Dave and Phil describe their new monthly political comedy show, "Laughing Liberally" a mix of stand-up with desk pieces, sketches, news and improv. Phil recalls the history of the show which began in Tucson in 2011 at various locations from Sky Bar, Plush, FlyCatcher, and Club Congress. The newest version of the show will be hosted at the Tucson Improv Movement (TIM) and will feature the improv troupe "Ballot Babes" who provide a fresh and custom made style of lampooning. The opening show featured long time Arizona Star Editiorial cartoonist, Dave Fitzsimmons and Mo Urban, voted Best Comic in last year's Tucson Weekly poll. Dave and Phil host the show and provide political news with a twist of hilarity plus timely newsmaker interviews. Plus we look at the Tucson Comedy scene and review the new Adam Sandler Netflix film.
Former Mayor Rudy Guliani joins Dave and Phil in studio to discuss his indictment in the State of Georgia. Plus ITO Investigates has come into posession of the black box recording from the Russian plane crash which killed Yevgeny Prigozhin. Dave and Phil play it live on air and speculate if there could their be foul play? Plus we look at an unusual new "pay for play" opportunity for comics.
Dave and Phil are joined by ITO's 3rd Wednesday of the month host Roxy Merrari as we take a look at the comedy open mic scenes in nearby cities including Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas. Dave gives us a heads up on special days coming up in August. Plus, Art Fern shares his thoughts on the Barbie film craze and explores the trend toward creating films around our favorite children's toys.
Please leave your written thoughts in celebration of the life of Simon (the bald) Goldstein. We will read them on the next "IS THIS ON?" on July 12...
ITO celebrates the life of local comic icon Simon (the bald) Goldstein who passed away at age 83. He was a fixture at LAFFFs Comedy club and always a crowd favorite. His rapid fire delivery was a tribute to borscht belt comics of yesterday. Here's a link to a recent article about Simon published in the AZ Jewish Star...
https://azjewishpost.com/tag/simon-the-bald/
Dave and Phil welcome friend of the show legendary actor Al Pacino, age 82, who proudly announces that he and his girlfriend Noori Alfalla, age 29, are expecting a child. Our conversation reveals racy details of the night of conception. Plus we review the new Lorne Michaels' Peacock series, "Bupkis" starring Pete Davidson and a stellar cast of stars including Joe Pesci. We convene a session of the ITO Book Club with a summer reading selection from Senator Josh Hawley's new book, "Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs". Really...we're not kidding.
Tucson comedian Jerrod Martin joins Dave and Phil in the studio to talk about the local comedy scene. Hear directly from the man about to be roasted for his 40th birthday this Saturday @ 6 PM at the Music Box on 6951 E, 22nd St. Plus, ITO reviews the new Netflix special from John Mulaney and also updates the status of the Monty Python Spamalot film.
ITO pays tribute to the Spark Project open mic hosted by our good friend Ernie Celeya as they prepare to host their final show on Friday, May 12 @ 7:00 pm. Dave and Phil encourage the Tucson Comedy Community to come out and hang out with Ernie. ITO welcomes back Prince Harry as he returns from a rather brief appearance at his father's Coronation. The Duke 0f Sussex spares no punches as he rails on the Royal family. Plus we review at the Vice TV series "The Dark Side of Comedy" as we look at the sad but true personal struggles that many top comedians have faced.
President Joe Biden drops by the studio to follow up on his 2024 candidacy announcement done by video release. Mr. Biden shares other release ideas that were considered but not used. Dave and Phil talk about the new baseball rules. Plus, ITO gets a job application for the new commentator position from a recently available candidate...Tucker Carlson.
Dave and Phil go back in time to search for answers to today's complex political questions and seek out the wisdom of America's third President, Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson offers some terse criticism of current American politics and shares his interpretation what the founding fathers intended regarding guns and the second amendment. We take a look at the new "Roast of Bert Kreischer" special produced and hosted by Whitney Cummings on the "Only Fans" platform. Phil shares his thoughts on the recent Chicago Mayor election.
Dave and Phil discuss the World Baseball Classic and look forward to the start of the baseball season. We review audience reaction to last show's visit from Gov. Ron DeSantis and his verbal exchanges with Donald Trump following the publication of his new book. Also, we review the Academy Awards and welcome special guest and friend of the show, Elvis Presley who dropped by to share his disapointment at the lack of recognition for the 2022 feature Elvis with Austin Butler.
Dave and Phil welcome Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to discuss his new book, "The Courage To Be Free". Listen is as we probe Gov. De Santis on cancel culture, Disney, and his future plans for higher office. Plus we review the newest Mel Brooks and friends film, The History of the World, Part II just released on Hulu with a star studded cast and many surprises.
ITO welcomes Tucson comic Cory Lytle who tells us all about his two new open mic nights at Cheba Hut and at Chicago Bar. Cory shares his insights on being a show runner from his previous experience with his long running mic at House Of Bards. Dave and Phil also welcome President Joe Biden who stops by the studio with political consultant James Carville to discuss the President's State of the Union address.
IS THIS ON? welcomes Tucson comedian, actor and writer Ron Reid to the studio for a lively discussion of all things comedy. Ron traces his career from standup in NYC to Seattle and stops in between. In addition to standup Ron has written, produced and acted in a feature 1990s length film, "The Montana Run" which is currently available on You Tube. These days Mr. Reid runs a successful booking agency for comedians primarily performing on cruise ships. Hear great insights from a man who was done it all in the world of comedy.
"IS THIS ON?" begins 2023 with highlights of the 139th ANNUAL TUCSON NEW YEAR'S DAY PARADE. Join Dave and Phil directly from the parade route down Fourth Avenue as they review floats, marching bands and the food ad fun court. Plus, many celebrities stop by the reviewing stand to chat. It's the Old Pueblo's social event of the year and you have a front row seat. We also talk about Hari Kondabolu's recent show at 191 Toole.
Dave and Phil interview comedian Hari Kondabolu before his performance at 191 Toole on December 19. Hari shares his insightful political comedy roots and tells us all about the making of his ground breaking documentary "The Problem With Apu". Plus we have a holiday visit with the King of Rock & Roll. Staff announcer Art Fern previews seasonal specials at Craycroft Tatoo Removal.
Dave and Phil discuss a few of the big name comics coming to Tucson in December, Hari Kandabolu (scheduled to appear on ITO 12/14) and Jim Gaffigan with some cuts from their recorded comedy. Dave makes his 2023 predictions. We preview the announced guest hosts for the upcoming SNL holiday season. an ITO Investigates exclusive, probes the recent controversial Mar-A-Lago dinner Donald Trump held with the entertainer formerly known as Kanye West and white supremicist Nick Fuentes.
