Hollywood & Levine

Part two of Ken’s discussion with author, playwright Jeffrey Sweet on his book “Something Wonderful Right Away” about the origin, history, and art of improvisational comedy and the brilliant crazy people who made it all happen.More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Playwright, author Jeffrey Sweet has written a terrific book on the origin, history, and art of improvisational comedy called “Something Wonderful Right Away.” He and Ken discuss this fascinating topic and its effect on popular culture. And you’d be surprised how many famous funny people started in improv workshops.  More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stand-Up comedy is this week’s topic as Ken gives his thoughts on the art form and shares his second ever stand-up performance. And as if there wasn’t enough pressure, he had to follow John Mulaney.More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ken answers listener questions on a variety of topics from casting CHEERS, stunt casting, Ken’s philosophy on choosing a career, and the new rules in baseball. A little something for everybody.More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More about the art and craft of stand-up comedy and a look at the current comedy scene.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The art of stand up comedy is discussed with Wendy Liebman who won the 1996 American Comedy Award for Female Comedian of the Year. She has appeared on THE TONIGHT SHOW, LARRY SANDERS, JIMMY KIMMEL, DAVID LETTERMAN, had her own Showtime specials, and was a semi-finalist on AMERICA’S GOT TALENT.  More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One by one, Ken goes over the many issues the WGA is fighting for and why they’re important. He also gives an overview of the situation and how it might play out. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ken wrote a one-act play about a late night host “signing off” that was performed by EST Los Angeles at the Atwater Theatre starring Nick Ullett and Clayton Ferris, directed by Tony Pasquilini. As James Corden exits his late night show, we reprise that play. To be enjoyed anytime of the day. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the television business continues to change on a daily basis, longtime media exec, Preston Beckman, gives you an overview of just where things currently stand. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Preston Beckman is a longtime media executive who has helped shape what you’ve watched for over 35 years. He’s back to discuss the current state of TV — its evolution, various platforms, and recent developments. Part one of two. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Several movies that Nicholas Meyer directed are spotlighted this week including the incredible story of how STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KAHN came together. Oh, and Ken’s film, VOLUNTEERS is also discussed. Great stories from a great guest. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The multi-talented Nicholas Meyer has written such novels as “the 7% Solution” and has directed such great movies as “Time After Time” and for my money, the single best Star Trek movie — “Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Kahn.” And those are just a few of his many credits. Now he can add “fascinating guest.” More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ken describes the hilarious misadventure of his first family cruise on the floating trailer park that is Carnival cruise lines. It’s an amusing and cautionary tale. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The ups and downs of being a working actor in Hollywood. Being in one of the funniest movies ever made and being in an Oscar winner despite Robert Redford wanting her off the picture are just two of the many stories this week with Penny Peyser. And she throws in some sonnets! A fun episode to be sure. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More with one of the top sitcom directors in television, Pam Fryman. Among the topics this week: dealing with actors and notably stars, dealing with showrunners, and directing live television. And how I pulled a prank on NBC while directing my first episode.   More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week and next, Ken talks to one of the premier sitcom directors in television. 34 episodes of FRASIER, 95 episodes of JUST SHOOT ME, and 196 episodes of HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER are just some of her many credits. Learn sitcom directing from one of the masters. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bob Backman is a fascinating guy who lives two lives — a highly respected broadcast executive and a rock n’ roll disc jockey (one of the last).  It’s an episode about the value of passion and hustle and how to succeed in any field. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The wild ride that was rewriting JEWEL OF THE NILE starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. It’s a crazy and typical Hollywood story. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ken answers listener questions involving writing, directing, the industry, and more. If you have a question, email it to HollywoodLevine@outlook.com. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many celebrities stepped into the bar. Here are some of the stories about those appearances. Celebs included Johnny Carson, “Data,” Alex Trebek, Ethel Kennedy, Kevin McHale, an Oscar winner, the Speaker of the House, two presidential candidates, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a future FRIEND and more. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.