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Messed-Up To Set-Ups - A MichaelHalcomb.Live PodcastJoke Mechanics 101Episode 31 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast is now live and out in the wild! This episode is Part 2 of my conversation with LA-based comedian, Alec McNayr, and it’s all about jokes. We start with Alec telling an original joke, then we hear the story behind it. From there we brainstorm and try to punch-up and tag the joke. Once we finish, I use the 100% FREE resources I’ve created over at The Joke Writer’s Lab site to generate a bunch of random joke prompts. With each prompt, we take turns making up jokes on the spot in real ti...2025-04-1534 min
Messed-Up To Set-Ups - A MichaelHalcomb.Live PodcastStarting Stand-Up In Your 40sHeyyo! Episode 30 of the “Messed-Up To Set-Ups” podcast is up! This episode is Part 1 of my conversation with LA-based comedian, Alec McNayr. In this episode, we discuss Alec’s journey into comedy, out of it, and back in. We also talk about whether comedy is a young man’s game. You might be surprised by what comes up. So, make sure you listen or watch. To watch the video on YouTube, click HERE. Watch earlier episodes about writing jokes HERE. For more great resources, check out MichaelHalcomb.Live.Again, consider joining “The Joke Writer’s Lab” Facebook Group. If you’...2025-04-1238 min
Founders in FlightReal talk with 2 agency foundersJoin Sean Sidders and Alec McNayr for an open conversation on the blessings and challenges of agency ownership. They candidly explore issues they've faced, such as role fulfillment, the significance of trusted confidants, and the critical balance between entrepreneurship and happiness.2023-10-3150 min
Cobbler's GulchEpisode 57: The Great Orphan SiegeEpisode 57: The Great Orphan SiegeAnd it all comes to this... Voice Talents (in no particular order)Colette Feehan as ZipCharlee Leonard as Hazel PeachwoodBrion Kerry as Elwood, Fox and Snooty Switchbait, and various goblinsMatt Regan as Lump, Squish, Copper, Gruff, and various goblinsSam Leonard as OzAshton Haugen as The Babbling Brook and Gretchen HexenkopfNorman Leonard as The NarratorTravis Di...2022-03-1531 minCobbler's GulchEpisode 47: Decisions, DecisionsEpisode 47: Decisions, DecisionsWolf goes to battle against Gretchen's rabble in an attempt to keep Hazel safe. Voice Talents (in no particular order)Charlee Leonard as Hazel PeachwoodBill Elverman as Wooden Wolf MontfortBrion Kerry as Slurp WinterknucklesNorman Leonard as The NarratorAshton Haugen as Gretchen HexenkopfAlec McNayr as Snook the FoolMusicPip HeywoodCobbler’s Gulch LogoMegan Sw...2021-10-0507 minCobbler's GulchEpisode 44: Wickedness, Beavers, and a Muttering MumbleberryEpisode 44: Wickedness, Beavers, and a Muttering MumbleberryGretchen Hexenkopf and Snook the Fool do a little reconnaissance by visiting The Chattering Chuckleberry near the entrance of The Goblin Gully of Exclusivity and Privilege. Voice Talents (in no particular order)Ashton Haugen as Gretchen HexenkopfAlec McNayr as Snook the FoolBrion Kerry as The Chattering Chuckleberry Tree Norman Leonard as The NarratorMusicPip HeywoodCobbler’s Gulch Logo2021-09-1407 min
Cobbler's GulchEpisode 36: Foolish RumorsEpisode 36: Foolish Rumors: Having let Hazel and her orphan brothers, Wooden Wolf, and a half dozen fairies slip through her wicked fingers, Gretchen Hexenkopf and her fool brew up a new strategy. Voice Talents (in no particular order)Ashton Haugen as Gretchen HexenkopfAlec McNayr as Snook the FoolBrion Kerry as The Chattering Chuckleberry Tree and Various PiratesMatt Regan as the Drunken PirateMindy Escobar-Leanse as Mistress Drucilla MaestroNorman Leonard2021-07-1308 min
Cobbler's GulchEpisode 33: The Screams of ScarecrowsEpisode 33: The Screams of Scarecrows Hazel and her orphan brothers struggle to escape Gretchen Hexenkopf's dungeon only to discover that there are worse things than dungeons. Voice Talents (in no particular order)Ashton Haugen as Gretchen HexenkopfAlec McNayr as Snook the FoolColette Feehan as Zip Brion Kerry as ElwoodCharlee Leonard as HazelMatt Regan as Lump, Squish, Copper, and GruffSam Leonard as Oz2021-06-2109 min
Cobbler's GulchEpisode 32: The Squeaky KeyEpisode 32: The Squeaky KeyHazel Peachwood and Oz attempt to bust their orphan brothers from the dungeon of Gretchen Hexenkopf. Voice Talents (in no particular order)Ashton Haugen as Gretchen HexenkopfTravis Diffenderfer as Boggart, Slagritt, and EekAlec McNayr as Snook the FoolColette Feehan as Zip Brion Kerry as ElwoodCharlee Leonard as HazelMatt Regan as Lump, Squish, Copper, and GruffSam Leonard as Oz...2021-06-1413 min
Cobbler's GulchEpisode 31: Nut-cracking GargoylesEpisode 31: Nut-cracking GargoylesOn their way to the dungeon, it's Hazel, not Oz, who loses her way and must be guided back. Voice Talents (in no particular order)Charlee Leonard as Hazel PeachwoodNorman Leonard as The NarratorSam Leonard as OzAlec McNayr as Snook the FoolTravis Diffenderfer as EekAshton Haugen as Gretchen HexenkopfMusicPip HeywoodCobbler’s Gulch LogoM...2021-06-0706 min
Cobbler's GulchEpisode 30: Orienting OzEpisode 30: Orienting OzOz and Hazel attempt to find their way back to the dungeon to rescue their orphan brothers, but Oz's cross-eyed, mixed-up ways must be contended with first. Voice Talents (in no particular order)Charlee Leonard as Hazel PeachwoodNorman Leonard as The NarratorSam Leonard as Oz Mindy Escobar-Leanse as The Spinning WomanAlec McNayr as Snook the FoolTravis Diffenderfer as EekAshton Haugen as The...2021-05-3107 min
Cobbler's GulchEpisode 29: Bleating CardsEpisode 29: Bleating CardsOz and Hazel come up against Snook the Fool and attempt to beat him at his own game. Voice Talents (in no particular order)Alec McNayr as Snook the FoolCharlee Leonard as Hazel PeachwoodNorman Leonard as The NarratorSam Leonard as Oz MusicPip HeywoodCobbler’s Gulch LogoMegan SwietonSound FX AttributionsSpecial ThanksNo...2021-05-2407 min
Cobbler's GulchEpisode 28: Forging an Age of GloomEpisode 28: Forging an Age of GloomIn searching the castle, Hazel Peachwood finds two things: one good, the other so completely nothing close to good. Voice Talents (in no particular order)Ashton Haugen as Gretchen HexenkopfTravis Diffenderfer as Boggart, Slagritt, and EekAlec McNayr as Snook the FoolCharlee Leonard as HazelSam Leonard as OzNorman Leonard as The NarratorMusicPip HeywoodC...2021-05-1708 min
Cobbler's GulchEpisode 27: The Fool's PocketsEpisode 27: The Fool's PocketsOn the way to the dungeon, Hazel's orphan brothers watch the fool turn out his pockets to reveal all manner of curiosities and oddities, and when he opens the dungeon door, things get even worse. Voice Talents (in no particular order)Alec McNayr as Snook the FoolColette Feehan as Zip Brion Kerry as ElwoodMatt Regan as Lump, Squish, Copper, and GruffNorman Leonard as The NarratorSam Leonard2021-05-1010 min
Cobbler's GulchEpisode 26: Squeals and Half-Answered RiddlesEpisode 26: Squeals and Half-Answered RiddlesHazel has gone missing within the castle of Gretchen Hexenkopf, and as her orphan brothers go looking for her, their situation only becomes more dire. Voice Talents (in no particular order)Ashton Haugen as Gretchen HexenkopfAlec McNayr as Snook the FoolColette Feehan as Zip and a pigletBrion Kerry as ElwoodMatt Regan as Lump, Squish, Copper, and GruffNorman Leonard as The Narrator2021-05-0307 min
Cobbler's GulchEpisode 25: The Opal RoomEpisode 25: The Opal RoomSnook the Fool treks to The Opal Room in Gretchen Henkopf's castle and reveals a horrible secret. Voice Talents (in no particular order)Ashton Haugen as Gretchen HexenkopfTravis Diffenderfer as Boggart, Slagritt, and EekAlec McNayr as Snook the FoolMindy Escobar-Leanse as Opal TinsleyNorman Leonard as The NarratorMusicPip HeywoodCobbler’s Gulch LogoMegan Swieton...2021-04-2608 min
Cobbler's GulchEpisode 24: The Darkest of DarknessesEpisode 24: The Darkest of DarknessesHazel Peachwood and her orphan brothers enter the castle of Gretchen Hexenkopf, a veritable maze of darkness and wickedness. Voice Talents (in no particular order)Ashton Haugen as Gretchen HexenkopfTravis Diffenderfer as Boggart, Slagritt, and EekAlec McNayr as Snook the FoolColette Feehan as Zip and various terrarium sfxBrion Kerry as ElwoodCharlee Leonard as HazelMatt Regan as Lump, Squish, Copper...2021-04-1914 min
Cobbler's GulchEpisode 21: Snook the FoolEpisode 21: Snook the FoolAfter The Babbling Brook whisks Hazel and her orphan Brothers through The Crimson Forest to the castle of Gretchen Hexenkopf, they get a look at Snook the Fool. And Snook is fraternizing with some familiar ne'er-do-wells. Voice Talents (in no particular order)Alec McNayr as Snook the FoolAshton Haugen as The Babbling BrookColette Feehan as Zip, a crow, and a goatBrion Kerry as ElwoodCharlee Leonard as Hazel2021-03-2910 min
Cobbler's GulchEpisode 7: Things that Did and Did Not Happen After The Witching Hour...Episode 7: Things that Did and Did Not Happen After The Witching Hour...As one day passes into the next, treacherous events continue in the town of Cobbler's Gulch. Voice Talents (in no particular order)Matt Regan as several parts of the Cobbler's Gulch rumor millBrion Kerry as several parts of the Cobbler's Gulch rumor millAlec McNayr as Bully Van PeltTravis Diffenderfer as a goblinNorman Leonard as the NarratorJ Dobbs 2020-12-2112 min
Jam Sessions07: Working from Anywhere w/ Alec McNayrIn this episode Think Jam CEO Daniel Robey, and Senior Account Director Anna Heidecker speak to Alec McNayr, COO at Synonymous.
In this conversation, we talk about Alec’s career, and take a deep dive into the world of remote workforces.
Alec was co-founder and COO of McBeard, a social media advertising agency McBeard, which was acquired by Fullscreen in 2015. McBeard had a predominantly remote workforce, and at this time when many people across the world are forced to work from home, and businesses start to make that a permanent change, we explore a range of hints, tips and strategies for...2020-12-0138 min
Cobbler's GulchEpisode 4: Rolo Riddlehope and The ScrimshanksEpisode 4: Rolo Riddlehope and The ScrimshanksHazel Peachwood follows Hattie Edgewater's screams back to Cobbler's Gulch where an enigmatic inventor's influence on the town is revealed, along with rumors of impending danger and doom. Voice Talents (in no particular order)Matt Regan as Rolo RIddlehope, various Cobbler's Gulch villagers, and a goblinKatie McNayr as Hattie EdgewaterBrion Kerry as various Cobbler's Gulch villagersMindy Escobar-Leanse as various Cobbler's Gulch villagersCharlee Leonard as Hazel 2020-11-3013 min
Cobbler's GulchEpisode 3: Lilt Blossoms (or) The Most Horrible Thing to Happen to Hazel Peachwood Since the Day Her Parents VanishedEpisode 3: Lilt Blossoms (or) The Most Horrible Thing to Happen to Hazel Peachwood Since the Day Her Parents VanishedHazel Peachwood spends the day in her favorite place on the margins of Cobbler's Gulch, and her world turns upside down, inside out, and all kinds of hurlyburly. Voice Talents (in no particular order)Matt Regan as Lump, Squish, Copper, and GruffKatie McNayr as Hattie EdgewaterNon Wels as the Pirate Rigger and Cobbler's Gulch VillagerBrion Kerry as...2020-11-2311 min
Cobbler's GulchEpisode 2: Three Fingers, Two Teeth, and One LegEpisode 2: Three Fingers, Two Teeth, and One LegHazel Peachwood goes into town at Madame Drax's insistence. Sea serpents, pirates, dragon skeletons, and a mysterious stranger -- a garden variety day in Cobbler' Gulch. Voice Talents (in no particular order)Matt Regan as a Tavern PatronMindy Escobar-Leanse as a Tavern PatronBill Elverman as Wooden Wolf Montfort and a couple o' Tavern PatronsAlec McNayr as Bully Van PeltBrion Kerry as a Tavern Patron2020-11-1715 min
Cobbler's GulchTrailerCobbler's Gulch: An Informal Census. The following episode includes a tally the usual suspects of Cobbler's Gulch. Villagers? Plenty. Pirates? Not nearly enough. Orphans? One girl and seven boys. Miscellaneous circus folk? Occasionally. Fairies? One, but she's missing. Goblins? Seasonal. Witches? TBD. Voice Talents (in no particular order)Non Wels as a Dampfnudel BakerMatt Regan as Lump, Squish, Copper, Gruff, and a Goblin UnderlingTravis Diffenderfer as Boggart, Slagritt, and Eek Brion Kerry as En...2020-11-0803 min
King of NetworkingNetworking with Netflix's Dorothy HammondDorothy Hammond is one of the funniest, friendliest people I know - and I've known her for almost 20 years! We both worked at Pepperdine and since then, she's moved on to be an HR executive on the rise - at NBC Universal, then Live Nation, and now four years at a tiny startup called Netflix.Follow Dorothy on LinkedIn at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothy-hammond-392a083/Commercials in this episode include:The Land of The Giants podcast about Amazon (S1) and Netflix (S2): https://www.vox.com/land-of-the-giants-podcastInvest in stocks for free...2020-08-1300 min
King of NetworkingNetworking with Airwing's Dan BeldyDan Beldy is an investor and venture capitalist, but began his career in the Air Force, flying F-18s off of aircraft carriers. Forget the Top Gun sequel, you got all the shirtless beach volleyball you need right here.His gutsy early career moves got him roles with leading venture firms during the Dot-Com boom of the 90s and then onto Disney's Steamboat Ventures.We met while I've been serving on the board of Fooji, and I've enjoyed learning from his deep knowledge of assessing startup companies, founders and markets. Dan's a great ad...2020-08-1100 min
King of NetworkingNetworking with Westworld's VFX Supervisor Jay WorthJay Worth is an Emmy winner, and not for something small that you haven't seen. He led the visual effects for one of the most visually iconic shows ever: Westworld on HBO. And before that, Person of Interest, Fringe, Alias, Altered Carbon, and many, many more.But if you met him, you'd never know it. He is friendly, humble and hard-working. Always connecting people and invested in his community. He's not the self-indulged Hollywood stereotype. You have to learn about his story from Malibu kid to the hardest workin' guy in VFX.Track J...2020-07-2100 min
King of NetworkingNetworking with Entrepreneur Eden ChenMeet Eden Chen, co-founder of creative agency Fishermen Labs and new technology startup Pragma. He's a serial founder, having started multiple projects, companies, organizations and experiments in the seven-ish years I've known him.I've not met anyone with such a variety of passions, combined with the will to start them up. How does he have the stamina and curiosity to do it all?On top of all that, he's a humble, giving person, with a passion to serve the community around him and give back however he can. In short, I'm in awe of the...2020-07-1600 min
King of NetworkingNetworking with The Beard of McBeard Alan Beard"Here comes the general... the moment you've been waiting for!" Any Hamilton fan will know the reference, and it holds up here. Alan is the model of a modern major-general. He's a business-minded visionary, a deep well of knowledge, an esteemed family man and a kind, giving person.For those that don't know, we started McBeard together in 2008 and guided it together through a massive growth stage, hiring hundreds of employees, to acquisition by Fullscreen in 2015. We split our duties, but not our relationship, to navigate the choppy waters of post-acquisition life within Fullscreen, then O...2020-07-1400 min
King of NetworkingNetworking with Screenwriter Jeremy AdamsEvery time I talk to Jeremy Adams, he has a new ridiculous TV show idea. He's been cutting his teeth on Lego's DC superhero movies and last year joined the writer's room of Supernatural, after co-writing the uber-popular "Scoobynatural" episode in 2018.Like most people in LA, he's a screenwriter, but he actually writes things! We had a great conversation about perseverance, what it takes to "make it" and the vulnerability necessary to be a "real" artist, even after you've tasted success.Follow him here before he blows up and becomes a household name: https://twitter...2020-07-0900 min
King of NetworkingNetworking with Literary Agent Kate McKean"Our blog kinda blew up last week and we want you to represent us." This was our 2009 cold email to Kate McKean, who had shepherded other "blog-to-book" deals. I'm so grateful she replied, because it led to Random House buying and publishing Historical Tweets, which became the foundation of McBeard and everything after.In many ways, Kate is everything you want in a literary agent: smart, funny and very New York. But she's surprising too: from her Southern roots to her unabashed support of aspiring writers through her advice and guidance on Twitter and through her newsletter...2020-07-0700 min
King of NetworkingA Follow-up on Race with Billy ParksA follow-up to our conversation about Billy's career and creative pursuits, where we shared our views on and experience with racial inequality - and what we can do to make change. No commercials in this episode but I do mention these resources:13th - a documentary on Netflix by Ava DuVernayJust Mercy - both the book and movie, and Bryan Stevenson's org Equal Justice Initiative: https://eji.org/Revisionist History episode: The Limits of Power - by Malcolm Gladwell: https://apple.co/2CDSgAG Special thanks to:Jason Crow, editorChris Billings, original music: http://www.ch...2020-07-0200 min
King of NetworkingNetworking with Creative Producer/Genius Billy ParksBilly and I met in 2013, during the pre-planning stages of a branded web series that would eventually be known as Summer Break. His uncanny ability to foresee digital consumption trends is unmatched. He later was a peer at Fullscreen, after it acquired my social media agency McBeard.He's been a music video producer, worked in film, worked closely with Peter Chernin, Jesse Jacobs and Sarah Harden at The Chernin Group, advised all kinds of companies and now helps Chernin's newest venture, TCG, develop up-and-coming media and technology businesses. In addition to all that, he's a g...2020-07-0200 min
King of NetworkingNetworking with Disney's Jennifer MilesJennifer Miles has been working in television and media for over 20 years, at ABC/Disney, then AT&T and now Disney again. I originally met her when she was at AT&T/DirecTV, helping us build creative social media campaigns in support of Fullscreen's video subscription service. She's a total pro, a generous, creative soul and someone who knows everyone.She's also currently the President of the Southern California chapter of Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT), empowering female careers, networking and advancement in the media industry. Learn more at: SoCalWICT.org/Commercials in this episode...2020-06-3000 min
King of NetworkingKing of Networking TrailerJoin Alec McNayr -- yes that nerd in the podcast artwork -- as he works out his "very reasonable mid-life crisis" by interviewing people in his network: entrepreneurs, artists, creative thinkers and business titans.2020-06-1300 min
Trailer Geeks and Teaser GodsSpecial Episode: Alec McNayr Historical Tweets, McBeard Media, WarnerMedia, Otter Media Alec McNayr is EVP Mktg and Communications at Otter Media, a digital entertainment co. and division of WarnerMedia. He previously co-founded McBeard, a social media agency that created campaigns for the world's most popular entertainment companies. McBeard was acquired by Fullscreen in 2015, and through Alec's leadership, his teams did over 600 successful campaigns. He's author of the best-selling book Historical Tweets, rec'd his degree in Business from Pepperdine and lives in LA with his wife and 3 kids.2019-09-191h 47
The Movidiam PodcastMcBeard: Alec McNayr - Building a post-website Digital AgencyAlec McNayr, co-founder of social media agency McBeard joins our Movidiam podcast to discuss getting into the world of social in the early days, helping brands tell their stories, generational differences and the acquisition by Full Screen.2017-05-1200 min