Tight Five

Mike Gillis (The Onion)

I talk with The Onion's head writer Mike Gillis about how he got started in comedy writing, some of The Onion's new initiatives like their TikTok channel, and what he’s learned over his time working for the satirical publication. He also shares an interesting fact about how nachos are strangely related to Nazis. Mike is hilarious and really insightful about comedy writing. Follow Mike on Instagram (gillisesque) and check out his website to see more of his work (michael-gillis.com). I hope you guys enjoy this episode. Sorry for the muffled audio on my end!

Anthony Farrell (The Office, Little Mosque on the Prairie)

My guest today is Anthony Farrell. Anthony has written for The Office, The Thundermans, and Little Mosque on the Prairie. We talk about how he got his start in comedy, his time on The Office and what he learned from Greg Daniels, and some of his more recent projects.

Gianmarco Soresi (Comedy Central, Here Today)

My guest today is stand up comedian and actor Gianmarco Soresi. Gianmarco just had a great set released on Comedy Central in the Fall of 2021. We talk about how he got his start in performing as an actor and then transitioned into comedy. He gave a lot of really helpful tips on both stand up and auditioning. We also talked about jokes from his Amazon special shelf life and working with Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish on the 2021 comedy Here Today. Follow him on Twitter @GianmarcoSoresi and check out his podcast The Downside.

Claire Mulaney (SNL, Last Man Standing)

My guest today is former SNL and Last Man Standing writer Claire Mulaney. If that last name sounds familiar, it's because Claire is the sister of stand up comedian John Mulaney. We talk a little bit about her relationship with her brother. It was super fun to talk with Claire about how she started comedy in Chicago, her time at SNL, and everything she's learned about sketch comedy at the show. We also talk about her time on Last Man Standing and what she’s learned about writing for scripted half hour comedy. You can follow Claire on twitter at @clairemulaney.

Anna Drezen (SNL, Reductress)

My guest today is SNL head writer Anna Drezen. This was a really fun conversation. Anna is so funny, I’m a diehard SNL fan, and I think this new season is soooo good. This was recorded in March of 2021 and it’s taken a little time to get this episode out. I talk with Anna about her work at Reductress, writing comedy from a place of anger, how she got her job at SNL, and what she’s learned progressing through the ranks of the show. Follow her on twitter @annadrezen.