TINY PEP TALKS
With Comedians Paula Skaggs & Josh Linden
Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 7:30 PM
Why wait for a big milestone to get a pep talk? Comedians Paula Skaggs & Josh Linden deliver hilarious hype for life’s everyday struggles (sending a scary email, parallel parking), plus a few improvised pep talks just for you. Grab a drink, bring a friend (yes, that one, she isn’t mad at you), and get ready to laugh.
It’s like a book version of online therapy.
—Brian Boone, Vulture
$10 for JCC members, $18 for potential members. Includes dessert reception.
BABYSITTING AVAILABLE FOR TINY PEP TALKS
Babysitting will be available from 7:00 – 9:00 PM for children ages 2–12.
Our sitters are provided by Children’s Event Sitters and are background checked and First Aid/CPR certified.
Rates:
- JCC Members: $25 for the first child, $20 for each additional child
- Potential Members: $30 for the first child, $25 for each additional child
Space is limited, and reservations are required by October 26.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Josh Linden is a bestselling writer and comedian. Josh is the co-author of the USA Today bestselling book Tiny Pep Talks (Quirk Books), the co-creator of the hit conversation card game No Wrong Answers and co-host of Being Earnest (A Very Sincere Podcast). He has produced and written in comedy shows, including at iO Theater, The Second City, CIC Theater and Logan Square Improv. Josh trained at Chicago’s iO Theater and at Brown University under Lowry Marshall (acting) and Marcus Gardley (writing). He has a degree in Medieval History, which comes in handy surprisingly often. Josh lives in Chicago with his wife, daughter, and (very long) dog.
Paula Skaggs is a writer, game creator, comedian, and a pretty decent pinball player. Her work has been featured in InsideHook (as you may have guessed), as well as Repeller, The Huffington Post, Belladonna and more. She’s also a Features Contributor to The Onion, and has been part of the NBC Late Night Writers Workshop, the NBC Scene Showcase and the Catalyst Content Festival.
Originally from a small town in Minnesota, Paula studied Political Science, American Studies and Media Studies at St. Olaf College (Um Ya Ya!), where she once told legendary journalist Dan Rather that he was “awesome.” (She stands by that compliment.) She’s also studied comedy at iO, where she later served as the Director and the Executive Producer of the theater’s House Sketch Team Program, and is a graduate of the Second City Conservatory.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Anybody can tell you, “You can do it!” before the big job interview, or before you walk down the aisle, or before you head out onto the field to make the game-winning kick at the Super Bowl. But what about the other 99.99% of stuff you do? Who’s going to gas you up for all those low-stakes situations where you need an extra push?
Comedians Paula Skaggs and Josh Linden are here to cheerlead you through your daily challenges with more than 75 pep talks. You’ll find specific, constructive, and—most of all—very funny motivation for:
- Sending a scary email (if you died and came back as a ghost, wouldn't it suck if this was your unfinished business?)
- Getting through a breakup (did you know the grocery store will sell you a cake on any day for any reason?)
- Remembering that all your friends are not secretly mad at you (they're busy worrying all their friends are secretly mad at them)
- ...and many more!
If you’re going through it, have ever gone through it, or will maybe go through it in the future, let Tiny Pep Talks give you the boost you need.
PRAISE
Handling even serious subjects with a touch of sass, Tiny Pep Talks feels like an afternoon spent with your favorite vodka aunty who’s always had your best interests at heart.
—BookPage
This book’s vivid and welcoming layout contributes to the motivational vibe found in its pages. Recommended for readers needing inspiration for confronting common but still daunting situations.
—Erica Swenson Danowitz, Library Journal
Perfect for someone going through a hard time or a big life change, or anyone who could use a pocketsize hype man.
—BookTrib
Thanks to the generous support of the Bartel Family, in honor of their parents and grandparents, Alan & Dolores Bartel, the following accessibility accommodations are available for UJFT's programs (depending on the program location). Accommodations must be requested at least a week prior to the event.
- Interpreting services for Deaf or non-English speakers
- Assisted listening services to amplify sounds
- Preferential seating near a presenter to aid in comprehension
- Sensory fidget tools
- Noise-reducing headphones
- Stand-assist devices
- Audio recording of written materials for the visually impaired
