The Grasscast

Episode 14: SAG-AFTRA and the Fight for What's Right

In this hilariously insightful episode of "The Grasscast," hosts Chris and Laura join forces with Keith Flippen and Elliott Bales from SAG-AFTRA to unravel the mysteries of the recent actors' strike and the looming threat of A.I. takeover in creative fields. As they navigate the comedic minefield of fair employment and silicon adversaries, expect laughs aplenty and a few unexpected plot twists—because when the battle for artistic integrity meets the absurdity of showbiz, you never know who (or what) will steal the spotlight!

• Go to https://sagaftra.foundation/ for more information and to donate to SAG-AFTRA
• Can support the Entertainers Community Fund: https://entertainmentcommunity.org/
• Can check out the SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Agreement here: https://www.sagaftra.org/files/sa_documents/TV-Theatrical_23_Summary_Agreement_Final.pdf

 

Episode 13: Climate Justice & Fighting Corporate Power with EarthRights International

In this episode of "The Grasscast," things are hilariously heating up as comedian Robert Mac returns as guest co-host to take on the serious topic of climate justice with special guest Marissa Vahlsing, the amazing (and very punk rock) Supervising Attorney from EarthRights International. As the laughs flow and the conversation deepens, Marissa shares her experiences fighting corporate power while trying to maintain a poker face in courtrooms. Robert tries to keep everyone on their toes with well-timed, witty interjections, and Chris walks the line between serious and silly while guiding the conversation along. Together, they navigate the complexity of holding destructive corporations accountable for their actions and find moments of absurdity amidst the fight for a greener world. As if that's not enough, this episode features comedy clips from the Grassroots Comedy fundraiser show for EarthRights on May 23rd. 

Click here donate to EarthRights International at https://earthrights.org/support-us/donate/

Episode 12: Elevating Comedic Voices of Women & Non-Binary Folx with the Grassroots Comedy Incubator

In this uproarious episode of "The Grasscast," hosts Chris and Laura sit down with Grassroots Comedy's Production Director Dana Fleitman and the witty Rosalie Rubio, a graduate from the Grassroots Comedy Incubator for Women and Non-Binary Folks. Get ready for a rollicking rollercoaster of comedy and camaraderie as this dynamic quartet delves into the serious business of championing the voices of women and non-binary folks in comedy. They tackle the challenges of breaking into the laughter-laden world of stand-up with grace and humor, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and diversity in comedy—it's like a comedic masterclass in gender equality that'll leave you giggling and enlightened! 

Click here to learn more about the Grassroots Comedy Incubator for Women and Non-Binary Folks.

And click here to donate to Grassroots Comedy so we can continue to build the incubator to highlight important comedic perspectives and dismantle the patriarchy through jokes! 

Episode 11: Going All-in on the Green New Deal with Sunrise DC

In this side-splitting episode of "The Grasscast," hosts Chris, Scott, and Laura team up with the energetic Kevin Wu, representing the Sunrise Movement's DC hub team, to shed light on the importance of the Green New Deal in the fight against climate change. Brace yourselves for a rollercoaster ride of laughter and climate activism as this dynamic quartet explores the serious issue of fighting climate change through the Green New Deal, sprinkling it with puns, solar-powered jokes, wind-powered microphones and compostable laugh tracks. Buckle up for a laughter-filled journey that proves saving the planet can be both serious and funny, thanks to the power of grassroots comedy and environmentally conscious sponsors!

If you want to learn more about the Sunrise Movement, go check out their website! 

Episode 10: The Fight for Affordable Housing with DC Habitat for Humanity

In this unique episode of "The Grasscast," hosts Chris, Scott, and Laura team up with the amazing Kat Shaub, Vice President of Development for Habitat for Humanity of Washington, DC & Norther Virginia, to tackle the serious issue of affordable housing in the DC area—armed with laughter! Join this hilarious trio as they ingeniously blend humor and insight, shedding light on the challenges of finding a reasonably priced place to live in the land of skyrocketing rents and elusive mortgages. Brace yourself for a heartwarming and rib-tickling conversation that proves laughter is the best foundation for change.

If you want to know more about how you can volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, check our their website for more information! And if you're in the DC area on Tuesday May 23, be sure to swing by our Comedy Show for Climate Justice at The Outrage at 7:30pm!

Episode 9: Aiding the Unhoused with Bread for the City

Housing is an issue that affects every city in the United States, and is especially challenging in Washington, DC. That's why Chris and his brand new co-hosts, comedians Scott Bendure & Laura Franzese, sat down with Ashley Domm of Bread for the City to talk about ways her organization is working to help the citizens of our nation's capitol who are struggling to find a place to live. They also discuss solutions for supporting people that face homelessness and housing insecurity that could be applied nationwide. And a classic clip from George Carlin helps highlight the issue as brilliantly as he always does.

If you want to know more about how you can help address the issue of housing insecurity, go to Bread for the City's website which lists tools for advocacy and more!

Episode 8: Take Action, Not Sides: Gun Violence Prevention with Brady

It's because of episodes like this one that Grassroots Comedy does what it does. Taking on the super sensitive issue of gun violence prevention, host Chris Blackwood is joined by comedian Max Wolfson to interview JJ Janflone and Kelly Sampson of Brady. Together, they dissect the state of gun violence in the U.S., current efforts to reduce gun violence, why it's so darn hard to do that, and what listeners can do to take action. 

Curious about gun violence prevention, but not eager to spend your time learning about it because it sounds like the opposite of relaxing and fun? Fair! And also - this episode is for you! Like always, we somehow still manage to make the conversation fun and get some good laughs in on an otherwise very unfunny thing!

 

Shouts outs and references:

JJ Janflone and Kelly Sampson Co-host Brady's Red, Blue and Brady Podcast. As of posting this, they have recorded 210 episodes on gun violence prevention! Wowza! Make sure to check it out (right after listening to this episode of the Grasscast, of course).

Max Wolfson, our Co-host of this episode, is part of the Midnight Gardners League - a very funny DC-based, nationally touring comedy group that you should check out.

This episode features stand-up comedy from DC-based comedian Winston Hodges. 

Click here to donate to Brady and all the important work they do to make the U.S. a safer place! 

The Grassroots Comedy Five Year Anniversary Song!

Grassroots Comedy (GC) turned five years old earlier this year, marking half a decade of supporting causes in a time of need through jokes. With comedy for so many causes under our belts, it can be hard to summarize what those causes have been in a succinct way.

For those who missed the GC five year anniversary show back in Feb 2022, here is the song from that show (written and performed on a whim) that attempts to do that. It also helps us understand why GC Executive Director Chris Blackwood quit his pursuit of music a long time ago. 

A special thank you to Scott Williams for the guitar, and Emre Yagci for the sound engineering on this one! 

 

Episode 7: Supporting (and Laughing With) Ukraine, With the U.S. – Ukraine Foundation

In this long awaited Ukraine episode, host Chris Blackwood is joined by Ukrainian comedian Anna Tirat-Gefen and John Kun, Vice President of the U.S. – Ukraine Foundation. Together, they discuss not only about the war in Ukraine, its implications, and how to support its victims, but also the role of COMEDY in Ukraine, why Ukrainians are funnier than Russians, and how humor is being used as an effective tool in a time of war.

Even if you think you already know everything there is to know about Ukraine and this war, we’d wager to bet you’ll learn a thing or two from this episode, and would wager even more that you’ll laugh out loud at least once. We also encourage you to go to www.usukraine.org to donate to the cause today!

Episode 6: Abortion Rights with Pro-Choice Virginia

In this episode, we do a deep dive into abortion and the current state of abortion policy in the U.S. We're joined by Grassroots Comedy's own Dana Fleitman as Co-host and interview Cassidy Clark from Pro-Choice Virginia who answers all of our serious and silly questions. 

It is sad, terrifying, and also a great time! Like crying while also laughing in the fetal position (that's right - fetal). 

To support the fight for reproductive freedom in the U.S., you can donate directly at Pro-Choice Virginia's website.