A Chicago native who studied music at the University of Southern California, Ross Golan has worked with many of music’s biggest artists. His credits include Maroon 5, Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Michael Bublé, Keith Urban, One Direction, Idina Menzel, and Linkin Park. Ross has also had multiple record deals as an artist, and is the writer of Ovation Award-winning musical The Wrong Man, which will soon be recorded and released by Interscope Records.
Those credits would be enough for most artists, but Ross is also the host of the And The Writer Is podcast. Launched in January, And The Writer Is — as produced by fellow hitmaker Joe London (Thomas Rhett, Jason Derulo, Pitbull) — features exclusive conversations with other notable songwriters. The first episode, for example, featured Benny Blanco, as known for his work on Ed Sheeran’s “Don’t,” Ke$ha’s “Tik Tok,” Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger” and Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream.” In turn, listeners get to hear great creative minds talking shop and plenty more.
How did you wind up in the co-writing game? When did you realize it exists?
Ross Golan: There are two kinds of songwriters — the ones that were artists and the ones that want to be artists. Both Joe and I were in bands. We had been collaborating with other musicians for years but you get in the game when someone introduces you to the game. For me, it was Evan Bogart and Ryan Tedder. Evan, who wrote “SOS” for Rihanna and “Halo” for Beyoncé, was my booking agent and Ryan, lead singer of OneRepublic, and I played shows around L.A. While I was handing out CDs at shows one club at a time, their songs were getting played around the world. Songs tour faster.
What was your first cut that had you excited?
RG: I co-wrote a song called “Here Comes Trouble” for the band Honor Society. They were opening for the Jonas Brothers during their prime arena days. They named their headlining tour Here Comes Trouble. That was like getting called up to the pros from the minors and pinch hitting a single. In itself, it didn’t move the needle much. But it assured me that with enough at bats, I might be able to hit one out.
When it comes to songwriting, do you treat it like a day job where you can do it anytime? Or do you need to feel inspired?
RG: Amateurs look for inspiration. If you’re an artist, you can do whatever you want. But if you want to be a professional writer, act like one.
RG: Depends on the month. Anywhere from one to twenty. But never zero.
What was the impetus for this podcast? Has there been a highlight for you so far?
RG: I have a book that everyone signs at the end of a session. It’s basically my yearbook. It has signatures from Bon Jovi to Michael Buble and Lamont Dozier to Max Martin. These people are fascinating. What are the odds that a kid from the north suburbs of Chicago would end up in a room with them? I suppose that’s the question I’m trying to answer. So, in that sense, all of the interviews are highlights.
Podcast aside, what’s coming up for you career-wise?
RG: The Wrong Man, my musical, signed to Interscope at the end of last year. We’ll be recording it this summer. That’s a 15-year project that keeps on ticking.
When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?
RG: I’m a husband. I have a pug. I play ice hockey and golf. I eat. I drink. I feel like there’s a concept in all that.
Chris Shiflett has been the lead guitarist of Foo Fighters — one of the world’s biggest rock bands — for over 15 years. Prior to joining Dave Grohl and company, Chris played guitar in No Use For A Name and Me First & The Gimme Gimmes. While the touring schedule of the Foos would be enough for most musicians, Chris always has a project in the works. Earlier this year, Chris released his third solo album, West Coast Town, via SideOneDummy Records.
In support of West Coast Town, Chris makes a return to New York on Apr. 6 at Rockwood Music Hall. Chris spoke to Downtown about his Rockwood gig and plenty more via e-mail. In the meantime, you can listen to Chris every other Monday as the host of the Walking The Floor podcast, which has hosted Dierks Bentley, Mike Ness, Brad Paisley, Matt Skiba, and Dwight Yoakam among its 57 episodes. Chris can be visited online at www.chrisshiflettmusic.com.
Where was the first gig you ever played in New York? Was it with No Use For A Name?
Chris Shiflett: It was at the Wetlands Preserve and yes, it was with No Use. Next time we came through was Warped Tour out on Long Island, and then the time after that was Coney Island High.
In New York, you have played both the smallest and largest venues over the years. Are New Yorkers different to play for than other city crowds?
Chris Shiflett: Well, New York is unlike any other city in the world, so yeah, I guess the shows there can be intense. Coming from California, I was always a little scared of New York when I first started going there but intrigued at the same time.
I remember your first solo EP came out under the name Jackson, which later evolved into Jackson United. Why did it take so long for your solo material to come out under the name Chris Shiflett?
Chris Shiflett: I never wanted to have it appear that those were solo records, but this time I just figured might as well. My friend Mitch Marine made me do it.
Who’s in your touring band?
Chris Shiflett: For this run of dates I’ve got Brian Whelan on guitar, Luke Adams on drums, and Muddy Stardust on the bass — a solid group of guys!
Chris Shiflett: We’ll probably play my entire new record and throw in a few covers to round it out. It’s kind of hard for people to have to sit through a whole show of songs they’ve never heard!
After your tour wraps, what’s coming up for you?
Chris Shiflett: Not sure exactly. There’s some summer Foo Fighter gigs. Gonna try to squeeze in a few more solo shows before things get too busy.
How has the experience of doing a podcast been for you? Is that something you can see yourself doing for years to come?
Chris Shiflett: I love doing the interviews. When else am I going to get a chance to sit down with Lucinda Williams or Merle Haggard and ask ‘em a bunch of fanboy questions? I’ll do it for as long as people want to listen.
I really enjoyed your podcast episode with Aaron Lee Tasjan. Are you aware that Aaron was in a band with sometimes-guitarist Rich Hinman called the Madison Square Gardeners?
Chris Shiflett: No! Small world.
When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?
Chris Shiflett: I’ve got three young sons and they keep me pretty busy. I try to squeeze in a little surfing, boxing, soccer, and what-not when I can.
Do you have a favorite podcast beyond your own?
Chris Shiflett: There’s a bunch that I listen to: Jimmy Dore Show, WTF?, Intercepted With Jeremy Scahill, So That Happened, Ralph Nader Radio Hour, KPFA – Economic Update, Scheer Intelligence, Guardian Football Weekly — just to name a few!
Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?
Chris Shiflett: Not anymore, ’cause every time I go there, my favorite restaurants have closed and there are a bunch of new ones. I tend to just go where my wife says we should go.
When it comes to comedies, few films are as universally-respected as 1993’s Groundhog Day. The movie — co-written by Danny Rubin and director Harold Ramis and starring Bill Murray — manages to be very funny, while maintaining both heart and originality. All these years later, it retains a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes while holding top honors from BAFTA, the Writers Guild Of America, and the American Film Institute.
Last year, a theatrical adaptation of Groundhog Day opened at The Old Vic on London’s West End. The production was critically-acclaimed as can be, earning various “best” nominations from the Evening Standard Theatre Awards, the Critics Circle Theatre Awards, and the Laurence Olivier Awards. Fortunately for New Yorkers, a Broadway production of Groundhog Day begins previews at the August Wilson Theatre on Mar. 16; the show opens Apr. 17.
The team behind the Groundhog Day musical is very impressive, even by Broadway standards. Director Matthew Warchus was nominated for “Best Director” at the 2014 British Independent Film Awards for his work on Pride, also succeeding Kevin Spacey as the new Artistic Director of the Old Vic Theatre London that year. Choreographer Peter Darling worked on Billy Elliot The Musical and Matilda The Musical. Designer Rob Howell won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Set Design for Ghost The Musical and an Olivier Award for his work on Matilda The Musical in 2012. Composer Tim Minchin is another award-winning member of the Matilda team, although you may recognize him as Atticus Fetch from the show Californication. Andy Karl — who plays the Bill Murray-helmed “Phil Connors” role — received a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his work in Rocky The Musical. And those are just a few of the cast and crew members that have received major honors.
Downtown had the pleasure of chatting with Groundhog Day actor John Sanders, who will play the lovable Ned Ryerson role, as originated by Stephen Tobolowsky. John is another former Matilda cast member, beyond spending time on Broadway in Peter and the Starcatcher. Prior to moving to New York, he was a veteran of the Chicago theater scene. Beyond his work with Groundhog Day, John can be seen in the upcoming Netflix series Iron Fist.
More on John and the rest of the Groundhog Day cast can be found at www.groundhogdaymusical.com. The show can also be followed on Twitter via @GHDMusical.
Do you remember the first time you saw Groundhog Day? Was it in the theater?
John Sanders: Groundhog Day was one of my favorite movies when I was younger. I don’t remember my first viewing, I’m pretty sure it was on VHS. I’ve always loved the combination of comedy and mind-bending metaphysics in this story.
Do you have a favorite scene in the movie?
John Sanders: I love watching Bill Murray stuff pastries into his face while contemplating whether he’s a god. Who wouldn’t want to be able to eat like that with no consequences?
Aside from it being a musical, are there any major differences between the movie and the play? Or will fans of the movie be pleased either way?
John Sanders: Fans of the film will not be disappointed. First of all, we have the same writer as the movie, the brilliant Danny Rubin. He’s brought so many of the iconic lines and moments that fans of the movie will love to see and hear. But telling the story as a musical opens up a lot of new possibilities. We never attempt to explain the same-day phenomenon, but we do get to hear so much more about what’s inside these characters’ heads and hearts. And I must say my character Ned has some really surprising depth that isn’t in the film, and that’s really fun to play and to sing about.
Had you worked with any of the Groundhog Day cast before being cast in this production?
John Sanders: I have. A number of actors from my time at Matilda are here, at least five or six of us from that production. And most of the creative team from Matilda are the ones behind Groundhog Day. And of course there are the dozens of backstage crew who I’ve worked with before, and many that I’m getting to know now. I’m a California boy who worked in the Chicago theater scene for 11 years, so I sometimes have to pinch myself that I get to be part of this Broadway community.
Do you have a theory on the time loop duration of Groundhog Day? I’ve heard that it’s 10 years, and I’ve read Harold Ramis say that it was 10,000 years.
John Sanders: I think it must be longer than 10 years, since Phil changes so profoundly. It’s like we get to witness someone live an entire alternate lifetime and come out the other end a changed man. Sort of like, dare I say it, that episode of Star Trek when Patrick Stewart lives a whole life on this other planet in the space of 20 minutes. Did I just up the dork factor in here? Yes, yes I did. But I also think 10,000 years seems a little long — Phil would just be comatose and insane at the end of that, like Leo DiCaprio near the end of Inception.
John Sanders: Only through his work, which I love. But he certainly seems like a fascinating and well-rounded guy. My first encounter with him was watching him as Ned Ryerson in Groundhog Day. Since then I’ve loved him in Californication, Silicon Valley, and his Tobolowsky Files podcast. He also has a fantastic episode on The Nerdist, which I highly recommend.
Although you have worked in television and have appeared on film, what is it that draws you to theater?
John Sanders: My parents were great and took me to theatre in San Francisco when I was young. I remember being blown away by the original touring production of Les Miserables. We also saw a version of this farce called Charley’s Aunt at ATC back in the 80’s, and I remember marveling at the lead actor’s skill and physical precision. He seemed to be juggling eight things at once and walking the line between control and chaos. He had us all on the edge of our seats, and I just remember thinking I wanna do that! I wanna have an audience in the palm of my hand like that! Camera acting can be very fulfilling, but there’s nothing like performing live.
Is Broadway what inspired you to move to New York?
John Sanders: Actually, it was luck that got me here. I was a working actor in Chicago back in 2012, with a gig lined up down in Indianapolis and no plans whatsoever to move to New York. Then the casting director Jim Carnahan made a trip through Chicago looking for new people, and I wound up getting cast in the Broadway premiere of Peter and the Starcatcher. They called me up and asked if I could be at rehearsal in New York in 10 days! I had to drop everything, look for a place to live, and try to find the rehearsal hall. It was a shock to the system, but I’m so happy here now.
What was the first acting credit you ever landed that made you feel like this was a career, not just working for a little bit?
John Sanders: Well, I had always been a pretty good student, but I purposefully didn’t develop a backup plan for my acting career. I knew that if I had one, that’s what I’d end up doing since starting out in this business is so difficult. So I guess I always knew I was in it for the long haul. But the impostor syndrome started to subside when I joined the union and started paying my bills as an actor, though that didn’t happen until my early 30’s.
Groundhog Day aside, do you have any projects coming up? Appearances?
John Sanders: You may be able to see a little of me in the upcoming Netflix Marvel series Iron Fist. Other than that, I’m consumed with living the same day over and over again for now!
When not busy with acting, how do you like to spend your free time?
John Sanders: My favorite thing in the world is skiing, and I just spent a week in Aspen with my dad and a few old friends before rehearsals started. I love travelling and can’t wait to hit somewhere tropical soon.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?
John Sanders: There are two places on the same block in Chelsea that I love. Dinner at Salinas on the patio. Then late nite drinks at Bathtub Gin, a crazy speakeasy hidden behind a tiny coffee stand.
What about go-to lunch spots near your theater?
John Sanders: I’m a pretty utilitarian eater when I’m working, so when I want something tasty and healthy I usually head to Dig Inn on 8th & 52nd. But if I wanna relax there’s always a burrito at Blockheads. Can’t wait till the weather changes and we can all bask in that courtyard again!
Finally, John, any last words for the kids?
John Sanders: Art done well is like science. And science done well is like art. And farts are always funny.
Paula Poundstone began doing stand-up comedy in the Boston area in 1979. Within a decade of starting, she was a regular on television shows and the winner of an American Comedy Award for “Best Female Stand-Up Comic.” She has never stopped worked as a comic, also managing to find time to write books, work as a columnist, and act. Paula — who was ranked at number 88 on Comedy Central’s list on the 100 greatest stand-up comics of all time — also manages to be on the short-list of regular guests on the NPR mainstay Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!.
What do you wish more people knew about Paula Poundstone?
Paula Poundstone: This is a bit embarrassing, because I talk so much that really I am an open book. People know far more about me than they wish to. Having said that, I do wish more people knew about Rhonda Puckett and Theodore Pie, two characters that I have posted videos of on my goofy website.
Where was your first performance in New York City? What do you remember about it?
PP: I think my first performance in New York City was at The Rainbow Room, I think that was the name of it. It was in a tall building. It was for the taping of an HBO Young Comedians special. There were large potted plants on the stage. I wasn’t that good. I was often upstaged by the potted plants.
You have an upcoming show at the Schimmel Center. Is that the first time you ever performed in downtown Manhattan?
PP: I am not good with directions, and I love New York City, but I am overwhelmed by it. I never know what part of the city I am in, except for Times Square, and I don’t know why everyone else seems to know where they are. People talk about not getting in a cab “headed uptown” if they are going downtown. Can’t the cab turn around? I wouldn’t know uptown or downtown under penalty of watching The Bachelor. I think I worked at a place near a pizza place once. That should narrow it down.
Do you usually tour with an opening act? Any idea who will be opening for you at the Schimmel Center?
PP: I never have an opening act. I have the best audience in the world. They are smart, fun, game, honest, open, caring, and silly. A couple of nights ago I had cause, in dialogue from stage with an audience member to mention the “Worried Man” Kingston Trio song. I sang a bit of it to familiarize the audience member with it, and most of the crowd joined in all of the way through the first chorus. My crowd can be counted on to join in on the “Worried Man” song.
When I used to work clubs and the shows were structured with a headliner, a middle act and an opening act, other comics loved to do my shows. Not because I’m such a stroll in the park, but because they wanted to talk to my audiences. I’ve worked alone since I went into theaters because I’m selfish. I don’t want to cut my time short, with the best audiences in the business. By the way, when I buy the “sharing” size of peanut butter M&Ms, I often don’t share those either.
Have you ever performed any bizarre corporate or private gigs in New York?
PP: Not that I can remember, but I would like to do the “Aggressive Buskers” convention if they should have one.
In general, is performing stand-up in New York different for you than it is in other cities?
PP: No, except I am often lost getting to work in New York City. Sometimes I have to hole up in a Duane Reade until I’m oriented.
Is there something you’re still hoping to accomplish within your career? Would you ever want to host a podcast or an interview-oriented show again?
PP: Yes, I do hope to host a podcast.
When not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
PP: What kind of time?
Before you made it as a stand-up comic, you were a bike messenger. Do you still enjoy cycling?
PP: I fell off my bike, while traveling into a big blue mailbox once. I’ve ridden wobbly, like Alice from The Brady Bunch ever since.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York City?
PP: I don’t eat meat anymore, but when I did, I loved having a souvlaki off of a food cart on the street. It’s still my favorite way to enjoy a can of soda.
Finally, Paula, any last words for the kids?
PP: I am continually amazed by New Yorkers. I had always heard that they were rude or brash. I must say, my experience with them is not that at all. I’ve never been spoken to with anything but kindness when I have asked directions on my visits there, which I’ve done a lot. In fact, I think it is extraordinary that so many different kinds of people can live so close together and function as well as they do. I can’t wait to play to the crowd at The Schimmel Center.
Also, I want people to know that I fell out of a tree when I was a kid and got speared by a branch on the way down. I still have a small scar.
Over the past decade, Jillian Michaels has become the most popular fitness celebrity out there. Jillian first rose to prominence as a trainer on NBC’s The Biggest Loser, which led to a spin-off show, Losing It With Jillian. Since then, she has released several New York Times Best Sellers, has expanded into fashion with the launch of her own activewear line at KMART, and was even the star of her own reality show on E!, Just Jillian.
Beyond her acclaimed fitness programs, Jillian has also proven to be innovative in being the star of multiple workout-oriented video games. She also manages to find time to active with a multitude of charities, including the NFL’s Play 60, the Clinton Foundation’s Alliance For A Healthier Generation, Stand Up To Cancer, Hope For Haiti, and Working Wardrobes. Jillian is also the host of the top-rated fitness podcast, The Jillian Michaels Show, following years as a weekly broadcaster on Los Angeles station KFI. And all of this is done while being the committed mother of two children with partner Heidi Rhoades.
Jillian Michaels can be followed on Twitter — on which she has well over one million followers — and Instagram via @JillianMichaels. For more information on her Dec. 13 appearance, visit www.jillianmichaels.com or PlayStation Theater.
Jillian Michaels / Photo by Don Flood
For someone thinking of coming to see you at the PlayStation Theater, what should be expected?
Jillian Michaels: Obviously the evening will be fun, funny and entertaining, but the real goal is to give each and every audience member an “AHA!” moment and a break-through. I want them to leave feelings awakened, empowered and ready to tackle any and all obstacles keeping them from their goals and dreams.
Your work is related to health and fitness, but is there a specific exercise or kind of activity that you can’t get enough of and actually do for fun?
JM: I have been skateboarding again for the first time in years because of my kids and I must admit I do love it.
For you, what was your wake-up call when it came to getting in shape?
JM: For me personally, I have been very lucky in my life to have great mentors and great teachers that provided me with the exact type of break-through I had mentioned earlier. When it came to my health as a kid, my martial arts instructor laid down the law with me about how I was disrespecting myself and my martial arts practice, by not respecting my body. Then he gave me the tools to turn things around, which is critical. You can tell someone “Hey, just do it,” but you have to give them the tools so they know HOW.
For someone reading this that wants to get into better shape, what do you think is the first step? Is it finding an eating plan that works? Is it exercising a certain number of days per week?
JM: First, I tell people to establish their “why.” You will find that change in life is usually obvious and simple — but never easy. For example: lose weight equals eat less, move more; use common sense with your food choices. Simple, but not at all easy. So anything worth having does require work and sacrifice. Having a “why” gives the work purpose and subsequently becomes passion. However, work without a “why” or an intrinsic purpose just becomes punishing.
Jillian Michaels / Photo by Don Flood
Where do you stand on the idea of someone having a “cheat day” from their diet?
JM: I don’t do cheat days. I don’t like the “all or nothing” binge mentality. I tell people practice the 80/20 rule. Make 20 percent of your daily calories treat foods. This way you have balance and never feel deprived.
Do you have a restaurant in New York City that you can recommend for being both delicious and healthy?
JM: (laughs) When I’m in New York, I am rarely thinking about eating healthy. I’m thinking about pizza, bagels, cupcakes…because it’s all so damn good there. That said, I do have my usual haunts. I always grab dinner at Neta for sushi. I love the ambience and at La Esquina — it never gets old for me.
JM: Ah, that was Heidi’s parents and I am told it’s the hit of their retirement community.
What’s ahead for you once this tour has wrapped?
JM: I have a new book coming out this fall for mommies to be called Yeah Baby! to help them master their maternity, optimize all facets of their child’s development and bounce back better than ever. We are re-launching my app on iTunes in January so I can personally train you! Pretty excited about that one. I am also very focused on a fitness network we have been growing called Fitfusion. It’s a premier fitness streaming platform with all the biggest names in fitness and all the hottest workouts for only nine bucks a month.
Is there anything you haven’t yet accomplished but still hope to?
JM: So much, I wouldn’t know where to begin on this one. Life is short and there is so much to do. I’d like to make greater strides in my charity work. I’d like to become more of a business woman and be behind the scenes growing other brands.
When not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
JM: I don’t have a ton of it, but I like to do stuff with my kids. Horseback riding, skateboarding, bodyboarding, etc.
Finally, Jillian, any last words for the kids?
JM: I’d say always follow your heart. You are here for a reason and your passion is your purpose. In life you will find the more security you seek living the life you think you should, the less security you will have. Whereas, conversely, when we live the life we want the more affluence and abundance flow our way.
For nearly a decade, I have been listening to podcasts, and as of this moment, none of them give me more joy than Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast. Gilbert Gottfried may be known by most for his shrill voice, yet beneath the nebbish facade is not only a prolific comedian with countless spot-on impressions, but an encyclopedic knowledge of film and television. Each week on the podcast, Gilbert is joined by co-host (and fellow native New Yorker) Frank Santopadre, who also possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of obscure trivia – and more importantly, helps keep Gilbert on-track as a host and interviewer.
While the podcast may be the first time many people have heard Frank Santopadre as a performer, readers have undoubtedly heard (and laughed at) material that Frank has written. He has contributed to a lot of award shows (e.g. TV Land Awards, Writer’s Guild Awards, Shine On! Awards) and roasts (e.g. Roseanne, Pamela Anderson, Donald Trump). He has written for talk shows (e.g. The View, The Joy Behar Show, The Howard Stern Show). He has written episodes of cartoons (e.g. Jim Henson’s Muppet Time, CatDog, Angry Beavers). On the print end, as discussed during our Q&A, Frank wrote copy for Topps trading cards for over two decades, in addition to work with The Huffington Post, MAD Magazine and Jest.
Beyond the podcast and credits mentioned, something else that intrigues me about Frank is his ability to juggle so many gigs at once. Frank credited his wife Genevieve for this during our chat, much like how Gilbert often credits his wife Dara for keeping him organized during podcast episodes. For more information on where to find Frank, you can visit him online at his website, or find him on Twitter.
When someone asks what you do for a living, how do you usually answer?
Frank Santopadre: Well, I used to say, “writer.” Now I toss in, “producer, co-host and Gilbert Gottfried wrangler.”
Seeing as how Gilbert Gottfried gives off the impression of being a luddite, how did your podcast with him come together?
F: It grew out of [our] late night phone calls. We would just talk for hours about the most off-the-wall, obscure things and people. It was actually Gilbert’s wife Dara who encouraged us – challenged us, really – to put all the fun we were having talking about My Mother The Car and Ray Milland in X: The Man With The X-Ray Eyes until two in the morning to productive use. And Gilbert’s not really a Luddite — he tweets, he messes around on Facebook. There IS that little thing about not being sure how to use his smartphone, however.
Loyal listeners of the podcast will recognize there to be recurring conversation topics, regardless of who the guest is. There’s the Paul Lynde barn incident, the Danny Thomas coffee table story, the “Dummy In A Window” song, the Milton Berle endowment speculation, and “Chico needed the money,” to name a few. When preparing before an interview, have you ever told Gilbert not to do or say something?
F: Not really. There’s not a lot of censoring that goes on. Just for decorum’s sake, I DID ask him to wait at least 15 to 20 minutes into our interview with Godfather actor Gianni Russo before asking him about two murders he supposedly committed. And Gilbert being Gilbert, he sprung it on the guy within three seconds of him walking into the room and hanging up his coat.
Prior to doing the podcast, did your encyclopedic knowledge of television and movies ever come in handy?
F: Not all that often, surprisingly. In the pre-Internet days, I was like the performing monkey who could answer trivia questions and settle arguments and bar bets for people. Also, I did pass the Jeopardy! test when I was living out in L.A., but the contestant coordinators never called me to be on the show.
In your opinion, what is the funniest show on television right now?
F: I think John Oliver’s HBO show is brilliant and VERY well written. I’m also looking forward to Stephen Colbert’s new Late Show because he’s a genius in my book and never disappoints.
Is there a topic that you’re equally passionate and knowledgeable about besides film and TV shows?
F: I’m a history buff. I’ll get lost in a documentary about the Dust Bowl for six hours. And I happen to know a fair amount about about music and baseball – I used to write/edit baseball cards when I worked for the Topps card company.
Beyond the podcast, you’re a prolific writer and producer for television and live events. What was your first paid gig?
F: I wrote a “grade Z” show for the USA Network called Commander USA’s Groovy Movies – you may have to Google that one — when I was about 25 or so. Also, I wrote roast jokes/material for David Letterman’s old comedy foil, Larry Bud Melman. A very sweet man.
Do you have a professional credit that you are most proud of?
F: Let me think…I was happy with the outcome of a comedy bit I did on The View with Martin Short and also some award show material I wrote for Bill Murray, but I’d have to say building the podcast has given me the greatest feeling of pride and personal accomplishment. We’ve come a long way in one year.
What is your favorite part about your job?
F: There’s a lot about it that’s rewarding. It’s gratifying to realize that a lifetime spent obsessing about pop culture minutiae finally seems to be paying off. Also, getting the chance to spend time in the company of childhood heroes/idols like Paul Williams, Micky Dolenz, Adam West, et al.
Are there any apps or tools you rely on to stay productive and organized?
F: My wife Genevieve keeps me productive, organized AND focused. If any techies are reading this and know how I can turn her into an app, feel free to email me.
When can we next see you perform live?
F: We’ll be doing a live podcast for the New York Comedy Festival in November. Guest TBD.
Finally, Frank, any last words for the kids?
F: Yes, stay in school. Unless it’s film school, in which case you’re probably wasting your time.
