Comedi Nerd with Rachelle Elie

“I don’t care if people aren’t laughing for a minute and a half because I know where I am taking them to.” ~Virginie FortinHere's my conversation with comedian, improviser and actress Virginie Fortin! In this 12th episode we talk about terrifying yourself, crafting jokes, TROP, improv, Stuart Lee, her famous pop Bernard Fortin , one liners, British Comedy, believing in yourself, Mes Sentiments and how it’s evolved, the Edinburgh Fringe, SNL Quebec and more!Coming from the world of improvisation, Virginie Fortin won the grand finale of the show En route vers mon premier gala. She then launched the Mazza/Fortin two-women show. The tour garnered rave reviews throughout Quebec, and Virginie then settled into the television landscape. In 2014, she was recruited to be part of SNL Quebec. Virginie brilliantly played the role of Anaïs in the dramatic comedy TROP for three seasons. Her first one-woman show "Du bruit dans le cosmos" was presented in 2018-and it goes without saying that the planets were aligned for Virginie: it was a huge success. In 2021, Virginie's schedule is more than full. Between the writing of her second solo show and its run-ins, the filming of Pour toi Flora on Radio-Canada, Club Soly and Punch Club, she still finds some time to entertain us at Bonsoir Bonsoir, then at Parasol et Gobelets with her esteemed and hilarious interventions. This year, she will tour the four corners of the province with her second one-woman show Mes Sentiments.Rachelle SHOW DATES & STUFF HERELIKE & FOLLOW US!!!Rachelle links:InstagramFacebookYou tubeWebsiteTwitter Virginie LinksWEBSITEINSTAGRAMTWITTERWIKIPEDIA

“Whatever we do, whether it’s being a stand-up comedian or a surgeon, you’ve got to go through that check list, that procedure to get it right.”  ~Evan CarterHere's my fabulous conversation with comedy veteran Evan Carter! In this 11th episode we talk about performing in bomb scares, seeing Sammy Davis Junior live, touring the US in the 80’s, being a comedy nerd, opening for Marvin Gay’s sexual healing tour, paying bills, hell shows in the 80’s and more! Evan Carter is a Toronto based stand-up comedian, corporate emcee, writer and Second City instructor. For three decades he has been successfully mining all four of these communication veins. Evan has worked on numerous television shows, including “George Stromboulopoulos Tonight”, and “The Zoomer Show” with Denise Donlon and Conrad Black. Plus his own half hour specials on CBC television and The Comedy Network. You can also hear Evan on many CBC radio broadcasts. On the concert circuit Evan Carter has worked with such stars as Gladys Knight, The Temptations, Fats Domino, The Shirelles, Air Supply, Midnight Oil and the late Marvin Gaye. Rachelle SHOW DATES & STUFF HERELIKE & FOLLOW US!!!Rachelle links:InstagramFacebookYou tubeWebsiteTwitterEvan's LinksWebsiteFacebookTwitter

“That’s the only way to win. Get out of your comfort zone, try new things.”~Eddy KingHere's my convo with Eddy King Zoofest in the very cool Mixi Bus Studio! In this 10th episode I talk to Eddy about hosting his first Juste pour rire Gala with Richardson Zéphir, Big Brother Célébrités, joke writing, rap & stand up, his TIN TIN in Congo routine, playing in both languages, Michel Grenier's words of wisdom, comedy for soldiers, towing the line with edgy subjects and more.In 2007 Eddy King was crowned “Coup de Cœur” in the up-and-coming category of Le Festival Juste Pour Rire (Just for Laughs). He went on to perform his now famous bit about the comic book “Tintin in the Congo”, before launching his first one-man-show in 2010, appropriatly named Eddy King. Since then, we’ve seen Eddy on the small screen on Quebec shows like L’Heure est grave, and also in english for Laugh Out Loud with Kevin Hart. Eddy has toured Canada, from sea to sea, in both French and English. He’s been in many galas at Just For Laughs in both languages and has gone as far as Johannesburg to spread his royal kind of comedy, both funny and intelligent, about his family Rachelle SHOW DATES & STUFF HERELIKE & FOLLOW US!!!Rachelle links:InstagramFacebookYou tubeWebsiteTwitterEddy Links:InstagramFacebookTwitterYou tube

“I’m making it for myself.”  -Annie DeschampsIn this episode I speak with comedian & teacher Annie Deschamps.  We talk about marriage, divorce and sexual revolutions, bringing comedy to her students, mental health challenges, her new book, her breakthrough with the ridiculous, being raised by an iconic couple, things getting too dark, living with an unsupportive husband, doing comedy in her mom’s Xmas show, Marianna mazza’s early career, l’ecole d’humour with two kids, her dad’s routines & more. Annie Deschamps is a comedian in both languages (with only one in her mouth). She is also a translator, author and press agent, as well as a mother of three children. She is a comedian, scriptwriter, actor, director, blogger and mother of two. Since 2012, she has been the left half of Quebec's only female comedy duo, Les Zélées, along with her cosmic sister, Anne-Marie Dupras.Rachelle SHOW DATES & STUFF HERELIKE & FOLLOW US!!!Rachelle links:InstagramFacebookYou tubeWebsiteTwitterAnnie Links:TwitterFacebookInstagramHer bookAnother book!

“I’m always adjusting. I don’t think I’ll ever going to be like: Done!” -Kyle BrownriggIn this episode I speak with comedian Kyle Brownrigg.  We talk about his love of Comedy albums, being born into a society that is not for you, expanding word play, misdirection, surprise, the character he writes for, PC correctness, Club owners and feedback, Being sober, therapy, mental heath and not looking like beattle juice anymore, Laugh whores, Howl and Roar, societies expectations and perceptions of gay men & more!Kyle is a Canadian Comedy Award winning comedian who has taped various stand-up performances for The Comedy Network, CBC Radio & Television. He has also performed at Just for Laughs, JFL42, JFL Northwest, The Halifax Comedy Festival, The Debaters, Bluesfest, The Sudbury Comedy Festival, The 905 Comedy Festival, We’re Funny That Way Comedy Festival, Icebreakers Comedy Festival and was a finalist in Sirius XM’s Top Comic Competition; a nationwide search for Canada’s next top comic.Rachelle SHOW DATES & STUFF HERELIKE & FOLLOW US!!!Rachelle links:InstagramFacebookYou tubeWebsiteTwitterKyle links: WebsiteInstagramFacebookBest Actress PodcastTwitter

“I acquire to be fearless.” ~Martha ChavesIn this episode I speak with comedian & activist Martha Chaves.  Martha talks about several subjects including her early rebellious years in Nicaragua, Charlie Chaplin rip offs, coming out to herself, Carol Burnett in Spanish, the titanic effort of comedy in a second language, recording sets, writing with Kenny Robinson, not being ready and saying yes anyway, feminism, stepping away from twitter fights,  the good bad and ugly of cancel culture and more! Martha Chaves is a Nicaraguan-Canadian comedian, actress, activist and playwright. She performs comedy in English, Spanish, French and Italian. She is a regular in the comedy circuits in Canada, the United States and Latin America, at just For Laughs and other major festivals, and on CBC Radio. Since coming out around 2009, Chaves has spoken out for the LGBT community and has become known for her comedic take on being a homosexual person of colour in Canada. She has also written and performed in a series of one-woman plays. Chaves won the Canadian Comedy Award for Best Standup Comic of 2017, after being nominated several times in the previous decade.Rachelle SHOW DATES & STUFF HERELIKE & FOLLOW US!!!Rachelle links:InstagramFacebookYou tubeWebsiteTwitterMartha Links:InstagramFunny Business FacebookTwitter

“Any success I have had is because I have been able to cut certain things out of my life completely.” Ali HassanIn this 6th episode I talk with comedian & radio host Ali Hassan.  Ali talks about a variety of subjects including catering nightmares, creating a life he never imagined, falling in love with comedy, early radio days at Dawson & Champlain College, Canada Reads & Anne McKeagan the host whisperer, becoming comfortable interviewing big name celebrities, an embaressing moment in front of Mats Sundin, the return of the notebook & Social media inspiration from Sugar Sammy & Steve Patterson.Ali Hassan is a Stand-up Comic, Actor and Radio & Television personality. He is the host of stand-up comedy show Laugh Out Loud on CBC Radio and SiriusXM, a frequent guest-host on q and As It Happens - which air on CBC Radio and NPR - and the host of Canada Reads - the annual book-battle celebrating the best of Canadian literature.  Hassan has toured Canada with his solo comedy show Muslim Interrupted, and was part of the 2019 Just for Laughs’ cross-country tour, hosted by Rick Mercer. Recently he appeared in the brand-new seasons of Workin' Moms and Murdoch Mysteries.Rachelle SHOW DATES & STUFF HERELIKE & FOLLOW US!!!Rachelle links:InstagramFacebookYou tubeWebsiteTwitterAli Hassan Links:Website InstagramFacebookTwitterLaugh out Loud

“The only one responsible for what you get and don’t get is you.” Kate DavisIn this fifth episode of COMEDI NERD, I talk with Keynote Speaker, Stand Up Comedienne & Podcast host Kate Davis about early day  “Headcutting Sessions” with Kenny Robinson in the 90’s, writing her first keynote and believing your own shit. A speaker, writer, comedian and actress, Kate Davis is a twelve-time nominee at the Canadian Comedy Awards and star of her own hour-long comedy special on CTV and the Comedy Network. Theatrically trained in England, Kate returned to Canada to a successful run on Canadian stage and through the many stages of motherhood found a passion in comedy. She has appeared on Breakfast Television, Star TV, Toronto 1, Prime, WTN, TVO, CBC Radio One “The Debaters” and The Mom Show. Kate has a brand new podcast called "So now you are dying what are you going to do to live." Check it out! Thanks for listening to Comedy Nerd! Send me an email me at crowningmonkey@yahooo.ca and let me know what you thought of the podcast! Please share it with a friend & make sure to follow us on your favourite platform and give us a review!!!  With love xoxooxRachelleRachelle SHOW DATES & STUFF HERELIKE & FOLLOW US!!!Rachelle links:InstagramFacebookYou tubeWebsiteTwitterKate Davis links: Website Podcast Twitter Facebook Instagram Speakers Boutique

“My legacy will be how I changed the comedy industry.” Johanne BrittonIn this fourth episode of COMEDI NERD, I talk with Johanne Britton bilingual social media consultant, strategist and publisher.  Jo talks about being a proud comedy nerd, Comedian Pete Zedlacher signing her boob and her passion for The Mob's Press & The Canadian Association of Stand Up, Sketch and Improv Comedians. Johanne is the co-founder and President of The Mob's Press. The Mob is a marketing and promotions company dedicated to helping Artists and Cultural Producers. Jo helps artists from all walks of life by providing them with the tools they need to maximize their online visibility. With her Mob City Publications ( Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, Calgary, Montreal ) The Mob covers, promotes and supports the art, comedy and culture scene of the cities we represent and the artists that make it happen.rs.She has worked at Montreal’s top comedy clubs and has interviewed Russell Peters, Sugar Sammy,  Shaun Majumder, K. Trevor Wilson and Paula Bel to name a few. Jo has been featured in The Gazette, AfrokanLife, The Examiner and is a respected name in the Montreal media landscape. In 2017, she became a founding member of The Canadian Association of Stand-up, Sketch and Improv Comedians - the first comedian association in Canada. Her passion is helping comedians.Please email me at crowningmonkey@yahooo.ca and let me know what you thought of the podcast! This is a brand new podcast so if you enjoyed it please share it with a friend & make sure to follow us on your favourite platform and give us a review!!! With love xoxoox RachelleRachelle SHOW DATES & STUFF HERELIKE & FOLLOW US!!!Rachelle links:InstagramFacebookYou tubeWebsiteTwitterJohanne Britton links: The Mob's Press FacebookInstagram TwitterCanadian Association of Stand-up, Sketch & Improv Comedians

"I'm the idiot in the situation but I'm cool with it. Let's laugh about it." PantelisIn this third episode of COMEDI NERD I talk with Comedian, Podcaster, Trend Setter & Chair Enthusiast Pantelis. Pantelis talks about his many comedic influences, imposter syndrome, wise words from David Acer at The Comedy Nest, viciously funny friends and almost quitting stand up forever before meeting best bud Mike Ward.Pantelis has been described as offensively hilarious. His cadence and wit combined with his complete irreverence for political correctness make his shows a memorable experience. As a renaissance man, Pantelis extends his talents across multiple mediums. He hosts two hit podcasts: The Pantelis Podcast, and the fan favorite 2 Drink Minimum alongside comedy legend Mike Ward. He’s also appeared on other popular programs like: The Anthony Cumia Show, The Joe Rogan Experience, Jim & Sam and The Bennington Show.Please email me at crowningmonkey@yahooo.ca  and let me know what you thought of the podcast! This is a brand new podcast so if you enjoyed it please share it with a friend & make sure to follow us on your favourite platform and give us a review!!!  With love xoxoox RachelleRachelle SHOW DATES & STUFF HERELIKE & FOLLOW US!!!Rachelle links:InstagramFacebookYou tubeWebsiteTwitterPantelis links: Pantelis websiteInstagramFacebookTwitchYou tubeAll links

"I talk about what I think about...I talk about what I have and what I know."  Steph TolevIn this second episode of COMEDI NERD I talk with comedian, writer & actress Steph Tolev. Steph talks about starting over in LA, building her first stand up hour, Top Comic / Siruis XM, her experience at Just For Laughs, almost getting an American pilot, her work with Deb DiGiovanni, troll men, going independent in Canada, viral videos, luck, doing what you love, Barb on the barge, Sarah Silverman, being gross, how hosting helped her find her voice and a bunch of other cool stuff.  Just a heads up that our coming together really inspired a lot of F bombs so be warned! Steph Tolev is a stand up and sketch comedian from Toronto and has been in the business for 19 years. She won the Canadian Comedy Award for Best Female Stand up and was a finalist in Sirius XM's next top comic. Steph Tolev is from Toronto and now lives in Los Angeles with her frisky doggie Susan.Please email me at crowningmonkey@yahooo.ca  and let me know what you thought of the podcast! Also I would love to know what Canadian comedian you would like to hear interviewed by me. This is a brand new podcast so if you enjoyed it please share it with a friend & make sure to follow us on your favourite platform and give us a review!!!  With love xoxoox RachelleRachelle SHOW DATES & STUFF HERELIKE & FOLLOW US!!!Rachelle links:InstagramFacebookYou tubeWebsiteTwitterSteph Tolev links: Steph Infection Podcast Her Website Steph on InstagramOn FacebookSteph on Tik TokTwitterYou tube

"I need to be good with myself."  Dave MerhejeIn this first episode of COMEDI NERD I talk to Juno award winning comedian Dave Merheje. Dave talks very candidly about  a variety of subjects including taxing moments in the industry, preperation for his Netflix special and Juno award winning CD,  the beginning his career and how he ended up doing comedy, keeping it at a 100, Strip clubs, breakthroughs, childhood dreams, Juno Awards,  anger and frustration as fuel, the cast of RAMY, mental health and therapy to name a few.Dave Merheje is considered to be one of the most original stand-up acts on the comedy scene today. His multiple award-winning act has gained a loyal following across in North America with his “no fear” approach on stage and a comedy style best described as aggressive in-your-face funny. Dave had his first comedy special air in Australia on ABC2, and has made appearances on Comedy Network’s Match Game, was a regular contributor on MTV Live, recurred on CBC’s Mr. D, and he co-stars in the comedy series Ramy on Hulu.Please email me at crowningmonkey@yahooo.ca  and let me know what you thought of the podcast. Also let me know what Canadian comedian you would like to hear interviewed by me! This is a brand new podcast so if you enjoyed it please share it with a friend & make sure to follow us on your favourite platform:)  With love xoxoox RachelleWarning : These are uncensored conversations with people in the comedy industry. We speak openly and honestly about all aspects of our jobs, without censorship, so expect F-bombs! Rachelle SHOW DATES & STUFF HERELIKE & FOLLOW US!!!Rachelle links:InstagramFacebookYou tubeWebsiteTwitterDave Merheje links: Website InstagramFacebookTwitterRAMY trailerMore links