Serial Optimist Fall 2012 by Serial Optimist

SERIAL OPTIMIST - FALL 2012

Fall 2012

www.serialoptimist.com FOUNDER & EDITOR IN CHIEF David Dean WEST COAST EDITOR Deborah Thomasian CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jake Kroeger Micah LeFebvre Meredith Schneider Zhila Shariat CREATIVE DIRECTOR David Dean WEB DEVELOPMENT & GRAPHIC DESIGN Jerry Hepperle Published by Serial Optimist On the Cutting Edge of Happiness www.serialoptimist.com

For more information contact David Dean at david@serialoptimist.com SOCIAL Twitter: @Serial_Optimist Facebook: facebook.com/serialoptimist Tumblr: serialoptimist.tumblr.com Pinterest: pinterest.com/serialoptimist Instagram: @SerialOptMag ÂŠSerial Optimist, LLC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Angela Trimbur kicks off our most crushable comedians list. Prepare to drool. Page 26

What are the best comedy albums of the year? No need to ponder that question, we have the answers! Page 6

Lesley Arfin is one badass gal. We love her. So will you. Page 32

Comedian Brendon Walsh ends the interview in an ambulance, and vomits throughout. We are pretty serious about both those claims.. Page 8

And if ya don’t know, now ya know… These 5 comedians are coming up strong. Page 36

We are worried you might fall in love with Angela Trimbur. You’ve been warned. Page 14

Kyle Kinane might just be the best storyteller telling stories today. Say that 5 times in a row then read why. Page 40

Eddie Pepitone has all the answers. Not only to our questions, but just to life in general. Page 21

Bunk usually means bad. But in the case of Kurt Braunohler, it means good. Words have lost all meaning! Page 44

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WELCOME TO THE CUTTING EDGE OF HAPPINESS. “Why do you have a magazine that features comedy, art, interviews with comedians AND artists, and a little bit of music? Why not stick with just one?” I always get asked. Because: One flavor of ice cream is no fun. Watching only sitcoms and nothing else is no fun. If Jimmy Fallon only interviewed the star of next weekend’s movie, it’d be no fun either. “But,” they say. “Then you don’t have a niche!” We do have a niche. A deep, timeless niche that brings everyone together and cuts across all demographics. Our niche is happiness. The cutting edge of happiness is Serial Optimist’s niche – sharing the best in art, comedy, music. Sharing the inner thoughts of the creators who are giving their first kiss to popular culture, or reflecting on a love of art with stories that are art on its own. Our niche is that happiness wave right before it crests onto the pages of every magazine and media outlet in the country. Serial Optimist gets you there first. To happiness, not just content. Smiles, David Dean, Founder & Editor in Chief

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Hannibal Buress- “Animal Furnace” -Comedy Central Records/Stand Up! Records Hannibal Buress gets livelier in his sophomore hour release, where he’s gotten to a point where his take on anything and everything (airports, Odd Future lyrics) demands attention and laughs.

James Adomian- “Low Hangin Fruit” -Earwolf In a way, James Adomian’s debut comedy album has been a long time coming for how beloved his characters are on the hundreds of podcasts he’s been on as well his stand-up. Thankfully, Low Hangin Fruit is here and is a great introduction to his characters as well as the hilarious person Adomian is sans impressions.

Jim Hamilton- “Poems About the Ocean” -AST Records Drawing comparisons to Mitch Hedberg, though clearly in his own unique voice and timing and delivery, Jim Hamilton has some of the best jokes of our generation as exemplified in this debut album.

Lee Camp- “Pepper Spray the Tears Away” -Stand Up! Records Lee Camp doesn’t shy away from talking politics in comedy and attacking the right, but he also doesn’t shy away from the fact the audience might be or might not be on board. Thus, Pepper Spray the Tears Away is a much more inclusive comedy experience where you can let go of your political beliefs for an hour.

Jim Gaffigan- “Mr. Universe”-self released Whether you’re a Gaffigan fan or one of the uninitiated, this self-released special (that you can also get as an album from Comedy Central) Mr. Universe is classic Gaffigan, which means outright hilarious, though deceptively simple, full of layers and wonderful commentary on his jokes. SERIAL OPTIMIST - FALL 2012

The Apple Sisters- "1943" -self released Take a radio show hosted by three clever girls in 1943 updated for the 21st century made for a wondrous nostalgic musical romp in The Apple Sisters latest album along with sketches featuring several hilarious cameos (Paul F. Tompkins, Kate Micucci, and more).

Patrice O’Neal- “Mr. P” -Gladys & Dude Productions This is the last recording released from Patrice O’Neal and it behooves everyone remotely into laughing and doubling over to listen to Mr. P. Paul F. Tompkins- “Laboring Under Delusions” -Comedy Central Paul F. Tompkins is at such a level of comedy where he can have an hour special where he tells stories of terrible jobs that he had. That is all Laboring Under Delusions is and it’s hysterical.

John Mulaney- “New In Town” -Comedy Central John Mulaney’s first hour special doesn’t disappoint. There might be a lot to expect from the beloved SNL writer, but New In Town is a delightful ride, made delightful through Mulaney’s voice and tight writing.

Reggie Watts- “A Live At Central Park” -Comedy Central Records Whether Reggie Watts is killing it with a hilarious riff or is deep into building one of his amazing songs from scratch, you will just feel good listening to A Live at Central Park. Also, there’s a pitch perfect parody of Radiohead.

10 COMEDY ALBUMS/SPECIALS IN 2012 THAT MAKE YOU FORGET THE WORLD IS ENDING By Jake Kroeger Wherever you’re reading this, it’s summer and it’s unbearable. The dry or humid heat is just bringing out the most annoyed version of yourself that justifies you wanting to do nothing, unless you’re South of the Equator where it’s winter and freezing, where you still don’t want to do anything. Well, what’s perfect for sitting inside and quelling your annoyance with the weather is listening to comedy/special albums, which there have been several listen-worthy ones this year. WWW.SERIALOPTIMIST.COM

BRENDON WALSH IS COVERED IN VOMIT By Deborah Thomasian Remember what happened when the Gremlins ate after midnight? Well, apparently that’s what happens when you interview Brendon Walsh. Pure madness. Delusive intoxication. You just have to love him and bear with the hilarious consequences. I’d like to believe Brendon was aboard Ken Kesey’s school bus with the “Merry Pranksters” and was accidentally dropped off in the lovely land of Philly. Brendon got his comedy chops in Austin, TX where he won “The Funniest Person in Austin” contest. From there he toured as opening act for Doug Stanhope for two years and started popping up all over the place. He has appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, “Last Comic Standing”, “Premium Blend”, “The Bob & Tom Show” and “Conan”. Brendon is about to embark on the Summer Value Tour with Todd Barry and Neil Hamburger. Plus, he has a very hush, hush project in the works with Comedy Central. Brendon, of course, is MOST notorious for his bevy of pranks. On the Comedy Bang! Bang! podcast (episode 60) he recanted the story of a crank call where he used a spoof card to call his good, good friend and try to convince said friend that he had raped his wife. Yes, you read that correctly. That is what I’d call pushing the limits of comedy TO THE MAX. Oh! That reminds me. He also does a Deathsquad podcast with Randy Liedtke and Davey Johnson called The Bone Zone. So hide those cookies, stash the Evian, and pull down the blinds. Consider Brendon the Mogwai unleashed!

Serial Optimist: So how is your name really spelled? Brendon, Brandon, Berndon, Bornden, Brendejo or Brndeon? I think Brndeon is my favorite. Brendon Walsh: Who cares, right? You can call me anything but “Late for Dinner” LOL, amiright? JK you can call me late for dinner if you want to. (I just took a handful of sleeping pills) SO: And you made me laugh out loud within one minute. Well done! Do you recall what age your penchant for pranks began? Do you remember your first victim? What is your dream prank? Brendon: When I was born, I acted like a stillbirth just to freak everybody out. My mom wigged! Then when I was five years old, I framed a dog for murder. I can’t tell you what my dream prank is, because then when I do the prank, everyone will know it was me. I’ll give you a hint though…it involves bees. (Feeling groggy from the pills, but also feeling pretty groovy) SO: Uh oh. I’m allergic to bees. Growing up in Philadelphia, what was that like? At what point did you find comedy was going to be your forte? Brendon: Growing up in Philadelphia was very transformative for me. I started out as a baby with no hair or teeth, then I got hair and teeth, then those teeth fell out and I got bigger teeth and pubes. When I was six years old I made everybody in my first grade class crack up by making a giant fart noise during story time. That’s when I knew. (Just opened a bottle of wine, spilled some on my shirt. Took shirt off) SO: Sexy. How would you describe your experience touring with Doug Stanhope? Any memorable stories you can recant?

Photo by Robyn Von Swank

Brendon: We would do a lot of lifting at the gym and lying out in the sun. I was so ripped back then. Now I am fat and pale. Doug is the funniest comedian working today- you should interview him! (I just let my parrot out of its cage. Trying to get it to sit on my shoulder. Getting really faded from these pills)

SO: Stanhope, you heard it here. We want you, too. What is your pre-stage routine? While you’re in the green room, are just talking or messing around, listening to the other performers, have headphones in? Brendon: If I’m working at a club, I scream at my SERIAL OPTIMIST - FALL 2012

reflection in the mirror to get pumped, and then I eat a two foot long party sub. If I’m performing at a rock venue, I touch every doorknob five times then put a baby carrot in my butt before the show. Before a theater show, I set my grandma’s wig on fire then bite a puppy’s ear. (I just fell out of my chair. My parrot pooped on me then flew out the window) SO: I hear baby carrots are good roughage. How does Brendon like to party on the road? Brendon: By reading “On The Road” by Jack Kerouac and listening to Bob Seger’s “Turn the Page”. (Sparking up a “J” now. Can’t control my arms!)

Brendon: Nah (Getting mouth-to-mouth by a dude right now) SO: You are about to embark on a stellar tour with Todd Barry and Neil Hamburger: The Summer Value Tour. How did this amazing threesome come about? Brendon: My uncle is their dry-cleaner and promised them a year’s worth of free dry-cleaning if they took me on tour with them. COME SEE US! SO: What’s the most awkward interview you ever had? Brendon: My dad interviewed me for a job at his hoagie shop when I was 14. He was completely nude and fully aroused. AWWWWKWAAAARRRRDDDDD (Getting in the ambulance now.)

SO: In 2007 you won a $10k prize at the online competition FameCast that finds America’s best new talent. Did that win get you the national exposure you deserved? Brendon: Yes! (Think I took too many pills. Calling 911) SO: I think I just dribbled on myself. What do you find are the differences between LA and Austin audiences? Brendon: Leukemia rates are 10% higher in Austin, so the shows there are more somber as a result. (Paramedics are on their way- this interview is hard. Passing out) SO: I can hear the sirens. If you had to pitch your podcast The Bone Zone to a total newbie what would you tell he/she/it? Brendon: I would tell it that The Bone Zone is like listening to three ten year olds doing a made up radio show. It’s the best comedy podcast out there at the moment! We just won 7 Bonies at our first annual award show we invented. (Paramedics are here. Can’t move. They’re breaking down the door)

SO: Ewwwwww. Tell us what’s on the horizon for Brendejo. Brendon: Spending more time with my 10-year-old son Trevor. Maintaining a good relationship with my ex-wife, Trish. Family is very important to me at this point in my life. (Getting my stomach pumped at the hospital now) SO: Awwwww, (maybe?) Thanks Brendon! Brendon: THANKS TO YOU, YOU SONOFABITCH! (The doctors finished pumping my stomach and they found a quart of semen in there. Don’t tell anyone)

SO: Eeeek! Can you give us any details on the project you are working on for Comedy Central?

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“On December 4, 2009, my wife’s birthday, I broke my leg during an ice hockey game. This lead to a volumetric amount of solitudinal (coined) couch-time. Each day started out with the New York Post, but now, instead of simply reading the paper, I began to see the paper. On one spread, “Bloomberg bans Salt”, “Priest Rapes Boy”, “JC PENNY $99 Sale”...absurdity. Sensational meets Incendiary meets Consumerism. I began playing around with taking all of these concepts and putting them in one place.” -Borbay

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KATIE HERZIG IS BIG TIME DELIGHTS By Micah LeFebvre Katie Herzig makes beautiful music. You’ve probably heard it and don’t even know it; her songs have been featured in HBO’s “Bored to Death,” “Bones,” “Smallville” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” It’s easy to see why so many dramas would adopt Katie’s art into their own. Her minimalist music is complemented by her ethereal voice, which soars on its way to delivering optimism tinged with melancholy. Katie’s newest album, The Waking Sleep, tackles themes of life and love with subtle grace and beauty. Check it out: you won’t be disappointed. Continue reading for a nice chat we had with Katie, who really is an all around delight. Serial Optimist: You were born and raised in Colorado, but moved to Nashville to pursue your career. Nashville has long been considered a haven of country music, but more and more independent artists like Meg Myers are embracing that environment while also reaching outside of its traditional aesthetic. What is it about Nashville that you feels makes you more able to produce your art, and do you think the “home of country music” cliché is still true?

Katie Herzig: More and more folks are moving to Nashville in the music industry that has nothing to do with country music. I have always been drawn to it because of the indie scene and just the amount of musical resources and community you find there. It’s inspiring and has tons of synergy. It’s not for everyone though. And certainly country music is still a huge part of it. I got lucky and have made lots of friends and music since I moved there six years ago. SO: The songs on your new album, The Waking Sleep, seem all about capturing a moment. The self-awareness credo of “Free My Mind” leads into “Make a Noise,” where you opine the listener to “find your voice/make a noise” in an oppressive, violent world. Is that theme—of dedication to fighting for individuality in a world determined to produce worker bees—important to you? How does it influence your artistic expression? Katie: All my songs tap into themes I find within myself and things I need to tell myself. And the hope is that will relate to other people who hear

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these songs. I am so very aware of such themes that I can’t help but write about them. The world is an overwhelming place these days. Problems that need solving everywhere and opinions that are so different from each other. But the heart of it all are just people trying to live out the best lives they can. “Find your voice, make a noise” was written just as much for me as for anyone who needs to feel encouraged to speak up for what they believe in or speak out for those who can’t for themselves.

then it doesn’t… it isn’t! I’m grateful that TV and film embrace the use of artists music both enhance the other.

SO: In the past you were a part of the band and “too shy” to take center stage. What made you decide to venture away from the safety of a band structure and become a solo artist?

Katie: Actually it was just very random. The Duhks covered a song I wrote with my friend Ruby Amanfu. They were the underdogs in their category and the Dixie Chicks ended up winning. Other than getting random texts from people who heard about the nominations, it wasn’t much of an experience to write home about.

Katie: I had issues with stage fright back then. It took a long time to feel comfortable being the lead singer. But the art of it kept pushing me to grow. I loved writing songs and I loved singing them. By the end of my time with my band I was primed to give the solo artist thing a go. Everyone in the band was ready to try music outside of it by that time. SO: The chipper “Best Day of Your Life” is a song about a child playing with his mother, while foreshadowing the end of childhood (“don’t mind leaving your nest/don’t mind making a mess”) and their inevitable separation. That tone of bittersweet optimism is remarkably nuanced and threads throughout the album both musically and lyrically. What is your process for writing songs? How do you build and maintain a tone like that for an entire album? Katie: I didn’t realize that is what that song is about! I wrote that for a children’s movie and it ended up not being used so I put it on my record. But yes it is most definitely a theme of bittersweet optimism. I’m not sure, it’s just how I see things I guess. It’s hard for me to get too dark or go too light so I guess I naturally gravitate to seeing things both ways. For everything sad something beautiful can come of it. SO: Your music has appeared in many films and television shows. As someone who tends to create small-scale songs that focus on real emotional truths, how does it feel to see those intimate pieces of you being attached to something as broad as “Smallville” or “Grey’s Anatomy”? Katie: It’s both odd and exciting. Nothing trumps the first time you hear your song in a show you watch. It’s unbelievable. Mostly because you realize that the show is not about real people since your music is in it! But when a song is used in a scene that really fits well with the music it’s magic. And

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SO: You co-wrote a song for The Duhks that was nominated for a Grammy. As a musician more likely to get a review in Pitchfork than Rolling Stone, the spotlight that comes with being that close to the heart of the pop industry must have been crazy. What was that experience like?

SO: How do you feel about touring versus creating music in a studio? What’s a venue you can’t wait to return to? Katie: Always the studio. That’s where the art is created and I haven’t found a way to beat that. For as much as I love the live shows and performing the songs for real people who appreciate the music, the studio is where I tap into the great big mystery of inspiration. I appreciate both for sure but if I had to choose I would choose to create music over performing it. But since I get to do both I do both and it keeps it fresh and moving and growing. I don’t really have one favorite venue but just an appreciation of the ones that do it right. The US is filled with them. SO: Almost your entire catalogue is available on Spotify. Do you think the widespread exposure that streaming services like Spotify and music piracy provides is worth the loss in income that they bring with them? Katie: At this point in my career I am open to it and appreciate the exposure. Artists are learning that they can’t count on album sales to sustain them. It’s a part of it but other streams of income must be embraced that can’t be illegally downloaded or cheaply streamed. Live shows, licensing, T-shirts! SO: What do you have coming up, and how can our readers find you? Katie: Thanks for the questions. The summer has been chill with a handful of festivals and in the fall we hit the road again. Pretty focused on promoting my latest release The Waking Sleep. SO: Thanks Katie, good luck with the tour and The Walking Sleep!

“This series American Revolution Revolution was a challenge brought indirectly by my cousin who called me out and said that I was very skilled at painting most things, most things except faces. And he was right! In my early work, I would always place an object that blocked the entire face because I was intimated by painting a face or any anatomical feature that revealed flesh. To prove him wrong, I started to practice by copying 18th century American portraiture because the faces were painted in a way that I found traditional, realistic, and monumental. Plus, I have an obsession for that time period in American history. Of course, the first few dozens were garbage and I would place them aside in pile and start another. One of the paintings that I threw out happen to land under a piece of tracing paper that had the acronym “LOL” written on it and beneath that piece of trace, you could see the crap reject painting.” – Shawn Huckins

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ANGELA TRIMBUR IS SMILE TIME DIVINE By David Dean Well, good luck not falling in love with Angela Trimbur in the next ten minutes, this girl is all things good. Angela is a comedian, actor, dancer, writer, and all around smile creator. She makes dancing in public completely alone to the beat of her own iPod look fun, not scary. She is raunchy, but in the best kind of way, somehow turning a fart joke into a three-minute video that is so weirdly funny and not at all fart-jokey. (You know what I mean right, too fart-jokey? Exactly.) She is the perfect kind of confident. The kind that is all about believing in yourself and making yourself happy. The kind you hope everyone has in them. She is all over the place, pop tarts and green beans for lunch style. You’ve seen her pop up in everything from Entourage to Community to The League, in a list of movies, and going all viral with her Dance Like Nobody’s Watching videos. She is UCB through and through, which makes her insta-legit. I mean how long should I go on? You’ll get it after you’re done reading this interview, which Angela nicely did while away shooting Comedy Central’s upcoming show Mash Up. Enjoy it, then follow her on Twitter, watch her hilarious YouTube channel, get your LOL’s, and then…dance. SO: Let’s get to know you a little bit, first date style. Where are you from? Where was the first place you lived away from home? Angela Trimbur: UGH FIRST DATES! A POTENTIAL WASTE OF TIME! Just kidding. Nothing is a waste of time! At least let’s just kiss and see if there is “anything there at all.” (There isn’t.) Okay high five! We tried! Goodbye- let’s just hike or something as buds soon! I’m from outside of Philly, technically Bucks County PA. The first place I lived away from home was an attempt at fashion school in NYC, on campus. I didn’t fit in with the label whores and I couldn’t sew a button properly, so I joined the school’s improv group, and eventually left the clothing career thing behind me. I dropped out of F.I.T to pursue the things that made me happier. Which is always a wise move. SO: You high five on a first date? Lush! You are a writer, an actress, and a dancer, with a focus on

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laughs but a flare for the dramatic. Tell us a little bit about how you got there (here). What was your first love; acting, writing, or dancing? Angela: I grew up as a homeschooled Jehovah’s Witness and spent a LOT of time alone entertaining myself, so my imagination was pretty wild. I’d play spin the bottle in my bedroom alone in front of a mirror (making out with the mirror of course). I would stand in the shower and imagine I was outside in the pouring rain, confessing my love for someone (and then make-out with the tile wall of course). Apparently a lot of my imagining led to a make-out scene. I used to think that the sound of heavy wind against my window was a ghost parade and I would smile and watch and wave—WAIT…AM I OK?! POINT BEING, I guess acting was my first passion since I was always pretending to be in a world I was not. This is sounding pretty deep. I should stop. *I am no longer a Jehovah’s Witness and I did get to go to my senior year of high school so CALM DOWN people.* SO: You must be like the best at making out at this point…with objects. I assume you’re a dancer only because you dance your ass off in the super fun viral videos Dance Like Nobody’s Watching. Are you an actual trained dancer or is it just something you’re super, super good at? Angela: I wouldn’t say I’m super super good at dancing, just have a confidant style, bro. When I was little, my mom did own a dance studio, but she closed it down before I hit the double digits age-wise, and I haven’t trained since. SO: You take that double super compliment! How did the Dance Like Nobody’s Watching idea come about? Angela: I went through a terrible breakup and was totally allowing it to distract me from pretty much everything. I got tired of staring through tears at a blinking cursor on my computer screen. My friend invited me to a Dan Deacon show and so I decided to crawl

Photo by Shaun Benson

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out from my pile of sad tissues and go. The show was filled with some of the freest dancing I have ever seen, everyone was letting loose in their own world. It was so exciting watching everyone be so happy. As I was driving home having euphoric thoughts, I decided that instead of the typical breakup bandaid fix of painting the town in One Night Stand red (I’m sure that’s a nail polish color), I’d do something that would totally scare me yet feel good zoning out and doing. So the next day, I popped in the earbuds, scrolled through my iPhone, found a title that hit home (I’m Good, I’m Gone – Lykke Li), ran into a local Laundromat – danced through one take, and ran out. No one around was warned or given a heads up, nor did anyone seem to care. (!) Hello Giggles launched the series and I think it’s such a perfect home for it since that site is all about positivity! SO: Love that. Going into it, did you know what a positive message you were sending? Everyone I’ve watched it with laughs the entire time, and screams something along the lines of “you go girl!!!!” at the screen, even though they have never previously uttered that phrase. That must feel great! Angela: I mean, I didn’t realize to what extent it would infect others with joy- but the whole phrase “Dance Like Nobody’s Watching” is a positive thing to begin with so I knew it wouldn’t hurtanyone. I’m stoked to do anything I can to make someone have a bit of a better day and inspire others to not give a fuck what anyone thinks, just be happy. SO: When did you start performing at UCB? Who have been some of your biggest influencers there? Angela: I started taking level 101 classes in 2008 and an email went out to all the students about auditions for Matt Besser’s new stage show “Freak Dance”. I gave it a shot and was cast amongst many of the theaters seasoned players (Besser, Paul Rust, Casey Wilson, to name a few) so I got an opportunity to get silly with the silliest pros early on in my UCB life. We performed that show almost every Friday night for a year and it recently became a feature film. I’m not trying to sound like a politically correct pageant contestant by saying “Everyone I’ve worked with influenced and inspired me in some form or another! Peace to the World!” but it’s true! UCB really encourages everyone to stick to their own voice, and

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watching so many hilarious people be comfortable in having weird thoughts and having fun expressing them is contagious. SO: Would you say you’ve gotten your first “big break”? Angela: No? I dunno? Did I? I feel like everyone out here will always be thinking they could be doing more. I have been honored to work with a lot of people who I never even dreamed possible, Miranda July being my personal biggest jaw-dropper, and I hope to continue to ivy up the wall of admiration collaboration. SO: Who are some of your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Angela: Harris Wittels @twittels Jenny Johnson @ jennyjohnsonhi5 Aparna Nancheria@aparnapkin Chelsea Peretti @chelseavperetti Chris Kelly @ imchriskelly Lena Dunham @lenadunham Lesley Arfin @lesleyarfin Amber Tozer @ambertozer Honest Slut@honestslut Rob Delaney @robdelaney. SO: When was the last time you laughed out loud real hard and at what? Angela: Hmmm…well, the other night I got an invitation from a super rad girl I really wanted to be friends with to go to a Korean Spa with her and her girlfriends & was super excited and even though I could barely make it on time from work, I said yes. Despite rushing to meet them all in on time in the lobby, I was late. I have never been to one of these joints before, but I knew it was all-nude. The little Korean lady led me to a super tiny locker and walked away. I took off my shoes and pants and underwear and went to shove them in this little cubby, and the lady shuffled back over and said: “No no, that’s just for shoes!” Ohhhhhh. I yanked out my pants and underwear and she offered to escort me to the main locker room. I assumed it was stupid to put the clothes back on just to walk over to take them off again, so with only my shirt on, I carried my stuff into the locker room. THERE THEY ALL WERE in full robes…just staring at me. I was totally Daisy Ducking it (no pants just a shirt) and I awkwardly stood there, vag out, extending my one hand while trying my best to cover with the other, and shook hands one by one with all five girls for the most uncomfortable introduction ever! After we commented on how awkward that was, we all shared quite an ice-breaking laugh and continued to laugh

Photo by Melly Lee

about it throughout the night, all NAKED SHOWERING TOGETHER, naked in the hot tub together, all naked in the steam roo- actually I’m going to submit this to Playboy articles. BRB! Okay I’m back. They passed on it. Not enough squirt mentionings! Booo! SO: I love so many things about this story. Daisy Ducking it? How have I never heard that before? I could have gone without that squirt mention mention though. Gross, girl. Can you tell us about a horrible audition you’ve had? Any accidental vag out auditions? Angela: One of my first auditions was in downtown L.A and I usually get into car accidents when there are lots of One-Way streets involved. So, I crashed pretty bad and ran on foot to the casting (again, I was late!) and auditioned with lots of little pieces of glass in my hair and super shaky hands. Needless to say, I couldn’t focus and wound up crying halfway through my read and went into a TMI discussion about my life. SO: Is One-Way always capitalized? It looks like the name of something when capitalized, like a boy band or candy bar or selfish sex position. Where can one find you on the TV and movie screens in the next year? Angela: I say anyone can capitalize Anything ThEy wanT! I’ll be on Comedy Central’s Mash Upthis fall and have a two episode arc on Showtime’s Californication in its upcoming season as a crazy meth head! I’m gonna go try some meth to work on my character, ya know, see what it’s like. Just this once I swear!

TRIMBUR STARTER GUIDE

‘Handsome Baby’ and ‘Love Coupon’ on will make you a quick subscriber. (youtube.com/user/ angela) Dancing Like Nobodies Watching in the mall (our favorite) and the laundromat on HelloGiggles is bliss. (hellogiggles.com/angela-trimbur) Angela brings like cute time fun on the constant through the Instagram lens. (@angelatrimbur) Maybe her alter ego? Maybe we’ll never know. You be the judge over at Twitter. (@HonestSlut)

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MANDEE JOHNSON SHOOTS SUPER SERIOUS LAUGHS By David Dean When I think of people I really admire and who I consider successful and talented, one thing that always stands out in each is that they have somehow created a niche for themselves and are doing exactly what they want to do. Mandee Johnson is a perfect example of this. As a young adult, Mandee followed her love for photography to California. She eventually mixed her love for photography with her love for comedy, partnering with CleftClips and co-creating Los Angeles’ best and much loved all-inone monthly comedy event, The Super Serious Show. This has resulted in a series of photographs simply titled ‘Laugh‘. The Polaroid style and completely unique color tone of these photos are unreal. Mandee’s portraits of comedians and performers have a look that she has firmly created as her own. When you see one of her photos you don’t need to see a photo credit to know who it was shot by. You can’t get to that level as a photographer without having super serious talent, and Mandee’s skills are legit. Continue reading for an interview with Mandee and some of our favorite shots that will no doubt make you smile. Serial Optimist: Where are you from? Where do you live now? Mandee Johnson: I was born in Chicago, raised in Indiana, attended boarding school in Running Spring, CA, went to college in Santa Barbara and currently live in Los Angeles. SO: What different kinds of photography do you shoot? Mandee: I’ve been shooting for 11 years and I shoot a bit of everything – I’m pretty flexible. Portraits, travel, documentary, live show images, events, weddings, behind the scenes, landscapes, still life, my own artsy stuff, etc. A lot of times photography feels like an isolatory career. Photographers can be really competitive with each other and shy away from collaboration. I love to collaborate and work on projects with people. I keep an open mind when choosing projects and if it sounds like fun with good people I am game. SO: I think that philosophy is evident in your work. Do you remember one of the first photographs that

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you ever took? Mandee: I started shooting with my Dad’s Canon AE1 when I was in 6th grade. He taught me how to use the camera while we were on vacation in Montana. The following year I taught myself how to print in a darkroom at my school. Later at boarding school I built a darkroom so I could keep printing and shoot. Over the years my collection of cameras has grown and I shoot digital in addition to film, but I still shoot a ton of film. If I could I would built a darkroom in my apartment. SO: How did you get hooked up with The Super Serious Show? Mandee: Joel (Mandelkorn) and I co-created The Super Serious Show in 2010. Around the same time I started playing around with my 4×5 again. It seemed like a fun way to do performer portraits for the show. SO: What made you shoot your ‘laugh’ series in the style it’s shot in? Mandee: The “laugh” series is a selection of the portraits from The Super Serious Show. When I decided to do the portraits for the show on my 4×5 I did the first show with an eight-year-old expired Polaroid. The Polaroid was super blue so I did some color

shifts on it in Photoshop to a more yellow/brown color palate. The current toning of the images evolved from there over the course of a year or so. SO: Who are some of your favorite comedians? Mandee: Being involved in comedy you get to see and meet so many people that I don’t know if I can choose favorites – there would just be too many to list. One of my favorite things about producing the show and doing the portraits is meeting all of the amazing comedians and getting to know them. It’s such an amazing community and I feel blessed to be part of it. SO: Who are some of your favorite photographers? Mandee: James Nachtwey and Mary Ellen Mark are my all time favorite photographers. Their work is so beautiful and honest. SO: When was the last time you laughed really hard, really loud, and why? Mandee: At our 2nd SXSW show T.J. Miller riffed for 10 minutes or so about the Bigger and Thicker Doritos Jacked Chips. It was amazing.

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“Travel has a huge influence on my life and the way I design. My favorite travel quote by Mark Twain I feel says it all – Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did. Explore, Dream, Discover.” -Lucy Dodds

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Photo by Mandee Johnson (right) Photo by Heather Landis (left)

THE BITTER BUDDHA: EDDIE PEPITONE By Deborah Thomasian When I found out I was interviewing Eddie Pepitone I did the most spirited happy dance you could ever imagine. How can one not gush over his talents?! Eddie has a keen ability to at one instant steamroll the audience with his booming delivery and then cradle them with soft, poetic rifts. You will recognize him from the many sketch appearances on “Conan”, most notably the “New York City Heckler.” He’s participated in more podcasts than I can count including WTF with Marc Maron, The Dana Gould Hour, and The Long Shot. He’s made appearances on “Community”, “Happy Endings”, “Flight of the Conchords”, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”… should I go on? OK, I will! He’s made you laugh with his crazy antics on the Puddin’ strip videos. He has a comedy album out called A Great Stillness. And if that wasn’t enough to impress you, he will be immortalized in the documentary, “The Bitter Buddha“. Now please enjoy this thoughtful chat with the boisterous funnyman. You will no doubt learn a few things you didn’t know about every comedian’s favorite comedian, Eddie Pepitone. Serial Optimist: Hi Eddie! You are on the road constantly. What would be your dream vacation and what would you do on this fantastic excursion?

Eddie Pepitone: I am not on the road constantly but I am starting to do a lot more road gigs. I am going on my dream excursion this August as I am going to do The Edinburgh Fringe Festival for the entire month. Comedy and Scotland. I have never been to Europe. This 53 year old man-child is finally going. I am going to do 26 shows in 28 nights. Now that’s a dream vacay. SO: The first time I saw you perform I wasn’t sure whether to cower in fear or laugh till my stomach hurt. Despite the initial confusion, I enjoyed EVERY freakin’ minute of the experience! What do you want your audience to take away from a performance? Eddie: I want them to come away thinking about what we do in our lives- who are we hurting? Who are we helping? Who are we serving? I want people to think about what role they play as citizens of the world. Also just how insane we all are. I think there is no doubt about that, we are all nuts from the jump. SO: How did you break into comedy? Was it always your destiny? Eddie: Total destiny. Born into a family so damaged, so broken that the only way I had to cope was go absurdist. SO: You have embraced Twitter and incorporated your tweets into your act. On your first live comedy

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album, “A Great Stillness” you read your savory tweets onstage. Do you think all comics should embrace new technologies and “spread their word” to audiences far and wide? Eddie: Yes! Why not use this insanely pervasive addictive technology and get people addicted to you. I resisted at first then realized- holy shit, I am my own PR and I can do it. SO: You have been a podcast guest, a podcast host, sidekick, and listener favorite. Your credits include WTF with Marc Maron, Comedy Bang! Bang!, and of course, The Long Shot, just to name a few. What is your craziest podcast anecdote? What podcast would you next like to conquer? Do you think we are at the point of podcast saturation or is there still room for little Johnny & Sally podcaster? Eddie: I love podcasts because I don’t have to yell, which I feel compelled to do in front of a live audience. I have been doing Dana Gould’s new podcast and that is a trip. Dana may be the funniest man walking the earth. I would love to do Greg Proops podcast; actually I just love them all. My fav one to be a guest on was Howard Kremer and Kulap’s “Who Charted?“. Maron’s podcast has been an amazing blast and great for my fan base. So many people found me through Marc and he sets me up and uses me to perfection, by giving me ‘the last word’ on his live ones when he is in LA. Yes there is room for any and all podcasts as long as they have a VOICE, something to say. SO: In your act you often discuss becoming a vegan. How’s that working out for you? Eddie: It is actually official I am a motherfucking vegan. Since January 1 I have had a couple of slips with cheese but come on it’s impossible not to have something non-vegan occasionally. I have never felt better and it’s amazing to commit to something I believe in (that animals are factory farmed and cruelly treated and I want no fucking part of it). SO: Congrats! That has to be so hard, but so worth it. We’ve seen you on “Conan”, “Whitney”, “The Muppets”, “Children’s Hospital”, “Happy Endings”, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and the list goes on and on. My personal favorite was your small but memorable bit on “Flight of the Conchords”. Which do you love more, acting or stand-up? Are they comparable? Eddie: I love them both. Stand up is by far more rewarding and artistically challenging. I want to get big roles in movies, and then maybe I can compare the two.

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SO: How did Puddin’ strip get started? What is your favorite live action cartoon “episode” and why? Eddie: Puddin was Matt Oswalt’s idea. He approached me and the rest is history. He writes and directs – he knows my voice! My fav cartoon? I hate cartoons, comics. I loved Gary Larson’s stuff, I love Matt Groening’s “Life in Hell“. SO: I just caught the trailer for “The Bitter Buddha” documentary. Will it reveal all there is to know about the great Eddie Pepitone? When will we able to view it in full Technicolor glory? Eddie: We are trying to get distribution now. Hopefully the summer, I am sure we will screen it soon! It will reveal more than I care to know. SO: You are truly the best. Thanks Eddie!

“I’m inspired by old cinema classics, musicals, fashion, music, patterns found in nature and Polish illustrators. Be A Kid Again is a tribute series which pays homage to icons from the early 20th century, which is my favorite era and source of inspiration.” –Tarik Mikou WWW.SERIALOPTIMIST.COM

THE REBEL LIGHT By Meredith Schneider Photo provided by The Rebel Light

Haven’t heard of The Rebel Light yet? Don’t stress we hadn’t heard of this folk/indie/rock band either (they’re new to the scene but already dominating), so it’s introductions all around. Hailing from both coasts, the guys have kept their talents all in the family—and have been able to draw from different cultural viewpoints to create their music. But what’s really amazing about these guys—besides their mad talent—is their humor and ability to paint a picture with their discourse. Curious about this fun band that is way newer to the music scene than some of your long-lost Garageband projects? Luckily enough, we got to sit down and ask these three guys a few questions right before their first show as a band. Serial Optimist: There isn’t much about you all online, but a lot of buzz. Please, introduce yourself! The Rebel Light: You are too kind. We are aiming to be the James Bond of the band world. Although right now we don’t have the cars, the money or the girl… but we have got the mystery part down I think? So we are The Rebel Light, comprised of 3 mysterious fellows Alan Steil, Jarrett Steil, and Brandon Cooke. SO: Well, it’s nice to meet you three! Now, where we did find information about you guys was on your Facebook page, which you just started posting on in February. I’m not sure there is a post on there

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that isn’t entertaining, so kudos! It seems like the Facebook page was born with the band. What brought you three together? TRL: Well it is a story that actually dates back a century…. Alan and Jarrett are brothers, but Brandon is actually a long lost cousin. You see, it dates back to the immigrant days back in NY. Alan and Jarrett’s Great, Great Grandfather, Hans, from Germany, was working construction in NY with Brandon’s Great, Great Grandfather, Edward, from Ireland. The two soon became firm friends and as luck would have it, Edward ended up marrying Hans’ sister, Hazel. Edward, being the adventurous drunk that he was, packed up his belongings and made the move with Hazel to California to strike it rich in the gold rush. The two families stayed in contact over the years, and when Alan and Jarrett decided to move to LA, they called up Brandon to start this band. SO: Well that is quite the story! It’s so nice that you have such a grasp on your family history. It’s a fun way to form a band! You posted about “slaving away” in your home studio in the San Bernardino Valley (aka a bathroom and a shed) to create your music. Are you all originally from that area? TRL: Brandon is a California native, hailing from the mountain village of Yuciapa while Alan and Jarrett

are from a little drinking hamlet known as Montauk NY where the beer flows like wine. SO: You really have this storytelling thing down! There is photographic evidence that you have been to New York, Colorado, and California. Where else have you toured? TRL: Alan and Jarrett were in a band before The Rebel Light that was actually based in Dublin Ireland (long story). They played 200 shows across the Emerald Isle, didn’t see the sun for a year and were permanently hung over. After one too many pints of Guinness they returned to the U.S. for some sunshine and eventually played their way to Los Angeles. Brandon is a mystery, therefore little is known about his live touring experience. One thing that we do know is that he was an accomplished skin flute player in his high school marching band. So to answer your question The Rebel Light is a brand new band and we actually popped our live cherry on July 25th quickly followed by The Catalpa Festival in NYC. SO: The Catalpa Festival is a big deal, featuring Snoop Dogg, The Black Keys, Girl Talk, and Matt and Kim, among others. What a great second gig! What has been your favorite adventure so far?   TRL: Getting caught in the middle of an Occupy LA riot during Art walk. SO: Wow. Now that just sounds like a nightmare. “Goodbye Serenade” is your first official single, and it’s amazing. How did this song come about? TRL: Thank you very much! We are really glad you like it! Some songs take days, weeks, or months to write. We were really fortunate with “Goodbye Serenade”, it was one of those 5 minute ones that just kind of wrote itself. Song writing can be really hard and you need to be extremely critical. Most of the stuff you write you usually hate and throw out. Every now and again you get off easy… literally. SO: Your music has a sound that seems to draw influence from several different eras. Which era would you have lived in, at what age, and why? TRL: I really like to embrace the moment we are in. I’m sure the late 60’s were an incredible and very interesting time to be in the prime of your youth but I like to think that I am right where I am meant to be. That being said I think any era would have had its moments except for hair metal in the 80’s. We should probably just erase that from history.

greatest influence(s) for The Rebel Light? TRL: We all have so many influences that vary pretty widely for each member. Jarrett draws a lot from many different bands like Muse and Toad the Wet Sprocket, Alan draws a lot from the Beatles, and Brandon draws a lot from Zeppelin and Chili Peppers. SO: All amazing acts to draw influence from, so we can’t complain. We really love what you’ve done with the music video. Did you choose the historical clips collaboratively? What kind of creative process went into that? TRL: Thank you! The original concept behind the video was to show that people are inherently good and to highlight what mankind is capable of achieving on a physical, emotional or mental level. We know it’s hard to look at things that way especially right now with the recent tragedy in Colorado, but we can’t let one person or the very few allow us to lose faith in humanity. I like the idea that no matter how dark things seem, there is always hope. As for creating the video there was a lot of brain storming about what clips would best demonstrate our capabilities as human beings, there was a lot of trial and error and of course editing, but in the end I think we were able to get the message across. SO: If you could tour with any band, who would it be? TRL: For the party: one of those hair metal bands I dissed earlier. For the music: not sure where to begin…. I think it would have been insane to experience Beatlemania; sadly we would have to tour with Justin Bieber today to experience the same level of mass hysteria. However I would rather chew off my own fingers than tour with Justin Bieber. No amount of success is worth your soul!. SO: Now that the video has given us a glimpse into the enormous accomplishments of mankind (and some fun footage of you guys), we are wondering what you hope to see The Rebel Light accomplish in the future? TRL: We hope to keep connecting with people and reach a larger audience. We plan to be pretty proactive with releasing new material as well. Every few months we hope to have a new EP out. I guess the most important thing is that we keep moving forward, stay focused and just try to write good music.

SO: What bands/sounds/people do you consider the WWW.SERIALOPTIMIST.COM

Ed Ruscha. Boy Meets Girl, 1987

MEET YOUR NEW COMEDY CRUSHES By David Dean No, this isn’t a “Hottie” list, or a “Girls Can Be Pretty and Funny?” list, or any kind of list that would be associated with say…Axe body spray. This is all about girls we have super big time crushes on, and you don’t become a super big time crush based on looks alone, it’s all about the smile, yours and the one you give us. These are ladies that could make any situation fun, like watching “The Real Housewives” or putting serious thought into their Us Weekly comments. Or they could all have bad qualities and be horrible human beings. But what’s the point of a crush if you can’t imagine them being that perfect person? The list features quite a few ladies from Upright Citizens Brigade and also television, movies and stand up, or a combination of all. Editors Note: *They are actually all lovely and not horrible human beings. *Sorry Internet, this list is Deschanel-less!

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Angela Trimbur on First Dates “UGH FIRST DATES! A POTENTIAL WASTE OF TIME! Just kidding. Nothing is a waste of time! At least let’s just kiss and see if there is “anything there at all.” (There isn’t.) Okay high five! We tried! Goodbye- let’s just hike or something as buds soon!”

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Rachel Bloom On Lady Geeks Defending Their Dorkdom “Ugh it’s such bullshit. First, compare any Internet comments on videos featuring women to videos featuring men, and the comments on women’s videos are infinitely worse. There is just a higher standard for women to be sexy, smart, authentic, proportional, etc. I also think that some people can’t believe that there are cute women out there who are also into cool, intellectual shit. I also think it angers some dudes- like, “Hey! This dorky world is my way of forgetting that I’m a social outcast! You’re not allowed to be hot AND like this world too!”

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Arden Myrin On Her Style “I just like playing dress up. In the same way I love design for my website and my home, I like a sense of play and dress up when I perform. I also feel cuter in dress and skirts. I don’t really think too much about the media age part of it- I think I was just born part drag queen.”

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Natasha Leggero On Writing a Joke â&#x20AC;&#x153;Something terrible has to happen to me in order to write a joke. Like Beyonce releases a new album or I turn on The Learning Channel.â&#x20AC;?

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“The Internet has been a big part of my life and career. I love the Internet because I can be myself with zero checkpoints or creative hierarchy and I can directly reach an audience. I did Friendster and MySpace, I blogged, I made videos with Variety Shac, and I did 2 web series (“Making Friends” and “All My Exes”). Currently, I use Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. These different web communities have certainly helped me gain new fans in different parts of the country. That’s particularly effective in combination with TV appearances. TV and internet feed each other: TV gets people googling, and online fans can become motivated to watch TV appearances based on online content. My only motivation to do more TV appearances is to grow my Twitter following.” WWW.SERIALOPTIMIST.COM

Photos: Angela Trimbur & Rachel Bloom (Robyn Von Swank), Arden Myrin (Marc Cartwright)Natasha Leggero (Amanda Friedman), Chelsea Peretti (Evan Sung)

Chelsea Peretti On How She Utilizes the Internet

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LESLEY ARFIN IS THE EPITOME By David Dean Lesley Arfin is everything any aspiring writer wants to be. She’s stylish, smart, funny, a little punk, and a lot NYC. She almost reminds you of a younger version of Californication’s Hank Moody. You might recognize her from her mega popular Vice column turned book “Dear Diary“. She’s also contributed to Street Carnage, Thought Catalog, Jezebel, Nylon, and many more of your favorite publications. But most recently you would find Arfin in the writing room for HBO’s “Girls“, the Lena Dunham created sensation that nobody can stop talking about. Read on for an interview with Lesley, and you will start to understand why we consider her one of the best writers working today. Serial Optimist: Hey Lesley! Are you more of an optimist, pessimist, or realist, and why? Lesley Arfin: Optimist because why not? Life is beautiful. SO: Agreed! You graduated from Hampshire College. Tell us a little bit about who you were in college, what kind of things you were into, and what you aspired to be at the time. Lesley: I was: drunk, fat, insecure, funny, addicted, dramatic, poetic, more drunk, more fat. I was into “Strangers With Candy” and karaoke and my friend Jesse Pearson who I looked up to. We thought we were cool (we were). I aspired to move to New York City and be a writer (I did!). SO: As far as professional writing, would you consider your column “Dear Diary” for Vice your first real big break? Lesley: Absolutely. SO: What was the process like having “Dear Diary” transition into a book? That must have been a dream come true. Lesley: It was exactly that! A true dream. I was sick

of doing the column every month but had this idea for how to turn it into a book as sort of closure. Vice had coincidentally just teamed up with MTV Books so it was perfect timing. I will never forget that experience and am grateful for it everyday. SO: Do you remember the first article, or first anything you wrote, that you finished and thought, “Wow. This is really good. This is what I’m supposed to be doing.” Lesley: Yes. My first article was about a fashion label called “Imitation of Imitation of Christ,” which I thought was really funny. There was a big art scene in New York during the early 2000s and things were usually very sarcastic, ironic, dirty, offensive–all that kind of stuff. Imitation Of Christ was a label started by Tara Subkoff and Matt Damhave who were very ‘on the scene,’ but then there was this secret team called IOIOC that sort of made fun of what they were doing, which was great because IOC was making fun of what that fashion industry was doing, but in doing that, they became very fashion-y and not as subversive. This was my first published article ever, it was in Vice. I had turned them on to these guys, which made me feel cool because I assumed Vice knew everything that was cool. In all fairness, they did know a lot more than I did, they just happened to not know about this. Gavin edited it of course, which was my first taste of “WTF have you done to my work you asshole?” which was a wonderful lesson. I’m making this answer long because I haven’t thought about it in so long. I was so happy when it came out. I didn’t tell anyone in my family either. I was so happy it was embarrassing for me. Imagine that? SO: How do you think social media has changed the process and development of writers? You’ve written for some stellar websites, do you credit online media to your success to some degree? I think it’s a great platform for aspiring writers to use, but some seem to believe it makes a lot of

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people just think they can write, without actually picking up books and reading, or getting an education, you know, the old school way. What are your thoughts? Lesley: Hmm well, yes I absolutely credit online media for some, if not most of my success. Magazines like Vogue or Vanity Fair weren’t going to hire me to write, my skills were not of that caliber. Before the Internet that’s all there was, pitching to different print magazines that came out once a month. It was very competitive and I was never a good journalist anyhow. The internet has created a space for writers like me, this weird world that’s not (only) fiction or news. Writers who are poets but not poets at all. A new genre maybe? What a wonderful time it was when I started my first blog (it was on diaryland.com <http://diaryland.com> ). And websites put out content every day rather than once a month. So work, although not as lucrative, became plentiful. I was “in demand” as a writer which never would have happened in the print world. I was a “Vice writer.” The only place for me then sadly was Vice (they paid like a penny a word). One thing I don’t believe in is writing for free. Just like the screenwriters guild, I wish there was a union for print and web writers. It lowers the standard of information when a site or magazine doesn’t have to pay a writer. Why would someone hire me for $100 per post when someone else will do it for free? Sure, they’ll do a shittier job, but it will be gone in 15 minutes anyway. It’s all for advertising and “hits.” There’s a union for everyone else, why not us? Now I don’t care if people “think they can write”. What’s the difference? If you write, you write. If you write well, you write well. So you never read Moby Dick? Cool, me either, who cares? If writing was based on how much or what we read, or “old school education”, I guess I wouldn’t be a “real” writer. Maybe the Notorious B.I.G. wouldn’t be either. What’s the difference between “acting confident” and actually just being confident? There is none. Same with writing. There’s no need to snob it up. SO: Well said, perfect, actually. “Girls”. Wow. Just truly so good, the first season is amazing. How did you become involved with Lena Dunham and the show?

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Lesley: I have an agent, Dan Shear, who kept encouraging me to write a pilot, saying it was the only way I would ever get a job on TV and start making more money. So, full of fear, I slowly started to write one. It wasn’t good. When I heard Lena was doing “Girls” (I loved Tiny Furniture), I started writing that pilot in a frenzy. With lots of notes and revisions I submitted it, as well as Dear Diary and some essays. I got the job. Getting that call was one of the happiest moments of my life! I couldn’t dream up a show I would rather work on. SO: Can you describe what the writer’s room is like on “Girls”? Lesley: Picture a UN conference with better snacks. SO: Do you have a favorite episode of the first season? Lesley: It’s a tie between “Vagina Panic” and “A Party In Bushwick aka The Crackcident”. SO: What song are you playing on repeat at the moment? Lesley: “You & Me” by Penny and the Quarters. SO: An all-time favorite of mine. Describe your perfect NYC day and night.

Lesley: Buying something and not feeling bad, reading at dusk, walking to meet my friends for dinner and hanging out doing nothing. It’s always summer. 84 degrees. A lot of good jokes are happening. No showers. All love. Nice breeze to fall asleep into clean sheets and a 24-hour marathon of the Real Housewives or something.

“Sometimes I consider my pictures accompanied by a soundtrack. Most often it’s rock-n-roll. Very loud rock-n-roll.” –Aaron Frisby WWW.SERIALOPTIMIST.COM

You need a laugh? You are finally ready to take the comedy plunge but there are so many names to choose from. Who is funny? Who is fresh? Who will make it worth my while? We’ve got you covered. These five comedians have caught our eye and we guarantee they bring the hard laughs. It’s like loving a band before they get mega huge and then when they do, you feel like you helped them get there, because you were there from day one. Welcome to day one.

Ron Funches: Ron Funches’ voice could soothe a savage beast. It’s a good thing his only opponent is the audience. Don’t let his unassuming demeanor fool you though; he’s got the comedy chops to plow down any audience. Subjects like weed and autism are just putty in his hands. He wins you over instantly and you are soothed with laughter. Twitter: @RonFunches

5 COMEDIANS YOU SHOULD KNOW NOW By Deborah Thomasian Mike Burns: This guy gets on stage and instantly emits a vibe. He is collected. He is confident. He is brash. He turns the inappropriate into comedy gold. For goodness sake, he made his own stabbing funny. The man behind the Dadboner Twitter feed is breaking ground. And he is sure to tear up a venue near you. Twitter: @pizzanachos69

Ron Funches photo credit: Photo by Liezl Estipona Mike Burns photo credit: Photo by Kimberly Millard

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Myq Kaplan: When I hear the name Myq Kaplan I immediately think “clever and surprising” (and a dead ringer for The Simpsons’ Millhouse). Myq’s jokes have a clean set-up and conclude with an amazingly ingenious twist. He maintains a calm appearance throughout his sets and leaves the audience begging for mercy. Twitter: @myqkaplan

DC Pierson: DC is mild-mannered thinking man’s comedian who you’ve probably seen in countless commercials. Allstate Insurance ring any bells? Included among his many accomplishments are a novel, The Boy Who Couldn’t Sleep and Never Had To, and vocals on Childish Gambino’s mixtapes. Don’t miss his terrific stand-up and improvisational comedy at a theatre near you. Twitter: @DCpierson

Sean Patton: Sean has seen a thing or two in his time and is not afraid to share it with his audiences. He has a twinkle in his eye and a devilish grin. His jokes are honest and original and we wouldn’t want it any other way. Twitter: @mrseanpatton

Myq Kaplan photo credit: Photo by Kyle Minozo Sean Patton photo credit: Photo by Devin Das DC Pierson photo credit: Photo by Cassie Wright WWW.SERIALOPTIMIST.COM

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“Maddie traveled with me across all 50 states. Quite simply Maddie The Coonhound is a super serious project about dogs and physics. And fun.” –Theron Humphrey WWW.SERIALOPTIMIST.COM

THE BEARDED, HUNGRY, HILARIOUS, STORYTELLING GENIUS THAT IS KYLE KINANE By Zhila Shariat He has one of our favorite beards in comedy and a style of storytelling that has landed him appearances on Conan, Comedy Central Presents, Judd Apatow’s Funny People, and helped make his critically acclaimed album Death of the Party one of the best comedy albums in the last year. Not only is Kyle Kinane a hilarious stand-up comic, but he also is the “voice” of Comedy Central, spending part of his time recording voice-overs for promotional spots. He is on every “Best Of” list you can find when it comes to comedy, and truly is one of our favorites. Originally from Chicago and now based in LA, Kyle spoke with us from Indiana. Read on for more on his writing process, upcoming projects, and the only tweet he’s ever deleted. Serial Optimist: Hi Kyle – tell us a little bit about you. Where are you right now as you respond to this interview? Kyle Kinane: I’m in the lobby of a hotel in South Bend, IN. The ethernet cable in the room had boogers on it or something so I’m down in the lobby getting work done and not looking at boobs. SO: You’re pals with Matt Braunger and Mike Burns, and my editor David has a dream to tear up the town with you guys sometime soon. What madness would that consist of? Kyle: I would get hungry, Braunger would get dancy, and Burns would get laid. SO: How did you get your start in comedy? Kyle: It was the next enticing dead-end after I realized I was bad at music. I needed to have an outlet. I didn’t think it was going to be a career. Just needed something with my free time. Some people, it’s their jobs, or their relationships. At least comedy made me feel productive–sure, I’m sitting at a bar with my friends every night, but there’s an open mic in the other room, so I’m there as a responsibility to my craft. It’s like finding your retirement hobby when you’re 22. “Oh, this is why I get up every day.” I totally understand the model train enthusiasts. I get it. SO: Your album Death of the Party was quite successful – what do you think makes your comedy different than others, and how did you develop your

style? What is your writing process like? Kyle: I don’t know. Don’t spend much time analyzing it. I try to present what I think is funny and lure others into it. It’s not for everyone, but nothing creative ever should be. But I don’t think I’m inaccessible either. I’m not trying to be elitist by any means. I’m middle of the road, but that road isn’t very well traveled in the first place. Metaphors, oh boy! There’s no writing process. I have a funny idea so I go on stage and try to find it. Read a blog recently where the author was very upset with that type of process, was very offended that a comedian would take the stage without a fully-written concept. He’s entitled to his opinion, but I thought he was way off. To say that there’s only one way to find out what was funny was very short-sighted. People that start out as writers can have that approach sometimes, sure. But I’m a barroom bullshitter type. I don’t write out my conversations first. I go and sit there and bullshit with people and have a laugh, and that’s how I try to approach comedy. I’m going to go up there and hang out with everyone–let’s all laugh at something together. SO: Who are some of you current favorite comedians? Kyle: Braunger and Burns for sure. Quality standup is rampant right now. So many people in the scene. Different cities are packed full of some of the best comics nobody knows about (yet). The Beards of Comedy from Atlanta just moved out and everyone will know a bunch about them soon, not to mention a lot of the folks still there in Atlanta and Athens. Bloomington, Indiana has an amazing scene. College kids that are absorbing all the standup out there and instead of mimicking, they’re taking that influence and running with it. The Northwest–Portland and Seattle have great scenes. A lot of people are approaching comedy as an art instead of for a quick route to fame. That’s the right reason. They’re using it as a form of expression and focusing on the craft without stressing about any commercial viability. Not to mention this is taking place in non-traditional venues or independently run clubs that are concentrated more on putting on a quality show rather than the number of blue drinks and chicken tenders sold. I know that’s how they make the money, but nobody’s going to come back if the show sucks. Clientele never says “The comedy was mediocre but the mozzarella sticks

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were to die for! Can’t wait to come back.” SO: All time song to rock out to? Kyle: Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man. Duh. SO: What’s the worst place you’ve ever woken up at after a night of madness? Kyle: I slept on the rocks where Lawrence Ave nue meets Lake Michigan (in Chicago). I couldn’t scale the wall into St. Bonafice Cemetery, which had been my first choice. SO: When you get hecklers, what is your reaction? Do you ignore them, bust their balls, have fun with it, or just embarrass the shit out of them? Kyle: I hate them. I don’t travel all over the place to come babysit drunks. If they’re malicious, I go after them. I have no qualms asking people to leave or having them kicked out. If they’re drunk and affable, I try to have some fun but let them know that they should shut up after a minute. But if they’re dicks, I want them gone. If I’m in the middle of a longer story, and I get interrupted, it messes with the whole flow. I don’t care what Bill Burr says about how comedy should be this tough guy boxing match between a performer and an audience. I don’t believe that at all. Bill Burr is great at it, don’t get me wrong, as are a lot of guys. But it’s not my style. SO: You’re a pretty avid Twitter user. Being known for a storytelling style of comedy, it’s quite different to squeeze a joke into 140 characters. Ever delete any tweets? (If so, what’s the last tweet you deleted?) Kyle: The only tweet I remember deleting was a picture I took of someone at a bar and made some comment about him. I didn’t like myself for that.

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SO: You’ve been names on several “Top Comedians To Watch” lists. Did that create additional pressure for you or just help promote your work? Kyle: It’s both. It was easier to surprise people when they didn’t know who I was, but now I can show up somewhere and have a bit of a crowd for my type of comedy, which is nice. People know what they’re getting into, but then they also have expectations they want met, so it’s both. SO: You have some stellar festivals lined up this summer with Bonnaroo and Just for Laughs. How excited are you to be included in these festivals, and how do big festivals like this compare to smaller more intimate shows, aside from the obvious? Kyle: I’m excited. I’m still not over how many experiences I get to have just by being a comedian. I’m beyond privileged to be able to see so much music and comedy in my life, and to travel as well. The big festivals are the commercials for the intimate shows. I get to do 10 or 20 minutes for a bunch of people who are at a festival to take it all in, and then when I return to wherever they’re from for a smaller show and a longer set, I hope they remember me. “Hey, we saw Kyle with all those sweaty people in a tent last summer. Let’s go see him at a bar for ten bucks when he passes through here next week.”

your career to take you?

SO: You wrapped a pilot last year, and you’re the “voice” on Comedy Central – what other opportunities are you pursuing, and where would you like

Kyle: Got a few things happening now, so we’ll have to see how they turn out. Nothing is ever certain, even when you see it all done and beautiful someone can still pull the plug. I try not to have the answers to the “what’s next” questions. Just going with it. Leave the wheel unmanned and see where I end up.

“When visiting my hometown I discovered a photo archive that was centuries old. I decided to recycle and develop images through digital collage and manipulation to give them a new lease on life in a new century. But what it really comes down to is, ‘that gal has a stamp on her head’.” –Lucy Knott WWW.SERIALOPTIMIST.COM

THE GOOD BUNK: KURT BRAUNOHLER By Deborah Thomasian

Serial Optimist: Greetings Kurt! Quick! What is your favorite game show of all time and why? I could be carbon dating myself but my favorite would have to be “The Match Game”, hands down. You can’t go wrong with a mix of charming host, Gene Rayburn, quirky celebrity panelists like Charles Nelson Reilly, and so many clueless contestants. Am I right?

that prize hole! Is it a new car or a punch in the face?! Such beautiful tension. And STFU5K was just groundbreaking in how many people simply could not shut the fuck up. Very cool concept. Also, I love silence, so when they won, I won.

Photo by Seth Olenick

If you want to laugh so hard your sombrero falls off and you drop your taco then you need to get on the Kurt Braunohler bandwagon STAT. This seasoned New York comedian’s brand of comedy is honest, edgy and perhaps slightly perverse. Kurt does not shy away from the unconventional, so it is no surprise he has landed the role of host on IFC’s summer hit anti-game show BUNK. Trust me. You will not want to miss all the shenanigans June 8. Besides Bunk, you can catch Kurt on TV in “Bob’s Burgers” on FOX; “Delocated”, “The Heart She Holler”, and Assy McGee on Adult Swim; Comedy Central Presents, and John Oliver Stand Up (airing later this month) on Comedy Central (amongst many other credits). But TV isn’t the only place you see Kurt’s talents. He manages to write and participate in a long-standing variety show with Kristen Schaal, gives free relationship advice on Vice, create original videos, perform stand-up, and recount personal Rumspringa adventures on This American Life. Still not impressed? Well, Kurt was featured in Time Out NY’s recent 50 funniest and named “Comic to Watch” by Comedy Central, “Best Male Standup” by the ECNY and “Best Unscripted Host” at the NY Television Festival AND just got the big news that he is one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch in 2012”. So there! Now strap on those seatbelts and get ready for the wildly hilarious ride that is Kurt Braunohler.

And finally, yes, you are right.

SO: Phew! You host the new IFC anti-game show, BUNK, which premiered in June. IFC describes it as a “panel of comedians that compete in inane challenges to win surreal Kurt Braunohler: Shit! Quick! Ummmm…. prizes.” Did you have to audition or were Off the top of my head I’d have to say my fayou approached by IFC? What’s the silliest vorite game show would be a tie between “Stick thing that’s happened this season? Could you Your Head in the Prize Hole” and “Shut the describe the surreal prizes? Fuck Up for $5,000!” I loved Stick Your Head Kurt: The creators Ethan T. Berlin and Eric because you just never knew what would be in Bryant approached me to help host and formu-

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late the show when they self-produced our first pilot a few years ago, which we submitted to the New York TV Festival. IFC picked it up for development from there. We shot another pilot with them and then they bought 10 episodes. The silliest thing that happened is difficult because almost everything is stupid and silly on the show (just the way I like it.) But my favorite moment might have been when, during game play, a laser appears on comedian Chris Gethard’s forehead. I scream “We’ve got a sniper!” pull out a rifle and shoot a sniper before he can run away. I then casually throw the gun off camera and continue playing the game like nothing happened. It was clean and awesome. The prizes are what we call the contestants’ “Non Charitable Causes.” Some causes are as simple as “Playing to get my Teeth Fixed” to “Playing to get my Parents to Remarry after 20 years of Divorce” or even “Playing to Clone My Girlfriend So I can Have a Three-way She’s Cool with”. Each cause has a manifestation on the Non-Charitable Causes couch, so every day, on set, we had aliens, Bigfoots, mad scientists and more weird shit sitting there. SO: For those just discovering Kurt for the first time, can you tell the n00bs how you got your start in comedy? Was it always your dream to be a comedian?

Photo by Eric Michael Pearson

Kurt: I got my start improvising at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in 1999. I did improv religiously for 6 years and then met Kristen Schaal in 2005 and started writing sketch with her. I started writing and performing stand up for myself maybe 4 years ago. And here I am. I’ll have my first set of stand up on TV on Comedy Central’s John Oliver New York Stand Up Show this summer. I’m very excited. But, no, it was not my dream to be a comedian. As a kid I wanted to be either a Priest or a Marine Biologist. Then I realized I loved to fuck and was bad at science. So, Stand Up it was. SO: Speaking of Kristen, you’ve had many successful collaborations with her like the NYC staple variety show “Hot Tub”, and the popular web series, “Penelope Princess of Pets”, aka “P:PofP”. How and where did you meet? Did this comedic rapport develop immediately? How would you describe your roles in developing new material? Kurt: Around 2005, Kristen and I were both improvising at a theatre in NYC called the PIT. I wanted to start a variety show and had asked the Artistic Director of the theatre about it and he told me that Kristen had just asked him the same thing. I knew she was backstage at the time, so I simply walked backstage and yelled across a crowded room, “Hey you wanna start a variety show?” and she said, “Sure!” We had had one conversation for about 30 seconds before that, but we both just liked the cut of each other’s jib. Turns out we worked really well

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together and had the same sensibilities. Our process to develop new material is a lot like anyone’s I guess. We go to Kristen’s Idea Lab out on her ranch in New Mexico where I’ve built kind of a cave-grotto-cum-hot-tub-sauna room. We sit in the sauna for a good 45 minutes, until we’re almost dead, then we plunge into the ice-cold water in the cave. We float to the bottom (because we’ve tied rocks to our ankles) and then Kristen or I will be inspired to mouth one word, like “fart” or “cheese doo-doo”. Then we’ll rise to the surface and start the nitty gritty hashing out of what that word means using finger paints on the cave wall. No judgments is the rule here. Then we pay a local man to come and photograph everything, but not with normal film, with infrared film. We then retire to her cabin with cups of cocoa and look at those images. That usually

got the band for 6 hours. We shot that whole video in roughly six hours, minus 1 other day of green screen without the band. And it was awesome. It was so much fun. And then after we finished the whole thing, and we liked it, and the band liked it, and Matador liked it, and we were like “Here Matador! We made a video for your band for FREE!” then the lawyers got involved and just shat all over the party. Beggar’s Group whom reps Matador would NOT let us “use” the music from “their band” in a video for SuperDeluxe. Superdeluxe would NOT let the video be shown on sites other than their own. It was awful. It just shows you how creative collaboration can get destroyed by corporate bureaucracy and greed. It was so fucked. So the video was just sitting on the shelf for a year and we were not allowed to release

“As a kid I wanted to be either a Priest or a Marine Biologist. Then I realized I loved to fuck and was bad at science. So, Stand Up it was.”

will become the skeleton of one of our sketches. SO: One episode of P:PofP doubled as the video for the New Pornographer’s “Mutiny, I promise you.” How did you end up working with the band? Would you produce videos for other bands in the future? Have you ever opened for a band? If so, what was your worst experience?  Kurt: Kristen and I were both fans of the band and she met them in London some time ago. I later met Carl Newman through some comedy connections (he loves comedy.) And our friend and collaborator Scotty Landes’ cousin worked at Matador and had approached him about seeing if he knew any comedians who would want to work on a video for the NPs. We had also, separately, been approaching the band about making a video for them. So it was like a perfect storm. We were in the middle of producing 9 more episodes of P:PoP and thought we could use the Superdeluxe money to make a video AND an episode of Penelope. (Superdeluxe was a now-defunct comedy website run by Turner.) And the band was down to do it! And the label was down to do it! We

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it. By the time it came out, the record had been out for a LONG time and hardly anyone saw the video. Which sucks. Because I think it’s a cool video. Wow, I haven’t talked about that in years. Thanks for listening. SO: I guess showbiz really isn’t all sunshine and roses. Now I must, Must, MUST ask you about the Rumspringa experience you embarked on with your long time girlfriend of 13 years. What motivated you to recount this funny yet touching tale on This American Life with Ira Glass (Episode 457, to be exact)? Do you find it cathartic to talk about personal moments on stage? Do you ever get any grief for using your past as a source of material? (For those unfamiliar with Rumspringa, it is the period when Amish youth may “run around” and engage in rebellious behavior before they are taken in as adult members of the church.)  Kurt: I had been using that story as a framework for an hour long stand up show I was going to bring to Edinburgh last year (which got cancelled because I

Photo by Anya Garrett

ended up shooting a part on “The Heart She Hollers” for Adult Swim instead.) But I just didn’t know what to do with the story after I had done that show a few times. My friend Elna Baker, who was working for TAL on finding comedians for the show, approached me and asked me to pitch some ideas. I pitched that and they seemed interested. Then I wrote out my whole one man show and Elna looked at it and was like “This isn’t the story, this is a frame work for jokes.” Which was true. That’s how I had been using it. So I went back to the drawing board and just wrote, in horrifying honesty exactly what happened. And out of

that document, combined with the other one, was how they brought me in for the interview. Originally it was just going to be a 5-minute quickie story, but after Ira finished he said “I think this could be 20.” And then it was. It still is a surreal experience, start to finish. I’m not sure talking about it is cathartic anymore. Maybe when I first told it. But it still always feels good to talk. The interview with Ira was interesting and fun. We talked for over 2 hours. He really is amazing at what he does. Everyone at TAL is. They know how to make you sound good even when you don’t. But now that it’s this “thing” in my life, it does feel a little weird to talk about it all the time. But being a stand up is a lot about vulnerability and connecting with an audience. So it’s part of the tools of the trade, I guess. My ex has never been upset about it being out there. She’s maybe uncomfortable that people who know me and know her now know a little bit about her personal life. She’s always been supportive. But for other projects people have gotten upset with me. It’s inevitable. I hope after the emotion runs out, they’ll be able to see that I’m making something that’s a testament, not exploitation. SO: An acquired smell indeed! Besides stand-up, variety shows, game show hosting, radio, you also act and do voice work on TV. Shows like Bob’s Burgers and Delocated have a strong following. Do you tend to seek out work that’s more edgy or does it find you? Where will we find Kurt Braunohler next? Kurt: I just work. If only the weirdos like me, I’m fine with that. Currently I’m working on turning the story I told on This American Life into a TV show, doing a pilot for BBC3 with Kristen, doing a ton of stand up, continuing my late night talk show “Night of the Living with Kurt Braunohler” and my variety show “Hot Tub with Kurt and Kristen”. You should totally book me at your college. SO: Book him now! Keep up the stellar work Kurt. Thanks!

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“I desire that my artworks will travel in the always new, unknown world. I pray everyday for this and I put in my artwork secret prayers, sure. I can listen to all the thoughts and voices of the entire solar system. Oh, and I love fashion.” –Claudio Parentela

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