EP97: Behind the Scenes: Another CHEERS commentary!
Ken provides a commentary track to an episode of CHEERS he co-wrote. “Any Friend of Diane’s,” Season 1, EP6. Lots of great inside stuff. You can either just listen or follow along as you watch the...
View ArticleEP98: My 15 Seconds of Fame: Me on Camera
Ken talks about the various times he’s appeared on camera either as an actor, sportscaster, host, or dancer (if you can believe it). You’ll hear some amusing tales and learn why he’s not on camera more...
View ArticleEP99: Holiday Turkeys: What Were They Thinking?
In honor of Turkey Day, Ken spins one audio trainwreck after another. You’ll laugh till you cringe.
View ArticleEP100: We Made It! EPISODE 100!
Ken looks back at the insanity of over 60 hours of podcast material and reprieves his favorite three stories one from TV, one from radio, and one from baseball. Thanks to everyone for listening and...
View ArticleEP101: Product Placement or how Coca Cola almost destroyed our movie career.
Ken explores the various forms of product placement in films and TV. And how a scene he and his partner wrote involving Coca Cola caused a huge stink.
View ArticleEP102: Short Attention Span Podcast
Ken tackles a variety of unrelated, but hopefully humorous, topics. You’ll learn the amazing thing Mary Tyler Moore said in his living room, a discussion of actors not saying their lines, and Ken’s...
View ArticleEP103: Merry Christmas Charlie Brown… and Everyone
In this holiday-themed episode, Ken explains how one of the most successful TV specials in history almost didn’t get on the air, the fascinating backstory of a Christmas classic, and you’ll hear a one...
View ArticleEP104: Meet Tracy Newman – Emmy-winning writer, musician, show runner,...
Hope for older writers: Tracy Newman broke in when she was 46. She also had other careers. She’s a fascinating Renaissance Woman who once lived with the great Ricky Jay, guested on THE TONIGHT SHOW,...
View ArticleEP105: 129 Ways to Get a Husband and 1 Way to Get a Wife
Ken shares a hilarious and jaw dropping article from 1958 on how to get a husband. You won’t believe some of these tips. And finally, a prank Ken pulled on his writing partner to get him a wife. You...
View ArticleEP106: Ken’s writing partner, David Isaacs defends himself
Ken welcomes his long-time writing partner, David Isaacs to the podcast. We discuss how we broke in, how we work, writing together vs. separately, script problem solving, and David tells his side of...
View ArticleEP107: More with writing partner, David Isaacs
Ken and David share lessons they learned in comedy writing, both good and bad – along with discussions on casting, directing, the series they developed for Mary Tyler Moore, and David’s year working on...
View ArticleEP108: What’s it like to be an Extra in Hollywood?
A great entry-level job in the industry is becoming an extra – the background people you see in movies and TV shows. Ken explores that world, the requirements, pay, future, how to get one of those...
View ArticleEP109: The Art of Magic, w/ Bruce Kalver
Ken talks to master magician Bruce Kalver. Learn about the world of magic and how to get out of handcuffs. It’s a fascinating and fun look at the artists who amaze and delight us. No rabbits or doves...
View ArticleEP110: TV in the age of Ageism
Ken discusses the realities of the television industry and how he has faced and learned to cope with ageism. It’s a candid personal look into longevity in Hollywood.
View ArticleEP111: “And the Loser is…” Academy Award Trivia
Getting you ready for the Oscars, Ken has compiled lots of fun facts about the Academy Awards including people who never won. This interesting and fact packed episode contains many surprises! A must...
View ArticleEP112: Ken’s Annual Bitchy Snarky Oscar Review
Once again, comedy writer Ken Levine watches the 2019 Academy Awards so you don’t have to, and files his opinionated, hopefully insightful, hopefully funny review. See if you agree with anything he says.
View ArticleEP113: Meet Bruce Miller and learn the story behind “Tossed Salads &...
Bruce Miller has composed and conducted the music for many TV series including FRASIER. He tells the inside story of what “Tossed Salads & Scrambled Eggs” really means along with other fascinating...
View ArticleEP114: My Writing Process
Ken talks about his writing steps, from germ of an idea to finished script or stage play. It’s an in-depth look into the creative process from an Emmy winning writer.
View ArticleEP115: Meet Dennis Palumbo, writer/therapist
Dennis Palumbo is a licensed therapist and also co-wrote the comedy classic, MY FAVORITE YEAR. He talks about common problems writers face and offers invaluable advice. Also he discusses his...
View ArticleEP116: “How did I get talked into this?” Embarrassing stories during the...
We all get talked into doing stupid things. These are two of Ken’s.
View ArticleEP117: My Mount Rushmore of Radio: Four greats radio stars
Ken introduces you to four of his all-time favorite radio performers. These are the voices that inspired him and made him laugh. Vin Scully, Dan Ingram, The Real Don Steele, and Gary Burbank.
View ArticleEP118: More Celebrity Dish w/ Arlen Peters
Entertainment reporter Arlen Peters is back with more tasty inside stories and profiles of celebrities, famous writers, and iconic movies. You know you love this stuff!
View ArticleEP119: NBC’s Al Michaels Part 1
In the first of two parts, NBC sportscaster Al Michaels, who has called 10 Super Bowls, numerous World Series, and will be forever known for his “Miracle on Ice” call, joins Ken for an in depth...
View ArticleEP120: NBC’s Al Michaels, Part 2
In the second of two parts, NBC sportscaster Al Michaels, who has called 10 Super Bowls, numerous World Series, and will be forever known for his “Miracle on Ice” call, joins Ken for an in depth...
View ArticleEP121: Another CHEERS commentary track w/ Writer Ken Levine
Ken provides a commentary track for the CHEERS episode “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before” from season 6, episode 17. Frasier and Lilith's wedding is nearing, and their best man and maid of honor, Sam...
View ArticleEP122: Take a Guided Tour of the 20th Century Fox Lot.
Ken is your guide for a VIP tour of the 20th Century Fox lot where thousands of classic movies and TV shows have been filmed including MASH. Enjoy some history, anecdotes, and Hollywood lore, and...
View ArticleEP123: Open Letter to Ungrateful TV Actors
In light of Constance Wu’s public disdain of FRESH OFF THE BOAT’S pick-up, Ken puts into perspective what a gift it is to be on a hit series and the reality of network television casting. It’s an...
View ArticleEP124: In defense of Multi-Camera Shows
Multi-camera shows shot in front of a studio audience are much maligned, unfairly so. 99% of our classic sitcoms are multi-camera. Ken explains what it takes to do a good one and why many fall short....
View ArticleEP125: Filling in for Wolfman Jack and other radio adventures
Ken tells crazy stories of his disc jockey days -- filling in for the Wolfman, befriending the Hells Angels, and almost getting deported from Canada. Oh, those fun days of radio.
View ArticleEP126: “Movin’ on Up” – selling our first script
What’s it like to break in and sell your first script? Ken tells his experience when “the Jeffersons” hired him and partner David Isaacs. It was quite a learning experience as you will hear.
View ArticleEP127: Meet Kara Mayer Robinson: celebrity journalist
Kara Mayer Robinson has written for the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, Hollywood Reporter, and has her own podcast, “Really Famous.” She and Ken discuss the world of celebrity interviews with a little...
View ArticleEP128: Ken’s Commencement Speech and Welcoming in Summer
If Ken were to ever speak at a college graduation, this would be his speech. And then he reflects on summers past.
View ArticleEP129: Our Pilot That Failed at ABC and HBO
Okay, two versions of this pilot failed at two different networks, but Levine & Isaacs got to hang out with the president of the United States, back when that meant something.
View ArticleEP130: Writing Musicals for Broadway… and the U.S Army
Ken discusses what he learned writing the book for a musical and also shares an insane story of writing a musical for the United States Army. Hint:It was less successful than “Hamilton.”
View ArticleEP131: Meet Director Jim Burrows Part 1
On this week's Hollywood & Levine, Ken interviews 10-time Emmy winner, Jim Burrows, who has directed over 1000 episodes of sitcoms including the pilots of CHEERS, FRIENDS, FRASIER, and WILL &...
View ArticleEP132: Legendary Director Jim Burrows, Part 2
This week in part two of the interview, Ken and Jim Burrows discuss the technical aspects of directing, the challenges of filming a live show, and the unique requirements of sitcom pilots. They also...
View ArticleEP133: Pilots I Have Worked On
Ken shares stories of various sitcom pilots he’s worked on and a couple of these tales you won’t believe. Go behind-the-scenes of how TV pilots are made.
View ArticleEP134: Meet comedian/writer Jeff Cesario
Jeff Cesario has been a stand-up who’s appeared often on LETTERMAN, THE TONIGHT SHOW, CONAN, KIMMEL, and has had his own SHOWTIME special. He was also a writer/producer on THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW. He...
View ArticleEP135: Meet Writer/Director/Playwright/Novelist Howard Michael Gould
Not what you’d call an under-achiever -- Howard Michael Gould has been a TV writer, a screenwriter, showrunner, TV and film director, copywriter, playwright, and novelist. A varied background with...
View ArticleEP136: Howard Michael Gould Part 2
Ken and Howard discuss their writing process and how it applies to teleplays, features, stage plays, and novels. And probably whatever task you’re undertaking.
View ArticleEP137: Jobs I Didn’t Get
For all the jobs that writers, even successful writers, get – there is always a long list of jobs they didn’t get. This week Ken shares his. Hopefully this will inspire you to keep pushing.
View ArticleEP138: Meet Corporal Klinger – Jamie Farr
Jamie Farr talks about his long career, his experiences on MASH, and a harrowing story that took place in Korea. Other than a near-death experience, lots of fun tales.
View ArticleEP139: From Russia With Like
Ken takes you on a wacky tour of Scandinavia and Russia – filled with absurdities and atrocities. What more could anyone ask of a summer vacation?
View ArticleEP140: Inside the Writer’s Mind
Listen to a ten-minute play that Ken wrote and hear him walk you through his thought process. Lots of creative decisions need to be made. It’s a great lesson in how you craft a comedy scene.
View ArticleEP141: Taking Meetings in Hollywood
Ken discusses the various and wacky movie meetings he and his partner, David Isaacs have “taken” over the years.
View ArticleEP142: Meet radio star Shotgun Tom Kelly
How many disc jockeys have a star on the Hollywood Walk-of-Fame? Okay, several, but Shotgun Tom is one of them. Currently on Sirius/XM’s 60’s on 6 channel he’s had a colorful career in an industry...
View ArticleEP43: Once Upon a Time in Woodland Hills
Ken gets nostalgic and shares all of his futile attempts to be popular in High School. It’s his version of Quentin Tarantino’s ‘60s.
View ArticleEP144: Writing Advice and a Rant
Ken deals with two difficult aspects of writing – structure and exposition along with helpful tips for each. And he has one of those rants of his.
View ArticleEP145: This week’s guest: ME Part 1
On this week's Hollywood and Levine Podcast, Ken switches things up and invites entertainment reporter Arlen Peters to take the reins and interview him. We hear all about Ken's lengthy career in the...
View ArticleEP146: This week’s guest: ME Part 2
Entertainment reporter Arlen Peters continues his interview with Ken – interacting with actors, learning to direct, breaking into the feature world, playwriting, anecdotes, and much more.
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