Comedy History 101 - podcast cover

Comedy History 101

Comedian and journalist Harmon Leon dives deep into the wild, weird, and hilarious history of comedy. Each episode explores the backstories of legendary comedians, iconic sketches, cult classics, stand-up milestones, and forgotten gems from the comedy world. From SNL to viral videos, we unpack the moments that shaped what makes us laugh. Whether you're a hardcore comedy nerd or just comedy-curious, this is your crash course in the funny business. Subscribe now and discover how comedy got to where it is today—one punchline at a time. More: harmonleon.com comedyhistory101.com
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Episodes

Arrested Development w/ Writer/Producer Jim Vallely

CH101 Select: Jim Vallely was a writer/producer on the iconic comedy show: Arrested Development – which earned him an Emmy. Jim also worked on The Golden Girls, Two and a Half Men, The John Larroquette Show, and got his start on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson - with his comedy duo: The Funny Boys. We do a masterclass deep-dive with Jim on comedy writing, producing, and what it was like having Larry David as a neighbor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 02, 20251 hr 2 min

The State: MTV's Cult Comedy Sketch Show

The State was the MTV sketch show that launched the careers of Michael Ian Black, Michael Showalter, David Wain, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Thomas Lennon, Kevin Allison—and several more (the troupe had 11 members). From dorm-room sketches at NYU to comedy milestones like Reno 911, Stella, Viva Variety, and the cult classic Wet Hot American Summer, The State helped redefine alternative comedy for a generation. Director Matthew Perniciaro joins CH101 to talk about his new documentary Long Live The State...

Jun 12, 202537 min

CH101 Select: The Mr. Bill Show - SNL Origins with Creator Walter Williams

Mr. Bill is one of the most iconic characters in the history of Saturday Night Live. This lovable, unlucky bundle of Play-Doh first appeared in the very first season of SNL as a viewer-submitted Super 8 film—and quickly rose to cult status. At the peak of his fame, Mr. Bill was ranked the third most beloved character on SNL, right behind John Belushi and Gilda Radner. We talk to Walter Williams, the creator of Mr. Bill, who later became an SNL staff writer. Walter shares behind-the-scenes storie...

Jun 09, 202545 min

The Def Jam Comedy of Canada: The Nubian Show

The Nubian Show — created by comedian Kenny Robinson — changed Canadian comedy forever. The Toronto showcase was the very first comedy show in Canada to feature comedians of color. Kenny and his monthly showcase at Yuk Yuk’s are also the subject of the new documentary People of Comedy (now streaming on Crave). The Nubian Show helped launch comedians Russell Peters and Kevin Hart, and has welcomed the likes of Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and Jamie Foxx through its doors. For over 30 years, The Nu...

Jun 06, 202537 min

Broad City and the Comedy of Inclusion

Broad City and Inside Amy Schumer producer Ryan Cunningham and Gold Comedy founder Lynn Harris take us deep into the world of inclusive comedy and comedy as social change. From behind-the-scenes Broad City stories (yes, that pegging episode) to how diverse voices are reshaping the comedy landscape, we explore why women being “gross” on screen was a cultural breakthrough—and how laughter can be a tool for empowerment, visibility, and social impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastc...

May 27, 202540 min

CH101 Select: Just for Laughs w/ Darren Frost

CH101 Select: Just for Laughs is the largest comedy festival in the world. Based in Montreal, the festival has helped launch the careers of such comedians as Jerry Seinfeld, Mitch Hedberg, Jimmy Fallon, Ali Wong, Amy Schumer, etc... Last year, the festival was canceled due to bankruptcy, but its back for 2025. We talk to Darren Frost - a Canadian comedian who started performing at the festival in the mid-90s - on the history of Just for Laughs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoi...

May 19, 202540 min

Rodney Dangerfield w/ Author Michael Seth Starr

We dive deep into the life and career of the comedian who gets “no respect,” Rodney Dangerfield. Author Michael Seth Starr joins Comedy History101 to talk about his new biography Nothin’ Comes Easy, revealing how Dangerfield clawed his way back into comedy at age 45, the origins of his famous catchphrase, how he rewrote his persona, and finally got the respect he deserved. From aluminum siding to The Ed Sullivan Show to Caddyshack, we trace the underdog rise of one of comedy’s most iconic voices...

Apr 24, 202536 min

Andy Kaufman & Thank You Very Much with Director Alex Braverman

We dive headfirst into the wonderfully weird world of comedian Andy Kaufman with director Alex Braverman, helmer of the new documentary Thank You Very Much. The doc explores Kaufman’s legendary career of comedy as performance art, wrestling women, and the high art of confusing audiences. We talk Foreign Man, performance-as-prank, and what it’s like digging through Kaufman’s surreal legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 11, 202534 min

Kevin McDonald & Kids in the Hall

Kevin McDonald is best known as a founding member of the legendary Canadian sketch comedy troupe – The Kids in the Hall –which appeared on CBS, HBO, and Comedy Central, and had a revival season aired on Amazon Prime Video in 2022. Kevin joins CH!01 with tales of KITH, comedy in general, and his upcoming appearance at The Second City on April 11th & 12th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 31, 202548 min

Comedy History 101: Best of 2024

Comedy History 101 wraps up the year with our best interviews from 2024. Featuring episode excerpts from Arrested Development’s Emmy-winning writer Jim Vallely, Paul Bellini from Kids in the Hall, Joel Thurm – casting director Airplane and Grease, plus histories of The Comedy Cellar, Yuk-Yuks, Moms Mabley with Rhonda Hansome, Sean Cullens, Susan Silver, Stan Zimmerman, directors Brent Hodge, Josh Forbes, Alan Bernstein, and more… Also, our friend Jean-François Brisson gives a recap of all our Ca...

Dec 23, 202447 minSeason 2Ep. 187

CH101 Select: Chris Farley w/ Director Brent Hodge

CH101 Select: Chris Farley was one of the most dynamic and beloved comedians to ever grace the stage at both Second City and Saturday Night Live. And I talk to Brent Hodge, director of the documentary, I Am Chris Farley. We do a deep dive into the life and times of this amazing comedian. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 11, 202443 minSeason 2Ep. 186

Gallagher w/ Director Josh Forbes

We talk to Josh Forbes, director of the new documentary on Gallagher, the comedian known for his signature bit, the Sledge-O-Matic, and his watermelon-smashing antics. Gallagher was one of the biggest comedians of the 80s and 90s and then drifted off to obscurity. You might remember Gallaher from his infamous WTF episode with Marc Maron - or feuds with his brother: Gallagher Too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 25, 202455 minSeason 2Ep. 185

CH101 Select: Kliph Nesteroff: A History of Showbiz and the Culture Wars

CH101 Select: Kliph Nesteroff is one of the leading comedy historians and the author of the new book: Outrageous: A History of Showbiz and the Culture Wars. And we talk about his book, censorship in comedy, how every generation declares that "comedy is over" - and how the old guard often refuses to accept culture shifts in the comedy biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 15, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 2Ep. 184

The Grateful Dead Counterfeiter

A teenage hustler makes his living selling counterfeit tickets at Grateful Dead shows, hawking his fakes on every Shakedown Street around the country. A cat-and-mouse game ensues between Steven Marcus - the head of Grateful Dead ticketing and this teenage counterfeiter, which comes to a head at a Madison Square Garden Dead show. But as the heat turns up - an unexpected tragedy puts an end to the game for both of them. CH101's first audio documentary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podca...

Oct 31, 202452 minSeason 2Ep. 183

Trailer: The Grateful Dead Counterfeiter

Trailer For Our Upcoming Audio Documentary: The Grateful Dead Counterfeiter A teenage hustler makes his living selling counterfeit tickets at Grateful Dead shows. A cat-and-mouse game ensues between the head of Grateful Dead ticketing and this teenage counterfeiter. But as the heat turns up - an unexpected tragedy puts an end to the game for both of them. Dropping this week on iTunes & comedyhistory101.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 29, 20243 minSeason 2Ep. 182

The Mary Tyler Moore Show's Trailblazing Sitcom Writer Susan Silver

Susan Silver is a trailblazer in the world of sitcom writing. She began her career on The Mary Tyler Moore Show—during an era when comedy writing was overwhelmingly dominated by men. Starting as a casting director on the iconic show Laugh-In, she went on to write for The Bob Newhart Show, Maude, The Partridge Family, and Square Pegs. Like a showbiz Zelig, Susan’s path has crossed with icons such as Elvis, Jim Morrison, Lenny Bruce, and Clint Eastwood. Susan is also the author of Hot Pants in Hol...

Oct 23, 202444 minSeason 2Ep. 181

The Comedy Store w/ Joey Camen

Joey Camen is a Comedy Store OG. He first started performing at the iconic club in Los Angeles in 1974, alongside such up-and-coming comedians as David Letterman, Sam Kinison, Jay Leno, Jim Carrey – and the legendary Richard Pryor. Joey has appeared on WTF and is also a renowned voice actor who got his start as one of The Smurfs. We dive into his voice work, Comedy Store history, and his Nov 9th solo show at United Solo in NYC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Oct 15, 20241 hr 12 minSeason 2Ep. 180

Paul Bellini & Kids in the Hall

Paul Bellini is noted as being the unofficial 6th Kids in the Hall, alongside Dave Foley, Bruce McCulloch, Kevin McDonald, Mark McKinney, and Scott Thompson. Paul was one of the key writers for the Kids in the Hall's TV series and is also known onscreen as 'the guy in the towel.' Paul was there from the very start, at the legendary sketch group's early Toronto shows, and he gives us a deep dive into his history of Kids in the Hall, his collaboration with Scott Thompson, and the healing power of ...

Oct 02, 202458 minSeason 2Ep. 179

The Golden Girls & Roseanne w/ Writer Stan Zimmerman

Stan Zimmerman was a writer for The Golden Girls, Roseanne, Gilmore Girls, and the feature film, A Very Brady Sequel. He is also the author of the new book: The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore. We do a deep-dive on TV comedy writing, pitching, and what it was like working on the Russian version of Roseanne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 25, 202447 minSeason 2Ep. 178

Arrested Development & Golden Girls w/Jim Vallely

Jim Vallely was a writer/producer on the iconic comedy show: Arrested Development – which earned him an Emmy. Jim also worked on The Golden Girls, Two and a Half Men, The John Larroquette Show, and got his start on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson - with his comedy duo: The Funny Boys. We do a masterclass deep-dive with Jim on comedy writing, producing, and what it was like having Larry David as a neighbor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 16, 202458 minSeason 2Ep. 177

Grease, Airplane, Rocky Horror Picture Show w/ Casting Director Joel Thurm

Joel Thurm was the casting director for such iconic movies as Airplane, Grease, Rocky Horror Picture Show, as well being the head of NBC casting for a solid decade. He is also the author of the new book, Sex, Drugs, and Pilot Season. We do a deep dive into casting in Hollywood, turning down Tom Cruise and Madonna, and insider stories on Taxi, David Hasselhoff, and what role Bob Hope played in getting Seinfeld on the air. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 04, 202445 minSeason 2Ep. 176

Moms Mabley with Rhonda Hansome

Moms Mabley bridged the gap between vaudeville and modern standup comedy. She was the first successful female standup comedian who had a career that spanned over 50 years. Our guest Rhonda Hansome, who has appeared on SNL, The Arsenio Hall Show, and has performed with Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross, recently portrayed Moms on stage, and we do a deep dive into the history of this iconic comedian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 29, 202430 minSeason 2Ep. 175

Ch101 Select: The Kids in the Hall with Paul Myers

CH101 Select: The Kids in the Hall are one of the most iconic sketch comedy groups in history. We do a deep dive into their origin story with Paul Myers - who knew KITH in their early days. Paul is the author of The Kids in the Hall: One Dumb Guy, the executive producer of the documentary The Kids in the Hall: Comedy Punks, as well as the brother to Mike Myers - and he gives insights into what it was like to see the group emerge onto the Toronto comedy scene. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...

Aug 21, 202440 minSeason 2Ep. 174

When We Went MAD: A Documentary of Ecch-ic Proportions!

MAD Magazine poked fun at everything - and changed the comedy world. And we talk to Alan Bernstein, director of the documentary When We Went MAD. Modern satire, from The Simpsons to The Daily Show was influenced by MAD. Alan's documentary celebrates the nutty geniuses behind MAD, and features interviews from such fans as Bryan Cranston, Gilbert Gottfried, Judd Apatow, and Quentin Tarantino. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 14, 202435 minSeason 2Ep. 173

CH101 Select: 2 Comedians Complain About The Edinburgh Festival

CH101 Select: The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the biggest performance festival in the world. It takes place during August and has launched the comedy careers of Monty Python, Eddie Izzard, Fleabag - and just about every major comedy figure in the UK. It's where comedians go to get their Beatles' 10,000 hours of Hamburg performing skills. The Edinburgh Festival is both amazing and soul-crushing at times. And on this CH101 Short, Irish comedian Johnny Candon and I highlight the grueling grind of ...

Aug 07, 202417 minSeason 2Ep. 172

Comedian Sean Cullen

Sean Cullen is a Canadian comedian, actor, and author - who you might know from his numerous TV appearances on The Tonight Show, MadTV, The Ellen Show, and with his legendary musical comedy group, Corky and the Juice Pigs. We do a deep dive into comedy Sean's history, the Canadian comedy scene, and how he had to turn down Lorne Micheals when offered a spot on SNL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 31, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 2Ep. 171

Jimmy Kimmel Live w/ Adam Spiegelman

Adam Spiegelman was a comedy producer for Jimmy Kimmel Live. He was there right from the start - and he’s our guest today. Adam gives us a deep dive into producing comedy and and comedians for this iconic late-night talk show, where he brought such comedians as Neil Hamburger, Eddie Pepitone, and Andy Dick to the airwaves. Adam gives the lowdown of what he looked for when booking standup comedians for the Kimmel show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 24, 202456 minSeason 2Ep. 170

Comedy Portrait Photographer Dan Dion

Dan Dion is the world’s most prolific comedian portrait photographer. He has photographed such icons as Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Maria Bamford, Zack Galifianakis… His work has been exhibited at the Gotham Comedy Club, Montreal’s Just for Laughs, and the Edinburgh Festival – and we are pleased to have him as our guest today on Comedy History 101. Dan dives deep into his process of photographing the most iconic comedians on the planet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit pod...

Jul 17, 202442 minSeason 2Ep. 169

Yuk Yuk’s w/ Evan Carter

Yuk Yuk’s is the cornerstone of Canadian standup comedy. The Toronto club was founded in 1976 and has helped launch the careers of such iconic Canadian comedians as Jim Carrey, Howie Mandel, Russell Peters, and Norm Macdonald. And we talk to comedian Evan Carter - who was there at the very beginning on the history of this legendary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 20, 202438 minSeason 2Ep. 168

Dangerfield's w/ Dave Juskow

Dangerfield’s was a NYC comedy club – named after part-owner Rodney Dangerfield. It opened in 1969 (and closed in 2020) and was plain CREEPY. Dangerfield’s can be seen in the movie, The Joker and the legendary Young Comedian’s special that launched Sam Kinison, Andrew Dice Clay, and Louie Anderson. And we talk to comedian Dave Juskow about the history of this creepy comedy club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 13, 202446 minSeason 2Ep. 167
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