I'M TRYING!
35 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 20 ratingsA comedy podcast about failure, fear, and desperation. Hosted by Jhanelle Dennis and Jacob Derwin.
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Episodes
Yhane Smith Becomes a Harlem Queen
October 16, 2019 04:13 - 48 minutes - 89.6 MBFilmmaker Yhane Smith discovers the world of audio drama podcasts and dives in head first. *** Jhanelle and Jacob sit down with Yhane Smith to talk about creating art on a budget. But first, Jhanelle and Jacob discover that a new popular SNL short was shot in front of their apartment! *** Support Yhane and Harlem Queen on Patreon! Follow the show, @ImTryingShow on Instagram and Twitter! And your intrepid hosts: @JhanelleDennis and @JacobDerwin. [email protected] www.ImTryingShow...
Jennifer McAuliffe Fails English, Becomes a Writer
October 02, 2019 12:01 - 41 minutes - 77.7 MBComedian Jennifer McAuliffe had some really crummy high school teachers. *** Jennifer McAuliffe joins Jhanelle and Jacob to talk about her dysfunctional childhood and her atypical journey from high school dropout to comedy. But first, Jhanelle and Jacob talk cheese. *** Follow Jennifer on Twitter and Instagram at @JenniferJokes and go to http://jenniferjokes.com for more info on Jennifer and her upcoming shows! Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram at @ImTryingShow and your intrepid ...
Courtney Yates Has An Eggs-istential Crisis
September 18, 2019 11:02 - 49 minutes - 48.9 MBThe "genre famous" massage therapist is a lot of things, but she isn't your mom. *** Courtney Yates joins Jhanelle and Jacob to talk about starting her new massage therapy class, stories from the Villains camp during her second stint on Survivor, and why baths are just the best. But first, Jhanelle alerts Jacob to a new holiday coming up this weekend! *** Learn more about Touch Literacy by following Courtney on IG, @CourtneyYates and Twitter, @CourtneyHYates. Follow the show @ImTryingS...
(Re-Release) Andrea Boehlke Gets Trampled By Horses/Feelings
September 11, 2019 10:35 - 42 minutes - 65.7 MBHost/Actor/3x Survivor Player, Andrea Boehlke saves (her) face. In episode 4, Andrea recounts her near-death experience, deathly embarrassing stories of rejection, and how to deal with losing face in front of your crush. Meanwhile, Jhanelle tries to get a newly baby-faced/clean-shaven Jacob to ditch the razor in favor of waxing. They come to a greedy compromise. *** Keep up with Andrea! Instagram: @andreaboehlke Twitter: @andreaboehlke And her podcast: Past Your Bedtime *** Follow I...
(RE-RELEASE) Jess Salomon Has the Crappiest Flight Ever
September 04, 2019 13:14 - 41 minutes - 87.7 MBJust about everything that could go wrong on an international flight goes wrong for Comedian Jess Salomon. On episode 13 (what shall be known officially as "The Poop Episode"), Comedian Jess Salomon relives her nightmare of a flight from the Netherlands to Canada, and explains why family time is important. But first, Jacob is way too excited about his new bidet. Jhanelle is notably less excited. *** Watch clips from Jess' late night TV debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Fin...
Anne O'Rourke Just Wants to Sing, Dangit!
August 28, 2019 13:52 - 41 minutes - 36.3 MBSinger/Songwriter Anne O'Rourke could use some music therapy. *** Anne O'Rourke joins Jacob on the pod to talk getting certified as a Music Therapist, and feeling bad about promoting yourself to your friends. But first, Jhanelle just has to bring up Limp Bizkit on the podcast again. *** Follow Anne on Instagram at @aormusicofficial and listen to her self titled EP on Spotify now! More info at anneorourkemusic.com. Follow the show @ImTryingShow on Twitter and Instagram. And your intrepid...
Brandon Ash-Mohammed Gets Catfished By His Aunt
August 21, 2019 12:18 - 42 minutes - 73 MBThe ghosts of New York City chase comedian Brandon Ash-Mohammed back to Toronto. *** Brandon Ash-Mohammed joins the pod this week to share some truly wild stories from his early 20s. But first, Jhanelle and Jacob are having an exciting few weeks! Jhanelle even got a television after three years of staring at her apartment wall! *** Follow Brandon at @BearackObama1 on Twitter and Instagram. You can vote for him and I’M TRYING alum, Jess Solomon in Sirius XM’s Top Comic competition at TopC...
Krysti Pryde LIVE @ PlayNYC 2019!
August 14, 2019 14:22 - 21 minutes - 32.8 MBKrysti Pryde goes on a video game-based reality show and... there's no video games? *** Gamer extraordinaire Krysti Pryde joins Jhanelle and Jacob on stage at PlayNYC 2019 for their first live show! The gang talks gaming memories from childhood and beyond! You can watch the video from the conversation on Playcrafting's Twitch channel around the 44-minute mark. *** Follow Krysti on Twitter and Instagram at @KrystiPryde! Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram at @ImTryingShow, and your ...
Sara Hennessey Gets a Little Help From Her Friends
August 07, 2019 12:38 - 42 minutes - 44.6 MBComedian Sara Hennessey stares into the abyss of Instagram, and it stares right back. *** Sara Hennessey joins the pod to talk social media vitriol and trying to maintain creative control. But first, JD & JD talk about the new cat in Jacob's apartment! *** Follow Sara on Twitter at @sara_hennessey and Instagram at @sarahennessey. Check out her comedy albums, THEY KNOW TOO MUCH, and TROUBLE IN SARADISE on iTunes. *** Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram at @ImTryingShow, and your ...
Aisha Brown Creates a Monster
July 31, 2019 12:08 - 56 minutes - 106 MBComedian Aisha Brown is, begrudgingly, the best girlfriend ever. *** Aisha Brown chats with Jhanelle in Montreal about her momentary stumble into makeup artistry, and the head-turning gift she bought for her boyfriend. But first, Jhanelle fills Jacob in about her trip to Just For Laughs, and meeting Spike Lee back home in Toronto! *** Follow Aisha on Twitter at @Aieeesha and Instagram at @AishaHatesPosing. Her new comedy special will air on Crave in Canada in the near future! Find out m...
Aubry Bracco Gets Lost in Costa Rica
July 24, 2019 11:41 - 44 minutes - 65.4 MBAubry Bracco is really, really smart. Just don't ask her to be your GPS in a foreign country. *** Social Media Strategist and Survivor alum Aubry Bracco joins Jacob to talk astrology, Mad Men and getting lost in a parking garage. But first, Jhanelle and Jacob only have a few minutes to record an intro, and it's while she's in Montreal and he's outside a movie theater in Manhattan! *** Follow Aubry on Instagram and Twitter at @AubryBracco and check out her work at aubrybracco.com. Follow...
Caroline Moore Gets an Unexpected Delivery
July 17, 2019 16:22 - 59 minutes - 109 MBCaroline Moore embraces her inner Madonna... and cleans out her fridge. *** Comedian Caroline Moore brings us back to the past to better understand our present, in terms of pop music and dance choreography that is. But first, Jhanelle and Jacob celebrate their 20th episode anniversary by complaining about the recent Disney movie remakes. *** Check out Caroline's show, PowerPop at the PIT in NYC. The next show is July 24th! Follow Caroline on Twitter and Instagram at @carolinemooore. ...
Kate Tellers Was Never Meant For Food Service
July 10, 2019 11:38 - 46 minutes - 81.5 MBKate Tellers (I'm Still Here podcast, The Moth) wasn’t exactly the best waitress in New York. *** Kate Tellers joins Jhanelle and Jacob to tell stories about her waitressing disasters, playing both sides of an NYC comedy rivalry, and her love for Pittsburgh. But first, Jhanelle laments her lost sunglasses and Jacob finds a stranger's phone. *** Listen to Kate's podcast, I'm Still Here, on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Visit www.imstillherepodcast.com for more details! Follow Kate on Ins...
Kristen Sullivan Fights to Find Her Voice
July 03, 2019 11:17 - 51 minutes - 87.7 MBVoice actor Kristen Sullivan's voice will get stuck in your head. But can she get the negative voices out of her own? *** A Silent Voice's Kristen Sullivan chats with Jacob about paying her way through drama school as a high schooler, the constant tug-o-war between paying the bills and going out on auditions and imposter syndrome. But first, Jhanelle and Jacob catch up after spending most of a month apart. *** Follow Kristen on Twitter & Instagram at @Kristenonthemic. Find out more about...
I'M TRYING HARDER: F-Boys vs. One Night Stands
June 26, 2019 13:10 - 30 minutes - 47.7 MBThis episode contains explicit themes and language. Listener discretion advised. On this episode of I'M TRYING HARDER, Voice actor Wolfe Scott and Blogger Sade White duke it out in a friendly (maybe too friendly) duel of words. Follow Wolfe on Twitter and Instagram at @TheWolfeScott. Follow Sade on Instagram at @sadejwhite. Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram at @ImTryingShow. And your intrepid hosts on Twitter/Instagram:@JhanelleDennis and @JacobDerwin. [email protected] w...
(RE-RELEASE) Stephen Fishbach Wakes Up Covered in Bruises
June 20, 2019 02:28 - 43 minutes - 39.6 MBJD & JD are off this week while Jacob's on tour (info here)! Let's revisit one of their favorite conversations with the wonderful Stephen Fishbach. *** Paraphrase host and Survivor alum Stephen Fishbach's palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy. *** In episode 8, Stephen Fishbach brings us inside the lowest moments of his iconic runs on CBS's Survivor, shares his struggles with social media negativity, and recounts a mental health horror story from his time in Paris. But...
(RE-RELEASE) Jeffrey Emerson Models Nude For 50 Dollars
June 12, 2019 17:56 - 50 minutes - 49.3 MBJD & JD are off this week while Jacob's on tour (info here)! Let's revisit one of their favorite conversations with the hilarious Jeffrey Emerson. *** Actor/Comedian Jeffrey Emerson works hard for the money. As they say in the biz, "the show must go on!" In episode 7, Jeffrey takes us through the dark life/career events that led him to finding his /happy/ place. But first Jhanelle reveals to Jacob what her and disgraced CEO Elizabeth Holmes have in common. Catch Jeffrey on S...
I'M TRYING HARDER: Paychecks vs. Adulthood
June 05, 2019 11:13 - 29 minutes - 49.4 MBI’M TRYING HARDER! is a new format we’re trying here on the pod! We hope you enjoy our first attempt with two of our wonderful friends, Elline and Cyan! You can follow Elline at @elline_ on Instagram. You can follow I’M TRYING! on Twitter and Instagram at @ImTryingShow. And your intrepid hosts: @JhanelleDennis and @JacobDerwin on Twitter and Instagram. [email protected] www.ImTryingShow.com
I'M TRYING: Update!
May 29, 2019 10:34 - 27 minutes - 26.9 MBJhanelle and Jacob give you the lowdown on what to expect for the next month of the podcast! And while they’re at it, they discuss their favorite moments from the first few months of the show! Follow the show @ImTryingShow on Twitter and Instagram. Follow Jhanelle @JhanelleDennis on Twitter and Instagram. Follow Jacob @JacobDerwin on Twitter and Instagram. Click here to see where check out where Jacob will be performing throughout June! [email protected] www.ImTryingShow.Com
Mark Normand Takes the Red Pill
May 22, 2019 10:35 - 41 minutes - 41.2 MBComedian Mark Normand is surprisingly not dead? Far from it. *** In episode 15, Mark Normand goes down the rabbit hole from bombing onstage at open mics, to bombing at the MTV VMAs, to recently having a life (or death) crisis on one of the most important days of his life. But first, Jacob and Jhanelle take the blue pill and reminisce on TV shows from their childhoods. *** Click the links to go follow Mark on Twitter and Instagram! Listen to his podcast "Tuesdays With Stories", and check ...
Sandra Battaglini and Phil Luzi Just Need a Minute
May 15, 2019 10:45 - 45 minutes - 42.8 MBComedians Sandra Battaglini and Phil Luzi find time every day to "take it easeee". *** Recorded backstage at New York Comedy Club! In episode 14, Jacob meets Jhanelle's "comedy parents" who share stories of sociology school, of the CASC (Canadian Association of Stand-Up Comedians), and what happens when a heckler chucks a mysterious bottle of yellow liquid at you on stage. But first, Jhanelle and Jacob talk summer camp, and welcome Jacob's roommate, John-Michael Breen (Rock of Ages 10th An...
Jess Salomon Has The Crappiest Flight Ever
May 08, 2019 10:26 - 41 minutes - 88.1 MBJust about everything that could go wrong on an international flight goes wrong for Comedian Jess Salomon. On episode 13 (what shall be known officially as "The Poop Episode"), Comedian Jess Salomon relives her living nightmare on a flight from the Netherlands to Canada. Jess also talks about how spending time with family can actually be relieving. But first, Jacob is way too excited about his new bidet that just arrived. *** Watch clips from Jess' late night TV debut on The Tonight Show ...
Rick Younger Is Too Cool For School
May 01, 2019 11:08 - 44 minutes - 78 MBActor, Comedian and Singer Rick Younger shows up to his audition for RENT... without knowing the songs from RENT. In episode 12, Rick explains to Jacob and Jhanelle how he went from failing in Engineering and Chemistry in college, to successful in standup comedy, to singing and acting on Broadway. But first, Jhanelle makes a case for Nickelback, confirming her very questionable taste in music. *** Follow Rick on Instagram and Twitter @RickYounger. See him as Mr. Duvall in Mean Girls on Br...
Leah Abrahams Has a Bad Ariana Gran-Day
April 24, 2019 11:15 - 42 minutes - 69.3 MBRadio Personality Leah Abrahams says "THANK YOU, next..." to a higher power. In episode 11, Leah tells the nail-biting tale of a Willy Wonka-esque Ariana Grande concert contest gone awry, and how she pulled off a save of epic proportions (but not before shedding a few tears!). First, Jhanelle explains to Jacob how hard she tried to make Leah's visit to NYC the trip of a lifetime... and fell short. *** Follow Leah on Instagram @LeahAbrahams, check out kiss925.com, and listen to her on air ...
Katie Boyle Goes to Sleep on the Kitchen Table
April 17, 2019 20:03 - 54 minutes - 92.7 MBComedian Katie Boyle makes a warm cup of tea after a cold welcome to NYC. In episode 10, The Shift's Katie Boyle explains why her move from Ireland to the United States wasn't all rainbows and pots of gold. From nightmarish roommates, difficult work and dating situations and frustratingly privileged pets, Katie reveals how life's simple pleasures get her through the day. But first, Jhanelle finally tells Jacob the story of her "miracle" beginnings. Listen to Katie's Irish Sex and...
Eric Loses American Idol, Wins Mariah Carey's Heart
April 10, 2019 11:40 - 49 minutes - 86.3 MBMusician Eric Vitoff says goodbye to his second chance at stardom, but still wants to try. In episode 9, Eric tells his behind the scenes story of his American Idol audition in front of the celebrity judges and why Mariah Carey is his #foreverbae. Eric, Jacob and Jhanelle also discuss the minefield that is mending a fractured relationship. But first, Jacob and Jhanelle talk about why they hate being called "great" singers. Listen to Eric's album "Tangible Divide" on your favorite music...
Stephen Fishbach Wakes Up Covered in Bruises
April 03, 2019 10:40 - 42 minutes - 39.9 MBParaphrase host and Survivor alum Stephen Fishbach's palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy. *** In episode 8, Stephen Fishbach brings us inside the lowest moments of his iconic runs on CBS's Survivor, shares his struggles with social media negativity, and recounts a mental health horror story from his time in Paris. But first, Jacob tells Jhanelle about a surreal moment he had at a recent charity event. Learn more about Stephen's podcast, Paraphrase, at ParaphrasePodcast.C...
Jeffrey Emerson Models Nude For 50 Dollars
March 27, 2019 11:00 - 49 minutes - 47.9 MBActor/Comedian Jeffrey Emerson works hard for the money. *** As they say in the biz, "the show must go on!" In episode 7, Jeffrey takes us through the dark life/career events that led him to finding his /happy/ place. But first Jhanelle reveals to Jacob what her and disgraced CEO Elizabeth Holmes have in common. Catch Jeffrey on SyFy's "Happy!" starring Christopher Meloni and Patton Oswald! Season 2 premiers March 27th. And check out his weekly free comedy show, LAp DAnce ...
Efthimios Nasiopoulos Calls Off Two Weddings
March 20, 2019 11:00 - 35 minutes - 33.8 MBComedian and Actor Efthimios liked it, then put a ring on it, then changed his mind... twice. In episode 6, Efthimios talks making hard decisions regarding life and love, and dealing with the aftermath. Jhanelle challenges the notion of "'til death do us part". But first, Jacob accepts a weird vow that extends into the afterlife. *** For more Efthimios, go to ethimiosnasiopolous.com And check out his socials for laughs and live show updates: Instagram: @ef_thimios Twitter: @ef_thimios ...
Nicole Zelniker Gets Stupefied by Margaret Atwood
March 13, 2019 11:00 - 39 minutes - 69.8 MBAuthor and Journalist Nicole Zelniker encounters a series of unfortunate events. Nicole chats with Jhanelle and Jacob about cracking under the pressure of a high stakes job interview, what job hunting and dating have in common, and how to deal with an intense fear of public speaking. Oh, and expect some extremely passionate Harry Potter talk. Meanwhile, in an unexpected turn of events, Jacob and his Dungeon Master roommate, Wolfe, lure Jhanelle into the wild world of Dungeons and Dragons. ...
Andrea Boehlke Gets Trampled By Horses/Feelings
March 06, 2019 11:00 - 42 minutes - 63.6 MBHost/Actor/3x Survivor Player, Andrea Boehlke saves (her) face. In episode 4, Andrea recounts her near-death experience, deathly embarrassing stories of rejection, and how to deal with losing face in front of your crush. Meanwhile, Jhanelle tries to get a newly baby-faced/clean-shaven Jacob to ditch the razor in favor of waxing. They come to a greedy compromise. *** Keep up with Andrea! Instagram: @andreaboehlke Twitter: @andreaboehlke And her podcast: Past Your Bedtime *** Follow I...
Vanetta Schoefield Has 5 Minutes to Move Out
February 27, 2019 11:00 - 28 minutes - 52.5 MBWriter, Comedian and Producer, Vanetta Schoefield lives in a motel for 5 months after moving from North Carolina to New York City. In episode 3, Vanetta talks weight loss, academic struggles, how selling bootleg perfume made her more creative, and what hip hop can teach us about success. But first, Jhanelle needs to warm up and Jacob makes her an offer she can’t refuse. *** Follow Vanetta on Instagram at @vanetta.schoefield to keep up with her upcoming shows. Check out her comedy and even...
Jay & Eytan Live the American Pipe Dream
February 20, 2019 05:01 - 37 minutes - 70.8 MBComedy duo Jay & Eytan fight depression, anxiety and over cleaning a bathroom for cash after a spontaneous move to NYC from Toronto. Meanwhile, Jacob and Jhanelle fight technical difficulties and over Iggy Azalea because they’re still living in the year 2012, apparently. *** To keep up with Jay & Eytan, check out jayandeytan.com. Instagram: @jayandeytan / @jaywellslec / @eytanmillstone Twitter: @jaywellscomedy / @eytanmillstone For discounted tickets to their monthly show, go t...
Kyle Lewis & Drew Rose are Smash Bros, IRL
February 13, 2019 01:53 - 39 minutes - 54.2 MBComedian Kyle Lewis and Drew Rose of @funfactorgames get into a heated fist fight in the “Crazy Town” of Boston. The guys talk losing big fights in both video games and in real life. Jacob and Jhanelle learn what pro wrestling and John Wick (yes, the Keanu Reeves movie) can teach us about getting back up after taking an embarrassing beat down. *** Keep up with Kyle and Drew on social media! YouTube: www.youtube.com/keepitfivestar Instagram: @funfactorgames / Kyle: @keepitfivestar / Dre...
I'M TRYING! the Preview!
February 11, 2019 11:00 - 1 minute - 1.74 MBWelcome to I'M TRYING! We're so glad you're here. New episodes drop every Wednesday wherever podcasts are found! *** Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram @ImTryingShow. Keep up with the captains of this chaotic cruise ship: Jacob Derwin is @JacobDerwin on Twitter and Instagram. Jhanelle Dennis is @JhanelleDennis on Twitter and Instagram. Have you recently embarrassed yourself? Are you looking for help (or pity)? Reach out to us at our e-mail, [email protected]. We're more than ...