Drinking During Business Hours with Sarah Halstead and Rich Chassler artwork

Drinking During Business Hours with Sarah Halstead and Rich Chassler

114 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 27 ratings

Comedians Sarah Halstead and RIch Chassler talk with a diverse lineup of creatives about their life's journey, passions, and what may lead them to drink during business hours.

Comedy Arts Performing Arts acting comedy music spirits standupcomedy wine
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Episodes

Episode 84: Robby Helperin

April 15, 2024 15:00 - 40 minutes - 38.2 MB

Sarah and Rich are back for their first show as a married couple! On this special edition, it is time to pop the champagne as the newlyweds welcome the man behind the music at their fabled nuptials! Robby Helperin runs Spotlight Music, an incredibly unique and amazing company that supplies insanely skilled musicians for weddings and other events. Hear about the wedding, a big hurdle Sarah and Rich faced heading into the event, and how Sarah and Rich stumbled into finding the right note for t...

Episode 83: Katie Cazorla

March 25, 2024 17:42 - 1 hour - 69.5 MB

Sarah and Rich welcome comedian, animal rights advocate, and super-entrepreneur Katie Cazorla to the cellar for a conversation as opulent as a fine Cabernet! Get big laughs as Katie shares stories about her French speaking father, pregnancy, and opening up her own comedy club. Plus, get excellent tips on how to be a true friend to animals and why you should never hitchhike in Elmira, NY! Cheers!

Episode 82: Tom Thakkar

March 11, 2024 21:30 - 1 hour - 59.7 MB

On this episode, Sarah and Rich welcome comedian Tom Thakkar to the cellar for an in-depth conversation about the comedy scene! Tom shares his perspective on the differences between doing comedy in L.A., New York, and the Midwest. Also, how dark is too dark? No, we're not talking about a pinot noir...get insight into Tom's sense of humor, his process, and how he has tweaked some material when he realized it was maybe a little too rough around the edges. It is a comedy deep dive you cannot mi...

Episode 81: Greg Simms

February 26, 2024 13:23 - 57 minutes - 54 MB

Sarah and Rich welcome K-Earth 101's Greg Simms for a chat about his culinary exploits on his @grubwithgreg social accounts and some good nosh! Rich, Sarah, and Greg also gab about modern oldies stations, how Greg broke into the radio business, and so much more! Roll your sleeves up and get ready for some big bites on this food and wine edition of DDBH! Cheers!

Episode 80: Natalia Reagan

February 13, 2024 00:37 - 58 minutes - 54.8 MB

Sarah and Rich are zoomin' back into the cellar and this time they welcome comedian and primatologist Natalia Reagan to the show! Find out about Natalia's unique spin on the science of comedy by implementing science comedy. Also, hear about some harrowing tales involving car crashes and animal attacks! This is an absolute blast of an episode with one of the most fascinating comedians out there today! Cheers!

Episode 79: Cake Extortion

January 30, 2024 01:04 - 26 minutes - 24.8 MB

As Dry January comes to a close, Sarah and Rich sit down to discuss the most dangerous couple's activity in the known world...wedding planning! Find out what Sarah and Rich are doing to prepare for the big day, what's coming up at the next big Bottle Shock Comedy show, and why the wedding cake business is completely out of control. Cheers!

Episode 78: Peter Mehlman

January 15, 2024 16:40 - 49 minutes - 46.2 MB

It may be "Dry January," but the fun continues down in the cellar, as this week comedian/writer/producer Zooms in to chat with Sarah and Rich! Find out how Peter got to work on (arguably) the greatest sitcom ever, with stories from behind the scenes during his time on Seinfeld. Also, get another high-level comedy talk, as Sarah, Rich, and Peter discuss differences in approach to the craft when it comes to young comedians and some of the more grizzled veterans of the art. Oh, and find out why...

Episode 77: Garrick Bernard

January 01, 2024 23:10 - 1 hour - 60.1 MB

This week, Sarah and Rich kick off the new year by welcoming with comedian/writer/actor, Garrick Bernard to talk standup and what it is currently like in some of TVs best writer's rooms. Grab a drink and go behind the scenes on some of TV's biggest shows as Garrick gives us a glimpse into writing for Solar Opposites, Star Trek: Lower Decks, and Rick and Morty. Also, if you want a thorough comedy chat, Sarah, Rich, and Garrick talk shop on everything from the various ways to attack crafting a...

Episode 76: A Hey Hey Hey and a Ho Ho Ho!

December 19, 2023 17:20 - 42 minutes - 39.5 MB

It's the holiday season and this week, Sarah and Rich are down the cellar sharing a glass and some laughs about wedding planning, the perils of doing comedy on the road, and lovely little holiday party at the Hollywood Improv. Also, find out why Rich is a sucker for a sappy Christmas movie. Let the wine flow under the mistletoe on this holly jolly edition of Drinking During Business Hours! Cheers and happy holidays!

Episode 75: Claude Stuart

December 04, 2023 23:16 - 56 minutes - 52.3 MB

The wine flows, the jokes fly, and things get kind of "grapey" on this edition of Drinking During Business Hours, as Sarah and Rich welcome Claude Stuart to the show! Claude explains what it was like growing up in Mississippi and dreaming of getting into comedy, how he broke into the business, and how he actually is living the dream, raising a family and supporting them through his comedy. Plus, you will find out all about Claude's interesting hairdo and how he used to grind it out and work ...

Episode 74: Erica Rhodes

November 20, 2023 16:02 - 46 minutes - 43.2 MB

On this episode, Sarah and Rich welcome comedian Erica Rhodes back to into the cellar for an absolutely fabulous bottle of white Sicilian wine and some hilarious conversation. Go behind the curtain and find out what it means when a comedian says, "good set," get the scoop on which celebrity Erica had an interesting scene with during the filming of a little-known horror movie and get real as Erica shares some of her own story in dealing with the anxieties of show business. It is top to bottom...

Episode 73: Save the Dates

November 06, 2023 19:16 - 31 minutes - 29.5 MB

On this episode, Sarah and Rich share a glass while chatting about how damn expensive attending an out-of-state wedding can be, while grabbing some stamps and shipping out the save-the-dates for their own wedding. Also, get your detective hats on, because Sarah and Rich also investigate how two versions of the exact same set can elicit two very different crowd reactions! Cheers! Today's Beverage: AUM Cellars ***Email [email protected] for a chance to win tickets to see ...

Episode 72: Wayne Federman

October 23, 2023 20:44 - 1 hour - 57 MB

Sarah and Rich welcome comedian/writer/actor/producer Wayne Federman to the cellar for a deep conversation about everything from the science of decanting to Stella Adler, and the beauty of a post-show Taco Bell run! Also, our producer counted, and in addition to some great stories from his long career in comedy working alongside the likes of Garry Shandling and Larry David, Wayne delivers about 5.5 jokes per minute in this episode. So, grab your beverage of choice and enjoy this hilarious ep...

Episode 71: Gabe Abelson

October 09, 2023 15:29 - 59 minutes - 55.1 MB

On this episode, Sarah and Rich are joined by writer/comedian Gabe Abelson for some late-night TV tales. Dive deep into the art of joke writing, mentalism, and the fascinating story about when Gabe first met David Letterman before becoming head monologue writer on the Late Show. Also, prepare yourself, because Gabe goes all out when he and Rich play some quick mentalism games using IMDb. Cheers!

Episode 70: Fatima Taliah

September 25, 2023 14:13 - 54 minutes - 50.6 MB

Sarah and Rich are back in the cellar to get into it with writer/actress/comedian Fatima Taliah! Fatima shares the details behind how she went from modeling and doing YouTube sketches, to diving headfirst into comedy in Hollywood, stories from her recent trip to France and a ton of much need optimism. So, let the Merlot flow and enjoy another fabulous edition of Drinking During Business Hours! Cheers!

Cheers to a Vintage: Erica Rhodes

September 04, 2023 10:16 - 31 minutes - 29 MB

On this week's "best of" episode of Drinking During Business hours, we revisit Sarah's conversation from fall 2017 with Comedian/Actor Erica Rhodes. Erica is known for her work on Prairie Home Companion, VEEP, Modern Family, and so much more. During this chat, she discusses the process of joke writing and putting together her variety show, The NightLight Comedy Show, all while sharing a lovely Chardonnay with Sarah. It is an episode worth revisiting for its deep conversation about life, the ...

Episode 69: Renée Percy

August 22, 2023 04:16 - 58 minutes - 53.7 MB

This week, Comedian/Actor Renée Percy joins Sarah and Rich to discuss so much comedy, coaching, and Canada! Renée shares her journey going from a child star on Canada's legendary DeGrassi series, to the restarting her career in the U.S. Also, Sarah, Rich, and Renée dive into the "comedy coach's dilemma," Renée's new comedy album, The Komic Sutra, her upcoming stand-up special, and so much more! Cheers!

Episode 68: Amy Ezrin

August 07, 2023 15:11 - 1 hour - 59.8 MB

Ciao bella! This week, Sarah and Rich welcome Italian wine expert Amy Ezrin to the cellar to sip on (sarcastic gasp) boxed wine! Yes, that's right! Boxed wine! Amy shares her incredible imported 3-liter boxed vino rosso, Sandy Giovese, with Sarah and Rich as they dive into her personal journey into the world of wine imports. In this episode you will also get some insight into how to get started as a wine obsessive, why Italy is so amazing, and even UFOs. Saluti! You can get more from Amy by...

Episode 67: Brooklyn Jones

July 24, 2023 14:49 - 59 minutes - 54.9 MB

Sarah and Rich are back in the cellar, feeling good, and sharing some wine with the insanely talented comedian, Brooklyn Jones! Find out how Brooklyn became friends with one of TV's most iconic detectives, how she overcame losing her NYC home to a fire, and switching her career focus from rapper to comedian. So pour yourself something tasty and enjoy this conversation with one of comedy's most electrifying personalities!

Episode 66: Threads, Dead Heads, and Newlyweds

July 11, 2023 03:30 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MB

On this episode, Sarah and Rich are sans guest but full of stories and updates! Hear about their trip to a farm wedding in exotic Michigan, what possessed them to rescue two kittens, and whether or not they will dabble in the new Threads platform. Also, get some excellent TV recommendations, a story about the world's worst wine bar manager, and so much more! Cheers!

Episode 65: In Memory of Ricarlo Flanagan

June 26, 2023 15:29 - 52 minutes - 48.6 MB

This week's episode of the podcast is a best of, or rather, an in memory of edition, as we highlight and remember actor/comedian Ricarlo Flanagan. Ricarlo was an amazing entertainer, having stolen scenes on shows like Insecure and Shameless, crushing it on Last Comic Standing, and putting on a fantastic performance in the movie Emily the Criminal. Ricarlo was not only a great comedian and actor, he was an absolutely amazing human being. We remember Ricarlo on this week's show with a re-airin...

Episode 64: David Leaf

June 13, 2023 04:42 - 53 minutes - 49 MB

On this episode, Sarah and Rich welcome Peabody Award-winning writer David Leaf to the cellar to talk all things music! In addition to his writing career, David is also an award winning producer/director and he is a professor at UCLA's Herb Alpert school of music. Not only does David share his own story about how he came to be the premiere chronicler of some of music's most iconic figures, including the legendary Brian Wilson, but he also has some amazing stories for anyone who is a fan of t...

Episode 63: Joey Wolosz and Jeff Durham

May 30, 2023 12:19 - 1 hour - 57.7 MB

This week Sarah and Rich open up the cellar doors to vintners and close, personal, longtime, very dear, good friends Joey Wolosz and Jeff Durham! Joey and Jeff share everything from how they met, having Sarah officiate their wedding, making and selling their own wine at Gentleman Farmer Wines in Napa Valley, cooking, the art of the accordion, and so much more! If you have a passion for wine, cooking, or just love hearing old friends have some laughs and a chat, then uncork this episode and e...

Episode 62: Alone, Together in the Dungeon

May 15, 2023 10:00 - 55 minutes - 51.5 MB

On this special episode, Sarah and Rich are all alone in the studio playing some catch-up, after Sarah's recent trip to Denver. Get a recap of some wine tasting excursions Sarah and Rich recently made, Sarah's beef with performing road comedy, and some passionate discussion about the current writer's strike. Plus, Sarah has some quick tips for "faking it til you make it" while at a winery that you gotta hear! It is "hosts only" on this one on one edition of the podcast, so grab a tall glass ...

Episode 61: Crystal Powell

May 01, 2023 13:05 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MB

This week, Sarah and Rich share a glass and conversation with comedian/actress Crystal Powell! In this episode, Crystal shares some amazing stories from touring with Magic Mike: Live, hitting the road as a comedian during the peak of the pandemic, and making a statement on America's Got Talent. Also, find out why picking someone up from LAX is so much more than asking for a simple friendly favor! Cheers!

Episode 60: Magnus Hastings

April 17, 2023 14:31 - 1 hour - 57.6 MB

On this episode, Sarah and Rich open the doors of the cellar for award winning photographer Magnus Hastings! Hear about the quaint way Sarah met Magnus, as well as how Magnus decided to ditch acting for photography. Grab your beverage of choice and enjoy the conversation as Magnus shares some amazing insight into his photography, shooting some of the world's most famous drag queens, and his struggles with anxiety and addiction. Oh, and you cannot miss the story behind Magnus' disastrous expe...

Episode 59: Luke Null

April 03, 2023 15:36 - 55 minutes - 51.1 MB

It is a rosé kinda day as Sarah and Rich welcome comedian/writer/actor/musician Luke Null to cellar! In addition to superb tastes for wine and coffee, Luke is a superb, authentic, and original performer, whose talent cannot be denied. Find out what inspired Luke to incorporate music into his comedy act, his time on SNL, and his take on the forever war between stand-up and improv. It is a deep comedy dive with one of the most talented young performers out there today. So grab that rosé, wine,...

Episode 58: Mona Shaikh

March 20, 2023 16:04 - 43 minutes - 39.8 MB

This week on Drinking During Business Hours, Sarah and Rich welcome comedian, producer, actor, and activist, Mona Shaikh to the cellar. Mona is a truly incredible and incredibly funny guest, and you will find out here as she shares some outrageous stories about her conservative Muslim upbringing in Pakistan, getting attacked on stage, and so much more. After this episode and a few glasses of champagne, you will come find out why Mona is truly one of comedy's most fearless voices going today....

Episode 57: Justin Wade

March 02, 2023 14:09 - 1 hour - 72.6 MB

On this episode of Drinking During Business Hours, Sarah and Rich welcome actor, comedian, musician, and Canadian, Justin Wade to the cellar! Justin shares some harrowing stories about crossing the U.S./Canadian border and a dandy of a fight he once had in front of a comedy club that you won't want to miss. It is not all fisticuffs and pitfalls with the police though, Justin also delves into his start in comedy, his hilarious mother, his jazz musician father, and so much more! This is defini...

Episode 56: Felicia Michaels and Danny Gold

February 15, 2023 15:17 - 1 hour - 58.1 MB

On this episode, Sarah and Rich share some drinks and stories with their close, personal, longtime, dear, good, friends, comedian/photographer Felicia Michaels and filmmaker Danny Gold. Felicia and Danny are a talented couple with some amazing irons in the fire, including Felicia's podcast, The Liars Club, and Danny's most recent documentary centered around the life of composer Charles Fox, Killing Me Softly with His Songs. Grab your own beverage and enjoy the fascinating stories from Felici...

Episode 55: Frazer Smith

January 25, 2023 05:01 - 1 hour - 56 MB

This week, Sarah and Rich welcome comedian and radio great, Frazer Smith to the program! Grab a drink and soak in a true legend, as Frazer discusses everything from his many iconic radio shows in L.A., performing for people who may not be prepared to actually take in a comedy show, and some truly hilarious stories from Frazer's many years in the business. It is an all-time episode with one of the all-time greats, so don't miss out!

Episode 54: Celebrating Benny the Cat

January 09, 2023 19:01 - 30 minutes - 28.5 MB

On this first episode of 2023, Sarah and Rich share some Greek wine as they discuss the end of their 2022, moving in together, getting COVID together, and of course, the life and times of their beloved cat, Benny. Cozy up and enjoy this intimate first toast to the new year with your humble hosts. Cheers!

Episode 53: Leo Lam

December 12, 2022 12:16 - 1 hour - 67.9 MB

Grab a beverage and get your dancing shoes, because this week, Sarah and Rich welcome a close personal longtime dear good friend in Leo Lam to the cellar. Leo dishes on his amazing work as a dancer for Shania Twain, spirituality, Asian actors as leading men in Hollywood, and so much more! Cheers! You can follow Leo Lam on Instagram @itsLeoLam.

Episode 52: Jann Karam

November 30, 2022 14:00 - 59 minutes - 54.6 MB

This week, Sarah and Rich welcome a comedy stalwart with legendary television credits to her name. This week's guest is the absolutely fantastic Jann Karam! Grab a drink and enjoy the story of how Jann was booked to play one of Jerry's girlfriends on Seinfeld and how she did an awesome scene on Curb Your Enthusiasm that never aired! You will also hear an incredible story about Larry David at a funeral, tales of comedic theft, and so much more! Cheers!

Episode 51: Sean Bishop

November 14, 2022 22:07 - 1 hour - 62.1 MB

This week, Sarah and Rich sit down with film director, voice actor, and animator Sean Bishop! Sean shares some drinks and super fun stories from his career working on big studio animated shows and movies. You will also get to hear about how the game has really changed when it comes landing modern day voice work in Hollywood. Plus, Sean spills on the lovely tale of how he and his wife were meant to be, and how he casually builds DeLoreans and Ectomobiles. Cheers!

Episode 50: John Fugelsang

October 31, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 74.7 MB

This week, Sarah and Rich welcome comedian, actor, and SiriusXM broadcaster, John Fugelsang to the basement for some socially conscious conversation and a little social drinking as well. John dishes on what it was like growing up in a super religious, yet liberal family, getting his start in comedy, and the fine line between having integrity and being a snob. Also, you seriously cannot miss the incredibly romantic story of how John's parents met! Cheers! Follow John on social media @JohnFug...

Episode 49: Trish Suhr

October 17, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 67.1 MB

On this episode, Sarah and Rich welcome an amazing multitasking genius for a beverage and a chat. It's the incredible Trish Suhr! As a comedian, designer, professional organizer, moving and relocation expert, and TV host, Trish has a plethora of tips, ideas, and stories on this jam packed (but quite tidy) edition of Drinking During Business Hours! Trish shares stories from her fascinating upbringing, where she spent a good amount of time in her family's mortuary. She also has some sage movin...

Episode 48: Danny Robinson

October 03, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 65.4 MB

On this episode, Sarah Halstead is joined by co-host/comedian/fiancé Rich Chassler as they welcome talent agent extraordinaire, son of the jitterbug, and soccer fanatic, Danny Robinson of APA! Sit back with a glass and hear some great stories from Danny as he shares some incredible tales from within the industry. This one is an honest look at the "biz" within showbiz, so sit back, relax, and enjoy some wine and wisdom with Danny Robinson!

Episode 47: Rich Chassler

September 19, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 55.5 MB

On this very special episode, Sarah finally gives in and welcomes comedian Rich Chassler to the show. It was the least Sarah could do since, you know, she and Rich did recently get engaged and all. On this episode, you will hear about how the two kept their relationship on the "down low" and how Rich popped the question. Also, get an excellent comedian to comedian chat about Lenny Bruce, comedy's relationship with jazz, and Rich's upcoming hour long standup special. Sit back with your favori...

Cheers to a Vintage: John Pirruccello

September 05, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 61.6 MB

This week, Sarah throws it back to a vintage episode of Drinking During Business Hours, with a conversation she had with actor John Pirruccello. Since this chat, John has had tremendous success in TV and film with roles in HBO's Barry and Godzilla vs. Kong, and Hulu's The Valet. John had some great stories to tell about working with the likes of Helen Mirren, David Lynch, and David Mamet. So sit back, grab a beverage, and enjoy this conversation from the cellar with one of Hollywood's most v...

Cheers to a Vintage: Chris O'Shea

August 22, 2022 09:00 - 30 minutes - 28.5 MB

This week we're airing a special best of edition featuring actor Chris O'Shea. This interview originally aired in June of 2018. Since this incredible chat, Chris has played the role of Andrew on the Netflix show You and he's currently on CW's Riverdale in the role of Percival Pickens. Cheers and enjoy!

Cheers to a Classic: Chris O'Shea

August 22, 2022 09:00 - 30 minutes - 28.5 MB

This week we're airing a special best of edition featuring actor Chris O'Shea. This interview originally aired in June of 2018. Since this incredible chat, Chris has played the role of Andrew on the Netflix show You and he's currently on CW's Riverdale in the role of Percival Pickens. Cheers and enjoy!

Episode 46 - Jiaoying Summers

August 08, 2022 09:00 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MB

This week, Sarah takes the show to a gorgeous outdoor setting and sits down with one of her most prolific guests yet, Jiaoying Summers! Not only is Jiaoying one of the hottest comics today, her story is incredibly inspiring, beautiful, and all told on this week's episode, with no punches pulled. So grab your favorite beverage and don't miss out!

Episode 45 - Iris Almario

July 25, 2022 09:00 - 42 minutes - 39.6 MB

This week, Sarah is sharing a beverage with actress Iris Almario and diving into her recent entry into the Walking Dead universe, her commitment to animal advocacy with WUFAW, and so much more! Follow Iris @irisalmario on Instagram and for more about her animal advocacy, visit www.wufaw.org.

Episode 44 - Mike Marino

July 11, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 55.2 MB

On this episode of Drinking During Business Hours, Sarah welcomes New Jersey’s Bad Boy, Mike Marino to the show! Sit back and grab a tasty beverage as Sarah and Mike discuss the many pitfalls for those looking to make it in L.A. compared to New York, Mike's incredible cigarette impersonation, and the lore behind his infamous moniker.

Episode 43 - Pete Molinari & Mila Spigolon

June 27, 2022 09:00 - 54 minutes - 49.9 MB

On this vintage episode of Drinking During Business Hours, Sarah Halstead welcomes the amazingly talented duo of Pete Molinari and Mila Spigolon! Find out how the couple met and how Pete (sort of) popped the question! Pete and Mila combine fashion and style from multiple eras and genres to give us a couple of performances on this episode that will leave you with goosebumps!

Episode 42 - Erin Michele Soto

June 13, 2022 09:00 - 52 minutes - 48 MB

On this episode, Sarah welcomes actress Erin Michele Soto to sit down for a nice tall glass of water and a deep dive into her burgeoning career. Erin shares the story about how she decided to take the plunge into Hollywood, her own internal struggles working as a stand-up comedian, and how she landed her amazing role as Christina/Anastasia on the Emmy award winning series, Studio City. You can follow Erin on Instagram @erinmichelesoto and don't forget to check out her amazing show Studio C...

Episode 41 - Jay Washington

May 30, 2022 18:50 - 1 hour - 57.9 MB

Comedian/Pro Wrestler Jay Washington sits down with Sarah this week for a typically real, raw, and relatable Jay Washington conversation. Sit back, grab a drink, and enjoy the episode as Sarah and Jay dive into Jay's authentic approach to comedy, the trials and tribulations of auditioning, and Jay's harrowing health scare back in 2018.

Episode 40 - Ahmed Ahmed and Markus Redmond

May 16, 2022 21:26 - 49 minutes - 68.1 MB

Podcasters of infamous Hollywood Tales, Ahmed Ahmed and Markus Redmond stop by the studio to dish on more tale! Everyone has a lot to exclaim as Ahmed Ahmed shares the ups and downs of his successful career path as comedian and producer. Former actor turned novelist, Markus Redmond shares stories about his regular role on Doogie Howser M.D., and his reasoning for turning down a main role for Boyz in the Hood.          

Episode 38 - Chavo Guerrero Jr.

April 26, 2022 00:09 - 41 minutes - 57.3 MB

Wrestling legend Chavo Guerrero Jr. takes a break from his selfmade hustle to drink an elegant Chardonnay with Sarah and reminiscence. He talks about his enriching trip to Australia while filming NBC's Young Rock, and the success of his latest venture Los Guerreros Mexican Lager.

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