Suzi Chicago

Suz
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We have a new name! Formerly known as the KnifeWife Podcast

  1. 4D AGO

    Suzi Chicago's Podcast | Episode 19: Healing Through Humor with JJ Barrows

    In today's episode, I sit down with JJ Barrows, author, artist, and Dry Bar comedian, for a conversation about why humor might just be the most underrated healing tool we have. JJ is a deep-feeler who has found a way to make comedy out of the hard stuff, and this episode is proof that laughter and honesty go hand in hand.We get into JJ's unexpected email collaboration with Dolly Parton (which she was completely convinced was a scam), her handmade egg-carton crowns and what they're really about, and our shared love of extra accessories. We also get real about depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and my own experience with Lupus, and why finding the funny doesn't mean pretending everything is fine. Episode Timeline Highlights[00:00] – Introduction[04:02] – The secret Dolly Parton email: Why JJ was convinced she was being scammed until she heard the unreleased track.[08:26] – Calling a spade a spade: Breaking the "everything is fine" facade to talk about depression and recovery.[12:06] – Why comedy is more than just jokes: Using humor as a tool to take a breather from the tough stuff in the world.[15:19] – Unexpected therapy: The calming power of smelling a baby’s head and why I talk to my chickens over the fence.[19:45] – The Crafting Queen: How JJ’s egg-carton crowns are actually about giving other people their "golden buzzer" moment.[31:34] – Becoming fearless at 70: How facing mortality erased my stage fright and why I’ll talk to anyone now.[46:23] – The secret to a great act: Why you owe it to your audience to do what they find funny, not just your own agenda. Connect With Us:Follow JJ Barrows on Instagram @ jjbarrowsJJ Barrows Official Website: jjbarrows.comJJ’s Books: 'A Spade a Spade' and 'Kind of Funny'Watch JJ's Dry Bar Comedy Special on YouTubeFinal Thoughts:Thank you for tuning in for this one. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a friend who could use a good laugh.

    51 min

  2. FEB 4

    Suzi Chicago's Podcast | Episode 18: Making Your Own Room at 70 with Jesse Egan

    In today's episode, I'm sitting down with my comedy teacher, coach, and special director Jesse Egan for the final stretch before we tape on February 19th at Film Hub in Vista.We dive into the "daily dose of strange" that keeps me going, from the two life-sized plastic skeletons I've hauled across the globe to my days at Second City in the 80s when I was the only person in the building not doing cocaine. We're also talking about the "Fine Art Model" of comedy, treating a year of stand-up like a gallery show, and why I'm bringing in a professional film crew from New Mexico to make this special worth the price of admission. Episode Timeline Highlights[00:00] – The bizarre reality of traveling with life-sized skeletons.[02:11] – Medical illustration and Suzi's love for a "good dead body."[04:23] – Why TSA spent six hours investigating a plastic skeleton.[05:52] – Taking Sam the skeleton to the dentist for dental work.[12:18] – Surviving the 80s Second City scene without the "white powder."[15:36] – Why Josh Lawson is the best storyteller to "take the bullet."[25:38] – The "worst gift": Being tricked into my first comedy set.[34:09] – Using the "Fine Art Model" to fast-track your comedic voice.[36:42] – Jean Smart vibes and looking worth the price of the ticket.[43:28] – Naming blow-up dealership guys after comedy legends. Connect With Us- Follow Jesse Egan on Instagram: @Jesseegancomedy- Suzi’s Special Show: February 19th at the Film Hub in Vista.- Balboa Theater Show: Zoltan Kaszas on Valentine’s Day. Final ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this episode, hit that follow button, leave a comment and review, and share it with someone who needs to stop waiting for permission. See you next time!

    49 min

  3. JAN 21

    Suzi Chicago's Podcast | Episode 17: From Soccer Field to Stand-Up Stage with Brian Hartwell

    In today's episode, I sit down with local comedian Brian Hartwell, a guy who spent 25 years as a soccer referee getting yelled at by angry parents, only to realize it was the perfect training for stand-up comedy. We're exploring the "Zero to Hero" mentality and how you can build a whole new life from scratch, whether you're 20 or 70.We dive into why Brian's therapist actually suggested comedy as "artistic expression," how the Mormon missionary trail became an unintentional stand-up training ground, and the Susan-isms that keep me on the fast track at 70. If you've ever felt like an underdog or wondered if it's too late to find a new social circle and start over, this episode is for you. We're making our own room and having serious fun along the way! ⏱️ Episode Timeline & Highlights[03:21] – How 25 years of refereeing builds a bulletproof shield against hecklers.[09:33] – Why soccer is the perfect metaphor for the "unfairness" of life.[13:29] – The Mormon missionary trail as an unintentional stand-up training ground.[35:19] – The "bombing on purpose" strategy for getting comfortable on stage.[55:06] – Transitioning from comedy clubs to corporate speaking and connection.[1:03:00] – Why you need to stop waiting to be picked and "make your own room."Links & Resources MentionedFollow Brian Hartwell on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube: @hartwellcomedyBook Brian: HartwellComedy@gmail.comSuzi's Special: February 19th at Film Hub in Vista - SuziChicago.comPodcast: Working It Out with Mike Birbiglia Closing ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this episode, hit the like & subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a good laugh. Remember: stop waiting to be picked and make your own room. Let's keep building our community together. See you next time!

    1h 5m

  4. JAN 14

    Suzi Chicago's Podcast | Episode 16: Ed Hearton on Being Unapologetically "A Lot."

    In today's episode, I sit down with the delightful Ed Hearton (Eduardo, as I call him), a local comic who's so much more than just a man with a fantastic mustache. From his "Little Mermaid" roots in Brazil to our shared love for the "diva" lifestyle, we're exploring why some of us are just "a lot", and why that's exactly how we like it.We dive into Ed's journey through film school and the drag world, but the real mystery is why he thinks my life is a sitcom waiting to happen. Between my husband's tactical knife business and my history as a chicken judge, he might be onto something. Plus, I finally tell the full story of Sam, the plastic skeleton who got me kicked out of the Roman Coliseum and nearly landed me in federal prison over a Facebook ID check. Trust me, you can't make this stuff up. ⏱️ Episode Timeline & Highlights[01:49] – Why I'm not a "joiner" and my lifelong fear of being controlled[03:26] – Eduardo's "Little Mermaid" origin story from Brazil[11:58] – The Sitcom Pitch: Chickens, tactical knives, and late-in-life comedy[16:37] – Sam's Facebook crisis: Why my skeleton needed a state ID[17:42] – Getting kicked out of the Coliseum by the "Carbonara"[30:37] – The Divine Goddess vs. The Mean Girl in drag[41:51] – Spackle and bronzer: Finding my inner diva at 70[50:00] – Ed's comedy evolution and what makes us "a lot"[58:30] – Why laughter is better than self-help[01:05:00] – Final thoughts on embracing your inner everything Links & Resources Mentioned • Book: The Heroine's Journey by Maureen Murdock• Check out Ed's shows around San Diego Closing ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this episode, hit the like and subscribe button! And if you're feeling extra sweet, leave a review or share this episode with that one friend who is also "a lot." Life's too short not to embrace being everything and nothing all at once. See you next time for more laughs and chaos!

    56 min

  5. JAN 7

    Suzi Chicago's Podcast | Episode 15: Making Your Own Room: Nic Novicki on Resilience

    In today's episode, I'm absolutely starstruck talking with Nick Novicki—comedian, actor, and founder of the Easter Seals Disability Film Challenge. I've been following Nick since he appeared early on Nate Bargatze's podcast, and getting to sit down with him is a dream come true. Nick shares his incredible journey from business school at Temple University to bombing in comedy clubs, living in a curtained-off corner with Nate Bargatze, and eventually touring arenas with 30,000 people.But beyond the comedy success and roles on The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire, Nick reveals his real passion: creating opportunities for people with disabilities through the Disability Film Challenge. From 4 films to 123 entries from around the world, this competition has launched careers and changed lives. We dive into everything from hilarious parking garage disasters to the importance of representation, making your own room in entertainment, and why asking for help can lead to the best connections. ⏱️ Episode Timeline & Highlights[02:42] – The Nic Novicki Resume: From The Sopranos to the Spider-Verse.[05:20] – Comedy as a Defense Mechanism: Using humor to disarm and deflect.[06:54] – The Pivot: Why Nic traded a finance scholarship for the New York comedy grind.[14:20] – The Human Ladder: Growing up, "Stranger Danger," and the power of being friendly.[21:50] – Living with a Legend: What it was really like sharing a curtained-off room with Nate Bargatze.[24:53] – Arena Energy: The surreal feeling of playing the Boston Garden.[29:40] – Representation Matters: Why Nic decided to start producing his own content.[33:31] – The Film Challenge: How it works and the doors it’s opening at Sony and beyond.[43:34] – The Runaway Van: A 0-to-60 disaster story involving pedal extensions and a parking garage. 🔗 Links & ResourcesFollow Nic on Instagram: @nicnovickiEaster Seals Disability Film Challenge: DisabilityFilmChallenge.comImportant Dates: Registration opens January 2026 | Competition: March 24-29, 2026.Watch Nic’s Work: Check out his roles in Boardwalk Empire and The Sopranos.Nate Bargatze's podcast (where I first discovered Nick!) Closing ThoughtsIf this episode inspired you, please like, subscribe, and share! Nick's story proves that when nobody tells you "you can't," amazing things happen. The Disability Film Challenge is changing lives, 850 films created, countless careers launched, and a movement for representation that keeps growing. If you or someone you know wants to tell their story through film, mark your calendar for March 2026.

    55 min

  6. 2025-12-17

    Suzi Chicago's Podcast | Episode 14: Fired for Being Funny with Chrissy Castro

    In today's episode, I sit down with the sharp and hilarious Chrissy Castro, a San Diego comic who started her comedy journey just a year ago after being fired for writing a "casual email" from Hawaii! Chrissy shares her incredible transition from corporate creative director to stand-up comedian, and how getting removed from her position for trying to be funny in an email actually pushed her to finally pursue her secret dream of doing comedy.We dive into Chrissy's unique background, which includes growing up on a Florida farm, spending most of her life in Nashville, and now making San Diego her home. She opens up about her comedy process, why she goes through periods of avoiding other comics to prevent accidentally stealing material, and how her immigrant boyfriend, Ray, provides endless material with his adorable English mix-ups. We also discuss surfing culture, parking lot friendships, the reality of open mics, and why Chrissy believes kids should wear suits and adults should wear pyjamas!Episode Timeline Highlights00:00 - Introduction: Someone threw up before I went on stage!03:16 - Meet Chrissy Castro: From Florida farm to San Diego comedy05:12 - Why I might move to Nashville (and why Chrissy left)11:45 - Chrissy's origin story: Fired for a funny email from Hawaii15:08 - Taking Lisa Gilbert's comedy class and running the light19:34 - Featuring at Lestat's and finding her comedy voice24:28 - The art of writing jokes vs. being a comedy parrot30:13 - Corporate gigs and that special tension in the room34:14 - Bombing at an improv show, then killing at Mic Drop38:17 - Ray's greatest hits41:08 - Nothing is off limits: Comedy about family and relationships47:23 - Surfing, parking lot friends, and the bathrobe lifestyleCONNECT WITH US:Follow Chrissy on all social media @chrissyteehees Catch Chrissy at her upcoming shows:Comedy Heights in Normal Heights - Hosting January 9th & 10thFeaturing regularly at Lestat's - Check her socials for dates!Looking for comedy shows in San Diego? Check out Mic Drop Comedy, Lestat's, The Grand Comedy Club, and Comedy Heights!FINAL THOUGHTS:Thank you for joining us for this fun conversation with Chrissy! Her story proves that sometimes the worst moments (like getting fired) can lead to the best decisions. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share with your comedy-loving friends.

    53 min

  7. 2025-12-10

    Suzi Chicago's Podcast | Episode 13: From Hospital Bed to Comedy Stage with Dan Yourg

    In today's episode, I sit down with the wonderful Dan Yourg, a San Diego comic who everyone absolutely loves! Dan shares his incredible journey into comedy, starting just over a year and a half ago, when some people thought his first showcase announcement was an April Fool's joke because they never knew he had a funny side. Spoiler alert: he bombed nobody! We delve into Dan's fascinating background - from growing up in the Chicago area (his dad was a Chicago firefighter!) to playing football at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, to eventually landing in San Diego, where he has been for 40 years. Dan opens up about his dry, deadpan comedy style, the comics who inspire him (hello, Nate Bargatze and Bob Newhart!), and why he's committed to working clean so his grandkids can watch him perform. Plus, Dan tells an absolutely wild story about literally escaping from the hospital (well, leaving without being discharged) to make it to his very first showcase at Mic Drop! We also discuss building an audience organically, the realities of open mics, and our shared love of Nashville comedy. Don't miss my story about meeting John Mulaney in Hollywood either! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction and my John Mulaney encounter story 03:49 - Dan's comedy origin: When people thought it was a joke 09:12 - Dan's Midwest roots: Chicago fireman's son 11:00 - My arrest story in Madison, Wisconsin 18:07 - Why Dan works clean and family support for comedy 21:08 - Comedy influences: Nate Bargatze, Bob Newhart, Leslie Nielsen 30:13 - The truth about open mics (they're like hot dogs!) 33:37 - My Hollywood adventure with John Mulaney and Robbie Hoffman 45:00 - Dan's incredible first showcase: The hospital escape story 53:05 - Dan's upcoming shows and where to find him CONNECT WITH US: Follow Dan on Instagram: @danyourgcomedy Catch Dan at his upcoming shows: Good Bar on Rosecrans - Wednesday, 8 PM (hosted with Victor Paz Junior)Cuny - Tuesday (Crafts & Comedy)And many more around San Diego - check his Instagram for updates!Looking for comedy shows in San Diego? Check out Mic Drop Comedy, Lestat's, The Grand Comedy Club in Escondido, and the Comedy Store in La Jolla! FINAL THOUGHTS: Thank you for joining us for this heartwarming conversation! Dan's story is proof that it's never too late to pursue your passion - whether you're starting comedy in your 60s like Dan or your 70s like me! His dedication to the craft (literally leaving the hospital to make his first show!) and his genuine, approachable personality are why everyone in the San Diego comedy scene loves him. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share with your comedy-loving friends. New episodes drop regularly, so stay tuned!

    54 min

  8. 2025-12-03

    Comedian Victor M. Paz on Building Shows and Heckler Drama

    In this episode, I sit down with Victor M. Paz, a rising star in the San Diego comedy scene who's accomplished a remarkable amount in just three years. Victor shares his journey from his first comedy show to now running Cackles, a production company putting on 8-10 shows monthly across San Diego County. We dive into the behind-the-scenes work of producing comedy shows, what it means to find your authentic voice on stage, and Victor's hilarious stories about his "midget bodybuilder" dog (half corgi, half pit bull!). Plus, hear the wild story about his birthday headline show that turned into an unexpected fight night! Whether you're a comedy fan or aspiring comedian, you'll love Victor's insights on developing material for different audiences and his plans to expand Cackles to bring comedy to underserved communities. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction and meeting Victor at my first comedy show 03:05 - Victor's comedy journey (only 3 years in!) and performing 100+ times yearly 07:17 - How Cackles comedy production company got started 13:18 - The pit bull with a body drop - Victor's unique dog Meatloaf 21:25 - Having a happy childhood and still becoming a comedian 25:14 - Victor's comedy influences and why he doesn't have a "Mount Rushmore" 30:00 - Plans for Cackles in 2026 - themed shows and expanding to smaller towns 36:04 - The birthday headline show that turned into an unexpected fight 46:22 - Finding your voice as a comedian and cross-generational appeal CONNECT WITH VICTOR & CACKLES Instagram: @VICPAZJR Cackles Comedy: @KACKLEZ on Instagram ABOUT VICTOR Victor M. Paz is not just a comedian but also a photographer, videographer, and co-founder of Cackles Comedy Productions. In just three years, he's gone from open mics to producing shows, featuring, and now headlining. His approach to comedy focuses on finding authenticity and connecting with audiences across generations. I've watched Victor perform about 10 times, and his growth has been incredible! Make sure to catch one of his shows if you're in San Diego. Love this episode? Please like, comment and subscribe to help the podcast grow! I'm always looking for interesting guests in comedy, so drop suggestions in the comments.

    54 min
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About

We have a new name! Formerly known as the KnifeWife Podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Suz
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Suz
  • Show Website
    Suzi Chicago