The McCue Report

Tai Irwin has been a major part of not only the Boston Comedy Scene but also the Boston Music Scene. He is constantly looking for ways to shine a light on up and coming talent as well as constantly being a positive force to rediscover already established talent of every sort. He is usually interviewing people but on this occasion, we switched roles and Tai allowed me to have a conversation about some of his many experiences during his amazing radio career at WFNX as well WRKO, WZLX and more.   

Comedian Scott Higgins has started a podcast of his own called Behind the Funny and he has been steadfastly been building a larger and larger audience. So I had to have him on to tell me how he is doing it.  If you are interested you can just google Behind the Funny and you are sure to find it.  Scott is also a great comedian and if you would like to learn more about Scott  just go to scotthigginslive.com   Oh yea if you like this podcast, please give me five stars and what not.   

I have been friends with Kerry for years and she is always funny! I'm so glad she took the time to chat with me about her M2 experience, Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein and being a comedian and mom with three kids.  I stole this bio from her website I don't think she will mind.  Who can turn the world on with her smile? Mary Tyler Moore. But who can turn the world on with her hysterical stories, original humor, and boisterous characters? Kerri Louise. High-energy, commanding and versatile--but enough about her sex life-- Kerri Louise can entertain any audience with her warmth and razor-edge wit. She just filmed the hit, new, stand-up show "Gotham Live" on AXS-TV. Kerri was a regular correspondent on the Oprah Winfrey Show and that lead her to be a guest on the very first episode of The Dr. OZ Show. NBC took Kerri all the way to the finals in the show Last Comic Standing. Her performance on that show prompted The Women's Entertainment Network to make her the star of her own reality show called "TWO FUNNY”. Howard Stern said,“She needs a sitcom!” Other guest appearances include... TV Guide’s "Stand-Up In Stilettos", NBC’s "The Apprentice”, The Montel Show, Nickelodeon's "Nick Mom Night Out", Comedy Central, NBC’s "Access Hollywood", ABC's "The View" among many more. Part Generation-X, part Girl-Next-Door, Kerri Louise is a pleasure to watch. Her movie debut in The Next Karate Kid addicted her to show-biz, hence her move from her hometown of Boston to New York City. This is where she quickly established herself as a player in the top comedy clubs and festivals like Montreal, HBO Aspen Comedy Festival and most recently the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival. These credits plus her popular webisode on youtube has made Kerri Louise an attraction. Working throughout the country and leaving her audiences applauding, Kerri Louise is the comic to watch.

I first worked with Michael Migueal Washington is one of the top comedians working on cruise ships today. We worked together on both the Royal Carribean Oasis of the Seas and The Allure of the Seas. At the time they were the biggest and second biggest ships in the world. He is a great guy and has a lot of insight about travel and cruiseing while making people laugh.    We atlk about working in Alaska and Canada favorite ports.    We talk about the different ships Crystal, Celebrity, RCCL, Holland America, Carnival and Norweigan.  

Robert Kellly and I talk old times.    About Robert   Robert Kelly (comedian) Robert Kelly (born October 8, 1970) is an American comedian and actor. He frequently performs at the Comedy Cellar. He often appeared on The Opie and Anthony Show on Sirius XM Satellite Radio, and has also appeared on Last Call with Carson Daly, Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, and Premium Blend.

About Frank: FRANK IS AN ITALIAN-AMERICAN WHO IS BEST KNOWN FOR PLAYING THE RECURRING ROLE OF "GEORGIE THE BARTENDER" IN THE SOPRANOS.  FRANK IS ALSO WELL KNOWN FOR HIS STAR ROLE IN THE GODFATHERS OF COMEDY. FRANK HAS STARRED IN NUMEROUS MOVIES, INCLUDING:  NO RESERVATIONS, MEET THE PARENTS, AND CROOKED LINES.   FRANK'S PASSION HAS ALWAYS BEEN COMEDY.  HE HAS HEADLINED AT SOME OF THE WORLD'S MOST FAMOUS COMEDY CLUBS:    COMIC STRIP (NEW YORK, NY) CATCH A RISING STAR (NEW YORK, NY) COMEDY CELLAR (NEW YORK, NY) CAROLINES ON BROADWAY (NEW YORK, NY) HILARITIES 4TH STREET THEATRE (CLEVELAND, OH)   LAUGH FACTORY (LOS ANGELES, CA) THE IMPROV (LOS ANGELES, CA)

Alway fun to talk to good friend and hilarious comedian Tom Cotter!    About Tom bio stolen from his website: If laughter is the best medicine, prepare to be heavily medicated. Tom Cotter's high energy, rapid-fire style of comedy leaves audiences clutching their sides and rolling in the aisles. Recently, Tom became the first comedian to ever reach the finals of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”. His runner up finish on the show has catapulted him to the comedic stratosphere.   Before his historic run on the world’s largest talent competition, Tom won the Seattle International Comedy Competition, the grand prize at The Boston Comedy Festival and was voted "Best Stand-Up" at The Las Vegas Comedy Festival.   He has become a familiar face on television shows like The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, NBC’s “Last Comic Standing”, The Today Show and his own series, TWO-FUNNY, on The Women’s Entertainment Network.   Other TV credits include CBS’ The Late Late Show, Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend”, Comics Unleashed and a Barbara Walters Prime-Time Special among many others.   Since moving to New York City, Tom filmed his very own Comedy Central special, “Comedy Central Presents... Tom Cotter”, and was featured in the Miramax film, “Next Stop Wonderland”. Tom has performed at over 300 colleges and wide variety of venues the world over, from London to Beijing, to the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. He has also been featured in dozens of television commercials, for products like McDonald’s, Doritos, Pepsi, and Amstel Lite, just to name a few.   Tom’s star is rising quickly, CATCH IT!!

I CAUGHT UP WITH ED DRISCOLL AT THE JOHNNY CARSON COMEDY FESTIVAL IN NEBRASKA. I FOUND THIS AUDIO LIKE TWO YEARS LATE AND MUST BEG FORGIVENESS OF ED FOR PUTTING IT UP SO LATE. PLEASE BUT EDS BOOK SPILLED GRAVY IT IS A GREAT READ.  ABOUT ED DRISCOLL: (BIO STOLEN FROM HIS WEBSITE) EDDRISCOLLONLINE.COM Ed Driscoll began his comedy career as a performer at clubs and on television in his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. He quickly gained national notoriety as a touring comic, opening for such performers as Jay Leno, Steven Wright, and Robert Klein.   Driscoll then moved to Boston to take advantage of the city’s thriving club scene, and taught a well-received course in stand-up comedy at the Boston Center For Adult Education. A favorite performer at the plethora of local universities, Ed also wrote and performed sketches as part of the cutting-edge troupe “Cross Comedy,” led by comedian/actor David Cross.   Driscoll was recruited by Dennis Miller to move to Los Angeles to write on HBO's “Dennis Miller Live.” His work there was recognized with an Emmy, a Cable Ace Award, and a Writers Guild of America Award. Ed soon began writing material for Billy Crystal, and drew high praise for his work on the 69th, 70th, 72nd, and 76th Academy Awards.   Driscoll’s movie “The Comeback,” starring Samuel L. Jackson, won Best Short Film at the 2002 Aspen Comedy Festival. That same year, Ed made his Las Vegas debut, opening for Louie Anderson, and also hosted his own talk show entitled “Please Talk To Ed” at the HBO Workspace in Hollywood. In addition, Driscoll’s stand-up show “Mismatch Maker,” examining the travails of on-line dating, ran for nine weeks at the legendary Comedy Store in Los Angeles.   In the last few years, Driscoll served as Supervising Producer on "The Showbiz Show With David Spade", and did a stand-up tour in support of his first book, "Spilled Gravy." He continued to write for such artists as Danny Gans, Joan Rivers, and Jeff Dunham, and also wrote material for HBO’s “Comic Relief,” benefiting the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Ed has also served as a judge on the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Blue Ribbon Panel to choose the Emmy nominees for Best Comedy Series.     Known for his quick wit, Driscoll is a highly sought “punch up” writer, contributing to various television series such as “The Drew Carey Show,” and various feature films such as “National Security” and the “ Scooby Doo” movies.   A music enthusiast, Ed co-wrote the theme song for the Warner Bros. animated series “Ozzy and Drix” and has also written special material for Barry Manilow’s Las Vegas show “Music And Passion,” as well as Michael Buble’s 2011 “Crazy Love” tour.    Driscoll’s television appearances include “Politically Incorrect” and NBC’s “Comedy Showcase.” A rabid sports fan, Driscoll has appeared on ESPN’s “The Espy Awards,” “Rome Is Burning,” and “Cold Pizza.” Recently, Ed hosted Dakota Pictures pilot “Behind The Lines”, an inside look at the writing process of some of the most popular shows in television history.    Ed is currently a punch-up writer on the hit ABC Family sitcom "Melissa & Joey." He's also the writer of the popular Yahoo! web series, "Odd News." Driscoll's second book, "Looking To Click", will be released this month, and his third book,  "Unmoved Chess Pieces", will be published early next year. Ed has just been nominated for another Emmy for his work on the 84th Academy Awards.       

FRANK IS AN ITALIAN-AMERICAN WHO IS BEST KNOWN FOR PLAYING THE RECURRING ROLE OF "GEORGIE THE BARTENDER" IN THE SOPRANOS.  FRANK IS ALSO WELL KNOWN FOR HIS STAR ROLE IN THE GODFATHERS OF COMEDY. FRANK HAS STARRED IN NUMEROUS MOVIES, INCLUDING:  NO RESERVATIONS, MEET THE PARENTS, AND CROOKED LINES.   FRANK'S PASSION HAS ALWAYS BEEN COMEDY.  HE HAS HEADLINED AT SOME OF THE WORLD'S MOST FAMOUS COMEDY CLUBS:    COMIC STRIP (NEW YORK, NY) CATCH A RISING STAR (NEW YORK, NY) COMEDY CELLAR (NEW YORK, NY) CAROLINES ON BROADWAY (NEW YORK, NY) HILARITIES 4TH STREET THEATRE (CLEVELAND, OH)   LAUGH FACTORY (LOS ANGELES, CA) THE IMPROV (LOS ANGELES, CA)

Comedy Max Dolchelli always ahas great war stories if you love comedy.   About Max Dolchelli : TV appearances include Miami Vice, Night Heat (CBS), Comedy Central, Club 54 (Canadian Television), NBC Young Comedians Special, many morning talk shows and several generic comedy shows. “Comedy in the Air” comic on an unusual Continental Airlines promotion (Max performed in the aisle of the plane during the flight) Began his comedy career at Pip's in Brooklyn, and soon become a regular at Manhattan comedy clubs Performed in Off-Broadway shows and the Chicago City Limits Improv Group Winner of “Jest of the West” Comedy Competition (1987) Performed at the Montreal Comedy Festival Recipient of Appreciation Award for performance at the Friars Club, New York City - January 13, 1998   Comedy Club Headliner at Comedy Zone, Punch Line, Funny Bones, Rascals, Yuk Yuks, Caesar’s Palace, Bananas and many more… Numerous corporate shows, colleges and private parties. A regular in Las Vegas and Atlantic City Casinos and the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Bahamas. Main Show performer on major Cruise Lines, including Royal Caribbean, Princess, NCL & Holland America. Opened for and worked with premier entertainers such as Jerry Seinfeld, Robin Williams, Ray Romano, Tim Allen, Sam Kinison, Redd Foxx, Rosie O’Donnell, Little Richard and others.

Comedy Max Dolchelli always ahas great war stories if you love comedy.    About Max Dolchelli : TV appearances include Miami Vice, Night Heat (CBS), Comedy Central, Club 54 (Canadian Television), NBC Young Comedians Special, many morning talk shows and several generic comedy shows.  “Comedy in the Air” comic on an unusual Continental Airlines promotion (Max performed in the aisle of the plane during the flight) Began his comedy career at Pip's in Brooklyn, and soon become a regular at Manhattan comedy clubs Performed in Off-Broadway shows and the Chicago City Limits Improv Group Winner of “Jest of the West” Comedy Competition (1987) Performed at the Montreal Comedy Festival Recipient of Appreciation Award for performance at the Friars Club, New York City - January 13, 1998   Comedy Club Headliner at Comedy Zone, Punch Line, Funny Bones, Rascals, Yuk Yuks, Caesar’s Palace, Bananas and many more… Numerous corporate shows, colleges and private parties. A regular in Las Vegas and Atlantic City Casinos and the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Bahamas. Main Show performer on major Cruise Lines, including Royal Caribbean, Princess, NCL & Holland America. Opened for and worked with premier entertainers such as Jerry Seinfeld, Robin Williams, Ray Romano, Tim Allen, Sam Kinison, Redd Foxx, Rosie O’Donnell, Little Richard and others.

I think this topic needs to be talked about more. Do people have the right to free speech even if we find them offensive?If so how does that effect comedy and comedians.     

Karith Foster is an American comedian and a TalkBackTV show host on Shovio.com. She was also a former contributor on the Imus in the Morning radio and television program. She left the show in August 2009 when her contract was not renewed. Karith and I discus great film everyone should watch called "Can we take a Joke ?" about freedom of speech and comedy.

  I love Tony truly a great Stand up  and friend.  Stuff about Tony: Tony V started his stand-up comedy career in 1982 after attending several shows at Boston’s prestigious Comedy Connection. He wandered in one night, quite by accident, looking for a little stress relief from a high pressure job as a case worker at the Somerville Mental Health Center. Tony was working his way toward a Masters degree in social work having graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a B. S. in Psychology. It was not long after that he took to the stage himself. Tony’s street wise humor tempered with a genuine feel for the human condition quickly propelled him to headliner status on the national comedy club circuit. In 1986 Tony V was named “Funniest Person in Massachusetts” by ® Showtime television. He followed this achievement with several performances on HBO, the Arts and Entertainment Network, Comedy Central and MTV. From 1987 through 1992 Tony V became the “spokesperson” for American Tourister Luggage. Remember the suitcase smashing gorilla? It was Tony that gave the ape its distinct voice and temperament. Touring extensively in and out of his high tech forty-five thousand dollar yak hair gorilla suit, both Tony and his alter ego had many interesting adventures. If you get a chance ask Tony about a meeting between The Gorilla, Spuds MacKenzie and Ronald McDonald. You won’t believe your mind.

About Mary Ellen Hooper:   Mary Ellen Hooper was a relative newcomer on the comedy scene at the turn of the century. Noted for her quirky and unique physical humor and wacky facial expressions, Hooper's days of headlining colleges and clubs paid off when she won Best Female Stand-Up at the 12th Annual American Comedy Awards. Her clean style seems to appeal to males and females alike, making her a popular entertainer that both sexes can agree on. Mary Ellen Hooper had a spot on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 1998, She also appeared on Comedy Central's Lounge Lizards and had her own half-hour special on Lifetime's standup series Girl's Night Out. She prides herself on being clumsy, but has gracefully has opened for Jerry Seinfeld, Gilbert Gottfried, Tommy Davidson, and, oddly enough, Wynonna Judd (her good friend). Her first CD, Dignity Under Duress, was released in 1999.

Great Talking to Comedian Robert Kelly  About Robert: Robert Kelly has overcome many hardships in his life, all of which have made him the actor/comedian he is today. From his early days as a kid growing up in Boston in and out of Juvenile Hall, Kelly's unique, honest take on his own life and his relationships make his comedy clever, abrasive, funny, and yet refreshingly vulnerable. He has been winning over audiences for the last 18 years. In addition to clubs and colleges nationwide, Kelly has traveled across the country in the "Tourgasm Live" tour with Dane Cook and Gary Gulman. He is a regular on the Opie and Anthony radio show and has performed at the "Just For Laughs Festival" in Montreal (2008 and 2010). He has also appeared at the South Beach Comedy Festival, HBO's Comedy Festival (Las Vegas), and the HBO US Comedy Arts Festival (Aspen 2007). In 2009, he performed for over 1 million people in 80 arenas across the country as a feature on Dane Cook's, "Isolated Incident Tour." His extensive TV comedy credits include the recent Comedy Central Special "Comics Anonymous," "Comedy Central PresentsÉRobert Kelly," HBO's "Tourgasm," "Jimmy Kimmel Live" (ABC), "Premium Blend" (Comedy Central), "Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn" (Comedy Central), "The Carson Daly Show" (NBC), "Awesomely Oversexed" (VH1) and MTV's "The Jim Breuer Show." Kelly's acting credits include portraying Louie CK's brother (Robbie) on "Louie" (FX), "Law & Order" (NBC), "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (NBC), as a detective playing opposite, Vincent D'Onofrio, on NBC's "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," and a guest starring role on "The Job" with Denis Leary (ABC). His movie credits include "Ghost Town," "What Doesn't Kill You," "Children of Invention," "Bachelor No. 2" and "Good Luck Chuck." He also just finished producing and starring in his first short film, "Shooting Angles." Kelly currently lives in New York City with his wife and their two dogs.

About Andy Kindler Stand up His material often covers the comedy industry itself, criticizing other comedians for being too predictable. At his annual state of the industry address at Montreal's "Just For Laughs" festival, he criticized Dane Cook, Louis CK, Chelsea Handler and Jay Leno.[3] Kindler has a standup DVD entitled I Wish I Was Bitter. Acting[edit] He played the character "Andy" a fellow sportswriter and friend of sportswriter "Ray Barone" (Ray Romano) on the TV show Everybody Loves Raymond, was a regular guest on Late Show with David Letterman, contributor to The Daily Show and has performed on HBO. He is also known for his annual "State of the Industry" address at the Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal. In 2010, Kindler was a judge on the stand-up reality show Last Comic Standing. In 2010 he appeared on several episodes of Wizards of Waverly Place as Chancellor Tootietootie. As a voice actor, Kindler has made numerous appearances on Dr. Katz and Home Movies from producer Loren Bouchard. He regularly voices the character of Mort, a mortician and the Belchers' neighbor, on Bouchard's show Bob's Burgers. Kindler is often thought to have portrayed the character of "Jamison" in the World Wrestling Federation, but the character was portrayed by a different actor by the name of John DiGiacomo.[4][5] He plays a fictionalized version of himself in the IFC series Maron.

About Nick:   Nick Zaino is a freelance writer, musician, and author of short horror fiction based in Lynn. He has covered comedy for the Boston Globe since 2001 and writes for various local and national publications, including TheSpitTake.com, Blurt Magazine, and Kirkus Reviews.

About Jim    A mixture of witty “A-list material” and his ability to work off-script has earned Jim McCue the title “Boston’s King of Crowd Work!” It’s not only his height of six foot six that makes Jim stand head and shoulders above club comedians of the “stick-to-the-script” variety. Jim blends thought-provoking material and uncanny improv skills with a style that encourages audience participation. No two shows are ever the same! Jim has been featured on Comedy Central, Comcast Comedy Spotlight, NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” and “Roughing It” on NESN in his native New England. Jim also founded and currently runs The Boston Comedy Festival. He works in top comedy clubs in Boston, Las Vegas, New York, Dublin, Montreal and Edinburgh. Since 1999 Jim has also entertained U.S. troops at more than 100 bases around the world. An account of his experiences performing for the troops has recently been published in Embedded Comedian which Jim describes as a “field manual for comedians in a war zone.” With his unique act, Jim keeps the audience on its toes. Volleying between set material and working the crowd, Jim cracks jokes with amazing timing and whip-like precision. A unique blend that is sure to leave the audience roaring with laughter!   You can also hear this show weekly at 1510AM WMEX Boston  on Saturdays at 11PM