Don't Be Alone with Jay Kogen

Liz Kamlet answers all the music questions the dad of an aspiring musician has from Social Media to publishing to concerts to recording to warnings about the music contest TV shows. We also talk about the old school acts like Stephen Bishop, David Pack, and Michael McDonald! Liz is the smartest voice in music and promotion on the planet!Bio:  Liz Kamlet is an accomplished music industry professional with over a decade of experience collaborating with world-renowned artists, leading record labels, publishers, composers, film studios, and top executives. Her multifaceted expertise encompasses artist management, social media marketing, technology, touring, sync licensing, and consulting. Liz's skill in crafting and executing effective marketing and branding strategies has supported artists at all stages of their careers—from producing sold-out arena performances to securing advantageous record and publishing deals. The artists she has worked with have collectively sold over 100 million records, accumulated 2 billion streams, and amassed a combined social media following of over 50 million. She is currently the CEO of Windsong Entertainment and the host of the podcast "Liz The Music Manager.”   Liz earned a BA in History and Music Technology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, an MA in Music Industry Administration from California State University, Northridge, and an MBA in Management and Digital Media Design from Harvard University. She is also an avid collector of vintage acoustic guitars, owning a personal collection of more than 50 pieces. Liz is married to legendary singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop.

J. Elvis Weinstein was a head writer on many shows so he knows a good joke while Jay just jokes often from character. On this show we sort out the differences. Also J. talks about his funny family. Hobbies like ice cream, bad jokes, bubble gum jokes, fortune cookies, losing money on documentaries, saving your marriage by wasting less money than your wife thinks, Mystery Science Theater,  old credits, and how jokes ruin dramas, hack jokes, improvisations, the perfect punchline, and hating Seinfeld.  Bio: J. Elvis Weinstein began his stand-up comedy career at age 15 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. At 17, he was one of the founding writer/performers of "Mystery Science Theater 3000” (MST3K) as the original voice/puppeteer of robots Tom Servo and Gypsy, and the role of Dr. Lawrence Erhardt.Since moving to Los Angeles, he has worked as a writer/producer on a wide range of network TV comedy, including "Freaks and Geeks", "Malcolm and Eddie", "Dead Last", and "My Guide to Becoming a Rock Star.” He was also the Head Writer on "America's Funniest Home Videos" and "Later with Greg Kinnear".  In 2008 he reunited with his MST3K co-stars to form “Cinematic Titanic” which toured U.S. Theaters as a live show and produced 12 DVDs, now available as a box set.J. Elvis has written and directed 3 films - 2 feature documentaries (“I Need You To Kill” & “Michael Des Barres: Who Do You Want Me To Be?”) and a comedy short (“The Mediocre Samaritan”). As a performer, he continues to perform as a stand-up (releasing the album “Chunks” in 2019), co-hosts the podcast “Thought Spiral” with comedian Andy Kindler, and recently co-starred in the feature film “The Fiddling Horse” (2020).

Andy and Jay talk about anger, falling down, therapy, neuropathy, parents, the power of singing, audio books, back aches, Quakers, the State of The Industry, the Thought Spiral podcast, Binghamton University, LSD, The Stump, and Moon Zappa's new book “Earth To Moon”, and running away from Jay Leno.Bio:  Andy Kindler currently recurs on Fox's hit animation, Bob's Burgers and Comedy Central's long-running Tosh.O.  He is also a regular on the critically praised Canadian web series, But I'm Chris Jericho (for which he was nominated as Best Supporting Actor by L.A. Webfest 2018).  Andy was the host of Season 4 and 5 of Hulu's standup series, Coming to the Stage as well as a series judge on the seventh season of NBC's Last Comic Standing, the star of two half-hour Comedy Central Presents specials and was a frequent guest and correspondent on The Late Show with David Letterman with over 40 appearances.  He has previously recurred on Everybody Loves Raymond, Showtime's I'm Dying Up Here, Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place, IFC's Maron and Comedy Central's The Daily Show.  Other noteworthy credits include Portlandia, the HBO Young Comedians Special, Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist, Home Movies and The Larry Sanders Show.  In July 2022, Andy became the first comedian to perform as a hologram, delivering his notorious State of the Industry Address from the relative safety of Van Nuys, CA. while appearing 3-dimensionally live at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal.

Screenwriting legend Zak Penn talks about how he got so savvy in the business of show.  We talk about how coming to LA and scouting out the city geared him up for his big move after college and his sale of “The Last Action Hero” started him on a 35 year journey of being one of Hollywood's most sought after writers. We talk about the good times with Speilberg, JJ Abrams, Shawn Levy, Ryan Reynolds, & Dwayne Johnson and we talk about the bad times with others. Bio: Zak Penn's career began as a screenwriter when he sold his first script, LAST ACTION HERO, at the age of twenty-three. Since then, Penn has become known for his work on numerous films based on Marvel comics, including X-MEN 2 and X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, ELEKTRA, THE INCREDIBLE HULK and THE AVENGERS. He has also dabbled in other genres, writing scripts for disparate films such as P.C.U., BEHIND ENEMY LINES and SUSPECT ZERO.Penn's shift into independent cinema began when he collaborated with his idol, Werner Herzog, on the script for RESCUE DAWN. Penn directed and co-starred with Herzog in INCIDENT AT LOCH NESS, his award-winning “hoax” documentary about the legendary director's attempts to make a film about the equally legendary monster. THE GRAND, Penn's second completely improvised film, was his third film with Herzog, and featured an eclectic cast including Woody Harrelson, David Cross, Ray Romano, Cheryl Hines, Dennis Farina and Gabe Kaplan.In addition, Penn co-wrote the original story for ANTZ and produced the animated film OSMOSIS JONES. He has also acted in a number of independent films, including STAR MAPS and CHUCK & BUCK. His first foray into television was the critically acclaimed original series ALPHAS starring David Strathairn. Penn directed the documentary ATARI: GAME OVER for Xbox Entertainment Studios.More recently, Penn adapted the New York Times bestselling novel READY PLAYER ONE for Warner Bros. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film was released in 2018. Penn also co-wrote the script for the action comedy FREE GUY, starring Ryan Reynolds and Jodie Comer. The film is directed by Shawn Levy and was released in August of 2021.

Comic/writer/cartoonist Mo Welch talks about her journey to find her dad and the Hulu special that came out of it called, “Dad Jokes”. She also dives into how she came fun humble beginnings to become a headlining comic who isn't so famous she gets hassled all the time. She talks about improv and drawing cartoons for the new yorker and being a mom and the difference between her upbringing and her wife's. She also talks about scolding her audiences and answers a few questions as basketball legend, Larry birdBio:  Mo Welch is a stand up comedian and cartoonist originally from Normal, Illinois. She appeared on CONAN in January of 2018 and in February of 2019. Her 10 part animated series BLAIR debuted on TBS Digital in January 2018. She was selected to be part of the CBS SHOWCASE in 2014 and 2024. Her comics have been published in The New Yorker, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Vice, and more. Welch is the author of How to Die Alone, published in 2019 by Workman Publishing. Her Audible series Come Out, Come Out, featuring guests like Roxanne Gay and Mae Martin debuted in 2020. Mo co-directed her own special DAD JOKES as well as Beth Stelling's special, If You Didn't Want Me Then on Netflix. Mo is currently on the road opening for Brett Goldstein. Mo lives in Los Angeles.

Writer/Producer Andy Gordon loves writing. He talks about writing for pleasure after all these years. He talks about how the characters can make him laugh or cry in the car. He also talks about breaking into show business on the day he arrived in Hollywood, Jon Landis, Tom Lynch, Chuck Lorre, sending messages to his daughters through his shows, working on Big Bang and Modern Family, and the joys of arrest videos. Bio: Andy Gordon is a writer/producer who worked on KIDS INC, DREAM ON, MAD ABOUT YOU, NEWSRADIO, FOXWORTHY, JUST SHOOT ME (2 pilots + 4 years), DAG, WHAT ABOUT JOAN in Chicago, COMPLETE SAVAGES with the Scullys, BACK TO YOU, TRUE JACKSON, LAST MAN STANDING, FRIEND ME, MYSTERY GIRLS, MODERN FAMILY, BIG BANG THEORY, US OF AL and CALL ME KAT.  Also the movie FIRED UP.

Meredith Salenger talks about fighting for justice, making peace, mediating, falling in love over text, growing up in Malibu, being picked to be a star by John Houston, being a good stepmother, having a dentist dad, Patton Oswalt, Natty Gann, sunsets, and wolves. Bio: Meredith Salenger is an actress, writer, producer from Malibu, CA who began her professional acting career at the age of 10, playing an orphan in 1982's “Annie,” directed by John Huston. She is perhaps best known for her starring role performances in “The Journey of Natty Gann” with John Cusack, “Dream a little Dream,” and “A Night in Life of Jimmy Reardon” opposite River Phoenix. Meredith graduated cum laude from Harvard with a degree in psychology, before resuming her focus on acting to star in “H.U.D” with Steve Carell, and “Chicks” from the writers of “Seinfeld.”  Her varied additional credits from film and television include the likes of “Will & Grace,” “Anger Management,” “24,” “Dawson's Creek,” “Grey's Anatomy,” “Daredevil,” “Damages,” David Kelley's “Lake Placid” and John Carpenter's “Village of the Damned.” You can also hear her voiceover work in a trio of “Star Wars” vehicles – “The Clone Wars,” “Rebels,” and “The Force Awakens,” along with such projects as “The Secret Life of Pets 2,”  “My Little Pony,” “Teen Titans Go! to the Movies,” “Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!,” “Robot Chicken,” “Lego DC Super Hero Girls,” and Marvel's latest, “M.O.D.O.K” on Hulu.  She is currently in development for an animated show with her writing and producing partner, Matt Boren, and also  produces and hosts a hilarious podcast with her husband, Patton Oswalt, called “Did you get my text?”Her most recent film “the prank”starring Rita Moreno is streaming now and she has a soon to be released dark comedy called “I hate myself and want to die.”

Marianne helps Jay try to find his spirituality. She talks about how we need to step into our own power. We talk about finding truths of the universe, faith in the people, and trouble at the bagel store.  Bio: For more than four decades, Marianne Williamson has been a leader of spiritually progressive circles. She is the author of 16 books, four of which have been #1 New York Times best sellers. A quote from the mega-bestseller A Return to Love, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure…” is considered an anthem for a contemporary generation of seekers.Her other bestsellers have included A Woman's Worth, The Law of Divine Compensation, Tears to Triumph, THE MYSTIC JESUS: The Mind of Love and The Gift of Change. With her books and online classes she has taught millions of people the universal spiritual principles at the heart of miracle-minded thinking.Williamson founded Project Angel Food, a non-profit organization that has delivered more than 18 million meals to ill and dying homebound patients in the Los Angeles area since 1989. The group was created to help people suffering from the ravages of HIV/AIDS. She has also worked throughout her career on poverty, anti-hunger and racial reconciliation issues. In 2004, she co-founded The Peace Alliance and supported the creation of a U.S. Department of Peace.Instagram: @MarianneWilliamsonWebsite: Marianne.comSubstack: MarianneWilliamson.Substack.com

Writer Dan Ewen talks about his new show which was the last from Norman Lear, Dear Santa, growing up across the street from the good side of town, loving Athens. Bio:Dan Ewen is a writer/producer from Athens, Georgia. On the series front, he has written for Disney, USA Network and Amazon, where he serves as Executive Producer, co-creator and co-showrunner of "Clean Slate", Norman Lear's final comedy, starring Laverne Cox and George Wallace, He also created Paramount's feature, PLAYING WITH FIRE, starring John Cena, and the recent Jack Black vehicle, DEAR SANTA. Ewen has been doing improv for far too long, and owns two lovely cats.

David Silverman explores the history of The Simpsons from before it existed until now. He talks about animating the hard stuff and making it look easy as well as his love of Burning Man & the tuba.Bio: After graduating from UCLA in 1983, David Silverman worked as a freelance illustrator and animator until, in 1987, he landed a job animating on The Tracey Ullman Show — where The Simpsons began. Animating on all 48 shorts led to David directing the first shows of The Simpsons. Starting with the Christmas Special in December 1989, and then the premiere episode the following month, David soon became Supervising Animation Director and a producer on The Simpsons. All told, he has directed 24 episodes and has won 4 Emmys along the way.  When no one was looking, David snuck away from The Simpsons to work at DreamWorks (The Road to El Dorado – co-director), Pixar (Monsters, Inc. – co-director), and Blue Sky (Ice Age, Robots – writing and boarding). But, he came back to the show full-time at the end of 2003 and directed The Simpsons Movie. In 2012, David directed and co-wrote the short film The Longest Daycare about Maggie Simpson, which earned him an Academy Award nomination.And since the Disney acquisition of The Simpsons (via the purchase of Fox), David has directed 10 Simpsons shorts especially for Disney+, as well as several promotional pieces.

Patton Oswalt and I finish our discussion in this first ever two part DBAWJK! You can never get enough Oswalt. He has been one of the most original minds out there for the last 30 years and a touch stone for quality who seems to be committed to art, laughter, ideas, and making the world slighty less shity. Bio: Patton Oswalt is a comic/actor/writer, but in alphabetical order.

Patton Oswalt talks about life, love, parenting, fandom, art and comedy in an episode so great it had to be two!  We talk about putting in the work to be an actor, and how comedy bits form on stage, and how dismissing bands for not being cool is a dangerous game since cool changes on a dime, we talk about the need to bring marketing into everything we do, we talk about blow hards demanding audiences, and the brutal give and take of Hollywood on all levels. We also talk “King of Queens”, “AP Bio”, Black Sabbath, sci-fi, finding your place in the world, coming up in the golden age of stand-up and much much more in this super-sized two part DBAWJK podcast. Bio:Patton Oswalt is a comic/actor/writer, but in alphabetical order.

Screenwriter and actor Jim Rash and I talk about what makes him an empathetic and responsive friend, growing up in Charlotte, NC, being adopted, the Groundlings, winning an Oscar, Allison Janney, his dream of being on Friends coming true, Community, turning off your cell phone, directing his new movie,  playing Snoopy, and singing and dancing in the kitchen to feel good. Bio:  JIM RASH is best known for playing “Dean Pelton” on NBC's Community. Most recently, he starred opposite Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum in Fly Me To The Moon. He won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for The Descendants alongside Nat Faxon & Alexander Payne. Rash and Faxon also co-wrote and co-directed The Way, Way Back. Rash recently finished post-production on Miss You, Love You, an independent movie that he wrote and will mark his solo directing debut. It stars Allison Janney and Andrew Rannells. Rash hopes to take it to film festivals next year.

Annie and Mindy talk about what it takes to have a deep and lasting friendship. They discuss what brought them together, how they are alike and how they are not. They also talk about a divorce workbook, pets, kids, the trauma of ex-husbands, the difference between growing up in Detroit vs Miami, having parents who asked you to perform and parents who didn't, asking your teacher to “hang out”, Groundlings, tums, having no emergency contact, boundaries, and how Jim Rash is the center of the universe.  Bios:  Annie Sertich wanted to be a lawyer - instead ended up playing one opposite Denzel Washington. She wanted to be in the Super Bowl -instead she has sold tires, accepted M&M's, and recently appeared as Tina, the Geico caveman's wife during the commercial breaks. She is an actor, writer, and alumni of the famed Groundings Theatre where she also performs a one woman show called ‘How To Not Kill Yourself for 30 days…and the next 330.'  You'll hear her voice on various animated shows and see her on shows such as: “Grey's Anatomy/Station 19,” “Superstore,” “Silicon Valley,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Roar,” to name a few. Mindy Sterling is a 2017 two time Emmy Nominee for Best Actress in Short Form Comedy or Drama for her work on Con Man and Secs and Execs. She is probably best known for her character portrayal of Frau Farbissina, Dr. Evil's German henchwoman and lover in all three Austin Powers Films. Other films are The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and Drop Dead Gorgeous. She currently recurs as Linda Schwartz on The Goldbergs and has guest starred on Grace and Frankie, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Legit, iCarly. Her voice over career consists of Legend of Korra, The Great North , American Dad, Family Guy, Loud House, Scooby Doo, Chowder to name a few. She is an alumni of The Groundlings and occasionally still directs and performs there.

On this episode we talk about the energy and commitment to be funny in everyday life with famed actor, writer, and improviser, Adam Pally who thinks it's just a way of hiding yourself.  We talk about being less funny and more authentic. We also discuss Mr. Throwback, Happy Endings, adulting, fatherhood, why New York is better than Los Angeles, parents who sing, deciding UCB was something Adam had to do, the artistic tribe he joined, why he thinks old show business is dead, and how his kid can't believe Adam knows Childish Gamino. Bio: Hailing from Livingston, New Jersey, Adam Pally has quickly found his place as an actor and comedian in Hollywood. Pally is most known for Happy Endings, The Mindy Project, Sonic the Hedgehog 1 & 2, the live-action spinoff series Knuckles, the Peacock mockumentary series Mr. Throwback, which stars NBA All-Star Stephen Curry, Pally will next be seen in the sci-fi dramedy O Horizon, & HBO Max's 101 Places to Party Before You Die. Pally has been a member of the Upright Citizens Brigade since 2003 and continues to write and perform sketch comedy. Pally is a graduate of the New School in New York and currently resides in New York.

Writer/Comic/Director Lew Schneider talks about how he copes with his house burning down in the L.A. firesand. How to manage the feelings of loss and gratitude, how his wife Liz is feeling, the kindness of people, what he'll miss, the french horn, and how he no longer needs his signed Bobby Orr poster. Bio: Lew Schneider is a youthful 62 year old manCalifornia Community FoundationProject HOPE

On this episode Jay's former writing partner, Wallace Wolodarsky and Wally's new writing partner, his wife, Maya Forbes talk about partnership – the joys and the pitfalls including having your partner pretend to be shot in the head on film. We also discuss trying to make movies vs TV, the difficult current writing landscape, being pals with the Coppolas and Wes Anderson, Maya at the Harvard Lampoon, writing books, and long distance swimming.Maya Forbes began her career writing for The Larry Sanders Show. She has since written numerous television episodes and feature films. She made her directorial debut with Infinitely Polar Bear, starring Mark Ruffalo and Zoe Saldana. With her husband Wally Wolodarsky, Maya co-wrote and co-directed The Polka King, starring Jack Black, Jenny Slate and Jason Schwartzman and The Good House, starring Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline.Wally Wolodarsky began his career as a writer on The Tracey Ullman Show. Writing with Jay Kogen, he received an Emmy. Wally was a writer and producer on The Simpsons for the first four seasons, where he won his second Emmy. With his wife Maya Forbes he has written several features and television shows including Monsters vs. Aliens, A Dog's Purpose and The People vs. O.J. Simpson. Wally produced Infinitely Polar Bear starring Mark Ruffalo and Zoe Saldana. Together, Maya and Wally wrote and directed The Polka King starring Jack Black and The Good House starring Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline

Nicole and Jerry talk about Friendship, iCarly, MadTV, “Wendell & Vinnie”, electric shock collars, escape rooms, snowboarding, keeping in touch, drinking, LA tour buses, kids, and playing a grandmother at 40.Nicole Sullivan - As a native New Yorker, Nicole has been acting since she was seven years old. Nicole studied the drama classics at Northwestern University. Sullivan was an original cast member of FOX's smash hit “MADtv” and was their youngest member. She left “MADtv” to join the hit series “King of Queens.” Nicole was a series regular on “Hot Properties,” “Raines,” “Rita Rocks,” “Sh** My Dad Says,” and “Disjointed.” She has appeared in “17 Again,” “Guess Who,” “Scrubs,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Boston Legal,” “Monk,” “My Boys,” “Grey's Anatomy,” “Will & Grace,” “The Mindy Project,” “All Rise,” “Good Girls,” “Mom,” “Bob Hearts Abishola,” and “Blackish” for 6 seasons. As a comedic voice actor, Sullivan has lent her voice to numerous animated hits including “Family-Jerry Trainor - Jerry Trainor's first television role was in the MTV series Undressed as Eric. Some of his other television credits include Law & Order True Crime, Angel,  Malcolm in the Middle & Crossing Jordan. He has had several small roles in films such as the science fiction drama Donnie Darko and Bring It On Again. Trainor had a recurring role on Drake & Josh as "Crazy Steve”, He starred in iCarly as Spencer Shay, the older brother and guardian of Miranda Cosgrove's title character from 2007 to 2012. He completed the 2008 music-themed comedy Wreckless Epic, in which he stars. Trainor starred in the animated series T.U.F.F. Puppy as the voice of Dudley Puppy, for which he was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program.In 2013, Trainor starred in the short-lived series Wendell & Vinnie as Vinnie, the uncle and guardian of Buddy Handleson's character Wendell. He played Commander Michael Sullivan for both seasons of the Halo in-universe podcast Hunt the Truth. In 2017, Trainor voiced the recurring role of Commander Cone on Bunsen Is a Beast. Since 2018, Trainor and Mike O'Gorman have starred in a comedy Web series called The Porch, which can be found on YouTube. In 2018, Trainor starred in the film Cover Versions written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Todd Berger. The film premiered at the 2018 Palm Springs Film Festival and was acquired for distribution by Sony Pictures. Parts of the film were shot on location during the KAABOO Del Mar music festival (in coastal northern San Diego County). Trainor's performance was heralded as being edgy and thought-provoking.In March 2021, it was announced that iCarly was being revived. The series premiered on Paramount+ in June of that year, with Trainor reprising his role as Spencer Shay.

Blurb: Matt Selman talks about keeping The Simpsons afloat and still funny after all these years, being the rare writer who stayed in one place, Terry Jones being the smart Python, innovating the show each week, what's too silly, looking back with pride, how we are more judgy when we are younger, Ghost, Matt's says he's not a sociopath, and we discuss if Jay regrets leaving The Simpsons after 5 seasons? We also talk about Matt's chance to leave that he left behind and working out on chest day.Bio: Emmy Award-winning writer/producer, Matt Selman, has worked on THE SIMPSONS for 27 seasons and counting. Selman has written or co-written 30 SIMPSONS episodes and was one of the writers on THE SIMPSONS MOVIE.  He has won six Emmys, a Writer's Guild of America Award and a Peabody Award. He currently serves as Show Runner and Executive Producer. Selman grew up in Watertown, Massachusetts, and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where he was the Editor-in-chief of 34th Street Magazine. Before starting at THE SIMPSONS, he wrote on SEINFELD, and has written comedy for many animated movies. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two daughters.12/30/24

Jay and Kelly talk about what we got from our fathers, both good and bad. We also talk about the genius of George Carlin, living in the shadow of your parents, Crossroads School, Judd Apatow, taking care of you parents, the Emmy Awards, defining yourself, fans, wanting to make people laugh, and how pity sex is just fine. Kelly Carlin-McCall is an author, storyteller, depth psychologist, transformational coach and television producer. Her solo show, A Carlin Home Companion, was expanded and then published as a memoir by St. Martin's Press in 2015. Her television work includes being a producer of the showtime show, The Green Room with Paul Provenza, and in 2023, she won an Emmy as executive producer of the HBO documentary, George Carlin's American Dream. Her 20+ years of study and practice in Zen Buddhism, Co-Active Coaching and Imaginal Psychology are the foundation for her creative work and for her transformational programs through her Humans on the Verge community. She is proudly deeply involved in The National Comedy Center as an Industry Advisory Board member, and proud to be a Chautauquan since 2017 when she helped to launch the first ever comedy week hereEDITING NOTES: KELLY CARLIN I think incorrectly she helped stand ups. We can cut that out. .

We talk with James Burroughs about his reign as hollywood's greatest sitcom director, being the son of the Abe Burrows In the genetics of comedy, his book “directed by James Burrows”, “Cheers”, “Will & Grace”, “Mary Tyler Moore”, “Taxi”, “Friends”, the scripps that make him want to direct, the ones that don't, his amazing memory, his humble beginnings, the decade it took him to learn how to direct, working with geniuses like James L. Brooks, Chuck Lori, and Kohan & Mutchnick, Andy Kaufman. And Jimmy explains how his two best friends are Al Michaels and Bruce Springsteen.Bio: James Burrows is one of television's most respected and honored creative talents. Over his distinguished career, Burrows has been the recipient of ten Emmys, five Directors Guild of America Awards, the 1996 American Comedy Awards' Creative Achievement Award, and in 2014 the Television Critics Association's Career Achievement Award in 2006 he was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts and Science's Hall of Fame and was honored by the US Comedy Arts Festival with their Career Tribute award. He has been the recipient of 22 nominations for the Director's Guild of America Award, thus bestowing him the honor of being the most nominated director in the history of television at the Guild. He was recently honored by the DGA with the Inaugural 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award in Television. In November of 2015 he directed his 1000 th episode which was recognized by a TV Special on NBC in January of 2016. Burrows' success as the director of television pilots is legendary. He just finished the first two episodes of Frasier re-boot season 2, and has wrapped up the pilot “Mid Century Modern” for Fox. He will be at the helm of “Mid Century Modern” this Fall as the show goes to series. The current primetime television schedule features one show “Neighborhood,”- whose pilot episode Burrows directed and one streaming show, the “Frasier Re-boot” which will begin airing Season 2 on Paramount + in mid-September 2024. In January of 2020, he received his fifth DGA Award for directing the Emmy award winning show “Live in Front of a Studio Audience #1: Norman Lear's All in the Family and The Jeffersons.” He was also asked back to direct “Live in Front of a Studio Audience #3: Different Strokes and The Facts of Life” in December of 2021. In June of2022, he embarked into a new market when he published his autobiography, “Directed by James Burrows.” It has received quite a bit of attention and praise from the industry. Burrows is probably best known as co-creator, executive producer and director of the critically acclaimed series, “Cheers.” The hit show, which aired for 11 seasons, is tied for the most nominated Comedy series in the Television Academy's history and is in third place for most Emmys received by a Comedy Series. Burrows has also received numerous awards for his work on “Will & Grace,” “Frasier,” “Friends,” “Wings,” “Night Court,” “Taxi,” and “Dear John.” For the first time in 25 years, he returned to the stage in the spring of 1998 to direct the highly acclaimed “Man Who Came to Dinner” at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, starring John Mahoney. Burrows learned his trade from the very best, the legendary writer/director Abe Burrows, whose noted career included such classics as “Guys and Dolls,” “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” and “Cactus Flower.” Born in Los Angeles and raised in New York, Burrows graduated from Oberlin College and continued his education at Yale, where he earned a master's degree in fine arts. Burrows relocated to Hollywood to work as a dialogue coach for “O.K. Crackerby!,” a short-lived television series starring Burl Ives. When the show ended, he returned to New York and initially worked as a stage manager before directing several off-Broadway shows, such as “The Castro Complex,” and stock productions of “The Odd Couple” and “Never Too Late.” In 1974, Burrows moved back to the West Coast when he was invited to visit MTM Productions in Los Angeles and offered a job directing an episode of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Mr. Burrows and his wife, Debbie, reside in Los Angeles and between them they have a quartet of daughters.

Simon Rich talks about how writing fantastical stories can still be authentic and personal.we also talk about growing up in a family of writers, why SNL is not a pit of vipers, John Mulaney & Richard Kind being in his new play, bad driving, Mad Magazine and why Jay is responsible for Simon's career because he watched The Simpsons as a kid.Bio:  Simon Rich has written for “Saturday Night Live,” Pixar and “The Simpsons.” He is the creator and showrunner of “Man Seeking Woman” (FXX) and “Miracle Workers” (TBS), which he based on his books. His collections include GLORY DAYS, NEW TEETH, HITS AND MISSES, SPOILED BRATS and ANT FARM. He is a frequent contributor to The New Yorker.

The great Jon Lovitz talks about comedy, acting, stand-up comedy, dogs, The Groundlings, Managers, A league of Their Own, The Simpsons, The Critic, and the serendipity of show business.  Bio: Jon Lovitz has been one of the best known comedians for the last thirty years. He got his start acting in High School plays and developing his skills at the University of California, Irvine where he earned a B.A. in Drama. He also studied acting with Tony Barr at the Film Actors Workshop. At the advice of Tony Barr, Jon decided to concentrate solely on comedy. He began taking classes with the famous improv comedy group, “The Groundlings” in 1982. One year later, after being accepted into “The Sunday Company”, Jon got his first acting job on the television show “The Paper Chase: the Second Year”. Thinking he was on his way, he promptly quit his job at a clothing store…and became a messenger. The next three years – nothing!!! Then, in September of 1984, he was accepted into the main company at “The Groundlings”.On March 28, 1985, “The Groundlings” appeared on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” where Jon premiered his character “Tommy Flanagan of Pathological Liars Anonymous”. Following the introduction of this persona, Jon got an agent, and booked a movie, a series, a voice over for a cartoon, and “Saturday Night Live”. Jon has been working non-stop since. He was nominated for an Emmy his first two years on “Saturday Night Live”. While on SNL, he became known for his characters “Tommy Flanagan of the Pathological Liars Anonymous” (“Year, that's the ticket”), “Master Thespian”, “Hanukkah Harry”, and “the Devil”. He has appeared in over 40 films, including “Big”, “A League of Their Own”, “The Wedding Singer”, “High School High”, “Small Time Crooks”, “Rat Race”, “The Producers”, “Eight Crazy Nights”, “The Benchwarmers”, “Grown Ups 2”, “The Ridiculous 6”,  among many others. He has also worked with acclaimed directors such as Penny Marshall, Rob Reiner, Jerry Zucker, and Woody Allen.  He one of a handful of actors used regularly in almost all his movies by Adam Sandler.This year, in 2024, he just completed the lead character in the film “The Toast” and will be appearing in “Happy Gilmore 2” starring Adam Sandler.Along with his comedy, Jon is well known for his distinctive voice. He was the lead voice for the character “Jay Sherman” in the acclaimed cult cartoon series, “The Critic”. He has also appeared in twelve episodes of “The Simpsons”, even creating the character of Marge Simpson's boyfriend, “Artie Ziff” (who sounds suspiciously like Jay Sherman). Jon has also appeared on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre in Neil Simon's play “The Dinner Party”,  taking over the lead role from Henry Winkler. He has sung (yes, he can sing!) at Carnegie Hall three times (including “Great Performances: Ira Gershwin at 100: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall) and sung the National Anthem at Dodger Stadium and the U.S. Open. He also sang with English rock star, Robbie Williams at the Royal Alpert Hall and appears on his album, “Swing While You're Winning!”He currently is performing his new musical comedy show, “From the Shower to the Stage” with celebrated musical conductor and arranger, Randy Waldman. Randy has been Barbra Streisand's personal pianist for the last 36 years and is her current musical conductor as well.Jon has also had an illustrious television career. He was the first famous guest star on the hit show “Friends”. In the same week, he appeared on an episode of Seinfeld. Jon also has had recurring roles on “Hot in Cleveland”, “Las Vegas”, “Two and a Half Men”, “Hawaii Five-O”, and “New Girl”.Editing Notes: Jon Lovitz episode seem to go on and on. Jon won't stop talking. Interested in how you think it is. I think I talk too much about wanting to have sex with Kate Upton. I do it TWICE.  (Kate Upton might not be famous anymore) Funny?  If not,  feel free to cut it.

Moon Zappa talks about her book, “Earth To Moon” which details her family trauma, the desire to dance, what makes good art, not being perfect, wanting more from life, how trying to spend a few minutes with her dad, Frank Zappa, led to his biggest hit, tea can lead to joy, and how sometimes your first rodeo is your last. Bio:  Moon is a writer, actor, yogi, podcaster and tea merchant.

Comic and writer Fahim Anwar and I talk about failed TV shows, Afghan and Ukrainian treats, performing at Largo, comedy today, working for Boeing, disappointing your parents by being a comic, the power of Margo Robbie, YouTube vs Netflix, crowd work, not playing sax for The Roots, having a great bit you can't put online, hecklers, comedy persona, dancing in clubs, and convincing your parents you have value by wearing a tie. Bio:Fahim Anwar is a Los Angeles-based standup comedian, actor and writer. Fahim is touring on the heels of his third stand up special, “House Money.” His previous special "Hat Trick" filmed at the World Famous Comedy Store was named one of the best specials of the year by the LA Times. The New York Times has listed Fahim as a "Most Promising Future Star." He's appeared on CONAN, LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS and performed at the prestigious Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal. His recent FILM/TV credits include WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT opposite Tina Fey, NEIGHBORS, DRUNK HISTORY to name a few. Fahim served as head writer and starred on a sketch show special for Comedy Central with his comedy group (GOATFACE) which includes Hasan Minhaj from THE DAILY SHOW, Aristotle Athari of SNL and Asif Ali of WANDAVISION. Off the success of the sketch show special, Fahim was named by Variety Magazine as one of 2019 Comics to Watch, and has been a guest on the Joe Rogan Experience Podcast as well as WTF with Marc Maron.

Jonathan talks about growing up the son of a minister, not ruining other people's shows, not doing stand-up comedy, not staying with Conan, and not being the Jonathan Groff, the Broadway superstar!Bio:Jonathan Groff is a television writer, showrunner and executive producer, with over thirty years of experience. Recently, he was an Executive Producer alongside Fred Armisen on the HULU comedy THIS FOOL. He was with ABC's BLACK-ISH for all eight of its seasons, serving as Executive Producer/Showrunner for four seasons. Also at ABC, Jonathan was the EP / Showrunner on HAPPY ENDINGS for three seasons. From 2007-2009, Jonathan was a Consulting Producer on the CBS hit HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER. Preceding that, he executive produced and ran his own series ANDY BARKER P.I. for NBC, which he co-created with Conan O'Brien. He also spent five years as Head Writer on LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O'BRIEN. Jonathan co-wrote two animated holiday specials for Dreamworks/NBC: KUNG FU PANDA HOLIDAY SPECIAL, and HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: HOMECOMING. 

Jennifer spills the beans on what it takes to be an actress in Hollywood. We talk "Beverly Hills Housewives", how your gal pal will cover your problem spots in lesbian love scenes, poker, glamour, getting hit on by producers, and the indignity of promoting yourself by going on to podcasts like this one.Bio: Jennifer Tilly received an Academy Award nomination for her role in Woody Allen's “Bullets Over Broadway” for her memorable portrayal of the terribly untalented Olive, actress wannabe, and gangster's moll. Her performance in “Liar Liar” as Jim Carrey's gold-digging client earned her an American Comedy Award nomination, as well as a Blockbuster award nomination as Favorite Supporting Actress.Tilly is perhaps best known from the indie noir film “Bound”, which has earned her a cult following. “Bound,” directed by the Wachowski's follows two lesbian con artists trying to rip off the mob. The film garnered many accolades including a GLAAD media award, and a Saturn award nomination (Best Actress) for Tilly. Other film credits include “The Getaway,” “The Fabulous Baker Boys,” “Let It Ride,” “The Cat's Meow,” “Intervention,”(Winner-Best Actress-San Diego Film Festival) “Dancing at the Blue Iguana,” “Made in America,” “Bride of Chucky,” (Saturn Award nominee-Best Actress) “Seed of Chucky,” “Curse of Chucky,” “Cult of Chucky,” “The Crew,” “The Wrong Guy,” “Inconceivable,” (Winner-Best Actress-WIFT) “An American Girl,” “Edie and Penn,” “Hide and Seek,” “Saint Ralph,” “The Doors,” ”Relative Evil” (Winner-Best Actress-DVD Exclusive Awards) “Second Best,” “Tidelands,” and many more. Other notable TV appearances include “Modern Family,” “Drop Dead Diva,” “Moonlighting,” “Cheers,” and “Frasier.” She had recurring roles on “Hill Street Blues,” “It's Garry Shandling's show (Ace award nomination-Best Actress) and “Out of Practice” (CBS). She was a series regular on “Key West” (Fox) and “Shaping Up.” (NBC) Tilly is in great demand as a voice over actor. For the last twenty-two years she has delighted audiences as Bonnie on “Family Guy.” She played the snaky haired Celia in Pixar's classic movie “Monster's Inc.,” as well as the Disney+ series “Monsters at Work,” Grace, the new age cow in Disney's “Home on the Range,” a con mouse in “Stuart Little,” and Madame Leota in “The Haunted Mansion.”Theatre credits include "Tartuffe," (LA Public Theatre) "Boy's Life" (LAAT) and "Baby With The Bathwater," (LAPT) and “Vanities,” (Dramalogue Award-Best Actress) She received a “TheatreWorld Award” (Best Newcomer) for her performance in Second Stage's "One Shoe Off" at the Joseph Papp Theatre.  Tilly is also a regular performer in the smash hit comedy revue, “Celebrity Autobiography” and Illeana Douglas' “Living Room Show.” These days Jennifer is dividing her career between acting and poker. In 2005 she astounded the Poker world when she bested a field of over 600 women to win the coveted gold bracelet at The World Series of Poker. She followed that up by capturing a WPT title, winning Ladies Night 3.

Blurb:  We talk about Philosophy, comedy writing, agreeing with the show runner, not being afraid of the truth, the power of walking sticks, trying to figure out if God exists is dumb, Brooklyn as a place to grow up, and whether to lie to your kids about Santa Clause.Bio: A native of Flatbush, New York, Eric Kaplan began writing for Spy magazine and the Harvard Lampoon before getting his first television-writing job on The Late Show with David Letterman.  Before THE BIG BANG THEORY, he worked on other shows including Futurama (for which he won an Emmy), Flight of the Conchords, Malcolm in the Middle, and Andy Richter Controls the Universe.  Kaplan created "Zombie College" for icebox and co-created "The Drinky Crow Show" and "Mongo Wrestling Alliance" for Adult Swim through his company Mirari Films.   Kaplan has his PhD from UC Berkeley in philosophy on the comic in the philosophy of Soren Kierkegaard.  His book Does Santa Exist: A Philosophical Investigation was published by Dutton in 2014 and has been called by Matt Groening "the funniest philosophy book since...well, ever."  His science fiction and philosophy have appeared in the New York Times.    

Steven sings some amazing songs and talks about The BareNakedLadies, Trans-Canada Highwaymen, the creative process, blowing up your life, breaking up with your partners, repairing your life, finding freedom working for yourself, being a self starter, zoom shows, Brian Wilson, Yoko Ono, band camp, and getting pelted with mac & cheese. Bio: Over the last thirty-five years, Steven Page has established himself as one of the most recognizable and enduring voices in music. The release of his latest album, Excelsior, shows that he has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. Since its release, Steven has toured Canada, The US and the UK with The Steven Page Trio, and has performances planned well into 2024. As a co-founder, vocalist and songwriter for Barenaked Ladies, Steven sang and wrote classics like “Brian Wilson,” “If I Had A Million Dollars,” “What A Good Boy,” “It's All Been Done” and many more. With the band, he sold over 15 Million albums and scored multiple Junos, Billboard Music Awards, SOCAN awards, Gemini Awards and two Grammy nominations. After leaving the band in 2009, Steven embarked on a solo career that has produced five solo albums, including 2022's Excelsior, and has seen him tour worldwide, from folk festivals to cabarets and theatres, all the way to packed arenas on his recent string of dates opening for rock legends The Who.  Steven performs in many configurations, from solo to full band with horn section, but, since 2016, he has been playing most often with his pals in The Steven Page Trio, Craig Northey of Vancouver legends Odds on guitar, and Kevin Fox on cello. The trio configuration provides the right amount of portability, intimacy and power to fill just about any venue imaginable. Steven has performed arrangements of some of his best-loved songs from his long career with orchestras including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Victoria Symphony, Symphony New Brunswick and has more symphony shows on the horizon in the next two years. A passionate mental health advocate, Steven has been in demand as a public speaker since 2011, sharing his own story with audiences across North America. In 2018, Steven was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame with his former bandmates in Barenaked Ladies, at the Juno Awards Ceremonies in Vancouver. In 2020, when work on the musical he wrote with playwright Daniel MacIvor for Canada's Stratford Festival, Here's What It Takes, was interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, Steven began performing weekly livestream concerts over Zoom, Steven Page Live From Home. These Live From Home shows, sometimes selling 1000 tickets at a time, cultivated a tightly-knit community of music fans from all over the world, and kept them feeling connected when it was most needed. Steven continues to perform Live From Home shows on Saturdays when he's not on the road, with the 100th episode planned for early in 2023.  The Governor-General's Performing Arts Awards approached Steven in 2021 about writing a song as a surprise tribute to his friend, Ryan Reynolds, and the result was “Canada Loves You Back,” a song as poignant, humourous and Canadian as the actor it honours. Steven is a frequent collaborator with Toronto's Art of Time Ensemble, made up of some of Canada's best classical, jazz and pop musicians. With them, he released an album of covers, A Singer Must Die, in 2009, and also appears on their Sgt. Pepper and Songs of Leonard Cohen albums. Along with Chris Murphy (Sloan), Moe Berg (The Pursuit of Happiness), and Craig Northey (Odds), Steven makes up a quarter of The Trans-Canada Highwaymen, four lead singers of classic Canadian bands, whose first album of Canadian covers is set to be released in the fall of 2023.

Tim & Jay talk about connecting, being in the moment, getting fired from “Friends”, the Groundlings, being brave enough for relationships, laughing during improv, Frosted Mini Wheats, auditions, serious acting vs not, The Playboy Mansion, being gay, coming from the middle of the country to Los Angeles, good pizza, and angels.Bio:Tim Bagley is currently on the 2nd season of Peabody Award winning "Somebody Somewhere" for HBO, streaming on MAX, with the 3rd season coming out soon!

Paul Reiser talks about his new film, “The Problem with People”, deciding to be a comic, comedy and heartbreak being from the same well, His love of Peter Faulk, Jack Lemon, and Alan Arkin, fathers, getting out of the house, building a music room just in case Billy Joel dropped by, Writing “What A Fool Believes” with and about Michael McDonnald, “Diner” “Mad About You.” “The Thing About My Folks”, acting and writing seriously, his sons, and realizing you can't write a standup act but just holding a pad and thinking to yourself…”What's funny?”Bio:  n Hulu's recent critically-acclaimed comedy series “Reboot” from Modern Family creator Steve Levitan, Reiser plays Gordon, the original creator of the old sitcom being rebooted. Awards Daily says “Reiser truly excels, giving one of his very best performances…here, he reminds us just how very funny and experienced he is in the world of television comedy.” He also took his first step into bloody, superhero glory, joining Season 3 of Amazon Prime's Emmy-nominated The Boys, playing “The Legend.” Also this year Reiser filmed “The Problem with People,” an original comedy feature film which he wrote, produced, and stars in alongside Jane Levy and Colm Meaney. Reiser currently stars in two hit shows for Netflix: Stranger Things—the company's biggest series of all time—where he plays Dr. Sam Owens, a role created by the Duffer Brothers specifically for him; and Chuck Lorre's The Kominsky Method, for which he received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in and Golden Globe-winning comedy ended in May 1999 and premiered 20 years later as a limited series on Spectrum Originals. All seven seasons of the original Mad About You and the re-visit are available for streaming on Amazon Prime. The multi-faceted actor also revived one of his most iconic roles in the highly anticipated return of Mad About You, the long-running hit 90s comedy Reiser co-created and starred in with Helen Hunt. The Emmy, Peabody and Golden Globe-winning comedy ended in May 1999 and premiered 20 years later as a limited series on Spectrum Originals. All seven seasons of the original Mad About You and the re-visit are available for streaming on Amazon Prime. Throughout his prolific career, Reiser has worked with both independent and mainstream filmmakers. Having earned acclaim for his supporting role in the Academy Award-winning film Whiplash, Reiser was also recently seen alongside Kevin Hart in the Netflix feature Fatherhood, John McDonagh's War on Everyone and in frequent collaborator Jeff Baena's “The Little Hours” and “Horse Girl,” which premiered at Sundance 2020, the fourth film the pair has worked on together. The veteran actor has garnered praise for notable performances in films such as Diner, Bye Bye Love, Aliens, One Night At McCool's, Beverly Hills Cop I/II and The Thing About My Folks, which Reiser wrote for his co-star Peter Falk. Reiser is a fixture behind the camera as well. He co-created and co-produced There's Johnny!, a seven-episode series which originally streamed on Hulu and now streams on Peacock. The show, a fictional story set behind-the-scenes of Johnny Carson's Tonight Show circa 1972, co-created with filmmaker David Steven Simon and co-produced with director David Gordon Green in conjunction with The Carson Company, premiered to critical praise, with Decider saying There's Johnny! is “a television experience unlike any I've seen on TV in recent years” and “unfolds like a dream, a memory fondly recalled.” As an author, Reiser's first book, Couplehood, sold over two million copies and reached the number one spot on The New York Times bestsellers list. His subsequent books, Babyhood and Familyhood, were best sellers as well. Voted by Comedy Central as one of the Top 100 Comedians of All Time, Reiser regularly performs sold-out standup at venues nationwide with dates currently booked throughout 2022 and beyond. A SUNY Binghamton graduate of its prestigious music program, Reiser co-wrote the theme song for Mad About You, “The Final Frontier,” with Grammy-winning producer Don Was, and released an album of original songs with British singer-songwriter Julia Fordham called Unusual Suspects. Over the course of his career, Reiser has received multiple Emmys, Golden Globes, American Comedy Awards and Screen Actors Guild nominations. Reiser and his family reside in Los Angeles.

David Kessler discusses grief and loss and how it's not that bad and why Jay is reluctant to grieve. We talk about accepting the end of our lives, how children deal with death, and why we are triggered to feel loss in the strangest moments. We talk about being honest with loved ones and not overreacting, and the value of using the ticking clock of death to live better today. We take listener questions and get ready for the best end we can create for ourselves. Bio: David Kessler is one of the world's foremost experts on grief and loss. He is the author of seven books, including his latest bestselling book, Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief, as well as a new Finding Meaning companion workbook. He co-authored two books with Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, Life Lessons and On Grief and Grieving. He co-wrote You Can Heal Your Heart with Louise Hay and also wrote Visions, Trips and Crowded Rooms. His first book, The Needs of The Dying received praise from Saint (Mother) Teresa. His new online model of grief support, Tender Hearts, offers over twenty-five groups. Additionally, David leads one of the most respected Grief Educator Certification programs. He is the founder of Grief.com

Father and son actors, Lawrence & David Pressman talk about their journeys to becoming actors, what it's like to grow up in Kentucky vs Los Angeles, knowing acting was your calling from a young age, the problem with drinking, acting out when you are young, having your dad bribe you to quit showbiz, and getting blown up in Independence Day and getting yelled at by Elia Kazan. Bio: Lawrence Pressman was born in 1939 in Cynthiana, Kentucky. A graduate of Northwestern University, he has appeared in over 150 roles on the screen and stage. Including, “Shaft” “9 To 5” “American Pie” “The West Wing” and “Doogie Howser MD” where he played the series regular role of Dr. Benjamin Canfield. He is still unclear who Jay Kogen is.David Pressman was born in New York City and was promptly whisked away to Sherman Oaks, California where he grew up.  He has appeared in a bunch of film and tv (ok fine, not as much as his dad) including “Independence Day” “Zoolander” “Tropic Thunder” “It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and the recurring role of Mr. Rusnak on the television series “Newhart”. His voice can currently be heard on episodes of Fox television's animated show, “Krapopolis”. David loves his dad.

Liza talks about her podcast, “Significant Others” and what makes someone devote themselves to making someone else famous, and how no one does it alone, and how empathic she and her husband, Conan, are to the world, and how the trees just might be killing us. Bio: Liza Powel O'Brien has an MFA in Fiction Writing from Columbia University's School of the Arts. Her work has been seen at The Geffen Playhouse, Echo Theater Company, The Blank Theatre, Unscreened LA, Naked Angels LA, Ojai Playwrights Conference, Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival, Hedgebrook, and Whidbey Island Center for the Arts.  Her podcast “Significant Others” tells stories of those who lived just outside the spotlight of history.

Entertainment reporter Richard Rushfield discusses how silicon valley and stockholders tried to make sure bets and wound up destroying the infrastructure of Hollywood. We also talk about comedy, movies, being a pessimist, and the notion that storytelling will continue no matter what. Bio: Richard Rushfield founded The Ankler in January 2022. Called a “hit Hollywood newsletter” by the New York Times the Ankler is the number one go to information source for Hollywood Insiders who really want to know what's going on inside Hollywood.  has covered Hollywood and American culture as a reporter, editor and critic for over 20 years. A native of Los Angeles, he had a first career as a grassroots political field organizer, working for the 1992 campaign of Bill Clinton, among others. He began covering L.A. as a reporter for Los Angeles magazine, later working as a contributing editor of Vanity Fair and author of its long-running Intelligence Report column. Additionally, he was an editor and columnist for the Los Angeles Times, The Daily Beast, Gawker, BuzzFeed and Yahoo and was editor-in-chief of the website Hitfix. Richard is also the author of three books.

Blurb: Comedian Sierra Katow talks about her new special, being so insecure she conquers everything she sets out to do, Asian comics, hitting the comedy clubs with your dad waiting in the car, and throwing your Harvard Education away on jokes, when it's right to start a family, and hustling to prove your not a typical type-A person. Bio: Sierra is a standup comic, writer, and actor who recently released her debut comedy special, Funt, with Comedy Dynamics available on Amazon Prime, AppleTV, YouTube, and more. She can be seen in the upcoming PBS series Roots of Comedy with Jesus Trejo and plays Evangeline on Mindy Kaling's The Sex Lives of College Girls on Max. Previously, she was a part of the main cast of The G Word with Adam Conover on Netflix, voiced characters in Disney's Raya and the Last Dragon, and performed standup on Last Comic Standing (NBC), Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC), Just For Laughs Digital, FOX, and MTV. She was a writer/co-producer for the upcoming Comedy Central series Golden Axe and has written for Exploding Kittens (coming soon to Netflix), Close Enough (HBOMax), Earth To Ned (Disney+), Eureka! (Disney+), and more.

Blurb: Husein and I talk about shared traditions, taking faith seriously but being open and curious to all cultures and not eating at Ramadan, writing a pilot together about South Asians, Canada's Thanksgiving, India's holidays, his father not trusting his career until Husein showed up in a suit and my father punching up the jokes my dates told. Bio: Actor and storyteller Husein Madhavji, has taken on diverse roles throughout his career most notably playing Dr. Shahir Hamza for 5 seasons in the hospital drama Saving Hope, on stage starring in the Soulpepper production of Yasmina Reza's 'Art' in Toronto, and the world premiere of Tarragon Theatre's acclaimed play “Behind The Moon”. He was also in the Emmy award winning seasons of Schitt's Creek and Daniel Tiger. He can be currently be seen in the Netflix film Donkeyhead, the Disney+ animated series Mira, Royal Detective and on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds on Paramount+, and on Bell Media's lighthearted drama “The Spencer Sisters”.  As a writer his short film “The Time Traveller” that he developed with director RT, won best short film at the Canadian Film Fest and a received a best foreign film nomination at the San Francisco Black Film Festival. And Husein's pilots “Desi Family” and “Huse Right” both placed at the Launchpad Screenwriting Competition in the US. Prior to his acting career, Husein was a TV presenter where he hosted a daily national entertainment show in Canada, interviewing some of the most famous and celebrated faces in the world. 

The Great Laraine Newman talks about the growing up in Beverly Hills, founding the Groundlings, being part of the pioneering cast of SNL, raising kids who work in show business and still have integrity, fighting addictions, avoiding auditions, voice work, writing an audible memoir “May You Live in Interesting Times”, and what it's like to make a movie that's powered mostly by cocaine. Bio:Laraine Newman is an Emmy and Annie Nominated performer and an actual native of Los Angeles. She began studying improv at the age of 16. She, along with her sister Tracy Newman are amongst the founding members of The Groundlings, now the farm team for SNL.  Laraine has worked for directors ranging from Woody Allan to Guillermo Del Toro. She has a thriving career in animation and her credits can be found on IMDB. She has also written for Esquire,  The Believer and McSweeneys.  She is on the board of San Francisco Sketchfest, an alternative comedy festival now in its 20th year and appears regularly in the long-running award winning Broadway show Celebrity Autobiography.  Her memoire- May You Live In Interesting Times can be found on audible.com

Judd talk about Jay helping Judd's career, Jay relentless hounding Judd to do the podcast, The Mike Douglas Show, how to spot talent, Totie Fields, The Cable Guy, stand-up now, being hungry, why it's hard to make movies, too many apps, hoarding memorabilia, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, what it takes to be a producer, Walk Hard, and demanding a souvenir show mug. Bio: Judd Apatow is one of the most prolific comedic minds in the industry. Recently, Apatow produced Peacock's Stormy Daniels documentary, Stormy, Peacock's buddy comedy Please Don't Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain and Universal's romcom, Bros, starring and co-written by Billy Eichner. Apatow also directed, produced, and co-wrote with Pam Brady, the Netflix comedy The Bubble and produced and co-directed HBO Films' Emmy®-winning documentary George Carlin's American Dream with Michael Bonfiglio. Previous director credits include the Emmy®-award-winning documentary, The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up and The King of Staten Island. He produced Academy Award®-nominated The Big Sick and Bridesmaids, as well as, Superbad, Pineapple Express and Anchorman. For television, he executive produced Crashing, Girls, and Freaks and Geeks. Off screen, Apatow authored Sicker in the Head, a follow-up to his New York Times best-seller Sick in the Head.

Billy and I discuss being writing partners in Jr High, why MAGA loves to be afraid, why Kamala has a shot, why Biden didn't have a shot, how to make the campaign work, writing for candidates, why we should fight to keep our democracy, how America agrees with Democrats even though some of them don't know it, dirty tricks from the bad guys, and Lynn Swann.Bio: Billy Ray wrote the Oscar-nominated screenplay for Captain Phillips, for which he won the WGA award. Ray's films as writer, co-writer, or writer-director include "The Hunger Games," "Richard Jewell," "Shattered Glass," and Showtime's "The Comey Rule," which had the biggest debut of any limited series in that network's history. He is an activist in the Democratic Party, providing messaging help to 85 sitting Members of the House and Senate. He believes in democracy, justice, and the Dodgers.

Blurb: Matt and I talk about the legacy of The Simpsons, what it means to go from super fan to icon, always knowing he wanted to draw cartoons, having kid are better than making great art, how music makes The Simpsons great, how Jay could come back to work if he came back crawling on his knees, and how Jay agreed to crawl. Bio:  Matt Groening was born in Portland, Oregon, on February 15, the third of five children.  His father, Homer, was a cartoonist and filmmaker.  From an early age, Matt created his own cartoons, amusing his friends and annoying his teachers.  Groening attended Evergreen State College in Washington State, where he studied philosophy and continued his interest in cartoons, comics and music.   After his graduation in 1977, Groening headed to Los Angeles where he struggled in immobilizing but irksome poverty.  Increasingly frustrated by the traffic, smog, and his landlords, Matt began to vent his angst to his friends by sending them cartoons starring a bug-eyed rabbit named Binky.  Groening soon began to publish and sell these cartoons at the record shop where he worked.  Their popularity encouraged Matt to syndicate, and in April 1980, Life In Hell® formally debuted in the Los Angeles Reader and ran successfully in more than 250 newspapers around the world and half-dozen languages before Groening concluded it's production in 2012.  Life in Hell® has also been collected in a best-selling series of books with over two million copies in print, including Love is Hell, Work is Hell, School is Hell, Childhood is Hell, Akbar & Jeff's Guide to Life, Greetings From Hell, The Big Book of Hell, With Love From Hell, How to Go to Hell, The Road to Hell, Binky's Guide to Love, and Love is Still Hell.  In 1987 James L. Brooks approached Matt about creating animated shorts to fit between sketches of “The Tracey Ullman Show.”  Matt agreed, but instead of using the Life in Hell® characters, he created an entirely new cast: The Simpsons, which bear the names of his family members, Homer, Marge, Lisa and Maggie (Bart is an anagram for brat). The Simpsons were soon spun off into a half-hour animated series which first aired on December 17, 1989 with a Christmas special, followed by the series premiere on January 14, 1990.  It has since gone on to become the longest running prime-time animated show in television history.  An international hit, the series has also spawned a licensing and merchandising empire.  It has spanned a hit feature film and a revolutionary virtual coaster ride at Universal Studios.  He also created the Emmy Award-winning animated series “Futurama.” As a cartoonist, Groening began his “Life in Hell” weekly comic strip series in the 1980s, and concluded it in 2012. In 1993, he formed Bongo Comics Group, and continues to serve as publisher.  Winner of multiple Emmy Awards, the prestigious Peabody Award, Annie Awards and the Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year, the highest honor presented by the National Cartoonist Society, he also received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in February 2012 and was personally honored with designing five U.S. postage stamps.

Blurb: Actor Jade PettyJohn who was 14 years old when she first worked for Jay on School of Rock talks about her journey becoming an actor at 7 and being an actor at 23. They talk about what was good and bad about working as a child actor and how to make the lives of child actors better. They also talk about dreams, candles, the weirdness of growing up, dreams of a music career, and joys of cooking with friends, Jay throwing spaghetti on Jade's head, Jay spraying nacho cheese on Jade's head, how headbands hurt Jade's head, and they mystery of why Jade's head hurt alot during productions.  Bio: Jade Pettyjohn is a well known professional actress who has been working in the industry for well over a decade. She starred in Nickelodeon's twice Emmy Nominated School of Rock. She moved on to work with the top artists of the industry starring alongside Laura Dern in Trial by Fire, Nicole Kidman in Golden Globe nominated “Destroyer” and Reese Witherspoon in Emmy nominated “Little Fires Everywhere.” More recently, Pettyjohn stars in Marcus Dunstan's new film All My Friends Are Dead produced by John Baldecchi premiering at the TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL.Jade is currently working on Ryan Murphy's Monsters, the Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story portraying the role of Jamie Pisarcik.