Don't go away, We'll Be Right Back!

March 17, 7:26 PMChicago Second City ExaminerDavid Flora

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If you visit Second City's webpage, chances are you're looking for show info, where to purchase tickets, or maybe how to enroll in a Training Center class. Unless you've explored the site a bit, you may be missing out on the best thing the website has to offer - a weekly podcast called "We'll Be Right Back," found on the site's Special Features page.

"We'll Be Right Back" is hosted by Ruby Streak, Musical Director of The Second City Mainstage, with Joshua Campsey as Co-Host and Joanna Feldman as Producer. Each week a new guest joins Ruby and Co. to dish about their roots with Second City, current events, and basically anything that naturally comes up in conversation. The only stipulation for guests is that they must be connected to Second City in some way, be it a performer, director, alumnus, employee, etc.

The podcast has been going strong since March of '06, and has grown in many ways since it first aired. It has definitely grown in popularity, but I would still consider it to be a hidden treasure not generally known about. I started listening about a year after it began, and was able to listen to all the episodes I missed because they're archived on the site. Once I started listening, I was hooked. The show's running time averages around 40 minutes, and I find it perfect to zone out to at work. The group has such a great, natural, friendly chemistry together, you almost feel like you're part of the conversation. The guests are varied and fascinating, and give a great insider look at the inner workings and history of Second City. One of the best features of the podcast is the natural flow of conversation - each show is engaging and entertaining, and there are never any spots of dead air or times when everyone sits and just laughs for a solid minute.

"We'll Be Right Back is definitely worth checking out, and you'll probably find yourself coming right back pretty often if you do. A few of my favorite shows are #95 with director Adam McKay, #90 with actor/director Kiff Vanden Heuval, and #133 with Second City President Tom Yorton. You can even friend the show on Facebook. And don't be afraid to send the gang an email at WBRB@secondcity.com