What Makes You Laugh?

What Makes You Laugh?

by Vanessa Pazmino

Performing Arts Comedy Interviews

Season 1

What Makes You Laugh: Mark Orintas

When asked who his 3 favorite comedians were Mark Orintas said Jessica Kirson, Gianmarco Soresi with a toss up between Wanda Sykes and Sarah Millican! Mark will be co-hosting Comedy and Cocktails with Julie Fisher on August 13 at Chainbridge Distillery in Oakland Park Florida. Come out and support the show featuring some of South Floridas best comedians, get your tickets at markorintas.com ! *this episode contains some technical difficulties so we apologize for the audio quality of this virtual recording.

What Makes You Laugh: Swafford

Swafford is an Atlanta based comedian who performs clean comedy that he hopes feels like watching a light-hearted sitcom. He is a recurring guest on the Animation Destination podcast, and can be seen frequently at Wali World, No Shame Atlanta, the Laughing Skull Lounge, and whatever church, showcase, or event he has swindled into booking him.

What Makes You Laugh: Mike Engle

Mike Engle is the host of Game of Jokes at Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, every first Saturday of the month. Game of Jokes is an Open Mic Comedy Competition and it will be celebrating it's 9th year in September! Mike also hosts an annual charity show: Punks Bring Presents! Check out his album : Personal Pizza on bandcamp: https://mikeengle.bandcamp.com/album/personal-pizza

What Makes You Laugh: Swetha Ramesh

Swetha Ramesh is a D.C. based stand-up comedian but you can also cath her in many of the major cities alog the east coast from Philly to Raleigh. She is part of a super fun and exciting show coming up at the DC Improv on July 29- "Badar Tareen’s BrownTown isn’t just a comedy show – it’s a fan-favorite celebration of top South Asian comedians (e.g., Indian, Pakistani, etc.) from across the nation. As the DMV’s largest South Asian stand-up show, every BrownTown performance has sold out, and it’s back at the DC Improv. Expect a night of high-energy, hilarious comedy with some of the best and brownest comedians around. Additionally, the show includes a wildly popular Q&A where Badar, also a civil rights lawyer, poses outrageous, unrehearsed questions about race to a white comedian"- https://dcimprov-com.seatengine.com/shows/365582

What Makes You Laugh: Jennifer "Duffman" Novelli

Drag King? Trans, disabled, veteran, comedian! Lesbian Bear! Aspiring Bimbo! Too many labels!- That's J.D. in her own words. J.D. has the spirit of a classic entertainer, often inspired by classic movies and musicals, she could very well add torch singer to her ever growing list of labels and talents! Check her out at Hackers tonight 06/27 in Virginia Beach or StarrHill for Game of Jokes on July 3rd!

What Makes You Laugh: Marisa

Marisa Rigot is a hilarious Richmond based stand-up, sketch and improv comic. Marisa, Donna Boyd, and Blake Carlson host a comedy variety show Miss America 2009) that will melt your face off! Their next extravaganza is set for August, with details tbd.

What Makes You Laugh: Kelly Barnes

Kelly Barnes is another awesome Richmond based comedian with a love for sketch, you can catch her live with Chew Your Food live at Virginia Rep Theater 6/14/2026. Tune in for her self proclaimed terrible Jim Carrey impression. "I'm pretty sure I'm my own soulmate" Kelly, on being an only child.

What Makes You Laugh: Florence J Foley

Florence J Foley kicks us off with the first episode of What Makes You Laugh! Catch her in Get Well Soon, Live!

What Makes You Laugh: Jess K Sky Non- Profit Launch

Atlanta based improviser and clown, Jess K Sky is launching a non profit, connecting fundraisers with low cost to free comedic entertainment. The touching story behind the name honors beloved late local comedic improviser: Tommy Fudge. Tune in for the full story! Go to laughingmatterscorp.org to learn more!

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