The Carson Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Larry Miller Mar 18, 2015

Show notes

Larry Miller talks to Mark about the chaos backstage before his Johnny Carson debut. In addition he tells one of Johnny’s favorite all time jokes.

Ray Combs Jr. Mar 04, 2015

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Ray Combs Jr. discusses his late father Ray Combs’ debut on the Tonight Show, Johnny discovering him while doing audience warm up on the sitcom Amen, and the details…

Yakov Smirnoff Feb 18, 2015

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Yakov Smirnoff joins Mark to discuss Johnny calling him over to the couch following his Tonight Show debut, Johnny speaking Russian with him on the…

Paul Block Feb 11, 2015

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Tonight Show talent coordinator/segment producer Paul Block joins Mark to discuss the difficulties of booking Alfred Hitchcock, why Billy Preston was a hit with the…

Tom Shales Feb 04, 2015

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TV critic Tom Shales talks to Mark about visiting Johnny Carson at his Malibu home, Johnny’s reaction to Steve Allen thinking he ripped off Carnac…

Kelly Carlin Jan 28, 2015

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Performer/writer Kelly Carlin, daughter of George Carlin, talks to Mark about her father’s appearances with Johnny Carson, Fred de Cordova allowing her to drive his…

Matthew Weiner Jan 21, 2015

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Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner talks to Mark about using Johnny Carson clips on Mad Men, comparisons between Johnny and Don Draper, and the impact Jon Hamm hosting…

Fred Stoller Jan 14, 2015

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Fred Stoller talks to Mark about his 1989 Johnny Carson appearance, the challenges of writing for Seinfeld, and sitcom tales detailed in his book Maybe We’ll Have…

Marc Shaiman Jan 07, 2015

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Marc Shaiman joins Mark to discuss Bette Midler’s Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson appearance on May 21, 1992, his idea for Bette to sing One…

Dave Thomas Dec 19, 2014

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Dave Thomas talks to Mark about Johnny’s love of his Bob Hope impression, dreaming as a kid of appearing on the Tonight Show Starring Johnny…