WZRD presents: on-air with Brian Posehn

While in town for his stand-up shows at the Lakeshore Theater, comedian and actor Brian Posehn visited WZRD for an exclusive interview to talk about topics, ranging from music and his work to being on the road, away from his family.

Dressed casually in jeans and a black hoodie, Posehn said the first two shows at the Lakeshore Theater were solid nights, turning a quiet audience into an amazing crowd.

"The kids who come don't know what they're in for until we begin," he said.

Best recognized for his role as Kevin from the television show "Just Shoot Me," Posehn also appeared in "The Sarah Silverman Program," "Human Giant," "Seinfeld," and "Reno 911" among other television and movie roles. He also wrote for numerous comedy series like "Comedy Central Presents," "Mr. Show with Bob and David," and "The Jon Stewart Show."

Being on "The Sarah Silverman Program" was smooth for Posehn, since he has known Silverman for a while.

"It's a fun job working with her because she's a really good friend," said Posehn. "We've always been close, so it makes our on screen friendship real."

Working with director Rob Zombie was just as easy. He lent his voice for Zombie's animated series "Aqua Teen Hunger Force," as well as playing Jimmy in "The Devil's Rejects," a role for which Posehn did not have to audition.

The interview then switched over to his interests-comic books, video games, and music he listened to as a teen. AC/DC, Van Halen, Judas Priest, kiss, and Slayer were some of the bands listed as his favorites, while "Batman: Arkham Asylum" and "Modern Warfare" were top games he enjoys playing.

Growing up, Posehn said he was attracted to the dark, metal rock scene.

"I was really into horror as a kid," said Posehn. "The theatrical and fantasy nature of it just really appealed to me."

Posehn also admitted that being friends with celebrities, like fellow comedian and comic fan Patton Oswalt, made him feel like "a Make-A-Wish kid who doesn't know he's sick."

He was then given the role of an honorary DJ; with an iPod belonging to one of the WZRD crewmembers, Posehn scrolled through it and played whatever song he liked.

Off-air, he opened up more on his career and home life.

"I love comedy-I love performing, writing, and acting all equally because I'm not just stuck in one part," said Posehn. "But if I had to choose to do one thing, I'd prefer writing so I could stay home, sit in a room and create something out of nothing. It's nice to be home, especially now that I have an eight month old baby."

His love for comedy, he said, came from influences like Steve Martin, the comedy classic "Caddyshack," and simply watching other stand-up comedians.

"I'd watch them on TV and then I'd repeat their jokes to friends without cable," said Posehn. "Then I realized I just liked telling jokes to people in general."

Yet, funny or not, Posehn was somewhat alienated during his first few years of high school.

"I was the nerdy kid everyone thought was weird," he said. "But senior year, I joined the newspaper and became a school DJ; I'd get to play music before, during, and after school. People were surprised I did that, but they starting talking to me more."

He also recalled getting into trouble once for playing some old Van Halen, which contained profanity.

Gulping down the last of his Coca-Cola bottle (he is a self-proclaimed addict to the fizzy drink), Posehn confessed that he did not explore Chicago, except Boystown, because of his schedule.

"I just fly in, do some radio, sleep, and watch TV in hotel rooms," he said. "It's nothing glamorous; that's just how it is."

Posehn said he does like Chicago, even though he does not have friends that could give him a real tour of the city.

"I've been in Chicago before, but since I don't really know many people here, I'm not able to do much," said the California native. "But it's like that in any city you visit doing this kind of work."

After finishing his shows at the Lakeshore Theater, Posehn said he wanted to stay home for ten days until his next project. What should you expect from the comedian? Posehn is planning on recording "Fart and Weiner Jokes," an album which, aside from fart and wiener jokes, will also feature him making fun of himself. This will be a follow-up from his first explicit album, "Nerd Rage," currently out for anyone curious to know what is on the funny man's mind.