BK's Chop Shop

by Brad Kofman

Comedy Interviews Self-Improvement

The "What Up Gang" Guy | BK's Chop Shop

We had the pleasure of filming in a unique setting this past week, at the legendary Chicago staple Johnny's Beef and Gyro in Lincoln park. We sat down with the owner and founder of the "What up Gang" movement to talk everything from dogs, gyros, owning a restuarant, his recent what up gang fame, and how it's translated not only to more business but into a global movement of embarrassing your family. Johnny Stopo was a gracious host and beyond interesting to talk to and get to know, please give us a like and a subscribe if you liked this interview. Where to Find Johnny Stopo: Instagram: at:JohnnyStopo Restaruant: at:Johnnysbeef Where to Find Brad Kofman (BK) www.bradkofman.com (show dates) Instagram: BradKofman TikTok: BradKofmanComedy

Sponsored Stunt Rider Kawboy Dell

Kawboy Dell is a sponsored Stunt Rider, best known as the King of the Stoppie. This involves wheelieing on the front wheel of a motorcycle at high speeds. Besides being a prominent figure in the stunt riding community, Kawboy has several well-known cars in Chicago. He's known for his wrapped, twin-turbo Lamborghini adorned with Hello Kitty, and has also been seen driving a purple-wrapped Range Rover with a famous adult site on the side. Check out more of Kawboy on his instagram at: KawboyDell Find Brad (BK): Instagram at BradKofman Show Dates: BradKofman.com Tik Tok: BradKofmanComedy

Austin's Next Superstar Jackie Venson | BK's Chop Shop

Jackie Venson is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist from Austin, Texas. She graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2011. Venson has released five studio albums, Joy (2019), Love Transcends (2021), Evolution of Joy (2023), Ghost in the Machine (2023) and The Love Anthology (2025). In addition to her studio albums, Venson has released six live albums, Live at Strange Brew (2016) Live in Texas (2020), Jackie Venson Live at Austin City Limits, Joy Alive (2021), Love Transcends: Live in Austin (2022) and Ghost Live (2024). Venson also has an electronic musical DJ alter ego that goes by the name Jackie the Robot and which releases projects regularly. In April 2014, Venson entered the Modern Southern Music Competition and won a headlining spot on the Belk Summer Tour. She opened for country artists Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw and James Taylor. She has also performed at the Austin Urban Music Festival. Austin City Hall declared May 21, 2014 Jackie Venson Day, and held a concert in her honor to raise money for an Austin music school. If you enjoyed this interview please Like, Comment, and Subscribe

Austin's Next Superstar Jackie Venson | BKs Chop Shop

Jackie Venson is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist from Austin, Texas. She graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2011. Venson has released five studio albums, Joy (2019), Love Transcends (2021), Evolution of Joy (2023), Ghost in the Machine (2023) and The Love Anthology (2025). In addition to her studio albums, Venson has released six live albums, Live at Strange Brew (2016) Live in Texas (2020), Jackie Venson Live at Austin City Limits, Joy Alive (2021), Love Transcends: Live in Austin (2022) and Ghost Live (2024). Venson also has an electronic musical DJ alter ego that goes by the name Jackie the robot and which releases projects regularly. In April 2014, Venson entered the Modern Southern Music Competition and won a headlining spot on the Belk Summer Tour. She opened for country artists Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw and James Taylor. She has also performed at the Austin Urban Music Festival. Austin City Hall declared May 21, 2014 Jackie Venson Day, and held a concert in her honor to raise money for an Austin music school. If you enjoyed this interview please Like, Comment, and Subscribe

Season 2

Humble Beginnings of Humboldt Jungle

We sat down this week with Nathan Weil, one of the creators and founders of the viral Humboldt Jungle show. Humboldt Jungle was a show that started in a basement in Humboldt Park. The show gained a mass cult following and was constructed of stand up comedy and music. The show kept growing in popularity, selling out minutes after new show announcements every week. Sadly, an influencer who came to the show and was asked not to film outside the venue, showed everything, addresses, street corners, and the video went viral. The show had to shut down, but has emerged back in a new form, pop up shows at large venues throughout Chicago. Traveling with their iconic backdrop, they set up in places like Chicago's Salt Shed music venue, Promontory point, and so many more. You can still catch them, but it's even harder than before to snag a ticket. Join us as we travel through the Humboldt Jungle Journey, the rise, the fall, and the reemergence. Also learn more about its creator Nathan Weil, a man of many talents, and a diverse life experience that lends itself to creating an underground sensation like this. Where to Find Humboldt Jungle ‪@thehumboldtjungle‬ on Youtube and same for Instagram Where to find Brad Kofman Show Dates www.bradkofman.com Instagram: at: BradKofman TikTok: at:BradKofmanComedy Stay Tuned for more episodes and as always don't forget to subscribe.

Jeremy Allen White Lookalike Winner | Ben Shabad, Mental Health, Creativity, Comedy | BK's Chop Shop

Welcome to BK’s Chop Shop — the funniest, rawest, and most insightful comedy podcast coming out of Chicago. In this premiere episode, comedian Brad Kofman sits down with mental health therapist and viral sensation Ben Shabad, winner of the Chicago Jeremy Allen White Look-Alike Contest (from FX’s The Bear), to chop it up about everything from creative inspiration to mental health, motivation, and life in the spotlight. If you’re a fan of stand-up comedy, The Bear, Chicago podcasts, or want to hear real talk from real creatives, this one’s for you. TOPICS COVERED: • Mental health & therapy in the comedy world • How Ben Shabad became Chicago’s Jeremy Allen White • Motivation & staying inspired as a creator • The highs and lows of being in the spotlight • What it’s like balancing a creative mind with emotional wellness • Behind-the-scenes stories from Chicago’s underground comedy scene Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring comedians, creators, and rising voices from the city. WATCH NEXT: https://youtu.be/8sDDzZBoyyk FOLLOW BK’S CHOP SHOP: Instagram: @bradkofman TikTok: @bradkofmancomedy Host Show Dates: www.bradkofman.com Guest: @benshabad Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT below — let us know your favorite moment from this episode!

Season 1

Season 1 Finale w/ Cortez Smith | Brad Kofman's Chop Shop | Cortez Smith

We had the honor to chop it up with the one and only Cortez Smith. Cortez is a talented actor born and raised in Chicago. He has garnered attention for his compelling performances, particularly as the reoccurring guest star in the role of Nuck beginning 2019- present day. We talk Chicago, family, motivation, getting the role, and just everything good news! You won't want to miss this one, check it out and follow along with our journey. Where to Find Brad and his show dates: www.bradkofman.com www.instagram.com/bradkofman www.tiktok.com/bradkofmancomedy Brad Kofman's Chop Shop shot and produced at Good News Studios Chicago Executive Producers: Nick Matthys, Brad Kofman, Corey Capelli

JC Rivera, The Bear Champ Does His First Ever Podcast| Brad Kofman's Chop Shop | JC Rivera

We had the honor to chop it up with the one and only JC Rivera (The Bear Champ) on his first ever podcast. Chicago's biggest artist does a tell all on his inspiration, his origin story, drama in the art world, staying motivated, family, and just everything good news! You won't want to miss this one, check it out and follow along with our journey. Where to Find Brad and his show dates: www.bradkofman.com www.instagram.com/bradkofman www.tiktok.com/bradkofmancomedy Brad Kofman's Chop Shop shot and produced at Good News Studios Chicago Executive Producers: Nick Matthys, Brad Kofman, Corey Capelli

Night Scuba is Crazy | Brad Kofman's Chop Shop | Guest Josh Ocean Thomas

We got the honor to chop it up with the one and only Josh Ocean Thomas. We talk growing up in San Diego , roots in Tunisia, extreme sports, Comedy, and much more. Check it out and subscribe, we'd love to have you tag along for the journey. Where to Find Brad and his show dates: www.bradkofman.com www.instagram.com/bradkofman www.tiktok.com/bradkofmancomedy Brad Kofman's Chop Shop shot and produced at Good News Studios Chicago Executive Producers: Nick Matthys, Brad Kofman, Corey Capelli

From Counterfeit Artist to World Renowned Artist | Brad Kofman's Chop Shop | Arthur J Williams Jr.

We got the honor to chop it up with the one and only Arthur J Williams Jr. The man who cracked the secret to counterfeiting the 1996 hundred dollar bill. After years of success and wild times the law caught up with him, and he did his time. In that stint he found the ability to go legit with his art, and is now one of the most prominent figures in the art world today. We talk, counterfeit secrets, his success run, jail time, art, making a living, excelling in the art world, and crazy stories in between. You won't want to miss this one, check it out and follow along with our journey. Where to Find Brad and his show dates: www.bradkofman.com www.instagram.com/bradkofman www.tiktok.com/bradkofmancomedy Brad Kofman's Chop Shop shot and produced at Good News Studios Chicago Executive Producers: Nick Matthys, Brad Kofman, Corey Capelli

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