Mentioned On
Episode Mentions
Backstage With Gentry Thomas · May 19, 2026
Bob Odenkirk on Saul Goodman, Chris Farley and his new movie "Normal"
“Comedy troupe where Odenkirk performed with Chris Farley and developed early sketch material”
The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert · May 18, 2026
Late Show Vocab | Rescue Staff Rescue
“Comedy training organization where Tom Purcell worked before moving to Los Angeles”
The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert · May 13, 2026
Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Extended) | Pedro Pascal
“Chicago improv theater where Colbert performed; referenced in anecdotes about early career”
What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon · May 6, 2026
What Do You Wanna Talk About? - Kit Wilson
“Improv comedy training institution in Chicago where Kit Wilson trained with R-Truth for character development”
What Do You Wanna Talk About? with Cody Rhodes · May 6, 2026
Kit Wilson
“Improv training organization where Wilson trained with R-Truth in Chicago for comedy and performance skills”
The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert · May 1, 2026
Stephen Presents: Rescue Staff Rescue
“Comedy training ground where executive producer Tom Purcell worked before joining the show”
This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von · Apr 30, 2026
#656 - Fahim Anwar
“Mentioned as improv school pathway to SNL that Anwar researched but couldn't afford as young person”
Scriptnotes Podcast · Apr 28, 2026
733 - Learning Comedy
“Chicago-based comedy theater and training center where Barthwell teaches and trained”
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend · Apr 27, 2026
Ike Barinholtz
“Chicago-based improv and sketch comedy theater that influenced both hosts' early comedy careers”
Bobby Bones Presents: The BobbyCast · Apr 21, 2026
#598 - Melissa Peterman Talks 'Reba' Sitcom Legacy, Why a Reboot Never Happened & Still Dreaming About SNL
“Improv institution referenced as comparable to Brave New Workshop where Melissa trained”
SmartLess · Apr 6, 2026
"Stephen Colbert"
“Colbert's improv training ground before moving to New York in 1994 for his first professional gig”
Call Her Daddy · Mar 27, 2026
Adam Devine: BDE & Pitch Perfect (FBF)
“Improv school in Chicago where Adam Devine met Anders Holmvik”
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce · Mar 25, 2026
Flag Football, Poop Dolla Legacy & Worst Jobs w/ Adam Devine, Blake Anderson & Anders Holm | Ep 184
“Improv training institution where Adam Devine met Blake Anderson and Anders Holm”
Good Hang with Amy Poehler · Mar 24, 2026
Steve Carell
“Foundational comedy training institution where Carell and Colbert met, trained, and performed in the 1980s-1990s”
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard · Mar 23, 2026
Nate Bargatze
“Improv training institution where Bargatze briefly trained before committing to stand-up comedy”
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend · Mar 12, 2026
Staff Review With Skyler Higley
“Chicago-based improv and sketch comedy institution that influenced Skyler's decision to move to Chicago”
Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio · Mar 10, 2026
Padma Lakshmi Does Standup: Extended Cut
“Comedy venue in Brooklyn where Padma performs stand-up and participates in guest spots”
Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · Mar 5, 2026
Tim Meadows RETURNS: Sandler Text Chains & Farley Memories
“Comedy training ground where Tim Meadows and Chris Farley developed sketch comedy skills”
Passion Struck with John R. Miles · Mar 5, 2026
The Science of Opening Up: The Hidden Cost of Under Sharing | Dr. Leslie John - EP 737
“Erin Deal trained in improv there and now uses improv techniques to facilitate corporate meetings and help struggling teams”
Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · Mar 4, 2026
RE-RELEASE - Cecily Strong
“Strong took improv and sketch classes at Second City Chicago before SNL audition”
Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus · Jan 31, 2026
Listen Again: Julia Gets Wise with Catherine O’Hara
“Both Catherine O'Hara and Julia Louis-Dreyfus trained at Second City (Toronto and Chicago respectively) as launching pads for their careers”
Comedy Saved Me · Jan 26, 2026
"Dave Landau: Comedic Advice and Inspiring Stories of Resilience and Redemption: Comedy Saved Me Replay-Healing Power of Humor
“Comedy training institution where Dave took improv and sketch comedy classes; formative influence on his career”
Finding Peak w/ Ryan Hanley · Jan 16, 2026
From Single Mom to Queen of the Castle: Ann Kaplan Mulholland
“Online platform where Ann took stand-up comedy courses to improve her speaking and presentation skills”
Handsome · Dec 23, 2025
Aparna Nancherla asks about holiday party faux pas
“Comedy club where Tig experienced an embarrassing period-related incident at age 14”
So True with Caleb Hearon · Nov 27, 2025
Lilly Wachowski is Hosting Thanksgiving
“Chicago improv and comedy theater where Abby McAnany worked and where Wachowski explored stand-up comedy”
Good Hang with Amy Poehler · Oct 7, 2025
Rachel Dratch
“Both Amy and Rachel trained and performed at Second City in Chicago before moving to New York and SNL”
Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus · Oct 30, 2024
Julia Gets Wise with Catherine O’Hara
“Both Julia and Catherine started their careers at Second City (Chicago and Toronto respectively); foundational to their comedy training.”