Hi! My name is Carl Johnson. I'm a working comedian from Michigan and have been doing stand up comedy since 2010. I'd like to think of this as the unofficial Michigan comedy podcast. The comedy scene here has grown since I started and there’s a lot of talented people and more clubs. I love talking to funny, complicated humans. They're my people. I sit down with a Michigan comedian or a comedian that started here each week and it's an honest and fun conversation. Join me in getting to know one of the most underrated comedy scenes in the country and the hilarious people behind it.
This week, Carl chats it up with one of the best comedians in the mitten, Simon Carlson! Simon is a Grand Rapids comic. He can be seen at The Comedy Project in Grand Rapids every Monday! Recently, Simon was co-winner of the Comedy Rumble at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle. Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Simon Carlson Instagram : @shmimon Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar...
This week on the podcast, Carl sits down with veteran comedian, Alana Gonzalez! Alana has been doing comedy for eight years. She works the local clubs and headlines rooms as well. Alana and Carl recently worked together at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle. Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Alana Gonzales Instagram : @agisfunny Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar...
After some time off, Carl sits down with the hilarious, Nate Fridson! Nate started comedy here and now lives in New York. He was a staple in the comedy scene when Carl first started and Carl's favorite comedian. Nate was headlining the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase at the time of this recording. Nate also has an album available called "Best Guy So Far". Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Nate Fridson Instagram : @fridskins Album : https://open.spotify.com/album/5eizd2lDtPaY2xK0TdnwHn Music Jesse Passage Ins...
This week, Wes Ward returns to the podcast! Wes is a staple of the comedy scene here and has been at it for about 15 years. Wes will be recording a special at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle on Thursday, July 3rd. Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Wes Ward Instagram : @weswardcomedy Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar
This week, Carl Sobel returns again! Carl is a Grand Rapids comedian. Carl runs his own room at the River City Saloon and it's one of the best mics in the state! He regularly opens for T.J Miller when he's in town. Carl is a fantastic storyteller comedian! Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Carl Sobel Instagram : @carl_sobel_comedy Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar...
We're back and this week Carl sits down with the very funny, Andrew Yang! Andrew makes his third appearance after a while. He's the creator of the Blind Pig Comedy Night in Ann Arbor and regularly works across the Midwest. Andrew has opened up for some of the best comics working including Jackie Kashian and Mary Mack. Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Andrew Yang Instagram : @andrewyang_fan_account Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar...
We're back after a bit of a hiatus! This week, Grand Rapids comedian, Stu McCallister, is on the podcast! Stu was a pillar in the GR comedy community for years and was the house emcee at Dr. Grins comedy club before taking 5 years off from comedy. Now he's back! Stu also hosts his own podcast called the LMNOPodcast! Instagram : @carljohnsonisfunny Stu McCallister Instagram : @stumccallister Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lmnopodcast/id1018950249 Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @...
This week, Carl sits down with new face, Steve Widzinski! Steve has been hitting the stages hard over the last 13 months. He's a sharp writer with a unique stage presence. Steve is a regular at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase and recently did his first hosting weekend there. He'll also be working at Ridley's Comedy Castle this month as well. Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Steve Widzinski Instagram : @stevewidz Patty’s sketch https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHY00ZOu7Dh/?igsh=MW9maTAwMXQ1OHJoeA== Music J...
After some time off, the podcast is back! Carl sits down with his good pal, Alex Bozinovic. Alex makes his third appearance on the pod. He's one of the best comedians in the scene. He's performed at a ton of festivals and co-hosts his own podcast called "Good Morning We're Dying". Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Alex Bozinovic Instagram : @alexbozinovic Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-morning-were-dying/id1787488130 Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Ins...
Carl returns with the funny, Emma Stevenson! Emma makes her third appearance on the podcast! She's a strong joke writer and one of the more underrated comedians in the scene. Emma is a regular and the Independent Comedy Club and Ridley's Comedy Castle. Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Emma Stevenson Instagram : @emstev14 Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar...
This week, Carl talks to newcomer, Emily Clark! Emily is very funny for only being 6 months into comedy. She's ahead of the game. She has a background in acting and improv which contributes to that. Emily is in the process of taking her second class at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle as well. Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Emily Clark Instagram : @eminee1834 Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar...
This week, Carl welcomes Ohio comedian, Rachel Leigh! Rachel is super funny and a regular at Grumpy Dave's in Bowling Green. She is a sharp writer with strong stage presence. The two discuss her eventually crossing state lines, a horrifying heckler at Grumpy Dave's and of course, her worst bomb. Instagram : @carljohnsonisfunny Rachel Leigh Instagram : @sheseesamillionstars Video : https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-BfdgGywuq0 Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : ...
This week, Carl welcomes first timer, Preston Hart! Preston is one of the more consistent comedians in the scene. Preston is to put it simply...underrated. You want nose down, well written jokes, then book him! The two discuss Preston's upcoming big move and he also tells one of Carl's favorite bombing stories to date. Instagram : @carljohnsonisfunny Preston Hart Instagram : @itsmeprestonhart Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar...
This week, Mary Spencer, returns to the podcast again! Mary is a fantastic joke writer that has made some waves in the comedy scene the last few years. Mary is all over the place performing. She has performed at the Tree Town Comedy Festival and recently closed out her first show at Bombs Away! Comedy at the Comet in Cincinnati. Instagram : @carljohnsonisfunny Mary Spencer Instagram : @marycspencer Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar...
This week, Hannah Osborne returns! Hannah is a comedian from Monroe and is one of the funniest up and coming people in the scene. She is a regular at the Toledo Funny Bone and Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle and has opened up for some big names. Hannah is also going to be performing at this year's Tree Town Comedy Festival in Ann Arbor in March! Instagram : @carljohnsonisfunny Hannah Osborne Instagram : @itsmrsoz Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrocksta...
This week, one of the funniest, Blain Hill, returns to the podcast! Blain had a big year in 2024. He headlined the Detroit House of Comedy and the infamous Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle. Blain is one of the hardest working comedians and one of the best joke writers. Blain also produces/appears on Brad Wenzel’s podcast called “Moment of Wenz”. Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Blain Hill Instagram : @blainhill Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar...
One of Carl's favorites, the very funny Patty Rooney returns again! Patty has been doing comedy for about 3 years now and has done well for herself in that time. She is a regular at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase and has also worked at the Toledo Funny Bone opening the shows. She has a background in acting and sketch comedy as well. Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Patty Rooney Instagram : @pattyrooney Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar...
This week, Amber Maeda returns to the podcast after quite some time! Amber started comedy in Ohio and made her way to the mitten. She is a producer at the Independent Comedy Club and can be seen there regularly. Carl and Amber skip the small talk and get right to it. Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Amber Maeda Instagram : @ambermaedajoke Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar...
This week, Carl talks with Toledo comedian and producer, Dave Crumbley! Dave has been doing stand up comedy for 8 years but has recently made a name for himself in the Toledo comedy scene for producing some of the best shows. The two dive into that, recent news and more! Instagram : @carlsaysstuff Dave Crumbley Instagram : @davecrumbley Produced Shows : https://crumbleycomedy.com/ Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar...
This week, comedian Brett Mercer returns again! Brett has a hot new special out on YouTube! Brett is one of the best and most original comedy voices in the scene. He is also a producer at the Independent Comedy Club. Instagram : @carljohnsonisfunny Brett Mercer Instagram : @brett_mercer_ Special : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IunpoiBuoC0 Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar...
This week, Carl catches up with comedian, Tim Finkel! Tim's life is completely different from when he was on the first time. Carl and Tim talk about that and how comedy plays an important role in getting through everyday. Tim can be seen headlining at the Perch Point Conservation Club in Casco on January 11th and also headlining the infamous Ridley's Comedy Castle on January 16th. Instagram : @carljohnsonisfunny Tim Finkel Instagram : @tim.paul.finkel Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap A...
This week, Carl sits down with comedian, Drew Harmon! Drew is a veteran comic that started comedy in Grand Rapids before moving to San Francisco and performing there for years. He is now back in Michigan and still slinging them jokes. The two talk about Drew's interesting work history, San Francisco comedy and much more! Instagram : @carljohnsonisfunny Drew Harmon Instagram : @drewmharmon Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar...
After a few weeks off, Carl is back with new face and Ann Arbor comedian, Brady Keene! Brady has a background in acting. His first set ever was in front of 200 people doing a headlining set at a coffee shop. Brady is a regular at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. Instagram : @carljohnsonisfunny Brady Keene Instagram : @bradykeene15 Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar
This week on MSOT, Carl chats with veteran Toledo comedian, Jon Ruggiero! Jon is a staple of the Toledo scene and hosts the one of the longest running mics in Ohio at Grumpy Dave's Pub. Jon frequents the Michigan comedy scene and is a regular at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. Instagram : @carljohnsonisfunny Jon Ruggiero Instagram : @ruggierojon Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar...
This week, Ella Horwedel, returns to the podcast! Ella is one of the mainstays in the Ann Arbor scene. Ella has performed at a ton of festivals including Skankfest and the Laughing Skull comedy festival. She is also the producer for the Don't Tell Ann Arbor shows. Instagram : @carljohnsonisfunny Ella Horwedel Instagram : @el_widdle Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar
This week on MSOT, good friend and Ann Arbor comedian, Bret Hayden returns again! Bret is the creator of the popular stand up comedy show, Comedy Rumble. Bret is a regular at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase and Comedy Castle as well. Instagram : @carljohnsonisfunny Bret Hayden Instagram : @comedyrumble Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar
After a long break, Carl chats with dynamic duo, Johnny Mocny and Louis D. Michael! Both are comedians out of Lansing. Johnny hosts his own podcast titled 'We Are Movies' and Louis co-hosts a podcast with Johnny called 'Chinese Rocket Force' because why not. Johnny and Louis are two of the best up and coming comedians in the Midwest! Instagram : @carljohnsonisfunny Johnny Mocny Instagram : @Johnnymocnycomedy Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-are-movies/id1461183851 Louis D. Mich...
This week, one of the funniest comedians walking planet Earth, Pat Sievert returns again to the show! Pat is a Lansing comedian and a booker of the infamous Mac's Comedy Night. Pat opens up for Gary Gulman when Gary is in Michigan. Pat somewhat recently made his headlining debut at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase as well. Instagram : @carljohnsonisfunny Pat Sievert Instagram : @patsievert Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar...
This week, Carl chats with Grand Rapids comedian, Darius Walker! Darius has made an impact on the scene in the 4 years he's been doing comedy and is beloved by his peers. He recently made his debut working at Grins which is a pillar of Grand Rapids comedy. Instagram : @carljohnsonisfunny Darius Walker Instagram : @the_dariuswalker Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar
Fresh off a killer appearance on Kill Tony, Jacob Barr returns again to the podcast! Jacob is a killer comedian from Ann Arbor and currently staying in Austin for the Summer. The duo talks Kill Tony and a couple other things going on in the world. You can catch Jacob headlining the Detroit House of Comedy this Friday on August 2nd. Instagram : @carljohnsonisfunny Jacob Barr Instagram : @guywiththehands Music Jesse Passage Instagram : @thebignap Art Rachel Harper Instagram : @rachelrockstar...
