Jaywalking: Life Unfiltered with Jay Yoder

This week on Jaywalking: Life Unfiltered, Jay sits down with Pat—a former baseball player he coached back in middle school… who’s now 30 and back in his life in a completely different way—as a student in his stand-up comedy class.They catch up on everything in between—from the baseball field to adulthood—and talk about what inspired Pat to step out of his comfort zone and into comedy. It’s a full-circle conversation about growth, taking chances, and what happens when life brings people back together in unexpected ways.From coach to comic mentor, Jay gets to see Pat in a whole new arena—and it makes for a great conversation.🎧 Check it out and follow Pat’s journey into stand-up!

Jay Yoder sits down with Philly comic Justin Lamar to talk about the real grind — how consistency took him from a small side room in Abington to selling out a full show at Helium Comedy Club.No shortcuts. No magic formula. Just showing up over and over again… and leveling up.They get into the hustle, the setbacks, and what it actually takes to build something in comedy.🎟️ Don’t miss his show Jokes and Jrinks on May 9 — tickets are on sale now at Helium!If you can link the show from Helium site in show notes If you’re chasing something, this one’s for you. Enjoy the conversation.#JaywalkingPodcast #PhillyComedy #StandUpGrind #Consistency #ComedyLife

Jay breaks down an incredible weekend of shows with Joe Gatto — packed crowds, big laughs, and behind-the-scenes moments you won’t hear anywhere else.At one point Jay realized He wasn’t just opening shows… He was also apparently his unofficial Philly food tour guide 😂 If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Staten Island guy trusts a local with food recommendations… we get into that too.It’s a fun one. Come hang with me.#JaywalkingPodcast #StandUpComedy #JoeGatto #PhillyFood #BehindTheScenes

Jay sits down with longtime friend and comedy producer Joel Richardson for an honest and hilarious conversation about walking away from “cushy” jobs to chase the unpredictable world of entertainment.They dive into the risks, the doubts, the moments that almost broke them—and the rewards that made it all worth it. From betting on themselves to building something real, this episode is equal parts inspiring and real talk.If you’ve ever thought about taking a leap, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

I’m joined by Pat House as we unpack our trip to Alaska for the Alaska Before You Die Comedy Festival—8 shows, travel delays, wildlife, and a whole lot of “what are we doing right now?” moments. We talk road stories, bombing vs. crushing, and why comedians will travel anywhere for stage time… even if it means risking life and limb on ice.

It’s been two months since I left teaching—and turns out, when you remove 20 years of routine, your brain just… floats.In this episode, I give a brutally honest (and slightly unhinged) update on life after the classroom. We’re talking identity crisis, unexpected freedom, and realizing I no longer measure my life in marking periods.Also… nobody tells you how weird it is to not need a bathroom pass anymore.

This week on Jaywalking: Life Unfiltered I sit down with Chelsea and Dan Keota from Die Laughing Inc. — and this story is truly full circle.Chelsea was actually one of my students in year ONE of my teaching career… and 20 years later, life brought us back together when I became her husband Dan’s comedy teacher.Dan started doing comedy as a way to take his mind off the unimaginable — waiting for a double lung transplant. What began as an outlet turned into a mission. From that experience, he launched a nonprofit that raises money for others through comedy fundraisers and laughter.This is a story about resilience, love, purpose… and the healing power of humor.What a beautiful couple. What a powerful journey.You do NOT want to miss this episode. ❤️🎙️

In this laid-back episode of Jaywalking: Life Unfiltered, Jay sits down with Meredith Leigh for a real, unfiltered catch-up. From where life has taken them since they last connected to the unexpected twists, growth, challenges, and laughs along the way — nothing is off limits.They talk about navigating adulthood, relationships, career paths, personal evolution, and how the past has a funny way of showing up in the present. It’s honest, nostalgic, funny, and at times surprisingly deep — the kind of conversation that reminds you how important it is to reconnect with people who knew you “back when.”Whether you’re reflecting on your own journey, missing old friends, or just here for good conversation and real laughs, this episode is a reminder that life doesn’t move in a straight line — and sometimes the best moments happen when you pause long enough to catch up.

Growing up with two moms gave Jay a strong foundation, but during his college years a handful of men stepped into his life in ways he didn’t expect. Professors, mentors, and coaches who modeled integrity, humor, and accountability—sometimes through advice, sometimes through tough love, and sometimes without realizing the impact they were making.Now as a dad, Jay reflects on how those lessons stuck with him and how they shape the way he tries to show up for his own daughters today.

After a long hiatus, Jaywalking: Life Unfiltered with Jay Yoder is finally back — and a LOT has changed.In this episode, Jay catches listeners up on everything from family vacations and life on the road to one of the biggest decisions of his life: stepping away from a 21-year teaching career to pursue comedy, speaking, and creative work full time.

You haven't lived until you've taken a 4-hour flight that feels like 40. Meredith Styer returns to Jaywalking as we break down the chaos of family travel and the sheer joy of sneaking away kid-free. Spoiler: one of these requires snacks and the other requires cocktails.

Jay sits down with Philly comedian and longtime pal Steve Bickel for a hilarious episode packed with inside jokes, brutal roasts, and real talk about the grind of comedy and life.

This week on Jaywalking, Jay sits down with comedian and podcaster Dru Montana of Durag & The Deer Tag and Digital Bazooka fame. Together they dive into the creative chaos that shaped their childhoods, the sideways paths that lead to comedy, and the beautiful mischief that fuels Dru’s style on and off stage.From unfiltered stories to behind-the-scenes laughs, Dru breaks down his recent trip to New Orleans for Skankfest—the wild moments, the unexpected lessons, and the absurdity only he can deliver.It’s funny, real, and just the right amount of trouble.Come walk with us

What’s “normal,” anyway? In this episode, we unpack identity, comedy, and how to manage social media with honesty and humor. It’s smart, real, and seriously funny. We had a blast recording it — and we think you’ll laugh right along with us!

In this episode, Jay sits down with comedian and scientist Dana Charitonchick to reminisce about their wild pandemic days performing at Soul Joel’s — from parking lot shows to the birth of post-COVID comedy energy. They dive into Dana’s double life as a stand-up comic by night and scientist by day, exploring how curiosity, data, and humor intersect in the most unexpected ways.Laugh, learn, and relive the chaos that turned isolation into inspiration.

Today’s episode dives into what performing comedy at a 100th birthday party taught me about aging, purpose, and the legacy we leave behind. One moment I am joking about Jeopardy and hard candies, the next I am thinking about my own daughter turning twelve and what her future will look like. It is real, honest, and unfiltered life talk… with laughs along the way. Give it a listen and share with a friend who needs a smile.

Before the stage lights came the time clocks. Jay and Rasheed Wesley Jr trade tales of their most memorable gigs — the good, the bad, and the absurd. It’s a funny, real, and totally unfiltered look at what we do to survive before finding what we love.

In this episode of Jaywalking: Life Unfiltered with Jay Yoder, I open up about the raw, beautiful, and sometimes unpredictable journey of parenting my incredible daughter, Elysia, who is autistic. From navigating the challenges of COVID to celebrating her growth and victories, I share the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It’s a story of resilience, learning, and finding joy in the moments that matter most.

This week on Jaywalking: Life Unfiltered, I break down Monday’s big autism announcement — all the headlines, all the buzzwords, and what they actually mean for families like mine. As a dad raising a daughter with autism, I don’t need promises about a “cure” or a quick soundbite. What we need is care, support, and understanding that lasts longer than a press cycle.It’s part comedy, part reality check, and all heart — because autism isn’t a talking point, it’s real life.

In this episode of Jaywalking, I sit down with my good buddy and fellow comedian Kirke Gardener to take a trip down memory lane. We talking about our youth-the missteps, the laughs, the lessons-and how those moments shaped who we are today. From awkward teenage years to finding our voice on stage, it's a raw and funny reflection on where we've been and where we're headed.

In this episode of Jaywalking: Life Unfiltered, I sit down with comedian and high school ELA teacher Dave Shay to talk about his inspiring journey from working as a paraprofessional to leading his own classroom. We dive into what it means to grow as an educator, how comedy and teaching overlap, and the lessons learned along the way.We also reflect on this past week’s events surrounding Charlie Kirk—not through politics or division, but by looking at how people processed and reacted, and what that reveals about community, empathy, and dialogue. This conversation is thoughtful, light, and full of insights from someone who balances the worlds of education and stand-up.

In this solo episode, I talk about what it feels like heading back to school and juggling my classes, but also how the whole Philly Karen situation turned into something way bigger than expected. I share what I learned from all the social commentary, how our leadership seems to be feeding into everyone’s collective anxiety, and why this moment spiraled into a full-blown witch hunt. It’s part classroom, part comedy, part cultural therapy session—join me for some unfiltered reflection and a few laughs along the way.

Comedian Tyler Rothrock joins me on Jaywalking as we retrace how we first connected in comedy—and then wander (or “Jaywalk”) into a deep conversation about the role of AI in life, creativity, and education.It’s one of those talks that could have gone on for hours: equal parts funny, thoughtful, and eye-opening.👉 Be sure to keep an eye out for Tyler’s new comedy special “On the Run”, dropping soon!If you’re curious about where comedy and technology collide—or just love a good, unfiltered conversation—you won’t want to miss this one!

This week on Jaywalking, Meredith joins me to swap vacation stories, share the highs and lows of being dog parents, and talk about the unique challenges (and unexpected perks) of being a big person on the road — and in restaurants. From road trip snacks to Applebee’s seating strategies, we cover it all… because nobody puts baby in a corner, and nobody puts us in a corner booth.

My youngest joined me on Jaywalking today — she’s shy at first, but we had a blast talking about vacations, school, and her big sister Elysia… including the many creative ways Elysia manages to escape. Think of it as a wholesome family chat with just enough chaos to keep it interesting.

On this episode, comic Bhavik Patel joins me to talk comedy, culture, and career pivots. We get into what it’s like growing up with Indian parents who had big expectations, how his engineering background shapes his comedy, and the life lessons scooped up while working at his family’s Dairy Queen. From pressure to perform (academically and on stage) to the power of soft serve and stand-up, this one’s full of heart, hustle, and hilarious truths.

Jay sits down with fellow Scrantonian and comedian Zach Hammond for an honest, funny, and refreshingly earnest conversation about life on the road, growing up in the Electric City, and how the skills honed in stand-up—like reading a room, timing, and rolling with punches—translate far beyond the stage. It’s two comics catching up and trading notes on comedy, travel, and the unexpected wisdom that comes from chasing laughs across the country. 

What happens when your former student grows up, chases their dreams, and ends up in the same world as you? In this special episode of Jaywalking, Jay reunites with Morgan—once a middle schooler in his class, now a 30-year-old pursuing a career in the performing arts. They swap stories, reflect on how far they’ve come, and Morgan shares the moments that stuck with her most from having Jay as a teacher. It’s funny, full-circle, and proof that the classroom is just the beginning.

In Part 2 of Jay’s conversation with childhood best friend Stephen McConnell, they veer from personal to planetary—unpacking the wild world of artificial intelligence. Steve’s not just a guy with good takes—he’s a professor of media and AI at UNC and NYU. Jay asks the questions we’re all thinking: What is AI really doing? Can we trust the TikTok algorithm? Is ChatGPT just Clippy with ambition?It’s a hilarious, honest, and surprisingly hopeful look at the future of tech, teaching, and what it means to be human in a world getting way too smart for its own good.

This week, Jay is joined by his best friend since childhood, Stephen McConnell. They revisit the wild way their friendship began and open up about the moments that shaped them. Steve shares a powerful and personal story about how his mother’s death by suicide altered the path of his life in ways he’s still unpacking.

Comedian and proud Irish Catholic Joey Callahan joins Jay to about life as a girl dad, emotional rollercoaster of becoming an empty nester, and what its like being married to a teacher on summer break (spoiler: naps and Pinterest projects). They swap stories about raising daughters, surviving June chaos, and why no one prepares you for how quiet the house gets. Come for the laughs, stay for the accidental wisdom.

Jay is joined by fellow veteran teacher-turned-comedian Karen Schwarz. They talk about surviving 20+ years in the classroom, discovering comedy later in life, and the sweet, sweet joy of not setting an alarm in June. From student sass to stand-up sets, this one’s for every teacher who’s traded lesson plans for punchlines.Karen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schwarzbollinger?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

For Pride Month, Jay invites fellow straight comic Dan Dapril to talk about growing up around LGBTQ+ family. Jay lied about his uncle’s “roommate” in the ‘90s—did Dan do the same? Turns out their experiences were very different, but the laughs were loud and the porcelain statues were fabulous. From Greg Louganis videos to awkward Airbnb meditation, it’s a funny, honest convo about queerness, shame, and showing up as an ally.

Today on Jaywalking, I’m joined by my good friend and fellow comic Barry S. Naylor—aka the funniest substitute teacher you’ll ever meet. We dive into the wild world of substitute teaching and stand-up comedy: from roasting kids who think they’re slick, to roasting hecklers who really should’ve stayed home. Barry and I swap war stories from both the classroom and the green room, relive our comedy road trip to Louisiana, and talk about what it’s like balancing lesson plans with punchlines. Whether it’s students, crowds, or life in general—nobody’s safe.

The guest bailed, so Jay sat down with the only people available—himself. Multiple versions of himself, actually. Teacher Jay, Parent Jay, Burnt-Out Jay… they all had a lot to say.

Jay and Meredith sit down to talk about making bold changes later in life, proving you’re never too old for new tricks—or a mic in your hand. From the personal traumas that pushed them to the stage to the surprising joy of blending who they were with who they’re becoming, this episode is all about reinvention, resilience, and refusing to age quietly.Check out Meredith on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/makemelaughmeredith?igsh=MWF4b3A2MXh3enZnOQ==

In this solo episode of Jaywalking: Life Unfiltered with Jay Yoder, I let it all out—the stress, the noise, the nonstop demands of being a teacher, a parent, and a functioning human being in a world that rarely slows down. From tough classroom moments to chaotic days at home, I’m venting, reflecting, and sharing how I stay grounded (or at least try to) when everything feels like too much. If you’ve ever felt like you’re holding it all together with coffee and good intentions, this one’s for you.

In this episode of Jaywalking: Life Unfiltered with Jay Yoder, I sit down with Matt Moyer, who turned a college improv class into Channel 5 Rachet News—an incredible community resource blending comedy, creativity, and real-world reporting. We talk about his path through comedy, navigating COVID, and his decision to go back to school for journalism to better serve his community. It’s a powerful story of resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose where you least expect it.

In this episode of Jaywalking: Life Unfiltered with Jay Yoder, I sit down with Jimmy Mack—cohost of the Brutal Dudes podcast and a human encyclopedia of random facts. We dive into everything from life lessons and travel stories to the not-so-glamorous realities of living with sleep apnea. It’s a conversation packed with laughs, insights, and a few too many facts you didn’t know you needed.

In this episode of Jaywalking, we’re talking nutrition, health, and the daily battle between what we should eat and what we really want to eat. From grocery aisle guilt to late-night snacks that somehow vanish without witnesses, I’m diving into my own health journey and why making the “right” choice isn’t always simple—or sustainable. It’s real talk about food, habits, and grace in the process.

In this episode of Jaywalking, I dive into Love on the Spectrum — the heartwarming, awkward, and honest dating show that hits a little differently when you’re raising a daughter with autism. I break down the moments that made me laugh, cry, and cringe (sometimes all at once), and share some personal stories from the frontlines of parenting. It’s a real talk about love, growth, and why authentic connection — on or off the screen — matters so much.

Starting stand-up comedy as an adult isn’t easy — but finding real friends along the way makes it worth it. Today on Jaywalking, Jay sits down with fellow comedian and good friend Dan D’Aprile to talk about how they met in the wild world of open mics, what it’s like chasing dreams later in life, and why making friends after 30 hits different. It’s a real, funny, and honest conversation about life, laughter, and finding your people when you least expect it.

In this episode of Jaywalking: Life Unfiltered with Jay Yoder, I open up about the raw, beautiful, and sometimes unpredictable journey of parenting my incredible daughter, Elysia, who is autistic. From navigating the challenges of COVID to celebrating her growth and victories, I share the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It’s a story of resilience, learning, and finding joy in the moments that matter most.

In this episode of Jaywalking: Life Unfiltered with Jay Yoder, I confess my deepest, guiltiest, and most unapologetic pleasure—trashy reality TV. From over-the-top drama to ridiculously staged meltdowns, I break down why these shows have me hooked and why I refuse to feel bad about it. Life is chaotic, parenting is exhausting, and sometimes, you just need to watch people argue over absolutely nothing. So grab your remote and embrace the guilty pleasure with me—no shame allowed.

In this episode of Jaywalking: Life Unfiltered with Jay Yoder, I break down the not-so-secret weapon that keeps my chaotic life running smoothly: my Google Calendar. From managing lesson plans and family life to chasing my stand-up comedy dreams, it’s all about being intentional with my time. I share how I balance being a dedicated teacher, a present dad, and a late-blooming comedian — one color-coded calendar event at a time.

In this episode of Jaywalking: Life Unfiltered with Jay Yoder, I take you on a journey through my chaotic school years—bouncing from school to school, adapting to new environments, and finding ways to make it all entertaining.But the real adventure? My high school days in Argentina, where my antics reached international levels. From cultural mishaps to unexpected adventures, this is the story of a student who never quite stayed in one place!

In this premiere episode of Jaywalking: Life Unfiltered with Jay Yoder, I dive into the wild, terrifying, and exhilarating journey of chasing my passion for stand-up comedy in my late 30s. From classroom to comedy club, I share what it feels like to find my true frequency—like a tuning fork finally hitting the right note. Get ready for laughs, honest reflections, and a reminder that it’s never too late to answer your calling.