Deborah Thomasian

Matt Besser Interview: The Greatest Man Alive?

Deborah ThomasianOctober 5, 2012

When done properly, improv is an astounding art form. When done poorly, well, don’t ask. I think you could safely say Matt Besser has tamed the improv “beast”. In fact, he has elevated the art form and helped garner an audience eager for innovative e... Read More...

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Tyler Ross Shoots The Smiles & Brings The Smiles

Deborah ThomasianOctober 5, 2012

Tyler Ross is a man who is comfortable in his own skin, brilliantly colorful skin, as a matter of fact. This California native has carved out his own special place in the photography world. Tyler has combined his love of photography and comedy, docum... Read More...

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SO Recap: RIOT LA 2012

Deborah ThomasianSeptember 28, 2012

The 2012 RIOT LA comedy festival made good on its Kickstarter promise this past weekend. One city block was transformed into a gathering place of the best in alt comedy with the added bonus of a marketplace, food, and booze. The festival offered just... Read More...

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Jensen Karp & Gallery 1988

Deborah ThomasianSeptember 26, 2012

If you live in LA and have even an inkling of what's going on around you then you are quite familiar with the sister galleries that bear the name Gallery 1988. In 8 years Gallery 1988 has established itself as the preeminent home of pop culture art, ... Read More...

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Ron Funches Is Instant Smiles

Deborah ThomasianSeptember 20, 2012

Ron Funches could be the poster child for Serial Optimist. He epitomizes happiness. He seems to possess a great zeal for life that is reflected in his comedy. You could call him the “Mr. Rogers of Comedy” with a funky edge. Ron has roots in Chicago a... Read More...

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JC Coccoli Is All Style, All Smiles, & The Hippest Kind Of Sweet

Deborah ThomasianSeptember 17, 2012

JC Coccoli is quickly climbing up the Hollywood ladder (not to be confused with Jacob's Ladder). This gal is the whole package fellas. She is charming, witty, fashion-conscious and hella funny. And might I point out that I find her accent sublime. JC... Read More...

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Interview With Jonah Ray

Deborah ThomasianSeptember 13, 2012

He co-hosts the wildly popular Nerdist Podcast and “Nerdist” BBC America roundtable TV program. He writes for a little show called “The Soup on E!”. Together with Kumail Nanjiani he hosts LA Weekly’s #1 comedy show in LA, The Melltdown, at the Nerdme... Read More...

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The Meltdown Experience

Deborah ThomasianSeptember 10, 2012

It is not a surprise The Meltdown show with Jonah Ray and Kumail Nanjiani was named the best comedy show in Los Angeles by the LA Weekly. Every Wednesday evening at 8:30p Meltdown showcases some of the top comedy acts in the city. The amount of love ... Read More...

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Brent Weinbach: Penises, Poo Poo & Dance Moves

Deborah ThomasianSeptember 5, 2012

Brent Weinbach defies convention in every possible way. He is hailed for his experimental style and deadpan delivery. However, attempting to describe his comedy inevitably ends up in a contradiction of words. Intelligent and stupid. Dark and innocent... Read More...

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Get To Know Will Weldon Before Everyone Else Does (Which Will Be…Anytime Now)

Deborah ThomasianAugust 27, 2012

You might as well surrender now because you are no match for “babyface” Weldon. He will win you over with his twinkly gaze and razor sharp wit. A transplant from the land of hockey and poutine, Will Weldon is making his mark on the LA comedy scene. H... Read More...

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Brendon Walsh Is Covered In Vomit

Deborah ThomasianAugust 16, 2012

Remember what happened when the Gremlins ate after midnight? Well, apparently that’s what happens when you interview Brendon Walsh. Sheer madness. Pure intoxication. You just have to love him and bear with the hilarious consequences. I’d like to bel... Read More...

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Skulls & Comedy: Meet Illustrator Dave Kloc

Deborah ThomasianAugust 14, 2012

I recall the first time I attended "The Meltdown" comedy show at the Nerdmelt theatre in Hollywood. I came away from the experience feeling extremely satisfied, but it wasn't only for the reasons you might think. Yes, I laughed heartily. There were a... Read More...

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You Should Absolutely Know Jim Hamilton

Deborah ThomasianAugust 8, 2012

Comedian Jim Hamilton is one of our all-time favorites here at Serial Optimist, and if you aren't familiar with him, we are big time excited to introduce. His new album Poems About the Ocean (out now) is a must listen, and after you read this intervi... Read More...

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Rachel Bloom Is Just The Best

Deborah ThomasianAugust 7, 2012

Her musical comedy videos are bigger head turners than Ryan Lochte’s grill. F*** Me Ray Bradbury alone has garnered her close to 2 million YouTube views. For peet’s sake, this viral commodity was nominated for a Hugo Science Fiction award! Her music ... Read More...

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