Just For Laughs: Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, Mae Martin to Receive Best Podcast Award
Comedy-driven podcasts, where comedians interview celebrity guests, have become big business in the entertainment world. Comedians Notaro, Feimster and Martin, who launched their audio series targeting an LGBTQ+ fan base in 2023, will receive the podcast of the year trophy at the Just For Laughs awards show from Canadian comic and actor Sabrina Jalees.
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Guests on the Handsome Podcast include Tom Hanks, Mindy Kaling and Jennifer Aniston. Podcast co-host Martin in 2023 was also in Montreal to receive the rising comedy star of the year at the Just For Laughs festival.
Fest organizers earlier announced that Ryan Reynolds will present the Generation Award to Rob Mac (formerly McElhenney), a fellow executive producer of Welcome to Wrexham.
Other prize winners already announced include Roy Wood Jr. presenting a lifetime achievement award to Amazon's Clean Slate comedy co-star George Wallace; and Benito Skinner, known for his online persona Benny Drama and as the creator and star of the Prime Video comedy Overcompensating, will receive a breakout comedy star of the year prize from Mary Beth Barone.
The rising comedy star of the year award will go to Hannah Berner, the reality star turned podcaster and stand-up comedian. The Just For Laughs Award Show will be part of the ComedyPRO 2025 industry programming in Montreal.
Fest programmers also said Tuesday that Cat Cohen had joined the the awards show lineup as a presenter, while Matthew Broussard will emcee the prize-giving event.
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2 hours ago
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'Sullivan's Crossing' star Morgan Kohan reflects on the 'pressure' of leading hit show: 'You definitely question yourself'
Toronto-based actor Morgan Kohan quickly stole the hearts of Sullivan's Crossing fans playing lead Maggie Sullivan in the hit show. Originally from British Columbia, Kohan's initial love of dance transitioned to acting for the talented star, who's become one of Canada's most beloved stars. Kohan spoke to Yahoo Canada about how she navigated her career, from a musical theatre program and audition for student films, to leading an internationally successful series. In addition to reflecting on other projects she's worked on, including When Hope Calls and Murdoch Transcript I feel like I've definitely found my footing more so now, after a couple of seasons. But that first one was like, you know, you definitely question yourself too often, I have feelings about this. I feel like this is the right decision or, or it should go this way, but people don't know me and maybe don't, aren't going to listen in the same kind of way and when to speak up and when not to, and um yeah, it was, it's, yeah, it's an interesting thing. It definitely was an interesting time, yeah. I know you kind of started as a dancer, and that was kind of like a particular passion for you, and then you ended up later coming to Toronto and doing a musical theater program, but what really made you say, yeah, you know, and I think this is something I want to pursue, like as a job, as a career. I don't know. I think it just always kind of felt right. It kind of, um, I feel like that path kind of opened in a way as I went from dance to the schooling, and the schooling that I did was all theater-based, um. Which was incredible, but it was funny because um, I have not since auditioned for theater, like never once after graduating. I think there was just something that I knew, like something that I, I felt, um, I don't know, like, yeah, eventually film and TV would maybe be more, my fit. So I don't know that there was ever like a clear moment, but it just kind of felt. Like the path kind of opened and it just felt right. When you were kind of getting started and you were starting to go to auditions and you were trying to do that, what was it like to just, just navigate that landscape? Cause I know it can be a little tricky. I mean, I, I had no idea what I was doing. No idea, especially because like with, I mean, I think anybody starting, you can't, yeah, you just got to figure it out. You gotta fail really hard a lot. Um, but I enjoyed it. Like I remember, um. Like I did a ton of student films. That was how I originally, you know, before I had an agent, I'd just be on. It used to be like and you'd find your own breakdowns and, um, taking like the TTC out to Peel and then a bus to like some random person's house to audition in, which now you're like, What were you doing? Um. But it was fun, and I remember, like, you know, you get so excited about, um, a callback for, yeah, that one line in a student film kind of thing, like it was just the best. So, I, um, yeah, I don't know. I remember having a lot of fun with it, but also it was definitely that balance of, um, of, I mean, I feel for anybody's employers at that time too. You're trying to hold a job and also get out to Brampton in the middle of the day and then back to your job for a night or whatever it was. Yeah. Do you remember your first time like on a professional set and what that was? My first union job was Murdoch Mysteries. Um, and I can remember it very clearly. Well, because the second day I was on set was the day that Trump was elected the first time. So it was, like, it was quite a vibe. I was like, I don't think this is a normal set right now, but, um, yeah, it was crazy. So I can very clearly remember that day. That show was like a machine at this point, probably at that point because they'd been on for so long, they were really kind of dialed into what needs to happen. What was it like? I know under the circumstances, a little bit of a weird time to happen to be there, but, but what was it like to just at least see how that was operating? Amazing. Like, it was just so cool. Um, yeah, 'cause it really is a machine, and that was 2016, so, oh God, how many years ago is that? Like a minute, and there were, it was already like so smooth at that point. I can only imagine what it's like now, too. But yeah, I remember, like, from wardrobe being on set and walking around, everything was like all dressed and it was so calm, too, I think, because everybody just knew what they were doing, and it was like, you know, it was a Monday for them or whatever. When you started landing Murdoch Mysteries and started doing, you know, an episode here, an episode there, um, did you feel that momentum starting to build for you? Did that feel good that you were like, OK, I'm getting a role here? Well, an episode here. What was your kind of mindset like then? I mean, even the smallest thing, like a commercial or anything, anything is so exciting. Because it really is, I think, especially at the beginning, it's so hard to get started and to get into the union, to then start booking the roles and, and get casting familiar with you and trusting you that you can, um, you know, if you were to be hired, that you're not gonna let them down on the day kind of thing. Um, but no, I, I was very excited. I, it took, a little bit, as it probably should, off the top, to um kind of get my feet and, and slowly build up. But yeah, I think I've, I've been very lucky in the progression that I've had. Its felt like a nice ride, um, because you have Sullivan's Crossing, you have One Calls the Heart, you have all these things. Um, but what did it feel like when you got to kind of land those roles to be like, oh, I'm like really high up here on the call sheet, like this is my thing. When Holk Calls, when I first booked that, that was, um, originally just a guest star on One Calls the Heart with a potential for a spinoff, but it was not, not a shoe-in; like it wasn't a real thing. So we did the episode, and it was great, or it was two episodes, and um, they're just kind of waiting, and then when it actually happened, its like, wait. Are you sure? Are you sure this is a real thing? Are you sure you want me? Because yeah, it was from a guest star to number one on a show that was crazy, um. Yeah, it was incredible, like so incredible. I'm very, very grateful for that show and the opportunity that that, like, yeah, love me too. It has everythingthat's like Hallmarks very specific look, feel, attitude. Like you kind of know what it is before you even hear anyone say anything; you can kind of get it. What was it like to kind of step into that aesthetic and that kind of show in particular? I mean, it was lovely. I think our first season, like the the first season, which was a good chunk of years ago now, um. Yeah, it was exciting also because we had like they built the town on location, so it wasn't like we were jumping around. Um, it was really exciting too, yeah, because it was a period piece. So we had all of our wardrobe built for us, um. And yeah, I mean, I think I really did approach it in that way. Being aware of the channel that it's on and what people want from it, but also I always try to keep things like, to what I would like to do with the role too, and try to keep it as grounded and as real for me as I possibly can, kind of thing, um, and I think I was very lucky of them allowing me to do that too, you know. Sullivan's Crossing. I mean, I even remember like when the show was announced and just seeing Chad Michael Murray and Scott Patterson on that poster, everyone was like, hold on a second, what is happening? What was it like to enter that world? But specifically when you had two people that you knew, everyone was going to be really excited about, like all over the world. It was very exciting. I think it equally hm, I think there was almost pressure in both ways. Like it almost took the pressure off because all of the focus was on those two, because everybody knew them and were excited about them. But then also there is the self pressure really of anything. Um, and yeah, of like wanting to hold my own within that, you know, and being relatively unknown, not a lot of people are necessarily familiar with me, so I think, yeah, it was both, like made it easier and harder. Chad especially has always been so in my corner and so supportive, and if ever people were kind of, um, focusing on him when it came to decisions or talks or anything, he'd be like, well, this is Morgan's show, or this is our show kind of thing. Like he really is so wonderful at keeping me a part of it too, because it is a balance. I mean, I feel like I've definitely found my footing more so now, after a couple seasons, but that first one was like, you know, you definitely question yourself too of I have feelings about this. I feel like this is the right decision or, or, or it should go this way, but people don't know me and maybe don't, aren't gonna listen in the same kind of way and. When to speak up and when not to. And, um, yeah, it was, it's an interesting thing. It definitely was an interesting time, yeah. I have to dive into the finale from Sullivan's Crossing because that last moment I was like, no way we went here. What did you kind of think when you read that final moment of the season? I think I started laughing. Like in a great way, like, oh yes. Because it's just like, yeah, you know something's coming, and I like I did know that Liam would eventually show up at the beginning, we didn't quite know when. Um, how soon he'd show up. Uh, but yeah, my favorite, my favorite part, like, I mean, it's what, like three lines, but it's, hey Red, like that's so familial or familiar and like intimate in a way too. Like it says so much just in that. I love it. How do you think your relationship is like changed to Maggie in particular being able to play her for so long? I've gotten more protective over her cause I feel like why I know her so much more now, um. Yeah, I think just more protective if anything. I think one of the great things from this season, and something that I was curious about heading into this season, because like, she's a doctor and she feels really passionately about her career, which we've established kind of from the beginning of the show. She takes it really seriously, and this concept of her moving to the Crossing and potentially leaving her career behind, but really showing that like, she comes to the place to understand she doesn't necessarily have to completely compromise. I liked it because I liked that she wasn't like, I'm just gonna leave my career behind and go live with Cal and it's gonna be great, cause as much as that's like a really aspirational story for many, I'm like I still want her to like work and be like a doctor. Um what was it like to be able to kind of get to that place with her as well for season 3? I mean, great, I think that's where she needs to end up, um. Yeah, because I, I feel the same way when I see those storylines. I'm like, yeah, it's cute, but also like me, I'm like, no, they love their job, they love what they're doing. Like, sure, that's beautiful and romantic and picturesque and whatever, but you're leaving a part of yourself, and that very much is a part of her. So I'm very happy that this is. You know, where she's at now, and yeah, found some, some footing there. When you look back at your career, is there a job or a role, and it can be ones that we talked about or other ones that you think was just particularly important to you or sticks with you, whether the role was big or small, but something that you think really impacted you. The one that sticks out for me actually is I did a couple episodes on a show, Ransom. It was definitely earlier on for me, um, but it was more, uh, one of the directors I worked with. It's, I think, more the people I work with that really impact me. Um. Yeah, he was just Bruce McDonald. He was, um, just like a legend and the sweetest. Kind, calm, and trusting. If I'd ask a question about something, you'd be like, well, what do you think? And not in like a rude way or like you should know this, but more in a supportive like, well, what are your thoughts behind this? Like how would you like to approach it? And I remember, um, yeah, it was sweet. I remember the one episode we did after there was one big scene, um. And he very casually was like, well, I'm gonna be really cheering for you when you win your first Oscar, and that will forever, like I'll never forget him saying that to me. And yeah, like years ago. So it's more that it's the people, I think, that I've worked with and then how I feel around that role than necessarily what the role is. In terms of, you know, being able to access roles, I think in the past few years because so many US productions have started filming in Canada. There's been a lot of conversations about, like, what roles are actually accessible for like Canadian talent that are here. And, you know, it's always that balance of there's more productions, but sometimes getting the better roles doesn't necessarily mean those are coming to Canadians because it's filming in Toronto or Vancouver or wherever. Um, have you seen an evolution in just like potential roles for you? Have you, have you seen that kind of go? I mean, because I'm on Sullivan's, it does limit what I can go for, but I definitely have seen with my friends, um, who are auditioning for some of the shows that come up here, getting really close and then finding out that it keeps going to Americans. And even the size of the role, like even small, tiny roles. So I definitely think it is both. Like, there are more productions, but I, yeah, I, I wish there was a way for it to be a little bit more, um, Uh, what's the word, um. open and accessible to see how many roles really are going to Canadians, and what that size is, and how much effort there really is in casting Canadians when it's up here. Because I don't know. I, I love going to class, so I keep going to class as soon as I'm not working, and the work that I see in class and the people and the level, the skill, like it is so incredible. Like I know there's such incredible actors here, and yet so many of them aren't working or are nowhere close to the kinds of roles that they should be booking, and it can be so disheartening to see that too. And you're like, I see it, like literally in front of me, you are incredible, and yet. So yeah, I don't know. You still go to class even when you booked some roles too. Oh yeah, I love it. It's like, I don't know, I see it like the gym. You're never gonna be there. I will never, there's never a place to stop learning. And Sullivan's is wonderful, but it's one character, and I want to be able to expand and get better and fail miserably in class with characters I may never book. And so then when ones that are closer come, I have a little bit more experience and feel a little bit more flexible with it. And it just, like, it keeps the love alive too. I find going to class. Is there something that you have kind of like a bookmark in your brain that you're like, oh, I'd love to go into like this genre or do this thing, anything you have on your kind of bucket list. I love a good dramedy, like I'd love to try a little bit more in the comedy world, um. But I also love to do action. I'd love, like, uh, I love drama. I love the dark kind of shows that come up. I love fantasy. I like theres so much out there where I like, I don't have one specific thing, but I'm just excited about the possibility of everything.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
"I always had to protect you" - Allen Iverson confronted Shaquille O'Neal for tucking his chain in every time he was in Los Angeles
"I always had to protect you" - Allen Iverson confronted Shaquille O'Neal for tucking his chain in every time he was in Los Angeles originally appeared on Basketball Network. Fellow NBA legends Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson had an intriguing and candid conversation during a podcast session last year. The pair reminisced about a lot of things, including the early days of their friendship, specifically why O'Neal often hid Iverson's chain under his shirt whenever they linked up in Los Angeles. Years have passed, but to this day, Iverson still wonders why O'Neal had to do that. The former Philadelphia 76ers superstar grabbed the opportunity to hear it from Shaq himself in their one-on-one discussion. O'Neal didn't beat around the bush and answered right away. He told Iverson straight up that he was doing it for his safety. "Every time I went to L.A., I had my chain out and then he'll tuck it in," Iverson told O'Neal on "The Big Podcast." "He'll tuck my chain in and then, [but] I'm seeing interviews [of Shaq], I'm seeing you on TV, and what you rock? I seen the Superman Chain, man." "Yeah, but I was in the area and I knew certain people [there]," Shaq responded to A.I. "I'm just saying, I knew certain people and I ain't want you out there, you know what I'm saying? So, I always had to protect you." Shaq has always admired Allen The connection between O'Neal and Iverson was nothing short of extraordinary. Though Shaq was undoubtedly the most dominant big man during his prime, he was admittedly a huge fan of the shifty point guard, who was a much smaller player. In fact, O'Neal once confessed to letting Iverson score on him during games. According to Shaq, there were moments when he could've blocked Allen's shot, but he would let it go in because of his admiration for him. "There were guys that when we played them, I was such a fan, I let them do what they wanted on me. White Chocolate (Jason Williams), I want him to go to work. Vince Carter, A.I. (Allen Iverson) and Tracy McGrady. Every time we played A.I., I liked him crossing over and he was tough. I could've blocked his shot multiple times, I just didn't want to," O'Neal said in an interview with Bleacher Report.A.I. was like a "little Shaq" Unlike other NBA all-time greats who only became friends with each other when their careers were finally over, O'Neal and Iverson bonded at the peak of their playing years. Even back then, there was already mutual admiration and respect between them. In 2001, they faced off in the NBA Finals, but that didn't affect their friendship at all. If anything, Shaq and A.I.'s relationship has grown stronger since then. It wasn't only O'Neal who appreciated Iverson. The 2001 NBA MVP also recognized Shaq's qualities both as a player and a person. In fact, Iverson took great pride in being labeled by some fans and analysts as Baby Shaq due to his resemblance to the legendary big man in terms of being a dominant player on the court. For Iverson, O'Neal is the greatest center of all time. On the other hand, Shaq recognizes Allen as one of the fiercest competitors he has ever faced. The friendship between the two icons of the game has already endured the test of time. Ultimately, they proved that true camaraderie could still take place between two literal story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
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‘Ballard' Star Courtney Taylor On Taking On First Major Drama Role In Prime Video's ‘Bosch' Spinoff
From Abbott Elementary to Insecure, Courtney Taylor continues to evolve with each role she takes on. Although she feels the most at home with comedy, whether it's in online skits or playing around with her loved ones, Taylor has always had a fascination with drama, and she loves the transformation that actors undergo while taking on various roles. Now, she will step out of her comfort zone and into the world that she's long been captivated by as she joins the popular Bosch universe by way of the Prime Video spinoff, Ballard. 'As much as comedy feels like home, I'm so happy that drama has found a way into my career and I've been able to really exercise that muscle and drama,' Taylor told Blavity's Shadow and Act in a recent interview as the series launched. On landing her first drama role 'To be a part of Michael Connelly's universe, in any way, is always super special,' she continued. 'I've loved all of his work. [The] Lincoln Lawyer, and the Bosch series itself, was always to me, very good. I was excited to be a part of this series because I think it was something that was so beautifully written, I mean the books are so good, and now that I'm involved in this project, this woman-led cold case unit that is very adamant about finding justice and caring for people, I cannot imagine playing a better role. I'm so excited that they believed in me enough to take on this role, and that I had this wonderful team of people rallying behind me.' Who is Samira Parker in 'Ballard'? Bosch focuses on Detective Renée Ballard (Maggie Q) and her work in the LAPD's cold case unit, and Taylor plays Samira Parker, who, according to a character description, is a 'wary, impulsive and tough woman with a burning desire for justice.' 'I think what makes her the most unique is her passion,' Taylor said of her character. 'I think this cold case unit that we're talking about in Ballard, it talks about the underfunded. It talks about how [the] majority of the people are volunteers and not being paid. There's an episode where she basically says that she's the only paid staff member. Ballard is the only paid staff member. Everybody else is here, but just because they're passionate about it and they want to help people and people deserve to get answers — especially people who were waiting decades for answers about their loved ones.' She added, 'I just really thought that made it completely different from anything we've seen because you get to see the gritty of it, and how passionate people have to be to work on a cold case unit.' What her acting journey has taught her so far Whether the role is big or small, Taylor understands the art of pouring herself into various characters we've grown to love. Her recurring role on Insecure as Issa Dee's assistant Sequoia, showcased her as the 'I got it covered' girl, and she also shines as Janine Teague's close friend, Erika, in Abbott Elementary. Taylor, who also had a series regular role in Netflix's Neon, says each character causes her to lend more trust in herself. 'I think I've spent a lot of time doubting me,' she said. 'I think it's so easy, especially when you're young, to be like, 'I don't know if this is good. I don't know if this is right.' But, I think as I've gotten further into this career and gotten such wonderful opportunities to work with amazing people, it's just a validation that I needed inside of me to say, 'Courtney, you are good at this and because you enjoy doing it so much, and you want it to be good, it will be good.'' Taylor added, 'It was a lot of me trusting myself. That's what I learned, personally. Professionally, I learned to be extremely flexible, to be ready to change whatever I needed to change to serve the team, to serve the people around me, to serve the cast I need to work with. I was so ready to be flexible, so ready to help when it came to like ad-libs or fun moments and stuff like that, because I wanted to be of service to everyone around me. I think that's the goal really, just to be of service to the people you're working with, so they can be of service to you.' At the end of the day, Taylor's goal is to create, whether that's in front of the camera or behind it, particularly stories that center people of color and explore narratives that are different. Ballard Season 1is now streaming on Prime post 'Ballard' Star Courtney Taylor On Taking On First Major Drama Role In Prime Video's 'Bosch' Spinoff appeared first on Blavity. Solve the daily Crossword
