Serial Optimist Interviews

Thug Life: An Interview With Moshe Kasher

Deborah ThomasianMay 10, 2013

Hmmm…what words immediately come to mind when describing this talented comedian/writer/actor? Engaging, astute, tawdry, vulnerable, charming, pornographic, hairy and funny are just some descriptions that come to mind. Moshe Kasher is no cookie cutter... Read More...

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Baron Vaughn Brings The Non Stop Laughs

Jazmine HillMay 9, 2013

Baron Vaughn is one funny dude with the coolest name in stand up. His style is super high energy, fun and just plain silly. Perfect for SO! He’s been on a number of TV shows from late night appearances to his role as Leo on "Fairly Legal" (the shows ... Read More...

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Need A Woman Who Can Do It All? Holler At Stacey Hallal!

Monique MadridMay 7, 2013

I knew Stacey Hallal was an awesome lady. We’d met several times while she was still living in Chicago. I always loved how driven she was, not to mention friendly and funny. Over the years I’ve kept up with her on Facebook. I congratulated her when s... Read More...

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LeVar Burton: An Icon Seeks A New Iconic Role

Monique MadridMay 3, 2013

When I first asked LeVar Burton to do an interview with me to talk about him wanting to be the next host of “Jeopardy,” it was in one of those, “Why not? You never know,” sort of ways. It started with a tweet, then an open letter. Not only did he say... Read More...

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Megan Amram Is Real, & Really Funny, & Really Just The Best

David DeanApril 18, 2013

Social media, specifically Twitter, has been such a huge platform with a constant audience to speak to for writers, comedians and really anyone with functioning fingers. Twitter has made careers; it has been the launching point for many who are domin... Read More...

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Such A Delight: Interview With Robin Bacior

Meredith SchneiderApril 18, 2013

Robin Bacior is pure magic. It’s difficult to pinpoint her sound exactly, but what comes to mind is a vision of She & Him dancing through a colony of fairies in the woods in Portland. Seriously. And we're totally in love. Robin calls Portland hom... Read More...

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Loving The Genuine & Super Funny Michael Blaiklock

Jazmine HillApril 17, 2013

Michael Blaiklock is a funny guy from Massachusetts who you probably know best from playing Eli on “Don’t Trust the B---- in Apartment 23”. But, what you may not know is that… well, you’ll have to read it to find out! He’s a genuinely good guy who re... Read More...

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Lauren Lapkus Is One Crazy, Talented Woman

Monique MadridApril 12, 2013

I met Lauren Lapkus several years ago in Chicago when she was improvising at one of the various theaters around town. Back then, she was known as a quirky and extremely talented actress with fantastic characters pouring out of her. These days, nobody... Read More...

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Allen Strickland Williams: A Man We LOVE

Jazmine HillApril 10, 2013

Allen Strickland Williams. Our Funny, Florida friend. He’s one fourth of the sketch group WOMEN and a stand-up comic in LA. He has a one-liner style of comedy that he delivers with great timing. He’s really funny and a really good guy. You can pick u... Read More...

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The Charm, Supportiveness & Hilarity That Is Cameron Esposito

Monique MadridApril 8, 2013

Even though I had already been doing comedy for years, I had always been terrified of stand up. It’s intimidating on so many levels, so a couple of years ago, to get over my fear I took a class, “The Feminine Comique” with the incomparable Cameron Es... Read More...

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CURRENTS: With Mike Burns & Mike Bridenstine

Jazmine HillApril 8, 2013

Welcome to Currents! This is where we ask people what their current favorites are. Same questions, different guests! We’ve got double trouble with the two Mikes. First we have Mike Burns. He’s a writer/comedian you can find in LA. He’s super funny... Read More...

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Dan Telfer: Falling Down, Working Hard And Penguins

Monique MadridApril 5, 2013

Dan Telfer worked his ass off in the Chicago standup scene, becoming one of the most respected local performers, producing one of the best comedy shows in town (Chicago Underground Comedy), performing with the biggest names in the biz and teaching ot... Read More...

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Bryan Cook & Competitive Erotic Fan Fiction

Jazmine HillApril 4, 2013

Bryan Cook is a comedian from Maine who made his way to LA to fulfill his comedy dreams. The former musician is now the host of "Competitive Erotic Fan Fiction." He currently writes for “Fashion Police” and if there’s anything you should know about h... Read More...

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Monique Madrid Is A Multi-Talented Laugh Creator

David DeanApril 1, 2013

You often hear from people in the acting industry, or people who wear Ed Hardy in general, that they aren't just actors or music DJ's, that they are involved in every aspect of the fame industry. Then there are the real multitaskers, the people who a... Read More...

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