Behind The Funny artwork

Behind The Funny

381 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 108 ratings

Scott Higgins and Ace Aceto have 50 years combined of standing in front of crowds and making people laugh. Now they go Behind The Funny with entertainers in all stages of their career from national headliners, to comedy writers, to newer comics just starting out. Why did they start, what drives them, and what were some of the obstacles? Join Scott and Ace as they go Behind The Funny.

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Episodes

Episode 75 - Mike McDonald Pt 1

January 17, 2019 02:37 - 49 minutes - 42.6 MB

Mike McDonald is a Boston Comedy legend.  He started in the late seventies and has been a headliner in the New England comedy scene ever since.  Any comedian would love to have Mike's career.  Ace and I have looked up to and worked with Mike for many years, now we get to know his back story.  www.comedianmikemcdonald.com  

Episode 74 - Tom Stewart "My Paranormal Story (Scott Scared Sh**less)"

January 10, 2019 10:00 - 1 hour - 78.1 MB

Tom Stewart comes in this week to talk about his new podcast My Paranormal Story.  Tom was a paranormal investigator and has some of the most amazing stories Ace and I have ever heard.  This type of stuff has always scared me and this conversation didn't help.  Ace was extremely interested and had some great questions, I just sat there sh**ing my pants.  I made a promise I really regret during this conversation, especially after listening to all the episodes of Tom's podcast.  http://myparan...

Episode 73 - Jonathan Tilson "Awe You Two..."

January 03, 2019 11:00 - 58 minutes - 52.2 MB

Jonathan Tilson looks at things a little differently than we do, that is than anyone does.  He has a unique perspective that is very funny and interesting.  Ace and I have worked with him several times but didn't know much about his background.  That always makes an interesting conversation.

Episode 72 - Sarah Martin "I’m An A**hole"

December 27, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 80.1 MB

Per her own admission, Sarah Martin is an a**hole.  But some great comedy is the result.  She didn’t have it easy abut makes no excuses. She has worked hard and has made a name for herself as a very funny comedian.  Sarah is not for the faint of heart, but that’s hat Ace and I love about her.... www.sarahmartincomedy.com www.patreon.com/behindthefunny 

Episode 71 - LIVE at NE Comic Con w/The Comedy Diva Stephanie Peters

December 21, 2018 01:42 - 1 hour - 58.7 MB

This week we were live at Northeast Comic Con and we talked to one of my very best friends, Stephanie Peters.  She helped me out when I first got started, Ace and I have performed many shows with her.  She burst onto the Boston Comedy scene real quick and has not slowed down since.  She lives life and does comedy on her terms with no apologies.  Stephanie has no problem speaking her mind, trust me you'll know where you stand with her.  After listening to this, you'll see why we love her.

Episode 70 - Mark Riley "The Frozen 3"

December 14, 2018 18:35 - 1 hour - 77.5 MB

This week we chatter our way through our conversation with Mark Riley.  Quite cold in Ace’s meat locker aka garage.  Mark was one of the first comics I worked with and we have been friends ever since.  Mark has so many great stories about comedy and refereeing professional hockey.  I love learning new things about friends.  

Episode 69 - Rhonda Corey

December 07, 2018 03:24 - 1 hour - 70.7 MB

Rhonda Corey is new to stand up but not to performing.  A very accomplished public speaker and performer.  She has traveled a lot of places performing and Ace and I got to hear a lot of great stories.  It was a bit cold in the podcast garage tonight but the magic fridge is always working.

Episode 68 - The Golden Mic Productions

November 28, 2018 03:11 - 42 minutes - 38.1 MB

Funny videos... This week we talk with Brad Pierce of The Golden Mic Productions and Mike Murray.  They have been putting out a series of funny videos on YouTube.  Brad wanted to go on the show Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee so they filmed an example of what it would look like.  The video was very popular, so the filmed several more.  Go to The Golden Mic on YouTube and check them out.

Episode 67 - The New Guys

November 23, 2018 00:44 - 1 hour - 82.9 MB

This week Ace and I asked some new comics to come in and discuss breaking into comedy now.  We compare and contrast difference in comedy when Ace started, when I started, and now.  These three comics have a unique perspective and it was a great conversation.  Enjoy this conversation with James Firth, Alan Moreau, Chris Thomas, Ace, and I.

Episode 66 - Tony V

November 18, 2018 23:58 - 1 hour - 57.6 MB

If there was a Mount Rushmore of comedy in Boston, Tony V would be on it.  He's been here before and through the Boston comedy boom. On top of his great comedy career, he has been in Showtime's Brotherhood as well as movies like The Town and The Heat.  One of his most famous rolls was playing a gorilla, seriously.  He now has a podcast, Two Boston Guys Wack a Pie with Jimmy Dunn.  This was an amazing episode, listen as Ace and I struggle to not turn into fan boys.

Episode 65 - James Firth

November 10, 2018 02:13 - 1 hour - 56.5 MB

James Firth is this weeks guest.  He is a newer comic with a unique style.  Ace and I have both enjoyed working with him and wanted to get to know him better, thus this weeks conversation.

Episode 64 - Steve Bjork "The Failed Equipment Episode"

November 01, 2018 01:45 - 1 hour - 67.1 MB

Steve Bjork is a great comic and an even better person.  His family story is amazing.  Working steadily for almost 30 years, he had a lot of stories to tell.  Ace and I enjoyed everyone of them.  Thanks to Skye Restaurant in Norwood MA for hosting.  Podcasting is a constant learning process, and I learned from this episode.  This weeks audio is not our best, but it was a great episode so I didn't want to scrap it.  Please forgive the quality.                                

Episode 63 Chris Zito "Talking Comedy, Radio, and Santorelli"

October 25, 2018 00:39 - 1 hour - 51.7 MB

This episode we talk with radio and comedy veteran Chris Zito.  He has been one of Boston's top comics for a while, add in a career in radio and you have a true entertainer.  We talk about how an interest in acting as a kid led to a long successful career.  Zito is one of Ace's and my all time favorites and it was a lot of fun having him on the podcast.                                    https://mix931.iheart.com/featured/zito-and-kera/

Episode 63 Chris Zito "Talking Comedy, Radio, and Santorelli"

October 25, 2018 00:39 - 1 hour - 51.7 MB

This episode we talk with radio and comedy veteran Chris Zito.  He has been one of Boston's top comics for a while, add in a career in radio and you have a true entertainer.  We talk about how an interest in acting as a kid led to a long successful career.  Zito is one of Ace's and my all time favorites and it was a lot of fun having him on the podcast.                                    https://mix931.iheart.com/featured/zito-and-kera/

Episode 62 - Alan Moreau "The Not So New Guy"

October 18, 2018 03:18 - 1 hour - 77.3 MB

Alan Moreau is this weeks guest.  A newer comic with a lot of charisma but he is very grounded.  He knows where he should be in comedy and where he is going.  Very enjoyable conversation.

Episode 61 - Bill Campbell Pt 2

October 10, 2018 01:03 - 38 minutes - 36 MB

Ace and I continue our conversation with veteran comic Bill Campbell. Great conversation about the heyday of Boston Comedy and the life of a comedian.

Episode 60 - Bill Campbell Pt 1

October 04, 2018 01:12 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MB

Bill Campbell has been a staple in the New England comedy scene for many years.  Known as a clean hard working comedian.  He's performed clubs, colleges, and cruise ships.  He has his own cable show called The Comedy Corner.  His stories about the hey day of Boston comedy and how the scene has changed was really interesting.  According to Bill, we only scratched the surface with this 2 part episode. http://www.billcampbellcomedy.com/index.html https://www.teepublic.com/stores/scott-higg...

Episode 59 - Rogue Island Comedy Festival with Katie Latimer

September 26, 2018 18:52 - 1 hour - 55.8 MB

This week we discuss the Rogue Island Comedy Festival.  This the fourth year of the festival and it has really grown.  Katie Latimer who is head of marketing for the festival gives us all the details on the comics and all the shows.  Ace and I are obsessed with one show in particular. http://www.rogueislandcomedyfest.com/

Episode 58 - Rick Beretta Pt 2

September 19, 2018 01:53 - 51 minutes - 47.7 MB

This week we continue our conversation with Rick Beretta.  A veteran of the New England comedy scene.  He's a Periwinkle's alumnus and has a great point of view on comedy.

Episode 57 - Rick Beretta Pt 1

September 12, 2018 01:57 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MB

Rick Beretta is a veteran comic and got his start in the heyday of New England Comedy.  Another one of the legendary Periwinkle's comics.  He has quite the comedy resume.  He's passionate about what he does and Ace and I really enjoyed this conversation.  So much so, we had to make it a two parter.  Enjoy part 1.

BONUS - Derek K Moore and "The Wrong Todd"

September 09, 2018 20:49 - 34 minutes - 33.5 MB

Derek Moore dropped by to talk about "The Wrong Todd", a movie he is in that was accepted into the LA Film Festival.  We always enjoy talking to Derek.  It was great to hear about the film, his wrestling try out and his upcoming gig with Artie Lange.  Check out "The Wrong Todd" Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/thewrongtodd  

Episode 56 - Jess Miller "Five Pounds of T*t Sweat"

September 05, 2018 01:54 - 1 hour - 58.5 MB

This week Ace and I travel to Chicopee MA to talk with Jesse Miller.  Jesse is a disable vet that has dealt with depression in her past but has risen above it to become a very accomplished comedian and producer.  Her office walls are covered with promotional flyers and posters for shows she has produced and it is impressive.  

Episode 56 - Jess Miller "Five Pounds of T*t Sweat"

September 05, 2018 01:54 - 1 hour - 58.5 MB

This week Ace and I travel to Chicopee MA to talk with Jesse Miller.  Jesse is a disable vet that has dealt with depression in her past but has risen above it to become a very accomplished comedian and producer.  Her office walls are covered with promotional flyers and posters for shows she has produced and it is impressive.  

Episode 55 - Poppy Champlin

August 29, 2018 02:02 - 1 hour - 65.6 MB

Poppy Champlin is this weeks guest.  Ace and Poppy have been friends for awhile, but this was my first time meeting her.  She's had quite a career.  Poppy is not afraid to ask for opportunities and seizes the moment when they have happened.  She's definitely a success, even though you may not be familiar with her.  Look her up and check out one of her shows. https://www.poppycockprod.com

BONUS - It's Going To Be A Bad Gig When ... EXTRAS

August 25, 2018 16:00 - 27 minutes - 23.7 MB

There were some great stories told during last weeks podcast.  Especially with John Perotta and Mike McCarthy joining the discussion.  Unfortunately, we had to trim some for time.  I didn't want to delete them, so we put them together for this BONUS episode.  

Episode 54 - It's Going To Be A Bad Gig When ...

August 24, 2018 01:46 - 1 hour - 65 MB

John Perotta and Mike McCarthy join us this week for a discussion on what makes for a bad gig.  There are certain things that make a show bad for the comics and in the end, the audience.  Ace and I wanted to make a list and brought in two veterans to help.  This talk expanded into some great stories.  Always a fun conversation with these two.  When editing this episode there was too much great content so we added a bonus episode this week. http://www.mikemccarthycomedy.com http://comedyf...

Episode 53 - Amy Tee

August 13, 2018 01:51 - 1 hour - 97.4 MB

What a conversation this week.  Ace and I met up with Amy Tee and got into a deep discussion on mental illness and Amy's involvement with NAMI.  She was open book.  An amazing comedian with a great work ethic and a heart of gold.  We really enjoyed this one, you will as well.

Episode 52 - Mike Murray " Funny 4 Funds - We Book Moments" Pt 2

August 06, 2018 05:00 - 46 minutes - 41.9 MB

Ace and I continue our conversation with Mike Murray from Funny 4 Funds.  We discuss some of the company's biggest moment shows.  There have been a lot of emotional moments that have really moved us and we share some of them during this episode.

Episode 51 - Mike Murray " Funny 4 Funds - We Book Moments" Pt 1

July 31, 2018 01:58 - 45 minutes - 40.4 MB

Mike Murray from Funny 4 Funds joins Ace and I as we discuss some of the company's biggest moment shows.  There have been a lot of emotional moments that have really moved us and we share some of them during this episode.

Episdoe 50 - Jim McCue "The Boston Comedy Festival Founder"

July 23, 2018 20:37 - 1 hour - 66.9 MB

Ace and I headed up to Boston this week to talk to Jim McCue.  Jim is a comedy veteran who is a favorite on USO Tours and is the founder of the Boston Comedy Festival.  He has had and interesting career and is very driven.  Our thanks to the Hard Rock Cafe in Boston for hosting us.

Episode 49 - Frank Santorelli of the Sopranos

July 17, 2018 02:30 - 1 hour - 72.4 MB

This week Ace and I talk to Georgie from the Bada Bing, Frank Santorelli.  A comedian and an actor with an entertaining story.  Originally from Cleveland, learn how he worked his way through the comedy circuits to act on one of the greatest shows of all time, The Sopranos.

Episode 48 - Frank O'Donnell and Charlie Hall Part 2

July 09, 2018 16:00 - 1 hour - 59.3 MB

This is the second part of our conversation with Frank O'Donnell and Charlie Hall.  We get into the history of Periwinkle's and the amazing acts that performed there.  Charlie was so excited he couldn't sit still, as you can tell from his voice volume constantly changing.  These 2 were amazing guests and the story of how they laid the ground work for comedy in Rhode Island was fascinating.

Episode 47 - Frank O'Donnell and Charlie Hall Pt 1

July 03, 2018 19:55 - 1 hour - 61.1 MB

I was out of place during this conversation.  Ace along with our 2 guests are all members of the Rhode Island Comedy Hall Of Fame.  We had blast learning about Frank and Charlie's start in comedy, opening Periwinkle's Comedy Club, and all the great acts they worked with.  I just sat back and enjoyed this one.  Enjoy Part 1.

Episode 46 - Roman Pierce "Friends, Roman, Comedymen"

June 22, 2018 19:27 - 1 hour - 37.8 MB

This week we chat with a Funny 4 Funds favorite, Roman Pierce. He is a crowd favorite with his sharp wit and clever writing.  We've done several shows with Roman but did not know his backstory.  Now we do.  Friends, Roman, Comedymen....

Episode 45 Phillip Anthony - Laughing Latinos Comedy Pt 2

June 14, 2018 14:27 - 54 minutes - 50.5 MB

Ace and I continue our conversation with Phillip Anthony.  Phillip is a very driven interesting guy with a great back story.  We enjoyed getting to know him better.

Episode 44 - Phillip Anthony - Laughing Latinos Comedy Pt 1

June 07, 2018 18:47 - 49 minutes - 49.2 MB

Ace and I speak to Phillip Anthony comedian and owner of Laughing Latinos Comedy.  He had quite the past growing up in Brooklyn NY.  He rose up for some seriously hard times to become a fast rising comic on the New England comedy scene.  This was a long conversation, so its split into two parts.  Enjoy Part 1 

Episode 43 - Sister Imogene and Grandma Martha

May 29, 2018 00:34 - 1 hour - 61.7 MB

     This was definitely one of the most interesting interviews we have ever done.  Martha was a former vaudeville performer with a lot of great stories.  Sister Imogene met Martha at the senior living center where Martha lives.  They appear together all over entertaining people with their stories and anecdotes.  A big thanks to Jay Burns and Brian Vincent for setting this conversation up.

Episode 42 - James Washington

May 25, 2018 13:49 - 1 hour - 55.3 MB

Ace and I speak with James Washington, a young new comic who in short time went from open mics to New York City.  He's an ambitious young man with a lot of drive who has quickly moved up and is an audience favorite.  You'll quickly learn why during this conversation

Episode 41 - Zenobia Del Mar

May 09, 2018 01:50 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MB

Season 2 begins with a conversation with Zenobia Del Mar.  Though she's only been doing comedy a few years she has climbed the comedy ladder fast.  She performs on a lot of her own shows and has a loyal following.  It was a real interesting conversation getting to know Zenobia...

Episode 40 - David Sheehan

March 14, 2018 01:05 - 48 minutes - 38.3 MB

This week I was solo, but I had attempted to speak with David Sheehan in the past and we had to reschedule.  I didn't want to do so again.  I did not know David that well and found out besides living in the same state we both started comedy the same year.  David has a strong work ethic and has earned his way up in the comedy scene.  I enjoyed our conversation.

Episode 39 - Mike Koutrobis

March 06, 2018 23:05 - 52 minutes - 42.8 MB

This week Brad Pierce sits in for Ace Aceto and we talk to Mike Koutrobis via phone.  Mike is an accomplished comedian, actor and entertainer.  He has been around the New England comedy scene for a while.  He's a great storyteller and we really enjoyed this conversation

Episode 38 - Linda Belt

February 27, 2018 01:38 - 1 hour - 60.4 MB

This week we accomplished two important things, our first phone interview and we had a great conversation with Linda Belt.  Ace was out of town so Derrick Fonseca sat in as cohost and had some great questions.  Linda is an amazing comedian and very interesting person.  She had some great stories on coming up in comedy and the challenges women comedians face.  This was an interview I was really looking forward to and you'll understand why after listening...

Episode 37 - Kirsten Logan

February 21, 2018 16:26 - 1 hour - 78.4 MB

Kirsten Logan is a newer comic with only a couple years under her belt but yet is already making a name for herself.  Her humor has a dark side which came out a couple times in our conversation, which I loved.  Ace was late for this one but helped wrap up a great conversation.

BONUS - Bad Gig Stories Volume 2

February 12, 2018 03:17 - 39 minutes - 37.4 MB

I love the bad gig stories.  We all have them and some of them are hilarious.  This episode features stories from Jay Burns, Derek K Moore, Tom Stewart, and one of the best bad gig stories ever from John Morris.  We're upgrading somethings in the studio and we'll have some new episodes coming soon.

Episode 36 - Jay Burns

January 30, 2018 02:52 - 1 hour - 61.3 MB

Jay Burns is always a blast to hang and talk with.  He's an interesting guy and is having a blast with Flannel Polyester Productions.  Check out their Grandma Martha and Sister Imogene video on YouTube.  Ace was having voice trouble due to getting over being sick but he substituted with sound effects he found online.  Fun episode.

Episode 35 - The Dark Side of Comedy

January 15, 2018 01:20 - 1 hour - 76.1 MB

Ace and I are joined by Brad Pierce and Derrick Fonseca.  Always a great time with these two.  We talked about the Last Jedi which led into a conversation about the Dark Side of Comedy, the side people don't see.  Stay tuned BONUS CLIP at the end. 

Episode 34 - Jay Are Adams

January 03, 2018 15:50 - 1 hour - 83.1 MB

Jay Are Adams is an interesting guy.  Served in the military but was always drawn to comedy.  Ace and I enjoyed learning where he came from and what brought him his recent appearance on Kevin Hart’s Comedy Central Show.  Listen and learn why he’s a Funny 4 Funds favorite.

Episode 33 - Jay Sutay

December 19, 2017 01:17 - 1 hour - 75 MB

One of Connecticut Magazine's top Docs and definitely the funniest pediatrician around, Dr. Jay Sutay was our guest this week.  Jay is one of Ace's and my best friends and one of our favorite comics.  A Comediatrician as a Jay puts it is the perfect description.  What's it like being a board certified pediatrician and comedian.  This episode we explore just that.  INTRO Music: Whiskey by Huma-Huma,                                   OUTRO Music: DC Love Go-Go by Silent Partner

Episdoe 32 - E.J. Edmonds

December 05, 2017 02:04 - 1 hour - 58.2 MB

E.J. Edmonds is this weeks guest.  He's always a crowd favorite and I was looking forward to getting to know him.  Originally from Virginia, where he started his comedy career.  He served his country and now delivers the funny.  Ace and I were joined by Brad Pierce and you never know what can happen with Brad around.

Episode 31 - The Woman Behind The Man Behind The Funny

November 06, 2017 21:13 - 1 hour - 66.4 MB

Ace and I were excited about this one.  Cathy Murray, yes Mrs. Mike Murray, came in to tell her tales of dating, crazy business ideas, and parenting with Funny 4 Funds co-founder Mike Murray.  This one was a lot of fun...

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