Arts and Crass

Stepdaddy Issues

Jon Stark — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 21:52:00 -0500

This podcast features the late great Bill Young and the very much alive Nick Piontek. Unless you're listening to it in the far future, in which case Nick is also dead. Everyone's dead. Spoiler: Everyone was dead all along.

Brought to you by geekiana.com

Say You Want A Revolution

Jon Stark — Mon, 05 May 2014 13:31:15 -0400

Leah Mansfield came to the Casket Arts studio for a funny and serious chat. We also welcome local bilingual labor mediator James Wells! Leah takes time from her busy road schedule to mix it up with local Minnesota comedians, share comedy insights, and get us into a serious conversation about child rearing. This show was recorded right after comedian Adam Richmond was charged with sexual assault here in Minnesota. So trigger warning, the subject of rape comes up. Leah also shares a great Adam Richmond story.

Today's podcast is sponsored again by Geekiana. Crasstians can support the show when you visit Geekiana.com or geekiana.etsy.com and save 20% with the coupon code CRASS.

Topic Volleys: Version One

Jon Stark — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 18:17:53 -0400

This week we tried a new experiment. Instead of the usual focus group, I asked the question: Â what if comedians could have a conversation with each other's ideas through sets? So a few brave souls came to the Casket Arts Studio 314 for a special edition of Arts & Crass where we played a kind of game. The winner is YOU. Guests include Patrick Ryan Â Bauer, Justin Colucci, Jun Sung, and David Sitrick.

Arts & Crass is still sponsored by Geekiana. Use the coupon code CRASS to save 20% at Geekiana.com or on etsy at Geekiana.etsy.com.

The Power of Positive Thinking

Jon Stark — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 13:00:00 -0400

Phil Kolas and David Harris join us for a night of classic Borscht Belt humor and magic.*

This was a really fun episode as we get deep with two of Minneapolis' truly funny guys who also happen to be nice (being nice without being funny is basically the worst thing you could ever be, take it from your host).

This episode is again sponsored by Geekiana.

*podcast contains no Borscht Belt humor, nor magic

Here I Stitch

Jon Stark — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 01:17:00 -0500

Spoiler: the twist ending was simply breaking the episode into two parts so we could include the complete Alvin Irby performance and interview. It's a good one, so get into it!

Paging Doctor Bro

Jon Stark — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 00:17:00 -0500

The Arts and Crass studio stage is seized this week by Alvin Irby, Kait Varkados, and Benjamin Hoffman. We get to laugh, get to know the limits of medical diagnostic terminology, and get to catch up with an old friend. Kait sets the appearances record for the show's short history, and Ben says farewell after we just barely meet. It's a night of dichotomies... and THEN we make a groundbreaking format leap!

We're still proud to be sponsored by Geekiana.com where listeners can use the coupon code CRASS to save 20%.

Sleeper

Jon Stark — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 17:39:56 -0500

In this episode we probe the comedic brains of two of Minnesota's hottest young standup comics. Robert Fones steps in for an absent friend and gives us a good show, after which we go deep on the subject of our youthful shames.Â Turner Barrowman Casey relates his terrifically awful roommate experience and waits patiently for Jon to stop gushing about his family. This episode is sponsored by Geekiana.

Woe Begone Boys

Jon Stark — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 10:23:00 -0500

In this stunning edition of Arts and Crass, Sid Oxborough and Justin Colucci drop by the Dancing Fork Studios for back to back joke-telling-and-a-chat. We get deep on comedy, impvov vs. standup, and the places performers come from. And Justin Colucci gets serious. Strap yourself in, this one is a little like how it must feel being in heaven with all the angels.

Love Minus Zero No Limits

Jon Stark — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 14:16:53 -0500

Arts and Crass welcomes Xchel Hernandez and Carly McMenomen to the Casket Arts stage. We talk sexual Everests, passive aggression, behavior in the women's undergarment industry, and how to love what (or WHO) you're doing. It's good stuff, so get your house in order and enjoy today! This episode is again sponsored by Geekiana.com. Use the coupon code CRASS to save 20% on your order!

Focus Group 2

Jon Stark — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 12:00:00 -0400

More Focus Group follies--group conversation among comedians. Friend of the show Matt Kohr returns, bringing with him Mike Linden and Laura Westley-Williams. We talk immigration, celebrity self-help, and lessons for pedestrians. Time for your Arts & Crass: Focus Group report! This episode's interstitial music is "Metal" by The Rainy Saturdays.

Focus Group 1

Jon Stark — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 15:44:00 -0400

The inaugural Focus Group findings podcast launches, with looser group conversation between comedians. Friend of the show John Conroy appears and he brought a posse including Phil, Alvin, Matt, Robert, Eric, Jamie, and Kate. It's a lively night as we tackle a range of topics from the mayor's chair to the step daddies we never wanted to be. Get your Arts & Crass: Focus Group report today!

Theme music by BurnUnit. Other music played with permission from Hot Karate.

Fathers & Sons

Jon Stark — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 14:32:00 -0400

This week Mike Lester & Robert Baril drop by the Arts and Crass studio for a dynamic point-counterpoint. We hear great stories from both of them including a rippin yarn about performing in a lock ward for the good men who gave so much for our country. Alex Wanna features as he and Jon go deep in the jokes, feeling sad, and the talky girl-focused dramas of Amy Sherman Palladino. Our sponsor again is Geekiana, visit geekiana.com and use the coupon code CRASS to save 20% on their great geekwear. Arts & Crass Live Comedy Podcast has got. your. back.

Straight Talk - Josh Florhaug

Jon Stark — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 00:54:00 -0400

Back to school with Josh, Trevor and ...uh...a drug addled horse! Getting back on a regular schedule, Arts & Crass Live returns with Josh Florhaug. We talk jokes and relationships, and the White Man's Burden I guess? Trevor Wade reminds the youth of America they don't need to say no to drugs, they need to sell drugs to future cops.Â Acid HorseÂ materializes in our midst and says "peace be with you. be not afraid!" I place my hand in the wound in his side and I believe, and so we talk about cool stuff. Can you believe all of this is sponsored by Geekiana? Promotional considerations, and kindness to you the listeners: use coupon code CRASS to save at Geekiana.com or geekiana.etsy.com.

It's my podcast and I'll laugh if I want toâ€”ARTS & CRASS

CONvergence 2013

Jon Stark — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 10:57:00 -0400

We take Arts & Crass Live on the road. Itâ€™s the first time out of the Casket Arts Building, for the Great Geek Gathering that is CONvergence. Joining us fresh off his StandUp! Records album taping at the convention, Adam Quesnell! We also enjoy a great talk with Andy Erikson.

This episode is again sponsored by Geekiana (coupon code CRASS to save!). This episode would also not have been possible without the help of StandUp! Records, which makes them a sponsor too, even if they donâ€™t endorse anything said by the host or guests. Thanks to Gus Lynch and Dan Schlissel for the hookup. Come at us, bro!

The Void Looks Back

Jon Stark — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:53:00 -0400

Long ago and far away, before what will be called â€œThe Lost July,â€ Arts & Crass did a lovely podcast with three funny folks. And here it finally is! Linda Aarons drops by to audit her life and comedy for us, Andrew Cahak brightens the night with tales, and Matt Kohr and Jon seek enlightenment in the comfort of great unwavering silence. WE DO THIS BECAUSE WE CARE, PEOPLE.

Dreams Come True

Jon Stark — Mon, 27 May 2013 10:52:00 -0400

In this episode, John Conroy, Chris Knutson and Lainie Lenertz drop by the Dancingfork Studio to expose the soft nougat center beneath our hard candy exteriors. Also, jokes! But seriously folks, these three bring their funny hard to the paint and then run with the Q&A portion of the show. Itâ€™s another inspirational episode with three comics sharp as tacks. And Jon, Â just trying to keep up.

Family Values

Jon Stark — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:51:00 -0400

In this episode of Arts and Crassâ€”performed on the eve of a new day in marriage equality in Minnesotaâ€”we once again get to know three terrific comedians. Kait Varkados returns, Kendra Corrie brightens our day, and Wayne Burfeind teaches us valuable lessons in maintaining a solid marriage.

Thereâ€™s laughs a-plenty and more illuminating conversation than you can shake a stick at! Also: Jon introduces the rules of the Arts & Crass Drinking Game. Go back to our previous episodes and give it a whirl: your livers will thank me!

Sponsored again by Geekiana. Music by Burn Unit.

Invasive Species

Jon Stark — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:49:00 -0400

Well. All I have to say is expect the unexpected at Arts and Crass. First thereâ€™sÂ great laughs. Thatâ€™s a definite. But then thereâ€™s absolutely wonderful conversations with Earl Elliot and Patrick Bauer. AND, since Brian Gray mysteriously took ill, weâ€™re blessed with aâ€¦visitationâ€¦from Lester Chesterfield.

The jokes open the door to absolutely stellar topicsâ€”race, love, religion, free thought, animal husbandry, the proper place of imported GMO products in local economies, garden care, and comedy comedy comedy.

Drop us a line at the show by calling 612-562-6749 (61-BLOB-ORGY), like theÂ Arts and Crass facebook page, and followÂ @thejonstark on twitter for updates.

Sponsored once again by Geekiana: Geekiana.com andÂ Geekiana.Etsy.com. Use the coupon code CRASS to save 20%.

Normally I do everything I can to edit the final down to an hour fifteen or less. This goes a little bit over but I think youâ€™ll hardly notice, given the fun weâ€™re having.Â This!Â Is Arts and Crass!

Be Not Too Tame

Jon Stark — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:48:00 -0400

The good times keep rolling at Arts and Crass as Jon is joined by Maggie Faris, Joleen Lunzer, and Jenn Schaal. We get (quite!) personal with each comic as they explore the truth behind the jokes. And our sterling reputation for wordplay continues when Maggie presents us with the best word of 2013. (Fun at home: can you spot the moment in this episode when Jon confuses a fairly famous mystery author with a transgendered political wonk?)

Drop us a line at the show, 612-562-6749 (61-BLOB-ORGY), like theÂ Arts and Crass facebook page, and followÂ @thejonstark on twitter for updates.

Sponsored once again by Geekiana: Geekiana.com andÂ Geekiana.Etsy.com. Use the coupon code CRASS to save 20%.

Heritage Week

Jon Stark — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:45:00 -0400

Itâ€™s surprise old home week on Arts & Crass, as we discover that guestsÂ Will Spottedbear andÂ Liz Donehue share South Dakota connections with Jon. Liz displays her wit and then she and Jon catch up on topics from hecklers who suffer post intrauterine explosive traumatic stress disorder to surviving the Cold War. Will mixes it up from the mean streets of Pittsburgh to the idyllic streets of Eagle Butte and all points in between. Lest our sponsor be disappointed (Arts and Crass is proud to be sponsored by Geekiana) thereâ€™s also sufficient geeking out, as all the comics traverse different corners of the geek multiverse, from Redditâ€™s front page to Maltus and beyond!

Good Vibes

Jon Stark — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 10:47:00 -0400

Mandy Weecks and Corey Adam join the podcast for jokes and interrogation. We find new levels of intimacy with Mandy, and Corey and Jon solve/promote racism (perhaps not in that order).Â Our location again guest stars; last weekâ€™s sound problems are resolved; and we have a remixed theme song.Â Call the show at 612-562-6749

Premiere - Comedy Pretty

Jon Stark — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:37:00 -0400

Welcome to the Arts and Crass Live Comedy Podcast! Get to know Minnesota comedy through the people who live it. The premiere episode presents formidable performances from Amber Preston, Tiffany Norton, and Elizabeth Ess. Followed by conversations with Jon Stark. Special Guest appearance by Kait Varkados. This first episode had more sound problems than it should have and some bits and pieces got cut. Like most of Kait. The static noises do fade, and Jonâ€™s voice isnâ€™t optimal. But our guests deliver the goods!

Arts and Crass is sponsored by Geekiana.Â Visit Geekiana.com and shop at Geekiana.Etsy.com to get your geek on. Literally.

Call the show line at 612-562-6749.