ROOM 586

Room 586 in the newly refurbished hotel, that’s where we would record episode 005 of 52 Jokers Comedy Podcast. A lone Joker pulling behind him a double stacked toolbox on wheels. I’ve gotten used to the suspicious looks I get when I enter a hotel lobby and the long cautionary stare as I saunter past the front desk straight to the elevators, like a weary traveler who has a key and knows exactly where to go. I’m used to tracking down each comedian, scheduling each interview, and conducting each interview in a different location each time. I’m used to editing, writing, promoting the podcast (though I suck at that part), and posting the finished podcast on multiple social media outlets. I’m even used to the rejection and disappointment when I can’t get schedules lined up with visiting comedians, forcing my imperfect, yet perfection driven mind to obsess with a replacement interview. And though I spent more than 25 years of my life in Arkansas, or what I like to call,  the Devil’s Taint, only because of the insanely hot temperatures, muggy weather, the plethora of bugs and things that bite for a living. And despite living and working in the construction industry while living in Death Valley for a year (current world record holder for hottest temperature recorded on earth). I still can’t get used to the Eastern Washington heat.

As the elevator climbs to the top floor, I feel relieved to be in an air-conditioned building. I find room 586 and knock. Cory answers promptly and we exchange greetings, it’s obvious that he doesn’t recall us working together 2 years ago in Seattle. That’s cool, it’s not like I leave a lasting impression. Honestly, I only recall his name because I read it on promotional posters at Jokers Comedy Club and because Cory tweets a whole helluva lot more than I do.

IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERRE

Cory is a super friendly guy. He checks his emails and gets some water while I set up for the podcast. The interview starts, and immediately Cory asks me if the air conditioner was going to create a problem with sound quality. Well isn’t that just GREAT! Yes Cory, it most certainly will. Please, by all means, turn it off, who needs comfort? It’s only 97 degrees outside your heat reflecting glass patio doors that just so happen to be pointing directly at the sun. No please, let us sweat out the negative impurities.

Right away we find ourselves deep into hard-hitting conversation and current events. Passionately debating controversial topics such as substitute teaching, local trivia, serial killers, old movies, new movies and of course, Zac Efron. Over the years Cory has played Jokers Comedy Club eleven or so times, so much so that it’s beginning to feel like a home away from home.  He’s made friends and eagerly awaits what comes directly after Saturday comedy…Salsa dancing. With a packed house, dressed to the nines.

He is anxiously anticipating a trip he is soon to take not long after leaving Richland. He’s traveling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), more specifically to Dubai, to perform comedy. A place is known for extravagant luxuries, artificial islands, astounding scenery and a 2,723-foot tall building called Burj Khalifa, and yes, that is the name of the building, not a rapper.

250, MOVE SWIFTLY, A DOO RUN RUN RUN, A DOO RUN RUN

Dubai is a place where they have vending machines ever ready to dispense anything from designer beauty products, to laptops, to pure gold bars. All of a sudden these Cheetos I just bought taste like shit. Dubai is a land where public affection is a no-no, where taking pictures of airplanes and strangers is unlawful and where capital punishment is enforced, but at least they leave you choices. Dealers choice, firing squad, hanging or stoning. If you’re not sure what is against the law, just call the police and they’ll be there in a jiff because the police force in Dubai patrol around in Bugatti Veyron, Ferrari FF, and the Lamborghini Aventador. They’re known as the fastest police force in the world, reaching speeds of over 250 m.p.h.

Cory is quite the adventurer and a great comedian. You can visit his social media pages to see what he’s into each day or where he will be performing next, or where you can send bail money (Cory seems like a little bit of a rule breaker, but then, most comedians are. He can be found actively posting on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @MrCoryMichaelis or @EverettComedy

The bonus interview brought to you in part by Jokers Comedy Club (www.atomicbowl.com), Richland, Washington, is with comedian Sam Miller. A 6’6″ burly yet gentle soul from Olympia, Washington; whose comedy focus is rooted in recovery, addiction, and all the funny stories (he can remember) that come with getting blasted and thinking you got it all under control. In addition to being a stand-up comedian, Sam is also a counselor and regularly participates in volunteer work in his community. A great guy and a funny comedian. You can hear more about him in the podcast and/or visit his social media pages; FaceBook, Instagram and Twitter @biggersam67.

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