Tag Archives: Winnipeg

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

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Al Rae podcast interview, yuk yuks, winnipeg comedy festival, al rae
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

Johanna Stein: Writer, Comedian

Momhead, momhead, johanna stein, interview

Johanna Stein. momhead video, cbc, will arnett deal

Johanna’s YouTube, GoPro video “Momhead” was an overnight sensation, receiving 2,400,000 views in a few days. We discuss the steps that led to its success. The YouTube, GoPro video was featured on BuzzFeed, and subsequently Johanna was interviewed by major international news organizations.

Shortly after the video went viral Stein landed a deal to write a sitcom pilot for CBS.

The pilot is being produced with Will Arnett, and will be based on Stein’s book “How Not to Calm a Child on a Plane.”

I first met Johanna Stein when we were both performing at the Winnipeg Fringe Fetsival. We talk about how the Fringe was a launch pad for her career.

We also discuss the creative process that led her from doing stand up comedy to motherhood and then writing a book which served as the foundation for the viral video.

SHOW NOTES
Johann Stein’s website
Joahanna’s book “How Not to Calm a Child on a Plane” on Amazon.
The YouTube video that went viral.

Jim Mezon: Actor, Director

Jim mezon, interview, podcast, shaw festival

Jim Mezon has performed in over 30th seasons at the Shaw Festival, one of North America’s most celebrated theatre festivals.

We discuss his journey that began with him working as a theatre janitor in Winnipeg to becoming a respected actor, director and educator.

Artists, generally speaking, don’t follow the timelines of societal norms around big life decisions like getting married, buying a home & starting a family. In this episode I talk with Jim about how I waited until my 40’s to get married and start a family. Jim mentions he started a family later in life too and speaks candidly about the impact of having a child in his 50’s.

We also talk about the next generation of actors & how they are different than previous generations.

Show Notes
The Shaw Festival
My website Shaw Festival Reviews
Don Ziraldo