Episode 197 - Donnell Rawlings

Tom and Kira engage in a candid and humorous conversation with guest Donnell Rawlings. They kick off with playful banter about Tom's bread-baking endeavors, leading into discussions on a variety of topics including the intricacies of comedy, personal growth, and the nuances of navigating the entertainment industry. Donnell shares insights from his journey in stand-up comedy, touching upon his new special, the impact of historical context on comedic content, and reflections on fatherhood and personal identity. 
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About Donnell: Donnell Rawlings is a force both on and off the stage as a comedian, actor and podcaster and this year, Donnell is fire -- debuting his first stand-up special A NEW DAY on February 27th for Netflix produced by his long-time friend Dave Chappelle. This is one of four specials Dave is producing for Netflix who stated, “I’ve been doing this a long time and comedians like Donnell are not only friends but have inspired my own career. Anyone in the comedy community knows these names and knows their time to shine is long overdue. I am proud to be a part of this moment.”  

About Tom: Tom Papa, a celebrated stand-up comedian with over 20 years in the industry, has made significant strides in film, television, radio, podcasts, and live performances. Notably, he's a regular on "The Joe Rogan Experience" and various late-night TV shows. Papa's literary skills are evident in his books “We’re All In This Together” and "You’re Doing Great!: And Other Reasons To Stay Alive," a collection of essays, and "Your Dad Stole My Rake: And Other Family Dilemmas," a comedic look at family life. His latest stand-up specials are “Tom Papa: What A Day!” and "Tom Papa: You’re Doing Great!" on Netflix.
Beyond comedy, Papa's engagements extend to hosting "What A Joke With Papa And Fortune" on SiriusXM and appearing on NPR's "Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me." His love for baking led to hosting the Food Network series "Baked." As an actor, he's worked with notable figures like Rob Zombie and Steven Soderbergh and has appeared in several films and TV shows, including the HBO film "Behind the Candelabra." Additionally, Papa has contributed as a writer to projects like "Bee Movie" and various TV series. Residing in Los Angeles with his family, Papa continues to balance his professional life with personal interests like baking.

About Kira: Kira Soltanovich is a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry, with a career spanning nearly a decade as a correspondent on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," where she became known for the Phony Photo Booth segment, the show’s longest-running comedy piece without Jay Leno. Her collaboration with Leno continued in the reboot of the "You Bet Your Life" game show, now syndicated on FOX. Soltanovich has also made her mark with stand-up specials on Showtime and Amazon, titled "Here Comes Trouble" and "You Did This To Me," respectively, and has served as the sidekick to Donald Faison on Netflix's game show "Winsanity." Her recurring roles on FOX's "Punchline" and "The Drama," regular appearances on TruTV’s "How To Be A Grownup," and her work on the Facebook series "The Turndown" highlight her versatility as a comedian and actress.
Beyond her television work, Kira has been a staple in the comedy scene, from her early days on "Girls Behaving Badly" to being featured on Comedy Central and winning the Big Sky Comedy Festival. Her comedy has also been celebrated at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. A unique aspect of her career includes writing jokes for Joan Rivers and her origins from the former Soviet Union, adding depth to her comedic perspective. Currently, Kira is focusing on creating and producing her own talk show, "Let’s Get Sweat!," set in a sauna, and preparing to record a new comedy album. This journey from a Soviet emigrant to a celebrated figure in American comedy showcases her remarkable adaptability and creativity in the entertainment world.
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