It's All True!

The It's All True! Podcast features interviews with the most creative voices in comedy, writing, performance and music and asks them to tell one funny, very true story. In this episode, Kyle Scanlan discusses the creation of The Whiskey Journal, his comedic influence and the true story of hopping into the wrong car. We also talk about his important role in making the It’s All True! podcast possible. Get full access to Letters from African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

This is an extended version of an episode aired earlier on WBEZ, featuring the full interview with writer Lizzie Skurnick about growing up as a black woman who can “pass” as white, and her new book That Should Be A Word. Get full access to Letters from African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

Eugene Mirman goes through the unique path of his career from his start performing as a stand up in the early 90’s. Get full access to Letters from African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

This is an extended version of an episode aired earlier on WBEZ, featuring the full interview with Azhar Usman, described by some as "America's Funniest Muslim." He talks about discovering comedy as an outlet and ​how he deals with stereotypes both in life and through humor. Get full access to Letters from African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

Sean Donnelly talks about his upcoming Comedy Central special and the “all comedians are insecure” stereotype. He also shares a true story about the time he and his friends hit a cop with a paint can after they got busted for graffiti in Long Island. Get full access to Letters from African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, "It's All True!" host Tim Barnes talks to Beth Newell and Sarah Pappalardo. They created the popular satirical women's magazine known throughout the internet as "Reductress." The conversation delves into a dissection of the people who take fake news stories seriously and the negative aspect of certain media outlets tailored for women. Their headlining story is all about a creepy dude at a bar. Get full access to Letters from African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

Kevin Allison talks about the formation of "The State" on MTV and how he delved into personal storytelling leading up to the creation of his hit series "RISK!" His headlining story is about how you're never on stage alone. Get full access to Letters from African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

Singer/Songwriter Gabe Liebowitz talks about the formation of his band Dastardly and the music that influences him. He delves into romantic world of being a touring musician and tells the story of his encounter with a strange man on his Kerouac-esque journey. Get full access to Letters from African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

This extended interview from episode 40 of "It's All True!" highlights comedian Dwayne Kennedy's beginnings in Chicago, the ups and downs in his career and his insights on working with W. Kamau Bell and Arsenio Hall. Get full access to Letters from African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

Writer Lizzie Skurnick talks about growing up as a black woman who can "pass" as white, her new book "That Should Be A Word" and tells the humorous true story of how she chose the right sperm for her pregnancy. Get full access to Letters from African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

Comedian Ramon Rivas talks about the magical world of racial ambiguity and how he started out in the Cleveland comedy scene. (Photo: Rustin McCann) Get full access to Letters from African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

Greg Proops (Whose Line Is It Anyway?) talks about starting off in the California bay area comedy scene, the writing process for "The Smartest Book in the World" and why he thinks soul music cures the blues. His headlining story involves philosophy, danger and Mars Bars. www.gregproops.com | www.alltruepod.tumblr.com Get full access to Letters from African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

Clark Jones describes starting his comedy career in Chicago and what the transition to New York has been like. He delves into the different styles of comedy seen in the north and south sides of Chicago and tells the story of his first case of romantic heartbreak. Get full access to Letters from African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

Andy Kaufman Award winner Nick Vatterott talks about the difference between comedy clubs and alternative rooms as well as the division between stand up comics and improvisors. His headlining story centers around his time touring with Second City and trying his hand at performing in a Turkish comedy club. Get full access to Letters from African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

Comedian Azhar Usman is described by some as "America's Funniest Muslim." He talks about discovering comedy as an outlet and ​how he deals with stereotypes both in life and through humor. His headlining story will make you laugh and maybe even tear up. Get full access to Letters from African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

Katie McVay talks about the formation of The Comedy Exposition (Chicago's DIY stand up festival), how Nicki Minaj changed her life and why she moved to Chicago to pursue comedy. Her headlining story involves her life long fear of cats coming into reality in the the worst, most hilarious way possible. Get full access to Letters from African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

Comedian Lil Rel Howery talks about starting off in Chicago and navigating the comedy scene divided by a segregated city. He delves into how the sketch comedy show "Friends of the People" was formed after the ill fated reboot of "In Living Color," and describes his influences ranging from Eddie Murphy to strangers on the street. His headlining story involves karate, birthdays and taxi drivers. Get full access to Letters from African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

Comedian Andy Kindler talks about what it was like during the tail end of the comedy boom and beginning of the alternative comedy scene in the 80's. He also dives into his love for taekwondo, his addiction to Twitter and more! It all ends with his headlining story, "Young Child Figures Out Way To Avoid Severe Embarrassment." Get full access to Letters from African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

Comedian and writer Baratunde Thurston describes the thought process behind his best selling book "How To Be Black," and reveals how he aims to connect technology with humor as CEO and co-founder of Cultivated Wit. His headlining story revolves around his bizarre and enlightening experience in the country of Georgia. Get full access to Letters from African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

Comedian and radio host Brian Babylon tests out new material, and describes his epic rise and fall in wealth during his first summer job. Brian records his first comedy album this May. Get full access to Letters from African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe