ELN: Monologue Monday (8/1/16)

In case you missed it, I did a quick run through on topical events and respond to some fan questions and comments.  Check it out and let me know what you'd like to see in the future and what time might work best for you on Mondays to tune in LIVE!

Read More
raf esparzaComment
Hybrid Success Challenge: My Next Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Project

I have managed to go the past five years of my jiu-jitsu journey getting by on counter-wrestling, misdirection, and (what I like to call) creative sprawling, but I see my tricks getting old real fast.  Despite the better efforts of my truly amazing instructors and training partners, my efforts to improve my wrestling skills have been marginal at best.  I know that in order to even maintain level of being “passable” as I continue to rise up the ranks in BJJ, I have to evolve.

That is why I’ve decided to put myself on a 30 day wrestling challenge.  

Read More
That Time "Matthew McConaughey" Gave Me Some Advice

And like any problem in late night television, all problems or limitations are really just creative blessings in disguise.  I came up with the concept of doing some pre-recorded audio segments where I could still stay on stage and interact with my own impressions.  This segment aired back in July 2012 and I can now say that we had the foresight of booking "Matthew McConaughey" before he became a big-time Oscar winner.

Read More
Underappreciated: Usher's "She Came To Give It To You"

The curious case of She Came To Give It To You marked the first time the singer failed to chart a lead single in the Top 40 since his 1993 debut. 

That's just odd for one of the handful of artists go have a diamond record in their catalogue.

It also marked the first time Usher had to license his song to breathe some life back into it.  And that partnership was with... the Honey Nut Cheerios Bee? 

Read More
VERBAL TAP (Episode 184) Kevin Visits LA

Last month, my wife and podcast co-host conspired to put together an awesome birthday gift.  As one of my birthday gifts, my wife surprised me by arranging a trip for Kevin to make his way out to LA for a few days and train.

Anybody who listens to the podcast knows that Kev and I usually get to see one another for short periods of time every 6 months or so.  And despite my on-air hatred for the individual, doing the podcast and working with him in person is way more fun than it is on Skype.  When we're both in the same room doing the podcast, the show has an entirely different feel.  

Read More
Cracks In The Glass Ceiling

Yeah, maybe that literal glass ceiling moment might have been a little over-the-top or cheesy, but given the years of misogynist and sexist jokes that have come at the expense of Secretary Clinton and the many female politicians that have come before her, we can give the excessive CGI a bit of a pass.  

Yeah, it might make a few of the same guys who were mad that a bunch of female Ghostbusters ruined their childhood, but fuck 'em.  The internet has already given their backwards cynicism too much of a voice anyway.   

Read More