Eddie's Bar at the Improv

The hilarious Paul Provenza joins Eddie to chat about growing up in New York, Bronx High School of Science, and his prolific acting career. Paul is a stand-up comic, actor, director and producer. He has appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Northern Exposure, and directed The Aristocrats, a fantastic documentary about a dirty joke.

The great John Byner joins Eddie to talk about his incredible career and his new book, Five Minutes, MR. BYNER. John Byner was a regular on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, and can be seen in the Amazon Original series LORE, to name just a few.

Improv favorite Taylor Williamson chats it up with Eddie about the current lockdown, America's Got Talent, and when he was too young to sit at the Improv bar. Taylor has been seen on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and was runner-up on season 8 of America's Got Talent.

The wonderful Aida Rodriguez joins Eddie to talk about her chaotic childhood, stand-up philosophy, and her love for Eddie. Aida has been seen on The Young Turks, Last Comic Standing and Tiffany Haddish Presents: They Ready

The wonderful Michael Colyar joins Eddie to talk about his legendary status on Venice Beach, Star Search, and philanthropy. Michael has been seen on Martin, House Party, and Blackish to name a few.

The wonderful and hilarious Brad Williams joins Eddie to talk about his first time onstage, being a father, and how his dad prepared him for life.

The prolific Jay Mohr joins Eddie via Zoom to talk about life, wrestling, Last Comic Standing and more. A world-class comedian and actor, Jay has appeared in Jerry Maguire, Suicide Kings, Gary Unmarried, and the stellar television show he created, Action. Jay also coaches wrestling and is a life coach.

Gwen Kenneally, Nancy Blair, Barbara Dowling-Torre and Loretta Rains join Eddie over Zoom to discuss the debauchery that was the 1980's at the Hollywood Improv.

Eddie and Mike talk over the internet about former employee success stories, then veer off track with music and race talk.

The great Alonzo Bodden joins Eddie via Zoom to talk about starting as an airplane mechanic, his love of cars and motorcycles, and winning Last Comic Standing. Alonzo has been seen on The Tonight Show, Conan O'Brien, The Joe Rogan Experience, and Scary Movie 4 to name a few.

The hilarious Gene Pompa joins Eddie via Zoom to talk about his comedy influences, his first time on stage at both the Improv and Comedy Store, and how when Eddie doesn't discount his drinks, he steals candles. Gene has been seen on Conan O'Brien, In Living Color, and Comedy Central.

The wonderful John Pate joins Eddie over Zoom to talk about his history performing at the Improv, working with Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld and the legendary Red Skelton.

Improv royalty, and founding partner Silver Friedman joins Eddie via Zoom to chat about opening the original Improv in New York, her theater career, and just how did the Improv get it's name?

Barry Minefield aka "Hollywood's Singing Chef" ran the kitchen at the Hollywood Improv during it's heyday. Barry furthered his singing career after appearing on season 8 of The Voice. Barry's endearing personality and talent make him one of Eddie's favorites. https://www.barryminniefieldofficial.com

The wonderful and hilarious Julie Rao joins Eddie over the internet for his first quarantine talk to reminisce about the heyday of the Improv. Julie's book, I'm Not Chelsea, I'm Everett is about her experiences and stories during the 80's, many of which took place at the Hollywood Improv!

Eddie checks in with Mike to talk about how the show will proceed for the foreseeable future.

The hilarious Steve Byrne joins Eddie on-stage at the Hollywood Improv to talk his New York stand-up start, directing, and why they're not recording at the bar thanks to Bert Kreischer.

The great Adam Ferrara stops by Eddie's bar to chat about their friendship, his stand-up, and undying love for his dad. Adam has been seen in Rescue Me, Top Gear US, and co-starred in the showtime hit Nurse Jackie

The wonderful Zoe Friedman swings by the bar that her dad built to chat with Eddie about what she wanted for her birthday as a child, booking the Late Show with David Letterman, and her non-profit Comedy Gives Back.

The wonderful Jill-Michele Meleán stops by Eddie's bar to talk about her start as Jennifer Lopez's body-double, the first time she performed at the Improv, and auditioning for MADtv. Jilly has been seen on Reno 911, MADtv, and the Clint Eastwood directed Richard Jewell to name a few.

Long time Improv legend Tom Tully joins Eddie to talk about the always sold-out Monday nights with his Improv group Off The Wall, the celebrities who hung out, and what it was like in the Improv's heyday.

The dark and delightful Dana Gould joins Eddie this week to talk about podcasts, stand-up, voice-acting and more. Dana Gould is simply one of the great and unique voices in the world of stand-up comedy. He was a writer/producer on the Simpsons, appeared many times on The Adam Carolla Show, created and wrote the IFC series Stan Against Evil, to name just a few. Oh yeah, he also hosts The Dana Gould Hour podcast!

The great Jack Knight joins Eddie to talk about acting on Broadway, television, his stellar basketball skills, and scouting then building the Hollywood Improv!

Craig Shoemaker swings by Eddie's bar to chat career arcs, what's important to him now, and his non-profit Laughter Heals. Craig has been seen on Parks & Rec, The Late Late Show, and his movie, "The Lovemaster" to name just a few.

The authentically hilarious Andrew Santino stops by Eddie's bar to chat stand-up, Eddie's 40th anniversary party, and what's it's like to have scenes cut. Andrew has been seen on Jim Carrey's I'm Dying Up Here, The Office, and in the upcoming season of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

The legendary Bobby Slayton joins Eddie at the bar to talk stand-up, audiences, and how he doesn't care anymore, and that's a good thing. Bobby has been seen on HBO's Mind of the Married Man, Politically Incorrect, and is in the upcoming season of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Ahmed Ahmed joins Eddie at the bar to talk Axis of Evil, getting banned, and the woman who inspired him to become a comedian. An accomplished actor, you have seen him in Sullivan & Son, Iron Man, and Swingers to name just a few.

The great Jim Jefferies hangs out with Eddie to talk about his start in Australia, a confrontation onstage, and his dad getting a tour of Jay Leno's garage.

The hilarious Sean Patton joins Eddie at the bar to talk about his stand-up beginnings in New Orleans, the Just for Laughs festival, and his comedy philosophies. Sean has been seen on Conan, @midnight, Jimmy Fallon and Maron. Sean also co-hosts an amazing podcast called 5 Minutes with Caitlin Cook.

American hero Michael Rapaport joins Eddie to talk about their longstanding friendship, his acting career, and the time a woman tried to pick him up at the Improv when he was 13.

Ritch Shydner has appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, David Letterman, and HBO. He has also been seen in the documentary I Am Comic. Ritch has written for Roseanne, The Jeff Foxworthy Show and Titus. He and Eddie sit down at the bar to talk about his stand-up, television career, and his new show, The History of Stand-Up Comedy.

Tripp sits down with Eddie to talk about writing his book, The Improv. A detailed history of the legendary Improv comedy club founder Budd Friedman.

Marc Sheffler made his break-out debut in the cult classic Last House on the Left. He has written for many television shows, including Harry and the Hendersons, The Happy Days Reunion, and Warner Bros. How Bugs Bunny Won the West. Marc and Eddie go way back, and talk about everything from the Three Stooges, to his new incarnation!

The great Frazier Smith joins Eddie at the bar to talk stand-up, the Improv, and his prolific radio career.

Jim Vallely and Jonathan Schmock (The Funny Boys) join Eddie at the bar to talk about friendship, being a comedy team, and moving on to successful writing and acting careers after being banned from the Tonight Show.

The wonderful Claudia Lonow joins Eddie at the bar to talk stand-up comedy, her time on Knotts Landing and producing television.

Comedian Nick Swardson joins Eddie at the bar to talk drinking, comedy, and his friendship with Adam Sandler.

Suli McCullough joins Eddie at the bar to talk about his stand-up start at UCLA, his deep friendship with Garry Shandling, and shares some wisdom about stand-up comedy. Suli will surely be a repeat guest, so enjoy this conversation with one of the smartest and most thoughtful people in comedy.

J.J. Wall is a stand-up comedian, television producer, and actor. He's appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Arrested Development, and Newhart to name just a few.  

Emmy Award winning writer and comedian Kevin Rooney joins Eddie at the bar. Emmy Award winning writer and comedian Jim Vallely shows up as well.

Loretta Rains joins Eddie to reminisce about early days at the Improv, when dancing on the bar was A-OK. Loretta shares memories of Sam Shepard, Rodney Dangerfield, and Joni Mitchell.

Adam joins Eddie to talk about his stand-up beginnings, roles in television and film, and his unique fat-quick style of basketball. Adam has been seen on MADtv, Arrested Development, Workaholics, and The Heat.

Wayne Federman is a comedian, actor, writer and musician. He has been seen in countless television shows and movies, including iconic roles on The Larry Sanders Show, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Born into a show business family, Danny Robinson is Senior Vice President at Agency for the Performing Arts (APA), and has more than four decades of being a premiere talent agent.

Dom Irrera has appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, David Letterman, and the cult-classic, Dr. Katz Professional Therapist.

Mario Roccuzzo is a prolific actor who has appeared in over 90 television shows and movies, and was a staple at the Hollywood Improv through the 70's and 80's. Luck, Hill Street Blues, Barney Miller, Ironside, The F.B.I., The Untouchables, to name just a few.

The great Donnell Rawlings reluctantly sits with Eddie to talk about his start in stand-up, Chappelle's Show, The Wire and more!

This bio is written by me, Mike Carano. I produce Eddie's podcast. I have two podcasts, The After Disaster, and Miscellaneous Adventures from the World of Mike Carano. I'm a regular guest on Dr. Drew's podcasts, and the Dana Gould Hour. Other than that, it seems pretentious to say anything else.

Rick Overton is an improvisational genius, comedian and actor. You've seen him in I'm Dying Up Here, Drunk History, The Office, Mrs. Doubtfire and Groundhog Day, to name a few.

Eddie sits with the great Larry Miller and talks about Larry's start in comedy, his amazing acting career, and a very special story about being on Broadway.

Eddie talks with former Improv phone answerer Adam Devine about co-creating Workaholics, Adam Devine's House Party, his first Netflix special, and his extraordinary film career.