Funny In Failure

Jiaoying Summers is a comedian, actor, producer and CEO. From a dumpster baby in China to TikTok comedy queen in Hollywood, Jiaoying Summers is one of the most dynamic and vivacious women in comedy. She is also one of the most popular comedians on TikTok with more than 1.2 million followers. She performs regularly at Laugh Factory, Comedy Store and Hollywood Improv. Her 30-minute comedy special is streaming on Peacock TV and Prime Video. She is the owner of The Hollywood Comedy club in Los Angeles and focuses on producing shows that promote representation in comedy. She is also an award winning actor and philanthropist empowering women and children and helping causes that touch Asian American communities.  As you can imagine we dive deep and cover a lot such as being banned from TikTok, mentors, people that inspire us, comedy clubs, growing up in China and their one child policy, beauty standards, accents and working in comedy as a mother. The video footage of this entire chat is now out as well (one day af

Brittany Schmitt is a comedian, writer and podcaster. She currently has a new comedy special from Ho to Housewife where (her words) she quite literally went From Ho to Housewife. She crafted a comedy special that tackles her experience of sex, drugs and basketball, plus a lot more. It’s very funny. Here’s a little snippet from her life story which blew me away. Brittany fu*ked up and got a DUI. Super depressed, mortified, broke and with her back up against a wall, a friend suggested that she try stand-up because it was ‘cheaper than therapy’ and she could laugh at herself. The first time she stepped on stage, she knew that’s what she was born to do. The road hasn’t been easy, nor has it been exactly linear. So, she made up her mind to get sober, get her sh*t together and get serious about comedy. Most recently, Brittany appeared on Comedy Central’s Stand-Up Featuring her debut comedy special, of course, titled From Ho to Housewife which premiered on 800 Pound Gorilla’s YouTube channel. Links are in the episod

Lennon Parham is an actor, comedian, writer & producer. She can be seen opposite Ophelia Lovibond and Jake Johnson in the HBOMax comedy MINX, about the fictional creation of the first erotic magazine for women in 1970s LA.  Prior to that, she was a series regular in the ABC sitcom BLESS THIS MESS. Previously, she co-created and starred in her own show, PLAYING HOUSE and has recurred as Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ hilarious Senior Advisor, “Karen Collins” whose specialized field was “common sense” on HBO’s VEEP.  She can also be seen rocking shoulder pads as Liz Flemming, the feminist math teacher at William Penn Academy on SCHOOLED, the 90’s spin-off of THE GOLDBERGS also on ABC. Additionally, Lennon has made a number of memorable appearances on television including HBO’s CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, DOCUMENTARY NOW, GHOSTED, REVIEW WITH FOREST MCNEIL, LADY DYNAMITE, MAD MEN and PARKS AND RECREATION.  If you listen closely, you can hear her dulcet tones giving voice to characters on animated shows like BOB'S BURGERS, L

Paul Shirley is a former professional basketball player who played for 17 teams in a 9 year career, including stints in the NBA with teams such as the Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks and the Chicago Bulls as well as a writer, speaker and author of 4 books. His work has appeared in places such as Esquire, The Wall Street Journal, and Playboy.  After Paul's basketball career, he began writing books. It was in this time that he made the connection that defines what we do: it doesn't matter whether it's basketball or writing or entrepreneurship; accomplishing big goals happens because we build a process. His first book, Can I Keep My Jersey?, is a great read with unique tone and humour and regardless of whether you like basketball I really recommend it and you can see why in the chat. His second book, Stories I Tell On Dates, came out in 2017. The Chicago Tribune said it "resonates with anyone who favours introspection and emotional honesty." That book also became a podcast that is better than most podcasts according

Luke Darcy is a former Australian Rules Footballer who played with the Western Bulldogs, is a Radio Host, media commentator on both TV and Radio as well as the host of House of Wellness. As an AFl player he captained the Western Bulldogs, where he won many of awards such as a MVP, best and fairest, All Australian and Leading goal kicker award for the Western Bulldogs. He has worked with Eddie McGuire on Triple M radio, commentated on and hosted various TV shows such as Channel 7’s AFL coverage, Talking Footy and Ten’s AFL coverage, One Week At A Time, The Fifth Quarter, The ANZ Netball Championships and the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and has been a regular voice on radio both on SEN1116 and 3AW. His regular hosting of The House of Wellness, helps people live, look, and feel well. He also hosts the incredible podcast, Empowering leaders with Luke Darcy and is the director of innovation and partnerships at Aleda which we discuss in the podcast. Luke is a deep thinker where we chat about mindfulness and

DAVID H. STEINBERG (writer, producer, director) entered Yale at age sixteen and earned his law degree from Duke before abandoning his legal career to attend USC’s Peter Stark Producing program. Steinberg’s first spec sale Slackers became a cult classic movie and he has had ten films produced, including three in the American Pie franchise, the DreamWorks animated feature Puss in Boots, and Disney’s Tinker Bell and the Pixie Hollow Games. As a director, Steinberg wrote and directed the award-winning short film, “The Babysitter,” starring Academy Award-winner Brie Larson, and made his feature directorial debut on the romantic comedy Miss Dial. In television, Steinberg was nominated for a WGA Award for his work on The Simpsons, and he has written for a variety of animated and live-action series. He was the Executive Producer and Showrunner of No Good Nick, an original series streaming worldwide on Netflix, and currently has another show in development at Netflix, as well as films at Disney and DreamWorks Animat

Adrian Martinez is an award-winning actor, writer, producer and director with over 120 film and TV credits. Adrian is most known for starring in FOCUS opposite Margot Robbie and Will Smith. He’s set to begin filming the upcoming Netflix comedy UNFROSTED directed by Jerry Seinfeld and recently wrapped on Universal’s feature film RENFIELD opposite Awkwafina. He also was recently a series regular on ABC’s STUMPTOWN.  Other TV credits include heavy recurs on CBS All Access’ NO ACTIVITY and NBC’s THE BLACKLIST: REDEMPTION, FLIGHT OF CONCHORDS, plus CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O’BRIEN & GOTHAM.  On the big screen, Adrian can be seen in starring in Disney+ LADY AND THE TRAMP, in Jamie Babbit’s THE STAND-IN opposite Drew Barrymore, and in Jordan Galland’s LEAVE NOT ONE ALIVE opposite Bella Thorne, THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY & I FEEL PRETTY. Adrian also just recently won Best Actor in a Feature Film at the Mallorca Film Festival for his work in iGilbert, which he wrote, directed, and st

Mary Holland is an actor, writer and comedian, as well as an Andy Kaufman Award nominee. She can currently be seen as one of the leads of the Netflix film SENIOR YEAR opposite Rebel Wilson. Earlier this year she starred opposite Kristen Bell in the Netflix mini-series THE WOMAN IN THE HOUSE. Mary recently wrapped the John Slattery directed feature MAGGIE MOORE(S) opposite Jon Hamm and Tina Fey and recurs on the Apple series THE BIG DOOR PRIZE from SCHITT’S CREEK producer David West Read. She also received rave reviews for her performance in the feature comedy GOLDEN ARM which is currently available on demand. GOLDEN ARM was an official selection for the SXSW Film Festival in 2020.    Mary is also the co-writer and co-star of the Hulu film HAPPIEST SEASON which broke streaming records for Hulu. Last year, Mary starred opposite Rory Scovel in ROBBIE and appeared in the second season of Amazon’s hit series HOMECOMING and the Apple series PHYSICAL opposite Rose Byrne. She is also a writer on the latest season of

Marianna Burelli is an actor and environmentalist. She has recently made her U.S. debut this year in Disney Channel’s highly anticipated original series “Ultra Violet & Black Scorpion.” The comedy series follows Violet, an everyday Mexican American teen who is chosen by a magical luchador mask which transforms her into Ultra Violet, a superhero fighting crime. Marianna shines on the show as Nina, Violet’s mother (whom is kept in the dark about her daughter’s superhero powers) and principal of her middle school, masterfully juggles both responsibilities.  Marianna may be best known in Latin America for her dramatic portrayal of “Natalia Velasco” for three seasons in the hit series “Paramedicos,”. Her Additional television credits include Netflix’s “Ingobernable” and “La Jenni Que Yo Conocí,”. On the film front Marianna starred as Marcela in the 2018 comedy “Loca Por El Trabajo.” Her portrayal earned her the prestigious Best Up and Coming Actress award from Canacine. She also appeared in the 2017 feature “H

Arden Myrin is a comedian (standup, sketch and & improv), an actor, writer and author. She was most recently a cast member on the hit Netflix series Insatiable (named one of the ten most binged shows on Netflix) where she played the role Regina Sinclair. She’s also appeared on Chelsea Lately over 100 times and was a cast member of MadTV, appearing in over 75 episodes. Her television credits include Shameless, Orange is the New Black, Insecure, Grey’s Anatomy, Fresh Off the Boat, Inside Amy Schumer, The Goldbergs, 2 Broke Girls, Key and Peele, Surburgatory, Conan & Howard Stern. She is also the author of the memoir LITTLE MISS LITTLE COMPTON. If you’d like to buy it, check out the links below. Moreover, Arden headlines as a stand-up comedian at comedy clubs and festivals all over the country. She also hosts the popular podcast called Will You Accept This Rose? and is about to debut another podcast called Lady of the Road celebrating female leaders. As you can imagine, we dive deep and cover a lot suc

Amy Landecker is an actor, director, producer & writer. You might recognize her from her many roles such as YOUR HONOR, MINX, TRANSPARENT, I LOVE MY DAD, GASLIT, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, A SERIOUS MAN, SHITHOUSE, THE PREMISE, THREE MONTHS, DAN IN REAL LIFE, A KID LIKE JAKE, CHIVALRY, MAD MEN, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, BOMBSHELL & LOUIE (to name a few!) She’s also a voice over artist and has appeared in a number of productions such as She-Ra and the Princesses of power, Trollhunters, Batman: the Long Halloween and even worked as Julia Roberts voice double! We chat about the highs after the lows, getting her big break “later in life”, making big shifts & getting sober, rejection, self-esteem & confidence, playing a tomb raider model, finding happiness and almost being a sports broadcaster. Check Amy out on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amylandecker/ ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ https:/

Shannon Lucio is an actor, producer & writer known for her many roles in The OC, Prison Break, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, The Right Stuff, True Blood, Fireflies in the Garden, Feast of Love, Grey’s Anatomy, Segfault, Shameless, NCIS, Roots, Bosch, Supernatural, American Horror Story, Once Upon a time, Castle & Grounded to name a few. We chat about judging ourselves, challenging childhoods, mothering her sister, good student syndrome and perfectionism, Montessori schools, rejection & choosing happiness. Check Shannon out on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonmlucio/ ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/funnyinfailure/ https://www.facebook.com/funnyinfailure/ and @Michael_Kahan on Insta & Twitter to keep up to date with the latest info. https://www.instagram.com/michael_kahan/ https://twitter.com/Michael_Kahan

Amy Aquino is an actor, who over her forty-plus year career, has recurred in numerous television series, including Bosch, Glee, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Falcon and the Winter Solider, Being Human, ER, The Practice, Judging Amy, Everybody Loves Raymond, Felicity, The Good Fight, The Mentalist, Brothers and Sisters, Prison Break, Picket Fences, Monk & Freaks and Geeks to name a few. Her films include Working Girl, Moonstruck, Boys on the Side, The Singing Detective, White Oleander, A Lot Like Love, In Good Company, The Lazarus Effect and Beautiful Boy. Plus, she’s also a theatre guru. And that’s just scratching the surface! As you can imagine, we dive deep and cover a lot such the beauty of gardens, needing to fix things, picking a career that is worthy of you, making positive change, Jewish lizards, being rejected from Yale 3 times and taking risks. The video footage of this entire chat is now out as well! So check them out on YouTube under Michael Kahan Check Amy out on: Instagram: https://www.instagram

Josh Zuckerman is an award winning actor as well as a writer, & director. You might recognize him from his many roles such as Sex Drive, Austin Powers in Goldmember, Feast, CBGB, Oppenheimer (coming soon), The Offer, It’s Pony, A real Adventure, The Big Bang Theory, 90210, Desperate Housewives, Kyle XY, Boston Legal, CSI: Miami, Significant Mother, Adventure Beast, The West Wing & The Amanda Show to name a few! In this wide-ranging chat we talk about googling your net worth, playing the Banjo, the hardships of being a child actor, shows that get cancelled, the hype of being the leading man, self-worth and bitterness, resilience, regrets & letting go, playfulness and “hard work”. The video footage of this entire chat is now out as well! So check them out on YouTube under Michael Kahan Check Josh out on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zuckermanjosh/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/illbezucked ------------------------------------------- Follow @Funny in Failure on Instagram and Facebook ht

Laila Robins is an actor who’s pretty much done it all in both theatre and on screen. On Screen you may recognize her from her many roles such as in Homeland, The Blacklist, The Boys, Walking Dead, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Eye in the Sky, True Crime, An Innocent Man, Dr Death, The Equalizer, Bull, Law and Order: Special Victims & Bored to Death.  She’s also a veteran in the theatre and has appeared in many productions, including as Blanche Dubois in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, Alma in SUMMER AND SMOKE, Annie in THE REAL THING, Mellita in MRS.KLEIN, Masha in THREE SISTERS, Ranyevskaya in CHERRY ORCHARD, Nina in THE SEAGULL, Carrie Nye in HEDDA GABLER, Olympia Dukakis in LION IN WINTER, ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, THE APPLE FAMILY PLAYS, THE LADY FROM DUBUQUE to name a few. As you can imagine we dive deep and cover a lot such as chatting about confidence, teaching, scenes being cut from films, regrets, looking after her voice, growth, magic, vibration, being in the moment and her fear of public speaking. T

Leven Rambin is an Award-winning actor & director as well as a writer & singer. You might recognize her from her many roles such as Hunger Games, The Path, True Detective, The Forever Purge, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, Gone, Grey’s Anatomy, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, The Tomorrow People, One Tree Hill, Lipstick Jungle, The Big Ugly, Lost Child, Wizards of Waverly Place, All My Children, Law & Order, CSI: Miami, Two Night Stand, Red Giant, The Dirt, Walter, Mank & Tatterdemalion. We chat about about creating new pathways towards success, not taking no for answer, vision boards, personal power & resilience, her abundant mindset, the negative systemic issues of Hollywood, Hunger Games, going back to study, “fitting in”, proving the world and others wrong. Her new album Leven is now out/ will be out in the coming days so check out her socials for more info! The video footage of this entire chat is now out as well! So check them out on YouTube under Michael Kahan Check Le

Navid Negahban is an award winning actor and producer known for his roles as The Shadow King/ Farouk in Legion, Abu Nazir in Homeland, Sultan in Aladdin, General Dostum in 12 Strong, plus he’s been in Charlie Wilson’s War, Curb Your Enthusiasm, American Snipper, American Assassin, Damascus Cover, Baba Joon, Law & Order: SVU, Veep, CSI:NY, The Closer, The West Wing, The Cleaning Lady, The Mentalist, Arrow, 24, Without a Trace, JAG & The Shield to name a few. As you can imagine, we dive deep and cover a lot, such as lack of expectations, fear, living in a refugee camp, Legion, living your day as if it’s your last, teachers and mentors, being kicked out of acting school, playing “villains”, creating a scene at a funeral, and making the world a better place. This is very true story of resilience and empowerment. You’’ll leave this chat feeling inspired and motivated; knowing that you can do anything. Anyway, sit back and enjoy, I know you’ll love it! The video footage of this entire chat is now out as we

Mike Cabellon is an actor, producer, comedian, writer & director. From performing on stages across the country to starring in some of television’s most exciting sitcoms, and creating, writing, and producing award-winning digital content, Mike Cabellon is quickly cementing his name as one to watch in Hollywood. Currently he’s starring as Chief Strategist Tommy Tomás in season two of NBC's hit comedy series, "Mr. Mayor," opposite Ted Danson and Holly Hunter; created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, so check it out. He’s also been in Orange Is the New Black, High Maintenance, Crashing, New Amsterdam, Luke Cage and is an active performer, director, producer, and writer for the award-winning Story Pirates - a nationally renowned group of top comedians, musicians, best-selling authors, and incredible teachers who create exciting content that celebrates the imaginations of children. Their marquee program, the “Story Pirates Podcast” has been downloaded over 35 million times and consistently ranks in the top thre

Beth Lapides is a comedian, writer, producer and the Host of UnCabaret. UnCabaret is a legendary alternative comedy show which has helped define the genre over 25 years ago. In short, it’s a progressive storytelling show where comedians tell true stories they've never told on stage before. (No rehearsed bits, no derogatory jokes.), a real game changer in the industry. For more than 25 years, UnCabaret has been the un-homophobic, un-xenophobic, un-misogynistic and un-hacky place for comedy luminaries to tell stories ripped from the headlines of their lives. UnCabaret has been adapted into an Amazon Prime series, a Comedy Central special, and five critically acclaimed albums. Its notable guest list includes Bob Odenkirk, Patton Oswalt, Margaret Cho, Sandra Bernhard, Kathy Griffin, Maria Bamford, Julia Sweeney, Tig Notaro, Jon Stewart, Jennifer Coolidge, Sarah Silverman, Natasha Leggero, Sam Jay, Ali Wong and countless more. Her new book So You Need to Decide, features conversations with comedians, writers and

Geneva Carr is a Tony nominated actor for her performance as Margery in the original Broadway cast of Hand to God. You may also recognize her from her many roles such as Marissa Morgan in Bull - she has also recently directed an episode as well! Plus, she’s been in, It’s Complicated, Love & Other Drugs, Wonder Wheel, Ava’s Possessions, Law & Order, Younger, Deadbeat, Elementary, Blue Bloods, Person of Interest, The Good Wife, Spin City, Royal Pains, Sex and the City. Some of her theatre credits include: Trevor, Just Sex, I Wanna Destroy You, Finding Claire, Rose’s Dilemma, Clash by Night and Betty’s Summer Vacation. As you can imagine we cover a lot and chat about mentors and teachers, people pleasing, tough love, directing, Bull, Michael Weatherly, releasing and letting go, her tony nomination, Helen Mirren, confrontation, working as a banker, rejection & resilience. The video footage of this entire chat is now out as well! So check them out on YouTube under Michael Kahan Check Geneva out on: I