At Home on Stage
or Center Ring
He’s been a clown for Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Circus and an actor off-Broadway, but for right now, Chas Elstner is a standup comedian. Chas is a 15-year veteran who has the ability to approach edginess without being offensive. It doesn’t matter if he’s discussing politics or the daily absurdities of life, audiences all over have found Elstner energetic, honest and thought provoking. We think we heard the adjective ‘funny’ tossed around too.

Tim Bedore Live From Mission Control
Tim Bedore has been on a hot streak lately with his weekly Vague But True editorials, which is why we're so eager to find out what his next installment will be about. Over the past year, these musings have helped us learn a lot about Tim, including his predictions on the upcoming year, the joy he finds in defacing SkyMall magazines, the constant struggle between being a good father and a good comedian and his theory on how animals are trying to wipe out our species. But no matter the topic, we're happy he'll be reporting on it from his new home up north, where the introverts stare at their shoes and the extroverts stare at your shoes. Plus, make sure you stick around for the conclusion of VBT because Bedore now has a catchy little outro that you just can't help but sing along with.

Pronunciation, Pizza and Panda Porn
For months now, Mike Birbiglia has been sharing his stories from the road in a little segment he likes to call his Secret Public Journal, now accompanied by a snappy little intro featuring the full BOB&TOM horn section. We're very excited to say that this week he'll actually be performing this reading live in the studio. And who knows, maybe he'll do a little standup comedy too, or course, he'll be doing it sitting down. In August, Mike will be joining Kevin Pollak, Drew Hastings, Greg Warren, Pat Godwin and a host of other comics who will be touring the country as a part of the FRIENDS OF THE B&T SHOW FALL COMEDY TOUR 2005. You can sign up to have Mike's Secret Public Journal e-mailed directly to your in-box by clicking here. Be sure to take a look at Mike's childhood greeting cards while you're there.

FACTOID - If you want to join Mike's ongoing pizza discussion, (and why wouldn't you?) you can do so by clicking here and posting your thoughts.

Not The Kind Of Pot You'd Find On Dinner and a Movie
Comedian, poet, and movie buff Paul Gilmartin is teaming up with a stash of other standup to get the word out on legalizing marijuana. They're doing this by releasing a comedy compilation album containing Pot's Greatest Hits, and giving all the proceeds to The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana. When he's not busy fighting the good fight, Paul works as one of the hosts of TBS Superstation's long running program, Dinner and a Movie. Every Friday, Gilmartin hosts a blockbuster feature film while at the same time giving out instructions and recipes to viewers so they can prepare a perfectly themed meal to enjoy while watching the it. Though you rarely see Gilmartin in a kitchen, he claims his culinary skills are second to none (except for maybe the professional chef who co-hosts the program). We're not yet sold on his cooking but we do know he can serve up some fine poetry. Classics like Circus Love, Tim the Die-hard Packer Fan, and Undignified Ways to Die are highly requested pieces in the B&T Archives and have captivated the hearts and imaginations of an entire generation.
JORDAN WARD illustration

Nothing Says
Comedy Like A Banjo
Comedian Sean Morey's songs usually contain very heartfelt and well thought out messages. His tune Ghost Chickens in the Sky examines poultry's plight against the farmer's ax, his Man Song discusses the power struggle between men and women and On the Internet is all about how hard it is to find love in today's society. The messages may not sound as profound when accompanied by his banjo, but if you can get past that, these songs might possibly teach you a little about life, love and even yourself. Except for maybe that Hairy Ass song, it's just plain weird.

If you'd like to sample some of these wonderful melodies, check out the Sean Morey Audio Page. VIP EXCLUSIVE!

Listen Close, You Could Be Fixing These Jokes
Comedian Bob Zany may not realize it by the way we treat him when he calls in, but he's our most eagerly anticipated guest each week. There are few comedians working today that have the guts it takes to come on a nationally syndicated radio show every week and perform all new material. Then to top it all off, he invites listeners to call in and fix his jokes that some have deemed 'virtually laugh free.' Sounds fun doesn't it? Catch The Zany Report every Tuesday so you too can play "Fix the Joke Baby" where the prize package includes CDs, t-shirts, and a BOB&TOM VIP membership.

You da Manning
Even if you're not a football fan, you know who Peyton Manning is. And even if you don't watch the NFL, you've seen him on TV. It should come as no surprise that he pops up on commercials and magazines covers all the time considering he's arguably the best player in the NFL, in fact, he was last season's MVP. While some say his skill come from an unparalleled work ethic and constant studying of film, other's claim it's all in the genes. He's got quarterbacking in his blood. His father, Archie, was a pro-bowl QB with the New Orleans Saints, and his brother Eli was the number one draft pick last season by the New York Giants. Though it would be easy for a guy on pace to break almost every respected quarterback record in the NFL to lose focus on everything else, Peyton hasn't. He's continues to put the team first, and would be happier if his Indianapolis Colts won the Super Bowl than he would be with any personal achievements. Check out the latest on Peyton's Charity Auction

The Private Life of a Public Nuisance
From selling out countless comedy shows in Las Vegas to landing multiple starring roles on both television and film, Howie Mandel has done it all. Though his entertainment career began as a dare during an open mic night many, many years ago, Mandel has become one of the most successful standup acts in the country. He regularly performs over 200 concert dates a year, all over the country. He’s also found success in acting. He was nominated for an Emmy for his work on the medical drama St. Elsewhere and also for his animated children’s show, Bobby’s World. Howie continues to be a huge draw in Vegas, but is no making a comeback to television with the unique show, Hidden Howie. The series is the first of it’s kind to juxtapose "hidden-camera" reality with scripted comedy and premiered on the Bravo network Monday, August 22.

FACTOID - Along with voicing characters on his cartoon, Bobby's World, Mandel also gave voice to the character of "Skeeter" on Muppet Babies and "Gizmo" in the Gremlins movies.