The Letterman Podcast

This episode marks the return of one of the most prolific Letterman writers of all time, Steve Young! Mike and Steve catch up to chat about Steve’s latest musical project, Broken Heart Insurance, a hilarious and clever EP available across all streaming services and YouTube. Beyond that, they dive into a nearly existential conversation about the state of television, entertainment, and what it really takes for creatives to make their mark in today’s world. With plenty of laughs—thanks entirely to Steve Young, and absolutely not Mike—this episode of The Letterman Podcast is sure to entertain. And now a quick shoutout to our sponsor, hello-deli.com—because where else could you possibly buy licensed Late Show with David Letterman merch? Maybe somewhere on the internet, but why risk it when you can get the real deal from Rupert Jee? Exactly. By the way, if you’re enjoying the show (or even if you’re not, but still need something to hate-listen to), make sure to like, share, subscribe, and leave a comment. It’s the least you can do for the free entertainment, right? #SteveYoung #LettermanWriters #BrokenHeartInsurance #DavidLetterman #LateShow #ComedyWriting #HelloDeli #RupertJee #MyNextGuest #LikeShareSubscribe #LettermanPodcast

This week’s guest is John Moran, a broadcasting veteran with over four decades of experience at the highest level. For Late Show with David Letterman, John was the guy who handed Dave the microphone during the preshow Q&A, but that’s just one small part of his fascinating career. Mike and John dive into an amazing conversation that covers John’s journey from delivering TV Guides as a boy, to becoming an NBC page during some of the most exciting years at 30 Rock. John’s love for broadcasting pushed him to pursue his dream, eventually joining the Late Show team when they moved to CBS. In his first appearance on the podcast, John shares some behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive photos from his years at the show—stories you won’t want to miss! Of course, we can’t forget a shout-out to our legendary sponsor, Rupert Jee, and Hello-Deli.com, the only place to get licensed Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Trust us, if you’re a fan, this is your spot. And finally, we’d love it if you like, share, subscribe, and leave positive comments for the show. If you don’t… well, that’s fine too, but we’ll assume you have terrible taste in podcasts. No pressure.

Today’s episode highlights a beloved segment of the Letterman mythos we’ve been wanting to explore for quite some time… Stupid Pet Tricks! Our guest is none other than Ben Zelevansky, who coordinated this legendary segment for Late Show with David Letterman. An actor, writer, and more, Ben’s career in show business kicked off during his formative years working for Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Saturday Night Live, and of course, Late Show with David Letterman. Ben started as an intern at Late Show and was hired full-time, helping to produce the iconic Stupid Pet Tricks segment. He and Mike have a fantastic conversation, where Mike digs deep into how the process worked back then—finding, vetting, and putting together this unforgettable, unique part of the show. Ben shares tons of behind-the-scenes stories about taking on the role, the adventures he embarked on during this incredible time in his life, and even the story of how he met his wife while working on the show! For licensed Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, check out Hello-Deli.com—where else can you find a Rupert Jee mug to sip from while you watch your favorite episodes? And hey, if you’ve got a minute, we’d love for you to like, share, subscribe, and leave us some glowing feedback (our egos need it). #StupidPetTricks #BenZelevansky #DavidLetterman #LateShow #ComedyLegends #LateNightTV #LettermanPodcast #HelloDeli #BehindTheScenes #TVHistory

Episode 145: George Rothweiler This week’s guest is George Rothweiler, an Emmy-winning camera operator who worked for CBS for over 40 years, including the entire 22-year run of Late Show with David Letterman. George and Mike have an expansive conversation about his journey into the world of television, how he climbed the ranks to cover high-profile sporting events like Super Bowl XII, and his transition to become a handheld camera operator for Late Show. They delve into the people who shaped his career, with George giving special recognition to veteran leaders such as Jerry Foley and Dave Dorsett. Naturally, they also reflect on George’s favorite moments working alongside David Letterman and the incredible team at Late Show. And now, for our wonderful sponsor: the one and only Hello-Deli.com—the exclusive place to get Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, run by the legendary Rupert Jee himself! Seriously, where else can you support a sandwich shop with cult status and snag some official Late Show swag? Lastly, if you enjoyed the episode, be sure to do your part! Like, share, subscribe, and leave us glowing reviews—or at least mildly positive ones. It keeps us going, and hey, it’s cheaper than therapy! #LateShow #DavidLetterman #GeorgeRothweiler #CBS #CameraOperator #SuperBowlXII #JerryFoley #DaveDorsett #TelevisionHistory #BehindTheScenes #RupertJee #HelloDeli #Broadcasting #EmmyWinner #LettermanFans #ComedyLegend #TalkShow #LikeShareSubscribe #Television

This episode features the return of television historian and friend of the show, Allison Lips. Mike and Allison, who often have long, in-depth conversations outside of the podcast, bring that dynamic to this episode. The original idea was to focus on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman, and while they definitely dive into that, their journey through the material takes some unexpected detours. For example, neither could quite nail down when exactly Tina Fey’s episode aired (spoiler: it was the second-to-last episode of the first season). But the conversation doesn’t stop there. It evolves into a deep dive into their favorite episodes, the effects of cancel culture, and even a discussion about a sitcom involving Nazis. For all your official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, head to Hello-Deli.com, the only place in the known universe where Rupert Jee himself makes sure you’re covered in Letterman swag! And of course, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. You won’t win any prizes, but you’ll definitely feel good knowing you did something right today.

This episode features Francesca Rollins, the youngest daughter of legendary showbiz manager Jack Rollins. Mike and Francesca have a fantastic conversation about how 30 Rockefeller Center, home to Saturday Night Live and Late Night with David Letterman, served as the backdrop for her high school and college years. They delve into stories of staffers she interacted with, cherished memories from being at the show, and, of course, her relationship with her father, Jack Rollins. Francesca shares her unique perspective on her father’s career and what it felt like as he transitioned into his later years, including parting ways with many longtime clients, such as David Letterman himself. For all your Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, visit the iconic Rupert Jee’s Hello-Deli.com! It’s the only place in the world to get your hands on authentic Late Show swag! And before you go, hit that like button, share the episode with your friends, and smash that subscribe button like you’re trying to out-pun Rupert Jee himself. Don’t forget to leave a comment, but only if it’s flattering—we accept nothing less!

Episode 142 of The Letterman Podcast

This episode takes a different tone as we memorialize Nicole Ryan, a cherished friend and an integral part of The Letterman Podcast community from the very beginning, who recently passed away after a courageous battle with MS.

In this deeply personal conversation, Nicole’s husband and frequent guest on our show, J Ryan, joins Mike exactly one month after Nicole’s passing. Together, they share some of the events and details of Nicole’s final days and give an honest update on how J is navigating through this incredibly painful time.

Though somber and, at times, raw, J and Mike have a frank and vulnerable discussion about life, love, loss, and the lessons we learn along the way.

There’s also some Letterman talk, including J’s heartfelt gratitude to Worldwide Pants and other figures who have extended their condolences.

Nicole’s radiant smile, infectious laugh, and her immense showbiz expertise and advice will never be forgotten. She will forever remain a beloved member of The Letterman Podcast family.

This episode drops on what may be the most difficult birthday J has faced in recent memory. From all of us in The Letterman Podcast community, we send J our deepest empathy, sympathy, support, and, most of all, love.

This week’s guest is an amazing broadcaster from Houston, Texas, Brad Gilmore. Brad is the host of The Back to the Future Podcast and The Collection, where he has interviewed late-night television icons and gigantic stars, including Kevin Costner and Gary Oldman. He also co-hosts a nationally syndicated radio show on ESPN with wrestling superstar Booker T, called Hall of Fame with Booker T and Brad Gilmore. Brad is obsessed with David Letterman, Johnny Carson, and all things late-night television, making him the perfect guest for a conversation with the much older Mike Chisholm. The two of them have an amazing discussion in this episode of The Letterman Podcast. They dive into one of the most infamous moments in television history: the Andy Kaufman and Jerry Lawler showdown on Late Night with David Letterman. Brad and Mike also bond over their mutual love for My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman and engage in a lengthy discussion about what broadcasting means to Brad, how he got involved in the industry, and the journey that brought him to where he is today. And of course, we’re proudly sponsored by Hello-Deli.com, where you can grab the finest in official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Rupert Jee would be disappointed if you didn’t stop by. Now, here’s the part where we beg you to like, share, and subscribe—but in a cool, sarcastic way that makes it sound like we don’t care (even though we totally do). So go ahead, make us smile by clicking those buttons and leaving a witty comment! Hashtags: #DavidLetterman #BradGilmore #LateNight #TalkShowHistory #AndyKaufman #JerryLawler #MyNextGuest #Broadcasting #ESPN #BookerT #BackToTheFuturePodcast #TheCollection #HoustonBroadcaster #TVLegends #ComedyHistory #Podcasting #HallOfFame #Television #LettermanPodcast #Entertainment

This week’s guest on The Letterman Podcast is Zoran Zgonc, whose career in television has taken him through many roles, including his most recent position as Vice President for Development at Migilla Entertainment. Zoran’s journey began with a dream job—working for his comedy hero as a researcher for Late Show with David Letterman. He and Mike have a fantastic conversation delving into all sorts of incredible topics, from his time working at Late Show, becoming “foxhole buddies” with Will Forte, being a background support staffer for the infamous Farrah Fawcett segment, to discussing the philosophy behind what made Dave’s shows so unique and even comedy in general. Zoran also shares a fascinating story about attending the 1997 Emmys, where he not only walked the red carpet but ended up at the Derby Club, meeting one of today’s biggest movie stars. The Letterman Podcast is proudly supported by Hello-Deli.com, the home of official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, brought to you by the one and only Rupert Jee. If you enjoyed this episode (and we know you did), show your support by hitting that “like” button, sharing the episode with fellow fans, and subscribing to make sure you never miss out on our conversations. Positive comments are like the cherry on top—so go ahead, make our day!

This week’s guest is Indiana’s own Hugh Fink, an Emmy Award-winning writer for Saturday Night Live, stand-up comic who appeared on Late Show with David Letterman four times, and current Harvard University faculty member, where he teaches comedy sketch writing. Hugh also offers personal coaching for comedy writers and performers. He is also head writer for the Writer's Guild Awards and has written on countless other projects.

Hugh and Mike dive into a fantastic conversation that begins with Hugh sharing a story from seventh grade, when he was obsessed with a local radio talk show hosted by—yes, you guessed it—David Letterman.

They then explore Hugh’s journey into comedy, his connection with Robert Smigel, his start at the Improv in Los Angeles, and his friendship with David Spade, which led to his successful run on Saturday Night Live. Hugh also goes in-depth about his four appearances on Late Show with David Letterman and what it was like to perform on that iconic stage. All that and more on this exciting episode of The Letterman Podcast!

Let’s wrap things up with a nod to our friends at Hello-Deli.com, where you can snag some official Late Show merchandise and support the legendary Rupert Jee. He’s got some classic gear that’ll take you back to the golden era of late-night TV!

And hey, if you enjoyed the episode, do us a favor: like, share, subscribe, and leave a positive comment. Don’t just sit there, hit those buttons! Your feedback helps keep the show going strong.

This week’s guest features Eileen O'Brien, who has an impressive background in show business and film festivals, and she’s also known for her work with Kevin Kay and his team at 30 Rock in the mid-80s, creating cue cards for some of the most iconic shows on television. Eileen is the subject of the short documentary Cue Card Girl, which can be found in many places, including YouTube. The documentary tells many stories about Eileen, focusing mainly on her time with Saturday Night Live. But that’s not all she did; Eileen was on call every night for Late Night with David Letterman. While Kevin Kay usually did Dave’s cards, whenever a second cue card person was necessary for the show, Eileen was called into action, and that happened many times over the years. She and Mike have a delightful conversation about some of the things she has seen in her career, and she talks at length about how much she enjoyed working with Late Night during those unbelievable years. One of the main highlights was how she would hold cards for Calvert DeForest, otherwise known as Larry ‘Bud’ Melman. --- The Letterman Podcast is proudly sponsored by *Hello-Deli.com*, where you can still find official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. If you’re a Letterman fan, a visit to Rupert Jee’s site is a must! Be sure to like, share, subscribe, and leave a comment that makes us laugh, cry, or question our life choices—we're not picky! #TheLettermanPodcast #EileenOBrien #CueCardGirl #LateNight #DavidLetterman #SNL #SaturdayNightLive #LarryBudMelman #CalvertDeForest #KevinKay #30Rock #CueCards #FilmFestivals #ComedyHistory #LettermanFans #TVHistory #BroadcastingLegends #ComedyDocumentary #HelloDeli #RupertJee #NostalgiaTV

Episode 137 of The Letterman Podcast is a special one as our guest this week is none other than Anton Fig, who was the drummer for the World’s Most Dangerous Band and the CBS Orchestra for 29 years.

Anton and Mike have a fantastic conversation about his time on the show and his life outside of it. They discuss various projects he was part of, such as working with Ace Frehley and almost becoming a member of KISS, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, performing at Live Aid, his tenure as the drummer for the house band at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, and much more. Anton was a part of thousands of one-of-a-kind musical performances during his career working on the productions of David Letterman and company. He expresses how lucky he is for the ride that he never could’ve predicted and his gratitude and adoration for both Paul Shaffer and David Letterman for their immense talent, and the opportunities he's had because of them.

The Letterman Podcast is proudly sponsored by Hello-Deli.com, your ultimate destination for official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Operated by the legendary Rupert Jee, this is where nostalgia meets novelty. Don’t miss out on the iconic items that keep the Late Show spirit alive!

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This week’s guest is the host of the Daily Comedy News podcast, Johnny Mack. Johnny, whose full name is John McDermott, is a veteran in broadcasting whose career has spanned decades both in the studio and behind the scenes.

After his lengthy time in terrestrial radio, John was brought on board Sirius Satellite Radio during its infancy and was given the formidable task of building out and producing its comedy channels. John and Mike have a fantastic conversation spanning much of McDermott’s career, talking about how comedy has changed, the origin of the Daily Comedy News podcast, and of course, the massive influence David Letterman had on John and so many other broadcasters.

They also talk about why Letterman’s name appeared in a very recent episode of Daily Comedy News.

The Letterman Podcast is proudly sponsored by Hello-Deli.com! Get your official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise from the one and only Rupert Jee. Nostalgia has never tasted this good!

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This week’s guest is Nick Prueher. For five years, Nick worked in the research department for Late Show with David Letterman, eventually becoming head researcher and a segment producer. Those years were filled with many interesting adventures working for the legendary broadcaster. In this episode, Nick and Mike scratch the surface of those adventures. When he left late show in 2004, he and his childhood best friend and comedy partner, Joe Pickett, founded the legendary Found Footage Festival. This led them on a 20-year-plus run of doing shows all across the country, showcasing the hilarious, unique brand they created and continue to curate to this very day. It also led Nick and Joe to a very interesting side project involving pranks that are extremely Letterman-ish. They were sued by one of the biggest media companies in America, ultimately vindicated, performed on the stage of America’s Got Talent, and had a documentary made about them, Chop & Steele. Nick and Mike barely scratch the surface in this, Nick’s first appearance on The Letterman Podcast. The Letterman Podcast is proudly sponsored by Hello-Deli.com! Get your official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise from the one and only Rupert Jee. Nostalgia has never tasted this good! Hey, you! Yes, you! Don’t just sit there. Smash that like button, share the episode with your friends, and subscribe to our channel. And while you’re at it, leave us a glowing comment. Your support keeps the memories alive and kicking! #LettermanPodcast #NickPrueher #LateShow #DavidLetterman #FoundFootageFestival #Comedy #Broadcasting #ResearchDepartment #SegmentProducer #JoePickett #ChopAndSteele #Pranks #AmericasGotTalent #Documentary #ComedyPartner #LateNight #TalkShow #TVHistory #LettermanFans #PodcastEpisode #BehindTheScenes #ComedyLegends

Episode 134 of The Letterman Podcast features Chris Schieman, host of the mildly successful show There’s Too Many Podcasts, which Mike recently guested on. Chris, a broadcaster from the Midwest heavily influenced by David Letterman, and Mike have a very personal and fun conversation about Letterman’s influence on today’s broadcasters and how the industry has changed. They also delve into Chris’s history in broadcasting, what inspired his show There’s Too Many Podcasts, and, of course, they discuss some of their favorite David Letterman moments. The Letterman Podcast is proudly sponsored by hello-deli.com, the one-stop shop for official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Visit Rupert Jee’s iconic Hello Deli online store and snag some unique souvenirs. Enjoying the content? Show us some love by liking, sharing, subscribing, and leaving a comment. It’s easier than making a Top Ten list, and it helps us keep the good vibes rolling.

Episode 133 of The Letterman Podcast features the return of Mike’s lovely wife, Candace Chisholm, as his guest. The two discuss the recent episode of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman, featuring the very special guest, John Mulaney. They also delve into the legacy of legendary entertainment manager Jack Rollins and recount the rest of Mike’s trip to California, including his visit to Jimmy Kimmel Live and his amazing trek through the California desert mountains to visit his good friends, J and Nicole Ryan at Good Vibes Breakfast Club at Newcom’s Ranch. Mike and Candace have a fantastic conversation, offering insights and stories that will delight any fan of late-night television. The Letterman Podcast is proudly sponsored by hello-deli.com, the one-stop shop for official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Visit Rupert Jee’s iconic Hello Deli online store and snag some unique souvenirs. Like what you see? Smash that like button, share the hilarity with your pals, subscribe for more legendary content, and drop some love in the comments. Your support is the secret sauce that keeps this show sizzling!

Episode 132 of The Letterman Podcast features the delightful Shannon Eis, who appeared on Late Show with David Letterman 19 times between 2003 and 2014 in a recurring segment showcasing upcoming toys for both the holiday and summer seasons. Shannon is delightful, insightful, and a communicator at the highest level. Shannon and Mike dive deep into how she accidentally got into the study of play as a career, which led to her numerous appearances on Late Show. She shares behind-the-scenes stories of her experiences on the show and expresses gratitude for the friends she made among the staff along the way. Shannon also lovingly talks about how much fun it was having the legendary David Letterman reacting off-the-cuff to her insights and the toys featured on the show. Additionally, Shannon opens up about a very personal health challenge she faced and how one special appearance on Late Show aided her in her healing journey. The Letterman Podcast is proudly sponsored by hello-deli.com, where you can find official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Rupert Jee, the beloved proprietor, continues to keep the spirit of Late Show alive selling this iconic memorabilia. Visiting Hello-Deli.com is like taking a nostalgic trip back to the golden era of late-night TV, and websites alike. If you enjoy trips down memory lane, obscure references, and mildly amusing content, please like, share, subscribe, and leave a positive comment for The Letterman Podcast. Do it for the algorithms. Do it for humanity. Do it because the internet told you to.

Episode 131 of The Letterman Podcast takes you on a journey through day three of our Hollywood adventure. Mike’s wife, Candace, joins him as they recount the Wednesday of his trip, which included a breakfast with the legendary Robert Morton, an incredibly moving and unexpected moment at the iconic Comedy Store, and hanging out with Late Night bumpers author and former Letterman photographer, Marc Karzen. The day culminated in seeing David Letterman live once again at the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre, where he interviewed Tim Robinson, alongside former Letterman writer, Donick Cary. As always, we owe a big shoutout to our sponsor, hello-deli.com, the premier destination for official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Run by the legendary Rupert Jee, it’s your one-stop shop for all things Late Show. Don’t forget to like, share, subscribe, and leave a positive comment for The Letterman Podcast. Your support keeps us going and we love hearing your feedback. So, hit that button, spread the word, and help us keep the late-night legacy alive!

Episode 130 of The Letterman Podcast features Brian Cimino, a true utility player for the Late Show with David Letterman. What’s a utility? You gotta watch the episode to find out! Brian and Mike have an awesome conversation about his time at the show from 2003 all the way to the end, and his ongoing career at the Late Show with Stephen Colbert to this day. Brian shares delightful stories about Paul McCartney, Alan Kalter, Dave beating on poor camera 2 with a hand microphone, and many other memorable moments. As always, The Letterman Podcast is proudly sponsored by hello-deli.com, the only place to get official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, run by the legendary Rupert Jee himself. Don’t just sit there—like, share, and subscribe to The Letterman Podcast! And if you don’t, we’ll send Dave to your house to “fix” your camera.

Episode 129 of The Letterman Podcast is the continuation of our journey down to Hollywood, California. This is Hollywood Day Two, a day full of fellowship with Letterman alumni, a reunion with J Ryan and his wife, Nicole, and Mike being the special guest for the taping of the season premiere of Frasier. Our episode starts off with Mike visiting former monologue writer for Late Show with David Letterman, Gabe Abelson. Gabe takes Mike on a tour of many of the artifacts he kept from Late Show, including awards, props, and mementos from the show, and a giant pile of cue cards that were used in dozens of Late Show monologues. He and Mike discuss and deconstruct the process of building the monologue for David Letterman. Gabe also gives Mike a very cool souvenir. After that, Mike visits J and Nicole Ryan, and they have a heartfelt reunion, receiving more incredible gifts to The Letterman Podcast from one of our favorite friends. Finally, Mike makes his way to the Paramount Lot, where in Stage 18, executive producer and former Letterman writer Chris Harris allowed Mike to show up as his very special guest for the season two premiere of Frasier. As with our first recap, the lovely Candace Chisholm joins Mike to recount these and many more stories of Day Two of The Letterman Podcast trip to Hollywood. A special thank you to our sponsor, hello-deli.com, the only place to get official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, run by the legendary Rupert Jee. Like, share, and subscribe to The Letterman Podcast! Leave a positive comment to keep the good vibes going—because let’s face it, we need all the help we can get to keep this thing afloat!

Episode 128 of The Letterman Podcast features Hillary Rollins, daughter of the legendary Hollywood manager Jack Rollins.

In this episode, Mike sits down with Hillary to discuss her father’s remarkable career and his profound influence on the world of comedy and entertainment. Jack Rollins managed and produced for some of the most iconic comedians in history, including Woody Allen, Robin Williams, and of course, David Letterman.

Hillary shares personal stories and insights about her father’s legacy, his work with Letterman, and how he helped shape the landscape of late-night television. They also discuss how invested she was in the comedy world in New York growing up due to her father’s influence. Plus, they tease an upcoming project being worked on as a tribute to Jack Rollins.

This episode is brought to you by hello-deli.com, the only source for official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, run by the legendary Rupert Jee.

Please be sure to like, share, and subscribe to The Letterman Podcast! Leave us a positive comment too—your support helps us keep the show going. And if you don’t, we’ll be forced to find a new job… maybe as comedy writers?

Episode 127 of The Letterman Podcast features the return of Mark Malkoff, founder and host of over 400 episodes of The Carson Podcast. Mark is now launching his new show, Inside Late Night, sponsored by latenighter.com. Mark and Mike have a tremendous catch-up, effortlessly navigating through all aspects of late-night television, past and present, with a particular focus on Letterman. Sponsors: As always, we are proudly sponsored by hello-deli.com, your only source for official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, run by the legendary Rupert Jee. Call to Action, Cap'n: If you haven’t already, subscribe to The Letterman Podcast and leave a positive comment. Or don’t. We’re not your boss. But it would be nice. #LettermanPodcast #MarkMalkoff #LateNightTV #DavidLetterman #TheCarsonPodcast #InsideLateNight #latenighter #ComedyLegends #TVHistory #LateShow #JohnnyCarson #TalkShowHosts #ComedyGold #PodcastLife #TelevisionHistory #RupertJee #HelloDeli #MikeChisholm #SubscribeNow #PodcastRecommendations #ComedyFans #LettermanFans #TVNostalgia #ClassicTV #BehindTheScenes #TelevisionIcons #LateNightLegends

Episode 126 of The Letterman Podcast features the delightful and bubbly Candace Chisholm, Mike’s wife, who joins us to ask Mike about his trip to Hollywood to see David Letterman perform at the Netflix Is a Joke Comedy Festival. This episode focuses on the first time Mike saw Dave during the trip, where Dave was interviewing comedian Nate Bargatze, his fun meeting with Jon Beckerman, and the journey down to California from Canada in Mike’s trusty Bronco, Scout. As always, The Letterman Podcast is proudly brought to you by hello-deli.com, the only place to get official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, operated by the legendary Rupert Jee. If you enjoy the show, please like, share, subscribe, and leave positive comments. Your support helps us keep the memories and laughter alive!

🎙️ Episode 125 of The Letterman Podcast welcomes back J Ryan, the charismatic host of Late Night Playset. J and Mike are longtime friends, and their lively banter makes for an engaging episode. 😄

🎬 J shares a hilarious tale from his past, recounting his daring escapades as a fake intern on Late Show with David Letterman. His close call at the Ed Sullivan Theater is both entertaining and nerve-wracking! 😅

💪 He then provides a touching update on his wife, Nicole, as she courageously battles MS. Their journey is a testament to love and resilience in the face of adversity. ❤️Go to Autoimmunityfoundation.org to support them and their fight. 📚 Moving on to lighter topics, J shares exciting news about his recent features in Road and Track and being featured on his longtime friend's Magnus Walker's car show, OPP. Plus, he and Mike delve into their thoughts on the latest Ghostbusters movie, offering insightful commentary and lively debate. 🎥

📢 Remember to support The Letterman Podcast by liking, sharing, and subscribing! Leave your positive comments and let us know your favorite moments from the show! 🌟

Episode 124 of The Letterman Podcast features the incredibly talented bass player, Will Lee. Will is returning to The Letterman Podcast after his iconic run on both "Late Night with David Letterman" and "The Late Show with David Letterman." In this episode, Will joins Mike for a lively conversation about his experiences and memories from his time on the show, as well as his extensive career in the music industry. Will shares stories about his recent Love Rocks NYC fundraiser, memorable moments with guests like Martin Short, reflections on his 39th year in sobriety, encounters with the enigmatic Andy Kaufman, and his experiences as a studio musician during his tenure with "Late Night" and "The Late Show." Plus, dive into his passion for The Beatles and his band, which includes Conan O’Brien band alum Jimmy Vivino and the Fab Faux! This episode is proudly sponsored by hello-deli.com, the official source for Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Visit their website to find unique memorabilia and show your support for the iconic late-night program. Remember to like, share, subscribe, and leave positive comments for The Letterman Podcast! Your engagement helps us grow and continue bringing you more fascinating interviews and stories from the world of late-night television. #WillLee #LateNightMusic #BassPlayer #LateNightTV #LateNightHistory #TelevisionHistory #LateNightLegends #LateNightWithDavidLetterman #TheLateShow #LateNightTalkShow #MusicIndustry #LateNightPodcast #TVPodcast #ComedyPodcast #TalkShowHistory #LateNightCulture #LateNightEntertainment #TVTalk #LateNightWithMike #DavidLetterman #MusicLegends #LateShowBand #TheBeatles #JimmyVivino #fabfaux

🎙️ Episode 123 of The Letterman Podcast features the return of our good friend, Scott Ryan. Among his many books, Scott wrote “The Last Days of Letterman,” chronicling the final six weeks of David Letterman’s legendary late-night run. He’s also penned oral histories on “30 Something” and “Moonlighting,” multiple books about David Lynch and Twin Peaks, and has a new book coming out, “The Last Decade of Cinema,” focusing on pivotal 1990s films.

🎤 Scott and Mike always have fantastic dialogues, and in this episode, we dive into Letterman, Conan O’Brien’s return to “The Tonight Show,” and his memorable appearance on “Hot Ones.”

Scott’s publishing company is found at tuckerdspress.com, and we happily endorse purchasing materials directly for signed copies. Heck, buy some for your friend too!

🥪 This episode is brought to you by hello-deli.com, where you can find official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Rupert Jee packs each order with love and kindness, which although not seen, can be felt by both the empathic and unbalanced.

👍 Don’t forget to like, share, subscribe, and leave positive comments for The Letterman Podcast! Your support means the world to us. Okay, perhaps not the world. But it means a lot. More than a bag of potatoes for sure.

Join us for a special two-year anniversary celebration of The Letterman Podcast! This episode is dedicated to every guest who has generously shared their time, everyone who has contributed behind-the-scenes, and our incredible viewers and listeners who have embraced us as we stumble forward.

In this milestone episode, we’re honored to welcome Helen Halford and her uncle Preston Bealle, the winners of The Late Show with David Letterman Marquee from the Ed Sullivan Theater. David Letterman raffled off the iconic sign in a contest open to the public as a benefit for Habitat for Humanity.

Preston, who was actually present at the legendary Beatles performance at the Ed Sullivan Theater back in 1965, will serve as the keeper of the marquee. Tune in to hear their unique, serendipitous story!

And of course, we can’t forget to thank our wonderful sponsor, hello-deli.com, the only source for official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, run by the culinary legend himself, Rupert Jee.

Lastly, we’re deeply grateful for the support we’ve received over the last two years. This episode is a tribute to all who have been a part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support!Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to The Letterman Podcast for more entertaining episodes!

Get ready for an enlightening conversation on Episode 121 of The Letterman Podcast, featuring television historian Allison Lips. With a profound interest and deep knowledge of the history of the medium, Allison joins us for a deep dive into the world of late-night television.

During our discussion, Allison shares her love, appreciation, and expertise for the late-night genre, past, and present, highlighting the impact of iconic figures like David Letterman and Conan O’Brien.

We explore the highlights of their respective careers and compare the legacies of these two giants of late-night comedy.

In addition to her passion for television history, Allison is a multifaceted professional, having served as an Adjunct Professor at Rowan University, where she taught Television History and Appreciation, focusing on the dynamic era of the 1960s-1970s. Also, at the time of this recording she is a millennial in her early 30's. How did she develop such a passion for this stuff? Ya gotta watch/listen to find out!

With experience as a Data Analyst and Content & Pop Culture Writer, Allison’s expertise has been featured in Toastmaster Magazine and HowStuffWorks.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Allison Lips as we explore the rich tapestry of late-night television history and its enduring impact on popular culture.

And don’t forget to visit hello-deli.com, your one-stop shop for official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, curated by the legendary Rupert Jee!

Like, share, and subscribe to The Letterman Podcast to stay updated on all our latest episodes and interviews!

Get ready for an engaging conversation on Episode 120 of The Letterman Podcast, featuring the talented graphic artist, Bill Shortridge. Bill’s illustrious career spans several iconic television projects, including his work with NBC during the early years of ‘Saturday Night Live,’ David Letterman’s morning show, and ‘Late Night with David Letterman.’ As a graphic artist, Bill made significant contributions to the comedy landscape, including creating the iconic Eddie Murphy comedy sketch album cover for ‘Buh Weet Sings,’ and producing bumpers for Letterman’s morning show and comedic pieces. Notably, Bill’s exceptional work earned him an Emmy nomination for his contributions to ‘The Morning Show,’ and in this episode, we delve into his fascinating journey in television production, including some special anecdotes about his Emmy-nominated work. Keep your eyes peeled during this episode for an ironic spelling mistake – we’re calling on eagle-eyed viewers to find it and reach out to us. The first person to spot it wins a special prize! Special thanks to Don Giller for providing all the screen captures featured in this episode. And let’s not forget our sponsor: hello-deli.com, your go-to destination for official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, curated by the legendary Rupert Jee! Join us in spreading the joy of The Letterman Podcast – like, share, subscribe, and leave positive comments! Your support keeps the laughter alive! Now, without further ado, enjoy Episode 120 with Bill Shortridge! #TheLettermanPodcast #BillShortridge #GraphicArtist #TelevisionProduction #ComedyHistory #HelloDeli #LateShowMerchandise #SpreadTheLaughter #LikeShareSubscribe #ComedyCommunity #TVProduction #FunnyAnecdotes #LegendaryGuests

Get ready for an enlightening conversation as we welcome Donick Cary to The Letterman Podcast! Donick’s comedy journey began in Nantucket, where he dreamt of working for David Letterman. His aspiration became a reality when he landed an internship at ‘Late Night with David Letterman,’ which eventually led to a position as a writer on the iconic late-night show. From intern to writer, Donick’s journey reflects his passion and dedication to the world of comedy. He witnessed the transition to ‘Late Show with David Letterman’ and even served as the head writer for the legendary program, leaving an indelible mark on late-night television. From there, Donick’s career soared as he contributed his comedic talents to projects like ‘The Simpsons’ and ‘Lil’ Bush: Resident of the United States,’ showcasing his versatility and humor. And let’s not forget our sponsor: hello-deli.com, your one-stop shop for official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, lovingly curated by the legendary Rupert Jee! Join us in spreading the joy of The Letterman Podcast – like, share, subscribe, and leave positive comments! Your support keeps the laughter alive! Now, without further ado, enjoy Episode 119 with Donick Cary!

Get ready for a musical journey! Episode 118 of The Letterman Podcast, features the incredible horn blower, Al Chez! 🎺

Join Al and Mike as they dive into Al’s fascinating musical background, from his formative years playing on the Jersey Shore with fellow musicians like Bruce Kapler and a young Jon Bon Jovi, to his first encounters with Late-Night legends Paul Shaffer and Will Lee.

Discover how Al’s journey led him to become a supporting musician on Late Night with David Letterman, to how he got the gig as a regular player in the CBS Orchestra, endorsed by none other than David Letterman himself!

In this episode, we uncover some of the special musical moments Al has been a part of, including his legendary rendition of the iconic Matador fanfare that always played out Don Rickles, his being part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame house band, and being regular golf buddies with Alan Kalter.

And don’t forget to check out our sponsor: hello-deli.com, your one-stop shop for official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, curated by the legendary Rupert Jee himself!

We implore our listeners to join the fun – like, share, and subscribe to The Letterman Podcast for more entertaining episodes!

Welcome back to The Letterman Podcast! Episode 117 brings us another delightful conversation with former OG Letterman Writer, Steve Winer, making his third appearance on the show! 🎙️

As one of the original writers for Late Night with David Letterman, Steve joins Mike for a fun-filled chat about comedy, sharing memories from the iconic late-night show, and reflecting on his time writing for the Mickey Mouse Club and much more.

This episode also marks the one year anniversary of the passing of the late Rick Scheckman, a beloved Letterman alum who played a significant role in bringing Steve and Mike together.

In addition, we touch on the recent passing of long-time Late Show director, Jerry Foley, reflecting on his contributions to the show’s legacy.

And of course, we can’t forget our sponsor: hello-deli.com, curated by culinary legend Rupert Jee himself. Check out their collection of official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise!

We implore our listeners to like, share, subscribe, and leave positive comments for the show. Your support means the world to us, and doing so will most likely help you get babes, whatever that term means to you.

Get ready for laughs and insights as The Letterman Podcast welcomes back the legendary Steve Young for Episode 116! 🎙️ \

Join Mike as he catches up with one of the most prolific writers in the history of the David Letterman mythos.

In this episode, Steve shares exciting updates on his current projects, including both the short and long-form comedic music he is creating and his delightful and insightful one-man show about industrial musicals inspired by the cult documentary, “Bathtubs Over Broadway.”

And through it all, Steve’s creative genius shines through.Of course, we also dive into some unforgettable stories from Steve’s time working for David Letterman, offering a behind-the-scenes peek into the iconic late-night show.

And as always, this episode is brought to you by hello-deli.com, the ultimate destination for official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, curated by the one and only Rupert Jee himself!

Don’t miss out on the fun – like, share, and subscribe to The Letterman Podcast! Let’s spread the laughter together and keep the good times rolling! 😄📺

And now, without further ado, enjoy Episode 116 of The Letterman Podcast!

Get ready for a nostalgic journey as The Letterman Podcast welcomes Len Goldberg to Episode 115! Len, a dedicated Letterman enthusiast for over four decades, joins host Mike for a captivating discussion about his enduring memories and encounters with the show over the years.

Len and Mike delve into a significant moment in Letterman history: May 21, 2015 – a day some fans refer to as ‘D-Day.’ This was the day that CBS discarded the iconic set from The Late Show with David Letterman, and threw it into dumpsters for all to witness.

Len, who was present on that fateful day, shares his firsthand experience and the emotional impact of witnessing the dismantling of this beloved symbol of late-night television.

Don’t miss out on this poignant conversation that offers a unique perspective on the legacy of Letterman and the enduring devotion of its fans.

And as always, The Letterman Podcast is proudly brought to you by hello-deli.com, your go-to destination for official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, handpicked with care by Rupert Jee himself.

Get ready for a trip down memory lane as The Letterman Podcast welcomes back former Late Show with David Letterman writer Jeremy Weiner for Episode 114! 🎉

Join Mike for a front seat view as Jeremy unveils a long-sealed box from his attic, filled with cherished memories and keepsakes from his time at Late Show, in a special show-and-tell episode.

In this fun-filled instalment, Mike and Jeremy reminisce about the comedy bit that was shot but never made it to fruition in ‘Late Show: The Movie.’ They also compare the comedy sensibilities of Late Show to those of Conan O’Brien, offering fascinating insights into the world of late-night humor. Plus, Jeremy shares what might just be the greatest intern story we’ve heard yet - you won’t want to miss it!

And now, a word from our sponsor: The Letterman Podcast is proudly brought to you by hello-deli.com, the one-stop shop for official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, handpicked with love by Rupert Jee himself. If you want to support the show and grab some fantastic merch, look no further than hello-deli.com!

We implore our viewers and listeners to like, share, subscribe, and leave positive comments for the show. Let’s spread the love and laughter together! 📺🎙️

Get ready for a mammoth episode of The Letterman Podcast as we welcome game show historian Adam Nedeff to the mic for Episode 113. Join Mike as he and Adam embark on a deep dive into the captivating world of game shows, late-night television, and the intersection of both.

In this episode, Mike and Adam explore David Letterman’s fascinating history with game shows while breaking into show business in California. From his participation as a contestant to the potential of hosting, they delve into Letterman’s early connections to the genre and its impact on his career trajectory. They also unravel the layers of Merv Griffin’s influence on comedians through his talk show and game show developments.

As one of the top experts on game shows globally, Adam provides unparalleled insights into the history, evolution, and cultural significance of these beloved programs. From classic formats to iconic moments, they leave no stone unturned in their exploration.

Adam shares his meticulous deconstruction of all 540 photos in the final montage of the Late Show with David Letterman finale, offering a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes magic of late-night television.

And don’t forget to tune in for our sponsor shoutout: The Letterman Podcast is proudly sponsored by hello–deli.com, your premier destination for official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, meticulously curated by Rupert Jee himself.

Get ready for a momentous occasion on The Letterman Podcast as we welcome back the incomparable Bill Carter for Episode 112.

With a career deeply intertwined with the fabric of late-night TV, Bill Carter’s insights and perspectives are unparalleled.

In this episode, Mike and Bill enjoy another captivating conversation, exploring a myriad of topics that have shaped the landscape of late-night television. From the recently announced return of Jon Stewart to The Daily Show, to the emergence of the new show After Midnight, which replaced The Late Late Show on CBS, and David Letterman’s return to the Ed Sullivan Theater as a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, there’s no shortage of compelling insights to uncover. Tune in as we delve into these fascinating developments and much more.

The Letterman Podcast is proudly sponsored by hello–deli.com, your go-to destination for official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, curated with love by Rupert Jee himself.

Finally, The Letterman Podcast has a Stupid Human Trick participant as our guest! No wagering please. In this episode, we welcome the incredible Chris Clark, a two-time participant in the iconic Stupid Human Tricks segment on Late Show with David Letterman.

Join host Mike as Chris recounts his twice-in-a-lifetime experience, sharing the behind-the-scenes tales of performing not only on Letterman but also on iconic shows like Tonight Show with Jay Leno, America’s Got Talent, and alongside Rachel Ray.

In this episode, Chris takes us on a journey through the thrilling process of being chosen for Late Show, the order of events leading up to their performance, and the unforgettable moments of being produced for a worldwide audience. Hear about his enduring friendship with performing partner Ken, who still works for Kroger, and the joy of returning to Late Show years later for an encore performance.

And now, a special message from our sponsor: The Letterman Podcast is proudly brought to you by hello-deli.com, the exclusive destination for officially licensed Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Rupert Jee personally packs each order with love, ensuring you get a slice of late-night nostalgia.

Please Like, share, or subscribe to The Letterman Podcast - It can be YOUR Stupid Human Trick. Unless you are a bot.

Welcome to Episode 110 of The Letterman Podcast! 🎙️ Join your host Mike and the legendary cue card professional, Wally Feresten, for a delightful conversation that spans nearly 35 years of late-night television history. Wally has been the go-to cue card guy for iconic shows like Late Night with David Letterman, Saturday Night Live, Late Night with Seth Myers, and more, thanks to his start with the legendary Tony Mendez.In this episode, Mike and Wally delve into the fascinating journey of how Wally, along with his brother Spike, entered show business. Get ready for behind-the-scenes stories from the set of Saturday Night Live, where Wally worked extensively with so many of the iconic players, including the unforgettable Norm McDonald. Discover how he and Calvert de Forest rocked Woodstock ‘94, and, of course, dive into a treasure trove of stories about the productions of David Letterman from Wally’s unique perspective.This episode is brought to you by hello–deli.com, owned by the one and only Rupert Jee. It’s not just a deli; it’s the exclusive destination for official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Rupert guarantees more satisfaction than a Top Ten List.And now, a request from Mike: Share the love! Like, subscribe, and leave positive comments for The Letterman Podcast. Your support keeps the late-night stories flowing. And Mike's fragile self esteem intact. Ah, who are we kidding? That was shattered year's ago.🔗 #TheLettermanPodcast #WallyFeresten #DavidLetterman #LateNightTV #ComedyLegends #CueCardMaster #SNLHistory #NormMcDonald #Woodstock94 #PodcastLife #HelloDeli #LateShowMerch #LateNightStories #ShowbizJourney #PodcastCommunity #LateNightMemories #TopTenList #LettermanFans #ShareTheLove”#nbc #cbs #lateshowwithdavidletterman #talkshow

Welcome to Episode 109 of The Letterman Podcast! 🎙️ In this enlightening installment, we’re joined by the talented Jon Beckerman, a Harvard alum and seasoned writer who played a pivotal role in the late-night legacy of David Letterman & Company.

Jon’s journey of comedic destiny began at Harvard, where he became part of the prestigious Harvard Lampoon, rubbing shoulders with some of comedy’s best writers and performers. His career took off when he joined Late Night with David Letterman as a writer a year before the historic transition to CBS. Jon also served as the head writer for the Late Show with David Letterman, contributing to the show’s iconic humor.

In this insightful, heartfelt and vulnerable conversation, Jon shares insights into his mentorship and friendship with Rob Burnett, detailing their collaboration on co-creating the series Ed for David Letterman’s production company, Worldwide Pants. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the beloved show Ed.

Joining us for part of the episode is Letterman historian, Don Giller, providing additional layers to our exploration of late-night history.

The Letterman Podcast is proudly sponsored by hello–deli.com, owned by the charismatic Rupert Jee. It’s not just a deli; it’s the official hub for Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Need a coffee mug that’s seen more late nights than you have? Rupert’s got you covered. Feeling the urge to don the iconic Late Show hat? Look no further.

Rupert Jee, the maestro behind hello–deli.com, invites you to grab a slice of late-night history with a side of humor. It’s the only place where Late Show enthusiasts can shop for official merchandise, carefully curated to survive even the most extended Top Ten Lists.

As we say in the late-night business, skip the cue cards and head straight to hello–deli.com for all your Late Show nostalgia needs. Rupert guarantees a delivery faster than Letterman delivering a punchline—well, almost. We also invite you to like, share, subscribe, and leave positive comments for The Letterman Podcast. Your support fuels our passion for uncovering the untold stories of late-night TV. Also, Mike thrives on positive reinforcement, and as you might imagine, doesn't get it very much.

Welcome to another captivating episode of The Letterman Podcast! 🎙️

In today’s installment, we immerse ourselves in the world of Warren Zevon alongside a special guest, his official historian, Adam Unger. What unfolds when two dedicated individuals, Mike and Adam, bonded by their passion for preserving and celebrating the timeless legacies of David Letterman and Warren Zevon, come together?

Join us for a podcast episode brimming with insights, laughter, and a shared journey through the remarkable works of these iconic figures.

As Mike and Adam discuss, we delve into the fascinating story of how Adam became Warren Zevon’s historian. In addition, we explore the archive and noteworthy work he has done for the band Queen, adding another layer to the narrative.

But that’s not all! Our riveting conversation includes the Letterman archivist, Don Giller. The three casually explore topics ranging from Bob Dylan’s Zevon connections to reminiscing about the unforgettable moments Warren graced Letterman’s stage, The Beatles, and much more.

Get ready for a journey through the intersections of comedy, music, and late-night television in Episode 108 of The Letterman Podcast. Let’s uncover the stories that make these legacies truly timeless.

The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by hello-deli.com which is the only source for Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Rupert Jee packs each order with love, so shop early and often.

Tom Snyder, who passed away in 2007, was a broadcast legend who has deep connections to the David Letterman mythos.

For years he followed Johnny Carson's Tonight Show by hosting 'The Tomorrow Show,' a long form conversation television program featuring world class panelists from entertainment, politics, and pop culture. David Letterman was a dedicated viewer of the program and made multiple appearances on the show as a guest.

When 'Late Night with David Letterman' began it replaced the Tomorrow Show and Tom, continuing his broadcasting career, worked on multiple projects, including his radio/television show on CNBC.

In 1994 when it was time for David Letterman to pick the first host for the show that would follow Late Show with David Letterman, Dave knew who he wanted, and on January 9th 1995, The Late Late Show with Tom Snyder was born.

This episode of The Letterman Podcast is hopefully our first of many episodes focused on Tom. We are very pleased that his daughter Annie has joined us for a really nice conversation about her dad, and she shares insights on many of the things we love about Tom, and hints at a few upcoming projects based around him and his incredible body of work. She has also given us her blessing to show footage of Tom and his programs as well, for which we are very grateful. We also show footage of the press conference announcing Tom's move to CBS as well. The audio on that is a little lower because the footage is old.

The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by hello-deli.com your only source for official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Run by Rupert Jee himself, hello-deli.com is a wonderful place to buy gifts for yourself and all your friends, family, teammates and rivals.

Please #like #share #subscribe and leave a positive comment for our show. C'mon, do it for Dave. Which Dave, you can choose for yourself.

In our last episode produced in 2023, we are proud to release our year in review, part 2. The second half of 2023 was an active one in the world of The Letterman Podcast.

The chief event of the year was the shocking, yet inevitable news that Rupert and May sold the Hello Deli, and the retirement party that Worldwide Pants threw for them at the Ed Sullivan Theater.

Other highlights from the show included more Late Late show exploration, our summer intern series, finally getting some folks from the control room on the show, among many, many more. This episode includes clips from most of those shows, reflections about the amazing year that The Letterman Podcast enjoyed, and setting goals for 2024 and beyond.

We just wanted to take a moment and thank each and every person who gave some of their time to watch or listen to The Letterman Podcast this year. Your support is invaluable to us, and we will strive to continue to improve our content and how we produce and deliver it moving forward. Seeing the community grow is wonderful. Feel free to come share in the fun in our group on The Facebook, and look for other social media presences to be expanded this next coming year.

Many folks have asked how they can support us. Without being cliché, the best way is to #like #share #subscribe to our program on the platform you consume it--and then all the other ones as well-- and leave positive comments.

The Letterman Podcast has one sponsor and one sponsor only: hello-deli.comThe only source for official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, hello-deli.com is a must visit! A wonderful source for gifts too! And when you visit there, know that Rupert Jee himself packs and sends out your order with love.

#thanksdave #thanksrupert #letterman #davidletterman #latenight #lateshow #comedy #thelettermanpodcast #latenightwithdavidletterman #lateshowwithdavidletterman #hellodeli #talkshow #comedian #podcast #history #entertainment

The first complete calendar year for #thelettermanpodcast is nearly in the books, so we decided to dedicate a couple of episodes to look back on some of the highlights the #podcast created during 2023.

In this episode we show over 20 clips of different guests we had on the show during the first six months of the year. Mike also talks about some of the highs and lows the show experienced, and he sets some intentions for the next year as well.

We just want to take a moment to thank everyone who has watched or listened to us this past 12 months. It has been an absolute pleasure bringing this show to you and we look forward to what 2024 has in store for us all!

For those who want to interact with the show even more, check out our group on #facebook

The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by hello-deli.com, your only source for licensed Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. The man, the myth, the legend himself, Rupert Jee runs hello-deli.com and we could not be more proud to have him as a friend of the show.

Please #like #share and #subscribe to this program. It really helps our self esteem.

#thanksdave #Letterman #davidletterman #latenight #lateshow #latenightwithdavidletterman #lateshowwithdavidletterman #cbs #nbc #comedy #talkshow #morty #paulshaffer

Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays from #thelettermanpodcast

In this episode Mike makes a spontaneous, surprise appearance on Sandra Bernhard's radio show, where the decision is made that she will indeed appear as a guest on a future episode of The Letterman Podcast!

He also shares his reaction to the special episode 100 compilation we released over the past few weeks, and shows a few clips from The Letterman Podcast Christmas past!

The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by hello-deli.com, your only source for official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise! Run by our friend Rupert Jee, hello-deli.com is a must see for anybody who wants a Late Show shirt, or mug, and is a perfect place to get a gift for the Letterman enthusiast in your life.

Please #like #share and #subscribe to our show. Everyone who does might one day achieve their goal of riding a pony. #thanksdave #letterman #davidletterman #latenight #lateshow #cbs #nbc #comedy #talkshow #sandrabernhard #sandyland #thecomedystore

The Letterman Podcast's 100th episode 4-Part extravaganza comes to a close with this final instalment.

A VERY special thanks to Don Giller for spending countless hours sifting through footage from The Letterman Podcast's first 100 episodes, and build the unique narrative that he did.

We also thank each and every guest that took the time to go down memory lane with us, and share thoughts and moments that were meaningful to them. The Letterman Podcast's host Mike Chisholm asked if I might put something together to help commemorate his 100th episode.
Rather than select highlights and best-of conversations, I decided to try to craft a behind-the-scenes narrative of Dave’s talk show history as told by many of Mike’s podcast guests — the writers, producers, musicians, and network executives who worked for and with Dave throughout his 35-year tenure at NBC and CBS.
The narrative is distributed in four parts:
Part 4: Epilogue and bonus clips
The roster of the guests selected include:
Amy Cherin Humes, Assistant to the Director
Bill Carter, Author
Carter Bays, Late Show Writer
Chris Harris, LS Writer
Chris Schukei, Assistant to the Music Director
Craig Thomas, LS Writer
Daniel Kellison, Late Night, LS Producer
Dave Rygalski, LN Writer
Felicia Collins, LS Musician
Fred Graver, LN Writer
Gabe Abelson, LS Monologue Head
George Schweitzer, CBS Chief Marketing Officer
Gerard Mulligan, LN Writer and Segment Producer, LS Writer
Jeff Martin, LN Writer
Jeremy Weiner, LS Writer
Joe Grossman, LS Writer
Jonathan Green, LS Writer
Lee Ellenberg, LS Writer
Matt Roberts, LS Head Writer, Executive Producer
Paul Shaffer, LN and LS Music Director
Robert Morton, LN Producer, LS Executive Producer
Rupert Jee, Proprietor, Hello Deli
Stephen Winer, LN Writer
Steve O'Donnell, LN Head Writer, LS Writer
Steve Young, LN and LS Writer
Tim Kennedy, LS Technical Director
Tom Malone, LS Musician
Tom Ruprecht, LS Writer
Vinnie Favale, CBS Vice President, Late Night Entertainment, East Coast
Will Lee, LN and LS Musician
Some details become blurred from long-dormant memories — a Viewer Mail letter is actually a separate, stand-alone comedy piece; a timeline might be off by a year or two. But the substance of those memories are precise and vivid, and they offer a heretofore untold look into the creation of material as well as fresh perspectives from the personalities that helped mold a culture-defining legacy.
Great thanks to Worldwide Pants for granting permission to share some of its owned and licensed content and to Mike for soliciting so much essential history from his guests.

#thelettermanpodcast is pleased to present the continuation of our 100th episode celebration. The definitive archivist of #davidletterman material #dongiller has gone to painstaking efforts to organize highlights of the hundreds of hours we have filmed so far to create a 4 part compilation of the #behindthescenes moments of the #letterman timeline as discussed on the #podcast In this third instalment, the focus is on the Late Show with David Letterman Years.

From Don Giller:

The Letterman Podcast's host Mike Chisholm asked if I might put something together to help commemorate his 100th episode. Rather than select highlights and best-of conversations, I decided to try to craft a behind-the-scenes narrative of Dave’s talk show history as told by many of Mike’s podcast guests — the writers, producers, musicians, and network executives who worked for and with Dave throughout his 35-year tenure at NBC and CBS. The narrative is distributed in four parts. This week's episode:

Part 3: Late Show on CBS, 1993-2015

The roster of the guests selected include:

Amy Cherin Humes, Assistant to the Director

Bill Carter, Author

Carter Bays, Late Show Writer

Chris Harris, LS Writer

Chris Schukei, Assistant to the Music Director

Craig Thomas, LS Writer

Daniel Kellison, Late Night, LS Producer

Dave Rygalski, LN WriterFelicia Collins, LS Musician

Fred Graver, LN Writer

Gabe Abelson, LS Monologue Head

George Schweitzer, CBS Chief Marketing Officer

Gerard Mulligan, LN Writer and Segment Producer, LS Writer

Jeff Martin, LN Writer

Jeremy Weiner, LS Writer

Joe Grossman, LS WriterJonathan Green, LS Writer

Lee Ellenberg, LS Writer

Matt Roberts, LS Head Writer, Executive Producer

Paul Shaffer, LN and LS Music Director

Robert Morton, LN Producer, LS Executive Producer

Rupert Jee, Proprietor, Hello Deli

Stephen Winer, LN Writer

Steve O'Donnell, LN Head Writer, LS Writer

Steve Young, LN and LS Writer

Tim Kennedy, LS Technical Director

Tom Malone, LS Musician

Tom Ruprecht, LS Writer

Vinnie Favale, CBS Vice President, Late Night Entertainment, East Coast

Will Lee, LN and LS Musician

Some details become blurred from long-dormant memories — a Viewer Mail letter is actually a separate, stand-alone comedy piece; a timeline might be off by a year or two. But the substance of those memories are precise and vivid, and they offer a heretofore untold look into the creation of material as well as fresh perspectives from the personalities that helped mold a culture-defining legacy. Great thanks to Worldwide Pants for granting permission to share some of its owned and licensed content and to Mike for soliciting so much essential history from his guests.

#thanksdave #comedy #talkshow #comedywriter #comedywriting #executiveproducer #edsullivantheater #30rock #paulshaffer #willlee #feliciacollins #morty #conanobrien #billcarter #thelateshift #latenight #lateshow #latenightwithdavidletterman #lateshowwithdavidletterman#rupertjee #hellodeli #davidletterman #lateshow #cbs #worldwidepants

The Letterman Podcast's host Mike Chisholm asked if I might put something together to help commemorate his 100th episode.
Rather than select highlights and best-of conversations, I decided to try to craft a behind-the-scenes narrative of Dave’s talk show history as told by many of Mike’s podcast guests — the writers, producers, musicians, and network executives who worked for and with Dave throughout his 35-year tenure at NBC and CBS.
Part 2: The transition from NBC to CBS, 1993
The roster of the guests selected include:
Amy Cherin Humes, Assistant to the Director
Bill Carter, Author
Carter Bays, Late Show Writer
Chris Harris, LS Writer
Chris Schukei, Assistant to the Music Director
Craig Thomas, LS Writer
Daniel Kellison, Late Night, LS Producer
Dave Rygalski, LN Writer
Felicia Collins, LS Musician
Fred Graver, LN Writer
Gabe Abelson, LS Monologue Head
George Schweitzer, CBS Chief Marketing Officer
Gerard Mulligan, LN Writer and Segment Producer, LS Writer
Jeff Martin, LN Writer
Jeremy Weiner, LS Writer
Joe Grossman, LS Writer
Jonathan Green, LS Writer
Lee Ellenberg, LS Writer
Matt Roberts, LS Head Writer, Executive Producer
Paul Shaffer, LN and LS Music Director
Robert Morton, LN Producer, LS Executive Producer
Rupert Jee, Proprietor, Hello Deli
Stephen Winer, LN Writer
Steve O'Donnell, LN Head Writer, LS Writer
Steve Young, LN and LS Writer
Tim Kennedy, LS Technical Director
Tom Malone, LS Musician
Tom Ruprecht, LS Writer
Vinnie Favale, CBS Vice President, Late Night Entertainment, East Coast
Will Lee, LN and LS Musician
Some details become blurred from long-dormant memories — a Viewer Mail letter is actually a separate, stand-alone comedy piece; a timeline might be off by a year or two. But the substance of those memories are precise and vivid, and they offer a heretofore untold look into the creation of material as well as fresh perspectives from the personalities that helped mold a culture-defining legacy.
Great thanks to Worldwide Pants for granting permission to share some of its owned and licensed content and to Mike for soliciting so much essential history from his guests.

To Celebrate our 100th episode, we brought in a ringer. The foremost David Letterman Archivist Don Giller has pieced together a 4 part look back at the first 100 episodes of The Letterman Podcast. From Don:

A David Letterman Talk Show Narrative, Part 1 of 4: Late Night
The Letterman Podcast's host Mike Chisholm asked if I might put something together to help commemorate his 100th episode.
Rather than select highlights and best-of conversations, I decided to try to craft a behind-the-scenes narrative of Dave’s talk show history as told by many of Mike’s podcast guests — the writers, producers, musicians, and network executives who worked for and with Dave throughout his 35-year tenure at NBC and CBS.
The narrative is distributed in four parts:
Part 1: Late Night on NBC, 1982-1993
Part 2: The transition from NBC to CBS, 1993
Part 3: Late Show on CBS, 1993-2015
Part 4: Epilogue and bonus clips
The roster of the guests selected include:
Amy Cherin Humes, Assistant to the Director
Bill Carter, Author
Carter Bays, Late Show Writer
Chris Harris, LS Writer
Chris Schukei, Assistant to the Music Director
Craig Thomas, LS Writer
Daniel Kellison, Late Night, LS Producer
Dave Rygalski, LN Writer
Felicia Collins, LS Musician
Fred Graver, LN Writer
Gabe Abelson, LS Monologue Head
George Schweitzer, CBS Chief Marketing Officer
Gerard Mulligan, LN Writer and Segment Producer, LS Writer
Jeff Martin, LN Writer
Jeremy Weiner, LS Writer
Joe Grossman, LS Writer
Jonathan Green, LS Writer
Lee Ellenberg, LS Writer
Matt Roberts, LS Head Writer, Executive Producer
Paul Shaffer, LN and LS Music Director
Robert Morton, LN Producer, LS Executive Producer
Rupert Jee, Proprietor, Hello Deli
Stephen Winer, LN Writer
Steve O'Donnell, LN Head Writer, LS Writer
Steve Young, LN and LS Writer
Tim Kennedy, LS Technical Director
Tom Malone, LS Musician
Tom Ruprecht, LS Writer
Vinnie Favale, CBS Vice President, Late Night Entertainment, East Coast
Will Lee, LN and LS Musician
Some details become blurred from long-dormant memories — a Viewer Mail letter is actually a separate, stand-alone comedy piece; a timeline might be off by a year or two. But the substance of those memories are precise and vivid, and they offer a heretofore untold look into the creation of material as well as fresh perspectives from the personalities that helped mold a culture-defining legacy.
Great thanks to Worldwide Pants for granting permission to share some of its owned and licensed content and to Mike for eliciting so much essential history from his guests.

Before Janice Penino went to work for #worldwidepants to head up their #hr department she worked for #wnbc during the #howardstern years, and ultimately heading the #nbc Page program.

When #davidletterman moved to #cbs Pants needed to create entire departments to administer the show, such as ticketing and HR. Janice did all that and more, and was a major force in developing those departments, evolving into running the famous #lateshow internship program.

Janice and Mike have a delightful conversation about where she came from, how her role evolved as the company did, and of course, the interns she hired, many of whom went on to have unbelievable careers in entertainment.

#thelettermanpodcast is brought to you by #rupertjee and hello-deli.com your only source for Late Show with David Letterman official merchandise. Head over there right now and purchase a plethora of shirts, mugs, hats for you and your friend. Please #like #share #subscribe and leave a nice comment about our show. We have it on good authority if you do, a real honest-to-goodness unicorn will actually be born on this planet in the next 4 months. #thanksdave #latenight #comedy #talkshow

Marc Karzen is back on The Letterman Podcast the first time since episode 2! Marc, the Late Night with David Letterman photographer who took the pictures that would come to be known as 'Late Night Bumpers,' and Mike have an even more in depth conversation about the process of building these iconic shots. He also shares some pictures and behind the scenes stories he has about Bob Dylan, Hunter Thompson, James Brown, and going to SNL afterparties with Bill Shortridge. Go to Latenightbumpers.com where you can see Marc's work and purchase prints as well as the Late Night Bumpers book.

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For Dan Flaherty, the television business is a family thing. Like his father and grandfather before him, Dan has made his living in broadcasting, the vast majority, being a camera man at the highest level. Major sporting events like the World Series (where he met his wife in the stands as he filmed the game), The Olympics, and a lot of Late Show with David Letterman are just some of the moments Flaherty filmed.

Dan, who is still working for CBS and hoping to get a full-time gig for Colbert, takes time out of his extremely busy, many times unpredictable schedule to join Mike on The Letterman Podcast and tell the story of how he came to work for Late Show and talk about the behind the scenes of some of the legendary things he got to capture for us, the viewing audience, to collectively see.

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Amy began her adventure with Late Show with David Letterman as a CBS page before becoming assistant to Jerry Foley right as he was taking over as the show's director from legendary Hal Gurnee. She and Mike have a delightful dialog about what a day in her life looked like working for the show during her different career incarnations. Amy talks about how she busted her butt working for the CBS Morning News WHILE working for Letterman and Company so she could get into the union and be allowed to be a stage manager, and what it was like on the occasions she got to manage Dave's stage.

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Costume Designer Susan Hum is back for a special Halloween themed edition of The Letterman Podcast. One of the longest running bits in Letterman history took place annually on Halloween. Each year for 32 seasons, kids would show up at Dave's 'front-door' dressed in clever, ornate, and hilarious costumes designed by Sue and her support teams.

In this episode of The Letterman Podcast, Sue is back to talk to Mike specifically about the spooky tradition, and give our audience insights as to the conception, planning, and creating of these fantastic costumes. Who came up with the ideas? How long did they take to make? How expensive were these works of art?

These questions and many, many more are discussed in this episode, where Sue also shares with us some of her original sketches, many which have never been shared until today.

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This episode features the 'Dying to do Letterman' guy, who thankfully is still alive and well!

Steve Mazan is an Emmy award winning stand-up comedian as well as the host and ringleader of the 'Mazan Movie Club' which can be found on the major podcast platforms, at https://mazanmovieclub.libsyn.com and on The Facebook.

Back in 2011 Steve was the focus of the documentary 'Dying to do Letterman,' which chronicled his quest fulfill his dream to do a stand-up set on Late Show with David Letterman after receiving a cancer diagnosis.

Steve and Mike have a fantastic conversation of their mutual appreciation of Letterman's shows, the behind the scenes details of the documentary that took over 5 years to make, and what Steve is up to now.

They also talk about how Steve nearly got his ass blown up in the middle east entertaining the troops.

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In this second tribute episode to Rupert Jee and May Chin's retirement from active duty at the Hello Deli, Darin Cox and Don Giller join Mike to talk about the celebration at the Ed Sullivan Theater they were fortunate enough to attend. They also discuss going for dinner the next night with the three Steve's (O'Donnell, Winer and Young) along with Rupert and Irene and other highlights of that magical weekend in New York.

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After a 32 year run, Rupert Jee and May Chin have sold the Hello Deli. Their culturally relevant tiny restaurant was equipped with only a couple of tables, perfect for lucky customers to occupy and get a front row seat to Late Show staffers, Late Show guests, or Late Show fans showing up to visit Rupert. He dispensed wisdom , superior listening skills, and of course, sandwich's.

Rupert entertained the world audience by just being himself, a perfect character for Late Show, holding the distinction of having the most total appearances on the program, at 455.

David Letterman's production company, Worldwide Pants, threw Rupert and May a retirement party on October 6, 2023, in the lobby of the Ed Sullivan Theater. Mike and Candace were there. Mike spoke at the event, and even got a couple pity laughs. This episode of The Letterman Podcast is a breakdown of the Letterman-historic event, and a few extra stories, including a bit where Stephen Colbert personally enjoys this show. We're as surprised as you are. That dude is book smart, man.

We are proud, ever so proud in fact, of the relationship we have with Rupert, May, and the Hello Deli. We will always count them as friends and founders of this show; all they want to do is tell their Late Show family how much they love and miss them. Every, single, one of them. Donz too.

While the Deli may be changing hands, Rupert and May are still here, and we cannot wait to see them at another reunion down the line.

Oh yeah. Go to hello-deli.com and buy something. Now. Lets send him out with a bang in the pocket book.

Incidentally, 'Bang in the Pocketbook' or 'BITP' was the name of our band in collage.

John Filo is a Pulitzer Prize winning photographer and has shot groundbreaking events in the world of news, sports and entertainment for over 5 decades. For over 20 years, he was a photographer for CBS, and much of that time he was dedicated to photographing Late Show with David Letterman. John and Mike have a fantastic conversation about John's career, and he gives us the inside scoop on some of the behind the scenes workings of Late Show. He also has a delightful Les Moonves Story.

Joanna Jordan is the owner and founder of Central Talent Booking, one of the premiere celebrity firms in the world. Go to Centraltalentbooking.com for details. Among the many services CTB provides, Joanna and her team book the guests of the very highest regard for top-tier shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live and Marc Maron's wildly successful podcast.

But before that, Joanna was the booker for Late Show with David Letterman. Plucked from her television job in Britain by Robert Morton, Joanna was hired to help organize the chaotic world of booking Late Show. She got so good at it, that when she made the decision to go out on her own and start CTB, David Letterman's production became her very first client.

In this episode of The Letterman Podcast, Joanna takes time out of her extremely busy schedule to have a walk down memory lane with Mike. She tells us how she got the gig, some of the bumps that needed to be smoothed out, some of the guests she was proud to land, and even one or two that got away.

Every bit as powerful as she is delightful, this conversation will provide all sorts of tidbits about a part of the show the average viewer might not think about normally.

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Dick Cavett is one of broadcasting and entertainment's living legends. Dick is an incredible talk show host and conversationalist of the highest level, as well as an author and writer, thought leader/provoker, mental health advocate, stand-up comedian, and entertainer. He was also master of the pommel-horse once upon a time.

Dick and Mike have a lovely conversation that goes in all sorts of directions. Dick recounts writing for Jack Parr and Johnny Carson, and gives his early impressions of David Letterman, who actually wrote Cavett a letter asking for advice during his formative years. The conversation explores similarities the two giants in broadcasting have shared during their mammoth careers, and some of the people in common who were a part of their respective paths.

Dick also has a chance to express his appreciation for Eddie Murphy.

It's not everyday that we have a guest of such historical significance on The Letterman Podcast, and we are extremely grateful that Dick and his formidable wife Martha made the time and effort to come on the show. Special thanks to Steve and Lori for making the connection so this episode could happen.

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Don Giller is the pre-eminent historian and archivist of the productions of David Letterman and Company. For forty years Don has amassed a knowledge base and collection of Letterman material that is unmatched by anyone else, and includes every single episode of David Letterman's broadcasts among many, many items from the shows and additional footage, much of which has never been aired.

After Late Show with David Letterman ended it's run in 2015, Don began creating compilations of Letterman material and uploading them to the YouTube channel he started in 2009. These compilations organized many of the comedic bits, guest appearances, and historical broadcast moments the shows had to offer, and presented Late Night and Late Show with David Letterman in a new way; longform progression.

Don is heralded in many circles as one who has kept the Letterman fire burning in pop culture because of the hundreds of millions of views his channel has received, allowing fellow enthusiasts to relive the moments they loved, and allow new audiences to discover the prolific work of David Letterman and Company.

Don and Mike have a show-and-tell session where Don displays some of his many keepsakes, along with some very good discussion about their late friend Rick Scheckman, and how he helped play a major part in helping Don achieve his goal. Don also threatens Mike by way of fire multiple times.

The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by Rupert Jee's Hello Deli. For over 30 years Rupert has been selling Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, and you can still go to Hello-deli.com to get it. So what are you waiting for? Go there now and get yourself 5, maybe 7 shirts, hats, and mugs.

We at The Letterman Podcast are extremely proud to have Don on the show as well as a resource of information and support, and proclaim our gratefulness for the tens of thousands of hours of effort he has spent in preserving and presenting the greatest body of broadcast work in history for the world to enjoy.

Tom Yang is currently a specialized motor vehicle mechanic who's expertise is fixing/maintaining Ferrari's built before 1970. Before that, he was an audio engineer for Late Show with David Letterman for 12 years, and has a plethora of anecdotes that straddle both of his colorful careers. Tom and Mike have a fantastic conversation about he got into the television business to begin with, how he ended up at Late Show, becoming 'car buddies' with Dave in the process, and how his passion for automobiles morphed his career in a completely new, exciting direction. He has many stories about the musical aspect of Late Show, and sheds light on some of the production processes, while also sharing memories and photographs of a few of the unbelievable things he got to be a part of. He also has a fantastic story involving Ray Charles.The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by Rupert Jee's Hello Deli. Want Late Show with David Letterman merch? If you have read this far, clearly that is a sign, and you most certainly should not hesitate for one more moment! Go to hello-deli.com and grab some. Please Like, Share, Subscribe to, and leave a positive comment for this show. Doing so will show the overlords of the internet that you are capable of kindness, as well as pity.

Chris Schukei served as the music coordinator and was a key member of Paul Shaffer's staff from 1993 until 2003. After that he moved back to where he grew up in Nebraska, yet still worked for Late Show remotely, making sure musical acts were organized and properly papered until the show's end in 2015. Chris has an excitable personality, so Lord knows Mike was especially energized for this one as well. The two have a splendid conversation spanning how Chris ended up in New York and how he got the opportunity to work for David Letterman and company, and his entire run.

This is a conversation that has many facets; exploring memories of some of the fantastic musical moments on the show, reminiscence of many of the comedy bits Chris found himself featured in, and even some of the behind the scenes workings of the administration of how musical acts were booked and paid.

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Molly Sweet interned for Late Night with David Letterman in the summer of 1991. She was 19, living in New York, wide eyed and excited, and going to 30 Rock everyday to work in the chaotic and totally fun environment that was Late Night. She also stole a potato from the commissary. (We think more than once)

Mike & Molly (not to be confused with the show of the same name) have a delightful conversation where she shares memories and anecdotes of her time working for Dave & Company. She also lied on her resume; she couldn't really drive stick.

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David Plummer was an intern for Late Show with David Letterman and has all sorts of fun stories to show for it. That experience also spring-boarded him into a really cool gig...working for Siskel and Ebert, staying with the franchise to it's very end, serving as it's last executive producer. David and Mike have a really fun conversation talking about his time in the Ed Sullivan theater, and how his life evolved, putting him in position to work with arguably the most famous movie critics of the modern era.

The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by Rupert Jee's Hello Deli. For over 30 years Rupert has sold soup and sandwich's from his iconic New York Deli, appeared countless times on Late Show with David Letterman, and currently sells officially licensed Late Show and Hello Deli merchandise. Go to Hello-deli.com and shop to your heart's content. When you are done that, shop some more!

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Chris Harris just came off writing the new season of Frasier, and before that came off being a writer on the smash hit 'How I Met Your Mother,' and before that was a writer on Late Show with David Letterman for more than 5 years. Pretty good right? Right! and He and Mike have a fantastic conversation about all of it, and much more! The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by Rupert Jee's Hello deli.

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Who doesn't love bonus episodes? Our summer intern series continues with our special guest, Mike Summers. Host Mike and former intern Mike have a lovely conversation about how former intern Mike got the gig, and what it entailed at the time. Spending the majority of his run in the talent department, former intern Mike enjoyed a fantastic adventure in New York after his final semester in college working for David Letterman & Company and has some delightful memories to show for it.

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Vinnie Favale returns to The Letterman Podcast and we could not be more excited! The network exec that got to watch virtually every Late Show from the control room for 20 years, Vinnie has so many stories, and from a perspective that is unique to say the least. He and Mike talk about their friend Rick Scheckman and his influence on the show, including when he found the video footage of Harry Smith's colonoscopy--or at least the Late Show version of it. Mike also gets a chance to get a few of his questions for Vinnie off the list, and they discuss the state of Late Night television as it currently stands. Editor's note: we are aware of the audio issue on Vinnie's end, and the next time he comes on we will make sure its better...but the conversation was great, so we decided to release it none the less.

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For over 5 decades, Harvey Goldberg has worked deep in the music business. He began his career as a studio audio engineer working with major acts and the best studio musicians around. In the mid 90's he started collaborating with Late Show with David Letterman helping out with the rehearsal, production, and mixing of the musical performances on the show, and by the turn of the century he was there full time. Harvey has worked with most of the biggest musical acts in history, and is extremely grateful for the moments he got to be a part of. He and Mike have a tremendous conversation about the nuances of working with some of these acts, getting them ready for television, and the details in how the performances are presented.

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A longtime staff member of Late Show with David Letterman once told Mike that we need to make sure we have plenty of conversations with the folks who spent time as interns on the show. The exact quote was 'The interns have all the great stories.' This episode certainly helps make a case for that statement. Tige Rodgers is a successful, well loved morning radio personality with a career spanning more than 2 decades. His broadcast life was inspired by David Letterman, and during his crucial formative years, Tige was lucky enough to be chosen as an intern for Late Show with David Letterman, solidifying his passion and vocation choice. Working in various posts for the show, Tige lived his dream and grew his vision of what his life could be like during his time working at the Ed Sullivan Theater. He was also dressed up like a cat by Sue Hum. Come see how that happened.

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It's safe to say that Matt Roberts got the entire Letterman experience. He started out as an intern, made his way to segment producer and writer, and finished his Worldwide Pants tenure as the last head writer Late Show would ever have. Oh, and of course he was a monster fan to begin with. To say Matt's career working for David Letterman was a dream come true is quite the understatement. His fingerprints are all over the franchise, and he and Mike (along with a sentimental appearance by Don Giller) have a wonderful trip down memory lane discussing some of the specifics. This is a super-sized episode that explores many topics from analyzation of the content Matt helped create to very personal revelations he had as he grew in age and experience working for the show. He also spearheaded the Weekend Late Show, introducing the world to Bruce and Linda.

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For 20 years, Andy Carson has been the weather man as well as segment host for the popular regional program, 'Good Day Oregon' which can be seen on Fox 12 KPTV every weekday. So why is he a guest on The Letterman Podcast? Well, this very popular television personality began his career in broadcasting working for Late Night with David Letterman. His post? Paul Shaffer's intern. Andy and Mike have a fantastic conversation that not only chronicles anecdotes from Andy's time at Late Night, but the appearances he made on the program before hand as a lucky member of the studio audience--who got to be part of the show. He also lived in the same building as Chris Farley.

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Tom Dreesen is back and we couldn't be more excited! One of David Letterman's running buddies from his days at The Comedy Store, Tom Dreesen's run as a comedian is unique beyond measure. One of the last vestiges of show business past, Tom happily engages Mike, as well as Don Giller, in a conversation that ranges from the comedy scene today, to stories about Frank Sinatra, and of course his friend David Letterman. Tom tells us about the workshop he does for comedians to get them thinking about their personal development and other ways he helps guide young talent who solicit his advice. He also lets Mike set him up for one of the funniest panel one-liners he ever told on Late Show, which of course Mike nearly swooned over. The Letterman Podcast is extremely grateful for our relationship with Tom, and the support he has shown us from the very start.

As always, The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by Rupert Jee and The Hello Deli. Nestled within the bosom of the Ed Sullivan Theater, The Hello Deli has been serving up soup and sandwich's for over 30 years. Its also the only place to get official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Go to Hello-deli.com to get yours today.

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Billy Kimball's career in entertainment has taken him on some interesting journeys and allowed him to experience being a part of some amazing projects as both a writer and producer. Some of those credits include Veep, SNL, The Oscars, The Simpsons, and he has a close connection with comedy legend Al Franken as well. Billy also helped assemble, and served as the executive producer for the Late Late show with Craig Kilborn, which was run by Worldwide Pants, David Letterman's production company. Billy takes time from his busy schedule to take a trip down memory lane with Mike and give him the ins and outs about what it was like to reimagine the Late Late Show franchise with a new host after Tom Snyder's departure, how Craig was selected for the gig, how much or little Letterman and Pants were involved, and much much more.

As always, The Letterman Podcast is brought to you in part by Rupert Jee's Hello Deli. Go to Hello-deli.com to get official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, before the Deli Sells and it becomes a Starbucks. That last part we made, up, but wouldn't that be a tragedy?

Matt Larkin has a successful career in television. He has worked on some of your favorite cooking competition shows as a producer and helped write for Tosh and George Lopez, but he got his start working for Late Show with David Letterman.

Going to New York City to chase his dream, Matt did all he could to get on as an intern for Late Show, became a faxer, and got hired on in the audience coordination department, creating some of his fondest life memories along the way. Matt and Mike have a fantastic conversation where Matt talks about many of his memories including some of the celebrities he met, the first joke he got on the air, his duties as an intern and then a page, and how he even got to represent the Late Show at the Ghostbusters Firehouse! Lots of fun info in this episode from a vantage point not represented enough.

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The Letterman Podcast went back to New York and lived to tell about it! Unfortunately it was for Shecky's memorial. Mike spent 4 days in New York exclusively hanging with Letterman folk, and this episode is dedicated to recounting some of the major events that took place. Prying the stories out of him like a crowbar from a sardine can is Mike's much, much better half, the crowd-pleasing Candace Chisholm. And she gets the goods, all right! Watching Paul and Will perform and hanging with them in the green room? Check! Hanging out with not one, not two, but three writers named Steve? Oh Yeah! Sharing a 'Porterhouse' and a bunch of Scotch with Rupert? Affirmative. Mike also recounts 'Sheckfest,' the memorial of Rick Scheckman which had a unique set of emotions and happenings. Including getting a picture with Morty.

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David Letterman's productions employed a very special stage manager who worked on all Dave's network television programs. Beginning with the morning show, continuing on to Late Night, following Dave to CBS and working all the way to the end of Late Show in 2015, Biff Henderson is a Letterman & Company Institution. His countless on-screen appearances, whether in the studio during show tapings or being sent on remotes to sporting events, major award ceremonies and much much more is a perfect example of the very fabric of Letterman's signature tone of the show; Dave would take folks who worked on the program and turn them into some of the most recognizable personalities in entertainment.

There might not be a better example of this concept than with Biff. On this very special episode of  @thelettermanpodcast  Mike has a delightful conversation with Biff's son James. What was it like to be the son of the most famous stage manager in entertainment? Mike and James, or Jamie as he goes by, have a fantastic conversation that delves into that subject, and much more. A loving tribute, Jamie is so very proud of his dad and all he accomplished, simply by being himself and staying true to who he is.

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Craig Thomas, along with his writing partner Carter Bays, are known in some circles as the King's of the CBS mailbag. For years they wrote dozens and dozens of mailbag bits on Late Show with David Letterman before moving on to create one of the most successful situation comedy's of the modern era, 'How I Met Your Mother.' They also happened to write one of our host's favorite Letterman moments of all time, featuring Late Show announcer, Alan Kalter. In this episode, Craig and Mike discuss some of Craig's favorite moments, the process he and Carter had working for Late Show, collaborating with Paul Shaffer, and the value of writing in the entertainment business.

As always, The Letterman Podcast is brought you to you by Rupert Jee's Hello Deli. Nestled within the womb of the Ed Sullivan Theater, the Hello Deli has been making soup and sandwiches for residents and tourists of New York for over 30 years. Its also the only place to purchase official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Go to hello-deli.com and get yours before its too late. As we all know, its so much fun to 'get yours.'

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When Jill Bayor was only 19 year old, she became one of David Letterman's assistants, during one of the most important era's of Late Night with David Letterman's history. Jill opens up to Mike about many of the lessons she learned during the fun, exciting, wild ride working for Dave & Company. A combination of structure and surprise, every day seemed to bring something new to Jill from the day she was hired. Even her job interview was exciting. She tells many stories and antics that happened on both the 6th and 14th floors of 30 Rock. After working for Dave, Jill went on to become a writers assistant for Saturday Night Live, and later also worked on one of the most successful sit com's of all time, Friends. A fun and insightful conversation, Jill talks about many of the things she has learned in becoming the writer and artist she is today.

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Josh Robert Thompson is a brilliant voice actor, comedian, impressionist, writer and creator who played Geoffrey Peterson, the robot skeleton sidekick (and much more) on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Having similar influences growing up, Josh and Mike have a fantastic conversation that includes many topics ranging from Star Wars to characters Josh has developed over the years and of course lots about the Late Late Show, including a delightful story about Peter Lassally.
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This is the continuation and conclusion of The Letterman Podcast's first conversation with Robert Morton. In this episode, both Mike and Don Giller get the chance to ask Morty all sorts of questions and discuss many points about Late Night/Late Show, and the business that surrounded the programs. What was it like during the negotiations leaving NBC? Who at one time was considering buying Worldwide Pants? And is it 'Late Show,' or 'The Late Show?' These topics, and many, many more are discussed in this fascinating behind the scenes palaver that will delight any enthusiast of David Letterman and Company. This release date of these episodes marks 8 years since David Letterman left the airwaves of Late Night, and the marking of the year Morty turned 70. We love how Dave has evolved, and we asked Morton who he would like to see Letterman interview long form (Tom Snyder style) in a future episode of 'My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.'

The Letterman Podcast would like to once again say #Thanksdave for all the years of insight and entertainment, and wish you the best of luck with all your new endeavors this coming year and beyond.

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To celebrate the 8 year anniversary of the end of David Letterman's legendary run in Late Night Television, we decided to release a bonus episode featuring someone who was at the last taping of Late Show with David Letterman. Rob Stover was there that night to take in the historical broadcast, but it almost didn't happen...he had tickets to the second-to-last-show. How did he pull the ol switch-a-roo? He tells us that and much, much more about that night. A fellow Canadian who lives not 4 hours away from our host, Rob's enthusiasm for the Last Days of Letterman still burns as brightly now as it did in May of 2015, and he and Mike have a fantastic conversation about that magical, historic night, and many other Dave-centered topics as well.

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At the time of this episode's release, it’s been eight years since David Letterman finished his legendary run in late night broadcast television. We at The Letterman Podcast wanted to mark the occasion with some very special content, beginning with this episode. Robert Morton was with Dave's Late Night from its debut in 1982 and became the show's Executive Producer by 1992, a position retained when Dave moved to CBS the following year. Morton was also an architect of Dave's production company, Worldwide Pants.He also might be one of the most charming humans currently walking the face of the Earth. Morty has graciously shared some of the funny and insightful behind-the-scenes moments during his time working for Dave. Part one covers his early working years, including his involvement in the early expansion of cable television; working for Tom Snyder; relating a beautiful little Andy Kaufman story; and much more.This exceptional two-part conversation is the tip of a large iceberg we hope will continue both here and in other projects moving forward. We at The Letterman Podcast would like to express our expansive gratitude for Morty--everything he contributed to the greatest body of broadcast work in history, that of David Letterman & Company, and of course his willingness to talk about it. This episode is brought to you by Rupert Jee and the Hello Deli. Go to Hello-deli.com to purchase Late Show with David Letterman related merchandise. Please join our group on The Facebook. You can also like, share, and leave a positive comment for the show. Please. Its cold. And there are wolves.

Jonathan Green (along with his writing partner Gabe Miller,) wrote for Late Show with David Letterman from 2001-2004. The pair then left and worked on all sorts of projects including the final season of 'The Office,' and went on to be major contributors to the NBC hit 'Superstore.' In this episode, Jonathan fills us in on where he came from, when he met Gabe, how they started their careers, and of course how they ended up writing for Letterman. Lots of cool Late Show stories here, as well as what their antics since leaving the show.

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Carter Bays has had quite the adventure during his career in creativity, and he sure isn't done yet. The former Late Show writer, along with his writing partner Craig Thomas, have worked together for decades, leading Carter to all sorts of assignments and achievements, including creating the smash comedy hit, 'How I Met Your Mother.' Carter and Mike weave a fascinating story that travels through Carter's professional life, with many lovely pit-stops along the way. And there are a LOT of really great Letterman memories during the journey. They also talk about the looming writer's strike and the need to allow creatives to be afforded the opportunity to make a livable wage in being so.

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Adam Lorenzo didn't plan on becoming a comedy writer for three different Worldwide Pants properties while he was in college. He owned a bar. No, really. And he learned a lot of life lessons owning that bar. So many that he wrote a book about it, that is equally as humorous as it is true. After he owned the bar, he became a comedy writer, first by faxing jokes to The Late Show with David Letterman. He had such a talent for it, he ended up becoming a staff writer on The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, and then went on to be a writer on Everybody Loves Raymond, and ironically, Everybody Hates Chris. (not a Pants show, but the coincidental titles must be recognized) Adam and Mike have a fantastic conversation spanning Adam's career. Adam's new book, "All I Need to Know I Learned From My College Bar," is delightful, highly recommended, and can be purchased here: https://www.fayettevillemafiapress.com/product/all-i-need-to-know-i-learned- from-my-college-bar/ The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by Rupert Jee's Hello Deli. Don't miss your chance to get official Late Show with David Letterman T-Shirts, Mugs, Hats and other merch before Rupert sells the joint and you are out of luck. Please Like, Share, Subscribe to, and leave positive comments for this show. We will keep asking until the day we don't have to anymore. Or we just stop caring, whichever comes first.

For this special anniversary episode, we have showbiz icon and bandleader and musical director for both SNL AND Dave, Order of Canada Recipient, Paul Shaffer as our guest on #Thelettermanpodcast...and Don Giller. Mike asks Paul about Andy Kaufman, brings on a special guest question, and introduces the newly coined 'Stump The Bandleader' segment, where Mike plays 3 musical bumpers as chosen by Don to see how many Paul can name. And much, much more. Thank you so much for this first of many years of The Letterman Podcast. Its been nothing short of incredible. This episode is dedicated to Rick Scheckman. As always, The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by Rupert Jee's Hello Deli. go to Hello-deli.com to order licensed Late Show with David Letterman merch.

During our anniversary week, we just had to go back to the beginning with this special mid week episode! Darin Cox was our very first guest on The Letterman Podcast, and we are delighted to welcome him back. He and Mike catch up, talk Letterman collectables, and then do a mash-up of sorts with Darin's podcast, The Irritable Dad Syndrome. Turns out the irritable dads are pretty big U2 fans, and with 'A Sort of Homecoming,' the Letterman U2 special that recently premiered on Disney Plus, Mike, Mike and Darin has a lot of fun things to talk about this episode. They graciously furnished us with the raw footage to show here. Darin has all sorts of Letterman related merchandise, some of which he got for working for a CBS affiliate, and he is proud to show off his collectables for our audience.

As always, The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by our friends Rupert and May at the Hello Deli. Nestled in the womb of the Ed Sullivan Theater, The Hello Deli has been making soup and sandwich's for over 30 years. Its also the only place to get licensed Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. With the recent announcement of the Deli going up for sale, we advise that if you want to get any stuff from Rupert, you go to hello-deli.com ASAP!

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Mark Malkoff returns and we could not be more excited! It's The Letterman Podcast's first anniversary week, and we are grateful Mark is here to reflect with us. What's he been doing since wrapping up 'The Carson Podcast?' He is happy to report that he can't tell us. Mark also shares some of the memorabilia he saved from his days working for The Late Show, and once again regales us with tales behind the scenes of Carson and Letterman. Mike also reveals how Mark, by way of Rick Scheckman, helped bring The Letterman Podcast into existence. We are so excited that Mark supports the show and we emphatically endorse his projects, such as The Carson Podcast and his role in The Story of Late Night on CNN and its companion podcast, which is also a must listen for those who enjoy the behind the scenes details of late night television.

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Glynn Borders never thought he would have a job heading up the special effects department for Late Show with David Letterman. Starting out in the theater, Glynn had an unlikely, and very enjoyable job, fall in his lap, which ended up giving him a career he really loved. Glynn was responsible for many memorable moments on Late Show, and he and Mike have a great time discussing a few of them. Remember Dave's vibrating desk? That was Glynn. Anytime you saw a man on fire? Yup, also Glynn. Who made it snow when Darlene Love sang annually on the Late Show Christmas Episode? Glynn and his team of course! They also discuss Glynn's career after Late Show, including his Broadway production, "The Dark Star From Harlem," recounting the story of Josephine Baker, and the film shorts he created.

The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by Rupert Jee and the Hello Deli. Nestled within the hustle and bustle of activity that comes with the Ed Sullivan Theater, Rupert has been making sandwich's and memories for folks for over 30 years. His establishment is also the only place folks can purchase Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Go to Hello-deli.com to purchase mugs, t-shirts and more while you can.

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Bill Carter might know more about the business and inner workings of late night television than any human on Earth. The former New York Times reporter has covered television for decades, and written the quintessential books on the subject, 'The Late Shift,' and 'The War For Late Night.'A dream guest for Mike, he and Bill have a discussion that covers many subjects including Bill's motivations to write these books, behind the scenes details, the personalities involved, the state of late night right now, and of course, lots of Letterman stuff. Bill also gives a sneak peak into what projects might be coming next for him as he enters the next phase of his career. This is a must watch/listen episode for anyone who enjoys late night television and enjoys going deeper on the subject. If you haven't seen it yet, make sure to find 'The Story of Late Night,' the 5 part CNN series that Carter shepherded.

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Alex Bennett is a broadcast living legend. For well over 50 years he hosted extremely successful radio programs all over the US including having popular shows in San Francisco on Live 105 and The Quake and in New York for WMCA, Sirius XM and much more. He is also the best friend of Rick Scheckman, the longtime Letterman Alumni who we lost on March 10. Alex and Mike have a great talk about some of the Letterman themed stories of his past, including being sold cable by Robert Morton, anecdotes featuring Tom Dreesen and of course spend time remembering Shecky. Alex reflects on some of his broadcast adventures and displays why many credit him as an influence for many other successful broadcasters who came after him including Howard Stern.

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In this unique episode of The Letterman Podcast, we pay tribute our good friend and OG Letterman staffer Rick ‘Shecky’ Scheckman, who tragically passed away on March 10, 2023. Mike uses this opportunity to share behind the scenes stories of how he and Rick became friends, the things they bonded over, and how essential Rick was, and will forever be, to this program. Hopefully we will be able to bring you another episode in the future containing many of Rick’s former staff-mates and friends telling fond stories about him as well, but at the time of this recording Rick’s passing was so fresh, and many were not ready to do that. This episode begins with footage of Rick and Mike on broadcast legend Alex Bennett's pop up internet show mere days before the events leading to Rick being hospitalized. The end of the episode features a short video created by Don Giller in honor of Rick. The soundtrack chosen for that tribute was a spot on perfect musical representation of what brought Shecky joy.   This episode of The Letterman Podcast is dedicated to Randi, Stephen, Lori, Bennett, Marjorie, Don, Barbara, Walter, Kathy, Rebecca, and every family member and friend lucky enough to know Rick. Enjoy every sandwich folks.  Speaking of sandwich's, this and every episode of The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by Rupert Jee and the Hello Deli. Go to Hello-deli.com to find official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise and much more. If you are in the New York City area, pop in and give Rupert a hearty hello and have a great soup and sandwich experience. And when you do, tell him Shecky sent ya.

It's our very first mash up episode and we could not be more excited! Two legendary Letterman writers, former officemates, and previous guests of the Letterman Podcast reunite to talk about some of their memories of the show. Gerard and Jeff both were part of the very fabric that helped create Late Night with David Letterman. It's a tremendous honor for us to help create these moments, and that is what this show is all about. As we get the hang of having multiple guests, our hope is to create more moments like these that delve deep into the perspectives of the folks who helped create the greatest body of broadcast work in history. Also, we would like to send out a massive shout out to our boy Shecky. We appreciate and adore you Rick.  

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Nadine Hennelly appeared on shows bearing David Letterman's name over 400 times. She was one of the Hi-Ho Babes (we checked, 2023 guidelines still allow us to use that term without issue) and was featured in all sorts of sketches, pre taped segments, prize presentations, (many times a tray of meat) and hundreds of times standing on stage looking fabulous.   

As gorgeous as this former model is on the outside, her inner beauty takes center stage as she and Mike (with the occasional appearance of Don Giller,) have a kind, heartfelt trip down memory lane. Nadine relays many of her most precious memories of being a part of Late Show and how she is still a massive enthusiast of David Letterman and his broadcast offerings to this very day. We will have to check with the back office, but this might be the 'sweetest' episode of The Letterman Podcast to date. It probably has to do with Nadine and Mike both being Canadian.   

The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by one of Nadine's favorite people and sandwich shops...Rupert Jee and the Hello Deli! Nestled within the superstructure of the Ed Sullivan Theater, The Hello Deli has been serving fantastic soup and sandwich's to the good people of Midtown Manhattan for over 3 decades. Its also the only place to get official Late Show with David Letterman Merchandise. Go to Hello-deli.com and get it while you can!  

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Jason Zinoman works for the New York Times, currently serving as their comedy critic, and is the author of 'Letterman, The Last Giant of Late Night,' one of the most encompassing books ever written about David Letterman & Company. Jason took some time out of his insane schedule to talk all things Letterman, and brings a unique perspective on a variety of topics. He and Mike discuss the levels of The Show's evolution over the years, how certain figures, like Merrill Markoe and Chris Elliott shaped the show, and what it was like to meet and interview Dave himself for his book. Jason is an expert on the behind the scenes of Letterman and his productions, and an invaluable resource for insight and anecdotes. He also is a podcast host as well, co-hosting 'The Martin Chronicles' which dissects and celebrates the work of British Novelist Martin Amis.  

As always, The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by Rupert Jee and 'The Hello Deli.' If you find yourself in Midtown Manhattan and want good food served by  one of the kindest people on the planet, head to the Hello Deli. Also, if you would like official 'Late Show with David Letterman' merchandise, including mugs, t-shirts, hats and more, head to hello-deli.com and shop to your heart's content. If you ask really nicely, Rupert may even add onions to your order.  

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Felicia Collins Part 2 picks up exactly where part 1 left off with the revelation that David Letterman has perfect pitch. In the conclusion of this lovely conversation, Felicia shares all sorts of stories and memories of moments both on the show and off that impacted her. They discuss running jokes, such as Paul wearing 'the cape,' special band numbers, like when they performed 'MacArthur Park,' and also talk about Warren Zevon, who was a very special friend to the Letterman universe. Felicia also talks about a few very sweet memories of David Letterman himself, including when he danced with her on one broadcast. She also talked about some of her highlights being part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame house band including the logistics of having to perform on Letterman AND prepare for the special ceremony all at once.  

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Felicia Collins has been a guitar player, vocalist, and percussionist for The CBS Orchestra/World's Most Dangerous Band for over 25 years. She has also collaborated with some of music's greatest artists during tours, solo projects, and she was a member of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame's house band. In this episode, Felicia and Mike have a fantastic conversation about some of her adventures and experiences before Letterman, including performing at Live Aid, her friendship with Nile Rodgers, and touring with Cyndi Lauper. She then tells the story of the phone call that would change her life, the day Paul Shaffer invited her to be a part of Letterman's house band as they moved the show to CBS---and how she didn't say yes instantly! 

Felicia is such a kind woman and she is very grateful for the life she has and the things she has done. She also misses the Letterman gig very much. Mike and his wife also happen to think that Felicia might just be one of the coolest people walking the face of the earth. 

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The epic conversation with writer Jeff Martin continues! He and Mike not only keep talking about Late Night memories and behind the scenes insights,  but also Norm MACdonald, Craig Fergusson, and more! That in itself is of course worth the price of admission our viewers have paid. However as an added treat, Letterman archivist and historian Don Giller even joins the fun asking Jeff questions of a quality significantly higher than Mike's. It's a delight. Jeff also tells the story of how he met his wife and how he feels towards Dave now, moments we allow to even get a touch sentimental. This is a must watch/listen to episode for anyone who appreciates comedy, writing, Letterman, or talking dogs. 

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Jeff Martin was a writer with Late Night with David Letterman from 1982-1989. He also wrote for The Simpsons, Norm MacDonald, Craig Fergusson and more. Many folks might remember his portrayal of 'Flunky the Clown.' This episode begins talking about Jeff's history at Harvard, his role with the Harvard Lampoon, and some of the people he met there including Conan O'Brien, who he is close friends with to this very day. Once they get going, Jeff and Mike have a tremendous conversation about a great many memories Jeff had while at Late Night, not in any particular order, but all having weighted nostalgic entertainment and hilarity. This is a very deep dive into the blueprints of what made Late Night so great and what it was like to write for the show during those important formative years. They also talk about Jeff's formidable softball ability.   

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Irene Hoffman has returned, becoming The Letterman Podcast's first three time guest, and this time she isn't alone. she brought her man, myth and legend, the one and only Rupert Jee! Opening up like never before, Rupert tells us many behind the scenes stories and explains how many of his segments played out from his point of view. He and Irene are hilarious, like a 50's sitcom couple as they and Mike catch up and have a fabulous conversation. Rupert tells a story about one of his trips to LA that will leave all fans of Late Night TV wondering what could have been. Irene tells more tales about some of the tapings of Late Show that she was fortunate enough to attend as well. Rupert even had a chance to express to everyone how grateful he is for David Letterman, someone he has incredible adoration for, and is fiercely protective of. Folks who miss seeing Rupert on TV will LOVE this episode, and its a great pleasure for The Letterman Podcast to bring this conversation to all the enthusiasts of David Letterman & Company. Please Like, Share, Subscribe, and leave a Positive Comment for the show.   

Speaking of Rupert, he and the Hello Deli are the only sponsors of The Letterman Podcast. Go to hello-deli.com to purchase licensed Late Show with David Letterman merchandise and much more! The Letterman Podcast could not possible be more excided and grateful for Rupert's support of our show. He originally shied away from doing an episode with us, but we are so happy that he decided to come on here with Irene and open up about all of this. We are also thankful for the years of entertainment he provided people around the world and just how kind he is.

Ken Corum and Scott Anderson are teachers, best buddies, and members of the David Letterman & Company enthusiast community. With 7 days until the very last Late Show with David Letterman, Ken received a phone call informing him that if he wanted them, he had two tickets for the show the very next day. That was the Late Show featuring former President Bill Clinton wishing Dave a fond retirement, only to be overshadowed by Adam Sandler singing his tribute to Dave to close the show. But Ken didn't know that was going to happen; all he knew is that he wanted to get to New York to see it. Being From Kansas City, MO, that was not an easy task. But the boys were determined to see their hero for the first and last time. Both of these enthusiastic, lifelong viewers of David Letterman have come on The Letterman Podcast to tell the story, including all the details of their one day, once in a lifetime trip to the big apple to watch broadcast history, live and in person, with everyone back home cheering them on as they did so. We at The Letterman Podcast adore the community of folks who to this day can still find so much joy in the memories these productions gave.  

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Gabe Abelson was David Letterman's head monologue writer from 1997 until the end of 2001. A veteran writer and performer, Gabe has given his life to comedy and entertainment for over 40 years. He also looks a little like Jeff Daniels. Gabe and Mike have a tremendous conversation that tells many entertaining stories about Gabe's time with Late Show, including a never before told story about a monologue joke that had Dave doubled over in laughter, and the deconstruction of said joke, how he got the gig and much more. They also talk about the state of stand up in today's age, his work with Tom Green, and mentalism. Special thanks to Don Giller for being on hand to help fact check this episode real time as it was shot, and add any fun facts he saw fit. This episode even includes a very, very quick appearance by the Donz himself. Blink and you'll miss it. Gabe is teaching a course on writing for Late Night which starts January 23, 2023. Info can be found at flapperscomedy.com and we at The Letterman Podcast happily endorse Gabe as an expert mentor for those who want to sharpen their comedy sword. Even if its made of rubber.   

As always, The Letterman Podcast is brought to you in part by Rupert Jee and the Hello Deli. For over 30 years, the Hello Deli has been serving soup and sandwich's in his shop attached to the Ed Sullivan Theater in the heart of New York. The Hello deli is also the only place authorized to sell licensed Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Go to hello-deli.com and take a look at the selection of shirts, mugs and other Late Show or Rupert centered merchandise.   

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David Kay was the Executive in Charge of Audience Development for The Late Show with David Letterman From 1998 until the show's end in 2015. He was originally brought in as a consultant to the Late Show to streamline and create systems regarding the live audience that watched the show in the Ed Sullivan theater every night. David and Mike go deep on what made a good audience for The Late Show and the painstaking efforts made behind the scenes to make sure this vital element of the show was nothing short of excellent. There's a lot more than meets the eye to this part of showbusiness and David Kay is nothing short of an expert on the subject.  

The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by Rupert Jee and the Hello Deli. Nestled within the womb of the Ed Sullivan theater, the Hello Deli is a New York Landmark, and is a great place to get a fantastic soup and or sandwich. But that's not all! Did you know the Hello Deli is the only place you can buy 'Late Show with David Letterman' merch? Shirts, Mugs and all sorts of goodies are available! Go to Hello-Deli.com to order. If you ask really nicely, Rupert will add onions to your order.  

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Due to technical difficulties out of our control, this episode did not air on its intended time for a few of the podcast platforms. Being that its a Christmas episode, we know that has probably caused a lot of concern, and frankly ruined more than a few of our viewers/listeners holiday season. For that we sincerely apologize. Someone must have kicked out the plug. 

It's The Letterman Podcast's first Christmas episode and boy, do we have a humdinger of a show for the holiday season. On the final Christmas episode of Late Show with David Letterman, there was a sprinkle of miraculous holiday magic. A very special admirer of Dave and Company had a very special interaction with David Letterman during the Q&A portion before the show. That interaction ended up snowballing, with Dave reading a poem she had written about the Late Show for over 16 years. Her name is Marylin Sargent. This episode includes that moment, in a behind the scenes video presentation we received the blessing from Worldwide Pants and Don Giller, to include in this edition of The Letterman Podcast.   As always The Letterman Podcast is brought to you in part by Rupert and May and the Hello Deli. Located within the Superstructure of the Ed Sullivan Theater, the Hello Deli provides amazing food but also is the only place to purchase Late Show with David Letterman officially licensed merchandise. Go to Hello-Deli.com to order. They make great holiday gifts anytime of the year.   Please Like, Share, Subscribe, or leave a positive comment for this show. C'mon. It's Christmas for Jiminy' s Sake! Happy Holidays From All of us at The Letterman Podcast. Except Don.

Due to technical difficulties that are out of our control, this episode did not release the day it was supposed to. We have just been alerted to the error and are re-uploading the show now. We apologize to anyone and everyone who didn't get a chance to see/hear this episode during its original air date. Someone must have kicked out the plug. 

Lee Ellenberg continues his discussion with Mike about how he got the writing gig for The Late Show that would last right until the show's end in 2015 and many of the adventures the journey included. They compare the Late Show to the Muppet Show, Lee talks about the differences and similarities writing for Late Show and The Tonight Show, talk more about Joe Grossman, and much more! There is also a lovely conversation about Alan Kalter, whom we all miss dearly.  The Letterman Podcast is brought to you in part by Rupert Jee and the Hello Deli. Nestled in the womb of the Ed Sullivan Theater, Rupert and May have been making soup and sandwich's for thousands of people for 3 decades! They are also the only source for licensed Late Show with David Letterman Merchandise. Go to Hello-Deli.com to order. As always, if you ask really nicely, Rupert will add onions to your order.   Please Share, Like, Subscribe, and leave a nice comment on our show. In whatever order you want. NOW PLEASE!

Jeremy Weiner wore many hats in his tenure with 'The Late Show with David Letterman.' He was a researcher, segment 'jack of all trades,' Winnebago driver for Biff Henderson, and of course a long term writer for the show all the way until the end of LS's run in 2015. Jeremy and Mike have an epic conversation that highlights many of his favorite moments working for Dave and Company. They also talk about Jeremy's time working for Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Kevin Smith, and accidentally come up with a genius set up for Jeremy's return appearance to The Letterman Podcast.   

The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by Rupert Jee and The Hello Deli. Nestled in the pouch of the Ed Sullivan Theater, Rupert and May have been making soups and sandwich's for over 3 decades. Its also the only place one can get officially licensed Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Go to Hello-Deli.com to order!  

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Will Lee has the distinction of being one of the longest serving members of David Letterman's staff. He was right there at the beginning of Late Night, and along with Paul, stayed the entire way,  playing Bass in the Worlds Most Dangerous Band/CBS Orchestra, and being featured in many other ways in the show. He is also part of a very special Beatles cover band called Fab Faux, a studio musician, a solo recording artist, and much more. Check out his newsletter to see what he's got going on.  Will and Mike have a phenomenal 90 minute conversation about the show, music, his side projects, why he wasn't playing along Bruce Springsteen on the last Late Night, and much, much more. This is why we do the show people. Jump on board...Subscribe, Share, Leave a positive comment, all that jazz. Lets. Do. This. 

We are also grateful for Rupert Jee and the sponsorship consideration he and  the Hello-Deli give us here at The Letterman  Podcast. He is an amazing human and a wonderful friend. Visit Hello-deli.com to get Late Show with David Letterman merch.

Lee Ellenberg is currently a writer for Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show. He also worked for David Letterman & Company in one capacity or another from 1994 all the way until the end of the run in 2015. He was a page, worked in audience coordination, worked the reception desk for Dave's floor as well as the writer's floor, and for 15 years was a full fledged writer for Late Show with David Letterman. In part one we talk about the first part of Lee's career with Letterman, and he gives great insights as to how the show worked, and how he progressed up the ladder to his literal dream gig.   

As always, The Letterman Podcast is brought to you in part by Rupert Jee and The Hello Deli. Nestled in the womb of the Ed Sullivan Theater for 30 years, Rupert and May have served soups and sandwiches to the delight of tens of thousands of people. They also are the only place to get official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Go to hello-deli.com to shop to your heart's content. Rupert packs all the orders with care and if you ask very nicely, he might add onions as well.   

Please take time to Like, Share, Subscribe and leave a positive comment for The Letterman Podcast. For every subscription we receive, Mike will throw a peanut to a squirrel, despite signs clearly telling him not to do so.

OG Late Night writer Stephen Winer is back on The Letterman Podcast, and we could not be more excited. After telling his 'origin story' his first time on the show a few months ago, Stephen and Mike got together again to discuss all sorts of things both Letterman and comedy related. Loose ends from his last appearance are discussed including prepping for night one of Late Night with Bill Murray, and why we included the picture with Dick Van Dyke in the episode with no explanation. Many other topics were discussed in this episode including Merill Markoe, comedy writing then and now, more about Robert Klein, (Murray pops up in that story as well) Jerry Lewis, Dave and Steve's mutual respect and love for talk show hosts of the past and much much more!  

The show is getting really fun now as friends of The Letterman Podcast come back on the show. Please Like, Share, Subscribe, and leave a positive comment for our show. For every one, Mike will plant a pumpkin seed left over from Halloween in an unsuspecting neighbor's yard.  

This show is sponsored in part by Rupert Jee's Hello Deli, something we are really proud of. Go to Hello-Deli.com for official Late Show with David Letterman Merch as well as a wide selection of soups and sandwich's, not necessarily in that order.

The thrilling conclusion of Mike's first conversation with former Letterman, current Tonight Show writer Joe Grossman is here! This episode starts right where part one left off with Joe talking about his new job as a Tonight Show monologue writer. The discussion shifts to pondering the comedy writer's mind and what makes it tick. Joe finishes his narrative chronicling how he ended up working for The Late Show with David Letterman and what working there was like at that time. What was the task behind the scene new writers were made to do? The answer lies within this episode. Other moments were discussed and this episode finishes, to Mike's absolute delight, musing over the events of Late Night TV in 2010 when Jay and Conan contended over the Tonight Show and Dave & Company made fun of the ordeal for what seemed like months. A fantastic episode with a fantastic guy. (Joe, not Mike)  

This episode is brought to you in part by Rupert Jee and the Hello Deli, your source for 'Late Show with David Letterman' merchandise. Go to hello-deli.com to shop online for fantastic merchandise. As always, if you ask nicely, Rupert will add onions to your order.   

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Joe Grossman was a writer for Late Show with David Letterman from 2004 until the show went off the air in 2015. He also appeared on the show 112 times in various capacities, usually as himself with a deadpan disposition that would more often than not exasperate Dave. Where did Joe come from? How did he end up writing for David Letterman & Co, and how did he end up on camera so many times? Did he always want to perform? Joe, who happens to be one of Mike's all time favorite on-screen talents for Late Show opens up and answers all those questions and more in this hilarious episode of The Letterman Podcast. He also reveals the great new job he just got.   

The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by The Hello Deli. Go to Hello-deli.com to order and Late Show with David Letterman or Rupert merchandise. He also makes a mean sandwich!  

Please feel free to share this episode with as many of your friends and rivals you can think of. In fact, why not make it a game? Could you share it with 3 people? How about 5? 10? Sure you can. And while doing that, feel free to like and subscribe to the show as well. Every time someone does, Mike will feed a treat to a puppy. You don't want to keep the puppy waiting do you?

Fred Graver has had an eclectic career to say the least. He worked for the National Lampoon, Norman Lear, Cheers, Twitter TV, has written two 'Choose Your Own Adventure' books, and he currently works for a Microsoft endeavor teaching AI entities to be better communicators. He also spent 6 years working for Late Night with David Letterman as a writer from 1984-1990. Fred and Mike have a fantastic talk about some of the memories and reflections of the show. Fred literally had a front seat watching David Letterman be able to go out and shoot remote comedy pieces without issue, to it evolving to him not being able to go anywhere without being recognized. There was a lot of great moments in that time and Fred fondly opens his memory vault to talk about them and more.  

As always, The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by Rupert Jee and the Hello Deli. Go to Hello-Deli.com to order official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Rupert packs each order with love, and if you ask nicely, he will also add onions to your order. 

Please feel free to Like, Share, Subscribe, and leave a positive comment for this show. You can do it in whatever order you like, just make sure that you remain safe in doing so.

For over 30 years, Sue Hum was the costume designer for Late Night and Late Show with David Letterman. She helmed the crafting and execution of everything we saw on the show from the aesthetic of Dave's wardrobe, the designing and production of the humorous suits and costumes he and other members of the cast wore, and of course the iconic annual Halloween bit where children would come in wearing hilarious trick or treat costumes. In this first episode Mike explores Sue's roots of where she came from and how she ended up becoming part of Dave's company, by way of Broadway and Another World. She also worked on other projects including a Run D MC video before embarking on what would become a legendary career. Sue and Mike barely scratch the surface in this fascinating behind the scenes retrospective tour, leaving so much on the table for future episodes.  

As always, The Letterman Podcast is brought to you in part by The Hello Deli. If you are in the New York area and enjoy good food and kindness, visit the Hello Deli, and feel free to tell them Mike sent you; you will be sure to receive extra condiments for your trouble. While there, check out the assortment of Late Show with David Letterman merch as well as very nice merchandise featuring Rupert himself.   

Please also feel free to Subscribe to, Like, and Share the Letterman Podcast with all your friends and rivals alike. Heck, even your mom and dad can get in on the fun! We are grateful for all the support! Please feel free to join our group on The FaceBook, where we will be giving away Letterman stuff, once we figure out how to do it.

Candace Chisholm is Mike's Wife. Why is she this week's guest on the show? Because she and Mike just returned from New York and have a lot of stories to tell! Lots of Letterman stuff on this trip including a lunch with Walter Kim, Brunch with Steve Winer (birthday boy the day this episode is released) and his amazing wife Lori, Dinner with Steve O'Donnell, Our Friendship and adventures with Rupert and May, a surprise encounter with Barbara Gaines,  visiting the Colbert set, an encounter with two special Letterman construction guys, and a trip to see the Donz! They also banter like a husband and wife, who aren't afraid to banter.   

This episode is brought to you in part by the Hello Deli. Check out the commercial at the start of the show. We shot that and a bunch of other Rupert stuff on this trip as well. Check out Hello-deli.com to order awesome Late Show with David Letterman stuff. Rupert has a great T-Shirt as well. Go buy em.  

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The epic conclusion to Mike and Riggs's first of hopefully many conversations. Mike and Dave talk about his transition out of his writing job at Late Night, which took place right around the time it was announced that Jay Leno got the Tonight Show gig. He then went to The Chevy Chase show and even the Magic Johnson show, before ending up as a writer on the Tonight Show. Rygalski shows us a couple thank you notes from Dave, talks about how he tried to bring a Letterman sensibility to the show, his view of the Jay Leno 10 PM show, and has a really fun story about the Superbowl Ad featuring Oprah, Leno, and Letterman.   

As always, The Letterman Podcast is brought to you in part by 'The Hello Deli.' If you are in NY head on in for a soup and sandwich, and while you're there, check out the official Late Show with David Letterman merchandise you can pick up. Don't live in NY? No  problem! Head to hello-deli.com and shop online! Rupert packs these online sales personally with love and care, and if you ask nicely, he will even add onions.   

We also ask that you subscribe to this show, then like it, share it, and leave a positive comment. And not just here! Posters around the office, on telephone poles and on self help group message boards would be great too!

David Rygalski has an incredible history as a writer in both the Late Night genre and show itself. As a college student who voraciously consumed the first couple years of Late Night with David Letterman, 'Riggs' did what thousands dreamt of doing-he joined Late Night as an intern, and was then hired on. In part one of this fascinating conversation, Dave tells Mike all about how he landed the show as an employer and about his time working there. They discuss his evolution from the reception desk to writer's assistant, to becoming a full fledged writer, and many of the adventures in between. Riggs had multiple on screen appearances on Late Night and many of them are discussed. We will link to some of these appearances in our Facebook group. This episode culminates with Dave talking about working with Calvert DeForest on the road for over 6 weeks during the famed 'Pan American Goodwill Tour.'   

As Always, The Letterman Podcast is sponsored by Rupert Jee's Hello Deli. If you are in New York, head on over to the Ed Sullivan Theater and visit Rupert. While you're at it, why not have a soup and sandwich, as they are delicious, and we are certain you must be hungry after such a long journey. Also, while you are there, you might as well pick up some 'Late Show with David Letterman' merchandise, as its one of the only places you can! Not in NY? No Problem! Go to Hello-deli.com and check out what you can purchase online. Packed by Rupert himself, these items make excellent gifts for yourself, and others. If you ask really nicely, Rupert may add onions to your order.   

Please Like, Share, Subscribe, and leave a positive comment for our show, no matter where you came across it. Then get your little sister to do it as well, as a favor to us.

Well, its been 5 months and we have reached our 30th episode of 'The Letterman Podcast.' In this episode, Mike spends some time recapping his feelings on how things have gone so far, and reveals some behind the scenes insights about this show he loves to host so much, and some of the places its going. Mike also goes through each guest featured in the 'first 30' and what they mean to him. This episode also includes a few pieces of bonus footage including Mike's reaction the very first time he saw the bridge from the Late Show he acquired for the set of 'The Letterman Podcast,'  after her restoration.

We are grateful for all the support the show has gotten so far, and of course for our lone sponsor, Rupert Jee and the Hello Deli. Visit Hello-deli.com if you want to purchase any Late Show with David Letterman Merchandise, like mugs and T-Shirts, as well as Rupert inspired merchandise as well. As always, if you ask really nicely, Rupert may add onions to your order.   

Please Like, Share, Subscribe, and leave a positive comment about 'The Letterman Podcast.' Just not in the bathroom. Those don't work out very well.

Eddie Brill has returned! Since his first appearance on episode 3 of The Letterman Podcast, the show has found its voice in many respects, and many of the dynamics between Mike and the guests have deepened. This episode is a prime example!  He and Eddie continue down the rabbit hole they started down and it just keeps going! Eddie and Mike talk about the comedy scene then and now, what made a good comic for Late Show, the differences between Eddie and Jim McCawley (who used to book comics on Johnny's Tonight Show) and much more. One of the questions Mike got after the first episode was about what kind of things Eddie would talk to Dave about during commercial breaks at the desk. Eddie tells us about the first time it happened and the types of conversations had during those special times. Never ungrateful for the amazing journey Eddie got to experience, he goes into some of the contemplative writing he has been doing on social media, and the interactive nature of comedy with folks who follow and interact with his posts. Full of stories and anecdotes, Eddie himself could have a podcast going through all these amazing experiences; we are excited to have Eddie as a friend of the show, and that he is willing to tell these tales for us all to enjoy.  

The Letterman Podcast is brought to you in part by Rupert Jee and the Hello Deli! Nestled in the bosom of the Ed Sullivan Theater, The Hello Deli has delicious soups and sandwiches to be sure, but also is the only place to get official 'Late Show with David Letterman' merchandise! Mugs, T-Shirts and more, check out Hello-deli.com for all the details. As always, Rupert packs all the orders with care, and if you ask really nicely, he may add onions to your order.   

We would really appreciate if you all would Subscribe to The Letterman Podcast, and Like, and Share the show as well. We have a group on The Facebook comprised of an ever expanding community that includes folks who worked on Dave's shows. Come on in, and lets build this thing. For  every like, Mike will eat a raisin.

We use the 'F' word a LOT on this particular episode of The Letterman Podcast. Don't worry; its not gratuitous, but we will disclaim it none the less. Jody Ebert, (no relation to Roger, that we know of) a long time actor as well as a director and screenwriter, professionally went in a direction he never could have predicted: he was the player in a reoccurring bit with David Letterman where he got to scream 'F**K YOU!' to him (not to mention Paul and Alan 'Big Red' Kalter) over 18 times from 2006 to 2012. If you want to see highlights of this, head over to the official Letterman YouTube channel and check it out. Then, for the love of God, come right back here and watch or listen to this episode, and multiple times for good measure. Jody happily talks about his boyhood relationship with the Stangal's, who helped him get the gig, his ACTUAL first time appearing on the show, the process and evolution of the bit, and much more!  Jody and Mike have a fantastic, slightly insightful, always heartfelt conversation about Dave and his genius, the Pants family and how they welcomed Jody, and a major backstory of the 'FU Guy' that was filmed but never completed. This is a great episode for folks who enjoy going deep into some of the 'little things' that made Dave & Company so great, from someone who is extremely grateful to have been a part of it.   

Rupert Jee and the Hello Deli are a sponsor for the Letterman Podcast and we could not be more delighted. go to Hello-Deli.com to purchase shirts, mugs and other licensed Late Show with David Letterman products as well as Rupert themed merchandise as well. As always, if you ask nicely, he may add onions to your order.   

Please Subscribe, Like, and Share this show, no matter the platform you consume it. Then do whatever it takes to coerce everyone you know to do the same. It seems so simple, right?   

In all seriousness, we are extremely grateful for the reception of this program. Check out our group on The Facebook, where a small but scrappy community is beginning to emerge.

George Schweitzer may well be the most successful marketer in the history of network television. He was employed by CBS for a hair under 50 years, much of that heading up marketing for the entire network. He's seen it all over a career that spanned multiple generations. One of the many things he saw, promoted, and gave tremendous respect and leeway for was David Letterman and Company. He was the guy who was there 29 years ago when Dave came over to CBS and helped craft and spearhead one of the most defining marketing campaigns in entertainment history. And the best part about it is that its one of his favorite moments of that remarkable career, and he was more than willing to come on 'The Letterman Podcast,' and relive some of those memories. But it wasn't all highs! There were many peaks and valleys, all of which contain anecdotes and stories that fascinated Mike, and might just do the same thing for you. The 'Number 3 in Late Night' Billboard, most famous Superbowl commercial in late night history, and MANY more highlights are discussed in this episode. He also tells us how he felt about 'Jake and The Fatman.' 

As always, The Letterman Podcast is brought to you in part by Rupert Jee and his Hello Deli, nestled within the bosom of the Ed Sullivan Theater. Home of delicious soups and sandwich's but also the only place to get 'Late Show with David Letterman' merchandise. Shirts, Mugs, and more, go to hello-deli.com and check out what he's got. If you ask REALLY nicely, he may add onions to your order.   

Please leave a positive comment and like and share and subscribe to this show no matter where you consume it. In fact, perhaps a great game might be searching all the platforms this show is available on, and doing all those things on all of em. Its like a game. Only, this game has no ending and no one wins. Fun!

Steve Young returns to The Letterman Podcast to go deep and talk about Bathtubs Over Broadway, the documentary he and many Letterman alum, and even Dave himself were featured in. One might say this amazing film was spawned from 'Dave's Record Collection,' a bit featured on Late Night and Late Show going back decades.  Steve and Mike continue their rapport going far down the rabbit hole, exploring a piece of entertainment Americana that most people have no idea even existed...the world of industrial musicals. For any enthusiast of David Letterman, this documentary is a MUST own, and for any enthusiast of the documentary, this episode is a Must watch.  Steve shows his incredible depth of knowledge and insight while of course being hysterical in the process. This episode also features a cameo by Darin Cox, host of the Irritable Dad Syndrome Podcast, and the very first guest on The Letterman Podcast. Steve Young and many of his past and current antics and projects can be found at Steveyoungworld.com.   

As always, Rupert Jee and the Hello Deli are happy to sponsor The Letterman Podcast. Hello-Deli.com is the only place to purchase Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Shirts, mugs and more are available at the legendary Soup and Sandwich shop located in the womb of the Ed Sullivan theater, and each purchase made is packed by Rupert Himself. If you ask really nicely, he might add onions to your order.   

We ask that everybody who reads these words would Share, Like, Subscribe, and leave a positive comment for our show, then knock on every neighbors door on the block and ask them to do the same. If everyone did that just once we would never have to ask again, and that would be really neat.

Caissie St. Onge is a writer, producer, showrunner and podcaster. She and Busy Philipps currently co host the podcast 'Busy Philipps is Doing Her Best' which can be heard on the major podcast platforms. How did it all start? Well, Caissie was David Letterman's assistant-at perhaps the most pivotal point in his career-when he made the move to CBS. She did this despite the fact that she didn't know how to operate a manual transmission.  Caissie and Mike have a tremendous conversation about her time with the show and what she learned from it. Coming straight from college with only a dream, she went to work for, and was taught in a beautiful, unique way by one of the most talented performers and writers of all time, David Letterman. Caissie tells many stories of what it was like back then, and went through her evolution to working for Rosie O'Donnell (no relation to Steve that we know of) and she and Mike discuss how the landscape of women in entertainment has changed, and how it could change further. They also talk about Prince.  

As always, The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by Rupert Jee and the Hello Deli, your source for Late Show with David Letterman merchandise. Go to hello-deli.com for shirts, mugs and more, shipped from Late Show Legend, Rupert himself. If you ask really nicely, he might add onions to your order.   

We also ask that everyone who reads this shares, likes, and subscribes to this show no matter the platform in which you consume it, and that you would also immediately go to all your social media channels telling all your friends and followers to do the same, then join The Letterman Podcast group on The FaceBook and proclaim that you did it.

Vinnie Favale has had an interesting career. In fact, Vinnie has had MANY interesting careers, seemingly all happening at once. He's a writer, producer and director (of many disciplines) and was one of the folks to launch what is now known at Comedy Central. He has also worked for MTV, A&E, HBO and even produced and launched his own musical. He was also the executive liaison from CBS to The Late Show with David Letterman for the bulk of the show's run. Does that make him a pinhead? He and Mike discuss that very topic, and many, many more. Vinnie and Mike have an enthusiasm for Dave & Co that is eerily similar; this is a very high energy episode. Topics range from big moments on the show, like when Senator and Presidential Candidate John McCain had his monumental screw up involving Dave, CBS News, and 'suspension' of his campaign, to much smaller, nuanced details about the day to day workings of the show. Oh, and also Vinnie's connection to Howard Stern, which is just as fascinating as his connection to Dave & Co. Mike and Vinnie covered a lot of ground for his first appearance, and we are so excited for the future stories the two will explore.  

As always, The Letterman Podcast is brought to you in part by The Hello Deli. Rupert Jee is a part of Letterman lore, and we are delighted to have him as a supporter of what we do. If you want Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, go to hello-deli.com and see all the fun stuff that is available.   

We appreciate every single like, share, and subscription to the show, and ask that anyone and everyone do all of the above as many times as humanly possible.

Its rare that a comedy writer/performer can say they had a gig for nearly 4 decades working with the same performer, or broadcaster in this case; an exception to the rule, no doubt. Well, hold onto your hotdogs kids, we got one as our guest this week. Gerard Mulligan can trace his history in the lore of Letterman ALL the way back. Before (The) Late Show. Before Late Night. Before The David Letterman Show. Gerry first started writing jokes for Dave at one of the most important times in Letterman's career; when he was guest hosting Johnny Carson's 'Tonight Show.'  Gerry is a legendary fixture in the Letterman family. He appeared on screen hundreds of times, and was a part many, many big and little moments on the shows. Gerry and Mike became fast friends and in this episode, and begin the monumental task of going over the incredible number of highlights from Gerry's unprecedented tenure. The show begins with a Tom Dreesen story, weaves through big moments with Chris Elliot to 9/11, and small moments where he would appear as a cicada with everything between. Gerard is a man who literally helped synthesize the very fabric and textures that Letterman &  Co are made up of. Thank goodness he agreed to come back sooner than later for part 2. and 3. and 4. This is a must watch/listen episode for Letterman enthusiasts of all eras.   As always, The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by The Hello Deli. Rupert Jee has been a cheerleader of The Letterman Podcast before the first show was uploaded, and we couldn't be more proud to type those words. If you are looking for official 'Late Show with David Letterman' merch, Rupert is one of the only places to get it. Go to hello-deli.com and check out all the merch he has. Or if you are in the NY area, pop in and see him, get a fantastic soup and sandwich, as well as some merch from Rupert personally.   Please feel free to like, subscribe, and share The Letterman Podcast, and join our FB group. We have great things planned.

Steve Young was one of David Letterman's longest serving and influential writers, his tenure lasting from 1990 until the Last Late Show on May 20, 2015. Brilliant to a fault, for some reason, Steve agreed to appear on our show, instantly making it much better than it would have been. He and Mike have a wonderful, unstructured conversation that spans decades and takes rabbit holes at her leisure. They talk about when Steve took over the 'Dave's Record Collection' bit and how that chain of events unexpectedly led to Steve becoming an author (Everything's Coming Up Profits-The Golden Age of Industrial Musicals) and the subject of a Documentary (Bathtubs over Broadway,) all of which evolved from that fateful day. They talk about his on screen appearances, the process of writing for Dave and many other things any Letterman enthusiast will be enthralled with. We HIGHLY recommend anyone and everyone make their way to steveyoungworld.com and check out all of the archived material Steve was a part of, Celibrigum, and much more.   

As always, The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by Rupert Jee and the Hello Deli. If you want 'Late Show With David Letterman' merch, head to hello-deli.com and Rupert himself will fill your order. If you ask really nicely, he might add onions for you as well.   

Finally, we are still asking that folks Like, Subscribe, and Share The Letterman Podcast. You can even join our group on The Facebook. One day we wont have to ask anymore; today is not that day.  #letterman #thanksdave #latenight #thelettermanpodcast #lateshow #bathtubsoverbroadway #comedywriter #comedy #davidletterman #steveyoung

Stephen Winer was there at the very beginning of Late Night. And some of his contributions to the show as a writer endured the entire Letterman run until 2015, such as the bit he wrote for a viewer mail segment where Dave threw something into the open window scape behind him, triggering what would become an iconic glass breaking sound effect. He was also one of the men who discovered Calvert DeForest, better known in some circles as Larry 'Bud' Melman. And while those two facts alone cement him in the annuals of Letterman lore, there is so much more to talk about. Stephen and Mike have a delightful conversation about how the show was built, and behind the scenes stories of what many call the greatest talk show in history during its infancy. They go deeper into comedy, and talk about one of Stephen's other most important contributions to entertainment, working directly with another titan of clever irreverence, Robert Klein. The love for the craft of comedy writing is evident in this conversation, and anyone who is an enthusiast of the discipline will surely love this episode.   

As always, The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by the good folks (Rupert and May) of the Hello Deli, in the heart of New York, and the heart of the Ed Sullivan Theatre, for that matter. If you are looking for "Late Show with David Letterman" merchandise, or a tremendous sandwich, check out the Hello Deli at Hello-deli.com and have Rupert send you something fun.   

Also as always, we would very much appreciate anyone and everyone who come across this program to Like, Share, and Subscribe to it, whether on the YouTubes, Apples, Spotifys or anywhere else you might stumble upon us. For every one of those, Mike will eat a delicious raisin.

Tom 'Bones" Malone might be the most accomplished and interesting musician in all of entertainment. For the purposes of this show, Tom was the arranger and key member of the CBS orchestra for the entire run of The Late Show with David Letterman. For many, that would be considered legendary. But for Tom, its literally one of many accomplishments on a long list. 

A maestro in both theory and practice, Tom has arranged 3,000 pieces of music, many of which were done on the fly. He is currently recording a Big Band record in his house, where he plays all the instruments, and produces all the tracks. Talk about a one man band. He was on the original Saturday Night Live Band where he met Paul Shaffer for the first time, worked on 'The Blues Brothers,' and even helped Paul get the original gig on Late Night.  Tom and Mike talk about all these things and more. Eddie Vedder? Yup. The Foo Fighters and Taylor Hawkins? You Betcha. Warren Zevon? Yes, and it's beautiful. This is an episode of The Letterman Podcast that should not be missed. I know, I know. We say that every time. But this one, by gum, this one is legendary, just like Tom.   

One last thing: There is a moment Tom talked about where he got a joke on the show-unintentionally. This moment is indeed immortalized as a clip on the internet, and we put it up in 'The Letterman Podcast Facebook Group' which we invite you to join and come take a look at it. Hilarious.  As always, The Letterman Podcast is brought to you in part by Rupert Jee's Hello Deli, your source for Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, as well as sandwich's that will knock your socks off. Go to hello-deli.com for the details.   

Finally, we cannot wait for a time that we do not have to ask folks to Like, Share, Subscribe, and leave a positive comment for the show. However, that time is not here yet. So please do all of the above. As always, a kitty gets a pet in that sweet spot right between her eyes every time someone does one of those above mentioned actions. A really nice pet, where she can't help but close her eyes real slow in appreciation. Please don't deprive that kitty her pets.   #thanksdave #davidletterman #latenight #lateshow #lateshowwithdavidletterman #Thelateshow #thelettermanpodcast #trombone #thebluesbrothers #snl #musician #letterman #thecbsorchestra #paulshaffer #comedy

After the unexpected power outage that interrupted the epic conversation between head writer Steve O'Donnell and Mike was in the rearview mirror, the unlikely duo seamlessly continued their dialog. So for all  who have been waiting with baited breath to find out how Steve and Shecky met, fear not! That question will be answered, along with others.  What was one of the code names used for Dave? In this episode it's revealed, and the answer might surprise you. What is the word Steve used in his interview that got him hired? You must ingest this episode to find out. Mike also gets to express his appreciation to this giant in the world of comedy, writing, and of course Letterman. Part 2 has a lot of fun, laughter and inspiration. Mike even may have found a theory about the Top 10 list's creation that may not have been discovered before. There is Larry 'Bud' Melman talk as well as a shout out to Madeline Smithberg, and a very nice dialog about Steve's twin brother Mark who passed away in 2012. If you have ever had an appreciation for David Letterman, Steve's echoes can nearly always be heard.   

As always, we would like to bribe you to subscribe, share, and like this show by sincerely telling you every time one of those things happen, a puppy  gets a treat.  

This show has been brought you in part by Rupert Jee's Hello Deli. If you are looking for Late Show with David Letterman merchandise, go to hello-deli.com  #davidletterman #latenight #thanksdave #thelettermanpodcast #thelateshow #comedy #comedywriter #lateshow

Steve O'Donnell has a history with David Letterman that spans more than 40 years. He was with Dave near the very beginning, became head writer, left when the show became 'bigger' and  came back at the end as an overqualified faxer. What happened in all those middle years? Much of that is discussed in this episode. Of all the comedy legends out there, Steve might be one of the most humble of the bunch. He openly discusses the show's early years, vs the later years, and some of the projects he was involved with after he left Late Show, including Jimmy Kimmel, Norm Macdonald and others. They discuss highlights from the show and have a lovely exchange, despite the fact that Steve is not, nor will ever be Bob Hammerquist.   Note: some of the events of this podcast may seem coincidental or staged. They are not. So to hear how Steve originally met Shecky, and much more you will have to watch part 2, which comes out next week. In the meantime, how about Liking, Subscribing, and Sharing this episode? We are serious! We LOVE when people do that! Please be one of those folks. We have some cool goals, but they won't be possible until the show is a touch more friendly on the metrics scale.   #thanksdave #davidletterman #latenight #lateshow #thelettermanpodcast #jimmykimmel #normmacdonald #comedy #comedywriter

Irene Hoffman is our second repeat guest on The Letterman Podcast and she is broadcasting from one of her and Rupert Jee's favorite spots on planet earth...Greece! Irene has taken time from her getaway to come back on the show and talk with Mike about the episode of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction featuring one of the comic geniuses of our generation, Tina Fey. Why that episode? Because Irene was there! She and Mike discuss her encounter during the Q&A before the show with Dave where he tried to get her seats right up front but was denied by the theater staff! They also discuss elements of the show that made the Netflix episode, and things left on the cutting room floor, among many other things. The Letterman Podcast will always include members of the community who wholeheartedly adore Letterman & Company, or folks that have had connection with Dave's various shows over the years. We are so happy Irene is a loyal member of our community. Please join our group on FB and be part of the fun.  

We are grateful for every Like, Subscribe, Share and thoughtful comment everyone gestures on behalf of this project. As always, for every one, a kitty gets a really nice nuzzle.

Tom, or Tommy (depending on who's asking) Ruprecht is a delightful human that also wrote for David Letterman for 12 years. He and Mike have a fantastic conversation about his time working at The Late Show that includes highlights and he outlines the writing process of many aspects of the show. As Tom and Mike get to know each other it becomes clear very quickly both men are happy and high energy which sets a fun atmosphere for this episode.   

This episode is brought to you in part by the Hello Deli. If you are looking for Late Show with David Letterman Merchandise, look no further to Rupert, and head to hello-deli.com to check out all everything they have to offer.   We also ask that you share, subscribe, leave a positive comment and support our show however you see fit. Please join "The Letterman Podcast' group on the ol Facebook and become part of the community! 

 #thanksdave #TheLateshow #latenight #davidletterman #letterman #comedy #comedywriter #thelettermanpodcast

Bonus Show!  

While we enjoy our commitment to releasing new episodes every Friday, we also have had a lot of fun doing other shows with members of the community and putting them out for the hungry public to consume not unlike certain rats with certain pieces of pizza. 

Today we release 'The Post Mortem of Jerry Seinfeld.' Rob Kates, our first returning guest, joins Mike to discuss one of their favorite episodes of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction AND Dave's appearance on Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. Mike and Rob really enjoy bantering about their shared love of Dave & Co, Jerry, Comedy in general and the impact they have had on both men's lives. Its a good time to be a Letterman fan! We hope you enjoy the show, and invite you to join the conversation and the community as we build what is certain to be a titan of content that will be unrivaled in quality to some and pointlessness to many.   

As Always, The Letterman Podcast is brought to you by the good folks at the Hello Deli in NY, NY. If you need new LSWDL merchandise (if you don't know what that is the acronym for, well, it might be time to consider more drastic measures) go to hello-deli.com and Rupert himself will pack and send your purchases to you. If you ask, he might also add onions, so long as the package doesn't cross international borders.   

We ask that if you enjoy what we are doing, please hit the 'Like and Subscribe' buttons and ask or bribe everyone in your life to do so as well. Sharing the show is also acceptable.   #thanksdave #davidletterman #latenight #lateshow #seinfeld #jerryseinfeld #mynextguestneedsnointroduction #comedy #thelettermanpodcast

This episode of the Letterman Podcast is partially a tribute to Kathleen Ankers. Kathleen, while you are no longer with us in body, your spirit lives on, and if J and the rest of the Letterman Podcast Network community have anything to say about it, we will be discussing your work and the impact it made on us for many, many years to come. Thank you for all you did to be a major contributor to the Letterman and Company aesthetic and legacy, and for painting the pictures of many of our memories and visualizations pertaining to Late Night and Late Show with David Letterman.   

J Ryan and his wife Nicole are the hosts of the internet show Cars and Comedy, which is shot on location in the Late Night Playset, the only Emmy winning set to be used in an internet show ever, which can be seen live at 5PM Tuesdays and Thursdays on YouTube, Instagram, and available afterwards on all the major podcast platforms as well. The Playset features David Letterman's original Late Show Desk, Guest Chairs, and the iconic microphone Dave used for years. J is also a major catalyst for the existence of The Letterman Podcast, and some would say he is famous and infamous within the David Letterman community for a variety of reasons, some of which we will get into on this episode. He and Mike decided to crossover even more by using the Late Night Playset production facilities to record this episode of The Letterman Podcast.   

With decades of experience in television production, prop replication, (he was a major part in the re-creation of a Back to the Future Time Machine and an Ecto-1 both used in official productions) and many other aspects of media, J can trace his love of the genre, and the production of it to his youth when he hosted a talk show back in his high school days. As a teenager he was constantly drawing Dave's sets and noticing nuances and details of the productions prolifically. He made contact with Kathleen Ankers and had many conversations with her where she gave him insights of all sorts. J and Mike touch on some of those encounters, what they meant to J, and how it has led him to being an advocate and cheerleader for Kathleen even after she passed away over two decades ago.   

The two hosts touch on many topics within the Letterman world, including J's reaction to a few of the recent episodes of The Letterman Podcast, especially the one featuring Daniel Kellison. This led to J talking about the dilemma he had when Jay Leno visited the Playset as a guest at the demand of his viewers and listeners. Mike and J go back and forth on that topic and many others, and they even open a package from none other than Rupert Jee of the Hello Deli on screen to celebrate the Deli's sponsorship of The Letterman Podcast.   

As always, we ask that everyone Likes, Subscribes, Shares, and writes a positive comment about The Letterman Podcast, in whatever platform you consume the program in. Heck, if you want, do those things on all the other platforms too. We are so grateful for the support you all have shown us so far and are happy to proclaim that 'you ain't seen nothin yet!'   #thanksdave #letterman #latenight #thelateshow #davidletterman #liveitwhileyagotit #gvbc #goodvibesbreakfastclub #thelettermanpodcast #Carsandcomedy #latenightplayset

Arthur Kelly worked with his Worldwide Pants family for 15 years, and his job with the organization never changed. Arthur answered the phones on David Letterman's floor and was one of the last gatekeepers in charge of filtering the massive volume of calls the organization received. He did however, have a significant new task added to his job description along the way; portraying a parody of Former NFL coach and player (not in that order,) Mike Singletary off and on for nearly a decade on the Coach's Corner segment of The Late Show.  Already a good friend with Mike, Artie 'The One Man Party' makes his first appearance on 'The Letterman Podcast' and on the lucky thirteenth episode, no less! The two buddies talk about all sorts of things from how he was hired, pranks he pulled in the office, to how David 'Freaking' Letterman whipped various items, (such as random species of produce) at his head every day. They also talk about the fact that Arthur gave Mike his first 'Pants" jacket, which is a sweet story, that leads into another story that is leagues sweeter regarding the most special 'Worldwide Pants' jacket ever created. They also talk about one of the most sentimental things Dave ever said to Artie in all the years they worked together and how it impacts him to this very day.  

One Note: If you watch the video version of 'The Letterman Podcast' you will see Arthur has an American Flag upside down in the background. He is also wearing funky glasses. Mike talked to Artie off mic and they discussed how this is not a reflection of disrespect in any way; quite the opposite. Artie told Mike things are that way because the whole world is upside down right now, and he is trying to spread joy while acknowledging the 'upside-downess' of everything. Its important note this so there is no misunderstanding. Arthur is a special guy with a really good heart.   

As always, we at 'The Letterman Podcast,' are grateful for every Share, Like, Positive Comment, and Subscription we get both on the YouTube and on our Podcast Platforms, and encourage more of it. As always, a kitty gets a treat every time one of those things happen. Please spread the joy that is our show to others so we might make more shows. We have a community on Facebook that is growing in a robust fashion, and we are grateful for this entire community.   

This show is proudly sponsored by the Hello Deli, nestled within the Ed Sullivan Theater building. If you are looking for Late Show with David Letterman shirts, mugs and more, head to hello-deli.com and order something from Rupert Jee himself.

There is an argument to be made that Daniel Kellison is one of the greatest segment producers in Late Night Television history, and no, we are not being hyperbolic in making that claim. Daniel started his career with David Letterman and Company in 1988 as a researcher, and worked his way up the ladder enthusiastically over the years. By the time 'The Late Shift' happened, Daniel was a very important part of the show, and when it moved to CBS and the entire world was watching, the entire staff rose to the occasion to create must see TV that was NOT on NBC. The first few years of 'The Late Show with David Letterman' had iconic moment after iconic moment, and Daniel has graciously given of his time to come on The Letterman Podcast for his first (of many if we have anything to say about it) appearances and talk about a few of those iconic moments he had a hand in. Drew Barrymore? Check. 'That' Madonna appearance? Yup. Peter O'Toole? Our big finish. Daniel regales us with many hilarious stories from the show and beyond,  including a Hal Gurnee moment you must hear to believe; we promise it will make you laugh. He and Mike also have a lovely talk about Norm Macdonald. This is a quintessential episode of The Letterman Podcast proudly brought to you in part by The Hello Deli.   

As always, we ask that you might do the following in whatever order you see fit: Share, Subscribe, Like, and leave a Positive Comment. Lets build this community!  

#Thanksdave #Letterman #thelateshow #latenight #davidletterman #jackhole #jash #thelettermanpodcast #madonna #drewbarrymore #peterotoole #normmacdonald

Jeff Altman is a legendary entertainer. He is a stand up comedian of the highest regard, an actor of many disciplines, a musician (yes, drummers are musicians too;) and a close up magician.  Jeff Altman also has known and been friends with David Letterman in 6 decades, from the 1970's to the present. 

Becoming fast friends, Jeff and Mike have a delightful conversation about his history with Dave over the years, what it was like to go through some of the ups and downs with Dave, Jeff's style and method when it came to stand up and more. They reminisce about many of Jeff's moments on Dave's shows, and get even more granular, trading memories of individual words or phrases Dave said that have endured. Jeff also shares details of the letter he wrote Dave just before he retired from the Late Show in 2015. We at the Letterman Podcast are delighted that Jeff is a friend of the show.  

 We ask that you Subscribe, Like, Write a Positive Comment, and Share this show, on every platform possible. Please also come join our group on Facebook as well. We will soon be giving away all sorts of goodies including original scripts and postcards from The Late Show as our community grows. As we have said, everytime someone shares our show, a puppy gets a treat.   #davidletterman #letterman #Thelateshow #thelettermanpodcast #lettermanpodcastnetwork #latenight #jeffaltman #Thanksdave #netflix #Thatsmytimewithdavidletterman #mynextguestneedsnointroduction

Irene Hoffman saw 'The Late Show' many times over its massive run, and has a lot of stories she can tell from the 20 plus years she made the regular pilgrimage to The Ed Sullivan Theater in New York. Along the way she also became the girlfriend of Rupert Jee, owner of the Hello Deli on 53rd street, and Late Show legendary mainstay. Wanna hear about the first time they met? This is the show for you, and it's quite the story indeed! Irene and Mike who are already good friends set the table for what will be sure to be the first of multiple stops Irene will make on the show. Rooted in kindness, both Irene and Mike give their perspectives of seeing the big show live from the perspective of the audience. The Letterman Podcast prides itself on making sure enthusiasts of Dave & Company are a part of this show, and this episode is a fantastic example of the emotion folks feel for the legacy, even 7 years after it went off the air.  As always, we ask that anyone who enjoys this show subscribe to, share, and like our program, in whatever platform that you consume it. Heck, feel free to like it in platforms you don't consume it as well. Double heck, even if you don't enjoy the show, we invite you to do it anyway. C'mon! Its for a good cause! #thanksdave #Davidletterman #letterman #Rupertjee #Thehellodeli #thelateshow #latenight #thelettermanpodcast

Friend of the show and author of 'The Last Days of Letterman,' Scott Ryan joins Mike on the latest installment of 'The Post Mortem,' where they have an in-depth discussion of Dave's conversation and presentation of Julia Louis-Dreyfus on the latest season of  'My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.' Mike and Scott get into all sorts of nooks and cranny's featured in the episode. And yes, they talk at length about the profanity in Dave and Julia's conversation and what it means for us a society today. Insightful, and slightly entertaining, this episode of 'The Letterman Podcast,' is one that should not be missed!  Now, a quick blurb about Scott: If you haven't read 'The Last Days of Letterman,' and  you appreciate what Dave & Company did even marginally, this is the book for you. Mike holds this book up at the same level of Bill Carter's books; essential reading for anyone who enjoys David Letterman. The last 6 weeks of 'The Late Show with David Letterman,' was nothing short of magical as far as television shows are concerned. It was the send off of arguably the greatest body of work broadcasting has ever seen.  Scott's book goes behind the scenes of that remarkable run and talks to many of the staffers that made it happen. The magical feeling during the original broadcasts airing is captured in this very special book. We at The Letterman Podcast are extremely grateful that we can call Scott a friend, and he will be back in the future many times, most likely with very special guests joining us along with him.   As always, we would ask that you subscribe to this show, and even consider liking it, and sharing it with everyone you know. Even your mom. After all, mom's love Dave too.  #thanksdave #davidletterman #thelettermanpodcast #thelettermanpodcastnetwork #mynextguestneedsnointroduction #latenight #thelateshow #scottryan #thelastdaysofletterman

Once Again: Tom Dreesen has been performing for over 50 years, and is one of David Letterman's best friends, going all the way back to their stand up days at The Comedy Store. He is the author of two books:  Tim and Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White, and  Still Standing...My Journey from Streets and Saloons to the Stage, and Sinatra. In Part 2 of Tom's first appearance on 'The Letterman Podcast,' Tom and Mike talk about all the phases of David Letterman's broadcasting career, from the morning show all the way to Dave's latest venture 'That's My Time With David Letterman.'  They discuss Jay Leno, and the impact Dave had on his career, how Dave may well have kept Johnny Carson 'hip,' the flirtation of potentially having a talk show of his own, Letterman's transition from NBC to CBS, performing for the troops overseas, Sinatra, and Tom even regals us with what might be the most legendary Don Rickles story of all time. Tom Dreesen is a comedy legend who has rubbed shoulders with giants, and we at the Letterman Podcast are forever grateful for the generosity of his time, advice, friendship, and of course above all, the entertainment he has brought us for decades. A MUST listen/watch!

We are so grateful for the overwhelming support of The Letterman Podcast so far! We have grand asperations for the show and are excited to celebrate Dave & Co and their incredible legacy in the broadcasting world. Please Like our channel, Subscribe here, (and where audio podcasts are found) and share the show. We also have a group on the Facebook where our community is growing as well. 

May all your favorite bands stay together!

Tom Dreesen has been performing for over 50 years, and is one of David Letterman's best friends, going all the way back to their stand up days at The Comedy Store. He is the author of two books:  Tim and Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White, and  Still Standing...My Journey from Streets and Saloons to the Stage, and Sinatra.  Tom jumped at the opportunity to come on our show and say some nice things about his friend Dave. But he and Mike get into WAY more than that! This episode explores Tom's early years, touching on his groundbreaking comedy partnership with Tim Reid,  meeting Dave at The Comedy Store, (Do you know what their basketball team was called?) and the night Dave guest hosted Johnny Carson's Tonight Show for the very first time, then joined the picket line during the infamous comedians strike right after. This episode is a delightful journey into the past and sets the stage for Part 2.  We are so grateful for the overwhelming support of The Letterman Podcast so far! We have grand asperations for the show and are excited to celebrate Dave & Co and their incredible legacy in the broadcasting world. Please Like our channel, Subscribe here, (and where audio podcasts are found) and share the show. We also have a group on the Facebook where our community is growing as well. May all your favorite bands stay together!

Welcome to the first installment of 'The Post Mortem,' one of the many special topic based episodes 'The Letterman Podcast' will release. The Post Mortem will revolve around special guests coming on the show to discuss new Letterman content not long after it's release. Its a celebration that Dave & Co are still putting out new material to add to the legendary body of work they have created during the past four decades. This episode focusses on NBA living legend Kevin Durant and his featured episode on My Next Guest With David Letterman, released on May 20, 2022, the seven year anniversary of 'The Late Show' going off the air for the last time.  Our guest to discuss the episode is Rusty Shackelford. Rusty is the host or cohost on multiple podcasts dealing in topics of entertainment, from King of the Hill to video games. He is also a cohost in another Letterman themed podcast, "Wake the Kids, Tell the Neighbors," and he and Mike have become fast friends in their enthusiasm for Dave & Co, but beyond that as well.  Rusty was the perfect inaugural guest for 'The Post Mortem,' and he and Mike have a ball discussing many elements of the episode. As always, we at 'The Letterman Podcast' are extremely grateful for all the kind words and comments we have already received, and there is a lot more very cool surprises coming down the line, including Late Show Script and other Goodie Giveaways. Please join the group on the Facebook to be part of the community even more, and tell us what you want to see and hear!  Please Like, Subscribe, Leave Positive Reviews and Comments for us, as they make our heart smile. More to come!

Mark Malkoff is a comedian, writer and created and has been the host of 'The Carson Podcast' since 2014. He also worked for 'The Late Show with David Letterman in the audience coordination department for just over 11 months back in the show's heyday.  On this episode of The Letterman Podcast, Mike enthusiastically invites Mark to be a part of the community we here at the show are building, and the two have a delightful conversation about favorite moments in David Letterman & Company's legendary run. Mark was on hand for some legendary moments, including the final anniversary episode and the tribute episode to Johnny Carson in 2005. Mike picks Mark's brain about how he got the gig at The Late Show, what made a good audience, and of course, lots of Johnny Carson stories and connections.   Please like, share, subscribe to this show! For every share, Mike will give a puppy a treat.

Rob Kates has been a professional in the TV business for decades. Like many folks in broadcasting, Rob shares an affinity for the body of work Dave & Co produced. He is also a great enthusiast for the 'Showbusiness of Yesterday.' So much so, he is the administrator or co administrator on many fan group pages to do with Late Night Television, The Rat Pack, and of course, David Letterman. We are thrilled he shared his insights with us.

Don't forget to like and subscribe to the show, and if you feel like it, give it a good rating, and share it with someone who would enjoy the program. If you REALLY feel like it, you could also get me a sandwich. 

This is a hi def recording of The Letterman Podcast. It was first broadcast on FB live, in a livestream format that had some glitches. If there were an episode where Mike makes it about him, this is it. Normally, it will be his honor to make every single episode about the guest, and the conversation. In this episode however, Mike reads, The Lettermanifesto; his retelling of his brush with the show, making David Letterman laugh, and getting their exchange in the New York Times and the New Yorker, in a photo taken by a Pulitzer winning photographer no less. 

Mike certainly shows why he believes he is the guy to host The Letterman Podcast. He may convince you the same thing with his display of passion to holding and passing the torch that is the body of work by David Letterman & Company. They know who they are, those who worked on the show. For a long term to a one semester internship, these gals and guys were a family. Mike lets them know how thankful he is for them and is dedicating his Podcast run to them. Morty too. Oh, and if anyone knows Chris Elliott please have him reach out! We would love to have him on. Lastly, we are uploading this episode on May 7, the day Mike is going to see Dave live along with his wife, and hope to meet him to sign the photo. Even seeing him perform live will certainly be the next chapter. But what if it could be bigger? He will report back in the next FB live bonus episode. Stay Tuned, and please subscribe, like and share this show on all the usual, and unusual channels to get the show out there.

Eddie Brill is a Stand up comic who ran a comedy club in NY, founded a comedy festival that ran for 10 years in tribute to Johnny Carson, and has been performing for over 35 years.

He was also the warm up comedian and comedy booker for The Late Show With David Letterman for 17 years.

It was a fun conversation to say the least!

It's not hyperbolic to say that Marc Karzen was instrumental in creating the attitude of the visual tone of 'Late Night With David Letterman.' Karzen, along with art director Bob Pook and graphics coordinator Edd Hall, created the bumpers we the viewers would see as Late Night broke for and came back from commercials. The Emmy nominated “No-Logo” concept would take the show title and integrate it into natural late night New York settings.  Marc and his team's work is being celebrated in his book "Late Night Bumpers, the 40th Anniversary Edition" which is now available, and a must purchase for Letterman enthusiasts.  Marc visited the podcast to talk about the genesis and process of their work, highlights of some of the photos, and in a surprising twist, how Marc inadvertently created the 'Letterman Jackets' tradition within Dave's world. The Letterman Podcast is extremely proud to have Marc in our community,  and to debut the first of hopefully many appearances on the show.

This is the inaugural episode of The Letterman Podcast, and we could not have asked for a better representation of what this show is about! Darin Cox, host of 'The Irritable Dad Syndrome' Podcast took time out of his schedule to talk to Mike about all one of his many fantastic encounters with The Late Show! He relays the story about how one time when visiting the show on Valentine's Day, he was put into a segment with Elle Macpherson! He and Mike bond over their shared love of Letterman and all his incarnations, and much more!  For all those who have an enthusiasm for David Letterman and his incredibly body of work, please subscribe and share this Podcast!