Dam Yankee

Ray Ellin is a New York comedian, Comedy Cellar regular and the owner of Aruba Ray's Comedy Club, the number one nightlife activity on TripAdvisor in the entire country of Aruba. He started going to Aruba by accident in 2012, fell in love with the island and opened the club a year later. His colleagues thought he was nuts. They were wrong. Known for his crowd work and his entrepreneurial streak, Ray has also self-financed a documentary that he sold to 20th Century Fox, hosted a hybrid live and online talk show 17 years ago before the technology existed to do it properly, produced three seasons of a weekly topical standup show for Comedy Central, and raised millions of dollars for charity.  He has also been profiled on Dateline NBC, where they discovered his heart rate drops when he walks on stage. In this episode he talks about building a comedy career across New York, Aruba and now Europe, losing his sister during the early days of the pandemic and how Zoom comedy kept him going and why he still has not posted any of his crowd work clips despite having hundreds of hours of footage and everyone telling him he should. Timestamps:00:00 - Why He Is Called Aruba Ray00:49 - Opening Aruba Ray's Comedy Club in 201305:51 - Why English Comedy Exploded Across Europe09:22 - Touring Europe Three Years Ago & Coming Back for More11:34 - Opening for Chris DiStefano at Madison Square Garden14:40 - Bombing at 19 in Boston & Why It Still Irks Him15:45 - Why Stand-Up Is a Coping Mechanism & What He Was Coping With17:06 - His Sister's Battle With Anorexia & Her Incredible Career at Stanford19:25 - Losing Her at the Start of the Pandemic on March 1st 202022:03 - Going Into Lockdown Alone Without Being Able to Grieve Properly23:39 - Doing 100 Zoom Shows26:01 - Being on the First Plane Back to Aruba When It Opened in July 202027:19 - Is the Entrepreneurial Side Getting in the Way of His Stand-Up Career29:06 - The One Man Show He Has Been Thinking About for a Year30:03 - European Audiences vs New York Audiences32:48 - Adapting Material for Europe 34:57 - Hundreds of Hours of Crowd Work Footage He Has Never Posted37:02 - The Clip That Did Go Up40:44 - The Film He Is Developing With His Sister43:52 - Charity Work and the One Love Foundation for Dogs48:37 - The Aruba Dog He Adopted 50:09 - Raising Millions for Charity 53:33 - His Dad Designing the Most Iconic Polaroid Camera Ever Made57:19 - Dateline NBC Discovery01:00:12 - How he became a Better Performer01:03:20 - What Kind of Comics He Will Not Book for the Aruba Club01:10:51 - Sleeping in His Car on 76th Street 01:13:15 - Where to Find Ray & What Is Coming Next Follow Ray Ellin:https://www.instagram.com/raycomedy/https://www.instagram.com/comedycellarusa/https://www.instagram.com/arubarayscomedyclub/ Follow Dam Yankee: https://www.instagram.com/damyankeepodcast   Website: https://damyankeepodcast.nltimes.nl/ Connect with me:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharynewmark

Rael Lomoti grew up in the Turkana region of northwest Kenya, where girls as young as 12 are given away in marriage, football is only for boys and education is considered a luxury that communities cannot afford.  Her father moved the family to Nairobi so his children could go to school. Her mother died working in a flower plantation, exposed to pesticides with no worker safety protections. A German nun spotted Rael playing football in the street and took her whole family in. She grew up, studied social work and community development, played in Kenya's Women's Premier League, and was offered a professional contract to play abroad. She turned it down. She went home to Turkana instead and started the first ever all girls football club. That was six years ago. Today she runs 18 clubs across Turkana and has reached over 4000 girls through the Desert Roses project, using football as the entry point for conversations about education, early marriage, climate change and the kind of life that is possible beyond the world these girls were born into. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & Who Is Rael Lomoti00:41 - Using Football to Change Tradition in Turkana01:24 - Girls Married at 12 and Why She Decided to Fight It02:35 - Moving From Turkana to Nairobi at Age 404:48 - Her Father's Decision to Stay in the City & the Importance of Education07:17 - Climate Change in Turkana & the Need to Stop Moving07:49 - How a German Nun Changed Everything10:08 - Losing Her Mother to Pesticide Exposure in a Flower Plantation12:03 - Her Father's Promise to Keep the Family Together13:13 - Playing Football With the Boys & Being Spotted15:22 - What Sister Louise Told Her to Do With Her Education17:35 - Playing in Kenya's Women's Premier League as a Defensive Midfielder18:30 - Being Offered a Professional Contract 21:21 - Choosing Her Community Over Her Career22:36 - Was It an Easy Decision23:08 - Going Back to Turkana and Starting From Scratch25:26 - Walking Door to Door With a Ball and Nobody Showing Up27:23 - Three Years of Civic Engagement to Convince Parents29:14 - Did She Ever Think About Quitting30:30 - 18 Clubs and 4000 Girls Reached Through Desert Roses32:46 - Football Coach, Social Worker, Mentor and Sex Education Teacher34:09 - Her Daughter Who Plays Football37:01 - First Time in the Netherlands and Telling Her Daughter About Snow and Trains39:14 - Watching Football at Feyenoord and What Women's Football Looks Like Here40:24 - What the Netherlands Has That Turkana Does Not & Why People Should Be Grateful41:34 - How to Follow Desert Roses and Support the Work This episode was sponsored by bunq, the European neobank offering a special promotional 2.51% fixed annual interest rate on a six-month term deposit through June 14, 2026. Full terms and conditions apply, and the offer is valid for deposit amounts between 1,000 and 10,000 euros.Follow Rael Lomoti:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008336344164 Follow Dam Yankee: https://www.instagram.com/damyankeepodcast   Website: https://damyankeepodcast.nltimes.nl/ Connect with me:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharynewmark   This podcast is produced and recorded by 301 Studios in Amsterdam.The interview was organized with the assistance of Isabelle Vermeij  at the KIT Live theater at KIT in Amsterdam.

Tom Cotter has been doing stand-up for 40 years. He is the rapid fire comedian who made it to the AGT finals, lost to a pack of dogs, performed with Joan Rivers in what turned out to be one of her last national television appearances, did eight years on cruise ships, and once had to run out through a kitchen because a heckler wanted to kill him. He is now on his first tour of the Netherlands with his touring partner Ray Allen, and he has a lot of thoughts about Dutch audiences, cancel culture, corporate gigs, and what it actually costs a comedian to appear on the highest rated show on American television. He also talks about being married to fellow comedian Mary-Louise Cotter for 25 years, why two comedians in the same house is both the best and worst idea, and why his father, a World War Two era neurosurgeon who paid for six kids to go to private school, did not fully understand what his son did for a living until he saw him on The Tonight Show. Timestamps:00:00 - The Restraining Order Joke00:39 - Rapid Fire Comedy in the Netherlands and Slowing It Down for Foreign Crowds02:02 - Why Tom’s Style Was Perfect for America’s Got Talent’s 90 Second Format04:07 - Being Married to a Comedian and Who Is Actually Funnier05:35 - Women in Comedy and the Double Standard Tom Witnessed Firsthand08:14 - Joan Rivers, Cancel Culture and the Comics Who Said Screw It10:00 - Growing Up Sneaking George Carlin and Richard Pryor Records10:19 - Joan Rivers on AGT and Her Last National Television Appearance12:06 - Comics Never Retire and Why Tom Hopes to Keep Going Until the End13:08 - Cancel Culture, Free Speech and Why He Gets Branded as Conservative15:11 - Baby It’s Cold Outside vs WAP and the Video That Made Him Go Viral17:30 - Seinfeld and Bill Burr Have the Luxury of Pushing Back. Tom Doesn’t.18:33 - How Divided America Has Become and Thanksgiving With His Siblings20:01 - Corporate Gigs, What You Can’t Say and Why Self-Deprecation Is the Entry Point21:14 - Michael Richards, Smartphones and You Are Never Not on Camera23:32 - Low Give a Shit Factor and the Comics Who Fill Arenas Anyway27:26 - Eight Years on Cruise Ships and Why He Did Not Love It29:36 - Performing While People Vomit Around You Is Not the Worst Gig He Has Had30:46 - The Cancer Benefit Show That Was Impossible to Dig Out Of32:19 - The Heckler Who Tried to Kill Him and Running Out Through the Kitchen33:11 - The Prom Cruise From Hell With a Dead Mic and No Way Off the Boat35:35 - Writing Material at Sea and Why Cruise Ship Jokes Don’t Work on Land38:08 - Money, Growing Up With a Neurosurgeon Father and Six Kids39:18 - Telling His Dad He Needed to Get Comedy Out of His System40:16 - His Dad Finally Got It When He Saw The Tonight Show42:31 - His Mother Died When He Was in Eighth Grade43:46 - How He Met Mary-Louise and Getting Permission From His Roommate First45:38 - 25 Years Married to a Comedian and Every Celebrity Couple They Looked Up to Fell Apart48:30 - Writing Together and Why Their Comedy Styles Make It Complicated50:08 - George Carlin Did 14 HBO Specials and Tom Still Has Stuff in His Phone53:22 - Dutch Audiences and Why Smiling and Not Throwing Things Is a Good Sign55:06 - Silence on Stage and Why He Has Never Experienced It56:16 - Punching Up Each Other’s Work and Why He Refuses to Sell Merchandise57:52 - The Comics That Make Him Want to Throw Away His Material59:16 - Mentoring Young Comics and AGT Questions Every Year01:00:43 - The AGT Contract and Turning Down Big Money to Do a Vegas Residency01:02:35 - Where to Find Tom and His Two Specials on YouTube and Amazon Prime Follow Tom Cotter:Instagram:  @tomcottercomic  Website: tomcotter.comSpecials: Rapid Fire (YouTube) and Nantucket Nights (Amazon Prime) Follow Dam Yankee: Instagram: @damyankeepodcast     Website: https://damyankeepodcast.nltimes.nl/ Connect with me:  LinkedIn:  zacharynewmark     This podcast is produced and recorded by 301 Studios in Amsterdam.

South African comedian Kevin Fraser is celebrating ten years in comedy with his Decadence tour  and he is doing it the hard way, with sold-out shows across South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and now Europe. Known for his viral observational comedy and character work, Kevin brings something most comedians do not, twelve years as a professional DJ before he ever picked up a mic for a punchline. That background shaped everything about how he performs, from the pre-show DJ sets he runs before every gig to the way he weaves music, dance and physical storytelling into his stand-up. In this episode Kevin talks about what ten years of touring actually costs you, why Amsterdam is one of the strangest cities in the world if you have never been here before, and what happens when you go from being Spin Doctor the DJ to just being Kevin Fraser starting over from scratch. He also opens up about losing his father in 2014, the DJ year that nearly broke him with 49 gigs in two weeks, and why he is launching an entirely new wellness and entertainment platform called Jim and Tonic on September 1st. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & Ten Years as a Comedian00:32 - The European Tour Dates & Why Amsterdam Is Always Weird01:59 - How Being South African Shaped His Observational Comedy03:38 - Replacing Middle East Tour Dates With Europe in Three Months05:16 - Almost Getting Killed by Amsterdam Bicycles & Tiny Cars06:27 - How Do People Get Furniture Into Amsterdam Apartments07:33 - The Decadence Tour: Celebrating Ten Years in Comedy08:28 - From Character Based Content to Finding Himself on Stage09:17 - 12 Years as a DJ Before Comedy & Starting Over From Scratch11:41 - The Emotional Difference Between a Dance Floor & a Silent Room13:02 - What the DJ World Brought Into His Comedy Show14:20 - Robin Williams, Jim Carrey & Eddie Murphy as His Comedic Influences16:15 - Kevin Hart, Michael McIntyre & Learning What Polished Really Means19:09 - What It Feels Like to Play 2500 People & Dreaming of Arenas21:11 - The Pre-Show DJ Set He Runs Before Every Performance23:49 - Using Music & Nostalgia to Support a Live Comedy Show25:29 - Building an International Audience Beyond South Africa27:11 - The Melbourne Train Ride: His First Viral Video29:00 - How a Comment on a Stolen Video Changed His Career31:29 - The Transition From Long Form Videos to Instagram Reels33:14 - Comedy During the Pandemic & the Rise of Keyboard Warriors35:22 - How His Gogo Shaped His Characters & Voice Work37:03 - The Honorable Teletubbies & South African Parliament at Its Finest39:00 - K December: The South African Month That Lasts All Year40:12 - What the Decadence Tour Actually Covers: Old Hits & New Stories43:14 - 22 Years of Gigs & Whether He Is Ever Going to Slow Down46:52 - Jim and Tonic: His New Wellness & Entertainment Platform50:24 - Low Rocks, Two Left Feet & Making Fitness Fun53:38 - 49 Gigs in Two Weeks, Drinking Too Much & Getting Seriously Sick55:28 - Avicii, DJ Culture & Why Comedy Requires a Clear Head58:58 - Was He Always the Funny Guy in the DJ World01:01:19 - His Sister in Amsterdam & How She Made Him Funnier01:04:45 - His Father Naming Him Spin Doctor Off a Microsoft 98 Printout01:07:01 - His Father Passing Away in 2014 & What He Would Think Today01:09:40 - His Father's Comrades Marathon Gold Medals & Being a Machine01:10:37 - Personal Life, Touring & Why Cape Town Will Always Win01:12:52 - The King of Clubs Tattoo & Creating Your Own Luck Follow Kevin Fraser:https://www.instagram.com/kevinfraserofficial/ Follow Dam Yankee: https://www.instagram.com/damyankeepodcast   Website: https://damyankeepodcast.nltimes.nl/ Connect with me:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharynewmark   This podcast is produced and recorded by 301 Studios in Amsterdam.

Two-time Grammy winner Gregory Porter is known for Liquid Spirit, Take Me to the Alley and No Love Dying. Behind those songs is a story that most people have never heard in full. In this episode Gregory goes back to the beginning, growing up in Bakersfield, California, with a minister mother who dragged her church to the streets, a brother who believed in him before he believed in himself, and a community shaped by both extraordinary hardship and extraordinary love. He talks about how those early experiences became the emotional foundation for everything he has ever recorded, why Liquid Spirit is really a sermon his mother used to preach, and what it feels like to sing a song live when the person it was written for is no longer there to hear it. He also opens up about losing his brother Lloyd, the depression that followed, and how he has learned to keep Lloyd alive not by writing an anthem for him but by letting him show up quietly in the music, the way he always did. Timestamps:00:00 - Gregory Porter01:17 - Why Amsterdam & London Are His Two Biggest Spotify Cities03:57 - What Gregory Porter Is Actually Selling: Units of Love06:21 - From the Beer & Hot Dog Stage at North Sea Jazz Festival10:22 - The Moment He Knew He Could Fill a Room That Size13:45 - Growing Up in Bakersfield17:44 - His First Audience, People Nobody Else Would Sing For19:02 - School Cat, Frenchie & the Street Characters Who Shaped His Music20:09 - What Don't Kill Me Has Made Me Hard Really Means23:13 - Growing Up as One of Two Black Families in a White Neighborhood25:23 - Being Stopped by Police at Eight Years Old28:36 - The story of his brother29:17 - How His Mother Ruth Kept Him Standing Through All of It30:13 - Her Last Act of Kindness31:26 - How She Compared Him to Nat King Cole at Age Five32:50 - Mahalia Jackson and Nat King Cole Shaped His Sound36:33 - Why Liquid Spirit Is Really About His Mother's Sermons About Water38:15 - Being Present at Births, Deaths & Weddings Through His Music40:17 - How Jools Holland Changed Everything in the UK Overnight45:21 - His Brother Lloyd: The Man Who Pushed Him on Every Stage50:27 - Lloyd Saved Him From Disappearing Into Heartbreak 53:11 - Losing Lloyd & the Depression That Followed55:17 - The Last Texts From the Hospital57:15 - How Lloyd Lives on in the Music01:01:32 - Building a Legacy on Vinyl01:03:34 - The New Album & Working on It Between Shows in Amsterdam01:04:18 - Why He Will Only Ever Perform With Live Musicians01:06:09 - See You at the Olympic Stadium on June 29th Follow Gregory Porter:https://www.instagram.com/gregoryportermusichttps://www.gregoryporter.com/tour Follow Dam Yankee: https://www.instagram.com/damyankeepodcast   Website: https://damyankeepodcast.nltimes.nl/ Connect with me:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharynewmark   This podcast is produced and recorded by 301 Studios in Amsterdam.

Jiaoying Summers is one of the most fearless comedians working today. She owns two comedy clubs, runs a production studio, hosts the Tiger Mommy podcast, and is currently on her first European tour. She is also 35 weeks pregnant and has not slept properly in weeks. Success has come far faster than happiness for comedian Jiaoying Summers. In just a few short years, the Chinese immigrant went from hosting open mics on Zoom to starring in a Hulu special, buying comedy clubs, and selling out international tours. But years of harsh parenting and cultural clashes still fuel a relentless search for self-worth. Fresh off sold-out shows in Dublin, London and Amsterdam, Jiaoying sat down with Dam Yankee host Zack Newmark to talk about growing up in China with a drunk father and a tiger mom who still cannot say she loves her, moving to Lexington Kentucky at 18 without speaking a word of English, and building a comedy career from scratch after a director told her to get out of his office but also maybe try stand-up. "She doesn't think happiness is a factor for human beings," Summers says of her mother. "She think happiness come with success, but it doesn't. So I spent my whole life trying to value myself." She also opens up about the painful side of her ambition, the feeling that her self-worth is entirely tied to what she produces, the difficulty of feeling happiness even when everything she ever dreamed of has come true and why she bought her own comedy clubs rather than wait for someone to book her.Recorded in Amsterdam during her Lucky Pony 26 European tour, Summers opens up about the deep emotional wounds that shaped her dark, unfiltered humor. She recounts traumatic memories of her alcoholic father, including a chilling incident where she was left "floating in the pool until they closed the pool" while he drank, only to face her mother's wrath alone. Summers also confronts the jarring realities of Eastern beauty standards as she prepares to welcome a child with her American fiancé: "And it's gonna be a white boy," she notes of her mother's reaction. "The darker your skin means you are poor, you work at a farm. The lighter your skin means you are royalty, so." From setting up a satirical "rehab fund" for her son's stand-up ambitions to combating generational trauma, this is a raw, hilarious, and unforgettable interview. Watch the full episode on YouTube, or listen to the Dam Yankee on all major podcast platforms.   Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & A Power Outage in Amsterdam00:57 - Touring Europe at 35 Weeks Pregnant & Why She Did It Anyway02:27 - Her Mom's Reaction to the New Baby & Chinese Beauty Standards04:28 - Tiger Mom vs Loving Mom: Breaking the Cycle With Her Own Kids05:31 - Self-Worth, Achievement & Why Success Never Feels Like Enough06:54 - Two Comedy Clubs, a Production Studio & a New Special08:09 - Writing Her Second Hour, a TV Show & a Book While Making a Baby11:26 - What Species Are You: Her First Special 12:05 - How a Hollywood Director Told Her to Get Out & Try Stand-Up13:38 - Growing Up in China & Never Knowing Stand-Up Was a Career15:19 - Landing in Lexington Kentucky & Being the Only Chinese Person16:51 - Working in Restaurants, Getting Bullied & Going Back to Headline18:41 - Using Success as Power & What She Does With It20:13 - Her Kids, Her Ex & the Private Jet Dream22:20 - The Back Injury in Vegas That Almost Cancelled the Whole Tour26:00 - Performing in a Wheelchair in Madison Wisconsin & Killing Anyway29:12 - The Influencer Attack, TikTok Censorship & Her Grandmother's Curse35:22 - Why She Bought Her Own Comedy Clubs Instead of Complaining38:00 - Woman of Color in Comedy & Why Victim Mentality 43:29 - Nikki Glaser, Margaret Cho & the Comedians Who Have Her Back46:18 - The Comedians She Wants to Elevate: Charlene Kaye49:12 - Asian Beauty Standards, K-Pop & Why It Is All Toxic54:20 - Her Father's Sobriety & What Made Him Stop Dr

... and how Seth Meyers outed Shapiro on stage as someone who likely has ADHD. In this episode of the Dam Yankee podcast, host Zack Newmark sits down with comedian, voice actor, and American Netherlander Greg Shapiro. Best known across the globe as the voice of Donald Trump in the viral "America First, Netherlands Second" video, Shapiro gets real about the high stakes of modern politics. He doesn't mince words about the future of the U.S., warning, "We assume that this, crazy Trump, you know, project 2025, now in 2026, you know, this won't last forever. And, I think someone said, we'll see you at Nuremberg 2.0, yeah". Beyond the political satire of his upcoming ninth solo show, King Me: 250 Years of Donald Trump, Shapiro opens up about the personal costs of his 30-year comedy career. He shares the painful reality of moving to Amsterdam in 1994, which fractured his relationship with his family back in Chicago.   It took 20 years for his father to finally say, "...when you moved away, and I understood at some point, oh, you're not coming back. And I guess I thought, good for you. And, proud. You know, I'm proud of you". Shapiro also gives a fascinating look inside his neurodivergent brain, explaining the "back pocket" technique he uses to manage his ADHD on stage. Tune in to hear the unbelievable story of how the "Netherlands Second" catchphrase was a last-minute afterthought, and why Shapiro thinks America might be due for a new revolution.   Watch the episode now on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more services.

Swiss-French DJ, record producer and #dreamtrack inventor Quentin Mosimann sat down with Dam Yankee host Zack Newmark fresh off a sleepless night after announcing a sold-out show at the Accor Arena in Paris for 19,000 people.  After 15 years as a DJ, something shifted in the last two years. The social numbers went up, the gig requests went up, and suddenly Quentin was playing 150 shows a year while trying to figure out how to handle worldwide agency requests with a team that was never built for that kind of scale. He talks about the viral Dream Tracks series he created with Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson and Edgar Wright, why his worst dream track got millions of views, and why he once walked away from a million euro deal and a Universal contract to start completely from scratch. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & The Paris Arena Announcement01:58 - 5,000 People in Line & Why He Can't Believe It's Happening03:17 - 15 Years as a DJ & What Suddenly Changed in the Last Two Years05:14 - Paradiso Amsterdam vs a 19,000 Seat Arena07:19 - Why One Hour as a DJ Is a Disaster & Why He Needs to Tell a Story09:20 - Producing His Own Shows for the First Time & the Risk That Paid Off09:58 - Dream Tracks: The Concept, Hugh Jackman & the Wolverine Scream12:35 - When Dream Tracks Become Real Releases13:03 - Edgar Wright, The Running Man & the Dream Track That Shouldn't Have Existed16:18 - How Dream Tracks Became the Concept for His Entire Live Show18:38 - Building a Track Live on Stage by Sampling the Crowd21:14 - How He Opens & Closes Every Show & the Eric Prydz Outro23:08 - What It Means to Be Aligned as an Artist24:20 - Star Academy France: Why He Did It & What He Had to Lose26:12 - Winning a Million Euros, a Universal Deal & Walking Away From All of It30:36 - Quitting Universal, Signing to Sony RCA & Trusting His Team32:28 - Paying Off His Mother's 145,000 Euro Debt34:21 - Swiss-French Identity and Dutch Directness38:07 - Working 24 Hours a Day & Watching Other People Drink Beers40:15 - 150 Shows a Year, No Alcohol on the Road & One Cigarette a Day42:04 - Hotel Rooms, Netflix, a Dog & Waiting for the One44:00 - Why Being Aligned Is the Only Thing That Matters46:10 - Why He Started Bringing Live Instruments on Stage48:00 - Playing Underground Techno at Fuse Belgium: A Childhood Dream49:07 - Checking Off Bucket List Milestones & Amsterdam Dance Event50:52 - Four Seasons as a Judge on The Voice Belgium & Why He Stopped51:13 - What Opened the Door to Big Name Dream Tracks52:03 - The Dream Track He Still Wants: Jimmy Fallon & a Dutch Artist53:35 - The Full Dream Tracks Process: From Pre-Interview to Final Edit57:04 - The Two Hour Remix That's Now Everywhere on French Radio Connect with Mosimann:  https://www.instagram.com/mosimann/https://quentinmosimann.com/ Connect with me:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharynewmark

Join host Zack Newmark on this unforgettable episode of Dam Yankee for a profound and deeply personal conversation with six-time Grammy-nominated Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti. Currently traversing Europe on a massive tour to support his introspective new album, Journey Through Life, Femi stops by to reveal the complex man behind the roaring saxophone and pulsating rhythms. In a raw, highly vulnerable interview, Femi explains the ingenious, culturally rooted way he tricks listeners into digesting difficult political realities. "The way I see my music is they should be in malaria tablets," he explains. "It was the worst tablet you could take. It was so bitter... So you can still dance. You can still party. So consciously or subconsciously, the lyrics hit you." Despite decades as a global music icon, Femi pulls back the curtain on the intense, unseen pressure of touring, confessing to Zack, "I'm always scared of about the next day. I'm always scared." He also addresses the darkest psychological moments of his youth, detailing the agonizing, deeply misunderstood choice to leave his father Fela Kuti's band."I didn't want my father to die. I loved him too much," he reveals, reflecting on the heavy, terrifying burden of musical inheritance. From sold-out crowds in the Netherlands to the legendary stages of the New Afrika Shrine, discover the joy, the fear, and the unyielding passion of a musical titan. Don't miss this incredible episode—tune in now to hear the rest of the story. This episode of the Dam Yankee podcast is now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more services.

He’s the world’s most famous purple philosopher, but even global icons get tired of living out of a suitcase. In this milestone 50th episode of the Dam Yankee podcast, host Zack Newmark sits down with the one and only Randy Feltface for a raw, hilarious, and unexpectedly vulnerable look at the fabricated man behind the comedy. The show is out now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more services. Fresh off a string of sold-out Dutch shows and a high-profile appearance on Arjen Lubach's show, Randy is gearing up for his new YouTube special, "First Banana" (dropping April 1). But beneath the manic stage energy lies a performer who is fundamentally burned out. "I got a lot of, you know, rejection in the early days," he recalled, dropping his manic energy for a moment of grim reflection. Promoters would dismiss him outright with incredibly specific insults. "A lot of 'we'll call you when we need someone who looks like Tinky Winky from the Teletubbies with a life threatening autoimmune disease. We'll get on the phone when we need that, Randy.'" From the grueling physical toll of his "Buster Keaton" performance style to his 20 years of nonstop touring, Randy pulls no punches about the reality of the circuit. "I'm sick of it," he confessed. "I want to do some laundry. I want a washing machine. That's too much to ask. I want a goddamn washing machine and a bookshelf. Oh, and a cup. I want a mug." Feltface admits there is a unique energy he finds when performing for audiences in the Netherlands. The connection with Dutch crowds is part of what keeps him going even when he feels he’s "evolving the wrong way". The thrill of the live environment as something that can’t be replicated, noting, "I love touring, I'm... perpetually grateful for the world that I have created and that I get to exist in". This full episode of Dam Yankee can be seen on YouTube, or listen to the Dam Yankee on all major podcast platforms. Randy Feltface is currently on tour with comedian Brodi Snook in the United States, which continues through the end of May. The duo then head back out on the road for more North American tour dates in September. Follow Feltface on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for updates.

How does a 20-year "identity erasure" lead to a career in dark comedy? In this episode of Dam Yankee, host Zack Neumark sits down with Israeli comedian Nira Tal to uncover the raw reality behind her midlife pivot. After moving to the Netherlands for love, Tal admits that for two decades, "There was no Nira." Following a severe corporate burnout at age 38, Tal turned to the stage to reclaim her voice. Today, she is a staple at Comedy Club Haug, specializing in what she calls "feel-very-bad comedy." For Tal, humor isn't about making people happy, it’s about survival. "If I find the funny in it, then I’m okay," she explains on the podcast, now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and many more services.  The interview reaches a chilling peak when Tal discusses her pseudodwarfism. She reveals a staggering twist of fate regarding her father, an elite athlete whose "physical failure" to qualify for the 1972 Munich Olympics ended up saving his life during the Munich massacre. [Hear the full revelation at 07:12]. Tal also pulls back the curtain on the "unexpected journey" of raising a daughter with autism and why she refuses to feel small in the world’s tallest country. From reclaiming her identity to joking about the Holocaust, nothing is off-limits in her quest to turn anger into art. Tal shares one story after another, and dives deep into her personal life, on this full episode of Dam Yankee. Watch the show on YouTube, or listen to Dam Yankee on all major podcast platforms. Nira Tal shares updates on her performance schedule online, including her frequent sets at Comedy Club Haug. She frequently posts updates to Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

In an era of "alpha male" influencers and aggressive internet posturing, Rogier Bak is offering a different kind of rescue. Speaking on the latest episode of the Dam Yankee podcast with host Zack Newmark, the Amsterdam-based comedian dissected the friction between modern masculinity and his own upbringing. Bak, known for his viral takes on cultural identity, noted that his skepticism of the "manosphere" isn't just a bit; it’s a tribute to the woman who raised him, he said in the episode, now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and many more services. "We don't do romance in the Netherlands. We do paperwork," Bak joked early in the session, but the conversation quickly pivoted from cultural quirks to deep personal history. Bak revealed that his father passed away when he was just 12, leaving him to be raised by a mother who was then, and remains an incredibly important person to the comedian. On the other hand, he says his father "essentially was pretty good at blaming everybody else for his own issues, rather than taking any accountability for his own failures, shortcomings, and just realizing [missteps are] human. So me having grown up with a mom who was the breadwinner, who was the stable element in my house and who was the most reliable person in my life, I've never grown up with the influence of men telling me that women should be a certain way. or that women should be submissive to a man or that women should play a household role." [Hear Bak explain the ‘Alpha’ trap at 53:41] The path to his current success was anything but linear. After spending a decade in the United States, first at a high school in central Illinois, then to pursue basketball in Michigan, and design in New York, Bak was forced to return to the Netherlands when his work visa was not renewed. Leaving his American dream behind was a professional and personal gut-punch. "I was visiting my mom and I got off the train here in Amsterdam," Bak recalls. "It sounds weird, but I remember watching a group of Dutch people get out of the train. I was like, 'I have nothing in common with you guys. Nothing. I don't identify with this group. And I don't know why." [Watch him describe the train ride that changed everything at 19:54] If an identity crisis wasn't enough, Bak shared the story of the ultimate "rock bottom" moment. In 2020, as his comedy career finally began to gain traction, his personal life imploded. He and his wife decided to separate on the "day of the first announcement of the first lockdown in the Netherlands". Believing the restrictions would only last a couple of weeks, like "everyone" was being told at the time. the couple decided to "weather that storm" together. What followed was a months-long living situation that Bak describes as "absolutely the most tumultuous time," trapped in an apartment with an ex while the world outside, his career, and his livelihood, all remained shut down. [See how Bak survived a lockdown with his ex-wife at 25:30] To hear the full story of how Rogier Bak turned a visa rejection, a grieving household, and a claustrophobic divorce into a global comedy brand, watch this full episode of Dam Yankee and YouTube, or listen to Dam Yankee on all major podcast platforms. Rogier Bak is performing all over the place, including in Amsterdam on Thursday night, then in Ghent and Brussels over the weekend, before returning to Rotterdam and a special Amsterdam set with Nadine Froughi. He then has tour dates in Prague, Bratislava, Berlin, London, Lisbon, Athens, and all over the Netherlands. Follow him on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook for updates.

Zack Newmark sits down with Amsterdam-based comedian Daniel Yazbek. Originally from Johannesburg, Daniel traded a master's degree in computer science for a microphone and hasn't looked back since. Daniel opens up about growing up with two heroin addict parents, the complicated relationship with his mother, and how a childhood shaped by chaos became the foundation for his comedy. He also talks about building the Amsterdam English comedy scene alongside his podcast co-host and friend of the pod Sjoerd Scott, and why he's now taking his stand-up special "I'll Call You Back" on a European tour. In this episode we talk about turning trauma into comedy, the psychology of addiction and how it shaped his relationships, and what it takes to build a comedy career from scratch in a country that's not your own. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & Welcome00:48 - From South Africa to Amsterdam: The Comedy Origin Story02:16 - Why He Got a Master's in Computer Science as a Backup Plan05:51 - Building a Reputation in the Amsterdam Comedy Scene08:56 - Writing Process & Morning Routines11:06 - Is the Comedy Career Going as Planned?14:37 - ADHD, Flow State & Why Comedians Chase the Stage18:00 - Growing Up with Two Heroin Addict Parents28:01 - His Relationship with His Father & the Netflix Movie32:50 - His Complicated Relationship with His Mother40:20 - Comedic Influences Growing Up43:41 - Pattern Recognition: The Mathematical Approach to Comedy51:47 - The "In the Background" Podcast with Sjoerd Scott54:46 - Taking "I'll Call You Back" on a European Tour57:42 - Adapting the Show for Different Countries & Audiences01:00:32 - Finding Community Through Third World Humor Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w7Ro2uWOXUFollow Dam Yankee:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrTNLZq07abBOD19MLzRTSg?sub_confirmation=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damyankeepodcastWebsite: https://damyankeepodcast.nltimes.nl/Connect with Daniel Yazbek: https://www.instagram.com/daniel.yazbek/ Tickets to Daniel's Show:https://linktr.ee/danielyazbek?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=8296fe28-2466-4d85-b15b-38f063f14b4c Connect with me:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharynewmark This episode is sponsored by NoticemeStore.com, your go-to store for Korean and Japanese skincare brands like Beauty of Joseon, SKIN1004, and Anua, with a Lowest Price Guarantee. Find it cheaper elsewhere and they'll match it instantly (Conditions apply). Use code NLTimes10 for 10% off → www.noticemestore.com

Why Rashi Agarwal says your "lazy" racism is the least interesting thing about her How does a privileged woman from India become a "Person of Color" overnight? In this episode of Dam Yankee, host Zack Newmark sits down with stand-up comedian, storyteller, and activist Rashi Agarwal to discuss her viral rise in the Amsterdam comedy scene and her refusal to "play it safe" for Western audiences. The episode is out now on YouTube, with audio-only versions available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and on many more services. Rashi breaks down the "lazy form of racism" she faces from internet trolls—and why she finds their insults about "shit on the streets" more boring than offensive. She also issues a provocative warning to fellow immigrants about the trap of being "white by proxy," explaining why defending the status quo won't grant you the belonging you're looking for. The most shocking moment of the episode? Rashi recounts the high-stakes night she performed for the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and pointedly told a VIP table of white ambassadors to "date your colonizer." The room hit a wall of "uncomfortable feeling"—but the reaction she received once the microphones were turned off changed her perspective on the power of comedy. From finally grabbing a Dutch passport - which she says is like striking gold - to the ironies of a culture where complaining is the national pastime, Rashi explores the layers of societal dynamics she never saw coming. In this episode, we discuss: [02:20] The surreal transition of becoming a "Person of Color" only after leaving India. [07:13] The "Date Your Colonizer" moment: What happened when Rashi called out the Ministry's VIPs. [17:24] Passport Privilege: Why a blue booklet feels like holding gold. [21:31] The "White by Proxy" trap: Why Rashi challenges fellow immigrants who over-assimilate. [24:45] How to dismantle "lazy racism" with a joke about Amsterdam's canal water. Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify to hear the resolution to Rashi’s most daring stories.   Amsterdam, Rashi Agarwal, India, comedy, Stand-up Comedy, Coimbatore, sexism, misogyny, storytelling, Mezrab, Mezrab's House of Creation, theater, Dam Yankee, Zack Newmark, podcast, immigration, integration, marketing, fashion, Noord-Holland, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, Kerala, equality, diversity, inclusion

Zack Newmark sits down with Amsterdam-based drag queen performer Charlene Coco, to talk about identity, fear, freedom, and what it really means to show up as yourself. Charlene Coco was voted Best New Drag in Town after her debut appearance in Amsterdam in 2019. Charlene is the drag persona born from the mind of Charlie Robertson, a British performer based in Amsterdam who also uses drag to help offices become more tolerant and inclusive. From performing political punk-rock drag numbers to moderating panels at Amsterdam Dance Event, Charlene shares her journey from Oxford private school to the stages of Amsterdam’s queer nightlife. We talk about:• Why drag still triggers fear• The moral panic around drag & trans visibility• Corporate diversity workshops in full drag• Safety, backlash & being visible• God Save The Queer – building community through performance• Pride, politics & protecting nightlife spaces• What allies can actually do Chapters: 00:00 – Taxi in Full Drag & Public Reactions02:00 – Drag in Corporate Boardrooms07:00 – Discovering Drag & Early Performances12:00 – Political Performances & Punk Energy19:00 – Winning Best New Drag Queen (2020)21:00 – Building “God Save The Queer”26:00 – Is Drag More Accepted Today?30:00 – Fear, Backlash & Moral Panic33:00 – Supporting the Trans Community35:00 – Amsterdam Dance Event & Queer Nightlife39:00 – Why Does Drag Trigger People?44:00 – Cis Privilege & Taking Drag Off47:00 – Coming Out (Twice)52:00 – Drag in the Corporate World Connect with Charlene Coco: https://www.instagram.com/thecharlenecoco/ Connect with me:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharynewmark   Instagram (The Dam Yankee Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/damyankeepodcast  Website: https://damyankeepodcast.nltimes.nl/

Amsterdam documentary director Kiriko Mechanicus on ethnic fetishes, unusual challenges, and her new documentary on the Atlanta Asian spa murders, set to debut at SXSW in Austin When news of the 2021 Atlanta massage parlor shootings reached Amsterdam, filmmaker Kiriko Mechanicus felt a chilling connection. "I realized when I had read about this incident that it somehow also felt as if I was part of his sick desire," the Dutch-Japanese filmmaker explains. For her documentary How to Catch a Butterfly, debuting at SXSW, she wrote letters to the killer, Robert Aaron Long, but not with the intent to "demonize him... but more demonize the whole idea how we as people look at Asian women." Long killed eight people, including six women of Asian descent, and claimed his motive was anger for his own feelings of shame tied to his claimed sex addiction. But Mechanicus sees this incident from the perspective of a culture steeped in ethnic fetishization, wher Asian women are often "reduced to this one thing, which is a butterfly that needs to be caught". For Mechanicus, this film is about reclaiming her identity and finding "personal peace." Mechanicus delves into the uncomfortable intersection of her personal life and the motives behind the shooting. She admits that her approach—connecting a horrific mass murder to her own dating history—might seem "radical" or even "kind of cuckoo" to some. She also looks at how it affected her when she was younger, and tried to adopt an "Asian ideal" when in relationships to be desired. But she realized by age 21, "I'm holding up a standard that is not mine." Her work is driven by a philosophy of "saying yes." "I say yes to everything. And then I have to think about how I'm going to do it," she says. This mindset has led her from studying culinary history to filming undocumented workers for A Tomato Tragedy, and an inadvertent performance of a poem about tomatoes in front of  Italian President Sergio Mattarella. This fearless creativity is rooted in her upbringing. Born to a Japanese mother and Dutch father, she calls her artistic household "the greatest privilege." "I think my parents are a very essential part of that," she says. "My father was a photographer and writer and my mother is a pianist and performance artist."   Big thank you to the partners of this episode: Prepoos https://prepoos.com/en FlexiSpot Netherlands https://www.flexispot.nl/   Connect with Kiriko:   / kiriacademy   Web: https://www.kirikomechanicus.com/   Connect with Zack: LinkedIn:   / zacharynewmark   Instagram (The Dam Yankee Podcast):   / damyankeepodcast   Website: https://damyankeepodcast.nltimes.nl/   Amsterdam, film, Kiriko Mechanicus, Dam Yankee, Zack Newmark, documentary, documentaries, Documentary film, SXSW, Japan, south by southwest, Atlanta, Georgia, Austin, Texas, United States, Noord-Holland, Italy, Sergio Mattarella

From her childhood playing classical piano in China to her emergence as a multilingual pop talent, Irène Schrader has used music to bridge the various cultures she calls her own. Traveling from her current base in Paris back to her familiar former home of Amsterdam, it was the pivotal moments experiencing the Dutch capital's electronic scene, her parents' varied music taste, and their occasional "tough love" that gave her the confidence to pursue her artistic passion full-time. In this episode of Dam Yankee, host Zack Newmark sits down with Schrader to discuss her latest EP, Eclipse, and the trilingual identity that defines her sound. Writing in English, French, and Mandarin is a natural extension of her "Third Culture Kid" upbringing; as Irène explains, "I started realizing that what felt more intuitive for me was to write in multiple languages because that's just how my brain works. I just, cannot stick to one language mentally, so then I figured I as well try that out with music." Growing up enjoying French singer Françoise Hardy, but also Mandarin pop music, she said the time spent living in Shanghai affected her art greatly. "I think it was probably one of the first places where I got to discover some hybrid-ish genres, for example, Shanghai jazz, which is well, it's Shanghai jazz. It's like Chinese music, but with some Western sounds that just came from expats in the 20s and 30s that brought their jazz sound from the U.S." Schrader also gets candid about the "imposter syndrome" that comes with balancing a multifaceted career in modeling and brand management. She recalls a transformative production workshop at the 2023 Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) that gave her the "boost to be like, okay, actually, I am a producer." From the "temporary confusion" that inspired her new music to her definition of home as "the places where I felt the most ranges of emotion," this conversation explores the heart of an artist who refuses to be pinned down by a single border or category. Listen to this entire episode of Dam Yankee on all major podcast platforms, or watch the full videos on YouTube. Irène Schrader shares music on several platforms, including Spotify, and frequently shares updates on TikTok and Instagram. -------- Amsterdam, Paris, France, Shanghai, China, Irène Schrader, Noord-Holland, music, French, Mandarin, Groningen, Amsterdam Dance Event, journalism, modeling, fashion, Germany, music, pop music, Dam Yankee, podcast, Podcast Interview, entertainment, Zack Newmark, social media, multicultural, ethnically diverse, diversity, University of Amsterdam, marketing, communications, Noord-Holland

Comedian Nadine Froughi's viral hits blend Dutch directness with her "outsider" view Nadine Froughi describes herself as "spiritually" Dutch, yet her comedy thrives on the friction between her adopted home and her complex, international roots. This week on Dam Yankee, the comedian sits down with host Zack Newmark to discuss her sudden ascent from the local Amsterdam scene to viral social media stardom. For years, Froughi shared clips to a modest audience, but everything changed this past October when she tapped into a specific micro-annoyance of Dutch life. "I kept noticing when I was ordering in Dutch in cafés, people were speaking back to me in English," she sayws. "Dutch friends of mine would be irritated. 'I can't order a coffee in Dutch?' And I made like a little video about that," she explains. "I just did an impersonation of a Dutch person realizing they have to order in English, and they're kind of annoyed about it," she continues. "And that really struck a nerve with people." The video grew her fanbase 30-fold, proving that her "outsider" observations resonate deeply with both locals and expats. Born in England to an Iranian father and an American mother, Froughi moved to the Netherlands at age 16. She jumped right in to higher education, eventually earning a master’s degree at the University of Amsterdam. "It started to feel like home to me because I really made a choice," she says of her decision to stay and naturalize. Now a fluent speaker, she occupies a rare space in comedy, noting: "I'm making fun of a culture and a society that I have made an effort to integrate into and be a part of." Beyond her viral skits, Froughi is preparing to debut her new hour-long show, Daydreamer, next month, Froughi sat down with host Zack Newmark to discuss her sudden rise both online and in venues, her unique background, and her first comedy hour, premiering March 14 at Volta in Amsterdam-West. The show promises a "musical-comedy romp" exploring the no-man's land between real life and her daydreams. Listen to this entire episode of Dam Yankee on all major podcast platforms, or watch the full videos on YouTube. Nadine Froughi frequently adds dates to her performance calendar, and can be found on Instagram and TikTok. --- Amsterdam, Den Haag, Utrecht, Nadine Froughi, Iran, United Kingdom, England, Scotland, comedy, sketch comedy, family, Stand-up Comedy, Zack Newmark, Dam Yankee, podcast, Podcast Interview, entertainment, social media, multicultural, ethnically diverse, diversity, naturalization, University of Amsterdam, Haagse Hogeschool, marketing, communications, Noord-Holland, Zuid-Holland

A €1,900 scam inspired stand-up Sjoerd Scott's law thesis, and sparked his comedy career In this episode of the Dam Yankee podcast, host Zack Newmark sits down with Sjoerd Scott, a Sint Maarten-born comedian whose path to the stage was paved with irony. While repeatedly failing his law thesis on financial crimes, Scott fell victim to a €1,900 telephone scam. A fraudster posing as a Dutch Supreme Court official convinced him to drain his account, leaving him with just two euros. Instead of quitting, Scott pivoted. He wrote his final thesis about the scam itself, finally earning his degree. However, the humiliation provided a "career epiphany." Realizing he was better at telling stories than writing legal briefs, he traded courthouses for comedy clubs. Scott reflects on his early "disaster" of a debut at age 16, the struggle of adapting to the Netherlands after Hurricane Irma, and how his legal training now helps him structure his viral sets.Beyond the irony of the scam, he eventually found that the same analytical skills he used to struggle through law school work. Adding structure and building an argument were the same ingredients needed to sharpen his comedic timing and viral social media skits. From a "terrible student" to a rising star opening for icons like Hannibal Buress, Neema Naz, and Jimmy O. Yang, Scott explains how he learned to transform personal pain into "banger" stories. His €1,900 mistake has become the defining moment of a career that has become more successful each of the past five years.It’s a hilarious and inspiring look at resilience, the absurdity of the Dutch legal system, and why your worst mistakes often make for the best material. Listen to this entire episode of Dam Yankee on all major podcast platforms, or watch the full videos on YouTube.Scott shares more information on his performances and schedule on his TikTok and Instagram accounts. He organizes an English-language comedy showcase every Friday at Clink in Amsterdam-Noord. New episodes of the podcast Sjoerd Scott co-hosts with Daniel Yazbek, In The Background, will also be released soon.

Strong family, love for admin work got Tennessee improv comic Laura Maynard to Amsterdam It took a decade of grinding in Chicago’s comedy scene for Chattanooga native Laura Maynard to find her way to the canals of Amsterdam. Now a full-time ensemble member at Boom Chicago theater, Maynard sat down with host Zack Newmark on the latest episode of the Dam Yankee podcast to discuss the winding road that led her from the American South to the Dutch capital. While Maynard makes her living making people laugh, her life philosophy is rooted in her grandfather’s serious lesson of "choosing to be kind" every single day. "I loved how he was so generous and he was an effortlessly sweet man to the untrained eye," Maynard said. "And then when you got to know him, you saw this just everyday effort of just being really caring and thoughtful." She explained that kindness isn't automatic, but a deliberate practice. "I think I learned so much from my grandfather about how every day you kind of renew that vow, you get to choose to be that person." This discipline permeates her career. In the chaotic world of improv, Maynard finds stability in an unexpected place: administrative organization. Her unironic comfort in a well-organized to-do list and the "clickety-clack" of her keyboard aligns perfectly with the "everyday effort" she values. Now settled in Amsterdam, Maynard is teaching and performing, bringing a mix of Southern charm and Chicago grit to the stage. Whether dealing with a snowstorm or a scene partner, she proves that few things are more important than arriving with patience and warmth. Listen to this entire episode of Dam Yankee on all major podcast platforms, or watch the full videos on YouTube. Maynard shares more information on her performances and schedule on her website and Instagram account.

Amsterdam performer Fer Rodil's darkly funny take on his harsh year facing cancer & loss What happens when a professional storyteller is handed a narrative too painful to tell? That's the question Fernando Rodil, a screenwriter and director, was forced to confront over the last 12 months. After moving to Amsterdam from Buenos Aires to follow love, Rodil's life imploded when his close friend Marijn Maas, died from terminal cancer a few months before Rodil himself received a shocking cancer diagnosis. And then his five-year relationship came to an end. Rodil speaks to the Dam Yankee podcast about how the sheer scale of the tragedy gave him an urgent, unexpected sense of purpose, driving him to create his new solo show, Fer Is On A Deadline, which will next be performed at the Storytelling Festival Nijmegen on Dec. 13. Expertly directed by Igor Alvarez Cugat, the show manages to be clever, introspective, thought provoking, and darkly funny. For Rodil, a professional screenwriter accustomed to crafting scripts for HBO and Amazon Prime, the sudden confrontation with his own mortality forced a harsh pivot. Diagnosed with follicular lymphoma at age 35, he found comfort and resolve at the Amsterdam storytelling venue Mezrab, which he has called his "second home." He realized that structuring his trauma into a story would allow him to survive it. He described the writing process as "exposure therapy," a way of "grabbing all these several sources of pain and turn them into something hopefully beautiful," he said. The diagnosis stripped away his previous identity, he told host Zack Newmark: "The most painful thing is the shift, the moment of transition in which you still want to understand yourself as your previous self as someone that is perfectly healthy... and realizing, 'No, you have to let that Fernando go. Now you are this Fernando the cancer patient.'" This loss of self was compounded by the death of his close friend, Marijn Maas, at age 32. Rodil struggled to find logic in the tragedy. "There's nothing more meaningless, no clearer evidence of meaninglessness, than a cancer diagnosis when you're young," he said. Yet, Marijn’s approach to his final days became a guiding light for Rodil’s own journey. "The fact that I saw him walking us through the process of his dying throughout his last year and seeing him happy also, that was incredible," Rodil noted. Despite the heavy subject matter, Fer Is On A Deadline is a comedy. Rodil recalled crucial feedback from Farnoosh Farnia at Mezrab's House of Creation that helped him shape the show past his raw grief: "She told me, 'Think of what you want the show to look like in two years.'" This tip helped him edit out bitterness and anger. He concluded that his ultimate resolve is acceptance. "If I didn't go through all these things, I wouldn't have known that I could go through these things and still be happy," he said. "I think I still need to make plans because I'm not dead yet," he finished. "So, I want to achieve stuff, and achieving stuff requires some planning." Listen to the full interview with Fernando Rodil on the Dam Yankee podcast on all major platforms, or watch the video on YouTube. For more information on Rodil's show and workshops, visit his Instagram account, and the websites for Mezrab and the House of Creation. Tickets for the Storytelling Festival Nijmegen cost 15 to 20 euros in advance, or 25 euros at the door on Dec. 13.   Amsterdam, Fernando Rodil, Amsterdam-Oost, Mezrab, comedy, Improv comedy, storytelling, theater, international theater, live theater, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mezrab's House of Creation, podcast, Dam Yankee, immigration, Podcast Interview, entertainment, Noord-Holland, Farnoosh Farnia, arts and culture

Firebombs, slim finances couldn't stop Mike Manicardi from growing Amsterdam's Badhuistheater   Ask long-time Amsterdam resident Mike Manicardi whether he is an actor, director, community leader, or entrepreneur, and he'll give you a complex answer making it clear why he worked 80 hours per week for most of his career. The founder of the Badhuistheater in the capital's Oost district, Manicardi says it is his family's survivor mentality and his refusal to quit that allowed him to defy the odds and grow the theater over 40 years into a vital cultural hub for Amsterdam's Dutch and international community. Manicardi told the Dam Yankee podcast it was never easy turning the venue into one of the city's most diverse small theaters, noting that the building's assignment by City Hall to international audiences prompted violence from extreme nationalists and youth gangs in the then working-class neighborhood. The early years of the Badhuistheater were marked by open hostility and literal threats to its existence. Compounding the danger was the immense physical labor required just to open the doors each night. Manicardi recalled transforming the derelict structure: "We had to rebuild it... we had to pull half of the building apart and create a kind of circus tent of beams to create the amphitheater that you have now." In that part of Amsterdam-Oost, which he described as an "impoverished ghetto," he faced "a kind of a criminality" and "fascist parties" who "tried to burn us out. But it didn't matter. It didn't work." Manicardi's tenacity in the face of firebombs and gang crime cemented the theater’s foundation on a principle of absolute refusal to fail. Manicardi credits his English, Irish, and Italian heritage for his immense fortitude, tracing his "survivor mentality" through his parents’ dramatic experiences. His mother was quite literally born in a forest in Myanmar, when it was still known as Burma, a "complete miracle that they all didn't die of disease." Meanwhile, his Italian father was rounded up as a teen during World War II and held in an internment camp on the Isle of Man. Manicardi speculated his father carried the shame of that experience "all his life," noting that in the camp "they didn't mind if a couple of them died because then there was less people to feed." This intergenerational history instilled in Mike the unwavering resolve needed to save his theater. After over five decades in theater, Manicardi, now in his 70s, admits that the fight for survival never went away; it just changed. The early physical threats have been replaced by the persistent, draining struggle against slim finances and institutional neglect. "In my 70s, I’m still working 60 hours a week," he noted, explaining that he must constantly be two people: the artistic director and the entrepreneur who keeps the lights on. The battle has intensified with politicians who "sometimes disregard the need for culture," leading Manicardi to work constantly to protect the diverse, vital role the Badhuistheater plays in the community. Despite the battles, Manicardi remains intensely optimistic about the future of his city and his country. He expressed hope for the political landscape: "I'm very positive. Amsterdam is going to be the wonderful magic city which it still is," adding, "I'm a complete fan. And I think, 'Thank God, we live in the Netherlands.' I'm very proud to live in the Netherlands." Today, the Badhuistheater stands as a unique monument to independence and resilience, hosting live theater, improv comedy, and productions from Dutch, English, Czech, French, Italian and Polish companies—a testament to one man’s decades-long commitment to culture. Listen to this entire episode of Dam Yankee on all major podcast platforms, or watch the full videos on YouTube. For more information and tickets, visit the Badhuistheater website and their Instagram pages.Amsterdam, Mike Manicardi, Amsterdam-Oost, Badhuistheater, theater, nationalism, political

BAFTA-nominated director Marc Isaacs on his "scripted" IDFA film, the myth of purity in documentaries, blurring the lines of truth and AI BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Marc Isaacs joins host Zack Newmark to discuss his latest provocation, Synthetic Sincerity, currently in competition at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA). Isaacs challenges the myth of the "pure" observational documentary, arguing that the genre has been staged since the days of the Lumière brothers and Nanook of the North. In his new film, he blurs the lines between reality and fiction by placing real AI researchers into a scripted narrative at a fictional university, using the setup to explore the very real implications of Artificial Intelligence and human emotion. Isaacs takes aim at the "unsubtle" nature of modern streaming documentaries, criticizing the formulaic "Netflix style" that uses overpowering music to force specific emotions onto the audience. He argues that his hybrid method—which blends scripted scenarios with improvised reactions—is often more honest than so-called "fly-on-the-wall" films. By acknowledging the camera's presence and the inherent performance of his subjects, Isaacs invites the audience to critically engage with the truth rather than passively consuming a manufactured narrative. The conversation delves into Isaacs’ recurring themes of loneliness, transience, and the search for connection, tracing back to his breakout 2001 film, Lift, which was filmed entirely in an elevator. In Synthetic Sincerity, these themes converge on a powerful storyline involving a real-life Uyghur chef. Isaacs explains how he utilizes the film's AI premise to give a voice to the chef's hidden trauma and displacement—pain that he cannot openly discuss—creating a poignant exploration of identity and the "non-spaces" people inhabit when they leave their homelands. Beyond the creative process, Isaacs offers a sobering look at the business side of the British documentary industry. He laments the slashing of budgets and the centralization of power, where risk-averse executives have replaced independent commissioners. This shift, he argues, has stifled creativity and forced filmmakers into "cookie-cutter" molds. Isaacs champions the "cinema of discovery," describing his refusal to follow rigid plans in favor of making the film up as he goes along to preserve spontaneity. Synthetic Sincerity is currently screening at IDFA's International Competition before heading to the international festival circuit, and potentially appearing on broadcast television and online platforms. His previous work is available on a variety of streaming services, and Isaacs releases updates about his film work and upcoming projects on his Instagram account. Listen to this entire episode of Dam Yankee on all major podcast platforms, or watch the full videos on YouTube.   Amsterdam, London, Marc Isaacs, Synthetic Sincerity, documentary, Documentary film, International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, United Kingdom, comedy, dark humor, podcast, Dam Yankee, loneliness, immigration, artificial intelligence, filmmaking, Podcast Interview, entertainment, social media, film, Netflix, BBC, Nanook of the North, Lumière Brothers

Emmy winner Sacha Hoedemaker’s odd career from neo-classical, improv, to Frenchcore   After 14 years, over 3,000 shows, and an Emmy win, Dutch musician Sacha Hoedemaker is making a dramatic exit from the improv comedy stage at Amsterdam's Boom Chicago. Hoedemaker joins host Zack Newmark to detail the biggest leap of faith in his career, leaving stability to focus on his deeply meditative neoclassical solo work, and his creative detour into its complete sonic opposite, the ultra-fast, ultra-hard dance genre known as Frenchcore. Hoedemaker’s departure from Boom Chicago, where he served as Musical Director, is the central theme of his upcoming album, Drift Season. He compares the career change to a necessary purge, telling Zack Newmark: “It feels like letting go and getting this fresh wind and clearing that which is no longer necessary for us or no longer serving us.” This drive for change also manifests in his music, where he has embraced the ultra-fast Frenchcore genre. He explains the surprising beauty of the contrast: "The classic neoclassical music that I play is very slow, but if you put a very fast beat around it on top of it, it becomes this beautiful, meditative piece.” This willingness to follow opportunity led to his current success, culminating in an Emmy for "excellent innovation" for a neoclassical piece written during the COVID-19 lockdown. His career is full of unexpected turns, starting with a shift from studying biomedical science to pursuing music. This blend of fast and slow music was highlighted at Defqon.1 Nederland last summer, where he performed his composition, Illusion of Time, in front of 65,000 people. He shares the thrill of writing music that became a festival theme, saying, “I cannot believe I wrote it, because I like it so much.” After performing over 3,000 shows, Hoedemaker admits that his “performer muscle” is sore and needs rest. While he confessed that he has "lost a little bit of that" desire to perform live 10 times a week, he remains open to the future. He is thrilled for this new independent chapter and plans to continue both his classical composition and his work in Frenchcore, embracing the “shifting currents” of his life. Sacha’s music is available under his name on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. He is also active on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). Listeners can hear the full Dam Yankee episode on all major podcast platforms or watch the video on YouTube, where Sacha also discusses writing an Emmy-winning piece during the COVID-19 lockdown, managing career transitions, and the impact of trauma on life.

Comic Ed Gamble Draws an Ethical Line at Riyadh, and His New Obsession with Wrestling British comedian and presenter Ed Gamble (from Off Menu and Great British Menu) sits down with Dam Yankee host Zack Newmark to discuss his successful 15-year career, his first proper international tour, and the ethical dilemmas that come with fame. While preparing for his upcoming shows in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, Gamble speaks candidly about his decision to turn down the highly lucrative offer to perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, despite some colleagues jumping at the massive paycheck. Gamble is unequivocal about his moral stance, stating that his line is "heavily drawn" long before reaching Saudi Arabia. He highlights that his main issue with the Riyadh event is being directly paid by the Saudi Arabian Royal Family and the entertainment commission, which he views as crossing an insurmountable ethical boundary. He also dismisses the justifications of other comedians who claim they are performing to bring comedy to the Saudi people, saying he wishes they would simply admit it was for the money. The conversation then shifts to Gamble’s famously obsessive personality, a trait that has powered his career in comedy and his lifelong obsession with food. He jokingly expresses concern about finding great late-night eats in Amsterdam and Rotterdam after his shows, and shares his goal to try local favorites like bitterballen and James Acaster’s proclaimed "best beef Wellington" in Amsterdam. But his latest fixation is professional wrestling, a childhood love rekindled by his wife, a TV producer who is now training for the sport. Gamble details his experience training and competing in a sold-out "Clash of the Comics" match in London, where he took on fellow comedian Phil Wang. Gamble, competing as "Ed 'The Gambler' Gamble," calls the wrestling stunt the biggest buzz of his life, even eclipsing the thrill of a successful comedy gig. He explains that the underlying fear of getting the physical performance wrong created an unmatched level of excitement. As he prepares for the tour, Ed Gamble Live, the comedian reflects on his past experiences with Dutch audiences, whom he finds have a distinctly different—but still enjoyable—"sensibility" compared to "rambunctious" UK crowds. He discusses his plan to focus on his strongest material rather than relying on local jokes, ensuring fans get "the good stuff." The food fanatic also wants fans to tip him off to the best spots to try in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, as well his other tour stops. He posts frequently on his Instagram account, @edgamblecomedy. Tickets for Gamble's two shows at Comedy Club Haug in Rotterdam on Nov. 15 are sold out, as is the evening show at Boom Chicago in Amsterdam the following day. Tickets are still available for his late matinee on Nov. 16 in Amsterdam, with tickets priced at 28 euros. More information about the Ed Gamble Live tour is available on his website. Listen to this entire episode of Dam Yankee on all major podcast platforms, or watch the full videos on YouTube. Ed Gamble goes on to discuss life with diabetes, his 2023 autobiographical work, Glutton, and his plan to bring out his best material on the upcoming tour, especially after his oddly humorous interaction with the audience member at his previous Amsterdam gig. Ed Gamble, Off Menu, Riyadh, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Riyadh Comedy Festival, James Acaster, Phil Wang, 2025 Riyadh Comedy Festival, Saudi royal family, Off Menu podcast, London, United Kingdom, Great British Menu, Lisbon, Portugal, comedy, Stand-up Comedy, Dam Yankee, podcast, Comedy Club Haug, Charlie Jamison, Boom Chicago, diabetes, wrestling, pro wrestling, United States, podcast, Podcast Interview, entertainment, social media

Dam Yankee Podcast: Episode DescriptionTop 100 DJ Cuebrick: AI, Avicii, and the Antidote to Industry Pressure On this episode of Dam Yankee, host Zack Newmark sits down with Top 100 DJ and producer Cuebrick (Mannheim, Germany) to discuss the raw reality of a 15-year career in electronic music. Cuebrick shares his surprisingly positive take on Artificial Intelligence (AI), explaining why artists must "go with the time" and how AI is already driving up the quality of music production—specifically the "top lines" for dance tracks. The veteran DJ also offers a candid reflection on the intense, non-stop pressure of the industry, fueled by his meditations on the tragic suicide of EDM superstar Avicii. Cuebrick reveals his personal antidote to the stress: the quiet strength and perspective of his late grandmother, who taught him not to take life too seriously, famously saying, "We’re not coming out of this alive." Discover how a forced stop during the pandemic helped Cuebrick find gratitude, set boundaries, and protect himself from the industry pressures that can overwhelm even the biggest stars. Listen to the full interview for Cuebrick's thoughts on his future plans, the illusion of success on social media, and what it takes to survive and thrive on the long road to success. Listen to the entire episode of Dam Yankee on all major podcast platforms, or watch the full videos on YouTube. Cuebrick also talks about his future plans in music and other trends happening in the music industry. He mentioned his presence on social media, particularly Instagram, where you can find him @cuberick_dj.Cuebrick, AI, Avicii, Mental Health, Resilience, Electronic Music, DJ Mag Top 100, Dam Yankee Podcast, Music Industry Pressure, Grandmother's Wisdom, Production Quality, Tobias, Creative Independence, Amsterdam Dance Event.

Three years ago, musical comedian Meg Buzza was practically paralyzed by Long Covid, facing months of bedridden isolation and intense uncertainty. Today, the Bay Area native is living her dream as a full-time professional improv comedian in Amsterdam. Join us as Meg shares her incredible story of resilience with host Zack Newmark on Dam Yankee. A former professional dancer, Meg recounts the mysterious illness that left her with crushing pain, chest pressure, and a "suicidal depression." She details her exhaustive search for a diagnosis and recovery, which ultimately led to a life-changing realization while visiting the Netherlands. Hear how Meg shifted her focus from the "obsession with healing" to cultivating joy with the physical capacity she has, a philosophy rooted in her decade-long practice of Buddhism. She discusses her upcoming one-woman show at Boom Chicago and how she uses comedy to explore self-acceptance, chronic illness, and finding happiness despite physical limitations. Find Dam Yankee on YouTube and all podcast platforms. Join Meg on Instagram and her website. Tags: Amsterdam, San Francisco, California, Meg Buzza, musical comedy, improv comedy, Boom Chicago, Long Covid, chronic illness, Buddhism, Dam Yankee, Zack Newmark, self-acceptance, performance art, one-woman show, health, Noord-Holland, comedian, United States, comedy, podcast, podcast interview, entertainment, immigration, social media, Bay Area, Santa Rosa, disability advocacy, Dutch audiences, Dutch

Boom Chicago's Katie Nixon on Comedy, Doomscrolling, and Life in Amsterdam 🇳🇱 Join Emmy-winning journalist Zack Newmark, host of the Dam Yankee podcast, for a chat with American comedian and Boom Chicago cast member, Katie Nixon. Now living in Amsterdam, Katie discusses how she transforms the anxiety of the news cycle into comedy, including a song about doomscrolling from the improv show The Good, the Bad and the Algorithm. Katie recounts her move from the boisterous laughs at Second City and iO in the Chicago improv scene, to the far more reserved audiences in the Netherlands, the surreal experience of seeing ICE raids intensify in her former Chicago neighborhood, and the cultural differences she faces. Hear her take on using political comedy as a powerful "release"—screaming about billionaires and political figures—while acknowledging that not every moment needs a huge laugh. She shares how the Boom Chicago team handles tricky, real-time audience input on stage. Don't miss this candid conversation on life as an expat comedian, teaching improv, and hosting the monthly Laugh Out Proud queer comedy show.   Katie Nixon, Amsterdam, Chicago, Boom Chicago, doomscrolling, comedy, Comedian, Dam Yankee, entertainment, immigration, social media, United States, Donald Trump, anti-immigration, Illinois, Improv comedy, Chicago Improv, Second City, Improv Olympic, Political Comedy, Improv, Zack Newmark, Laugh Out Proud, ICE raids

Ready for the funniest highlights from the Dam Yankee Podcast ? Don't miss out on this collection of great comedy bits from the first 30 episodes, featuring Morgan Jay, Neema Naz, Ria Lina, Russell Howard and more!  This episode brings together the best moments from our conversations with some of the world’s most exciting stand up comedians. From Morgan Jay’s musical comedy brilliance to Neema Naz’s hilarious takes on culture and family life, this episode is packed with nonstop laughs and insights. You’ll also catch Ria Lina’s razor sharp humor, Stacey Smith’s quick wit, Roue Verveer’s storytelling genius, Kyla Cobbler’s wild honesty, Matt Castelvi’s improv energy, and Russell Howard’s classic British charm. If you love stand-up comedy, crowd work, and behind the scenes stories from today’s top comedians, this Comedians compilation is for you. 🎙️ Featuring: 1: Morgan Jay 2 : Neema Naz 3 : Ria Lina 4 : Stacey Smith 5 : Roue Verveer 6 : Kyla Cobbler 7 : Matt Castelvi 8 : Russell Howard   Timestamps :0:00- Intro1:24 - Neema Naz3:34 - Morgan Jay11:27- Ria Lina18:42 - Russell Howard20:50 - Roue Verveer23:09 -Stacey Smith26:41- Matt Castelvi 29:30 - Kyla Cobbler ---------Connect with me - Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharynewmark Instagram ( Dam Yankee Podcast ) : https://www.instagram.com/damyankeepodcast?igsh=YmxxbHpiMnZxZGlm Website : https://damyankeepodcast.nltimes.nl/

Comedian He Huang on Challenging China’s One-Sided Narratives This week on Dam Yankee, host Zack Newmark talks to Chinese comedian He Huang, the rising star whose career exploded after her viral Australia’s Got Talent audition garnered over 60 million views but also triggered a fierce cultural backlash back home. Huang, who traded a path in public policy analysis for the stage, explains that comedy is the truest platform to "say whatever I want," and that this freedom is precisely why her material, which challenges established cultural norms, is so empowering. Huang shares her philosophy on why her humor is the "highest form of critique." Having studied public policy and observed different political systems, she recognized that in her home country, "only one voice is allowed." She explains that her use of comedy directly pushes back on the societal teaching that tells Chinese women, "The problem is you," giving her a sense of "self value" and power that she had never felt before. Her unconventional journey began in an unexpected place: a free comedy class at a local library in Arlington, Virginia, while she was a graduate student at Georgetown University. That first gig convinced her, "Okay, this is it. I'm never going to stop." Though her European tour plans were recently derailed by a last-minute visa issue, Huang joins the podcast from London, expressing a firm commitment to reschedule her canceled shows in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Don't miss this candid conversation as He Huang discusses navigating the tricky balance between global fame and domestic criticism. She explains how easily her jokes are taken out of context by flat translations, and why she believes the attempts to silence her are futile. The full episode is available on all podcast platforms. The full episode of Dam Yankee is available on all podcast platforms, and can also be seen on YouTube. --- He Huang, Chinese Comedian, Stand-up Comedy, Viral Comedy, Australia's Got Talent, Cultural Backlash, Provocative Humor, Freedom of Speech, Chinese Culture, Policy Analysis, Georgetown University, Comedy Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Dam Yankee, Zack Newmark, Podcast, Comedian Interview, Canceled Shows, China, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Australia, London, United Kingdom, England, Boom Chicago, Comedy Club Haug, comedy, comedian, show, gender, gender stereotypes, racial stereotypes, cultural humor, entertainment, immigration, public policy, Beijing, Chongqing, Washington D.C., Arlington, Virginia, comedy tour, Russell Peters, Stephen Colbert, Stephen Chow, Doug Stanhope, social media, WeChat

"Uncancellable" Neema Naz says comedy reflects his multicultural roots & big dreams Canadian-Iranian comedian Neema Naz sits down with Dam Yankee this week ahead of his first stand-up performance in Amsterdam. He is known for his playful use of accents and impersonations of his family, not to mention a clever turn on The Boys. He joins Emmy-winning host Zack Newmark during his "My Estupid Life" world tour. Naz, a first-generation Canadian whose parents fled Iran, shares how his family's story of sacrifice fuels his incredible drive and ambition. He opens up about why his comedy, which blends personal storytelling with cultural humor, is "uncancellable" and his goal to build a comedy empire inspired by legends like Russell Peters and Kevin Hart. Naz also touches on the challenges of a grueling tour schedule and the rewarding experience of connecting with fans across the globe. For all of his ambition and drive, Naz also speaks openly about the criticism he faces for his comedy, particularly when using accents he heard growing up in Toronto. He says he is not phased by it and believes his pure intention to "make jokes and bring light to darker topics in this world" makes him "uncancellable." He acknowledges that he can't please everyone, and that is his guiding principle when writing jokes, creating videos, and performing on stage.   Neema Naz frequently posts updates and content on Instagram, TikTok, and several other platforms. Tickets for his upcoming show at Boom Chicago start at 25 euros. The full episode of Dam Yankee is available on all podcast platforms, and can also be seen on YouTube. Keyword Tags Neema Naz, Canada, Dam Yankee, Zack Newmark, Iran, Toronto, Stand-up Comedy, My Estupid Life, Amsterdam, podcast, comedy, Podcast Interview, Comedy Tour, Cultural Humor, cancel culture, immigration, Entertainment, Social Media, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Russell Peters, Kevin Hart, Boom Chicago, Berlin, Germany

Poetic Liberation: Julia-Beth Harris on Finding Home and Voice in Amsterdam This week on Dam Yankee, podcast host and Emmy-winning journalist Zack Newmark sits down with Julia-Beth Harris, the South African-born poet, performer, and creative force making her mark in Amsterdam. Having lived in the Netherlands for 14 years, Julia-Beth offers an intimate look at the immigrant experience, sharing how the complex emotions of homesickness and longing fuel her powerful, politically charged poetry. Hear how the "silence" of her new home unexpectedly polished her ability to listen to "deeper voices," enabling her to become a working poet. Julia-Beth discusses her upcoming staged show, Where the Clouds Gather, and explains why her work—which delves into diasporic identity, ancestral knowledge, and collective liberation—is not just art, but a shared experience aimed at bridging fragmented cultures. Plus, find out what simple thing still triggers a powerful sense of longing for Cape Town. 🇿🇦🇳🇱 Listen to this entire episode of Dam Yankee wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the full videos on YouTube. During the episode, Harris recites her poem, "Forward," which will be part of her upcoming show, Where the Clouds Gather, on November 29 at the Keizersgrachtkerk during The Spirit of Amsterdam Festival. Julia-Beth Harris announces her upcoming performances on Instagram and her website. Keywords: Julia-Beth Harris, Amsterdam, Poet, Poetry, South African, Expat, Immigration, Longing, Homesickness, Belonging, Cultural Identity, Poetic Activism, Diasporic Identity, Ancestral Knowledge, Collective Liberation, Performance, Amsterdam Artists, Dam Yankee Podcast, NL Times, Where the Clouds Gather, Dam Yankee

An interview with Filipina-British comedian, writer, and scientist Ria Lina. A regular on TV shows like Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week, Lina is known for her provocative, satirical style. In a candid conversation with Dam Yankee podcast host and Emmy-winning journalist Zack Newmark, she shares how her late-in-life autism diagnosis helped her find her unique comedic voice and her unflinching commitment to speak her mind, regardless of the backlash. Lina discusses the pervasive gender bias in the entertainment industry and the double standards she’s faced as a woman in comedy. She also opens up about her unconventional personal journey—from earning a doctorate in virology to leaving a career in forensic science to pursue comedy full-time. Tune in to hear Lina’s thoughts on “cancel culture,” political correctness, and the surprising role of science in her comedy. Whether she's on stage, on TV, or sitting down for an interview, Ria Lina proves she’s never afraid to punch up. Listen to this entire episode of Dam Yankee wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the full videos on YouTube. Ria Lina will head out on the Riabellion tour later this fall, and will take the stage in Utrecht on December 14. She has plans to book more performances in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and her former hometown of The Hague. Lina releases updates on her website, her Instagram account, and her new WhatsApp channel.   Keywords Ria Lina, Dam Yankee, podcast, interview, comedy, comedian, satirical, Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, autism, neurodiversity, political correctness, cancel culture, gender bias, entertainment industry, double standards, Riabellion, Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, Have I Got News For You, BBC Radio, Zack Newmark, NL Times, Utrecht, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague.

Actress and Theater Maker Sairah Erens gives us a piece of her mind on the European Union, explains how she met her business partner, and divulges the writer who inspires her most. Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production. Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo Produced by: Peach Rizzo Edited by: Marcus Engel

Comedian Deshawn Mason dives deep into his origin story as a magician, exploring the stage as a safe space, and his nuanced view on the “laughs per minute” formula. Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production. Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo Produced by: Peach Rizzo Edited by: Marcus Engel

DJ and music producer Changing Currents stopped by the show to discuss how he snagged a stage at Glastonbury, his view on musical collabs, and finding his identity.   Keep an eye open for his Asia tour dates in September and October followed by a headline show in London: https://laylo.com/changingcurrents?username=changingcurrents&slug=ez26O   Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.   Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo   Produced by: Peach Rizzo   Edited by: Marcus Engel

New York comic Lucas Zelnick stops by the pod to discuss his not so humble upbringing, the origin story of his comedy club, and how he finally got good.   Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.   Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo   Produced by: Peach Rizzo   Edited by: Marcus Engel

Daria Khozhai is a Ukrainian interdisciplinary artist and architect. She stopped by the pod to explain how she uses art as a coping mechanism, why she will never make work for clients, and how so much of her life as an artist is just like any other job.   Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.   Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo   Produced by: Peach Rizzo   Edited by: Marcus Engel

Stacey Smith is a musical improvisor and mainstage cast member at Boom Chicago.  The performer sat down to discuss improvising through grief, how performing comedy makes everyone a better person, and what is was like to live and work on cruise ships in her twenties.   To follow all of her upcoming shows, follow Stacey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceysmithcomedy/   Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.   Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo   Produced by: Peach Rizzo   Edited by: Marcus Engel

Constantine Allen is a principal dancer with the Dutch Nationale Ballet.  The performer sat down to discuss ballet boarding school, what ballet dancers do during their off-days, and the life he's already gaming out after retirement from the dance world.   To find out where Allen is performing this summer, check out his instagram page @constantineallen.    Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.   Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo   Produced by: Peach Rizzo   Edited by: Marcus Engel

Photographer Wesley Verhoeve joins Zack Newmark on the show this week! Verhoeve geeks out on cameras from the 60s, talks about growing up surrounded by art books, and explains his lack of formal training.   If you’d like to see his photos in real life, his new exhibition at the Photo Festival Naarden will run through July 6th. Tickets can be purchased for 9.75 euros at https://www.eventim.nl/noapp/eventseries/3887857?affiliate=AG1   Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.   Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo   Produced by: Peach Rizzo   Edited by: Marcus Engel

TikTok comedian Morgan Jay joins Zack Newmark on the show this week! Jay gets political, reveals that pop star Megan Trainer was a plant in his crowd once, and hints at the television plans he has cooking up. Tickets can be purchased for his performances in the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, and the U.S. between 10 - 175 euro respectively depending on the location: https://morganjay.com/ Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.   Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo Produced by: Peach Rizzo Edited by: Marcus Engel

Movie star Minne Koole joins Zack Newmark on the show this week! Koole discusses the diversity in theater culture around the world, developing panic attacks on stage, and growing up in a creative family.   Information about his upcoming theater performances can be here: https://ita.nl/nl/voorstellingen/weg-met-eddy-bellegueule/3886968/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15625554690&gbraid=0AAAAADo45ZLDaxlcf4x7W5oPS5ghcLdR0&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuvrBBhDcARIsAKRrkjc96PZKpt6r_r6PoBhHgRca2tD8vJ2UwrU84maO0OVf6_LdBYPlpkEaAoPmEALw_wcB#tickets   Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.   Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo   Produced by: Peach Rizzo   Edited by: Marcus Engel

Canadian mezzo-soprano Martina Myskholid joins Zack Newmark on the show this week! Verveer  discusses moving on from the Dutch National Opera, how she found her voice, and how we can get young people to care about the opera.   Information about her upcoming performances can be found on her website: https://www.martinamyskohlid.com/schedule   Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.   Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo   Produced by: Peach Rizzo   Edited by: Marcus Engel

Surinamese-Dutch comedian Roué Verveer joins Zack Newmark on the show this week! Verveer discusses the evolution of comedy in the Netherlands, why vegans get on his nerves, and his views on cancel culture.   Tickets for his current tour around the Netherlands can be purchased on his website between € 19,00 – € 37,50: https://roueverveer.nl/speellijst/   This episode is supported by MyExpatTaxes.com, Americans living abroad can easily file their taxes and foreign bank reporting. Find out how to get caught up with the IRS, and if you qualify to receive $1,400 from the third U.S. stimulus package. Use discount code DAMYANKEE for ten percent off.   And support was provided by Amsterdam language school NedLes.com, where it is never too early or too late to begin learning Dutch with the Delft Method. Dam Yankee listeners will get a 10-percent discount on online, in-person, and hybrid courses at NedLes when they use the code PODCAST.   Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.   Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo   Produced by: Peach Rizzo   Edited by: Marcus Engel

Best-selling author and behaviourist Thomas Erikson joins Zack Newmark on the show this week! Erikson discusses finally getting published after 20 years of writing, the lifestyle habits he credits his personal success with, and why he believes homes are more silent nowadays. You can follow all of his endeavours by signing up for his newsletter: https://www.surroundedbyidiots.com/en/newsletter/ His books and speaking engagement tickets can be purchased here: https://linktr.ee/thomaserikson This episode is supported by MyExpatTaxes.com, Americans living abroad can easily file their taxes and foreign bank reporting. Find out how to get caught up with the IRS, and if you qualify to receive $1,400 from the third U.S. stimulus package. Use discount code DAMYANKEE for ten percent off. And support was provided by Amsterdam language school NedLes.com, where it is never too early or too late to begin learning Dutch with the Delft Method. Dam Yankee listeners will get a 10-percent discount on online, in-person, and hybrid courses at NedLes when they use the code PODCAST. Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production. Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo Produced by: Peach Rizzo Edited by: Marcus Engel

Improv comedian Simon Lukacs joins Zack Newmark on the show this week! Lukacs pulls back the curtain on improv comedy, talks about what it was like being cast in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge as a young boy, and the new perspective he gained from life in Amsterdam.   You can follow all of his endeavors on his Instagram page @lukacssimon   This episode is supported by MyExpatTaxes.com, Americans living abroad can easily file their taxes and foreign bank reporting. Find out how to get caught up with the IRS, and if you qualify to receive $1,400 from the third U.S. stimulus package. Use discount code DAMYANKEE for ten percent off.   And support was provided by Amsterdam language school NedLes.com, where it is never too early or too late to begin learning Dutch with the Delft Method. Dam Yankee listeners will get a 10-percent discount on online, in-person, and hybrid courses at NedLes when they use the code PODCAST.   Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.   Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo   Produced by: Peach Rizzo

Dutch chemist turned philosopher Dr. André Klukhuhn joins us on the show this week! He talks about living in Amsterdam during WWII, taking a stand against NATO in the early 1970s, and residing in the Red Light District. André’s magnum opus is available online for free at https://andreklukhuhn.nl/ This episode is supported by MyExpatTaxes.com, Americans living abroad can easily file their taxes and foreign bank reporting. Find out how to get caught up with the IRS, and if you qualify to receive $1,400 from the third U.S. stimulus package. Use discount code DAMYANKEE for ten percent off. And support was provided by Amsterdam language school NedLes.com, where it is never too early or too late to begin learning Dutch with the Delft Method. Dam Yankee listeners will get a 10-percent discount on online, in-person, and hybrid courses at NedLes when they use the code PODCAST. Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production. Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo Produced by: Peach Rizzo Edited by: Marcus Engel

Boom Chicago co-founder and author Pep Rosenfeld joins us on the show this week! He explains what he said to get a laugh out of President Barack Obama and pulls back the curtain on his time writing for Saturday Night Live. Pep Rosenfeld’s book can be purchased online in English or Dutch for €24.99 here: https://boomchicago.nl/shows/book-launch-work-laugh-balance/    This episode is supported by MyExpatTaxes.com, Americans living abroad can easily file their taxes and foreign bank reporting. Find out how to get caught up with the IRS, and if you qualify to receive $1,400 from the third U.S. stimulus package. Use discount code DAMYANKEE for ten percent off.   And support was provided by Amsterdam language school NedLes.com, where it is never too early or too late to begin learning Dutch with the Delft Method. Dam Yankee listeners will get a 10-percent discount on online, in-person, and hybrid courses at NedLes when they use the code PODCAST.   Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.   Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo   Produced by: Peach RizzoEdited by: Marcus Engel

Oscar-nominated director and animator Aaron Blaise joins us on the show this week! He dispels the infamous Lion King “S-E-X” rumour and discusses keeping 2d animation alive.    Blaise is currently in the middle of the Snow Bear Roadshow. Tickets for the upcoming Berlin show on May 24 can be purchased for 35 euros here: https://weareplaygrounds.filmchief.com/shop/tickets?v=1448   This episode is supported by MyExpatTaxes.com, Americans living abroad can easily file their taxes and foreign bank reporting. Find out how to get caught up with the IRS, and if you qualify to receive $1,400 from the third U.S. stimulus package. Use discount code DAMYANKEE for ten percent off.   And support was provided by Amsterdam language school NedLes.com, where it is never too early or too late to begin learning Dutch with the Delft Method. Dam Yankee listeners will get a 10-percent discount on online, in-person, and hybrid courses at NedLes when they use the code PODCAST.   Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.   Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo   Produced by: Peach Rizzo

Rapper and MC Pete Philly joins Zack Newmark on the show this week! They discuss his secret stand-up performances, overcoming Lyme disease, and getting married in Aruba.   Tickets for all his current tour with Perquisite can be purchased here: https://www.petephillyandperquisite.com/live   This episode is supported by MyExpatTaxes.com, Americans living abroad can easily file their taxes and foreign bank reporting. Find out how to get caught up with the IRS, and if you qualify to receive $1,400 from the third U.S. stimulus package. Use discount code DAMYANKEE for ten percent off.   And support was provided by Amsterdam language school NedLes.com, where it is never too early or too late to begin learning Dutch with the Delft Method. Dam Yankee listeners will get a 10-percent discount on online, in-person, and hybrid courses at NedLes when they use the code PODCAST.   Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.   Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo   Produced by: Peach Rizzo

Living jazz legend Wynton Marsalis joins Zack Newmark on the show this week! They discuss his musical family, the civil rights movement, and his long history performing in the Netherlands.   Tickets for all his current tour can be purchased here: https://wyntonmarsalis.org/tour/upcoming   This episode is supported by MyExpatTaxes.com, Americans living abroad can easily file their taxes and foreign bank reporting. Find out how to get caught up with the IRS, and if you qualify to receive $1,400 from the third U.S. stimulus package. Use discount code DAMYANKEE for ten percent off.   And support was provided by Amsterdam language school NedLes.com, where it is never too early or too late to begin learning Dutch with the Delft Method. Dam Yankee listeners will get a 10-percent discount on online, in-person, and hybrid courses at NedLes when they use the code PODCAST.   Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.   Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo   Produced by: Peach Rizzo

Theater creator Linus Karp joins Zack Newmark on the show this week! They discuss his journey to the stage from smalltown Sweden, saving money by using audience participation, and creating roles for yourself instead of waiting to be cast.   Tickets to his upcoming Amsterdam show Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story can be found here: https://www.podiummozaiek.nl/programma/details/3172/diana-the-untold-and-untrue-story-awkward-productions   This episode is supported by MyExpatTaxes.com, Americans living abroad can easily file their taxes and foreign bank reporting. Find out how to get caught up with the IRS, and if you qualify to receive $1,400 from the third U.S. stimulus package. Use discount code DAMYANKEE for ten percent off.   And support was provided by Amsterdam language school NedLes.com, where it is never too early or too late to begin learning Dutch with the Delft Method. Dam Yankee listeners will get a 10-percent discount on online, in-person, and hybrid courses at NedLes when they use the code PODCAST.   Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.   Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo   Produced by: Peach Rizzo

Musician Charlotte Jacobs joins Zack Newmark on the show this week! They discuss Jacobs’ connection to dance, her life as an expat in New York City, and singing in both Dutch and English   Check out Charlotte Jacob’s upcoming dates: https://www.charlottejacobsmusic.com/   This episode is supported by MyExpatTaxes.com, Americans living abroad can easily file their taxes and foreign bank reporting. Find out how to get caught up with the IRS, and if you qualify to receive $1,400 from the third U.S. stimulus package. Use discount code DAMYANKEE for ten percent off.   And support was provided by Amsterdam language school NedLes.com, where it is never too early or too late to begin learning Dutch with the Delft Method. Dam Yankee listeners will get a 10-percent discount on online, in-person, and hybrid courses at NedLes when they use the code PODCAST.   Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.   Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo   Produced by: Peach Rizzo

Comedian Derek Mitchell joins Zack Newmark on the show this week! They discuss Mitchell’s viral social media account @letsdoubledutch, going method in the school play, and the secret to a good Dutch accent.   Check out Derek Mitchell’s upcoming dates: https://linktr.ee/letsdoubledutch?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabSAktotI3PxOGFuOfAF_tQc1WscdLjYas79IAvE8_xrlUnkN-UKhI8aP8_aem_2OeK-WbX151ivgDRz6ryDQ   This episode is supported by MyExpatTaxes.com, Americans living abroad can easily file their taxes and foreign bank reporting. Find out how to get caught up with the IRS, and if you qualify to receive $1,400 from the third U.S. stimulus package. Use discount code DAMYANKEE for ten percent off.   And support was provided by Amsterdam language school NedLes.com, where it is never too early or too late to begin learning Dutch with the Delft Method. Dam Yankee listeners will get a 10-percent discount on online, in-person, and hybrid courses at NedLes when they use the code PODCAST.   Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.   Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo   Produced by: Peach Rizzo

Irish Comedian Kyla Cobbler joins Zack Newmark on the show this week! They discuss Cobbler’s 11 siblings, her first time on stage, and her life abroad in Spain and Italy.  Check out Kyla Cobbler’s upcoming tour dates on her website: https://kylacobbler.com/tour-dates/ This episode is supported by MyExpatTaxes.com, Americans living abroad can easily file their taxes and foreign bank reporting. Find out how to get caught up with the IRS, and if you qualify to receive $1,400 from the third U.S. stimulus package. Use discount code DAMYANKEE for ten percent off. And support was provided by Amsterdam language school NedLes.com, where it is never too early or too late to begin learning Dutch with the Delft Method. Dam Yankee listeners will get a 10-percent discount on online, in-person, and hybrid courses at NedLes when they use the code PODCAST. Read more about this interview on the leading English-language news site in the Netherlands, NL Times: https://nltimes.nl/2025/02/27/irish-comic-crowd-work-specialist-kyla-cobbler-ready-first-amsterdam-gig   Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production. Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo Produced by: Peach Rizzo

Comedian Neil Robinson joins Zack Newmark on the show this week! They discuss Robinson’s love for Amsterdam, his journey into comedy, and that one time he ate magic mushrooms for a live performance.   Check out Neil Robinson’s upcoming dates on his website: https://www.neilrobinson.nl/   This episode is supported by MyExpatTaxes.com, Americans living abroad can easily file their taxes and foreign bank reporting. Find out how to get caught up with the IRS, and if you qualify to receive $1,400 from the third U.S. stimulus package. Use discount code DAMYANKEE for ten percent off.   And support was provided by Amsterdam language school NedLes.com, where it is never too early or too late to begin learning Dutch with the Delft Method. Dam Yankee listeners will get a 10-percent discount on online, in-person, and hybrid courses at NedLes when they use the code PODCAST.   Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.   Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo   Produced by: Peach Rizzo

Comedian Matt Castellvi joins Zack Newmark on the show this week! They discuss the dichotomy between the European and American improv scenes,  what to include on a tour of Amsterdam, and bond over growing up in Chicago.   Check out Matt Castellvi’s upcoming show dates on his website: https://www.castellvicomedy.com/   This episode is supported by Nedles.com and MyExpatTaxes.com.   Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production.   Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo   Produced by: Peach Rizzo

Russell Howard joins Zack Newmark on the show this week! They discuss fatherhood on tour and Howard’s greatest heckling story. Newmark invites the comedian to set the record straight on the infamous “Chocolate Milk Gang” once and for all. They also discuss his views on Amsterdam as a performer and pedestrian. Tickets to Russell Howard’s upcoming Netherlands shows, and for his tour dates around the world, can be purchased here: https://www.russell-howard.co.uk/home#europe-dates This episode is supported by MyExpatTaxes.com, Americans living abroad can easily file their taxes and foreign bank reporting. Find out how to get caught up with the IRS, and if you qualify to receive $1,400 from the third U.S. stimulus package. Use discount code DAMYANKEE for ten percent off. And support was provided by Amsterdam language school NedLes.com, where it is never too early or too late to begin learning Dutch with the Delft Method. Dam Yankee listeners will get a 10-percent discount on online, in-person, and hybrid courses at NedLes when they use the code PODCAST. Read more about this interview on the leading English-language news site in the Netherlands, NL Times: https://nltimes.nl/2025/02/11/russell-howard-talks-career-family-dutch-sex-shops-rotterdam-amsterdam-shows Zack Newmark is an Emmy winning journalist and the founder of NL Times. Dam Yankee is an NL Times production. Created by: Zack Newmark and Peach Rizzo Produced by: Peach Rizzo