Category

Comedian

Sep 06
Love10

Scott Edwards

By Comedian, Fun, Personal Growth, TV No Comments

This week, our guest is a seasoned entrepreneur with an intriguing journey spanning across various industries—the man behind the laugh, Scott Edwards. We talked about how he started his journey at the age of 17 with a small construction company. And, later transitioned to entertainment as a DJ and opened the 12th full-time comedy club in America by age 24. Listen as we dive into the art form of stand-up comedy, which reveals fascinating insights about creativity, determination, and adaptability. From honing material to understanding audience responses, these aspects are not just crucial in comedy but translate well into many professional scenarios. His story serves as a reminder that resilience in the face of ups and downs is integral to entrepreneurial success.

Tune in to hear more of his story about how success doesn’t require wealth but hard work, focus, and a passion for excellent customer service.

This episode is sponsored by:

In This Episode:

  • The Journey Begins
  • Embracing Entrepreneurship
  • Riding the Waves of Business
  • Customer Service – The Key to Success
  • Starting Small, Dreaming Big
  • From Alabama to California
  • Recognizing Progress Over Prejudices
  • Comedy Club Chronicles  
  • Lessons from Laughter

Quotations:

“I figured this out. I make my employees happy. If I make my employees happy, they’ll make the customer happy. If all you do is make the customer happy, you will make your employee’s lives hell. But if you make your employees happy, they will make the customer happy.” ~ Scott Edwards

“I think that one of the reasons I’ve started so many companies is that once I’ve found success in one, the thrill of building it and creating it wasn’t there. And I was looking for my next adventure.” ~ Scott Edwards

“They don’t understand what it took; you know, it’s so great ’cause you always hear about the overnight success. And they don’t realize there were years of driving around in your car, sleeping in your car, working gigs, and, you know, little to no money.” ~ Scott Edwards

“But imagine all the others. 98% of the people who want to get into standup comedy or show business have to work because it’s not natural for everybody. In fact, the fear of public speaking is the number one fear in humanity, more than the fear of death. That’s why I respect the industry and why I love the art form. It’s not enough that you have to get up on stage in front of a bunch of strangers, but then you have to write material and be creative, and it’s all just you.” ~ Scott Edwards

“For some reason, the audience has gotten a really thin skin. They forgot how to laugh at themselves. We’re all human beings. We all have Piccadilly, and sometimes comedy is pointing those Piccadillys out that we all share.” ~ Scott Edwards

“I think that the public is tired of the oversensitivity, and to be honest, I think we’re healthier as humans if we can laugh at ourselves.” ~ Scott Edwards

Guest’s Bio:

Scott Edwards has established more than a dozen companies during his remarkable career journey. His ventures have spanned diverse industries, ranging from a humble construction company to the ownership of unique establishments like a Submarine and Beach Shack and even a foray into the world of Disco production. With an enduring passion for comedy, Scott channeled his enthusiasm into producing a wide array of entertainment, including Live Comedy Shows, TV Series, and Concerts. It wasn’t long before he ventured into the realm of comedy club ownership, ultimately founding his inaugural club, Laughs Unlimited. Through unwavering dedication and ingenuity, he successfully transformed Laughs Unlimited into a thriving chain of comedy clubs that stands as a testament to his entrepreneurial acumen.

Scott’s extensive career has afforded him the privilege of collaborating with some of the most iconic figures in the comedy world, including luminaries such as Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, Bob Saget, and Dana Carvey. His wealth of experience and industry connections continue to shape his enduring legacy in the realm of entertainment.

Guest’s Contact Info:

You can find him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sactotalent/

Scott’s Website: https://scottscomedystuff.com/

Scott’s Podcast: https://standupcomedyyourhostandmc.com/podcast-show-player

Aug 16
Love4

Killer Beaz

By Comedian, Faith, Mental Health, Personal Growth, Philosophy No Comments

In this engaging episode, host Gary Scott Thomas welcomes the legendary comedian Killer Beaz. They discuss their shared experiences growing up in the South and the challenges they faced in pursuing their dreams. The conversation takes a spiritual turn as they delve into their rediscovery of faith and the importance of changing one’s mindset. Killer Beaz shares a powerful story of how he and his wife reached out to a couple in need and how their act of kindness had a profound impact on both the couple and those who witnessed it. They emphasize the importance of leading with faith and generosity and how it can bring happiness and blessings to others. Overall, this episode is a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about faith, kindness, and the power of laughter.

This episode is sponsored by:

Habana Cuba (Use “Gary20” to get 20% off your order.)

In This Episode:

  • Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life: One of the biggest revelations discussed in this episode is the ability to change our mindset. Our thoughts have the power to shape our reality, and by consciously choosing to think positively and let go of negative thoughts, we can transform our lives. As Killer Beaz shared, “Change your freaking mind. Change that mindset. It’s painless, and it works.” 
  • You Have the Power to Stop Negative Thoughts: We all experience dark thoughts from time to time, but the key is to recognize that we have the power to stop them in their tracks. By acknowledging our ability to choose happiness and not worry, we can shift our focus towards a more positive outlook. As our guest emphasized, “When you have those dark thoughts, you have the power to stop them in their tracks and go not today, not today.” 
  • Let Go of Limiting Beliefs: Our mindset can sometimes be like a lid on a jar, holding us back from realizing our full potential. We often limit ourselves with beliefs that are not true or no longer serve us. As one of our guests shared, “You’ve got to get rid of that mindset because all things are possible for us.” By letting go of these limiting beliefs, we open ourselves up to endless possibilities and true freedom. 

Quotations:

  • “Change your freaking mind.” ~Killer Beaz
  • “My phrase in my head is, ‘Not today, Satan.'” ~Killer Beaz
  • “The research shows the happiest that you will feel is when you do something for someone else.” ~Killer Beaz
  • “You don’t have to be Bible-literate. You don’t have to be a scholar of the Bible. You don’t have to be well-versed in it in order to just share with people why you’re happy and why you don’t have a life full of worry and anxiety.” ~Killer Beaz
  • “We have no idea what the blessings others are gonna get just because we’re obedient.” ~Killer Beaz
  • “They say that smart is knowing what to say. Wisdom is knowing when not to say it.” ~Killer Beaz
  • “God’s going to use it in some way wonderful.” ~Killer Beaz
  • “But God is gonna ask you, what’d you do with all the blessings I gave you?” ~Killer Beaz
  • “When you open that Bible, how many times have you randomly opened it, and holy moly, right there is something that has pertained with something that’s going on that day or something you were fretting over. It will address it.” ~Killer Beaz

Guest’s Bio:

Celebrating his seventh season on Discovery Channel’s hit series, “Moonshiners”, comedian Killer Beaz is touring the nation when not filming. With well over three decades of comedy clubs and theatres, television, and radio, Killer Beaz is legendary in the comedy industry. Beaz continues to make regular stops with his family-friendly show to The Grand Ole Opry stage. Tickets and information for his tour are available at www.KillerBeaz.com.

​

Killer Beaz has his own, unique brand of “Hard Hitting” – “Laugh out Loud” – “Laugh A Lot” – “HI-PROOF” – “High Energy” – “Everyman-style” comedy! With many thousands of radio, television and stage appearances, Beaz has been entertaining audiences worldwide, but his passion is his live stage performance. He is an award-winning artist and has been signed with both Sony and Warner Brothers Records, and received reviews such as:

“Beaz is ‘Killer!’” – Rolling Stone Magazine

“Killer Beaz lives up to his name, “Killing” his audience, night after night, show after show!” -Entertainment Today/Las Vegas, NV

“Killer Beaz has a universal appeal that makes him a crowd favorite!” – SHOWTIME/Reno, NV

Don’t miss your opportunity to see “THE BEST BUZZ in TOWN!” See him on television, hear him on the radio, see his stage performance live…you’ll be “Stung for Life!” Live show tickets and information are available at KillerBeaz.com.

https://www.killerbeaz.com/

Aug 09
Love5

Paul Reiser

By Author, Comedian, Fun, Personal Growth No Comments

In this episode, my guest is comedian and actor Paul Reiser. We discuss his upcoming shows at Cobb’s Comedy Club, his tour called the “Big Font Comedy Tour,” and how he’s glad to be doing stand-up again. We also talked about Paul’s various roles in TV and books, including his recent appearance on Stranger Things as Dr. Sam Owens.

This episode is sponsored by:

In this episode:

  • Stand-up comedy and live performances
  • The journey of becoming a comedian
  • Finding your comedic voice
  • Making your spouse laugh
  • Opening for Buddy Rich

Quotations:

“I really missed doing stand-up and all these other shows.”

“I just love the whole thing.”

“I was just thinking if you were dead.”

“But how cool that I just got offered a joint by Buddy Rich.”

Bio:

As a seasoned actor, writer, producer, and stand-up comedian, Paul Reiser continues to add to his list of accomplishments. In addition to co-creating and starring in the critically-acclaimed NBC series Mad About You (1992), which garnered him Emmy, Golden Globe, American Comedy Award, and Screen Actors Guild nominations for Best Actor in a Comedy Series, his successes also include his book, “Couplehood,” which sold over two million copies and reached the number one spot on “The New York Times” best-seller list, and “Babyhood,” his follow-up book, which features his trademark humorous take on the adventures of being a first-time father, which also made “The New York Times” best-seller list. He also wrote a follow-up bestseller, Familyhood.

Born and raised in New York City, Reiser was drawn to Greenwich Village clubs, which featured, among others, George Carlin, Robert Klein, and David Steinberg. He subsequently attended college at the State University of New York at Binghamton, where he majored in music (piano and composition) and participated in drama classes. During his university years, he was active in student theater productions at the Hinman Little Theater, an on-campus community theater organization located in Hinman College, his dorm community. Reiser later began performing as a comedian at the Improv and Comic Strip during university summer breaks.

Remembered for notable performances in films such as Diner (1982), Aliens (1986), Beverly Hills Cop (1984) and Beverly Hills Cop II (1987), The Marrying Man (1991), Bye Bye Love (1995) and One Night at McCool’s (2001). More recently, he starred in two original movies for Showtime – Strange Relations (2001) opposite Julie Walters, Chazz Palminteri’s Women vs. Men (2002), opposite Joe Mantegna and Christine Lahti. His first original screenplay also became his next film, The Thing About My Folks (2005), also starring Peter Falk, Olympia Dukakis, and Elizabeth Perkins.

Reiser’s development company, “Nuance Productions,” has produced several projects for NBC television, including, My 11:30 (2004), starring Jeff Goldblum and Donna Murphy – which Reiser co-wrote with Steven Sater. Also in the works – for the Showtime cable network – is a mock documentary about “The Smothers Brothers” and their battles with television network censorship in the late 1960s. Since then, he has maintained a lower profile, working more as an executive producer and writer than as an actor.

In 2003, Reiser made his stage debut in Woody Allen’s directorial play debut Writer’s Block. He also paired with Steven Soderbergh to star in the Amazon Original Series Red Oaks.

Reiser tours the country performing in sold-out venues and was recently voted one of Comedy Central’s “Top 100 Comedians of All Time.”

May 31
Love7

Comedian Sandy Stec: Surviving the Lonely Fight for Mental Health

By Comedian, Mental Health, Music, Personal Growth No Comments

This episode is sponsored by:

If you’re feeling trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and frustration, pouring your heart into your creative passions but never quite achieving the mental wellness you crave, then you are not alone! This week’s guest is comedy Sandy Stec. A funny girl… who happens to be on the radio. She’s a comedian and morning iHeartRadio personality for KOST 103.5 in Los Angeles. 

For over 20 years, Sandy has been sharing her humor and heartfelt stories on the air, and she’s now ready to delve into the topic of mental wellness, self-love, and self-care. Having experienced her own struggles with loneliness and depression, Sandy is a relatable and compassionate voice in the conversation about mental health. With her engaging personality and genuine desire to help others, Sandy is the perfect guest to explore the importance of taking care of ourselves mentally and emotionally as we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month.

In this episode, you will be able to:

  • Tackling and overcoming common difficulties encountered in the radio field without losing your genuine originality
  • Grasping the significance of self-appreciation, personal health, and mental well-being for continued success
  • Recognizing and becoming aware of distinct cultural disparities in language, food, and prejudicial attitudes
  • Chasing your inventive dreams, remaining focused and committed to accomplishing your objectives
  • Forming meaningful connections, attaining essential guidance, and benefiting from the wisdom of trusted mentors

Dr. Yuriy Dobry’s story:

Chances are, you’ve heard her voice. 

​Sandy Stec is an iHeartRadio personality for KOST 103.5 in Los Angeles; on-air Monday-Friday, 3pm-7pm. Prior to moving to Los Angeles, she was 1/2 of “Marcus and Sandy”- a top-rated morning show on Star 101.3 in San Francisco for 10 years. 

Aside from her 20+ years radio experience, she’s also fantastic event/on-camera host and stand-up comedian! She’s worked with Benefit Cosmetics, HP, Cisco, Norwegian Cruise lines, etc; and opened for Chelsea Handler, Kevin Hart, Arsenio Hall, Richard Lewis and many, many more. 

When she’s not on–air or on-stage, Sandy is probably hiking, watching Bravo or TLC, or hoping to hit a progressive jackpot on a slot machine! 

Quotations:

“I have never felt the depression that I have felt in the last few months of my life to the point where I am absolutely looking into medication.” ~Sandy Stec

“Yes, I’m doing a lot of great stuff. Yes, it looks great online. But I still go home alone.” ~Sandy Stec

“We all can learn from each other’s story.” ~Gary Scott Thomas

“It has definitely changed since I have come here. But this was what I traded for. I was ready for a change. I was ready for a new chapter. And so here I am.” ~Sandy Stec

“If you’re struggling mentally, social media can make it so much worse.” ~Sandy Stec

The Dark Side of Comedy
Despite being a creative outlet that brings laughter and lightheartedness, comedy can have a dark side in terms of the personal experiences and emotions behind it. Comedians often use their craft to cope with their struggles and pain, turning them into relatable and entertaining material. Recognizing and understanding this darker aspect can lead to a deeper appreciation for the art of comedy. During the interview, Sandy Stec shares her experiences in the world of comedy, both the positive moments and the darker times. She discusses her past struggles with mental health, her interactions with other comedians and their personalities, and how she continues to create content while prioritizing her mental well-being.

Contact Sandy:

https://www.sandystec.com