On the Mic with Tim Drake

On today's episode of the podcast, I have the creator of the hit social media sites, "Muppet History", Joshua Gillespie! I was so thrilled to finally get Joshua on the show. I have followed Muppet History on every social media platform for years, as I'm sure many of you have, and was so intrigued by the man who brings so many people so much joy from just a simple post. I originally reached out to Joshua a few years back to be a guest on one of our SDCC shows, only to learn that he lived on the other side of the country and wouldn't be able to attend. So, this episode has been a long time coming. On the episode Joshua and I talked about him growing up in North Carolina, discovering the Muppets as a kid and sharing that love with his older brothers, introducing is wife to the Muppets when they were dating, which Muppet we'd love to hear curse, battling the negativity of the internet, creating joy, his favorite Muppet movie, and so much more. A huge Thank You to Joshua for taking the time to join me on the show. Joshua was getting ready to leave on vacation and still took the time to be on the show. I really appreciate it! Make sure to follow him on all of the links below and enjoy all of his Muppet goodness. Thanks, Joshua! Enjoy the episode!

On today's episode comedian Mike Masilotti returns to the show! Mike first came on the show alongside comedian Billy Anderson back in 2017 when they were on tour for The Gateway Show. None of us lived in Los Angeles yet but were all on the precipice of moving. In the 7 years since Mike was on the show so much has changed, including opening a hit comedy venue here in Los Angeles and writing book! On the episode I talked with Mike about growing up in an immigrant family in Upstate New York, finding is comedic voice, moving to Seattle and his most embarrassing comedy moment, navigating comedy in a pandemic, putting together his Dry Bar Comedy special, open Third Wheel Comedy here in Los Angeles, writing his book "Comedy is for Dummies" and so much more! A huge Thank You to Mike for taking the time to join me on the show. It was so good to catch up with him after all these years. Make sure to follow him on all of the links on our website www.onthemicpodcast.com. Please watch his Dry Bar Comedy special, "Outside Cat", and make sure to buy his new book "Comedy is for Dummies". If you're here in Los Angeles, stop by Third Wheel Comedy and catch a show! Thanks, Mike! Enjoy the episode!

On today's episode of the podcast, I have Broadway percussionist and conductor, Danny Taylor! Danny is a unique guest to the show as he's not only an incredible Broadway performing musician, but he's also my cousin. Now, I may not completely understand the genealogical math behind it, but he's either my third cousin, or my second cousin once removed. If you understand it, feel free to explain it me, but know I probably still won't get it. Danny and had never met each other until a few years ago, and much to our family's chagrin, this was a crime that needed to be rectified. We finally met in the most cliche, Hollywood way possible, on the Warner Brothers lot at the Eastwood Scoring Stage. I talked to Danny about growing up playing the drums and learning his technique, learning the dynamics of playing in a band, putting in the work to prepare for the future, getting his first Broadway show, playing in studio sessions for movies, playing in the "In the Heights" orchestra, softball with Lin-Manuel Miranda, touring with "Aladdin", becoming a conductor on Broadway, and so much more. A big Thank You to Danny for taking the time to join me on the show. He had just returned from playing some shows on the road with his band and I was thrilled we were able to get him on the show. It's not a family reunion if it isn't recorded, right? Make sure to follow Danny on all of the links on our website: www.onthemicpodcast.com Thanks, Danny! Enjoy the episode!

Bonus episode time! On today's episode I have actress and author, Sarah Hamilton! I've known Sarah for a few years now as we have worked together at Warner Brothers. She also was the star of one the episodes of our horror series "Screams from the Dark" last year. I've always known Sarah as an actress, but was blown away to learn that she was an author as well. Sarah has a big book signing coming up this weekend at the Barnes and Noble at The Grove and I wanted to make sure I had her on to help promote the signing. On the episode we talked about Sarah growing up in Rochester, New York, what inspired her to become and actress, moving across the country to follow her dream, becoming a published author at just 17 years old, working on the HBO Max show "Winning Time", her books "The Enchantress", "The Lies We Tell", and "L.A. Mermaids", balancing a busy work life, and so much more. A huge Thank You to Sarah for taking the time in her busy schedule to jump on for a last minute episode to talk about her ever growing career. Make sure to join her this Saturday, April 13th from 12:00PM-2:00PM at the Barnes and Noble at The Grove for her book signing. Also please make sure to follow Sarah on all of the links on our website www.onthemicpodcast.com to see all of the cool things she always has going on. Thanks, Sarah! Enjoy the episode!

On today's episode of the podcast, I have writer, producer, actress, comedian, and beatboxer, Janine Hogan. Currently, Janine and I are working together on the feature horror film, "Demonetize" that we will be filming later this year. Janine is the co-writer and one of the stars of "Demonetize", yet we've only ever met in passing over brief Zoom meetings. I talked with Janine about growing up in Florida, being the class clown, making the move to Los Angeles and going all in on film and comedy, working on Expedition Bigfoot, working as the head writer of The Substitute, The Floor is Lava, comedic inspirations, beatboxing and so much more. A huge thank you to Janine for taking the time to join me on the show. It was great to get to know more about her and her career. Please make sure to follow here on all of the links on our website, www.onthemicpodcast.com and go see her perform live if you're here in Los Angeles! Also, make sure to follow our links for Demonetize so you can see Janine star in our new horror feature filming later this year. Thanks, Janine! Enjoy the episode.

On today’s episode of the podcast I am joined by writer and author, Elisa Jordan! I’ve had the pleasure getting to know Elisa over the past few years as co-workers at Warner Brothers, and she just had a new book come out about Marilyn Monroe entitled “Hello, Norma Jeane”. On the episode we talked about Elisa growing up in Orange County, discovering her love of Hollywood, working for Henry Rollins, her book and the lasting impact of Marilyn Monroe, Rockhaven Sanitarium, preserving history, and so much more. A huge Thank You to Elisa Jordan for taking the time to join me on the show. I had such a great time learning more about her story and career. Make sure to pick up her books, “Hello, Norma Jeane” and “Rockhaven Sanitarium: The Legacy of Agnes Richards” on the links below. Thank you, Elisa! Enjoy the episode!

On today's episode we are coming to you LIVE from San Diego Comic-Con! This year I decided to bring my producing partners at J-WAT Production, Alex Watson, Clyde Ratliff, and one of our crew members, and comic book writer, Christian Martin! I was excited to officially introduce J-WAT Productions to San Diego. Sadly, Terrence Kiriokos couldn't make it as he had a prior commitment. We had two big announcements for San Diego Comic-Con this year. We announced our feature horror film Bundy Manor would be released September 8th, as well as the new comic book we are working on called, The Cleaning Club! Thank you so much to Alex, Clyde, and Christian for making the trek down to San Diego. You can watch our official trailer for Bundy Manor on our website as well as YouTube, and keep your eyes out for The Cleaning Club late this year. Thanks for having us, San Diego! Enjoy the episode.

On today's episode of the podcast, comedy writer Rob Kutner returns! Rob is a former writer for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Conan, and Teen Titans Go! Rob's new comic book, "Snot Goblins" is out now and Rob will be at San Diego Comic-Con this week signing the new comic! It was great to catch up with Rob on this episode. We haven't had a real chance to talk since Pre-Covid! On the episode we talked about making the transition from writing late night, to animation, and now to comic books, his favorite character to write on Teen Titan's Go!, the inspiration behind Snot Goblins, and so much more! A huge thanks to Rob Kutner. Don't miss Rob signing Snot Goblins at the First Second Publishing booth, Friday, July 21st from 12-2PM at San Diego Comic-Con. And don't miss our live show, Thursday, July 20th at the Neil Morgan Auditorium. Thanks, Rob! Enjoy the episode!

On today's episode we are coming to you LIVE from WonderCon 2023 with special guest, writer, director, Andrew Bowser! Andrew's film Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this year and was one of my favorite films. I had only recently become familiar with Andrew's character Onyx but absolutely had to know more. I was also joined by my good friends and producing partner, Alex Watson on this episode as my co-host. We talked with Andrew about his background and how he got started in filmmaking with directing music videos, how the character of Onyx was developed, the impact Onyx has had on so many people, creating the film, his Sundance experience, and so much more. It's crazy that this was the was the first time Andrew and I have ever met as we worked in many of the same circles for the past 20 years. A huge Thank You to Andrew Bowser for taking the time to come down to Anaheim and join us for the podcast. Thank you as well to Alex Watson for joining me and co-hosting this episode. And of course, thank you to those of you who stuck around after the exhibit floor closed to join us for this live podcast. Make sure to follow Andrew on all of the links on the website (www.onthemicpodcast.com) so you know when and where you'll be able to watch "Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls" and find out what he's doing next. Thanks, Andrew! Enjoy the episode.

On today's episode I have Mike and JB of the hit From North To Wharf Podcast! I have wanted to have Mike and JB on the show for a while now as we've admired each others work from a far for a few years now and was thrilled we were finally able to make this happen ahead of our busy SDCC schedule. I knew From North to Wharf had some big Bob's Burgers events this week for SDCC and I wanted to make sure we had a chance to share those with everybody. I talked with Mike and JB about how they started From North To Wharf, Mike's burnout on his previous Bob's Burger's podcast, finding the love and the passion for shows, our favorite moments from Bob's Burgers, The Great North, and Central Park, imposter syndrome, San Diego Comic-Con, the Bob's Burgers Movie Premier, and so much more! A huge thanks to Mike and JB for taking the time out of their incredibly busy SDCC prep to sit down for a chat on the show. Make sure to follow them on all of the links on the website www.onthemicpodcast.com , and if you're in San Diego on Friday, July 22nd, please come and join us at Donut Bar from 7-9AM and then at the Fan Meat Up at 4:15 at the Bobs' Burgers Movie Activation behind the Omni Hotel. These events are are going to be a great time! Thanks, Mike and JB! Enjoy the episode!

On today's episode I have Josh Bragg from the hit horror themed YouTube channel and TikTok page, Haunting Season! I first found out about Josh and Haunting Season when he made a video for our Kickstarter campaign for Bundy Manor. I've loved Josh's videos and have been wanting to talk with him for a while and was thrilled when he agreed to come on the show. On this episode I talked with Josh about growing up in Pennsylvania, what scared him as a kid, growing up religious and playing games in graveyards, musical theater, finding his way to horror, starting Haunting Season, finding joy in what you do, and so much more! A huge thanks for Josh for taking the time to join me on this episode of the podcast. It was so great to finally get to know Josh and learn so much more about Haunting Season. Make sure to follow Josh and Haunting Season on all of the links on the website, www.onthemicpodcast.com Thanks, Josh! Enjoy the episode.

A new episode of podcast is here! This weeks episode is LIVE from Anaheim, CA at WonderCon 2022 with special guest, cartoonist and animator, Luke McGarry! I have been following Luke on social media for several years and have been a huge fan of his art. When I knew I was doing a live show at WonderCon, Luke was one of the first people I thought of and I was so excited to have him join me on the show. On the episode I talked with Luke about living in the UK, finding his artistic influence, growing up surrounded by animators and cartoonists, his band Pop Noir, working for MAD Magazine, KROQ designs, working with Tenacious D, Sad Chewie and so much more! A huge thanks to Luke McGarry for taking the time to join me on the podcast at WonderCon. Thank you as well to Comic-Con International and WonderCon for allowing us to be a part of this years convention. Make sure to follow Luke on all of the links on the website https://www.onthemicpodcast.com and check out his art on his official website as well! Thanks, Luke! Enjoy the episode.

We are finally back with a new episode! What better way to return to podcasting than with a LIVE episode from one of our favorite places, San Diego Comic-Con: Special Edition! This episode was recorded over Thanksgiving Weekend 2021 as Comic-Con International returned for their first in-person event since the pandemic began. This year was extra special to me since we were not only doing a live show again, but we were also debuting the trailer for "Bundy Manor", the horror film I spent the past year producing. Since we had the entire cast of Bundy Manor in town for the panel and trailer debut, I invited my good friend, Writer/Director Alex Watson and Actress Emily Perry to join me on the podcast! Alex was previously on the podcast years ago and I was so excited to have him back on the show to talk about the film we've been working on and what inspires him as a filmmaker and took him down the horror path. This was my first time meeting Emily in person after working with her for months on the film. Emily has such an intriguing, fun story, and a very unique collection she told us about on the show. A huge thanks to Alex and Emily for joining me on the podcast over Thanksgiving weekend in San Diego. We had such a great time together. Also a big thank you to San Diego Comic-Con for having us back for another live show. It was so great to be back in front of a live audience! Thanks, Alex and Emily! Enjoy the episode!

Oscar week is here and it's time for an all new episode of the podcast with Oscar nominees Hugo Covarrubias and Tevo Diaz! Hugo and Tevo's film "Bestia" is nominated for Best Animated Short Film in the 94th Oscars. I first watched "Bestia" at the Sundance Film Festival this year and was absolutely blown away by it. I knew immediately that it would be nominated for an Oscar and it was no surprise when the nominations were announced that "Bestia" was among them. Hugo and Tevo discussed the process of getting "Bestia" off the ground, the immense research that went into creating the character and story, the production design (which is incredible), filming during the pandemic, and so much more. It was a great time talking with Hugo and Tevo over Zoom. There were a few technical issues, but they worked themselves out as the episode rolled on. "Bestia" is a film that will stick with me forever. I can't wait to see what is next for them and wish them the best at the Oscar's this Sunday. You can still see "Bestia", as well as all of the nominated short films as part of ShortsTV. Click on the link below to find where it's playing near you. Thanks, Hugo and Tebo! Enjoy the episode! FIND SHORTS TV SCREENINGS HERE FOLLOW TIM ON TWITTER HERE FOLLOW TIM ON INSTAGRAM HERE

On today's episode of the podcast I have Writer and Director, Jason Park! Jason's current film BJ's Mobile Gift Shop is part of this year's Sundance Film Festival Shorts Program. I absolutely loved this film and wanted to talk to Jason about the film and about his filmmaking career. In this episode I talked with Jason about growing up in Chicago, finding his love for film, making the career change to filmmaking, his Sundance experience, what inspired BJ's Mobile Gift Shop and more. A huge thanks to Jason for taking the time to join me on this episode. This was a really fun episode to record and we talked for much longer than was originally planned for this episode. It was great to get to know him and I really look forward to seeing what Jason does next. Make sure to follow him on all of the links below. Thanks, Jason! Enjoy the episode.

For the first episode of 2021 we are kicking things off with an incredible guest, Director and Animator for "Bob's Burgers" & "Central Park", Simon Chong! You've heard Simon's name mentioned in past episodes as he's done some of the art for a few past Toddland items. I've followed Simon on Twitter for a while and have loved his work. On the episode, Simon tells the story of how he started working at "Bob's Burgers", starting his animation company in the UK, learning new animation skills, directing "Bob's Burgers" episodes, his work on "Central Park", and so much more. Simon has such an incredible story that is so inspiring. A huge thanks to Simon Chong for taking the time to join me on this episode. It was so great to get to know Simon better and learn about his career. Make sure to follow Simon on all of the links on the website www.onthemicpodcast.com , and don't miss Bob's Burgers Sunday nights on FOX. You can also stream the first season of Central Park on Apple TV+ Thanks, Simon! Enjoy the episode.

After an unintended 9 month hiatus, the podcast is back! I don't need to sit here and tell you what an insane year this has been. We've all just experienced it together. However, I didn't expect it to affect the podcast the way that it did. Between a few COVID scares, quarantines, depression, anxiety, a small move, and creating making a quarantined web series, the past 9 months consumed me in the best and worst ways. The podcast finally launched on Spotify a few months ago, and I was overwhelmed to see the new downloads and listeners. Thank you for listening and making part of 2020 a little better for me. I decided to take a few minutes at the end of this year to talk a little about where the podcast has been and in a way deliver a "State of the Podcast" address. New episodes start releasing next week, starting with Simon Chong from Bob's Burgers. I also talked about a few changes coming to the format of the podcast. This year has been wild and we have no idea what 2021 has in store. All we can do is try to do good by each other, do our part to help everybody get through this, and make the best out of a bad situation. It will take all of us, but we can get back to life in the new normal. Thank you for listening to the podcast throughout 2020 and being along this crazy ride. Please stay safe and healthy. I will see you in the New Year. Enjoy the episode.

Today's episode is our WonderCon 2020 Episode! My guests for this episode are Kerry Dixon, Editor and Chief of the SDCC Unofficial Blog, and returning guest Todd Masters of Toddland! As many of you may know, WonderCon 2020 was supposed to be this weekend down in Anaheim, but due to the current lockdowns from COVID-19, the event has been postponed. Kerry and her team at the blog immediately jumped into action and compiled a list of all of the artists and vendors from WonderCon and how you can still shop and support them. With so many of these conventions being cancelled, this is the primary means of income for these artists and vendors and we wanted to help spread the word of how you can still support them. I talked with Kerry about how she and her team have built WonderCon Online for this weekend and what's to come. Toddland's Bob's Burgers Exclusives are always one of the hottest con exclusives that sell out immediately. For the first time ever, Toddland has opened these up to everybody to be able to enjoy their rad items. All new Bob's tees, totes, pins, stickers, and more! Please go and support my friends at Toddland and help make this WonderCon incredible for them. I've already made my purchases, so hurry over and make yours. I talked with Todd about what they've made for WonderCon and some of their favorite items this year. Please get out and support all of the great WonderCon artists and vendors this weekend with WonderCon Online! A huge Thanks to Todd and Kerry for taking the time to come on the show for this special WonderCon episode. Shop and follow on all of the links on our website! Stay Safe and Healthy out there! Enjoy the episode.

Today's episode the podcast is back from it's medicated coma! As you may have noticed my Oscar coverage was cut short this year and there hasn't been a new episode since. Unfortunately as my Oscar coverage was under way, I ended up getting sick and had to cancel the remaining interviews. This led to canceling the remainder of February episodes as well. By the time I was ready to get back into the swing of things, we were locked down. On this episode I talked about the past two crazy months, the wild ride of losing hearing in my left ear for almost a month, accidentally hanging up on an Oscar nominee while in a drugged up state, getting through quarantine, Simpsons binging, and more. I hope that all of you are staying safe and healthy. Please stay home if you don't have to go out, and if you do have to go out, make sure to practice social distancing. Wash your hands, don't touch your face, and support local businesses. THANK YOU, I can't say it enough, but THANK YOU to all of the people on the front lines of this. To all of the healthcare workers, doctors, grocery store clerks, restaurants, and delivery services for taking care of all of us. We couldn't do this without you. Your sacrifice means everything to us. So from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! Stay healthy, friends! Enjoy the episode.

Today's episode of the podcast is Part 2 of our Oscar Week coverage! This week I have four-time Oscar nominee Marshall Curry and Siqi Song! Marshall was on the show last year for his documentary short "A Night at the Garden" that was nominated for an Oscar and it was great to have him back on the show. While this is Siqi Song's first Oscar nomination, she was also part of the art department for the Oscar nominated animated film "Missing Link". It was great to talk with Marshall about the new venture into Live Action Shorts instead of the Documentaries that he's best known for, and hear about how his film "The Neighbors Window" came together. Siqi's film "Sister" was her final student film project that tells such a unique story of the One Child Law in China. She used an incredible form of stop motion animation using yarn to build all of her characters. I had such a great time talking to both of these Oscar nominees and can't want to see what happens this Sunday during the 92nd Academy Awards. Make sure to visit ShortsTV on the site below to be able to watch all of the Oscar Nominated Shorts or find them in a theater near you. Thanks, Marshall and Siqi! Enjoy the episode.