Funny In Failure

Jena Friedman is an Academy Award-nominated writer, comedian, and creator behind critically acclaimed series such as TRUE CRIME STORY: INDEFENSIBLE on AMC+, SOFT FOCUS on Adult Swim, and co-writer of BORAT 2: Subsequent Movie Film, which garnered her an Oscar nomination. Her writing credits include Netflix’s NOBODY WANTS THIS, ABC’s THE CONNERS, and she served as a field producer for THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART and writer for THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN. A contributing writer to THE NEW YORKER, Jena’s bestselling debut book, Not Funny: Essays on Life, Comedy, Culture, Et Cetera., was published by Simon & Schuster in 2023. She has appeared on THE LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT, CONAN, THE NIGHTLY SHOW WITH LARRY WILMORE, and in the Sundance hit film PALM SPRINGS. Her first stand-up special and Edinburgh show, AMERICAN C*NT, was named one of the Top Ten Comedy Specials by Paste Magazine in 2016, and her sold-out follow-up, MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE, was critically-acclaimed. Her 2022 show, LADYKILLER, was ranked #2 in Decider’s "Ten Best Stand-Up Specials of 2022." Her new show MOTHERF*CKER is now out, also performing in Edinburgh so check it out! We chat about her new comedy shows in Edinburgh, fake copies of her book, not playing the ‘game’, John McAfee, grief, writing for Roseanne*, working on Jon Stewart, life changing moments from Conan, being kicked out of improv, working on Borat 2 plus plenty more!   Check Jena out on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenafriedman [https://www.instagram.com/jenafriedman] Website: http://www.jenafriedman.com/ [http://www.jenafriedman.com/] Tickets including Edinburgh: http://www.jenafriedman.com/tour.html [http://www.jenafriedman.com/tour.html] Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Not-Funny/Jena-Friedman/9781982178291?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAac1mm--WCiwGjnjAeZhpZalCe-0A66YNFrdA6iA6QSWflvK-r0wpxmyBFqqGw_aem_NEQ4unGsoT17fMPMGVCbDg [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Not-Funny/Jena-Friedman/9781982178291?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAac1mm--WCiwGjnjAeZhpZalCe-0A66YNFrdA6iA6QSWflvK-r0wpxmyBFqqGw_aem_NEQ4unGsoT17fMPMGVCbDg]   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenafriedman [https://www.tiktok.com/@jenafriedman]   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/JenaFriedman2 [https://www.youtube.com/user/JenaFriedman2] John McAfee interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfe4Fjf3sds [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfe4Fjf3sds] Substack: https://jenafriedman.substack.com/ [https://jenafriedman.substack.com/] ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ [https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/] https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/ [https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/] and @Michael_Kahan on Insta & Twitter to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/ [https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/] https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan [https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan]

Mike de la Rocha is visionary strategist, acclaimed artist and compelling voice for change. He is the co-founder of Revolve Impact, a globally recognised creative agency that merges art, activism and storytelling to drive social change, and Tepito Coffee, a company dedicated to providing meaningful jobs for formerly incarcerated individuals through its partnerships with Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention and rehabilitation organisation in the world. Celebrated as one of the most influential change makers of our era, Mike has been instrumental in some of the largest policy victories and cultural shifts in modern history. He has been recognized as one of GOOD Magazine’s 100 people reshaping the world, a recipient of the AFL-CIO’s Justice, Peace & Freedom Award, a Shorty Social Good Award for Social Justice. His debut book, Sacred Lessons: Teaching My Father How to Love [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Sacred-Lessons/Mike-de-la-Rocha/9798888454152] (Simon and Schuster) was just released! The book explores how inherited definitions of manhood profoundly impacted Mike's ability to connect with his father, his family, and ultimately himself, inviting readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and love. It delves into the struggle men face in connecting with themselves and others, offering tools for personal growth and ways to build meaningful and authentic relationships in their lives. His personal experiences with loss and emotional vulnerability, combined with his professional success in creating impactful community-building initiatives with his company Revolve Impact [https://www.revolveimpact.com/], position him as a credible guide for those on a similar path of transformation. The lessons shared in his book are not only born from his own healing process but also enriched by his broader understanding of how we can heal collectively, making his voice resonate deeply with readers.  We chat about his incredible book, the healing power of nature, music, performing and vulnerability, his Ted talk, Tepito Coffee - providing work for formerly incarcerated people, wanting to help everyone, acceptance plus plenty more!   Check Mike out on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrmikedelarocha/ [https://www.instagram.com/mrmikedelarocha/] Website + book: https://sacredlessons.com/ [https://sacredlessons.com/] Tepito Coffee: https://www.tepitocoffee.com/ [https://www.tepitocoffee.com/] Revolve Impact: https://www.revolveimpact.com/ [https://www.revolveimpact.com/] Sacred Lessons: Teaching My Father How To Love; https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Sacred-Lessons/Mike-de-la-Rocha/9798888454152 [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Sacred-Lessons/Mike-de-la-Rocha/9798888454152] ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ [https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/] https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/ [https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/] and @Michael_Kahan on Insta & Twitter to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/ [https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/] https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan [https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan]

Liz Guterbock is an American born British citizen stand-up comedian, award-winning actor, improviser and voice over artist. In 2023 she made The Guardian’s 10 Best Jokes of Edinburgh Fringe and Dave Joke of the Fringe lists. Her 2023 Edinburgh Fringe debut show Liz Guterbock: Geriatric Millennial 4-star reviews from Funny Women, The Mumble and Pepper & Salt, and complimentary press from The Scotsman, Festmag and Chortle. In 2022, Liz was nominated by some of the country’s best promoters as one of 10 stand-up comedians on Union Jack Radio’s ‘Ones to Watch’ list. She was a finalist in the 2021 British Comedy Guide Pro Performance Awards and a nominee in the 2021 Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Awards. In 2019 she was a finalist in the Funny Women UK Awards and a BBC Radio 4 New Comedy Award nominee. Liz’s television highlights include Armando Iannucci’s hit sci-fi comedy series Avenue 5 on HBO, Channel 4’s ‘For the Love of Cars,’ and CBBC’s Victorian Drama series ‘Hetty Feather.’ Stage highlights include: 5 stars in Time Out and a special mention in The Stage for ‘It’s All True’ (The White Bear Theatre). She trained at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Liz’s voice has an impressive vocal range from a naturally upbeat and sunny Californian commercial voice to that understated comedic delivery that she embellishes in her stand-up. Liz has worked extensively as a voice artist, having lent her voice to commercial campaigns for King and Amazon as well as demanding character work in video games like Pillars of Eternity II and Payday 2: Midland Ranch Heist. Liz is also a member of The Free Association, which Time Out has dubbed “the improv comedy super group.” She regularly performs at The Free Association’s theatre in Haggerston, as well as in their residencies at Battersea Arts Centre, VAULT Festival, and 21 Soho.  Her new show ‘NICE’ is now out, check them out below – also performing in Edinburgh which is exciting! We chat about getting into voice acting, moving to England, new comedy shows in Edinburgh (Nice), Steve Martin’s impact, anxiety and breathing, life changing lunches and cranial osteopathy, perseverance, nurturing creativity + plenty more! Check Liz out on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizguterbock [https://www.instagram.com/lizguterbock] Website: https://lizguterbock.com/ [https://lizguterbock.com/] ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ [https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/] https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/ [https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/] and @Michael_Kahan on Insta & Twitter to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/ [https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/] https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan [https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan]

Sergio Perera is a chef & nutrition expert. Having trained as a professional chef in some of Spain’s most respected restaurants and then training in Japan, a serendipitous moment saw Sergio become the go to private chef to Hollywood actors (such as Tom Cruise, Robert Downey Jr, Leonardo DiCaprio, Chris Hemsworth), athletes, royalty and politicians. Growing up in Spain he was naturally an advocate for the healthy Mediterranean diet, but it was working with actors which prompted him to study and learn more about nutrition and during his time with Chris Hemsworth he helped prepare him for the role Thor, optimising his nutrition to support his exercise and muscle building regime. He was an integral part of the successful training app known as CENTR by Chris Hemsworth, writing recipes, diet programs and meditations, offering subscribers a holistic wellness approach. Sergio has an international upbringing, born in Spain to a Mexican/American and Spanish Parents and growing up on a US Airforce base, has given Sergio a unique perspective on food and culture. Sergio’s love for food and cooking began in his Grandfather’s kitchen where he learnt the traditional cuisine of the Aragon region. At the age of 18, he set off to expand his repertoire of Spanish cuisine by training at some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants such as ARZAK, Mugaritz and with Albert Adria at the iconic el Bulli restaurant in Roses, Spain. His curiosity and passion for culture eventually lead him to Kyoto, Japan where he was introduced to Kaiseki which is an exquisite form of dining that moves elegantly and poetically with the seasons.  Sergio has used his culinary and artistic experience to create beautiful and inspirational images for food books, magazines and film productions. He is currently the brand ambassador for Winning Appliances, working alongside John Winning’s team on numerous culinary and creative projects. The most recent has been the opening of ORA Japanese dining and bar in Sydney’s Waterloo. Always eager to embrace new opportunities, Sergio welcomes the chance to work with clients—whether they are actors preparing for a film, high-profile individuals seeking an exclusive private dinner, or those planning a special event. He has also trained numerous chefs in becoming the ultimate private chef/nutritionist for high profile families and individuals and has been creating a small team of elite chefs throughout Australia. He actively participates in restaurant consultations across Australia, Europe, and the U.S., ensuring that each culinary experience is tailored to meet the unique needs of his clients. We chat about his life changing time in Japan, intuition, mindfulness, living in his car, creativity and food, flow, Molecular gastronomy and working with the masters, the new chef, vulnerability, moving to Australia and working with Chris Hemsworth, love of music, fear, and of course food plus plenty more! Check Sergio out on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sergio.perera [https://www.instagram.com/sergio.perera] Website: https://www.pererasergio.com/ [https://www.pererasergio.com/] ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ [https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/] https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/ [https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/] and @Michael_Kahan on Insta & Twitter to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/ [https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/] https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan [https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan]

Adriano Zumbo is a chef and TV presenter. He is one of Australia’s most celebrated pâtissiers and the star of the Netflix TV shows Zumbo’s Just Desserts and Sugar Rush. As a popular figure in the pastry world he has garnered many nicknames including, ‘The Sweet Assassin’, ‘Pâtissier of Pain, ‘Dark Lord of the Pastry Kitchen’ and has been lauded as ‘Australia's answer to Willy Wonka’. Adriano is a regular guest judge on MasterChef Australia and has appeared on Dessert Masters on Network 10. This country boy’s first taste of the sweet life was raiding the lollies and cake mix from his parent’s Coonamble supermarket. Adriano began his apprenticeship at the age of 15 where his love affair with pastry flourished. An appearance on the first series of MasterChef Australia was instrumental in introducing the croquembouche to an even wider audience and made Adriano – and macarons – a household name.  Adriano has released three bestselling cookbooks, has competed in several prominent international competitions including Coupe de Monde and the Asian Pastry Cup. It is, however, his love affair with confectionery, combined with his Parisian training at institutions that include l’Ecole Lenôtre, Bellouet and Pierre Hermé and which has resulted in a sensibility as delicious as it is irreverent.  Adriano is a favourite on the international events circuit traveling to India, Indonesia, Mexico, South America and Malaysia demonstrating his sweet skills to an audience of devotees.  Creativity is evident in every layer of Adriano’s elaborate desserts. Constantly evolving and always considering his next move, cake, or idea, Adriano’s infectious energy keeps his fans on their toes. They love it that way, and so does he.  We chat about the creativity, loss of his businesses and the toll it took, his love of creating, crazy macaroons flavours, stress and cooking, getting on TV & MasterChef, tailored needs of the school system plus plenty more! Check Adriano out on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zumbopatisserie [https://www.instagram.com/zumbopatisserie] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesweetassassin/ [https://www.facebook.com/thesweetassassin/] ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ [https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/] https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/ [https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/] and @Michael_Kahan on Insta & Twitter to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/ [https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/] https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan [https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan]