Improv Nerd With Jimmy Carrane

Tom Purcell is the executive producer of The Colbert Report and hebegan his career as a Chicago improviser. Tom sits down with Jimmy and discusses how he developed his love for comedy at a young age, his collaboration with Stephen Colbert, and his tips for aspiring writers who are submitting to shows. Jimmy also shares his experience working with Stephen. If you aspire to write for TV, listen in!

The Second City's Chris Witaske joins Jimmy for a frank discussion about auditioning for SNL, having drinks with Lorne Michaels, and working for the The Second City. In this episode, Jimmy also wishes farewell to a friend and improv legend, the great Jay Leggett. Thanks for listening!

John Hartman was just cast as a member of the ensemble for The Second City Chicago's upcoming 102nd Revue (Jimmy predicted this would happen at the end of this episode!). John has also performed in Chicago in shows including Baby Wants Candy and The Improvised Shakespeare Company. John opens up to Jimmy about overcoming loneliness and keeping a positive perspective as a performer. Listen in for a preview before John hits the main stage at Second City in January.

Kevin Dorff was a writer for Conan O'Brien for many seasons, has appeared on shows including 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation, and is a veteran of the main stage at The Second City in Chicago. Kevin joins Jimmy for a discussion of his career, his thoughts about improvisation and of course some improv. Thanks for listening.

Horatio Sanz is an SNL alum, an alum of The Second City, and one of the founding members of the Upright Citizens Brigade. Horatio joins Jimmy at Columbia College in Chicago and discusses what drives his comedy, his time on SNL and his time making a name for himself as a young comedian in Chicago.

Rich Talarico is a writer for Comedy Central's Key & Peele and has also written for Saturday Night Live, Mad Tv, and The Tonight Show. He is also a gifted improviser and improv teacher. Rich sat down with Jimmy and talked about his career as a performer and writer, his time studying at Second City and at iO with Del Close, and the first improv teacher he ever had - Stephen Colbert. Don't miss this episode!

Bill Arnett is pillar of Chicago improv; he's a beloved teacher and performer with legendary groups People of Earth, 3033 and the Armando. Bill sat down with Jimmy and discussed his approach to scenework, sketch writing, and his very popular improv blog. Listen in!

Adal Rifai is a cast member of Revolver and Whirled news tonight at iO Chicago where he's also a beloved improv teacher. Adal sits down with Jimmy and discusses being a part of the Harold Committee, dealing with bad shows, and his thoughts about good scene work. Thanks for listening.

Katy Colloton from the popular web series Teachers is an LA based actress and improviser (and recent Chicago ex-pat). Katy sat down with Jimmy before her move and they talked about Teachers and her comedy group The Katydids. Don't miss this episode.

The Second City's Improv Allstars is a short form improv show a running in the UP Theater at The Second City Chicago. Rachael Mason and Ryan Archibald - two of Chicago's finest improvisers - are both part of the cast. They sat down with Jimmy and helped him overcome his fear and judgment about short form improv. You can hear his transformation take place on stage. Thanks for listening!