Podcast Title: Are You Garbage? Comedy Podcast
Episode: Steph Tolev!
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Hosts: Kevin Ryan & H. Foley
Guest: Steph Tolev
Introduction
In this episode of Are You Garbage?, hosts Kevin Ryan and H. Foley welcome the talented and multifaceted Steph Tolev. Known for her sharp wit and engaging performances, Steph joins the show to share her journey through comedy, her tumultuous upbringing, and her rise to success in the entertainment industry.
Family Background and Early Life
Steph begins by delving into her family's origins, revealing a unique and somewhat chaotic heritage. Her grandparents entered into an arranged marriage from Bulgaria, a union that brought her father to Canada under less-than-ideal circumstances.
Steph Tolev [05:07]: "My dad's mother and father arranged marriage in Bulgaria... He goes, mumbles it. The guy goes, Tolev. This is a made-up name."
The challenges of assimilation are evident as Steph recounts the language barriers and cultural mismatches that defined her family's early years in Canada.
High School Years
High school was a period marked by intense involvement and significant struggles for Steph. Her parents' commitment to highland dancing meant that her weekends were dominated by rigorous practice sessions, leaving little room for a typical teenage social life.
Steph Tolev [10:05]: "Every weekend we had a competition. Every single weeknight, we had practice. I had no fucking life. I had no life. I had no friends."
Despite these constraints, Steph was active in various school activities, including the announcement crew, student government, and sports like lacrosse and cross country. However, her high school experience was not without conflict. She shares a particularly dramatic incident where she was arrested for assault after a confrontation in the math hallway.
Steph Tolev [20:06]: "I had a jealousy problem with my first boyfriend, Marlon... I shoved her back. But then my friend... just throws this girl to the ground and just pounds her in the math hallway."
This event painted a picture of a tumultuous and challenging high school life, contributing to her later comedic material.
College and Career Beginnings
Post-high school, Steph pursued her passion for comedy at Humber College, enrolling in the Comedy Writing and Performance program. Her time in college was equally challenging, living with eight male roommates and grappling with gender dynamics in improv settings.
Steph Tolev [27:37]: "We would just be stoned all the time. And they hated us because we didn't write anything... At the end of the year, they cut me out of all the sketch shows and I had to do stand up."
This pivot from improv to stand-up comedy was a pivotal moment in her career, setting the stage for her future endeavors in the comedy scene.
Move to Los Angeles and Comedy Career
After completing her studies, Steph made the significant move to Los Angeles a decade ago to further her comedy career. Navigating the complexities of obtaining a green card, she engaged in various activities to meet the immigration requirements, including participating in commercials and competitions.
Steph Tolev [33:08]: "I had to go back in. So they had to hold back my fucking green card for another like three, four months. I kept having these going away parties in Toronto. Like, fuck you, Canada."
Her persistence paid off, allowing her to establish herself in the competitive LA comedy scene. Over the years, Steph has honed her craft, eventually earning recognition and landing a Netflix special titled Filth Queen, set to release on June 24th.
Steph Tolev [66:19]: "June 24th on Netflix. Filth Queen. Look at that Netflix special."
Personal Life and Relationship
Steph shares insights into her personal life, including her living arrangements and her relationship with her boyfriend, who amusingly resembles Shooter McGavin’s nephew from the iconic film Happy Gilmore. Their relationship is characterized by mutual support and shared responsibilities, despite living in a less-than-ideal neighborhood in East Hollywood.
Steph Tolev [45:31]: "He's an actor, comedian, musician. So I'm at the Laugh Factory one night... I met his nephew, Jefferson. He looks exactly like Shooter McGavin."
Their day-to-day life involves managing an apartment with practical concerns like rent, pet care for her golden retriever Susan, and maintaining a harmonious household despite occasional quirks and challenges.
Steph Tolev [48:15]: "I'm a great girlfriend. And now he comes with me on the road. Pavi features."
Humorous Anecdotes and Personal Quirks
Throughout the episode, Steph shares a plethora of humorous stories and personal quirks that highlight her comedic persona. From her experiences with high school bullies to her unique cooking habits and tattoo choices, Steph's anecdotes are both entertaining and relatable.
Steph Tolev [25:35]: "We made a box of fire... Light a match on your ass and there's like a little flame. So cute. You gotta try it."
Her candidness about personal issues, such as dealing with hemorrhoids and skin conditions from sun allergies, adds depth to her character and provides rich material for her comedic performances.
Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, Steph Tolev reflects on her journey from a challenging upbringing to achieving success in comedy. Hosts Kevin Ryan and H. Foley commend her resilience and unique perspective, emphasizing her growth and accomplishments.
H. Foley [66:09]: "June 24th on Netflix. Filth Queen. You can hear that every week. Her amazing podcast. You're on tour."
Steph concludes with heartfelt thanks, reiterating her commitment to her craft and her audience.
Steph Tolev [66:59]: "Thank you. I'm trash."
Notable Quotes
- Steph Tolev [05:07]: "The guy goes, Tolev. This is a made-up name."
- Steph Tolev [10:05]: "I had no fucking life. I had no life. I had no friends."
- Steph Tolev [20:06]: "I had a jealousy problem with my first boyfriend, Marlon... I shoved her back."
- Steph Tolev [27:37]: "They cut me out of all the sketch shows and I had to do stand up."
- Steph Tolev [33:08]: "Fuck you, Canada."
- Steph Tolev [66:19]: "June 24th on Netflix. Filth Queen."
- Steph Tolev [45:31]: "He looks exactly like Shooter McGavin."
- Steph Tolev [25:35]: "Light a match on your ass and there's like a little flame. So cute. You gotta try it."
- H. Foley [66:09]: "June 24th on Netflix. Filth Queen."
- Steph Tolev [66:59]: "Thank you. I'm trash."
Final Thoughts
This episode of Are You Garbage? offers an unfiltered glimpse into Steph Tolev's life, showcasing her ability to transform personal challenges into comedic gold. Her candid storytelling, coupled with the hosts' engaging banter, makes for a compelling and entertaining listen. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to her work, Steph's journey is both inspiring and hilariously relatable.
Don't Miss Out:
Be sure to catch Steph Tolev's upcoming Netflix special Filth Queen on June 24th and follow her on Instagram for more updates on her tour and comedic adventures.