Blake Ian

Host

Kissing Sisters - Brothers in Drag

Aug 30, 2013·60 visitors

Daniel Fodera

Cohost

Stage· 226 messages

Aug 30, 2013

An interview with the eldest Fodera brother of the NYC comedy troupe Kissing Sisters, about his influences and experience in carrying the sketch comedy torch.

Blake Ian · 2:05 AM

Hola Senor Fodera!

Daniel Fodera · 2:05 AM

Hola to you, sir!@

Daniel Fodera · 2:05 AM

My first typo

Blake Ian · 2:05 AM

Always a beatiful momentF

Daniel Fodera · 2:06 AM

And sometimes many momentF

Blake Ian · 2:06 AM

Soooo lets Tawk about making people laugh

Blake Ian · 2:07 AM

Since there might be some kids from Williamsburg in the audience... let's start with the early stuff

Daniel Fodera · 2:07 AM

Ohh. I like your sass. What would you like to know?

Blake Ian · 2:07 AM

The first time I realized how funny you really are... was when I watched THIS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHzu7s5oKVA

Blake Ian · 2:08 AM

Mort's Toes

Blake Ian · 2:08 AM

Which I just watched again, and it was like the first time all over again

Daniel Fodera · 2:08 AM

That's the FIRST TIME you realized that I was funny?!?!?

Daniel Fodera · 2:08 AM

Jk. Lols. Thank you.

Blake Ian · 2:09 AM

No, I said it's the first time I realized HOW funny!

Blake Ian · 2:10 AM

So let's start with your influences... Who would win your personal "funniest man who ever lived" award??

Daniel Fodera · 2:10 AM

That's an oldie but a goodie...

Daniel Fodera · 2:11 AM

My instinct says to go with a Peter Sellers or Graham Chapman...

Blake Ian · 2:11 AM

I was going to guess Peter!

Daniel Fodera · 2:11 AM

He rules

Daniel Fodera · 2:11 AM

So subtle

Blake Ian · 2:11 AM

There is just such a ridiculous nuance to his comedy... its like someone is gently tickling you for eternity

Blake Ian · 2:12 AM

Not the cologne... the period of time

Daniel Fodera · 2:13 AM

Totally. I love his tickle.

Daniel Fodera · 2:13 AM

After the Fox, and Strangelove

Blake Ian · 2:13 AM

So let's move to another question that will prob include Mr. Chapman

Daniel Fodera · 2:13 AM

Righto!

Blake Ian · 2:13 AM

Actually - I must respond to Mr. Weissmann

Blake Ian · 2:13 AM

★ Spotlighted from Allan Weissmann

“I would have taken you for a Groucho man\”

Blake Ian · 2:14 AM

I am QUITE surprised Groucho didn't get thrown in with the other 2 nominees

Blake Ian · 2:14 AM

Though I would agree that Chapman and Sellers are funnier

Daniel Fodera · 2:14 AM

Yes. Even my wife is puzzled.

Daniel Fodera · 2:14 AM

I guess you all called me out. But in my defense I've watched a bunch of British material i nthe past few weeks

Blake Ian · 2:15 AM

I mean Groucho was a brilliant man, but I can't say he has made me laugh as often as the other 2

Daniel Fodera · 2:16 AM

I guess my favorite changes from time to time. I know that happens with bands I listen to.

Blake Ian · 2:16 AM

So since tonight we are here to focus in on your recent work with Kissing Sisters... Please sir, name your top 3 favorite Sketch Comedy Troupes

Blake Ian · 2:16 AM

or shall I name them for you?

Daniel Fodera · 2:16 AM

Hahahahaha

Blake Ian · 2:16 AM

I really didn't need you to be here

Daniel Fodera · 2:17 AM

I'm sure we'll get 2 out of 3

Blake Ian · 2:17 AM

Thats what I was thinking... It's just a matter of the State being #3 or not

Daniel Fodera · 2:17 AM

Mr. Show, Kids in the Hall, The State

Blake Ian · 2:17 AM

OH WOW

Daniel Fodera · 2:17 AM

I changed it

Blake Ian · 2:17 AM

I would have blown it

Blake Ian · 2:18 AM

Python is NOT even on that list? let alone #1 seat?

Blake Ian · 2:18 AM

BUT I have to say, Mr. Show being the curve ball - I see how its a tough one

Daniel Fodera · 2:18 AM

Again, you've called me out.

Daniel Fodera · 2:18 AM

WHy couldn't you have asked for my top four?

Blake Ian · 2:18 AM

We all have to choose in life

Blake Ian · 2:19 AM

and I choose to pester you

Blake Ian · 2:19 AM

by limiting it to 3

Daniel Fodera · 2:19 AM

Fine. Python. Needs to be up there.

Daniel Fodera · 2:19 AM

Jeez. Michael!!

Blake Ian · 2:20 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Fodera

“No Upright Citizens Brigade?”

Blake Ian · 2:20 AM

Way to pester Michael!

Blake Ian · 2:20 AM

excuse me... that's "Way to pester, Michael"

Daniel Fodera · 2:20 AM

No Will Ferrell???

Daniel Fodera · 2:20 AM

I have turnedthe tables

Blake Ian · 2:21 AM

I'll ask the questions here.

Blake Ian · 2:21 AM

and Ill give the answers

Blake Ian · 2:22 AM

you just sit there looking pretty sweetheart

Daniel Fodera · 2:22 AM

Way ahead of you

Blake Ian · 2:22 AM

Ok Ok, so now where were we...

Blake Ian · 2:22 AM

Sketch Comedy

Blake Ian · 2:22 AM

So lately your main creative outlet has been the troupe Kissing Sisters

Blake Ian · 2:23 AM

which is made up of your two brothers, Michael and Hambone

Blake Ian · 2:23 AM

I mean Matt

Daniel Fodera · 2:23 AM

Yessir. And two other gents, Eric LEventhal and Ryan Malleus.

Blake Ian · 2:23 AM

Yes, I didn't mean to leave them out, it was a pause

Blake Ian · 2:23 AM

haha

Blake Ian · 2:24 AM

I am big fans of Eric and Ryan

Blake Ian · 2:24 AM

in fact, I have to say that my biggest LOL moment at your recent screening was at Eric dressed as some Hilary Swank gone awry in the family feud spoof

Daniel Fodera · 2:25 AM

Nice! Yes he is a very creepy girl.

Blake Ian · 2:25 AM

Very. Very... Very creepy

Daniel Fodera · 2:25 AM

Many times I found myself looking at him when I was mixing and still being...astounded.

Daniel Fodera · 2:26 AM

But he does creepy in a very funny way.

Daniel Fodera · 2:26 AM

To me anyhow.

Blake Ian · 2:27 AM

So the reason I began with the two brothers from the same mother was because I wanted to know what thats like working creatively with siblings

Blake Ian · 2:27 AM

I have a brother as you know, and there is something in the timing of our humor together that cant be matchd

Blake Ian · 2:27 AM

we grew up on ALL the same movies and inside family jokes

Daniel Fodera · 2:27 AM

I know exactly what you mean.

Daniel Fodera · 2:28 AM

And we create more and more each year.

Blake Ian · 2:28 AM

totally... its like a twins language

Blake Ian · 2:28 AM

my brother and I have literally spent the day communicating in ONLY Goodfellas, Lebowski and Vacation lines

Blake Ian · 2:29 AM

★ Spotlighted from ed goldsmith

“Clark...slow down!”

Blake Ian · 2:30 AM

Are you typing slowly or did you fall asleep with the letter F typed into the message box??

Daniel Fodera · 2:30 AM

Oh my god!! For us it's How Stella Got Her Groove Back and 400 Blows. But we do that too.

Blake Ian · 2:30 AM

Hahaha

Blake Ian · 2:31 AM

that was worth the wait

Blake Ian · 2:31 AM

So let's look at this new episode of Kissing Sisters you guys just premiered at screening across the country

Blake Ian · 2:32 AM

The final skit is just beyond explanation

Blake Ian · 2:32 AM

but I guess if I had to take a crack at it

Blake Ian · 2:32 AM

(pun intended)

Blake Ian · 2:32 AM

you play an artist who experiments with farting in his latest gallery exhibit

Daniel Fodera · 2:32 AM

Thank you. And yes.

Blake Ian · 2:33 AM

HOW

Blake Ian · 2:33 AM

Where did this idea emerge?

Daniel Fodera · 2:33 AM

It started in college when I was study the history of drama and comedia del arte...

Daniel Fodera · 2:33 AM

there was an entire chapter on fart jokes being used in the 1500's

Daniel Fodera · 2:34 AM

i was intrigued and that planted a seed in my head.

Daniel Fodera · 2:34 AM

Then in an email thread, I commented that there should be a Metropolitan Museum of Fart...

Daniel Fodera · 2:34 AM

and the rest is history!!

Blake Ian · 2:35 AM

hahah excellent walkthrough

Blake Ian · 2:35 AM

I mean it's true, I remember my friends dad said to me once at the dinner table, I don't care who you are, where you are from or what year it is... a Fart will always be funny

Blake Ian · 2:35 AM

And I have to say, you have taken one of the classics and done very well with it

Blake Ian · 2:35 AM

Terrance and Phillip would be proud

Blake Ian · 2:35 AM

★ Spotlighted from Dan Herman

“I thought the sketch was long-winded.”

Daniel Fodera · 2:36 AM

Thank you. I hope that Mel Brooks would be proud too.

Blake Ian · 2:36 AM

Oh yeah that's one of the great fart jokes of all time

Daniel Fodera · 2:36 AM

Then our job is done, Dan.

Blake Ian · 2:36 AM

Let's move over to Mel for a second... you are a huge fan I know

Daniel Fodera · 2:36 AM

Totally

Blake Ian · 2:37 AM

Do I have to ask?

Blake Ian · 2:37 AM

Blazing Saddles?

Daniel Fodera · 2:37 AM

I would totally have done Madeline Kahn.

Daniel Fodera · 2:37 AM

Yes

Blake Ian · 2:37 AM

haha that I def dont have to ask

Daniel Fodera · 2:37 AM

Blazing Saddles

Daniel Fodera · 2:38 AM

Blazing Saddles is one of the greatest movies ever.

Blake Ian · 2:38 AM

How old were you when you saw it?

Daniel Fodera · 2:38 AM

Never gets old.

Blake Ian · 2:38 AM

is that in the family treasure of inside jokes?

Daniel Fodera · 2:39 AM

Absolutely. I wasn't allowed to watch it when my uncle had a copy on Laser Disc. But I remember somehow seeing it when I was 4 or 5 in my basement in Wantagh and I have a distinct memory of laughing at, you guessed it, the farts.

Daniel Fodera · 2:39 AM

★ Spotlighted from Allan Weissmann

“I'm with you on Madeline Kahn. Not literally”

Daniel Fodera · 2:40 AM

Allan, she was a sexy and funny woman. Dead ass.

Blake Ian · 2:40 AM

Don't you just love a women who is hot BECAUSE she is funny

Blake Ian · 2:40 AM

that is the best

Daniel Fodera · 2:40 AM

Yes it is, Molly Shannon.

Blake Ian · 2:40 AM

Thank you, and don't call me Molly Shannon

Blake Ian · 2:41 AM

So let's tawk about THAT movie for a second. Did Airplane make it's way into the Fodera household??

Daniel Fodera · 2:42 AM

Yes it did. And that's another of the Laser Discs that I wasn't allowed to watch, but did somehow.

Daniel Fodera · 2:42 AM

That and Kentucky Fried Movie

Daniel Fodera · 2:43 AM

They definitely formed my early childhood.

Blake Ian · 2:43 AM

Mine too... and that should explain a lot to our wives, girlfriends and therapists

Blake Ian · 2:44 AM

So let me move over to another comedy topic for ya... if I may

Daniel Fodera · 2:44 AM

Totes. You're the mover here.

Blake Ian · 2:44 AM

When it comes to taste and being offensive... Is there a line??

Daniel Fodera · 2:44 AM

I'm told there is

Blake Ian · 2:44 AM

yes or no please and then we can "go deeper"

Blake Ian · 2:45 AM

Do you buy it?

Daniel Fodera · 2:45 AM

Not really

Daniel Fodera · 2:45 AM

I think that everything should be open to humor

Blake Ian · 2:45 AM

I mean I have thought about it, and it's not all out of it being a good person or something, is there actually a line that you need to slowly move for it to be funny even?

Blake Ian · 2:46 AM

Like if you go too far before people are ready, maybe its not as funny?

Daniel Fodera · 2:46 AM

Timing is definitely a factor

Daniel Fodera · 2:46 AM

Not just in delivery, but for a long game

Blake Ian · 2:46 AM

But then again I guess it depends on who your audience is

Daniel Fodera · 2:46 AM

South Park is pretty good at straddling that line

Blake Ian · 2:47 AM

Comedies have been going miles past the line with eachother forever right?

Blake Ian · 2:47 AM

yes South Park is brilliant at surfing it

Blake Ian · 2:47 AM

subtly and perfectly

Blake Ian · 2:47 AM

because let's face it, someone just standing there shouting profane things or over the top imagery, isnt necessarily funny

Daniel Fodera · 2:47 AM

Yeah. Their song about it being okay to joke around about 9/11. They throw it in people's faces and we eat it up. They're brilliant.

Daniel Fodera · 2:48 AM

I agree. I think intellect and a feel for what is funny needs to be in play.

Blake Ian · 2:48 AM

So, you recently became a father! to a little girl

Daniel Fodera · 2:48 AM

Yes I did!!

Blake Ian · 2:49 AM

has that affected your line at all??

Blake Ian · 2:49 AM

oh and congrats or sum shit

Daniel Fodera · 2:49 AM

She is about 8 ft from me farting up a storm!!

Daniel Fodera · 2:49 AM

Thank you.

Daniel Fodera · 2:49 AM

I can't really tell. She's 8 weeks old

Blake Ian · 2:49 AM

Well let's do a test...

Blake Ian · 2:50 AM

Laughing or Offended? ... Your daughter, your dog, your wife ... Human Centipede.

Blake Ian · 2:50 AM

Laughing Or Offended?

Daniel Fodera · 2:50 AM

LAUGHING!!!

Daniel Fodera · 2:50 AM

Hahahahaha

Blake Ian · 2:50 AM

I think your'e gonna be ok Dan

Blake Ian · 2:50 AM

i think you're gonna be... OK

Blake Ian · 2:50 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jill Fodera

“he "sings" ice-t to her”

Blake Ian · 2:50 AM

There is the Mrs now

Blake Ian · 2:51 AM

Helloooo Lady

Daniel Fodera · 2:51 AM

Hi Honey!!

Blake Ian · 2:51 AM

★ Spotlighted from Allan Weissmann

“Jeselnik's segment "Sacred Cows"”

Blake Ian · 2:51 AM

The roasts are a great example

Blake Ian · 2:51 AM

(sometimes)

Daniel Fodera · 2:51 AM

Yes, but it's NWA, not Ice-T.

Blake Ian · 2:52 AM

sometimes its just pre written recycled material read by actors

Daniel Fodera · 2:52 AM

The roasts have gotten pretty pathetic.

Blake Ian · 2:52 AM

yeah

Blake Ian · 2:52 AM

but they have had their moments

Daniel Fodera · 2:52 AM

I was never much into them, but they really seem to be put together last minute

Daniel Fodera · 2:52 AM

Agreed

Blake Ian · 2:52 AM

and most of them belong to Jeff Ross

Daniel Fodera · 2:52 AM

Yeah. He's funny though,

Blake Ian · 2:53 AM

The best example of anything can be funny

Daniel Fodera · 2:53 AM

How so?

Blake Ian · 2:53 AM

was when Jeff Ross turned to Courtney Love and said "Jesus how is it possible that you look worse than Kurt right now??"

Daniel Fodera · 2:53 AM

Oh yeah

Blake Ian · 2:53 AM

I mean I am a huge Nirvana fan as you know, but THAT was funny

Daniel Fodera · 2:54 AM

Yes, it was. Good example.

Blake Ian · 2:54 AM

Ok, so we are gonna wrap it up soon, tell me about Kissing Sisters, whats on the road ahead? Where can people watch some clips?

Daniel Fodera · 2:54 AM

The road ahead...

Daniel Fodera · 2:55 AM

We want to get some more screenings going of our second episode...

Daniel Fodera · 2:55 AM

but all of the first (and then some) can be viewed at www.kissing-sisters.com

Daniel Fodera · 2:55 AM

And if things go my way, I will be making some funny music soon

Blake Ian · 2:56 AM

Nice

Daniel Fodera · 2:56 AM

But only if things go my way

Blake Ian · 2:56 AM

Well I'll be pulling for you

Daniel Fodera · 2:56 AM

That's very kind of you

Daniel Fodera · 2:56 AM

And a little weird

Blake Ian · 2:56 AM

haha

Blake Ian · 2:57 AM

I did want to get into your musical talents and the differences in the creative processes...

Blake Ian · 2:57 AM

so that's cool that you will be combining the two

Blake Ian · 2:57 AM

maybe we can Tawk again when you have some tracks ?

Blake Ian · 2:57 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“life. it always comes back to the farts.”

Daniel Fodera · 2:57 AM

yeah. i converted a closet into a little booth and I would like to use it.

Daniel Fodera · 2:58 AM

Totally.

Daniel Fodera · 2:58 AM

And some would say that life begins at the fart.

Blake Ian · 2:58 AM

★ Spotlighted from Dan Herman

“Dan is usually the first at work to make a joke about the recently departed.”

Blake Ian · 2:59 AM

I am going to leave us with this link... one of my favorite things to watch to remember how it's all funny

Blake Ian · 2:59 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkxCHybM6Ek

Blake Ian · 2:59 AM

John Cleese's eulogy of chapman

Daniel Fodera · 2:59 AM

Maybe the best example.

Daniel Fodera · 2:59 AM

Of timing and elegance.

Blake Ian · 3:00 AM

yeah its really incredible

Daniel Fodera · 3:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from ed goldsmith

“Wait before you finish pull his finger!”

Daniel Fodera · 3:01 AM

Thank you for having me, Blayzz.

Blake Ian · 3:01 AM

OK well thanks for coming by to Tawk

Blake Ian · 3:01 AM

Congrats to you and the whole Sisters crew

Daniel Fodera · 3:01 AM

This was fun

Blake Ian · 3:01 AM

the episode was hysterical

Daniel Fodera · 3:01 AM

Thank you sir!!!

Blake Ian · 3:01 AM

Www.Kissing-Sister.com

Blake Ian · 3:01 AM

Gnite all, Tawk soon1

Daniel Fodera · 3:02 AM

Lates!!!

Forum · 26

Forum· 26 comments

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Rachel McDonnellAug 30, 2013, 2:10 AM

haha! that was funny! lol

Allan WeissmannAug 30, 2013, 2:12 AM★ Spotlighted

I would have taken you for a Groucho man\

Michael FoderaAug 30, 2013, 2:18 AM★ Spotlighted

No Upright Citizens Brigade?

Allan WeissmannAug 30, 2013, 2:20 AM

Good thing. I was going to have to say "Ni" to you.

Jordan BirnbaumAug 30, 2013, 2:22 AM

Carol Burnett?

ed goldsmithAug 30, 2013, 2:29 AM★ Spotlighted

Clark...slow down!

Jordan BirnbaumAug 30, 2013, 2:34 AM

People farted in the 1500s?!

Allan WeissmannAug 30, 2013, 2:34 AM

Don't you mean a bean in your head?

ed goldsmithAug 30, 2013, 2:34 AM

Go figure...I would of thought After one too many burritos one night while looking at art...I would imagine?

Dan HermanAug 30, 2013, 2:35 AM★ Spotlighted

I thought the sketch was long-winded.

Jordan BirnbaumAug 30, 2013, 2:35 AM

the look on the actor's face was silent but deadly.

Allan WeissmannAug 30, 2013, 2:36 AM

Chaucer, too.

Allan WeissmannAug 30, 2013, 2:38 AM★ Spotlighted

I'm with you on Madeline Kahn. Not literally

Jordan BirnbaumAug 30, 2013, 2:40 AM

sandra bernhard is like that

ed goldsmithAug 30, 2013, 2:41 AM

Airplane

Dan HermanAug 30, 2013, 2:46 AM★ Spotlighted

Dan is usually the first at work to make a joke about the recently departed.

Allan WeissmannAug 30, 2013, 2:48 AM★ Spotlighted

Jeselnik's segment "Sacred Cows"

Jordan BirnbaumAug 30, 2013, 2:49 AM★ Spotlighted

life. it always comes back to the farts.

Jill FoderaAug 30, 2013, 2:50 AM★ Spotlighted

he "sings" ice-t to her

Jordan BirnbaumAug 30, 2013, 2:56 AM

"Things, are you going to go my way?" - Lenny Kravitz to the future

Jill FoderaAug 30, 2013, 2:58 AM

perhaps a childrens album?

Allan WeissmannAug 30, 2013, 2:59 AM

A children's album of fart songs?

ed goldsmithAug 30, 2013, 3:00 AM★ Spotlighted

Wait before you finish pull his finger!

Jordan BirnbaumAug 30, 2013, 3:01 AM

that was fun, guys