Learning To Fail

COMEDIAN Cliff Cash sits down with Jason, Mid-quarantine, at a safe distance, on this very special episode of Learning To Fail. Cliff just released his first comedy album, "Half Way There," available on iTunes, and wherever you get music. https://music.apple.com/us/album/half-way-there/1541312394 (Buy Cliff Cash’s Comedy Album on iTunes) Cliff Cash is the funniest guy you haven’t heard of (yet). Kevin Nealon called him a mix between Rory Scovel and Bill Hicks. Kristine Levine of Portlandia called his set “Chef’s kiss perfect”. His style of comedy has been called “more than just funny” and said to “embody the new south”. A south yearning to be seen as more than camouflage and racism, a generation of young Americans bucking the often archaic values and dogma they were raised on. His brand of humor fearlessly tackles subjects of racism, homophobia, greed, war, loss, death, divorce and the danger of ignorance in pop culture and music. One moment he’s using a satirical uber conservative redneck character to illumi

Comedian Mo Alexander joins Jason Scholder on this episode of Learning To Fail. Mo is a touring comedian from Memphis, TN. Jason and Mo met under unfortunate circumstances, at the memorial service and tribute show to the late, great, Spanky Brown. (After listening to Jason's interview with Mo, you can listen to http://learningtofailpodcast.com/episodes/episode-32-spanky-brown-comin-carry-home/ (Jason's interview with Spanky here).) But they hit it off right away, made each other laugh, and have been trying to perform together ever since! They actually had a gig on the books back in October, but it got canceled because they venue wasn't quite ready to be open yet. Mo plays Asheville every year, and this time they were able to squeeze in a long-overdue podcast interview. Mo will be on episode 5 of the upcoming Amazon Prime Show, "Punching Below the Bible Belt" coming out later this month! Enjoy!! ABOUT MO When Mo Alexander hits the stage, it’s clear that you’re in the hands of a man who knows what he’s doing.&n

Yoga Leader, Teacher and visionary, Aadil Palkhivala, joins Jason on this episode of Learning To Fail. Aadil is one of the top yoga teachers in the world, and has become a personal friend of Jason's since their first meeting in San Francisco, in 2009. They have embarked on creative projects together, collaborated on yoga prop designs and implementation, and shared numerous personal stories and sagas. Jason considers Aadil to be one of his most influential yoga teachers and always learns something valuable from his encounters with Aadil. This unparalleled episode of LTF is no exception. Aadil, and his wife, Savitri, are the co-founders of Purna Yoga and Alive & Shine Yoga Center in Bellevue, Washington. ABOUT AADIL For nearly thirty years, Aadil has been regarded as a “teacher of teachers,” and many of the world’s top yoga instructors have studied with him. Aadil is the co-founder of Purna Yoga, a holistic synthesis of yogic traditions based on the work of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. ABOUT SAVITRI Renown

Comedy Agent & Manager, Chuck Johnson joins Jason on this episode of Learning To Fail. Chuck has found his niche and risen to the top of the College Comedy Market. The secret of his success has been thinking big, but staying small. Of all the people Jason has met doing comedy, Chuck is one of the nicest and most generous. And if you ask anyone who knows him, they'll tell you the same. He ends every conversation by saying, "Feel free to call me if you ever have any questions or need any advice." And he backs it up! It isn't easy being both successful and popular, but Chuck has figured out the formula and he's not even all that secretive about it. So listen in and lap it up, because Chuck Johnson, of Summit Comedy, is on the mic! FIND CHUCK ONLINE https://www.summitcomedy.com/ (https://www.summitcomedy.com/) FOLLOW CHUCK ON SOCIAL MEDIA https://www.facebook.com/chuckajohnson (https://www.facebook.com/chuckajohnson) https://www.facebook.com/SummitComedy/ (https://www.facebook.com/SummitComedy/) http://instag

Comedian Cary Goff joins Jason on this episode of Learning To Fail Podcast to talk about life, parenting and the Asheville Comedy Scene. Cary is one of Asheville's most beloved and appreciated comedians. He's been performing locally since the scene was in its infancy and now runs the quintessential weekly open mic that defines Asheville's comedy community. It's the one time, every week, when just about every comedian shows up to showcase their newest material and see their friends. Jason and Cary talk about how their home scene has evolved, changed, grown and where it might be going. This is a fun interview for anyone interested in any kind of local comedy or community, and a must-listen for all Asheville comedians. Cary is a writer and comedian out of Asheville, NC. He performs around the South East. He’s showcased in the Laugh Your Asheville Off Festival, been a finalist in the Port City Comedy Competition and a semi-finalist in the Carolina’s Funniest Stand-Up Comic Competition. He has enjoy

Comedian Ritch Shydner joins Jason on this episode of Learning to Fail Podcast. Jason was introduced to Ritch by some mutual friends who thought they might have a bit in common. It's much more serious than that. These guys love each other! This interview took place the first time they ever met in person, and will not lose your attention for a minute. Take a deep dive into the world of stand up comedy with a guy who's done the Tonight Show, with Johnny Carson, 14 times! He's a legend in the comedy world and a cool, humble dude. He's played every club in the country and is now traveling the circuit with his 1-man show about the history of stand up comedy. ABOUT RITCH Learn all there is to know about Ritch at RitchShydner.com Ritch's new book, Kicking Through The Ashes: My Life as a Stand-up in the 1980's Comedy Explosion, is OUT NOW! http://www.ritchshydner.com/ritch-shydner-news/7-kicking-through-the-ashes (Read a story from the book here..) In the 1980’s, Ritch made numerous appearances on TV, inclu

Producer/Comedian Mike Elis joins Jason on this episode of Learning To Fail. Mike was the first person to ever give Jason a real shot, on a real stage, in front of a real audience. Since then they've fallen in, fallen out and fallen back. But overcoming adversity is what builds lasting relationships. And now they're BFFs for reals. Mike brought Jason his favorite nosh (Lox Shmear on a Cinnamon Raison bagel — Don't judge him!), which Jason proceeds to eat, while they talk, for the first half hour of the show. This seemed like a gesture of kindness at the time, but in hindsight may have equally been just a gag that Mr. Elis could capitalize on both during the interview and on FaceBook. Mike Elis is a part time comic emcee, and to say that Mike has done a lot in his four years in the entertainment business is an understatement. Mike has opened for the likes of Jon Reep, Pam Stone, Emo Philips, Judy Tenuta, and even recently co-starred in a stage show with 80s pop icon Molly Ringwald. Mike recently left

Comedian Mia Jackson joins Jason for this episode of Learning to Fail. Jason met Mia for the first time when he hosted one of her first ever shows in Asheville. They talk about everything from how Mia got started in comedy to what it was like being a semi-finalist on Last Comic Standing to the preconceived notions people have of her comedy before she starts her set. Mia has come a long way since we recorded this interview. She’s been in several movies, toured stadiums with Amy Schumer and filmed her own half hour special for Comedy Central! We’re lucky we got her when we did because she is untouchable now. She’s just as kind and humble as ever, but she’s too dang busy workin’! Find out everything there is to know about Mia at MiaJackson.com Mia Jackson is a bonafide Georgia peach (that's Georgian for “native”). In 2017, she was selected as a New Face by the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival and Atlanta's Creative Loafing named her the Critic's Choice Best Stand-Up in the city. She has toured nationally wit

Jason sits down backstage with Jon Reep before & between their shows at The Orange Peel in Asheville, NC. Jon reveals some of the secrets to his success and shares some very personal anecdotes from his life. You can follow Jon's touring schedule at JonReep.com and listen to his podcast at CountryishPodcast.com. Jon Reep is a nationally touring comedian whose contemporary country point of view has won over legions of fans in comedy clubs, on tv and in film. As a stand-up he’s built a following through his hilarious comedy specials and as the winner of NBC’s fifth season of Last Comic Standing. He can currently be seen in Netflix’s Brad Paisley’s Comedy Rodeo and his new standup album Ginger Pain was released in March 2019 on 800 Pound Gorilla Records. Jon’s hour standup special Jon Reep: Metro Jethro and his half hour standup special both aired on Comedy Central. Jon is also host of the popular posdcast Fried on Bill Burr and Al Madrigal’s All Things Comedy

Subscribe on iTunes This episode of Learning to Fail features comedian, mentor and friend, Spank Brown. Spanky died unexpectedly just over a week ago. He was 56 years old and filled with life, laughter and love. I know you’ll enjoy listening to what he has to say. I only regret none of us will ever have the pleasure of watching him perform again. Spanky Brown was one of the kindest, funniest, most charming people I’d ever met. I invite you to enjoy this dose of wisdom and levity, dedicated to a most generous, humble and grateful human being. A memorial fundraiser has been initiated in an effort to help pay for giving Spanky the sendoff he deserves. Please consider donating what you can. As always with these things, every little bit helps. https://www.gofundme.com/spankybrownmemorial (https://www.gofundme.com/spankybrownmemorial) I love you, Spanky! You touched a lot of lives. You will never be forgotten. Support this podcast

Subscribe on iTunes Comedian and friend, Nick Taylor, stops by to say farewell before leaving Asheville for San Diego… and stays for 3 hours! Jason and Nick had only known each other for about a year when they recorded this, but as you will see, there’s a lot of history and a lot of love. This is one of those deeply personal conversations that is really amazing to have recorded. And it’s long, so we divided it in two parts. Support this podcast

Subscribe on iTunes Comedy Zone booker and comedy teacher, Joel Pace, joins Jason in the Green Room to talk about what it takes to make it as a comedian and some of the pitfalls new comics fall into. If you want to take comedy classes with Joel, check out Comedy Zone Classes with Joel https://www.cltcomedyzone.com/classes/ Support this podcast

Subscribe on iTunes New York based comedians https://beccasteinhoff.com/ (Becca Steinhoff) and https://www.herbiegill.com/ (Herbie Gill) talk with Jason while visiting Asheville. After exchanging only a few words at an open mic, Jason realized he wanted the rest of their conversation to be recorded. Many comedians leave small towns for bigger markets not knowing what's in store when they arrive. Herbie and Becca regale us with stories about what it was like for them. https://www.gofundme.com/4cjq7j4 (Houston Flood Comedy Cares GoFundMe Page) Houston comedian Billy D. Washington has initiated a relief effort for underserved families in the aftermath of the devastating flood from Hurricane Harvey. 100% of funds raised are going directly to inner city families who've lost everything and elderly who need transitional supplies to get them through until their assistance arrives.  Donate Now Support this podcast

Subscribe on iTunes In this episode Jason talks with comedian and actor, Kevin Gootee.  Kevin works and performs in NYC and has a show called “Comics Watching Comics,” which just got picked up by Amazon Prime. Support this podcast

Subscribe on iTunes Comedian Sid Davis sits down with Jason before they perform together for the first time in over a year. Meanwhile Jason has been to comedy school and Sid has started performing on cruise ships. It’s been a big year for everyone! Support this podcast

Subscribe on iTunes Comedian, Caesar Lizardo, gets together with Jason during his trip to Los Angeles to talk about making your way as a new fish in the shark infested waters of Hollywood. Support this podcast

Subscribe on iTunes Internationally acclaimed artist, retired college professor and Fulbright scholar, David Furman, joins Jason to talk about art, spirituality, comedy and cancer. Not to mention a little Kathy Griffin and Goliath. David helped Jason truly find his voice as a visual artist and they’ve been friends ever since. Maybe if you all bug him about it, Jason will start painting again. Support this podcast

Subscribe on iTunes Paul Hefti invites Jason into his home to discuss old times and the amazing story of his father, Jazz composer, Neil Hefti. They talk family, friendship and the unfathomable combination of luck and talent required to become the musician’s musician his dad was, and the incredible joy Paul is now experiencing as he solidifies his father’s legacy via his own musical journey. Support this podcast

Subscribe on iTunes Musical comedian Jack Willhite joins Jason in the green room before their first of two shows heading into New Year’s Eve, 2017. Jack has some great stories about life on the road. It’s not an easy life, but he’s pretty easy with it. Support this podcast

Subscribe on iTunes A Polyamorist, a Buddhist, a Contractor, a Therapist and an Ecstatic Dancer walk into a podcast… and Jason records the whole thing! Enjoy this walk on the wild side with Jason’s good friend and confidant, Michael Hurd. This is one of those early personal episodes you’re going to love. It’s a chance… Support this podcast