Tank Top Talks w/ Matt Braunger

When I reached out to ask Joel Murray if he’d be on the pod, I didn’t think he’d say yes. He’s Joel Freakin’ Murray, one of the biggest members of the Hollywood “Oh yeah, that guy” club. You know, maybe you don’t know his name, but you KNOW his work (His IMDB credit list is in the hundreds). But did you know his breakout role as George Calamari in the all-time 80s classic “One Crazy Summer” was his very first audition for ANYTHING? Bonkers. Hilarious, dry, quick, and truly unpredictable (listen or watch for when he pulls a fast one on me near the end), Joel Murray was a delight. Throw on a sleeveless and enjoy our “Dull surprise” lol.

Megan is a stand-up comic, writer, and mother of two boys. She’s also sick of the manosphere bullshit and not afraid to say so. Like me, she came out of the Chicago comedy scene. Unlike me, she was born and raised in Indiana, with a unique viewpoint on the Hoosier state that is both loving and merciless. Meghan recorded a stand-up special in her driveway while visibly pregnant and wearing a wedding dress. Queen! Throw on a basketball jersey, or another king of tank top, and listen in!

Full disclosure, I did not know what to expect when I invited the “Clown Alley” clowns (it’s actually called The Alley Show) on the show at the recommendation of TTT alum Akela Munsey. In fact, I did no research ahead of time. Let me say that A) I enjoyed it, B) I liked them because they believe in what they do, and C) It’s pretty gross (intentionally). This episode was nuts, funny, and super illuminating. I learned a lot, got a little nauseous, but was glad they came in and brought their insanity along with them. Throw on a tank top, keep your mind open, and have a listen to the mad clowns!

Please welcome Johnny “Handsome” Sneed, my brother in the struggle of the middle-aged-actor/Dad. Johnny lives across the street from me, and I often see him loading up his truck with his drum kit to play a bar with his band. You’d probably recognize him more as an actor, and I’ve been in the same audition waiting room with him more times than I can count. As I say on the show, every time he shows up it’s like Norm from Cheers walked in. Every actor just yells, “Johnny!” It was a blast to talk acting, music, fatherhood, and how various things have changed (or not) with my bud. Throw on an acting tank and enjoy!

Whitmer Thomas and I go way back and I’ve always loved his comedy but when I saw his new HBO special “Terminal Crew of Dudes,” I was blown away. To be simple, it’s like “Jackass” with heart and more art (and music). On a more complex level, it took me back to my skating days as a kid and a simpler time when being silly, young, and falling down a lot was just the fucking best. Whitmer is funny, emotionally open, and has that thing all comics really need: An openness to discovering things. This episode was really awesome, kinda deep, and super hilarious. Strap on a tank, drop into a half-pipe, and have a listen.

Paul Walter Hauser is a great actor, a hilarious guy, and a kind, humble man. You might know him from “I, Tonya,” “Blackbird,” or “Richard Jewell,” but did you know he’s also a pro wrestler? Yep. We got into acting, being with someone again after a breakup (we have similar relationship stories), and he even taught me a lesson on being better to myself (using scripture, no less). A Hollywood giant and a true gent. Throw on a tank for this King and listen in!

Just like frosted Lucky Charms are magicially delicious, Jamel Johnson is instantly hilarious. I’ve known him for a little while, but it wasn’t until the Toledano Street Festival in New Orleans that I became a rabid fan. All weekend the comedians were onstage and off, drinking and hanging out, but I made a point to see all of Jamel’s sets after seeing his first one. He’s basically that guy that rolls onstage and becomes the funniest guy in the room, with the vibe of a guy who just showed up to the party and everybody is psyched. Just a no-brainer to have on the show. If you like to laugh, and have a free hour for enjoyable listening, throw on a tank top and throw on this episode.Chapters1:00 - Tank Talk2:00 - Bill Cosby5:00 - Jamel’s Comedy Style 7:00 - New Orleans9:00 - Crawfish13:00 - Clowning and strippers 16:00 - Strip club ATMs 20:00 - Eating in the dark22:00 - Smelly Food on planes25:00 - Spacial slurs 27:00 - Tiny hotels 28:00 - Starting Comedy 32:00 - DC Comedy Scene 36:00 - Getting jacked 38:00 - D’Angelo40:00 - Celebrities Getting Laid47:00 - Feminine Sex Appeal50:00 - 1920’s Secret Gays 53:00 - Secret Gay Conservatives

When I moved into the house my wife and I bought in 2018, Michael was one of the first neighbors I met and I was immediately glad I did. Everybody should have a talented, kind, black, gay, kind, hilarious neighbor with a husband and two kids like I do. This episode was so amazing and special because I learned so much about a guy who lives just down the block from me. For example, I knew he played Audrey 2 from Little Shop of Horrors, but didn’t know he did it on Broadway (!!). I also didn’t know how he and his husband Hutch met(a story both beautiful and absolutely insane). Throw on your favorite Golden Girls tank top and take a listen!

I’ve had a lot of comedians on Tank Top Talks, but I don’t think I’ve had any who did the DIY thing as well as Shapel. Sure, we all work at getting the word out about ourselves, but Shapel A) stays on the road, and B) his online stuff is so well curated and uniquely him. I love his backstory as a cheerleader (he can still f-ing backflip, which is insane to me), how he got over his “crazy days” as a partier, and how focused he is while still being hilarious. Note: Watch this ep on YouTube so you can see Shapel shoot looks at Max when he says something funny. Dude loves an audience! Strap on a tank and throw on this ep. So fun.