Congratulations to Chase Mitchell

Hello, podcast listeners!

Sorry it's been over a month since I've posted a show. As you may have guessed if you listened to the last episode, I'm in the corner getting toweled off and having some smelling salts put under my nose. Maybe I'll be back in the ring later.

In the meantime, congratulations to a very real success story from this podcast: Chase Mitchell (that's him on the left). If you listened to his episode back in October, you know his comedy writing was already drawing attention from major players in the entertainment business. It all began for him a year ago on New Year's Eve. Now, on the eve of 2013, things have taken off to the next level.

Chase is moving to New York because he's gotten a job as a writer for a new late night MTV comedy show. It's called the Sarah & Nikki Show and debuts sometime in January.

Yep, dreams do happen. We may have ran across the next Judd Apatow. Hats off, Chase Mitchell!

Talk to you all in 2013.

Links: Follow Chase Mitchell on Twitter

27 - What Do YOU Think? (Just Art again)

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Start your holiday with some angry ranting! No, we don't mean your mother-in-law after her third glass of wine, we mean Art! He wants to know what you suggest to improve the show, and vents about his creative frustration and irritation at the show's lack of growth. (In other words, you're part of a "selective audience," to borrow a phrase from Spinal Tap.)

Finally, a ray of sunshine peeks through the clouds as Gnomonaut returns with a performance of their song "Bekajamir," performed late in 2011 at the Sweetwater Brewery in Duluth, Georgia. 46 minutes.

Art's comments: "I think I have a great product in this show, but since an artist's nose is only two inches from his canvas, it's hard to have perspective. What does everyone else think I could do to improve this? I'd love to know.

"Please pardon that my request for your input takes the form of a 30+ minute rant and rave. I just hope I don't bore you to death. Oh, but why apologize for that now?

"By the way if you're new here, welcome, but this is NOT the episode to start with. Try any of the others.

"Oh, and I forgot to say it during the show - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!"

((( In stereo, where available! )))

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26 - Mike Haun, comedian

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Voted "Funniest Person in Atlanta" by radio station Dave FM in 2008, and "Funniest Person in the Southeast" in 2009, Mike Haun made a big impact on the Southeastern U.S. comedy scene shortly after beginning his career. Now a feature act with headliners like Richard Lewis and Emo Philips, he draws praise from veteran headliners and is urged to try his luck in New York and L.A. He sits down with Art at Jerry Farber's Side Door comedy club to discuss how losing a job as a computer programmer inspired him to try standup, how he developed his unique stage persona, and what the immediate future holds.

But first, Art clears up that Atlanta is not Los Angeles or New York (believe it or not, there are some in the Atlanta creative community who are confused on this), and presents evidence Rush Limbaugh may be cracking under election season pressure in "Rush Limbaugh Unleashed." 53 minutes.

Art's comments: "Michael Haun makes me think of great comics of the `80's like Bob Goldthwait, Pee Wee Herman and Brother Theodore, who weren't just guys telling jokes, but fully realized characters. It's a refreshing change from guys in beards and faded jeans telling dick jokes.

"I just hope my opening monologue isn't too long, too much of a downer, and makes sense."

If you enjoy this episode, feel free to share it on Facebook, Twitter, etc., with the tools at the bottom of the post. Thank you!

Michael Haun links:
Mike Haun Comedy.com

Related link:
"The State of Atlanta's Expanding Comedy Union" from Creative Loafing

25 - Chase Mitchell, comedy writer

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Chase Mitchell could be described as a New York comedy writer, but with a twist - he lives in Atlanta. Despite his location, he's on the elite "Fax List" of writers approved to submit jokes to Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update." In fact, he got a joke on the air his first week, a rare achievement. His work can also be read on New York-based Web sites CollegeHumor.com and SomeECards.com, where he's a full-time employee, bringing in clicks and laughs. Now, his Twitter follower list is 14,000 deep, and includes a who's-who of contemporary comedy who favorite and retweet his output left and right.

He takes time to chat with Art about how his comedy career came into focus, how social media and humor brought him together with his fiancée, and what it's like to have a comedy career that's rocketed through the roof in just the last 10 months. 73 minutes.

Art's comments: "I knew Chase Mitchell's story would be interesting just from what little I knew of his success, but I wasn't prepared for how amazing it actually is. You're not gonna believe it. This is a story of 'making it' like I've never heard.

"By the way, episode #25 is our one year anniversary show! Thank you to all who have faithfully listened."

If you enjoy this episode, please do share it on Facebook, Twitter, etcetera, using the tools at the bottom of this post. Thank you!

Chase Mitchell links:
Tumblr blog
Chase on Twitter
CollegeHumor.com page
Facebook History of America

24 - The News, Man on the Street at Pigs & Peaches BBQ Fest

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It's another show with no guest, so Art's flying solo!

First, Art debuts a new piece called "Hey, Did You See This in the News?" Then, he goes to the Pigs & Peaches Barbeque Festival and speaks with the vendors in an on-the-street report.

Closing things out is a rare track from Michael Tobias & the Acidic Swamp Band, "The Flow of Time." 22 minutes.

Art's comments: "This is the kind of episode that could prevent me from finding gainful employment in the future. Yes, I wrote all of this stuff myself. Do you think it's wise that I admit it?"

If you enjoy this episode, have your head examined. But seriously, folks! Please use the tools at the end of this post to share it on Facebook, Twitter, your e-mail, etceteras. Your friends will think you're cool.

Links:
Bad Byron's Butt Rub seasoning
97.1 The River classic rock radio
It Works! body wrap
Michael Tobias music

23 - Ale Con podcast panel

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Art, Alex "Da Movie Guy" of 7th Row Center, and Charles McFall of the Bear Crawling Nation podcast network discuss the state of the world of podcasting on a panel at the Ale Con Performing Arts Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. 42 minutes.

Art's comments: "Maybe I came across a little dark in tone, but I think the crowd 'got me.' It was a lot of fun and a big thanks to Three Quarter Ale for having me."

If you enjoy this episode, please use the tools at the end of this entry to share it to Facebook, e-mail, Twitter, etc. Thank you so much!

Links:
Three Quarter Ale
Charles McFall's Bear Crawling Nation podcast network
Alex "Da Movie Guy" Autrey's 7th Row Center movie podcast

22 - Taj Turner, comedian

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First, Art updates you on exciting advancements in his podcasting career, such as being added to the iTunes store for real, joining Stitcher Smart Radio, and most importantly, his first public appearance as a podcasting star (details below)!

Then, rising comedian Taj Turner is welcomed to the studio. Turner shares his amazing story of leaving behind a troubled childhood in Sacramento, California on a Greyhound bus, to running for the Atlanta city council, photography, mixed martial arts, and finally, breaking into the Atlanta comedy scene. He also talks about his new comedy project, The Black Nerd Show. His story of self-reliance and humor is sure to intrigue you. 68 minutes.

Art's comments: "This interview has everything: funny stuff, serious stuff, nonsensical stuff. If I were browsing around for a podcast to download, I would definitely go with this one."

If you enjoy this episode, please use the tools at the end of this entry to share it to Facebook, e-mail, Twitter, etc. Thank you so much!

Taj Turner links:
Taj Comedy.com
The Black Nerd Show
Taj's photography

Ale Con info:
General ALE CON info
Come see Art at ALE CON! Buy tickets here!

21 - Jeff Clark, rock critic/DJ/publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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Art talks about seeing The Mayor of Sunset Strip, the documentary film on legendary KROQ/Los Angeles radio personality Rodney Bingenheimer, and how this informed some of his questions for the show's guest.

The guest is Jeff Clark, longtime Atlanta rock critic, DJ and publisher of Stomp and Stammer. Clark joins Art at The Majestic to talk about his 30-plus years on the rock scene, from seeing R.E.M. at the old 688 club, to Album 88, an on-air stint at groundbreaking alternative rock station 99X, and publishing his own magazine. Clark also talks about reaction to the sometimes inflammatory tone of his writing that led to at least one bloody brawl with Brent Hinds, guitarist of Mastodon. He also addresses questions about the sometimes overt, conservative political bent of Stomp and Stammer, and the magazine's relationship with the Motor City Madman, Ted Nugent. 61 minutes.

Art's Comments: "Jeff Clark encapsulates 30 years of rock history from an Atlanta perspective. Whether you are a fan of alternative rock or not, there's a lot here for any music fan to bite into. He could easily be up there in the rock critic hall of fame next to Chuck, uh, Kurt Loder. Just try to overlook that I come across like Quentin Tarantino for the whole hour."

If you enjoy this episode (and if you don't, what are you, a total idiot?!), please use the tools at the end of this post to share it to Facebook, Twitter, etc. Thank you!

Jeff Clark links:
Stomp and Stammer.com
WMLB-AM "The Voice of the Arts"
Clark's Occupy Atlanta editorial, reprinted in Creative Loafing - NOT misquoted!

20 - Michael Tobias, singer/songwriter

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It's our 20th anniversary show! Or our twentieth show, anyhow. No need to bring a present, just your ears.

First, Art shares a Facebook interaction with you surrounding the new "Abe Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" film. Then he debuts a new "sponsor."

The guest is Sacramento, California singer/songwriter Michael Tobias. He talks about growing up around indigenous blues music in Atlanta, and how he became inspired to mix blues, Hawaiian and Latin music with electronica to create his own unorthodox, original style. Songs included are "Go On!" and "Be Careful What You Do." 46 minutes.

Art's comments: "Etowah Wood Resources actually knows nothing about this show. Which is too bad, because this may be the best episode yet!"

If you enjoy this episode, please use the tools at the end of this entry to share it to Facebook, e-mail, Twitter, etc. Thank you so much!

((( In stereo, where available! )))

Michael Tobias links:
Michael Tobias Music.com
Tobias Facebook page

19 - Just Art

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Art has no guest, but that doesn't stop the entertainment train from chugging down the track! No, sir!

First, he shares the demo he recorded for a traffic reporting job with you, and solicits your critique (perhaps by using the new "Record a Comment" button in the upper right-hand corner of this page). Next, the sound of mariachi music wafts through the neighborhood, adding some hot salsa to already hot summer nights. Finally, it's a round of "Celebrity Tweets" as Art reads celebrity Tweets and his replies (it's more interesting than it sounds...maybe).

Finally, keep listening for a great song from the Emma Gibbs Band called "As I Walk On." 26 minutes. NOTE: Explicit language.

Art's comments: "Of all the guests I've had, I've certainly been the most delightful. I came prepared with some great stories, told in my usual pithy, engaging fashion. Anyone who listens to this episode will be intrigued to know more about me. No doubt I'm someone we'll be hearing great things about in the future."

If you enjoy this episode, you can share it with the world via Facebook, your e-mail, Twitter, etc., using the tools at the end of this post. Thanks!

Link for Richard Upchurch of The Emma Gibbs Band: brand new noise | things heard seen and imagined

18 - Six Shot Revival, hard rock band

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Once again the At Night mobile truck goes live on the scene. This time it's up-and-coming hard rock band Six Shot Revival, live from Smith's Olde Bar. Songs performed are "Snake Eyes," "Money in My Pocket," "Under the Gun" and "Hard Up."

Then, Art chats with Six Shot Revival singer Marc Manley Phillips at The Majestic, the iconic Atlanta diner. They discuss the band's history, the new rock scene and Six Shot's relationships with heavy hitters like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Black Oak Arkansas. 54 minutes. NOTE: Explicit language.

Art's comments: "I've been looking forward to interviewing Six Shot Revival for a long time. Whereas most new bands pattern themselves on Panic! at the Disco or 30 Seconds to Mars, these guys are doing rock n' roll the right way! I just think maybe I should leave off the adult beverages before I interview in the future. I'm a little obnoxious."

This episode IN STEREO, where available!

If you enjoy this episode, please do use the tools at the end of this post to share it to Facebook, your e-mail, Twitter, etc. Thank you!

Six Shot Revival links:
Six Shot Revival.com
YouTube page
Facebook page
Live review from GSB

Also:
Smith's Olde Bar
The Majestic

17 - Gnomonaut

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For the first time ever, the At Night mobile truck goes live, on site at a club! You'll drink the beers, smell the smoke*, and rock out to the music, just as it happened.

The guest is self-described "progressive space rock" band Gnomonaut, who perform tracks from their debut album, The Chronocosm. Songs performed include "Bekajamir," "ManBearPig," "Beard Mudding (1/4)," and "The Chronocosm."

But first, shred guitar instructor Doug Steele calls in to talk about a special offer for those who want to learn Sammy Hagar-era Van Halen songs. 42 minutes. NOTE: Explicit language.

Art's comments: "As a savvy broadcaster, I know the path to a massive listenership is paved with instrumental progressive rock. Its appeal is as universal as chocolate ice cream. Really, though, this makes two episodes in a row where I feel almost totally satisfied with the end result. I've listened to this one twice myself. This show is definitely improving."

NOTE: Explicit language, and IN STEREO, where available!

* Actually most Atlanta bars have a no smoking policy now, but for effect, we'll pretend it was smoky.

If you enjoy this episode and Gnomonaut, please use the tools at the end of this post to share it on Facebook, Twitter, your e-mail, etc. Thank you!

Doug Steele links: Learn Shred Guitar.com, DougFKCNSteele.com

Gnomonaut links: Gnomonaut.com, Gnomonaut on Facebook

16 - Doug Steele, guitarist for Alarum

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Is Chaz Bono's sex change bringing about the end times? It's "The Politically Incorrect Minute" as Art ponders the possibility when he recounts a discussion with a Buy Gold kiosk operator at the mall.

Next, Doug Steele returns to talk about his new job as guitarist for the progressive metal band Alarum and their upcoming Australian and European tours. 49 minutes.

Art's comments: "I would swear this show is getting better and better. Doug has been one of the most popular guests so far and he doesn't disappoint this go-around, either. His story of achieving his dream in his 40's is pretty inspiring."

If you like this episode (and who wouldn't?), please use the tools at the bottom of this post to share it to Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, etc.

Doug Steele links:
Alarum.com
Doug on YouTube
Learn Shred Guitar.com
DougFCKNSteele.com

15 - Dulcé Sloan, comedian

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Art declares a college degree worthless after having to pay $4 to park at his alma mater, when as an alumni, he's sure it should be free.

Guest is quickly rising Atlanta comedian Dulcé Sloan. Sloan and Art discuss Sloan's rapid rise in the burgeoning Atlanta comedy scene, whether or not there is such a thing as "talking black," and opening for big-name comedians like Greg Proops and Bobcat Goldthwait. 65 minutes. NOTE: Explicit language.

Art's comments: "Dulcé impressed me with her strong stage presence and confidence when I saw her open for Bobcat Goldthwait in January. The sputtering and stammering I do during the interview drives me insane, but oh, well, in spite of me, this may still be a 'keeper' as one of Dulcé's first interviews ever, after she gets her hit sitcom."

If you enjoy this episode, please use the tools located at the bottom of this post to share it to Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Dulcé Sloan links:
Profile at Rooftop Comedy.com
Original videos, including "Sh*t Angry Black Women Say"
Dulcé Sloan.com

14 - Dan Campbell, progressive rock/country violinist

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Art talks about re-Tweets (or as he likes to call them, "Twitter endorsements") he's gotten from Washington, D.C. power players. Yes!

The guest is Dan Campbell, a progressive rock/country violinist who has traveled the world with country recording artist Buddy Jewell, among others. He talks about his journey from playing frat parties in Alabama with his jam/prog band, Iratowns, to performing in Italy, China and Iraq as a country music pro. The Iratowns song "Green Man" from their 1998 CD A Series of Clicks and Whistles is included. 40 minutes.

Art's comments: "I hope people will realize that if my Tweets are good enough for Paul Begala, they should be more than good enough for them. As for Dan, what can you say? He makes the magic happen!"

If you like this episode, use any of the tools located at the very bottom of this post to share it on Twitter, Facebook, etc.

NOTE: This interview was conducted by phone and partially recorded with Google Voice, so there are some flaws in the audio. Do not adjust your sets, remove your earbuds, or destroy your MP3 player.

Dan Campbell links:
Buddy Jewell on Amazon.com
With Frank Zappa tribute band, Bogus Pomp

13 - Riffguy, YouTube guitar star

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Art talks about the Jane's Addiction concert he saw the preceding week, his very brief meeting with Perry Farrell, and how the show exceeded his expectations.

The guest is YouTube guitar star, Riffguy. Riffguy shares a taste of his extraordinary guitar skills and talks about how he acquired them, his RGM signature guitar from King Blossom Guitars, and life as a YouTube celebrity. 49 minutes.

Art's comments: "I've been looking forward to this interview ever since I started the podcast. After you listen to this guy play, you can puzzle with me over how he can get 5 million YouTube views, and yet be missed by apparently everyone in the music business. Hey, Judas Priest: I've got your K.K. Downing replacement right here!"

If you like this episode, please use any of the tools located at the very bottom of this post to share it on Twitter, Facebook, etc.

Riffguy links:
The YouTube page, where it all started
Riffguy on ReverbNation (music for sale)
Riffguy King Blossom signature guitar
Riffguy on $199 guitar and amp package

12 - Hard Rock Chick, discussion of Regular Guys mention

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Art talks about the recent spotlight the show received from the Regular Guys radio show in Atlanta. He also reads a listener letter from Poland.

The guest is Hard Rock Chick of HardRockChick.com. She brings Art up to speed on music since 1992, and talks about going to Clive Davis' Grammy party shortly after the death of Whitney Houston. 68 mins.

Art's comments: "My old Regular Guys story might run a little long, but it was definitely one of the most exciting days of my life. Hard Rock Chick is good natured about putting up with me. She's like Martha Quinn and Rikki Rachtman rolled into one."

If you like this episode, be sure to use any of the tools located at the very bottom of this post to share it on Twitter, Facebook, etc.

Links:
Art's freelance writing archive (partial), Regular Guys press release

Hard Rock Chick links:
HardRockChick.com
Hard Rock Chick at the Grammy's

11 - Vinny Bucci, comedian, Regular Guys radio show intern

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Vinny Bucci, a.k.a. "The Booch," of Rock 100.5's Regular Guys morning show, visits Art in the studio. Booch discusses his journey from being turned away from open mic nights to becoming a regular feature on a top-rated, large market morning radio show. Only one glitch -- Booch was confronted by the police and suspected of planning a bank robbery before he could get to the studio! (Details inside.) He also discusses an embarrassing thing he did to curry the favor of a big-name comic, discovering a close friend's bisexuality, and whether or not he has, or would, do fellow intern Brandi. (Details also inside.) 57 minutes. NOTE: Explicit language.

Art's comments: "Despite how he may sometimes be portrayed on the Regular Guys show, the Booch is a really sharp guy, and though it may sound hokey to say it, he's also super nice. He has never heard of the band Anthrax, however, and that makes me feel old."

If you like this episode, please use any of the tools located at the very bottom of this post to share it on Twitter, Facebook, etc.

Vinny Bucci links:
Follow Vinny on Twitter
Booch on the Regular Guys (UStream.tv)
Bucci standup

** NEW! This interview discussed on the Regular Guys show. VIDEO. **

10 - David Paul, radio legend

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"Off the Wall with David Paul" burned brightly on WSB-AM in Atlanta, Georgia from the late 1980's to mid-1990's, and its namesake became a legend of talk radio. David Paul now joins Art via Skype to discuss highlights of his career, including being punched in the mouth by "Skinny" Bobby Harper during his show, naked weather ladies, and walking off the air at WGST after only 30 seconds. You will also learn about his latest project, Cartersville UNCUT. Stay tuned for his pitch for the morning show at 92.9 Dave-FM at the end (hey, Mr. Dave-FM PD - Paul says e-mail him at Cartersville UNCUT)! Prior to all of this, Art airs some thoughts on the online piracy act currently before Congress. 49 minutes.

Art's comments: "As America's Favorite Talk Show Host, I doff my cap to the giants of the format, and David Paul is one of those. After appearing on this show, he can say he's finally experienced something more humiliating than being punched by 'Skinny' Bobby Harper."

If you like this episode, please use any of the tools located at the very bottom of this entry to share it on Twitter, Facebook, e-mail, etc.

David Paul links:
"Bad Attitude Brings Success On Radio" (Orlando Sentinel)
Cartersville UNCUT YouTube and Facebook

9 - Tom Bonnett, Microsoft Bing Xtra Normal Film Fest winner

Tom Bonnett's cat

Where has Art been? Contemplating how to please the whole world and be everything to everybody. He discusses how Edward Van Halen inspired him out of this futile activity.

Tom Bonnett is the guest. Bonnett won the Microsft Xtra Normal Film Fest, besting thousands of hopeful entrants with his piece called "Decision Man." 38 minutes.

Art's comments: "A nicely-done show to inaugurate 2012."

This episode available by special order. E-mail us (link at left under Contact) for details.

Tom Bonnett links:
Decision Man
Stand-up videos, etc.

Social media articles:
Netflix becoming a network (Time.com)
Facebook gets cops fired, causes divorces (Time.com)