Tommy Kovac (host, Splat from the Past)

Tommy Kovac (host, Splat from the Past)

Author: Ian Fermaglich January 24, 2026 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 and Radio Dinner; George Burns v. Brad Dourif & Nicholson v. Pachino 1975; 1994 Best Picture, 1980 Best Song; SCTV Perry Como, Bob Dylan; having done 2,500 shows; favorite guests Mitzi McCall & Charlie Brill; worst guest: Nicholas Myers & Butch Patrick; forgetting questions; wanting to have on Valerie Landsburg & Laraine Newman; having Cindy Morgan on; me almost getting Richard Dreyfuss and asking Jerry Seinfeld; being declined by Joanne Worley and Ruth Buzzi; people who died after being booked; Joe Polato; Richard Heard; pop culture nerd outs; belly buttons; sports; Cathy Rigby; Sean Weatherly; next year making 10 years


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
Clark Brandon (Mr. Merlin / Facts of Life) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:50
Clark Brandon joined me to talk about his father, As the World Turns actor Peter Brandon; The Monkees; living between Greenwich and LA; getting his 1st TV series right after high school; getting the show as a pay it forw…
John Candy Tribute with his biographer Paul Myers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:29
Paul Myers joined me to discuss seeing The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show; death of JFK; seeing John Candy for the first time on Coming up Rosie; Second City Television; writing this book at same time doc is coming out;…
Reuben Leder (Magnum PI, Star Trek: TNG: The Perfect Mate) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:06
Reuben Leder joined me to discuss his family moving with the Dodger in 1958; learning all the jobs of the movies while working on his fathers low budget films; his pilot Strange Customs; his fathers films I Dismember Mam…
Krista Errickson (Little Darlings, Hello Larry, 90210) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:07
Krista Errickson joined me and we discussed her Wikipedia page; her grandfather, a famous Broadway set designer; her godfather, Elia Kazan; her father's family, the McIntyre's being the family written about in James Mich…
1985 with podcast Shari Fesko [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:59
Podcaster Shari Fesko (Saturday Night Ladies) and I discuss the TV, movies, and music of 1985
Paul Linke (CHiPs, Motel Hell) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:42
Paul Linke and I discuss his one man shows; how his eulogy for his first wife turned into a one man play on HBO; how his second wife inspired his second show and his friendship with Charles Nelson Reilly his third; his n…
Harper the Fox (song parodyist, online content creator) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:30
Harper the Fox joined me to discuss Mr. Rogers and his unintentional role in the porn industry; people using VR to go to their childhood homes; being an English lit major; teaching herself guitar; parodying Paul Simon wi…
Tommy Ruben (CPO Sharkey, son of Aaron Ruben) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:47
Tommy Ruben joined me to discuss the closed knit cast of CPO Sharkey; growing up in Larchont, NY and his dad working for Sgt. Bilko; his dad Aaron, writing for Fred Allen, Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, The Andy Griffith Show…
Larry Charles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:54
Larry Charles joined me to talk about his early heroes, The Little Rascals, 3 Stooges, and Abbott & Costello; trying stand up as a duo; the bimmies; portraying rabbi on stage; selling jokes; Darrow Igus buys jokes & lead…
Michael S. Baser (Good Times / Three's Company) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:39
Michael S. Baser joined me to discuss watching Sky King as a kid; using comedy as a deterrent to bullies; starting a stand-up duo as a teenager; meeting Kim Weiskopf; his father not helping them; A Year at the Top; writi…