Episode 955 - Aaron Campbell

Episode 954 - Rachel Schaefer

Jun 30, 20261h 43mSummary

In this episode of Stop Podcasting Yourself, hosts Dave Shunkke and Graham Clark welcome back comedian Rachel Schaefer for a lively and wide-ranging conversation. The trio begins with a humorous discussion regarding the spelling of surnames and the comedic nature of Schaefer’s reputation as the so-called Ray Gun of Canada. The conversation shifts to Schaefer’s current role as a brewery server, sparking a nostalgic debate about the bygone era of craft beer culture, including the popularity of growlers and the perceived pretentiousness of past trends like mason jars and folk music. Schaefer offers a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of working in the service industry and shares her excitement for her upcoming debut comedy album. She discusses the challenges of being an independent creator, the meticulous process of finalizing cover art, and her preference for using disposable cameras to capture candid moments. The hosts also touch upon the eccentricities of the wedding industry, referencing Schaefer’s past experience as a dress consultant, and conclude with a lighthearted trip down memory lane regarding misheard song lyrics and the humor sections of old bookstores.

Episode 953 - JJ Whitehead

Jun 23, 20261h 48mSummary

In episode 953 of Stop Podcasting Yourself, hosts Dave Shumka and Graham Clark welcome back comedian JJ Whitehead to celebrate the podcast reaching a major milestone. The conversation begins with a lighthearted look at the changing landscape of stand-up comedy and the evolution of their own careers. Whitehead, who spent seventeen years in the UK before moving to Los Angeles, shares insights into the differences between British and North American comedy circuits, noting the distinct "gloomy" charm of British audiences compared to the competitive nature of the scene in the United States. The trio reflects on their past experiences with televised comedy specials, specifically the era of "Comedy Now," and the humorous realities of navigating wardrobe requirements, shifting industry trends, and the transition from VHS tapes to digital content. They also discuss the changing dynamics of club culture, noting how younger generations are now being introduced to comedy through viral formats like Kill Tony. The discussion touches on the generational shift in how comedians develop their craft, contrasting traditional club-based progression with modern, more public-facing platforms, while ultimately acknowledging the universal, enduring nature of stand-up comedy and the shared experiences of those who pursue it.

Episode 952 - Carolyn Taylor

Jun 16, 20261h 43mSummary

In this episode of Stop Podcasting Yourself, hosts Graham Clark and Dave Shike welcome actor, writer, and comedian Carolyn Taylor. The conversation begins with a humorous look at Dave’s quest to repair a vintage guitar amplifier, leading into a discussion about the hosts' and guest's past experiences with school band programs, instruments, and the shared nostalgia of band camp. The conversation shifts as Taylor reflects on her career trajectory, recounting her early start in a Shakespeare company, her time with the Second City touring and mainstage companies, and her collaborative work with fellow comedians. A major focus of the episode is Taylor’s unique docu-comedy project centered on her obsession with figure skating. She discusses the surreal experience of choreographing routines for Olympic medalists, overcoming the challenges of "translating" her vision without technical skating terminology, and her genuine passion for the sport. The group also explores humorous anecdotes regarding school-day memories, including standardized testing, lice checks, and their differing approaches to studying and memorization. The episode rounds out with Taylor’s enthusiastic insights into the art of wood-fired pizza making and her experience walking the Camino de Santiago.

Episode 951 - Dave MacLean

Jun 9, 20261h 51mSummary

In this episode of Stop Podcasting Yourself, hosts Graham Clark and Dave Shumka are joined by comedian Dave MacLean. The conversation kicks off with a lighthearted look at calendar changes and the transition into June, before shifting toward a humorous debate about brand confusion—specifically the mix-up between Little Caesars and Pizza Pizza. The group explores the comedic nuances of growing up with certain cultural touchstones, such as the vocal group Moxy Früvous, and the absurdity of musicians being taken too seriously. The episode moves into a fun discussion about fashion, centering on the questionable style choices of high-profile figures like Billy Bob Thornton. MacLean details his upcoming plans to attend a cowboy-themed wedding in Kelowna, leading to a comedic breakdown of the logistics of dressing for such an event, including the hunt for the perfect cowboy hat and boots. The hosts also touch upon the history of uniforms, the allure of specific aesthetics, and the general challenge of finding the right look for a formal occasion. It is an engaging and eclectic conversation that highlights the hosts' signature blend of observational humor and curiosity.

Episode 950 - Erica Sigurdson

Jun 2, 20261h 47mSummary

In this episode of Stop Podcasting Yourself, hosts Graham Clark and Dave Shumka welcome back fan-favorite guest Erica Sigurdson for a lively and wide-ranging conversation. The trio kicks off the show with some lighthearted banter about local weather, summer activities, and the quirky challenges of lake swimming, including a funny anecdote about losing an Apple Watch and an insulin pump in the water. The discussion shifts to Erica’s recent experience undergoing eyelid surgery, which prompts a hilarious conversation about the "ghouly eyes" comments she has received over the years and the surreal process of navigating the healthcare system for the procedure. Beyond the personal updates, the group dives into pop culture, covering everything from the absurdity of movie tropes and Disney parents to their shared appreciation for classic sitcoms and the evolving landscape of film and television. Erica also offers insight into her status as a "Titanium Elite" hotel member, sharing the perks of her travel lifestyle. It is a quintessential episode filled with the signature humor and spontaneous storytelling that listeners have come to expect from the show.

Episode 949 - Jess Lupini

May 26, 20261h 50mSummary

In episode 949 of Stop Podcasting Yourself, hosts Dave Shumka and Graham Clark welcome multi-hyphenate guest Jess Lupini. The conversation kicks off with a lighthearted discussion about personal grooming and transitions into Jess’s eclectic career as a comedian, writer, musician, and podcaster. Jess opens up about her experience with ADHD, humorously noting how it leads to a collection of unstarted projects and varied interests. The group explores a wide range of topics, including the quirks of modern technology, such as the rise of Zoom, the nostalgia for old communication tools like Skype, and the practicalities of high-tech coffee mugs. They also dive into local urban planning, sharing their playful, if slightly impractical, ideas for city improvements, such as banning cars in favor of more community-focused spaces. The episode further covers musical backgrounds, experiences with Dungeons & Dragons, and a memorable encounter with Steve Martin. The trio maintains a natural and engaging rapport, balancing humorous observations on everyday annoyances—like mismatched hot dog and bun packaging—with genuine curiosity about each other’s creative pursuits and personal histories.

Episode 948 - Brent Constantine

May 19, 20262h 8mSummary

In episode 948 of Stop Podcasting Yourself, hosts Dave Shumka and Graham Clark welcome back comedian, bingo caller, and producer Brent Constantine for a wide-ranging and lighthearted conversation. The episode kicks off with a humorous deep dive into the musical legacy of Rick Rubin, touching on the idea of his unique production style, before shifting into urban planning anecdotes and the etiquette of sidewalk navigation—specifically the struggle of managing umbrellas and construction pathways. The discussion transitions into the nuances of modern dairy alternatives, with the group debating the merits of various milk substitutes and the curious nature of vegan specialty products. Brent shares personal stories from his time as a venue manager at the Little Mountain Gallery, leading to a nostalgic look at past live shows and a preview of Graham’s upcoming twenty-four-hour stand-up comedy marathon. The trio also swaps hilarious and bizarre stories from the world of open-mic nights, reflecting on the eccentric performers and awkward audience dynamics that define the comedy circuit. The episode balances these playful observations with reflections on their long-running show and plans for future milestones.