Writers' Bloc Podcast with J.R. Havlan

Megan Ganz

J.R. Havlan — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:29:05 +0000

Megan Ganz is a 28-year-old comedy writer whose resume reads like someone who’s been working her ass off since she was 12… which she has. After writing for the satirical newspaper The Every Three Weekly at The University of Michigan, Megan (@MeganGanz) was asked to join the staff of The Onion. She quickly moved her way up to editor and that’s when TV came a-callin’. Megan’s first gig was at Important Things with Demetri Martin but when the opportunity to write for her favorite show (at least at the time) NBC’s Community, she jumped at the chance. Three years later Megan moved on to the writing staff of one of my current favorite shows, Modern Family, and that’s where she is today. In short, Megan is awesome, and episode 16 of Writers’ Bloc is your proof. Listen on iTunes.

Neal Brennan

J.R. Havlan — Wed, 08 May 2013 14:11:51 +0000

Neal Brennan is a writer, director and stand-up comedian with some high profile credits well worth mentioning, particularly that he was the co-creator and executive producer of Chappelle’s Show on Comedy Central and the co-writer — along with Dave Chappelle — of the movie Half Baked. Neal’s comedy-origin story is an unusual one. It’s a lesson in focus, confidence, and hard work. He also has a tremendous amount of experience with the business side of comedy writing. He shares all of this with Writers’ Bloc. Neal also directed several sketches for Inside Amy Schumer and he continues to perform around the country. Listen on iTunes.

Rob Corddry

J.R. Havlan — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:23:40 +0000

This is the interview fans of Rob Corddry have been waiting for – it’s my interview with Rob Corddry! The co-creator and star of the ridiculously hilarious Children’s Hospital on Adult Swim is living proof that really-super-crazy talented people can make it in Hollywood. Who knew? Rob is a fortunately busy man who’s been in so many movies in the past few years it’s a wonder his IMDB page doesn’t collapse under the crushing weight of his credits. The topics run the gamet including Rob’s recipe for success, which is basically hard work+talent+not being a dick. A rare combination indeed. Listen on iTunes.

Lewis Black

J.R. Havlan — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 03:09:07 +0000

Taped in front of a live audience at the University of North Carolina!
Lewis Black is a two-time Grammy Award winning stand-up comedian and regular contributor to “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” for the past 17 years. (That’s not a typo.) He is also an author, a playwright and a mensch in disguise. We discuss all of these things and more including Lewis’s closing bit his first ever time on stage. It involved a dog sitting on his lap, but you’ll have to listen to the episode to find out the rest. Everything you need to know about Lewis Black can be found at lewisblack.com – except his address. That you have to pay for. Listen on iTunes.

Phil Rosenthal

J.R. Havlan — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 01:24:37 +0000

Whoever came up with the phrase “nice guys finish last” never met Phil Rosenthal. The creator and executive producer of the 70-time Emmy-nominated “Everybody Loves Raymond” invites me into his home to discuss sitcoms, books, movies, and insane interviews with huge superstars. Phil has an amazing talent for clearly explaining otherwise complicated ideas. He is honest, straightforward, informative, entertaining, and an invaluable resource for writers of every level. If you’re somehow not a fan of Phil Rosenthal’s already, rest assured you will be within the next hour. And as soon as you’re done here, buy his book, “You’re Lucky You’re Funny,” and watch his documentary, “Exporting Raymond.” You’ll be glad you did. Listen on iTunes.

Sarah Silverman

J.R. Havlan — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:42:11 +0000

Sarah Silverman (seen here with monkey) is a popular American actress/comedian perhaps best know for being awesome. She created and starred in “The Sarah Silverman Program,” was wildly hilarious in her concert movie “Jesus Is Magic” (Netflix the shit out of that thing!) and most importantly is a fine person and an excellent friend. Soon Sarah will be hitting the road to prepare for an upcoming HBO comedy special which is great news for the entire world. Sarah has also recently launched the online comedy channel JASH, a partnership with comedians Tim & Eric, Reggie Watts, and Michael Cera. This episode is chock full of Sarah’s amazing insights regarding the inner workings of the industry as well as an impromptu phone call from my wife and kids. Dig it, y’all! Listen on iTunes.

Mike Scully

J.R. Havlan — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:33:28 +0000

Part 2 of “The Writers’ Bloc ‘The Simpsons’ Mini-Marathon”! (Listen to Part 1.)

Mike Scully is a longtime writer and producer for The Simpsons who also wrote for ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’, ‘Parks and Rec’, the list goes on. This is a seasoned professional with willing to share his experience with BlocHeads around the world. Mike is also helping develop “Dads” a new Seth MacFarlane-produced live-action sitcom for Fox coming this Fall. Stick around ’til the end for a big Writers’ Bloc announcement. You’ll be glad you did. Listen on iTunes.

Mike Reiss

J.R. Havlan — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:36:32 +0000

Part 1 of “The Writers’ Bloc ‘The Simpsons’ Mini-Marathon”! (Listen to Part 2.)

This headshot would only be appropriate for someone who has written for “The Simpsons” sine DAY 1, 22 years ago! That person is Mike Reiss and Writers’ Bloc is thrilled to have him. Mike and J.R. talk about the show’s humble beginnings – from an un-air-conditioned trailer parked on the Fox lot to the longest running primetime show in television history.

Mike’s endless string of stories and anecdotes about the show make this one of the most entertaining episodes yet. And when you’re finished listening, don’t forget to buy Mike’s 18th & newest kids’ book, “Tales of Moronica.” It’s just 99-cents on Kindle. How do you beat that?

This month The Writers’ Bloc Podcast features two episodes with writers from “The Simpsons”. Next up: Mike Scully (March 18)

Rory Albanese

J.R. Havlan — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:01:01 +0000

The Oscars are over but what better way to post-celebrate than by listening to two people who’ve been there tell you what it’s like to write for the Academy Awards? Rory Albanese is the Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, having worked his way up from his start as an intern for The Late Show with David Letterman. (Rory on Twitter.)

He also co-authored “Earth: The Book,” is a great comedian, and he’s a perfectly suitable friend. We both wrote for the Oscars in 2008 and this… is our story. Listen on iTunes.

Also Up For Discussion

Working with legendary Oscars producer Gil Cates (8:30) and (41:30),
“The great thing about an award show:” Backstage at the Oscars as Colonial Williamsburg (33:30),
Cat Zeppelin (48:40).

Reddit AMA

J.R. Havlan — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:50:05 +0000

No guest this time around, just little old me talking about my experience doing an AMA (Ask Me Anything) for the website Reddit. I really had an amazing time but believe it or not feedback on the internet was mixed. What!? Seems I didn’t adequately “A” some of the “Q’s”, but all that is about to change. Plus you’ll find out what comedy legend I dressed up as for Halloween when I was 8. And be sure to stay tuned to the very end for some exciting WBP announcements about upcoming guests. Oh, it’s on…

VIDEO

Watch all the video answers to the J.R. Havlan AMA.