Milkmen Improv: The Podcast That Delivers

Today, on episode forty-three, I sit down with Timmy McLaughlin from Seasons 6, 7 & 8! Timmy talks about portraying a grandmother, his love of Party Quirks & The Dating Game, and trying to always find the right energy level on stage. We discuss his ritual of pre-show breathing, the first time he attempted stand-up comedy, and a humbling moment at the Mealey’s Meals show. Timmy also talks about a Walmart in Philadelphia, becoming a DJ at Phase 2 in Virginia, and even doing an opening set for Waka Flocka Flame! So, pour a glass of your favorite milk, and enjoy, because here we go yo...it's time for The Podcast That Delivers! *** Timmy would love for you to check-out some of his music. Instagram: @ssiglaa Soundcloud: sigla

Today, on episode forty-two, we pick up were we left off with Emily Query from last week! Emily goes in-depth about all of her favorite memories in Season 13 including Father Stinky, the Alumni Show, and National Improv Day with Accidentally on Purpose. Then, things get a little macabre, as we discuss the season coming to a dramatic halt because of the global pandemic, performing Zoom shows, and reuniting in-person for a backyard Season Finale with Curbside Comedy. Emily also talks about Milkmen Science Theater 3000 with “Cats,” her favorite poster designs, and the origin behind Milkmen University!  So, pour a glass of your favorite milk, and enjoy, because here we go yo...it's time for The Podcast That Delivers!

Today, on episode forty-one, we are joined by Emily Query from Seasons 12 & 13! Emily talks about the origin of the Lord Farquaad Star Squad, shows that have “Jr.” in the title, and her early fandom of The Milkmen. We discuss the handle she feared getting the most, her pre-show superstition with her hair elastic, and the creation of Leafy & Barky. Additionally, Emily talks about trusting the process in story-driven games, the point of no return when we hit ‘play’ on the mockumentary, and one of her personal favorite games, Pseudo-Intellectual Coffee House, which we play live on the air! Emily has an encyclopedic knowledge of her time on The Milkmen, so you will have to tune in next week to see how this episode concludes! So, pour a glass of your favorite milk, and enjoy, because here we go yo...it's time for The Podcast That Delivers! *** Emily would love for you to visit the following links: Sirius A.I Instagram: https://instagram.com/siriusaimusical?igshid=15d9fb91oy7df                                                                                      Sirius A.I Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SiriusAI                                      My Instagram: https://instagram.com/emily.query?igshid=cbtvc2t0y3tq

Today, on episode forty, we start the year off with one heck of an episode! Every ten episodes, we have a special interview with someone who is loosely affiliated with the Milkmen. Therefore, I am honored to be joined by Scott Strainge! Mr. Strainge talks about how the performing arts helped him work through his stutter and lisp, his time in the band Boy’s Will, and performing in “West Side Story” three times. We discuss playing original songs versus covers, bringing the twenty-four hour plays to Timberlane, and traveling to Dayton, Tennessee to film the documentary on the Scopes Monkey Trials. Additionally, Mr. Strainge talks about his time working at the Peabody Essex Museum, his connection with Kamehameha Schools, and Timberlane students performing Hawaiian Missionary Hymns at Park Street Church! Mr. Strainge has been a supporter of The Milkmen for the last fourteen seasons, and our success is because of the freedom he has given us to explore the art form that we love so much! So, pour a glass of your favorite milk, and enjoy, because here we go yo...it's time for The Podcast That Delivers! *** Mr. Strainge would love for you to check out the following links: For my daughter Steph, https://www.mspca.org/adoption-centers/nevins-farm-adoption-center For my daughter Lauren, https://www.plaistow.com/human-services/pages/food-nutrition For my wife Lisa, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer.html For my son Ben, https://www.bestbuddies.org/mari/

Everyone has been doing their 2020 "Year in Review" posts. I do not want to minimize the tragedy that people have experienced this year, but this podcast would not have come into existence if it was not for the circumstances that this year presented. Justin Nimmo approached me about this project in early 2020, and based on endless hours of sitting around in the Spring, Justin and I were able to record multiple episodes a week. To steal a phrase from Justin, it was just nice to "have a conversation" with so many friends old and new. It was a joy to laugh and reminisce with all of you. It was a joy to relive so many moment under the Recital Hall's bright lights when our live shows were put on hold. This podcast defined a time of uncertainty for Justin and me. In improvisational comedy, we have a troupe known as "The Rule of Three." It is fitting that we end this year with "The Rule of Three Thousand" downloads. When Justin and I started this niche project, we never would have guessed that people would be listening ten months later. However, whoever has listened to only one or all thirty-nine episodes, we thank you for your listenership and interest in our silly, little group. I did not know it at the time, but March 6th would be the last live improv show of 2020. Fittingly, it was National Improv Day. At the end of the show, Justin Livingston, head drummer of Udder Chaos, presented me with a copy of "Dark Side of the Moo," signed by all of Udder Chaos & The Milkmen. It was a super special moment. Maybe because I am fresh off the heels of watching Pixar's "SOUL," I am pondering the idea of my spark. I do not think it is teaching, improv, or even jazz music. The spark behind this album is the sense of community. It reminds me of the joy that we can share with hundreds of people each and every month. So as a thank you for your support in 2020, I am sharing this whole album with you. Thank you for sharing in that special spark. We hope to keep it alive in 2021. *** Udder Chaos | "Dark Side of the Moo" 1. What Is Hip? [Tower of Power] 2. All Of Me [Seymour Simons & Gerald Marks] 3. In A Mellow Tone [Duke Ellington] 4. In A Sentimental Mood [Duke Ellington] 5. Forget You [Ceelo Green] 6. There Will Never Be Another You [Harry Warren]

Today, on episode thirty-nine, I am joined by Nolan Russell from Seasons 1, 2, & 3! Nolan talks about his earliest improv memory (carrying a huge pane of glass), the use of the word ‘dingbat,’ and his fear of being labelled “The Milk Kid” throughout his high school career. We discuss our favorite Pokemon cards, learn about Nolan’s earliest business endeavor, Plush Partners, Inc., and make a huge revelation about the time he actually spent on the team. Additionally, Nolan talks about the great deals he got for intermission concessions, his enduring friendship with Travis Nason, and his time spent on UNH’s Improv Anonymous! I had not talked to Nolan in about ten years, so it was an absolute treat to get him on the line! So, pour a glass of your favorite milk, and enjoy, because here we go yo...it's time for The Podcast That Delivers!

Today, on episode thirty-eight, I am joined by Dain Berardinangelo from Seasons 10, 11, & 12! Dain talks about his middle school performance in “Romeo and Juliet,” auditioning as a hairdresser, and having his first and last name misspelt on the ‘Season 10’ cast list. We also discuss his witch doctor persona, overtop French accent, and originally having Steve’s part in the “Power Struggle” mockumentary! Additionally, Dain talks about Mr. Woodworth doing a forward roll, watching the team on Zoom, and his affinity for the game Whose Line; we even play a modified version on the air. So, pour a glass of your favorite milk, and enjoy, because here we go yo...it's time for The Podcast That Delivers!

Today, on episode thirty-seven, I am joined by Michael Bailey from Seasons 9, 10, & 11! Michael talks about an early on-stage appearance for the middle school Geography Bee, his voice cracking in the one act play “Audience,” and his notoriously sweaty hands. We also discuss the creation of Jimmy Long Arms, portraying a short-tempered porcupine, and deconstructing Inner Voice! Additionally, Michael talks about splitting a twenty piece chicken nugget before shows, writing sketch comedy, and his affinity for robots; he even reprises his robot character in a live game of Superheroes. So, pour a glass of your favorite milk, and enjoy, because here we go yo...it's time for The Podcast That Delivers! *** Michael would love for you to check out his Instagram: bailey.mike43 Additionally, check out his sister’s Instagram: naturallysow

Today, on episode thirty-six, I am joined by Erik Farrah from Seasons 7 & 8! Erik talks about a history teacher pushing him to get more involved at the school, variables during the audition process, and creating a pre-show tradition that the Milkies still do to this very day. We also discuss his failed selfie entrance, monologuing as an inchworm in Dark & Stormy Night, and the challenges of doing accents in Foreign Film! Additionally, Erik talks about his criteria for someone to be a skater, seeing live improv in Montreal, and why I should give out my credit card information for our loyal fans. So, pour a glass of your favorite milk, and enjoy, because here we go yo...it's time for The Podcast That Delivers! *** Erik would love for you to support John Adkins at dimensionzero.tv/ Additionally, any future teachers looking to plan a trip in 2022: www.efexploreamerica.com

What goes best with your Thanksgiving Dinner?! A super deluxe edition of this very podcast! This week on the pod, we are joined by Ryan Blomquist from Seasons 7 & 8! Blom and I talk for nearly two hours about his time in New York City, playing D&D, and his love of character acting! We breakdown a game of Switch, discuss his epic game of Sounds Like A Song Cue with Brer Rabbit of The Flobots, and we even play his personal favorite game, Little Voice, live on air! Blom is an encyclopedia of improvisational knowledge, as we talk how denial can sometimes help you, ending on a laugh line versus with resolution, and our personal influences when we are in 'MC' mode! So, pour a glass of your favorite milk, get a turkey leg, and enjoy, because here we go yo...it's time for The Podcast That Delivers! *** Ryan would love for you to follow his Twitter: @officialblom

Today, on episode thirty-four, I am joined by Matt Axford from Seasons 6, 7 & 8! Matt talks about seeing The Milkmen when he was in eighth grade, auditioning as a horse, and the inconsistency of the early practices. We talk our favorite Steven Wright jokes, singing a rap song during Sounds Like a Song Cue, and winning an epic “Questions” Gauntlet! Additionally, Matt talks his Mount Rushmore of Wrestlers, the intricacies of Friendly’s Jubilee Roll, and buying a milkshake without money! So, pour a glass of your favorite milk, and enjoy, because here we go yo...it's time for The Podcast That Delivers! *** Matt would love for you to follow his Instagram: @alittleuneven_nh

Today, we have a super special episode, as Justin's time on the podcast is coming to a close. Justin is going to be taking some time to pursue his hiking passion, but before he goes, I wanted to hear all his anecdotes from Season 12! Justin talks about his middle school musical auditions, failing to make The Milkmen on two occasions, and finding his groove with his favorite game, Advice Column. He talks about the creation of "Leafy & Barky," turning around the bus at the Holiday Show, and his favorite prop of all-time in "Power Struggle." Additionally, we talk our favorite video games, the soundtrack that would get him in the zone before shows, and some of our favorite memories from the podcast. Justin, whether it be the "Misty Mountains" or a 4,000 foot mountain range, I hope you find purpose in everything you do. This podcast would not have been a reality if it was not for you, my friend. So, pour a glass of your favorite milk, and enjoy, because here we go yo...it's time for The Podcast That Delivers! *** Justin would love for you to following his Instagram: nimmo_in_nature

Today, on episode thirty-two, we are joined by Brendan McGuirk from Seasons 7 & 8! Brendan talks about his earliest performance memory ("Dem Bones"), picking up the trumpet in the fourth grade, and the reason why he used volleyballs when he was Troy Bolton in "High School Musical JR." Then, we talk the super secret Milkmen Handshake, his groan-worthy puns, and putting his head in a bucket of oatmeal. Additionally, Brendan shares how to get audience feedback during long form games, his promotional poster strategy, and his favorite team tee shirt! So, pour a glass of your favorite milk, and enjoy, because here we go yo...it's time for The Podcast That Delivers!

Today, on episode thirty-one, we are joined by Dave Polito from Season 1! Dave talks his early performance life playing big brass instruments, having a lot in common with a con man, and performing theater in a gymnasium! Then, we talk the fun of the first Milkmen show, his love of word play, and his need to look at the audience before every show! We also talk about how improv has made him better at his suit and tie job, the concept of actively listening versus waiting to speak, and how a game like "Questions" forced him to shift his paradigm of thought! So, pour a glass of your favorite milk, and enjoy, because here we go yo...it's time for The Podcast That Delivers! *** Dave would love for you to check out the Upstage Players: https://www.upstageplayersnh.org/

If you are late to our super fun improv party, then episode thirty is an awesome jumping on point! Today, we are joined by Ryan Clark, the longest running fan in the history of Milkmen Improv! Ryan talks about laughing her way through a history project with Mike Short, delivering a classic line in the Holiday Show, and seeing the evolution of the group with her cousin, Katie Burke, during Season 13! Additionally, with Halloween on the horizon, we do a deep dive into horror movies including our favorite slasher, the best psychological thriller, and our most iconic scene. Finally, we craft our Mount Rushmore of Walt Disney World Rides! So, pour a glass of you favorite milk, and enjoy, because here we go yo...it's time for The Podcast That Delivers! *** Ryan would love for you to check out her podcast: https://www.gibsonsbookstore.com/laydown-podcast

Today, on episode twenty-nine, we are joined by Eliza Sanchez from Seasons 6 & 7! Eliza talks her early performances like the Holiday Show and "A Midsummer Night's Dream," profusely sweating during her audition, and early comedic influences like Dmitri Martin. Additionally, we talk about her enjoyment of playing chaotic games like Dark & Stormy Night, subverting humor, and a sentimental Milkmen memory with her brother, Luke. This episode also has a lot of deep tracks, as Eliza tells us about the perfect drink to pair with sushi, the inner workings of Red's Shoe Barn, and her conflicted nature to send out a tweet about a pillow. So, pour a glass of your favorite milk, and enjoy, because here we go yo...it's time for The Podcast that Delivers! *** Eliza would love for you to donate to these cool initiatives: https://ndncollective.org/ or https://www.zinnedproject.org/.

Today, on episode twenty-eight, we have the "Purse God" Ryan Schadhauser from Season 11! Ryan talks about auditioning with his back to the audience, having his improv debut at the Ten Year Anniversary Show, and sweating profusely while focusing on the bright lights! He also talks about character work (and even gives us a little preview), why he loves Freeze, and writing the sketches "Shoes" and "Valuing a Potty Everyday." We also chat post-show music, our candid thoughts on Friendly's, and the improv scene at Northern Essex Community College! It was such a joy to have Ryan on this episode, and we hope you enjoy listening to it, as much as we enjoyed recording it! So, pour a glass of your favorite milk, and enjoy, because here we go yo...it's time for The Podcast that Delivers!

Today, on episode twenty-seven, we have Alexis Bolduc from Seasons 7 and 8! Alexis talks about forgetting to memorize her lines for Grease, the time she was a wall (Tom Snout) in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and meowing like a cat during her Milkmen Audition! She talks about her love of the '007 Roll' at Sushi Time, going for a pre-show jaunt, and buying disgusting foods to use for the game, Helping Hands. Additionally, Alexis talks about the early iterations of posters, the infamous "Milkshake" t-shirt proposal, and spending some time doing improv in Australia! So, pour a glass of your favorite milk, and enjoy, because here we go yo...it's time for The Podcast that Delivers!   *** Alexis would love for you to donate to Camp Lincoln for Project 101 Campaign, which helps send 101 kids to camp for free: Donate to the Y!

To celebrate over 2,000 downloads of The Milkmen Improv Podcast, and the release of A Tribe Called Quest's Low End Theory album twenty-nine years ago today, we are proud to present to you "Scenario: The Milkmen Remix."   Former Milkie, Timmy McLaughlin from Seasons 6, 7, and 8, spent some time as a club DJ after graduating in 2015. When we got talking on the podcast, I asked if we would be able to remix "Scenario" into a Milkmen Intro. He was super excited to team-up with us on this project, and this is the stellar end result!

Today, on episode twenty-six, we have Alfred Rapisarda from Season 8! Alfred tells us how he discovered Mr. C's Improvisational Comedy class in the Program of Studies, shaved Vince Pigott's head, and impersonated Rod Serling during his audition. He pulls back the curtain about his monologue in the long form game Funeral, playing Bucket in his final show, and returning to the Alumni Show during Season 12 to play Switch. Additionally, we discuss the simarilies between improv and band, the semantics of deathcore, and his experience getting a lobster tattoo on Ink Master! So, pour a glass of your favorite milk, and enjoy, because here we go yo...it's time for The Podcast that Delivers! *** Alfred would love for you to follow him on Instagram @alfredoofdeath