This singer, actor and improv artist who comes from the Republic of Moldova, embarked on a daring journey when she was just 14 years old, leaving the comfort of her hometown to pursue her dreams in the sprawling city of Los Angeles. Afina's tale is a testament to bravery and resilience in the face of adversity, having to juggle a tedious job, the harsh realities of immigration, and her own online business, all while honing her passion for music. Afina Madoian shares the story of how Sweet Dreams...
Sep 18, 2023•30 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Navigating the realm of art and comedy can often feel like walking a tightrope, especially when politics enter the picture. This episode features a conversation with Jason Seiler, an esteemed illustrator whose work has graced the covers of Time Magazine multiple times. Together, we uncover the nuances of capturing political figures in art, and the responsibility that comes with it. Jason shares his insights about treating his artwork as a form of recording history - a perspective that is both th...
Sep 12, 2023•29 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Uncover the candid and quirky world of Michelle MaliZAki, a stand-up comedian navigating the waters of cultural identity and humor. Our conversation with her is a delightful romp through her personal experiences from being a Japanese-American, having pets named after food items, and working in diverse fields like TV production and stand-up comedy. She opens up about her journey from Japan to America, her love for American television, and her surprising viral success with a song about napping. Th...
Aug 26, 2023•34 min•Season 3Ep. 7
This chef embarks on culinary adventures like hand-forging knives and harvesting salt from the Atlantic. Meet our guest, Joe Gatto , a celebrated chef, charismatic TV show host, and author of "Seriously From Scratch " . He shares fascinating stories about cooking for sports celebrities and his experiences with brewing beer and making wine. This episode takes us on a journey with Joe, where he emphasizes the beauty of homemade cooking and the importance of dedicating time to craft meals with your...
Jul 18, 2023•45 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Pamela "Pamsi" Balzano, a professional poker player from Argentina, shares her fascinating journey from starting in the poker world at 18 to becoming an influencer and content creator. Poker has exploded in Latin America, and we explore why it's so popular, particularly in Brazil, and how it's being embraced as a mental sport by both men and women. Pamela also gives us an insight into the unique aspects of Latin American culture, including the differences in poker terms and accents among various...
Jun 25, 2023•40 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Jon Barinholtz is a writer, comedian, and actor and shares how working with his mentor, Bob Odenkirk, helped shape his writing skills and encouraged him to write something every day. Jon also talks about the importance of perseverance, especially in the unpredictable world of Hollywood. Listen in as Jon shares his experiences touring with Bob, and how those experiences have influenced his career today. We also discuss Jon's work on NBC's American Auto and his new show, The Glue Factory Show. As ...
Jun 16, 2023•39 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Jon Barinholtz, a comedic actor and improviser who took the leap from Chicago to the glitzy world of Hollywood is our very special guest today. Jon's journey is one of passion, perseverance, and learning from the best in the business, including his successful brother Ike Barinholtz, as well as the vibrant Chicago improv scene. From his early days at Colgate University to his current pursuit of comedy in Los Angeles, Jon shares with us his experiences, struggles, and how he found his footing in t...
Jun 08, 2023•49 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Ever wondered how an improv comedy group can create a hit TV show? Kate Lambert joins us to discuss her journey from the world of improv to the creation of her show, Teachers, on TV Land. We explore the origins of Teachers, from Kate's time with The Katydids improv group and their early videos to the eventual purchase of the show by TV Land. Along the way, we delve into the creative process, the surprise of not being replaced by big-name actors, and the importance of Chicago actors in the show. ...
May 23, 2023•59 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Will Luera, a globally touring improv comedy actor, instructor and director, joins us for a lively conversation about the unique naming conventions within his family and his journey to living in Florida. Will takes us on a fascinating exploration of the origins of his family name and the Latino tradition of taking the mother's maiden name as a middle name. Learn how the vibrant Cuban culture has evolved over the years and why Sarasota is home to the 'number two beach in America'! From Mexico to ...
May 08, 2023•54 min•Season 3Ep. 1
It's Owwll Week (Aug 14 - 20th, 2022) and Jason R. Hill , the founder of the Owwll App , joins us. We delve a bit into Jason's business and podcasting background and learn about the inspiration behind the creation of this game changing platform and along the way we learn what it takes to go from ideation to completion of a brand new app. We also meet and speak with one of the Owwll App's top Brand Ambassadors and find out how Owwll has positively affected her life. "Connect. Learn. Grow. Owwll c...
Aug 17, 2022•44 min•Season 2Ep. 36
Paul and Natalie were both raised Roman Catholic and share their mutually traumatic family and school experiences. Apparently, Paul still holds a massive grudge against the CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) kids that used to invade HIS school to learn about Catholicism, of which Natalie was one of them. We also learn that maybe, just maybe, using tequila to soothe a child's sore tooth and whiskey to settle a little girl's tummy might just not be THAT great of an idea and MAY lead to a se...
Aug 15, 2022•44 min•Season 2Ep. 35
Ben Morrison has been doing stand up comedy for over 20 years and has discovered the importance of social media to help him land branding deals with major companies. Ben can also fully produce your next stand up comedy special for Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and all of the other streaming services. Paul and Ben also chat about what it was like studying with William H. Macey and David Mamet at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and his connection to Mark Cuban, the owner of Fireside, where this podcast is ...
Aug 12, 2022•41 min•Season 2Ep. 34
"Why are you gay?" Andrew Roffe answers the most important question on everyone's mind. We also find out what it's like touring the country in a 14 seater van and opening for viral internet comedic sensation, Wisconsin's Charlie Berens. Even though this episode came in a little late for Pride month we still delve in to Andrew Roffe's personal life, even going as far as using this platform to find him a potential partner. In this episode you will learn: 1. How improv training helps you become a b...
Aug 06, 2022•49 min•Season 2Ep. 33
Do you dream of leaving the rat race behind and hitting the road in a tiny home? Today we meet Artisan Josh who spent decades in prison and now roams the country in his tiny home inspiring and motivating others to do the same. We get to hear about the incredible tiny home communities that are sprouting up around the United States and get a sneak peak into the tiny home festivals happening all over. Van life forever! Artisan Josh is a tiny home dweller, builder and simple living advocate. In this...
Aug 04, 2022•47 min•Season 2Ep. 32
In a world of increasing polarization, Kelly Leonard is working to bridge the divide and bring people together by teaching the power of improv. In this episode you will learn: 1. The importance of play, especially as we get older. 2. The power of "Yes, And" to create agreement and understanding. 3. The importance of a shared humanity that includes people who may not think or vote like we do. "The world we live in right now, no one wants to work together. It's never been this bad, in my experienc...
Aug 03, 2022•43 min•Season 2Ep. 31
Jonathan Pitts , an award-winning international improv theatre artist and storyteller who has performed and taught in 26 countries and 98 cities, is our guest today. Jonathan and Paul discuss the early days of Salsation, the world's first Latino improv and sketch comedy group and what it's like to travel the world teaching and doing improv. Jonathan reminds us the importance of saying "yes, and" to yourself! Jonathan Pitts is the former Executive Director of Chicago Improv Productions ; Co-Found...
Jul 25, 2022•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 30
Clayton Farris discusses his journey from Dallas to Hollywood and what it's like to be a working actor in Hollywood. We discuss whether it is easier to date men or women and who it's easier to have sex with. Another deep dive into the wonderful world of working actors. Clayton Farris is an actor, writer and social media influencer who hangs his hat in the Silverlake neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA. Originally from Dallas, Tx., Clayton has been seen in a ton of national commercials for brands you...
Jul 20, 2022•56 min•Season 2Ep. 29
Lisa Kaye Jennings, the voice of Lila Rossi and Cat Noir on Nickelodeon and Paramount Plus, joins Paul Vato to discuss what it's like being a working voice actor in Hollywood today. We also get to hear some of her favorite characters that she voices. Thank you for tuning in. Lisa Kay Jennings is an American Voice Actress best known for her work as Lila Rossi on Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir. She's currently voicing Gina Hemphill Toms in Nickelodeon and Paramount Plus's new hit show 'Big Nate'....
Jul 19, 2022•34 min•Season 2Ep. 28
Jim McCaffree discusses the differences between improv and stand-up and reminisces about Paul Vato's strange dieting habits. Paul Vato has the privilege of sitting down with his friend from The Second City Chicago days on this fun filled walk down memory lane. Jim is a native of Illinois who spent some time in Chicago performing in theater and studying improv. Jim has appeared in Weeds, The Thundermans & Black Monday with Regina Hall. Look for Jim in the Netflix limited series Monster: The J...
Jun 28, 2022•46 min•Season 2Ep. 27
World traveler, Jose Ucar, tells us the importance of making deep meaningful connections with your audience. Jose also implores us to share our personal stories because you never know who you might be able to positively help by putting your story out in the world. We also discuss what it's like for Latinos living in the UK. Jose Ucar helps business owners and people in business to present with impact and confidence! He has been featured on Yahoo Finance and Yahoo News as one of the Top Ten Publi...
Jun 21, 2022•52 min•Season 2Ep. 26
Yoshua Greenfield writes books and creates things about living life via truth, nature, music, food, and his bare feet. He talks to us about how he discovered the joys of walking, hiking, running and dancing barefoot and learned to love his feet. Rather than tout his "accolades", Yoshua's actions speak louder than words. For the last many years he has been acting as a guide, supporting others to pull back the mask of fear and illusion and live a life in truth, an author of their own life. He expr...
Jun 16, 2022•46 min•Season 2Ep. 25
Lauren Lox an actor, director and producer reveals what motivates her to continue creating and producing her own projects in Austin. We also discuss her difficult LGBTQIA2S+ origin story and what it's like to live in Texas as a "closeted hippie"! Lauren Lox is a filmmaker based in Austin, TX. While primarily an actor, she’s also written, directed and produced three films in less than three years. She’s currently working on her comedic web series “Making It”, focused on the hilarious struggles of...
Jun 15, 2022•48 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Film & voice actor, improv teacher, musician & gamer reveals the direct impact that improv has had is his very successful acting career and why YOU should be studying improv. We discuss Lincoln Hoppe's improv teaching program and masterclass available at ImprovWizards.com , which he teaches with his friend and fellow improv master, Eric Artell. Check out Eric's interview with Paul Vato HERE : (bit.ly/EricArtell). PAUL VATO Paul Vato is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player...
Jun 14, 2022•48 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Stephanie Clark tells us about the LA comedy scenes as well as what it's like being married to fellow stand up comedian and improvisor, Tom Clark. Steph Clark is described as "a rising star in the Los Angeles comedy scene," by the Pasadena Weekly. Her sarcastic absurdity leaves a lasting impression. She was featured in the Bellflower Comedy Fest, Pubs and Paws Brew Fest, and in the Semi Finals for the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club Contest. She has been a guest on WKLH FM 96.6 Milwaukee. She perform...
Jun 09, 2022•46 min•Season 2Ep. 22
Comedic actor and author of DC's Sasquatch Detective, chats about her time working at MADtv, Family Guy and many other comedic shows of the last decade. Brandee Stilwell shares with us some incredible stories about Ron Jeremy, Gene Simmons, Betty White and Seth MacFarlane! Make sure to pick up her hilarious book of true stories, None of this is Going According to Plan , you won't be disappointed. BRANDEE STILWELL Born and raised as both Quaker and Cherokee in the number-one flyover state of Kans...
Jun 08, 2022•54 min•Season 2Ep. 21
Paul Vato had the amazing opportunity to chat with the very inspirational and motivational actor and podcaster, Amber Wegner. Amber Wegner is an award winning actor and producer based out of Los Angeles, California. Born and raised in Sacramento CA, she knew at a young age, after her first visit to the backlot tour at Universal Studios, that she belonged in Los Angeles. She moved to LA at 28 years old to start her career in film and TV. Amber ended up meeting her husband, Paul, just weeks after ...
Jun 07, 2022•57 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Magical Katrina delves into her meteoric rise in the world of magic and clowning. We discuss how the pandemic changed how magic is performed and ways for artists to make a living. We also chat about her recent appearance on Penn and Teller's Fool Us television show. MAGICAL KATRINA Katrina Kroetch has performed her unique blend of playful and whimsical magic worldwide in Africa, India, Mexico, Europe, and America. She’s volunteered and been an advocate for Magicians Without Borders and the non p...
Jun 01, 2022•53 min•Season 2Ep. 19
The importance of studying improvisational comedy, not just for acting but for relationships, business and life in general is one of the many exciting topics that we cover today on Paul Vato Presents with our very special guest, Eric Artell. We chat about working for America's Funniest Videos: Prank Academy and what it's like to be a working actor in Hollywood. Come learn about the power of "Yes, and"! ERIC ARTELL Eric Artell is an actor, comedian, and host from New Jersey. After studying Econom...
May 31, 2022•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Natalya Michelle discusses her career as an actor and director and now a social media maven. By just implementing some of her tips, tricks and recommendations you will definitely see a growth in your social media presence. NATALYA MICHELLE Natalya is a full-time actress, influencer, 6 figure entrepreneur, and director at just 20 years old. She has worked on some major shows such as, “TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress America”, took social media accounts from 0 followers to 500k, and grew her own social...
May 27, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Paul Vato chats with Victor Ramos about his latest projects, drop your questions in the comment section to be answered in an upcoming episode of Tells From The Crypto! Victor Ramos aka Cryptovicny is an entrepreneur, visionary and business development professional. As the Founder and Creator of Famecoin© as well as The F*KN GUY NFT Project he is looking to change the landscapes of entertainment and blockchain technologies plus he’s Puerto Rican so you know he’s a cool ass F*KN GUY! This show was...
May 26, 2022•28 min•Season 2Ep. 16
