The Bob Zany Show: Recent Episodes
Bob Zany & Erin O'Connor
Join legendary comedian Bob Zany and his co-host Erin O'Connor every week as they sits down with the biggest names in comedy. You can't get much better than this, Bay-Bee!!
Co-Host Erin O'Connor fires up the grill on co-host/husband of 23 years Bob Zany with the questions nobody else will ask: "Is there a 'brass ring' in comedy?" "What is your favorite Jerry Lewis story?" and "Do these headphones make me look fat?"
Great show bizz advice from Mike and Molly star Billy Gardell, including the ONLY way to find out if a joke is funny, the "Sit, Sweat, Show Up" rule, and why he's giving away millions of dollars, Bay-bee!
Comedian/Husband/Dog Owner Eddie Pence talks about the gigantic contest he just won, what it's like to watch a music legend watch stand-up, and why he got cast in "How to Be a Grown Up" instead of me. I have a pretty good idea, Bay-bee!
With a new special and millions of fans, why is comedian/marketing genius Shang so Shangry, Baybee?
Everybody has a Bob Zany story. Mike & Molly Producer Mark Gross shares his, but can we get him to play the saxophone, too, Bay-bee?!
Dom confesses his love for me and tells a great story about a swaggery late-night talk show host. But its Erin who gets Politically Incorrect, Baybee!
In the second half of our confab with Harland Williams, he reveals why he named the heroine of his new game app after a popular reproductive organ. And as he says, "If you're just gonna laugh, maybe this isn't the podcast for you," Baybee!
Harland Williams had so much to say about clock-winding, barn owls, ticker tape parades, canasta and jelly, we had to cut this interview in half. Plus we couldn't stop laughing, Baybee!
Something a little different this week: We sit down with Kevin Fagan, creator of my favorite comic strip, Drabble. The writer/artist/donut fan says his story lines bring "a little bit of light to our very dark world." Do people say that about my jokes?
Comedian Dwayne Perkins stops by to talk about his crowd-funded feature film, Dying to Kill and priceless comedy advice he learned while cruising with the legendary Marty Allen, Bay-bee!
I finally find out why Johnny Sanchez avoided me during our two week comedy tour of Israel. It had less to do with the Wailing Wall than I thought, but my dream of a SancheZany hybrid show is still just that, a dream, Baybee!
What makes April Macie's stories about her Irish family so good? They're true. Fellow Irish Lassie/Co-Host Erin O'Connor doesn't laugh much, but when she does, she means it. April made her laugh. A lot.
Everybody recognizes Jon Manfrellotti from Everybody Loves Raymond. Me? I prefer his role as the bookie in Men of a Certain Age...the guy who tells endless jokes to deflect his insecurities. I think I met my soul mate, Baybee!
Jackson Perdue swears that serving as Pauly Shore's babysitter convinced him to become a comedian instead of a criminal, and tells a great story about his recent near-death experience and how it lead to a David Hasselhoff-esque Lifesaving Moment, Baybee!
Four-time Emmy Award winner Greg Fitzsimmons admits to working on some jokes for up to a year. But we get the Letterman/Stern/Conan/Kimmel regular to finally reveal the real secret to his success: "I never reply to people." Something else we have in common, Bay-bee!
Let's take a look back at some of the best moments from the Bob Zany Show featuring appearances from Kira Soltanovich, Orny Adams and Christopher Titus
Its simply the best BAY-BEE!
Have a great new year!
Let's take a look back at some of the best moments from the Bob Zany Show featuring appearances from Roy Wood Jr., Henry Phillips and Todd Glass.
Its simply the best BAY-BEE!
Suli McCullough's comedy career began at UCLA with a classic "Right Place/Right Time" success story. The Tonight Show writer/Jamie Foxx Show regular also explains how losing three times on The Dating Game probably didn't help his career, "Dressing like a Huxtable" probably did, and why he still answers to "Crazy Legs" Bay-bee!
How did this funny, perky comedian wind up in one of the most depressing feature films of all time? Helen Hong talks about the audition for the Coen Brothers that she almost turned down, and why she thinks anybody that doesn't love California is stupid, Bay-bee!
Former Comedy Store fry-cook turned household name Pauly Shore stops by to talk about politics (yes, politics) and his new documentary, "Pauly Shore Stands Alone," and then leaves. That's right, we walked The Weasel, Bay-bee! Hear it unfold in this don't miss interview.
Actor/Director Ted Lange (AKA Isacc from The Love Boat) fills up the second half of our interview with more great show-bizz stories, including how Richard Pryor inspired him and what to do when The Black Panthers bust in during your Macbeth performance. The show must go on, Bay-bee!
Actor/Director Ted Lange (AKA Isacc from The Love Boat) shares some of the best show business advice we've ever heard on this show: Who to make friends with on the set, how to milk five laughs from four lines and how to make a perfect mai-tai, Bay-bee!
Actor/Comedian/Biographer/Recovering Ventriloquist and subject (or as he prefers, "STAR!") of the documentary "I Am Road Comic," Wayne Federman talks working with director/best pal Jordan Brady and the pivotal role his dummy pal, Beaufort played in snagging a high school prom date, Bay-bee!
Catch "I Am Road Comic" on HULU right now! http://www.hulu.com/watch/668950
Comedian Ron Pearson reveals the hazards and benefits of raising children when Dad juggles chainsaws for a living. This interview gets crazy early, stays crazy, and then loses control completely. Surprised? Not so much, Bay-bee!
How long is too long to wait for a regular gig at The Comedy Store? Self-described "Yellow Sheki" comedian Walter Hong chats with us about parents, Alabama and the requisite "something you can fall back on" Engineering Degree, Bay-bee!
Eva Longoria walked up to Rajiv Satyal, AKA "The Funny Indian" and told him he was hilarious. We agree, Bay-bee! Listen in as we talk orgasms, Cafeteria Ladies and Ohio with this 200K Hit YouTube sensation.
One nation, under Christopher Titus is smart, angry, honest and really, really funny. The Norman Rockwell's Bleeding star gets truthy about surviving the morph from club comic to sitcom star/writer/producer. Not to be missed, Bay-bee!
Former Tonight Show Head Writer Jack Coen and I swap stories about Rodney Dangerfield, Don Rickles and Xena: Warrior Princess. Plus, find out what it was really like to work with Jay and what Jack has planned for Life after Leno, Bay-bee!
How young was Actor/Producer/Comedian Marc "Skippy" Price when he started doing stand-up? So young that he had to plan his sets around his curfew. The Family Ties star shares great show business advice from a sitcom legend and--thankfully-- explains the "Stranded Schmooze," Bay-bee!
Lowell Sanders talks about Detroit Comedy, working with Tim Allen and George Lopez and how he got the nickname "Chicken of The Sea." Find out which classic sitcom star has directed all three of us in projects, Bay-bee!
From secretly listening to the Voice of America on a short-wave radio in his cramped Ukrainian apartment to owning his own always-sold-out Branson, Missouri theatre, Yakov Smirnoff reveals how he redirected his career after one sentence from a late night talk-show host almost ruined it. Hint: It's Professor Smirnoff now, Bay-bee!
Part II of our chat with Producer/Writer/Comedy Power Couple Terry Mulroy (The Drew Carey Show) and Carrie Snow (Roseanne). This week we cover humble beginnings, latest projects and TWO of us reveal the secrets found in a major sitcom star's sock drawer, Bay-bee!
Producer/Writer/Comedy Power Couple Terry Mulroy (The Drew Carey Show) and Carrie Snow (Roseanne) join us for over 120 years worth of "Be Careful Who You Hashtag/No Holds Barr-ed" industry gossip. And really good potato chips, Bay-bee!
Comedian/Writer/Political Pundit Jimmy Dore reveals why Rupert Murdoch's Company Picnics are so huge and talks about his new book, "Your Country is Just Not That Into You." If that's true, then how do you explain the hickey I got in Arkansas, Bay-bee!
Weather. Or not. KNBC-LA weathercaster Fritz Coleman talks about his latest one-person show and lesser-known life as a comedian. Or as I like to call it, his Doppler-Ganger, Bay-bee!
Vote for Bob Zany for the Funniest Person in the US! He's in the top 4 and needs your help.
Go to http://bobzany.com/ and click on the Laugh Factory link.
Let's do it for BOB....BAY-BEE!
Yes Bob interviews his Co-Host/Wife and talks about her quest to go Vegan for 100 days...
Comedian/Film Maker Jordan Brady chats with Bob and Erin on his second appearance on the show about his latest effort. "I Am Road Comic."
This alum of the Seinfeld's Documentary, "Comedian" talks showbiz and his role as the coach on the hit TV show, "Teen Wolf."
Bob and Erin sit down with the very funny Mario Joyner. They talk starting out and his new campaign for an original web series...Digital Dan.
Bob Fisher- The owner of the legendary Ice House discusses a 30 plus year relationship with Zany from just being a nubbin to headliner. Also, when Zany even hired him to work his club.
Jan Smith-Former club owner of Igby's Comedy Cabaret and The Ice House and now talent producer of the latter, talks about want he's looking for in stand-ups.
Allan Stephens-Stand-up, Producer yap with the kids about butting heads in clubs and network executives, in one of the most frank podcasts ever.
Jim Krenn- The King of Pittsburgh radio & podcasting sits down w/ Bob and Erin and talk about being a big fish in a small pond.
Roy Wood Jr- One of the stars of TBS's SULLIVAN & SON sits down with us to talk about how he got into showbiz and a Close, but No Cigar Moment for his dad.
Fred Stoller- Bob and Erin talk with the Comedian/Actor about all the TV he has appeared on from "Seinfeld"to "Everybody Loves Raymond." He also talks about his new book where he admits he had sex with Kathy Griffin.
Eleanor Kerrigan- She went from a waitress at the The Comedy Store to opening for Andrew "Dice" Clay. She also talks about being one of 10 kids growing up in South Philly.
Jimmy Burns- Bob and Erin talk to long time friend and the King of openers and warm-up. They talk about his work with, Arsenio Hall, Richard Jeni and he outs his self about a side job...
George Schlatter- Join Bob and Erin for an exciting two part episode with the legendary creator and producer of "Laugh-IN" Also talk about his other hit shows which Bob was a part of including the American Comedy Awards, which Bob was nominated three times, which means, he loss three times.
George Schlatter- Join Bob and Erin for an exciting two part episode with the legendary creator and producer of "Laugh-IN" Also talk about his other hit shows which Bob was a part of including the American Comedy Awards, which Bob was nominated three times, which means, he loss three times.
Bob and Erin, talk with one one of the funniest Face Booker's out there and how he lost to Bob on Star Search!
Ella James- Bob and Erin, sit down with and talk voice over and showbiz, with the voice of a lot of GPS's in the world. She left Australia, to live the American dream...
Bob and Erin welcome comedian/actor Sam Kwasman to the show to talk about his tremendous Donald Duck voice and what its like to work on the Bob Newhart Show!
From (very) humble Chicago beginnings to fearless political comedy to the decades-long dream gig of opening for Frank Sinatra, Tom Dreesen remembers the details, and tells all.
Cathy Ladman takes time out from prepping her one-person "Does This Show Make Me Look Fat?" for its Los Angeles premiere to talk serendipity, life's defining moments and wasting a good-hair day.
Gerry Bednob The "40 Year-Old Virgin" scene-stealer talks about how easy it would be for Judd Apatow to blackmail him, his new series directed by an old pal, and finally answers the question, "Who's Your Trinidaddy?"
Kira Soltanovich, reveals mixed emotions about the end of the Jay Leno era, how to turn an obscure pop-culture reference into an insult, and why she married an Irish guy. All that plus a Russian accent throw-down.
Actor/Writer/Painter/ Proud Dad Tom Wilson talks Beyond Back to The Future with Bob Zany and co-host Erin O'Connor.
Alonzo Bodden reveals his political aspirations, knowledge of current events and medieval torture devices and how he got the nickname Last Kidney Standing to Bob Zany and co-host Erin O'Connor.
One of Bob Zany's favorite tour mates, Auggie Smith discusses comedy idols and going home again; when home is Montana, with Bob and co-host Erin O'Connor.
Comedian/Actor/Activist Jason Stuart talks about coming out, standing out and giving back. And the time he ambushed Bob Zany's good friend Ed McMahon, with co-host Erin O'Connor.
Felicia Michaels- These Star Search rivals talk about who won and who didn't with co-host Erin O'Connor and Felicia and her photography and Playboy spread and working for Bob in the old days.
Henry Phillips- Bob and co-host Erin O'Connor talk with this Comedy Central Half-Hour Special Veteran, about his movie, "Punching the Clown," that mirrors what it takes to be in the business and the Bob and Tom radio show and tour.
Bob Logan- Erin O'Connor sits in and talks with Writer/Producer/Director, they talk an over a 30 year history of projects they'll worked on from the films, "Up Your Alley" to "Repossessed" with Linda Blair and "Yard Sale"where like Bob in "Up Your Alley",' and something in common. We also explore how he got his start as a comedy team and writing for the likes of Garry Shandling, Sam Kinison and Joan Rivers.
Joey Medina-One of the original Latin Kings of Comedy joins Bob and guest co-host, Erin O'Connor to talk radio, the road and the state of comedy as they swap stories of the road.
While Zan's away, Bob sits down with The Unknown Comic, Murray Langston, they talk about there work together in movies, TV and stage. We also find out if Chuck Barris was really a hit man for the CIA!
Part 2 of 2
While Zan's away, Bob sits down with The Unknown Comic, Murray Langston, they talk about there work together in movies, TV and stage. We also find out if Chuck Barris was really a hit man for the CIA!
Part 1 of 2
In this clip, actor/comedian David Koechner discusses how grateful he is to have a job in show business and how others would be wise to follow suit.
Actor/comedian David Koechner talks with Bob Zany about how he decided to approach his role in Anchorman 2 this time around
Check out Bob as he hangs out with Kyle Cease to talk about a lack of coincidence in life and comedy.
Check out Bob and Zan on the Double Date podcast with Shane Mauss & April Macie talking about comedy and relationships
Darren Carter- Bob talks about how they met on the road, working the clubs and comedy, Bay-Bee!
Zan still out, Bob talks with his old friend on how they met and about comedy, gratitude and Anchorman 2!
Paul Rodriguez -The two talk about starting out together at the Comedy Store in 1979, and comedy and parents and TV.
Danny Wolf- A TV producer who's hired Bob and giving him a place to stay, they talk about his latest project, Where he'll put himself to death, then brought back, to report what's on the other side.
Danny Woodburn- While Zan is on special assignment, Bob sits down with one of his discoveries. The two talk about being class clowns, working Bob's rooms in the early days and of course, Seinfeld.
While Zan is still on special assignment in New York, Bob talks with Todd about "the walk away", how they met and of course "Rickles."
Brian Dunkleman. Zan still out, Bob talks with Brian on how they met, going home, and of course...American Idol!
John Caponera. Bob and Zan go backstage with John at the Improv in Vegas and talk Comedy with Chicago's own. They talk all about the biz's ups and downs, but mostly ups!
Samantha Hale- Zan is still on special assignment, Bob's chats with another up and comer about how the business has changed and hasn't with a 30 year gap going to the clubs. Sam also talks about her famous grandfather, the Skipper from Gilligan's Island.
Rick Overton- While Zan is on special assignment, Rick and Bob discuss, Stand-up, Improv and movies icluding their film together, "The Informant" starring Matt Damon.
Fred Willard graced us with his wit and charm. We are honored to have a chat with one of America's foremost comedic actors working today. This Emmy nominated star talks about one of our favor shows of all time, Fernwood Tonight and the ever changing business of "show."
Harry Basil is a Renaissance man in comedy. We talk with our friend and boss at the Laugh Factory in Las Vegas. Bob and Harry reminisce about their days working with Rodney Dangerfield and starting out together at the Comedy Store in LA.
Frazer Smith, former of King of LA Radio in the 70's and 80's sat down with us and talk about radio, stand-up and giving Bob his first big break in show biz, Bay-Bee!
AVI LIBERMAN
If you ever wanted to know what's it like to perform in another country, this is the episode for you. Avi, Bi-Yearly takes 3 American comics to Israel for a charity tour of he country called "Komedy for Koby." Bob's been there with him and the two tell stories of their shows.
BOBBY COLLINS
We sat down with one of the most positive and inspiring comedians working today at the Improv in Las Vegas. He talks about everything from starting out to opening some of the biggest names in Showbiz.
JIMMY FAILLA
After being on his popular "Off The Meter" podcast, we find out why Jimmy became a comedian... Bob, you have a lot of explaining to do. A regular at Gotham, The Comic Strip, and clubs all over NYC, hear a real New York comic dish it up. His book coming out right now, "Follow That Car!" - A Cabbie's Guide to Conquering Fears, Achieving Dreams, and Finding a Public Restroom, is available at Amazon.com. I've read it and LOVE it. It's a page turner. Hilarious, thought provoking stories, more of the meat of what you get from his podcast, "Off The Meter" with Jimmy Failla. Bot the book and the podcast are must haves.
COSTAKI ECONOMOPOLOUS
Taped backstage in lucky "Jackpot, Nevada" we all have a blast talking about road gigs and the life. I mean, what else is there to do in Jackpot, Nevada? Road stories, road life, and how one show can put a dent in your whole career, at least at that one club.
EDDIE BRILL
David Letterman's warm up act, he warms up to us, and talks about what it takes to be a stand up comedian. He leads workshops all over America - so listen in, and be a fly on the wall during this shop talk.
MARK FRANKEL
A member of Blue Man Group, finally, the Man speaks! We were part of the Blue Man Group show when we were in NYC and also go one of them to talk! When you can't talk on stage, turns out you have a lot to say in real life. Her about what it takes to be Blue, and take a bite out of the Big Apple, just to spit it back up on stage.
STEVEN WRIGHT
We got lucky and ran into Steven Wright, in a Starbucks in the East Village. We sat down with him for an absurd, surreal, and wonderful conversation. Along with being one of America's most beloved and top comics, he's a cool guy to hang out with, and yes, very funny.
STEVE SCHRIPPA
From being an entertainment booker at The Riviera In Las Vegas, to starring on "The Sopranos," Steve dishes the dirt on comics who worked for him in The Riviera days. Trust us, this episode, you don't want to "Fa get about."
JEFF CIVILLICO, a brilliant young entertainer in Las Vegas talks about how he went from being a teenage street performer, to having his own show on The Strip. He also has a foundation pairing entertainers to a cause, which is pretty inspiring.
KEVIN NEALON, in his last podcast ever, Kevin sits with us upstairs at The Laugh Factory in Hollywood right before the show is about to start. We get to grill him before he grills us on stage during his talk show.
MICHAEL WHEELS PARISE, Andrew Dice Clay's opening act for over 20 years. Shot in The Improv in Las Vegas, we chat about the real deal of making it in the business and how to create a character that people are going to pay to see.
HUGH FINK, Emmy winning writer and producer, chats with us in his office at Nickelodeon. Great stories about Rodney Dangerfield and the shows he's currently producing at Nick.
KEVIN BURKE, "Defending The Caveman" star Kevin Burke, breaks the Guinness Book of World Records for most consecutive shows in 50 days, talks about the hustle of being a Caveman while running his own show at the same time.
JIMMY PARDO, host of "Never Not Funny" joins us in studio. He and Bob chat like they are at the back of a club, after a show. If you want to be a fly on the wall, this is your podcast.
KAREN RONTKOWSKI, reads our Tarot cards to tell our future. She does a show with a Pet Psychic and cracks jokes...the kind that get you on Late Night with David Lettermen. She's one of the best in the business. Ps., the future looks good.
BUDD FRIEDMAN, owner of "The Improv" and creator of the comedy club as we know it, talks about how it all started, and the famous comedians along the way, from Rodney Dangerfield to Robin Williams.