Ruse Radio

Tracy Baker is a musician based in Chicago, IL 💯 you can hear his latest singles ('Breaking Free, 'Get Moving', & 'Don't Give Up') NOW on all your favorite streaming services 🎷 In this episode, we discuss why success is more about survival than anything else, how painting helped Tracy cut down on smoking, what makes Neuralink so dangerous, how social media has made us care more about looking good than being good, why you can't underestimate the intelligence of children, and so much more! 🔥

Haikal is a stand-up comedian based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 In this episode, we discuss Haikal's comedic origins in Columbus, the worst names for a baby, the genesis of 'Freestyle Rehab', 'Stoner HQ', & 'Beijing Beef', how Bobby Lee & Harland Williams tell lies, why Bill Burr's infamous Philly rant lives on forever in comedy history, why being the bad guy is always more fun, and much more! 🔥

Tom Bambara is an impressionist & stand-up comedian based in Chicago, IL! 💯 In this episode, we discuss how finding a 'point-of-view' shapes an impression, how Chris Farley was almost the voice of Shrek, why 2019 was the year that films changed forever, Tom's friendship with the legendary Paul Walter Hauser, the genesis of 'Gay Seinfeld' & how Tom's voice work w/ Chris Grieco has opened doors, and much more! 🔥

Nina Kern is a stand-up comedian, producer, & podcaster based in Chicago, IL! 💯 In this episode, we discuss Chris Brown's meet-and-greets, the value of VeggieTales, whether there is an age limit for acquiring a sugar daddy, Chris Pratt and Shia LaBeouf's rap abilities, growing up as a PBS kid, and much more! 🔥

Manny Petty is a stand-up comedian based in Chicago, IL! 💯 His latest comedy special 'The Pink Man Cave' (filmed at the Comedy Bar) is OUT NOW! 🤯 In this episode, we discuss Manny's childhood crush on He-Man, how he's preparing for a nude comedy show, why our political tendencies may be more deep-rooted than we realize, how 'International Mr. Leather' brings all of the world's leather daddies together, and much more! 🔥

Pernevlon Sheppard is a professional fighter based in Chicago, IL 💯 In this episode, we discuss the legendary career of Mike Tyson, why inner peace is invaluable, how to help the homeless, what to look for when studying an opponent, using trash talk and emotional pressure as fight strategy, shadowboxing in the mirror, and so much more! 🔥

Nick Marnos is a filmmaker, photographer, artist, & Greek based in Chicago, IL! 💯 His latest project, 'Rerun', is coming soon to a screen near you🎬 You can find his production company, 'StressHead Productions', on all your favorite social media platforms 🍬 In this episode, we discuss the Tupac hologram, why Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds' was so influential for Nick, how a director's energy shapes the feel of a production, what it was like working on call for a funeral trade service, why the ocean is practically an alien planet, and much more! 🔥

Magdalena Conway is an actress based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 You can catch her in 'Whispers of the Witching Hour', 'Grinners', 'It Came From Somewhere', 'Attack of the Corn Zombies', & much more! 🎭 In this episode, we discuss the time Magdalena won 'Best Young Actress' at a Rome film festival, what makes 'The Conjuring' films so brilliant, why compromise is so common in filmmaking, turning chocolate syrup and ham into blood and guts for a zombie movie, what makes 'The Birdcage' Robin Williams' most underrated film, and much more! 🔥

Galaxy Francis is a musician based in Chicago, IL 💯 he's currently releasing 1 NEW SONG for EVERY WEEK OF 2026 🔥 always another one on GALAXY FRIDAYS 🌌 In this episode, we discuss the power of producing your own music, Galaxy Francis's songwriting process, how our living spaces reflect our personalities, what made 'Sinners' such an excellent film, why Netflix's cancellation of 'The OA' was heartbreaking, what inspired Galaxy Fridays, and so much more! 🔥

Claire Malkie is a stand-up comedian based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 In this episode, we discuss why caffiene is more addictive than you think, whether we would try 'dirty soda', breaking free from our bad habits, the problem with Pop Rocks, what makes auditioning is so emotionally taxing, and much more! 🔥

Kyrie Da Comic is a comedian, producer, & podcaster based in Chicago, IL! 🔥 He (along with Felonious Monk & Kathryn Gongaware) hosts the eye-opening 'Beyond Bars Podcast', a show that focuses on giving a platform to people who have been justice-impacted — meaning those who have been incarcerated or affected by the criminal justice system. On the show, they highlight second chances, share stories of rehabilitation, and humanize individuals who have been through the system rather than letting their pasts define them. 💯 He also produces 'Ask A Comedian', where the audience gets to ask their favorite comedians anything that comes to mind! The show takes place monthly at the Lincoln Lodge 🎭 In this episode, we discuss the meaning behind 'the revolution will not be televised", learning to curate your crazy, what makes a good roast joke, the rise of 'vibe politics', what Epstein and Diddy had in common, and much more! 🔥

Amy Simon is a stand-up comedian & producer based in Chicago, IL! 💯 She is the mind behind 'Throwdown: the Gauntlet' taking place WEEKLY at Burton Place (in Oldtown) on FRIDAYS at 8 PM 🎭 In this episode, we discuss why we love the book 'Brave New World', LOL Dolls, what motivated Amy to create 'Throwdown the Gauntlet', how stand-up is about much more than being funny, how Bam Margera was ahead of his time, why developing talent and building a supportive community is the key to success, and much more! 🔥

Stevo Nystrom is a musician, actor, comedian, director, writer, artist, & teacher based in Chicago, IL! 💯 He's the lead singer of the one and only NYSTRODAMUS, Chicago's greatest shrap metal band to ever exist 🤯 Their latest project, 'Even The Scale' is OUT NOW on all streaming platforms 🤘 You can also catch him in THE SPAGHETTI MAN 🍝 You can also catch him in GOBBLEHEAD 🦃 Wherever you go, you can not escape Stevo. In this episode, we discuss dead internet theory, what makes a bad band manager, the electric feeling we get after performing live, how all of us can contribute to building Chicago's music scene, why young musicians are manipulated by the industry, and much more! 🔥

Teddy Hill is a stand-up comedian & producer based in Chicago! 💯 His production, 'Cannabesties', is a comedy show bringing the HIGHEST quality BESTIES to their sesh every month 💨 You can catch the show LIVE at the Salt Shed Dispensary. He also hosts a weekly comedy open mic titled 'Underground Lounge Mic', taking place EVERY Thursday at the Underground Lounge in Lakeview 🎙 In this episode, we discuss the glory of YouTube's classic era, whether happy people can make great art, Vince McMahon's legacy and scandals, Dave Chappelle's response to the Kramer incident, how context and intent can justify the impossible, and much more! 🔥

Juby DaGod is a hip-hop artist based in Chicago, IL 💯 His latest project, 'Jubilee' is OUT NOW on all streaming platforms 🎵 In this episode, we discuss whether or not subwoofers were used while building the pyramids, why Lauryn Hill never released a second album, the difference between dropping singles and full-length projects as an emerging artist, how J Cole embraced the YouTube producer community, what makes Ice Cube one of the most famous rappers of all-time, and so much more! 🔥

Emily Ogle is a stand-up comedian based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 In this episode, we discuss calling your mom, how major life changes can boost your confidence, the strength in performing for emotional release rather than monetary gain, what makes a good wife, whether Ruse should pluck his eyebrows, and much more! 🔥

Connor Musarra is a musician based in Los Angeles, CA 💯 You may know him from his viral Law & Order SVU song, the time he posted a song every day for an entire year, his 'Steal This Idea' series, or maybe his latest ongoing project where he adds to a never-ending song everyday indefinitely 🎵 In this episode, we discuss the unpredictability and superstitions surrounding virality, what it was like making the move from Cleveland to L.A., why social media rewards people for recycling themselves, how Connor's 'Steal This Idea' series exploded his reach, seeing people like Logic and Polo G react to his work, and so much more! 🔥

Saku Yanagawa is a Japanese stand-up comedian and podcaster based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 You can catch his podcast, 'Saku in the USA', on YouTube and all streaming platforms! In this episode, we discuss the difference between Japanese and American police, the legacy of Michael Jackson, Japanese idol culture and the genius of 'Perfect Blue', our favorite foreign Kit Kat flavors, and much more! 🔥

Kaori Semaj is a fashion designer based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 He is the founder of the Haus of ChrJorInc. and Gautii Chicago 🔥 During his work as a photographer & graphic artist, Kaori took an interest in fashion design. After winning the first annual Avant Garde competition in 2016 at Chicago's Fashion week, he released his first read-to-wear collection the following year and it's been history ever since 🙌 In this episode, we discuss why listening is a superpower, unlearning your creative trauma, how spirituality helps one to reach "infinity", why fiction is often closer to reality than its' counterpart, how a great conversation can elevate consciousness, and much more! 🔥

Marlon Hue is a stand-up comedian & producer based in Chicago! 💯 His production, 'Variants', is an interactive comedy experience with a new theme for every show. The variety between us is empowering. Embrace it. 💪 CATCH the NEXT EDITION of Variants on MAY 30TH @ Revel Supper Club at 8PM 🎉 In this episode, we discuss the downside of emotional intelligence, how trauma can accelerate artistic growth, the difference between hating and constructive criticism, how gatekeeping and politicking holds back the Chicago comedy scene, the importance of knowing your value when reaching out to venues/producers, and much more! 🔥

Johnny Mocny is a stand up comedian, podcaster, & producer based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 he is one of the hosts of Rocket Force Podcast, one of the greatest pods in the game 🙏 he also hosts a film-based podcast titled 'We Are Movies', where he discusses films in-depth with his fellow comedians 🎬 available on all streaming services! 🚀 His production, Rocket Force Comedy, takes place at Laugh Factory Chicago on the last Friday of every month at 11 PM! 🚀 In this episode, we discuss the pressure to monetize your hobbies, why superhero movies are kids movies for adults, Joe Rogan's influence on Austin's comedy scene, what makes Taxi Driver the proto-incel film, why fame is more niche than ever and much more! 🔥

Matthew Doyle Perez is a comedian & producer based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 You can catch him hosting the 'Standup at the Store' Open Mic EVERY Saturday @ 4PM at 2002 N Halsted (The Store) 💪 In this episode, we discuss Bill Burr's infamous Philadelphia rant, Ruse's least favorite podcast guests, why fear is the best motivation for growth, our favorite Russian cinema, the difference between depression and sadness, where Kanye was right, and much more! 🔥

Christian Royce is a comedian & producer based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 Catch his show 'The F U Comedy Showcase' every 2nd Friday @ the Lincoln Lodge at 9:30! 🎭 In this episode, we discuss why comedians have cancellation anxiety, how having ADHD can help in the creative world, Chappell Roan's unusual treatment of her fans, what it means to be 'walk around famous', growing up to see your parents in a different light, and much more! 🔥

Dimitri Venice is a comedian & producer based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 Catch him hosting Cellar Dwellars Open Mic every Tuesday at 8:30 PM (downstairs at Lottie's Pub) 🔥 In this episode, we discuss the difference between emotional intelligence and IQ, the extreme importance of finding a trustworthy social circle, our favorite YouTuber apologies, how franchise fatigue is destroying Hollywood, why the world feels smaller the more you expand outwards, and much more! 🔥

Ashland Thomas is a filmmaker based in Chicago, IL! 💯His upcoming film, 'SYN' is currently in production & is coming soon to a screen near you! 🎬 You can find his production company, 'Good Candy Films', on all your favorite social media platforms 🍬 In this episode, we discuss the making of SYN, where the Scream franchise went wrong, the forgotten novelty of uncanny animation (Polar Express, Beowulf), why the upcoming Harry Potter HBO reboot doesn't look promising, the trick to playing a villain role effectively, how we're in a better time than ever to watch classic films, and much more! 🔥

Mehdi Amani is a stand-up comedian based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 In this episode, we discuss how it feels to get boomered, why our ideologies shift based on algorithms, the satanic Olympic ceremonies, why great teachers can read people so well, what makes Pastafarianism the most compelling religion, how not to get scammed while in Egypt, and much more! 🔥

Paul Miller is a stand-up comedian & producer based in Chicago, Illinois! His new special, 'Lunch Break' is OUT NOW on YouTube! 💯 Give it a watch at work while you're eating a sandwich or something 😉 You can also catch him WEEKLY at Beer Belly Open Mic, happening every Thursday at 10PM @ 2Bears Tavern Uptown 🍺 In this episode, we discuss parasocial relationships between comedians and their fans, why everyone needs an air fryer, how Vine changed content creation forever, what makes podcasts so therapeutic, why alcohol consumption is less popular than ever amongst younger generations, and much more! 🔥

Tony Castro is a stand-up comedian based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 In this episode, we discuss what made MF DOOM so legendary, the forgotten era of ringtone music, the difference between graffiti and street art, when influencers try stand-up comedy, how drawing can destroy the language barrier during travel, and much more! 🔥

Damon Howard is a stand-up comedian & producer based in Chicago, Illinois! You can catch his show, 'Up'N Coming', WEEKLY at The Second City 💯 In this episode, we discuss Damon's early life on the Navajo reservation, why success and growth push us towards a narrowing intentionality, what audiences truly want from a performer, the importance of sunscreen, how incidental practice differentiates from intentional practice, why the bamboo tree is a powerful metaphor for patience & perseverance, and much more! 🔥

Dwayne Neff is a hip-hop artist based in Chicago, IL 💯 His latest release, 'I LOVE THE GAME' is OUT NOW on all streaming platforms 🎵 In this episode, we discuss the genius of Don Toliver, Drake's next career move, what inspired Dwayne's latest track 'I LOVE THE GAME', why your legacy matters, how success reframes your life, and so much more! 🔥

Femi is a stand-up comedian based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 Maybe you recognize him from his NUMEROUS appearances at Roast Battle Chicago 💪 His latest special, 'Let Me Try That Again', is available to watch NOW on YouTube! 🤯 In this episode, we discuss why edibles are not for everyone, the origins of the phrase 'knock on wood', how Femi's upbringing in Nigeria changed his outlook on religion forever, becoming a 'Roast Battle' regular, whether we live in a simulation or not, and much more! 🔥

Brandon Taylor is a stand-up comedian based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 In this episode, we discuss the genius of Joe Budden, what the PS5 did that is unforgivable, why everyone needs a giant flat-screen TV, Brandon's experience moving from St. Louis to Chicago, the strange reality of parasocial relationships, and much more! 🔥

Christine Ferrera is a comedian, visual artist, painter, vaudevillian, & more based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 In this episode, we discuss how Christine broke free of her extreme shyness, the origins of vaudeville, why comedy felt so much harder to pursue pre-internet, what we loved about Christopher Nolan's 'The Prestige', why the 'flimsy premise' films of the 80s were so special, and much more! 🔥

Shawn Banks is a stand-up comedian & producer based in Chicago, Illinois! You can catch his show, 'Lowkey Funny', MONTHLY at The Laugh Factory Chicago 💯 In this episode, we discuss how weathermen are essentially paid to spread gossip, why Rebecca Black is the perfect level of famous, what an improv teacher told Shawn that changed his life forever, how the D.C. comedy scene compares to Chicago, what we thought of 'Happy Gilmore 2', and much more! 🔥

Jim Balderston is a comedian & producer working in Chicago, Illinois. Catch his legendary production, 'Comedy You Deserve', twice a month at the Den Theatre! 💯 In this episode, we discuss the tarnished legacy of Will Smith, the Jim Carrey body-double controversy, the origins of Fortnite, where cancel culture began, why so many television shows end terribly (Stranger Things, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead), and much more! 🔥

Dat Damn Deedee is a comedian, producer, bartender, open mic host, full-time mom, & more based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 In this episode, we discuss how social media has changed art, what it really means to be "famous", why Goodwill is the best place to shop for clothes, how we take our parents for granted, what a mother truly wants from her children, and much more! 🔥

Eyeqsoul is a hip-hop artist & podcaster artist based in Chicago, IL. 💯 You can catch his podcast (P.O.T. Podcast) on YouTube! His latest song, 'S.W.S.' features Lazy Ass Pupils & Ruse (yours truly!) & can be heard on all streaming platforms 🎵 In this episode, we discuss our wildest public transit encounters, the genius of The Animatrix, how P.O.T. Podcast has evolved over time, what could be achieved as a society if we actually worked together, and so much more! 🔥

Max Shanker is a stand-up comedian & producer based in Chicago, Illinois! You can catch his show, 'Best Night Ever', WEEKLY every Tuesday @ 8PM at The Lincoln Lodge 💯 In this episode, we discuss Max's first open mic experience, what it's like living with allergies, the glamorization of true crime, why the food pyramid is confusing, the true difference between skateboards and longboards, the unexplained Michigan/Florida connection, and much more! 🔥

Tim Perez is a comedian, producer, & hip-hop artist based in Chicago, IL. He's also the mastermind behind Guerrilla Taco Party, a DIY HQ for the rawest talent Chicago has to offer 💯 Catch the NEXT Guerilla Taco Party at CASA CAFE on APRIL 17th! Music, comedy, madness, & more will ensue. The last two SOLD OUT so make sure to get your tickets ASAP 😉 I'll catch you there.

Sir Trey is a comedian & actor based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 In this episode, we discuss why confidence is the root of success, the segregation of Chicago's comedy scene (North Side VS South Side), what Trey learned in acting school, why comics should wait a few more years before releasing their first special, whether we will ever own a tiger, and much more! 🔥

TJ Sopoci is a comedian, filmmaker, photographer, musician, podcaster, & more based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 In this episode, we discuss how a dating podcast shaped TJ's future, why he chose to make a dive bar documentary, our personal favorite films, what makes Chicago so special, whether or not there are alien water slides under the Pyramids of Giza, and much more! 🔥

Laz Patillo is a comedian & producer working in Chicago, Illinois. He is the founder of Deep End, a force bringing you comedy, film, music, & live events! The main focus is to provide a platform for genuine talent and to build a community in the process 💪 Be on the lookout for their next outing, coming soon to a venue near you. 💯 In this episode, we discuss how to engineer a viral celebrity crashout, why it's harder to believe in UFOs than ever, what artists can do to hold onto their independence, how risk-taking is often discouraged in modern improv circles, the forgotten era of Nokia and Sidekicks, and much more! 🔥

Alex Perez is a filmmaker based in Chicago, IL! He is one of the founding fathers of Kino Crew Productions, the masterminds who orchestrated the iconic 'Gobblehead' series! 🦃 Their latest film, 'LOADS', is screening March 28th at Surge Billiards! 🎬 If you can't make it then, catch one of the numerous screenings to come. 🎭 In this episode, we discuss why 'Darkman' is Sam Raimi's most underrated film, what separates 'Gobblehead 4' from the previous installments, Disney's systematic corporatization of beloved franchises, the future of James Bond, why dreamlike directors like David Lynch and Andrei Tarkovsky are so special, and much more! 🔥

Nick Hanek is a comedian, producer, & podcaster based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 His latest production, 'Laugh Madness 2' takes place on March 12th at Woodie's Flat (Old Town) at 7 PM! 🎭 In this episode, we discuss Nick's Adam Ray interview disaster story, when we can expect the Comedy Collision podcast to return, why you should witness LAUGH MADNESS 2 on March 12th, what our professional wrestling 'Mount Rushmore' looks like, whether hypnosis is real or an illusion, and much more! 🔥

Tye Erskin is a stand-up comedian based in Columbus, Ohio! 💯 In this episode, we discuss what makes Columbus the fast food HQ of the US, how the WNBA could begin a revolution, why books are the true source of knowledge, the genius of Kendrick Lamar, and much more! 🔥

Mike Mazzella is a comedian, producer, & improviser based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 His latest production, 'Keepin' Tabs' (a satirical new sketch show) can be caught MONTHLY at The Annoyance 🎭 In this episode, we discuss the beauty of charcuterie boards, what you can expect at 'Keepin' Tabs', our GoPro origin movie pitch, Mike's upcoming production 'Proud Coward', why you shouldn't get an inflatable hot tub, and much more! 🔥 Stick around until the end for a LEGENDARY freestyle session 🔥

VII is a hip-hop artist based in Chicago, IL 💯 His latest project, 'heartbreak hotel.' is OUT NOW on all streaming platforms 🎵 In this episode, we discuss the meaning behind the name 'VII', what makes a good wrestler, how to mobilize your influence, why learning to focus on specific incidents changed VII's writing style forever, how wrestling is like jazz, and so much more! 🔥

St. James Jackson is a comedian, producer, & podcaster based in Chicago, IL 💯 You can catch his show, 'Something Unexpected', once a month at the Laugh Factory! 🎭 In this episode, we discuss the film Marty Supreme, why actors are overrated, the "make me laugh" problem, how social media platforms have changed over the years, why everyone should read more, the downside of legalizing vices, and much more! 🔥

Jasmine Ellis is a touring comedian & producer based in Los Angeles, California! 💯 In this episode, we discuss what it means to be a 'chameleon' in comedy, what Jasmine likes and dislikes about L.A., how a career in journalism led her to where she is today, the importance of Restaurant Week, and much more! 🔥

Dave Bradley is a stand-up comedian & producer based in Chicago, Illinois! 💯 He produces 'Dealers of Comedy', a comedy show you can catch at the Windcreek Chicago Casino EVERY Thursday at 7PM 🎭 In this episode, we discuss what it means to be a good person, our latest film recommendations, the miraculous power of beet juice, the day that Dave met his wife while hosting a podcast, how to reach out to create your own opportunities (+ why this is so important!), and much more! 🔥