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Invading Nirvana
- A Chicagoan in the City of Angels
- Narrated by: Kevin Theis
- Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins
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Publisher's summary
Chicago theater veteran Kevin Theis, co-author of the cult classic Confessions of a Transylvanian: a Story of Sex, Drugs and Rocky Horror presents: Invading Nirvana: a Chicagoan in the City of Angels the story of one actor's quixotic odyssey into the heart of the entertainment industry: Hollywood, California.
From the early preparations for his trip to La La Land to his search for representation, his encounters with the famous (and soon-to-be famous) as well as his deep-dive exploration of this unique and fascinating city, Invading Nirvana is a must-listen for anyone considering moving to L.A. to pursue a dream of breaking into show business.
The author is both candid and unsparing in his description of the industry, the city of Los Angeles, and the challenges of being a performer in Hollywood looking for work. Casting agents, pay-to-meet workshops, the comedy club scene, film and TV auditions, as well as a peek inside the audiobook world; every aspect of the entertainment industry is thoroughly examined in this hilarious and comprehensive look at life as a professional actor in Hollywood.
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After suffering physical abuse at the hands of his stepmother, James Garner left home at fourteen. He became Oklahoma's first draftee of the Korean War and was awarded with two Purple Hearts before returning to the United States and settling in Los Angeles to become an actor. Working alongside some of the most renowned celebrities, including Julie Andrews, Marlon Brando, and Clint Eastwood, Garner became a star in his own right, despite struggles with stage fright and depression.
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What a disappointment.
- By Linda on 11-14-11
By: James Garner, and others
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Seinfeldia
- How a Show About Nothing Changed Everything
- By: Jennifer Keishin Armstrong
- Narrated by: Christina Delaine
- Length: 9 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
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Comedians Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld never thought anyone would watch their silly little sitcom about a New York comedian sitting around talking to his friends. NBC executives didn't think anyone would watch either, but they bought it anyway, hiding it away in the TV dead zone of summer. But against all odds, viewers began to watch, first a few and then many, until nine years later nearly 40 million Americans were tuning in weekly.
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This bad narration is making me thirsty...
- By Audio Gra Gra on 10-06-16
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All About Me!
- My Remarkable Life in Show Business
- By: Mel Brooks
- Narrated by: Mel Brooks
- Length: 15 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
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At 95, the legendary Mel Brooks continues to set the standard for comedy across television, film, and the stage. Now, for the first time, this EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner shares his story in his own words.
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Wonderful and nostalgic
- By GAT on 12-07-21
By: Mel Brooks
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Lose Well
- By: Chris Gethard
- Narrated by: Chris Gethard
- Length: 9 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
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Let’s face it: we all want a seat at the cool table, a great job, and loads of money. But most of us won’t be able to achieve this widely accepted, black-or-white, definition of winning, which makes us feel like failures, that we’re destined to a life of loserdom. That’s the conventional wisdom. It’s also crap, according to comedian and cult hero Chris Gethard, who knows a thing of two about losing. Failing is an art form, he argues; in fact, it’s the only the way we’re ever going to discover who we are, what we really want, and how to live the kind of life we only dreamed about.
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WHAT A LOSER
- By Amazon Customer on 01-26-19
By: Chris Gethard
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No Is a Four-Letter Word
- How I Failed Spelling but Succeeded in Life
- By: Chris Jericho
- Narrated by: Chris Jericho
- Length: 5 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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Three-time New York Times best-selling author and six-time WWE champion Chris Jericho shares 20 of his most valuable lessons for achieving your goals and living the life you want, jam-packed with fantastic stories and the classic off-the-wall, laugh-out-loud Jericho references he's famous for.
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GOAT is also a Four Letter Word
- By VC on 01-01-18
By: Chris Jericho
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Robert Altman
- The Oral Biography
- By: Mitchell Zuckoff
- Narrated by: Robert Altman, Warren Beatty, Cher, and others
- Length: 18 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
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Robert Altman - visionary director, hard-partying hedonist, eccentric family man, Hollywood legend - comes roaring to life in this rollicking cinematic biography, told in a chorus of voices that can only be called Altmanesque.
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Enthralling!
- By Wise & Careful Shopper on 10-17-10
By: Mitchell Zuckoff
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You Might Remember Me
- The Life and Times of Phil Hartman
- By: Mike Thomas
- Narrated by: Corey Snow
- Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
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Both joyous tribute and serious biography, Mike Thomas' You Might Remember Me is a celebration of Phil Hartman's multi-faceted career and an exhaustively reported, warts-and-all examination of his often intriguing and sometimes complicated life - a powerful, humor-filled and disquieting portrait of a man who was loved by many, admired by millions and taken from them far too early.
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I Will Remember You Phil Hartman
- By Roxanna on 12-19-14
By: Mike Thomas
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Caddyshack
- The Making of a Hollywood Cinderella Story
- By: Chris Nashawaty
- Narrated by: Peter Berkrot
- Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
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Caddyshack is one of the most beloved comedies of all time, a classic snobs vs. slobs story of working-class kids and the white-collar buffoons that make them haul their golf bags in the hot summer sun. It has sex, drugs, and one very memorable candy bar, but the movie we all know and love didn't start out that way, and everyone who made it certainly didn't have the word classic in mind as the cameras were rolling.
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Not Really About Caddyshack Until Hour 5
- By William M. on 07-01-18
By: Chris Nashawaty
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Double or Nothing
- How Two Friends Risked It All to Buy One of Las Vegas' Legendary Casinos
- By: Tom Breitling, Cal Fussman
- Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor
- Length: 7 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
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If Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn had come of age at the end of the 20th century looking for an all-American adventure, they probably would've headed for Vegas. However, they'd have been hard-pressed to go on a wilder ride than the one taken by Tom Breitling and Tim Poster to the top of the famed Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino. Call them the Odds Couple.
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A look at lives of 2 guys who bought casino
- By Eric A, on 01-05-21
By: Tom Breitling, and others
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Dynomite!
- Good Times, Bad Times…Our Times - A Memoir
- By: Jimmie Walker, Sal Manna
- Narrated by: Jimmie Walker
- Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
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>Born into the violence of South Bronx ghetto life, the comic pioneer of TV’s Good Times fame offers a hilarious and politically charged review of his career as one of television’s first hugely successful Black stars. From opening for the Black Panthers and getting his first Tonight Show spot to becoming the first “Black” TV sitcom star, having comedians David Letterman and Jay Leno writing jokes for him, recording number-one comedy albums, and opening for rock n’ roll bands in 50,000 seat stadiums, Walker’s career hit all the highs.
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An transparent story of a socially but funny American icon.
- By John Lucasey on 05-08-21
By: Jimmie Walker, and others
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Paddle Your Own Canoe
- One Man's Fundamentals for Delicious Living
- By: Nick Offerman
- Narrated by: Nick Offerman
- Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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Growing a perfect moustache, grilling red meat, wooing a woman - who better to deliver this tutelage than the always charming, always manly Nick Offerman, best known as Parks and Recreation's Ron Swanson? Combining his trademark comic voice and very real expertise in woodworking - he runs his own woodshop - Paddle Your Own Canoe features tales from Offerman's childhood in small-town Minooka, Illinois, to his theater days in Chicago, beginnings as a carpenter/actor and the hilarious and magnificent seduction of his now-wife Megan Mullally.
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On the need to acknowledge the role luck plays
- By OpenMindedNotCredulous on 11-17-13
By: Nick Offerman
What listeners say about Invading Nirvana
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Susan Joslyn
- 10-13-17
DON'T MISS THIS - for so many different reasons.
This book, entertainingly written and narrated, is really many books.
If you read to be entertained, you won't be disappointed. Seek inspiration? You'll find it here. For creatives, already in LA or contemplating it, this is a guide book. The voyeur gets an intimate view of the artist, the historian revels in fascinating snippets about Los Angeles. It's a travelogue of where to run and where to eat, along with what museums, graveyards and theatres to visit. Always with the narrative of taking that chance, going for your dream while remaining grounded in reason and gratitude, focused on family and friends.
I've rarely enjoyed an audio book as much as I enjoyed this one.
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1 person found this helpful
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- lindseyp
- 10-07-17
a 360 view of Los Angeles
as a chicagoan who has just arrived in LA, i found myself nodding/railing/laughing along with kevin and his experience here. whether you’re an actor making the “go west or no” decisions, or just someone who enjoys excellent storytelling, i highly recommend this book. thanks, kevin, for lending your voice to accompany me on hikes and long drives. Invading Nirvana has been a loyal companion and i was sad when it ended!
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1 person found this helpful
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- Elita Fox
- 09-22-17
What an amazing journey!
Would you consider the audio edition of Invading Nirvana to be better than the print version?
The audio edition, read by the author, is amazing. By the end of the book, I felt like Kevin and I were old friends.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Invading Nirvana?
Kevin starts going to auditions and is in the room with some of these big names, people who get regular work on TV and Movies and it made me feel a true sense of awe. It really made me feel the magnitude of where he is at that moment.
What about Kevin Theis’s performance did you like?
I love hearing the words in the voice of the author. Kevin's performance was wonderful and truly helped me be a part of his journey.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
I laughed out loud many, many times while listening to this book, but Kevin's journey is a roller coaster of emotion and I truly had to hold back tears a few times.
Any additional comments?
This is a great listen. Keving Theis is easy to relate to and he invites you to take a journey that so many of us have dreamed of taking.
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2 people found this helpful
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- David Bilu
- 10-24-17
Fantastic story!!!
Love author’s take on Hollywood and the entertainment industry. My jaw dropped several times at the stories he told and always ended with a laugh! Highly recommended!
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1 person found this helpful
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- Sadie
- 12-29-17
I liked it more than I expected
This is one of those books I had to look at in my Audible account and wonder how I ended up with it. I mean, I know I won it through a Dab of Darkness blog giveaway. But what was I thinking to even enter? I have almost debilitating stage fright. The thought of becoming an actor is tantamount to hell for me. So, how did I end up listening to the story of a 50-year-old veteran actor's move to Los Angelous to pursue his acting career? Honestly, I'm not even sure.
But surprisingly enough, I found it interesting. Interesting in a detached, 'I have NO INTEREST in doing that' sort of way. But interesting all the same; kind of a 'how the other half lives' experience. The other half being people who don't pee themselves at the thought of standing in front of a crowd.
Theis has a self-deprecating humor that I appreciated and I found myself invested in his journey. I also found myself shocked at how many people he knows. At one point he had a chapter dedicated to how many people took him out to lunch during his 3 months in LA. I'm not being facetious when I say, I literally don't think I even know that many people!
Not only am I not interested in acting. Prior to listening to this, I'd of told you I'm not remotely interested in LA. Big cities? No thank you. But all the history was fun. Again Theis made it so.
All in all, you might not be surprised to find that I liked this a lot more than I thought I would. Even my hesitancy to listen to an audiobook narrated by the author himself proved unfounded. Theis spoke a bit too fast for my liking, especially in the beginning (which I listened to at .75 speed, which I hate doing), but it eventually slowed down and I enjoyed his banter-like narration. Invading Nirvana was a surprise win for me.
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- MichaelR
- 08-26-17
A fun look at a man taking his shot in tinsel town
Mr. Theis has an engaging style. I found this to be funny, and inspiring. Taking a chance at living one's dreams is something many of us don't do. I applaud his drive.
I have downloaded several books of his now, and I recommend him to anyone.
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4 people found this helpful
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- Anthony Tournis
- 09-18-17
What a great story!
What made the experience of listening to Invading Nirvana the most enjoyable?
I really enjoyed the whole story. From beginning to end, the journey is so vivid that I felt like I was a part of the trip.
What did you like best about this story?
The struggle of an actor in LA trying to find a job is vividly portrayed. It is heartbreaking, but realistic. Excellent and tough part of the book.
Which character – as performed by Kevin Theis – was your favorite?
Kevin, the narrator. By far. His manner of speaking is very easy to listen to. His voice sounds like the thoughts in my head. This makes the journey taken in the story more personal. I feel like I have something at stake. It's amazing!
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
If you think Nirvana is a place of peace...think again.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 02-04-18
Informative and a little scary
I thought this would be a self-help book for pilot season, but the best thing about this book is that it proves there is no self-help book for pilot season. Everyone's story was completely different and no one has the same journey in this business yes. Book is incredibly entertaining, very informative and a little scary if you are considering going to LA to try to make your mark. I highly suggest this book for anyone in the acting industry
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1 person found this helpful
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- Jack Sullivan
- 09-22-17
Chasing Dreams & Sharing Wisdom
There's something wonderful about an author reading his own work, and that certainly holds true for Kevin's travelogue. Equal parts cautionary tale, encouragement, and actor's practical guidebook, his wit, charm and first-hand nowledge of the acting profession shine through. An enjoyable listen for everyone, whether you're looking to get into showbiz, or could use a kick in the pants as motivation to go chase your dream.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Bonnie Claudnic
- 01-04-18
Travelogue for the Artist or Tourist
Where does Invading Nirvana rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
This is definitely one of the better audiobooks that I've listened to.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Invading Nirvana?
My favorite moment of the experience was when I began to consider LA as a city that I may like to visit some day. Previous to listening to this book, I've had absolutely no interest in seeing LA based upon other folks's feedback. I actually may want to see the sights of this city that Kevin described in the book.
What does Kevin Theis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
This was a great example of how a writer can bring his/her own book to life in the voice that was intended. He's a great writer and a fantastic narrator.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
My biggest reaction to the book was my newfound interest in seeing LA. Additionally, the whole time listening to the book I was enthralled by Kevin's professional and casual journey through the city and his career move.
Any additional comments?
I highly recommend this book to anyone curious about the city of LA, attempting a career in LA, or just looking for a fun book to experience between non-fiction educational books for dummies.
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