night debut on the Colbert Show in 2019. He is working on releasing his album later in 2021. We have a great discussion with Steven […]2021-08-191h 13Breaking Down Bits"50 Bad Sets" Greg WarrenWhat an incredible discussion with Greg Warren! He cautions that even the best comics have to take a beating. You can count down your 50 bad sets to when you’re good is one of his many tips. Also morning pages, dealing with rejection, being seen in the room, quitting your day job, listen to your […]2021-08-1155 minBreaking Down Bits“Pandora’s Box” with Andy WoodhullBrian and Drew speak with Andy Woodhull, a nationally touring comedian and writer who has been featured on the Tonight Show, Dry Bar Comedy, Comedy Central, and James Corden. Andy shares so many tips and tricks including the free tools to help grow your following in Pandora. He talks about writing groups, late night show […]2021-07-2653 minBreaking Down BitsLiz Miele "Self Made"Liz took a non-traditional path to rise to her success. When her contemporaries were doing the normal path such as Just for Laughs and late night TV spots Liz was doing international tours and self producing her albums and saying yes to nearly everything because she knew that more exposure could lead to opening new […]2021-06-281h 12Breaking Down BitsJasmine Ellis - "TikTok"L.A. comedian, writer, and actress Jasmine Ellis, originally from Texas, joins Brian and Drew. We talk a lot of the top about social media strategies including TikTok as a platform to build your following. We also talk about performing in front of different audiences and changing your setups to be relatable but still sticking your […]2021-06-221h 07Breaking Down BitsGianmarco Soresi - "Phone a Friend"Brian and Drew are joined by NYC comedian, actor, and writer Gianmarco Soresi. Gianmarco opens up about how his journey as as standup comedian admitting he was initially just an actor playing a comedian running an hour for one his first sets, until he got serious about writing and getting stage time. Some his first […]2021-06-141h 11Breaking Down BitsJ.F. Harris "Exploration"Writer and comedian J.F. Harris shares his experiences as a comic who came up in Staten Island, NY now lives in LA and has been everywhere in between. So many great takeaways and recommended readings and other media for comics at any level. Some key takeaways is to make sure you ask for your opportunities, […]2021-06-031h 19Breaking Down BitsLouis Katz - "Empathy"Brian and Drew talk with NYC comedian Louis Katz. A passionate comedy writer we get into the details of writing and set development that can be helpful for standup comedians at all levels. Additionally we talk about writing teams, club etiquette, audience empathy, the importance of listening, and so much more. We watch a clip […]2021-05-231h 06Breaking Down BitsAristotle Georgeson - "Character"Such a valuable and timely topic for all standup comics – how to go viral on social media! Is there a character in your act that could possibly come to life online? That’s a route that has paid off big for Aristotle with his alter ego Blake Webber has amassed over 4 million followers and […]2021-05-1753 minBreaking Down BitsMatthew Broussard - "Mosaic"NYC actor, standup comedian, and talented sculptor of Pokémon figurines Matthew Broussard drops some knowledge on the show. Listen in to find out what a “Shit Big Mac” and an “Open Face Shit Sandwich” is for your open mic work. How building a set list is like making a mosaic. Why you should keep a […]2021-04-2058 minBreaking Down BitsJourdain Fisher - "Segues"NYC Comedian and writer Jourdain Fisher joins the show to share his rise through comedy starting at the age of 17 in North Carolina to performing on, and writing for, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Jourdain shares his early beginnings and eventual move to New York including the slow beginnings – once sleeping outside […]2021-04-141h 01Breaking Down BitsJerry Garcia - "Confidence"Brian and Drew talk with LA Comedian Jerry Garcia! Jerry has great takes on how to get ahead faster and gain a following in your first years of comedy. Jerry shares how he was able to make relationships with touring headliners to accelerate his growth as a comic. We listen to a set of his […]2021-04-0955 minBreaking Down BitsGraham Kay - "Grit"How much do you really want to make it in comedy? When a comic has to restart his career four times he must really want it. That was the case with Graham Kay. Kay had the grit to stick with it, eventually winning prestigious comedy contests and being seen on National TV. He first found […]2021-03-301h 02
Cover It All W/ JamalRahal#16 - Brian GendronBrian Gendron is a Comedian and Show runner from Houston, TX. He hosts a comedy writing podcast with fellow comic Drew Jordan (episode #5) called Breaking Down Bits and hosts the show The Riot at Rudyard's British Pub. Brian also runs a charity show called Haha For Hope, SAVE THE CHILLREN!!IG: @TheBrianGendron, @TheRiotHTXPODCAST: Breaking Down Bits SUPPORT JAMALRAHALTWITTER: https://twitter.com/jamalrahalINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jamalrahal1251/TIKTOK: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJfYyTar/SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4z48fxYNwITVnMVcIoTh9k?si=_nuIkixQTZSXFecK7qNF_QPODCAST: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Al2eAY5kGPQs8O1uaj4FE?si=qKA1v3D...2021-03-3059 minBreaking Down BitsEd Hill - "Candy & Smiley"Brian & Drew are joined by Taiwanese-Canadian Comedian Ed Hill. Ed recently released his debut comedy album this month “Candy & Smiley.” We discuss his unique choice of recording his comedy album in front of only six people due to the pandemic and listen to a few hilarious clips. Ed shares his unique and effective […]2021-03-221h 00Breaking Down BitsJenny Zigrino - "Festival Submissions"Actor and Standup comedian Jenny Zigrino joins the show and shares so much great advice for comics. We break down her killer Valentine’s Day set on CONAN, plus find out which celebrity she distains! Really excellent advice around submitting for comedy festivals shared by Jenny who has been on the selection side of the submissions.2021-03-1558 minBreaking Down BitsChris Turner - "Freestyling"We talk with British comedian and freestyle rapper, Chris Turner. Some of the highlights include some tips for working corporate gigs, discussion about arriving on stage, and the story of how his freestyles have him closing out shows across the country including the famous Comedy & Magic Club in LA and the Comedy Cellar in […]2021-03-081h 11Breaking Down BitsWillie Macc - "If that's true, then what else is true?"Brian and Drew are joined by LA actor, writer, standup comedian and all around creative person Willie Macc. We have a great conversation that ranges from projects to stay sane during the pandemic/lockdown, maximizing your first appearance on stage, leveling up your writing by asking the question “If that’s true, then what else is true?” […]2021-02-271h 20Breaking Down BitsAdrienne Iapalucci - "Baby Skeletons"Brian and Drew are joined by NYC standup comedian Adrienne Iapalucci. Discussion includes delivering dark material, the benefits of writing with other comics you trust, why having a managers isn’t always a good thing, plus much more! We break down some material from her new comedy album “Baby Skeletons.” Plus hear just how much of […]2021-02-191h 03Breaking Down BitsJessica Watkins "Special--ish"Brian and Drew are joined by Standup Comedian and Filmmaker, Jessica Watkins. The discussion with Jessica is inspiration for comedians to take on projects that can compliment your growth as a standup act. Her documentary “Special-ish” serves as a great example of a creative way to expand your name in the in comedy industry. They […]2021-02-0857 minBreaking Down BitsLooking back at Season 2 with Brian & Drew!Brian and Drew reflect on our interviews from season 2 from comedians Jeff Dye to Mark Normand. We talk about our key takeaways and how it has helped us grow as comics. We also take a look into Season 3 including a clip from Adrienne Iapalucci who joins us on our first episode. We discuss […]2021-01-1935 minBreaking Down BitsMark Normand - "Comedy"Comedy! Mark Normand joins the show and shares valuable insight for comics at any level including the early stages of podcasting, joke writing, trying out bits on stage, and much more! We break down a clip from his new special “Out to Lunch” Available now on YouTube and talk about his podcast “Tuesdays with Stories.” […]2020-12-201h 00Breaking Down BitsChristina Catherine Martinez - "Clowning"Wow! So much fun and such a unique prospective on comedy shared by LA art critic turned comedian, Christina Catherine Martinez. She shares some interesting influences in her comedic style including Philippe Gaulier’s clown philosophies that she was able to apply and reach new levels of vulnerability and honesty on stage. This episode takes a […]2020-12-131h 10Breaking Down BitsJay Jurden - "Autonomy & Anonymity"You will pick up quickly that Jay Jurden’s passion for standup comedy is infectious. He shares so many great insights that can benefit comics at all levels including topics such as act outs, comedy contests, prepping for big sets, naming your debut album, and much more. Stick around through the end to find out why […]2020-12-051h 11Breaking Down BitsJoyelle Nicole Johnson - "Hitting Beats"Catch our interview with comedian, actor, and writer Joyelle Nicole and find out what two pieces of advice Dave Chappelle gave her early in her career that helped her. We talk about how she was able to land some of her early breaks, writing standup, writing for television, and much more! We break down a […]2020-11-2858 minBreaking Down BitsIan Lara - "Always Bring It"Ian’s accent in comedy is inspirational for anyone new to comedy or for maybe has been in it for a while and hasn’t gotten any big breaks. By staying focused and being patient he was able to earn the respect of comics that were able to help him further his career including landing a spot […]2020-11-211h 05Breaking Down BitsJohn Caparulo - "Pippen > Jordan"Yes you read that right, Pippen is better than Jordan. Find out how that statement helped John find his first manager as he discusses what comedians should be looking for in their own manager. We also cover writing on stage, finding your voice, finding comedy from your most frustrating and uncomfortable experiences and so much […]2020-11-151h 01Breaking Down BitsTom Thakkar - "Graveyard Babies!"NYC comedian Tom Thakkar joins the show to share his experiences in the comedy business and we break down his 2019 Comedy Central Half Hour set.2020-11-071h 03Breaking Down BitsSean Patton - "Tangents"Such a fun interview right out the gate as Sean Patton, NYC comedian shares advice on industry including why comics don’t talk to you. What happens after you get a big break (hint: nothing) comparing Houston and New Orleans scenes, LA and New York scenes, and reminds us to ALWAYS RECORD AND LISTEN TO ALL […]2020-10-311h 06Breaking Down BitsSam Tallent - "Kill. Every. Night"Brian and Drew are joined by Sam Tallent standup comedian and road dog as we review the set that got him Just For Laughs New Faces and discuss his book “Running The Light.” So much great advice but it starts with killing every night for Sam! Join us for this fun interview.2020-10-241h 02Breaking Down BitsJeff Dye - "Making Fun"Why you should make a prank call right now. How MTV programming ended the Jackass era and sat on his show numbnuts, why Jeff passed on being being passed at the Comedy Store in the 2000’s, Why acting sucks and standup doesn’t, and so much more! This show is a lot of fun in fact […]2020-10-171h 20Breaking Down Bits"A Comedy Clip show" Looking back at Season 1 with Brian & Drew!Brian and Drew go back and examine important moments for comedians from all ten episodes from Season 1 including talks with Jon Reep, Ron G, Nore Davis, Sarah Tollemache, Sarah Tiana, Danny Palumbo, Rik Roberts, Scott Dikkers, Joel Byars, and ANdy Huggins. They also announce the first four guests for Season 2 and the Breaking […]2020-10-1344 minBreaking Down BitsJon Reep - "Working the Road"We talk about leveling-up in standup comedy by getting booked at clubs and working the road with the winner of NBC’s fifth season of Last Comic Standing. We then breakdown some material from his latest comedy special on Amazon Prime, “Ginger Beard Man.”2020-09-201h 06Breaking Down BitsRon G - "Clean Comedy"We discuss working clean on stage with one of the best out there at doing it. Working clean doesn’t mean you can’t talk about adult content, plus you keep the door open for way more opportunities in stand up, acting, and more. Ron has performed on AXS TV Presents: Gotham Comedy Live and HBO’s Insecure.Ron […]2020-09-141h 01Breaking Down BitsNore Davis - "Online Standup"Nore is a New York comedian who has released 4 comedy albums his most recent over Zoom in the middle the quarantine called “Live from the Comedy Trap House.” We discuss creating a Zoom comedy album and techniques for performing online standup successfully, how to advance your comedy career, writing on the shoulders of our […]2020-09-051h 03Breaking Down Bits"Getting Discovered" - Sarah TollemacheWe discuss how to grow as a standup comedian including the importance of social media, when to move to NY/LA, and break down Sarah’s set on Comedy Central at Adam Divine’s in Hawaii. A lot of great writing and performance tips, plus some inside baseball industry info that any comic can find helpful!2020-08-3053 minBreaking Down BitsSarah Tiana - "Roast Comedy"Interested in how to write Roast Comedy? So many great tips, stories, jokes, and strategies shared by Sarah from over decade of performing and writing Roast Comedy for Comedy Central. We break down the Comedy Central Roast Battle she had with WWE wrestler turned comedian Dolph Ziggler. Plus stick around until the end to see […]2020-08-2357 minBreaking Down BitsDanny Palumbo - "Vocal Variety"Danny shares some great tips in how to prepare for a set and how uses a lot of voice inflection in his delivery to enhance his stage presence and delivery. We watch some of his material that is featured on his new comedy album “Good Morning Mister” that releases on August 25 is currently available […]2020-08-1554 minBreaking Down BitsRik Roberts - "Storytelling"We talk comedy with 30-year veteran of headlining, Rik Roberts. We watch a clip from his DryBar Comedy special “Put Down the Sweet Tea” and cover so many different writing and performing techniques including using emotion, adding risk, using rhythm, and storytelling. Rik even gives us several exercises and writing prompts that we can use […]2020-08-0856 minBreaking Down BitsScott Dikkers - "11 Comedy Filters"Join us as we talk comedy with the founding editor of The Onion and New York Times best selling author. We discuss Scott’s eleven Funny Filters of comedy writing from his “How to Write Funny” series of books, podcast, and class using examples of each from articles published in the Onion. We also draw from […]2020-08-011h 00Breaking Down BitsJoel Byars - "Community"“It’s all about progress not perfection” Joel Byars knows comedy. In fact Joel is dubbed a “Big Bag of Comedy Knowledge” at one point in our discussion by Drew, and it’s no surprise why…. Joel has done hundreds of interviews with the BIGGEST names in comedy through his Hot Breath Podcast so him and his […]2020-07-2559 minBreaking Down BitsBreaking Down Bits - Andy Huggins "Character"“I write things that mean something to me… If there’s a truth to it emotionally then your character is going to shape itself.” Anyone passionate about stand-up won’t want to miss this episode, Andy is a wealth of comedy knowledge and his passion comes through on this interview. Hosts Brian and Drew watch Andy’s set […]2020-07-181h 06Breaking Down BitsShow AnnouncementBrian and Drew introduce themselves as hosts and explain how the show will run including announcing the first two guests!2020-07-1707 min