House of Bad Comedy Podcast

This week on the podcast, Adamandia and Vanessa are keeping things light and, hopefully, funny, before heading into their short summer break!   The two run new joke ideas past each other, talk about the random moments that suddenly make you feel super old, and question whether watching school lectures on 2x speed is actually destroying Adamandia’s life. They also chat about modern dating disasters, including why sending AI-edited photos to the person you’re dating is probably never a good idea.   Plus, the conversation gets weird as they debate how much affection toward your parents is “too much."   This is their final episode before a short summer break and they'll be back with brand new episodes on July 7!

In this catch-up episode, Adamandia and Vanessa get into everything from stand-up comedy in Montreal to growing up with strict 90s parenting expectations. Vanessa shares what it was like performing comedy in a completely different city and the things she learned while traveling solo.   Vanessa also talks about (unexpectedly!) bonding with her friends’ dog, which sparks a deeper discussion about wanting kids, not wanting kids, and how those feelings can shift as we get older. They also chat about the unspoken rules many of us grew up with: what moms and dads were “supposed” to do, what daughters were expected to be like, and how those expectations still shape us today.

Who are you really… and who do you think you should be?   This week, Adamandia brings a fascinating psychology topic from school: Self-Discrepancy Theory — the idea that we’re all made up of three versions of ourselves: our actual self, ideal self, and ought self. But what happens when those selves don’t align? And is finding balance between all three actually possible?   Vanessa opens up about being raised in a more conservative Chinese Christian household, how those experiences shaped her sense of self, and how a past relationship blurred the lines between who she was, who she wanted to be, and who she felt she was expected to be.   They also talk about how one version of ourselves can become louder than the others, and what it looks like to reconcile those competing voices.   #SelfDiscrepancyTheory #PsychologyPodcast #PersonalGrowth #Identity #SelfDiscovery #MentalHealthPodcast #Relationships #Comedy #HealingJourney #AuthenticSelf  

What do your inner stories say about you, and are they quietly holding you back…?   In this episode, Adamandia and Vanessa talk about the psychology behind self-schemas (the beliefs and narratives we build about ourselves over time), and how they can shape everything from our confidence to our decisions.   They also chat about how these internal scripts can lead to self-sabotage, and how to adjust their thinking to fit new experiences.   And of course, they always find a way to relate their learning back to comedy and how it's been a necessary step in their personal growth.

This week, Adamandia and Vanessa are doing something a little different. Vanessa has some open mics coming up, so they sit down to workshop a few joke ideas before they hit the stage. Nothing is fully formed, everything is up for debate, and that's kind of the whole fun of it. On the table: disappointing your Asian parents, why eye exams are a lose-lose situation no matter what you say, and an old unsolicited d*ck pic resurfaces.  It's a mini episode, it's messy, and some of these bits might actually make it on stage. Tune in and let us know what you think. Got thoughts on things? Email us at [email protected].

This week, Adamandia and Vanessa discuss the fascinating overlap between intuition and pattern recognition.  Are our gut feelings truly instinctual, or are they shaped by everything we’ve experienced? Adamandia shares some of the ideas she’s been exploring in school, and the conversation evolves into how we make decisions, when we trust ourselves, and what happens when that trust gets shaken. That leads them to chat about the book Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, and how reconnecting with ourselves is often a process of unlearning, healing, and rebuilding trust. Plus, a little preview of what’s coming up: Vanessa will be testing out some fresh jokes on next week’s episode (pray for her), and the week after that, they'll be talking about self-sabotage.  

This episode is a reminder that sometimes the best material comes from the weirdest, and unexpected, corners of real life.  Get ready for raw (literally), real, and slightly unhinged storytelling this week. Please be advised: Adamandia and Vanessa get a little more open than usual in this episode, and some topics might make you squirm.

In this episode, Adamandia and Vanessa get real about self-perception, movement, and the little habits that shape how we feel day-to-day.   They talk about why it’s not what other people say about you that sticks…it’s the story you tell yourself. From there, they explore the impact of moving your body for both mental and physical health, and how finding something you actually enjoy makes all the difference, especially when you’re managing stress or navigating grief.   And of course, it wouldn't be the House of Bad Comedy without workshopping joke ideas, including kids who love to show off, and the things Adamandia watches just to make herself cry.  

Have you ever had an ex slide into your messages years later and make you question everything?  👀  This episode is a mini joke-workshopping session for one of Adamandia’s bits based on a very unexpected DM from a friends-with-benefits fling from over 10 years ago. Adamandia always wanted to be the one who got away… but what happens when the past suddenly reaches out? Is it flattering, awkward, or just confusing?  

Ever feel super awkward when someone compliments you?  Like you want to say thank you… but instead something weird comes out?  Yup, SAME. 😅 In this episode, Adamandia and Vanessa get into the strange, hilarious, and slightly uncomfortable world of receiving compliments. Why do compliments make us feel both good and embarrassed, especially when other people are around? Vanessa shares her struggle with accepting compliments and a realization about where that discomfort might come from, while Adamandia explores the weird dichotomy of praise: it feels great… and also kind of cringey. Along the way, they wonder if this podcast is secretly turning into a therapy session and defend everyone who has ever said something awkward after receiving a compliment. They also talk about why familiar patterns and comfort zones aren’t always healthy, and how growth sometimes requires leaning into a little discomfort. If you’ve ever laughed off a compliment, deflected it, or responded with something you instantly regretted, this episode is for you!

This week on House of Bad Comedy, they're back in the comedy lab. Vanessa shares brand-new stand-up comedy material she’s been working on ahead of an upcoming open mic, and Adamandia helps her workshop the jokes in real time.  Get ready for dating jokes (yes, the ex makes another appearance), an observational bit about vegans, and some very real thoughts about using the stairs in your 40s.

Grief isn't linear.  Sometimes, it's messy! In this episode, Adamandia and Vanessa dive deeper into the grieving process, what it really feels like to give yourself permission to cry, and why making space for your emotions can actually be healing. Adamandia also opens up about some unexpected ways she tried to cope with grief…like visits with psychics and intuitive readers. 👀 What was that experience actually like? Did it bring comfort, clarity… or something else entirely? And would she ever do it again? Listen in for real talk about grief, complicated emotions, and looking for comfort in unconventional places.

In this week’s episode of House of Bad Comedy, Adamandia and Vanessa circle back to their conversation about critical thinking in relationships (yes… more on Vanessa’s ex 👀).  They talk about red flags and what happens when you ignore your gut because you're trying to be "understanding."  Spoiler: growth happens.  Sometimes, on the comedy stage. Then they chat about how they each got into stand-up comedy, and how grief, loss, and big life changes pushed them toward the stage in the first place.  It’s honest, reflective, and a little bit messy. Quick heads up: the first five minutes are a little staticky.  Thank you, technology!  After that, we’re crystal clear (emotionally…debatable). Thanks for listening and sticking with us while we figure out this thing in real time. 

It finally happened!  Workshopping jokes on the podcast! In this episode, Adamandia and Vanessa share material they’re actively developing, talk through what’s working, and what absolutely isn’t.  They somehow end up discussing dicks, tits, and the weird places comedy takes you. If you’ve ever wondered how jokes are born (or die) this one’s for you.

Quick update!  Adamandia and Vanessa are performing for International Women’s Day with an amazing lineup of incredible women.     Expect fresh material and performances that are a little outside their usual stand-up comfort zone.    Sunday, March 8th at House of Comedy in New Westminster, BC. Tickets are limited so get them HERE before they’re gone!  

How much damage can a lack of critical thinking actually do? In this episode, Adamandia and Vanessa unpack why critical thinking matters way beyond school.  Adamandia shares why this topic hits close to home, while Vanessa reflects on how ignoring red flags (and her own instincts) showed up in a past relationship.  They get vulnerable, reflective, and a little uncomfortable, in the best way.

Welcome to House of Bad Comedy!  It's where Adamandia and Vanessa figure things out in real time and laugh through the chaos. In the first episode, Adamandia and Vanessa talk about why they started this podcast and a bit about where they're at in their lives. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or like you’re starting over again… you’re in the right house.