Derek Minto, Episode 3

February 24, 2013 There isn't much that Micahel Buzzelli doesn't do: Stand-up comedian, writer for the Washington County Observer- Reporter, sketch improv actor, screenwriter, and published author - the list goes on and on! He was kind enough to carve out a couple hours to discuss his book, Below Average Genius, his ten years living in Los Angeles, his career in all things performing, and any other random thing that came through our heads. If you ever get a chance to see him on stage it's well worth your time. I mean, unless you hate laughing and then you would be a crappy person to hang out with anyway... Michael Buzzelli on the Internet Michael is on Facebook and @MichaelBuzzelli on Twitter Find his book, Below Average Genius, on Amazon (it's funny and makes a great gift) Sheetcake Improv Group on Facebook Carnegie Screenwriters' (who put on Third on Third, a monthly staged reading event for screenwriters) and their partner the Carnegie Arts Initiative

February 14, 2013 Howdy, Welcome back to the AP Collection! For those of you who are new here, this project is pretty simple. I want to talk to as many people in the world as possible - collecting interviews with anyone who wants to talk. The goal is to gain and share the perspective of others in order to learn more about ourselves and better understand what makes us, us. Now that you're all caught up! Luke emailed me out of the blue after hearing Ian Riggin'sinterview. He studies in the same program as Ian at Chatham University in Pittsburgh and, as you will soon find out, is crazy talented and definitely has a very bright future ahead of him. In this interview, Luke and I get to know one another and find that we both have a fondness for Poland, discussing the tragedies of the two World Wars, and our families. While talking to him my mind was completely overloaded with different thoughts, ideas, and new questions that I couldn't even keep track so I sound pretty slow during this discussion. Regardless of that issue, our conversation went well over two hours and I in fact had to trim this interview. Don't get all pissy and purist on me! Besides, I like the idea that one day there will be a post linking you to all the 'deleted scenes' from past conversations... Dearest loyal listener, you might also notice that I've been experimenting with breaks in the recording and placing a small interlude noise thing-thang in the mix to try and transition between breaks. It's all a part of the learning process and will definitely get better with time.

February 10, 2013 This is the first interview that is less funny and more heartbreakingly serious. Brooke Rogers emailed me a few weeks ago wanting to tell a very personal and difficult story about her history with an eating disorder and the recovery that followed. I believe that sharing life's difficult experiences helps the storyteller to heal as well as educate those who might not understand. This isn't a weepy interview. It's actually pretty funny and silly at times. Otherwise, it's a straightforward account of a young woman's journey to finding both physical and emotional balance. If you of someone you know is struggling with this issue, Brooke is working to create a peer support network. Please contact her at brookearog@gmail.com.

February 7, 2013 Why hello there! The following interview is with Pittsburgh native, Dave Panseri. We discuss growing up in Western PA in all its glory, how to field dress a dear, being in a ska band in the mid- to late nineties, and how you never want to meet your heroes. Dave is a fellow gaming friend of mine that is super laid back and incredibly friendly so I can't imagine you not enjoying our conversation! A Note about the Audio: Around minute 40 for approximately 20 seconds something really strange happen to the recording. I did the best I could to limit the audio assault but you will hear a strange sound like something being moved over the mic. The truth is, we weren't touching the microphone at all so I have no clue what could have made that noise. If you think you do I would love you input.! Regardless, it's short enough that I decided we could all tough it out and it goes away quickly. At this point, I am now ten interviews into this project. I'm incredibly happy to report that besides the odd sound issue it's coming along very swimmingly and have a number of very exciting interviews coming down the line soon. This sounds incredibly cheesy but it's true what they say about everyone having a story. When I ambushed Dave about doing this interview, he was convinced that he wouldn't have anything to talk about. Afterwards he was surprised how much he had to say.

Ian and I have known each other for a few years which is why we just jump right into it. His book, his writing process, his overweight cat - no stone is left unturned! Please note, there are a number of ideas in here that have all been trademark by Mr. Riggins. If I get a fucking WHIFF that someone is shopping a certain script around I will be extremely disappointed!! You are more than welcome, however, to glean some inspiration and understanding of why it's important to make art. Ian on the Internet Ian on Tumbler Places to Do Business @ian_riggins on Twitter This is the first of a series focused on those that put pen to paper. If you are a writer and wish to talk, feel free to email me at darling.june@icloud.com

January 12, 2013  First off, I had to edit this interview for time because we went on FORVER about EVERYTHING. Solomon is a Pittsburgh comedian and entertainer involved in producing a lot of cool shit happening here in the 'Burgh. Listen for his in depth list of plugs for where he will be at and what he's working on in 2013, ( a little after the hour mark). I apologize that this is edited down and still over an hour but seriously you will enjoy this conversation as much as we did making it. Quick plug for the AP Collection - there is now a Facebook page! Go, LIKE, get updates about what's happing on the site. You can also contact me about sitting down and chatting yourself or nominate someone who you think should be on tape. I really want to talk to as many people in the world as possible. So far, I've mostly focused on entertainers in the local Pittsburgh area, but I do want to talk to you too - even if you don't do comedy or perform in some other way. The dirty secret is that most people comfortable enough to get on stage also have no problem talking to a stranger while she's recording it. Don't be afraid anymore!! Also, I did not record an intro to this interview. It's long enough and I figured we should just get into it! So without further ado...

Oh hey there! This is my conversation with Derek Minto, stand-up comedian/host/podcaster/awesome dude. Derek does everything from hosting open mic nights across the city of Pittsburgh to winning Moth competitions at the Rex. I talk to him about his very early career in comedy and how apparently dogs need shoes... Find him on Facebook or at www.hatersforhire.com.

I met James many years ago during the many years I tended bar in Pittsburgh. During the creation of this site I sent out a call on Facebook about needing some musical assistance and he answered the call. A musician and composer, James is crafting something for your ears in the next couple months... a theme song if you will. He also had a LOT of good advice about sound editing and recording for me that we discussed at my place on a very snowy Pittsburgh afternoon. Soon, we started chatting about Pennsylvania liquor laws and I was compelled to turn on the mic. What is captured here is a really thoughtful and just fucking cool discussion about art. Warning! I am just getting over a cold in this interview.Enjoy!Check out James in the ELCO Orchestra on the Facebook at www.facebook.com/elco.orchestra.

The second post!! Welcome back! This was an amazing interview with Zach that lasted so long I feel we should have solved at least a quarter of the world's problems. Instead, we had a really great time and I learned a valuable lesson in scheduling interviews back to back. We talk about everything and in fact, I am inviting Zach to return because we ended our lovely conversation mid-story, (the first cliff hanger)!! Enjoy :) Zach Funk live at PaPa D's Comedy (This interview was updated with a new intro on March 20th, 2013)

December 15, 2012 I met Alex Stypula after one of his sets at an open mic night at Hambones on Butler Street in Central Lawrenceville. He's intense, his words are violent, and his act is hysterical. He agreed to meet up with me at Hambones one afternoon in November to discuss his background, his comedy, and his perspective on existence. Enjoy! To find out when and where you can see Alex perform - check him out on Facebook. Update: March 1st, 2013 Alex was featured on the cover of this week's Pittsburgh City Paper and will be headlining at Club Cafe tomorrow March 2nd, 2013. Catch him now before tickets sell out! Find more interviews at APCollector.net