Bob Illes (redo new Jan 2026 interview!)

Bob Illes (redo new Jan 2026 interview!)

Author: Ian Fermaglich January 17, 2026 Duration: 1:17:55

Bob Illes joined me to talk about his new book Funny is Money with 39 anecdotes; growing up in South Central LA; early TV influences; meeting writing partner James R. Stein at USC; doing the Stein & Illes show; Digby Wolfe; winning a contest to write for Tennessee Ernie Ford; Mike Ovitz; hard to get a radio job; working on Tom Smothers Organic Show; writing monologues for Bill Cosby on The New Bill Cosby Show; friction between Cosby & George Schlatter; meeting Groucho; working with Pat McCormick; Aaron Ruben hiring them on Sanford & Son; the controversial "Lamont, is that You" episode; doing a pilot for Schlatter called Lampoon w/ Alan Katz & Pat Proft; Joe & Sons; One Day at a Time; getting dressed down by Norman Lear and his mea culpa; What's Happening!!; Fernwood Tonight; A New Kind of Family with Rob Lowe & Janet Jackson; Dick Clair; Pat McCormick; working on The Steve Allen Comedy Hour and making a bad impression on Catherine O'Hara; his friendship with Sherman Helmsley; Anthony Geary & Ron Glass; All in the Family on the Nixon tapes;


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when someone who's been on both sides of the microphone gets to ask the questions. Ian Talks Comedy is exactly that: a series of relaxed, insightful dialogues hosted by Ian Fermaglich, who brings his own perspective as a former stand-up comedian and a current New York City teacher into every chat. Instead of standard interviews, these feel more like catching up backstage with a friend who happens to have incredible stories. Each episode features Ian in conversation with some of the most skilled and interesting voices from across the comedy world. You'll hear about the craft behind the laughs, the unexpected lessons from life on stage, and the personal journeys that shape a comedic voice. The tone is warm, curious, and devoid of pretension, focusing on the human experience within the performing arts. For anyone who appreciates the artistry behind a great joke or the real-life observations that fuel humor, this podcast offers a genuine and engaging listen. It’s about the process, the missteps, and the moments of connection that make comedy such a vital part of our culture.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Ian Talks Comedy
Podcast Episodes
Norman Stiles (head writer, Sesame Street / Fernwood Tonight) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:12
Norman Stiles and I discuss watching Howdy Doody and having a friend on Mr. Wizard; being a welfare worker and writing jokes for Allen & Rossi; writing for the Merv Griffin Show; getting into the Childrens Television Wor…
Adam I. Lapidus (Simpsons, Smart Guy, Suite Life, Jessie) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:12
Adam Lapidus joins me to talk about using his initial; being 6' 9"; Conan O'Brien; NYC real estate; his father being childhood friends with Dave Davis and then reconnecting; meeting James L. Brooks and being asked to be…
Joel Madison (Roseanne, Jackie Thomas Show, creator Malcolm & Eddie) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:07
Jay Madison joined me to discuss growing up in Madison, Wisconsin; watching superhero shows an d old movies; Al in the Family; Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and Fernwood 2Night; WC Fields; starting stand up in San Diego and…
Jerry Rannow (Room 222, Welcome Back Kotter, Head of the Class) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:11
Jerry Rannow discusses his love of old-time comedy and book about Mabel Normand; his comedy writer detective series; his first book on how to write for TV; growing up in Wisconsin in the 50's; meeting the head of Love Am…
Ray Stewart (Mr. Driscoll on Barney Miller, AES Hudson Street) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:07
Ray Stewart joined me to discuss his love of movies, especially the Road Pictures; seeing a real life movie star in person; acting as far back in first grade; his mother who wanted to be an actress but directed all the t…
George Beckerman (Head of the Class, Jackie Thomas Show, Molloy) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:54
George Beckerman joined me to talk about early TV, his first writing job, 1983's NBC Yummy Awards; Paul Winchell and Pinky Lee; growing up in Forest Hills; going to high school with Jerry Springer; going into the textile…