Craig Cackowski
Craig Cackowski hails from the great state of Virgina, the Mother of Presidents, where he attended the venerable College of William and Mary. He first began improvising as a member of W. & M.’s troupe I.T., and moved to Chicago with a B.A. in Theatre, and an intent to become a serious actor. That quest was sidetracked after his first improv class with Charna Halpern at the Improv Olympic, and forever abandoned after studying for a year with the great Del Close, the guru of longform improv comedy. It was at iO Chicago that Craig first met and worked with Bob Dassie and Rich Talarico, in various groups and teams, including Mr. Blonde, Faulty Wiring, Baby Wants Candy, Close Quarters and The Armando Diaz Experience, Theatrical Movement and Hootenanny. Craig coached many teams in Chicago, including the long-running Frank Booth, and directed such shows as JTS Brown. Craig has taught for iO Chicago and iO West since 1995, and is the three-time winner of the Del Close Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Guest Appearances
A Chicken in the Road, Linda's Wallet and A Vincent Price Dinner Party with Craig Cackowski
This week on THE NEIGHBORHOOD LISTEN, a woman sends an SOS about a chicken in the road, Joan and Doug play The Newlywed Game and the tale of Linda's wallet. Plus, "Dinner Has A Price" host Bat Mabb (Craig Cackowski) joins Joan…
ListenCharleston, South Carolina
Paul F. Tompkins says hello and goodbye on this edition of Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s very special guest is Spontaneanation’s first and final guest, Busy Philipps of Busy Tonight! They chat about what Busy’s themed restaurant would be and why. Then,…
ListenInside the Organist's Room at a Baseball Stadium
Paul F. Tompkins wishes listeners a very Merry Christmas on a new Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special return guests are The WorkJuice Players aka Craig Cackowski, Mark Gagliardi, Marc Evan Jackson, Hal Lublin, Annie Savage, and Little Janet Varney. Everyone chats…
ListenSeason 2, Ep 64 - Scholar and Ogre
The Scholar from the library of the Great Halls of Terr'akkas returns. And we meet an ogre as well. Credits: Arnie: Arnie Niekamp Chunt: Adal Rifai Usidore: Matt Young Scholar: Craig Cackowski Glorbia: Jaime Moyer Foon Political Roundtable Hosts: Danielle Kurtzleben and Scott Detrow Craig: Ryan DiGiorgi Tricia: Kate James Producers: Arnie Niekamp, Ryan…
ListenJoe's Crab Shack
Paul F. Tompkins is excited that Spontaneanation is happening once again! This time out, Paul’s special guest is actor Utkarsh Ambudkar of Game Over, Man! and Brockmire! Utkarsh chats about what he would name a star, being crushed after finding out how…
ListenAirport
Paul F. Tompkins wishes listeners a very Merry Christmas on Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special guests are The WorkJuice Players aka Craig Cackowski, Mark Gagliardi, Marc Evan Jackson, Hal Lublin, Annie Savage, and Little Janet Varney. Everyone then shares which exotic…
ListenFamily Owned Bike Shop
Paul F. Tompkins uses the sound of his voice to welcome listeners back to Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special return guest is Matt Besser of improv4humans! Matt chats about what his favorite ancient civilization is and why, the thrill of looking…
ListenJury Deliberations
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes everyone who can hear his voice on this week’s Spontaneanation! This time out, Paul’s special guest is This American Life host and producer Ira Glass! They chat about what memory from Ira’s childhood he wishes he could change,…
ListenLife Drawing Class
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes adult men and women back to Spontaneanation! This week, Paul’s special guest is singer-songwriter Ted Leo! They chat about when was the last time Ted cried out of happiness, a story about a determined tortoise, and going from…
ListenIce Cream Parlor
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes everyone in these unwelcome times back to Spontaneanation! This week, Paul’s special guest and SOLE improvisor is Spontaneanation's good friend Craig Cackowski! They chat about what rating Craig’s kitchen would receive if a health inspector were to enter…
ListenEast NYC Village
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes all who feel that they need to be welcomed to this week’s episode of Spontaneanation! This week, Paul’s special guest is Oscar Nunez of The Office and People of Earth! They chat about why Oscar cares about God,…
ListenA Whale's Belly
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes all the future Snapchatting people to this week’s episode of Spontaneanation! This week, Paul’s special return guest is Natalie Morales of Parks and Recreation and The Grinder! They chat about the time the most fun Natalie's ever had at a…
ListenThe Other Side of The Tracks: Live from The Detroit Improv Festival
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes all back to Spontaneanation, recorded in front of a LIVE audience at The Detroit Improv Festival! This week, Paul’s special guest is actor, improviser, and SPONT regular Craig Cackowski! They chat about whether or not Craig still eats…
ListenMadrid: Live from Outside Lands 2016
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes all back to Spontaneanation, recorded in front of a LIVE audience at Outside Lands in San Francisco! This week, Paul’s special guest is Fred Armisen of Portlandia and Saturday Night Live! They chat about whether a cheeseburger is…
ListenA Comic Book Shop
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes all celebrating Independence Day to this week’s episode of Spontaneanation! This week, Paul’s special guest is actor and man of a million voices Phil LaMarr! They chat about the last item he donated to charity, the story behind…
ListenTrue Russian Facts
Another Period creators Natasha Leggero and Riki Lindhome are back along with singer-songwriter Dan Mangan on this week's Comedy Bang! Bang! They join Scott to chat about Dads and Grads season, peeing your pants, and how Natasha & Riki spend their leisure…
ListenStorm Drain/Live from San Francisco Sketchfest
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes ladies or gentlemen to a LIVE episode of Spontaneanation, recorded at San Francisco SketchFest 2016! This week, Paul’s special guest Jon Hamm of Mad Men! They chat about what book inspired Jon as a child, questionable babysitting tactics, and being…
ListenTesla Charging Station: Live from Largo
Paul F. Tompkins once again welcomes the wonderful real people of Los Angeles AND the internet to a LIVE episode of Spontaneanation, recorded at the world-famous Largo at The Coronet! This week, Paul’s special guest is Keegan-Michael Key of Key and Peele!…
ListenSanta Fe Art Gallery
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes everyone using any of the five senses to the 50th episode of SPONTANEANATION! This week, Paul’s special guest is Matt Besser of improv4humans! They chat about who would be the ideal sibling, mischievous imaginary friends, and Matt's dad's…
ListenPediatrician's Office
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes everyone who took the time to stream, download, or overhear SPONTANEANATION! This week, Paul’s special guest is Midroll CEO and The Wolf Den host Adam Sachs! They chat about baseball, how much brain space is needed to know three languages, and "the rules…
ListenThe One Beauty Parlor In A Small Town
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes everyone, including non-listeners, back to SPONTANEANATION! This week, Paul’s special guest is podcaster, TV host, and author Dave Holmes! They chat about whether to live without electricity or a toilet, why Dave's no longer able to eat donuts,…
ListenSaltwater Tuffy Shoppe: Live from LA Podfest
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes the beautiful people of Beverly Hills AND the internet to a LIVE episode of Spontaneanation recorded at the 2015 LA Podfest! This week, Paul’s special guest is Andy Daly of Comedy Central's Review! They chat about Andy's on-camera experience with lizards,…
ListenThe Moon Landing Taping, 1969
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes everyone back in three different tones to SPONTANEANATION! This week, Paul’s special guest is Natalie Morales of Parks and Recreation and The Grinder! They chat about their thoughts on conspiracy theories, Donald Trump as "decoy," and the ins…
ListenStorage Room In Back Of Hot Dog Stand
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes everyone, including people not listening, back to SPONTANEANATION! This week, Paul’s special guest is the Academy Award-winning Jim Rash of Community! They chat about Jim's greatest mistake, when he learned that he was adopted, and what TV show he'd save with…
ListenBackstage at the Rush Concert: Live from Largo
Paul F. Tompkins once again welcomes the wonderful real people of Los Angeles AND the internet to a LIVE episode of Spontaneanation recorded at the world-famous Largo at The Coronet! This week, Paul’s special guest is Thomas Lennon of Reno 911! and The Odd Couple. They…
ListenScience Fair
Paul F. Tompkins is the one that welcomes YOU to the special land of SPONTANEANATION! This week, Paul’s special guest is Paget Brewster of Community, Criminal Minds, and The Thrilling Adventure Hour! They chat about what kind of food related 28th amendment she would add to…
ListenA Dental Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona: Live from Largo
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes Los Angeles AND the internet to the first LIVE episode of Spontaneanation recorded at the world-famous Largo at The Coronet! This time Paul’s special guest is actor Colin Hanks of Orange County & Fargo! They chat about why Colin chose to wear the outfit he had on that…
ListenA Superyacht
Paul F. Tompkins welcomes all travelers to the shores of Spontaneanation! This week he is joined by special guest Elizabeth Reaser of The Twilight Saga and Mad Men! They chat about what Elizabeth likes the most about herself, the compassionate noises she…
ListenA Secret Society
Paul F. Tompkins once again welcomes you all to Spontaneanation, and this week he is joined by special guest Jason Ritter of Gravity Falls and HBO’s Girls! They chat about Kurt Cobain being Jason’s hero growing up, how reading a Choose Your Own Adventure…
ListenA Denny's Parking Lot
Welcome all in podcasting land to Spontaneanation with Paul F. Tompkins! Paul chats with his special guest Busy Philipps (Cougar Town, Thrilling Adventure Hour) about her favorite snack as a latchkey kid in Arizona. Then, special guests Craig Cackowski, Matt Gourley and…
ListenRule of Three's!
He's a mega talented improvisor and actor - we especially adore him on Drunk History - the charming CRAIG CACKOWSKI is here to discuss overcast dreams, why he's rockin' an Ultima, his thoughts on foreign exchange students and what it was like…
ListenCraig Cackowski
Join Kevin as he sits down with actor Craig Cackowski (Drunk History, The Thrilling Adventure Hour) as they discuss his transition from drama to comedy. Craig chats about the lectures he received from Del Close on the hey day of improv comedy, his…
ListenBonus Cut: Walkabout
In this bonus cut, Bob Dassie, Rich Talarico, and Craig Cackowski, of the improv troupe Dasariski, show us that abandoned kids don't always replicate Lord of the Flies. Just be sure to keep your pants on.
ListenMy Hometown Sux
Bob Dassie, Rich Talarico, and Craig Cackowski make up the philosophically influential improv troupe Dasariski and they are here on improv4humans to reveal some of the secrets in their attics. As improvisers, they are just and fair and will definitely make whatever…
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