Heightening Headlines: Improvising The News

Alec Shea & Ryan Charnoky
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Real news, improvised comedy. Improvisers and comedians Alec Shea (@alecsheaimprov) and Ryan Charnoky (@Ryan_Stands_Up) read and discuss interesting, weird, and completely true news stories from around the world, then improvise comedic scenes inspired by the story, the people involved and the discussion that follows. They also discuss improv techniques and comedy styles. Weekly episodes with Ryan and Alec, and perhaps sometimes... special guests! (Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the news stories will be accurately depicted during the improv. In fact... they may be depicted somewhat inaccurately... Hmm... Actually its probably best to assume the improv doesn't represent these real world news stories at all...)

Episodes

  1. "Slalom Witch Curler" - New Emojis, The Sport of Curling, and the Salem Witch Trials

    21H AGO

    "Slalom Witch Curler" - New Emojis, The Sport of Curling, and the Salem Witch Trials

    In this episode, Alec and Ryan discuss the planned release of new emojis, curling, and the Salem Witch Trials. Trust me, we're just as surprised by this combination of topics as you are. Follow them at ‪@AlecSheaImprov‬ and ‪@ryan_stands_up‬ ________________ Real news, improvised comedy. Improvisers and comedians Alec Shea (‪@AlecSheaImprov‬ ) and Ryan Charnoky (‪@ryan_stands_up‬) read and discuss interesting, weird, and completely true news stories from around the world, then improvise comedic scenes inspired by the story, the people involved and the discussion that follows. They also discuss improv techniques and comedy styles. Weekly episodes with Ryan and Alec, and perhaps sometimes... special guests! (Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the news stories will be accurately depicted during the improv. In fact... they may be depicted somewhat inaccurately... Hmm... Actually its probably best to assume the improv doesn't represent these real world news stories at all...) Intro music and voiceover by Alec Shea (‪@alecsheamusic‬)

    50 min
  2. "The Lizard in a Blizzard Who's a Wizard and Only Rhymes" - An Interesting Alert and an Explicit End to the Comedy Section

    FEB 12

    "The Lizard in a Blizzard Who's a Wizard and Only Rhymes" - An Interesting Alert and an Explicit End to the Comedy Section

    In this episode, Alec and Ryan discuss the lizard in a blizzard, share some "interesting alerts" and start explicitly stating when the "comedy section" of the show is over. Follow them at ‪@AlecSheaImprov‬ and ‪@ryan_stands_up‬ ________________ Real news, improvised comedy. Improvisers and comedians Alec Shea (‪@AlecSheaImprov‬ ) and Ryan Charnoky (‪@ryan_stands_up‬) read and discuss interesting, weird, and completely true news stories from around the world, then improvise comedic scenes inspired by the story, the people involved and the discussion that follows. They also discuss improv techniques and comedy styles. Weekly episodes with Ryan and Alec, and perhaps sometimes... special guests! (Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the news stories will be accurately depicted during the improv. In fact... they may be depicted somewhat inaccurately... Hmm... Actually its probably best to assume the improv doesn't represent these real world news stories at all...) Intro music and voiceover by Alec Shea (‪@alecsheamusic‬)

    30 min
  3. "If They're My Cows, They Eat From My Mouth" Cyber-Farting and Cows ft. Pax

    FEB 5

    "If They're My Cows, They Eat From My Mouth" Cyber-Farting and Cows ft. Pax

    In this episode, Alec and Ryan once again invite improviser, comedian, PHD physicist and non-male presenting a-gender friend, Pax, to discuss cyber-farting in Britain, and whether animals not being able to give consent means petting zoos are assault. Follow them at ‪@AlecSheaImprov‬ and ‪@ryan_stands_up‬ Guest - @PaxSum ________________ Real news, improvised comedy. Improvisers and comedians Alec Shea (‪@AlecSheaImprov‬ ) and Ryan Charnoky (‪@ryan_stands_up‬) read and discuss interesting, weird, and completely true news stories from around the world, then improvise comedic scenes inspired by the story, the people involved and the discussion that follows. They also discuss improv techniques and comedy styles. Weekly episodes with Ryan and Alec, and perhaps sometimes... special guests! (Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the news stories will be accurately depicted during the improv. In fact... they may be depicted somewhat inaccurately... Hmm... Actually its probably best to assume the improv doesn't represent these real world news stories at all...) Intro music and voiceover by Alec Shea (‪@alecsheamusic‬)

    49 min
  4. "Hi, Mrs. Charnoky!" Animals Eating Popsicles and Poop Jokes ft. Pax

    JAN 29

    "Hi, Mrs. Charnoky!" Animals Eating Popsicles and Poop Jokes ft. Pax

    In this episode, Alec and Ryan invite improviser, comedian, PHD physicist and friend, Pax, to discuss animals licking popsicles in Brazil, poop jokes, speaking a second language, and to bond over a shared love of torturing Ryan and saying hi to his mum. Follow them at ‪@AlecSheaImprov‬ and ‪@ryan_stands_up‬ ________________ Real news, improvised comedy. Improvisers and comedians Alec Shea (‪@AlecSheaImprov‬ ) and Ryan Charnoky (‪@ryan_stands_up‬) read and discuss interesting, weird, and completely true news stories from around the world, then improvise comedic scenes inspired by the story, the people involved and the discussion that follows. They also discuss improv techniques and comedy styles. Weekly episodes with Ryan and Alec, and perhaps sometimes... special guests! (Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the news stories will be accurately depicted during the improv. In fact... they may be depicted somewhat inaccurately... Hmm... Actually its probably best to assume the improv doesn't represent these real world news stories at all...) Intro music and voiceover by Alec Shea (‪@alecsheamusic‬)

    39 min
  5. "Can You Hold That Camel Still?" Finding Dave Gorman ft. Adam Bloom

    JAN 22

    "Can You Hold That Camel Still?" Finding Dave Gorman ft. Adam Bloom

    In part one of this episode, Alec and Ryan invite comedian Adam Bloom to chat about stand-up, improv, and comedy. He tells us some great stories from his life and time as a stand-up, including some special encounters with the late, great Sean Lock. Part 2 of this episode coming soon! Follow them ‪@AlecSheaImprov‬ ‪@ryan_stands_up‬ and @adambloomcomedy _______________ Check out Adam's book "Finding Your Comic Genius: An in-depth guide to the art of stand-up comedy" here: https://amzn.eu/d/1hTq8FN This has proven to be the most significant book ever written on stand-up comedy. It explains groundbreaking methods and theories that give you the tools to fast-track your stand-up to the next level and will permanently change the way you look at writing and performing comedy. Although ‘Finding Your Comic Genius’ is an advanced book that was aimed at people who already do stand-up, thousands of new comedians all over the world have used the seventeen chapters on writing material to prepare for their first time onstage. "Bloom not only has meticulous, brilliant lines, but also an intense and fragile honesty" Ricky Gervais "This is the only book you will ever need on stand-up comedy” Jim Jefferies “ This is an extremely rare thing, a book on stand-up comedy that every comedian will learn from” Russell Peters ________________ Real news, improvised comedy. Improvisers and comedians Alec Shea (‪ @AlecSheaImprov ) and Ryan Charnoky (‪ @ryan_stands_up ) read and discuss interesting, weird, and completely true news stories from around the world, then improvise comedic scenes inspired by the story, the people involved and the discussion that follows. They also discuss improv techniques and comedy styles. Weekly episodes with Ryan and Alec, and perhaps sometimes... special guests! (Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the news stories will be accurately depicted during the improv. In fact... they may be depicted somewhat inaccurately... Hmm... Actually its probably best to assume the improv doesn't represent these real world news stories at all...) Intro music and voiceover by Alec Shea (‪ @alecsheamusic ) Filmed by @ChristopherSzücs ​

    32 min
  6. Chatting  Improv, Stand-Up and Boomerangs with Adam Bloom

    JAN 19

    Chatting  Improv, Stand-Up and Boomerangs with Adam Bloom

    In part one of this episode, Alec and Ryan invite comedian Adam Bloom to chat about stand-up, improv, and comedy. He tells us some great stories from his life and time as a stand-up, including some special encounters with the late, great Sean Lock. Part 2 of this episode coming soon! Follow them ‪@AlecSheaImprov‬ ‪@ryan_stands_up‬ and @adambloomcomedy _______________ Check out Adam's book "Finding Your Comic Genius: An in-depth guide to the art of stand-up comedy" here: https://amzn.eu/d/1hTq8FN This has proven to be the most significant book ever written on stand-up comedy. It explains groundbreaking methods and theories that give you the tools to fast-track your stand-up to the next level and will permanently change the way you look at writing and performing comedy. Although ‘Finding Your Comic Genius’ is an advanced book that was aimed at people who already do stand-up, thousands of new comedians all over the world have used the seventeen chapters on writing material to prepare for their first time onstage. "Bloom not only has meticulous, brilliant lines, but also an intense and fragile honesty" Ricky Gervais "This is the only book you will ever need on stand-up comedy” Jim Jefferies “This is an extremely rare thing, a book on stand-up comedy that every comedian will learn from” Russell Peters ________________ Real news, improvised comedy. Improvisers and comedians Alec Shea (‪ @AlecSheaImprov ) and Ryan Charnoky (‪ @ryan_stands_up ) read and discuss interesting, weird, and completely true news stories from around the world, then improvise comedic scenes inspired by the story, the people involved and the discussion that follows. They also discuss improv techniques and comedy styles. Weekly episodes with Ryan and Alec, and perhaps sometimes... special guests! (Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the news stories will be accurately depicted during the improv. In fact... they may be depicted somewhat inaccurately... Hmm... Actually its probably best to assume the improv doesn't represent these real world news stories at all...) Intro music and voiceover by Alec Shea (‪ @alecsheamusic )

    25 min
  7.  "You Got A Big Pair Of Vernaculars" - Discussing Six Seven Ranking No. 1 For Overused Words

    JAN 8

     "You Got A Big Pair Of Vernaculars" - Discussing Six Seven Ranking No. 1 For Overused Words

    In this episode, Alec and Ryan read and discuss how "6-7" (six seven) was number 1 in the Michigan State University survey of misused and overused words. Then they improvise scenes about a German superhero named The Vernaculizer, and rejected ideas that lead to the creation of beloved German children's character Bernd Das Brot, the depressed loaf of bread. Follow them at @alecsheaimprov and @ryan_stands_up ________________ Real news, improvised comedy. Improvisers and comedians Alec Shea (@alecsheaimprov) and Ryan Charnoky (@Ryan_Stands_Up) read and discuss interesting, weird, and completely true news stories from around the world, then improvise comedic scenes inspired by the story, the people involved and the discussion that follows. They also discuss improv techniques and comedy styles. Weekly episodes with Ryan and Alec, and perhaps sometimes... special guests! (Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the news stories will be accurately depicted during the improv. In fact... they may be depicted somewhat inaccurately... Hmm... Actually its probably best to assume the improv doesn't represent these real world news stories at all...) Intro music and voiceover by Alec Shea (@alecsheamusic)

    32 min
  8.  "Let's Share That Cigarette Butt You Found." - Discussing the Racoon That Went on a Drunken Rampage in Virginia

    JAN 1

     "Let's Share That Cigarette Butt You Found." - Discussing the Racoon That Went on a Drunken Rampage in Virginia

    In this episode, Alec and Ryan read and discuss the story about the racoon that broke into a Virginia liquor store and went on a drunken rampage. Sounds like a classic Friday night, am I right!?!?!?!??!!? Then they improvise scenes about the liquor store calling pest control, and the racoon's deteriorating relationship with his wife. Follow them at @alecsheaimprov and @ryan_stands_up ________________ Real news, improvised comedy. Improvisers and comedians Alec Shea (@alecsheaimprov) and Ryan Charnoky (@Ryan_Stands_Up) read and discuss interesting, weird, and completely true news stories from around the world, then improvise comedic scenes inspired by the story, the people involved and the discussion that follows. They also discuss improv techniques and comedy styles. Weekly episodes with Ryan and Alec, and perhaps sometimes... special guests! (Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the news stories will be accurately depicted during the improv. In fact... they may be depicted somewhat inaccurately... Hmm... Actually its probably best to assume the improv doesn't represent these real world news stories at all...) Intro music and voiceover by Alec Shea (@alecsheamusic)

    44 min
  9. "Sometimes Teachers Can Be Dumb" - Discussing an Anime Made by the Otavalo People, and Interviewing Jared

    12/18/2025

    "Sometimes Teachers Can Be Dumb" - Discussing an Anime Made by the Otavalo People, and Interviewing Jared

    In this episode, Alec and Ryan read and discuss a story about the Otavalo people in the Andes Mountains in Ecuador creating an anime called "We're Aya" to help revive their Quichua language and culture, and the influence they took from famous Japanese animated movies like those of Studio Ghibli. Then a kid named Jared who was raised exclusively on Nickelodeon TV comes onto the scene, and Ryan spends some time interviewing him. Follow them at @alecsheaimprov and @ryan_stands_up ________________ Real news, improvised comedy. Improvisers and comedians Alec Shea (@alecsheaimprov) and Ryan Charnoky (@Ryan_Stands_Up) read and discuss interesting, weird, and completely true news stories from around the world, then improvise comedic scenes inspired by the story, the people involved and the discussion that follows. They also discuss improv techniques and comedy styles. Weekly episodes with Ryan and Alec, and perhaps sometimes... special guests! (Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the news stories will be accurately depicted during the improv. In fact... they may be depicted somewhat inaccurately... Hmm... Actually its probably best to assume the improv doesn't represent these real world news stories at all...) Intro music and voiceover by Alec Shea (@alecsheamusic)

    36 min
  10. "We Will Make Sweet Love Turtle-Style" - Discussing Illegal Exotic Pet Trade, The CITESWFF, and a Weird Turtle

    12/18/2025

    "We Will Make Sweet Love Turtle-Style" - Discussing Illegal Exotic Pet Trade, The CITESWFF, and a Weird Turtle

    In this episode, Alec and Ryan discuss a story about illegal exotic pet trade, the  Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITESWFF), and a weird turtle. This inspires two scenes, one about attending the CITESWFF and one that gives insight into how rhinos might feel about the fear of being hunted. Oh, and there's some promo for a new cereal called Ryan-Os. Follow them at @alecsheaimprov and @ryan_stands_up ________________ Real news, improvised comedy. Improvisers and comedians Alec Shea (@alecsheaimprov) and Ryan Charnoky (@Ryan_Stands_Up) read and discuss interesting, weird, and completely true news stories from around the world, then improvise comedic scenes inspired by the story, the people involved and the discussion that follows. They also discuss improv techniques and comedy styles. Weekly episodes with Ryan and Alec, and perhaps sometimes... special guests! (Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the news stories will be accurately depicted during the improv. In fact... they may be depicted somewhat inaccurately... Hmm... Actually its probably best to assume the improv doesn't represent these real world news stories at all...) Intro music and voiceover by Alec Shea (@alecsheamusic)

    36 min
  11. "They're Stealing The Jewels!" - Discussing The Louvre Heist, AI, and Social Circumcision

    12/18/2025

    "They're Stealing The Jewels!" - Discussing The Louvre Heist, AI, and Social Circumcision

    In this episode, Alec and Ryan introduce themselves and find the direction for the future of the podcast. This leads to them discussing the Louvre heist, and improvising a scene about the security guard who was on duty that day. Oh, they also did that typical podcast thing where they discuss AI for a while, and how it sucks. Follow them at @alecsheaimprov and @ryan_stands_up ________________ Real news, improvised comedy. Improvisers and comedians Alec Shea (@alecsheaimprov) and Ryan Charnoky (@Ryan_Stands_Up) read and discuss interesting, weird, and completely true news stories from around the world, then improvise comedic scenes inspired by the story, the people involved and the discussion that follows. They also discuss improv techniques and comedy styles. Weekly episodes with Ryan and Alec, and perhaps sometimes... special guests! (Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the news stories will be accurately depicted during the improv. In fact... they may be depicted somewhat inaccurately... Hmm... Actually its probably best to assume the improv doesn't represent these real world news stories at all...) Intro music and voiceover by Alec Shea (@alecsheamusic)

    34 min
  12. Promo Teaser

    SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Promo Teaser

    A promotional teaser trailer for Ryan & Alec’s upcoming podcast, Heightening Headlines: Improvising the News. Includes a short intro from Alec and Ryan, and some short clips from upcoming episodes. Intro music and voiceover by Alec Shea (@alecsheamusic)

    2 min

Trailer

About

Real news, improvised comedy. Improvisers and comedians Alec Shea (@alecsheaimprov) and Ryan Charnoky (@Ryan_Stands_Up) read and discuss interesting, weird, and completely true news stories from around the world, then improvise comedic scenes inspired by the story, the people involved and the discussion that follows. They also discuss improv techniques and comedy styles. Weekly episodes with Ryan and Alec, and perhaps sometimes... special guests! (Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the news stories will be accurately depicted during the improv. In fact... they may be depicted somewhat inaccurately... Hmm... Actually its probably best to assume the improv doesn't represent these real world news stories at all...)

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