The Reluctant Phoenix

Platform Media LLC
  • 4.8 (36)
  • COMEDY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Reluctant Phoenix podcast, by New York standup comic Jeff Simmermon is a series of conversations with a wide variety of people who have restarted their lives whether or not they really wanted to in the first place. Don't forget: a phoenix has to burn to be reborn, and it probably screams like hell on the way out.

  1. 08/17/2021

    Episode 17: Richard Cardillo

    Richard Cardillo was an educator for over three decades on two continents and in three languages. He's also a decorated storyteller. Richard spent his early adult life as a monk in the Catholic Church, but realized it was a massive effort to suppress his homosexuality – a major taboo for an Italian-American Catholic of his generation.  This episode mentions suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, call the suicide prevention hotline at 800-273-8255.

    1h 9m

  2. 08/10/2021

    Episode 16: Mike Schleibaum

    Mike is the lead guitarist and one of the original founders of the DC based death metal band "Darkest Hour." He talks about the pivotal moments that helped him find his love of music, the downsides of the music industry, and what it takes to stay grounded.

    48 min

  3. 08/03/2021

    Episode 15: Kiana Fitzgerald

    Kiana Fitzgerald is a freelance music journalist, cultural critic, and DJ. She's written for Complex, Rolling Stone, Fader, NPR, WNYC, and more. In 2016 Kiana went missing, frightening her family and friends and igniting a search for her through social media – she was a Trending Topic until she was found. This is her story about that day, and the subsequent days of mental health struggles, enlightenment, and music.

    54 min

  4. 07/27/2021

    Episode 14: Jess Salomon

    Jess Salomon is a Canadian comedian now based in New York, who has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Jess left a burgeoning career as an international war-crimes lawyer at The Hague to pursue comedy.

    59 min

  5. 07/20/2021

    Episode 13: Jeff Gomez

    Jeff Gomez, CEO of Starlight Runner, is one of the world's leading experts in transmedia storytelling and narrative design. Gomez talks about battling his own demons while simultaneously running one of the most complicated Dungeons and Dragons games in New York city during the '70s and '80s.

    1h 9m

  6. 06/28/2021 · BONUS

    A Pause

    We are sad to announce the passing of Jeff's father from a year-long battle with ALS. We are going to take a pause in the podcast so Jeff can be with his family. Well wishes can be sent to thereluctantphoenix@gmail.com

    25 sec

  7. 06/22/2021

    Episode 12: Kerry Coddett

    Kerry Coddett is a New York based comedian, actress and writer. An academically gifted young student, Kerry bounced between public and private schools, and eventually joined the Crips. She turned things around and graduated high school and college by the age of 19. Kerry is a writer and cast member on the new Showtime show "Flatbush Misdemeanors," and is also the host of the "On the Chopping Block Podcast."

    56 min

  8. 06/15/2021

    Episode 11: Justin Von Bujdoss

    Justin Von Bujdoss is an American Buddhist teacher. As Staff Chaplain for the New York Department of Corrections, Justin was responsible for performing last rites to the hundreds of people who succumbed to COVID and are buried in the potter's field / mass graveyard on Hart Island.

    48 min
See All (20)

Trailers

4.8
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

The Reluctant Phoenix podcast, by New York standup comic Jeff Simmermon is a series of conversations with a wide variety of people who have restarted their lives whether or not they really wanted to in the first place. Don't forget: a phoenix has to burn to be reborn, and it probably screams like hell on the way out.

Information

  • Creator
    Platform Media LLC
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2021
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2020
  • Show Website
    The Reluctant Phoenix