Talkward

Talkward: Cringeworthy Tales — Matt Visconage and the Day Job That Broke Him This week on Talkward, host Marty Dundics welcomes improviser, writer, and office-culture survivor Matt Visconage for a painfully relatable deep dive into temp jobs, cubicles, customer service trauma, and the quiet despair of corporate life. Matt—an alum of iO Theater and Upright Citizens Brigade, and co-host of CAGEMATCH—talks about the long road that led to his new book, The Day Job Survival Handbook, a satirical “orientation manual” for anyone who’s ever cried in a bathroom stall at work. The conversation covers everything from his viral Onion guacamole photo that refuses to die, to being a literal cog in the customer-service machine, to the emotional toll of talking to 150 furious strangers a day. Matt breaks down the fictional company at the center of the book—Smart Haven—and its unforgettable cast of employees, shadow executives, party subs, and the relentlessly upbeat organizational guide COG 760 (“David”), who’s always there to help… no matter how bad things get. Marty and Matt also dig into workplace romances, holiday party bingo, corporate gaslighting, bacon costumes worn at the office, and why working customer service permanently rewires your brain. Plus, Matt discusses adapting the book into a live stage show at UCB, where the audience becomes new hires, and why the world of The Day Job Survival Handbook feels disturbingly close to reality. If you’ve ever worked a day job you hated—or one you’re still stuck in—this episode will make you feel deeply seen… and slightly concerned. 🎧 Listen, cringe, and survive. Get the book today! The Day Job Survival HandbookBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

Mike Sacks Returns (and Gen X Gets Bigger Fonts) Talkward is back for a new season, and host Marty Dundics kicks things off with a returning favorite: humor author and satirist Mike Sacks, the master of “artifacts from things that never existed.”This episode dives into Sacks’ signature meta-comedy—fake movies, invented cultural movements, and lovingly recreated pop-culture “memories” that feel too real—as Marty and Mike celebrate the release of Slouchers: Gen Xpanded Edition from Humorist Books.From the lost freedom of pre-smartphone childhoods to the plot-ruining menace of cell phones in storytelling, Marty and Mike riff on why the past is easier (and funnier) to satirize than the always-on present. Along the way, they nerd out over grunge-era touchstones (cargo shorts, mixtapes, WHFS, standing in line all night for concert tickets), and unpack the strange magic of nostalgia for a time that was messy, sincere, and gloriously offline.The conversation also explores Mike’s audio-comedy world—his new project StanLand, and how one “yes” from Jon Hamm helped launch an all-star cast for Stinker Let’s Loose, why collaboration makes the work better, and what he’s developing next with Chris Elliott. Plus: Substack advice without the hustle, Sedaris tour-opening war stories, and a little daydreaming about what Slouchers could become as a streaming series—complete with dream casting, cameos, and a soundtrack built from forgotten ’90s gems. Buy Slouchers: Gen Xpanded Edition and find more from Mike at mikesacks.com—then subscribe, follow, and keep the cringeworthy tales coming.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode we go off the grid to a dark cabin deep in the Pennsylvania woods where a recluse has come up for air to chat about his new book baby. Cartoonist, author, and all around creative genius Bob Eckstein chats about his new book The World's Greatest Museums. Order it today! https://bit.ly/footnotesmuseumBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward chats with comedy writer Carlos Greaves! His writing has been featured in The New Yorker, NPR, and he is a frequent contributor to the humor site McSweeney’s. His debut book, 'Spoilers: Essays That Might Ruin Your Favorite Hollywood Movies' is available to order now! https://carlosgreaves.com/books/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This week we are talking to comedy writer, pop culture fan, and trekkie, Justin Avery Smith. We chat about cosplay, comedy and his crush on Cmdr William T. Riker. Justin writes for Mcsweeney’s, Slackjaw, RobotButt, The Whole Wheat Post, Points In Case, and Greener Pastures. Follow him @justinaverysmithBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes Emmy® award winning humor writer and longtime executive producer of 'The Simpsons' Mike Reiss! His new book 'Santa's Brother Sandy Saves Christmas' is out now and his travel podcast "What Am I Doing Here?" is wherever you get your pods!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes humor author Marty Beckerman. A former editor at Esquire and MTV News, Beckerman has also written for The New York Times, The Atlantic, Wired, Playboy, Discover, Newsweek, CNET, The Daily Beast, and Mental Floss. His latest book, about a talking cats time traveling adventures to fix the Y2K past is THE TIME MEOWCHINE! Get it today! https://a.co/d/79drJ7B A wildly original science-fiction novel that will appeal to Kurt Vonnegut fans, Y2K throwback fashionistas, and cat lovers everywhere, The Time Meowchine reminds us the future is unwritten … and un-kitten.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes Jason Roeder, author of humor book "Griefstrike! The Ultimate Guide to Mourning". Jason is a former senior editor and senior writer at The Onion as well as a contributor to The New Yorker and McSweeney’s Internet Tendency. Pick up his book today! https://amzn.to/3kW6cwH See all of his books and work at jasonroeder.info Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

Stand-up comic and author Tom McCaffrey stops by Talkward to chat about his new debut novel 'Born Funny' which tells the tale of the rise of alt comedy through the eyes of a fictionalized version of himself. Get it: https://amzn.to/3koRn5qBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward comedy writer, teacher, actor, UCB improv, standup comedy performer and all around nice person Sean Conroy chats about his comedy career in stage, TV and podcasting. From networks like Adult Swim,Comedy Central, Seeso, MTV, Spike TV, UPN, NBC and ABC. He was Head Writer and Executive Producer on the amazingly funny shows Mr. Pickles and Gentlemen Lobsters. Listen to his weekly podcast The Long Shot. Visit https://www.seanconroy.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

Humor writer raconteur Mike Sacks stops by Talkward to chat about "Welcome to Woodmont College" , his parody of a college catalog co-written with Jason Roeder. It was named one of the best comedy books of the year by New York Magazine's Vulture and you should buy it today! We also discuss the wonders of Maryland, 90s nostalgia, and how he makes things happen for himself in the comedy world.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

Comedy animation creators Aaron Augenblick and Katie Wendt discuss the wonderfully funny and smart new show 'City Island' on PBSKids. Augenblick Studios has been a trailblazing studio in the world of adult animation with hits like Ugly Americans, The Jellies, Wonder Showzen, Superjail, Death Hacks, and Shorties Watching Shorties- now through the new Future Brain Media, they are making waves in the world of kids animation! Watch 'City Island' at PBSKids.org and see all the projects at https://www.augenblickstudios.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes humor writer Kate Herzlin! Kate, along with co-authors Allison Kelley, Danielle Kraese, and Ysabel Yates wrote the new book, Jokes to Offend Men, which is a cutting, cathartic spin on the old-fashioned joke book. It's refreshingly hilarious, go grab a copy! Follow her @kateherzlin and check out the book http://jokestooffendmen.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes Amy Fusselman, author of the new novel 'The Means' which follows the character Shelly Means and her hilarious quest to own a beach house in the Hamptons. Shipping containers, talking dogs, anger management classes, and vision boards make up this very funny book. Follow her @amyfusselman and http://amyfusselman.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes comedy writer and author Gary Almeter! Gary's new humor book 'The Official Dream Dinner Party Handbook' explores the question: If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who do you pick? How do you choose? And how can it all go terribly wrong? It's very funny and you should buy it right now! https://bit.ly/dreamdinnerpartyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode features the very talented comedy writer and TV producer Craig Thomas! Craig is the co-creator, executive producer, and writer of “How I Met Your Mother,” which received 30 Emmy Award nominations in its nine-season run. Before that he wrote for 'The Late Show with David Letterman' and 'American Dad!'. Craig is also an accomplished musician and songwriter! Most recently his prose has been published in The New Yorker, McSweeney’s, Weekly Humorist and soon, The Iowa Review. Follow him on twitter at @HIMYMCraigBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes humor writer and performer AJ 'Sweet Pea' DiCosimo. AJ has been published many times in The New Yorker, as well as Weekly Humorist and he even snuck into being a writer for MAD. Have you ever heard a story from a guy who covers his naked body in shaving cream and plays Tom Petty songs? You will. He's a punk rock comedy guy from Cleveland, whose day jobs have given him the perspective that lead him to the more silly, absurdist side of humor. Follow AJ https://twitter.com/AJDiCosimoBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode welcomes cartoonist and comedy writer Ivan Ehlers! Ivan has been a regular in The New Yorker, MAD Magazine, Weekly Humorist, LA Times and others. His first series 'Dee Dee Sawyer Ghoul Destroyer' is available now on Webtoons. See all his work at https://www.instagram.com/ivan_ehlers/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode welcomes humor writer and prolific author Brian Boone. We discuss his career writing trivia, joke books, his truly epic failure on 'Jeopardy', and his new book "How To Be An Old Person- Everything To Know For The Newly Old, Retiring, Elderly, Or Considering' Pick it up today! http://howtobeanoldperson.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode's guest is author and comedy performer Haley McGee! We have a wonderful chat about dating and the value of the gifts from an ex. Her new book, 'The Ex-Boyfriend Yard Sale' is out now. Check it out! http://www.haleymcgee.ca/book-2Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode welcomes the very funny comedy writer, author, and voice over artist Jen Spyra! We chat all about her time writing at The Onion, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where she is also the announcer! Her new book 'Big Time' is out now from Penguin Random House. It's SO FUNNY! Buy it today! https://www.amazon.com/Big-Time-Stories-Jen-Spyra/dp/1984855263Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes poet, author, and recovering mime Melissa Balmain. Melissa edits Light, America's longest-running journal of light verse. Her humor has appeared in The American Bystander, Lighten Up Online, McSweeney's, The New Yorker, The New York Times, Success, The Washington Post, and Weekly Humorist. Her full-length poetry collection, Walking in on People (winner of the Able Muse Book Award), has been praised by Poet Laureate Billy Collins as "an infectious, often hilarious blend of the sweet and the lethal, the charming and the acidic. Her new book "The Witch Demands a Retraction - Fair Tale Reboots For Adults" illustrated by Ron Barrett is on sale now. BUY IT HERE: https://amzn.to/3adD2QXBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward chats with the very funny Keith James. Keith is a comedy performer and writer who has a new comedy, sci-fi, erotic, adventure book out now entitled 'Greg Maxwell's Inferno'. We discuss his humor journey and doing improv comedy for a soon-to-be-FBI-raided health spa where he had to do breakdance fighting live on-stage against a child. Follow Keith @k3ithJam3s and listen to his podcast Gus Biblowitz, Basketball Legend.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes cartoon comedy duo Kit Lively and David DeGrand. They have a new book out called 'Twisted Tongues: Jokes, Comics, Facts, and Tongue Twisters' We discuss their years working together for MAD Magazine and David's recent gig designing the animated show 'Death Hacks'.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

Today on Talkward is comic and producer Brittany Brave! She has a great new web series coming out and a weekly Friday stand-up show that's virtual, so you can enjoy it in your underwear! See all her upcoming events at http://instragram.com/brittanybraveBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

Welcoming back to Talkward the very funny and talented Jessica Delfino! Jessica is a musical comedy performer and writer who has a new book out, Dumb Jokes For Smart Folks, which was an Amazon #1 Best Seller in new releases! Check it out at dumbjokesforsmartfolks.com and follow her @jessicadelfinoBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

Today on Talkward is cartoonist, comedy writer, and performer Emily Flake! Emily draws wonderful cartoons for The New Yorker, The New York Times and has many books and comics strips. […]Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes the non-stop comedy cartoon duo Bob Eckstein and Michael Shaw! The both are long-time famous cartoonists and writers who have been featured in The New […]Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes back cartoonist, stand-up comic, and actor Jason Chatfield! Jason is the president of The National Cartoonists Society, and a contributor in The New Yorker. We discuss cartooning, Tom Richmond, Mort Drucker, Jason's drawing diary during his bout with Covid-19 and even the Murder, She Wrote episode that uses The Reuben Award as a murder weapon!Visit Jason here: https://www.jasonchatfield.com/ http://twitter.com/jason_chatfield http://instagram.com/jasonchatfield http://www.facebook.com/jasonchatfieldcartoonistBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

Today on Talkward is comedy person Brittany Brave! Brittany does stand-up, improv, produces shows all over NYC and has recently started Violently Funny, a podcast and live show that shines a light on domestic violence. We discuss her comedy, getting older, meeting Robert De Niro while having a mouthful of peanut M&Ms and terrible TV. Go see her show 1/31 at Caveat! Get tickets here and follow her ontwitter @britbrave instagram @brittanybrave @violentlyfunny and brittanybrave.com More about Violently Funny:Violently Funny is a comedic podcast about domestic violence, dating, sex and sisterhood hosted by survivors Onika McLean (@divaofcomedy) and Brittany Brave (@brittanybrave.) Don't punch back– punch up. New episodes every Tuesday!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes comedy writer and performer Ronny Pascale! Ronny has toured the country with his sketch group, produces variety shows, and has amassed a loyal following on social media by simply writing great jokes. We discuss his process, his fears and why he is DONE with improv. (spoiler, he started another improv class already) See his shows at The PIT in NYC! Follow him @ronnypascale on IG and twitter.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This spooky Halloween episode of Talkward welcomes humor writer and performer James Folta! James writes for The New Yorker, McSweeney's , Weekly Humorist and is the Managing Editor of Points In Case. James also is a co-founder of The Satire and Humor Festival which is in NYC in March but just announced a pop-up weekend in Chicago in November! Check it out here and go! We discuss Halloween costumes, writing, book publishing and James' current projects in writing and pitching new narrative humor podcasts. Also, who knew how bad at math we both are! Jokes! James also teaches humor and parody. Follow him on twitter @JamesFolta and we'll see you at the festival!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This very special episode of Talkward welcomes cartoonists Bob Eckstein, Steve McGinn, and Robert Leighton! Full house! They stopped by the studio after going by The New Yorker to submit some cartoons. We discuss the joke writing process, appearances on old game shows, and we dissect the reasons why some of Steve's cartoons got rejected very, very quickly. We also chat about Bob Eckstein's new book, "Everyone's A Critic- The Ultimate Cartoon Book" which is on sale now and you should go buy it right now!ABOUT THE BOOK: We are all critics now. From social media “likes” to reviews on Yelp and Rotten Tomatoes, we’re constantly asked to give our opinion and offer feedback. Everyone’s a Critic is a curated collection of the best and brightest New Yorker cartoonists celebrating the art of the drawn critique, whether about restaurants, art, sports, dates, friends, or modern life. Featuring the work of thirty-six masters of the cartoon, including Roz Chast, Sam Gross, Nick Downes, Liza Donnelly, Bob Mankoff, Michael Maslin, and Mick Stevens, over half the cartoons in this book appear in print for the first time.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes comedy writers and authors Michael Bleicher and Andy Newton! The humor writing duo has been published in McSweeney's, Points In Case, Crack The Spine and Weekly Humorist. They discuss their writing process, the power of Google Docs, and the state of the world. Their debut novel "From the Campaign Trail or Thereabouts" a satirical road trip comedy taking place during the events of the 2016 election is on sale now from imprint Humorist Books. About the book!From the Campaign Trail or Thereabouts is the story of two insulated Upper West Side journalists, Harold Carlyle, a self-serving, incompetent reporter desperate to save both his career and marriage, and his wife, Pattie, an observant, sharp-tongued, and successful television critic. When Harold is assigned to cover the 2016 Presidential Election, he devises a scheme to save his marriage by taking Pattie with him across the country. Harold pledges that they’ll be able to reach San Diego on his publication’s dime, a promise that consistently fails to come to fruition. As Harold lackadaisically covers the Republican campaign, the couple discovers the absurdities and dark contradictions of American culture, from a Neo-Nazi group preoccupied with following parliamentary procedure, to Iowa state fairs, a pair of 9/11 Truthers celebrating their golden anniversary on a cross-country train trip, a Republican Convention inexplicably teeming with Russians, underwhelming chain motels (“‘Best’ Western. It’s like Napoleon crowning himself emperor. You can’t just award it to yourself”), online trolls, combination truck stops and adult emporiums, I Love Lucy, and the dubious efficacy of their marriage counselor’s communication exercises. Despite his elaborate schemes and quick-witted excuses, Harold’s career and marriage continue to unravel, until he stumbles upon a flash drive with transcripts of off-color conversations revealing collusion between Donald Trump and a Kremlin emissary.From the Campaign Trail or Thereabouts dives into the contradictory, divided, and all-too-often unsettling state of the union. Like Huck Finn meets Game Change, this novel examines the politicians and popular figures who played starring roles in 2016 and holds up a mirror to the electorate that ultimately made Trumpism possible. At the same time, the narrative is propelled by the comic friction of the reader’s two guides on this trek, a class-conscious striver continually failing upward and a sardonic workaholic with codependency issues. Characterized by brisk, witty banter, Harold and Pattie’s marriage grounds the satire in a jocose, humanizing story of a troubled relationship and foiled ambition.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

Today on Talkward is musical comedy extraordinaire Jessica Delfino! Jessica is a critically acclaimed and award winning comedic musician who has performed her quirky comedy songs all over the world. She launched the New York Comedy Music Festival (first called the Funny Songs festival) in 2012. We discuss her newest album ‘Songs To make War to (14 Anarchist Anthems for the Whole Family)' Botnik Studios, Mom Comedy shows and she reads me with her 40% accurate Psychic powers!Called “Lower East Side’s Queen of Obscene” by The Village Voice and awarded a “Voice Choice” Award for “Best Guitar Slinging Comedian”, the “ECNY Best Comedic Musician” award, and a finalist in the Andy Kaufman Award, Jessica has appeared on Good Morning America, The Jim Gaffigan Show, CNN’s Stroumboulopoulos, at the infamous Reading and Leeds Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Fest, Dublin Comedy Festival, on stage with Weird Al Yankovic in the Apocalypse Tour and much more. Follow her on twiter and insta at @jessicadelfino and jessicadelfino.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes the very talented comedy author Mike Sacks! We discuss comedy, his journey and how people keep mistaking him for Jon Hamm. Mike has written for The New Yorker, The New York Times, McSweeney's, Funny or Die, Mad Magazine, and countless other staples in humor content. He is currently on the editorial staff for Vanity Fair. He has written over a dozen books including Poking a Dead Frog. Stinker Let Loose, a novelization was turned into an Audible audiobook in 2017 starring Jon Hamm as Stinker, Rhea Seehorn, Andy Ritcher, and others. His recent book, Randy: The Full and Complete Unedited Biography and Memoir of the Amazing Life and Times of Randy S.!, has been produced as an audio serial on Stitcher.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes comedian and actor Eric D'Alessandro! Eric has a commanding internet following across multiple platforms where he has leveraged digital media reach to drastically grow his fan base His short videos get an average of 50 thousand views each, which helps him sell out shows and land acting roles. He's been in the film Nerve and the season 3 premiere episode of Insecure on HBO. We discuss his Staten Island roots as a source of much of his best material.Follow him on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericdalessandro and more info on upcoming shows: https://linktr.ee/ericdalessandroBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes San Francisco based humor writer, actor, comedian, playwright, and engineer Irving Ruan! Irving writes regularly for The New Yorker, McSweeney's, Weekly Humorist as well SlackJaw, where he is also an editor! We discuss his creative journey and his time running a startup tech company! Recorded over the weekend of The Satire and Humor Festival, March 2019.Read all of Irving's writing at irvingruan.com and follow him on twitter @irvingruanBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes NYC comedy legend Jeffrey Gurian. If you don't know Jeffrey, then you aren't a NY comedy person, so get in the know! He's written, performed, produced comedy with so many huge names like Nick Kroll, John Mulaney, Amy Poehler, and Seth Rogen. He's written many books and has a regular comedy column and YouTube series. We discuss he latest book Healing Your Heart By Changing Your Mind. Go buy it! We also discuss how we both overcame speech obstacles and lessons for being happy! More about Jeffrey Gurian:People often refer to Jeffrey Gurian as a “Renaissance Man”, not because that’s when he was born, but because he’s involved in so many things. He’s a comedy writer, performer, director, author, producer, doctor and Healer, and not always in that order. He’s worked with and befriended many big stars and comedy legends, like Rodney Dangerfield, Joan Rivers, George Wallace, Phil Hartman, Richard Belzer, Jerry Lewis, and Andrew “Dice” Clay, among many others. Jeffrey has performed stand-up comedy at most of the big clubs in NY and L.A. and was featured several times on Comedy Central’s hit Kroll Show with Nick Kroll, John Mulaney, Amy Poehler, Seth Rogen, Laura Dern and Katy Perry. He was actually the first to be pranked with Too Much Tuna in the viral “Too Much Tuna” sketch and was also a regular on-air personality on Sirius XM’s Bennington Show, (formerly Ron and Fez), where he also brought on special guests/friends like Russell Peters, Trevor Noah, Colin Quinn, Artie Lange, Susie Essman, D.L. Hughley, and Lisa Lampanelli. He’s also a comedy journalist and for the last five years he’s written a weekly column covering the comedy scene for The Interrobang called “Jumping Around With Jeffrey Gurian”, and has also written for MTV, National Lampoon, Weekly World News, The Weekly Humorist and many Friars Roasts. His Comedy Matters TV, You Tube channel has over 500 A-list celebrity interviews including Jimmy Fallon, Chelsea Handler, Jim Carrey, Trevor Noah, Lisa Lampanelli, Susie Essman, Gilbert Gottfried, John Mulaney, and many, many more, and is closing in on two million views. He’s produced shows starring Kevin Hart and Susie Essman, and according to Paul Provenza, and Nick Kroll is known by everyone in comedy. He was honored to have been given his own column in the legendary Weekly World News, ( the pre-cursor to The Onion), called “Gurian’s World of the Bizarre”. That led to the creation of GNN (Gurian News Network) which brings you the most unusual stories in The Universe, missed by mainstream media. He claims to have not slept in many years in order to bring these stories to light! He filmed several episodes of Real Housewives of New York and created a sketch for Countess LuAnn and Princess Carole Radziwill, and recently filmed an episode of Crashing at the request of director Judd Apatow. He’s written six books. His latest book “Healing Your Heart, By Changing Your Mind – A Spiritual and Humorous Approach To Achieving Happiness” recently attained Best Seller status on Amazon, and is available as an e-book, a paperback and an audio book as of December 2018. Jeffrey is also a doctor, a former Cosmetic Dentist, and a former Clinical Professor at NYU in the Oral Medicine/Oro-Facial Pain Department, and is on the Board of The Assoc. For Spirituality and Psychotherapy since 1999, plus he developed a cure for Stuttering which he used to cure himself of a severe stutter! For more on Jeffrey visit his website at http://www.comedymatterstv.comAnd on Twitter and IG he’s @jeffrBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

Today on Talkward is the lovely and funny Claire Parker! Claire is a NYC based stand-up comic, actress and frequent guest on You Up w/ Nikki Glaser on Sirius/XM Comedy Central Radio. She has a very long titled podcast called Hold On One Second We're Talking About Britney Spears (or HOOSWTABS for short) which she hosts with Ashley Hamilton (@ashleyhammm). We discuss her favorite places to perform, her web series and mean horrible people on Reddit. Follow her on Instagram @clairethescareBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

Today on Talkward is cartoonist and stand-up comic Jason Chatfield! Jason is an award winning cartoonist who draws the worldwide daily strip Ginger Meggs, cartoons for The New Yorker and MAD Magazine and also has a popular podcast called Is There Something In This? Follow him @jasonchatfield and his website is jasonchatfield.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

This episode of Talkward welcomes humor writer and delightful Midwesterner Mia Mercado! Mia writes regularly for The New Yorker, McSweeney's, The Belladonna and Weekly Humorist. During our chat she gives an exclusive announcement about her new book deal, her writing process habits – one of which includes being in a cafe, wearing headphones, listening to ambient sounds of…a cafe and more! Read all of her work at miamercado.com and follow her on twitter @miamarketBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

Today on Talkward is comedy writer and super star sex and dating podcast host Courtney Kocak! Courtney hosts the ‘Reality Bytes' podcast- tune in every week for real talk about sex, love, relationships & dating in the digital age. We discuss having your gentiles molded in custom sex toys, her new experiences in standup comedy and being a writer for Amazon's Danger & Eggs! Follow her on Instagram and twitter! And subscribe to Reality Bytes!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

Today on Talkward is author, comedy writer, behavior expert and stand-up comic- Jeff Kreisler! Jeff is the executive producer of The Final Edition satire radio program, is an expert at PeopleScience.com and is the author of new book ‘Dollars and Sense‘! Jeff breaks down how we misthink money and how to spend smarter! Follow Jeff on twitter at @JeffKreisler and at JeffKreisler.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

Today on Talkward is super special guest Brooke Preston! Brooke is a comedy writer, author and co-founder of the satire comedy website The Belladonna! Her new book ‘New Erotica For Feminists: Satirical Fantasies of Love, Lust & Equal Pay' is in bookstores now! We learn all about Brookes early years working at Planet Hollywood in Times Square in NYC, her comedy influences and when she got to walk Justin Timberlake to the men's room. Follow her on twitter @biguBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

Today on Talkward is guest Kerryn Feehan! Kerryn is a comedian, writer, actor, model and comedy development extraordinaire! She produces and hosts a long running monthly show called Stand Up and Take Your Clothes Off! (It's first Sundays of the month! Get tickets here) Kerryn has many, many cringeworthy stories. Kerryn is a spitfire with funy tales, so buckle in, get comfy and be glad that some of these didn't happen to you. See her post many fun Instagram stories at @kerrynfeehan Also don't blame her if your boyfriend stares at her ass at spin class.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

Today on Talkward is our first repeat guest, New York Times bestselling author, award winning cartoonist and snowman expert Bob Eckstein! Bob's new book The Illustrated History of the Snowman is out now! We discuss Steampunk's rise in the 1980s, the ongoing holiday decorations feud with his neighbor and making squirrels dance for his pleasure. Oh, and we happen upon the topic of snowman pornography! Bob's cartoon's are featured regularly in The New Yorker, MAD Magazine and Weekly Humorist! Make sure you check out Bob's appearances coming up in the NYC area! Check out his other recent book: Footnotes from the World's Greatest Bookstores. Follow him on twitter @BobEckstein and Instagram @bob_ecksteinBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

Today on Talkward is comedian Jason Kanter! Jason performs all over the USA and also gets TV acting roles where he's been pigeon-holed as a skinhead more often then not. He produces the very popular PS 109 Show along with Joe List and Ari Shaffir. There next one is Nov 11th, check his website http://www.comedianjason.com for all the info! Follow him on instagram at twitter at @DrJasonKanter – and no, he's not a real doctor. (I wondered too)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

Today on Talkward is comedian SallyAnn Hall! She is the most recent winner of both the Laughing Devil Comedy Festival and the She Devil Comedy Festival. SallyAnn hails from Alaska, sings at Duets piano bar and is a regular on the NYC standup comedy scene. She has a monthly show at The Lantern called Left Breast Comedy, go check it out and her other shows! Follow her on http://twitter.com/supersallyann and instagram https://www.instagram.com/hallabackearl/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.

Today on Talkward is guest Lillian Stone! Lillian is a comedy writer and performer from Springfield, Missouri! She writes regularly for McSweeney's, The Belladonna Comedy, Points In Case and Weekly Humorist. She hosts and produces a monthly sold out storytelling show called Chatty Cathy. Follow her on twitter https://twitter.com/originalspinstr and read all of her writing at http://LillianStone.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talkward--2882431/support.