(Improvised) Intelligence from Noah Vargas

Noah Vargas
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Comedy
  • Updated Weekly

From his in-home studio in Albuquerque, NM Comedian Noah Vargas sits down with guests and friends to discuss the world around them and how to laugh at it. Congratulations; you've found the best podcast you've never heard of, yet.🎙️ 🎥 New episodes on Monday's and Thursday's If you enjoy this podcast - please consider supporting by checking out the sponsors below: https://choppedchileco.com/ @choppedchileco

  1. 5d ago

    Gregg Hull on New Mexico’s Future: FLOCK Cameras, Data Centers, ICE, Water, Fentanyl, & Energy

    RECORDED ON AUGUST 19, 2026. Gregg Hull, Republican nominee for New Mexico governor, joins Noah Vargas on Improvised Intelligence for an extended conversation about the issues shaping New Mexico’s 2026 governor’s race. Hull discusses his experience as the former mayor of Rio Rancho, his approach to working across party lines, and what he believes New Mexico needs to address in education, public safety, healthcare, infrastructure, water, energy and economic development. A major focus of the conversation is the rapid growth of AI and data centers in New Mexico. Hull explains his position on data-center development, water usage, power generation, produced water, local control and the potential impact on New Mexico’s electric grid and ratepayers. The conversation also covers: • The New Mexico governor’s race and Hull’s pitch to voters• Data centers, AI and New Mexico’s water supply• Produced water, desalination and water reuse• New Mexico’s energy future• Oil and gas jobs and state revenue• Solar, wind, batteries and backup power• Fentanyl and the opioid crisis• DEA operations and drug enforcement• Opioid settlement funds and Narcan access• ICE detention centers and immigration enforcement• Public safety and civil rights• Flock license-plate reader cameras• Privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns• Artificial intelligence and its impact on society• Rio Rancho elections and voter ID• Local versus state control of elections• Government transparency and public records• Hull’s experience as Rio Rancho mayor• Working with Democrats, Republicans and Independents Hull also explains how he approaches campaigning with a smaller budget, his use of digital advertising and direct outreach, and why he believes his experience working with municipalities and state officials prepares him for the governor’s office. This is a long-form, one-on-one conversation about New Mexico politics, policy, technology, energy, water and the future of the state. Follow Gregg Hull on Instagram @gregghullforNMWebsite: https://gregghull.com/Follow us here!Instagram: @improvisedintelligencepod @noahvargas2🎙️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46eFKCrHGNkWejeT8XpcjTFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/improvisedintelligencepod/Produced by Royal Tier Productions LLCIntro/Outro Theme written by Toby GomezSupport the podcast here!https://choppedchileco.com/

    Gregg Hull on New Mexico’s Future: FLOCK Cameras, Data Centers, ICE, Water, Fentanyl, & Energy

  2. 6d ago

    Deb Haaland on ICE, Oil & Gas, Epstein & New Mexico’s Future

    RECORDED ON AUGUST 7, 2026 Democratic candidate for New Mexico Governor Deb Haaland joins Noah Vargas for an in-depth conversation about immigration, energy, affordability, tribal sovereignty, public lands, and the future of New Mexico. Haaland discusses her positions on ICE and immigration enforcement, New Mexico’s oil and gas industry, clean energy, housing, utility costs, data centers, tribal lands, public lands, campaign fundraising, and the Epstein/Zorro Ranch investigation. The conversation also explores how Haaland says her experience as a Congresswoman, Democratic Party chair, and U.S. Secretary of the Interior would influence her approach to governing New Mexico. ICE & Immigration — Haaland explains her position on cooperation between New Mexico and ICE, immigration enforcement, constitutional protections, and her proposal concerning ICE activity near schools, hospitals, churches and other locations. Oil & Gas & Energy — Haaland discusses New Mexico’s oil and gas industry, energy jobs, methane, orphan wells, clean energy and the state’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Epstein & Zorro Ranch — Haaland responds to questions about a 2014 flight connected to an LLC associated with Jeffrey Epstein and discusses what she says she would do as governor regarding the investigation and victims seeking accountability. Affordability & Housing — Haaland talks about rent, housing, grocery prices, utility costs, tax credits, workforce development and economic opportunities for New Mexico families. Tribal Sovereignty — Haaland discusses tribal lands, state-tribal collaboration, Native American communities and the roles of state and federal governments. Public Lands & Conservation — Haaland explains her views on federal public lands, conservation and the 30 by 30 initiative. Campaign & New Mexico Voters — Haaland discusses her campaign organization, voter turnout, fundraising, grassroots donors and her statewide campaign. New Mexico’s Future — A wide-ranging discussion about energy, jobs, immigration, affordability, government, tribal affairs and Haaland’s vision for the state. Listen to the full conversation and hear Haaland answer questions about some of the most debated issues in New Mexico politics. Follow Improvised Intelligence for more interviews, comedy, politics and conversations from New Mexico. Follow us here!Instagram: @improvisedintelligencepod @noahvargas2🎙️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46eFKCrHGNkWejeT8XpcjTFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/improvisedintelligencepod/Produced by Royal Tier Productions LLCIntro/Outro Theme written by Toby GomezSupport the podcast here!https://choppedchileco.com/#DebHaaland#NewMexico#NewMexicoPolitics#NewMexicoGovernor#NewMexico2026#NewMexicoElection#ICE#Immigration#OilAndGas#NewMexicoEnergy#Epstein#ZorroRanch#TribalSovereignty#NewMexicoPodcast#PoliticalPodcast#ImprovisedIntelligence

    Deb Haaland on ICE, Oil & Gas, Epstein & New Mexico’s Future

  3. Sep 22

    Rene Gonzales: From Marine to Riot Comedy Club GM in Under 2 Years | Bill Burr, Gabriel Iglesias & More

    How do you go from serving in the U.S. Marine Corps to becoming a stand-up comedian and running a comedy club in less than two years? On this episode of Improvised Intelligence, Noah Vargas sits down with Rene Gonzales, a San Antonio stand-up comedian and General Manager of Riot Riverwalk Comedy Club, for a wide-ranging conversation about comedy, the military, entrepreneurship, networking, and the grind behind building a career in stand-up. Rene shares the unconventional path that took him from the Marines and construction to discovering stand-up comedy in Austin. He talks about open mics, “barking” outside comedy clubs to bring in audiences, his background in sales and business, and why simply showing up and being useful can create opportunities. The conversation gets into how Rene went from volunteering and busting tables at the Riot Comedy Club in Houston to helping build and eventually becoming the General Manager of the Riot Riverwalk Comedy Club in San Antonio. Rene also explains what goes into building a great comedy club—from stage design and seating layouts to lighting, sound, crowd microphones, cameras, and creating an environment where comedians can perform their best. And then there are the stories from the road. Rene talks about unexpectedly performing at the Comedy Store, sharing a green room with major comedians, and finding himself around names including Gabriel Iglesias, Brad Williams and Bill Burr. He also opens up about his philosophy on comedy, studying his own performances, developing stage presence, finding your audience, and why comedians shouldn't necessarily try to make everyone laugh. • Rene's journey from the Marine Corps to stand-up comedy• Discovering live comedy in Austin• The reality of comedy open mics• What “barking” means in the comedy business• Sales, MLMs and entrepreneurship• Working construction and building businesses• Moving back to Houston and getting involved with the Riot Comedy Club• How Rene became GM of Riot Riverwalk in San Antonio• Behind the scenes of building a comedy club• What makes a comedy room work• Recording comedians and capturing crowd reactions• Performing at the Comedy Store• Gabriel Iglesias and unexpected opportunities• Bill Burr dropping into a show• Building confidence as a comedian• Studying your own performances• Finding your audience instead of trying to please everyone• The importance of showing up, helping and being around Rene's story is ultimately about creating opportunities by being willing to show up, work, learn, and become an asset wherever you are. Follow Improvised Intelligence for more conversations with comedians, entertainers, entrepreneurs, politicians, and interesting people. Follow Rene Gonzales: @ha-ha-gonzo_ Follow Riot Riverwalk Comedy Club: @riotriverwalk 🎤 Recorded at Riot Riverwalk Comedy Club in San Antonio, Texas.

    Rene Gonzales: From Marine to Riot Comedy Club GM in Under 2 Years | Bill Burr, Gabriel Iglesias & More

  4. Sep 15

    Jon Carden: 14 Years of Stand-Up, Trauma, Big Jay Oakerson & Austin Comedy

    Stand-up comedian Jon Carden joins Improvised Intelligence for a wide-ranging conversation about his 14+ years in comedy, growing up on a tobacco farm, joining the Army, surviving a serious Humvee accident, therapy, trauma, parenting, and his journey through the stand-up comedy world. Jon takes us from his childhood in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia to the Army and eventually into stand-up comedy. He talks about moving from Phoenix to Austin in 2021, the Austin comedy scene, Kill Tony, working with Big Jay Oakerson, and what he has learned after more than a decade of performing. We also get into the craft of stand-up comedy: writing jokes, finding your authentic voice, developing perspective, dark comedy, shock comedy, crowd work, stage presence, laughs per minute, timing, silence, and why becoming a better comedian matters more than simply becoming popular online. Jon also discusses the difference between having viral social-media clips and actually building an audience that comes to see you perform, along with the realities of getting booked, navigating the comedy industry, and developing material from real-life experiences. In this episode: • Jon Carden's 14+ years of stand-up comedy• Growing up on a tobacco farm• His childhood in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia• Joining the Army and serving as infantry• His Humvee accident and injury• Therapy and dealing with trauma• Turning difficult experiences into comedy• Finding an authentic comedic voice• Dark comedy vs. shock comedy• Perspective and controversial comedy• Moving from Phoenix to Austin in 2021• The Austin comedy scene• Kill Tony and the modern comedy ecosystem• Working with Big Jay Oakerson• Lessons Jon learned from watching Big Jay perform• How comedians actually write and develop jokes• Crowd work and stage presence• Timing, rhythm, silence and laughs per minute• Parenting and using everyday experiences as comedy material• Social-media followers vs. selling tickets• Viral comedy clips vs. becoming a better comedian• The business and politics of getting booked• Why comedians need to keep improving instead of becoming bitter• Jon's podcast, Tammy's Boy Jon Carden can be found on social media at @goingtothejon. Follow Improvised Intelligence for more conversations with comedians, entertainers, political figures and interesting people from Albuquerque and beyond. Follow Improvised Intelligence:Instagram: @improvisedintelligencepod If you enjoyed the episode, follow the show on Spotify and share this episode with someone who loves stand-up comedy. #JonCarden #StandUpComedy #ComedyPodcast #AustinComedy #Comedian #KillTony #BigJayOakerson #Comedy #StandupComedian #ImprovisedIntelligence

    Jon Carden: 14 Years of Stand-Up, Trauma, Big Jay Oakerson & Austin Comedy

  5. Sep 3

    Why Marvel Keeps Getting Comic Books WRONG | MCU, Spider-Man, Doom & Daredevil

    Why does Marvel keep getting its comic-book characters wrong? Noah Vargas sits down with Albuquerque tattoo artist and longtime comic-book fan Carlos Cordova of Stolen Heart Tattoo for a wide-ranging conversation about comics, movies, horror, superheroes, and the current state of Marvel and DC. The conversation starts with Carlos's work as a tattoo artist and the New Mexico Tattoo Fiesta before diving deep into comic books and their increasingly complicated relationship with Hollywood. We break down why Marvel seems to have lost some of the magic that made the MCU so successful, whether superhero fatigue is real, and why recent movies and shows often feel more like pieces of a massive corporate universe than individual stories. We get into: • Spider-Man and why the upcoming movie has us more excited than Avengers: Doomsday• Daredevil: Born Again and why Marvel should have simply made a great Daredevil TV show• The Punisher, Marvel Knights and the return of street-level Marvel storytelling• Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and why Doom is one of Marvel's most difficult characters to adapt• The rumors and leaks surrounding Avengers: Doomsday• Why Marvel's obsession with nostalgia and "member berries" could be hurting the MCU• Fantastic Four and why Galactus finally felt right• X-Men '97, the Fox X-Men movies and adapting beloved comic-book characters• WandaVision, Ralph Bohner and Marvel's habit of subverting audience expectations• Black Widow, Thunderbolts and Captain America: Brave New World• Why Marvel's Disney+ strategy may have made following the MCU feel like homework• Zack Snyder, Watchmen and the difference between faithfully adapting a comic and actually understanding it• The Edgar Wright/Ant-Man situation and creative control in Hollywood• Why comic-book creators deserve more respect from the studios adapting their work• Evil Dead, horror movies, Crossed, Saw and the limits of gore• Game of Thrones and what happens when a television series runs out of source material• A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and the future of George R.R. Martin's world We also talk about what makes a good comic-book adaptation in the first place. Should filmmakers stay as faithful to the source material as possible, or should they completely reinvent it for the screen? And at what point does changing a character stop being an adaptation and become something else? This is a conversation about comics, movies, nostalgia, Hollywood, storytelling, and why some franchises still feel alive while others feel like they're running on fumes. GUEST:Carlos Cordova — Stolen Heart TattooInstagram: @StolenHeartTattoo HOST:Noah VargasImprovised Intelligence If you enjoyed the episode, follow Improvised Intelligence on Spotify and share this episode with another comic-book fan. And let us know: Has Marvel actually lost its way, or are fans just nostalgic for the MCU's glory days?

    Why Marvel Keeps Getting Comic Books WRONG | MCU, Spider-Man, Doom & Daredevil

  6. Aug 24

    Nick Murphy on The Tonight Show, Netflix, Joe Rogan & Austin Comedy

    What does it actually take to make it as a professional stand-up comedian? Noah Vargas sits down with comedian Nick Murphy for a wide-ranging conversation about the grind behind stand-up comedy, moving across the country to build a career, and going from low-paying road gigs to major comedy opportunities. Nick talks about his journey through the Atlanta comedy scene, the importance of doing open mics, developing real material, bombing, getting better, and why comedians need to focus on becoming good before worrying about becoming famous. Nick has performed at the Netflix Is a Joke Festival, Moontower Comedy Festival, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and he recently moved to Austin after getting passed at Joe Rogan's Comedy Mothership. He explains what attracted him to Austin's exploding comedy ecosystem and why the city's concentration of comedy clubs and stages creates opportunities that are difficult to find elsewhere. The conversation also gets into: • The reality of grinding as a stand-up comedian• Nick's first years doing comedy in Atlanta• Open mics and why they matter• The difference between being good and being famous• Why comedians shouldn't chase viral clips too early• Road gigs and the sacrifices comedians make for opportunities• The $100 Don't Tell Comedy gig that helped open doors• Netflix Is a Joke Festival• Moontower Comedy Festival• Getting passed at Joe Rogan's Comedy Mothership• Why Nick moved from Atlanta to Austin• The Austin comedy scene• Austin vs. Los Angeles for comedians• Performing multiple shows in a single night• Getting on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon• Preparing for a Tonight Show performance• Running material at the Comedy Cellar• Kill Tony and the changing comedy landscape• Crowd work vs. traditional stand-up material• Building a reliable set• The Albuquerque comedy scene• The potential for Albuquerque to become a stronger comedy market• The challenges of opening and operating comedy clubs• What comedians really need to do to build a career Nick also talks about having roughly 24 minutes of material he knows he can confidently bring to a stage, and why developing a solid body of material is so important for comedians trying to move to the next level. If you're a stand-up comedian, aspiring comedian, comedy fan, or anyone interested in what happens behind the scenes of the comedy business, this episode is worth a listen. Instagram: @nick10murphyWebsite: nickmurphycomedy.com Instagram: @noahvargas2Podcast: Improvised Intelligence If you enjoyed the episode, follow the podcast on Spotify and leave a rating/review. It helps other comedy fans discover the show. 🎤 Follow Nick Murphy🎙️ Follow Noah Vargas / Improvised Intelligence

    Nick Murphy on The Tonight Show, Netflix, Joe Rogan & Austin Comedy

  7. Aug 24

    Finesse Mitchell: The Truth About Comedy, Relationships & Life on the Road

    Stand-up comedian and actor Finesse Mitchell joins Improvised Intelligence for a wide-ranging conversation about the reality of building a career in comedy, mentoring the next generation of comedians, relationships, touring, and life on the road.Finesse opens up about his journey through stand-up comedy and acting, what he's learned after years in the business, and why helping newer comedians matters to him.We also talk about what it's really like balancing stand-up comedy and relationships, the challenges of constantly being on the road, and what Finesse has learned from touring with Matt Rife.Plus, Finesse shares the story of meeting his first comedy manager, Dave, and the people and experiences that helped shape his career.In this episode:• Finesse Mitchell's stand-up comedy career• The reality of making a career in comedy• Mentoring and helping new comedians• Touring and working on the road with Matt Rife• Balancing stand-up comedy, touring and relationships• The challenges of life on the road• Meeting his first comedy manager, Dave• Lessons learned from years in the entertainment industry• Advice for comedians trying to build their careers• Stand-up comedy, acting and the entertainment businessIf you're a comedian, aspiring comedian, comedy fan, or interested in what actually goes on behind the scenes of the entertainment industry, this conversation is for you.🎙️ SUBSCRIBE to Improvised Intelligence for more conversations with comedians, entertainers, politicians, athletes and interesting people from Albuquerque and beyond.👍 LIKE the video if you enjoyed the conversation💬 COMMENT: What's the hardest part of being a comedian on the road?🔔 SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications for future episodes.Follow Finesse on Instagram: @finessemitchellVisit his website: https://www.finessemitchell.tv/#FinesseMitchell #MattRife #StandUpComedy #Comedy #Comedians #ImprovisedIntelligence #ComedyPodcast #StandUpComedian #LifeOnTheRoad

    Finesse Mitchell: The Truth About Comedy, Relationships & Life on the Road

  8. Aug 10

    Inside Albuquerque’s Underground News Scene | Police Access, Protests & Creator Backlash

    What’s really happening behind the scenes of local news in Albuquerque?In this episode of Improvised Intelligence, Noah Vargas sits down with a rising local news creator to break down:How he gets direct access to Albuquerque Police Department (APD) media releasesWhat it’s like covering crime scenes, protests, and breaking news in real timeDealing with haters, viral growth, and online backlashThe reality of balancing a 9–5 job with content creationAlbuquerque growth, new businesses (In-N-Out), and local infrastructure issuesPlus a wild tangent into UFC 250, Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje, and fight game chaosThis is a raw, unfiltered look at modern local media, independent journalism, and content creation in Albuquerque.👉 If you're into podcasts about comedy, news, culture, and real conversations, subscribe for more.Follow Johnny on Instagram: @_johnnyamerica Tiktok: @_johnnyamericaFollow us here!Instagram: @improvisedintelligencepod @noahvargas2🎙️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46eFKCrHGNkWejeT8XpcjTFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/improvisedintelligencepod/Produced by Royal Tier Productions LLCIntro/Outro Theme written by Toby GomezSupport the podcast here!https://www.patreon.com/c/improvisedintelligencehttps://choppedchileco.com/#Albuquerque #Podcast #LocalNews #APD #NewMexico #ContentCreator #IndependentMedia #UFC #MMA #YouTubePodcast #NewsPodcast #ComedyPodcast #ImprovisedIntelligence

    Inside Albuquerque’s Underground News Scene | Police Access, Protests & Creator Backlash
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Ratings & Reviews

5
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About

From his in-home studio in Albuquerque, NM Comedian Noah Vargas sits down with guests and friends to discuss the world around them and how to laugh at it. Congratulations; you've found the best podcast you've never heard of, yet.🎙️ 🎥 New episodes on Monday's and Thursday's If you enjoy this podcast - please consider supporting by checking out the sponsors below: https://choppedchileco.com/ @choppedchileco

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