Employee of the Month

Alyssa Mastromonaco and Peter Grosz on what makes President Obama, Stephen Colbert, and Seth Meyers great bosses

Sat, 30 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT

In this episode Catie Lazarus talks to Obama’s former Deputy Chief of Staff of Operations Alyssa Mastromonaco and comedy writer Peter Grosz.

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Tim Blake Nelson and Jill Sobule

Sat, 23 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT

In this episode Catie Lazarus talks to acclaimed actor, writer, and director Tim Blake Nelson and singer songwriter Jill Sobule.

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Adam Gopnik on Sibling Rivalry, Stand Up, and Liberalism

Sat, 16 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Adam Gopnik has held many dream jobs, all in the same office. After almost forty years (and counting) at The New Yorker, Gopnik has served as a food, art, and music critic, and he’s written his own novels, children’s books, musicals, and solo shows. His latest (and first) political book A Thousand Small Sanities delves into how liberals can save Democracy. In this interview Gopnik talks to Catie Lazarus about the infighting between liberals and progressives, his upcoming solo show at The Red Bull Theater, and the incalculable torment of sibling rivalry.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Theme song by Lady Rizo.

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Aparna Nancherla On Learning to Saying No and Avoiding Brain Trolls

Sat, 09 Mar 2019 05:00:00 GMT

After making her stand-up debut in Washington, D.C., Aparna Nancherla quickly became a comedy darling in Los Angeles and New York, writing for FX’s Totally Biased with Kamau Bell and Late Night with Seth Meyers. She also became a welcome fixture in New York’s competitive stand-up scene thanks to her smart and self-aware one-liners. When she opened up about her own anxiety and depression, more fans flocked. As a writer and actor, she has worked on HBO’s Crashing, Comedy’s Central’s Corporate, and Netflix’s Bo-Jack Horseman. Now she’s eager to explore new terrain in her next stand-up special but worries what fans and Hollywood will think. In her conversation with Catie Lazarus, Nancherla talks about the solitary nature of stand up and writing, the toll it takes to regularly joke about anxiety, and how to say no to too much work.

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Adrienne Truscott and Alysia Reiner

Sat, 02 Mar 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Adrienne Truscott reveals what comedians mean by “funny is funny.” Her debut solo show transformed #MeToo, #TimesUp and still manages to be hilarious, as she proves just how funny feminists can be. Plus, Pamela Adlon’s Better Things on FX starts up again, while Orange is the New Black reaches its final season. What do they share in common? Actor Alysia Reiner. The actor speaks about the two hit series and her film EGG, which co-stars Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks, and cracks into motherhood and work from a fresh, fun, and smart angle.

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Nick Hornby on His New TV Project and Knowing Whether His Writing is Any Good

Sat, 23 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT

With Fever Pitch, About a Boy and High Fidelity, Nick Hornby created a niche penning romantic comedies from the male perspective and launching the crush worthy careers of Hugh Grant, Colin Firth and Jon Cusack on both sides of the pond. Then he went on to prove that he can deftly embody a female lens with the box office hits Wild and Brooklyn and the critically acclaimed Education. Now, Hornby has teamed up with Stephen Frears to tackle marriage from both male and female perspective in their new TV series State of the Union, which stars Rosamund Pike and Chris O’Dowd. In the interview, Hornby discusses the new project, whether philanthropy is harder to pull off in the US than in England, and how Brexit will be the end of everything. He also talks about what he gets out of doing philanthropy and why it is easier to get honest feedback in the film industry than publishing books.

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Lisa Kron and Desiree Akhavan on Finding Your Voice When Directing Sex Scenes and Protesting

Sat, 16 Feb 2019 11:00:00 GMT

Timing is how the ever so humble Lisa Kron explains how she revolutionized theater, first with Well, and then with Fun Home. Both of these plays went to Broadway and re-invented how we think about what qualifies as a “Broadway show.” Since Donald Trump was elected, Kron has become involved in activism. She discovered that protests require better chants, and what the right sound can offer. Then, Catie Lazarus speaks with Director Desiree Akhavan about shooting sex scenes in The Miseducation of Cameron Post, which debuted at Sundance last year and won the Grand Jury Prize. Akhavan’s latest television series The Bisexual is available on Hulu, and she is currently working on her first book. This episode of Employee of Month with Catie Lazarus was recorded live at Sundance Film Festival. Thanks to Russ & Daughters for sponsoring this episode.

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Reggie Watts on Creating Virtual Reality and How it Increases Empathy, and on Keeping His Night Job

Sat, 09 Feb 2019 11:00:00 GMT

Three-time Employee of the Month winner, Reggie Watts, returns to discuss his latest, greatest project Runnin’, which expands the cathartically original, prolific, and mischievously wry comedian, musician, and dancer’s oeuvre. Catie Lazarus spoke with Watts about burn out, why he can’t quit his night job, and his recent foray into VR with Runnin’, which premiered at Sundance. The Film Festival is known for launching acting and directing careers, and given the breadth of VR experiences on display as part of their New Fontiers Exhibits, Sundance is proving equally deft at debuting inventive interactive and immersive technology. Watts teamed up with the remarkable producer and director Kira Benzing, and the delightful composer John Tejada, so that you can strap on the clunky goggles and dance like no one is watching. We spoke about the process of creating a virtual dance party - the first of its kind - and how Watts thinks it will enhance empathy. Runnin’ certainly offers the escapist fun of tripping without a hangover, and will delight fans of all ages.

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Utkarsh Ambudkar and Nisha Ganatra Reveal What Has (and Hasn’t) Changed in Hollywood

Sat, 02 Feb 2019 11:00:00 GMT

Utkarsh Ambudkar didn’t give away his shot when he turned down Hamilton. The rapper and star of Brittany Runs a Marathon, who currently can be seen in Freestyle Love Supreme’s sold out off-Broadway run, talks about how Hollywood is finally casting more men of color as romantic leads. Ambudkar is joined by Mindy Project alum and director Nisha Ganatra, who spoke with Catie Lazarus about what role a Vedic astrologer played in her meteoric rise. Ganatra and Mindy Kaling’s feature film Late Night sold for $13 million to Amazon at Sundance and Ganatra, who is Indian American and gay, is transparent about how Jill Soloway helped her pave her way. After Ganatra and Ambudkar rap with Catie Lazarus about resilience to rejection, Ambudkar freestyles with DJ J. Period. This episode of Employee of Month with Catie Lazarus was recorded live at Sundance Film Festival.

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RISK!’s Kevin Allison and Chris “Shockwave” Sullivan Reveal the Fun (and Not So Fun) of Comedy Troupes

Sat, 26 Jan 2019 11:00:00 GMT

After Kevin Allison broke into comedy on the cult classic sketch show MTV’s The State; he struggled for years, until he risked everything and shared stories from his life. Since then he has helped thousands of people tell their tales as host of the hit podcast and live storytelling show RISK! Then Catie Lazarus sits down with her Employee of the Month co-host, beatboxer Chris “Shockwave” Sullivan, who shares how he melds music, hip-hop, and comedy.

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The Moth’s Catherine Burns on Grief and Burning Man, and Jo Firestone on Writing Jokes on Stage

Sat, 19 Jan 2019 11:00:00 GMT

The Moth’s artistic director, Catherine Burns, talks to Catie Lazarus about grief at work and what makes the perfect story. Then Lazarus chats with comedian Jo Firestone about writing for other comedians like Jimmy Fallon, Joe Pera, and Chris Gethard, and for her own shows.

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Ezra Klein on Tribalism, Fan Fiction, and the Data on Dry Humping, and Sasheer Zamata Talks About Writing Animation and Tokyo Disney

Sat, 12 Jan 2019 11:00:00 GMT

Ezra Klein, co-founder of Vox and host of the podcast “The Ezra Klein Show,” talks to Catie Lazarus about tribalism, fan fiction to the data on dry humping. Plus, after leaving Saturday Night Live, Sasheer Zamata’s stand up career continues to flourish, from her special Pizza Mind to performing with Nicole Byer, and how she and Amy Schumer met. Zamata is not just a writer, actor and stand-up. The superstar joins FreeStyle Love Supreme’s Chris “Shockwave” Sullivan, Andrew “Jelly D. Bancroft” and Arthur Lewis for some freestyle karaoke, before leaving New York for Los Angeles. This special episode of Employee of the Month with Catie Lazarus was part of Bentzen Ball’s DC Comedy Festival at The Kennedy Center.

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Peter Sagal on His Journey From Theater to Public Radio

Sat, 05 Jan 2019 11:00:00 GMT

Kicking off 2019 with NPR’s “Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me!” host, Peter Sagal. Sagal got his start with screenwriting, penning Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights. Writing the sequel to Dirty Dancing was a natural transition to hosting a public radio show. Sagal talks to Catie Lazarus about how he wound up hosting National Public Radio’s most popular show, his new book “The Incomplete Book of Running”, and why to get off the grid.

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Patton Oswalt and Tig Notaro on being fired to finding love

Sat, 29 Dec 2018 11:00:00 GMT

As 2018 comes to a close, Catie Lazarus shares a super duper special episode of Employee of the Month, which was recorded live at Largo in Los Angeles with comedians and Employee of the Month winners Patton Oswalt and Tig Notaro. You can catch Patton Oswalt’s most recent comedy special ANNIHILATION on Netflix, as the prolific stand up, actor and writer is currently balancing multiple writing projects and prepping for his next special. Oswalt talks to Catie Lazarus about the three challenges he faces in writing, especially for heroes. He also shares his experience as a fan to being in the film BIG FAN. Plus Lazarus speaks with Tig Notaro, whose stand-up special HAPPY TO BE HEAR is also on Netflix. She reveals how she dealt with being fired and letting someone go on her own TV series ONE MISSISSIPPI to pitching her upcoming film FIRST LADIES to co-star Jennifer Aniston. Oswalt and Notaro also share how in the aftermath of grief, they found love and began new chapters in their lives. Here is hoping our country, if not world, can make a similar leap.

Podcast production by Phil Surkis. Theme song by Lady Rizo.

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Wyatt Cenac on Casual Acting and Negin Farsad on Blackout Boning

Sat, 22 Dec 2018 11:00:00 GMT

On this episode of Employee of the Month, Catie Lazarus interviews and honors comedians Wyatt Cenac and Negin Farsad. It is possible to be funny and make a difference as they both reveal. Cenac currently hosts HBO’s Problem Areas, which is the only political comedy show to consistently shed light on activists to policy wonks and how we can better deal with issues like prison reform to homelessness. He also talks about leaving The Daily Show and mentor Colin Quinn at SNL. Negin Farsad who is the author of Hoe to Make White People Laugh and host of the podcast Fake the Nation on Earwolf shares how she dealt with death threats to the beauty of “blackout boning.”

Podcast production by Phil Surkis. Theme song by Lady Rizo.

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Jeffrey Wright and Brian Lehrer on Brett Kavanaugh, Jack Daniel's and Manspreading

Sat, 15 Dec 2018 19:55:00 GMT

As suicide rate rises amongst the military, Republicans are slashing government funding for mental health care. So, when military struggling with PTSD wanted to stage a performance to help cope with PTSD, Westworld’s Jeffrey Wright volunteered to direct them. HBO’s riveting new documentary We are Not Done Yet chronicles their process and how the military trains artists. The Tony and Emmy winner also shares his love for Jack Daniels and how he guarded Brett Kavanaugh in football.

Plus, Lazarus speaks with Brian Lehrer, the Peabody winning and duly beloved host of WNYC’s The Brian Lehrer Show, who embodies Lao Tzu's philosophy that, "The best leaders are those the people hardly know exist." But is he a Yankee or a Mets fan? Catie Lazarus, with help from Mike Pesca, tests Lehrer’s baseball trivia and his hairy past.

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Hannibal Buress & Marina Franklin Talk Consensual Sex, Chicago, and Stand Up

Sat, 08 Dec 2018 21:10:00 GMT

Catie Lazarus, Hannibal Buress and Marina Franklin, talk about sex, stand up, consensual sex, podcasting, code-switching and Chicago and New York’s comedy scenes. Buress reveals his secret to acting and Marina reveals how Amy Schumer inspired her to come into her own.

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Emily Mortimer and Dolly Wells on Wanking Off, Merkins, and Therapy

Sat, 24 Nov 2018 11:00:00 GMT

Emily Mortimer, star of Mary Poppins Returns and Lovely & Amazing, talks to Catie Lazarus about merkins, The Sex Pistols, work wife Dolly Wells and babysitter/husband Alessandro Nivola. Dolly Wells, best known for Bridget Jones Diary and HBO’s Doll and Em, offer a sneak peak of what they’re working on next.

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Chris Jackson’s Daytime Emmy is Still an Emmy, Dammit

Sat, 10 Nov 2018 11:00:00 GMT

Catie Lazarus talks with Emmy Award winner Chris Jackson, best known for originating the role of George Washington in Hamilton. He was also a lead in In The Heights and composed music for Sesame Street penning the music for a Will.I.Am hit “What I Am,” which is addictive, no matter how old you are.

Plus, Catie sits down in the studio with CUNY Professor and Poet Celina Su to discuss how to avoid burnout as a political activist, refugees, and prose.

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Fred Armisen Says Dreams Are a Waste of Time and Anthony Atamanuik on Empathy for Trump

Sat, 27 Oct 2018 10:00:00 GMT

Catie Lazarus talks with comedian Fred Armisen who did prank videos before Youtube, which launched his career, beginning with Saturday Night Live and later on IFC’s Portlandia and Documentary Now!. His latest series is Amazon Prime’s Forever, in which he co-stars with Employee of the Month alumna Maya Rudolph. Then Catie chats with comedian and author of American Tantrum Anthony Atamanuik on what it takes to have compassion for Donald Trump.

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Martha Plimpton and Masha Gessen on Putin, Abortion, and Modeling

Sat, 13 Oct 2018 10:00:00 GMT

Once a muse for Calvin Klein, actor Martha Plimpton had ample training before becoming a role model to destigmatizes abortion. Today, Plimpton, who continues to be a prolific actor on and off Broadway, as well as in hit TV shows like The Black List, Younger, and Raising Hope, works with A Is For. A breadwinner from a young age, Plimpton talks to Catie Lazarus about how she coped with burnout. Then Lazarus speaks with National Book Award-winner and New Yorker columnist Masha Gessen about inviting yourself to the table when an invitation does not emerge. She shares the cost of intergenerational trauma, Putin’s war on journalists, and how writing became her night job.

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Alex Lacamoire on Hamilton, Hollywood and his hearing impairment, plus the Resistance Revival Chorus

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 10:00:00 GMT

Between ensuring Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen's global tours are as magnetic off-Broadway as they are on it, to scoring feature films, musical maestro Alex Lacamoire’s schedule is relentless. The 43-year-old Cuban-American hasn't stopped making music since he began dazzling audiences at piano recitals at age four. But much like Alexander Hamilton, Lacamoire struggled. The prolific polymath reveals to Catie Lazarus how he grapples with his own hearing impairment to the harsh reality of breaking into Hollywood, even as a Grammy, Tony, Olivier and Employee of the Month winner. Plus, The Resistance Revival Chorus explains why joy is an act of resistance.

Want a second or third jolt of joy? Hit up Employee of the Month's Youtube page to see The Resistance Revival Chorus and Alex Lacamoire, who performed an impromptu medley of idol Billy Joel's hits.

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Employee of The Month is Back!

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 20:43:15 GMT

New episodes coming fall 2018, now from Slate Magazine.

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REBECCA TRAISTER on Sexism, Class & Jared Kushner Destroying The Observer

Tue, 21 Nov 2017 18:25:00 GMT

REBECCA TRAISTER reveals the price of elitism within journalism and publishing, and how it decides who and what gets published. Today, most journalists, writer and reporters earn less than minimum wage which determines who can afford to do this critical job. Now, she is one of New York Magazine's star columnists and talking head on Real Time with Bill Maher, but she got her start as a reporter. Her experience shows. Her self-awareness and research contextualizes the nuances of sexism, racism, and elitism. She didn't rise the ranks alone. She talks to Catie Lazarus on Employee of the Month about what her mentors, including the late great editor of The New York Observer Peter Kaplan and Billboard's Frank DiGiacomo did. She touches on why The New York Observer crumbled under Jared Kushner and how her views of Hilary Clinton changed in covering her for her first book, BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY. Her second book ALL THE SINGLE LADIES was also a New York Times best seller. Traister is working on a third about women and anger.

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Playwright ANNA ZIEGLER on Nicole Kidman, Roger Federer & Broadway

Thu, 16 Nov 2017 20:16:00 GMT

Sexual assault, sexism and harassment in the work place is getting its due in the news, but in ACTUALLY, currently on Broadway at the Manhattan Theater Club, playwright Anna Ziegler examines whether colleges are any more objective than our criminal system. It is nearly impossible for women of all races seeking justice for rape and sexual harassment in our criminal system. Men of color are also considered "guilty until proven innocent." What happens when these two issues collide? And on a college campus? Ziegler speaks about the challenges of judging these cases to her big break, which she credits to Nicole Kidman starring in the West End Production of Ziegler's beloved PHOTOGRAPH 51. Ziegler's works often touch on loneliness, love, and, most recently, ambition, which she deftly tackles in THE LAST MATCH, which is also currently on Broadway. Loosely based on tennis stars Roger Federer and Novak Djokic The Last Match is a "must see" at The Roundabout Theater Company. We also spoke about writing a television series for HBO, based on ACTUALLY, and another for AMC/Sundance. If you can't make it to any of the numbers regional, national and Broadway productions of her nine plays, well, Oberon Books published the first collection of her works Anna Ziegler: Plays One.

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Nicole Holofcener on celebrity, money, & being a "female" director in Hollywood

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 17:27:00 GMT

After getting her start as a PA for Woody Allen, director and writer Nicole Holofcener gave stars like Jennifer Aniston in FRIENDS WITH MONEY, Julia Louis Dreyfus in ENOUGH SAID, Jake Gyllenhaal and Catherine Keener in LOVELY & AMAZING their meatiest, roles. With her new Netflix film THE LAND of STEADY HABITS, starring Ben Mendelsohn, Edie Falco, Elizabeth Marvel, and Thomas Mann, Holofcener will focus for first time from the perspective of a male protagonist. On this episode off Employee of the Month, Catie Lazarus talks to Holofcener about her about being labeled a female director versus a director, rejecting actors, being rejected, and aging, and directing Yoplait ads to TV shows like Amazon's ONE MISSISSIPPI with Tig Notaro so she can do her own iconic, feature films.

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STEPHEN WRIGHT the one and only Oscar award winning comedian

Wed, 20 Sep 2017 05:00:00 GMT

EMPLOYEE of the MONTH is a talk (and awards) show about what it truly means to have a dreamy job. CATIE LAZARUS, who created and hosts Employee of the Month, only selects good eggs for the prestigious EMPLOYEE of the MONTH award, so no wonder she picked Steven Wright. He is utterly hilarious, thoroughly original, and hope you will enjoy our interview. You're welcome.

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CYNTHIA NIXON talks about casting when you're non-white, hetero male and political activism

Wed, 13 Sep 2017 05:00:00 GMT

There are actors who anoint themselves activists, without considering that most activists don't suddenly claim they are actors, simply because they bought movie tickets. That said, there are consummate professionals, like Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award winner CYNTHIA NIXON, who will consciously support causes.

Nixon has her plate full with upcoming films, like LIFE ITSELF, JAMES WHITE, and STOKHOLM, PENNSYLVNIA; directing a one woman show, and prepping to play Emily Dickinson, among other gigs, but she is passionate about certain causes. We spoke about how she chooses what she gets involved with and what it means to be an activist.

Cynthia also weighs in on the challenges of breaking into Hollywood, when you aren't a blonde Barbie doll or white bread beefcake, as well as the hard part of turning down roles when you finally get enough traction as an actor to enable other voices to be heard.

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TITUSS BURGESS talks Tina Fey, Patti LuPone & reveals new Pinot Noirs

Wed, 06 Sep 2017 05:00:00 GMT

Peeno Noir is Expanding! Actor Tituss Burgess’s real wine company Pinot Noir, inspired by his Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’s character viral music video, will unveil a new wine for Pride Week and a rosé. Whether your celebrating the LGBTQ or can’t get enough of the nimble actor and deliriously delightful singer, you’ll feel better about splurging on Pinot Noir after seeing how Burgess does in a blind taste test. Catie Lazarus, host of Employee of the Month, wanted to see if the 37 years old, Georgia native really knows his wine. A consummate performer, Burgess was game. His honesty and humility, as much as his humor, makes their interview a must listen.

“Sometimes on Broadway, you have an inflated budget to do what is essentially a community theater production,” Burgess explains with refreshing candor. Without missing a beat, he flashes a mischievous grin. As he acknowledges the bad and the ugly about working in theater, he never forgets the good. Burgess points out how intoxicating Broadway and television, at their best, can be as he tips his proverbial hat to the legendary Patti LuPone and fellow actor Jon Hamm, who are seated in the audience at Joe’s Pub, and will also be individually interviewed and honored on Employee of the Month’s season finale. Their interviews were recorded live at Joe’s Pub and will roll out over the next three weeks on Employee of the Month’s podcast.

A performer herself, Lazarus talks to Burgess about the nitty-gritty of auditioning, and the two confess to being late for their 30 Rock auditions. For Burgess, tardiness, he says, worked in his favor, but it’s really his talent which led Tina Fey took a risk in casting a relatively unknown bit player in a recurring role as D’Fwan in 30 Rock. Burgess batted it out of the park, but she may have developed a role for him in the break out comedy hit on Netflix because he is clearly also a joy to be around. He also displayed depth, as he spoke openly about the role faith and spirituality play and the challenges of homophobia growing up as a gay, black, devout Christian.

It’s not just Lazarus and the audience who are having fun, as Burgess thanks Lazarus and says, “this is one the greatest night of my life.” Check out her upcoming interviews with Jon Hamm and Patti LuPone, the latter of which features Burgess and LuPone singing impromptu Meadowlark, composed by Stephen Schwartz, to hear why.

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Zadie Smith on pot, Prince, plotlessness, and plagiarism

Wed, 30 Aug 2017 05:00:00 GMT

I selfishly don't want Zadie Smith to quit her day job, but the famed novelist could easily moonlight as a singer. The author of the critically acclaimed, best-selling novels White Teeth, The Autograph Man, On Beauty, NW, and, most recently, Swing Time shared her insight on plagiarism, plots, outlines, and publishing. A regular contributor to The New Yorker and The New York Review of Books, she has written about everything from Brexit to Key & Peele to her late father. She once flirted with being a cabaret singer, and once you hear our interview, which was recorded live at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, you'll know why. It was a pleasure and privilege to speak with Zadie about publishing, awards, critics, and to hear her and Lady Rizo sing "Lady and the Tramp."

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Mad Magazine's AL JAFFEE

Wed, 23 Aug 2017 05:00:00 GMT

This October marks Al Jaffee reign as Mad Magazine’s longest running contributor, clocking in 59 years and over 479 issues. Since 1952, the comic book turned magazine infused a childish silliness with biting political depth and original artwork. By engaging readers to add their own “Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions,” and even mangling the magazine to solve the “Fold-In” picture riddle, Mad was one of the first enterprises to treat consumers as co-conspirators. The result was an entirely new forum for humor in an era when few questioned whether father really knows best. It’s allure for children and teenagers simultaneously fueled outrage from the FBI to Congress the collective imaginations of future comedy writers and cartoonists. Writers behind The Simpsons, The Daily Show, The Onion, and The Colbert Report credit Mad Magazine for inspiring them.

The sheer joy Jaffee’s work provides fans offers to fans is inverse proportion to what he and his three brothers experienced growing up. In his biography Al Jaffee’s Mad Life, co-authored by Mary-Lou Weissman, Jaffee details how his father, who enjoyed drawing, turned his four sons, especially his eldest two, Al (nee Abraham) and Harry, onto the funny pages. When Al’s mother uprooted the boys from their stable homelife in Savannah, Georgia to spend six impoverished, hungry years in Zarsai, Lithuania, Al lived for packages his father sent of newspaper clippings of the “funny pages.” While his father managed to get his then abused and neglected boys back to the States, Al’s mother moved them again to a Jewish ghetto in Lithuania. Their father father managed to get the boys out narrowly avoiding the Nazi takeover, although their mother didn’t make it to the train station on time to say goodbye. It was the last time, Jaffee saw his mother, who perished in the Holocaust. An artist through and through, cartooning became a refuge.

Al was so gifted that when he landed in the Bronx, his teacher recommended him to attend the first class of High School and Music & Art, which the then Mayor LaGuardia had just created. There Jaffee met his future partners-in-crime Will Eder, Harvey Kurtzman, John Severin, and Al Feldstein and gained classical drawing skills. Cartooning wasn’t part of the curriculum or even respected, although it didn’t stop Jaffee from doodling. Luckily, between the admiration he garnered from classmates, teachers, and an advertisement for Flit cigarettes drawn by Theodore Geisel, Jaffee decided to make a go of cartooning. As you will hear in our interview, Jaffee is first and foremost a mensch.

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DAVEED DIGGS, talks about why he hates Pier 1 and how he snagged a starring role in Hamilton

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 05:00:00 GMT

DAVEED DIGGS, a rapper, actor, and now Broadway star in Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton, stopped by Employee of the Month at Joe's Pub to reveal why Diggs hated working at Pier 1. You'll get to hear him freestyle rap with Jelly D. and Shockwave, who are both the MC's for Employee of the Month Show's house band, and bandmates of Daveed's in Freestyle Love Supreme. In this episode, which was taped live, you will also hear Jelly D. and Daveed rap and Shockwave beatbox the Employee of the Month rap up as I give out awards to all of my guests from the live taping in May 2015 at Joe's Pub. To hear my conversations with those guests, The New York Times columnist Nick Kristof, Emmy nominee Anna Chlumsky, and soul singer Lee Fields, as well as Lee Fields singing, subscribe to Employee of the Month's podcast.

This is part 1 of a two part interview with Daveed, who plays Jefferson and Lafayette in Hamilton on Broadway. Once you hear our interview, you'll know why he had enough swagger, drive, and talent to take on a starring role, even though it's his first Broadway show.

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LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA on writing Robo calls, g-chatting with Stephen Sondheim & his own bodyguard

Wed, 09 Aug 2017 05:00:00 GMT

An Emmy, Grammy, Tony, Pulitzer and Employee of the Month winning composer, actor, writer, and hip-hop super star performer, Lin-Manuel Miranda can currently be seen performing in Marry Poppins. He spoke with Catie Lazarus about creating political commercials for Hillary Clinton to Elliot Spitzer, collaborating with Stephen Sondheim on West Side Story, and playing bar-mitzvahs before In the Heights and Hamilton made him a global sensation. Hamilton Mix tapes premiered off-off-Broadway at The White House, and led to the least known Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, finding his place in the pantheon of complex, prolific leaders. No other musical has done what Hamilton has. Miranda's riveting, utterly unique masterpiece brought together Republicans and Democrats, toddlers and elderly, wealthy and working class, and hip-hop devotees and musical theater junkies.

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Comedian Wayne Federman on Gary Shandling Judd Apatow, Jimmy Fallon and composing music

Wed, 02 Aug 2017 05:00:00 GMT

If you looked up the phrase "comic's comic," Wayne Federman's name should appear. For decades after the late great Gary Shandling cast Wayne as his brother in Larry Sanders Show, Shandling remained close friends with Wayne. While Federman is presently touring with Judd Apatow and has done so with Jimmy Fallon, and writes for both comics as well, he has started to compose theme music. After appearing in and on over fifty hit movies and television shows, including Legally Blonde, Knocked Up, X-Files, and The New Girl, Federman had no idea he'd become the composer for the new Employee of the Month's theme song! Dreams, you never dared to dream, can come true. Even though Wayne has worked throughout his career, we spoke about the uncertainty that befalls any artist.

This episode was produced by Rob Schulte. (https://robkschulte.com)

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KIDS in the HALL's Kevin McDonald on Jerry Seinfeld, Beatles, and love, loneliness, and finances now that he's adult(ish)

Fri, 28 Jul 2017 06:00:00 GMT

"Bobcat Goldthwait came to the show with the same fear I did," On this episode of Employee of the Month, comedian Kevin McDonald shares what it is like to be judged both about how you write about your life and lived it. We spoke about his one man show as well as the love of being part of a group and loneliness of no longer being one of the cool kids. In their twenties, Kevin McDonalds and Dave Foley, darlings of the sketch comedy world, described themselves as "punk rock," as Kids in the Hall, which began in Canada, became one of the first sketch comedy shows on Comedy Central and HBO and now working with a protege Trevor Moore from the sketch group The Whitest Kids You Know. We spoke about Kevin's relationships with Mike Meyers, Jerry Seinfeld, and Dom Deluise. Kids in the Hall still performs. Kevin also hosts his own podcast Kevin McDonald's Kevin McDonald Show, and appears in films and TV shows, including Sorry for Your Loss with Justin Bartha and FX's Man Seeking Woman by fellow Employee of the Month alum Simon Rich. Enjoy our episode and check out our episode with Simon Rich as well.

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Michael Patrick King on being king to princess Sarah Jessica Parker, Bridget Everett, and Lisa Kudrow

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 05:00:00 GMT

Best known for HBO's iconic Sex-And-The-City, CBS's Two Broke Girls and HBO's The Comeback with Lisa Kudrow, Michael Patrick King talks about being Catholic to how Hollywood's corporate maze is more like feudal system, and his new show with cabaret star and Employee of the Month alumni Bridget Everett, of Inside Amy Schumer fame. If you have ever wanted to work in Hollywood, listen to Michael Patrick King as he reveals the discipline, passion, and politics of the entertainment industry.

This episode was produced by Rob Schulte. (https://robkschulte.com)

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SETH HERZOG on Jimmy Fallon, VH1's Best Week Ever, Wonder Woman, and Mark Rothko

Wed, 12 Jul 2017 05:00:00 GMT

Seth Herzog became nationally known for his wry one liners on VH1's Best Week Ever. He spoke to Catie Lazarus about what he discovered at camp Stagedoor Manor to Zog's Place to acting in New York City with Ethan Hawke, Live Schrieber, Michael Ian Black, Michael Showalter, and David Wain. Herzog's early jobs, including painting, performing as Wonder Woman, and his initial hesitation about being a warm-up comic for Jimmy Fallon, who he frequently tours with and often appears alongside of and writes for on The Tonight Show. Herzog's beloved comedy show Sweet is a must-see for comedy nerds.

This episode was produced by Rob Schulte. (https://robkschulte.com)

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Shonali Bhowmik on growing up Indian in Nashville, leaving Sony and touring with David Cross.

Sat, 01 Jul 2017 20:21:00 GMT

The word multi-tasked doesn't begin to describe Shonali Bhowmik, who somehow juggles, law, music, and comedy. It would've been harder to grow up tone deaf in Nashville than Indian-American, and Shonali describes how progressive her immigrant parents were when raising Shonali and her sister Ruchi, who went on to serve as former Deputy Assistant to President Barack Obama. Shonali was no slouch either. She juggled law school while touring with her band ULTRABABYFAT. After opening for comedian David Cross, Sony came knocking with a record deal. She hadn't stopped practicing law, yet somehow added comedy to the mix. Shonali teamed up with Heather Lawless (Bob's Burgers), Chelsea Peretti (Brooklyn 911), and Andrea Rosen (Episodes, Stella) to create Variety SHAC. It was the first time female stand-ups came together to produce videos, host live shows at Upright Citizens Brigade Theater and promote one another's work. In doing so, the foursome transformed the indie comedy scene. Today, Shonali also perform with The New Yorker illustrator Marcellus Hall, as part of Monkeys and Tigers, and co-host the podcast We Don't Even Know.

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Bradley Whitford on why he hates David Mamet & loves Bill Clinton & Barack Obama

Wed, 21 Jun 2017 10:32:00 GMT

If you didn't have a crush on Josh Lyman, you will after hearing the Emmy Award-winning star of West Wing sing. In our Employee of the Month interview, Bradley Whitford discusses starting out in theater to whether he gets the irony of his fabulous portrayal of well-meaning white liberal in Jordan Peele's hit horror film Get Out, as the actor would have voted for former President Barack Obama for a third term. Whitford tells a very funny story about Bill Clinton, why he finally did Law & Order, hates David Mamet and donates to his alma mater Wesleyan. We also speak about Transparent and, of course, Revenge of the Nerds II.

This episode was produced by Rob Schulte. (https://robkschulte.com)

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Edie Falco on acting classes, Law & Order, and a surprise Nurse Jackie reunion

Wed, 14 Jun 2017 21:50:00 GMT

A beloved actor, Emmy, SAG and Golden Globe winner Edie Falco, will star in Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders. I spoke with her on Employee of the Month, about her marriage and off-screen relationship with James Gandolfini on The Sopranos, shifting priorities, and challenges single parents face. She talked about making money, her rise early on as an indie film queen after SUNY Purchase, and theater ticket prices. Edie mentions Brad, as in The West Wing's Bradley Whitford, as we discuss the pitfalls with certain acting teachers, MFA's and BFA's. The two co-star in a new film Megan Leavey, and you can hear my interview with him up next. Plus, Edie Falco and Stephen Wallem, Nurse Jacki alum, give a special surprise treat, you can't miss.

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Keegan-Michael Key schools President Barack Obama, sings, and preps for Hamlet

Fri, 09 Jun 2017 20:48:00 GMT

William Shakespeare shed light on humans’ hypocrisy, absurdity, and complexity with unparalleled acuity. It’s obvious why Keegan-Michael Key, who with his gifted partner-in-crime Jordan Peele, chartered new waters with their hilariously subversive sketch comedy series Key & Peele, has always felt an affinity for the bard. But it is a dream come true, one he'd spoken of for decades, for the Emmy and Peabody winning actor to be in Hamlet at The Public Theater in New York. Directed by Tony winner Sam Gold and starring Oscar Isaac as Hamlet, the three month run sold out as soon as tickets went on sale. In our Employee of the Month interview, we spoke about Keegan’s two-decade detour in comedy, his first film Hamtramck, improvising with President Barack Obama for The White House Correspondents Dinner, and how comedian Mike Birbiglia’s indie Don’t Think Twice proved the perfect segue for extending his already rich repertoire to more dramatic roles. Did I mention Keegan-Michael Key can sing?

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Big Thief's Adrianne Lenker sings and talks songwriting

Fri, 02 Jun 2017 16:35:00 GMT

This week on Employee of the Month, I spoke between songs with indie darling Adrianne Lenker. In our interview, which was recorded live at Joe's Pub, the singer, guitarist and front woman of Big Thief performed the heralded Masterpiece and a new surprise from their second album Capacity. She also spoke about her early forays performing at open mic nights in Minnesota as a kid and the craft of storytelling. In addition to Lenker, Big Thief features her longtime partner Buck Meek (guitar) as well as Max Oleartchik (bass), and James Krivchenia (drums). On June 9th, their second album will be out on Saddle Creek.

This episode was produced by Rob Schulte. http://robkschulte.com

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Astrophysicist Priya Natarajan on black holes to Carl Sagan

Wed, 24 May 2017 11:00:00 GMT

Priya Natarajan, a world-renowned theoretical astrophysicist, is making dark matter maps of clusters of galaxies, the largest known repositories of dark matter in the universe. Her accessible, fascinating book Mapping the Heavens: The Radical Scientific Ideas That Reveal the Cosmos (Yale University Press) chronicles her journey, as well as that of the field of astrophysics which has undergone astronomical changes in recent years. In our interview, which was recorded live at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, Natarajan revealed what it’s like to be an outsider in academia, and what it meant to her to watch Carl Sagan as a child, growing up in India.

This episode was produced by Rob Schulte.

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John Roberts on Bob's Burgers, Blondie, and a Trump Tribute

Wed, 17 May 2017 11:37:00 GMT

John Roberts is a musician and comedian, who got his start when his hilarious Youtube videos inspired by his own mother went viral. He perfectly captured the spirit of his Italian, suburban, Catholic, New Jersey mom. His career as a comedian took off and he has toured doing comedy with Margaret Cho and gained national fame as the voice of Linda Belcher on Fox's hit animated series Bob's Burgers. Roberts, who is also a musician, also performs with Blondie, Gregory Brothers and as a solo act. At the end of our delightful interview, Roberts was joined by Alex Borstein, an Employee of the Month Alum who plays Lois on Family Guy to gives real quotes by President Donald Trump the gravitas they deserve.

This episode was produced by Rob Schulte. http://robkschulte.com

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RACHEL FEINSTEIN on living and working with Amy Schumer & myths about comedians

Wed, 10 May 2017 18:42:00 GMT

RACHEL FEINSTEIN is best known for her stand up, and we spoke about how she started acting, be it in her roommate's INSIDE AMY SCHUMER on Comedy Central, RED OAKS on AMAZON or Judd Apatow and Pete Homes new HBO series, CRASHING. We spoke about how she embodies characters, living with comedians, like Amy Schumer and Sherrod Small, and the myth that all comedians are broken. Her own comedy special ONLY WHORES WEAR PURPLE is out and she performs stand-up all over the world.

This episode was produced by Rob Schulte. http://robkschulte.com

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Planned Parenthood's Cecile Richards on economics of sexism

Tue, 02 May 2017 06:00:00 GMT

"Don't ask for instructions " Cecile Richards, who serves as President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund, explains what it takes to be a labor. She has been involved in helping women fight for basic healthcare and economic equality since she was only a teenager in Texas. Before 2006, Ms. Richards served as deputy chief of staff for House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, founded the NGO America Votes, and began her career organizing low-wage workers. http://plannedparenthood.org

This episode was produced by Rob Schulte. http://robkschulte.com

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Oskar Eustis reveals The Public Theater's plans to hit Trump country

Wed, 19 Apr 2017 16:45:00 GMT

In a city overpopulated with ambitious, brilliant misfits, Oskar Eustis holds his own. The Artistic Director of the legendary Public Theater is somehow directing Julius Caesar with a star-studded cast including Oscar Isaac and Keegan-Michael Key for Shakespeare in the Park, while teaching at NYU, developing new works as far as Hong Kong, and as far, at least politically, as rural and Midwest, Trump voting counties go, while overseeing the mothership with a 120-person staff and at least 4 productions seven nights a week, not including the multiple writing and outreach programs, and stages, including Joe’s Pub. Eustis is an exceptional leader. Eustis is even training and nurtures potential successors. We spoke about how the Public became a global brand, his mission to make theater free and accessible, leadership, and what the windfall from Fun Home and Hamilton’s success on Broadway offers.

This episode was produced by Rob Schulte. http://robkschulte.com

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Grammy winner Lady Rizo on embezzling money, sex, and her new album.

Thu, 13 Apr 2017 03:22:00 GMT

After winning a Grammy with Yo-Yo Ma (Songs of Joy and Peace), the inaugural Edinburgh Fringe Cabaret Award and the London Cabaret Award for best vocal act, Lady Rizo is touring with a whole new album Indigo. In 2004, her cabaret act was born. We spoke about her time before then from Princess Cruiselines, finding her own voice after flirting with the improv scene at Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, and loves, old and new. Our interview was recorded live at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater.

This episode was produced by Rob Schulte. http://robkschulte.com

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John Benjamin Hickey on winning a Tony and reuniting with Allison Janney

Wed, 05 Apr 2017 06:00:00 GMT

John Benjamin Hickey, who won a Tony for his role in “The Normal Heart,” isn't a stranger to the grueling schedule of theater. He started hosting his own radio show on Sirius. But the Julliard-trained thespian was itching to be on Broadway, and is enjoying being in the revival of John Guare’s 1990 Tony- and Pulitzer-nominated play, “Six Degrees of Separation.” For starters, it means being reunited with Allison Janney. We spoke about contrived intimacy, dating within your profession, and why Six Degrees of Separation is sadly still timely.

This episode was produced by Rob Schulte. http://robkschulte.com

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Judy Gold talks Holocaust jokes, Louie C.K., and sexism

Wed, 29 Mar 2017 17:09:00 GMT

While Steve Martin and Ricky Gervais dove into stand-up after they’d made a name for themselves and enough money for their great-great grandchildren’s grandchildren to never need to work, Judy Gold got her start in stand-up. It wasn’t easy to miss the 6’3, religious Jewish lesbian on the line-up, but it was her fearlessness and hilarity which won crowds over. She made a name for herself in theater, starting with her two one-woman shows 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother and The Judy Show, but she has more recently appeared in Shakespeare in the Park. We spoke about why she takes acting classes and her first job on Roseanne to Louie. When not performing stand-up or acting, Gold is also an Emmy Award-winning TV writer and producer and hosts her own podcast KILL ME NOW.

This episode was produced by Rob Schulte http://robkschulte.com

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Zadie Smith on pot, Prince, plotlessness, and plagiarism

Thu, 23 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT

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The Yes Men on Trump, Barbie, and Bird Dogging

Wed, 15 Mar 2017 05:00:00 GMT

Do The Yes Men know how to beat Trump at his own game? The media savvy duo Jacques Servin and Igor Vamos gained fame in 1990’s for their lefty political pranks, which led to multiple documentaries, cult following of like-minded activists, and, most important, corporations taking notice. They exposed Dow Chemical for failing to compensate thousands of victims of their oil spill in Bhopal, India. More recently, The Yes Men created a parody NRA website offering to deliver “life-saving firearms” to “poor urban centers,” which led the NRA to shut down 38,000 affiliate websites. We spoke about exercising our democratic rights to resist, stand up, and survive.

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Emel Mathlouthi sings on hope in face of struggle

Wed, 08 Mar 2017 05:00:00 GMT

To celebrate International Women's Day, check out Emel Mathlouthi, who has been called the "Voice of the Arab Spring." After her song went viral during the Arab Spring in Egypt, she performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in 2015. While the Tunisian singer lives in exile in New York, Emel is currently on a world tour with her latest album Ensen. Hear a song from her new album, which she recorded live at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater on Employee of the Month and check out our earlier interview when Emel first arrived. Our next live taping is Thursday, March 16th with an all female line-up of powerhouses- Zadie Smith, Lady Rizo, and Judy Gold. Enjoy. Hope her voice inspires you to use your own.

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SARAH JONES on so-called actor Meryl Streep, quitting college, and our Revolution

Wed, 01 Mar 2017 16:29:00 GMT

A gifted character actor, Sarah Jones could be on SNL. Instead, chose to take her brilliantly funny embodiments of humans you know, maybe even you, to tackle poverty, prostitution, and now, "pussy grabbing." She reveals what it was like to work with Meryl Streep on Jones's Tony and Obie Award-winning show Bridge and Tunnel. Her latest show Sell/Buy/Date is a must see. We also spoke about Meryl Streep, Gil Scott-Heron, and Alan Alda, who I interviewed at the same live taping, so check out that Employee of the Month interview as well.

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ALAN ALDA on dogs, death, and doctor poses.

Thu, 23 Feb 2017 05:00:00 GMT

Alan Alda insists, "Empathy can be taught," It is comforting to hear, although hard to imagine how a certain orange hued politician might learn how to empathize with, or, at least, respect immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, or anyone who isn't him. Wait, do I mean Alan Alda the actor? Yup. Best known for starring in M*A*S*H, as well as stealing scenes in Crimes and Misdemeanors, West Wing, 30 Rock, and Horace and Pete, Alda is also a science geek. He teamed up with Stony Brook University to create the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, where he teaches. Alda shares what he learned working with doctors and scientists, which he also wrote about in his forthcoming book 'IF I UNDERSTOOD YOU, WOULD I HAVE THIS LOOK ON MY FACE?' We also chatted about his work with comedians Louie C.K., Woody Allen, Stephen Wright, and death. If you see Alan Alda, please tell him my dog is alive and well.

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LESLIE GOSHKO on leaving and finding Jesus on and off Broadway

Wed, 08 Feb 2017 18:02:00 GMT

One of the finest, funniest storytellers Leslie Goshko shared tales you have never heard before but will leave you laughing from crying or crying from laughing so hard. While New York claims her as a go to favorite scene stealer, be it as an actor, musician, cabaret star, storyteller or writer, she hails from the Midwest and maintains their renowned humility. In a business which offend rewards far less fascinating, fearless folks, Leslie Goshko is a must see. Really? Listen to our interview, and you tell me.

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SUAD AMIRY, Syrian-Palestinian, on diaspora, dyslexia, dogs, and mother-in-laws

Mon, 06 Feb 2017 12:31:00 GMT

SUAD AMIRY is an architect and e founder of RIWAQ: Center of Architectural Conservation in Ramallah, Palestine. While spending 42 days under siege with her mother-in-law in Ramallah in 2002, Amiry started writing e-mails to a friend, who recommend she turn her adventures it into a book. The result was her debut memoir “Sharon and My Mother-in-Law,” which became critically acclaimed, translated in nineteen languages, and was released by Random House in 2006. She has continued to write about Palestinian life under occupation, including, “Nothing to Lose But Your Life" and "Gold Slept Here." We spoke about why architects are often dyslexics, part-time husbands are the best, Palestinians are never heard, and why mothers-in-law and dogs unite us all.

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J. Period on Jesse Williams, Norman Lear, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and America Divided

Thu, 26 Jan 2017 14:28:00 GMT

In this follow up interview, Hamilton Mixtape's Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and Roots to Tribe Called Quest's go-to DJ and mixtape producer J. Period explains what exactly a DJ does, what sets him apart, and why Dj Jazzy Jeff really is a prince. He also reveals how, after working with Norman Lear, he got tapped to do music for the series America Divided. Most recently, J. Period teamed up with Jesse Williams, a former teacher, and heartthrob on Grey's Anatomy who blew away audiences with his socially astute and galvanizing speech at the BET Awards. Williams and J. Period are releasing Rise Up!, offering musical inspiration that is necessary now more than ever.

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HAMILTON MIXTAPE'S to Lauryn Hill's secret weapon is J. Period

Thu, 19 Jan 2017 21:49:00 GMT

Hailed as a “music guru” by Rolling Stone and Questlove to Tribe Called Quest’s go to DJ and producer, J.PERIOD pioneered a way to tell stories through music and distill, celebrate and contextualize legendary musicians. The result is that the very musicians he creates a mixtape of seek out his lens on their own work. Theoretically, a baby can theoretically DJ, at least, that is what cloyingly obnoxious, upscale Tribeca DJ school claims, but J. Period took the craft to a form a high art. Having worked with Grammy legends, such as Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill, Common and The Roots, J. Period recently went mainstream producing, alongside Questlove and Pulitzer and Tony winning genius Lin-Manuel Miranda the album HAMILTON MIXTAPES. It is the number one album and J. Period oversaw the production and arrangement. He also has developed, written, and produced over 50 mixtapes and his own album, celebrating ten years as an international DJ, comes out in 2017.

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PHOEBE ROBINSON talks Broad City, Dicks & WNYC

Wed, 11 Jan 2017 00:52:00 GMT

If you went to a career counselor, they might claim comedy is a dreamy career. It is. It is also a hard one. But on paper, comedy sounds fun! But it is notoriously competitive, and great comics from Louis CK to Seinfeld will say it takes years to truly find one's voice. So how do you earn enough to survive to even figure out whether a career is possible? How do you break into a world that is overwhelmingly white, hetero and male? The comedy world has rapidly been evolving over the past decade, so I wanted to hear from a comedian who is riding that wave and a trailblazer herself. Comedian Phoebe Robinson spoke about how she stuck with it, even when she thought she should quit and her massive career break. Robinson is best known for co-hosting with The Daily Show Correspondent Jessica William's 2 Dope Queens on New York public radio station's WNYC.

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SARAH KAY performs, sings and talks being robbed & life on the road

Wed, 04 Jan 2017 01:53:00 GMT

2017 marks a critical juncture where I am paying attention to what I consume and create. For starters, I strive to shed new light as a writer. I also want to share conversations with exceptional people who devote their careers to not only distilling life’s greater truths AND help others hone their own voices. I also have found that as vital as it is to engage in society, some days the news makes me worry that my head might explode. It’s why I am particularly thankful to kick off 2017 bringing you a live interview with Sarah Kay, an extraordinary writer, performer, and teacher.

For those who don’t know Sarah Kay, as she is quickly becoming a global sensation. She made her television debut when she was 18, on yogi and music scion Russell Simmons’s Def Jam on HBO. Shortly after graduating from Brown, she then performed her poem "B" as a TED Talk, which garnered over 9 million hits on Youtube. The half-Jewish, half-Japanese, New York Native was twenty-two years old.

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The Met's Morris Robinson will make you laugh, cry, and even love Opera

Wed, 28 Dec 2016 22:21:00 GMT

As a 6’2, 300-pound offensive guard for the Citadel, Morris Robinson scored first team All-Southern Conference, first team Kodak All-American, and second team Sports Network All-American. He wanted to play pro. Sports Illustrated profiled Robinson because the powerhouse also possessed a one-of-a-kind musical talent. At the South Carolina military academy, he’d sing the National Anthem. His deep voice was electric, and otherwise stoic boys would line up for autographs after Robinson’s concerts like fan girls.

The beloved son of a minister, Morris had performed music at his family’s church since he was a kid. He later joined the Atlanta Boys’ Choir and continued to play drums and piano. The Georgia native was a stand out on and off the field. Then he faced a brutal blow. College football teams worried he was too slow. Robinson felt crushed.

After dabbling as a bouncer, he worked in sales at 3m, where his huge smile and charm paid off. But Robinson was miserable. Luckily, his wife intervened.

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JOHN TURTURRO on sex with Bobby Cannavale, Audrey Tautou and more

Wed, 21 Dec 2016 05:00:00 GMT

Turturro, who is best known as one of the most pliable, memorable actors of our time, spoke about needing to laugh post the election of Donald Trump. We certainly did a lot, as the Brooklyn native shared hilarious stories about working with Robert DeNiro and Martin Scorcese on Raging Bull to shooting a threesome with Bobby Cannavale and Audrey Tatou for his latest project GOING PLACES. He also shared some never released before photos from the set, as Turturro is currently editing the film. In it, Turturro revisits the sleazy, former pedophile, and die hard bowler Jesus Quintana, which became one of the many stand out characters in the cult classic THE BIG LEBOWSKI.

Most folks became aware of John Turturro in Spike Lee’s DO THE RIGHT THING, but he cemented his street cred as the Coen Brothers, who famously cast the Italian-American human sponge.

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JON GLASER talks about Second City and whether SNL grabbed his joke

Wed, 14 Dec 2016 05:00:00 GMT

JON GLASER talks about Second City and whether SNL grabbed his joke.

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MARTHA WAINWRIGHT sings and talks Leonard Cohen, Glen Hansard, and her new album

Thu, 08 Dec 2016 03:19:00 GMT

MARTHA WAINWRIGHT is touring in Australia, the UK, Ireland, and Canada, just released her fourth solo studio album, GOODNIGHT CITIZEN. The bilingual, dual citizen has lived betwixt and between worlds, and when you hear her sing, you'll feel how her music deftly embodies the cacophony of emotions simultaneously. Now a mother, who grew up with parents, Kate McGarrigle and Loudon Wainwright, Martha talks about raising a child as an artist and touring. We also spoke about how hard it is for musicians to make a living and that all musicians need to compose music and tour if they want to try to do so. Leonard Cohen saw her talent from the get go, and once you hear our interview and her sing, you'll know why. Go buy GOODNIGHT CITY. Makes a wonderful Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa gift for you or someone you love, lust, or like like a lot a lot.

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THE AFFAIR's SARAH TREEM on firing and hiring, sex and seduction, egos and loneliness

Wed, 23 Nov 2016 04:07:00 GMT

"Get comfortable with people hating you," Sarah Treem, who created THE AFFAIR, which is in the midst of its third season on SHOWTIME, says about what it takes to be a boss. Her keen awareness about the messiness of real life is palpable in this epic series. Of course, it helps having actors like Dominic West , Maura Tierney, Joshua Jackson, and Ruth Wilson depict what the cost of prison, murder, infidelity, children, death, mental illness play on even the strongest relationships. This season continues to shed light on how people use, abuse, and find refuge in sex, lust, and love, but also delves into what it takes to live with baggage and the limits of resilience. Everyone and every relationship has a breaking point, and this season looks at what role mental illness, custody battles, prison, infidelity, children, death of parents, work play.

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MITSKI on her new album Puberty 2, Stephen Colbert, Twitter, and money

Wed, 16 Nov 2016 02:22:00 GMT

The extraordinarily talented musician Mitski Miyawaki composed two albums before she had graduated from college. Her latest album Puberty 2 led her to her first live TV performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Most importantly, it gave her momentary reprieve from that awful feeling "impostor syndrome" which is not to be confused with a Napoleon complex. Mitski is hilarious, smart, and such a fantastic performer. It was a delight to discuss her punk background, touring, Twitter, and hear why you must catch her live performing and grab PUBERTY 2 at a record store near you (or online).

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NICK DENTON on Peter Thiel, Gawker, & bankruptcy

Wed, 09 Nov 2016 02:51:00 GMT

Donald Trump's legacy is already underway. Instead of calling for higher standards and ethics when it comes to how journalism treats privacy issues, a Florida judge awarded Hulk Hogan millions of dollars for recording his affair with his best friend's wife and bankrupted Gawker Media, as well as journalist AJ Daulerio and founder Nick Denton. There are other lawsuits which remain.

Of course, Gawker is not innocent and Nick Denton spoke about his own desire to be profitable, which lead to recklessness. A former journalist and serial entrepreneur, Denton talks about the good, bad and ugly of Gawker Media, which included Jezebel and Gizmodo.

The lawsuits were spearheaded by Peter Thiel, an immigrant who is a staunch advocate of Donald Trump, and was on a mission to shut down media. A Facebook board member and co-founder of PayPal, Thiel could afford to do whatever he wants, but the result is that TMZ, New York Post, British Tabloids still infringe on privacy.

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NATE SILVER on polling errors, media refusing to call sexual assault, and e-mail hacks

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 01:59:00 GMT

Nate Silver the leading political pollster in history, and is as deft with sports and social issues. Silver explores all three arenas as the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at 538, which he sold to ESPN, after a stint at The New York Times.

In our interview, which was recorded live at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, Nate and I spoke about how this 2016 election is unprecedented, who gets polled and why, and what set Silver, a wunderkind, apart as a kid. Nate also spoke about managing his staff at ESPN's 538, why he failed to predict that Donald Trump would win the GOP nod, sexual assault, aka Donald Trump's "pussy tape," Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, and how email hacking is the scariest political weapon.

It was a pleasure and privilege to have Nate Silver back on Employee of the Month. I highly recommend our first interview as well. He is a lot of fun, brilliant, and runs an addictive website in panic inducing times.

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The New York Times journalist Jessica Bennett on Feminist Fight Club

Wed, 26 Oct 2016 02:28:00 GMT

Jessica Bennett is a columnist at the New York Times Style section and wrote about Monica Lewinsky and online shaming to Hillary Clinton's closest confidantes to sororities and feminism. Her work has also appeared in Newsweek, Time, and was the cofounder and curator of the Lean In Collection – a partnership betwen LeanIn.Org and Getty Images, to change the way women are depicted in stock photography. We spoke about her first book, Fight Club: An Office Survival Manual (for a Sexist Workplace), which was published by HarperCollins in September and offers suggestions for women to take when facing sexism.

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ISAAC OLIVER on writing his debut book, porn, and Lilith Fair

Wed, 19 Oct 2016 01:58:00 GMT

Isaac Oliver is the author of INTIMACY IDIOT, which was named one of NPR's Best Books of 2015. Even if you read it in 2016, you'll see why his writing has been featured on BuzzFeed, Gawker, and Out Magazine. A gifted storyteller, Isaac Oliver regularly performs his stories. It was delightful to interview him live at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater.

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LAURA BENANTI sings and talks vibrators, Melania Trump, and pregnancy

Wed, 12 Oct 2016 01:29:00 GMT

Tony Award-winner LAURA BENANTI is playing all over the country so catch her singing live. You may recognize her from her impression of Melania Trump which went viral.

She was also a smash hit in the 2016 Tony nominated role of Amalia Balash in the hit Broadway Musical, She Loves Me. Benanti became a broadway baby when she was a little older than a baby, at the tender age of 18.

She also received a Drama Desk award, Outer Critics Circle Award and a Tony Award Nomination for her starring role in the Broadway production of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown and, in our interview we spoke about her turn in the Broadway production of Sarah Ruhl's In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play.

I had the joy of seeing Benanti in Gypsy, which earned her the 2008 Tony Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical, a Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award. Her other Broadway roles include The Wedding Singer, Nine, Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods, Swing! and more.

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MAYA RUDOLPH talks Prince, Oprah, and performs

Wed, 05 Oct 2016 02:41:00 GMT

Maya Rudolph is pure joy. After wrapping the first season of NBC’s Maya and Marty, her comedy variety show with Martin Short, Maya toured with her college friend Gretchen Lieberum to sold out crowds. Their band Princess pays tribute to the late genius Prince, Princess and in our interview, we spoke about how Prince enjoyed their Valentine to his legacy. Maya and Gretchen even gave us glimpse into why their show is so fun. The secret is in the sauce.

On Maya and Marty, Rudolph sings and breathes light into loopy characters, much like the ones that endeared her to audiences and the celebrities she depicted on SNL, such as Oprah. We spoke about how Lorne Michaels hired Rudolph because of her “daring exuberant spirit and how being on SNL was always Maya’s dream. Many performers share that dream, but Maya infuses her depictions with utter originality and a familiar quality, enabling audiences to go wherever she takes us.

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PATTI LUPONE sings with Tituss Burgess & talks sex, showbiz & crabs

Wed, 15 Jun 2016 17:00:00 GMT

Patti LuPone may be best know for her irresistible voice, but the two-time Grammy and Tony, and Olivier Award winner’s secret weapon is feeling everything. Lord knows, especially on stage, there are actors who overact and mug, in doing so, leave no room for audiences to respond. Then there are ones who are so muted, that if you stuck a needle in their limp arm, they wouldn’t flinch. LuPone thrives when she can be unflinchingly honest in a performance, which requires discipline to turn into art. She did in Evita, Gypsy, and Anything Goes, as well and now in the Showtime series Penny Dreadful. LuPone is equally at home doing comedy and has had stints on comedian Brett Gelman’s terrifyingly funny short on Adult Swim and Lena Dunham’s GIRLS on HBO.

LuPone is funny, candid, and whip-smart off stage, which isn’t surprising, but no less mesmerizing. Our conversation was recorded live at Joe’s Pub. In it, LuPone revealed that you can get crabs as easily from sex as you can from the theater.

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JON HAMM on Mercedes Benz, dick jokes, and dating games

Wed, 08 Jun 2016 19:11:00 GMT

JON HAMM is best known for revolutionizing how society envisions masculinity, in all of its raw sensuality, insatiable competitive hunger, arrogance, and corrosive loneliness, in his deft portrayal of Don Draper, but he is equally deft at comedy. Happy to laugh at himself, a necessity when you look like (and were) a star high school football player, Hamm is clearly a team player which makes him enjoyable to work with, as evidenced in how often TV creators like Tina Fey and Robert Carlock find excuses to cast him. Of course, Hamm is ultimately cast because he delivers. In Mad Men Bridesmaids, 30 Rock, and SNL, he seems to only hit home runs.

Still, Hamm, like any actor, needed directors and show creators to go to bat for him when he hadn’t yet had the opportunities to prove himself. Hamm says he struggled for years in his early twenties. (I thought that was the definition of being in your twenties).

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TITUSS BURGESS talks Tina Fey, Patti LuPone & reveals new Pinot Noirs!

Fri, 03 Jun 2016 19:33:00 GMT

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JEN MARLOWE, social activist talks about activism from Palestine to Black Lives Matter

Fri, 27 May 2016 18:46:00 GMT

Jen Marlowe has committed every ounce of her being to activism, be it Black Lives Matter, Palestinian rights, prisoner's rights, and many more. In our conversation, we spoke about the methods she finds most useful, namely documentary filmmaking, playwriting, books, and community based education. She also speaks about being fired and the financial struggles, as well as how her politics have evolved throughout her career.

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SUZAN-LORI PARKS on academics, writing for Amazon, and James Baldwin

Mon, 23 May 2016 17:03:00 GMT

I've never understood why MacArthur Foundation gives grants to geniuses, shouldn't they give them to the rest of us shlubs who are lucky if we can write a legible grocery list, never mind, pen rapturous plays? Luckily for the rare geniuses, MacArthur Foundation insists on honoring them. Employee of the Month was thrilled to follow MacArthur's lead and honor Suzan-Lori Parks, a playwright, novelist and screenwriter, and interview her about her illustrious career.

Parks has repeatedly re-imaged playwriting, with plays like Top Dog/Underdog, which she won a Tony and Pulitzer, the first for an African-American female playwright. She also created 365 Plays/365 Days, which meant that she'd write a play a day and stage it. Her latest play, Father Comes Home From the Wars Parts 1, 2, and 3, had its debut at The Public Theater and then was equally heralded at The Mark Taper Forum.

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JULIA CAMERON, talks Martin Scorsese, The Artists's Way and more

Wed, 11 May 2016 19:05:00 GMT

The Artist’s Way is celebrating its 25th Anniversary, so it was a privilege to speak with a woman who democratized creativity. In our interview, Cameron talked about working with her daughter Domenica, an actor who made her directorial debut with the indie film Almost Paris, which screened as part of Tribeca Film Festival. Cameron also shared what she got out of writing fiction versus non-fiction, co-parenting with Martin Scorsese, and a musical which is in the works. She also revealed why walking your dog doesn’t count as an “Artist’s Date” and what gets her to write her “Pages,” even when she’d rather not do so.

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ISAAC MIZRAHI on being hairless, Mark Morris, & Jonathan Ames

Wed, 04 May 2016 17:58:00 GMT

Between Isaac Mizrahi’s pithy humor, remarkable insight, and insatiable desire to create and perform, he is a captivating presence. In our candid conversation, we spoke about, amongst other things, Isaac choosing not to come out to father to his tender relationship with choreographer and dancer Mark Morris and dealing with Jonathan Ames.

A wunderkind, Isaac Mizrahi made his mark in fashion in the late 1980’s and 1990’s. The fashion world is notoriously competitive and volatile, even for the beloved boy wonder, whose rise was so perfectly captured in the documentary Unzipped in 1995. Soon after, Chanel pulled out financing and various ventures folded. Isaac smartly took it as an opportunity to branch out. Like the late great Joan Rivers, Mizrahi was more than resilient and restless, he was and is a creative soul with more ideas to develop.

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JOSH GONDELMAN on stand up & writing for John Oliver to The New Yorker

Wed, 27 Apr 2016 15:21:00 GMT

Josh Gondelman is a writer for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver on HBO and has contributed to Billy Eichner’s show Billy on the Street, The New Yorker, and McSweeney’s. His second stand up special Physical Whisper is currently out and he made his stand up debut on Conan. After writing and doing stand up in small rooms in Boston, he became best known for Tweeting under the name @Seinfeld Today, aka Modern Seinfeld, with a friend Jack Moore. We spoke one-on-one about the disgusting bathrooms in comedy rooms to Gondelman’s sunny disposition and how performing in New York is simply the most challenging and cathartic.

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ARTHUR LEWIS on teaching Lin-Manuel Miranda & music collectives

Sat, 16 Apr 2016 00:00:00 GMT

How do we nurture our art when we’ve got bills to pay and neurosis to slay? I spoke with singer, songwriter and composer Arthur Lewis about potential, success, baggage, inherited dreams, talent, and his career in music. Arthur Lewis is one of New York’s finest original musicians, which is why famed poet Sarah Kay and Pulitzer, Grammy, Tony, and MacArthur “Genius” winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, of Hamilton Fame, are fans. The two were two of the founding members of FreeStyle Love Supreme.

Originally from Queens, Arthur Lewis went on to study at Yale, and then returned to New York, where he has spent over a decade playing piano, guitar, percussion, as well as composing, singing, directing, and engineering for fellow musicians, comedians, and theatrical performances. A musician’s musician, Lewis became a go-to player in musical collectives, including the Melting Pot Crew, This Is Not the Radio, and Freestyle Love Supreme, a hip hop improv group.

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JUSTIN VIVIAN BOND on Renee Fleming, Kiki & Herb, & church camp

Wed, 13 Apr 2016 04:14:00 GMT

Justin Vivian Bond is a Tony nominated, Obie, GLAAD and Essie winning cabaret star and trans-genre artist. Vocal about being transgender, Justin uses V as a preferred pronoun.

The first time Bond took the stage was as a wee babe in a Christmas show at V.'s family’s local Church of the Brethren in sleepy Hagerstown, Maryland, but the rest of the word would have to wait decades before hearing from the sumptuous voice and acerbic wit which made Bond a legend.

After high school and a stint as a counselor at church camp, Bond knocked around New York and studied theater, but didn’t find a niche until moving to San Francisco in 1989. Out West, Bond took a day job at A Different Light bookstore and performed in plays, most notably in Hidden A: Gender by Kate Bornstein, the renowned performance artist and gender theorist. Like Bornstein, Bond spoke shattered simplistic theories, like the idea that everyone who transgender feels trapped in the wrong body.

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DAVID SIMON on Edward Snowden, porn, & more.

Wed, 06 Apr 2016 11:50:00 GMT

David Simon revolutionized television when he created THE WIRE. A veteran crime reporter for The Baltimore Sun, Simon offered audiences a rare and searing portrait of the underground drug market, while simultaneously transforming how television series are devised. Each season focused on the inner workings of the various players, be it the politicians or police or education system. Throughout the five seasons, Simon deftly revealed the interplay between government, police enforcement, addicts, dealers, politicians, prisons, media, press, religious institutions, lobbyists, public school system, gangs, business, entrepreneurs, race, class, and technology. In addition to using a cadre of fine actors, including Omar Epps, Michael B. Jordan and Idris Elba, he also offered cameos and sometimes ongoing roles to real people, be it a Health Commissioner, journalist, or former convict. The result was a gripping drama, that mesmerized everyone from President Barack Obama to drug dealers to the media.

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Actor TONY ROBERTS on being Woody Allen's sidekick to Brett Gelman's dad

Wed, 23 Mar 2016 05:53:00 GMT

Growing up, I binge watched ANNIE HALL, and ate up the fraternal, Statler and Waldorf like chiding between Alvy Singer, played by Woody Allen, and Rob, played by Tony Roberts. So when Tony Robert’s publicist asked if I’d interview the two time Tony nominated actor as he was promoting his new memoir “DO YOU KNOW ME?” I, of course, said yes. You may recognize Tony Roberts from STARDUST MEMORIES, PLAY IT AGAIN SAM, or SERPICO, with Al Pacino. In addition to being in tons of films, Tony Roberts did a ton of theater, including PLAY IT AGAIN SAM and DOW JONES, and had an enviable voice acting career. He spoke about how it’s impossible to break in if you’re not already famous, being swindled by managers, befriending a shy Woody Allen, and teaming up with Patty Lupone on comedian Brett Gelman’s Sundance film, which you can see on Adult Swim. Our interview was recorded live at the Writers Guild (WGA-East).

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EMEL MATHLOUTHI sings live and reveals if Paris or NYC is better for artists

Wed, 16 Mar 2016 01:20:00 GMT

Emel Mathlouthi is a brilliant singer and songwriter with an intoxicating, ethereal voice, who became an international sensation as her music inspired fellow Tunisians fighting for their freedom during the Arab Spring.

Tunisian govern banned her music from the country’s radio as her lyrics criticized the regime of then-President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. So in 2008, she fled for Paris and continued to sing defiant songs and post them on social media. A video of her singing her song Kelmti Horra (my word is free) in front of 10,000 Parisians went viral. She lived between France and Tunisia, and in 2012, returned to Tunis and sang "Kelmti Horra," and, a couple hours later it was (former) President Ben Ali who would flee the country. Her album also titled Kelmti Horra made its debut in 2012 and received critical acclaim. She has performed all over the world, including a solo performance at the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony.

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GRETA GERWIG on Lena Dunham, Yale (NSFW) and Scott Rudin

Wed, 09 Mar 2016 08:33:00 GMT

Despite getting rejected from Yale grad school, Golden Globe nominee Greta Gerwig has never wanted for work. As an actor and writer, Gerwig frequently collaborates with her boyfriend and filmmaker Noah Baumbach, and become known doing films with Joe Swanberg. This summer she will make her directorial debut and talks about the joy of having Scott Rudin as a producer. On Employee of the Month Show, Greta Gerwig tells Catie Lazarus what she really thinks of Yale rejecting her, tax breaks in California versus New York for filming, and loving her own work.

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MICHAEL McKEAN sings live and talks Better Call Saul, Spinal Tap & Laverne & Shirley

Wed, 02 Mar 2016 05:41:00 GMT

MICHAEL McKEAN may be best known as Lenny, Squiggy's best friend, played by David Lander, on the beloved sitcom LAVERNE & SHIRLEY, but he has acted in over 225 roles and, once you hear our interview, you’ll know why everyone from Christopher Guest to Vince Gilligan clamors to work with him.

Most actors get so good and comfortable at reprising their shtick or are pushed to do so by agents and network executives, but McKean shrewdly and bravely keeps expanding his repertoire. He said no to Saturday Night Live when the timing wasn’t right. He also takes risks, which is no easy feat when your paycheck rests on you delivering. It could be nerve wracking to build on brilliant performances, from THIS IS SPINAL TAP to the X-FILES, but McKean clearly enjoys the thrill of trying to do so. He makes it seem effortless. Today, you can catch him on the cult favorite AMC’s BETTER CALL SAUL, where he quietly steals scenes.

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SAMANTHA POWER on the GOP, Hillary Clinton, and diplomatic immunity

Sun, 28 Feb 2016 20:44:00 GMT

Ambition is a trait most politicians share, regardless of what they aspire to do with it. Luckily, Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power, a consummate politician, also possesses a moral compass. While at Harvard Law, the Irish born, American raised scholar decided her academic research on America’s role in genocide, from the Holocaust to Armenian genocide to Darfur, merited a book. In 2002, she published A PROBLEM FROM HELL, which promptly became a Pulitzer Prize Winner and caught the attention of human rights advocates to politicians, including a then young Senator, named Barack Obama. The two policy wonks formed a friendship. Soon after, Power went from working outside of the belly of the beast to becoming a key member of President Barack Obama’s cabinet. Today, she holds three jobs. She is part of President Obama’s staff and, eventually, Ambassador to the UN and part of the UN Security Council.

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SHARON VAN ETTEN sings live and talks about Kyp Malone, McDonalds, and Wine.

Wed, 17 Feb 2016 03:26:00 GMT

Before fans and critics knew Sharon Van Etten’s wry, whip-smart lyrics and enchanting harmonies, the singer/songwriter worked the fryer at McDonalds. Despite constant promotions, she moved on. She baked donuts at a donut shop, worked at wine stores, built Subway sandwiches, and revealed in our interview that Chipotle isn’t the only bad apple.

As she started considering making a go of singing and songwriting, she connected with Kyp Malone, of TV on the Radio. Malone helped her make music her main gig. He wasn’t alone in recognizing her innate talent. Etten found a following fast. She started touring non-stop and churned out exquisite albums, including Because I Was in Love (2009), epic (2010), Tramp (2012), Are We There (2014), and her latest EP is I Don’t Want To Let You Down (2015).

Even as she is now beloved internationally, Etten hasn’t lost her voice, physically or metaphorically, thoughtful gaze, or sly humor.

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SARAH SILVERMAN on Bernie Sanders to Seinfeld's Kramer

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 03:23:00 GMT

Sarah Silverman is one of the funniest humans I know. Lauded, if not, encouraged by her dad to curse as a baby, Silverman honed her mischievous antics the minute she started speaking. She was born to two natural performers, although they lived in New Hampshire, a far shlep from Hollywood. Her dad ran a clothing store and did all of his own commercials in his thick Boston accent, while her mom, who was far more sophisticated in her diction, did the voice-overs for the local movie theater in New Hampshire and was actively involved in local theater. Perhaps it’s no surprise that their daughters would all cultivate their own points of view and trajectories. Sarah’s sister Susan became a respected rabbi and social activist, Laura is a well known actor and Jodyne writes. Sarah, who also writes, sings, and acts, started out in stand up when she was a teenager and never looked back.

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Hear Amy Winehouse & Sharon Jones best kept secret is Guitarist Binky Jones....

Wed, 27 Jan 2016 18:54:00 GMT

There are musicians who say they can play any genre, melody, tune, with or without reading sheet music, and then there are a handful of the real deal. Enter Binky Griptite, one of the most versatile, graceful, and finest guitarists out there. He can play it all. Funk and soul are the Brooklynite’s bread and butter. You don’t have to take it from me. Amy Winehouse and Sharon Jones knew how brilliant Binky is and seized on his talent. Griptite doesn’t care if most people don’t know who this sly, sexy, and deft player is supporting these iconic talents. Like most exceptional talents, Bikny lets his music speak for itself.

A musician’s musician, Griptite is best known for being both the lovable emcee and bold guitarist for the world’s most popular and critically acclaimed neo-soul bands today- Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. Griptite has also played alongside everyone from Lee Fields to the late great Amy Winehouse.

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LARRY KRAMER, AIDS activist and Tony winning playwright on sodomy, sex, climaxing, and activism

Wed, 27 Jan 2016 02:51:00 GMT

After writing dialogue for a teen comedy as a teletype operator at Columbia Pictures, Kramer, who was barely into his twenties, lapped up the chance to adapt D.H. Lawrence’s revered novel Women in Love. Leave it to Larry to not only score an Oscar nomination, but manage to get the first nude sex scene in theaters in England, a couple years after sodomy was even considered legal in the United Kingdom. You know that phrase "Full Frontal Nudity?" In our interview, you'll hear where it comes from. You also hear Larry chide me. “You missed the climax!” “It’s not the first time,” I lamented. He laughed. Kramer still hasn’t lost his wry wit, which may be his signature weapon in surviving, what he aptly also named, a modern day plague. We spoke about AIDs and his career on Employee of the Month’s live January 2016 taping at Joe’s Pub.

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ADA CALHOUN is redefining journalism, one story at a time.

Tue, 19 Jan 2016 03:00:00 GMT

With a wry smile, shrewd reporting, and exquisite detail, Ada Calhoun distills America’s signature triumphs in music, theater, commerce, activism, politics, and its transgressions-- including drug abuse, prostitution and, yes, slavery, in her latest book St. Marks is Dead. She chronicles the history of three short blocks in New York from when the land was grassy and feral to now, where you can count the number of trees on two hands. It is still feral and Calhoun revels in the beauty and ugliness which emerges as a result. Her affection for St. Marks in the East Village is palpable, as it was the very block she grew up on, but it is her affecting prose which paints a gripping portrait. Even those who loathe New York or history books or are sick of hearing about how hip and edgy the punk era or sexual revolution won’t want to put down this book.

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JASON BIGGS talks about Woody Allen, Eugene Levy & getting fired

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 00:50:00 GMT

Jason Biggs got his first headshot at age five. Twenty years later, he went onto became world famous for his role in the hilarious comedy American Pie. He went onto star on Broadway, get a recurring role in the hit dramedy Orange is the New Black, and currently co-hosts a radio show with his wife Jenny on Sirius XM.

Like many actors, Biggs did theater and, yes, got fired off his first sitcom, only he was still in middle school. The sitcom Drexel's Class was cancelled after one season, so, as Biggs says, he, "Didn't feel alone." He then had a stint on the soap opera As The World Turns. His character was written off the show, which is par for the course in Hollywood, but rejection is even more excruciating when you're just a teenager. Luckily, Biggs received an Emmy nod for his role, which is as sweet as revenge gets in the entertainment world.

We spoke about his early career, sharing a room with his mom, stage moms, and his affection for Eugene Levy, who Biggs refers to as a "second dad."

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MoMA's Senior Design & Architecture Curator talks guns, rejection, punk rock, sexism, and smoking

Wed, 06 Jan 2016 02:28:00 GMT

It shouldn’t be entirely surprising that Paola Antonelli, Senior Curator at MoMA for Architecture and Design, was into punk rock in her twenties. She says the scene wasn’t hard core in Italy. She dipped her toes, without becoming subsumed by the genre, which is in part, what she does daily, as she travels the world over to assess the multiple ways, designers, architects, inventors, technologists, entrepreneurs, and multi-disciplinary hyphenates are impacting culture.

We spoke about the creativity required in her job. A curator must deftly serve as a bridge between those who fund resources and the artists themselves. Am I allowed to call designers artists, when so many strive to create commercial enterprises? In our interview, which was recorded live at Joe’s Pub, we touch on how Antonelli decides which products MOMA highlights and why.

You’ll learn in our interview how much her integrity, unique artistic sensibility, whimsy, discipline, and experience matter.

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BOBBY CANNAVALE discusses flow, Al Pacino, and sings Neil Diamond live

Wed, 30 Dec 2015 06:12:00 GMT

After completing shooting his first starring role for HBO’s upcoming 10-episode series VINYL, BOBBY CANNAVALE sat down with Catie Lazarus at a live taping of Employee of the Month at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater. We spoke about the “ease” one feels when doing what your meant to do, whether it’s social work, which is what his mom does, or acting, which Bobby says, “Is all he ever wanted to do.” He says his son Jake has inherited Bobby’s “ease” and we spoke about their acting together in NURSE JACKIE.

Bobby describes theater, film, television, as “make believe,” and is often puzzled when people confuse actors with their characters. In our interview, you’ll hear how his sense of humor is palpable. He’s certainly done his share of lighter fare, like Annie, Antman, Will & Grace, and Sex-and-the-City. But he’s is so good at slipping into gritty, knotty roles that its easy to see why audiences assume Bobby possesses the depth of his more volatile, barbed characters.

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Meditation Teacher Tara Brach talks about how to be mindfully angry and more.

Wed, 23 Dec 2015 03:51:00 GMT

As 2015 draws to a close, as soon as I started to feel stressed about getting the right gifts, never mind affording them, hoping to see friends and family, dealing with fraught relationships, and my unmet hopes and dreams. To accept what is and the messiness of life, I found solace in listening to meditation teacher Tara Brach's podcast, often on the subway.

Luckily, I got to speak to the person who had offered me the space to sit with all of the above and more. I met with Tara Brach at the Unitarian Church in Bethesda, Maryland, where she gives weekly dharma talks. We spoke about how to be mindfully angry; the dilemma of compartmentalizing and success; cultural differences in how we give; and how she navigates trauma and pain, both her own and others. It's a great listen for anyone interested in what it is like to care for an about others, as a living.

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Billy Crudup address controversy over film Spotlight in The Boston Globe

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 03:00:00 GMT

Tony Award winning actor Billy Crudup spoke to Catie Lazarus about portraying a polarizing character, lawyer Eric MacLeish in the phenomenal film Spotlight, which chronicles The Boston Globe's Spotlight Investigative Team as they reveal the Catholic Church's systemic cover up of sexual abuse. Eric MacLeish is alive and does not like how he is depicted, although he supports the film.

Eric MacLeish's real life saga, which The Boston Globe is also chronicling, could be its own Lifetime Movie. Crudup spoke about the larger mission of the film, which is, by all accounts, accurate and honest, and his own goal as an actor. Alongside Crudup, Spotlight stars Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, Brian d’Arcy James and Stanley Tucci as it depicts how the Boston Globe earned a duly deserved Pulitzer Prize for its investigation and, more importantly, revealed a city wide crisis of abuse, which the Catholic Church covered up for decades.

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DAVID CROSS on Tats, Hitler, Heroine, and the late Beastie Boy's Adam Yauch

Sat, 05 Dec 2015 20:03:00 GMT

DAVID CROSS on Tats, Hitler, Heroine, and the late Beastie Boy's Adam Yauch.

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MakeLoveNotPorn.com's Founder Cindy Gallop on the business of sex

Tue, 17 Nov 2015 00:54:00 GMT

After running iconic campaigns as an Ad Exec, Cindy Gallop decided to create a campaign for a subject dear to her heart. In 2009, she gave a now legendary Ted Talk and launched MakeLoveNotPorn.com. Since then she has gained a cult fan base for speaking about the myths surrounding pornography and real sex. We spoke about renting out her massive black apartment for rap videos, including for Notorious B.I.G.. We also spoke about whether Mad Men resonates for Ad Executives today and how she balances wanting to redesign the future of business and the future of sex.

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JOSH RADNOR discusses art, film, TV, happiness, and knocking heads with the Dalai Lama.

Tue, 17 Nov 2015 00:13:00 GMT

JOSH RADNOR is currently appearing as a brilliant, but afflicted and drug addicted, doctor in PBS’s civil war drama MERCY STREET. In our interview, we discussed his range as an actor and found out why the Dalai Lama picked Josh to speak at the beloved spiritual leader’s 80th birthday extravaganza. Josh reveals whether the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso needs a flu shot.

When not writing or directing, Josh often speaks to colleges and audiences, like at the INK Conference in India. Josh speaks about the “golden handcuffs” of being a famous TV sitcom actor. The perk of being the star of a syndicated, network sitcom is obvious. Assuming you don’t blow all of the money on blow, you’re set for life. But it also comes with challenges, be it existential, like the contrived intimacy and projections from fans, to practical, like being typecast in future parts.

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INYANG BASSEY, a back up singer for MOBY, strikes out on her own.

Mon, 16 Nov 2015 23:09:00 GMT

While at Columbia, Nigerian born and New York raised Inyang Bassey was giving her first concert. Well, she was singing in her shower and her roommate suggested, they get a bigger shower. Actually, her roommate advised her to audition for one their university's productions. She did and decided to giving a singing career a real go. A couple years later when Moby was looking for a back up. An extraordinary singer Jenny Wasserman recommended Inyang. Before she knew what had happened, Inyang found herself singing on tours and albums with Moby. When not working with Moby, her unique ability to deliver soul to funk to blues to pop enabled Inyang to then team up with a range of artists, including neo-soul singer Binky Griptite, cellist Yair Evnine, and cabaret sensation Lady Rizo. Now, she is striking out on her own and working on her own album. You can catch Inyang perform solo and with some of her contemporaries at the Mckittrick Hotel, where she performs weekly.

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NATE SILVER on his own confirmation bias, Trump vs. Rubio, VOX vs. 538, and New York Times vs. ESPN

Fri, 06 Nov 2015 02:07:00 GMT

NATE SILVER may be best known as political pollster, but he describes himself as "well rounded" and talks about the perils of having, what I call, a halo effect. In our interview for Employee of the Month, which was taped live at Joe’s Pub in New York, we spoke the day before Halloween on everything from how he deals with his own confirmation basis to how 538 differs from Ezra Klein's Vox Media, and why Silver feels more free to do what he wants as a journalist at a gigantic corporation, i.e. Walt Disney, which owns ESPN, versus his prior employer, The New York Times, which is arguably one of the most respected institution for journalism. Since I had previously interviewed Jill Abramson, the former Editor-in-Chief of The New York Times, about her negotiations with Nate Silver, I wanted to get his perspective. Silver says he didn’t just leave for more money. We, of course, dig into what to expect in the upcoming Presidential elections.

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KATINA CORRAO on stand up, writing, and being the nosiest neighbor in NYC

Wed, 04 Nov 2015 23:29:00 GMT

After appearing in TV shows like Broad City to VH1's Best Night Ever, writing for TV shows, like The Newly Wed Game, stand up comedian Katina Corrao just released her first stand up comedy album HOT DATE. You can go to www.katinacorrao.com to get it and see her hilarious web series, THE GOOD NEIGHBOR MINUTE, which chronicles her antics as a nosy neighbor. You can also catch her live, as she performs stand up all over the country. If you're in New York, she co-hosts the weekly stand up show Lasers in the Jungle at Upright Citizens Brigade Theater (UCB EAST).

In our interview we spoke about starting out in stand up and doing bringer shows in stand up, which even Amy Schumer and Demetri Martin suffered through, as well as the roles that finances, rejection, courage, and family play when working in showbiz. She is AMAZING! Seriously, we shot a video called You're Amazing, which you can get to via Employee of the Month's YouTube channel.

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NOTORIOUS R.B.G. author IRIN CARMON on Ginsburg's legacy, Jezebel commenters, and The Daily Show

Wed, 04 Nov 2015 03:26:00 GMT

A recent Law & Human Behavior study found that female lawyers are penalized for displaying anger. It may explain why Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg chose to picked her battles from the get go. Considering she’s successfully advocated for gender equality, among other civil liberties, since 1959, her tactics paid off. Instead of getting angry, she got even.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg continues to be one of our nation's greatest social justice crusaders. Still her career hasn't shielded her from personal and professional trials and tragedy. Ginsburg dealt with losing her beloved mother the day before she graduated from high school. Her late husband Marty faced his first battle with cancer while the two were still in school and recently married. Despite being number one in her class at Columbia, Ginsburg could get arrested before she could get hired. Not one New York law firm, not to mention then Justice Felix Frankfurter, would hire, as Ginsburg says, a Jewish female with a young daughter.

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BARACK OBAMA's music pick WILL SHEFF talks about being on the President's playlist and Lou Reed.

Wed, 28 Oct 2015 02:24:00 GMT

It's not just Barack Obama who is drawn to Will Sheff's music, Lou Reed was a massive fan as well. Like his mentor Lou Reed, Sheff is a bit of a polymath, but best known for being the lead singer for the indie darling rock band Okkervil River straight out of Austin, Texas. Sheff is also an artist and prolific and pithy writer. You can check out his drawings on his website and read his essays on art and fiction in McSweeney’s, The Talkhouse, Magnet, Billboard, and the Austin Chronicle, where he worked as a film critic for a spell. In 2010, Sheff’s liner notes for the Roky Erickson album True Love Cast Out All Evil, which he also produced, were nominated for a Grammy. I didn't even know liner notes could win a Grammy! More recently, Sheff directed, composed the music and wrote the script for the indie film Down Down the Deep River, which reflects on his childhood of growing up in the 1980’s.

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WNBA's CANDICE WIGGINS, basketball star and AIDS activist talks about the NBA VS. WNBA and planking

Wed, 21 Oct 2015 03:40:00 GMT

Candice Wiggins was a toddler when her father, Alan Wiggins, a professional baseball player died due to complications from AIDs. He passed away ten months before Magic Johnson boldly came forward about his own status. Once Johnson did, Candice’s mother decided to take her three children out of basketball where Alan had faced racism, and became, what Candice calls, a “basketball family.” Those three children went onto college on basketball scholarships. Candice ended up at Stanford, where she graduated as the highest all-time leading scorer in the Pac-10 women's basketball history. She described her Stanford coach Tara VanDeVeer, had who coached the 1996 Olympic Team, as "like a second mother to me."

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TARA BRACH talks about making a living and being deified as a meditation teacher.

Fri, 16 Oct 2015 16:07:00 GMT

When I wanted to switch to a meditation practice that felt accessible, a former boss and now genuine friend recommended her therapist, Tara Brach. By that time, Brach had segued to focusing on being a meditation teacher. I became a fan of Brach's dharma talks, joining about 200,000 other folks from over 150 countries who download and listen to her regularly. You can as well at www.tarabrach.com.

In 1998, Tara founded the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, D.C. (IMCW), which is now one of the biggest non-residential meditation centers. You can take one of her workshops, at places like Kripalu in Massachusetts and Omega in New York. She is also the author of the book Radical Acceptance (2003) and True Refuge: Finding Peace & Freedom in Your Own Awakened Heart (Bantam, 2013). Brach helped create the Washington Buddhist Peace Fellowship and co-founded the DC-based Meditation Teacher Training Institute.

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New York Times Best Selling Author on sex with professors and writing about people you know.

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 15:34:00 GMT

Journalism is tough to break into for anyone, particularly if you can't afford to work for less than minimum wage. Freelancing requires constantly pitching, not taking rejection personally, and ingratiating yourself to editors, who already have a stable of staff writers and hungry former colleagues. No matter how talented you are, it's a low paying racket, but a truly gratifying one when you see your name in print or get to work with a fantastic editor or write about an enticing subject. It's why Sue Shapiro's classes are so popular and such a rare opportunity, as she generously shares contacts, offers advice how to best connect, and remains loyal to her students.

When not nurturing other writers as a professor at NYU, Shapiro is a prolific writer. She regularly contributes to The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and every major publication in between, and her novels and memoirs are accessible, funny, pithy and fun rides.

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ALEX BLUMBERG talks about why he is excited to work with Adam McKay and his bro Adam Davidson

Sat, 12 Sep 2015 00:44:00 GMT

When NPR launched it became a vital American resource offering reliable news coverage and nuanced analysis. Its first generation groomed and passed the baton to a remarkable crew, including Blumberg, who worked his way up the ladder at the public radio darling This American Life. There his coverage of the subprime mortgage crisis earned him a Peabody Award, and he went onto produce their television spin-off for Showtime. In our interview, we spoke about how the cable network wanted to continue the TV series, but This American Life opted to quit after two seasons.

Blumberg left his Mothership to co-found NPR Planet Money with fellow Peabody winner and New York Times money columnist Adam Davidson. But as digital media conglomerates and cable news networks and, more recently, podcasts changed the landscape, Blumberg decided to take what he’d learned about finance and journalism and launch his own podcast company.

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LISA KRON on writing Fun Home, performing Well, and how winning a Tony Award pays off.

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 23:54:00 GMT

It's easy to mistake Lisa Kron for a comedian due to her wry wit, self effacing nature, and comic timing, but Kron is a rarity in the theater word as she doesn't take herself too seriously. An actor and Tony winning playwright, Kron prefers to write and perform characters who can roam emotionally. She grounds comedy in reality and she can depict her own characters and others with equal dexterity and vulnerability.

In our interview, Kron talks about writing her first musical Fun Home with composer Jeanine Tesori, that is based on the graphic novel by Alison Bechdel. We also discuss The Ver**zon Play, which premiered 2012 Humana Festival, and surprisingly did not turn her into a Sprint customer.

Kron was a downtown darling in New York's theater world, but her show Well put her on the proverbial international map when it was named “Best Play of 2004” by the New York Times, moved to Broadway, and she and her co-star Jayne Houdyshell received Tony nods.

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LAILA ROBINS, star of Showtimes's Homeland & TNT's Murder in the First, on her theater habit

Wed, 19 Aug 2015 14:37:00 GMT

TNT’s MURDER in the FIRST garnered an Emmy nod, but The New York Times critic Mike Hale wanted to know how Hollywood forgot to nominate LAILA ROBINS for Best Supporting Actress. He is not alone. Laila Robins has steadily worked in film and television for decades since her breakout role in John Hughes’ PLANES, TRAINS and AUTOMBILES with Steve Martin and the beloved John Candy back in 1987. Most recently she did a stint on Showtime’s Homeland. But New York theater directors and producers may not want to share their best kept secret. On Broadway and off, Theater royalty, from the late great Mike Nichols to Pulitzer (and Employee of the Month Award winner) Jon Robin Baitz cast Robins because she consistently delivers her signature subtle, sly, supple, and seductive performances. She’s won the Drama League Award and been nominated for the Helen Hayes and Lucille Lortel Awards, but a consummate worker bee, Robins would rather focus on what’s coming down the pipeline.

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JOSH KATZ talks about why he joined the military and the CIA, and terrorism apps.

Wed, 19 Aug 2015 10:25:00 GMT

Former CIA agent Joshua Katz first signed up to the army when most of his peers were contemplating whether to they'd go to law or business school. His nice Jewish parents were baffled, but it didn't stop Katz. He went onto serve as a Squad Leader in the Special Operation Command (SOCOM), where he trained his unit for special combat. Despite his parent’s fears, Katz thrived. He says his military stint offered him a nuanced sense of how counterterrorism efforts "are used and misused."

The CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) then recruited Katz and sent him to work on terrorism as an Intelligence Officer in the National Clandestine Service. We spoke about how the secrecy required for the job often reeks havoc on marriage and his decision to invite terrorists into his home with his children for dinner. (I apologize. I should have asked him what food he served them.)

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DAVID CRABB, on being a really bad kid and winning The Moth over and over.

Fri, 07 Aug 2015 10:52:00 GMT

After winning The Moth, a mecca for those who love storytelling from the last bastion of true freaks and geeks, actor David Crabb spoke to me about transforming his coming-of-age stories as a gay, goth kid in Texas in the 1980's and 1990's into a live one man touring show and debut memoir. David has the rare ability to suck you into 80s pop-culture and the closeted, bigoted world, without sentimentalizing or glorifying debauchery and anomie. His gift as a pithy, hilarious storyteller are as palpable when Crabb tells them live live as they are on the page.

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HARI KONDABOLU on making white audiences uncomfortable and working for Hilary Clinton

Thu, 06 Aug 2015 02:33:00 GMT

I got my start in life in stand-up, I mean not counting that time when I swam, some say was yanked, out of my mom's womb. Anyway, I miss being in stand up because I don't get to spend enough time with performers, like Hari Kondabolu. (Obviously, your thank you letters begging me to stop softened the blow.")

Anyway, Hari Kondabolu is hilarious. You don't have to know that The New York Times described him as “one of the most exciting political comics in stand-up today,” because you can figure that out yourself when you see his performances on TV shows like Late Show with David Letterman, Conan, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Live at Gotham, and John Oliver’s New York Standup Show. His Comedy Central Presents half-hour television special and writing and correspondent work for Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell on FX were where he really got to flex his proverbial muscles. I say proverbial, because he is a stand up comedian, and I am not sure if "athletic" is a word anyone would use to describe this bundle of joy.

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CORN MO talks about why he didn't become a preacher and joined the circus.

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 10:42:00 GMT

To know Corn Mo is to love Corn Mo. The singer, composer, and musician Jon Cunningham, who goes by Corn Mo, spoke to me about why he decided not to be a preacher and, instead, joined a sideshow circus. A musician's musician, Corn Mo has performed solo shows, along with his band .357 Lover, Nick Offerman, Ben Folds, Wheatus, They Might Be Giants, and The Polyphonic Spree, when they toured with David Bowie. Once you hear him sing and play the accordion, you'll gras his remarkable range, mischievous wit, and steady hands. So where can you hear Corn Mo? Well, for starters you can hear him perform a couple songs during our interview for Employee of the Month, which was recorded live at Joe's Pub.

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ASTROLOGERS Starsky & Cox on readings the planets to the crap couples who don't procreate get.

Thu, 23 Jul 2015 23:42:00 GMT

This summer I've walked by numerous psychics fanning themselves as they sit in various dilapidated New York storefronts, leading me to wonder why they don't use their psychic powers to manifest air conditioning. Sure I'll read my horoscope if I'm on an airplane flipping through a magazine, but am wary of self proclaimed experts who overestimate what they know about the world's fate. Yet, I took an immediate shine to astrologers and entertainers Stella Starsky and Quinn Cox, a husband and wife duo, because of their palpable self-awareness, warmth, and especially their dead pan wit. Not only were they not above satirizing metaphysics, they found the budding, often lucrative, field downright absurdly entertaining enough to perm a live show Cosmic Cabaret about their star searching.

Our interview was taped live at the Writers Guild, which was fitting since Starsky and Cox wrote two best selling books Sextrology: The Astrology of Sex and the Sexes and Cosmic Coupling: The Sextrology of Relationships.

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ELISA ZURITSKY & JULIE ROTTENBERG started on Sex-and-the-City and now tackling ODD MOM OUT

Thu, 23 Jul 2015 06:29:00 GMT

Comedy writers ELISA ZURISTKY and JULIE ROTTENBERG got a big break when they landed a job on the already successful HBO series SEX-And-The-CITY. In our interview, which was recorded at the WGA (Writers Guild), the duo discuss what made working for their boss and SATC's show's head writer Michael Patrick King so fulfilling and, unfortunately, rare in TV writing. They didn't find another boss like him, and when it was time to become head writers on Bravo's Odd Mom Out, they tried to emulate what they had learned. We spoke about there own failed pilots and what it's like to go from childhood friends to go into business with one another.

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DAVEED DIGGS is back for Part 2 of our interview

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 03:37:00 GMT

DAVEED DIGGS is back! We spoke at the WGA-East (Writers Guild) during his brief vacation between starring in Hamilton at The Public Theater and, now, on Broadway. We talked about everything from east coast vs. west coast rap vs. regional rap, napping to making sure you don't eat anything that may land you in the loo before curtain call, to why he worships his pop. Daveed's mom was such a good DJ, back in Oakland, that she wooed his dad, amongst others, and their shared love of music and life certainly rubbed off on their son. Before or after you catch Daveed on Broadway in Hamilton or with Freestyle Love Supreme or his own albums, you can hear Daveed talk about his journey and music buying habit in Part and Part II of our conversations.

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DAVEED DIGGS, talks about why he hates Pier 1 and how he snagged a starring role in Hamilton.

Sun, 19 Jul 2015 18:57:00 GMT

DAVEED DIGGS, a rapper, actor, and now Broadway star in Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton, stopped by Employee of the Month at Joe's Pub to reveal why Diggs hated working at Pier 1. You'll get to hear him freestyle rapwith Jelly D. and Shockwave, who are both the MC's for Employee of the Month Show's house band, and bandmates of Daveed's in Freestyle Love Supreme. In this episode, which was taped live, you will also here Jelly D. and Daveed rap and Shockwave beatbox the Employee of the Month rap up as I give out awards to all of my guests from the live taping in May 2015 at Joe's Pub. To hear my conversations with those guests, The New York Times columnist Nick Kristof, Emmy nominee Anna Chlumsky, and soul singer Lee Fields, as well as Lee Fields singing, subscribe to Employee of the Month's podcast.

This is part 1 of a two part interview with Daveed, who plays Jefferson and Lafayette in Hamilton on Broadway.

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ANNA CHLUMSKY, an Emmy nominee, rates Zagat and getting a big break on Veep

Sun, 12 Jul 2015 20:17:00 GMT

ANNA CHLUMSKY made a name for herself with a starring role in the cult classic film MY GIRL. She didn't need a psychic to know that challenging, complex roles were far less likely to land on a female actor's doorstep and Chlumsky left the biz. After attending University of Chicago and dabbling in publishing, a psychic helped Anna reconsider her decision to quit acting. She returned to entertainment and got a big break, when Armando Iannucci cast Chlumsky in the hysterical British political farce IN THE LOOP, and then again in his television series VEEP on HBO. Three years later, she finds herself nominated for her first Emmy Award. We spoke about her career in our interview, which was taped live at Joe's Pub.

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LEE FIELDS, soul singer, performs and speaks about his 45 year career, James Brown, and Kanye West.

Thu, 09 Jul 2015 21:17:00 GMT

In the sixties, Southern soul singer Lee Fields hit the R&B scene, and due to an uncanny resemblance to James Brown, he had to figure out how to carve out his own niche. In our interview, which was taped live at Joe's Pub, Lee Fields speaks about his prolific career as well as the resurgence of soul, which Lee, as well as Charles Bradley and Sharon Jones, have spearheaded.

Lee also graciously sings from his latest album FAITHFUL MAN, and you can hear how his sublime voice can seamlessly dance from James Brown-style funk to lo-fi blues to contemporary Southern soul. Enjoy and you can check him out live or get his records: http://leefieldsandtheexpressions.com

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NICHOLAS KRISTOF on tech brands like Apple and Google, and their lack of social responsibility.

Thu, 02 Jul 2015 02:30:00 GMT

Nicholas Kristof was first featured in print at 14 months old, although he didn't get his first byline till years later. At age fifteen, he made the local news for his political activism and was named "Neighbor of the Week."

Since then, Kristof integrated his interest in reporting and social activism and, as a result, has received numerous awards, including Two Pulitzers and, most recently, the Employee of the Month Award. He's probably best know for writing a column for The New York Times, which focuses mainly on human rights abuses, gender parity, genocide, and other critical global social issues. He also co-authored multiple books with his wife, Sheryl WuDunn, including HALF THE SKY and A PATH APPEARS, both of which shed light on tangible examples of how people can become civically involved. In addition to agitating for reform through his writing, Kristof has mentored many budding journalists through a program he started with The New York Times.

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JUSTIN SAYRE, a writer for 2 Broke Girls & The Comeback, sings about girls who want to have fun.

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 03:39:00 GMT

There are those who add multi-hyphenates to their resume, hoping to throw their hands into any rings that might take them, and then there are polymaths, like Justin Sayre. Equally dexterous at writing for television, theater, and now print, he's also a consummate host of an utterly unique live show and crooner. In this episode, taped live at Joe's Pub, we spoke about his bitingly funny and shrew monthly show, The Meeting: Order of Sodomites, as well as writing for Two Broke Girls. He also performed two beautiful songs. Once you hear his sardonic wit, you'll know why I recommend checking out his debut book, Husky, which comes out in the Fall.

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BETTY HALBRIECH, Bergdorf's iconic personal shopper, gets the last laugh.

Wed, 10 Jun 2015 03:07:00 GMT

In our interview, the wry and effervescent Betty Halbreich dispels any myths that fame or success is ever handed to you. At age 86, Betty is finally getting the public recognition for having helped style actresses, be it in front of the camera, like on "Sex And the City" or off, as with Candice Bergen, Joan Rivers, and Jane Curtain. Even though Bergdorf created a job for her as their first ever (and longest running) personal stylist, Betty describes her job more as a "clothes therapist." Her visionary style speaks for itself. Still, it wasn't until Betty wrote a shrewdly unsentimental memoir I'LL DRINK TO THAT, which chronicles her experience reinventing herself professionally and personally, that those of who can't afford and/or prefer not to wear Prada understood her depth, courage, and wit. She's been enjoying the limelight since she stole the show in the 2013 documentary "Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's."

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OLYMPIA DUKAKIS talks about getting her Oscar stolen before fencing me in a duel.

Fri, 05 Jun 2015 01:24:00 GMT

In 1987, Olympia Dukakis became world famous when she won an Oscar for her role in Moonstruck, and became the first (and hopefully only) winner to have her award stolen. Dukakis speaks about the robber and which Look Who's Talking made the most money. A former champion fencer, Olympia beats me in a duel. It should be a surprise to no one, since Olympia, even at 83, is a tour de force. She is currently touring a one woman show and working on a film with Bryan Cranston.

Our interview was taped live at Joe's Pub and the fencing foils were generously lent to us courtesy of Brooklyn Fencing. (The aluminum foil I used is courtesy of Reynold's Wrap.)

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CINDY CHUPACK talks about writing for Modern Family vs. Sex-And-The City, Lean In, and directing.

Sun, 31 May 2015 20:51:00 GMT

My favorite Employees of the Month are those who work hard, find duly deserved success, artistically and (ideally) financially, and never lose their humility. Enter Cindy Chupack. In our interview, the writer turned director spoke candidly about the subtle forms of sexism women face, even writing for progressive shows, like Modern Family or directing in Manlywood. She also generously baked cookies for the audience, flew them across the country, and shared them as well as her hilariously candid books, “The Longest Date: Life as a Wife" and "The Between Boyfriends Book.”

We're living in a potentially pivotal period for women, particularly in entertainment. There are a growing number of female comedy darlings in entertainment, like Amy Schumer, Tina Fey, Lena Dunham, Mindy Kaling, and Amy Poehler, but overall Hollywood has miles to go.

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ADRIAN MARTINEZ talks about being Ben Stiller and Will Smith's sidekick (and secret weapon).

Tue, 12 May 2015 02:47:00 GMT

Having worked in showbiz for over 20 years and in over 100 films, Adrian Martinez has carved out a niche as a character actor. Hollywood loves to pigeonhole actors, be it as a "nosy neighbor," "leading man" or "villain." For anyone with a modicum of dynamism, it can be stifling, if not suffocating. But being dubbed a "character actor" can offer longevity career wise and some wiggle room to show some personality. The job requires you to make the most of your screen time, despite never knowing what may end up on the cutting room floor, and you must play well with others. Enter Martinez. Naturally a ham, the New York born and raised Martinez developed legitimate acting chops as an actor and member of LAByrinth theater. In our interview, we spoke about the late Philip Seymour Hoffman's influence and the perks of playing a sidekick to box office stars, like Will Smith (Focus), Ben Stiller (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty), Will Ferrell (Casa de Mi Padre), and Zach Galifianakis (It’s Kind of a Funny Story).

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DANIEL FRIEDMAN, suit designer for LGBTQ, will sleep in his suit to get you yours.

Fri, 08 May 2015 01:41:00 GMT

Due to a lithe frame, shorty Daniel Friedman always needed his suits to be tailored. So when the aspiring architect was forced to rethink his career, Friedman bet he could deliver custom suits better than what he could find. Industrious and ambitious, the Brooklyn born and raised Friedman started Bindle and Keep, a bespoke suit boutique. His design instincts, hunger to break even, and savvy understanding of social media paid off. What set Friedman ultimately apart was that he adapted his designs according to his customers unique needs. Sure enough, he won over fans, like Murray Hill, which inspired a following among the LGBTQ community. Friedman went from ironing suits by hand in his boxers to running a flagship store in Brooklyn. He will open up satellite boutiques in San Francisco and Washington, DC. Dressed in a handsome, wool tweed three piece suit, Friedman spoke to me about breaking in and coming up with fake e-mail addresses to seem more professional.

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ROSIE O'DONNELL on life after The View and her new HBO stand up special

Mon, 27 Apr 2015 20:42:00 GMT

Today, we’re in the midst of a new comedy boon for improv comedians, like Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Stephen Carrell, Broad City, and Amy Poehler. But the biggest boon in stand up, where comics in blazers and belted, sometimes acid wash, jeans, stood against a brick walls with only a mic to defend themselves emerged in the 1980’s. Stand up clubs, such as Catch a Rising Star and the Improv, served up 2 drink minimums and rapid fire hokes from the likes of Eddie Murphy, Whoopi Goldberg, Paul Reiser, Jerry Seinfeld, Steven Wright, Roseanne, Sam Kinison, and Rosie O’Donnell.

In our interview, Rosie described how she didn’t realize she was supposed to write her own jokes. She quickly learned and started to appear on Star Search. Just a teenager, Rosie O’Donnell went onto establish herself as a stand up. She host her own day time talk show, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, which garnered multiple Emmys and proved that day time talk shows could be funny.

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CYNTHIA NIXON talks about casting when you're non-white, hetero male and political activism.

Fri, 10 Apr 2015 03:14:00 GMT

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CYNTHIA NIXON on being a bankable actress & the age of consent in New York

Thu, 02 Apr 2015 04:33:00 GMT

Cynthia Nixon is an Emmy, Grammy, Tony and, now, Employee of the Month Award winning actor. She speaks candidly about what it was like to have her mother direct her, growing up (and now raising children) in New York, recording audio books for V.C. Andrews, and getting roles post Sex-in-the-City. This is part one of a two part interview. This was taped live at Joe's Pub (at The Public Theater.)

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LIZ TUCCILLO discusses Sex in the City, Denny's & Modern Dance

Sat, 28 Mar 2015 00:43:00 GMT

At age 38, Liz Tuccillo's career took off. She joined the writing staff of Sex and the City. She and comedian Greg Behrendt turned one of the episodes into a best selling comedic self-help dating book, "He's Just Not The Into You." She followed it up with a novel How to Be Single and indie film Take Care, carving out a niche in writing accessible romantic comedies. She is currently developing a pilot with Annabelle Gurwitch for FX called, I See You Made An Effort, which is adapted from Gurwitch's New York Times best selling book. Tuccillo talks about her gigs before "breaking in" and her roots in experimental theater and dance.

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Syd Butler, bassist for Les Savy Fav & Late Night with Seth Meyers, talks about touring.

Tue, 24 Mar 2015 04:53:00 GMT

Syd Butler, the bassist of Les Savy Fav and Late Night with Seth Meyers, talks about life on the road. Syd also reinvented the music industry when he founded French Kiss Records. While it doesn't technically record the best, worst, and longest kisses, he helped launch the careers of phenomenal musicians. It was a pleasure to sit down at Joe's Pub and talk to Syd about life on the road, his roots in the ska scene and work crush on Ian McKay, of Fugazi, in Washington, DC. Syd is also joined by poet and actor Amber Tamblyn and Seth Jabour on stage. Seth is the guitarist on Late Night with Seth Meyers and Les Savy Fav.

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JELLY D. quit advertising to play music, act, and, of course, intern

Thu, 12 Mar 2015 01:06:00 GMT

JELLY D. is a freestyle rapper, actor, songwriter and, most importantly, my intern. He sets his own hours, after saving up from time spent working in advertising. He's currently performing in a trio Moondrunk and shooting a couple television pilots. To watch this special snowflake's videos, check out https://www.youtube.com/user/mcjellyd.

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Pick-pocketing as a day job, OT Sherman reveals the magic of slippery hands

Wed, 04 Mar 2015 03:50:00 GMT

Ever been pick-pocketed? It feels awful to be on the receiving end, but those who do it, treat it more like an art form than a crime. Sherman “O.T.” Powell spent forty years as a pickpocket, and, in our interview, he shares his stories from the dark side. Today, he is a reformed pick pocketer and a graduate of the MothSHOP Community Education Program. He has told several stories at The Moth and toured with the phenomenal story telling program. Our interview was taped live at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater.

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MARTHA WAINWRIGHT sings live and describes the reality of working in a family biz.

Thu, 26 Feb 2015 17:44:00 GMT

With her stirring voice, shrewd insight, and mischievous wit, Martha Wainwright's songs captivated the sold out crowd at Joe's Pub's live taping of Employee of the Month.

Martha's super power is her range, both vocally and intellectually. It's why, as Martha explains in our conversation, Leonard Cohen, Pete Townsend, Garth Hudson, and Donald Fagin, and Snow Patrol wanted to work with her. We spoke about her starting to write in high school, and she created her first album, technically a cassette tape, Ground Floor, in 1997. Since then she went onto collaborate with her late mother and aunt, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, father Loudon Wainwright, older brother Rufus Wainwright, Teddy Thompson, and Garth Hudson. Shortly after this recording, Martha began singing backup vocals for her brother. She’s also released her own albums- Martha Wainwright,. I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings Too, and a tribute album to Edith Piaf, amongst others. We also spoke about her foray into acting.

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JON STEWART's uncircumcised interview with Catie Lazarus

Sun, 22 Feb 2015 01:13:00 GMT

After announcing he was leaving The Daily Show, the first interview Jon Stewart gave was on Employee of the Month. He spoke with Catie Lazarus about creating an iconic political talk show to directing the film Rosewater to being fired from Woolworth by his brother. Stewart accepted the coveted Employee of the Month honor after being turned down for Playgirl of the Month. Enjoy our uncircumcised interview.

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EMILY SPIVACK, author of Worn Stories, talks about digital storytelling.

Mon, 16 Feb 2015 05:27:00 GMT

Emily Spivack has created multiple platforms for storytelling. Her latest greatest website WornStories.com is so popular that Emily ended up editing a companion book, Worn Stories, which is currently a New York Times Best Seller. If you're interested in online communities, fashion, odd stories, clothing, nostalgia, fair trade, sustainability and storytelling, check out Emily's sites, including www.sentimental-value.com and www.wornstories.com.

When you listen, my apologies for the dogs kvetching in the background! We recorded this episode live in Brooklyn during a snow storm, and humans aren't the only people who go stir crazy after being trapped indoors for too long.

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KEVIN AVERY, writer for HBO's Last Week Tonight, talks about balancing it all.

Sun, 15 Feb 2015 06:11:00 GMT

Kevin Avery just received his first WGA (Writer's Guild) Award for writing on HBO's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Avery, who previously served as head writer for Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell and a writer on VH1's Best Week Ever, is also a comedian and actor. In our interview, he reveals what it's really like to "balance" it all. He's also the only LA based writer who can't stop getting hired in New York, at least, on behalf of all New York based writers, I hope he is. We recorded our interview live in Brooklyn.

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KRISTER JOHNSON talks about writing for The Onion and Wet Hot American Summer.

Thu, 05 Feb 2015 03:58:00 GMT

Krister Johnson is a comedy writer who made a note for himself (awful pun intended) as part of the Christian rock duo God's Pottery. After a stint on Last Comic Standing and a book deal, Krister decided to return to his dream of writing comedy. Since then he's gone onto writer for The Onion and, most recently, the television series, Wet Hot American Summer. In our interview, we spoke about what it really takes to be a TV writer.

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MEL OTTENBERG, fashion stylist for Rihanna, explains how fashion shapes culture.

Mon, 02 Feb 2015 05:44:00 GMT

MEL OTTENBERG is a fashion stylist. He frequently works with photographer Terry Richardson and is currently Rihanna's fashion stylist. Mel's work has appeared in and on the covers of Harper’s Bazaar, V, Details, I-D, Purple, Dazed & Confused, The New York Times Style Magazine, and GQ Style. Mel explained what it's like to work in the fashion industry at a live taping of Employee of the Month at Joe's Pub.

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ADAM GOLDBERG & JEFF GARLIN, creator of and star of ABC's The Goldbergs, take me behind the scenes.

Fri, 23 Jan 2015 12:15:00 GMT

There are few writers, regardless of the medium, who are as prolific as Adam Goldberg. His favorite topic is his family. While he says his actual childhood was far darker than what comes across in his comedy show THE GOLDBERGS on ABC, his affection for his suburban Jewish childhood in the 1980’s is palpable.

Adam sold Disney, which owns ABC, on the concept by showing clips from home videos he'd filmed as a kid in Jenkins, Pennsylvania. As a viewer, you get to see clips in each episode, and some fans may try to thread together fact from fiction. Goldberg even uses the actual names of folks, sports teams, and schools from his hometow, which is right outside Philadelphia. (He sent out a note to folks on Facebook to see if it was kosher to use their names, and everyone, on their own accord, said yes.)

When I spoke with affable, self effacing, writer, it’s easy to see why the people he grew up with, but may not have seen for decades, trusted him.

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JUSTIN SAYRE on writing for 2 Broke Girls and putting Sodomites on the map.

Fri, 16 Jan 2015 02:16:00 GMT

When Michael Patrick King saw a video of Justin Sayre, King, who produced of Sex in the City, 2 Broke Girls, and The Comeback, knew he'd found a like minded misfit. I imagine that's what happened. Granted, I can't imagine anyone not feeling that way when witnessing Sayre size up the state of political, social, and culture affairs, namely for the LGBT. A whip-smart, unconventional, and absurdly talented writer/performer, Sayre bridges old school cabaret with a refreshing candor in his monologues, sketches, songs, and parodies.

We spoke backstage in the green room of Joe's Pub, before he hosted his monthly show, The Meeting of the International Order of Sodomites. We talked about blind ambition, Joan Rivers, and how he went from a downtown theater darling to writing for one of the most commercially successful, mainstream comedy television shows. His depth, dexterity, and wit is palpable.

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KATIE INNAMORATO, rogue taxidermist, as if there were any other kind.

Thu, 08 Jan 2015 03:54:00 GMT

Ever wondered what a taxidermist does exactly? I interviewed Katie Innamorato, a Taxidermist-in-Residence at The Morbid Anatomy Museum in Brooklyn, New York, to find out. Innamorato's passion for animals inspires her art, granted a messy form that requires dissecting rats and roadkill. The meat of her work (terrible pun intended)is tackling the questions of how humans relate to animals. Katie also works with flora and fauna, often integrating them with her anthropomorphic art. An animal lover, Katie says she prefers to use roadkill, scrap skins from other taxidermists, previously frozen feeders, problem animals, and donated skins. She also teaches classes which regularly sell out.

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FRANK BRUNI, New York Times columnist on SAT's, Bush vs. Obama, & Ikea's Meatballs.

Wed, 31 Dec 2014 01:48:00 GMT

While becoming a staff reporter for The New York Times is a highly coveted post, Frank Bruni's career at the paper, is especially enviable. Bruni joined The New York Times in 1990 after working at a range of magazines and newspapers, including Newsweek, The Detroit Free Press, where he was nominated for a Pulitzer, and New York Post.

Once at The New York Times, he quickly gained a reputation for meeting, if not beating, deadlines and witty, accessible prose. His speedy turn around enabled him to survive covering both campaigns and The White House. He followed the fast pace of Washington with a relatively more relaxed stint in Rome covering the Vatican. Then Bruni took a complete departure from wonky news to become The New York Times restaurant critic, eating 7 - 9 dinners out a week. Today, Bruni pens a column twice a week as an op-ed columnist. In his spare time, he frequently appears on TV news shows or is writing books. His latest book will be out in 2015 from Grand Central Publishing.

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TAYLOR SCHILLING & PIPER KERMAN, aka the Two Pied Pipers of Orange is the New Black

Wed, 24 Dec 2014 03:37:00 GMT

Taylor Schilling is up for her second Emmy Award nod for her portrayal of Piper Chapman on Netflix’s most popular series Orange is the New Black. Based on Piper Kerman’s memoir about her experience in prision, it’s the first television show to shine the light on a women’s prison population. Show creator Jenji Kohan cast a genuinely diverse ensemble of formidable actors. The majority happen to be female, black, Latina, LGBT, trans, and only a handful were already well established. But Orange is the New Black is one of rare shows made in Hollywood where the actors aren’t simply seletected for the color of their skin or number of Twitter followers, but for the content of their character acting.

It was a treat to have Piper Kerman, an alumni of Employee of the Month, join us to discuss what it’s like to have someone personify you and the line between fact and fiction. When not consulting on the show, Kerman is highly active in prison reform and has testified before Congress.

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JOSHUA WOLF SHENK, Author of Powers of Two, explains what collaborating is and isn't.

Fri, 12 Dec 2014 15:05:00 GMT

How and why do we believe in the lone wolf who created everything when in fact most of us work with at least one partner? Others wish they could find that perfect partner-in-crime. Josh Wolf Shenk explains why these dyads are so potent in his book, POWERS OF TWO: Seeking the Essence of Innovation in Creative Pairs.

Shenk looks at his own partnerships in our interview. Like Shenk is credited with writing this book, as any, Shenk explains in our interview that the book, like any book, was actually a collaboration, namely with his Editor Eamon Dolan at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

He also examines well known collaborators John Lennon and Paul McCartney to Theo and Vincent Van Gogh to reveal how competition is healthy, but how "credit" can be confusing, and how many Beatles does it take to change a lightbulb?

A veteran writer, Shenk has contributed to Harper’s, Time, The Atlantic, Slate, The New Yorker, and The New York Times.

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STEPHIN MERRITT, of the Magnetic Fields, on film school, touring, and Scrabble.

Thu, 04 Dec 2014 17:59:00 GMT

Stephin Merritt, singer, songwriter, and musical polymath, is best known for his band The Magnetic Fields. Today, he performs with The Magnetic Fields, as well as Future Bible Heroes, The 6ths, The Gothic Archies. He also has written for the theater and film, and most recently collaborated with New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chaste on a book of haikus about two letter Scrabble words. Pretty sure he'd crush anyone in Scrabble, but Words with Friends seems rigged, so you may still have a chance.

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AL JAFFEE, iconic cartoonist, discusses Stan Lee, Hugh Hefner, Mad Magazine, & PB & J sandwiches.

Sat, 29 Nov 2014 01:01:00 GMT

As you enjoy your Thanksgiving vacation or are traveling back from it, you will be grateful to hear from fascinating, fun, and formidably talented illustrator and writer Al Jaffee.

We met at his studio, where his MAD mind is as creative as ever, even if he says he's not as insanely prolific at age 93. (Uh, he's doing more than most folks at any age.) Jaffee is working on his fantastically detailed and vibrant illustrations for Sponge Bob Square Pants to MAD Magazine to his long running cartoon for the Lubavitch. We spoke about religion as Al is not religious, but spent most of his childhood in bleak Jewish towns in Lithuania and narrowly escaped the Holocaust.

We also spoke about his career through the decades, which started when he entered LaGuardia High School. Jaffee shared his insight into how illustrators, writers, and cartoonists created a field that didn't exist. He reveals why Jews changed their names when hustling for gigs pre-World War II to what it was like to work with Stan Lee pre-Marvel.

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ANTHONY BREGMAN, Producer of Foxcatcher, on raising equity and investing in indie films

Wed, 19 Nov 2014 22:22:00 GMT

In our interview Anthony Bregman breaks down what exactly a good producer does, since everyone and their mother seems to call themselves a producer these days. Bregman is one of the rare film producers who is as dexterous at developing smart scripts as he is at securing investors and delivering hits. He is also one of the last few producers left in New York who transformed what it meant to make independent films with (and without) studios. Before founding Likely Story, Bregman was a partner at This is That Productions for 4 years, and spent 10 years as head of production at Good Machine. He's produced over 30 features, including FOXCATCHER, SENSE & SENSIBILITY, EAT DRINK MAN WOMAN, PLEASE GIVE, and ETERNAL SUNSHINE of the SPOTLESS MIND.

In 2006, Bregman founded his own production company, Likely Story. He has produced multiple films with writer/directors like Charlie Kaufman and Nicole Holofcener.

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WESLEY MORRIS, Pulitzer winning film critic, on breaking in and who really runs media

Fri, 14 Nov 2014 01:00:00 GMT

Wesley Morris writes about film, pop culture, sports, fashion, and politics. Currently at ESPN's Grantland, Morris previously wrote for The Boston Globe, where he received a Pulitzer for his film reviews. Wesley's love for film is palpable in his writing, but he also examines films in the context of what's going on in society. His reviews have been tremendously helpful, if not cathartic, in synthesizing what is going on on screen and off.

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BROAD CITY's ILANA GLAZER & ABBI JACOBSON talk about Craigslist, interning, and home videos.

Wed, 12 Nov 2014 16:18:00 GMT

When they were in their early twenties, Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson met in improv class, loathed how hard it was to get on an improv team at UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade), and started their own. In November 2009, they began writing the web series Broad City and asked Amy Poehler, who had founded UCB, to do a cameo. She did, and then ended up signing on to Executive Produce Broad City as a television series. FX bought it and then let it go, so they went to Comedy Central, and the rest is herstory or her stories. Their hilarious take on the run-of-the-mill buddy comedy about two girls trying to make it in the big city is utterly unique and pure fun. Their lovable friendship is enviable, reminiscent of Laverne and Shirley, granted Ilana and Abbi aren't working in a beer canning factory and, as Laverne & Shirley's theme song goes, they are making "all of their dreams come true."

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ALEX BORSTEIN from HBO's Getting On and Lois on Family Guy relives her first big break...

Thu, 06 Nov 2014 04:07:00 GMT

Interviewing Alex Borstein means hearing her sing live and surprising her with never released footage of her first big break on stage. (Special thanks to the Los Angeles Unified School District).

Actor and writer Alex Borstein is in the prime of her career. She is one of the rare comedians who successfully crossed over to act and write in dramas and, what Hollywood cloyingly refers to as, dramedies. Oh, and she hasn't quit her day job either....

Since 1999, Borstein has served as a writer, producer, and, most notably, voiced "Lois" on the Emmy winning animated series Family Guy. Seth McFarlane created the comedy show, which is now in it's 13th year on Fox, and the duo will perform live, granted with a band the size that Duke Ellington would envy. (I am sure, Alex Borstein will say that her scene stealing role as an animated mouse in MYC, which I wrote, made her who she is today.

She also revealed how success in one arena begets success in another.

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SIMON RICH is best known for SNL and The New Yorker, but he also published his own newspaper

Wed, 22 Oct 2014 21:37:00 GMT

Considering Simon Rich published his first two books before graduating from college, where he also served as President of The Harvard Lampoon, it's not surprising that he became the youngest writer hired by Saturday Night Live. Veteran SNL writer Paula Pell, who has also been on Employee of the Month, joked that she'd nestle Rich in her objectively sizable bosom, gently teasing him for being so young.

Even now at the ripe old age of 30, Rich maintains a "Doogie Howser" youthful appearance, which belies his discipline, drive, and gilded resume. He's written for Pixar, Mad Magazine, and The New Yorker regularly features his short stories. He's published six books, one of which, The Last Girlfriend on Earth, Rich developed into a TV series now called Man Shooting Woman for FXX. Rich's first boss, Lorne Michaels, serves as his producing partner.

I interviewed Simon Rich a couple days before he left for Toronto to begin shooting and right before his latest book Spoiled Brats hit stores. Legendary...

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Top Chef's TOM COLICCHIO on Employee of the Month

Wed, 15 Oct 2014 03:57:00 GMT

Tom Colicchio keeps adding to his impressive, albeit daunting, schedule as a father, husband, chef, restauranteur, entrepreneur, TV personality, pitchman, guitar aficionado, film producer and policy wonk. He takes all of his multi-hyphenates seriously, especially food activism.

Tomorrow, Thursday, October 16th, Colicchio will spend World Hunger Day, as co-founder of Food Policy Action, reminding (read: lobbying) Congress to help the 14.3 percent of American homes which are “food insecure.” The glaring statistics about hunger in our country leave out people who are homeless and otherwise un-documented and cant afford to buy food, never mind eat healthy. In our interview, you'll hear why he isn’t running for political office, and I ask him what effect high priced restaurants have on driving up the price of food. Whip-smart and good natured, Colicchio offers genuine insight into everything from tipping to why kale is so hot.

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Mad Magazine's AL JAFFEE on Employee of the Month

Tue, 07 Oct 2014 19:36:00 GMT

This October marks Al Jaffee reign as Mad Magazine’s longest running contributor, clocking in 59 years and over 479 issues. Since 1952, the comic book turned magazine infused a childish silliness with biting political depth and orignal artwork. By engaging readers to add their own “Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions,” and even mangling the magazine to solve the “Fold-In” picture riddle, Mad was one of the first enterprises to treat consumers as co-conspirators. The result was an entirely new forum for humor in an era when few questioned whether father really knows best. It’s allure for children and teenagers simultaneously fueled outrage from the FBI to Congress the collective imaginations of future comedy writers and cartoonists. Writers behind The Simpsons, The Daily Show, The Onion, and The Colbert Report credit Mad Magazine for inspiring them.

The sheer joy Jaffee’s work provides fans offers to fans is inverse proportion to what he and his three brothers experienced growing up.

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Tony winner JAMES MONROE IGLEHART on Employee of the Month

Mon, 25 Aug 2014 04:13:00 GMT

James Monroe Iglehart won his first Tony and Drama Desk Awards for his role of the Genie is Disney’s Aladdin. Considering Iglehart had only appeared on Broadway in Memphis and The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee, Aladdin is now permanently etched in stone, well gold, as a defining career role for the wildly talented singer. Iglehart also performs with the hip hop improv groupl Freestyle Love Supreme (FLS), who can be currently seen on the television channel Pivot. After you hear our interview and Iglehart freestyling, you’ll know why Broadyway is thrilled to claim and celebrate Iglehart.

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Singer David Berkeley on Employee of the Month

Mon, 25 Aug 2014 03:46:00 GMT

While it's easier for musicians to self produce these days, it's also easier to get lost in the shuffle of the faceless internet. Still singers, like David Berkeley, have figured out how to live the dream. Berkeley, who lives with his family in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is currently mixing his latest album, which he recorded with fellow musicians like trumpeter Jordan Katz, who has appeared on American Idol, and Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek. Berkeley raised the financing on Kickstarter. He's also made money penning tailor made songs. In our conversation, which took place at The Writers Guild of America in New York, Berkeley spoke about the dangers of playing Cyrano, difficulty in turning down gigs, and the joys of living in New Mexico.

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JOSH CHARLES on Employee of the Month

Thu, 14 Aug 2014 00:27:00 GMT

Josh Charles’s longest day job was that of Will Gardner on The Good Wife, and he’s been nominated for an Emmy for Best Supporting Actor for his role. Even though his character was brutally murdered this past season, Josh hasn't been sitting shiva long. He's appearing in several upcoming films and will direct future episodes of The Good Wife.

He had to audition twice for two different directors for his role in Dead Poets Society, revealing how grueling acting, especially as a kid, can be. Still, his talent and determination paid off, as his earliest roles were alongside legends, like the late Robin Williams (Dead Poets Society) and for John Waters (Hairspray).

From the get go, Josh was incredibly passionate about acting and snatched up his first manager as a kid at the sleep away camp Stagedoor Manor. He'd already performed stand up in Baltimore, where he grew up. I'm relieved Ted Talks didn't exist back in the 80's, as I suspect Josh would have probably delivered his first one in the womb.

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New York Magazine's Matt Zoller Seitz on Employee of the Month

Tue, 29 Jul 2014 04:43:00 GMT

Seitz is a journalist and film and television critic. He writes well, sometimes better than the actual shows and films he covers. His encyclopedic knowledge of both film and television, palpable love for the medium, have endeared him to his peers, including the late great Roger Ebert. Like Ebert, Seitz is also a prolific writer and editor, and is currently both the Editor-in-Chief of RogerEbert.com and TV critic for New York Magazine, which means her churns out multiple reviews and features in a week.

During his spare time, he writes books. He’s the author of The Wes Anderson Collection. The first person to ever cover Anderson, Seitz is currently working on a series of companion books for Anderson’s films. Seitz is also branching out to cover Oliver Stone and some other filmmakers.

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MARTHA PLIMPTON on Employee of the Month

Tue, 29 Jul 2014 00:38:00 GMT

Martha Plimpton is genuinely curious about others, a rare trait in actors, despite the importance of being so for their jobs. Wait an actor who isn’t narcissistic? It happens! That said, acting means many different things. Some folks are lucky enough to be paid to act and manage to fail upwards. Others shine in a particular genre, say Shakespearean regional theater or as a “nosy neighbor” roles on sitcoms or as a walking STD in PSA’s. But it is rare for even great actors to truly embody a slew of different characters across mediums. Martha Plimpton is that exceptional actor. I don’t know whether she’d describe her day job or even spirit animal as being a chameleon, but that’s what she’s been doing for the past three decades in over 35 films and television shows, on Broadway and off off off Broadway.

As a kid, Plimpton made her debut in theater, but became known for her roles in critically acclaimed and box office films hits like Mosquito Coast, The Gooines, Running on Empty, and Parenthood.

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HBO's SHEILA NEVINS on documentary filmmaking and leaning back in the biz

Fri, 11 Jul 2014 03:26:00 GMT

As President of HBO’s Documentary Films, Sheila Nevins has received more Emmy awards than anyone ever, across genres in entertainment. Her talent, insatiable appetite for work, and chutzpah proved instrumental in making HBO a mecca for innovative, non-fiction storytelling.

Funny, smart and captivating, Nevins started out acting. After a stint at USIA, Nevins worked in production at CBS and Children’s Television Workshop. But when asked if she knew someone for a gig at a fledging cable channel, Nevins recommended herself. In 1979, she started working for HBO. Since then, it's remained renowned for producing original, provocative programming.

In our interview, which was taped live at Joe's Pub, we spoke about her acting stint; what sorts of films HBO green lights, and whether it’s better as a woman to Lean In or Lean Back.

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RUSS & DAUGHTERS Co-Owner Josh Tupper reveals the best lox in New York

Fri, 04 Jul 2014 05:54:00 GMT

On the eve of Russ & Daughters expanding their appetizing empire to include a sit down restaurant, co-owner Josh Russ Tupper talked about his beautiful, utterly original, undeniably physically taxing, and fun career path on Employee of the Month. Despite having been born on Ananda (pro vegan & vegetarian) Ashram, Tupper quickly earned a reputation as one of the greatest lox slicers, not to be confused with shmearers. After hearing rumors of his steady left hand, I put Tupper to the test, which you can hear in the recording of our interview, which was taped live at Joe’s Pub.

Even on a curved plate, with a jack knife, Tupper sliced the lox so thin that you really can read The New York Times through it. He also partook in an empirically sound blind taste that the celebrated Upper West Side's Barney's Greengrass appetizing deli doesn't hold a candle to Russ & Daughters, although Zabar’s is holding on to dear life when it comes to the taste and freshness of lox.

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PAULA PELL on Employee of the Month

Wed, 18 Jun 2014 04:18:00 GMT

If Nora Ephron and Martin Short had a blond, blue eyed Southern love child, she'd be Paula Pell. A writer and performer, Paula Pell's been making you laugh for decades, and she's finally getting duly deserved public recognition.

Since 1995, Paula Pell has written for SNL, where she is best known for being able to punch up any joke, sketch or script no matter how short a commercial break. Along the way, she's also written her own NBC TV show (Thick and Thin), web series (Hudson City Ballers), and written and performed on 30 Rock. In the past couple of years, she started to branch out to film, having written and producer on This is 40 and Bridesmaids. She's also working on another film with Judd Apatow and Hudson City Ballers.

Today (as in right this minute), Pell is filming her first feature The Nest, which stars Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, James Brolin, John Leguizamo, and Maya Rudolph.

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TAYLOR MAC on Employee of the Month

Sat, 07 Jun 2014 17:22:00 GMT

The Tony's rarely celebrate solo performance art, cabaret, or truly experimental, independent theater, but it's never stopped audiences from loving the artists who reinvent the wheel. Take Taylor Mac, who often goes by Judy, and has long been heralded for imaginative, poignantly funny and original performers. When Mac appeared in Brecht's "Good Person of Szechwan," The New Yorker called it, "One of contemporary theater’s more unforgettable performances.” Mac is equally known for solo performances and fabulous, multi-character productions like, “The Lily’s Revenge” and “A 24-Hour History of Popular Music.” Mac is currently working on a two-person show titled, “The Last Two People on Earth” with Mandy Patinkin and that is directed/choreographed by Susan Stroman. In our conversation, Judy talks about shitty day jobs (pun intended), the joys of collaborating, and the weird nature auditioning. Mac also sings, giving us all a taste of the magic that is Taylor Mac.

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DAVE ATTELL on Employee of the Month

Fri, 06 Jun 2014 23:34:00 GMT

Today, you can't walk into a coffee shop without meeting some who is a comedian, and, yes, I am including the barista who messed up your order. But there are fewer folks who earn their living as stand up comedians for decades on end. I am not insinuating that Dave Attell is 194 years old. I am just saying that he is a beloved comedian by fans, friends, and anyone who has seen him perform in the last 194 years.

In our interview, Attell explains why working at The Daily Show wasn't the best fit and what he enjoyed about his critically acclaimed series Insomniac. His latest show Comedy Underground can be seen on Comedy Central at 1 am EST. Attell also proudly supports Operation Purple.

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ROSIE PEREZ on Employee of the Month

Sat, 24 May 2014 22:20:00 GMT

Rosie Perez has had nine lives. As a choreographer, she redefined television's variety shows by seamlessly weaving the fabulous Fly Girls into In Living Color's vibrant fabric. Perez's fun, bold numbers brought an elegance to a hilarious, subversive comedy show, that would take sketch comedy to new heights. The phenomenal show launched J Lo's career and put hip-hop on the map. Perez also choreographed pieces for Bobby Brown to L.L. Cool J, before giving acting a whirl.

On screen, Perez revealed a vulnerability and candor, that enabled her to make any role she took on truly memorable. Considering Perez is barely five feet tall, she may have inspired the cliche, "there are no small parts, only small people." She also paved the way for strong, funny females who happen to be hot, Latina or otherwise. Whether as a supporting character, like in Do the Right Thing, or as the lead, in White Men Can't Jump and Fearless, everyone remembers Perez. She's currently filming JC Chandor's Five Nights in Maine.

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CONGRESSMAN BARNEY FRANK may be retired, but he remains honorable

Wed, 21 May 2014 01:06:00 GMT

What do Bono and Nancy Pelosi have in common? They both gave Barney Frank memorable wedding gifts. Considering Frank was the first gay Congressman to marry his partner while in office, Bono and Pelosi were probably thrilled to make the cut for the guest list.

Frank's journey is nothing short of remarkable. A nice Jewish boy from New Jersey, with a bit of a lisp and a lot of chutzpah, Frank became one of the most vocal, witty, passionate, and persuasive progressive political leaders. A recent documentary Compared to What, which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival, chronicles Frank's 40 years in public service, including his eponymous struggles and triumphs as a 16 term Massachusetts Congressman. We sat down after the film at the Soho House in New York City to speak about his experience, work habits, C-Span's gluttony, and why he thinks Dick Cheney is a liar.

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WALLACE SHAWN on Employee of the Month

Thu, 08 May 2014 22:45:00 GMT

It's conceivable that Wally Shawn's fans enjoy his serious plays, such as Grasses of a Thousand Colors and The Fever, as much as his comedic turns in films like Pixar's Toy and The Princess Bride. Of course, there may be some folks who are only be familiar with Shawn's essays, which are often featured in The Nation. Shawn compiled many of politically progressive essays in a book called, shockingly enough, Essays.

While he works in a range of genres and mediums, Shawn is consistently thoughtful in his work, and (seemingly) life. As he found his footing as a playwright, Shawn aptly turned to acting in television and film to pay the bills. He could then experiment with his plays. He often does so with his partner-in-crime, Andre Gregory. Best known for their collaborations, "My Dinner With Andre" and "Vanya On 42nd Street," you can see Shawn and Gregory star in the film "A Master Builder," which Jonathan Demme directed.

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ADIRA AMRAM on Employee of the Month

Thu, 08 May 2014 21:23:00 GMT

Mother's Day is coming up and I can't help thinking of how perfectly Adira Amram's MOM SONG music video captures an ideal mother-daughter relationship while simultaneously tweaking our culture's expectation that mothers and daughters also be besties. Directed by Jim Turner, Adira and her mom are genuinely having fun, without shopping, beautifying themselves, or kvetching about men. Granted the duo are high.

Amram doesn't take herself too seriously, although, in our interview, the actress and performance artist reveals how growing up in a family of artists propelled her to want to stand out. She does just that when decked out in gold lame and neon leotard and legging combos, that would make Jane Fonda proud.

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JILL ABRAMSON's last interview before leaving The New York Times

Mon, 14 Apr 2014 19:20:00 GMT

If you work at The New York Times, your boss is a bad ass. Whether she's more of a bad ass than you are depends on whether you....1) Decorated your body with 5 or more tats.2) Took 14 Senators to task. 3) Sustained injuries in both urban and natural environments. (*Brownie points if you were hit by a truck while falling down a mountain.)4) Hired a cop to train your dog. 5) Oversees the most respected, beloved, lambasted, and loathed newspaper in the nation.I am not implying that Jill Abramson, the Executive Editor of The New York Times, works in isolation. It would be impossible to deliver such a critical resource on so many platforms across continents without a gifted team of journalists, editors, technologists, videographers, photographers, graphic designers, copywriters, printers, and the good Samaritans who deliver papers uphill both ways. Still, managing all of these moving parts is a feat in and of itself, especially in the digital age.

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Modern Loss's REBECCA SOFFER on Employee of the Month

Tue, 08 Apr 2014 02:35:00 GMT

Rebecca Soffer's passion is palpable, be it for Latin culture, community building, Olympic level table tennis, or pop culture. In a world which often rewards narrowly focused expertise, Soffer found the best way to quench her diverse interests was journalism.

But just as Soffer entered the work world, journalism was going through its own identity crisis. Luckily, her intellect and openness to change enabled Soffer to enjoy a rich career from the get go. Soffer started out covering the Olympics in Atlanta, then headed to Caracas, Venezuela, where her passion for community building and international affairs grew. When she returned to the States, Soffer headed to Columbia's J School. Always a risk taker and prescient one at that, Soffer decided to then work for a new television show spoofing the news instead of slaving away at a site, like Huffpo, scraping together listicles and trolling for Likes on Facebook.

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Animator/Who Wants to Be A Millionaire Contestant SCOTT BATEMAN

Thu, 27 Mar 2014 03:51:00 GMT

For years, animator Scott Bateman was best known for his left leaning political cartoons and animations featured on Salon and The Daily Kos. Frustrated by the state of politics, not to mention journalism, Bateman invented Disalmanac, that now spans a blog, Twitter, podcast, and book "Disalmanac: A Compendium of Fact-Like Facts." He also directed his first animated film Atom Age Vampire and a trailer for a Dinosaur Jr's album.

In 2014, Bateman had the joy of winning enough money on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire to work on his next film. In our conversation, Bateman reveals his tricks of the trade and encourages others tot have fun and give game shows a whirl if you want to find money quickly. Our interview was taped live at the Writers Guild (WGA).

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SETH GODIN on Employee of the Month

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 19:04:51 GMT

In 1943, psychologist Abraham Maslow revolutionized developmental psychology when he came up with the notion, Hierarchy of Needs. It was a simple theory, but not simplistic. Maslow broke down how humans must first fulfill basic physiological needs, like hunger, before progressing towards safety, and eventually self-actualization.Seth Godin shares Maslow's gift for breaking down human psychology, only his focus is on business. Godin is an entrepreneur, speaker, and author whose best selling books include Linchpins, Tribes, and Permission Marketing. I am paraphrasing, but Godin encourages people to:- Figure out if you're a freelance or an entrepreneur - Make things that matter- Make those things (and services) truly remarkable- Find your tribe- Share your product in ways that are relevant and honest. - Go make something happenHis writing manages to simultaneously captivate successful entrepreneurs and aspiring ones, but doesn't offer proscriptive advice, like 10 Easy Steps to Make Gazillions. In...

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DANNY BURSTEIN on Employee of the Month

Sun, 16 Mar 2014 21:56:00 GMT

When Martin Scorsese wanted to audition Danny Burstein for the roll of Lolly Steinman in Boardwalk Empire, rumor has it Scorsese sent Danny a Vine. Well, Danny was joking, and his humor, accessibility and range as an actor is palpable. He's a quintessential character actor, which means most people don't recognize him as Burstein morphs into whatever the role requires. His remarkable range is evident in the breadth of productions he takes on, be it Broadway musicals, indie films, opera at the Met, and if Burstein plays his cards right, a Steven Seagal film. Burstein is such a mensch, as you'll glean from our interview, that it's a trip to see him play darker roles, like his upcoming one in Cabaret.

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ANDREW RANNELS on Employee of the Month

Fri, 14 Mar 2014 04:01:00 GMT

These days UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade Theater) receives duly deserved praise for nurturing so many truly funny writers and performers, but the utterly hilarious Andrew Rannells honed his comedy chops in musical theater. His early turns in Hedwig, Avenue Q, Jersey Boys, and, of course, Pokemon Live! prepared Rannells for the rigors of performing six to eight shows a week.

So when the brilliant brains behind South Park decided to stage a show on Broadway, they knew to cast Rannells for a lead role in their debut Book of Mormon. The result was a tour-de-force, career changing (and Grammy winning) performance as Elder Price. Just as Trey and Matt had seized on Rannell's star potential, Lena Dunham and Jenni Konner caught Rannell's in an initial Book of Mormon show and rewrote a part for him on their original HBO series Girls. Judd Apatow joined these comedian all stars ARFC (Andrew Rannells Fan Club), and encouraged Rannells to try his hand at writing as well.

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CINDY CHUPACK on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Thu, 13 Mar 2014 03:54:00 GMT

If you want to know what it's really like to write for groundbreaking TV shows like Sex and the City and Modern Family, pen a memoir (or two), or just marry a hot stud, this interview is for you.

Few writers are as dexterous across mediums or as prolific as Cindy Chupack. Her ability to be as heartfelt as she is hilarious is evident in her essays in The New York Times Modern Love section, storytelling at The Moth, and episodes of Sex and the City and Modern Family. Her writing is prescient without being proscriptive, earnest without being cloying, and she can make me laugh and cry sometimes in the same paragraph.

In our interview, Chupack spoke about her most recent book THE LONGEST DATE: LIFE AS A WIFE, which delves into the arbitrary yet real challenges of giving birth, parenthood, and marrying a cool drink of water. (Now you'll know why I turned down Ryan Gosling). A consummate writer, Chupack adapted the book for television and director Jake Kasdan is already shooting the pilot for FOX.

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ESTHER PEREL on Employee of the Month

Thu, 13 Mar 2014 00:08:00 GMT

As soon as you hear therapist Esther Perel, you'll wish she was your shrink. My diagnosis? 1) Listen to our interview, as her humor, insight, is empathy is palpable. 2) Read her book Mating in Captivity which analyzes love, monogamy, and sex. 3) Live happily ever after, well, relatively speaking.

Whether you're Flemish or Peruvian, hetero or LGBTQ, single or coupled off, Perel addresses our universal challenges, joys, frustrations, and hunger for love, sexual freedom, and connection. Her meditations on monogamy provide a thought provoking framework to understand what it is you want in your relationships. Perel is currently researching infidelity. It's clear that her experience working in seven languages, over multiple contents, doing drama therapy, sex therapy, couples therapy, individual sessions, and speaking all over the globe informs her extraordinarily prescient analysis. How do you feel about that? Go on… Well, you can learn more at www.estherperel.com

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SETH GODIN on Employee of the Month

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 21:34:00 GMT

Seth Godin shares Maslow's gift for breaking down human psychology, only his focus is on business. Godin is an entrepreneur, speaker, and author whose best selling books include Linchpins, Tribes, and Permission Marketing. I am paraphrasing, but Godin encourages people to:

- Figure out if you're a freelance or an entrepreneur - Make things that matter- Make those things (and services) truly remarkable- Find your tribe- Share your product in ways that are relevant and honest. - Go make something happen

His writing manages to simultaneously captivate successful entrepreneurs and aspiring ones, but doesn't offer proscriptive advice, like 10 Easy Steps to Make Gazillions.

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Nellie McKay on Employee of the Month

Sat, 22 Feb 2014 21:06:00 GMT

One of Nellie McKay's many gifts is that her subtle, smart writing is on par with her supple range as a singer and a musician. The result is that she can go high and low, be it in what she sings and how she does so. Just out of school, McKay quickly earned a cult following with her 1st album Get Away From Me. Since then, she dropped four more delightful albums in the span of just six years. She also appeared on Broadway in Three Penny Opera and wrote scores for film and television. McKay has also used her fame to raise awareness about her pet causes, such as animal rights. Her political passion is as fierce as her talent, and it's why she delivers so much good, on stage and off.

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DARYL ROTH, Tony award winning producer shares how Kinky Boots made money and why it's important to give

Sat, 22 Feb 2014 21:06:00 GMT

After a stint in interior decorating, Daryl Roth decided to change her career and, in doing so, changed theater. Roth became a theater producer when she was 40 years young and quickly became known as a tour-de-force in the theater world.

What sets Roth apart is an unusual gift for picking original, riveting and meaningful productions that are ultimately accessible to audiences of all shapes, colors and sizes. As a producer, she does everything from securing financing to reading scripts, casting, and adapting plays to film and vice versa. Her bread and butter are smart, thoughtful and imaginative stories, typically about identity and the frailty of human relationships, like, amongst others, The Normal Heart, Wit, Kinky Boots, Proof, Our Lady of 121st Street, War Horse, August: Osage County, Anna in the Tropics, and Clyborne Park.

Producing is a family affair. Her son Jordan Roth is a stellar producer in his own right.

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JAD ABUMRAD breaks down how Radiolab is edited and what a Macarthur Genius Grant is worth

Wed, 19 Feb 2014 16:21:00 GMT

A music composer, Jad Abumrad began freelancing in radio when film scoring wasn't scoring high on either the personal fulfillment or financial fronts. NY's flagship public radio station WNYC saw Jad's potential and enabled him to spend a couple years quietly building a radio show to pose philosophical questions about science and its practical applications (and impractical ones). Robert Krulwich came on as a co-host. NPR entered into a joint partnership. With the resources and time, these great minds could create a show that garnered duly deserved praise, like a Peabody Award and MacArthur Genius grant, and a rabid fan base. Today, RadioLab has over 1.8 Million Listeners. In the wonky, truly nerdy radio world, Jad is rockstar.

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LEWIS BLACK describes life on the road, groupies, and The Daily Show's humble beginnings

Mon, 10 Feb 2014 16:12:00 GMT

Only a playwright would think stand up is a stable career choice. In Lewis Black's case stand up is what pays the bills. Most folks recognize Lewis from The Daily Show's Back in Black segments. When The Daily Show began in 1996, they hired Lewis and he's been there since. The regular TV exposure put him on the map. And when the Hollywood called, he was more than ready. Since 2000, Black has recorded over 10 specials, written 3 best selling books and won two Grammy Awards. Oh, and he still writes plays. Somehow Lew has remained utterly down to earth, even as he become a duly deserved star.

Catie Lazarus hosts Employee of the Month, a talk show about dreamy jobs, well, it's really about the dream boats who have these jobs.

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HOMER STEINWEISS, drummer for Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, shares the unglamorous sides of touring and the importance of hobbies

Fri, 07 Feb 2014 12:34:00 GMT

The most famous drummers are known, at least to lay people, for their personas and off stage antics as much as their instrumentation, take Keith Moon, John Bonham or Animal (The Muppet). Whereas drummer Homer Steinweiss is best known for his technical precision and soulful beats. Whether in the studio with Mark Ronson or the late great Amy Winehouse or on stage with Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings, Homer delivers old school funk and soul with a minimalist flair. He also produces, composes, and writes music.

We discuss what life on the road is really like; his uniquely artistic family; collaborating and negotiating various personalities; cover art; addiction; and what it actually means to be a music producer. He's also a remarkable chef and artist.

Homer's raw talent, vision, and soulful approach is emblematic of the very bands he plays with, like Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings and Charles Bradley & the Menahan Street Band. They are part of the Daptone Records family.

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PIPER KERMAN, author of Orange is the New Black, offers tips for life in and out of jail

Fri, 31 Jan 2014 01:01:00 GMT

Piper Kerman's memoir Orange is the New Black inspired the Netflix series of the same name. Her best selling book chronicles her time doing time, and sheds light how the prison system fails to provide rehabilitation to inmates who can and want to do better. It's her first book and its popularity led her to a dream job, consulting on the critically acclaimed television series. She also speaks around the country on prison reform. www.piperkerman.com

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JON RONSON on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Thu, 30 Jan 2014 04:08:00 GMT

In this episode, JON RONSON, author of The Psychopath Test, Frankie, and Men Who Stare at Goats, talks about the corrosive effects of diagnosing strangers. We spoke about how reality TV shows, filmmakers and journalists can often oversimplify their subjects and and almost fetishize extreme qualities.

Ronson reveals how much he worships celebrities and hangs out on George Clooney's fan sites. Our interview was taped live at UCB, so you'll hear Ronson reference Piper Kerman, who also received her Employee of the Month Award at this live taping.

Our conversation should give you a taste of what a thoughtful author he is and I encourage you to check out his work here: www.jonronson.com

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PUNK SINGER KATHLEEN HANNA on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Thu, 30 Jan 2014 04:08:00 GMT

KATHLEEN HANNA is a bad ass. As one of the very first women in the punk scene, Hanna led the way and inspired musicians, from Carrie Brownstein to Kurt Cobain. Proudly a feminist, Hanna quickly won a loyal fan base starting when she was the lead singer of Bikini Kill. Smart, fun, and a formidable presence, Hanna has reinvented herself through out her career and currently performs with The Julie Ruin.

Hanna is the subject of the documentary The Punk Singer, which is currently out in theaters. I hope that every school ensures kids watch the documentary Punk Singer as it reveals how the Riot Grrrl Movement greatly influenced Third Wave Feminism and for the first time in history (pun intended) gave a voice to the legal, psychological and social ramifications of sexual violence and sexual harassment. The film also reveals what it takes to be a rock star.

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The Daily Show's JR Havlan on Employee of the Month

Wed, 22 Jan 2014 05:28:00 GMT

Emmy winning writer for The Daily Show and host of the podcast The Writer's Bloc, JR HAVLAN reveals what it really takes to make a career as a comedy writer. You'll hear the real story of how The Daily Show switched hands from Kilborn to Stewart; what a warm-up comic stomachs; just how different it is to write for Bill Maher and Jon Stewart; how to survive pilot season; and the joy of taking your dog to work.

If you want to write for TV, this interview will make you funny! It won't, but it will offer insight. In addition to writing for the Emmy Awards, Bill Maher, and doing stand up, Havlan has written for The Daily Show for seventeen years. Today, TV writing is considered a viable, lucrative, and glamorous profession and there are college professors to failed writers to pet psychics offering tips and tricks on how to hone the craft. But most late night comedy writers found their own voice on stage before considering writing in someone else's.

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Kathleen Hanna, Piper Kerman, Jon Ronson & Maria Dizzia

Sat, 18 Jan 2014 19:18:00 GMT

MEMO RE: Employee of the Month

To Whom It May Concern:

Employee of the Month is a talk show, where I ask people about their work. It's where we spend the majority of our time, so why not hear from folks who love what they do? I'm not saying they love doing their taxes or every job they take on or the time they got fired, or the other time they got fired. What's important is how they dealt with these inevitable obstacles, stayed on task, found their North star, or discovered it was actually in the Southern hemisphere. Do they meditate with their eyes closed or open? I still don't know. Do they enjoy their duly deserved success? I hope so and if being awarded an Employee of the Month doesn't spell success, what else can. (Now is not the time to bring up true love, Pulitzers, and 401K plans, ingrates!)

For this episode of Employee of the Month, I interviewed a journalist, actor, memoirist, and a punk rocker.

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BRAIN PICKINGS' MARIA POPOVA on Employee of the Month

Wed, 08 Jan 2014 01:27:00 GMT

If you ever want a liberal arts education or wish you could go back to school, BrainPickings provides everything you need, without student loans.

I sat down with Maria Popova, who is the creator (and Editor-in-Chief) of BrainPickings.org, and has also contributed to The Atlantic, Wired UK, The New York Times, as well as an MIT Futures of Entertainment Fellow. BrainPickings is a resource for great minds about great minds. If you're interested in creativity, psychology, literature, language, science, design, and philosophy, Popova looks at leaders in these fields, both trusted and emerging. The Library of Congress is archiving her treasure chest, but why wait to get a Library Card? Check out our interview and her delightful site. www.brainpickings.org

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The Daily Show Head Writer Elliott Kalan on EOTM

Tue, 07 Jan 2014 05:15:00 GMT

ELLIOTT KALAN is the Head Writer of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on Comedy Central and recipient of multiple Emmy Awards. We spoke right before he started as Head Writer and, moreover, became a dad for the first time. He also co-hosts the podcast The Flophouse and, in his spare time, just kidding, he no longer has spare time.

We spoke at The Writers Guild of America-East, which is our union, albeit non-conjugal.

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MEMO to FANS & FRIENDS

Fri, 13 Dec 2013 22:31:00 GMT

TWO GREAT LIVE TAPINGS OVER THE HOLIDAYS! Start 2014 off right or correct!Employee of the Month is making its DEBUT at the phenomenal Joe’s Pub!7 pm, Wednesday, January 8th, 2014@ Joe’s Pub425 Lafayette Street, NY, NY 10003www.joespub.comCatie Lazarus honors & interviews January’s EmployeeS of the Month:JAD ABUMRAD, Host (NPR’s RADIOLAB)DARYL ROTH, Producer (Proof, August: Osage County, Kinky Boots, Annie, & Wit)LEWIS BLACK, The Daily ShowAnd a surprise guestPLUS COMEDY MUSIC FROM THE BAND BEYONDO, SHOCKWAVE & MORE….._________________________________________________________________________8 pm, Wednesday, December 18th, 2013Employee of the MonthBEST OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTY!Upright Citizens Brigade Theater307 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10001TICKETS: www.ucbtheater.comCATIE LAZARUS honors & interviews Decembers EmployeeS of the Month:Tony nominated actress, MARIA DIZZIA (LOUIE & ORANGE is the NEW BLACK)Author & prison reform activist PIPER KERMAN

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ANTHONY DE ROSA on Employee of the Month

Mon, 09 Dec 2013 06:20:00 GMT

Anthony De Rosa, aka Tumblr's King, aka Twitter's Stallion, helped transform how we consume news. He broke in by writing his own stories and deftly covering news stories on his Tumblr Blog, SoupSoup, and Twitter, @antderosa. His rapid coverage helped set a standard for how reporters provide news updates, corrections, and fact check in a 24/7 news cycle online. De Rosa showed newspapers and television cable channels, which hesitate(d) to switch over to digital platforms, how to do so. They then flocked to him to serve as their social media editor, consultant, ambassador, attache and hunk. All the while, other distinguished reporters, from David Carr to Josh Greenman, and fans, including Anthony Bourdain and David Karp, sang (and sing) his praises. De Rosa scored some plumb jobs, like Social Media Editor at Reuters and now Editor-in-Chief at Circa, but its these institutions who are lucky to have scooped up this muckraker.

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DIANE BIRCH on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Tue, 03 Dec 2013 17:23:00 GMT

As the music industry struggles to find its footing, singer/songwriter Diane Birch gracefully manages to music she can feel proud of and earn a living. Her debut album BIBLE BELT led to appearances on every major late night comedy show, from Jimmy Kimmel Live! to The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Her song Valentino appeared in the Blockbuster Valentine's Day and she toured as an opening act for Nick Jonas, of the boy band The Jonas Brothers. The popularity of her first album secured her entree into the music industry, and the quality of her lyrics and vocal range gave her street cred with music legends like Steve Wonder, who had her open for her, as well as Prince, and Daryl Oates. Homer Steinweiss, the drummer for Sharon Jones and the DapKings and a music producer, took note and collaborated with Birch on her second album, SPEAK A LITTLE LOUDER. Birch took greater risks with her second album and it paid off with critical acclaim from The New York Times.

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AMY SHERMAN-PALLADINO on Employee of the Month

Tue, 26 Nov 2013 21:20:00 GMT

TV Creator AMY SHERMAN-PALLADINO transformed television’s images of girls by creating “imperfectly perfect” female characters in her beloved TV series GILMORE GIRLS. In depicting independent, flawed, funny women, who weren't self-hating, Sherman-Palladino paved the way for show runners like Lena Dunham, Michael Patrick King, Amy Poehler, Jill Solloway, Jenji Kohan, Mindy Kaling and Tina Fey.

Even her teenage characters in her more recent series BUNHEADS carry on apt, insightful, and honest conversations that do not revolve around boys. Mind you, the females like males, lust for them, and love them as friends, boyfriends, and equals, but they are as resolute about their passion for ballet. They also pass the Bechdel Test!

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CHRIS GETHARD on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Fri, 22 Nov 2013 08:43:00 GMT

CHRIS GETHARD is such a delight that it's hard to simply describe him by his job title, comedian. Gethard does improv, stand up, acts, teaches at UCB, authored a memoir A BAD IDEA I'm ABOUT TO DO, which IFC optioned, and hosts the critically acclaimed, beloved talk show THE CHRIS GETHARD SHOW, which Comedy Central just green lit for a pilot! Any channel is lucky to have him and the fantabulous talk show.

In our conversation, we spoke about how the love of performing is the only reason to do it; inevitably of rejection in show biz; dreamy day job; and, of course, STD's. I also showed a huge lit up banner ad above Pintchik's, a local hardware store, that is exciting to those of us who live in Park Slope and Prospect Heights, and probably no one else. That said, you are welcome to email me, if you'd like to see the picture.

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STEPHEN MOYER on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Wed, 20 Nov 2013 06:56:00 GMT

With the exception of Stephen Moyer, Alan Ball never let another actor direct an episode of TRUE BLOOD, his critically acclaimed series nearing its seventh (and last) season on HBO.

Once you hear Stephen Moyer in our interview, you'll know why the brilliant Ball, who also created SIX FEET UNDER and penned AMERICAN BEAUTY, chose the British actor turned director. Moyer is the quintessential director's actor. His humility and humor makes him a joy to be around and his talent enables Moyer to morph into whatever the part requires. Take the harrowing and true story of the Warsaw Ghetto resistors, Moyer played Kazik, a man who is very much alive, in the film adaptation UPRISING, with the necessary subtle dignity. He recently forayed (back) onto stage and played showman Bill Flynn in a short run of the musical Chicago in Los Angeles. These days, he is currently rehearsing for NBC's live televised version of the Sound of Music.

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ANNA HOLMES on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Fri, 08 Nov 2013 21:37:00 GMT

If you only check Jezebel once a day, you are disciplined. Writer ANNA HOLMES created the addictive website, which covers the cultural zeitgeist and considers females multi-dimensional human beings. Jezebel stood out from its get go because it never coddled women or described feminism in safe, lily white, well pink, branding jargon.

Holmes created the site for women and men, so it wasn't above skewering women or men who belittle women. She recently published The Book of Jezebel, a fun, clever companion book to site that fits on any coffee table. It makes a perfect Channukah, Kwanza, Christmas, bat mitzvah, sweet sixteen or grad gift, although you should include a card. Personally, I never like to give gifts without a card.

We spoke about how it became nearly impossible to make a living as freelancer; her dream internship at Entertainment Weekly; differences between being an editor and writer; job burnout; and how your voice changes depending on the outlet.

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THE MOTH GRANDSLAM WINNER MARGOT LEITMAN on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Sat, 02 Nov 2013 22:09:00 GMT

Comedian MARGOT LEITMAN's critically acclaimed memoir “Gawky, Tales of an Extra Long Awkward Phase" reveals why she was born to tell stories and perform. We talked about why storytelling rocks, stand up blows, how to quit a temp job, and win money (and a Prius) instead. www.margotleitman.com

CATIE LAZARUS is the host of Employee of the Month Show.

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COMMERCIAL ACTORS MOE & MARY on Employee of the Month

Fri, 01 Nov 2013 02:22:00 GMT

You don't need to be high to listen to this episode about what it takes to be successful commercial actors; although it make it easier to relate to Mary Crosbie, Moe Rosen and me. None of us were under the influence at the time, but we were/are clearly high on life. The net is if that you can break into commercial acting, do. It seems like all you need to be is as funny and fun as Moe and Mary.

EMPLOYEE of the MONTH is a talk show about jobs. Catie Lazarus is a writer, storyteller, and comedian who one day (soon) hopes to do toothpaste commercials. She is also available for any dental hygiene advertisements.

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LYNN CHEN on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Fri, 01 Nov 2013 02:21:00 GMT

LYNN CHEN is an actor, musician, and blogger. She is best known for doing indie films, and has appeared in White on Rice, Lakeview Terrace, NCIS, and Numbers. Chen created the blogs Thick Dumpling Skin and The Actor's Diet, both of which have helped Asian-Americans and actors struggling with eating disorders. She serves as Ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association and has worked with The National Organization of Women (NOW) on their "Love Your Body Campaign." Marie-Claire recently named Chen a "New Change Agent." www.lynnchen.com

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JESS WOOD on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Tue, 29 Oct 2013 21:27:00 GMT

JESS WOOD is a stand up comic, actress, and author and our interview is a MUST listen. Probably the only California blond haired, blue eyed Jewess to make her television debut on Def Comedy Jam, Jess Wood's candor and sly wit about her thrilling, painful, fun, and utterly wild childhood is mind blowing. The utterly unique, bad ass who completely raised and then reinvented herself has most recently appeared in HBO's Phil Spector and Netflix's Urban Myth. In our interview, we talk about her writing a memoir about growing up in gang infested Hollywood, working as a tween prostitute, non-prescription drug distribution, starting over, and her mentors Richard Pryor and Mae West.

CATIE LAZARUS is a writer, storyteller and host of Employee of the Month.

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TED TRAVELSTEAD on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Tue, 22 Oct 2013 03:41:00 GMT

TED TRAVELSTEAD is a hoot! He is also a writer, actor & comedian. He is the author of The Petraeus Files and co-authored Sex: Our Bodies, Our Junk. Travelstead got his big break playing the role Mordecai in “Children of the Corn II and has since gone onto doing Vine videos. He also works for Vanity Fair.

CATIE LAZARUS is the host of Employee of the Month.

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LADY RIZO on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Mon, 21 Oct 2013 00:14:00 GMT

LADY RIZO is a Grammy Award winner and singular cabaret sensation. We spoke about how she is reinventing the wheel. In this episode, you will also enjoy her live performance at Employee of the Month's first live taping at the Bell House. Special thanks to Shockwave, the world's best bandmaster and Yair Evnine as they accompany Ms. Rizo closer to heaven. So tune in to hear how this grande dame of downtown theater pays homage to the late great starlets like Peggy Lee and Nina Simone and collaborates with pop culture icons, be it Reggie Watts or Neil Gaiman. This month she'll release her latest album, a prime example of how Lady Rizo is quickly paving her way as cabaret's future.

Catie Lazarus is the host of Employee of the Month.

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Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mo Rocca, Lady Rizo Live

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 04:54:00 GMT

There is no other opportunity to see, hear and smell Lin-Manuel Miranda, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, Robert Smigel, Lady Rizo, and Mo Rocca. Hope you enjoy this live taping which is a Valentine to New York, live theater, and podcasts.

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MO ROCCA on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Fri, 11 Oct 2013 04:14:00 GMT

MO ROCCA stands out for being as funny as he is smart. He is as adroit at playing a serious journalist on CBS Sunday Morning or spoofing a self-serious correspondent for The Daily Show. Ultimately, his timing, wit, imagination, and intellect enable him to choose his jobs. Mo is currently starring in his own series MY GRANDMOTHER'S RAVIOLI on the Cooking Channel and can frequently be heard on NPR's Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me. He has done and will continue to do whatever he pleases, because, as Muhammad Ali, says, "Superman Don't Need No Seatbelt."

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LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA on writing Robo calls, g-chatting with Stephen Sondheim & his own bodyguard

Thu, 10 Oct 2013 22:16:00 GMT

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ROBERT SMIGEL on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH SHOW

Mon, 07 Oct 2013 20:26:00 GMT

ROBERT SMIGEL is a legendary Emmy, Grammy, and now Employee of the Month award winning comedy writer, comedian and actor. Just to give you some background, as the comic genis has too many credits to list, Smigel and his cohorts, including Louis CK, Conan O'Brien, Adam Sandler, Dana Carvey, Bob Odenkirk, Dino Stamatapoulos, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Will Ferrel, Jon Stewart, and Judd Apatow, transformed the state of comedy. Since he began doing stand up at NYU and improv in Chicago, Smigel is a magnificently mercurial comic original. His signature voice can be seen and heard in SNL's sketches like Da Bears and TV Funhouse Cartoons, including The Ambiguously Gay Duo. He is culpable for creating characters such as Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and the Masturbating Bear on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. In addition to writing and appearing on SNL and Conan, Smigel has also written and/or acted in films, like Zohan, Jack & Jill, and This is 40.

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TRIUMPH the INSULT COMIC DOG on Employee of the Month

Wed, 02 Oct 2013 16:30:00 GMT

In this episode of Employee of the Month, Triumph poops on Brooklyn hipsters, podcasts, and reveals that Red Hook is named after his shvance. Thanks to Conan O'Brien, who just celebrated his twentieth anniversary on TV, as one of his greatest triumphs is TRIUMPH the INSULT COMIC DOG. A Grammy-winning comedian who got his start on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Triumph has gone on to insult the legendary Don Rickels, Michael Jackson, Bill O'Reilly, and, now, Catie Lazarus. For fans of podcasts, comedy nerds, which is almost an oxymoron as much as a cliche, and those who dwell in Bougie Brooklyn, or loathe people who do, this podcast is for you.

Catie Lazarus is a writer and has interviewed Triumph the Insult Comic Dog for Heeb Magazine, Bark Magazine's critically acclaimed book Howl (Crown Books), and Employee of the Month Show. In this episode, you will hear an except from a field piece Triumph did with Jack MacBrayer for Conan (TBS).

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THE MUSE'S KATHRYN MINSHEW on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:19:00 GMT

What it's like to run a tech-start up? How did you raise millions of dollars in venture capital funds? What if it flops? How do you rebuild? Luckily for us, the indefatigable visionary Kathryn Minshew answers these questions and more in her fascinating interview with Catie Lazarus. Minshew co-created TheMuse.com, which will not only keep her in business for a while, but enable hundreds of thousands of people to follow suit. A former consultant, Kathryn Minshew was named one of Forbes’ 30-Under-30 in Media and INC’s 15 Women to Watch in Tech and, most notably, an Employee of the Month.

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THE ACTRESS'S ANN CARR on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Wed, 11 Sep 2013 23:56:00 GMT

Ann Carr is an utterly unique character actor who has appeared on the Emmy Award winning show Louie, appears regularly at Upright Citizens Brigade Theater on a Maude Team, and is the star of the hauntingly hilarious web series The Actress. She has appeared in a ton of commercials, so we talked about what it's like to audition, which is like playing the lottery every day, and winning .it enough of the time. http://www.theanncarr.com and http://theactresstheseries.com

Employee of the Month is a talk show about work. I interview folks who love what they do and we love them for doing it. Listening to these shows may be cathartic, informative, and inspire you to self-medicate.

Special thanks to UCB theater and the WGA-East for making this podcast possible.

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PITCHFORK'S RYAN SCHREIBER on Employee of the Month

Mon, 09 Sep 2013 00:39:00 GMT

In 1995, music fan Ryan Schreiber created Pitchfork, a webzine by and for indie music lovers. He tapped into a starving market and filled a void as the internet launched and changed how we listen to, learn about, and distribute music. Pitchfork flourished even as musicians and music journalists often found themselves scrambling to make ends meet. Today, Pitchfork, for better and for worse, rates and reviews albums; but it also hosts its own music festivals, added sister websites, and experiments with inventive takes on covering music. Love it or loathe it, Pitchfork is an instrumental part of the indie music scene. Almost two decades after starting Pitchfork, Schreiber still goes out almost every night to listen to music and remains, first and foremost, a fan.

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DANNY STRONG on Employee of the Month

Wed, 04 Sep 2013 02:58:00 GMT

Lee Daniels' The Danny Strong is out in theaters. I mean Lee Daniels' The Butler is out in theater and Emmy-winning screenwriter and actor Danny Strong penned the script. In our interview, Strong says he can now choose his acting jobs, because he earns his living writing screenplays. However, he booked on camera roles from the minute he started auditioning and his success begot more success. His performance on Buffy led to a role on Gilmore Girls. He later met Matt Weiner on the "Emmy circuit," and Weiner hired Danny for Mad Men. Sure, Strong says he had to audition, but that's only so actor Samm Levine didn't get huffy.

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JOY BEHAR on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 03:24:00 GMT

JOY BEHAR is best known for being a founding co-host of The View, as well as hosting her own talk shows on Current TV and MLN. She, along with Whoopi Goldberg and Elisabeth Hasselbeck, were genuine about their political views, a first on syrupy and light daytime talk shows. Consistently candid, she is currently developing a play about first husbands.

CATIE LAZARUS is a writer and host of the Employee of the Month Show.

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ADAM BUSCH on Employee of the Month

Sun, 25 Aug 2013 18:38:00 GMT

ADAM BUSCH currently stars on TBS's series Men at Work and is the lead singer of the indie folk band Common Rotation. He got his start as a teenager, landing his first film role in Léon: The Professional (1994). He then had a recurring role on the children's series The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo. Since then, Adam has appeared on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, House, Grey's Anatomy, Law and Order, The Jury, The Sarah Connor Chronicles. We discussed therapy, angst, narcissism, fear of success and fear of failure, and the joy and self indulgence of show biz. This is part 2 of our candid conversation and, yes, I will only release part 1 if the public demands it, albeit politely.

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STACY LONDON on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Sun, 25 Aug 2013 18:38:00 GMT

STACY LONDON is a fashion expert, garnering attention for her reality TV show WHAT NOT TO WEAR, which she co-hosted with Clinton Kelly. Her best selling book The Truth About Style is coming out in paperback on September 3rd.

CATIE LAZARUS is a writer and hosts Employee of the Month Show. The next live taping for the podcast is September 18th at the Bell House in Brooklyn.

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JANEANE GAROFALO on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Wed, 21 Aug 2013 00:25:00 GMT

JANEANE GAROFALO does stand-up comedy, acts, and writes, and is a lovely human. She says she'd like to work in a bead store and referee Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl one day.

CATIE LAZARUS is a writer and host of the EMPLOYEE of the MONTH SHOW, a talk show about work, jobs, and labor. If you are in NY on September 18th, please come to the next live taping. Or subscribe to the podcast. Or do all three. (You are correct, only two options were offered. Mazel Tov.)

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EMILY NUSSBAUM on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Wed, 21 Aug 2013 00:24:00 GMT

Emily Nussbaum is the television critic at The New Yorker. She previously served as an Editor-at-Large and Culture Editor at New York Magazine and Editor-in-Chief of Nerve.

Employee of the Month is a talk show about jobs, work, and labor. Catie Lazarus honors and interviews folks who forged their own way in the work world, and the universal we are better for it.

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JOY BEHAR, STACY LONDON, JANEANE GARAFOLO, EMILY NUSSBAUM & CATIE LAZARUS

Wed, 07 Aug 2013 03:30:00 GMT

A special live recording of EMPLOYEE of the MONTH SHOW at Upright Citizens Brigade in NYC. Catie Lazarus honors and interviews Joy Behar, Stacy London, Janeane Garofalo and Emily Nussbaum. Special thanks to house band The New Guys, featuring Shockwave, Eric Biondo and Grey McMurrary.

Oh and check out the Petunia Van De Twirp video... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnULPeJDC3AAs always,The Management

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GAIL COLLINS on Employee of the Month Show

Sat, 03 Aug 2013 04:31:00 GMT

GAIL COLLINS is a revered columnist at The New York Times, best known for her accessibility, wit, and passion for politics and cultural affairs. She previously served as the Editor of The New York Times Editorial Board, and was the first female to do so. In her spare time, she's written five books.

EMPLOYEE of the MONTH is a talk show about jobs, work, and labor. Catie Lazarus converses with people who created riveting careers. So if you've ever wondered what it's like to be a novelist, social activist or be a Muppet, subscribe to the podcast. This show may inspire you to write a screenplay, dust off your tap shoes, quit your day job or get one.

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HENRY ROLLINS on Employee of the Month

Wed, 24 Jul 2013 01:53:00 GMT

Henry Rollins acts, writes, performs, and gives back. He tours internationally, writes a column for LA Weekly, hosts a show on KCRW, and appears in films and on TV shows such as Hawaii 5-0, Sons of Anarchy, and JackAss. He got his first big break as the lead singer of Black Flag and, since then, has recorded numerous albums, written multiple books, hosted his own talk show, and performed in almost every country, except maybe Nigeria... yet. www.henryrollins.com

Catie Lazarus is a writer and the host of Employee of the Month, a talk show about jobs, work and labor.

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SARA BENINCASA on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Tue, 23 Jul 2013 18:18:00 GMT

Known for being candid about sex in her comedy, SARA BENINCASA wrote about her own struggles with agoraphobia in her memoir Agorafabulous (William Morrow). She has had several dreamy gigs, but Benincasa credits her portrayal of Sarah Palin in some web videos that she did with comedian Diana Saez, as a "big break." She is currently working on two books. www.sarabenincasa.com

EMPLOYEE of the MONTH is a talk show about jobs, work, and labor. Since advice can only get you so far, host CATIE LAZARUS asks folks with remarkable careers about their experiences. These interviews may propel you to quit your job, finish your novel, or sample some prescription medication.

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CATHY LADMAN on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH SHOW

Wed, 10 Jul 2013 10:08:00 GMT

CATHY LADMAN is a stand up comedian and actress who appeared on The Tonight Show nine times, Mad Men, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and will be on Late Night with Craig Ferguson TONIGHT! www.cathyladman.com

CATIE LAZARUS is the host of Employee of the Month and has been told her entire career that she looks and talks like Cathy Ladman. Needless to say it was good to discover why.

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BOB HARRIS on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Wed, 26 Jun 2013 15:27:00 GMT

A 13 time Jeopardy contestant turned CSI writer turned Forbes travel writer turned philanthropist talks about pursuing his dreams and helping others pursue theirs on Employee of the Month. Bob Harris is a winner. Oh, and ladies, he is single.

EMPLOYEE of the MONTH is talk show about work, jobs, and culture. Catie Lazarus interviews and honors those who love what they do, and we love them for it. (By we, I mean me and, I hope, you too).

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JIMMY DORE on Employee of the Month

Mon, 24 Jun 2013 02:04:00 GMT

Did you know Jay Leno was once considered funny? JIMMY DORE and I discuss Leno, Reagan, and more. Smart, thoughtful and original, Dore is a stand up who waxes on about politics and culture on The Jimmy Dore Show, which airs on The Young Turks Network. He also has a radio show, with the same name, that airs nationally through the Pacifica Network. Dore has appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Late Late Show, Last Comic Standing and in several comedy specials, including Citizen Jimmy on Comedy Central. https://jimmydore.com/

EMPLOYEE of the MONTH is a talk show about jobs, work, and labor.

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OK Go's DAMIAN KULASH, BILL PLYMPTON, BRIDGET EVERETT, JULIE KLAUSNER, SHOCKWAVE & CATIE LAZARUS

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 06:43:00 GMT

Hi! Hope you enjoy the full live recording of Employee of the Month, what The New York Times calls Catie Lazarus's "beloved" talk show. In this episode, Lazarus is joined by renegade animator Bill Plympton, OK Go's Damian Kulash, cabaret starlet Bridget Everett, Julie Klausner, and The New Guys (Shockwave and Jordan Katz).

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JAMES BRALY on Employee of the Month

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:56:00 GMT

James Braly is the first two-time winner of The Moth GrandSlam, a contributor to This American Life, and toured the country with his off-Broadway show Life In a Marital Institution (20 Years of Monogamy in One Terrifying Hour). The show was green-lit for TV and film by Meredith Vieira Productions and you can read James’s memoir Life In a Marital Institution (St. Martin’s Press). www.jamesbraly.com

Employee of the Month is a talk show about jobs, work, and labor. Catie Lazarus interviews people who have followed their dreams, which is, in fact, a dreamy, albeit non-paying, job.

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BUCK HENRY, ALLISON SILVERMAN, COMMON ROTATION on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH!

Mon, 27 May 2013 18:25:00 GMT

BUCK HENRY, the actor (SNL, 30 Rock) and legendary screenwriter (The Graduate, To Die For, Protocol, Get Smart) joined TV writer ALLISON SILVERMAN (The Office, Portlandia, The Colbert Report, The Daily Show, Conan) and houseband COMMON ROTATION on this very special live taping in Los Angeles.

EMPLOYEE of the MONTH is a talk show all about work, jobs, and labor. Catie Lazarus hosts this critically acclaimed podcast where she interviews and honors those who love what they do and have dreamy jobs, albeit with some exceptions. Dictators, fascist or otherwise, parking ticket officers, or known shmucks are ineligible for the prestigious Employee of the Month award.

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EMILY BAZELON on Employee of the Month

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:47:00 GMT

Emily Bazelon is a Slate senior editor and the book, Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Empathy and Character. www.emilybazelon.com

Catie Lazarus hosts EMPLOYEE of the MONTH and writes a column for TheBillfold.com. She has contributed to The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Jokes (Penguin), Insomnia (Soft Skull), The Customer is Always Wrong (Soft Skull), and HOWL (Crown).

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ALLISON SILVERMAN on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:15:00 GMT

Hope you enjoy my conversation with super star Allison Silverman from Employee of the Month's live show in Los Angeles at UCB. Allison Silverman has written for The Office, Portlandia, The Colbert Report, where she was also the head writer, as well as The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and Late Night with Conan O'Brien. She has also contributed to This American Life and The New Yorker. Most important, she knows someone who knows Julian Assange too well.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH (EOTM) is a talk show about work, jobs and labor. I wanted to hear from folks with some of the best jobs in the world. It’s why I interview (and award) these special snowflakes. That said, even if you love your job, you may not be eligible for the prestigious EMPLOYEE of the MONTH award. For example, dictators, most politicians, and parking ticket officers are ineligible.

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VANITY FAIR'S MIKE SACKS on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Wed, 15 May 2013 06:02:00 GMT

MIKE SACKS and I discuss everything from career suicide, imaginary friends, submitting to The New Yorker, growing up in DC, figuring out when you're funny, and the secrets of success.

In addition to being an editor at Vanity Fair, MIKE SACKS has written for Esquire, GQ, The New Yorker, Time, The New York Times, The Washington Post, McSweeney’s, Radar, MAD, and Salon. He is the author of And Here’s the Kicker: Conversations with 21 Humor Writers About Their Craft, co-wrote Sex: Our Bodies, Our Junk, with the Pleasure Syndicate, and the author of Your Wildest Dreams, Within Reason. www.mikesacks.comAlongside hosting Employee of the Month, CATIE LAZARUS writes for children and adult children. ECNY awarded her “Best Comedy Writer” and she has contributed drivel to, amongst others, Slate, The Daily Beast, Bust, Cosmo, Gawker, and currently writes a monthly column for The Billfold.

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LESLEY STAHL on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Mon, 06 May 2013 19:46:00 GMT

LESLEY STAHL got her street cred covering the Watergate scandal and went onto become the second anchorwoman in history at CBS News. Since then, she's been breaking news and investigating cultural phenomena at 60 Minutes. We spoke candidly about finances, sexism, and her pithy interviews with, amongst others, Ariel Sharon, Nicholas Sarkozy, Jerry Falwell, and, of course, Boy George.

EMPLOYEE of the MONTH is a talk show about jobs, work and culture. In addition to hosting EOTM, Catie Lazarus writes a column for the BILLFOLD.com.

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BOBBY CANNAVALE on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 02:26:00 GMT

BOBBY CANNAVALE is a Tony and Emmy Award winning actor, stallion, and mensch. He currently stars in “Boardwalk Empire” and as Charlie Castle in Clifford Odets’s “Big Knife." He is also in Woody Allen’s new movie “Blue Jasmine." He has way too many other credits, but his most recent include co-starring in Glengary Glenross with Al Pacino and Stephen Adly Guirgis's Mother F-cker with a Hat.

EMPLOYEE of the MONTH is hosted by the writer CATIE LAZARUS. She is also known as the Jewish Oprah.

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DICK CAVETT on Employee of the Month

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:32:00 GMT

DICK CAVETT is one of the greatest talk show hosts in history and my personal favorite. He's won a numerous Emmy Awards for his talk show(s), that were on the air for five decades (and, technically two centuries, since you can buy the DVDs for The Dick Cavett Show). These I've never witnessed the type of candid, genuine conversations Cavett had with folks like John Kerry, although both have maintained their lustrous locks. Today, Cavett writes a column for The New York Times and his most recent book is TALK SHOW.

CATIE LAZARUS is the host of the critically acclaimed EMPLOYEE of the MONTH SHOW and writes a monthly column for The BillFold.

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BEASTS of the SOUTHERN WILD's MICHAEL GOTTWALD RETURNS!

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 21:34:00 GMT

After being a hit at indie film festivals like Sundance, SXSW and Tribeca Film Festival, MICHAEL GOTTWALD's truly independent film found its fans. They told their friends, family and even exes and, soon enough, Gottwald and (his team) COURT 13's little film was enjoying a Hollywood ending. Beasts of the Southern Wild was up for the Oscar for Best Picture, after just winning Cannes Camera D'Or prize.

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Common Rotation's Employee of the Month Theme Song

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:35:00 GMT

Common Rotation, the fantabulous folk band, kindly created our fantastic theme song. Jordan Katz, Eric Kufs and Adam Busch (who has also received the Employee of the Month award) are the main players and I am so proud and grateful to have them as Employee of the Month's official band for all West Coast, East and South Asia live tapings. I thoroughly recommend you check out their music. They perform live and you can download their albums!

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OPHIRA EISENBERG on Employee of the Month

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 04:09:00 GMT

OPHIRA EISENBERG is a comedian and writer. She hosts NPR's Ask Me Another and has been featured on Craig Ferguson and Comedy Central and her debut memoir, Screw Everyone: Sleeping My Way to Monogamy is out in Spring 2013, as in now! www.ophiraeisenberg.com

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ALEX KARPOVSKY on Employee of the Month

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 04:03:00 GMT

ALEX KARPOVSKY is an actor, writer and director. Alex plays Ray Ploshansky in the HBO comedy series GIRLS and Marty Green in the upcoming Coen Brothers film, INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS. His films include WOODPECKER (SXSW 2008), TRUST US, THIS IS ALL MADE UP (SXSW 2009), RUBBERNECK (Tribeca Film Festival 2012) and RED FLAG (Los Angeles Film Festival 2012).

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH (EOTM) is a talk show about work, jobs and labor. I, Catie Lazarus, wanted to hear from folks with some of the best jobs in the world. It’s why I interview (and award) these special snowflakes. Listening to these interviews may inspire you to finish that novel, quit your day job, and/or self-medicate.

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PRODUCER MICHAEL GOTTWALD on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 04:03:00 GMT

Michael Gottwald, an Oscar nominated producer on such films as BEASTS of the SOUTHERN WILD and the upcoming PING PONG SUMMER, joined for a live taping of Employee of the Month. Funny, passionate, and unpretentious, Michael distills the myths of what it takes to raise money, stump for political campaigns, and discover the youngest Oscar nominated actress in Oscar history, Ms. Quevenzhane Wallis.

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NEAL MEDLYN on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 04:02:00 GMT

NEAL MEDLYN is a performance artist which means he sings, dances, tells jokes, does improv, sketch, storytelling and stand up. Sometimes he even wears clothes. He is mischievously funny, smart, and embodies his characters in a way which makes it difficult for those he's impersonating to look in the mirror. After Medlyn's shows, Beyonce, Lionel Richie and Prince have had to ask themselves, "Am I really that pale?"

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MIKE WHITE on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH SHOW

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 05:24:00 GMT

MIKE WHITE is an ingenious writer who also acts and directs. His films include Chuck and Book, Year of the Dog, and School of Rock with Jack Black. He also created Enlightened, the critically acclaimed series which just wrapped on HBO. While White is primarily a writer, he has appeared in Zombieland, Star Maps, Pushing Daisies, Undeclared, and Enlightened.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH (EOTM) is a talk show about work, jobs and labor. I, Catie Lazarus, wanted to hear from folks with some of the best jobs in the world. It’s why I interview (and award) these special snowflakes. That said, even if you love your job, you may not be eligible for the prestigious EMPLOYEE of the MONTH award. For example, dictators, most politicians, and parking ticket officers are ineligible.

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ANDREA SYRTASH on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 03:48:00 GMT

ANDREA SYRTASH is an expert on dating, romance and love. I can safely say I am not. I am also skeptical about people who describe themselves as expert. We spoke about the ethics of being an expert, therapist, brand ambassadors, and product placement.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH (EOTM) is a talk show about the best jobs ever. That said, even if you love your job, you may not be eligible for the prestigious EMPLOYEE of the MONTH award. For example, dictators, most politicians, and parking ticket officers are ineligible.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GINA GERSHON on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 14:12:00 GMT

GINA GERSHON is an actress, singer and writer. We spoke about her acting career, the pain of writing and expertise at procrastinating, as well as her delightful memoir In Search of Cleo: How I Found My Pussy and Lost My Mind.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH (EOTM) is a talk show about the best jobs ever. It’s why I interview (and award) these special snowflakes. That said, even if you love your job, you may not be eligible for the prestigious EMPLOYEE of the MONTH award. For example, dictators, most politicians, and parking ticket officers are ineligible.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NEAL MEDLYN is BACK! Part 2

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 05:07:00 GMT

NEAL MEDLYN is downtown theater darling. His performance work is often built around music, some of it good, most of it pop. If you didn't see him in THE NEAL MEDLYN EXPERIENCE LIVE! a re-enactment of Beyonce's 2007 concert DVD OR Neal Medlyn, the Paris Hilton of Performance Art OR Neal Medlyn's Lionel Richie Opera; you can still catch him as Champagne Jerry. Mr. Medlyn was also named Mr. Lower East Side.

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SAMANTHA HAHN on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 02:28:00 GMT

SAMANTHA HAHN is an illustrator who designs everything from wallpaper to stationary to portraits to paintings to pillows. You may recognize her light, airy, feminine designs of J.Crew models in New York Magazine or the pamphlet describing make up application stuffed in your (or my) overpriced lipstick. Her latest book is WELL READ WOMEN. http://samanthahahn.com

EMPLOYEE of the MONTH is a talk show all about dreamy careers. The EmployeeS of the Month may inspire to to finish your novel, start a fashion line and/or self-medicate.

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W. KAMAU BELL on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:08:00 GMT

W. Kamau Bell is quietly revolutionizing TV and I hope his show TOTALLY BIASED on FX continues to thrive. Bell's understanding of social stratification isn't (more) nuanced than your typical policy wonk or doctoral student.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH (EOTM) is a talk show about the best jobs in the world. It’s why I interview (and award) these special snowflakes. Listening to these interviews may inspire you to finish that novel, quit your day job, and/or self-medicate.

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ADAM RAPP on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:08:00 GMT

Adam Rapp is critically acclaimed playwright, novelist, and, now, actor. He will make his Broadway debut in Cliff Odets The Big Knife at The Roundabout Theater in the spring of 2013. Rapp's plays include Through the Yellow Hour, Hallway Trilogy, The Metal Children, Nocturne, and Red Light Winter. He has also novels like Punkzilla, 33 Snowfish and The Buffallo Tree. On occasion, he writes for TV, on shows like In Treatment and the L Word, and directs his own feature films, such as Winter Passing and Blackbird. While Adam has won an Obie award and been nominated for Drama Desk, Lucile Lortel and the Pulitzer Prize, winning the Employee of the Month Award may be his greatest achievement today.

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DAVID CARR on Employee of the MONTH

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:08:00 GMT

DAVID CARR who may be best known for his reporting on media for The New York Times should be recognized for reinventing D.C.'s Washington City Paper. His signature mischievous wit, accessible voice, and sound reporting has made him a star reporter.

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PAUL DINELLO on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 05:13:00 GMT

PAUL DINELLO and AMY SEDARIS stopped by Employee of the Month's live show at UCB. I hope to have them back on because this interview is brief and nutty, but wanted to share it nonetheless for die hard fans. PAUL DINELLO is an actor, writer, director and performer. He is an alumnus of Second City in Chicago. Since then he continues to collaborate with Amy Sedaris and Stephen Colbert. Together, they spawned Strangers with Candy, which Dinello later directed the film version, as well as Wigfield and Exit 57. Most recently, Dinello has been a writer and producer on The Colbert Report, where he also makes appearances as Tad, the building manager, and Stephen's Gay Accountability Partner. We spoke a little about his career in comedy.

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DAVID WAIN on Employee of the Month

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 02:35:00 GMT

We promise to share with you a clip from David Wain's film ONCE it is ready but, for now, you can get to know David Wain a little bet better. He is the director and co-writer of Wet Hot American Summer, The Ten, Role Models, Wanderlust and coming this year, They Came Together, starring Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler. He also serves as executive producer, writer, director and occasional guest star of Childrens Hospital. He also co-created and co-starred in The State on MTV and Stella on Comedy Central. His newest series Newsreaders is premiering on Adult Swim this season. www.davidwain.com

CATIE LAZARUS is a writer and host of THE EMPLOYEE of the MONTH SHOW.

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RACHEL MADDOW on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 03:23:00 GMT

RACHEL MADDOW the host of the Emmy award winning political talk show THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW on MSNBC. She is also author of the Grammy nominated, critically acclaimed book DRIFT about the US's national security. She is also, as policy wonk's go, a rockstar.

CATIE LAZARUS is a writer and host of THE EMPLOYEE of the MONTH SHOW.

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HARI KUNZRU on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 23:23:00 GMT

HARI KUNZRU is a critically acclaimed prolific novelist and journalist. GODS WITHOUT MEN is his most recent novel, but you can also check out his other books, including TRANSMISSION, MY REVOLUTIONS and THE IMPRESSIONIST.

CATIE LAZARUS is a writer and host of THE EMPLOYEE of the MONTH SHOW, a critically acclaimed and objectively fun talk show about jobs, work and labor. Please subscribe on iTunes and SoundCloud or come to a live taping at Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in New York or Los Angeles.

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GLORIA STEINEM on feminism, green card marriages, fundraising at Esquire, & tap dancing

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 07:06:00 GMT

Gloria Steinem is a writer and activist. She has written 8 books and speaks all over the globe on human rights, including sex and race caste systems, child abuse, non-violent conflict resolution, sexism, feminism, and community organization. She lives in New York and, when we spoke, she was working on Road to the Heart: America As if Everyone Mattered, a book about her more than thirty years on the road as a feminist organizer. You'll also hear how funny she is and, if you can't see it, she just know she can tap dance with the best of them. This is a rare, candid interview with the effervescent, brilliant and bold visionary in human rights. www.gloriasteinem.com

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LAUREN IUNGERICH on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 20:04:00 GMT

LAUREN IUNGERICH is the creator of MTV's critically acclaimed and Teen Choice Award winning series AWKWARD and HOT MESS as well as the web series MY TWO FANS. She has written for television shows, like TEN THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU, and developed and written films, such as DUMB GIRLS. We talk about Iungerich managed to break into the biz and makes accessible, acclaimed work without selling her soul.

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GREG GARCIA on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH SHOW

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 21:53:00 GMT

Gregory García created the critically acclaimed Fox series RAISING HOPE, the Emmy Award-winning NBC series MY NAME IS EARL, and CBS's long-running YES DEAR. Before becoming a major show runner, he also worked on Family Matters and Family Guy.

If you ever want to break into creating shows for network television, Garcia has set the bar. So if you can top him, MAZEL TOV. Seriously, he is a mensch. It's not a prerequisite for the job, but probably a perk for those who work with him. (I was not paid for this endorsement. I will accept cash though, if you are paying.)

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CHRIS HENCHY on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 21:53:00 GMT

CHRIS HENCHY is a co-founder of Gary Sanchez Productions and the interweb sensation Funny or Die. He is also the co-executive producer of HBO's critically acclaimed series Entourage, Funny or Die Presents, and Eastbound & Down. In addition to producing, he is also a scribe for the screens. He created TV shows like Battery Park and I'm With Her, which is loosely inspired by his marriage to super model Brooke Shields. Henchy has written for numerous television shows and films, including The Campaign, The Other Guys, and Land of the Lost. Most importantly, he is tall.

EMPLOYEE of the MONTH's host CATIE LAZARUS is not tall. She is short and broke, but much more inspired to write and make stuff after speaking with Henchy. You probably will be as well. I would say your welcome, but you were really just thanking Chris. I get it.

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AJ JACOBS on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 19:40:00 GMT

AJ Jacobs is an Editor at Esquire and has written numerous critically acclaimed books which are objectively, honestly, and consistently delightful. Check out Drop Dead Healthy or The Year of Living Biblically or The Know It All or The Guinea Pig Diaries as well as his other books, articles, and press about him at http://www.ajjacobs.com

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CARMEN RUBIN on Employee of the Month

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:47:00 GMT

CARMEN RUBIN is a wonderful children's book author, singer, and publisher. Her books are unique in infusing interactive play and educating children about the world. You can find out more about Carmen Rubin's work at www.carmenrubin.com

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MYQ KAPLAN on Employee of the Month

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:20:00 GMT

Myq Kaplan is a stand up comedian, writer, lover and all around hunk. It was lovely to interview him as his career takes off and he has just released his latest comedy album and podcast HANG OUT WITH ME! So let's hang out.... And THANK YOU to DAVE STEFFEY who recorded this piece.

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KURT ANDERSEN on being fired from New York Magazine, writing novels and WNYC Pledge Drives

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 05:55:00 GMT

Kurt Andersen is a writer, whose most recent novel is TRUE BELIEVERS. He is also the host of the Peabody-winning public radio program Studio 360, a co-production between Public Radio International and WNYC, and KINGS COUNTY, a comedy show. www.kurtandersen.com

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J.ROBIN BAITZ on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 21:03:00 GMT

At our live taping at UCB, I sat down with Robby Baitz, the prolific, Pulitzer Prize and Drama Desk nominated, Tony award winning playwright. He has also written for TV and Film, including Alias and The West Wing and he also co-created the TV show Brothers and Sisters, and has a new show in the works. He also acts.

You will get hear one his latest works read aloud. It is a 10 minute play for a benefit for Playwright Horizons. It is clearly the beginning and end of my stage career, but try not to hold that against him.

It was a sheer delight to interview him. I am probably one of many who consider him a mentor. He has certainly had his far share of suffering, despite the duly deserved success. Perhaps that's why Baitz reveals humanity, humility, and humor, on the page and off.

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REGGIE WATTS on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 13:24:00 GMT

EMPLOYEE of the MONTH is hosted by Catie Lazarus. Subscribe to the podcast for more interviews with phenomenal folks as they discuss their work, jobs, and labor. We spend most of our lives at work, might as well enjoy (much of) it.

It was a joy to have on REGGIE WATTS. His solo performances consist of utterly unique improvised musical sets made possible by his voice, a looping machine, and on point, hilarious, pithy, poetic words. No two songs are ever the same.

Currently Reggie can be seen regularly on IFC's Comedy Bang Bang with Scott Aukerman. He also developed his own show with Comedy Central. He collaborates with other brilliant artists as well. Conan O'Brien had Reggie open nightly for him on Conan's recent North American "Prohibted From Being Funny on Television" tour. Reggie released his own debut comedy cd/dvd 'Why $#!+ So Crazy?' on Comedy Central Records and his second album 'Reggie Watts Live at Third Man Records' is available on limited edition vinyl.

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DAN CURRY on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 01:13:00 GMT

Dan Curry is a writer and just released his first novel KUNG-FU LESBIAN. He also writes on Adult Swim's new hit show The Eric Andre Show. We caught up as the comic writer's career is taking off, so we'll have to check in when his career is taking on. Wait what? Shouldn't the phrase be "taking on" when things are on the up and up? However you say it, Dan shared his insights about writing for print, appearing on This American Life, winning a game show with his wife, comedian Margot Leitman, and writing original characters, sketches and stories for such distinct mediums.

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ALEX BORSTEIN on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 20:52:00 GMT

ALEX BORSTEIN is a writer and actor. She is best known for playing Lois Griffin on FAMILY GUY and as a series regular on MADTV. She has also written for Family Guy, Casper, Pinky and the Brain, Shameless, and now starring in her own show on HBO. She has also appeared in TED, CAT WOMAN, and MADTV.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH (EOTM) is a talk show about dreamy jobs. That said, not everyone who is living their dream qualifies for the prestigious EMPLOYEE of the MONTH award. Dictators and parking ticket officers are ineligible.

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JODI KANTOR on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 15:55:00 GMT

JODI KANTOR is the author of THE OBAMAS (Little Brown), which coincidentally is the same name of the First Family of the Unites States of America. In addition to writing a best-selling, critically acclaimed book which delves into the family life of the President, she is also The New York Times Washington Correspondent. Kantor was the youngest person to ever edit a section of The New York Times. She spoke about her experience and work with CATIE LAZARUS on Employee of the Month. www.jodikantor.net

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DAVE HILL on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 00:08:00 GMT

Ever wanted to know what it means to have one of the best jobs in the world? Me too! (We have so much in common.) It’s why I – aka CATIE LAZARUS - host EMPLOYEE of the MONTH, a talk show about dreamy jobs. It was dreamy to have on (and honor) Dave Hill.

Yes, the rumors are true. Dave Hill is the latest winner of the Employee of the Month award. The brilliant comedian, author, and musician, just wrote the book Tasteful Nudes (Harper Collins). Don't let the title of his book fool you, Mr. Hill is a snappy dresser.

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ANYA KAMENETZ on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 00:38:00 GMT

Journalists who actually value journalism aren't a dime a dozen these days (although cliches, like the one I just wrote, are for better or worse.) Sorry, I will cut it out, but please don't hold my terrible jokes against the journalist, author, and, most recently, recipient of Employee of the Month award Ms. Anya Kamenetz.

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KAMBRI CREWS on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 18:18:00 GMT

Kambri Crews has taught me that nobody comes from nothing. Please run don't walk to your nearest keyboard (oh! wait, you're probably already there!) Now buy BURN DOWN THE GROUND on AMAZON! I bought 3 copies and if you listen to our interview you will know why. We met when I hosted Fresh Meat at Comix, a then new club (and now defunct one). It was their first show for up and comers. I created a show about comedy across genres (New Yorker cartoonists, stand ups et al) and there was a panel where I'd ask what made them special snowflakes, worst gigs, first jokes. Meanwhile, the brilliant booker Rocky Benloulou brought in Kambri and the two really shook up comedy scene for zee better. There were soon zillions of shows like mine on the main stage, and no clubs had alternative shows and headline "traditional" stand ups. Then Kambri wanted to showcase folks like myself with few credits who were funny (okay, not like myself). Anypants, Kambri took the downstairs bar and named Ouchi's Lounge after the sweetest...

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FREAKONOMICS STEPHEN DUBNER on EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 17:42:00 GMT

There are people who I consider mentors because of the career paths they've charted for themselves. Then there are folks who I consider mentors because of how they comport themselves. I want to be like them, not just when I'm .... (famous, successful, blonde or whatever the goal is here. I want to be a better person. I want to be that... (comfortable in my own skin, honest, funny, accessible, disciplined, and kind to the feeble) NOW! I knew Stephen Dubner was a pithy and prolific author. Once we spoke, I realized how much I admired, envied, liked, respected and enjoyed Stephen Dubner as a person. I'm guessing anyone with a pulse will have a similar reaction.

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BARATUNDE THURSTON on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 16:48:00 GMT

It was such a privilege to have comedian, author and digital guru BARATUNDE THURSTON on the show. Baratunde's New York Times Best Seller HOW TO BE BLACK is a delightful and worthwhile read. You can find out what it was like for him to grow up as a Native-American lesbian during our interview. Actually, you can find out what a pithy, funny and lovely human being he is and why he gets to fly around and hit nightclubs with foreign dignitaries.

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AASIF MANDVI returns! PART II of our interview

Wed, 09 May 2012 22:06:00 GMT

Ever wanted to know what it means to have one of the best jobs in the world? Me too! (We have so much in common.) It's why I (aka CATIE LAZARUS) host EMPLOYEE of the MONTH, a talk show about dreamy jobs. It's also why I interviewed AASIF MANDVI- a comedian, actor, writer and lady slayer.

Audible.com is our sponsor (and not just for alcoholism). CLICK ON Audiblepodcast.com/employee for thousands of audiobooks and to support the show (from alcoholism).

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AASIF MANDVI on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Wed, 09 May 2012 21:49:00 GMT

In this episode of Employee of the Month Show, Catie Lazarus discovers how Aasif Mandvi (The Senior Muslim Correspondent on The Daily Show) feels about being typecast as a Native-American Lesbian nosy neighbor type in Hollywood. Luckily for you, there is also a Part II.

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SLOANE CROSLEY on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:22:00 GMT

EMPLOYEE of the MONTH is talk show about dreamy jobs. Every month CATIE LAZARUS hosts this podcast, which is recorded live at Upright Citizens Brigade Theater.

Come see why NPR's Marketplace, Time Out New York, New York Magazine, The New York Post, New York Observer and, of course, a Brazilian newspaper O Globo have written about the show. Employee of the Month may inspire you to start a second career, finish that novel, or self-medicate.

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PAUL MARCARELLI, best known as The Verizon Guy, finds a second calling as a director

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:23:00 GMT

Employee of the Month is a podcast and it's recorded live monthly at Upright Citizens Brigade Theater. Come see why NPR's Marketplace, Time Out New York, New York Magazine, The New York Post, New York Observer and, of course, a Brazilian newspaper O Globo have written about the show. Employee of the Month may inspire you to start a second career, finish that novel, or self-medicate.

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THE YES MEN reveal the difference between performance art and activism

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:23:00 GMT

Now I love to interview and award folks who try and save the world for a living, or, at least, make a tangible difference and no one has done so with the ingenuity, on point research, and chutzpah of THE YES MEN. Who are The Yes Men? I like to think of them as the people's lobbyist. They create non-violent campaigns, often including pranks, to confront social injustice. The Yes Men shed light on corporations that have acted irresponsibly, unethically, and unnecessarily hurt our planet and fellow humans.

www.theyesmen.org

In this episode I spoke with one of the founding fathers of The Yes Men, Andy Bichlbaum, and another social activist...

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BRIAN LEHRER on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:18:00 GMT

EMPLOYEE of the MONTH is a monthly talk show about dreamy jobs. Ever wonder what it’s like to have one of the best jobs in the world? Catie Lazarus does too. In this episode, the interviewer interviews the interviewer. Lazarus sits down with the host of The Brian Lehrer Show on WNYC and BrianLehrerTV.com on CUNY, none other than Mr. George Michael. In all seriousness, Catie (as in me) interviewed the phenomenal broadcast journalist and host Brian Lehrer. While he tackles the tough issues, we tackle him.....

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ASHRITA FURMAN, Guinness Book of World Record Holder for Most Guinness Book of World Records

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:49:00 GMT

CATIE LAZARUS hosts EMPLOYEE of the MONTH and records most of the podcasts live at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in New York City. Employee of the Month is a talk (and awards) show about what it truly means to have a dreamy job. Who better to be selected as an EMPLOYEE of the MONTH than Ashrita Furman. He is the Guinness Book of World Record's holder of most Guinness Book of World Record titles.

Ready to be inspired? According to The New Yorker, Ashrita has "set more world records than anyone ever has: three hundred and sixty-seven. Currently, he holds a hundred and thirty-one records, one of which is the record for holding the most records."

Among his zillions of feats, Furman has done twenty-seven thousand jumping jacks, done in six hours and forty-five minutes, sliced the most apples in the air with a samurai sword, ran the fastest mile pushing an orange with his nose and pogo sticked and hoola-hooped under water.

Please enjoy our interview where he pogo sticked onto a black box theater...

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BOB MANKOFF, Cartoon Editor for The New Yorker, on rejection, redemption, and the Cartoon Caption Contest

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:30:00 GMT

Hi! I host EMPLOYEE of the MONTH a talk (and awards) show about what it truly means to have a dreamy job. I wanted to know what it means to be the cartoon editor of The New Yorker magazine.

For over twenty years, Bob Mankoff has been The New Yorker's Cartoon Editor and Mankoff says that, as a result, "I haven't worked a day in my life." As a cartoonist, Bob has continuously breathed much needed humor into an otherwise serious magazine. He has also shaped the landscape for other cartoonists as an editor. Since its inception, The New Yorker has been the most coveted credit for a cartoonist. While other magazines and newspapers trim their budgets, The New Yorker remains one of the few print outlets to pay its artists. By embracing new media, The New Yorker has enabled its stable of cartoonists to license their own work and stay relevant. The New Yorker's famed and growing of archives of cartoons is readily accessible via its Cartoon Bank.

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Aurelia Thierree on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:03:00 GMT

AURELIA THIERREE visited the live Employee of the Month show at 92nd St Y Tribeca www.92ytribeca.org. You can still see AURELIA'S ORATORIO and she also has a new show called MURMURS. It's hard to describe all of the things Aurelia does exactly, as you'll hear from our interview.....

www.aureliasoratorio.com

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KEVIN CLASH (& ELMO!) share their tricks of the trade on and off Sesame Street

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:58:00 GMT

Kevin Clash and Elmo stopped by EMPLOYEE of the MONTH. They shared their experience and picked up their Employee of the Month awards at a live show at the 92Y Tribeca www.92ytribeca.org.

Clash is the subject of the critically acclaimed documentary BEING ELMO: A Puppeteer's Journey, which is out in theaters and will be on PBS, so check your local listings. www.beingelmo.com

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JOSE RIVERA, the playwright and director dishes about his family, Hollywood, and writing what matters

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:24:00 GMT

Hi! I host EMPLOYEE of the MONTH a talk (and awards) show about what it truly means to have a dreamy job. I get to interview some remarkable folks.

Enter JOSE RIVERA. He is a prolific playwright/novelist/screenwriter, and now director. Jose received an Obie Award and was the first Puerto Rican playwright nominated for his screenplay for MOTORCYCLE DIARIES. Jose made time to talk, before jumping on a plane to Columbia, where he was researching a film he is currently writing.

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STEPHEN WRIGHT the one and only Oscar award winning comedian

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:37:00 GMT

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JOEY MAZZARINO, head writer of Sesame Street, breaks down writing for kiddos

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 01:12:00 GMT

CATIE LAZARUS hosts EMPLOYEE of the MONTH. It's a talk (and awards) show about what it truly means to have a dreamy job. Who better to be selected as an EMPLOYEE of the MONTH than a Muppeeter/actor/writer/director at ... (drum roll) Sesame Street.

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RACHEL DRATCH on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:58:00 GMT

EMPLOYEE of the MONTH a talk (and awards) show about what it truly means to have a dreamy job. CATIE LAZARUS hosts the live show at UCB where she interviewed Rachel Dratch, an actor, writer, comedian, and good egg.

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JULIA BACHA on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:28:00 GMT

There aren't enough people who make it their life's work to try and save the world, and even fewer who make a tangible difference. That's what I found from our conversation at the 92Y Tribeca in NYC, see what you think.

www.Justvision.org

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