The Tangle with Kyle Ridley

This week, Bryan Safi shares his journey from a conservative upbringing in El Paso, Texas, to becoming a multifaceted performer. He discusses the evolution of his one-man show, “Are you Mad at Me?,” the importance of humor in overcoming childhood struggles, and the significance of LGBTQ+ representation in comedy. Bryan reflects on his early celebrity crushes, the challenges of family dynamics, and the cathartic experience of performing his new show. The discussion also touches on relationships, the comedy community, and current obsessions.
Chapters
Introduction and early connections
The journey of a one-man show
Childhood influences and family dynamics 
Celebrity crushes and animated characters
Career beginnings 
LGBTQIA+ representation and community
Finding humor in hard times 
People-pleasing
The catharsis of performance
Jennifer Love Hewitt friendship
Reflections on divorce
Comedy community: Michelle Collins, Danielle Schneider and Casey Wilson
Tangles

The incomparable and ever-inspirational Rosie O'Donnell joins Kyle to discuss her new one-woman show, “Common Knowledge,” which she’s currently preforming a sold-out run Off-Broadway. In a wide-ranging conversation, Rosie gets candid about losing her mother at 10 years old, her advocacy for health and LGBTQIA+ rights, and her hopes for America’s healing amid years of tumult. Rosie also reflects on a few of her iconic roles, her potential return to daytime, her move to Ireland, and much more! 
Chapters 
A maternal figure to millions
Health advocacy and holding others’ fears and grief 
The move to Ireland
“Common Knowledge” inspirations
Political turmoil and hopes for healing
The continual fight for equality
A return to daytime? 
“The View” reflections
The OWN year
Tangles
Rapid fire reflections

Comedian and former teacher Joe Dombrowski joins Kyle for a deep dive into his booming comedy career, marriage and having his first child. Joe also discusses his upbringing in Michigan, lessons learned from surrogacy, and how he navigates career as a new father. You can watch Joe’s new comedy special, “Dad on Arrival,” on YouTube. 
Chapters
Early life in Michigan
Supportive Midwest family
Joe’s school life, popularity, and social skills
Stand-up comedy and teaching career
Joe’s gay awakening and celebrity crushes
Representation and North Stars in media
Relationship with husband and early dating
Immersing in gay community and coming out
Marriage, family, and parenting plans
Lessons from IVF and surrogacy journey
Naming the baby and family decisions
Balancing touring and family life
Considerations with a young son
The state of comedy and audience engagement
Hope, resilience, and personal growth
Tangles

Singer-songwriter JORDY shares insights into his new album “In Retrospect,” his journey with sexuality, and navigating the music industry as a queer artist. We explore themes of self-awareness, emotional growth, and the influence of nostalgia on his creative process.
Chapters
JORDY’s musical evolution from third to fourth albums
Growing up in Illinois and coming out
Navigating repression and acceptance
Learning about sexuality online
Influences and role models
Representation in music
Maintaining hope
Reflecting on youth and nostalgia 
Emotional themes “In Retrospect”
Confusing anxiety with love
Single life
Fun nights and personal identity
Feeling cool and navigating insecurity 
Writing process
Love languages
Tangles

Kyle recaps his trip to Europe, breaks down the Emmy nominees, and offers some personal updates. He’s also joined by comedian Victor Carlesi, who shares his journey from small-town Pennsylvania to Chicago's vibrant comedy scene (and soon Los Angeles). Victor also discusses coming out, building community, comedic influences, goals for the future, and his best friendship with actress and comedian Meg Stalter. 
Chapters
Kyle’s London trip
Personal updates
Emmy nominations 
Victor Carlesi’s Pennsylvania childhood
Comedic influences and SNL heroes
Coming out story
LGBTQIA+ representation 
Best friendship with Meg Stalter
The appeal of leaning into the uncomfortable 
First stand-up experience and performing with Meg
Moving to Los Angeles and career aspirations
Writing process and social media strategy
Tangles