JOHN MICHAEL'S ROCK BOX Podcast

Welcome to this episode of John Michael's rock box with guest, comedian Brad Upton. 
With a career spanning over 37 years, comedy veteran Brad Upton is just getting started. The former fourth grade teacher and part-time track coach is seeing a resurgence unlike anyone else. His 2019 Dry Bar comedy special, “Boomer Triggers Gen-Z Snowflakes” with 16.1 million views on YouTube, is the 2nd most viewed comedy special on the planet. The viral phenomenon sent the album to #1 on the iTunes Charts and drove his ensuing special “I’m Not Done Yet” to new heights. Collectively, the clips and full specials have garnered well over 200 million views across all platforms and continue to build momentum from newfound fans all across the country.



Over his storied career, Brad has appeared with legendary acts like Jeff Foxworthy, Neal McCoy, Kenny Rogers, Lewis Black, Dolly Parton, George Jones and even now continues to tour with music icon Johnny Mathis. In 2019, he drew the attention of the iconic Grand Ole Opry where he’s had the honor to step into the circle multiple times becoming a regular guest. To find out more about Brad visit his website https://bradupton.com/ and to get information and tickets to his show at the San Jose Improv visit https://improv.com/sanjose/  Please like, share and subscribe and enjoy this episode.

Welcome to another fun episode of John Michael's rock box podcast with today's guest actor, writer, comedian Tom Arnold. At the time of this recording, Tom is performing at the San Jose Improv. For information and to g et tickets please visit https://improv.com/sanjose/comic/tom+arnold/   In this episode, Tom and I discuss being a single dad, teachers, school, comedy, movies, TV and so much more. It's a fun half hour that I'm sure you will enjoy. Don't forget to like, share and subscribe. Enjoy the podcast.

What a fun and entertaining interview, on this episode of John Michael's rock box, with comedian/actor Amir K who has upcoming comedy shows at the San Jose Improv and you can get tickets at https://improv.com/sanjose/comic/amir+k/  In this episode we discuss comedy, the San Jose Improv, rehearsing, hecklers and so much more. I know that you will truly enjoy this episode. Here's a little about Amir K...
Amir K has been entertaining audiences for 10 years, performing live across the U.S. and on Television.  His fun, unique approach to storytelling brings audiences together through his improvisational talent, characters and charisma. Born in Iran and raised in Southern California, Amir offers a unique point of view shaped by his multi-cultural upbringing.
Amir currently stars in the primetime CW reboot of MADtv and has been seen on Adam Devine’s House Party on Comedy Central, Comedy Knock Out on True TV, NBC’s Last Comic Standing and MTV's Jerks with Cameras . Amir is best known for his stand-up comedy, but is also an accomplished actor. He won a SAG award for his role in the Oscar winning film Argo and recently starred in The FOX feature film The Pyramid opposite Denis O'Hare and Ashley Grace.
Amir can be seen live headlining comedy clubs and theaters all over the U.S. as well as internationally.

For more info. go to https://amircomedy.com/

Enjoy this episode of John Michael's rock box and like, share and subscribe.

John Michael's latest interview with comedian/actor Adam Ferrara who, during the recording of this podcast, has upcoming comedy shows at the San Jose Improv. Get tickets and info at https://improv.com/sanjose/comic/adam+ferrara/ In this podcast we discuss comedy, acting, driving fast cars and a whole lot more. Here's a little about Adam: 

Adam Ferrara the Stand-Up Comedian and Actor who Entertainment Weekly dubbed “Hilarious ” presently hosts the critically acclaimed BBC sensation Top Gear US airing on HISTORY.

Additionally Adam is an internationally touring headliner two-time nominee for best male stand-up by the American Comedy Awards and has three Comedy Central Specials.

Ferrara proudly played Chief Needles Nelson on the Emmy® nominated FX drama Rescue Me with Denis Leary and Frank Verelli on Showtime’s hit series Nurse Jackie opposite Emmy® Award winner Edie Falco. He has also co-starred alongside Kevin James in the hit movie Paul Blart: Mall Cop and in Definitely Maybe with Ryan Reynolds and Isla Fisher.

Ferrara's earlier TV credits include NBC's Law & Order ABC's Ugly Betty CBS's The King Of Queens as well as a series regular on the critically acclaimed ABC show The Job. Ferrara has also appeared on Jimmy Fallon Jay Leno David Letterman The View and Rachael Ray.

Apart from opening for his comedy idol George Carlin and performing at Carnegie Hall Radio City Music Hall and The Apollo Theater Ferrara was asked to perform at a benefit for the President and all of the Senators. Stuck in traffic on the way to the event Ferrara quipped “I’m still moving faster than Congress.”

To find out more about Adam, visit his website at https://www.adamferrara.com/

I'm sure that you are going to enjoy this episode of John Michael's rock box. So sit back and enjoy and Be sure to like, share and subscribe.

In this episode of John Michael's rock box podcast, John Michael talks with vocalist/songwriter Morgan James about her new hair style (because it matters), her humble beginnings, her vocal schooling at Julliard, her time with Post Modern Jukebox and so much more. Get more information about Morgan at http://www.morganjamesonline.com/home/ A big thank you to the rock box sponsor, JL Wood Wines. Visit them at https://jlwoodwine.com/ Please like, share and subscribe. Thank you and enjoy this episode of John Michael's rock box with Morgan James.

A fun, and very informative interview with Marni from The Wing Girl Method. Marni is an attraction coach and we talk about all the nuances of the dating world, and Marni's Method is not geared specifically for men.  We get a little insight on who Marni is and why she became an attraction coach and her creation of The Wing Girl Method. You can get more detailed information at https://www.winggirlmethod.com. We would like to welcome our new sponsor to the podcast, JL Wood Wines. Makers of Luxury Chardonnay. For more information visit them at jlwoodwine.com.  I hope that you have as much fun listening to this podcast episode as we had making it. So sit back, enjoy and be sure to like, share and subscribe.

In this episode, John Michael talks with former New York City Fireman and comedian John Larocchia. We discuss John's foundation "Laughter Saves Lives!" We also talk about life as a fireman during 911 and John's comedic stand up talents and so much more. You can get more information about "Laughter Saves Lives" at laughtersaveslives.org/ You can also watch the video to this interview on YouTube at youtu.be/m_gpJNBHRzo. John is an Amazing human and this interview is very uplifting and a whole lot of fun! Be sure to like, share and subscribe. Thank You and Enjoy!

A fun, high energy interview with host John Michael and comedian/actor/podcaster Bryan Callen! We talk comedy on the road, prep, upcoming shows and so much more! Bryan has multiple shows lined up at the San Jose Improv and you can get more information and tickets at https://improv.com/sanjose/

For more information about anything Bryan Callen, visit his website at https://www.bryancallen.com/
Here's a little about Bryan:
Bryan Callen is an actor, comedian, and podcaster. He is best known for his recurring role as “Coach Mellor” on ABC’s Schooled and The Goldbergs and as one of the original cast members of MadTV. Callen has also appeared in TV and films including Kingdom, Hangover 1 & 2, Ride Along, Sex and the City, Old School, Entourage, Californication, and many more.

A veteran Headliner, Callen performs in theaters and comedy venues across the world. His third one-hour comedy special, “Complicated Apes”, topped the iTunes charts upon its release in March, 2019 and can be found on Amazon Prime.

Callen is known for being the co-host of the top-rated iTunes podcasts The Fighter and The Kid and Big & Hungry, as well as Conspiracy Social Club AKA Deep Waters, which can be found on Patreon.

Remember to like, share and subscribe!! Enjoy!!

Welcome to another episode of John Michael's rock box podcast with guest, comedian Brent Morin. It's a fun interview with host John Michael and Brent Morin. We talk about all things comedy and a few interesting other things. Check it out!! At the time of this recording Brent has multiple shows at the San Jose Improv. Tickets to Brent's and many other shows can be found at https://improv.com/sanjose/
Here's a little bit about Brent:
Brent Morin is a Los Angeles-based comedian, actor and writer. He is best known for his role as 'Justin Kearney' in the NBC sitcom UNDATEABLE. In late 2019, Brent starred opposite Dennis Quaid in the Netflix holiday series MERRY HAPPY WHATEVER from Kapital Entertainment. Brent can also be seen starring in the Netflix half-hour comedy special series, THE STAND UPS. Additionally, his one-hour stand-up special, I’M BRENT MORIN, is currently streaming on Netflix. In 2013, he was named one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch.” He has also appeared on CHELSEA LATELY, CONAN, COMEDY CENTRAL, BROOKLYN 99, THE MCCARTHY’S and GROUND FLOOR. Brent can be seen starring in David Haskell’s feature film, THE OUTDOORSMAN, which will made its world premiere at the 2017 Austin Film Festival. Brent regularly performs at The Comedy Store, The Improv and Laugh Factory and continues to tour throughout the United States.
To find out more about Brent and where he's up to visit his website at https://www.brentmorin.com/
I'm sure that you're going to enjoy this interview and please like, share and subscribe so we can continue to bring you these fun podcasts. Thank You.

In this episode, John Michael talks with comedian Sam Moriril who, at the time of this interview, has some upcoming shows at the San Jose Improv. Tickets to the nearly sold out shows are available at https://improv.com/sanjose/You can find out more about Sam at https://www.sammorril.com/ We have a whole lot of fun discussing comedy, life on the road, the singles life, hecklers and so much more. Here's a little bit about Sam:
Morril is one of the fastest-rising stand-up comics in New York City and one of the best joke writers in the scene today. He is a regular on Comedy Central’s This Week at the Comedy Cellar, where he appears frequently when not touring cities across the nation. He was named one of Comedy Central’s Comics to Watch in 2011 and has performed multiple stand-up sets on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Late, Late Show with James Corden and Conan. He’s also had stints on Last Comic Standing, America’s Got Talent, @midnight with Chris Hardwick, and Inside Amy Schumer.

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In February 2020, Morril released his 3rd stand-up special for Comedy Central, I Got This on their YouTube channel and received over 1.5 million views within the first two weeks. Morril then later released it as a comedy album with 800 Pound Gorilla Records.

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In 2015, the comedian recorded his debut album, Class Act, with Comedy Central Records, which went to #1 on iTunes and made numerous top 10 lists and appeared on season four of Comedy Central’s The Half Hour. His first one hour special, Amy Schumer Presents Sam Morril: Positive Influence premiered on Comedy Central in 2018.

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Morril was the host of his very own show on MSG called People Talking Sports, which ran for two seasons and received an Emmy® nomination. Morril also has a cameo in the Academy Award nominated film, Joker.

Don't forget to like, share and subscribe. Enjoy the podcast.

A fun interview with rock box host John Michael and comedian Jeff Allen  who, at the time of this recording, has a show at the San Jose Improv on Sunday August 7, 2022. Tickets for that show and many others are available at https://improv.com/sanjose/. You can find out more about Jeff on his website at https://www.jeffallencomedy.com/ Here's a little bit about Jeff:

Jeff Allen's Bio

Jeff Allen is in his fifth decade as a working comedian. You may have seen him on America’s Got Talent, Dry Bar Comedy, HBO, Amazon Prime, Huckabee, Pureflix, Comedy Central, VH-1, Showtime, TBN, CBN, Family Net and numerous other television networks and Podcasts. He can be heard regularly on SiriusXM’s comedy channels, also Pandora and Spotify. He has performed for our troops on aircraft carriers and ships in the Indian Ocean. Look for him and on the fastest growing comedy internet sensation, Dry Bar Comedy where Jeff has surpassed 300 million views on Facebook , YouTube and other channels. Jeff has also produced and starred in his own sitcom pilot for Castlerock Television and in the critically acclaimed films, “Apostles of Comedy.” On his new tour filled with new material, Jeff Allen 2.0, Jeff’s sidesplitting comedy drives home the humor in everyday family life, the ups and downs of marriage, the challenge of raising children, the bliss of the empty nest (followed by the unexpected returns to said nest) and the joys of being a grandparent. Audiences will immensely enjoy taking this journey with Jeff.

I hope that you enjoy this podcast and make sure to check it out wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts and be sure to like and subscribe. Thanks.

Welcome to another episode of John Michael's rock box podcast. This episodes guest is comedian Joe Avati.  It is a short but entertaining interview with Joe which I'm sure you will enjoy. During the recording of this podcast, Joe has a stand up show at the San Jose Improv Sunday July 17, 2022 at 7pm. Tickets are available at https://improv.com/sanjose/comic/joe+avati/
Here's a little about Joe Avati:
Joe Avati’s HAVE SOME RESPECT World Tour is finally here.

After surviving the world’s longest lockdown in Melbourne, the comedian who’s been touted as Australia’s answer to Seinfeld is bursting with new material to celebrate his 25 years as a comedian – and with most of us needing a good laugh after the events of the last two years, his tour will be just the ticket.

“I’m so excited to finally heading back to the stage and thrilled to see that so many are looking forward to joining me on this incredibly important pinnacle of my career”, said Joe about the increased demand.

Featuring his unique brand of humour and sharp observations, and over the course of almost 90 minutes, Joe will honestly recount life as an ethnic Australian and now life as a husband and father to a newborn. Growing up in the 70s and 80s, Joe’s view on how today’s generation of kids compares to his own experiences will have audiences of all ages and ethnicities in stitches.

Internationally loved and regularly selling out shows in Canada and the USA, Joe Avati has achieved a lot in his 25 years of work. One of the country’s biggest comedy exports, Joe is the only Australian artist to have two comedy albums charting simultaneously in the top 5 anywhere in the world as well as a number 1 comedy album. He boasts record breaking, sell-out shows around the globe, has produced several successful live theatre shows, plus hosts the popular podcast A Serious Chat with A Comedian. As If that’s not enough, he is also about to release a children’s book titled When I Was Your Age – a subject also touched on (in a very different way!) in his new comedy.

Renowned for his clean performances, Joe relies on wit, human insight, and genuine comedic talent rather than risqué subjects or profanity to garner the praise he regularly receives – something rare in today’s comedy landscape. It is this characteristic that has drawn comparisons to the great Jerry Seinfeld, and Joe’s ability to appeal to multi-generational audiences sets him apart and makes this a must-see show.

Be sure to like, share and subscribe wherever you download your podcasts. Enjoy!!

Welcome to another episode of John Michael's rock box podcast with guest, comedian/writer Gina Billon. This is a fun interview with Gina who, at the time of this interview, is preparing for a weekend full of shows at the  San Jose Improv.

Click the link below:
    https://improv.com/sanjose/comic/gina+brillon/


Here's a little bit about Gina:
Gina Brillon was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. The Puerto Rican actress, comedian, writer (and new mom!) has been a standup comic since she was 17 years old. Her 1-hour special Gina Brillon: The Floor is Lava won a Gracie Award and is available on Amazon Prime Video, along with her first special, Pacifically Speaking. Her 1/2 hour special Easily Offended was one of the top shows from the Entre Nos franchise on HBO Latino, and streams on all HBO Digital Platforms.  She’s made appearances on HBO Max’s HA Festival: The Art of Comedy, Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham, E!’s Chelsea Lately, The View, Late Night with Seth Meyers and Jimmy Kimmel Live. You have seen her on Kevin Can Wait on CBS and The Conners on ABC. In 2012, she became the first (and only) Latina winner of NBC’s Stand up for Diversity Showcase. The following year, she was a “New Face” at the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival. Gina is a singer, published writer, and poet. Her pieces have appeared in the New York Post and Daily News, among others. In 2019, she was featured on Gabriel
“Fluffy” Iglesias’ “Beyond the Fluffy Tour” - hitting 46 cities around the US. Currently, Gina and co-host Katherine G. Mendoza dole out advice on their podcast Mess In Progress: The Homegirls Guide to Self-Help.

For more information about Gina, visit her website at https://ginabrilloncomedy.com/
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John-Michael chats with actor/comedian Craig Robinson about comedy, acting and his new series titled "Killing It" on Peacock, and his shows at the San Jose Improv that you can check out at https://improv.com/sanjose/comic/craig+robinson/ Here's a little about Craig:
Beginning as a stand-up comedian in Chicago, Robinson first made his mark in the comedy circuit at the 1998 Montreal “Just For Laughs” Festival. Before deciding to pursue his comedy career full time, Robinson was a K-8 teacher in the Chicago Public School System. He earned his undergraduate degree from Illinois State University and his Masters of Education from St. Xavier University. It was while Craig was studying education in Chicago that he also discovered his love of acting and comedy when he joined the famed Second City Theatre. Craig is best known for his portrayal of Daryl Philban in NBC’s THE OFFICE but has also starred in such movies as KNOCKED UP, THIS IS THE END, THE HOT TUB TIME MACHINE SERIES, and MORRIS FROM AMERICA the latter of which he won a Special Grand Jury prize for acting at Sundance in 2016. Craig also plays the role of Leroy in FOX’s paranormal comedy series, GHOSTED. Craig currently resides in Los Angeles and continues to headline solo dates as well as with his band “The Nasty Delicious” all across the globe.

John-Michael's guests are world renown musicians Kevin Eubanks and Orrin Evans who have a new musical project called EEE (The Eubanks-Evans Experience.)  the debut duo recording by two of jazz's most acclaimed and eclectic artists.

Due out March 18, 2022, EEE brings together guitar great Kevin Eubanks with adventurous pianist

Orrin Evans for a set that's as wide-ranging and unpredictable as audiences have come to

expect from these two risk-takers. Created in an atmosphere of spontaneity and try-anything

experimentation, the repertoire veers from gut-rumbling blues to delicate, air impressionism,

mixing up on-the-spot originals with funk-jazz deep cuts and classic tunes by jazz masters.

Eubanks and Evans share more than their Philly roots - though that's not an aspect that 

can be discounted, and the city's tension between brotherly love and gritty attitude

courses through the album's veins.  Both also bring a wealth of experience to the table,

along with a friendship of long standing.  Eubanks, middle brother of the well-known jazz

family, made his name through a series of electrifying releases in the 1980s before spending

a decade and a half as a bandleader for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.  Since that stint

ended in 2010, he reemerged as a vital voice on the modern jazz scene leading his

own bands along with resuming his partnership with bassist Dave Holland in the band

Prism. Eubanks is also currently co-host of  Fox First Run's hit comedy/game show You Bet Your Life with Jay Leno,

which premiered in Fall, 2021 and was recently picked up for Year 2 for the 2022 - 2023 television season.

Nominated for a 2018 Grammy Award his Captain Black Big Band, Evans had

been splitting his time recently between his own prolific performing career and newly

appointed role as the Artist in Residence of the DC Jazz Festival.

While EEE marks the pair's recording debut as a duo, there's an inviting ease and scintillating

chemistry to the meeting of Evans and Eubanks that speaks to the parallel histories as well

as their shared fearlessness. That's reflected in their offbeat choice of material on the album,

most of which was decided upon at the spur of the moment - both in studio and onstage

at Philadelphia's Chris' Jazz Cafe.

The album harkens back to Eubanks' 1983 debut Guitarist with the album's opening track "The Novice Bounce,"

beginning the album with a sauntering improvisation which builds into a soulful bounce, rife with moments

of tasteful interplay. The duo continues with a reimagining of the Tom Browne song "Dreamin' of Lovin' You."

Departing from the funky upbeat feel of  the original, this version is an introspective ballad fully embodying 

the 'dream' aspect of the title. Evans contributed the heartfelt ballad "Dawn Marie," a tribute to his wife

and creative partner, Dawn Marie Evans.

Freedom is a theme that throughout the DNA of this release, and the freedom of two like-minded, 

and deeply well-versed artists playing in a duo context allows for spontaneous creation of the highest echelon.

SPRING 2022 TOUR DATES:

3/30: Oakland, CA @ Yoshi's Oakland
https://yoshis.com/events/buy-tickets/eubanks-evans-experience/detail

3/31: Santa Cruz, CA @ Kuumbwa Jazz
https://www.kuumbwajaz

Welcome to John-Michael's rock box podcast. In this podcast we discuss Joseph's books the hardboiled detective story of a terrified community,  the only cop in LA who might be able to put a stop to the hysteria, and a murderer with nothing left to lose, and is currently available on Amazon, (Paperback and Kindle), Barnes & Noble and as an audio book through Audible.  Visit Joseph's website for all the links at https://jschneiderbooks.com

The highly-acclaimed book is the second in a series of 3, following the dynamic 2020 release of One Day You'll Burn, which introduced quirky
Detective Tully Jarsdel in an incredible debut, described as, "A brilliant first novel. Joseph Schneider's contemporary writing evokes some of Hollywood's
most classic crime stories, from Chinatown to L.A. Confidential," by Dick Wolf, creator of Law & Order, among many other accolades, the amazing world of the crime fiction genre and his fascinating background! We'll also talk about Joseph's many other talents like his being a magician, dance instructor, 5th grade teacher, pianist and much more!! It's informative, inspirational, and a whole lot of fun!!  Be sure to like, share and subscribe for more upcoming interview podcasts!!

Welcome to John-Michael's rock box podcast with guest Jeremy Piven.  A household name for his 2x Golden Globe and 3x Emmy Award-winning performance playing the fast-talking, acerbic Hollywood agent ‘Ari Gold’ in the HBO series Entourage, actor, comedian, and podcast host Jeremy Piven also achieved significant success playing the title role in the British/PBS television drama series Mr Selfridge, the semi-fictional story based on the life of Harry Selfridge, who founded the London department store Selfridge's. Piven has also appeared in numerous successful films, including GROSSE POINTE BLANK, SINGLES, VERY BAD THINGS, THE FAMILY MAN, BLACK HAWK DOWN, THE KINGDOM, HEAT, PCU, OLD SCHOOL, ROCK N ROLLA, SERENDIPITY, SMOKIN' ACES, and RUNAWAY JURY. Piven is currently touring the country with his successful STAND-UP COMEDY show, flexing a comedic muscle that few actors have been able to transition over to. Want to find out what Jeremy's up to!? Visit https://jeremy-piven.com/
Be sure to like and subscribe. 

On this episode of John-Michael's rock box my guest is stand up comedian, writer, actor, producer, and director Christopher Titus. We talk about his stand up and his career to date, nano chips, aliens, his relationship and life in general...it's a whole lot of fun and at the time of this recording Christopher will be doing his stand up at the San Jose Improv. Go to improv.com for more information and tickets to his show and visit his website at  https://www.christophertitus.com/  Be sure to like, share, and subscribe.....Enjoy this episode of John-Michael's rock box podcast!

John-Michael's interview with the very funny comedian Bob Saget. Of course we talk about Bob's comedic tour, home life, friends, podcasts, farts and more! It really is a whole lot of fun packed in a half hour!! At the time of this interview Bob has upcoming shows at the San Jose Improv and you can get more info and tickets at http://improv.com/sanjose/comic/bob+saget/ Also to learn more about Bob and see his upcoming shows and whatever else he's doing then visit www.bobsaget.com. Make sure to like, subscribe, and share away!! Enjoy the podcast!!

Welcome to John-Michael's rock box podcast with this episode's guest, comedian TJ Miller. We discuss his current tour "The Unkle Bulbous Tour" his comedy and some fun stories that I'm sure you will enjoy. TJ is an awesome guest and has plenty to say. During this recording TJ was preparing for his weekend run at the San Jose Improv the weekend of Oct. 15 2021 and if you use the promo code "HIPPO" when ordering tickets, you'll get half off tickets for the late shows at https://improv.com/sanjose/ To find out more about TJ Miller visit his website at https://tjmillerdoesnothaveawebsite.com/ Please be sure to like, share, and subscribe and so sit back and enjoy this episode of John-Michael's rock box podcast with guest TJ Miller.