Podcast: Karen Cassady and Nostalgia TikTok

Karen Cassady (@karencassssss) joins the podcast this week!

We talk about her viral characters and movie parodies and how she’s using TikTok to bring improv to the small screen. Karen tells us how she got started on TikTok—a quarantine outlet for the working actress and performer. And how she prepares for each improvised story.

We find out more about the connections she’s made on the app, like with fellow improvisers Michael Burke (@dmichaelburke) and Aaron Goldenberg (@aarongoldyboy).

She tells us more about how the “Choose Your Own Adventure” storyline came to be and how the TikTok community plays a role in her work.

Nostalgia TikTok

Nostalgia TikTok is a side of the platform where people post content from the past few decades and things that will instantly remind you of your childhood.

Tony Lewis creates these spot on videos of watching commercials as a kid in the 90’s and early 2000’s.

Many TikTokkers are back at their childhood home for whatever reason. They indulge us with nostalgic finds like old diary entries, TeenBeat Magazines, yearbook fashions, and of course, Beanie Babies.

Rob Anderson shows off his collection here:

Favorite creators

Michael Burke (@dmichaelburke)

Michael Burke is comedian who posts TikToks ranging from funny sketches to improvised scenes and characters.

Caitlin Reilly (@itscaitlinhello)

Caitlin Reilly is best known for her WASP mom character on TikTok.

Michaela Myers (@giddyupmichaela)

Michaela Myers is an improviser and comedian on TikTok making funny videos like this mom on a Target run.

Drew Talbert (@drew_talbert)

Drew Talbot uses his experience as a waiter to create hilarious TikTok content about working in a restaurant.

Lightning Round: Karen Cassady improv

We end the show with a lightning round of Karen improvising some of our favorite characters reacting to TikTok situations, like: 

• 90’s female romcom protagonist finding out TikTok might get banned
• Substitute teacher reacting to students doing a TikTok dance on Zoom
• Jazz singer taking part in the #YouHaveToStop harp trend
• 80’s villain trying to get TikTok banned
• Overacting film extra act in the background of a Charli D’Amelio or Addison Rae video

Follow Karen at @karencassssss on TikTok and @karendcasss on Instagram. Take an improv class with her or find her performing at Dad’s Garage, now streaming shows on Twitch!