Steve Bleustein

Steve Bleustein

Author: Ian Fermaglich June 14, 2025 Duration: 45:46

Legendary comedian Steve Bleustein joined me and discussed his autobiography Memoir of a Nobody; watching Howdy Doody & Peter Pan; going to Emerson College w/ Henry Winkler; Dave Madden & Albert Hammond taking him to try out stand up at the Comedy Store; Sammy Shore saying he has the sound; his work at The Groundlings with Tracy & Laraine Newman and Jack Soo; Tom Dreeson; being on The Merv Griffin Show with Laraine and getting ribbed about a nose job; Liz Torres; Brady Bunch Variety Hour; working with Rip Taylor and Ronnie Graham; writing for Loman & Barkley; a bit making a stick a star; Fred & Mary Willard and their holiday parties; being the last surviving member of the Ace Trucking Company; Fred hating elevators; Cracking Up; meeting Farrah Fawcett; Florence Henderson; Comedy Central ruins comedy boom; how to become a proficient comedian; comics get on TV too early; new comics are too filthy; he likes John Mulaney & Wanda Sykes; working on A Year at the Top with Mickey Rooney & Gabe Dell; Gabe can't remember lines; The Rabbit Test; opening in Vegas; doing a pilot with Tina Turner; Gabe Kaplan presents him as a new comic to watch; the Playboy Pajama Party nightmare; having dogs; becoming famous for Make Me Laugh; Gallagher; Bob Saget; Norm Crosby's Comedy Shop


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…