The Constant Struggle

E30: Ned Petrie's Comedy Patchwork

In this episode, Nick & Brie chat with comedian, writer & voice-actor Ned Petrie about the voice-work he's done for some awesome animated shows, his many writing projects, and some of the crappy gigs he had to take when he was starting out in the biz. Everything added up together makes up his comedy patchwork; a way to sustain oneself as an artist / comedian  & to keep yourself busy!
Ned's originally from Cleveland, so you're dang right we talk about the election with him.
Tune in for lots of laughs & find out more about our good buddy Ned!
Follow Ned's adventures on Twitter: @NedPetrie

E29 - Alanna McConnell: All About the Wood

In this episode, we chat with Alannah McConnell; a woman of many (hard) hats. We met Alanna while she was a tech at the famous Comedy Bar in Toronto, but while chatting with her, we found out she's a woman of many more talents than finding that perfect at the blow of your improv set.
Take a listen and find out about her work at Canadian Stage, her building projects as well as a sneak peak into some of Toronto's newest interactive theatre.
Follow Alanna's adventures on Twitter: @mcconnellalanna

E28: Hot Showers & Cold Fish with MARC HALLWORTH

Our latest episode is a chat with sketch, stand-up and improv comedian Marc Hallworth as we explore the struggles involved with finding just how little you can survive off in order to pursue your passion.
Marc talks his night and day switches from Bully to Theatre Actor, and from Engineer to Comedian. 
Join us as we navigate the muddy waters of relationships, both romantic and professional with a little insight on what it takes to keep a troupe like Vest of Friends going for 6 years!
Follow Marc on Twitter: @hallworthmarc & join him at Comedy Bar:
November 6th: Drop & Give me 20 
November 10th: Vest Show in Town#StruggleOn

E27 - Immediate Medium

A host-cast edition of The Constant Struggle where Nick and Brie catch up one-on-one for the first time since January. 
One of Nick's stories was published in a book!  Brie's headed to Boston!
So many updates & so much fun.  #StruggleOn, everyone!

E26: Rob Hills' Perspective

Nick and Brie went to the Providence Rehab Facility to visit improviser and graphic artist Robert Ariss Hills, designer of our logo, and a great friend of Brie's.
Almost two weeks ago, Rob suffered a massive stroke. He still can't move the left side of his body. But is able to make Nick and Brie howl with laughter with talk of heavy metal music, Arnold Palmers and life inside the hospital.
Take a listen to this beautiful episode with our very dear friend, whom we hope recovers VERY quickly and is up walking again VERY soon (because Brie really needs to book him on the Monday night Humber shows.)
xoxoxo
Get well soon Rob!
Brie & Nick
#StruggleOn

E25 - Getting Odd with Holly & Alli

In our latest episode, we chat with Holly Wyder and Allison Harris, writers & actors of the Fringe play "Getting Odd". With Fringe in full-swing here in Toronto, we find out about the Fringe play writing process, long-distance writing partnerships, the importance of a good team.

We find out about this team's background in musical theatre & chat about their future performing as a duo.

We talk about some of the Fringe shows we've seen to date, some of the struggles Fringe artists and comedians face (like flyering, ick!), but most importantly, we talk about "Getting Odd."

Getting Odd is a play about two women stuck in a cabin in the woods. One has been publicly shamed and ran away from society. She'd been gone three years when the other comes to find her.

Find out more about this wonderful work of theatre by listening in, and more importantly GO SEE THE SHOW:

Director: Emma Ferrante
Written by: Allison Harris and Holly Wyder
Fight Choreographer: Erin Eldershaw
Dramaturg: Ryan Hughes
Stage Manager: Phoebe Elisha Holst
Lighting Designer: Chin Palipane
Sound Designer: Glen McCann
Poster Design: Shane Patrick McClurg

#StruggleOn everybody!

E24 - The Director: Laura Anne "Multi-Hat" Harris

Nick and Brie chat with theatre artist Laura Anne Harris about playwriting, solo-performance and writing and directing Fringe productions; from her first Fringe hit "Pitch Blonde" to plans for her newest production in the works.
She gives some Fringe tips and dishes on her favourite Fringe Festivals in the country. Super approrpriate as we go into Summer Fringe Season!
We chat about what it's like being a West-Coaster living in Toronto and about her upcoming move to Syracuse, NY. The importance of family and the sacrifices we make to be with the ones we love.
Oh also, there's a pretty sick Welland mention in there.
Struggle On everybody!

E23 - Find Your Turnip with NATASHA BOOMER

Tuesday was an epic day for the improv community in Toronto. The end of an Era. The last Wheel of Improv ever. We were lucky enough to chat with the creator of Wheel, Natasha Boomer, about closing out this chapter of her life and about what comes next.
We find out about her McDonalds-fueld pre-performance life, her introduction to improv, playwriting and the eventual creation of the Wheel. We chat about her healing journey and her interest in alternative medicine. 
And of course, we talk about her upcoming one-woman show "All Fired Up" which takes place:
Saturday, May 28 @ the SOULO Festival (Red Sandcastle Theatre) AND
From May 31 - June 5 @ Betty's (along with the remounted improv show STUCK)

E22 - Writing is Good! with Luke Coles

In Episode 22, Nick and Brie chat with screenwriter Luke Coles about his writing process, his "struggle-job" (which is actually pretty cool) and the importance of spirituality in writing.
We talk about the importance of finding one's voice, being honest and finding your POV and we learn about an important teacher who helped Luke get and stay motivated. 
We tackle the issue of addiction as Luke shares his story about how writing helped his sobriety and that ultimately, writers write and writing is good!
Follow Luke on Twitter: @LukeColes1

E21 - Bears, Balls & Parallel Thinking with Sharilyn Johnson

In this episode, Nick and Brie talk with author and comedian Sharilyn Johnson. She chats about her time as a comedy reporter and her shift towards more creative goals, which include writing, improv and overcoming her anxieties around clown.

We discuss the issue of parallel thinking after the idea for her recent parody of The Producers was upstaged by Jimmy Kimmel's show.

And of course, we chat about Colbert fandom and the huge undertaking she took, writing a book devoted entirely to The Colbert Report: "Bears & Balls: The Colbert Report A-Z" 

Tune in & #StruggleOn everybody!

Follow Sharilyn on Twitter @thirdbeat
Buy her book TODAY: http://www.colbertfanguide.com/