So What Do You Really Do?

Host Deadair Dennis sits down with comedian and podcaster Benny Blue to talk about his audacious and heartfelt debut comedy special, *Live From My Mother’s Funeral*. Blending stand-up, storytelling, and one-man-show vibes, Benny’s special uses his unique relationship with his late mother to mine comedy gold from grief. They also dive into behind-the-scenes tales of podcasting and audio production, sharing stories about difficult guests, tricky cohosts, and the grind of the content game. Tune in for a conversation that’s as raw and real as it is funny. Find Benny’s special, *Live From My Mother’s Funeral*, streaming now on YouTube, Spotify, and iTunes.

Who finishes the Boston Marathon on a unicycle and still has energy to make the world laugh? Alex “The Jester” Feldman, the gibberish-speaking, rule-breaking performer who’s redefined what it means to be a “wise fool.” On this episode of So What Do You Really Do?, Deadair Dennis Maler digs into Alex’s extraordinary journey from anthropology student to Commedia dell’arte-inspired trailblazer.They discuss how a college juggling club ignited Alex’s passion for physical comedy, leading him to train at the Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theater, and how a pivotal performance at Montreal’s Just for Laughs launched his career. Alex shares stories about family tragedy, the unicycle stunt that turned heads (and caused some headaches), and the philosophy of being a modern-day fool with something to say. This episode is a masterclass in following your passion, bending the rules, and embracing the absurd. KEEP UP WITH ALEXWhile most comedy engages the language center of our brain, Alex’s visual humor, sight g

From houseboats to Hollywood, Dawn Brodey has lived a life as diverse as her comedic style. Join Deadair Dennis and guest Dawn Brodey, comedian and host of the hilarious podcast, "HILF: History I'd Like to F**k", as they explore Dawn's colorful past, her passion for history, and the bright lights of Hollywood. Hit that subscribe button, show some love, and prepare to laugh with with the unfiltered wit of Deadair Dennis and his guest Dawn Brodey!KEEP UP WITH DAWNA comedian with a history degree. Dawn Brodey began performing in Minneapolis, Minnesota after graduating from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She studied and performed improv with the prestigious Dudley Riggs Brave New Workshop, was a company member of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, and wrote three historical plays. She started doing stand-up in LA and has performed everywhere (Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, Ice House). Dawn is also a freelance writer (Netflix, Paramount, City Pages) and actress (Pretty Little Liars, Days of our Lives, Cruel Hearts).

Ever wondered what it takes to be a professional clown? Bri Crabtree shares how she turned her childhood hobby into a career that brings joy to countless kids. Originally discovered on TikTok (proof that the algorithm can sometimes get it right!), Bri is a self-taught juggler, unicyclist, and clown with a knack for captivating audiences of all ages. From her early days of juggling in secret to her decision to leave a career in wildlife biology behind, Bri shares her inspiring story of pursuing her passion. Discover how she found her niche in children's entertainment and the unique challenges and rewards of being a woman in the industry. Now stop clowning around and hit "play!" KEEP UP WITH BRI Bri Crabtree is based in Oakland, California and has over 20 years experience in children’s entertainment. Bri is professionally trained in juggling, unicycling, magic, mime, dance, and clowning. She performs all over the world, whether it’s by train, airplane, or logging into a virtual show. Bri’s mission is to buil

Deadair Dennis welcomes the hilarious Janelle Draper to the show. A bicostal comedian with roots in Boston and a career launch in LA, Janelle spills the beans on her time as an NBC Page on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. From behind-the-scenes secrets to the origins of this iconic program, this episode is a must-listen for fans of comedy and late-night television.

Ever wonder what it's REALLY like to be a comedian on the rise? Join us for a fun dive behind the scenes with comedian, writer, and "Golden Girls" expert Danielle Soto. Danielle shares her funny and touching misadventures as a tour guide at Universal Studios in Hollywood, along with hilarious tales making her way from the Boston comedy scene to the glamour of LA.

"Bite Me Bambi's" frontwoman Tahlena Chikami joins Deadair Dennis Maler to spill the tea on her journey from child actor in sunny Orange County to ska queen. The musician and actress reveals the struggles of being a child actor, the fight for female voices in music, and how she finally found creative fulfillment in her career.  Tune in for a raw look at the entertainment industry, the unexpected paths life takes, and why a former child star might just be leading the next generation of ska rebels. It's gonna get loud!

Meet Zach Sherwin, comedic rapper, writer, and former scribe behind the rhymes on The CW's hit show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. You might also recognize Zach from his epic throwdowns on the YouTube series Epic Rap Battles of History. Zach and Dennis discuss the strange jobs comedians take on (because, let's be honest, comedy doesn't always pay the bills). They also explore Zach's lifelong love of language, from spelling bees to hip hop. Zach reveals how his Jewish heritage surprisingly influenced his love of rap, and how he went from college comedy groups to open mics in Boston, eventually landing in LA. Later, they delve into the symbolism of numbers and wordplay in Jewish culture, and Zach shares more about his experience on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.  Get ready to laugh and learn alongside these two comedy wordsmiths! KEEP UP WITH ZACH Zach Sherwin (born July 1, 1980) is an American comedian, rapper, writer, and actor best known for writing for and performing in the Epic Rap Battles of History YouT

Ever wondered what goes on behind the controller of a popular video game journalist? This week's episode is a side quest into the world of gaming with Ash Paulsen, co-founder of Good Vibes Gaming and son of the iconic voice actor Rob Paulsen! From his early days at GameXplain and Nickelodeon, to building his own gaming juggernaut, Ash spills the secrets on his career path, the evolution of PAX and other conventions, and the future of streaming. He also shares insight into his childhood growing up in Hollywood as the son of a famous actor. It's a hilarious and insightful look at the world of gaming, one power-up at a time!`

Join host Deadair Dennis Maler as we dive into the comedy and off-stage life of Mitch Shapiro, a comedian who is blind and hard of hearing due to Usher syndrome, and an advocate for those with disabilities. Mitch shares his inspiring journey living with Usher syndrome, from traveling in a motorhome to discussing the challenges and joys of cochlear implants. His story sheds light on the importance of open dialogue about disabilities and mental health. Tune in as Mitch reflects on his experiences founding Help America Here, navigating the comedy scene, and finding humor in life's struggles.

Ever wondered if your therapist secretly moonlights as a comedian? This week on "So What Do You Really Do?", Deadair Dennis Maler dives into the fascinating life of Dr. Ellen Orchid, a psychiatrist who's been cracking skulls (both metaphorical and comedic) since the 80s NYC boom.Ellen shares incredible stories of performing alongside female comedic icons and the challenges they faced. They'll also talk about her time on 'The View' and her role portraying a psychiatrist on 'The Sopranos.' They also dive deep into her experiences in medical school and the advancements in psychology and psychiatry over the years, including the use of ketamine therapy. Ellen discusses the challenges of balancing a career in medicine and comedy and her plans for the future. The conversation also touches on the portrayal of mental health in media and the impact of documentaries like 'By Day By Night.'This episode is a hilarious exploration of the human mind, the medical field, and the powe

Ever dream of ditching your day job for the roar of the comedy club crowd? Our guest, comedian Claudia Bonavita, traded in her special ed classroom for the comedy club stage. This hilarious episode dives into her journey: the joys (and chaos) of teaching, the unexpected switch to stand-up, and her documentary that exposes the "By Day, By Night" lives of entertainers (hint: it's way more interesting than you think).Get ready for a healthy dose of inspiration, a sprinkle of teaching war stories (we all need a laugh, right?), and a crash course in comedy creation from someone who truly walked the walk. Plus, Claudia spills the tea on her documentary which perfectly aligns with our love of peeking behind the curtain of funny people. Subscribe for more eye-popping tales, and share your own wild career pivot in the comments!CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro 4:04 - Early Morning Routine 5:52 - Transition to Teaching Career 9:22 - Special Education Experience 15:23 - Evolution of Autism Education 18:50 - Children

Join Deadair Dennis as he delves into the multi-faceted world of comedian and former news reporter, Kiki Andersen, on this episode of 'So What Do You Really Do?'

Deadair Dennis Maler kicks off the first live taping of "So What Do You Really Do?" at Hell Yes Fest in New Orleans with a bang, spilling the beans on the podcast's origins, the inspiration behind its confusing name, and a few of his own past day jobs. Then, he welcomes two hilarious New Orleans natives: comedian and actress Rosie Tran, who shares her journey from bullied kid to standup star, and writer and podcaster Meryl Klemow, who dishes on how her parents tricked her into going to college. Together, they explore the world of podcasting, its impact on society, and the surprising ways it's connected them to their hometowns. Don't miss this hilarious and insightful live taping! Subscribe to So What Do You Really Do? and leave a comment below sharing your favorite moment from the episode.

From soaring through the skies as a Marine helicopter pilot to conquering comedy stages, Mitch Burrow's life has been a wild ride. Join Deadair Dennis Maler as they chat with this Wichita, Texas native about his unconventional path to comedy, his experiences during the pandemic, and his thoughts on the future of laughter in a world of podcasts, TikToks, and social media fame. Get ready for a hilarious and insightful conversation that'll take you from the cockpit to the comedy club and back again!

On this episode of "So What Do You Really Do?" Deadair Dennis Maler welcomes renowned artist Ellie Erhart. Discover Ellie's evolution from a Texas-based queer kid to an acclaimed illustrator, and explore her freelance artistry, pandemic survival, and award-winning book, "Blue & Red," recognized at MICE. Dive deep into the art world's inner workings, from illustrating children's books to the highs and lows of being a freelance artist. Expect a vibrant, laughter-filled conversation delving into Ellie's imaginative universe, promising inspiration and colorful insights. Don't miss this lively, paint-splattered chat sure to reveal the secrets behind Ellie's creative chaos! Ready to dive into the colorful world of art and storytelling? Share your thoughts, stories, and favorite sketches in the comments!