Our guest from the beginning of 2022, Christopher Pedraza (he/him) is a musician, drummer, actor, and analog photographer. We discuss social anxiety, growing up with music, and the creative process of film shooting and developing.

Our guest from the beggining of 2022, Ai Yoshihara (she/her) is a standup comedian and actor. We discuss what it's like to be an asian immigrant in America and a female comedian in a white male dominated field.

Today our guest is Dal Walton (he/him). A Florida native, Rollins College Alumnus, narrative improvisor, writer, live performer, and clown. We discuss performance anxiety, representation, and using high and low status in performances. Check him out on Instagram: @thedaloflaughter Check out my Instagram accounts: @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions

Today our guest is Julie Perkins (she/her). A Massachusetts Native, Salem State University Alumna, actor, standup comedian, and clown. We discuss representation in the media, finding clown later in life, and learning and finding yourself every step of the way. Check her out: http://www.thelandofperkistan.com/ and on Instagram @thelandofperkistan Check out my Instagram accounts: @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions

Today our guest is Nicholas Polk, a Northeastern University Alumnus, a comedic performer, a sketch comic, standup comedian, mime, writer, and clown. We discuss LGBTQ+ and POC representation in the media, the price to put on a show or perform, and the clown scene in Chicago and Los Angeles. Trigger warning: suicidal thoughts related to being LGBTQ+ Check out his Instagram: @febrezefartss Check out my Website and Instagram: https://www.emicoproductions.com/ @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions

Today our guest is Eric Goncharenko. A Montebello California Native, UCLA Alumnus, Business Affairs at 20th Century Studios/Disney, comedic performer, dancer, Improviser, standup comic, and craftsman. We discuss performance anxiety, working in the entertainment industry, and what's it like being 6'9. He can be found on Instagram: @gonch_comedy Check out my website and Instagram accounts: https://www.emicoproductions.com/ @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions

Today we have guests from Season 1 and 2 and we are celebrating finishing Season 1 and kickstarting Season 2! We chat about our existence as artists. Here are the questions that we discuss: What does it mean to be an artists, What do you do when you have self-doubt, What advice would you give your pre-COVID self, How do you deal with haters, and What is your favorite experience with your art? Check out everyone on Instagram: @febrezefartss @thechaddamiani @adambussell , adambussell.com, DYNMC.co @andrewbursiaga on Instagram and everywhere else! @maxxielawow @anthonyhand @thedaloflaughter @marilynmineo @inforthelonghall @cat.miggs @juliafae @mua.juliafae @saraclesthestrong @saraclesthesewn @breakfastharold @erikengmanwriter @erikengmanmagic @qristafur @pedrazaphotographs @avnerecc Check out my Instagram too: @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions I would like to say thank you to all of the guests, listeners, and friends who have been supporting the podcast for all of Season 1. Your support makes Season 2 possible and thank you for staying with us through the audio troubles and learning curve.

This is the last episode of Season 1! Today our guest is Lucy LaForge. A Riverside Native, writer, musician, singer-songwriter, bi icon, and performer. We discuss queer issues, cyber bullying, performance anxiety, and her music as Lucy and La Mer. Check out their website and Instagram: https://www.listentolucy.com/ @lucyandlamer Check out my website and Instagram: https://www.emicoproductions.com/ @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions

Today our guest is Deenah Vollmer. An LA Native, NYU and Columbia alumna, comedic performer, writer, poet, and clown. We discuss how she started a poetry club at UC Santa Cruz, her experience in the eclectic music scene in New York, ayahuasca, and the connection of clown and therapy. Check out her website and Instagram: https://www.deenahvollmer.net/ @dee3nah @the_pizza_underground Check out my website and Instagram: https://www.emicoproductions.com/ @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions

Today our guest is Manus Dunbar. A Vermont Native, musician, vintage enthusiast, singer, Spiderman fan, and rapper. We discuss representation in the media, the treatment of multiracial people, and working on our creative goals. Check out his Instagram accounts: @manusdunbar @janmichaelvintage Check out my website and Instagram: https://www.emicoproductions.com/ @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions

Today our guest is Marilyn Mineo. A Queens New York Native, theater actor, comedic performer, Improvisor, storyteller, character actor, and clown. We discuss character development, body image, and representation in the media. Check out her Instagram: @marilynmineo @tryinaburger @beefy.smalls Check out my website and Instagram accounts: https://www.emicoproductions.com/ @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions

Today our guest is Ryan Desaulniers. A Central Massachusetts Native, East 15 Acting School Alumnus, performance artist, clown, writer, devisor, and actor. We discuss his experience as a theatre actor in New York, the process of writing, and imposture syndrome. Check him out on Instagram: @ryantheexplorer Check out my website and Instagram accounts: https://www.emicoproductions.com/ @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions

Our guest from the begining of 2022, Karin Nord (she/they) is a stand-up comedian, clown, and all around performer. We discuss being vulnerable on stage, career life balance, and the othering of media.

Today our guest is Buster Baer. A SoCal Native, Eugene Lang College Alumnus, musician, bass player for Zest the band, poet, teacher, and clown. We discuss love addictions, mental health, and meditation. Check out his music on Spotify and his Instagram:@busterbaer Check out my website and Instagram accounts: https://www.emicoproductions.com/ @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions

Today our guest is Zachary Steel. A New York Native, L.A. grown, NYU Tisch School of the Arts Alumnus, clown, actor, writer, USC instructor, and medical clown. We discuss mental health, learning style biases in western education, the need for intersectionality and positive representation for appressed minorities. Check out his Instagram: @zachygoggles He is teaching a class through the Idiot Workshop https://www.theidiotworkshop.com/workshop or the USC Medical Clown program https://itsc.usc.edu/mc-program/about-medical-clowning-2/ Check out my website and Instagram accounts: https://www.emicoproductions.com/ @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions

Today our guest is Christina Fernandez. A San Francisco Native, San Francisco State University Alumna, filmmaker, art director, set dresser, writer, director, pottery maker, and poetry enthusiast. We discuss growing up in the Bay Area, mental health, and how transgender people and queer people are portrayed in the media. Trigger warning: Talking about suicidal thoughts Check out her website and Instagram accounts: https://christiemariafilms.wixsite.com/website @the_christie_adventures @art_flyin_in @earthbound_ceramics Check out my website and Instagram accounts: https://www.emicoproductions.com/ @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions

Today our guest is Enrique Coronado. A San Francisco Native, San Francisco State University Alumnus, graphic designer, filmmaker, editor, photographer, and filmmaker. We discuss film school, intersectionality, and the importance of including minorities in writing their own stories. Check out his website and Instagram: @rickylenss https://enriquecoronado.com/ Check out my Instagram and website: @empersico @artistswem @emicoproductions https://www.emicoproductions.com/

Today our guest is Mitchell Montgomery. A Sacramento Native, San Francisco State University Alumnus, actor, writer, and filmmaker. We read an excerpt from his recent script. We discuss getting a writing routine, learning discipline, and finding our old selves after college. Check out my website and Instagram accounts: https://www.emicoproductions.com/ @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions

Today our guest is Andrew Bursiaga. A Wyoming born/ Lompoc California grown person, Evergreen Valley College Alumnus, filmmaker, producer, and actor. We discuss film set etiquette, growing up in a military family, and acting exercises. Check him out on Instagram: @andrewbursiaga https://m.imdb.com/name/nm12007347/ Check out my website and Instagram accounts: @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions https://www.emicoproductions.com/

Today our guest is Ryan Erwin. A Vancouver Native, University of British Columbia Alumnus, drag queen wrestling personality, stand up comedian, and clown. We discuss First Nation people in Canada, developing clown/wrestling/drag queen characters, and unceded territories. Check out his Instagram: @ryanerwin Check out my website and Instagram accounts: @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions https://www.emicoproductions.com/

Today our guest is Nathaniel Weiss. A Massachusetts Native, Occidental College and Harvard University Alumnus, writer, and actor. We discuss acting styles, applying for grad school, and our interpretation of the word "success." Check out his website and Instagram: @mr.weiss.guy https://www.nathanielweiss.net/ Check out my Instagram accounts and website: @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions https://www.emicoproductions.com/

Today our guest is BIZZAIR. A Michigan Native, Michigan State University Alumnus, rapper, performer, actor, and content creator. We discuss quality versus quantity, music production, and not letting others people's opinions censor our content. Check him out on YouTube and Instagram: @bizzairofficial Check out my Website and Instagram Accounts: @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions https://www.emicoproductions.com/

Today our guest is Joaquin Camilo. A Chile Native, actor, producer, clown, CEO, and head of production at Calor Humano. We discuss finding a mentor to further your career, dealing with the many tasks of being a producer, and growing as a performer through clowning. Check out his Instagram accounts and website: @calorhumanotv https://www.joaquincamilo.com/ Check out my Instagram and website: @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions https://www.emicoproductions.com/

Our guest from the end of 2021, Jen Buhrow (she/her) is an actor, singer, corporate presenter, and mime enthusiast. We discuss the process if taking countless zoom classes in clown, mime, circus skills, yoga, and movement. This episode was recorded when the world and performers started doing things in person again.

Today our guest is Zack Reimers. A New York State Native, Syracuse University Alumnus, standup comedian, physical improviser, musician, and clown. We discuss performance environments in different cities, the need for trigger warnings in media, and bullying. Check him out on Instagram: @zoogdabbity Check out my website and Instagram accounts: @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions https://www.emicoproductions.com/

Today our guest is Avner Eisenberg. An Atlanta Georgia Native, University of Washington Alumnus, Ericksonian Hypnotherapist, and one of the greatest clowns of all time. We discuss his show Exceptions to Gravity, how he found his way to clowning, and his experience with using Hypnotherapy and Aikido to be a better performer. Check out his website: https://www.avnertheeccentric.com/ Check out my Website and Instagram accounts: @artistswithem @empersico @emicoproductions https://www.emicoproductions.com/

Today our guest is WRYN. A SoCal Native, singer-songwriter, musician, guitarist, poet, and parent. We discuss gender, writing music, and performing. Check out their Instagram and donate to their fund to make an album; @_wryn_ http://wryn-music.com/ https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/wryn-s-debut-album-shapes/coming_soon https://www.patreon.com/wryn Check out my Instagram: @artistswithem @empersico @emicoproductions https://www.emicoproductions.com/

Today our guest is Olivia Brody. A Tampa Florida native, Florida State Alumna, actor, podcast host, and writer. We discuss her podcast, therapy, and feeling empowered. Check out her Instagram: @oliviabrody Check out my Instagram too: @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions https://www.emicoproductions.com/

Today our guest is Chaz Volk. A SoCal Native, San Francisco State University Alumnus, filmmaker, Podcast host, writer, director, and entrepreneur. We discuss anti-Semitism, mental health, and building yourself up after college. Check out his company, Instagram, and contact him: @mr.chazvolk @mrthrivemedia https://www.mrthrive.com/ https://linktr.ee/MrThrive Check out my company and Instagram: @empersico @emicoproductions @artistswithem https://www.emicoproductions.com/

Today our guest is Shawn Stoner. A North Carolina Native, Appalachian State University Alumnus, clown, actor, improvisor, writer, and director. We discuss styles of acting and clowning, coaching performers, and non-performers' perception of our artistic pursuits. Check Shawn out on Instagram: @shawn_stoner Check out our Instagram: @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions https://www.emicoproductions.com/

Today our guest is Shannan Calcutt. A Canadian, University of Victoria alumna, clown, performer, coach, and actor. We discuss her fifteen years of working for Cirque Du Soleil, processing the loss of a community when Zumanity closed, developing your own show, and letting your clown tell you who they are. Check out her classes coming up this month! Virtual Playground, Celebrate your Ridiculousness, etc. Website and Instagram: https://www.shannancalcutt.com/ @shannancalcutt Check out my Instagram and website: @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions https://www.emicoproductions.com/

Today our guest is James Edwards. A dual citizen, Savannah College of Art & Design Alumnus, actor, musician, singer, pianist, composure, and musical director at Second City Hollywood. We discuss his time growing up in different states & Europe, finding acting along the way, and imposture syndrome. Check out his products and projects on Instagram: @james.e.edwards @clearscanuvc https://www.jamesedwards.info/ Check out my Instagram: @empersico @artistswithem @emicoproductions https://www.emicoproductions.com/

Today our guest is Lars Adams. A Virginia Native, Guilford College Alumnus, clown, vintage stylist, embroidered patch maker, and podcast host. We discuss connecting with people and communities through clown, their experience growing up in a clown family, and making a podcast with their dad Patch Adams. Check out Lars on Instagram: @dingdongderp @vibrantvibesvintage @slurpderpz My Instagram and company website: @artistswithem @empersico @emicoproductions https://www.emicoproductions.com/

This is a cross-over episode with "Laying Down the Law" podcast with Billy DeClercq. He is a Lawyer, Improviser, comic, sketch writer, and producer. We discuss LGBTQ legal cases, being respectful while we all adjust to pronouns, and using neutral language to be more inclusive. Check out Billy DeClercq's podcast "Laying Down the Law" Check out my Instagram profiles: @artistswithem @empersico @emicoproductions

Our guest from the end of 2021, Erik Engman (he/him) is an improviser, theater writer director, magic enthusiast, and clown. We discuss his journey with the arts, raising children, and finding his way to clowning.

Today our guest is Demi Waldron. A South Carolina native, Savannah College of Art and Design Alumna, cinematographer, filmmaker, photographer, and fine artist. We discuss gender and sexuality, the roles of a cinematographer, and the need for inclusion on film sets. Check out their Instagram and website: @hdemiw https://www.demiwaldron.com/ Check out my guests and projects: @artistswithem @empersico @emicoproductions

Today our guest is Matt Walker. A Santa Monica Native, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (1997) Alumnus, Performer, actor, character actor, juggler, instructor, TV director, and theater company owner. We discuss the work that goes into acting, different ways to break down a script, and the aspect of being an evolving artist. Check him out on Instagram: @commedians @thetroubies Check out my Instagram accounts: @artistswithem @empersico @emicoproductions

Today our guest is Amy Gonzales. A Los Angeles Native, USC Alumna, clown, actor, performer, poet, and writer. We discuss mental health, leaving your art and coming back to it, and surviving life to clown another day. Check out her fun videos on Instagram: @amylgonzales Check out my Instagram accounts: @artistswithem @empersico @emicoproductions

Today our guest is Brad Hogarth. A Canada born/Houston Texas grown, Eastman School of Music Alumnus, Music Conductor, Trumpeter, Arranger, and dog parent. We discuss his experience creating a Ballet and Orchestral performance at Burning Man in 2018 & 2019 with Art Haus Collective Orchestra, how he found the trumpet, teaching, and collaborating virtually during lockdown. Check out his projects on Instagram: @bradhogarthmusic https://www.bradhogarth.com/ Check out my guests and projects: @artistswithem @empersico @emicoproductions

Today our guest is Rex Barraza. She is a SoCal Native, Second City and Cal State University LA Alumna, Improvisor, painter, performer, and creator. We discuss the need to create to be our truest and happiest self, evolving our performance technique on zoom, and the need for diverse people of color and femmes creating content and being lifted up. Check her out on Instagram: @rexbarraza @lucysaidgo Catch up with my guests and projects on Instagram: @artistswithem @empersico @emicoproductions

Today our guest is Anne Trueblood. She is a writer, sketch artist, wire wrapper, knitter, sewer, and trans woman. We talk about International Transgender Day of Visibility, internalized transphobia, family disownment, pronouns, emotional correctness, and becoming ourselves despite what society has told us to be. This topic is close to my heart because I am a trans non-binary queer person and I wish that I had this as a resource when I was growing up. Happy International Transgender Day of Visibility Check out my Instagram Accounts: @artistswithem @empersico @emicoproductions

Today our guest is Nicole A. Tetreault, PhD. A Cal Tech Alumna, Neuroscientist, Author, Meditation Teacher, International Speaker, and Human Being. We discuss her New Book; Insight into a Bright Mind: A Neuroscientist's Personal Stories and Unique Thinking, using improv to come back to the world, learning with a dyslexic brain, the effects that bullying has on the brain, and opening the discussion of being neurodiversite and tapping into the strengths of each individual. Check her out: @awesome_neuro www.nicoletetreault.com beyondthecell.org https://www.giftedunlimitedllc.com/store/p65/Insight__Into_a_Bright_Mind%3A_A_Neuroscientist%27s_Personal_Stories_of_Unique_Thinking.html Check out my Instagrams: @artistswithem @empersico @emicoproductions.com

Today our guest is QUYNE. A San Jose Native, SFSU Alumna, singer songwriter, actress, recording artist, voice coach, and storyteller. We discuss writing songs unapologetically, not letting Bi-polar disorder define her, and the toxicity of cancel culture. She performs an original song, "Chasing Pixie Dust" from her album Charlie and the Storyteller. Check out her Instagram: @quynemariah Check out my Instagram accounts: @artistswithem @empersico @emicoproductions

Today our guest is Dewey Morrison. A Massachusetts Native, Emerson College Alumnus, clown, character actor, writer, director, podcaster, painter, and musician. We discuss the need to create for our mental health, finding new points of view through character work, and being bullied as kids and adults. Check out his Instagram: @its_uncle_dewey www.deweymorrison.com Check out my Instagrams: @artistswithem @empersico @emicoproductions

Today our guest is Adam Bussell. A Metro-Detroit Native, Michigan State and University of Toledo Alumnus, an actor, director, photographer, producer, writer, and character actor. We discuss the need for inclusivity in filmmaking, the drive from film school to LA, and how we respond to alternative teaching methods. Check out his Instagram and website: @adambussell @dynmc_creative https://www.adambussell.com/ Check out my guests and projects on my Instagram: @empersico

Our guest from the end of 2021, Lizzy McGroder (she/her) is a comedian, improviser, model, and clown. We discuss what it's like to be a comedian with pretty privilege, being sexualized in the industry, and the many aspects of making content.

Today our guest is Alan Michnoff. A Texas Native, Chapman University Alumnus, clown, cinematographer, creative director/producer, content creator, and performer. We discuss the need for limitations in art, the importance of doing more iterations of a creative project, and being open to alternative directions that a project may take. Check out his Instagram and website: @thealanyo alanmichnoff.com Catch up with my guests and projects on Instagram: @empersico

Today our guest is Chad Damiani. A New Jersey Native, Rutgers University-Camden Alumnus, writer, ex pro-wrestling announcer, Improviser, and clown. We discuss how his teaching methods are often misunderstood, how he develops clown shows, and getting into the state of play in his Clown Improv Gym. Check out his Instagram: @thechaddamiani Catch up with my guests and projects on my Instagram: @empersico

Today our guest is Taylor Mendoza. A SoCal Native, performance artist, actor, and writer. They perform a threatening comment thread as a passionate monologue. We discuss their approach to making an audience feel deeply uncomfortable/joyful/tearful, the freedom of performing alone, and what drives you (crazy?). Check them out on Instagram: @taylorisverified @boo.themusic Find out about my guests and projects on my Instagram: @empersico

Today our guest is Magi Calcagne. They are a New Jersey native, Emerson College Alumna, performer, clown, body worker, podcast host, and emotionally intelligent individual. We discuss mental health, discovering our gender identities, and being our authentic selves through performance. Check out their Instagram: @magicalcagne , @theolsenreport Check out my guests and projects on my Instagram: @empersico