Comedy impresario Paul F. Tompkins gives a lot to you. Yes, YOU.
A man of many gifts, Tompkins is a frequent live performer, including his regular shows at Largo and The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles, as well as club, theater and festival appearances nationwide. He functions as a leader of the pack for the thinking-man's comedy crowd - both peers and audiences alike.
This year Tompkins took on the thankless task of penning episode reviews of the current American Idol season - it's been a delightful journey each week to watch him curse himself for bearing this pop culture cross for us all. His reviews from this week's episodes are here - 3/31 and 4/1.
A great introduction or companion-piece to the Tompkins comedy world, is his playful and infrequently released podcast, The Pod F. Tompkast. The show serves as an ongoing best-of mixtape of Tompkins' charm and numerous comedic skills. Tompkins hosting of Tompkast plays out as if he scammed his way into an independent radio station in the middle of the night, sneaking his clever ramblings, sketches, live show highlights and real and not-so real interviews. It's all good fun. Tompkins is an original comedic voice set out on doing his own thing, always a remarkable feat.
Consider The Pod F. Tompkast his extra special just-for-you, sshhh-don't-tell-anyone gift to you. Los Angeles residency not required. We recommend saving the listening hour for a late night or long drive to match the hushed-tone silly fun of the show.
His latest show features a great self-rant on gum chewing, the introduction of the term "Borat-y," another memorable call from his comedy pal, Jen Kirkman, and a great clip from his recent 10-year anniversary Largo Show featuring both Maya Rudolph and Jon Hamm. Like I said, always a special treat.
Check out the silly iTunes show descripition for the 4/1 episode:
Episode 9: Jaunty, Right Out Of The Gate!, The Game Is A-Loud!, The Ex-terminator (featuring Maya Rudolph and Jon Hamm). The Kirkman of Cell Block H., Paul F. Tompkins Comes To Your Hemisphere. Attention Must Be Paid!