TJ Jagodowski is a comedian specializing in improvisational comedy. He has studied and performed with The Second City and performs with and teaches at the iO Theatre. In the Chicago improv circuit, he is best known for his weekly “TJ and Dave” show alongside fellow Second City alum David Pasquesi. He is widely known for his appearances in the Sonic drive-in commercials as well as for his roles in Stranger Than Fiction, Soul Survivors, and Prison Break, to name a few. Jagodowski has been called “the best improviser in Chicago” by the Chicago Improv Festival.

Armando

TJ Jagodowski

This episode's monologist is Mark McConville: the co-creator of the podcast Superego. From searching for Oprah to the sexual explorations of the three Wise Men, join the Armando cast as they transform Mark's stories into side-splitting scenes.

Mark McConville, co-creator of Superego podcast

This episode's monologist is Jessica McKenna. Jess is the co-host of the musical podcast Off-Book in addition to being an actress and writer. She stars in the FOX sketch comedy show Party Over Here alongside Nicole Byer and Alison Rich. You can see Jessica perform every week in Hollywood at UCB-Franklin with Tuesday Club and at UCB-Sunset with Magic To Do: Musical Improv. From Valentine's Day treats to acts of kindness from Mom, join the Armando cast as they spin Jess's stories into side-splitting scenes.

Jess McKenna, co-host of Off Book podcast

Jeffrey Cranor cowrites the Welcome to Night Vale and Within the Wires podcasts. He also co-creates theater and dance pieces with choreographer/wife Jillian Sweeney. They live in New York. Join the Armando cast as they reshape Jeffrey's BBQ horror story into side-splitting scenes.

Jeffrey Cranor of Welcome to Night Vale

This episode's monologist is Alden Ford: member of the UCB animation team VEX VIDEO. Join the Armando cast as they spin Alden's caribou trip gone wrong into side-splitting scenes.

Alden Ford – UCB’s VEX VIDEO writer

This episode's monologist is Adal Rifai: an improviser/coach/teacher/writer/producer and podcaster in Chicago. From a ghost tour in Savanna to the Forest Gump Bench, join the Armando cast as they spin these tales into side-splitting scenes.

Adal Rifai

This episode's monologist is Charna Halpern: the co-founder and Artistic Director of the iO Theater. From walks in the rain forest to jumping out of planes, join the Armando cast as they spin Charna's stories into side splitting scenes. 

Charna Halpern

New from the iO Podcast Network comes the Armando! Based on the live show which originated at the iO Theater, the Armando podcast will feature a new monologist each episode whose personal story will inspire improvised scenes from some of iO's top performers. Subscribe so you never miss an episode! For more information, visit: podcasts.ioimprov.com.

The Armando Podcast is a “long-form” improvised show in which a monologist tells personal stories that provide the inspiration for the cast! Founded by Adam McKay (SNL, Anchorman, Talladega Nights), Dave Koechner (Anchorman, Thank You For Smoking, SNL) and Del Close (iO co-founder) The Armando Diaz Experience is iO’s longest running show and a landmark of comedy in Chicago.