Shows
If This Is True with Chris HallJimmy Carrane!In this throwback, If This Is True would like to introduce you to Jimmy Carrane, the master of the art of slow comedy. Jimmy has worked and taught at the Second City, iO, and is a founding member of the Annoyance. He was also in the original cast of the Armando at iO! He has written two books, Improv Therapy, and Improvising Better: A Guide for the Working Improviser with Liz Allen. Jimmy also hosts the Improv Nerd podcast. He teaches the art of slow comedy nationwide. We talked about improvising better and being a working improviser. Give it a...
2023-07-2529 min
If This Is True with Chris HallJimmy CarraneIf This Is True would like to reintroduce you to Jimmy Carrane, the master of the art of slow comedy. Jimmy has worked and taught at the Second City, iO, and is a founding member of the Annoyance. He was also in the original cast of the Armando at iO! He has written two books, Improv Therapy, and Improvising Better: A Guide for the Working Improviser with Liz Allen. Jimmy also hosts the Improv Nerd podcast. He teaches the art of slow comedy nationwide. We talked about improvising better and being a working improviser. Give it a listen!...
2022-10-1429 min
Improv TouchstonesLegendary Performer and Host Jimmy Carrane on Truth and VulnerabilityProduced By: Improv CincinnatiSpecial Guest: Jimmy CarraneHosts: Brenden Davis, Colin ThorntonEditing: Brenden DavisIntro Theme and Bumper Music: Daniel ZimmerLogo and Artwork: Tone BransonSponsored By: Oozebear
2020-09-0742 min
Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneRic WalkerRic Walker has performed with Improvised Shakespeare Company for 15 years and is the director of Chicago cast. He is also a professor at Columbia College in Chicago, where he teaches improv, sketch and stand-up. Jimmy talks to him about Improvised Shakespeare, why emotions are our friend in our scene work, and his thoughts on improving diversity in improv.
2020-06-1851 min
Improv Comedy ConnectionJimmy CarraneThe Improv Comedy Connection kicks off Season 2 with Jimmy Carrane! Jimmy and Whit discuss what the early days of improv can teach us about the art form today, what the Art of Slow Comedy is all about, and how to grow in your career. Jimmy’s perspective on improv is an important one, given his many contributions to the art and his history going back to his time in iO, the Annoyance, his time with Jazz Freddy, work with Del Close, his podcast, Improv Nerd, his books (Improvising Better and Improv Therapy) and his award winning Art of Slow Co...
2020-06-141h 13
Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneSteven CastilloSteven Castillo is an Emmy-nominated writer for Saturday Night Live.
Jimmy talked to him about how improv helped his stand-up, auditioning for Saturday Night Live, and about some of his favorite sketches from the show like “Shrek“ and “Weezer.”
2020-06-0244 min
Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneJane MorrisJane Morris is an actor, improviser and director. She is the Johnny Appleseed of comedy clubs, having opened the Chicago Comedy Showcase and the Second City e.t.c. in Chicago and the Upfront Comedy and the Comedy Underground in Santa Monica, CA. She currently manages the Fanatic Salon in Culver City, CA. Jane has a reputation for doing incredible character work, both on stage and screen. Jimmy talks to her about how she physically uses "Yes And..." in developing her characters, why she loves running comedy clubs and why she doesn't believe in the level system when it comes...
2020-05-1946 min
Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneGeorge McAuliffe, The Improv GuruGeorge McAuliffe is the writer and star of the short film The Improv Guru, which is based on his popular Twitter account. Jimmy sits down and talks to him about his dark comedy, why it is so important for improvisers to make fun of themselves, what he hopes improviser get from the movie and advice about following your own path in improv. In the second half of the episode, Jimmy interviews George as his character, The Improv Guru, and they talk about throwing chairs at hecklers, creating Improvised Donny Brasco, and how the Rule of 86 will replace the Rule of...
2020-05-0555 min
Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneRich BakerRich Baker is an incredible improv teacher at Second City Hollywood, as well as an improviser and author of the book Improv Made Easy. He has performed with The Second City, iO-Chicago, and ComedySportz, and has toured the country with Mission Improvable. Jimmy talks to Rich about why you need to fail to get better, why an improviser's goal should be to always get better, and Rich shares a lot of great tips and exercises from Improv Made Easy to help you do great scene work.
2020-04-281h 03
Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneJoe LissJoe Liss is one of those improvisers whom Jimmy looked up to when he was coming up in the improv scene in Chicago back in the '80s. Jimmy says Joe is truly one of the funniest performers he has ever seen. His character work is incredible. Joe was in the National Touring Company, Etc. and Main Stage at Second City. We talk to him about how he creates his characters, why giving specifics in improv is so important and he how played a practical joke on Chris Farley.
2020-04-141h 01
Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneJay SukowJay Sukow is one of the best improvisers and teachers out there. He has taught at almost all of the Chicago intuitions and also served as the Artist Director at ICC Theater in Copenhagen. He now lives in Los Angeles and teaches and performs around the world. Jimmy caught up with him in Chicago at Green Shirt Studio to talk to him about why it's important to make positive choices in your scene work, why he uses anger in improv and how he is adapting his teaching as improv changes.
2019-07-221h 32
Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneBilly MerrittIn this latest episode of Improv Nerd, UCB's Billy Merritt talks about his new book, Pirate Robot Ninja; An Improv Fable, which he co-wrote with Will Hines. Jimmy talks to Billy about what it means to be a Pirate or a Robot in improv, the "four pillars" of doing a good improv scene, and what the "game of the scene" means to him.
2019-06-201h 26
Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneThe Crowd TheaterFinally a new episode! The Crowd Theater is great little comedy theater in Chicago that strives to support diversity, inclusion and affordability in the improv community. Jimmy sat down with the three founders —Blair Britt, Dillon Cassidy and Taylor Jones — last fall to talk about how they met and started the theater, how they carry out their mission and their delicious chicken wings.
2019-05-061h 00
Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneIke BarniholtzIke Barniholtz is the writer, director and star of the new dark comedy The Oath. Ike improvised in Chicago in the ‘90s at Second City, iO Chicago and The Annoyance. He was on MADtv for five seasons, and also starred on The Mindy Project. Jimmy sat down with him to talk about when he first started out in improv, how he got through the lean years in L.A. and why he decided to make his new film, The Oath.
2018-10-0826 min
Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneWhy is Chicago the Mecca of Improv?Jimmy is really proud to share with you this piece he did for Curious City on WBEZ, Chicago Public Radio, answering the question, "Why is Chicago the mecca of improv?" In this episode you will hear several people’s theories about why this is. Jimmy interviews old friends TJ Jagodowski, Susan Messing and Jonathan Pitts to get their input. This is a must-listen for any improv nerd, and Jimmy secretly hopes after you listen to this episode you move to Chicago.
2018-09-1016 min
Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneTj JagodowskiTJ Jagodowski is one of the finest improvisers and people you will know. He's half of the long-running show TJ and Dave. In this special episode that was originally recorded for Curious City at WBEZ in Chicago, Jimmy talks to TJ about why he thinks Chicago is still the mecca of improv, his definition of Yes, And... (which is not out of the text book), and why he has stayed in Chicago to improvise.
2018-08-0624 min
Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneJeff MichalskiJeff Michalski is an improv legend. He is a teacher, director, an improviser who was a founding member of Second City's ETC Theater back in the '80s and now teaches in Los Angeles. Jimmy sat down with Jeff to talk about what he learned working with Del, how he uses Meisner and view point techniques when he is teaching improv, and telling Stephen Colbert to start loving to bomb on stage.
2018-07-301h 24
Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneJimmy PenningtonJimmy Pennington is one of the Annoyance Theater's most popular improv teachers. He has performed in lots of shows there, including Co-ed Prison Sluts, and is currently in Fish Bowl on Thursday nights. We talked him about how to "get out of your head" when you are improvising, how to improvise from the character versus from the scene, and the importance of doing the projects you love.
2018-06-111h 15
Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneMark CzoskeMark Czoske is one of Chicago’s most respected improvisers and teachers. He currently teaches at The Second City Training Center in Chicago and has performed at The Improv Institute and in Flannigan’s Wake. Jimmy talks to him about the “hard truth and realism” in improv, how he develops his characters and how meditation has help him be more in the moment as a teacher and improviser.
2018-05-141h 25
Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneDan BakkedahlDan Bakkedahl is one of the stars of CBS's "Life In Pieces," and you also know him from VEEP. He is an alumni of the Second City and iO Chicago. Jimmy caught up with him while he was back in Chicago recently to talk to about why he's happy with the state of improv on TV and film, getting a compliment from Del Close, and why choosing not to play certain stereotypical characters makes him a better improviser.
2018-04-231h 03Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneSam WassonSam Wasson is the author of the new book, Improv Nation: How We Made A Great American Art. Jimmy talks to Sam about the history of improv, from beginning of improv with The Compass Players to Del Close and The Harold, Bill Murray, the Chicago improv scene in the '90s and more. If you want to know more about improv's history, don't miss this episode.
2017-12-2256 min
Scratch Your Own Itch | With Logan Tyler NelsonSYOI 19: Jimmy Carrane | Truth In Comedy/ The Shame Games Most Valuable PlayerAbout The Guest In the push and pull of everyday life, and the endless choices we have as creative entrepreneurs, artists and comics. It’s tempting to lose sight of your call, and your reason for living. Today's guest will share his story of listening and staying true to his call with Improv comedy. He has a habit of guilting himself, shaming himself and even comparing himself to his colleagues. I’m here with Jimmy Carrane. Jimmy is an Impovisor. He is the host of The Improv Nerd podcast. ...
2017-12-011h 36
Scratch Your Own Itch | With Logan Tyler NelsonSYOI 19: Jimmy Carrane | Truth In Comedy/ The Shame Games Most Valuable PlayerAbout The Guest In the push and pull of everyday life, and the endless choices we have as creative entrepreneurs, artists and comics. It’s tempting to lose sight of your call, and your reason for living. Today's guest will share his story of listening and staying true to his call with Improv comedy. He has a habit of guilting himself, shaming himself and even comparing himself to his colleagues. I’m here with Jimmy Carrane. Jimmy is an Impovisor. He is the host of The Improv Nerd podcast. ...
2017-12-011h 36Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneNick ArmstrongNick Armstong is the founder of Improv Utopia and the artistic director of West Side Comedy Theater in Los Angeles. He performs with King Ten, the longest-running Harold team in LA, at iO West. Jimmy talks to him about why you should have an improv coach, he gives Jimmy an exercise to learn how to be silly and he shares what it's really like to be an artistic director.
2017-08-2858 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy Carrane3PeatIn this live show, Jimmy sits down with four members of Chicago's best improv group: 3Peat. Nnamdi Ngwe, Patrick Rowland, John Thibodeaux, and Dewayne Perkins. Jimmy talks to this all-black ensemble about diversity in improv, their style of play and how they came up with their name.
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2017-07-241h 04
The Improv TeachersEpisode 37: Jimmy CarraneIt's Tuesday and... Jimmy Carrane is our guest!
Jimmy Carrane was not raised by wolves. He did, however, grow up in a house where he wasn’t encouraged to express himself. This is very similar to being raised by wolves except wolves always get to be wolves. Except when they’re in sheep’s clothing. The good news is, Jimmy’s early years as a non-wolf in non-expressive clothing changed in 1986 when a chubby, insecure, 19-year-old Jimmy drove his parent’s Buick Station wagon to Chicago.
In Chicago, he didn’t find wolves. (Frankly, he was done with the wolf metaphors...
2017-07-1100 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneThe World According to JimmyIn this special bonus episode, "The World According to Jimmy," Jimmy sits down with his producer, Dan Schiffmacher, and answers questions about improv, career and life submitted by our listeners and some of Jimmy's students.
2017-07-1043 min
Improv InterviewsIMPROV INTERVIEWS: JIMMY CARRANEImprov master teacher Jimmy Carrane shares his history in improv and working with some of the great teachers in this art form. His students come from around the globe as his teaching style allows students to become authentic, in improv and life.
2017-06-1346 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneAlison RileyAlison Riley is the producer of Second City, where she has worked for 30 years. She is one of the people responsible for casting. Jimmy sat down with her to talk about what Second City is looking for when they are hiring actors, how things have changed during her time there, and what Stephen Colbert was like when he worked in the box office.
2017-05-2955 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneRachel DratchRachel Dratch is best known for her seven seasons on SNL. She recently returned to Chicago for the Chicago Improv Festival, where she recorded this live episode of Improv Nerd on the Second City Main Stage. Jimmy talks to her about how she built her confidence as an improviser, how the slow times in her career have turned into great projects, and of course, SNL.
2017-04-1759 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneJaime MoyerJaime Moyer is an improviser, teacher and actor. You have seen her in such shows as Modern Family and Parks and Recreation. She was originally a member of Second City Detroit before moving to LA in 2009. In this live episode recorded at The Chicago Improv Festival, Jimmy talks to her about how she auditioned for Second City for a parking pass, how she avoids being pigeonholed in improv, and how she decides what projects to take on.
2017-04-0355 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneShantira JacksonShantira Jackson is a cast member of the current Second City Mainstage, and she also performs with Chicago's hottest improv group, 3Peat, at iO Chicago. Jimmy sits down and talks to her about leaving journalism for comedy, what she is trying to get across to the audience when she's performing, and her incredible work ethic.
2017-03-2057 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneWill HinesWill Hines has taught and performed improv at UCB NY and LA since 2000. He is the author of the new book How To Be The Greatest Improviser On Earth. Jimmy talks to him about the importance of bringing your real self to improv, how to become brave on stage, and living through the improv rut.
2017-03-061h 18Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneBob KulhanBob Kulhan is the author of the new book "Getting to Yes And: The Art of Business Improv." He is an incredible improviser and teacher who was a core faculty member at The Second City Training Center in Chicago and co-founder of the uber musical group Baby Wants Candy. Jimmy talks to him about how he was influenced by improv teacher Martin DeMaat, the early years of musical improv, and how he fell into teaching improv for business.
2017-02-201h 13Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneColin MochrieColin Mochrie is best known as a regular on both the American and British versions of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, which has inspired an entire generation of improvisers. In this episode, Colin sits down with Jimmy at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, IL, and talks about starting out in Theatresports in Canada, how he dealt with the censors on Whose Line and what he really feels about all the bald jokes.
2017-01-3043 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneBrad SherwoodBrad Sherwood is a regular on Whose Line Is It Anyway? He was also on the British version of Whose Line for three seasons and has tons of TV credits including many appearances on The Tonight Show and hosting The Dating Game. Jimmy caught up with Brad before his two-person improv show with Colin Mochrie at The Genesse Theater in Waukegan, IL, and talked to Brad about confidence as improviser, being on Whose Line and a time he bombed doing improv.
2017-01-2344 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneSam BennettSam Bennett is the author of the new book Start Right Where You Are, about how little changes can make a big difference in achieving our goals. She's also an actor who has performed and taught at The Second City in Chicago. Jimmy talks to her about ways improvisers can get unblocked, the importance of self care, and how to deal with the fear of success.
2017-01-161h 07Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneJonathan PittsJonathan Pitts is the executive director of the Chicago Improv Festival, which he founded 20 years ago. In this interview, Jimmy gets an Improv Nerd exclusive -- Jonathan tells Jimmy what he's going to do after this year's festival -- and they talk about how Chicago has been able to stay relevant as an improv mecca and Jonathan's experience working with David Shepherd.
2017-01-0956 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneYear in Review 2016Jimmy sits down with producer Dan Schiffmacher and director Sam Bowers to pick their favorite moments of the year and give you behind the scenes stories. Plus Dan and Sam give you their favorite "Jimmy moment" of 2016.
2016-12-261h 08Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneRon WestRon West is an actor, writer and director. A longtime director at The Second City in Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland and LA, Ron also worked as a consultant on "Whose Line is It Anyway?" and has had numerous TV and film credits, including on "Third Rock from the Sun." Jimmy talks to him about how he uses improv to help in writing, what he learned from Bernie Sahlins and why "Whose Line" works on TV.
2016-12-1944 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneScott AdsitScott Adsit played Pete on NBC's "30 Rock" for seven seasons and is an alumni of The Second City, where he was part of the ground-breaking show "Pinata Full of Bees." In this episode, which celebrated Improv Nerd's 5-year anniversary and was recorded at The Chicago Podcast Festival, Scott talks about meeting Paul McCartney, why he still loves to improvise and what Jimmy was like when they both started taking improv classes at Columbia College in Chicago.
2016-11-2848 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneJane LynchJane Lynch is best known as Sue Sylvester on Glee and for her work with Christopher Guest in Best in Show and A Mighty Wind. She got her start in comedy at The Annoyance Theater and Second City. Jimmy sits down with her to talk about how she started out in Chicago in the '90s, how she prepares for an improvised movie and what it was like to win an Emmy.
2016-11-211h 07Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneRyan ArchibaldRyan Archibald is an improviser, teacher and director. He has performed with The Second City touring company and on a resident stage in Las Vegas. He is a member of 3033 and was part of the group People of Earth at iO Chicago. Jimmy talks to him about the three things he likes to start his scenes with, how he gets over bitterness, and how letting go of goals helps him to enjoy the journey.
2016-11-141h 01Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneJon GlaserJon Glaser is a writer, actor and producer whose new show, Jon Loves Gear, premiers on TruTV on Oct. 26. He has written for Conan and Inside Amy Schummer and has acted in Trainwreck, Girls, and Parks and Recrecatation. Jimmy talks to him about starting out in improv in the '90s, his approach to comedy and why he drinks apple cider vinegar.
2016-10-2454 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneLaura KrafftLaura Krafft is a comedic writer and actress, an iO Chicago and Second City alum and former staff writer for the Colbert Report. Jimmy talks to her about how improv helps her write for television, how she seems to find herself in the right place at the right time, and lessons she's learned from her dad.
2016-10-171h 14Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneAbby McEnanyAbby McEnany was recently voted Improviser of The Year at iO Chicago, where she improvises regularly with Virgin Daiquiri. She is also a member of Sirens, performs with The Improv All-Stars at Second City and is known for her one-person shows. Abby talks to Jimmy about how a private person can do a revealing one-person show, why she didn't think she would get Improviser of The Year, and the importance of having a strong voice in improv.
2016-10-101h 05Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneRashida OlayiwolaRashida Olayiwola is a Chicago native who has performed at iO Chicago, The Annoyance and Second City. She was also the recipient of the NBC Universal Bob Curry Fellowship at Second City, and she recently left for LA to be part of the CBS Diversity Showcase and workshop. Jimmy talks to her about how she creates such belivable characters, why mentoring and being mentored is important to her success, and what it was like to be the only African-American woman in an all-white cast.
2016-10-031h 11
There It Is PodcastNo. 19 - Jimmy Carrane Talks Improv, Podcasting, and ChicagoIn today's episode, Jason and Jimmy talk about podcasting, coaching, and how to capitalize on a trip to New York in this insightful, fun, and encouraging chat. It's a good listen for improv instructors and coaches as Jimmy really delves into what one can do to make the most out of leading a group. The trick is in letting them lead you.
As with many things in life, the improv fundamental of agreement always helps. Listen as Jimmy exemplifies that in this rich chat with Jason.
For more on Jimmy, what he's doing, and how you can be instructed by...
2016-09-2756 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneMicah PhilbrookMicah Philbrook is one of Chicago's most thoughtful and invovative improvisers and teachers.
He teaches at The Second City Training Center, he's a founder of pH Productions, and he performs with Tim and Micah Project. Jimmy sat down with him to talk about joining a cult-like improv group when he first came to Chicago, the importance of hanging out in the improv community and what he likes about improv.
2016-09-261h 00Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneStacey SmithStacey Smith is the founder of the Chicago Musical Improv Festival, as well as an amazing improviser and teacher. Jimmy talk to her at this year's festival at iO Chicago about how the hard times starting out in improv in Chicago, what she loves about doing musical improv and how she's able to do so many projects.
2016-09-191h 02Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneTj MillerTJ Miller, a hilarious stand-up and star of HBO's Silicon Valley, sits down with Jimmy at The Annoyance Theater in Chicago to talk about why physicality is important in comedy, how he developed his great work ethic and his unique approach to acting and auditioning.
2016-09-121h 00Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneMarty DeRosaMarty DeRosa is a comedian who is considered the king of Chicago crowd work, using a lot improvisation in his stand-up act. He is a founding member of Comedians You Should Know and he co-host the hilarious podcasts Marty & Sarah Love Wrestling, and Wrestling with Depression. Jimmy talks to him about experiencing the death of one of his siblings and a parent at a young age, his dad, and how he uses improv in his stand-up.
2016-08-291h 28Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneJeff QuintanaJeff Quintana is the Artistic Director and co-founder of The Villain Theater in Miami. He is a respected teacher and improviser who has studied in New York and Chicago. In this episode that was recorded live at The Villain Theater, Jimmy talks to Jeff about his dream of opening up an improv theater, being homeless in New York, and how to create a character immediately at the top of an improv scene.
2016-08-231h 21Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneJoe BillJoe Bill is an international improv teacher and performer. He is a co-founder of the Annoyance Theater and tours with Mark Sutton in Bassprov. He has taught at Second City, The Annoyance and iO Chicago and continues to teach around the world. Jimmy sat down with him in this live episode to talk about The Annoyance, the day he quit stand-up, and his unique psychological approach to improv.
2016-08-151h 07Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneMike BirbigliaMike Birbiglia is the writer, director and star of his latest independent film, "Don't Think Twice," about a popular New York improv group where one of the member gets his big break. Jimmy talks to Mike about some of themes in his film, like jealousy, self-sabotage and fame. Also, Mike talks about falling in love with improv and why it's so important for him to create his your own projects.
2016-07-1851 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarranePeter GroszPeter Grosz is best known as one of the two guys in the Sonic commercials, but he has also written for The Colbert Report and Late Night with Seth Meyers. He has performed at The Second City etc., the UCB, Boom Chicago, and iO Chicago. Jimmy talks to him about why he still loves improvising, getting hired to write for Colbert and why he likes to play the unlikable Sidney Purcell in HBO's VEEP.
2016-07-111h 11Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneKelsie HuffKelsie Huff is one of Chicago's hottest comedians. She has studied at iO Chicago and Second City and she teaches the popular Feminine Comique, which is a stand-up class geared towards woman. Jimmy talked her at this year's Chicago Women's Funny Festival about how she uses improv in her stand-up, how to make the transition from storytelling to stand-up, and how she has been able to transform pain into comedy.
2016-07-041h 03Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneJason WinerJason Winer is a director, an Emmy-award wining producer, and writer. He has directed and produced such hit sitcoms at Modern Family, Life in Pieces and The Crazy Ones. Jason studied at iO Chicago back in the late '90s and was part of the team The Tribe. Jimmy talked to him about learning to improvise at young age thanks to his supportive parents, his initial reaction to Modern Family, and he how he works with actors.
2016-06-271h 04Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneNia VardalosNia Vardalos is an actress, screenwriter and director, best known for her critically acclaimed films My Big Fat Greek Wedding I and II. Jimmy talks to her about how she went from working in the box office at Second City to getting hired as actor, using improv to write her screenplays and the importance of following your heart.
2016-06-2035 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneTara Defrancisco & Rance RizzuttoTara DeFrancisco and Rance Rizzutto are masters of musical improv, touring around the world doing their critically acclaimed two-person musical improvisation show: HERE. Jimmy sat down with the recently married couple and talked them about how they first met, the power of musical improv, and why they like to make their audience cry as well as laugh.
2016-06-131h 06Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneEd FurmanEd Furman is a writer, actor and improviser who has performed in three Second City revues and co-written Chicago's longest running musical Co-ed Prison Sluts at The Annoyance Theater. He's also written a sketch project for NBC, two children's plays and a best selling book. Jimmy sat down with Ed and talked to him about starting out at the Annoyance, how he developed his unique comedic voice and not worrying about getting the laughs when he improvises.
2016-06-0658 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneMiles StrothMiles Stroth is the founder of the Pack Theater in Los Angeles. He is also an incredible improviser, teacher and director who was part of the legendary improv group The Family at iO Chicago in the '90s. Jimmy talked to him at his theater in Los Angeles about being a hit by car, what he's learned from other improvisers that makes him so good, and how the UCB Cagematch changed how he improvises.
2016-05-301h 01Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneHello From The Magic TavernHello from the Magic Tavern is a fully improvised comedy podcast that's exploding in popularity. In this episode, Jimmy sits down with creators Arnie Niekamp, Adal Rifai and Matt Young at the Chicago Improv Festival to talk to them about how they all met, how they developed great chemistry, and how they go about creating their magic world.
2016-05-2344 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneKevin NealonKevin Nealon was on Saturday Night Live for nine seasons, and was best known for his characters Mr. Subliminal, Hanz and Franz with Dana Carvey and being the host of Weekend Update. Jimmy talks him about why he didn't think he'd ever get hired by SNL, how having a full life is helpful in a career in comedy, and the importance of being original.
2016-05-1629 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarranePete GardnerPete Gardner plays Darryl Whitefeather on the hit CW sitcom My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Jimmy sat down and talked with him about why he moved to Chicago in the '90s to study improv, the importance of taking acting classes even when you are on hit sitcom, and his relationship with his father.
2016-05-091h 11Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneKate FlanneryKate Flannery is best known for playing Meredith on the NBC series "The Office." She is also part of the comedy lounge act The Lampshades and was a member of Second City Touring Company and The Annoyance Theater in Chicago. Jimmy talked to her about what is like to be on a hit sitcom, her days in Chicago and why she still keeps a costume change in her car.
2016-05-0256 min
The Movie Showcast"Improv Nerds!!" (w/Jimmy Carrane) - "Everybody Wants Some"
Ep.144: Everything is staying out of the way of "Batman v. Superman", so The Movie Guys preview one limited release film, "Everybody Wants Some", then they make up a few. Plus, a round of "in theaters now...still" and guest Jimmy Carrane of the Improv Nerd podcast sits in the whole show for some in-depth talk about improv and movies.
The Movie Guys are Paul Preston, Karen Volpe, Adam Witt & Bart Kias
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2016-03-311h 26Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneYear in Review 2015Join Jimmy and his trusted staff -- Producer Dan Schiffmacher, Director Sam Bowers and Head of the Interns Lauren Carrane -- as they sit down to discuss their favorite episodes of Improv Nerd from the past year.
2015-12-2944 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneLance BarberLance Barber is best known for his role as Pauli G on the short-lived TV sitcom The Comeback on HBO, as well as Jimmy Speckerman in The Big Bang Theory. He studied at The Second City and iO-Chicago where he worked with the legendary Del Close. Jimmy sat down with Lance to talk about what he learned from Del, turning down Second City to move to LA and playing Pauli G.
2015-09-211h 05Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneScott MoreheadIn this latest episode of Improv Nerd, Jimmy talks to Scott Morehead of the Second City e.t.c. cast and the Late '90s at iO Chicago. Jimmy talks to him about his journey to a resident company at Second City, asking for what you want and becoming a dad.
2015-07-201h 06Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneRob Belushi & Jon BarinholtzRob Belushi and Jon Barinholtz are in the duo group Sheldon and the perform improv around the country. Jimmy caught up with them at this year's Chicago Improv Festival, where they talked about their brotherly relationship and how they use it on stage,
who they named their show after, and they set Jimmy straight on the whole topic of fame and coming from famous families.
2015-05-251h 29Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneYear in Review- The Most Memorable Moments of 2014In this episode, Jimmy brings in a whole bunch of the Improv Nerd team to discuss their favorite moments from 2014. Listen as some of the behind-the-scenes folks talk about exciting times, embarrassing encounters, and what they really think about your host Jimmy Carrane.
2014-12-281h 01Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneStephanie McCullough VlcekStephanie McCullough, musical improv virtuoso, has been the piano player for Music Improv since 1997, on the Second City faculty (music director, teacher, and composer) since 2002, and is the founder of MCL (Musical Comedy Live) in Chicago. Stephanie talked about her mother's depression, her interactions with Wayne Brady, and helped Jimmy overcome his fear/judgement of musical improv. If you don't wanna miss Jimmy's singing voice, don't miss this episode!
2014-11-241h 12Improv Nerd With Jimmy Carrane100th episode! - Brian McCannJimmy celebrates his 100th episode! For the big occasion, Jimmy interviews Brian McCann, the Emmy-winning writer for Late Night with Conan O'Brien. He is now creating his own show, The Brian McCann Leasure Hour. The former roommates talk about Brian's path from cartooning to improv to stand-up to sketch, his relationship with Conan O'Brien and getting back into improv. It's an episode filled with lots of laughs, great stories, and thoughtful advice for improvisers.
2014-09-011h 18Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneTravis PloegerDuring a trip to our nation's capitol, Jimmy sat down with Travis Ploeger, former longtime member of New York's renowned Chicago City Limits and current founder of iMusical in Washington, D.C. Travis talked about his approach to musical improv and Jimmy faced his fear of and small bias against musical improv. It's an episode you don't want to miss!
2014-08-261h 13Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneJimmy CarraneThis is the episode of Improv Nerd you've been demanding! Improv legend Susan Messing turns the tables and interviews Jimmy Carrane. Susan pulls no punches and asks Jimmy about his aggressive interview style, the roadblocks to his own happiness, and what the deal is with his Facebook page. Listen in as Susan gets inside the complicated mind of Jimmy Carrane like only she can. Thanks for listening!
2014-05-121h 08
Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneJimmy CarraneThis is the episode of Improv Nerd you've been demanding! Improv legend Susan Messing turns the tables and interviews Jimmy Carrane. Susan pulls no punches and asks Jimmy about his aggressive interview style, the roadblocks to his own happiness, and what the deal is with his Facebook page. Listen in as Susan gets inside the complicated mind of Jimmy Carrane like only she can. Thanks for listening!
2014-05-121h 09Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneThe ReckoningThe Reckoning are one iO Chicago's most legendary Harold teams. In this episode, Charlie McCrackin, Beau Golwitzer, Jake Schneider and Eddie Pina join Jimmy and discuss the secrets of their success and evolution as artists. Then Jimmy joins them for a bit of Reckoning style improv. Don't miss it!
2014-05-051h 14Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneBarry HiteBarry Hite is one of the creators of the popular "I'm A Fan" webseries of NFL fan videos on The Second City Network, performed with the legendary Bullet Lounge at iO Chicago, and is a revered improv teacher. In this episode, he sits down with Jimmy to discuss how he has learned to keep his career fun, learning from Tiina Fey, and why Jimmy should stop using Facebook. Please enjoy!
2014-04-151h 06Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneMichael PalascakMichael Palascak is a stand-up comedian who has made multiple television appearances including performances on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Comedy Central's The Half Hour. Michael is also a Chicago trained improviser who still performs in the city. Michael took a break from his busy schedule to sit down with Jimmy to discuss touring with Jimmy Fallon, his stand-up persona and becoming a better actor. Don't miss this episode.
2014-01-171h 00Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneYear In Review - The Most Memorable Moments of 2013In this year-end episode, Jimmy, Producer Ben Capraro, and Head of Interns Lauren Carrane sit down to discuss their favorite moments of the show in 2013. Listen in as we review moments with Rossy Bryant, Matt Besser, Andy St. Clair, Chris Witaske, John Hartman, Frank Caeti, Edgar Blackmon, Brian Holden and Brett Lyons. We also debut a new segment - Lauren Carrane, Starfucker! Please enjoy and Happy New Year!
2013-12-311h 04Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneTom PurcellTom Purcell is the executive producer of The Colbert Report and hebegan his career as a Chicago improviser. Tom sits down with Jimmy and discusses how he developed his love for comedy at a young age, his collaboration with Stephen Colbert, and his tips for aspiring writers who are submitting to shows. Jimmy also shares his experience working with Stephen. If you aspire to write for TV, listen in!
2013-12-1059 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneChris WitaskeThe Second City's Chris Witaske joins Jimmy for a frank discussion about auditioning for SNL, having drinks with Lorne Michaels, and working for the The Second City. In this episode, Jimmy also wishes farewell to a friend and improv legend, the great Jay Leggett. Thanks for listening!
2013-11-291h 06Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneJohn HartmanJohn Hartman was just cast as a member of the ensemble for The Second City Chicago's upcoming 102nd Revue (Jimmy predicted this would happen at the end of this episode!). John has also performed in Chicago in shows including Baby Wants Candy and The Improvised Shakespeare Company. John opens up to Jimmy about overcoming loneliness and keeping a positive perspective as a performer. Listen in for a preview before John hits the main stage at Second City in January.
2013-11-211h 12Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneBeerSharkMiceNeil Flynn, Pat Finn, Paul Vaillancourt, Pete Hulne, and Mike Coleman are members of legendary improv group BeerSharkMice (member David Koechner was away shooting Anchorman 2). They sat down with Jimmy at iO West to discuss the BeerkSharkMice form, improvising in Chicago and LA, and working with Chris Farley. Then Jimmy sits in with BeerSharkMice for a really fun improv set.
2013-09-091h 05Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneAndy MiaraThe Onion's Andy Miara sits down with Jimmy to discuss his time interning at SNL, touring for Second City with future SNL featured player Tim Robinson, and creating sketches for The Onion News Network. Then Jimmy picks a sketch written by audience members to be workshopped by Andy. Don't miss this great episode.
2013-06-171h 08Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneEdgar BlackmonEdgar Blackmon, star of The Second City Chicago's main stage, joins Jimmy for a lively discussion of race and comedy, overcoming personal tragedies, and why an actor can shit on someone's face as long as it's funny. Then Edgar joins Jimmy for some very therapeutic improv.
2013-06-0356 min
A.D.D. Comedy with Dave RazowskyJimmy Carrane
On today’s episode Dave interviews Actor Jimmy Carrane. Jimmy’s the host of Improv Nerd and the co-author of Improvising Better: The Guide to the Working Improviser.
A.D.D. Comedy welcomes Jimmy Carrane!
2013-03-251h 03Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneMatt BesserMatt Besser, a founding member of the Upright Citizens Brigade, hosts Jimmy at the UCB Theater LA. Matt bears all for Jimmy, discussing his time in Chicago, the founding of UCB, the recent controversy over paying performers, and even a relationship that was previously unknown to the audience. Matt could not have been a better guest. Improv lovers should NOT miss this episode.
2013-03-141h 27
Improv Obsession - Conversations About Improvising Better39: Jimmy CarraneJimmy Carrane, aka The Improv Nerd is on the show today! If you’re a Chicago person, you’ll know Jimmy from his many Art of Slow comedy classes. Or if you’re outside of that area you may know him as part of the legendary team Jazz Freddy and his book, Improvising Better: A Guide for the Working Improviser. OR, if you’re a podcast lover or ever check the related podcasts in iTunes next to Improv Obsession, you may know Improv Nerd. Anyway, Jimmy and I talk a bit about slow play. Jimmy also tries to convince me to get d...
2013-03-101h 36Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneSteve WaltienSteve Waltien from The Second City mainstage joins Jimmy for a frank conversation about overcoming anxiety, how the death of his father informed his work, and the shelf life of a good shirt. Then, Steve and Jimmy find themselves in a bunker with ominous consequences.
2013-01-2157 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneTim BaltzTim Baltz sits down with Jimmy and describes the evolution of his sense of humor, growing up in a multicultural home, and learning to be comfortable with self confidence. Then Tim and Jimmy perform a wonderful set of scenes that demonstrate why Tim is one of Chicago's most beloved improvisers. Listen in!
2013-01-041h 03Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneTim BaltzTim Baltz sits down with Jimmy and describes the evolution of his sense of humor, growing up in a multicultural home, and learning to be comfortable with self confidence. Then Tim and Jimmy perform a wonderful set of scenes that demonstrate why Tim is one of Chicago's most beloved improvisers. Listen in!
2013-01-041h 03Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneJohn HildrethJohn Hildreth, the influential performer and instructor at The Second City in Chicago, joins Jimmy for a great discussion on improv and then John and Jimmy give a clinic on the art of slow comedy. John is one of our favorite improvisers in Chicago, listen and see why.
2012-11-1559 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneKey & PeeleKeegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, stars of the new Comedy Central hit Key & Peele, stop by for a special episode of Improv Nerd With Jimmy Carrane. In this candid interview, Key and Peele address some of their critics, discuss their philosophy for developing sketches, and talk about the benefits and hazards of being biracial comedians in post-Obama America. Listen in as Jimmy explores these issues and more with America's hottest comedy duo.
2012-11-1543 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneMiddle Age Comeback (Jimmy Carlson and Craig Uhlir)In this episode of Improv Nerd, Jimmy talks and improvises with Middle Age Comeback, two gentlemen otherwise known as Jimmy Carlson and Craig Uhlir. Listen in as we discover how Jim and Craig first met as improv students, why Craig is done sketch work, and why an aspiring performer should stay forever young.
2012-11-1552 minImprov Nerd With Jimmy CarraneTara DeFranciscoIn the latest installment of Improv Nerd with Jimmy Carrane, we learn about Tara DeFrancisco's auditions for SNL, personal forces that shape her approach toward improv, and why it makes her nervous to see her students at a show. Then Tara and Jimmy treat us to an hilarious array of improvised scenes.
2012-11-141h 10Improv Nerd With Jimmy CarraneMichael GellmanIn this Episode, Jimmy interviews The Second City's legendary improv teacher, director, and performer Michael Gellman. We learn about Michael's experience teaching a famous Hollywood actress and his advice to Chris Farley. And as the cold winds begin their advance on Chicago, Jimmy and Michael improvise a scene in the great north woods.
2012-11-1452 min
The Nerdologues Present: Poor Choices ArchiveEpisode 92: Slowing Things Down with Jimmy CarraneJimmy Carrane co-author of Improvising Better ( http://www.amazon.com/Improvising-Better-Guide-Working-Improviser/dp/03…), Host of Studio 312 and his new show Improv Nerd came by. We covered his days on Jazz Freddy, the founding of The Annoyance, The Art of Slow Comedy and more. He may have convinced me that I need therapy. This is a good one. Please tell a friend. Thanks for listening.
2011-09-091h 16
Improv Resource Center PodcastIRC Podcast 2010-06-22 Jimmy CarraneJimmy Carrane talks about grounded scenework, the third choice, reality transaction scenes, commitment, silent scenes, side coaching and group therapy.
2010-06-2233 min