Suzi Chicago

I'm sitting down with Sergio Novoa, comedian and producer of Fresh Faces Comedy Show, known for one simple rule: book equal men and women, every show. We met at a New Faces competition in LA, and I knew I had to get him on the podcast.From growing up in Nicaragua dreaming of telenovelas to producing shows across Southern California, Sergio breaks down what comedians get wrong about the business, why funny alone isn't enough, and what Joan Rivers means to him. Real, refreshing, and packed with wisdom for anyone chasing the stage.⸻⏱️ Episode Timeline & Highlights[04:08] – Growing up in Nicaragua and falling in love with TV for the first time [09:25] – Moving out at 16 and staying in survival mode instead of chasing dreams [11:23] – Why every comedian needs "a little delusion, arrogance, and childhood trauma" [14:56] – Suzi on fast-tracking comedy at 70 with no time to waste [22:58] – Why Sergio's Fresh Faces rule #1 is equal men and women on every lineup [25:32] – A mic and a speaker do not make a comedy show [30:15] – The bringer club trap and what makes a show producer truly great [35:44] – "Put your name on a marquee, if tickets don't sell, you're not a headliner" [37:12] – Joan Rivers, a tattoo, and why you can always turn things around [47:24] – How Suzi got tricked into her very first open mic in South Carolina⸻Links & Resources Mentioned• Fresh Faces Comedy Show: FreshFacesComedyShow.com • Follow Sergio on Instagram: @thesergionovoa • Comedians mentioned: Gary Goldman, Felipe Esparza, Chelsea Handler, Mike Birbiglia, Joan Rivers • Suzi's upcoming show: Yellow Door, San Diego – End of August⸻Closing Thoughts.Like, subscribe, and share with a comedian who needs to hear this. See you next time!#suzichicago #sergionovoa #freshfacescomedy #sandiegocomedy #comedypodcast #womenincomedy #standupcomedy #comedybusiness #joanrivers #newcomics #comedyproducer #podcastinterview

My producer, Devin Smith, flips the script and puts me in the hot seat at Podium Studios in Marietta, Georgia! I'm in town for the Blade Show, roasting knife makers, and my husband for a living, and answering your listener questions live.From Sam the skeleton's Roman Coliseum incident to why I'll never retire, bringer club truths, and why Home Depot is San Diego's hottest singles bar; this one is pure, unfiltered Suzi.⸻⏱️ Episode Highlights[00:55] – Why I'm in Georgia: The Blade Show and roasting knife makers [06:12] – Waymo chaos in Atlanta: floods, blocked streets, and "No Way." [12:43] – My special "Late Life Crisis" update and release plans [19:51] – Q&A: Where are the skeletons? The full story of Sam [21:50] – Getting kicked out of the Roman Coliseum with a plastic skeleton [30:35] – The truth about bringer clubs and how the comedy business really works [38:07] – Q&A: Why aren't you retired? [47:55] – Home Depot: San Diego's most surprising singles scene [56:17] – The Balboa Theater moment that changed my comedy dream [1:03:05] – Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional⸻Links & Resources Mentioned• Podium Studios(thepodium.studio/) – Our production home in Marietta, Georgia • Suzi's Special Late Life Crisis – Coming soon around the 4th of July! • Podcast: Breaking Bread with Tom Papa • Follow Suzi: SuziChicago.com⸻Closing ThoughtsThanks for hanging out with us in Georgia! If you enjoyed this one, like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs a laugh. Keep those questions coming, and remember: pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. See you next time!#suzichicago #podiumstudios #latelifecrisis #comedyspecial #bladeshow #sandiegocomedy #comedypodcast #samtheskeleton #grandmafunfun #neverretire #adhdcomedy #podcastinterview

In today's episode, I sit down with Pamela Wardrop and Carol Johnson, the Silver Sisters, comedians and show promoters carving out their own space in San Diego. We're exploring why it's never too late to start something new and how life's biggest curveballs become the best stage material.From navigating dark humor after a cancer diagnosis to the reality of being a grandma in comedy clubs, this episode is about making your own room and finding your tribe. If you've been waiting for permission to follow your dreams, this is your sign to stop waiting and start picking yourself.⸻⏱️ Episode Timeline & Highlights[01:19] – Carol's ultimate revenge story: Her ex said she wasn't funny, so she started writing [02:03] – How a cancer diagnosis became Pamela's "now or never" catalyst [05:15] – My surreal moment reaching out to Mike Birbiglia at 69 [08:42] – The Silver Sisters' philosophy: Stop waiting to be picked [15:43] – Raising "Tornado Boy" and teaching to a child's strengths [24:07] – From naval cryptologist to comedy stage: Pamela's military journey [30:00] – Why women in comedy need to produce their own magic [38:37] – Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP) and healing through comedy [45:00] – Finding your tribe and creating community in comedy [52:00] – Final wisdom: Dress like your own character every day⸻Links & Resources Mentioned• Youtube Channel: Pam Without a Plan (@pamwithoutaplan371) • Instagram: Carol Johnson Comedy(@caroljohnsoncomedy) • Instagram: Silver Sisters Comedy(@silversisterscomedy) • ASAP (Armed Services Arts Partnership) – asapasap.org • Mic Drop Comedy Club, Sandiego - www.micdropcomedysandiego.com/⸻Closing ThoughtsIf you enjoyed hearing from these fabulous ladies, subscribe and follow the Suzi Chicago Podcast. Also, leave a rate and review. Remember: make your own room, find your tribe, and dress like your own character every single day. See you next time!