Still Think I'm Larry Sanders' Favorite Host

I would still swear Garry Shandling was talking just to me when this was originally on Twitter.

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! )))

If you find some redeeming value in this show, please use the tools at the bottom of this post to share it to Facebook, Twitter, your e-mail, etc. Thank you!

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!