We sat down this week with Nathan Weil, one of the creators and founders of the viral Humboldt Jungle show. Humboldt Jungle was a show that started in a basement in Humboldt Park. The show gained a mass cult following and was constructed of stand up comedy and music. The show kept growing in popularity, selling out minutes after new show announcements every week. Sadly, an influencer who came to the show and was asked not to film outside the venue, showed everything, addresses, street corners, and the video went viral. The show had to shut down, but has emerged back in a new form, pop up shows at large venues throughout Chicago. Traveling with their iconic backdrop, they set up in places like Chicago's Salt Shed music venue, Promontory point, and so many more. You can still catch them, but it's even harder than before to snag a ticket. Join us as we travel through the Humboldt Jungle Journey, the rise, the fall, and the reemergence. Also learn more about its creator Nathan Weil, a man of many talents, and a diverse life experience that lends itself to creating an underground sensation like this. Where to Find Humboldt Jungle ‪@thehumboldtjungle‬ on Youtube and same for Instagram Where to find Brad Kofman Show Dates www.bradkofman.com Instagram: at: BradKofman TikTok: at:BradKofmanComedy Stay Tuned for more episodes and as always don't forget to subscribe.

Welcome to BK’s Chop Shop — the funniest, rawest, and most insightful comedy podcast coming out of Chicago. In this premiere episode, comedian Brad Kofman sits down with mental health therapist and viral sensation Ben Shabad, winner of the Chicago Jeremy Allen White Look-Alike Contest (from FX’s The Bear), to chop it up about everything from creative inspiration to mental health, motivation, and life in the spotlight. If you’re a fan of stand-up comedy, The Bear, Chicago podcasts, or want to hear real talk from real creatives, this one’s for you.

TOPICS COVERED:

• Mental health & therapy in the comedy world

• How Ben Shabad became Chicago’s Jeremy Allen White

• Motivation & staying inspired as a creator

• The highs and lows of being in the spotlight

• What it’s like balancing a creative mind with emotional wellness

• Behind-the-scenes stories from Chicago’s underground comedy scene

Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring comedians, creators, and rising voices from the city.

WATCH NEXT: https://youtu.be/8sDDzZBoyyk

FOLLOW BK’S CHOP SHOP:

Instagram: @bradkofman

TikTok: @bradkofmancomedy

Host Show Dates: www.bradkofman.com

Guest: @benshabad

Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT below — let us know your favorite moment from this episode!

We had the honor to chop it up with the one and only Cortez Smith.

Cortez is a talented actor born and raised in Chicago. He has garnered attention for his compelling performances, particularly as the reoccurring guest star in the role of Nuck beginning 2019- present day. We talk Chicago, family, motivation, getting the role, and just everything good news! You won't want to miss this one, check it out and follow along with our journey.

Where to Find Brad and his show dates:

www.bradkofman.com

www.instagram.com/bradkofman

www.tiktok.com/bradkofmancomedy

Brad Kofman's Chop Shop shot and produced at Good News Studios Chicago Executive Producers: Nick Matthys, Brad Kofman, Corey Capelli