(Improvised) Intelligence from Noah Vargas

Noah Vargas

5.0 (4)
Comedy
Updated Biweekly

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

4d ago

Didi Okpareke Challenges Melanie Stansbury | NM-01, Data Centers & Washington

What happens when a small-business owner and pharmacist decides to challenge an entrenched incumbent in Congress? Congressional candidate Didi Okpareke joins the podcast for a candid conversation about New Mexico's future, Washington's priorities, and what it really takes to represent the people. Running as a Republican against incumbent Democrat Melanie Stansbury in New Mexico's 1st Congressional District (NM-01), Didi brings her experience building and operating a compounding pharmacy to a wide-ranging discussion about healthcare, economic opportunity, government accountability, and American foreign policy. 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE: 🇺🇸 The Congressional Race in New Mexico — Why Didi Okpareke decided to run for Congress, what she learned on the campaign trail, and her first debate against Melanie Stansbury. 🏥 Healthcare Access & Rural Hospitals — New Mexico's healthcare challenges, the cost of care, rural medical services, and how federal funding could help underserved communities. 💧 AI Data Centers & New Mexico's Water Crisis — The growing debate over data centers, water consumption, desalination infrastructure, and protecting New Mexico's natural resources while pursuing economic growth. 💼 Small Businesses & Economic Opportunity — Didi's journey as a pharmacist and entrepreneur, government red tape, permitting delays, access to capital, and how Congress can support small businesses. 🌎 The Iran War, Israel & America's Foreign Policy — Didi's views on ending the war, balancing international alliances, foreign spending, and prioritizing the needs of Americans at home. 🔎 The Epstein Truth Commission & Government Accountability — Questions about transparency, investigations, political accountability, and whether elected officials are delivering the answers the public deserves. 🏛️ Term Limits, Political Elites & Voter Turnout — Why Didi believes new leadership is needed, why young professionals are leaving New Mexico, and how voters can hold their representatives accountable. Didi also explains how she believes an independent-minded Republican can work across government, advocate for New Mexico, and focus on practical results rather than party politics. Is Washington putting America's priorities first? Can New Mexico solve its infrastructure and economic challenges? And what should voters expect from the people they elect? Watch or listen to the full conversation and decide for yourself. 🗳️ Learn more about Didi Okpareke:Website: https://didiforcongress.comFacebook & Instagram: Didi for Congress Subscribe for more long-form political interviews, New Mexico politics, congressional race coverage, and conversations about the issues shaping America. #DidiOkpareke #NewMexicoPolitics #CongressionalElection #NM01 #PoliticalPodcast
Oct 12

New Mexico’s Government Spending Problem? | Elias Sisneros

Is New Mexico’s government delivering for taxpayers—or are waste, questionable spending, and political insiders getting in the way? On this episode of Improvised Intelligence, political commentator Elias Sisneros joins the conversation for an unfiltered discussion about New Mexico politics, government accountability, public spending, and the failures that deserve more scrutiny. We examine the issues affecting New Mexicans, including: Government waste and accountability: Questions about state spending, oversight, audits, and how taxpayer dollars are being used. SNAP oversight and federal funding: What reported benefit-payment error rates mean, how they differ from confirmed fraud, and the financial consequences of administrative failures. No-bid contracts and political connections: Why public contracting needs transparency and meaningful oversight. Albuquerque spending: City budgets, major public projects, the Gateway Center, homelessness, and questions about whether spending is producing results. The cost of living: Taxes, regulation, housing affordability, and the challenges facing everyday New Mexicans. The New Mexico Epstein Truth Commission: The debate over transparency, subpoenas, investigations, funding, and accountability. Politics beyond party lines: Why voters frustrated with both Democrats and Republicans are demanding answers from the people in power. We also discuss lobbying, campaign money, cannabis regulations, and the broader question of whether New Mexico’s political establishment is serving the public—or protecting itself. The central question: Who is actually holding New Mexico’s leaders accountable? This is a candid political conversation about power, money, government performance, and the issues shaping the future of New Mexico. 🎙️ Subscribe to Improvised Intelligence for more conversations about New Mexico politics, public policy, accountability, and the people influencing our state. 💬 Join the conversation: What is the biggest problem facing New Mexico right now—government spending, housing affordability, homelessness, political corruption allegations, or something else? Note: This episode includes commentary, opinions, and allegations discussed by the participants. Claims about individuals, organizations, spending, or investigations should be evaluated against independently verifiable evidence and official records.
Oct 5

Gabe Vasquez on ICE, Data Centers, Israel, Iran & New Mexico’s Water Crisis | Full Interview

RECORDED ON AUGUST 18, 2026. Congressman Gabe Vasquez joins Improvised Intelligence for an in-depth conversation covering some of the biggest political issues facing Southern New Mexico, the state, and the country. Vasquez, a Democratic representative for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, discusses his campaign for a third term, his experiences running for Congress, and the issues shaping his district—from rural communities and agriculture to immigration, energy, water, and infrastructure. In this wide-ranging interview, Vasquez addresses: ICE, immigration & border security — His views on immigration enforcement, targeting violent criminals, border security, the current administration's immigration policies, and his proposed approach to immigration reform. New Mexico's water crisis — The Rio Grande, drought, agriculture, irrigation, Elephant Butte and Caballo dams, water conservation, infrastructure, desalination, and the difficult decisions facing New Mexico's farmers and communities. AI data centers & water usage — The rapid expansion of data centers, their potential impact on water and energy resources, local control, state regulation, and the debate over new data center projects in New Mexico. Energy policy — Oil and gas, renewable energy, geothermal, fusion, transmission infrastructure, energy reliability, jobs, emissions, and how New Mexico can balance competing energy priorities. Israel & Gaza — U.S.-Israel relations, the war in Gaza, U.S. military assistance, the two-state solution, and Vasquez's position on congressional efforts involving aid to Israel. Iran & U.S. foreign policy — The Iran conflict, U.S. military involvement, weapons and munitions, costs, and questions about America's broader foreign-policy strategy. His congressional record — Bipartisan legislation, wildfire response, energy policy, immigration, water, and areas where Vasquez says he has disagreed with members of his own party.This episode is a long-form, open conversation designed to let Vasquez explain his positions directly and address questions about both New Mexico issues and national politics. Listen to the full episode of Improvised Intelligence. 🎙️ Hosted by Noah Vargas📍 Albuquerque, 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 LLC Intro/Outro Theme written by Toby Gomez Support the podcast here!https://choppedchileco.com/
Sep 29

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/
Sep 28

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
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.
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
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?

5

out of 5

4 Ratings

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

Creator

Noah Vargas
Years Active

2021 - 2026
Episodes

258
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Noah Vargas
Show Website

(Improvised) Intelligence from Noah Vargas

News Commentary

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Self-Improvement

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