Tag Archives: Comedy

Martha Chaves: Comedian, Activist & Playwright


Comedian Martha Chaves has been headlining comedy clubs for over 20 years. The Nicaragua-born Canadian comedian is a regular on the CBC Radio show “Because News.”

She is also a keynote speaker using her poignant sense of humor to raise awareness about serious issues, including sexuality and oppression.

Martha has also used her way with words and unique perspective on politic to write plays

We discusses all of this and more.

Show Notes
Martha Chaves’ Website
Aluna Theatre
Alameda Theatre Company
Nobel Women’s Initiative
Because News at CBC Radio

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Al Rae: Comedian, television writer and Artistic Director of the Winnipeg Comedy Festival

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Comedian, television writer and Artistic Director of the Winnipeg Comedy Festival Al Rae.

Al Rae’s family immigrated to Canada from Glasgow, Scotland when Al was a young boy.

At an early age he gravitated towards drugs & alcohol to deal with his mental health issues.

Al is a recovering alcoholic, who came out of the closet a few years ago, and we discuss how that has influenced his comedy.

Al & I discuss writing & performing comedy for the stage and TV. Al worked on a TV show
with David Steinberg, and Al does a great impersonation of Steinberg, on the set, calling for a lunch break.

He also mentions comedians who influenced him including Ronnie Corbett, Dave Alan, Tommy Smothers and Bob Newhart.

Finally, he mentions how the careers of Burroughs & Bukowski inspire him.

Don’t miss this podcast with one of the most successful guys on the Canadian comedy scene.

Show Notes
Winnipeg Comedy Festival
Yuk Yuks
George Westerholm
Little Mosque on the Prarie

Ophira Eisenberg: Writer, Comedian

The Moth, Ask Me Another, Ophira Eisenberg, comedy,

Ophira Eisenberg is a writer and comedian, originally from Canada, now living in New York City.

In university Ophira studied Anthropology and English at McGill, which some people call the “Harvard of the North.”

Today she makes her living as a writer, stand up comedian, NPR host and regular contributor to The Moth – the popular storytelling event, podcast and radio program.

Her writing has been featured in an anthology of great comedy, alongside that of Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Dennis Miller and Joan Rivers.

I was so happy to meet with Ophira, who was back in Toronto, where she hosted a sold out performance of The Moth. While in Toronto Ophira was staying at one of Toronto’s finest hotels, a long way from her days schlepping from one comedy club to another, hoping to find appreciative audiences.

We talk about everything from how she started with nothing in New York, the evolution of her stand up comedy, and the influence of the Moth’s storytelling techniques on her writing.

Show Notes
Ophira’s story “The Accident” on Youtube.
NPR’s “Ask Me Another” trivia show, hosted by Ophira.
Ophira’s book: “Screw Everyone: Sleeping My Way to Monogamy” at Amazon.

Ophira’s CDs on iTunes
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