Shows
BTC Sessions4 CRITICAL Flaws in Cloud Services: Sovereign Computing with Matt Hill – Mentor Sessions Ep.001Are you trusting Big Tech with your data? In this premiere episode of Mentor Sessions, we sit down with Matt Hill, CEO of Start9, to uncover the hidden dangers of cloud computing. Matt breaks down The Four Critical Flaws and explains why the cloud is a ticking time bomb for your digital life. Discover how sovereign computing offers a way out, empowering you to reclaim control with self-hosted, privacy-focused solutions. From the convenience trap to the future of open-source tech, this conversation is a wake-up call for anyone online today.Handsome Host: Gary Lee Mahmoud - x.com/GaryLeeNYCSmart Ho...2025-03-121h 08
The Why Bitcoin Show#70 Gary Mahmoud - Bitcoin is for EveryoneBitcoiners aren’t necessarily known to be witty or charismatic, but my next guest Gary Mahmoud is! An actor who first bought bitcoin in 2013, Gary is a libertarian-inclined Bitcoin proponent who has spent the better part of a decade figuring out the best way to self-custody bitcoin.
When not exploring the world of Bitcoin, Gary is a working actor often playing doctors and lawyers on various New York based TV procedurals or playing silly dad types on a variety of commercials. Before pursuing a career in the entertainment business, Gary spent six years working in...2024-11-231h 12
My Worst AuditionMy Worst Audition, Episode 15 with guest Billy BeyrerActor/producer Billy Beyrer shares some stories from his UCB wrestling days (1:18) and shares the tale of the time he thought he blew an audition for Law & Order (12:07). Billy Beyrer is an actor/producer from Queens by way of Long Island who has performed up & down the east coast and appeared on several network & premium cable shows as well as regionally specific commercials throughout the years. He once got a WWE legend to do a show at UCB by beating him at rock/paper/scissors, has a tattoo of THE WORD on his body...2024-02-0526 minMy Worst AuditionMy Worst Audition, Episode 14 with guest Jeff AyarsActor/writer/director/producer Jeff Ayars (https://www.jeffayars.com/) brings a unique take this worst audition story because he actually turned his experience into a short film. Jeff even invited me to play the lead victim. Thanks Jeff! Jeff briefly touches on his first viral hit (and a personal favorite of mine), Canadian Sniper (2:25) before jumping into his worst audition story (4:28). I talk about my first time performing naked (11:57) and Jeff talks about getting close to doing the same. Jeff also shares how he got started as an actor and what his ideal career would be both from...2023-11-2932 minMy Worst AuditionMy Worst Audition, with guest Greg BurkeActor/director/producer Greg Burke briefly touches on his experience as the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup kid in those classic 1980s ads (4:15) before sharing his never-before-told story of quite possibly the rawest, cringiest audition story I have ever heard (5:25). He finishes up with some sincere most story catharsis (17:22), what "making it" as an actor would mean to him (24:15), what he'd be doing if he weren't in the entertainment biz (25:29), and Gary's idea for a Greg Burke TV series vehicle (26:34). Also, Mrs. Burke, please don't ever, ever listen to this episode. Greg Burke is an...2023-11-1636 minMy Worst AuditionMy Worst Audition, Episode 12 with guest Robert Anthony PetersActor, producer, and think tank fellow Robert Anthony Peters (@robert3names) reminisces about the time his mom acted as his reader for a rather risqué self-tape audition (5:40). He also recalls the time he had to go very out of character for a Tower Records commercial audition where the director later described him as "a heavy metal Peter Pan" (9:45). And, of course, he shares the ridiculous Murphy's Law audition/performance saga of the part he eventually booked in the 2015 Michael Fassbender movie Steve Jobs (12:07). Finally, we finish it off with a plug for Robert's award-winning film Tank Man, a story a...2023-11-0735 minMy Worst AuditionMy Worst Audition, Episode 11 with guest Paige Jennifer BarrActor/producer/casting director Paige Jennifer Barr (https://paigejenniferbarr.com/) shares her tale of a $20,000 cruise audition gone wrong (7:05). She also shares a couple of stories from the casting director perspective including the time she gave some clueless advice to an actor in a commercial audition that resulted in a not-so-happy call from the actor's agent (11:00).Paige Jennifer Barr is an accomplished actor, sketch performer, writer and casting director living in New York City. She has performed at The UCB theatre, The PIT, The Laugh Factory, and many others. She was a performing and wr...2023-11-0121 minMy Worst AuditionMy Worst Audition, Episode 10 with guest Jimmy PravasilisPlease forgive the rough audio (my fault) as actor/author/musician and motorcycle coach Jimmy Pravasilis (http://www.jamespravasilis.com/) joins me in my basement to talk about his new book "The Assholes Guide to Everyday Living" (4:50), his first stroke (5:15) and how it later impacted a a couple of rough auditions (7:45), how he got started in the entertainment biz originally as Danny Aiello's guitar player (14:08), his experience auditioning with scene partners and a particular story about one scene partner went completely off the rails in a commercial audition (21:20), and what he'd ultimately like to be doing as a performer (28:22...2023-10-2433 min
My Worst AuditionMy Worst Audition, Episode 9, with guest Shelly ShenoyActor/director/VO coach Shelly Shenoy (https://www.shellyshenoy.com/) talks about voiceover directing for Netflix, the BBC, and The History Channel (2:00). It was definitely aliens, by the way. She also talks about what inspired her to get into the acting biz (7:10). And finally she shares a delightfully cringey story about her first anime VO audition with only minimal knowledge of what "anime" is (10:02). And yes, it went exactly how you think it did. :)Shelly Shenoy has voiced major video game titles including: Minecraft, Batman, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead and Red Dead...2023-10-1724 minMy Worst AuditionMy Worst Audition, Episode 8 with guest Josh HymanActor/producer/comedian Josh Hyman (https://mrjoshhyman.com/) recalls the time he performed with Naughty By Nature in front of 40,000 people at Met Life Stadium (2:15), laughs with Gary about how they would always get called in to audition for the exact same roles (6:20), shares the story of full-on butchering Bon Jovi's "Blaze of Glory" for a Broadway audition (8:25) and then making an even bigger fool of himself when he attempted to dance at a Broadway dance call (11:39). He also talks about a rough stand-up audition for a comedy club (15:23) and the time he was asked to say n****r o...2023-10-1033 min
My Worst AuditionMy Worst Audition, Episode 7 with guests Travis Mitchell and David IngberActor/improviser Travis Mitchell (https://www.travistravistravis.com/) and writer/performer David Ingber (https://twitter.com/davidingber1) head out to my suburban NJ backyard deck to join me for a special in-person episode of My Worst Audition. Dave discovers very early in his acting journey that he has much more to offer on the other side of the camera (4:26). At the 8:47 mark, Gary brings up Dave’s great Boston accent and Dave obliges with a few lines. Travis and Gary attempt and fail to follow suit. Sometimes we "s*** the bed" in an audition but did you know it's also po...2023-10-0337 min
My Worst AuditionMy Worst Audition, Episode 6 with guest Ann Marie YooActor/musician/improviser Ann Marie Yoo (http://www.annmarieyoo.com/) shares the story of the time a casting director gave her quite possibly the worst mid-audition "adjustment" an actor could receive (3:19). And Gary shares the story of one of his cringiest ever audition experiences for a role that Ann Marie actually ended up booking (11:05). Note: In the interest of preserving this podcast, Gary's story has been partially edited. For the full tale of him being an idiot, you'll have to ask him in person.Ann Marie can be seen on East New York, That...2023-09-2627 min
My Worst AuditionMy Worst Audition, Episode 5 with guest Michele McNallyActor, improviser, and native New Yorker Michele McNally (https://www.michelemcnally.com/) shares the stories of: the absurdly misplaced confidence she brought to her first cattle call musical audition (5:20), the time she was caught without a prepared monologue for an indie film audition and thought she was being pretty clever by making one up on the spot... until she was asked to repeat it (13:10), and her Andy Kaufmanesque commitment to the bit during her audition for the interactive show "Sleep No More" (26:00).Michele can be seen in The Path on Hulu and Space Captain...2023-09-1935 min
My Worst AuditionMy Worst Audition, Episode 4 with Guest Craig GeraghtyActor/writer/comedian Craig Geraghty (https://craiggeraghty.com/) shares the stories of his "big" Sopranos audition (2:16), the time he accidentally scared the pants off some NYU students with an intense audition for the wrong student film (6:45), the time he came up with a Cajun accent on the spot that booked him a Popeye's Chicken commercial (9:53), and his experiences learning to play to his strengths as an improv comic to help overcome his problems with line memorization.Born and raised in Woodside, Queens, Craig got his start in the entertainment field doing stand up comedy...2023-09-1228 min
My Worst AuditionMy Worst Audition, Episode 3 with guest Andrew KimlerActor/writer/comedian Andrew Kimler - https://www.andrewkimler.com/ and https://twitter.com/AndyKimy - shares the gut punch story of the time he completely blanked in the middle of a Shakespeare monologue during an audition for a role he truly wanted (4:50). His story inspires Gary to share the time he accidentally skipped over two pages of important plot dialogue in the middle of a play and what he did to try to fix it (10:13). Andrew tells the gross story of how is wisdom teeth stitches popped out onto his scene partner right in the middle of a...2023-09-0626 min
My Worst AuditionMy Worst Audition, Episode 2 with Matt Van OrdenActor/writer/producer Matt Van Orden (Law & Order SVU, The Affair, The Listener) shares the cringey and stupidly funny story of his first major Broadway musical audition at New York's premier Broadway casting company (6:40). Book? What book? This story ends with the casting director kindly taking the time to give Matt some valuable audition advice. Gary also shares the audition lesson that a very prominent and kind casting director took the time to teach him when he made a mistake early on (14:28). Matt and Gary also chat hair loss (2:10) and Gary learns that he was supposed to be using...2023-08-2829 min
My Worst AuditionMy Worst Audition, Episode 1 with guest Rob KingActor/writer/producer Rob King joins us on our premier episode where he tells us about his first musical theater audition for In the Heights (5:53) and his first web series audition where he was asked to play a very different type of person than his natural corny self (11:53). And Gary tells the story of the audition 15 years ago that started him down the "My Worst Audition" road and lead to many fun (or cringey) auditions thereafter (20:04).Rob King is a veteran actor/writer/producer who has performed on Law & Order, Alternatino with Arturo Castro...2023-08-2528 min
Uber Savvy® Life & BizRecap Going Viral with 3 Million Views with Guest Gary Lee MahmoudIn this bonus recap with guest Gary Lee Mahmoud, he shares how he went from playing a real life white collar role in his years in Congress, to follow his dream to pursue an acting career in NYC. Then how an inspired video he produced went viral with over 3 million views to playing daddy duty and showing up when you can!Be sure to tune to this bonus recap with Gary! You'll feel inspired to create your own unique work, even if you're starting in a messy place, it's all good, you'll realize it's not about...2023-08-1115 minUber Savvy® Life & BizGuest Gary Lee Mahmoud Going Viral With 3 Million ViewsThis is our first special guest episode with Gary Lee Mahmoud, from playing a real life white collar role in his years in Congress, to reading a book that nudged him to jump in to his dream to pursue an acting career in NYC. Then going viral with over 3 million views on an inspired video he created with his production company, to playing daddy duty and showing up when you can!Be sure to tune to this jam packed episode with Gary! You'll feel inspired to create your own unique work, even if you're starting in...2023-08-1037 min
Legends of S.H.I.E.L.D.: A Marvel Studios TV & Film Fan Podcast"AKA Shark In The Bathtub, Monster In The Bed" S2E9 & "AKA Pork Chop" S2E10 Jessica Jones Review (A Marvel Fancast) LoS326The Legends Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Director SP and Agent Michelle discuss the Netflix series Jessica Jones season 2 episodes “AKA Shark In The Bathtub, Monster In The Bed” and “AKA Pork Chop.” The Agents debrief you on First Contact Day and Martian rover wheels, what Grade D meat is used for, the “breather” slower episode, if Pryce is competent, was Jessica shot or grazed, Trish abuse admission, why Trish really quit her radio show, the best MCU Netflix-Defenders series crossover ever, Jessica’s tough choice about Alisa, what the cost of Jeri’s life is, the gory prisoner nu...2020-04-0956 minLegends of S.H.I.E.L.D.: A Marvel Studios TV & Film Fan Podcast"AKA I Want Your Cray Cray" S2E7 & "AKA Ain't We Got Fun" S2E8 Jessica Jones Review (A Marvel Fancast) LoS325The Legends Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Director SP, Agent Lauren and Agent Michelle discuss the Netflix series Jessica Jones season 2 episodes “AKA I Want Your Cray Cray” and “AKA Ain’t We Got Fun.” The Agents debrief you on flashbacks including Trish Walker’s attempt to break out from Patsy child star status, Trish’s mom Dorothy is Kris Jenner, how Alisa disapproves of Jessica’s boyfriends, Alisa’s rage control issues, the origins of Alias Investigations and Jessica’s coat, Inez’ horrific first day on the job, how Netflix de-aged Trish and Jessica twelve years, Alisa’s wet Shawshank...2020-04-021h 37Legends of S.H.I.E.L.D.: A Marvel Studios TV & Film Fan Podcast"AKA The Octopus" S2E5 & "AKA Facetime" S2E6 Jessica Jones Review (A Marvel Fancast) LoS324The Legends Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Director SP, Agent Lauren and Agent Michelle discuss the Netflix series Jessica Jones season 2 episodes “AKA The Octopus” and “AKA Facetime.” The Agents debrief you on their Octopod Overlords, the “Monster’s” identity revealed, Griffin’s proposal results, Dorothy’s stage management skills, Detective Costa’s backstory, the Superhero wet phone rice bag trick, what a Tony Stark – Jessica Jones meeting would be like, a shirtless scene without a gaping oozing wound, what bettered toast has to do with a country club, Trish’s public display of withdrawal, the artwork behind Oscar, Jessica’s...2020-03-261h 10
Gary and Dad's Podcast: Stories from an Egyptian ImmigrantEpisode 13 - Gulags, Mass Executions, and Julia Louis-DreyfussDad won’t bend over for anything…except his granddaughter. Gary and Dad went to see the new movie “The Death of Stalin” written and directed by VEEP creator Armando Iannucci. Verdict? If you’re into VEEP… and gulags and mass executions, then this movie is for you! Also, if you're ever in Egypt and need help, just yell "Muhammad!" And finally, a big thank you to Gary Cooper for being such a popular movie star that Dad named me after him. It was that or Fareed. Seriously. Thank you, Mr. Cooper. 2018-04-1331 min
Gary and Dad's Podcast: Stories from an Egyptian ImmigrantGary and Dad Episode 12 - The CrownOn this day after Groundhog Day episode, Gary and Dad take a deep historical dive and discuss the Season 2 premier of the Netflix show The Crown. The episode centers around the British military intervention in Egypt after then Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalizes the Suez Canal. Dad offers Egyptian insight into the events of the time as he lived them. And despite knowing nothing about sports, he also correctly predicts the Super Bowl winner!2018-02-2336 min
Gary and Dad's Podcast: Stories from an Egyptian ImmigrantEpisode 11 - Marry ChristmasMuslim-raised, atheist dad talks about celebrating Christmas with young Gary. We also talk about Egyptian Christians and Voltron (because no Christmas would be complete without Voltron).2017-12-2526 min
Gary and Dad's Podcast: Stories from an Egyptian ImmigrantCall me Grandpa!Dad looks back on his first year as a grandfather. Much to dad's delight, his new granddaughter loves to read, finishes her food, and cleans up after herself. In other words, she does every thing Gary didn't. We also chat about the "Egyptian Jon Stewart," The Vietnam War, the Muslim Brotherhood, and how much dad hates beards (the facial hair, not fake wives for gay dudes).2017-12-1534 min
Gary and Dad's Podcast: Stories from an Egyptian ImmigrantEpisode 9 - Religious Fundamentalism in the Middle EastOn Father's Day, Gary and Dad sat down over some baklava to discuss the change in culture of Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries over the course of the 20th century through modern day. What was once a relatively relaxed liberal atmosphere in Dad's home country has become socially oppressive as religiously conservative values have spread out from Saudi Arabia and taken hold in many surrounding countries. We try to explore why. 2016-07-0146 min
Gary and Dad's Podcast: Stories from an Egyptian ImmigrantGary and Dad Episode 8 - First American Apartment and First CarDad discovers the enchanted American paradise of Staten Island. He uses a little bit of money and a whole lot of rope to MacGuyver a king size bed to try to be a Casanova with the ladies. And he happily gets his first car, rejecting all dealer suggested upgrades except one. You'll never guess why.2016-06-1533 min
Gary and Dad's Podcast: Stories from an Egyptian ImmigrantEpisode 7 - The College YearsDad shares some of his college year lessons including: Halva is best eaten alone, a new wristwatch isn't as exciting as it seems, there's no wrong way to have cake and tea, and "case" girls are shameless. Gary and Dad also spend a good 7 minutes trying to figure out if it's "albumin" or "albumen." Gary still doesn't know what either word means.2016-05-1223 min
Gary and Dad's Podcast: Stories from an Egyptian ImmigrantEpisode 6 - Dad Goes To JapanDad takes his first business trip to Japan in 1981 and has a surprise reunion with his family in Egypt on the way back. In between, he learns that you don't drain the tub, toilet seats are for tourists, and the Japanese government will pay you to literally push people.2016-04-1437 min
Gary and Dad's Podcast: Stories from an Egyptian ImmigrantEpisode 5 - Accents and TripsIn 1985, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger tells dad he can't understand his accent. Not much has changed since as his daily battles to phone in his prescription drugs demonstrate. Dad talks about a couple of vacations with Gary including his first trip to Disney when Uncle Rafaat had a brilliant plan to figure out where they parked the car. And nothing says warm memories like former U.S. President Richard Nixon.2016-04-0426 min
Gary and Dad's Podcast: Stories from an Egyptian ImmigrantEpisode 4 - The Cold WarAfter watching the Oscar nominated movie "Bridge of Spies," Gary asks dad about his memories of the Cold War - touching both on the history of the events and his perspective as an Egyptian. Dad recalls the two times the American military went on high nuclear alert - the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1961 and the Yom Kippur War 12 years later. Dad also teaches Gary how to pronounce "baklava."2016-03-2430 min
Gary and Dad's Podcast: Stories from an Egyptian ImmigrantEpisode 3 - Happy 80th Birthday, Dad!We celebrate dad's 80th birthday as he recalls some of his domestic and international travels, a little French history, and some of his problems with language, including on one occasion, demanding his "Jewish holidays."2016-03-0936 min
Gary and Dad's Podcast: Stories from an Egyptian ImmigrantEpisode 2 - Growing Up in EgyptDad recalls living through World War II, Egyptian "medicine," a brief detour in the army, and making sure to hide the knives before his first drink.2016-03-0336 min
Gary and Dad's Podcast: Stories from an Egyptian ImmigrantEpisode 1 - Dad comes to AmericaDad recalls Egyptian “democracy,” his trip to Germany to hang out on the Berlin Wall and “eat Christmas” and how he ultimately worked his way out of Egypt to come to America.2016-02-2333 min