Hollywood & Levine

No matter how successful you are, there are always jobs you didn’t get for one reason or another. The takeaway is not to be discouraged. It turns out not getting the all-night DJ shift on a radio station in Fresno wasn’t the end of the world. These are the jobs that Ken didn’t get. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the most successful playwrights and screenwriters in history and no one on Jeopardy even knew who he was. Time to spotlight the work and brilliance of my comedy idol, Neil Simon. Get Honey for FREE at https://joinhoney.com/levine More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The family sitcom has been a staple of television from I LOVE LUCY to MODERN FAMILY. Ken traces the evolution of this venerable genre and sprinkles in a few personal anecdotes.   More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if I told you there was a woman who in the early days of television wrote 11,000 scripts, and starred in her own TV network hit sitcom for six years and no one has ever heard of her? Meet Peg Lynch. This is a remarkable true story you will not believe. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pilot development is always nuts. From concept to completion so much can go wrong. It’s a wonder when one good one escapes and gets on the air. This is one of Levine & Isaacs’ craziest pilot assignments. Enjoy the insanity. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More with Suzanne Stone who spent 38 years working at JEOPARDY. This week we center on the contestant process, audience reaction to the various hosts, and miscellaneous categories. It’s the episode to hear if you want to get on the show and win $1.2 million (and who couldn’t use a spare $1.2 million?) Get Honey for FREE at https://joinhoney.com/levine More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

JEOPARDY has become a nation obsession. This week and next Ken talks to head researcher Suzanne Stone who was with the show for 38 years. Go behind-the-scenes and learn how the questions are assembled, the contestants are chosen, what happens during production, etc. It’s a show and podcast for smart people (y’know, like YOU). More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you want to be a TV comedy writer you have to write a pilot on speculation. In this episode Ken will tell you just how to do that. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new podcast series called “The Big Lie” starring Jon Hamm drops this week. We’ll meet the creators and learn what goes into creating an entire world based only on sound and your imagination. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What writer hasn’t faced this? Ken offers tips and reassurance to overcoming this annoying or even crippling problem for writers. Get Honey for FREE at https://joinhoney.com/levine More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More with 35-year network and media vet, Preston Beckman. The future of sitcoms, networks, streaming services, the Super Bowl, various platforms — all discussed right here. The ever-changing world of television is changing ever-faster these days. Stay on top of it with Ken & Preston Beckman. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ken’s guest is Preston Beckman, a major force in network programming for 35 years and currently a media consultant.  He discusses all things TV including broadcast networks, cable, streamers, sports, comedy, license fees, research, and where things might be heading. Television is constantly changing.  Stay on top of it with Preston Beckman. Part 1 of 2.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Television is facing a shortage of qualified showrunners. Ken discusses why and offers advice on how to be an effective showrunner. This is a must episode for anyone in TV. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After Ken’s picks last week for the worst songs of all-time, the listeners now weigh in with theirs… along with a few egregious samples. Is your least favorite tune on the list? Get Honey for FREE at https://joinhoney.com/levine More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ken offers his picks for some of the worst songs of all-time. You’re welcome to share some of yours. It’s good cringing fun! More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Technology, taste, and trends continually change the forms of entertainment we enjoy. What does the future hold? Can the past offer any tips? Ken looks back at how show business has evolved over the last 120 years with the emergence and impact of movies, radio, television, and now the internet. Does it all lead to streaming? Or something else? Tune in.  More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Baseball is a sport made for radio. A good announcer can fill the down time with spellbinding stories and humor. Ken salutes the best — past and present and states the case for why radio still is the best way to follow baseball. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In light of the Will Smith/Chris Rock fiasco, Ken recalls the numerous times he attended award ceremonies and the amusing things that happened on the way to his many losses and occasional wins.  Get 20% off your first order with promo code HOLLYWOOD at https://trycaliper.com/HOLLYWOOD More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether it’s a former NBA superstar or sheep, writing and directing for athletes and animals can be a challenge.  Comedy generally isn’t in their wheelhouse.  Ken shares amusing stories working with both.   Get Honey for FREE at https://joinhoney.com/levine More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Part two with New Yorker cartoonist, David Sipress. This week is focused on the art of combining comedy writing and drawings. It’s a fun look at the process of creativity. Along with a good Cliff Clavin story. More podcasts at WAVE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/artist/wave-podcast-network/1437831426See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.