Performers & Creators Lab

Holly shares about what's really holding you back from being bold, asking for what you want, and letting go of what other people think of you. Followed by a quick exercise to help fortify your self-confidence and recognize just how damn resilient you really are.

In this episode:

• Holly shares about her new writing project and what it made her realize about stand up comedy and how she's able to do it.
• Emotional fluency, queen years, and the truth about what it really takes to be bold in life and in art
• Relaxing guided meditation exercise to help separate you from your past and fortify your future!

Looking for unique gifts for the holidays?  Look no further!  Holly's got two books already published and easily available for purchase online:  Order The Creative Formula and  Making Art In the Middle of Madness today and get them in time for the holidays!

About Your Host, Holly Shaw
Before becoming a comedian, Holly Shaw spent a lifetime on stage, T.V. and film as an actor, professional dancer and later as a speaker, coach and hypnotherapist. She's authored two books: the Amazon bestseller, The Creative Formula, as well as  Making Art In the Middle of Madness and she was a regular teacher at SAG/AFTRA's conservatories in San Francisco as well as Los Angeles. Her podcast, Performers & Creators Lab, was named One of the Most Outstanding Podcasts of 2019 by Databird Research. Through all of her offerings she has helped thousands of performing artists, some of them Emmy Award winning and Grammy nominated, overcome stage fright, impostor syndrome, and creative blocks so that they can create the work they were born to make and become undeniably magnetic performers.  To learn more, please visit www.performersandcreatorslab.com

About the Composer: Dan Cantrell is an Emmy award winning composer and multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative film scoring approach, and his virtuosic abilities on the accordion, piano and musical saw. “Hauntingly beautiful…quirky and energetic” says the San Francisco Bay Guardian.  His extensive scoring catalogue spans a wide range of emotion and style. Dan’s compositions for film and television have earned him numerous awards including an Emmy Award for KQED’s Home-Front,a Golden Gate award for the soundtrack to the documentary Divided Loyalties, and an Annie nomination for his work on three seasons of Cartoon Network’s the Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. Visit bellowhead.com

This week we discuss the spiritual journey that is likely happening to you while you don't even think about it! Join Holly in a brief respite from worrying about how you're shaping your artistic career, to take this time to explore how your craft has shaped YOU!

In this episode we cover:

• How to explore the journey your spirit is having while you focus on your art
• Holly goes through her own spiritual lessons she's learned from careers in acting in film, theatre and TV, the world of flamenco dance, creating 365 dances in a year and now as a stand up comedian
• Questions you can ask yourself to begin uncovering your own spiritual journey and lessons you're learning
• Why it's crucial and important to take the time to acknowledge this journey

About Your Host, Holly Shaw
Before becoming a comedian, Holly Shaw spent a lifetime on stage, T.V. and film as an actor, professional dancer and later as a speaker, coach and hypnotherapist. She's authored two books: the Amazon bestseller, The Creative Formula, as well as  Making Art In the Middle of Madness and she was a regular teacher at SAG/AFTRA's conservatories in San Francisco as well as Los Angeles. Her podcast, Performers & Creators Lab, was named One of the Most Outstanding Podcasts of 2019 by Databird Research. Through all of her offerings she has helped thousands of performing artists, some of them Emmy Award winning and Grammy nominated, overcome stage fright, impostor syndrome, and creative blocks so that they can create the work they were born to make and become undeniably magnetic performers.  To learn more, please visit www.performersandcreatorslab.com

About the Composer: Dan Cantrell is an Emmy award winning composer and multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative film scoring approach, and his virtuosic abilities on the accordion, piano and musical saw. “Hauntingly beautiful…quirky and energetic” says the San Francisco Bay Guardian.  His extensive scoring catalogue spans a wide range of emotion and style. Dan’s compositions for film and television have earned him numerous awards including an Emmy Award for KQED’s Home-Front,a Golden Gate award for the soundtrack to the documentary Divided Loyalties, and an Annie nomination for his work on three seasons of Cartoon Network’s the Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. Visit bellowhead.com

Are you having trouble just getting yourself unstuck and doing the thing?  Yup, been there! What we know is that you learn so much more in action then just sitting around dreaming about doing the thing, so in this episode Holly shares sneaky insights and hacks for getting yourself to JUST DO THE THING!

In this episode:

• Your Biggest Blocks that are keeping you from doing the thing
• The First Step in going for what you want
• The Difference Between Desire and "Shoulds"
• A Language Hack You Can Use to get yourself down to business

About Your Host, Holly Shaw
Before becoming a comedian, Holly Shaw spent a lifetime on stage, T.V. and film as an actor, professional dancer and later as a speaker, coach and hypnotherapist. She's authored two books: the Amazon bestseller, The Creative Formula, as well as  Making Art In the Middle of Madness and she was a regular teacher at SAG/AFTRA's conservatories in San Francisco as well as Los Angeles. Her podcast, Performers & Creators Lab, was named One of the Most Outstanding Podcasts of 2019 by Databird Research. Through all of her offerings she has helped thousands of performing artists, some of them Emmy Award winning and Grammy nominated, overcome stage fright, impostor syndrome, and creative blocks so that they can create the work they were born to make and become undeniably magnetic performers.  To learn more, please visit www.performersandcreatorslab.com

In this third episode in a series about intuition we finally start talking about dead people.  Can you talk to them? How to safely go about it.  Listen to this podcast to make the most of this season where the veil is thin!

Covered in this episode:

• Holly shares her own experience with growing up in a psychic and ghost-talking family and the time when she first realized what she was actually capable of.
• Channeling for creativity: do the dead want to create with us?
• 5 Ways you can start talking to dead people
• The most important thing you need to know in order do this safely

You Might Also Like:

Episode 39 Inspiration from the Beyond with award winning Hollywood screenwriter, Cynthia Whitcomb


About Your Host, Holly Shaw
Before becoming a comedian, Holly Shaw spent a lifetime on stage, T.V. and film as an actor, professional dancer and later as a speaker, coach and hypnotherapist. She's authored two books: the Amazon bestseller, The Creative Formula, as well as  Making Art In the Middle of Madness and she was a regular teacher at SAG/AFTRA's conservatories in San Francisco as well as Los Angeles. Her podcast, Performers & Creators Lab, was named One of the Most Outstanding Podcasts of 2019 by Databird Research. Through all of her offerings she has helped thousands of performing artists, some of them Emmy Award winning and Grammy nominated, overcome stage fright, impostor syndrome, and creative blocks so that they can create the work they were born to make and become undeniably magnetic performers.  To learn more, please visit www.performersandcreatorslab.com

About the Composer: Dan Cantrell is an Emmy award winning composer and multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative film scoring approach, and his virtuosic abilities on the accordion, piano and musical saw. “Hauntingly beautiful…quirky and energetic” says the San Francisco Bay Guardian.  His extensive scoring catalogue spans a wide range of emotion and style. Dan’s compositions for film and television have earned him numerous awards including an Emmy Award for KQED’s Home-Front,a Golden Gate award for the soundtrack to the documentary Divided Loyalties, and an Annie nomination for his work on three seasons of Cartoon Network’s the Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. Visit bellowhead.com

We continue our conversation about intuition as Holly answers some important questions:

• How can I tell the difference between intuition and anxiety?
• Was there ever a time you didn’t listen to your intuition and what was that like?
• When I’m overwhelmed or in the thick of things, how can I drop in and tap into my intuition?

Episode highlights:


1:52 What's the difference between anxiety and intuition
3:20 How intuition feels
6:30 Driving and intuition
9:10 When Holly should have passed on an opportunity but didn't
13:45 The importance of collecting hard data
15:35 The power of the animal body and how to listen
18:20 Three questions you can ask to drop into your intuition in the moment

About Your Host, Holly Shaw
Before becoming a comedian, Holly Shaw spent a lifetime on stage, T.V. and film as an actor, professional dancer and later as a speaker, coach and hypnotherapist. She's authored two books: the Amazon bestseller, The Creative Formula, as well as  Making Art In the Middle of Madness and she was a regular teacher at SAG/AFTRA's conservatories in San Francisco as well as Los Angeles. Her podcast, Performers & Creators Lab, was named One of the Most Outstanding Podcasts of 2019 by Databird Research. Through all of her offerings she has helped thousands of performing artists, some of them Emmy Award winning and Grammy nominated, overcome stage fright, impostor syndrome, and creative blocks so that they can create the work they were born to make and become undeniably magnetic performers.  To learn more, please visit www.performersandcreatorslab.com

About the Composer: Dan Cantrell is an Emmy award winning composer and multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative film scoring approach, and his virtuosic abilities on the accordion, piano and musical saw. “Hauntingly beautiful…quirky and energetic” says the San Francisco Bay Guardian.  His extensive scoring catalogue spans a wide range of emotion and style. Dan’s compositions for film and television have earned him numerous awards including an Emmy Award for KQED’s Home-Front,a Golden Gate award for the soundtrack to the documentary Divided Loyalties, and an Annie nomination for his work on three seasons of Cartoon Network’s the Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. Visit bellowhead.com

Get ready for some real talk about intuition! The most common question I get asked when I do my "relationship auras" comedy bit is "Are you really an intuitive?" and my answer is always, "yes, and so are you!"  So I decided to dive a little deeper into this topic and explore intuition and how to get more of it. 

Episode Highlights:

• My psychic bit and how I came to develop that
• The best place to start when honing your intuition
• My own journey from being a confused empath to a becoming a confident receiver
• An exercise you can start using right away
• Creativity and its relationship to intuition

And BONUS, I share other free resources you can use to start playing with your intuition today!

About Your Host, Holly Shaw
Before becoming a comedian, Holly Shaw spent a lifetime on stage, T.V. and film as an actor, professional dancer and later as a speaker, coach and hypnotherapist. She's authored two books: the Amazon bestseller, The Creative Formula, as well as  Making Art In the Middle of Madness and she was a regular teacher at SAG/AFTRA's conservatories in San Francisco as well as Los Angeles. Her podcast, Performers & Creators Lab, was named One of the Most Outstanding Podcasts of 2019 by Databird Research. Through all of her offerings she has helped thousands of performing artists, some of them Emmy Award winning and Grammy nominated, overcome stage fright, impostor syndrome, and creative blocks so that they can create the work they were born to make and become undeniably magnetic performers.  To learn more, please visit www.performersandcreatorslab.com

About the Composer: Dan Cantrell is an Emmy award winning composer and multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative film scoring approach, and his virtuosic abilities on the accordion, piano and musical saw. “Hauntingly beautiful…quirky and energetic” says the San Francisco Bay Guardian.  His extensive scoring catalogue spans a wide range of emotion and style. Dan’s compositions for film and television have earned him numerous awards including an Emmy Award for KQED’s Home-Front,a Golden Gate award for the soundtrack to the documentary Divided Loyalties, and an Annie nomination for his work on three seasons of Cartoon Network’s the Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. Visit bellowhead.com

How to bring all of yourself with you onstage, tap into the leadership role, bring the energy especially when you have to wear multiple hats.  In this lively dialogue with dancer, creator and director, Katy Alaniz Barnhill we talk dance, stand up comedy, producing, directing and more!

Connect with Katy on Instagram: @feminineempressmovement

Check out the Comedy Culture Club, a weekly live stand-up comedy show that Holly produces in Oakland, CA>>

About Holly Shaw
Before becoming a comedian, Holly Shaw spent a lifetime on stage, T.V. and film as an actor, professional dancer and later as a speaker, coach and hypnotherapist. She's authored two books: the Amazon bestseller, The Creative Formula, as well as  Making Art In the Middle of Madness and she was a regular teacher at SAG/AFTRA's conservatories in San Francisco as well as Los Angeles. Her podcast, Performers & Creators Lab, was named One of the Most Outstanding Podcasts of 2019 by Databird Research. Through all of her offerings she has helped thousands of performing artists, some of them Emmy Award winning and Grammy nominated, overcome stage fright, impostor syndrome, and creative blocks so that they can create the work they were born to make and become undeniably magnetic performers.  To learn more, please visit www.performersandcreatorslab.com

Real talk about how to take a little more pleasure in life.

About Holly Shaw
Before becoming a comedian, Holly Shaw spent a lifetime on stage, T.V. and film as an actor, professional dancer and later as a speaker, coach and hypnotherapist. She's authored two books: the Amazon bestseller, The Creative Formula, as well as  Making Art In the Middle of Madness and she was a regular teacher at SAG/AFTRA's conservatories in San Francisco as well as Los Angeles. Her podcast, Performers & Creators Lab, was named One of the Most Outstanding Podcasts of 2019 by Databird Research. Through all of her offerings she has helped thousands of performing artists, some of them Emmy Award winning and Grammy nominated, overcome stage fright, impostor syndrome, and creative blocks so that they can create the work they were born to make and become undeniably magnetic performers.  To learn more, please visit www.performersandcreatorslab.com

A musical meditation to listen to as you walk, dance, glide or sit quietly for a quick tune up with these affirmations:

• You are a mentor to your younger self
• Take care of now, your process, and how you are doing your now and the future, the destination, the outcome will take care of itself.

Music by Flint (Through Valleys), Rodellos Machine (The World Inside), Hans Johnson (We Will Meet Again), Duce Williams (The Blessing) with editing and voiceover by Holly Shaw - proper licensing obtained

About Holly Shaw
Before becoming a comedian, Holly Shaw spent a lifetime on stage, T.V. and film as an actor, professional dancer and later as a speaker, coach and hypnotherapist. She's authored two books: the Amazon bestseller, The Creative Formula, as well as  Making Art In the Middle of Madness and she was a regular teacher at SAG/AFTRA's conservatories in San Francisco as well as Los Angeles. Her podcast, Performers & Creators Lab, was named One of the Most Outstanding Podcasts of 2019 by Databird Research. Through all of her offerings she has helped thousands of performing artists, some of them Emmy Award winning and Grammy nominated, overcome stage fright, impostor syndrome, and creative blocks so that they can create the work they were born to make and become undeniably magnetic performers.  To learn more, please visit www.performersandcreatorslab.com

In this episode Holly tackles the issue of loneliness and healing the wounds of community, betrayal and how to find your true people.

We cover a ton in this episode:

• Shocking effects of loneliness and why you shouldn't ignore it
• The Outlaw Archetype: what is it and why you may gravitate towards it
• Reasons why you may have become disconnected in the first place
• Holly shares her own personal story about community and betrayal
• Four components of community-what is it really?
• How you may be blocking yourself from connection with others

BONUS - At the end of this episode Holly leads you through the Community Deep Dive exercise from her book, Making Art In the Middle of Madness.

• Four Questions you can ask yourself to identify:
  • The communties where you already belong
  • How you actually show up there
  • Where you should invest in more
  • People you may need to walk away from

About Holly Shaw
Before becoming a comedian, Holly Shaw spent a lifetime on stage, T.V. and film as an actor, professional dancer and later as a speaker, coach and hypnotherapist. She's authored two books: the Amazon bestseller, The Creative Formula, as well as  Making Art In the Middle of Madness and she was a regular teacher at SAG/AFTRA's conservatories in San Francisco as well as Los Angeles. Her podcast, Performers & Creators Lab, was named One of the Most Outstanding Podcasts of 2019 by Databird Research. Through all of her offerings she has helped thousands of performing artists, some of them Emmy Award winning and Grammy nominated, overcome stage fright, impostor syndrome, and creative blocks so that they can create the work they were born to make and become undeniably magnetic performers.  To learn more, please visit www.performersandcreatorslab.com

Composer
Dan Cantrell is an Emmy award winning composer and multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative film scoring approach, and his virtuosic abilities on the accordion, piano and musical saw. “Hauntingly beautiful…quirky and energetic” says the San Francisco Bay Guardian.  His extensive scoring catalogue spans a wide range of emotion and style. Dan’s compositions for film and television have earned him numerous awards including an Emmy Award for KQED’s Home-Front,a Golden Gate award for the soundtrack to the documentary Divided Loyalties, and an Annie nomination for his work on three seasons of Cartoon Network’s the Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. Visit bellowhead.com

Other Helpful Resources/Loneliness
Why Community Matters So Much and How to Find Yours (Vox)
Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions (CDC)
Where Did All My Friends Go? A Simple Guide to Finding Your People (Mel Robbins)

Holly talks to you about how listening to your body can be the one degree shift you need today to place yourself on a different trajectory in your life.  How focusing on the process as opposed to the destination is the answer for getting the juiciest experience out of your day and out of your craft.

If you're in the Bay Area, please join me at the new show I'm producing, Comedy Culture Club which happens every Friday night at Buck Wild Brewing in Oakland starting September 8th, 2023.  Click here for more info and tickets>>

Holly Shaw has been featured on stand-up comedy showcases all over the Bay Area and Northern CA including Cobbs Comedy Club, Alameda Comedy Club, Cheaper Than Therapy, Laughs Unlimited and the Oakland Comedy Festival. In addition to being on her way to becoming a powerful voice in comedy she is also known for producing and creating spaces where creativity and innovation thrives. She is the executive producer of The Comedy Edge, which started out on the Oakland waterfront at Brooklyn Basin, and enjoyed a streak of sold-out weekly shows (100+ seats) from 2020 - 2022. Before becoming a comedian, Holly Shaw spent a lifetime on stage, T.V. and film as an actor, professional dancer and later as a speaker, coach and hypnotherapist. She's authored two books: the Amazon bestseller, The Creative Formula, as well as the newly released book, Making Art In the Middle of Madness.Through all of her offerings she has helped thousands of performing artists, some of them Emmy Award winning and Grammy nominated, overcome stage fright, impostor syndrome, and creative blocks so that they can create the work they were born to make and become undeniably magnetic performers. Currently she lives in Oakland, CA where she coaches artists, performs regularly and produces The Comedy Edge. To learn more, please visit www.HollyShawComedy.com

Holly talks about quitting jobs and winning conversations.  Have you ever apologized for something you said and then felt angry afterwards?  Holly explains why.

NEW SHOW ALERT!  Friday, September 8th, 2023 I'm kicking off a new Comedy Edge presents show at Buck Wild Brewing in Oakland.  Stay tuned for more info - Subscribe, rate and review folks! Thank you!

Holly Shaw has been featured on stand-up comedy showcases all over the Bay Area and Northern CA including Cobbs Comedy Club, Alameda Comedy Club, Cheaper Than Therapy, Laughs Unlimited and the Oakland Comedy Festival. In addition to being on her way to becoming a powerful voice in comedy she is also known for producing and creating spaces where creativity and innovation thrives. She is the executive producer of The Comedy Edge, which started out on the Oakland waterfront at Brooklyn Basin, and enjoyed a streak of sold-out weekly shows (100+ seats) from 2020 - 2022. Before becoming a comedian, Holly Shaw spent a lifetime on stage, T.V. and film as an actor, professional dancer and later as a speaker, coach and hypnotherapist. She's authored two books: the Amazon bestseller, The Creative Formula, as well as the newly released book, Making Art In the Middle of Madness.Through all of her offerings she has helped thousands of performing artists, some of them Emmy Award winning and Grammy nominated, overcome stage fright, impostor syndrome, and creative blocks so that they can create the work they were born to make and become undeniably magnetic performers. Currently she lives in Oakland, CA where she coaches artists, performs regularly and produces The Comedy Edge. To learn more, please visit www.HollyShawComedy.com

Prepare to be inspired! I sat down and had an electric conversation with comedian Ellis Rodriguez (Comedy Central, Stand Up NBC) where he dropped some real truth about comedy life, inspiration, voice, bombing and more! Listening to this episode may just give you that "one stroke" of inspiration you need to take your work to the next level.

See Ellis Rodriguez live at The Comedy Edgiest, Thursday, March 16th at 7th West in Oakland, CA - get tickets & info>>

Ellis Rodriguez’s passion for standup comedy is evident whenever he performs, he is a favorite at comedy clubs across the West Coast including the Improv, Laugh’s Unlimited, Tommy T’s, PepperBelly’s, and the Laugh Factory. He has also performed in filmed showcases including Shaq’s All Star Jam, Laugh’s On FOX, and Comedy Central & Kevin Hart’s Hart of the City. He even gives his time to support the military with his national show Semper Funny, in addition to supporting cancer treatment, the homeless, and the arts. An energetic performer, his comedy is appealing to any comedy audience. In addition to being a hilarious comic, Ellis Rodriguez is also a charismatic actor and stellar writer. He has been the lead in commercials and the Film Shrinkage. Ellis is currently focusing on expanding his brand. Look out for his upcoming projects, the film “Fight 4 Your Life” and a Cartoon Strip titled Plato’s Cave. Follow him on Instagram @ellistrated

Holly Shaw has been featured on stand-up comedy showcases all over the Bay Area and Northern CA including Cobbs Comedy Club, Alameda Comedy Club, Cheaper Than Therapy, Laughs Unlimited and the Oakland Comedy Festival. In addition to being on her way to becoming a powerful voice in comedy she is also known for producing and creating spaces where creativity and innovation thrives. She is the executive producer of The Comedy Edge, which started out on the Oakland waterfront at Brooklyn Basin, and enjoyed a streak of sold-out weekly shows (100+ seats) from 2020 - 2022. Before becoming a comedian, Holly Shaw spent a lifetime on stage, T.V. and film as an actor, professional dancer and later as a speaker, coach and hypnotherapist. She's authored two books: the Amazon bestseller, The Creative Formula, as well as the newly released book, Making Art In the Middle of Madness.Through all of her offerings she has helped thousands of performing artists, some of them Emmy Award winning and Grammy nominated, overcome stage fright, impostor syndrome, and creative blocks so that they can create the work they were born to make and become undeniably magnetic performers. Currently she lives in Oakland, CA where she coaches artists, performs regularly and produces The Comedy Edge. To learn more, please visit www.HollyShawComedy.com

Dan Cantrell is an Emmy award winning composer and multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative film scoring approach, and his virtuosic abilities on the accordion, piano and musical saw. “Hauntingly beautiful…quirky and energetic” says the San Francisco Bay Guardian.  His extensive scoring catalogue spans a wide range of emotion and style. Dan’s compositions for film and television have earned him numerous awards including an Emmy Award for KQED’s Home-Front,a Golden Gate award for the soundtrack to the documentary Divided Loyalties, and an Annie nomination for his work on three seasons of Cartoon Network’s the Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. Visit bellowhead.com

Forbes magazine called her, “One of the hardest working comics in the industry.” Listen as I get into it with comedian Emma Arnold about how she writes so much so fast, life on the road, and is she quitting comedy for real this time?

See Emma Arnold live at the Comedy Edge: Stand-Up on the Waterfront in Oakland! Saturday, July 16th - get tickets now>>

Emma Arnold is an Idaho backcountry-raised comedian, author, artist, and beekeeper. Her self-produced comedy special, "Yes, Please" (financially backed by comedy legends Bobcat Goldthwait and Dana Gould) has millions of views on youtube and she put out four standup comedy albums with Blonde Medicine Records in as many years. She co-founded/directed two wildly popular comedy festivals and was recently featured in Forbes Magazine, who called her, “One of the hardest working comics in the industry.” In addition to touring, she has a popular podcast and Patreon and is mom to three giant sons. Equal parts outrageous, thoughtful, engaging and honest, whatever the medium, Emma's work is electric and straight from the heart. When not touring, she lives in Boise, where she keeps bees and children with varying degrees of success. Follow her on Instagram: @EmmaArnoldisakeeper

Before becoming a comedian, Holly Shaw spent a lifetime on stage, T.V. and film as an actor, professional dancer and later as a speaker, coach and hypnotherapist. She's authored two books: the Amazon bestseller, The Creative Formula, as well as the newly released book, Making Art In the Middle of Madness and she was a regular teacher at SAG/AFTRA's conservatories in San Francisco as well as Los Angeles. Her podcast, Performers & Creators Lab, was named One of the Most Outstanding Podcasts of 2019 by Databird Research. Through all of her offerings she has helped thousands of performing artists, some of them Emmy Award winning and Grammy nominated, overcome stage fright, impostor syndrome, and creative blocks so that they can create the work they were born to make and become undeniably magnetic performers. Currently she lives in Oakland, CA where she runs and performs in the live weekly comedy showcase on the waterfront, the Comedy Edge. To learn more, please visit www.performersandcreatorslab.com

Dan Cantrell is an Emmy award winning composer and multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative film scoring approach, and his virtuosic abilities on the accordion, piano and musical saw. “Hauntingly beautiful…quirky and energetic” says the San Francisco Bay Guardian.  His extensive scoring catalogue spans a wide range of emotion and style. Dan’s compositions for film and television have earned him numerous awards including an Emmy Award for KQED’s Home-Front,a Golden Gate award for the soundtrack to the documentary Divided Loyalties, and an Annie nomination for his work on three seasons of Cartoon Network’s the Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. Visit bellowhead.com

Comedian Melissa McGillicuddy (Voted best comedian, Sacramento News & Review 2019) will be headlining at the Comedy Edge Saturday, June 18th and I was happy to have the chance to grab her for a conversation about how she got her start in comedy even though she's shy, hear her worst stories of bombing and her tips for writing great material.

Get tickets to see Melissa at the Comedy Edge in Oakland,  June 18th, 2022 >>

About Melissa
Melissa McGillicuddy is a stand-up comedian based in Sacramento, California. As a newcomer to the scene in 2015, she won the Wildcard Competition at the Sacramento Comedy Festival. Since then, Melissa has performed at SF Sketchfest, the World Series of Comedy, and colleges all across the country. She has also opened for talented comedians such as Cameron Esposito, River Butcher, and Vicki Barbolak. Being an only child raised by a single mom in a conservative town, Melissa found she didn’t always fit in, so she used humor as a way to connect with people. Her dry wit and unique perspective on life make her a hit with audiences everywhere.  Melissa also co-produces the Moving Van Show, a monthly, secret pop-up comedy show, as well as Sacramento FemmeFest, the city's first all-female comedy festival. In 2019, Melissa was voted best comedian by the Sacramento News & Review.  Follow her on Instagram: @meowlissamcg

About Holly Shaw
Before becoming a comedian, Holly Shaw spent a lifetime on stage, T.V. and film as an actor, professional dancer and later as a speaker, coach and hypnotherapist. She's authored two books: the Amazon bestseller, The Creative Formula, as well as the newly released book, Making Art In the Middle of Madness and she was a regular teacher at SAG/AFTRA's conservatories in San Francisco as well as Los Angeles. Her podcast, Performers & Creators Lab, was named One of the Most Outstanding Podcasts of 2019 by Databird Research. Through all of her offerings she has helped thousands of performing artists, some of them Emmy Award winning and Grammy nominated, overcome stage fright, impostor syndrome, and creative blocks so that they can create the work they were born to make and become undeniably magnetic performers. Currently she lives in Oakland, CA where she runs and performs in the live weekly comedy showcase on the waterfront, the Comedy Edge. To learn more, please visit www.performersandcreatorslab.com

Composer
Dan Cantrell is an Emmy award winning composer and multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative film scoring approach, and his virtuosic abilities on the accordion, piano and musical saw. “Hauntingly beautiful…quirky and energetic” says the San Francisco Bay Guardian.  His extensive scoring catalogue spans a wide range of emotion and style. Dan’s compositions for film and television have earned him numerous awards including an Emmy Award for KQED’s Home-Front,a Golden Gate award for the soundtrack to the documentary Divided Loyalties, and an Annie nomination for his work on three seasons of Cartoon Network’s the Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. Visit bellowhead.com

Comedian Mean Dave will be headlining at the Comedy Edge next Saturday, May 28th so I decided to sit down with him and see what goes on inside that funny head. In our convo we talk about comedy, writing, his journey with addiction and more!

Get tickets to see Mean Dave at the Comedy Edge, Saturday May 28th, 2022>>

About Mean Dave
Stand-up comedian Mean Dave is a regular Cobb's Comedy Club, Punch Line in San Francisco and Sacramento, and Rooster T. Feathers. He has opened for headliners such as Judy Tenuta, Big Jay Oakerson, Allan Havey, Tom Rhodes, and Josh Blue.  He is also the illustrator of the children’s book “Once Upon An Accommodation: A Book About Learning Disabilities.” Mean Dave has performed with the Comedians with Disabilities Act as an addict in recovery from drugs and alcohol. He also appears in Nina G’s book “Stutterer Interrupted: The Comedian Who Almost Didn’t Happen,” and he performs with Nina at colleges and events across the US. The two talk about being an ally to people with disabilities and bring a unique perspective to disability awareness. Follow him on Instagram @mean_dave

About Holly Shaw
Before becoming a comedian, Holly Shaw spent a lifetime on stage, T.V. and film as an actor, professional dancer and later as a speaker, coach and hypnotherapist. She's authored two books: the Amazon bestseller, The Creative Formula, as well as the newly released book, Making Art In the Middle of Madness and she was a regular teacher at SAG/AFTRA's conservatories in San Francisco as well as Los Angeles. Her podcast, Performers & Creators Lab, was named One of the Most Outstanding Podcasts of 2019 by Databird Research. Through all of her offerings she has helped thousands of performing artists, some of them Emmy Award winning and Grammy nominated, overcome stage fright, impostor syndrome, and creative blocks so that they can create the work they were born to make and become undeniably magnetic performers. Currently she lives in Oakland, CA where she runs and performs in the live weekly comedy showcase on the waterfront, the Comedy Edge. To learn more, please visit www.performersandcreatorslab.com

Composer
Dan Cantrell is an Emmy award winning composer and multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative film scoring approach, and his virtuosic abilities on the accordion, piano and musical saw. “Hauntingly beautiful…quirky and energetic” says the San Francisco Bay Guardian.  His extensive scoring catalogue spans a wide range of emotion and style. Dan’s compositions for film and television have earned him numerous awards including an Emmy Award for KQED’s Home-Front,a Golden Gate award for the soundtrack to the documentary Divided Loyalties, and an Annie nomination for his work on three seasons of Cartoon Network’s the Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. Visit bellowhead.com

The incomparable Bay Area comedian, Chris Riggins! We talk about Dave Chappelle, his rapping career, fashion for men, merch, comedy of course and so much more.

Come see Chris Riggins at the Comedy Edge on the Oakland waterfront, Saturday, April 2nd, 2022. Click here for tickets and info.

About Chris Riggins
"Chris Riggins has taken the art of stand up comedy and chose to stand out amongst a sea of other talented artists. From producing unique shows such as the Outdoor Comedy Club, opening for Dave Chappelle his first time on stage, to featuring and headlining at major clubs and colleges throughout the United States, the sky is truly the limit for Chris. . . . While many comics can make you laugh, few can make you reflect humorously on life experiences the way that Chris does." - Los Angeles Music Awards

Go download Chris's Fifth First Album now. For booking inquiries, please email: riggins.christopher@gmail.com

About Holly Shaw
Before becoming a comedian, Holly Shaw spent a lifetime on stage, T.V. and film as an actor, professional dancer and later as a speaker, coach and hypnotherapist. She's authored two books: the Amazon bestseller, The Creative Formula, as well as the newly released book, Making Art In the Middle of Madness and she was a regular teacher at SAG/AFTRA's conservatories in San Francisco as well as Los Angeles. Her podcast, Performers & Creators Lab, was named One of the Most Outstanding Podcasts of 2019 by Databird Research. Through all of her offerings she has helped thousands of performing artists, some of them Emmy Award winning and Grammy nominated, overcome stage fright, impostor syndrome, and creative blocks so that they can create the work they were born to make and become undeniably magnetic performers. Currently she lives with her son in Oakland, CA where she runs and performs in the live weekly comedy showcase on the waterfront, the Comedy Edge. To learn more, please visit www.performersandcreatorslab.com

Composer
Dan Cantrell is an Emmy award winning composer and multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative film scoring approach, and his virtuosic abilities on the accordion, piano and musical saw. “Hauntingly beautiful…quirky and energetic” says the San Francisco Bay Guardian.  His extensive scoring catalogue spans a wide range of emotion and style. Dan’s compositions for film and television have earned him numerous awards including an Emmy Award for KQED’s Home-Front,a Golden Gate award for the soundtrack to the documentary Divided Loyalties, and an Annie nomination for his work on three seasons of Cartoon Network’s the Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. Visit bellowhead.com

With Omicron raging, we've re-started the Sunday Sessions and in this week's powerful opening Holly talks about the fear of the "unknown" and covers:

• negative hallucination
• the story that you're telling
• a new definition of "discipline"

Whether you're trying to stick to your 2022 goals or simply want more peace and clarity in your life this session will get you and your week into alignment!

Join Holly for next week's session: visit https://sundaysessions.eventbrite.com to learn more and get a seat for next week's live group session.


About Holly Shaw
Before becoming a comedian, Holly Shaw spent a lifetime on stage, T.V. and film as an actor, professional dancer and later as a speaker, coach and hypnotherapist. She's authored two books: the Amazon bestseller, The Creative Formula, as well as the newly released book, Making Art In the Middle of Madness and she was a regular teacher at SAG/AFTRA's conservatories in San Francisco as well as Los Angeles. Her podcast, Performers & Creators Lab, was named One of the Most Outstanding Podcasts of 2019 by Databird Research. Through all of her offerings she has helped thousands of performing artists, some of them Emmy Award winning and Grammy nominated, overcome stage fright, impostor syndrome, and creative blocks so that they can create the work they were born to make and become undeniably magnetic performers. Currently she lives with her son in Oakland, CA where she runs and performs in the live weekly comedy showcase on the waterfront, the Comedy Edge. To learn more, please visit www.performersandcreatorslab.com

Composer
Dan Cantrell is an Emmy award winning composer and multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative film scoring approach, and his virtuosic abilities on the accordion, piano and musical saw. “Hauntingly beautiful…quirky and energetic” says the San Francisco Bay Guardian.  His extensive scoring catalogue spans a wide range of emotion and style. Dan’s compositions for film and television have earned him numerous awards including an Emmy Award for KQED’s Home-Front,a Golden Gate award for the soundtrack to the documentary Divided Loyalties, and an Annie nomination for his work on three seasons of Cartoon Network’s the Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. Visit bellowhead.com

Actor and comedian, Frank Garcia-Hejl shares his stories and wisdom from his career in comedy, acting, sketch and film.  We cover some juicy bits like,

• Frank's SNL auditions and meeting Lorne Michaels
• His transition from comedy to film and T.V.
• How to win over directors and people on set

and so much more goodness!

About Frank
Frank Garcia-Hejl is a writer, actor and director at  the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles. You might be familiar with his work as a writer and actor for Broadway Video's Latino internet channel Más Mejor or may have seen him on USA's First Impressions with Dana Carvey. He performed in the 2018 CBS Showcase, wrote for the 2020 showcase and returned in 2021 to  Associate Direct and Produce it. He was named one of New Faces: Characters for the Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in 2016 and also one of Comedy Central's Comics to Watch 2015. He has written and appeared in material for NBC, Netflix, Hulu, Comedy Central, IFC, Shudder, MTV, TruTV, USA and A&E. He currently co-wrote and co-starred in a segment with Noah Segan (Knives Out, Looper) for the comedy/horror anthology movie Scare Package on Shudder.  Follow Frank on Twitter

About Holly Shaw
Before becoming a comedian, Holly Shaw spent a lifetime on stage, T.V. and film as an actor, professional dancer and later as a speaker, coach and hypnotherapist. She's authored two books: the Amazon bestseller, The Creative Formula, as well as the newly released book, Making Art In the Middle of Madness and she was a regular teacher at SAG/AFTRA's conservatories in San Francisco as well as Los Angeles. Her podcast, Performers & Creators Lab, was named One of the Most Outstanding Podcasts of 2019 by Databird Research. Through all of her offerings she has helped thousands of performing artists, some of them Emmy Award winning and Grammy nominated, overcome stage fright, impostor syndrome, and creative blocks so that they can create the work they were born to make and become undeniably magnetic performers. Currently she lives with her son in Oakland, CA where she runs and performs in the live weekly comedy showcase on the waterfront, the Comedy Edge. To learn more, please visit www.performersandcreatorslab.com

Composer
Dan Cantrell is an Emmy award winning composer and multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative film scoring approach, and his virtuosic abilities on the accordion, piano and musical saw. “Hauntingly beautiful…quirky and energetic” says the San Francisco Bay Guardian.  His extensive scoring catalogue spans a wide range of emotion and style. Dan’s compositions for film and television have earned him numerous awards including an Emmy Award for KQED’s Home-Front,a Golden Gate award for the soundtrack to the documentary Divided Loyalties, and an Annie nomination for his work on three seasons of Cartoon Network’s the Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. Visit bellowhead.com