Hollywood & Levine - podcast cover

Hollywood & Levine

Ken Levine - Wave Podcast Networkwavepodcastnetwork.com
Hollywood & Levine looks at the world of entertainment, pop culture, screenwriting, and life, and takes none of it seriously. The point is to make you laugh, although useful information might accidentally slip through. Hosted by Emmy-winning writer/baseball announcer/talk show host, Ken Levine, Hollywood & Levine will feature commentary, war stories on Ken’s career (MASH, Cheers, Frasier, Simpsons), interviews, writing advice, movie reviews, snarky award show recaps, tall tales from his baseball and radio career, segments from old broadcasts, improv sketches, answering listener questions, and more. It’s a fun, fast-paced hour of humor, nonsense, and God knows what.
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Episodes

EP57: Everything you wanted to know about TV programming in 30 minutes.

Part two of Ken’s interview with network scheduling chief Preston Beckman. This week they discuss ratings, research, programming strategies, casting, reboots, and tips for making successful pilots. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Feb 01, 201839 minEp. 57

EP56: How SEINFELD Got On the Air

… and other tales of TV programming. Ken interviews Preston Beckman (aka the “Masked Scheduler”) who scheduled programs for NBC and FOX for 35 years. From “Must See TV” to binge watching, it’s a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at just how your favorite shows get on the air. Part 1 of 2 Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Jan 25, 201829 minEp. 56

EP55: Let’s Do Lunch!

Power lunches are a Hollywood tradition and this week Ken examines the rituals and which restaurants mean you have a viable career. Ken also shares some personal lunch tales -- some good, some not so good but all entertaining. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Jan 18, 201833 minEp. 55

EP54: Are you ready for some football?

With the NFL playoffs in full-swing, Ken interviews Dan Hoard, the radio voice of the Cincinnati Bengals. It’s a fun-filled episode of play-by-play touchdowns and fumbles. For sports and non-sports fans alike. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Jan 11, 201832 minEp. 54

EP53: Revealing the Secret: Who is Richard Castle?

The TV show CASTLE spawned 7 novels supposedly written by the star, Richard Castle. They became New York Times Best Sellers. But who really wrote those books? He also produced NURSE JACKIE, COSBY, NIGHT COURT, GRACE UNDER FIRE wrote for Craig Ferguson’s Late Night Show, was a radio DJ, program director, and weekend TV weatherman. This week we’ll meet him and for the first time I will reveal his true identity. You’ll learn a lot about the process of writing and what Edie Falco is really like. Lis...

Jan 04, 201837 minEp. 53

EP52: Drop the Damn New Year’s Ball Already!

Ken goes stream-of-consciousness this week, riffing on the end of the year, the industry, parades, bowl games, Disneyland, prime rib, Oscar season, and one of the great Elizabeth Montgomery stories EVER. Start or end your year off right with this episode. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Dec 28, 201730 minEp. 52

EP51: Holidays in Hollywood

Ken fills your podcast stocking with tales of getting fired on Christmas, show gifts for Christmas, classic Christmas movies and TV specials, a Christmas felon, and Christmas in Las Vegas. Ho ho ho. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Dec 21, 201729 minEp. 51

EP50: Behind The Scenes Cheers Episode Commentary

On this week's Hollywood & Levine podcast, Ken Levine provides us with a commentary track for an episode of the popular hit TV show Cheers that he co-wrote. “Truce or Consequences,” Season 1, EP8. This look behind the scenes explains tons of great inside information that you won't have heard anywhere else. A must listen for any Cheers fans. To increase your viewing pleasure, you can watch the episode of Cheers online on Netflix along with Ken, or simply listen to the Podcast as usual. Listen...

Dec 14, 201730 minEp. 50

EP49: Celebrity Dish Part 2

More with entertainment reporter Arlen Peter who has interviewed hundreds of major Hollywood stars.This week they discuss Robin Williams, Meryl Streep, Richard Pryor, Miss Piggy (who has her own hair and make-up person), Quentin Tarantino, Carl Reiner, Neil Simon, kidnapped heiress Patty Hearst, and astronaut Buzz Aldrin who walked on the moon. Lots of good, bad, and strange behavior. But in Hollywood would you expect anything less? Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.c...

Dec 07, 201738 minEp. 49

EP48: Dishing The Dirt On Celebrities - Part 1

Ken grills entertainment reporter Arlen Peter who has interviewed hundreds of major Hollywood stars. In Part 1 they discuss Mariah Carey, Barbra Streisand, Lucy, John Belushi, Dustin Hoffman, Gene Kelly and more. Lots of craziness behind-the-scenes and many stories I promise you’ve never heard. If you like gossip and dish this one’s for you. And we’re just getting started. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califo...

Nov 30, 201733 minEp. 48

EP47: Leftover Turkeys and Tales from the Hollywood Front

Ken tells more crazy anecdotes of pitching projects, wants to know more about you, and serves some turkeys that are both hilarious and hard to digest. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Nov 23, 201729 minEp. 47

EP46: Thanksgiving for the Memories

Ken gets you into the holiday spirit with tales of Thanksgiving – how to survive the travel, the hell that is writing Thanksgiving episodes, the Macy’s Parade, an even tackier one, and what Ken is thankful for. Hint: You’re included. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Nov 16, 201729 minEp. 46

EP45: Why I left MASH and Other Vital TV Questions

Ken answers listeners’ questions about television including why he left MASH. Also, Ken’s thoughts on the World Series and how being a sports fan should not ruin your life. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Nov 09, 201729 minEp. 45

EP44: The Magic of Disney: A Salute to Classic Disney Animated Features

Ken talks to Greg Ehrbar, a Disney historian who shares the stories and secrets behind Disney’s most beloved animated features. A must for Disney buffs, film buffs, cartoon buffs, any buffs. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Nov 02, 201728 minEp. 44

EP43: My First Girlfriend…and Writing Assignment

Ken introduces you to his first girlfriend, who of course was crazy, and his first writing assignment, which was crazier still – a musical for the United States Army. Coming-of-age insanity. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Oct 26, 201727 minEp. 43

EP42: Charlize Theron and Other Dreams

Ken talks to writer Avin Das about the Charlize Theron sex tape that he wrote and co-starred in for Funny Or Die. He also reveals what it’s really like to be a production assistant on a hit situation comedy. Plus, Ken shares some of his more wacky insane dreams. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Oct 19, 201727 minEp. 42

EP41: “The Lunch Bit Sucks!” and Other Colorful Stories

Ken tells crazy stories that touch on aspects of his career. Getting bad script notes, being shunned at a radio convention, a Hollywood ending to be cherished, and classic baseball bloopers. Lots of fun, embarrassment, and pain. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Oct 12, 201729 minEp. 41

EP40: The State of the (WGA) Union.

Ken talks with the President of the WGA West, David Goodman about the state of the industry – strikes and near strikes, issues the Guild hopes to address, diversity, opportunities, the health plan, and navigating this new world of entertainment options. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Oct 05, 201722 minEp. 40

EP39: The Making of FAMILY GUY

Ken talks to the new WGA President, David Goodman who was also the showrunner of FAMILY GUY. David shares the process of making that show along with touching on his other credits which includes STAR TREK ENTERPRISE, FUTURAMA, THE ORVILLE, and GOLDEN GIRLS. Part 1 of a 2 part interview. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Sep 28, 201736 minEp. 39

EP38: Ken’s Bitchy Review of the 2017 Emmys

Ken reviews the 2017 Emmy Awards ceremony in his delightfully unique snarky (but accurate) way. Written and posted only hours after the annual self-love fest, Ken weighs in with his humorous take. Totally objective even though he’s bitter he didn’t win an Emmy this year. Also, the announcement of the Cheers script contest winner! Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pri...

Sep 17, 201722 minEp. 38

EP37: The HBO Pilot That Almost Got Me Fired--“You’re fired! Want some shrimp?”

Ken and his partner wrote a pilot for HBO that they loved but the studio hated so much they tried to fire them. It’s another crazy Hollywood story but with an ending that is sweet revenge. Also, Ken’s spoof on angry radio talk-show hosts, and more info on the big contest! Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Sep 14, 201719 minEp. 37

EP36: Topics Galore & Win an Autographed CHEERS Script!

Ken is unleashed. Instead of one or two topics, he has twenty. From TV, movies, sports, Broadway, hurricanes, Emmys, theme songs, songwriters, Hollywood myopia, his dad, a review, listening habits, and details on how you can win a signed CHEERS script (maybe the greatest contest prize EVER), Ken shares his take on it all. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-...

Sep 07, 201727 minEp. 36

EP35: The Fascinating Lives of Natalie Wood & Ann Jillian

Two former child stars who made it to adult stardom. Ken discusses the life and mysterious death of Natalie Wood and then interviews his childhood friend Ann Jillian who went on to star on sitcoms, Broadway, movies, and Bob Hope USO tours. Her life is so fascinating they even made a movie-of-the-week about it. THE ANN JILLIAN STORY was the top rated MOW of 1988, and coincidentally, she starred in it. Ann has hilarious and courageous stories. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcast...

Aug 31, 201734 minEp. 35

EP34: The TV Pilot from Hell

Ken shares the saga of a pilot he and his partner once did for NBC where everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Spectacularly. If comedy is “tragedy plus time” I think even Levine & Isaacs can now laugh at this folly. You will too. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Aug 24, 201735 minEp. 34

EP33: Meeting, Writing, and Evolving w/ My Writing Partner, David Isaacs

Ken and David Isaacs discuss their longtime partnership, how it formed, their process and how it’s evolved over the years, hard lessons they had to learn, disagreements, triumphs, and many great writing tips. Ken & David wrote for some of the most iconic sitcoms of the last forty years. Relive their journey. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-m...

Aug 17, 201739 minEp. 33

EP32: Why I REALLY became a writer

As we approach the Emmys, Ken salutes the iconic DICK VAN DYKE SHOW and how it inspired him to become a writer. Hint: Being in puberty at the time helped. You’ll get the inside story on the making of the show (and learn things you didn’t know), Ken’s personal recollections, how he wrote an episode and turned it in 50 years too late, interviews, and Laura Petrie herself discusses her sex life with Rob. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https:/...

Aug 10, 201725 minEp. 32

EP31: Hanging out w/ Prince Charles & Writing Cheers "Bar Wars" Episodes

Ken touches on many aspects of his career – radio, writing, and baseball. You’ll learn how he met Prince Charles and almost caused an international incident, the secrets of the CHEERS “Bar Wars” episodes, useless skills, and you’ll meet the “real” Brockmire. Plus, another aircheck of Beaver Cleaver on TenQ. Come for the stories, stay for the laughs. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at h...

Aug 03, 201730 minEp. 31

EP30: A TV Pilot for Your Listening Enjoyment

Listen to a failed TV pilot that Ken Levine & David Isaacs wrote and produced for Fox in 2003. Now with a new (and better) cast, you’ll hear a reading of the pilot produced exclusively for this podcast. Hear how the authors envisioned it and why they still think this is a damn funny show that would do well on TV today. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do...

Jul 27, 201735 minEp. 30

Episode 29: My Stand-Up Comedy Debut

Ken throws caution to the wind and does his very first stand-up routine at an open mic night. You’ll hear the whole set. How did he do? You decide. He’ll also take you behind-the-scenes, before and after. It’s an exercise in either courage or stupidity depending upon how you look at it. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Jul 20, 201729 minEp. 29

Episode 28: The Making of WICKED

WICKED is the most successful musical in the last fifteen years. It’s had thousands of productions worldwide and is still playing on Broadway. But the road to success was a long and arduous one. This week Ken interviews Winnie Holzman who wrote the libretto for WICKED. You’ll learn the inspiration, process, problems, solutions, and thinking behind this smash hit musical. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Californ...

Jul 13, 201739 minEp. 28
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