Tank Top Talks w/ Matt Braunger

Here at Tank Top Talks, we’ve had some real big laughs, but I don’t think we’ve ever had one like the “Winconsinbly” one. Laura Peek is one of my favorite comics working today, a hell of a nice person, and a dear friend. There is a part of this podcast where Laura, myself, and podcast engineer Max all were legit crying from laughter. You should go see Laura but also, if you want a good laugh, listen to this episode. Tanks!

You may know Fumi Abe from the Tonight Show, the Late Show, or as a writer on Seth McFarlane's Ted, but I know him for his incredible bravery. He showed up to record this week with no tank top in hand, and accepted the challenge of wearing my clearly-too-big Santa Cruz tank top for 58 minutes and 31 seconds. We covered a lot of ground – the strong connection between racism and tank tops, New York vs. Los Angeles, Kyle Rittenhouse, the financial realities of the Italian Renaissance period – honestly no stone was left unturned. Throw on your favorite sleeveless upper-garment and tune into this week's ep of Tank Top Talks! Chapters 0:00 - Intro1:00 - Tank Top Math6:00-7 - Matt’s ulterior motive 8:00 - Racist Tank Tops 10:00 - Matt Rife 13:00 - NY v LA 16:00 - Getting Jacked 18:00 - Being Short 20:00 - Kyle Rittenhouse 22:00 - Insecurity is Loud28:30 - Professional Competition 30:00 - Bad Behavior 35:00 - putting tank tops on racists37:00 - Agents & Managers 40:00 - State of the Biz 43:00 - Rich Guy Benefactors45:00 - Medicis 50:00 - Standup Grind 54:00 - Finding Your Voice

Walking About’s Allan McLeod joins me to FINALLY JUST SIT DOWN. His acclaimed podcast features him and a guest walking around an area and learning its history, while mine (not acclaimed) features two schlubs in tank tops, in chairs. Nice to give him a break. Oh, he’s also a legendarily funny sketch and improv comedian. Listen in and find out how he got the name “Molasses Boy.”

Grace Helbig is a hilarious online icon, full stop. She’s got millions of followers, untold hours of online content, and never (to my mind) came off like a person who NEEDS attention. When people started vlogging, I couldn’t find many that I liked, arguing that you couldn’t pump out interesting stuff that often. Grace proved me wrong. She’s always interesting and funny, whether it’s her long-running show The Daily Grace (RIP) or her podcast “This Might Get Weird.” I somehow forgot to talk about how she was at my wedding, but we covered everything else, I think. Give yourself some Grace (LOLLL) and listen in!Chapters0:00 - Intro1:00 - Big Bear Eagle4:00 - Love Island6:00 - Reality TV10:00 - Authenticity Online14:00 - Phone Addiction18:00 - World Cup28:00 - Podcast Culture34:00 - Unplugging36:00 - Competitive Table Setting47:00 - Peter Thiel List54:00 - Groupchats57:00 - Cheesecake Factory

Folks, I'll be honest...we've been working our way up to Gabrus for a while now. In addition to being comedy podcast royalty (Action Boyz, Doughboys, High and Mighty, Comedy Bang! Bang!) at this point, he's also basically the king of tank tops. As he says himself, he feels most comfortable without sleeves, and that made this chat a real delight. We cover a lot of ground – the Key West lifestyle, tropical vacation shenanigans, acting class horror stories, improv and stand-up culture finally coexisting peacefully, and everything in between. Roll up your sleeves and take a listen – this is a fun one.

Gareth may not have come with his own tank top in tow but he made sure to bring his sparkling wit and signature charm! You may know Gareth from his various podcasts - The Dollop makes me cry laughing - or from his hilarious stand-up act. It was a real treat to have him join us in the tank top treefort to discuss cocaine, vasectomies, and also cocaine. Plus, Gareth has the pleasure of explaining the Costco Guys to Matt in full detail! Strap on your skimpiest tank and tune in!

Will Pepper has a joke about visiting Vietnam and “feeling white” that made me immediately follow him online. His outlook and perspective are hilarious on stage, and he’s got a great family story as well. In fact, his dad is low-key famous from Will’s videos (check them out— his dad‘s laugh is infectious). My only requirement for a guest is that they be either funny or interesting and Will is both. Enjoy! 

Hilarious on stage, Vine (RIP), and a writer (currently on “Ms. Pat” on BET), Patrick Walsh is one of those guys who is reliably funny AND prolific. Not a huge tank top guy (those are, admittedly, rare on the show (irony!), Patrick nonetheless joined with a banger of a tank. We talked writing for TV, comedy, movies, and he even shared some savage tea about a famous Brit he worked with. Want the hot goss? Throw on a tank and tune in!