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We sit down with Tim Loulies, a Hampton Roads comic and teacher, to trace his 17-year journey from sticky-note premises to packed clubs, from the Comedy Store’s unforgiving OR to the Apollo’s infamous boo, and into the wild psychology of being a heel in professional wrestling. Tim opens up about stage fright, why you literally lose your breath at the mic, and how “mental cardio” makes or breaks your first minute on stage.

We dig into the craft: writing jokes that travel, building an opener that buys trust, editing tags that snap, and steering a room when chatter threatens the rhythm. Tim breaks down heckler control without punishing the crowd and explains why self-deprecation is a reliable on-ramp to shared laughter. He shares lessons from mentors like Steve Treviño and the late John Witherspoon, showing how consistency and energy turn a practiced act into something that still feels alive.

There’s heart here too. Tim’s work on PBS’s Comedy Boot Camp with the Armed Services Arts Program reveals how stand-up can help veterans facing PTSD take back their stories and connect through laughter. We talk about teaching at the Funny Bone Comedy School, building community, and using nerves as a focus—not a flaw. Plus, details on the new Virginia Beach club opening, upcoming classes, and how to watch Tim’s Amazon special, “Sugar Glider.”

Hit play to learn, laugh, and leave with practical tools you can use on stage or in any high-stakes room. If this conversation sparks something, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help more people find it.

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Local stories can change the fate of a city when they’re told with care. Tony B sits down with Al Neely of Neely Media and Councilman Cash Green to chart a people-first media plan that lifts small businesses, reduces stigma, and builds real civic momentum across Virginia Beach. What starts as an origin story—an online inquiry, a community event, and a shared commitment—grows into a roadmap for accessible journalism and community-building that prioritizes human voices over headlines.

We unpack why podcasts and social channels are now the front door for local news, and how Neely Media is scaling responsibly: on-the-ground reporters, consistent event coverage, and a community-focused newspaper slated for early 2026. Councilman Green shares a powerful personal journey from earning a GED to serving in public office, challenging old narratives about success and education while championing entrepreneurship as the backbone of District 7. Together, we highlight practical steps to start telling better local stories—free on-site exclusives for Virginia Beach businesses, weekly mobile visits on Tuesdays, and simple ways to request coverage through nealymedia.com.

Along the way, we spotlight youth development through martial arts and the wider social benefits of disciplined training, mentorship, and belonging. We talk about turning everyday transactions into relationships by revealing the “business behind the business,” and why that kind of context builds trust, supports seniors, and strengthens the local economy. The tone is warm and candid; the mission is clear: people over politics, service over spotlight, and a city that’s ready to see itself—and support itself—more fully.

If you believe local voices deserve a bigger stage, subscribe, share this episode with a neighbor, and leave a review with the name of a small business we should feature next. Your suggestion could be our next story.

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Do us a favor and like, comment, share, and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. To see the full video on YouTube go to Listen Up with Host Al Neely

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What happens when a decorated Air Force pilot turns his attention to local democracy? Sean Monterio, chairperson for the Virginia Beach Democratic Party Committee and retired Air Force colonel who flew the fearsome A-10 Warthog "tank killer," brings the same precision and purpose to his fight for fair representation in Virginia Beach.

At the heart of our conversation lies the controversial 10-1 referendum - a seemingly technical issue that fundamentally shapes who has power in Virginia's largest city. Monterio breaks down why having council members who live in your neighborhood matters: "They live in your neighborhoods, they drive through your neighborhoods... and you only have one person now to call to advocate for you." This system ensures all communities - not just the wealthy or well-connected - have a voice in decisions about everything from flooding prevention to school funding.

The contrast with the proposed 7-3-1 system reveals what's truly at stake. When three at-large council members could potentially all live in the same zip code, who really gets represented? As Monterio explains, this creates winners and losers among communities, with resources flowing disproportionately to certain areas while others struggle with crumbling infrastructure.

Beyond voting systems, Monterio offers profound insights on community policing, noting that "when you know somebody by their name, you're less apt to be aggressive towards them" - a principle that applies equally to relationships between citizens and their representatives. His perspective as both a military veteran and community leader illuminates how local governance directly impacts quality of life for every resident.

Ready to understand how local democracy really works? This episode delivers practical wisdom for anyone who cares about their community's future. Subscribe now and join the conversation about fair representation!

Support the show

Do us a favor and like, comment, share, and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. To see the full video on YouTube go to Listen Up with Host Al Neely

Reach out to us on our socials and hit us up with any questions!

Email: Info@listenup.biz
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Facebook: Let's Talk About It - Listen Up
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Website: listenup.biz

YouTube: Listen Up with Host Al Neely