It's All True!

Tim's New Podcast! "You Are The Genre"

January 08, 2024 15:58 - 5 minutes - 6.52 MB

Tim Barnes introduces listeners to the You Are The Genre podcast featuring clips from upcoming interviews with Eliza Cossio, Mike Sacks, Ashley Ray, Steven Castillo, Zach Cherry, Milly Tamarez, James III, Freddie Nunez, and Greg Iwinski. Tune in for new episodes every Monday! Or, become a paid subscriber to listen ahead each week. For instance, paid subscribers can listen to the first full episode of the podcast with Eliza Cossio now! CREDITS: * Host: Tim Barnes * Theme Song: “You Are Th...

Big Announcement: I Made A Cartoon!

June 10, 2022 16:00 - 6 minutes - 7.37 MB

Tim here, popping in to announce that I created a cartoon for Comedy Central called "Maurice On Mars". Would love it if you could check it out and spread the word. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#81: Rapper, Rhymefest (LIVE!! at the Chicago Podcast Festival)

January 05, 2017 22:37 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MB

Recorded November of 2016 at the Chicago Podcast Festival: Che "Rhymefest" Smith joins It's All True! host, Tim Barnes, to talk politics, comic books, and Kanye. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#80: Comedian Ron Funches [Explicit]

November 10, 2016 17:36 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MB

Recorded in 2015, Comedian Ron Funches joins It’s All True! To talk about finding humor through tragedy, the inspiration behind his debut stand-up album, and what single life can really be like. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#79: Comedian Shalewa Sharpe (LIVE!) [Explicit]

October 20, 2016 15:13 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MB

Comedian Shalewa Sharpe joins Tim Barnes at a live recording in Brooklyn’s Union Hall to talk New York vs. Atlanta, the origin of her album Stay Eating Cookies and to tell a story about solid advice from a mysterious grocery store employee. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#78: Comedian/Writer Robin Thede (LIVE!) [Explicit]

October 13, 2016 14:44 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MB

Comedic actress and writer, Robin Thede, made history when she joined Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore as head writer. She joined It’s All True! host Tim Barnes at a live show in Brooklyn’s Union Hall to talk about her late night TV experiences, what the White House Correspondents dinner was really like, growing up in a trailer park and much, much more. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT - BONUS INTERVIEW: Artist/Writer Stanley Donwood

October 06, 2016 16:28 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MB

In this special bonus interview edition of the podcast, Tim Barnes talks to artist and writer Stanley Donwood about the re-release of his comedic noir crime thriller "Catacombs of Terror." Catacombs of Terror! is a noir crime thriller set in Bath, England, in which private investigator Martin Valpolicella receives a tip that he will soon be framed for a future murder— that of his former lover – one that is set to take place in the catacombs buried beneath the city. Can he save the girl, and ...

IAT Ep#77: Radio Producer Sean Rameswaram (LIVE!) [Explicit]

October 06, 2016 11:58 - 17 minutes - 16.2 MB

The It’s All True! Podcast features interviews with the most creative voices in comedy, writing, performance and music and asks them to tell one funny, very true story. Tim Barnes chats with Sean Rameswaram (WNYC, More Perfect podcast, Sideshow podcast) about radio, his love of Lakshmi Singh, and what happens when all of your dreams come true. Sean also shares a hilarious story about a strange tattoo that remains on his skin to this day. Get full access to Letters From African America at t...

IAT Ep#76: Comedian Roy Wood Jr. (LIVE!) [Explicit]

September 29, 2016 14:19 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MB

The It’s All True! Podcast features interviews with the most creative voices in comedy, writing, performance and music and asks them to tell one funny, very true story. This episode marks the debut of It’s All True in New York City. Host, Tim Barnes, sat down with comedian Roy Wood Jr at Union Hall to talk about his upcoming hour special and the art of prank calling for radio. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#75: Comedian Felonious Munk (LIVE!) [Explicit]

September 16, 2016 18:08 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MB

Recorded in October of 2015, this episode features Tim Barnes in conversation with comedian, activist, and social commentator Felonious Munk (The Nightly Show). They talk twitter, comedy, and more. Plus! A bonus white twitter update from comedian Erik Niewiarowski and a surprise return from past IAT guest, Suey Park. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#74: Rapper ShowYouSuck (LIVE!) [Explicit]

September 08, 2016 12:39 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MB

Recorded in October of 2015, this episode features Tim Barnes in conversation with Chicago rapper, ShowYouSuck. They talk music, life, and pot brownies. Plus! A bonus live lie detector test conducted by comedian Erik Niewiarowski. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT EP#73: The Puterbaugh Sisters (LIVE!) [Explicit]

August 25, 2016 18:00 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MB

Recorded in October of 2015, this episode features Tim Barnes in conversation with the Puterbaugh Sisters. The Puterbaugh’s are a sister comedy duo, and here they talk about their conversational style of stand-up, why the show they created with Beth Stelling called Entertaining Julia was so successful and tell a few Halloween hook-up horror stories Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#72: Musician/Writer Tim Kinsella (LIVE!) [Explicit]

August 18, 2016 18:37 - 18 minutes - 17 MB

(2015)The It's All True! Podcast features interviews with the most creative voices in comedy, writing, performance and music and asks them to tell one funny, very true story. Host, Tim Barnes, chats with musician and author Tim Kinsella about his musical and writing career. Kinsella shares an incredible true story that involves nudity and a blonde wig. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

(LIVE!) IAT Ep#71: (Part 2: CHICAGO FAREWELL) with Arish Singh & Natalie Grace Alford

August 11, 2016 17:54 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MB

"It's All True!" host Tim Barnes had a farewell show for for Chicago before moving to New York. This is part two of that show. Enjoy conversations and stories from comedian Arish Singh and singer/songwriter Natalie Grace Alford Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

(LIVE!) IAT Ep#70: (Part 1: CHICAGO FAREWELL) with Lily Be, Ric Wilson & Chris Trani

August 04, 2016 21:33 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MB

"It's All True!" host Tim Barnes had a farewell show for for Chicago before moving to New York. This is part one of that show. Enjoy conversations and stories from Lily Be, Ric Wilson, and Chris Trani. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#69: Comedian Chris Redd (LIVE!) [Explicit]

July 28, 2016 11:10 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MB

(2015)The It's All True! Podcast features interviews with the most creative voices in comedy, writing, performance and music and asks them to tell one funny, very true story. Host, Tim Barnes, chats with comedian Chris Redd about finding his voice in Chicago and getting used to casually meeting celebrities in Hollywood. It's all capped by Redd's headlining story of running away from home. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#68: Comedian Rebecca V. O'Neal (LIVE!) [Explicit]

June 17, 2016 04:59 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MB

It's All True host Tim Barnes chats with comedian Rebecca V. O'Neal to discuss the art of self deprecating jokes and the Chicago comedy scene. Rebecca closes the episode with a show-stopping story about a complicated love connection. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT: Valentine's Day Spectacular Vol.1 [Explicit]

February 13, 2016 00:40 - 1 hour - 48.5 MB

Stories of romance, dating, friendship, breakups and more from guests including: Hari Kondabolu, Samantha Irby, Daniel Kibblesmith, Will Miles, Liza Treyger, Jonathan Katz, Sara Schaefer, Clark Jones, Gabe Liebowitz, and Britt Julious. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#67: Comedian Sara Schaefer (LIVE!) [Explicit]

January 12, 2016 21:16 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MB

The It's All True! Podcast features interviews with the most creative voices in comedy, writing, performance and music and asks them to tell one funny, very true story. In this episode, Sara Schaefer discusses the highs and lows of late night, the non-traditional path to her comedy career and tells the story of a grade school best friend break-up. [Special Thanks: The Comedy Exposition, Ray Teresi (Sound Engineer), Matthew Kirk.] Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnes...

IAT Ep#66: Comedian Mo Alexander (LIVE!) [Explicit]

December 15, 2015 03:52 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MB

The It's All True! Podcast features interviews with the most creative voices in comedy, writing, performance and music and asks them to tell one funny, very true story. In this episode, Mo Alexander talks about his 78 day experience in the hospital, why he’s listed as a writer for Scary Movie, and tells a story that’s too true to be false. [Special Thanks: The Comedy Exposition, Ray Teresi (Sound Engineer), Matthew Kirk.] Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy....

IAT Ep#65: Comedian Brian Posehn (LIVE!) [Explicit]

December 01, 2015 16:20 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MB

The It's All True! Podcast features interviews with the most creative voices in comedy, writing, performance and music and asks them to tell one funny, very true story. In this live episode recorded at the Witching Hour Festival in Iowa City, Brian Posehn describes the art of a good dick joke and why he began pursuing comedy at a young age. We discuss his first starring role in the film "Uncle Nick," as well as his career in stand-up, television, comic books and more. Get full access to Let...

IAT Ep#64: Comedian Kyle Scanlan

October 20, 2015 15:12 - 24 minutes - 17 MB

The It's All True! Podcast features interviews with the most creative voices in comedy, writing, performance and music and asks them to tell one funny, very true story. In this episode, Kyle Scanlan discusses the creation of The Whiskey Journal, his comedic influence and the true story of hopping into the wrong car. We also talk about his important role in making the It’s All True! podcast possible. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT: Extended Lizzie Skurnick Interview [Explicit]

October 05, 2015 20:20 - 56 minutes - 25.8 MB

This is an extended version of an episode aired earlier on WBEZ, featuring the full interview with writer Lizzie Skurnick about growing up as a black woman who can “pass” as white, and her new book That Should Be A Word. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#63: Comedian Eugene Mirman

September 21, 2015 21:37 - 18 minutes - 13 MB

Eugene Mirman goes through the unique path of his career from his start performing as a stand up in the early 90’s. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT: Extended Azhar Usman Interview

September 07, 2015 16:56 - 49 minutes - 22.7 MB

This is an extended version of an episode aired earlier on WBEZ, featuring the full interview with Azhar Usman, described by some as "America's Funniest Muslim." He talks about discovering comedy as an outlet and how he deals with stereotypes both in life and through humor. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#62: Comedian Sean Donnelly

August 24, 2015 21:15 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MB

Sean Donnelly talks about his upcoming Comedy Central special and the “all comedians are insecure” stereotype. He also shares a true story about the time he and his friends hit a cop with a paint can after they got busted for graffiti in Long Island. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#61: Reductress Editors, Beth Newell & Sarah Pappalardo

August 13, 2015 10:14 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MB

In this episode, "It's All True!" host Tim Barnes talks to Beth Newell and Sarah Pappalardo. They created the popular satirical women's magazine known throughout the internet as "Reductress." The conversation delves into a dissection of the people who take fake news stories seriously and the negative aspect of certain media outlets tailored for women. Their headlining story is all about a creepy dude at a bar. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/s...

IAT Ep#60: Storyteller Kevin Allison

August 05, 2015 18:21 - 24 minutes - 17 MB

Kevin Allison talks about the formation of "The State" on MTV and how he delved into personal storytelling leading up to the creation of his hit series "RISK!" His headlining story is about how you're never on stage alone. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#59: Musician Gabe Liebowitz

June 30, 2015 03:05 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MB

Singer/Songwriter Gabe Liebowitz talks about the formation of his band Dastardly and the music that influences him. He delves into romantic world of being a touring musician and tells the story of his encounter with a strange man on his Kerouac-esque journey. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT: Extended Dwayne Kennedy Interview

June 24, 2015 12:52 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MB

This extended interview from episode 40 of "It's All True!" highlights comedian Dwayne Kennedy's beginnings in Chicago, the ups and downs in his career and his insights on working with W. Kamau Bell and Arsenio Hall. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#58: Author Lizzie Skurnick

June 23, 2015 02:00 - 31 minutes - 21.3 MB

Writer Lizzie Skurnick talks about growing up as a black woman who can "pass" as white, her new book "That Should Be A Word" and tells the humorous true story of how she chose the right sperm for her pregnancy. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#57: Comedian Ramon Rivas

June 08, 2015 23:22 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MB

Comedian Ramon Rivas talks about the magical world of racial ambiguity and how he started out in the Cleveland comedy scene. (Photo: Rustin McCann) Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#56: Comedian Greg Proops

June 02, 2015 14:43 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MB

Greg Proops (Whose Line Is It Anyway?) talks about starting off in the California bay area comedy scene, the writing process for "The Smartest Book in the World" and why he thinks soul music cures the blues. His headlining story involves philosophy, danger and Mars Bars. www.gregproops.com | www.alltruepod.tumblr.com Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#55: Comedian Clark Jones

May 26, 2015 18:53 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MB

Clark Jones describes starting his comedy career in Chicago and what the transition to New York has been like. He delves into the different styles of comedy seen in the north and south sides of Chicago and tells the story of his first case of romantic heartbreak. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#54: Comedian Nick Vatterott

May 18, 2015 22:45 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MB

Andy Kaufman Award winner Nick Vatterott talks about the difference between comedy clubs and alternative rooms as well as the division between stand up comics and improvisors. His headlining story centers around his time touring with Second City and trying his hand at performing in a Turkish comedy club. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#53: Comedian Azhar Usman

May 12, 2015 12:08 - 25 minutes - 23 MB

Comedian Azhar Usman is described by some as "America's Funniest Muslim." He talks about discovering comedy as an outlet and how he deals with stereotypes both in life and through humor. His headlining story will make you laugh and maybe even tear up. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#52: Comedian Katie McVay

May 04, 2015 22:44 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MB

Katie McVay talks about the formation of The Comedy Exposition (Chicago's DIY stand up festival), how Nicki Minaj changed her life and why she moved to Chicago to pursue comedy. Her headlining story involves her life long fear of cats coming into reality in the the worst, most hilarious way possible. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#51: Comedian Lil Rel

April 28, 2015 15:04 - 24 minutes - 22 MB

Comedian Lil Rel Howery talks about starting off in Chicago and navigating the comedy scene divided by a segregated city. He delves into how the sketch comedy show "Friends of the People" was formed after the ill fated reboot of "In Living Color," and describes his influences ranging from Eddie Murphy to strangers on the street. His headlining story involves karate, birthdays and taxi drivers. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#50: Comedian Andy Kindler

April 21, 2015 00:41 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MB

Comedian Andy Kindler talks about what it was like during the tail end of the comedy boom and beginning of the alternative comedy scene in the 80's. He also dives into his love for taekwondo, his addiction to Twitter and more! It all ends with his headlining story, "Young Child Figures Out Way To Avoid Severe Embarrassment." Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#49: Comedian Baratunde Thurston

April 14, 2015 18:28 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MB

Comedian and writer Baratunde Thurston describes the thought process behind his best selling book "How To Be Black," and reveals how he aims to connect technology with humor as CEO and co-founder of Cultivated Wit. His headlining story revolves around his bizarre and enlightening experience in the country of Georgia. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#48: Comedian Brian Babylon (LIVE!)

April 13, 2015 17:55 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MB

Comedian and radio host Brian Babylon tests out new material, and describes his epic rise and fall in wealth during his first summer job. Brian records his first comedy album this May. Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#47: Comedian Maz Jobrani (LIVE!)

April 07, 2015 22:37 - 23 minutes - 21.2 MB

Writer, actor and comedian Maz Jobrani joins It's All True for its first live show to discuss his new book, "I'm Not A Terrorist, But I've Played One On TV," and shares the moments in his life that inspired him to write it. His headlining story is titled: "Lunch With Hezbollah" Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#46: Writer/Producer Issa Rae

March 31, 2015 01:57 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MB

Writer, producer and actress Issa Rae talks about the development of her hit web series "The Misadventures of an Awkward Black Girl," defines her take on awkwardness and explains how her pilot for HBO came to be. It all ends with the story of a middle school birthday party nightmare! Get full access to Letters From African America at timbarnescomedy.substack.com/subscribe

IAT Ep#45: Wrestler Colt Cabana

March 23, 2015 05:01 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MB

Wrestler, podcaster and comedian Colt Cabana talks about his path to professional wrestling, his life in and out of the WWE, and why he later returned to the independent circuit. The whole journey has taken a lot of grit and perseverance, and an incredible work ethic. We hear about that, the stories behind the wrestling names he's had, and Colt reveals one of the strangest moments he had while wrestling... for the Insane Clown Posse. Get full access to Letters From African America at timba...

IAT Ep#44: Comedian John Roy

January 26, 2015 22:29 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

Comedian John Roy talks about starting off in the early Chicago stand-up scene and describes one of the worst road gigs ever. Host Tim Barnes confesses that he always thought John was black. John Roy began his comedy career in Chicago, where he studied Improv at Second City and the Annoyance Theater. He moved to Los Angeles in 2004. He has appeared on numerous television programs including Conan, The Tonight Show, The Late Late Show, Last Comic Standing, and CBS’ Star Search, where he was th...

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