Dawna Kaufmann (SNL / MADTV writer, true crime expert)

Dawna Kaufmann (SNL / MADTV writer, true crime expert)

Author: Ian Fermaglich October 19, 2024 Duration: 1:21:37

Dawna Kaufmann joined me to discuss writing jokes for JFK, Khruschev, and Phyllis Diller as a child; JFK assassination; working for Don Kirschner's Rock Concert; her stage roles in the late 60's / early 70's; working on game shows for Allen Ludden & Grant Tinker; writing for Weekend Update; being the impetus for Phil Hartman's Anal Retentive Chef; Herb Sargent; Chris Farley being scared to "fly" as Bennett Brauer; Matt Foley; jumping to the Chevy Chase show; being told by Chevy that women can't be comedy writers and subsequently fired; Dean Martin; her crime book Final Exam; how OJ switched her career to true crime; Mad TV; Artie Lange; appearing as a regular on Wall George's Hot Seat; writing for the WWF; Menendez Brothers; don't believe Netflix documentaries; RFK and JFK assassinations; Bib Netanyahu's speech; Carol Wayne; still watching late night monologues; Kirk Douglas; possible Trump abortions; Dick Van Dyke; Carol Burnett; Bill Cosby; her and Chris Rock telling Adam Sandler about it in 1993; Epstein's two sides; Dennis Hastert; Lindsay Graham; crime and comedy; Charlie Chaplin; Alec Baldwin; still watching SNL and loving Dana Carvey


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
Robert Hays [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:15
Robert Hays joined me to discuss loving the Lone Ranger; moving from Virginia to Turkey to Nebraska; changing schools & becoming class clown; being a Marine brat; signing up for an acting class in college; selling his ho…
Ken Estin (Taxi / Cheers / Tracey Ullman Show) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:33
Ken Estin remembers the laugh track; MTM shows; going to college to write short stories; send a Bob Newhart Show spec to the Charles Brothers; tracked down 2 years later for Taxi; working with Jim Burrows, Glen & Les Cha…
George Arthur Bloom (writer, Transformers & My Little Pony cartoons) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:51
George Arthur Bloom joined me to talk about watching Beanie and Cecil; wanting to be a pro baseball player; joining the Coast Guard; getting a job in the mail room at MCA; working his way up to Lew Wasserman's assistant;…
Julie Brown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:24
Julie Brown joined me to discuss Captain Kangaroo; being in her high school homecoming court; the scary nun's in elementary school; being funny in Van Nuys High; studying at the American Conservatory Theater in San Franc…
Dirk Benedict (The A-Team) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:47
Dirk Benedict joined me to discuss Montana v. Montauk; not having a TV in Montana until 1956 and not watching one until college; lived out in ranch houses; now only watches old movies and English football; Steven Spielbe…
Anson Williams at Sea World Reaction (w/Trent Mabry) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:49
Comedian Trent Mabry (album It's Good to Be Here) and I go over the 1977 syndicated special featuring Anson and his guests Lou Rawls, Tanya Tucker, The 5th Dimension, Marty Allen, and Skiles and Henderson
Susan Isaacs (Scrooged / Seinfeld / Planes Trains, and Automobiles) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:57
Susan Isaacs joined me to discuss teaching at Chapman University; living on $400 a month rent in NYC; watching the Flintstones; no VCR's; watching Carson and SNL; being in the Groundlings with Lisa Kudrow, Chris Kattan,…
Tommy Kovac (host, Splat from the Past) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:22
Tommy Kovac joined me to discuss seeing Sam Kinison at 2; favorite SNL episodes; favorite comedy movies; Adam Sandler, Woody Allen, & Chevy Chase movies; loving all different sitcoms; comedy albums from Cheech and Chong…
Bob Illes (redo new Jan 2026 interview!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 Wol…
Michele Lee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:19
Michele Lee joined me to discuss her podcast Knot Done Yet and her co-hosts Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark; her father being a makeup artist in the arts; watching early TV including Ed Sullivan & Sid Caesar; being on stage…