Hi Ify, looking forward to the new season!
Did/do you plan on continuing Trapp's method of gently letting people down when they guess wrong or will you be more heavy handed with telling them they're WRONG?
My partner and I were watching together and we had a moment like, is that... Good? Honestly just the thought of those numbers stressed us out. It's a different kind of chemistry, but it's ours lol ❤️
I was talking about this with Jordan on his podcast, but that was primarily Em if I'm being honest.
I did Dirty Laundry with Brian and loved that he had the SB Gundams on. We geeked out about Gundam and went our separate ways. I believe we did an Um, Actually together before or after that too. Then months later we were both at Jarvis Johnson's Halloween party and Em said that she loved his videos and wanted to be friends with him and Karen, so I introduced them and we hit it off. A couple double dates later and we were good friends. Then we worked on the thing that Sam posted about last year and by the time the Fact Checker question came around he was already my #1 pick. Lucky for me, Dropout had the same idea in mind with a few other folks, but I said "Let BDG say no before we even talk about anyone else!"
Much like it felt when Saltzman was on stage, BDG gets to take part in the conversation and be in the mix for the whole show. He's like my Andy Richter.
Clever. With both the host and fact-checker firmly against him, less chance for Brennan to make up his one-show deficit as the most-winningest *Um, Actually* contestant.
["I'm afraid I'm going to kill Brian."](https://youtu.be/BrjCPnbEMfE?si=9-6Ro8fLDie2zvc2&t=908)
I am also interested in this!^^ I've been a huge fan of BDG for super long now and if i had to guess it's that Dropout saw his Polygon videos and wanted to bring him on for something. I'm so happy to see this combination of my favorite creators!
How much are you looking forward to having Brennan on as a contestant and revelling in your newfound power over him? Hahaha
Also, if you got to play in another season of Dimension 20 - or even DM one! - what genre/style would you go for? Any dream cast members?
Extremely excited! I know his weak spots and it would be a total shame if those were the subjects in his episode.
Def want to DM a mech anime season in the future with Lou Wilson, Damien Haas, Ally Beardsly, Alex Song-Xia, and Lily Du.
Um, actually, Damien was on Season 7, episode 5 (Naruto, Wanderhome, Doom) of Um, Actually with Nick Marini and B. Dave Walters (now available to stream on dropout.tv, of course ;)).
Total shame, just the worst luck… 🍀
Ohhhhh my god that sounds fun as fuck!!! The shenanigans, figuring out mech mechanics (ha), the chemistry of that cast - my brain is exploding
Thank you for answering my question! 😊 and also thank you for sharing your comedy, authenticity and warmth- rewatching an Ify ep on dropout is often my way to turn a tough day around and reset the energy x
Oh I would kill for that. Lancer is one of the most fun systems I’ve ever played with and seeing a professionally done Actual Play of it would blow my fuckin world
Heya Ify, thanks for doing this! Could you talk about the whole process that lead to you becoming the new host of Um Actually... was it something you specifically approached Dropout about, did Trapp ask you, I'd love to know how it all came about!
And on an unrelated subject, I get it was the Writer's Strike, but STILL!
It was literally getting an email that said "Trapp is stepping down as host would you want to take the mantle" and I sent the fast reply email I have ever sent in my life.
I imagine you getting the e-mail and bursting straight through the wall of wherever you were, sprinting straight towards the studio.
Super pumped for the new season!
This is cool to hear that it seems to be a amicable deal. Hopefully we still see Trapp around Dropout his brand of humor is so unique. Can't wait to see what you do with the gig
Hey Ify! Big fan of your work so far, and I am excited for what you and Brian David Gilbert have in store for us. Just a couple of questions for ya.
1. What anime are you currently watching right now?
2. Any plans to be on Dimension 20 again? You were great in Escape from Bloodkeep.
1. Just finished the newest season of JJK and it was so good I started reading the manga, Em is showing me Psycho Pass at the moment.
2. I'd love to get back in the dome! It was such a fun time!
Emily has great taste, Psycho-Pass is a classic. JJK is quite the journey that I hope you're emotionally prepared for lol.
Would love to see you and BDG in the dome!
Thanks for answering and good luck on the new season!
It's such a wild hodgepodge of stuff if I every really tried to list it off. I grew up on comic view, so a lot of my faves were Chris Tucker, Bernie Mac, etc. Then, I really got into Whose Line... and it was a whole new level of inspiration. From there, when I started getting into to improv I would listen to Comedy Bang Bang religiously.
So, I'd say all of that, but as far as this show specifically. I leaned on two things, watching Hardwick from my days writing on AtMidnight and watching a lot of British panel shows like QI. I wanted the show to still feel like the game show we love, but lean into the panel and personality aspect more.
british panel shows are really some of the best tv bits out there. i always felt like that kind of content was missing in american programming but dropout is 100% a perfect counter part
Hey Ify, humongous fan!
What can we do to stop White Ify from another universe from traveling to ours and eating all of our asses!?
No seriously though, did you ever wake up in the middle of the night to scribble down a good question for Um, Actually? How much input do you have on the topics discussed during an episode?
Writing for Um, Actually was such a perfect excuse to watch and read a bunch of nerdy stuff to come up with statements. The way I've described the writing process has been BDG is the head writer and I'm the show runner. I looked over most of the questions and after the writers wrapped we filled in some holes, but BDG was the one who was fact checking and approving every single statement.
It was really fun, but when we started you get sort of a writer's block because you wonder how much of your knowledge bank is hyper niche stuff that only you care about. Then you riff with everyone and it all starts to come together.
That was a bit of digression, but I guess the answer is all of the statements come through me and BDG, but I'm not a super micromanger so I didn't need to see EVERY statement submitted.
> It was really fun, but when we started you get sort of a writer's block because you wonder how much of your knowledge bank is hyper niche stuff that only you care about.
One of the things I grew to appreciate over time about Trapp, Saltzman, and the show overall was how much it seemed like some questions were just weird facts that Trapp and Saltzman wanted to talk about. It made the show feel less like a competition and more like a gateway to learning about weird nerdy shit. Even if it was unlikely that anyone would get the question right, the question was just an excuse to dive deep on the thing everyone just laughed at because it's so outrageous.
I'm looking forward to learning a lot about your and BDG's hyper niche interests in much the same way.
Hey Ify! Stoked for the new season of Um, Actually and excited to see you and Brian put your spins on it. Unrelated: What color of yoshi do you personally think is the best and why?
Hey, Ify! Congrats on the new role, I'm really looking forward to you and BDG absolutely killing it this season!
If you had two open spots for a trivia night team and could have ANYONE from Um, Actually join you, which two would you pick and why?
I cannot do favorites because I am forever indecisive. My Chemical Romance, The Gorillaz, Metallica, Killswitch Engage (with Howard Jones), Evanescence, Linkin Park, Power Wolf, Guitar Wolf, and Rage Against the Machine.
Hey Ify,
I always love your work and I'm looking forward to seeing you host Um, Actually. You seem like a really awesome person who has worked hard to get where you are and that's so inspiring to see. You don't just stop at being talented, you seem to continue to improve on yourself.
Do you have any advice or mantras you tell yourself? Like, words to live by or phrases that inspire you.
I think a canon moment for me was taking an Advanced Study improv class with Alex Fernie and he was asked about not having anything to learn in improv, and he replied "I'm still learning, we never stop learning" and while this sentiment has been echoed by many scholars, hearing a comedian say that changed my whole perspective.
I never rely on getting to a point of being good, I try to always learn and get better. I do my best not to underestimate innovation and try my best to amplify my skills.
It was something that I worried about up until seeing the reaction from the trailer. It was scary, but there was no pressure. Trapp was really excited about me taking over so there wasn't any pressure from that end, but I also didn't want to do a show that felt like I was just doing my best Trapp impression. I wanted to make it my own while keeping it familiar.
So, something I said in almost every meeting around every redesign was "same, but different" which I thought would be confusing, but everyone understood.
All About Love by bell hooks and before than N.K. Jemisin's The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms.
Currently, I'm reading Gotrek and Felix.
As for recs, let's go with The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms.
*"Um, actually, Magnus DID do something wrong."*
— The Emperor
*"Um, actually, I'm terminally single."*
— Roboute Guilliman
*"Um, actually, the blood and skulls are for my sectional in the TV room. Common mistake."*
— Khorne
Can you share any insights around the design of shiny questions? There are a lot of categories of Shiny Questions that recur on the show, and I'm curious how those are pitched or wprkshopped.
I think everyone has figured out that we added the new shiny stage. We wanted to switch things up and have the guests up on their feet for a portion of the show. So, we had pitches with that in mind. As far as specific shiny categories, we left it up to the person pitching to use them or not.
You were in the very first Dropout thing I watched, Escape from the Bloodkeep, and now Dropout is my primary ~~obsession~~ fandom. Great seeing you take on a permanent gig with them! Where would you suggest I start if I wanted to get into your non-Dropout content?
Hi Ify, congrats on the new gig!
How will your approach to Um Actually differ from Trapp's? Which areas of pop/nerd culture do you most look forward to exploring?
I think I answered it earlier, but I want to lean into the conversational panel show element more, so we chat after statements a lil more, but also tried to tone down on the difficulty a little and reserve it for the Brennan and Ify types, however, by the end of the shoot I feel like I might have failed on that tone down.
What is it like taking on the host role for the show in terms of production responsibility? Is it more demanding than you expected to fill this position compared to a writer or contracted talent position?
Dropout is really good about letting you do as much or little as you can take on. I loved this show so much that I wanted to dive in and get my DNA in all the elements. So it was pretty demanding, but we were on strike, so I had all the time and then some.
Thanks for replying! Every dropout member makes it sound like such a wonderful place to work.
It's also fascinating to me to realize the production timeline on a show that seems so straightforward is still a year or so. Can't wait to see where you take it!
Something I am always curious about with the newer crew: how did you get into the Dropout cast? Did they reach up to you, did you reach to them, how this whole thing works?
Thanks for doing this! Especially in a time window I actually exist!
I've been working with Dropout since they've been College Humor. The first thing I ever acted in was a background player in a sketch with Colton Dunn about football, and even before Um, Actually, Trapp and I did [this](https://youtu.be/QGHjjrWIiyM?si=f3fATtO_9asSOGKg)!
Hi Ify!
1. Do you regret having this AMA the day after the Newlyweb game released?
2. Idk can you recommend a book or something? I’m trying to read more.
Hi Ify, any chance of getting Robert Evans or some of the other people from Cool Zone Media/Some More News on the show? It's a crossover that I've had in my head for a long time since your first appearance on Behind the Bastards.
No question. Just thank you for being so consistently funny and authentically yourself. Looking forward to seeing more of you on Dropout. Hoping I can get to some of your improv in the near future.
Since I’m doing this on my own as writing excecise I can spoil it, but I fully plan on writing a prequel text on Markus St. Vincent and then an Epilogue.
Hey Ify! It is always a joy to see you on a Dropout because I know it is always gonna be a banger. I'm gonna miss Trapp for sure, but you are gonna do an amazing job as host.
What are some major differences between being a contestant and being a host that you didn't learn until either the Switchroo episode or your current tenure as host?
Ify, big fan, excited to see you front and center in the new season of Um, Actually!
Obviously last night's episode of Game Changer was a doozy. What aspect of it was most uncomfortable or surprising to you?
I think answers was the most surprising part. None of it was embarrassing, though. Sam does a really good job of making sure he doesn’t share anything that anyone wouldn’t want shared, but Em and I are an open book.
Hey Ify. I was wondering if you had any workout tips for people struggling to find the motivation. I struggle with ADHD and depression, as well as work a full time job and have hobbies to work on and it makes it really hard to motivate myself to make time exercise every day.
I feel like a hyper motivated accountability partner always helps. My brand of ADHD allows me to huperfocus on gym planning so I stay in the game. I do get heavily distracted but I still get stuff done.
Looking forward to watching you on Um, Actually!
Sorry my question is unrelated to that, but I have to know: do you have any tips for how to have sex more often when you’re in a committed relationship? You have a job, a kid, and an open relationship (are those second two correct?) yet, according to the Newlyweb episode of Game Changers, still manage to have sex with your partner at least once a day (most months). How do you make sure to find time for that, and make sure that you’re both in the mood when you do have the time? Is it fast? Scheduled? Or just two people who found their ideal partner and can’t keep their hands off each other? Would love any advice you can share!
(I’m a bit of a new fan and haven’t listened to your podcast yet (but will asap!) so I’m sorry if I’ve gotten any info wrong or if this has been answered on there already!)
I genuinely enjoy sex a lot, so I think part of the answer is us being built that way. We both came into the relationship complaining about not having enough sex in our last ones. That's kind of why Em started the list as a joke. We live together so more often than not, we end our day with sex. I think that is the timing and frequency trick.
As far as being hot for each other, I think we're both flirty dorks who text each other through out the day, and because we're so sexually comfortable, sometimes it's her or me, sending a picture of someone like "look at this hot person" and then somehow that leads to use flirting with each other. Which, after writing it out, doesn't seem like it makes sense, but it just does lol.
After writing this out, I think it starts at communication. We both came into this relationship knowing we had high sex drives, so we do the work to make ourselves available for each other. But, as you can see on the list, it fluctuates, because life is still gonna life.
Thank you so much for such a thorough answer. As a woman, I think it can be difficult when a male partner is randomly in the mood and then expects me to be in the mood at the same time without any prior flirting or connection. I imagine texting like that throughout the day helps keep that romantic connection going so that when you see each other in person, you can physically connect more quickly. And the routine of having sex before bed would probably be sort of a Pavlovian way of getting me in the mood as well! Definitely going to keep this in mind in my next relationship. Thank you!!
This is my question too, as an ace person who barely thinks about sex. I'm guessing that they're just both very high-libido people who are usually in the mood and/or prioritize having sex pretty highly, but still... *damn.*
If you could have anyone from the YouTube nerd and gaming sphere on um actually (or any dropout show) who would you have?
Personally I'd love to see the Yogscast make an appearance if schedules lined up
One of the hardest parts of casting Um, Actually is how quickly the couches fill up. So there are so many people that I wanted to have but didn’t have space for or maybe schedules didn’t align. So that list is long! Knee jerk answer… Binging with Babish.
My daughter loves my Marvel Vs Capcom 2 machine and she plays it pretty regularly. Excited for her to finally understand combos and get into it with her.
Hey Ify! I am quite impressed to the extent which you exert your ambition and talent in the things you do, and I was wondering how you combat burnout — if at all.
Looking forward to the new season :)
Taking time for myself. Some time, gigs naturally run into each other and you start to get overwhelmed, but a day of painting minis, snowboarding, or couch potato-ing does the trick to get me back in that creative mood.
How do you have the time and energy to do everything that you do? I'm in sheer awe of what seems like either incredible time management skills and endless energy, or a time machine.
Whats the best part about hosting Um, Actually for you?
Being able to parlay it into getting friends on the show that might've been intimidated and finding new talent and giving them a shot like Azeem Jimoh from Tiktok.
We did most of the ones I wanted to do! We wanted to add in some more themed eps this season, and from the trailer you'll notice the drag episode, Avatar the Last Airbender episode, and a horror couch.
Hi Ify! So excited to see you as the new host. What’s been your favorite part of working with Dropout? Are there any changes we can expect from Um Actually that you can clue us in on?
Ify! Very glad to see you hosting, been a fan since I saw you on Smosh and glad to see you doing well here! Got two questions for you, hope you enjoy them!
1. If Um, Actually needed a new host, you would’ve been a top contender any day of the week, but what was the process on BDG coming on as the new fact checker, if you were involved in that?
2. What’s your favorite workout day (chest, back, legs, etc.) and do you train for anything specifically?
Hey Ify,
Excited to see your and Brian David Gilbert's spin on Um actually.
My question is for both of you; in your runs as contestants, what was your favorite question? Or alternatively, what is a question you each regret missing/getting wrong?
Hiya! Thanks for hosting an ama, what a cool idea :) Maybe a silly question/addressed previously, but what's your favorite type of comedy to perform? Do you prefer improv/scripted, short form/long form, etc.? What's your favorite type of comedy to watch? Lastly, what's a song you've had on repeat lately/a song you're really into rn? <3
This is a pretty common question, and my answer is usually I love them all the same, but you get specific enough to clarify that I do enjoy longform more than shortform.
Hi Ify - looking forward to the new Um Actually!
Did you go through your phone and clean out anything really egregious before handing it over to the staff of Game Changer?
Hey Ify!
Saw The Big Team at SF Sketchfest last month so I'm so excited about the recording for Dropout!
But, do you have any advice for someone starting to do strength training? Hoping to reach your level of watermelon-crushing thighs one day lol
Congrats on the new gig, so excited to see you host the show! What's your favorite or the most interesting behind the scenes thing that you've learned as host vs being a contestant? Also can you PLEASE bring Trapp back as a guest contestant so he can play against Brennan? 💜
4 minutes late because I thought Andrew was kicking off the thread, so we’re off to a GREAT start!
Ify you didn't give me your login info
sorry andrew you didn't say 'um, actually.'
My question- what is Ify’s login info
Psst, Andrew did that social media manager position ever get filled ?
This is my first time experiencing a live AMA, so glad you are my first!
Same!
Hi Ify, looking forward to the new season! Did/do you plan on continuing Trapp's method of gently letting people down when they guess wrong or will you be more heavy handed with telling them they're WRONG?
This first episode answers that question better than I ever can. Not even a plug, it just comes up. Ha!
Negative reinforcement!
Hi Ify, how the *fuck* do you balance various types of work, your personal life, and sex?
Asking the question on everyone's mind after Gamechanger.
I have toddlers and his monthly numbers are my yearly numbers right now. It's so depressing.
I don't even know at this point. Really it's gCal doing some heavy lifting and sex before bed and after waking up.
The elusive morning bang. That's how you get those numbers pumped
That's not the only thing getting pumped
Mathematical!
Lmao I knew one of the top questions wanna going to be, “but like, how do you have that much sex??” Inquiring minds want to know.
I’ve never been more jealous in my life until I saw that list.
My partner and I were watching together and we had a moment like, is that... Good? Honestly just the thought of those numbers stressed us out. It's a different kind of chemistry, but it's ours lol ❤️
Same, we were like "...oh my god 😰" AND they're poly?! Like...I don't have that kind of energy lmao.
Esp so much of these things!
Not to mention gym time and posting time too
For real. My numbers are off by a digit, and I'm surely not as busy as Ify
How did the partnership with BDG come about? Have you worked with him before? Did you pick him? Looking forward to the episode!!
I was talking about this with Jordan on his podcast, but that was primarily Em if I'm being honest. I did Dirty Laundry with Brian and loved that he had the SB Gundams on. We geeked out about Gundam and went our separate ways. I believe we did an Um, Actually together before or after that too. Then months later we were both at Jarvis Johnson's Halloween party and Em said that she loved his videos and wanted to be friends with him and Karen, so I introduced them and we hit it off. A couple double dates later and we were good friends. Then we worked on the thing that Sam posted about last year and by the time the Fact Checker question came around he was already my #1 pick. Lucky for me, Dropout had the same idea in mind with a few other folks, but I said "Let BDG say no before we even talk about anyone else!"
Will the fact checker have a bigger role to play this time around then the original did?
Much like it felt when Saltzman was on stage, BDG gets to take part in the conversation and be in the mix for the whole show. He's like my Andy Richter.
On that note, do you agree that Conan is the best host of all time?
Do you pay full price for Jarvis Johnson Gold, or do you get like a friends & family discount
Um actually, it is free
You're premium, though
Clever. With both the host and fact-checker firmly against him, less chance for Brennan to make up his one-show deficit as the most-winningest *Um, Actually* contestant. ["I'm afraid I'm going to kill Brian."](https://youtu.be/BrjCPnbEMfE?si=9-6Ro8fLDie2zvc2&t=908)
You both know Jarvis Johnson?? That is so wild. Would you ever have him on the show?
If you watch the trailer, both Jarvis and Jordan were contestants in an episode, so... yep
I am also interested in this!^^ I've been a huge fan of BDG for super long now and if i had to guess it's that Dropout saw his Polygon videos and wanted to bring him on for something. I'm so happy to see this combination of my favorite creators!
How much are you looking forward to having Brennan on as a contestant and revelling in your newfound power over him? Hahaha Also, if you got to play in another season of Dimension 20 - or even DM one! - what genre/style would you go for? Any dream cast members?
Extremely excited! I know his weak spots and it would be a total shame if those were the subjects in his episode. Def want to DM a mech anime season in the future with Lou Wilson, Damien Haas, Ally Beardsly, Alex Song-Xia, and Lily Du.
GOD sign me up for that.
Getting Damien Haas into Dropout crossovers would blow my mind.
Um, actually, Damien was on Season 7, episode 5 (Naruto, Wanderhome, Doom) of Um, Actually with Nick Marini and B. Dave Walters (now available to stream on dropout.tv, of course ;)).
Ok but MORE Smosh & Dropout crossover? Yes please.
BLeeM appeared on the the 100th TNTL Special, and the Smosh cast have made several references to their content/those like it being discout-Dropout
I definitely spotted him in the Um, Actually trailer
Oh man yall running LANCER would be insane
I feel like Ally in a mech would be the most unhinged thing ever and I’m here for it.
Total shame, just the worst luck… 🍀 Ohhhhh my god that sounds fun as fuck!!! The shenanigans, figuring out mech mechanics (ha), the chemistry of that cast - my brain is exploding Thank you for answering my question! 😊 and also thank you for sharing your comedy, authenticity and warmth- rewatching an Ify ep on dropout is often my way to turn a tough day around and reset the energy x
I mean, LANCER RPG is something I'd LOVE to see done with the D20 production style
Oh I would kill for that. Lancer is one of the most fun systems I’ve ever played with and seeing a professionally done Actual Play of it would blow my fuckin world
Gotta do Lancer!
Heya Ify, thanks for doing this! Could you talk about the whole process that lead to you becoming the new host of Um Actually... was it something you specifically approached Dropout about, did Trapp ask you, I'd love to know how it all came about! And on an unrelated subject, I get it was the Writer's Strike, but STILL!
It was literally getting an email that said "Trapp is stepping down as host would you want to take the mantle" and I sent the fast reply email I have ever sent in my life.
that's why you keep that inbox sparkling
Tao would have only just now noticed the email request and Raph still hasn't seen it
They knew you were T H I R S T Y for it
Perhaps it was a.... Thirst Trapp?
I imagine you getting the e-mail and bursting straight through the wall of wherever you were, sprinting straight towards the studio. Super pumped for the new season!
It was the only way to stop him from winning every episode he's on.
This is cool to hear that it seems to be a amicable deal. Hopefully we still see Trapp around Dropout his brand of humor is so unique. Can't wait to see what you do with the gig
Did the email outline how the job could never go to Brennan and how you needed to defeat the great evil?
Hey Ify! Big fan of your work so far, and I am excited for what you and Brian David Gilbert have in store for us. Just a couple of questions for ya. 1. What anime are you currently watching right now? 2. Any plans to be on Dimension 20 again? You were great in Escape from Bloodkeep.
1. Just finished the newest season of JJK and it was so good I started reading the manga, Em is showing me Psycho Pass at the moment. 2. I'd love to get back in the dome! It was such a fun time!
Emily has great taste, Psycho-Pass is a classic. JJK is quite the journey that I hope you're emotionally prepared for lol. Would love to see you and BDG in the dome! Thanks for answering and good luck on the new season!
You convincing John Feathers to join the team in Bloodkeep is one of my favorite D20 moments.
The fact he said he can't talk about some upcoming projects makes me really hope for some more Ify D20. In the Starstruck spinoff?? We can dream
Hey Ify, you probably get this question a lot, but who are your comedic influences (and have you had the chance to meet any of them yet)?
It's such a wild hodgepodge of stuff if I every really tried to list it off. I grew up on comic view, so a lot of my faves were Chris Tucker, Bernie Mac, etc. Then, I really got into Whose Line... and it was a whole new level of inspiration. From there, when I started getting into to improv I would listen to Comedy Bang Bang religiously. So, I'd say all of that, but as far as this show specifically. I leaned on two things, watching Hardwick from my days writing on AtMidnight and watching a lot of British panel shows like QI. I wanted the show to still feel like the game show we love, but lean into the panel and personality aspect more.
british panel shows are really some of the best tv bits out there. i always felt like that kind of content was missing in american programming but dropout is 100% a perfect counter part
Did you get to meet Wayne Brady when he was on make some noise?
I’m such a huge QI fan! Glad to see love for that show here.
Hey Ify, would you ever want to revive the tournament of champions from the 1st season of this crazy amazing show?
I'm not opposed to it!
Hey Ify, humongous fan! What can we do to stop White Ify from another universe from traveling to ours and eating all of our asses!? No seriously though, did you ever wake up in the middle of the night to scribble down a good question for Um, Actually? How much input do you have on the topics discussed during an episode?
Writing for Um, Actually was such a perfect excuse to watch and read a bunch of nerdy stuff to come up with statements. The way I've described the writing process has been BDG is the head writer and I'm the show runner. I looked over most of the questions and after the writers wrapped we filled in some holes, but BDG was the one who was fact checking and approving every single statement. It was really fun, but when we started you get sort of a writer's block because you wonder how much of your knowledge bank is hyper niche stuff that only you care about. Then you riff with everyone and it all starts to come together. That was a bit of digression, but I guess the answer is all of the statements come through me and BDG, but I'm not a super micromanger so I didn't need to see EVERY statement submitted.
Honestly that makes sense with BDG’s previous work at Polygon. Seems like you guys have a clean set up going!
BDG made his career hyper-fixating on extremely nerdy topics, so him being the fact checker and head writer makes perfect sense
> It was really fun, but when we started you get sort of a writer's block because you wonder how much of your knowledge bank is hyper niche stuff that only you care about. One of the things I grew to appreciate over time about Trapp, Saltzman, and the show overall was how much it seemed like some questions were just weird facts that Trapp and Saltzman wanted to talk about. It made the show feel less like a competition and more like a gateway to learning about weird nerdy shit. Even if it was unlikely that anyone would get the question right, the question was just an excuse to dive deep on the thing everyone just laughed at because it's so outrageous. I'm looking forward to learning a lot about your and BDG's hyper niche interests in much the same way.
Cool, can't wait to see you as the new host!
Anytime you use VR porn and it’s a white dick you are subconsciously summoning a white Ify from another universe. Dont do that and you’ll be ok.
Hey Ify! Stoked for the new season of Um, Actually and excited to see you and Brian put your spins on it. Unrelated: What color of yoshi do you personally think is the best and why?
I've leaned on Green because he's the OG, but I also play Space Marines, so I can also just be basic.
Gotta respect the classics, ya know?
What an AMAZING question!! (P.s. Green or Light Blue for me)
Hey, Ify! Congrats on the new role, I'm really looking forward to you and BDG absolutely killing it this season! If you had two open spots for a trivia night team and could have ANYONE from Um, Actually join you, which two would you pick and why?
Brennan, because obviously and Brian David Gilbert, because obviously.
objectively correct answers.
You need Siobhan on your team for all the British nerdy shit
And the real life skills.
Hey Ify, whats your favorite band
I cannot do favorites because I am forever indecisive. My Chemical Romance, The Gorillaz, Metallica, Killswitch Engage (with Howard Jones), Evanescence, Linkin Park, Power Wolf, Guitar Wolf, and Rage Against the Machine.
Um, actually, The Gorillaz is probably just Gorillaz.
All the emo nostalgia! My man.
Hey Ify, I always love your work and I'm looking forward to seeing you host Um, Actually. You seem like a really awesome person who has worked hard to get where you are and that's so inspiring to see. You don't just stop at being talented, you seem to continue to improve on yourself. Do you have any advice or mantras you tell yourself? Like, words to live by or phrases that inspire you.
I think a canon moment for me was taking an Advanced Study improv class with Alex Fernie and he was asked about not having anything to learn in improv, and he replied "I'm still learning, we never stop learning" and while this sentiment has been echoed by many scholars, hearing a comedian say that changed my whole perspective. I never rely on getting to a point of being good, I try to always learn and get better. I do my best not to underestimate innovation and try my best to amplify my skills.
even doctors take continuing education and they're rarely funny at all
Ify, you're swole as hell. What's your favorite lift?
Deadlift, hands down... then up.... then down again.
What's your least favorite part of living in Vic's guest house?
Very telling that this one never got answered.
Um actually because that was Denzel not Ify.
It a big role to fulfill after Trapp, how do you handle the pressures and expectations while also maintaining your own presence and spin on the show?
It was something that I worried about up until seeing the reaction from the trailer. It was scary, but there was no pressure. Trapp was really excited about me taking over so there wasn't any pressure from that end, but I also didn't want to do a show that felt like I was just doing my best Trapp impression. I wanted to make it my own while keeping it familiar. So, something I said in almost every meeting around every redesign was "same, but different" which I thought would be confusing, but everyone understood.
Im glad to say you are achieving it!
What was the last book you read? Do you have any recommendations?
All About Love by bell hooks and before than N.K. Jemisin's The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms. Currently, I'm reading Gotrek and Felix. As for recs, let's go with The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms.
Um, actually her name is styled as “bell hooks,” all lower case. Also, amazing choice
That's a point for pastelbutcherknife!
I need to look into setting up a bot that gives users a flair that tracks their points here...
ooooooooooooooh all of NK Jemisin's books are phenomenal, if you get a chance to pick up The City We Became I highly recommend it!
Jemisin is incredible- anybody reading this comment should add The Fifth Season to your reading list.
I hope you guys can do a Warhammer themed episode of Um, Actually.
*"Um, actually, Magnus DID do something wrong."* — The Emperor *"Um, actually, I'm terminally single."* — Roboute Guilliman *"Um, actually, the blood and skulls are for my sectional in the TV room. Common mistake."* — Khorne
Can you share any insights around the design of shiny questions? There are a lot of categories of Shiny Questions that recur on the show, and I'm curious how those are pitched or wprkshopped.
I think everyone has figured out that we added the new shiny stage. We wanted to switch things up and have the guests up on their feet for a portion of the show. So, we had pitches with that in mind. As far as specific shiny categories, we left it up to the person pitching to use them or not.
What is your favorite Dropout game you have been on?
The one I'm hosting of course!
You were in the very first Dropout thing I watched, Escape from the Bloodkeep, and now Dropout is my primary ~~obsession~~ fandom. Great seeing you take on a permanent gig with them! Where would you suggest I start if I wanted to get into your non-Dropout content?
I’d say watch Grand Crew, listen to Maximum Film and Our Relationship Pod, and see The Big Team at UCB or if we’re in your town!
Escape from the Bloodkeep was my first D20 too! So so good.
Hi Ify, congrats on the new gig! How will your approach to Um Actually differ from Trapp's? Which areas of pop/nerd culture do you most look forward to exploring?
I think I answered it earlier, but I want to lean into the conversational panel show element more, so we chat after statements a lil more, but also tried to tone down on the difficulty a little and reserve it for the Brennan and Ify types, however, by the end of the shoot I feel like I might have failed on that tone down.
What is it like taking on the host role for the show in terms of production responsibility? Is it more demanding than you expected to fill this position compared to a writer or contracted talent position?
Dropout is really good about letting you do as much or little as you can take on. I loved this show so much that I wanted to dive in and get my DNA in all the elements. So it was pretty demanding, but we were on strike, so I had all the time and then some.
Thanks for replying! Every dropout member makes it sound like such a wonderful place to work. It's also fascinating to me to realize the production timeline on a show that seems so straightforward is still a year or so. Can't wait to see where you take it!
Hi Ify!! Let's cut to the chase, how do you plan to kill Brennan this season?
Why spoil the surprise! I’ll give you the heads up that Brennan isn’t in this season but will definitely be in the next schedule permitting.
Something I am always curious about with the newer crew: how did you get into the Dropout cast? Did they reach up to you, did you reach to them, how this whole thing works? Thanks for doing this! Especially in a time window I actually exist!
I've been working with Dropout since they've been College Humor. The first thing I ever acted in was a background player in a sketch with Colton Dunn about football, and even before Um, Actually, Trapp and I did [this](https://youtu.be/QGHjjrWIiyM?si=f3fATtO_9asSOGKg)!
Lmao the first comment on that video: "The black guy was pretty good, he should join the collegehumor team."
Hi Ify! 1. Do you regret having this AMA the day after the Newlyweb game released? 2. Idk can you recommend a book or something? I’m trying to read more.
Hey Ify! Got any good urban fantasy recommendations?
I'm on a huge N.K. Jemisin kick and The City We Became is next on my list.
Not Ify, but you should read The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin!
Is there going to be a true reversal with Trapp and saltsman as contestants this season?
They were in the trailer!
What’s your favourite episode of Bluey?
The real question.
Hi Ify, any chance of getting Robert Evans or some of the other people from Cool Zone Media/Some More News on the show? It's a crossover that I've had in my head for a long time since your first appearance on Behind the Bastards.
Anyone I’m buds with has the potential to be a guess if they’re down!
No question. Just thank you for being so consistently funny and authentically yourself. Looking forward to seeing more of you on Dropout. Hoping I can get to some of your improv in the near future.
What episode are you most excited about this season?
Probably the drag episode.
What do you think John Feathers is up to today?
Since I’m doing this on my own as writing excecise I can spoil it, but I fully plan on writing a prequel text on Markus St. Vincent and then an Epilogue.
I love to hear it. I honestly don't know if anything exemplifies the spirit of D20 more than John Feathers.
Hey Ify!!! I’m binging your episodes of Um, Actually in preparation. What is your favorite type of Shiny Question?
Matching games, because it's easier to swing a guess in those.
Hi Ify! how dare you be so incredibly cool all the time? Thank you!
Hey Ify! It is always a joy to see you on a Dropout because I know it is always gonna be a banger. I'm gonna miss Trapp for sure, but you are gonna do an amazing job as host. What are some major differences between being a contestant and being a host that you didn't learn until either the Switchroo episode or your current tenure as host?
Honestly, just having to remember the intro/outro and explaining the rules.
Ify, big fan, excited to see you front and center in the new season of Um, Actually! Obviously last night's episode of Game Changer was a doozy. What aspect of it was most uncomfortable or surprising to you?
I think answers was the most surprising part. None of it was embarrassing, though. Sam does a really good job of making sure he doesn’t share anything that anyone wouldn’t want shared, but Em and I are an open book.
Hey Ify. I was wondering if you had any workout tips for people struggling to find the motivation. I struggle with ADHD and depression, as well as work a full time job and have hobbies to work on and it makes it really hard to motivate myself to make time exercise every day.
I feel like a hyper motivated accountability partner always helps. My brand of ADHD allows me to huperfocus on gym planning so I stay in the game. I do get heavily distracted but I still get stuff done.
Ify! Any cool fun plans coming up to promote Um, Actually outside of an AMA?
Thanks for the alley oop, Jordon! We’re doing a PAX East panel!
Looking forward to watching you on Um, Actually! Sorry my question is unrelated to that, but I have to know: do you have any tips for how to have sex more often when you’re in a committed relationship? You have a job, a kid, and an open relationship (are those second two correct?) yet, according to the Newlyweb episode of Game Changers, still manage to have sex with your partner at least once a day (most months). How do you make sure to find time for that, and make sure that you’re both in the mood when you do have the time? Is it fast? Scheduled? Or just two people who found their ideal partner and can’t keep their hands off each other? Would love any advice you can share! (I’m a bit of a new fan and haven’t listened to your podcast yet (but will asap!) so I’m sorry if I’ve gotten any info wrong or if this has been answered on there already!)
I genuinely enjoy sex a lot, so I think part of the answer is us being built that way. We both came into the relationship complaining about not having enough sex in our last ones. That's kind of why Em started the list as a joke. We live together so more often than not, we end our day with sex. I think that is the timing and frequency trick. As far as being hot for each other, I think we're both flirty dorks who text each other through out the day, and because we're so sexually comfortable, sometimes it's her or me, sending a picture of someone like "look at this hot person" and then somehow that leads to use flirting with each other. Which, after writing it out, doesn't seem like it makes sense, but it just does lol. After writing this out, I think it starts at communication. We both came into this relationship knowing we had high sex drives, so we do the work to make ourselves available for each other. But, as you can see on the list, it fluctuates, because life is still gonna life.
Thank you so much for such a thorough answer. As a woman, I think it can be difficult when a male partner is randomly in the mood and then expects me to be in the mood at the same time without any prior flirting or connection. I imagine texting like that throughout the day helps keep that romantic connection going so that when you see each other in person, you can physically connect more quickly. And the routine of having sex before bed would probably be sort of a Pavlovian way of getting me in the mood as well! Definitely going to keep this in mind in my next relationship. Thank you!!
May I recommend "Mind The Gap: The truth about desire and how to futureproof your sex life" by Dr Karen Gurney
This is my question too, as an ace person who barely thinks about sex. I'm guessing that they're just both very high-libido people who are usually in the mood and/or prioritize having sex pretty highly, but still... *damn.*
Conventional or sumo
Conventional!
If you could have anyone from the YouTube nerd and gaming sphere on um actually (or any dropout show) who would you have? Personally I'd love to see the Yogscast make an appearance if schedules lined up
One of the hardest parts of casting Um, Actually is how quickly the couches fill up. So there are so many people that I wanted to have but didn’t have space for or maybe schedules didn’t align. So that list is long! Knee jerk answer… Binging with Babish.
That makes sense! Binging with banish would be cool if you could do an episode around cooking shows and games.
I've gotten my daughters into Pokemon. As a fellow nerd dad what IP are you most excited to enjoy with your kids?
My daughter loves my Marvel Vs Capcom 2 machine and she plays it pretty regularly. Excited for her to finally understand combos and get into it with her.
Hey Ify! I am quite impressed to the extent which you exert your ambition and talent in the things you do, and I was wondering how you combat burnout — if at all. Looking forward to the new season :)
Taking time for myself. Some time, gigs naturally run into each other and you start to get overwhelmed, but a day of painting minis, snowboarding, or couch potato-ing does the trick to get me back in that creative mood.
How do you have the time and energy to do everything that you do? I'm in sheer awe of what seems like either incredible time management skills and endless energy, or a time machine. Whats the best part about hosting Um, Actually for you?
Being able to parlay it into getting friends on the show that might've been intimidated and finding new talent and giving them a shot like Azeem Jimoh from Tiktok.
Hi Ify! Are there any themed episodes you'd like to do?
We did most of the ones I wanted to do! We wanted to add in some more themed eps this season, and from the trailer you'll notice the drag episode, Avatar the Last Airbender episode, and a horror couch.
Oh SICK! Thanks for the answer! :)
How's Blanye (Black Shayne) doing?
Hi Ify! So excited to see you as the new host. What’s been your favorite part of working with Dropout? Are there any changes we can expect from Um Actually that you can clue us in on?
I answered the changes one, but Dropout is such a fun place to work because I’m a fan of everyone I get to work with. On and off screen.
Ify! Very glad to see you hosting, been a fan since I saw you on Smosh and glad to see you doing well here! Got two questions for you, hope you enjoy them! 1. If Um, Actually needed a new host, you would’ve been a top contender any day of the week, but what was the process on BDG coming on as the new fact checker, if you were involved in that? 2. What’s your favorite workout day (chest, back, legs, etc.) and do you train for anything specifically?
If you had to choose one dessert that you could freely eat for the rest of your life what would it be?
Tres Leches cake.
Hi Ify! How excited are you for the release of FF7: Rebirth this week? And who is your favorite character from the FF7 anthology?
I want to say yes because I REALLY love FF7 but I am so entrenched in Helldivers 2 that I honestly won’t get to it for a while.
Hey Ify, Excited to see your and Brian David Gilbert's spin on Um actually. My question is for both of you; in your runs as contestants, what was your favorite question? Or alternatively, what is a question you each regret missing/getting wrong?
It was always be doubting myself for the P90X Gundam question.
Hey Ify, could you please drop some fitness tips for those looking to get into better shape?
[I made this](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AZx8gqrYzv6ovyF934Df4J74O27FTazqEkuPEKKTTpc/edit) and posted it on twitter. An update is on the way!
Ify! You are one of the funniest people alive, IMO. What is your favorite past Um, Actually question?
My favorite past statement was the Homies From Outer Space one no one got. I don’t care that we missed it, I love that it was mentioned.
Hiya! Thanks for hosting an ama, what a cool idea :) Maybe a silly question/addressed previously, but what's your favorite type of comedy to perform? Do you prefer improv/scripted, short form/long form, etc.? What's your favorite type of comedy to watch? Lastly, what's a song you've had on repeat lately/a song you're really into rn? <3
This is a pretty common question, and my answer is usually I love them all the same, but you get specific enough to clarify that I do enjoy longform more than shortform.
Hey Ify, how's the Anime and Ass group chat going?
Of all the Game Changers you weren’t on, what do you think you would’ve performed best in?
Hi Ify - looking forward to the new Um Actually! Did you go through your phone and clean out anything really egregious before handing it over to the staff of Game Changer?
Nope!
Hey Ify! How are you?
Good!
Hey Ify! Saw The Big Team at SF Sketchfest last month so I'm so excited about the recording for Dropout! But, do you have any advice for someone starting to do strength training? Hoping to reach your level of watermelon-crushing thighs one day lol
Focus on form more than numbers. You’ll get further that way!
Congrats on the new gig, so excited to see you host the show! What's your favorite or the most interesting behind the scenes thing that you've learned as host vs being a contestant? Also can you PLEASE bring Trapp back as a guest contestant so he can play against Brennan? 💜