Silas’ daughter is officially off to college, and he’s having a lot of feelings about it. Is college still a no-brainer, or a massive financial gamble you should only take when you’re truly ready? He and Samantha talk through parenting a new college student, the realities of campus party culture, and what it means when your kid proudly shows your old comedy sets to her roommates. They also get into the kinds of compliments that really land: being told you’re funny or talented versus just “hot,” why recognition for your work hits different, and how our dreams about teaching, MFAs, and creative careers evolve over time. Plus: hotel etiquette wars, cleaning services as mental health, water bottle obsessions, sugar panic, and why we’re always one step away from writing a Black & A Half cookbook.
ilas and Samantha dive into cuddle therapy lawsuits, the surprising future of A.I., and why massages in theater school were the best free perk. They also tackle parenting humor (including fart jokes), Juneteenth reflections, the economics of physical touch, and Silas’s “Mildly Obese Cookbook.” Plus, music talk: Jelly Roll, Tracy Chapman, and why guitars are the most abandoned instrument on Facebook Marketplace.
Silas and Samantha sit down with former NBA player and current international basketball star Jeremy Pargo, who’s now making his mark as a filmmaker and actor. Jeremy stars in and co-wrote The Final Play, a romantic comedy about a retired pro athlete finding purpose, love, and fulfillment beyond the court. They discuss his transition from sports to acting, creative inspiration, and the real-life emotions behind the film. Plus, Silas and Samantha reflect on chasing dreams, evolving as artists, and the power of telling your own story.
Comedian, writer, and founder of Gold Comedy, Lynn Harris, joins Silas and Samantha for a deep dive into building inclusive comedy communities, how Gold Comedy supports women and nonbinary creators, and why killing the term “comedienne” might just change the world. Plus, discover her truffle chip addiction, her revolutionary knowledge, and her favorite Zoom-based comedy tricks.
In this episode of Black & A Half, Silas and Samantha get deep and playful about positivity, mindset, manifestation, and the joy (and judgment) of believing in a “whole lot of hooey.” From allergy season survival tips and natural remedies to whether thinking good thoughts actually changes our lives, they question, laugh, and affirm what makes reality bend. Plus, a dreamy dive into travel, minimalism, ball gowns, and musical obsessions—bagpipes included.
In Episode 235 of Black & A Half, Silas and Samantha dive deep into gardening as metaphor, ADHD hyperfocus, decluttering struggles, and the unexpected wisdom of insurance companies. They explore the trust we place in strangers, the emotional weight of getting rid of stuff, the unpredictability of parenting, and what “bonsai-ing your life” really means. Come for the laughs, stay for the insights—and find out why you shouldn't transplant a tree in spring… or make too many life changes at once.
In this heartfelt and humorous episode, Silas and Samantha dive into the concept of “recovery”—whether from surgery, pride, or economic hardship. They unpack the emotional impact of community care like meal trains, the stigma surrounding poverty, and how asking for help is an act of strength. Plus, they brainstorm million-dollar ideas and get nostalgic about ice cream cake. A powerful reminder of grace, humor, and human connection.
In Episode 233 of Black & A Half, Silas and Samantha welcome the brilliantly nerdy and hilariously honest Marie Elizabeth. A rising star in Seattle's comedy scene, Marie dives into her journey from film school to the stand-up stage, her deep love of Star Trek, and the vibrant intersection of neurodivergence, kink, and comedy. From Real Nerds of Comedy to her burlesque variety show “Hotties and Bodies,” Marie brings both insight and laughs. This episode is packed with vulnerable, thought-provoking conversation and tons of nerdy joy.
In this episode of Black & A Half, Silas and Samantha take you on a rollercoaster of laughs, dark humor, and deep conversations. They discuss the weird experience of finding stolen comedy material online, the tricky nuances of text message etiquette, and how generational differences affect digital communication. Plus, they dive into the joy (or horror) of being turned into a cartoon, the ethics of creative inspiration vs. theft, and wrap things up with a heartfelt parenting moment that brings it all back to love.
In this episode of Black & A Half, Silas and Samantha dive into the joys (and struggles) of learning new skills, from playing instruments to navigating life's unexpected detours. They explore the power of persistence, failing forward, and why self-improvement is a lifelong jam session. Plus, thoughts on tipping culture, crowdfunding fatigue, and a few hilarious detours along the way. Tune in for laughter, wisdom, and maybe even some questionable life advice.
This week on Black & A Half, Silas and Samantha welcome back Jason DeLeo from LIT Immersive! We dive into the wild world of immersive theater, where audiences step inside the action instead of just watching it. Jason shares behind-the-scenes stories, the challenges of creating interactive performances, and how Seattle’s theater scene is evolving. Plus, Silas recounts his trip to Nashville, and we debate whether performing for free is worth it.
In this episode of Black & A Half, Silas and Samantha dive into the world of self-confidence, good lighting, and the unexpected depth of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show. They break down the art of callbacks, the power of four key questions for stress management, and even debate the hidden dangers of using toilet paper as Kleenex. Thought-provoking, hilarious, and full of surprises—this one’s got it all. Tune in now!
In this episode of Black & A Half, we tackle land acknowledgments—are they meaningful or just performative? Then, we dive into life’s big choice points, parallel universes, and whether we’re all living in a Sliding Doors moment. Finally, we get emotional about food that’s so good it makes you cry (or angry!). 🔥 Are land acknowledgments empty gestures? 🔥 Do small choices create alternate realities? 🔥 What’s the best meal you’ve ever had? Tune in for laughs, deep thoughts, and a serious debate on burritos.
Episode 227: Yes, And: Building Community One Laugh at a Time In this episode of Black and a Half, we dive deep into the power of community, connection, and collaboration. From the quirky camaraderie of improv to the solo grind of stand-up comedy, we explore how different creative spaces foster relationships (or don't!). Along the way, we discuss personal growth, adapting to change, and finding joy in unexpected places—whether it's baking bread during the pandemic or discovering the hidden lessons of "Yes, and." Join us for a hilarious and thoughtful conversation about belonging, building communities, and navigating life's awkward yet meaningful moments. Plus, we share funny anecdotes about Paul Rudd's timelessness, the lifespan of TVs, and the mysterious art of convincing celebrities they know you. Don’t miss this episode packed with laughs, insights, and just the right amount of weirdness! 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of Black and a Half—where comedy meets reflection and community is always key! #Community #Improv #Comedy #Podcast #PaulRudd #BlackAndAHalf
This week, Samantha and Silas discuss Tik Tok, AI in relationships, setting boundaries with partners, and what constitutes cheating in a relationship.
Samantha Rund returns to co-host Black & A Half. In this episode, they talk about fact-checking on Facebook, grief, and rededication.
Interview with Writer/Director Zia Mohajerjasbi about his debut film Know Your Place, a Seattle based film.
Interview with writer/director Nicole Riegel from the film Dandelion.
In this episode of "Black and A Half," I sit down with the incredible Dr. Erin MacDonald, an astrophysicist, renowned science speaker, and the official science consultant for the Star Trek franchise. Dr. MacDonald also lends her voice to a character on Star Trek: Prodigy. Join us as we dive into the real science behind Star Trek, the distinction between science fiction and fantasy, and how Dr. MacDonald balances authenticity with creativity in her consulting role. She also answers my seven famous questions and some intriguing listener questions, offering a comprehensive look at her work and passions. Key Moments: The science of Star Trek explained by Dr. MacDonald Balancing real science with fictional storytelling in Star Trek Dr. MacDonald's personal favorites, from foods and drinks to hobbies
Whitney
New fan.