Writers' Bloc Podcast

Scott Jacobson is not only a friend to man and beast alike, but also the co-producer of Bob's Burgers which happens to be one of my favorite shows. Before that he took the typical route through the slightly lower echelons of the entertainment industry writing for various shows on Adult Swim which is actually a great place to watch full episodes of Bob's Burgers you may have missed. Scott also wrote for The Daily Show for a few years and has at least one Emmy Award to show for that. More recently, he has built up quite a resume for directing music videos for artists including The Babies, Dinosaur Jr., and Nick Lowe. This episode is chock full of "things you'd like to know but probably didn't already know" which is quickly becoming a Writers' Bloc trademark. Scott Jacobson, Bob's Burgers... eat up!

Don't let the earnest headshot fool you - David Javerbaum (pr. "Javerbaum") is the author of the hilariously funny book, "The Last Testament: A Memoir by God". He also wrote the equally entertaining "What to Expect When You're Expected: A Fetus's Guide to the First Three Trimesters". He also wrote the lyrics for John Waters' "Cry Baby" on Broadway. And, let's see... oh yeah! He was also the Head Writer and Executive Producer of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Not bad for a kid who grew up in a perfectly comfortable home and eventually went to Harvard. This episode is actually more about writing books than writing for television but it's definitely still about writing comedy, and the best part is it's a laugh a minute... and-a-half. (I timed it). Take it away, listener!

Rob Kutner was my fellow writer and officemate at The Daily Show with Jon Stewart for six and a half years. Before that prison sentence he wrote for Dennis Miller Live, and in 2009 he left TDS to board the unsinkable Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien! Unfortunately, that show sunk. Fortunately, Rob retained his writing job at Conan on TBS and has been working on their monologue team ever since. He wrote a couple of things on his own that you should read - his book, "Apocalypse How," (@ApocalypseHow) and his Kindle Single, "The Future According to Me". Both also make great gifts. Okay, good gifts.

Meet Gene Perret, writer for Love American Style, All in the Family, Three's Company, The Carol Burnett Show, Welcome Back Kotter - do I really need to go on? Okay, I will. Gene was also Bob Hope's head writer for 12 years! And he has graciously brought his vast experience and wealth of knowledge to Writers' Bloc. Gene shares some brilliant personal stories about some of the biggest names in show business and we discuss a few choice details from his comedy writing book "The Ten Commandments of Comedy". This was a HUGELY entertaining interview for me... so what are ya waitin' for!?

Megan Ganz is a 28-year-old comedy writer whose resume reads like someone who's been working her ass off since she was 12... which she has. After writing for the satirical newspaper The Michigan Every Three Weekly at The University of Michigan, Megan was asked to join the staff of The Onion. She quickly moved her way up to Editor and that's when TV came a callin'. Megan's first gig was at Important Things with Demetri Martin but when the opportunity to write for her favorite show (at least at the time) NBC's Community, she jumped at the chance. Three years later Megan moved on to the writing staff of one of my current favorite shows, Modern Family and that's where she is today. In short, Megan is awesome, and episode 16 of Writers' Bloc is your proof.

Neal Brennan is a writer, director and stand-up comedian with some high profile credits well worth mentioning, particularly that he was the co-creator and Executive Producer of Chappelle's Show on Comedy Central and the co-writer - along with Dave Chappelle - of the movie Half Baked. Neal's comedy-origin story is an unusual one and a lesson in focus, confidence, and hard work. He also has a tremendous amount of experience with the business side of comedy writing and shares all of this with Writers' Bloc. Most recently Neal directed several sketches for Inside Amy Schumer and he also continues to perform all around the country.

This is the interview fans of Rob Corddry have been waiting for - it's my interview with Rob Corddry! The co-creator and star of the ridiculously hilarious Children's Hospital on Adult Swim is living proof that really-super-crazy talented people can make it in Hollywood. Who knew? Rob is a fortunately busy man who's been in so many movies in the past few years it's a wonder his IMDB page doesn't collapse under the crushing weight of his credits. The topics run the gamet including Rob's recipe for success, which is basically hard work+talent+not being a dick. A rare combination indeed.

Taped in front of a live audience at the University of North Carolina! Lewis Black is a two-time Grammy Award winning stand-up comedian and regular contributor to The Daily Show with Jon Stewart for the past 17 years. (That's not a typo.) He is also an author, a playwright and a mensch in disguise. We discuss all of these things and more including Lewis's closing bit his first ever time on stage. It involved a dog sitting on his lap, but you'll have to listen to the episode to find out the rest. Everything you need to know about Lewis Black can be found at lewisblack.com - except his address. That you have to pay for.

Whoever came up with the phrase "nice guys finish last" never met Phil Rosenthal. The creator and Executive Producer of the 70-time Emmy Nominated "Everybody Loves Raymond" invites me into his home to discuss sitcoms, books, movies, and insane interviews with huge superstars. Phil has an amazing talent for clearly explaining otherwise complicated ideas. He is honest, straightforward, informative, entertaining, and an invaluable resource for writers of every level. If you're somehow not a fan of Phil Rosenthal's already, rest assured you will be within the next hour. And as soon as you're done here, buy his book, "You're Lucky You're Funny", and watch his documentary, "Exporting Raymond". You'll be glad you did.

Sarah Silverman (seen here with monkey) is a popular American actress/comedian perhaps best know for being awesome. She created and starred in "The Sarah Silverman Program," was wildly hilarious in her concert movie "Jesus Is Magic" (Netflix the shit out of that thing!) and most importantly is a fine person and an excellent friend. Soon Sarah will be hitting the road to prepare for an upcoming HBO comedy special, which is great news for the entire world. Sarah has also recently launched the online comedy channel JASH, a partnership with comedians Tim & Eric, Reggie Watts, and Michael Cera. This episode is chock full of Sarah's amazing insights regarding the inner workings of the industry as well as an impromptu phone call from my wife and kids. Dig it, y'all!

Part 2 of "The Writers' Bloc 'The Simpsons' Mini-Marathon"! Mike Scully is a longtime writer and producer for 'The Simpsons' who also wrote for 'Everybody Loves Raymond', 'Parks and Rec', the list goes on. This is a seasoned professional with willing to share his experience with BlocHeads around the world. Mike is also helping develop 'Dads' a new Seth MacFarlane-produced live-action sitcom for Fox coming this Fall. Stick around til the end for a big Writers' Bloc announcement. You'll be glad you did.

Mike Reiss has written for "The Simpsons" since DAY 1 -- 22 years ago! -- and Writers' Bloc is thrilled to have him. Mike and J.R. talk about the show's humble beginnings - from an un-air-conditioned trailer parked on the Fox lot to the longest running primetime show in television history. Mike's endless string of stories and anecdotes about the show make this one of the most entertaining episodes yet. And when you're finished listening, don't forget to buy Mike's 18th & newest kids' book, "Tales of Moronica." It's just 99-cents on Kindle. How do you beat that?

The Oscars are coming up and what better way to pre-celebrate than to listen to two people who've been there tell you what it's like to write for the Academy Awards? Rory Albanese is the Executive Producer of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart having worked his way up from his start as an intern for The Late Show with David Letterman. He's also a great comedian and a perfectly suitable friend. We both wrote for the Oscars in 2008 and this... is our story.

No guest this time around, just little old me talking about my experience doing an AMA (Ask Me Anything) for the website Reddit. I really had an amazing time but believe it or not feedback on the internet was mixed. What!? Seems I didn't adequately "A" some of the "Q's", but all that is about to change. Plus you'll find out what comedy legend I dressed up as for Halloween when I was 8. And be sure to stay tuned to the very end for some exciting WBP announcements about upcoming guests. Oh, it's on...

Ed Helms is... well, he's Ed Helms. Among other things he's an actor best known for almost everything that he does. Yes, The Hangover was a particularly big hit and yes, The Hangover 3 is coming soon to a theater near you, but Ed's talents go far beyond simply starring in record-breaking blockbuster comedy hits. He is also an accomplished musician, an above average singer, and an excellent writer who's experience on the screen has helped refine his writing in provoking ways he is kind enough to share with us. Dig it...