The Stein Time Show
Comedy
Michael Stein interviews comedians, actors, and various other artists from all walks of life, exploring their careers, successes, struggles, and deep thoughts. Hard-hitting, fast-moving, and hyper.
Location:
United States
Description:
Michael Stein interviews comedians, actors, and various other artists from all walks of life, exploring their careers, successes, struggles, and deep thoughts. Hard-hitting, fast-moving, and hyper.
Language:
English
Website:
https://michaelsteinmedia.com
Episodes
Stand-Up and Optimism. Taking on Life with Cerebral Palsy, Tina Friml.
12/23/2024
Tina Friml is a New York-based stand-up comedian celebrated for her animated optimism and fearless honesty in addressing life with cerebral palsy. Originally from Burlington, Vermont, Tina transitioned to comedy after a background in theater and songwriting. Her sharp wit and unique perspective have earned her a dedicated online following, with over 225K Instagram and 140K TikTok followers.
She has performed at top comedy festivals, including the Limestone Comedy Festival, the NBC Comedy Spotlight Series at Boston’s Women in Comedy Festival, and the New York Comedy Festival. Tina has opened for notable acts like Bobcat Goldthwait, Hari Kondabolu, and Michele Buteau. Beyond New York, she has captivated audiences across the U.S., performing sold-out shows nationwide and continuing to break barriers in comedy.
Duración:00:28:11
Winner of Sirius XM Radio’s Top Comic, Matt O'brien.
12/16/2024
Matt O’Brien has appeared on Comedy Central, TBS, Fox, CBC, and PBS's Odd Squad.
He created and starred in his own hour-long special for The Comedy Network in Canada and recently made his fifth televised gala appearance at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal.
A winner of Sirius XM Radio’s Top Comic, he was also recognized by Time Out Magazine as one of their “Top 10 Comics to Watch.”
Duración:00:27:12
Comedian, television writer, and radio/podcast host, Chris Duffy.
12/4/2024
Chris Duffy is best known for his work on the popular podcast How to Be a Better Human.
His comedic TED Talk, How to Find Laughter Anywhere, has resonated with audiences worldwide.
Chris has made appearances on Good Morning America, ABC News, NPR, and National Geographic Explorer.
As a writer, he contributed to both seasons of Wyatt Cenac's Problem Areas on HBO, executive produced by John Oliver.
He also created and hosts the streaming game show Wrong Answers Only, where comedians hilariously attempt to understand a scientist’s work, in collaboration with LabX at the National Academy of Sciences.
Fun fact: Chris is a former fifth-grade teacher—and a former fifth-grade student!
Duración:00:40:08
His comedy has amassed over 100+ million views and over 100,000 followers across his social media, Jay Badlani.
12/2/2024
Join us for an engaging episode featuring Jay Badlani, a stand-up comedian hailing from Atlanta, GA.
Known for his bold attitude and irresistible charm, Jay captivates audiences with his live performances and online comedy.
Get ready to dive into his unique perspective and discover what makes his humor resonate with fans everywhere!
Duración:00:33:28
Chicago-based comedian who refuses to wait for fame to come knocking, Vince Carone.
11/19/2024
Behind the Laughs, Vince Carone's Comedic Journey.
For over 20 years, he's combined a stage presence that's unmatched and material that slays in any setting. He is a laugh-making machine with an incredible ability to connect with your everyday struggles.
His quick-witted, fast-paced style delivers an avalanche of punchlines that never cease, captivating audiences and eliciting uproarious laughter.
In Vince's world, life isn't all sunshine and roses, and he's not afraid to lay bare the raw, unfiltered truth. From his chaotic, cathartic, and comedic rants against the absurdities of the world to his candid reflections on marriage, parenting, and the struggle to keep it all together, Vince's humor is both relatable and hilarious.
Duración:00:30:49
From Detroit’s streets to center stage, the inspiring rise of comedian, Tiffany Barber a.k.a “T.Barb”.
11/12/2024
Tiffany “T.Barb” Barber is a comedian and actress who left a 14-year career in social work to follow her dreams. As a first-generation college graduate from Detroit, she broke her family's cycle of incarceration and refused to let the odds hold her back. She attended Dillard University, an HBCU, and later earned her MBA from the University of Detroit Mercy, proving her resilience every step of the way.
Known for her humor and positive spirit, T.Barb discovered stand-up comedy and has been lighting up stages ever since. Her hardworking nature, quick improv skills, unique style, and warm personality make her a great fit for any project. Her favorite quote, "You Don’t Have To Stay Where You Start," reflects her journey and determination to rise above her humble beginnings.
Beyond comedy, T.Barb is an author, vegan chef, philanthropist, producer, mother, and motivational speaker. She is passionate about giving back and uses her platform to support various causes, including her nonprofit, T.Barb and Friends 501c3.
Duración:00:33:12
Sharing her journey from being a TV host, dancer, and model to turning viral moments into a comedy empire, Stephanie Tejada.
11/5/2024
Stephanie Tejada, known as the "New Queen of Comedy". She began her career as a host for "Signature Hits," a New York-based TV series, before moving to Las Vegas to pursue dance and modeling. Her work in the modeling world saw her featured in magazines like Low Rider and Show Magazine, while her passion for comedy was fueled by icons like Lucille Ball and Jim Carrey.
In 2016, Stephanie joined the cast of Bad Girls Club: Social Disruption on the Oxygen Network, where her lively personality made her a standout favorite. The exposure gave her a national platform and solidified her commitment to comedy, leading her to move to California to further her career in stand-up and content creation.
Stephanie is also committed to community outreach, with plans to open an animal shelter to support families needing help with pet care. She aims to make a positive impact both on and off the stage, believing that staying true to herself is the key to her success in the entertainment world.
Duración:00:20:02
Her inspiring journey into stand-up comedy, navigating the challenges of being a little person in a male-dominated industry and with encouragement from her friend and mentor, Margaret Cho, she ventured into stand-up, overcoming insecurities and setbacks a
10/31/2024
Selene Luna is a talented comedian and advocate for the little people community, known for her unique perspective and empowering humor. Growing up in Los Angeles, Selene faced limited acting opportunities due to her height, often cast in stereotypical roles as magical creatures or monsters. Frustrated by these constraints, she turned to stand-up comedy, inspired by her friend and mentor, Margaret Cho, who encouraged her to embrace her voice and share her story.
Her comedic journey began at the Melrose Improv, where a chance encounter with Bud Friedman led her to perform regularly. Despite initial setbacks and a lengthy hiatus, Selene rediscovered her passion for comedy and found her comedic voice over seven years, learning to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.
Now based in Palm Springs, Selene has contributed to the growing comedy scene, creating a safe space for queer comedy while highlighting the challenges faced by disabled performers. She actively advocates for accessibility in comedy clubs, addressing issues like the lack of ramps and height-related barriers that hinder performers. With a focus on authentic representation in media, Selene aims to break down stereotypes and foster inclusivity, using her platform to inspire others and promote understanding within the entertainment industry. As she transitions into executive producing a TV show and a feature film, Selene remains committed to amplifying the voices of those who feel like outsiders, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be seen and heard.
Duración:00:37:21
Her inspiring journey into stand-up comedy and she is a dynamic voice in the comedy scene, dedicated to sharing her unique perspective and experiences, Sarah Fatemi.
10/29/2024
Sarah Fatemi is an emerging stand-up comedian whose journey into comedy began during her graduate studies at Loyola Marymount University. Inspired by her classmates and the representation of Middle Eastern women in the comedic landscape, Sarah took the leap into performance. Her first open mic at Danny's Venice was a memorable experience, leading to her debut at the Ha Ha Comedy Club in North Hollywood, where she won second place in a showcase, impressing her initially skeptical father.
As the daughter of Iranian immigrants, Sarah navigates cultural expectations around education and career, initially facing pressure to pursue traditional paths. However, as she found her voice in comedy, her family became increasingly supportive, particularly her mother, who embraced her comedic pursuits. Balancing her comedic career with a day job, fitness routines, and content creation, Sarah often humorously remarks on her sleep-deprived lifestyle. She discusses the challenges of being a female comedian, addressing societal pressures regarding self-confidence and beauty standards, particularly in the context of her experiences in Los Angeles compared to her upbringing in Ohio.
Sarah’s journey reflects a commitment to personal growth and a desire to connect with audiences through humor. She continues to explore her comedic voice while participating in roast battles, where her skills have flourished, culminating in notable victories and collaborations with seasoned comics. Passionate about using her platform for advocacy, Sarah engages with issues relevant to her cultural background, including supporting movements for a free Iran. With aspirations for future tours and a potential hour-long special, Sarah Fatemi is a dynamic voice in the comedy scene, dedicated to sharing her unique perspective and experiences.
Duración:00:44:40
Her inspiring journey and the unique challenges of performing on cruise ships adapting her material while maintaining authenticity, all while nurturing her passion for comedy and the desire for a balanced life, Christina Walkinshaw.
10/24/2024
Christina Walkinshaw is a comedian based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with roots in Vancouver, Canada. She began her stand-up career in the late 1990s at Yuck Yuck's in Ottawa, a comedy club renowned for nurturing new talent. Encouraged by her friend Spicoli, Christina quickly fell in love with comedy after her first sold-out performance. With a background in journalism from Carleton University, she has always embraced her quirky personality and creativity, often seen as the "funny girl" in school.
Christina's comedic style initially focused on joke writing, drawing inspiration from fellow comedian Wendy Liebman. Throughout her journey, she has navigated the challenges of the comedy scene, particularly as a female comedian, and credits Yuck Yuck's owner Howard for his invaluable support. While she thrives on stage, performing primarily on cruise ships, she also grapples with balancing her passion for comedy with a desire for a more relaxed personal life.
Christina enjoys connecting with diverse cruise ship audiences and has made a habit of writing new material during her downtime. She shares stories from her comedic adventures, including memorable incidents on board, and expresses pride in her Goodreads account, inviting others to follow her for book recommendations. With a penchant for storytelling, Christina also documents her experiences on her Substack, "The Cruise Ship Comedian," showcasing the unique blend of comedy and life at sea.
Duración:00:35:03
A successful Chicago lawyer and musician, never imagined becoming a comedian until a serendipitous conversation with Bob Saget backstage sparked his unexpected comedy career, Paul Farahvar.
10/22/2024
Paul Farahvar's comedy career began unexpectedly after a successful run as a Chicago lawyer and musician. While managing bands, a friend's invitation to comedy classes at Second City led to a chance meeting with Bob Saget, whose encouragement pushed Farahvar to try stand-up.
After winning a contest at his first open mic, Farahvar shifted from law to full-time comedy, closing his law firm in 2020.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Farahvar thrives in clean and corporate comedy, balancing his passion for humor with financial savvy. He also hosts the podcast Why Are You Awake?, exploring creativity in night owls.
Duración:00:31:36
His journey from Cincinnati's Go Bananas Comedy Club to the global stage and how his comedic style evolved from observational humor to incorporating personal narratives and cultural insights, particularly from his Indian upbringing, Rajiv Satyal.
10/17/2024
Rajiv Satyal is a talented comedian and storyteller hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio. He discovered his passion for stand-up comedy at Go Bananas Comedy Club, encouraged by his brother, a well-known queer author. Initially, Satyal’s comedy focused on observational humor, but he eventually embraced his Indian heritage, weaving in personal anecdotes and cultural commentary that resonate with audiences.
As he navigated the complexities of Indian culture and family dynamics, Satyal’s comedy evolved from general observations to deeply personal narratives, highlighting the nuances of growing up in a South Asian household. His late father was a staunch supporter, often relishing his moments in the spotlight through his son's performances, which enriched Satyal's material with authenticity and warmth.
Rajiv’s journey reflects a common struggle among South Asian comedians balancing familial expectations and career aspirations. He transitioned from a successful corporate career at Procter & Gamble and Fiji Water to pursue his true calling in comedy, challenging the stereotypes that often dictate professional choices within his community. His humor often critiques societal norms, particularly regarding the pressure to excel in traditional careers such as engineering or medicine.
Duración:00:41:14
The evolution of her comedy career and her journey from shyness to performing in front of large audiences, supported by her family, especially her mother, who encouraged her comedic aspirations, Melissa Shoshahi.
10/15/2024
Melissa Shoshahi is a dynamic comedian and content creator known for her unique blend of humor and relatable storytelling. Growing up in Seattle before moving to Los Angeles for college, Melissa initially pursued theater, unaware of her comedic potential. Her journey into stand-up began after she worked on a Persian internet show presenting funny news, where she was encouraged by friends to try stand-up for fun.
Navigating the challenges of being a female comedian from a Middle Eastern background, Melissa found support in her family, particularly from her mother, a bikini waxer who encouraged her comedic aspirations. As her career progressed, she toured various venues on the West Coast and internationally, gaining confidence and honing her craft. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted Melissa to pivot to social media, where her character Mercedes, a Parisian retail worker, gained popularity on TikTok. This shift highlighted the significance of online presence in securing gigs and building her brand. Her YouTube channel, "Mel Comedy," has seen explosive growth, now boasting over 570,000 subscribers within a year.
With aspirations of retiring in a beautiful location, Melissa continues to create engaging content that resonates with her audience, emphasizing the importance of creativity, consistency, and self-discipline in her work. She reflects on the exciting opportunities available in the comedy landscape, particularly for those willing to forge their own paths.
Duración:00:40:01
As she shares her inspiring journey from Hyderabad, India, to becoming a rising star in the American comedy scene and her experiences in stand-up, including her first hesitant performance, the challenges of being a woman of color in comedy, and her rise
10/10/2024
Meghana Indurti is a dynamic comedian and writer originally from Hyderabad, India, who moved to the U.S. in 2001, just before 9/11. Growing up in a lively, large family and frequently relocating, Meghana found comfort in American sitcoms like Arrested Development and Community, which helped her navigate her new culture. Her comedic voice reflects her immigrant and working-class background, drawing inspiration from shows like Seinfeld and The Daily Show.
After settling in northern Virginia during high school, she pursued her passion for comedy in Chicago, training at Second City and eventually transitioning to stand-up. Meghana also has a successful ten-year career in advertising as a copywriter and creative director, gaining her family's support while following her comedic aspirations.
Her background in politics, including research at the Harvard Kennedy School, informs her unique perspective in comedy, blending personal insights with social commentary. Meghana's work has been featured in notable publications like Reductress and The Onion, and she gained popularity on TikTok with a series featuring her dad. Currently, she is working on a book that humorously critiques the representation of immigrant identities in entertainment and is developing a film adaptation of an Argentinian movie for a South Asian audience. With plans to tape a stand-up special and a short film in post-production, Meghana continues to share her journey through humor.
Duración:00:30:16
His early stand-up gigs in Halifax, where he performed for free wings, and his eventual move to Toronto and later New York, where he pursued bigger stages like The Tonight Show, Conan, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Nathan Macintosh.
10/3/2024
Energetic, loud, and funny, Nathan Macintosh is a comedian and writer originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia now living in New York. Most recently performing for his third time on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC, Nathan has also appeared on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on CBS, Conan on TBS, and multiple Just For Laughs Galas.
His debut album ‘I Wasn't Talking’ was featured in Ex!aim Magazine's ‘Top Ten Hilariously Good Comedy Moments’ and his special, ‘Money Never Wakes’, was reviewed highly and named ‘Best Youtube Special of 2023’ by The New York Times. His newest special, ‘Down With Tech’, has been reviewed by Vulture and named one of the ‘5 Stand Up Specials You Should Definitely Watch’ by them.
Nathan also wrote and starred in ‘Trapped’, which is on Bell Fibe, was reviewed by The Globe And Mail and has two seasons. He can be heard regularly on Sirius Satellite Radio and CBC's radios 'The Debaters'. ‘Convulse with laughter…’ - The New York Times ‘Macintosh’s stage presence is explosive…’ - Exc!aim "Brilliant Stand Up Comedy" - Glenn Sumi, NOW Toronto.
Duración:00:42:28
A comedian and an actress as she shares her inspiring journey from small-town Minnesota to the bright lights of Hollywood and reveals how she broke free from a traditional path, leaving behind an unfulfilling marriage and career to pursue her true passion
9/26/2024
Jillie Reil is a stand-up comedian as well as an actress and writer. Known as THE Cougar of Comedy®, she has taken the stage at The Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, The Improv, The Ice House, Flappers and various venues throughout the US in addition to guest hosting and producing events, radio and podcasts.
Jillie has also appeared in feature films, television shows, sketch comedies and theatre. She often plays quirky characters such as Cheryl, the ditzy sidekick to the twisted plastic surgeons in the Universal Pictures feature comedy Hole in One (known as American Pie 8 internationally), Yoni, the frigid tantric yoga instructor in the sitcom pilot "Yoga Madness," and Roxanne, the porn star with a heart of gold in the Jerry Zucker/TBS sketch pilot "National Banana."
Throughout her career, Jillie has balanced acting, stand-up, and navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing entertainment industry. Despite facing challenges like ageism and evolving audience sensitivities, she remains an advocate for pursuing dreams and embracing the power of laughter.
Duración:00:25:20
A Canadian comedian and stunt driver as she shares her unique path from Vancouver to Texas, starting her stand-up comedy journey in 2015, Buffy Metler.
9/23/2024
Buffy Metler is a Canadian comedian and adrenaline-seeking stunt driver who moved from Vancouver to Texas at the age of three. Her comedic journey began in 2015 when she enrolled in a comedy class, inspired by the animated show Dr. Katz and the profound impact Robin Williams had on her understanding of humor's power.
Buffy has honed her craft with the help of comedy coaches like Jerry Corley and Greg Dean, developing her unique comedic voice while avoiding traditional open mics in favor of feedback mics and supportive writing groups.
Outside of comedy, she channels her daring nature into stunt driving, having won a stunt car and pursued formal training in the field. A true creative spirit, Buffy blends her love of performance and community by producing comedy shows in Los Angeles and experimenting with different comedic personas on stage.
Duración:00:42:48
The inspiring journey of a comedian from his early passion for stand-up comedy at a young age to overcoming challenges on stage and in life his experiences of bombing at open mics, learning from failures, and growing into a successful comedian, Myles Web
9/19/2024
Myles Weber’s viral success online is taking him on tour! He's racked up over 60 million views across all platforms, was featured on MTV’s Greatest Party Story Ever Told and has two Top 10 Dry Bar Comedy Specials.
Myles has been featured on The Uncensored Podcast with Mario Adrion, The Unlearned Podcast, Building With Rob Dyrdek Podcast, and the Vulnerable Podcast with Christy Carlson Romano.
Weber has also been apart of some of the biggest Comedy Competitions and Festivals in the United States. He took first place in the San Francisco International Comedy Competition and was among the "Best of The Fest" groups at the Burbank Comedy Festival, San Luis Obispo Comedy Festival (2x) and Big Pine Comedy Festival.
Duración:00:42:48
The remarkable journey who transitioned from a challenging childhood on a Minnesota farm to becoming a stand-up comedian and clinical psychologist and her passion for comedy, sparked by personal challenges and a love for brain science, complements her pro
9/12/2024
Dr. Julie K is a stand-up comedian and clinical psychologist whose journey spans from a troubled youth on a Minnesota farm to a dynamic career in Los Angeles. At 19, she ventured into entertainment, exploring hip hop dancing and acting, but later redirected her path towards academia. She earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from UCLA and a specialized institution, and practiced in various settings before establishing her own private practice.
Balancing her success in psychology with her passion for comedy, Dr. Julie K began performing stand-up during the pandemic, finding inspiration in new experiences and brain science. Her tattoo, "Love is everything," reflects her life philosophy.
Now based in South Beach, Florida, she continues to integrate comedy with her professional work, exploring new avenues like motivational speaking and astrology. Dr. Julie K offers services as both a humorous therapist and speaker, blending her psychological insights with her comedic talents.
Duración:00:28:24
As we explore the inspiring journey of a comedian who transitioned from a devout upbringing in South Central L.A. to discovering their true identity in the vibrant stand-up comedy scene of New York City, Julian Michael.
9/5/2024
Julian Michael's journey began in South Central L.A., where he was deeply involved in the church and initially on a path to becoming a minister. After earning a degree in religion and working in a Southern Baptist Church, Julian experienced a life-altering shift when he moved to New York, came out as gay, and left the ministry behind.
Seeking new purpose, he found it in stand-up comedy, starting with open mics and eventually becoming a regular at the Comic Strip in New York.
Influenced by comedy figures like Gladys Simon, Kevin Garnier, and Garrett Morris, Julian's background in the church and his understanding of crowd dynamics shape his authentic comedic style. Balancing his creative pursuits in comedy and music, Julian reflects on his journey with honesty, embracing his identity and using humor to make a positive impact.
Duración:00:27:41