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 ...
Jul 19, 2015•20 min
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...
Jul 12, 2015•25 min
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 danc...
Jul 09, 2015•24 min
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, whic...
Jul 02, 2015•28 min
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 perfor...
Jun 18, 2015•21 min
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 vis...
Jun 10, 2015•19 min
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 liv...
Jun 05, 2015•28 min
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 b...
May 31, 2015•22 min
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 wha...
May 12, 2015•32 min
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...
May 08, 2015•33 min
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 Reise...
Apr 27, 2015•38 min
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...
Apr 10, 2015•44 min
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.) If you would like to attend a live taping, please go to www.employeeofthemonthshow.com and joespub.com ...
Apr 02, 2015•41 min
At age 38, Liz Tuccillo's career took off. She joined the writing staff of Sex-in-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...
Mar 28, 2015•22 min
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 poe...
Mar 24, 2015•24 min
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 or see him live on Employee of the Month! Our next live taping is Thursday, March 19th at 9:30 pm at Joe's Pub. www.joespub.com
Mar 12, 2015•17 min
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 Pub...
Mar 04, 2015•25 min
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...
Feb 26, 2015•31 min
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. Want more Employee of the Month? • Subscribe to Employee of the Month Show's podcast on iTu...
Feb 22, 2015•47 min
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...
Feb 16, 2015•33 min
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 ...
Feb 15, 2015•40 min
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.
Feb 05, 2015•38 min
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.
Feb 02, 2015•20 min
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 ...
Jan 23, 2015•56 min
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,...
Jan 16, 2015•33 min
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, K...
Jan 08, 2015•19 min
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...
Dec 31, 2014•26 min
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 t...
Dec 24, 2014•36 min
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...
Dec 12, 2014•35 min
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.
Dec 04, 2014•22 min
