What's Haitian Vodou? (Part Two) with Professor Eziaku Nwokocha

Comedian, actor, and writer Mae Martin joins the podcast for a wild ride through their journey — from discovering Ace Ventura as a kid, to cutting their teeth in comedy clubs, to creating the hit Netflix series Wayward. In this episode, Mae opens up about how identity, rejection, and resilience have shaped their comedy and storytelling, and why Wayward feels so personal. We explore the highs and lows of life in comedy, Mae’s creative process, and the joy they find in making art that connects. If you’re obsessed with Wayward or curious about the path that brought Mae here, this conversation is funny, real, and full of heart. Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Mae Martin on Instagram @hooraymae Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn  Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support: Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re talking: JVN’s singing career crossover, the Rapture (or lack thereof), our FOX News feature, Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 6 Premiere, razor blade COVID, NDM-CRE bacteria, the dismantling of our Healthcare System, Government Shutdown, Jimmy Kimmel’s return (except Quincy, IL), Mariah Carey’s 16th studio album Here For It All, finding gratitude,  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  New video episodes Getting Better on YouTube every Wednesday.  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Anne Currie, and Chad Hall Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure.Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vocal coach, and now Broadway star in “& Juliet.”, Cheryl Porter sits down with Jonathan Van Ness for an unforgettable voice lesson that’s about more than just singing. Cheryl doesn’t just teach notes — she teaches confidence, positivity, and how to let go of shame to truly find your voice. They dive into Cheryl’s decades long career in Italy, watching Queer Eye dubbed in Italian, the realities of racism in Italy, and the universal power of finding your authentic voice. From unlearning shame to staying connected to your inner power, Cheryl shares how singing isn’t just for professionals — it’s a life-changing tool for anyone brave enough to open their mouth. Plus— JVN gets some pointers ahead of their Carnegie Hall debut in Breaking The Binary Theatre’s production of “The Drowsy Chaperone.”  Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Cheryl Porter on TikTok @cherylporterdiva Follow Cheryl Porter on Instagram @cherylporterdiva  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn  Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Anne Currie and Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re talking: Jeffree Star & the LGB separation, Larry the Cat updates, StyleFix Stick Launch at JVN Hair, rewatching Designing Women, our favorite Britney Spears clips, haircuts & mental health, and Practical Magic 2.  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  New video episodes Getting Better on YouTube every Wednesday.  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Anne Currie, and Chad Hall Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when a razor-sharp elected official and a relentlessly curious host sit down to discuss what it takes to make lasting change? This week, JVN is joined by the unstoppable Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett — U.S. Representative from Texas, lawyer, lay it on the line truth-teller, and rising voice in the Democratic Party. Together, they unpack how to maximize our impact by understanding our political systems, tackle the messy reality of party politics, and hypothesize where Democrats are headed next. They also dive into Rep. Crockett's background as a public defender and evaluate the difference between committing a crime and having a criminal mindset, how racism shows up in redistricting battles from Texas to California, and yes — Rep. Crockett breaks down her now-iconic “bleach blonde bad built butch body” clapback.  Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Congresswoman Crockett on Instagram @repjasmine  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn  Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn BIO: Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett represents portions of Dallas and Tarrant Counties, with the cities of Dallas, Grand Prairie, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Duncanville, Glenn Heights, Hutchins, Wilmer, Arlington, Ovilla, and Seagoville. Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Anne Currie and Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices