Marc Sheffler (actor / comedian / writer)

Marc Sheffler (actor / comedian / writer)

Author: Ian Fermaglich June 1, 2025 Duration: 58:00

Marc Sheffler joined joined me to discuss watching 50's children's TV; his father getting The Three Stooges for his tenth birthday; seeing Jerry Lewis in a movie and his dad telling him "Why not you?"; his dad getting him him a limo to the premiere of "The Last House on the Left"; going to college with David Duke; his dad sending sending him to the Catskills; working for comedian London Lee; having to pretend to be a conductor; selling a script to NBC; watching Dick Van Dyke and partnering with Sam Denoff; becoming stand up and throwing out his Catskills material; getting a spot at the Comedy Store; becoming friends with George Miller, David Letterman, and Andy Kaufman; Tony Clifton; writing How Bugs Bunny won the West; working on Co-Ed Fever and becoming life long friends with Heather Thomas; her intelligence; writing the pilot for Lewis & Clark but not getting hired on the series; having Johnny Carson apologize; writing for Sanford; Robin Williams; the Comedy Store being an orphanage for talent; creating his stand up character El Yid


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
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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
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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…