Ken talks to Rob Leszczak, who wrote “The Complete Guide to the TV Sitcom WINGS.” Between Rob’s research and Ken’s personal recollections of working on WINGS, it’s a fascinating insider’s look at a sitcom that deserved way more respect than it received. 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 14, 2021•34 min•Ep. 207
A popular feature. Ken does a commentary track on the controversial “Boys in the Bar” episode of CHEERS that he and David Isaacs wrote. Hear about the inspiration, execution, reaction, and behind-the-scenes nuggets. 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 07, 2021•31 min•Ep. 206
The history of your favorite Christmas songs forms part one of this super-size episode. Part two is an interview with Jhani Kaye, who launched the “all-Christmas-music” format on KOST radio in Los Angeles, which now has become a mainstay in every radio market. And a spectacular ratings success. Find out how and why it works, and whether they’ll play the barking dogs singing “Jingle Bells.” Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/p...
Dec 17, 2020•37 min•Ep. 205
Short plays written for the theatre have had to adapt to Zoom. And now podcasts. Ken presents two of his favorite ten minute comedies adapted for Zoom. It’s theatre of the mind, or Starmaster, or wherever you listen to podcasts. 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 10, 2020•24 min•Ep. 204
Ken riffs on all the holiday season and gives an insider look on the making of Thanksgiving and Christmas-themed TV episodes. The tropes and the traps revealed. 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 03, 2020•27 min•Ep. 203
Ken plays some of the worst (and most amusing) songs you will ever hear. A Thanksgiving tradition. 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 26, 2020•27 min•Ep. 202
Ken takes you through the world of publishing and self-publishing as he discusses the four books he’s written and his adventures in trying to sell them. You can publish your own books and make money! Ken shows you how. 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 19, 2020•42 min•Ep. 201
Ken celebrates his 200th podcast with a super-sized episode featuring highlights, surprises, rarities, giveaways, laughs, and more. Join in the fun! 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 12, 2020•54 min•Ep. 200
Katy Garretson is a DGA award nominated sitcom director. This week we talk about actors testing directors, difficult shows, and delve into her podcast, Mojo Girl Madness. Some great stories and Hollywood dish. 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 05, 2020•25 min•Ep. 199
Katy Garretson is a DGA award nominated sitcom director. She discusses the craft and unique challenges a woman faces in television directing. She also shares a story about a “lost” episode of FRASIER. It’s a story I didn’t even know. 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 29, 2020•29 min•Ep. 198
Two CHEERS writers discuss the actual process and share insights and stories… including firing a Tony-winning actor. It’s a great insiders’ look at how sitcoms really get written. 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 22, 2020•36 min•Ep. 197
Rob Long broke into TV writing by getting on staff of CHEERS when he was 24. He and Ken have a freewheeling discussion of television comedy, advice on breaking in, theories, the business, the craziness, the fun. 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 15, 2020•40 min•Ep. 196
Charlie Van Dyke has one of the most recognizable voices in America although you might not know the name. From big-time DJ at KHJ, WLS, KFRC, CKLW, WRKO, KRTH, KLIF, and more he transitioned into voice over, and I guarantee he’s the voice of one of your local TV stations and radio stations. It’s a fascinating journey. Meet “Oh, THAT guy,” Charlie Van Dyke. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Noti...
Oct 08, 2020•27 min•Ep. 195
September 30th marked the 38th anniversary of the debut of CHEERS. Join Ken for the first night party and more inside scuttlebutt on the show that is now iconic but finished last in the ratings the night it premiered. 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 01, 2020•24 min•Ep. 194
Ken talks with Michael Uslan, the originator and executive producer of the Batman movie franchise. This week we discuss the various Batman reboots, Christopher Nolan’s vision, the upcoming reboot, and why I hate what Zach Snyder has done to Superman. 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 24, 2020•28 min•Ep. 193
Ken talks with Michael Uslan, the originator and executive producer of the Batman movie franchise. We’ll talk the origin of Batman, his revered place in popular culture, the co-creator who didn’t get credit for 70 years, the TV show, and first Tim Burton Batman movie. It’s comic-con for the ears! 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 17, 2020•39 min•Ep. 192
On this week's Hollywood & Levine, Ken takes you behind-the-scenes with insider stories about the hit sitcom Cheers. If you thought you knew a lot about Cheers, think again! This is a must listen for sitcom fans. 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 10, 2020•30 min•Ep. 191
Research plays a major role in what shows get on the air. But how does it work and what are they looking for? Steve Leblang is a media research expert. From dial testing to focus groups to measuring brain waves, Steve walks us through the various ways data is collected. And he talks about how accurate those political polls are. 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/priva...
Sep 03, 2020•33 min•Ep. 190
Bill Persky and partner Sam Denoff wrote 29 episodes of “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and eventually became its showrunners. More fascinating stories including a great one involving Orson Welles. 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 27, 2020•23 min•Ep. 189
Bill Persky and partner Sam Denoff wrote 29 episodes of “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and eventually became its showrunners. Here’s the inside story of how they made one of the greatest shows ever on television. 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 20, 2020•30 min•Ep. 188
Deke Duncan has been spinning the hits for 45 years. No one listens. No one ever has. No one can. Meet this fascinating personality. It’s a crazy episode about following your bliss. 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 13, 2020•33 min•Ep. 187
Ken riffs from topic to topic; everything from the Emmys to the Catskills, Cub Scouts, National Anthem, comedy exercises, American Bandstand, bowling, British sitcoms, summer camp, snark, and Sinatra. Fun personal stories and harebrained opinions. 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 06, 2020•36 min•Ep. 186
From pop star to Broadway star to reality show star (with a few Shark movies thrown in), Debbie Gibson continues her unique and remarkable career. The ups and downs of show business and what she’s learned along the way. It’s a fun and insightful ride. 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 30, 2020•39 min•Ep. 185
Debbie Gibson was a huge pop star in the late ‘80s – writing, performing, and producing a string of gold records while still in high school. It’s a unique and fascinating journey. So you want to be a rock n’ roll star? Here’s all the hard work it takes to get there. Plus, her songwriting process. 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 23, 2020•26 min•Ep. 184
Alan Sepinwall is the Chief TV critic for Rolling Stones magazine and author of numerous books on television. This week we discuss the future of television, and pissing off showrunners. 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 16, 2020•27 min•Ep. 183
Alan Sepinwall is the Chief TV critic for Rolling Stones magazine and author of numerous books on television. With the industry changing so fast, it’s difficult to cover it all. But Alan does and explains how. 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 09, 2020•24 min•Ep. 182
More with Jennifer Quail who won $228,000 in eight days on JEOPARDY and will likely be in this year’s Tournament of Champions. We get into the pressure, strategy, Alex Trebek’s condition, advice, and more juicy behind-the-scenes stories. 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 02, 2020•33 min•Ep. 181
Jennifer Quail won $228,000 in eight days on JEOPARDY and will likely be in this year’s Tournament of Champions. Ever wanted to go on JEOPARDY? Or know what it was like? Jennifer graciously shares her experience this week and next. “What are two great episodes of Hollywood & Levine?” 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 ....
Jun 25, 2020•35 min•Ep. 180
In this week's Hollywood and Levine podcast, Ken discusses the do’s and don’ts of giving notes, and how to also treat writers and actors with respect. Network and studio executives in particular, take note. 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 ....
Jun 18, 2020•28 min•Ep. 179
More hilarious and insane sitcom career adventures with writer Billy Van Zandt. Example: Creating, writing, casting, and filming a network pilot in two weeks. Good fun and angst this week. 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 ....
Jun 11, 2020•26 min•Ep. 178
