Category Archives: The Spotlight

LET’S GET TO KNOW JON SENDER (@SENDERBLOCK23)

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Stop everything you’re doing. That’s right, baby can eat another time and just go ahead and toss those “learning books” in the fire. I want your full attention because this week I got to interview one of the funniest people on Twitter. His name is Jon Sender but he writes jokes under the handle @senderblock23. His output is ridiculous but it is so consistently brilliant that I always scroll back to read a joke if I see his avi go past. Enough of my blabbering, let’s get to the goods.

Sex Goddess/Coke Addict

LET’S GET TO KNOW: JON SENDER (@senderblock23)

What’s your name and where do you currently reside?

Oh hey, my name is Jon Sender and I live in Los Angeles.

How long have you been doing comedy?

If you consider being on twitter doing comedy then I’ve been doing comedy for almost three years. Although making people laugh has made me happy for as long as I can remember, which is three years.

What do you think of Twitter.COM?

Twitter can be a double edged sword but for the most part it’s great. I have met so many funny and good people but I’ve also met not funny and not good people. It’s a lot like real life in that sense. As long as it’s not taken too seriously, twitter is awesome.

Do humans REALLY need water?

I’m not a scientist. That being said, humans probably don’t need water as long as they eat enough candy and onion rings.

Who’s your favorite comedian right now?

If I was forced at gunpoint to pick ONE I’d pick Louie C.K. but there are so many who slay me it hurts to not give them credit.

What inspires you?

Many fellow tweeters inspire me. @robdelaney kills me on twitter and every time I see him do standup. Other wildly original tweeters who inspire me are @ambertozer, @eliterry, @batsly, @iheartsoups, @bridger_w, @ieatanddrink, @frenchielaboozi, @weismanjake and @juliadavidovich, to only name a few. Other inspiration just comes from real feelings that happen to formulate in my feelings generator.

F/M/K FDR, Vanilla Ice, A can of grape CRUSH soda:

I’d marry FDR because my mom always told me to find a nice man in a wheelchair and settle down. I’d fornicate with the grape soda because unlike many PRUDES out there I don’t mind a mild case of sticky dick (can I say swears on your website?) and I would kill Vanilla Ice because he seems like kind of a butt.

What’s the weirdest @ reply you’ve ever gotten?

I’ve gotten a lot of very weird ones. I don’t pay them too much mind so I honestly don’t remember. Currently I’m being harassed by a very forward gay man from Toronto, so that’s fun.

What languages do you speak?

I dabble in Spanglish. I know very little Spanish and I used to know some Hebrew but it all went out of my brain window once I stopped practicing. I also speak the language of love.

You have a $25 gift card to Home Depot, what do you get?

All the glue I can sniff in their bathroom.

What’s the worst part about comedy?

Viewing it as a competition. The mindset of ‘I need to get more laughs than that person’, or on twitter it can manifest itself as ‘why does that person have more followers than me’ etc. In that light it can turn into a numbers game that is pointless and frustrating. It’s definitely a trap.

If you could be Mayor of any town, would you run for Governor if offered the position?

As long as I can maintain my addictions to hookers and blow I would climb the political ladder as high as I could. Once I become president I will legalize hookers and blow.

What’s the best part about comedy?

Making people laugh feels good. It’s a natural high that supplements my cocaine addiction. Also, I’ve been fortunate to be followed on twitter by very funny people. Getting the approval of those I respect is a wonderful feeling.

You’re President. What three laws would you immediately pass?

I joked about this earlier but I would legalize prostitution so it could be regulated and taxed to high heaven. I would then legalize gay marriage because everyone should have the right to get married and struggle with someone who they’re legally binded to by suffocating duct tape. Finally, I would put toupees on every American bald eagle. They’ve suffered enough.

What do you do when you get writer’s block?

Lately I just keep cranking out tweets even when I don’t feel very funny. Sometimes they still hit, other times they’re forced and it’s obvious. I feel like our sense of humor is a muscle and we should always be working it out.

What are the five topics you tweet about the most?

I tweet a lot about what is real in my life. Financial struggles, annoying roommates, my family or anything I might be feeling. But I also will tweet just about any absurd thought that pops into my head. For some reason it tickles me to pretend to be gay. I also like tweeting about my fictitious youth pastor because I’m jewish and 31 and would never have a youth pastor.

Have you ever REALLY Tokyo Drifted, Jon?

Bro, I’ve been Tokyo Drifting since you were a gleam in your daddy’s eye. That being said, I’m not 100% sure what Tokyo Drifting is. But I like the way it sounds.

How often do you tweet?

For the last few months it’s been pretty over the top. I probably average 30 tweets per day. I’m pleasantly surprised that many people are sticking with me during this torrential output. I attribute it to not having a job or being in school.

Have you painted anything recently?

Besides painting pictures with words, I’ve never painted. Also that’s not really painting it’s writing. Wait, what was the question?

What do you wish more people would joke about?

People can joke about what ever they want and if it makes them happy then that’s good. The only types of jokes that bother me are hateful ones. Racism, sexism, anti-semitism, etc. I will sometimes dabble in this dark water but I always try to go over the top to make sure people know it’s a joke.

Name three planets, your favorite kind of candy, and a type of Oprah:

Venus, Uranus and Myanus. 900 Twix bars. Bizarro Oprah (she has a goatee and is very poor)

What would stop you from doing comedy?

I don’t know if I consider myself as someone who does comedy since I don’t get paid, but ima tweet til the day that I die *attempt to form intricate gang sign with my hands*

Do you any advice for people, just in general?

Be yourself and try to go outside at least once a week.

[Disclaimer: Jon Sender is not addicted to cocaine. He can quit whenever he wants.]

Jon writes for The Impersonals and you can find him on THE TWITTER right here: @senderblock23

LET’S GET TO KNOW RANDI LAWSON (@RANDILAWSON)

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This week I got to talk to Randi Lawson, a young lady that is uber-talented at many things: writing, graphic design, stand-up, acting, Vining, etc. She made the badass logo in the corner of my website a couple months back and I was going to give her a shout-out but when I went to her page on Twitter I couldn’t believe how funny she was. We got to meet a couple weeks ago and I’m pleased to announce she is a sweetheart in real life and I am very excited to see where she goes next. Put on your salsa slippers, let’s dance!

Randi Lawson

LET’S GET TO KNOW: RANDI LAWSON (@RANDILAWSON)

HIYA! What’s your name and where do you hang your hat? 

Randi Lawson. Philadelphia, PA

How long have you been doing comedy?

Back in the day, waaay before YouTube I wrote for and was a regular on two popular closed-circuit TV shows at American University. First was a comedy news program (like The Daily Show) and the other was a sketch show. After college I narrowed my focus and pursued a career in graphic design. I’ve been doing “funny” graphic design (tees, games & barware for stores like Spencer’s & Urban Outfitters) for a very cool company called ICUP Inc. for almost a decade now. But I have only been back to working on “comedy” as in stand-up, writing and social media for under a year.

What planet can go suck it?

Mars ’cause it is so close yet so far away. Either back the fuck up Mars or hang out where we can reach ya, ya know?! Jeeez!

What do you think of TWITTER.COM?

Well, people just buy junk at Spencer’s they think is hilarious, but they never know who came up with the joke. My designs have made people laugh in stores, TV and movies, but no one has any idea they came from me. I’ve never done it for the validation or anything, it’s just that on twitter I feel like I am truly representing myself and my sense of humor for the first time. I don’t have to consider the opinion of a customer. It is the most amazing feeling to have the freedom to put my jokes out into the world. Plus I LOVE reading jokes. It inspires me. And I have connected with so many hilarious and super-cool people.
You have three wishes… what are the last two?

An orgy with all 3 Culkins, Fred Savage, Jason Schwartzman, Scott McMicken from Dr. Dog and my twitter crush (he knows who he is ;) . And… a life-time supply of Coke Zero.

Who’s you favorite comedian right now?

Doug Benson is my all-time favorite comedian. He is very clever and silly while always keeping his finger on the pulse of pop culture. Plus, I’ve never been a fan mean-spirited comedy. Doug’s extraordinary wit has a light-hearted sweetness that I love. I listen to podcasts all day and his (Doug Loves Movies) is one of my favorites.

What magazine would you like to see published?

Hairless Cat Fancy. I have 2 hairless cats and those little weirdos are a true joy in my life. Check me out on Instagram or Vine if you want to see the little freaks.

If you could go fishing with ANY celebrity, what lake would you go to?

Lake Bell

What’s the worst part about comedy?

When people are cruel to others for a laugh.

What mineral or fruit do you despise and why?

I HATE mushrooms (is that a mineral or fruit?). Well, either way they are like ears and are gross.

What’s the best part about comedy?

I love to laugh and I love when people really make me think. Comedy does both. Simple as it sounds, it’s just fucking true.

What are the five topics you tweet about the most?

My favorite jokes to tweet are these silly scenarios I make up where I pretend to have sexual affairs with celebrities. I also love making pop culture references; especially 80′s and 90′s nostalgia. Plays on words and puns are very fun jokes to write. Topical stuff is great too. I’ll challenge myself on a topic. I’ll write a bunch of jokes on something topical and then tweet my favorite.

How often do you tweet?

Two a day is probably my average give or take.

Will you photoshop me fighting a cat in a forest of lasers?

Yes, that’ll be $80,000.

What do you wish more people would joke about?

Me!

How often do you eat breakfast?

Every morning. I am honestly a very health conscious person, so I like to start my day with a light, nutritious breakfast. I also do a shot of orange juice right after I brush my teeth – ya know, just to keep myself in check.

Do you have any advice for people, just in general?

Yes. It sounds so cheesy, but any success I’ve had in design or comedy has come from being a super-hard worker, practicing my craft constantly and being as nice & grateful as I can be to everyone I encounter. Even if those things don’t lead you to your own successes, they certainly can’t hurt.

Follow Randi on Twitter @RandiLawson and make sure to check out her website. She also takes great pictures on The Instagram and make Vines that make me laugh every time. Check out all her talents!

LET’S GET TO KNOW DEMI ADEJUYIGBE (AKA ELECTROLEMON)

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The gentleman I got to interview today cracks me up every day, way too hard for someone as young as he is.  He is already a big deal and is going to be a bigger one but he is super nice and humble and I didn’t have to pay him in birds for this interview like I promised I would. Let’s plug in this citrus man!

@electrolemon

LET’S GET TO KNOW: Demi Adejuyigbe (@electrolemon)

https://twitter.com/electrolemon/status/314112325990899712

HI! What’s your name and where do you currently reside?

Hi hello hey, I’m Demi Adejuyigbe. I currently live in Austin, but now that I’m done with school I guess I live in Dallas and in like 3 months, Los Angeles.

How long have you been doing comedy?

As of the time of writing this, it’s been about zero days for me. If you wanna get technical though, I’ve been using twitter for 5 years but I’ve been using it to tell jokes for the past 9 or so months.

What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done with or to a head of lettuce?

Made an awful salad with it. Either that or committing the Lettuce Murders of ’77, I guess ‘worst’ is subjective.

What do you think of Twitter?

I think Twitter is incredible. As with everything, it has a fine balance of awful people that middle out with the great ones, but I really do love it. It’s a terrific platform for short form creative writing of any kind, and the 140 character limitation only serves as a boon to creativity.

What superpower would you give to a shoe?
The power to transform into anything. That way, I could transform it into two shoes if I need to go out, or transform it in no shoes if I feel like fucking with the scientific concept of the conservation of matter.

Who’s your favorite comedian right now?

John Mulaney. There are so many few stand-up albums that have made me cry with laughter but John’s two albums manage to do that every time I listen to them, they’re always fresh. I’m super upset NBC passed on his show.

What magazine would you like to see published?

Dog Thoughts Weekly. Sometimes you see a dog and you’re like “The hell is he thinking,” right? That’s where Dog Thoughts comes in.

What’s the worst part about comedy?

@MensHumor has over 2.5 million followers.

What’s the best part about comedy?
You can make a thousand different jokes about a thousand different things, and there will still be some more original jokes to be made. While I do think there are some things you shouldn’t make jokes about, it’s still crazy how close to infinite the possibilities are for humor.

What are the five topics you tweet about the most?

1. What if [popular rapper] was doing this wacky thing?
2. I’m very bad at talking to girls
3. Movies I’ve never seen, but know very well
4. Books I pretended to read in high school, but know very well
5. Songs I heard once in passing at a mall food court, but know very well

How often do you tweet?
Like 20 times a day. It’s unhealthy. Luckily, I delete a lot of tweets to make it look like I’m much cooler, at an average of 12 per day.

What do you wish more people would joke about?

There are not enough jokes about the hit (?) 1994 Disney direct-to-VHS film Blank Check.

What kind of sandwich would you share with Janis Joplin?

Assuming that she’s still alive and I’m not sharing a hoagie with an undead Janis Joplin, it’d probably be just a regular PB&J, but there would be a Post-It inside that says “DON’T DO HEROIN.”

What’s your favorite condiment that hasn’t been invented yet?

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Shredded Bits Of Ham

What would stop you from doing comedy?

Being murdered. Or, if any of my numerous haters are reading this, a nice car.

Do you any advice for people, just in general?

Stop telling me to watch the damn Wire, I’ll get around to it eventually, okay?

https://twitter.com/electrolemon/status/286247680051658752

Demi Adejuyigbe has all sorts of sick shit going at demiadejuyigbe.com and you can and should follow him on Twitter @electrolemon

 

THE SPOTLIGHT: CHRIS JOYNER (@CEEJOYNER)

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This week I got to interview the very funny Chris Joyner, aka, @Ceejoyner. He is one of my favorite voices. Incredibly unique, never goes for easy jokes. Enough from “me-ej,” (seej what I did there?! I’m sorry).

Chris Joyner

LET’S GET TO KNOW: Chris Joyner (@Ceejoyner)

What’s your name, alias, and alibi and where do you currently reside?

My name is Chris Joyner, they call me Ceej because I awkwardly insist they do, I never left my house that day and and I live in Montreal.

How long have you been doing comedy?

I’ve had a twitter account for a year, and one time i absolutely killed it at a party with a joke about masturbating in the snow, so 15 years.

What do you honestly think of The Twitter?

I was on the fence about it my first month and then I read a Rob Delaney tweet about Dick Cheney’s heart turning a nurse into a spider goat. That tweet opened doors, man. Doors of the mind. Mental doors, brother. Doors with windows, man. I love twitter.

What would you do on a Zepplin?

I do not trust the flight science of a zepplin and it would be next to impossible to get me on one. If you see me on a zepplin it’s part of a Taken type scenario, and my dad is about to kill everybody.

Who’s your favorite comedian right now?

I saw Louis CK do an amazing set and I like his show. Once I saw Horatio Sanz drunkenly wave a rubber cock around on stage for 5 minutes.

What magazine would you like to see published?

A scene magazine for fancy cats with dyslexia that would be called Cat Fancy (they would see it as Fancy Cat).

Watercolors?

The last watercolor I did was a bunch of tiny whales and sharks and some seals that make up a bigger whale. I don’t understand the question.

What’s the worst part about comedy?

When a news event turns everyone into a topical swarm of Jay Lenos.

What’s the best part about comedy?

Feeling a strong connection with a total stranger when they articulate a sentiment that resonates with you.

What are the five topics you tweet about the most?

Things that are always funny include ham, bees, grandparents, police and jean jackets. Things that are never funny include cocaine jokes and not liking Monday.

How often do you tweet?

I try to take it easy on people and keep it under 5 a day.

What do you wish more people would joke about?

Hair. Braids, ponytails, perms.

What celebrity would you like to arm-wrestle?

I’m going to have to say Natalie Portman. She seems small, and after the win I could easily throw her through some drywall. I am very strong.

What’s your favorite condiment that hasn’t been invented yet?

Skittle chutney, and now it has been invented.

What would stop you from doing comedy?

Probably a football to the nutsack then an anvil falling on my head then a piano after that.

Do you any advice for people, just in general?

For the ladies, summer dresses are delightful and timeless. For guys, never underestimate the importance of some type of sleeve.

FOLLOW @Ceejoyner on the The Twitter!

THE SPOTLIGHT: ELIZA BAYNE (@ELIZABAYNE)

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This (long overdue) edition of ‘The Spotlight’ features writer, comedian, actress, producer, and badass-sweetheart: Eliza Bayne (@ElizaBayne)

Eliza Bayne

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LET’S GET TO KNOW: Eliza Bayne (@ElizaBayne)

What’s your name and where do you currently reside?

My name is Eliza Bayne and I live in Los Angeles, THE CITY OF DREAMS.

How long have you been doing comedy?

I’ve been dabbling in comedy for years but I’ve only really focused on comedy writing in the past year. I wasn’t really using Twitter for jokes until a comedian friend of mine told me that I needed to start writing down all the silly things I was saying. And I was like WHAT and he was like YEAH and I was like OKAYYYY. So I began writing down ideas, and then more ideas and then tossing them out in the twittersphere. Since then I’ve had the opportunity to write and act in some fun sketches, write humorous articles and just recently booked a supporting role in a romantic comedy coming out later this year. I’m also writing an original pilot. Can I get a hell yeah?!?

What do you honestly think of Twitter?

I think Twitter is a great way to get your stuff out there, network and hone your writing skills. All without ever having to leave your house! I’ve also met some really great people off of Twitter. A lot of artists and comedians and other deranged people I adore. I love that Twitter creates a direct line between you and your audience. No more agents or producers telling you “no.” Let the people tell you “no” and “you suck!” HUZZAH.

Sharks or bees and why?

Sharks. No question. Is there a Bee Week? No. Who’s cooler? Quint from Jaws or Macaulay Culkin at the end of My Girl? Bees can suck it.

Who’s your favorite comedian right now?

Amy Schumer or TJ Miller. I realize those are two but sometimes you gotta break the rules. Right now I am also wearing horizontal stripes, which is a total no-no for my body shape. RIDE OR DIE MAN!!!

What magazine would you like to see published?

A magazine with beautiful women sucking on lollipops and trying to yank off their tank tops. Not to brag but I think I’m onto something here.

What would you do with $50,000?

SO MUCH! Ooh! I’d do a big shopping spree. Just like Pretty Woman except I’m not a hooker. That would be amazing. Ugh. Now I’m depressed I don’t have $50,000.

What’s the worst part about comedy?

Feeling pressure to always be funny.

What’s the best part about comedy?

Comedy is a great stress reliever. It’s also a great way to get people to see things in a different way when you can find the humor in a situation. There’s a quote: “If you can make a girl laugh, you can make her do anything.” I’m pretty sure they’re talking about anal.

What are the five topics you tweet about the most?

Fried chicken, pizza, depression, life, anxiety. Whoa. WHAT A CATCH!

How often do you tweet?

Twitter is basically World of Warcraft for me. I try to do about 6 tweets a day and then go outside and talk to people in real life. LOL. JK!

What do you wish more people would joke about?

I think if more people had the ability to laugh at themselves, the world would be a better place. Which is why I love Celebrity Roasts. Being able to sit there, roll with the punches and get roasted shows a lot of character to me. We’re all flawed individuals so why not laugh about it?

What celebrity would you like to arm-wrestle?

Nic Cage. Even regular wrestle! Throw me in the UFC Cage with Cage! I think I could take him.

What would stop you from doing comedy?

Sometimes when I’m going through a difficult time, it’s hard to feel funny and make jokes. Conversely, it’s also the reason why I make jokes.

Do you any advice for people, just in general?

STOP BEING JERKS.

For more info about Eliza and what she’s working on, go to her website here.

THE SPOTLIGHT: NICK STADLER (@Nickadoo)

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This week in ‘The Spotlight’ I chose a very funny guy that I haven’t met yet but he cracks me up EVERY day. Nick Stadler is a cartoonist, a graphic designer, stand-up comedian, and a prolific writer.

@Nickadoo

LET’S GET TO KNOW: Nick Stadler (@Nickadoo)

What’s your name and where do you currently reside?

My name is Nick Stadler and I live in Los Angeles. More specifically, I live in an area called Historic Filipinotown, although I’ve yet to meet any Historic Filipinos.

How long have you been doing comedy?

I’ve been doing stand-up off and on for about two years, but a lot more off than on because I find the process of performing to be so incredibly nerve-wracking. I’ve been writing and creating comedy in some capacity for much longer. I began with animation and, currently, I write greeting cards.

What do you honestly think of Twitter?

I think it’s the greatest terrible thing to have ever happen to me. I once tweeted, “Before Twitter, I used to be stupid in the privacy of my own mind.” I think that pretty much sums up the way I use it. But it’s afforded me the opportunity to meet some pretty remarkable people.

Sharks or bees and why?

Definitely sharks because Jaws is one of the greatest movies of all time. Even Jerry Seinfeld couldn’t make an interesting movie about bees.

Who’s your favorite comedian right now?

For pure, unadulterated, laugh-out-loud cry-funny, no one can touch Eddie Pepitone. I had the privilege of meeting him at the National Lampoon Twitter Awards – and, because I was a nominee, he actually read one of my tweets on stage!

Why don’t we have time travel yet?

Because we’re afraid our moms will try to fuck us.

What would you do with $50,000?

I’d probably just get practical things like decent furniture then blow the rest on booze.

What’s the worst part about comedy?

A lot of humor comes out of some very unhappy places. I often worry that, while attempting to write new material, I’ll find myself dwelling in some pretty dark mental and emotional areas for far too long. That can’t be healthy.

What’s the best part about comedy?

Laughter. It really is a great feeling to know you can connect on some level with a room full of complete strangers.

What are the five topics you tweet about the most?

Pop culture, and more specifically pop music, is a fun and simple target because it’s both so universal and so patently absurd. I also enjoy tweeting about politics because it’s such a potent source of anger and frustration. Sex, dating and socializing are also great because we’re all insecure about those things to some degree.

How often do you tweet?

I’ve been trying to limit myself to two to five tweets per day. I’ve also been trying to force myself to stay off of it altogether occasionally, because it can become a source of frustration. I have to keep reminding myself that it’s supposed be fun.

What do you wish more people would joke about?

Honestly, I don’t really have an answer for that. Humor relies on the element of surprise, so I don’t think I’d want to see more people joking about any one specific thing because I think it would get boring pretty quickly – we see that happen when a big current event happens and everyone decides to jump onto a single topic.

What celebrity would you like to arm-wrestle?

Ryan Gosling. And it wouldn’t so much be “arm-wrestling” as “aggressive hand-holding.”

What would stop you from doing comedy?

A sudden realization that I’m not actually funny.

Do you any advice for people, just in general?

No. I can barely take care of myself.

FOLLOW NICK STADLER