Classic Conversations

Emmy Award-winning creator Jon Beckerman dives deep into the comedic whirlpool of television writing and production. Beckerman shares a buffet of behind-the-scenes stories from his early days at the Late Show with David Letterman to his latest venture, the side-splitting Amazon Freevee series, "Dinner with the Parents."

Highlights

• Jon Beckerman's Roots in Comedy: From academic geek to comedy powerhouse, Jon recounts his serend...

Dive into the fascinating journey of Steve Hytner, from his early days driven by competitive sports to his iconic role as Kenny Banya on "Seinfeld." In this episode, Steve shares the unlikely path that led him to acting and stand-up comedy, revealing the challenges and triumphs along the way. Explore his insights on the intricacies of comedic timing and character development that have defined his successful career.

Highlights

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Explore the captivating journey of Larry Joe Campbell, a master of improvisation and comedy, known for his standout roles in "According to Jim," "The Orville," and more. From his early days in Michigan to his rise in Hollywood, Larry shares the stories behind his most iconic characters, his love for improvisation, and the personal moments that have shaped his career.

Highlights

• Michigan Roots to Hollywood Stardom: Larry reco...

Dive into a whirlwind of laughter, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes tales with two-time Emmy Award winner, Marsha Posner Williams. From her start as a speed-typing prodigy to producing some of the most beloved TV shows like "Soap," "The Golden Girls," and "Benson," Marsha shares her journey through Hollywood's golden era. Get ready for an episode filled with stories that inspire, entertain, and remind us of the power of persisten...

Marc Myers, music historian and author, takes us on a nostalgic journey through the evolution and history of beloved TV theme songs, their cultural impact, and the stories behind them.

Discover the magic that makes a TV theme song unforgettable and how they set the stage for our favorite shows.

Marc discusses the timeless appeal of TV theme songs and their role in evoking nostalgia.

Iconic Themes Deep Dive:

• Bewitched: The swit...

Johnny Whitaker, the cherished child star of "Family Affair" and "Sigmund and the Sea Monsters" opens up about growing up in the spotlight, sharing personal anecdotes from his time on set with industry giants.

Highlights:

• Johnny Whitaker's Early Fame: Delve into Johnny's early days in the industry, starting with his iconic role as Jody Davis in "Family Affair." Discover how he navigated the complexities of fame from a tender a...

Dive into the inspiring journey of Stan Zimmerman, from his Michigan roots to crafting some of television's most iconic moments.

Highlights:

• From Michigan to Hollywood: Stan’s journey from his roots to becoming a celebrated writer.
• Iconic TV Contributions: Insight into his work on "The Golden Girls," "Roseanne," and "Gilmore Girls."
• Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Fascinating anecdotes from the set and the writing room.
• Creative ...

Dive into the stories behind one of television's most revolutionary comedy shows, which not only shaped the landscape of TV comedy but also mirrored and influenced the social and political climate of its time. George Schlatter, the mastermind behind the iconic "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" shares stories from his amazing career.

Highlights:

• Inspiration Behind "Laugh-In": Schlatter shares the creative spark and vision that led ...

Phoef Sutton, an Emmy-winning writer and showrunner, best known for his work on the iconic television series "Cheers."  Phoef recounts the highs and lows of the TV industry, sharing stories from the writers' room, his transition from a budding writer to a celebrated showrunner, and the creative process behind some of television's most memorable moments.

Highlights:

• The Beginning: How a spec script for "Cheers" kicked off Pho...

Illeana Douglas explores the rich cinematic history of Connecticut. From her book, "Connecticut in the Movies: From Dream Houses to Dark Suburbia," Douglas unveils how films have shaped and sometimes misconstrued the state's identity. She shares her unique criteria for selecting movies that truly represent Connecticut's essence, debunking common misconceptions and highlighting unexpected cinematic cameos.  

• Deep Dive into "C...

Multifaceted comedian and actress Leah Rudick gives us an insider's look at her comedic journey, the creation of her new comedy special "Spiraling," and her seamless dance between the worlds of acting and stand-up comedy. From her early days of overcoming shyness on stage to becoming a viral sensation on social media, Leah shares the milestones that have defined her unique path in the entertainment industry.

• Early Beginnings...

Dinah Manoff, renowned for her roles in "Grease," "Empty Nest," and "Soap," shares her fascinating journey in Hollywood, reflecting on her diverse acting and directing career. Dinah also dives into her book "The Real True Hollywood Story of Jackie Gold."  

• The Hollywood Beginning: Dinah reflects on her upbringing in a star-studded family and how it shaped her career.
• Iconic Roles: A look back at her memorable performances, inc...

Kathy Coleman's journey is not just a tale of a television star but a narrative of resilience, nostalgia, and the enduring power of storytelling.  

• A Nostalgic Journey: Kathy opens up about the bond shared by the 70s kids, reflecting on the era's unique culture — from TV shows to music. Her insights offer a poignant look into a time of shared experiences and simpler joys.
• The Essence of "Land of the Lost": Delving into her i...

Dive into a whirlwind of laughter and nostalgia with two comedy powerhouses, John DeBellis and Steve Mittleman. This episode is a roller coaster of stories, from the early days of stand-up to unforgettable encounters with comedy legends.

Show Highlights:

• The Dynamic Duo: Steve Mittleman and John DeBellis, friends since '76, share their journey from the improv stages to the big screens, sprinkled with their signature humor.
• C...

Dive into the nostalgic world of 60s television with Butch Patrick, the child star who won hearts as Eddie Munster. Butch shares how he landed this iconic role and the unique experiences on the set of "The Munsters." He also takes us through his adventurous journey in other shows like "Lidsville," and his life beyond the small screen. Join us for a celebration of classic TV, personal growth, and unexpected turns in the life of a be...

Deanne Smith, a comedian who started their career in the most unconventional ways. From teaching English in Mexico to discovering their comedic voice in Montreal, Deanne shares their journey with a blend of humor and honesty. This episode is not just about laughs; it's a deep dive into how political influences and life experiences shape a comedian's craft. Join us as Deanne opens up about the challenges and triumphs of being a come...

Dive into the vibrant life of Rhonda Hansome, a trailblazer in the world of stand-up comedy. Rhonda shares her unique journey from studying sociology to captivating audiences on stage. Discover how she broke into the comedy scene, navigated the challenges of a male-dominated industry, and found her voice. Rhonda reminisces about working with comedy legends, being on the first episode of Saturday Night Live and touring with iconic s...

Three-time Emmy Award winner, Monique Reymond shares her incredible journey as a Foley artist, giving us a peek behind the curtain of bringing sounds to life in film and television.

Show Highlights:    

• Monique’s Introduction to Foley: Discover how Monique ventured into the unique world of Foley, creating sounds that bring movies and TV shows to life.
• The Art of Sound Effects: Monique explains the intricate process of creati...

Chef Mike Haracz shares insider secrets and fascinating stories about his journey and the mysteries behind some of McDonald's most iconic items.

Show Highlights:

• Chef's Origin: Tracing Chef Mike's path from his early culinary days to becoming a fast-food innovator.
• The Leap to Innovation: Exploring his transition to R&D and the creation of new products for global brands.
• Decoding the McRib: Unveiling the composition and allure...