Hey We're Back!

#72 - This Might Sound Familiar - Melissa Galsky, Tom Leopold, Jon Benjamin, and Tom Snyder.

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Blasts from the past, a new album, and a new-from-the-archives sketch.

"Venison-only Restaurant", "Books On Tape", and "Home For Re-enactors" were edited by Tom Snyder,

Additional songs by Katz & Jammers

Featuring: Melissa Galsky, Maggie Surovell, Phyllis Montalvo-Katz, my aunt Sylvie, Sidney Katz, Tom Leopold, Dean Olsher, Jon Benjamin, and Tom Snyder.

Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Editing and Mastering: Bryce Kanzer Producer: Dana Friedman

#71 - Raw Shandling - Garry Shandling, Laura Silverman

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Unbeknownst to me, over an hour of Garry Shandling's unique voice was living on my computer.

Featuring: Garry Shandling, Laura Silverman

Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Editing and Mastering: Bryce Kanzer Producer: Dana Friedman

#70 - Strange and Dangerous Missions - Jon Benjamin, Melissa Galsky, Eugene Mirman, and Laura Silverman

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 22:00:00 -0400

It’s almost like a family reunion, but we’re not related. This is a great episode for Peeping Toms, and is dedicated to Dr. Katz/ Bob’s Burgers voyeurs.

Featuring: Jon Benjamin, Melissa Galsky, Eugene Mirman, and co-host Laura Silverman

Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Editing and Mastering: Bryce Kanzer Producer: Dana Friedman

# 69 - Friends for Life - Wendy Liebman, Susie Essman, Joy Behar

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 21:00:00 -0400

I've known Susie Essman and Joy Behar since I started doing comedy almost 6400 years ago. Laura I join them for some candid conversation. We also have a session with my therapist Dr. Wendy Liebman who makes mental health hep again.

Featuring: Laura Silverman, Wendy Liebman, Joy Behar, Susie Essman
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Editing and Mastering: Bryce Kanzer Producer: Dana Friedman

# 68 - The Inception of Dr. Katz - Loren Bouchard, Tom Snyder, Laura Silverman

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 15:00:00 -0400

Wonder how Dr. Katz came to be? Curious about animation? This episode is really about collaboration, luck, timing and perseverance.

Featuring: Loren Bouchard, Laura Silverman, Tom Snyder
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Editing and Mastering: Bryce Kanzer Producer: Dana Friedman

#67 - Courtesy Laughing Gas - Kevin Nealon, Wendy Liebman, Laura Silverman

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 17:00:00 -0500

My special guest for Episode 67 is Kevin Nealon. Not only is Kevin a brilliant comedian, he's also a funny guy. This episode begins with me in therapy with Dr. Wendy Liebman.

The episode succeeds because of the presence of my Co-Host Laura Jane Silverman, a mischievous force in the world of comedy,

Featuring: Wendy Liebman, Laura Silverman, Kevin Nealon
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Editing and Mastering: Bryce Kanzer Producer: Dana Friedman

#66 - Trial and Error: Paw Paw - Andy Kindler, Laura Silverman

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:00:00 -0400

This is a ridiculous episode! Luckily Laura Silverman (who has been my co-host for more than twenty years) is there to explain to Andy Kindler that a lot of what I'm saying are jokes. And once again, she reminds me of what a superb actress she is.

Also, I've gone to the technology edge of Abbreviated Therapy.

Featuring: Wendy Liebman, Laura Silverman, and Andy Kindler
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Editing and Mastering: Bryce Kanzer Producer: Dana Friedman

#65 - Fun With Mental Health - Wendy Liebman, Subhah Agarwal

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

First as a therapist, and now as a patient.

Featuring: Wendy Liebman, Subhah Agarwal
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Editing and Mastering: Bryce Kanzer Producer: Dana Friedman

#64 - One Of These, One Of Those - Lewis Black, Laura Silverman, Andy Kindler, Sarah Silverman, Dana Gould, Eugene Mirman, Susie Essman

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This is an episode artfully curated by Dana Friedman from my vast audio library.

Featuring: Jonathan Wilson, Lewis Black, Maggie Surovell, Tom Snyder, Laura Silverman, Andy Kindler, Sarah Silverman, Sidney Katz, Dana Gould, Eugene Mirman, and Susie Essman.

Music by: The Coasters, Tom Snyder, Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser, with Steve Loeb, Tommy T-Bone Wolk, and Ross Levison on fiddle.

Special Thanks to Colleen McGarr at Moontower Comedy Festival, and Bruce Smith at OmniPop.

Editing and Mastering: Bryce Kanzer Producer: Dana Friedman

#63 - Choices - Lew Schneider, Amy Miller

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Comedian/Writer Lew Schneider and friends invite me to participate in one of the most difficult decisions comedian Amy Miller will ever have to make.

Featuring: Mingo Reynolds, Lew Schneider, Amy Miller,
Special Thanks to: Kelly Writers House at the University of Pennsylvania
Editing and Mastering: Bryce Kanzer Produced by: Dana Friedman

#62 - Easy Listening, But Not That Easy - Kathy Griffin, David Cross, Bob Odenkirk, Erica Rhodes, Paula Poundstone

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Music was my first love, if you don’t count Susan Feinbloom

Featuring: Kathy Griffin, Frank Morgan, Davina, Dean Olsher, David Cross, Bob Odenkirk, Erica Rhodes, Paula Poundstone

Recording by Jesse Novak, Jennifer Crowe, Tom Snyder

Music by: Frank Morgan, Macy Gray, Randy Newman, Jerry Lieber, Mike Stoller, James Taylor, T-Bone Wolk, Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, Guy Van Duser

Special Thanks to Amanda Aranchyk, WNYC, Lisa Geduldig, Opticians Felix, Mike, Tom, and Julia, Park Avenue Synagogue

Mastering and Editing: Bryce Kanzer Producer: Dana Friedman

# 61 - 02459: The Zip Code - Bill Braudis, Brian Kiley, Wendy Liebman

Wed, 24 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Bill Braudis, Brian Kiley, and the right number with Wendy Liebman

Music by Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser (with Ross Levinson)
Mastering and Editing: Bryce Kanzer Producer: Dana Friedman

# 60 - It Makes Me Laugh - Wendy Liebman, David Paymer, Laura Silverman, Dom Irrera, Bob Saget

Wed, 10 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This episode was curated from the Hey We're Back archives by our producer Dana Friedman. It's some of my favorite work!

Featuring: Wendy Liebman, David Paymer, Lisa Mendy, Lauren Dombrowski, Melissa Galsky, Myla Pitt, Mary Katherine Tucker, Ron Lynch, Katie Covett, Laura Silverman, Tom Snyder, Dom Irrera, and Bob Saget.

Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser.
Additional Music by: Katz and Jammers

Special Thanks to Leo Sayer, Colleen McGarr at Moontower Comedy Festival, and Bruce Smith at OmniPop.

Editing and Mastering: Bryce Kanzer Producer: Dana Friedman.

#59 - The Making of "Sklars And Stripes" - The Sklar Brothers

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Every once in a while somebody reminds me of why I'm in the comedy business. This happened with Randy and Jason Sklar.

Featuring Randy Sklar, Jason Sklar

Music by Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Mastering and Editing: Bryce Kanzer, Producer: Dana Friedman

#58 - Two Jews Walk Into A Podcast - Judy Gold

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

A long overdue reunion fraught with comedy, sincerity and mutual respect.

Featuring Judy Gold

Music by Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Mastering and Editing: Bryce Kanzer, Producer: Dana Friedman

#57 - Comedy Times Three - B.J. Novak, Gianmarco Soresi, Marc Maron

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 23:00:00 -0400

We start off the episode with a Hey We're Back classic: "Holding For Miss Kiley".

B.J. Novak shares an amazing high-school stunt, Marc Maron appears on Dr. Katz Live, in Austin, and I swap stories with Gianmarco Soresi.

Featuring: Jane Brucker, Marc Maron, B.J. Novak, Jesse Novak, and Gianmarco Soresi

Special Thanks to Colleen McGarr at Moontower Comedy Festival, and Bruce Smith at OmniPop

Music by Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser (with Ross Levinson)
Mastering and Editing: Bryce Kanzer, Producer: Dana Friedman.

#56 - Odd Jobs - Maria Bamford, H. Jon Benjamin, Tom Leopold, Morgan Murphy, Erica Rhodes, Laura Silverman

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 21:00:00 -0400

Before comedy I had a series of odd jobs. Some of them bordered on illegal. None of them bordered on profitable.

Joining me today are Tom Snyder, Tom Leopold, Morgan Murphy, Erica Rhodes, Laura Silverman, H.Jon Benjamin and special guest Maria Bamford.

Editor: "Toll Booth On The Block", "Venison-Only Restaurant", and "Death Row Diet": Tom Snyder

Special Thanks to Colleen McGarr at Moontower Comedy Festival, and Bruce Smith at OmniPop

Music by Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Mastering and Editing: Bryce Kanzer, Producer: Dana Friedman.

#55 - 13 Divided by 2 - Louis CK, Erica Rhodes

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

A heart-racing game show played by special guests: Erica Rhodes, Louis CK, and Newton, Massachusetts.

Featuring: Jonathan Wilson, Wren Ross, Louis CK, Erica Rhodes.

Game show music composed and performed by Bryce Kanzer
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Mastered and edited by: Bryce Kanzer
Producer: Dana Friedman

#54 - Don't Die! - Sarah Silverman, Garry Shandling, Andy Kindler

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Getting to interview Sarah Silverman was like talking to a more attractive version of myself—much more attractive. She would probably say the exact same thing about me.

Featuring: Sarah Silverman, Garry Shandling , Andy Kindler, Kim Ernst, Kelly Knap, Myla Pitt, John S. Ramsey, Anna Tessler, Jenny Rem Walker

Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Melvin Butler (with The Frank Wilkins Band),
Fiddle: Ross Levinson, Piano: Steve Loeb, Bass: Tommy T-Bone Wolk
Music Published by Koberti Music
Editing and Mastering: Bryce Kanzer
Produced by: Dana Friedman

#53 - New Haven - Jon Dore, Robin Williams

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 17:00:00 -0500

In this episode we are introduced to the superb comedy of Jon Dore, and the musical talent of the late Robin Williams. I call this episode "New Haven, The Birthplace of Valerie Velardi", who is my good friend and my connection to Robin Williams. And, if I can find her, you get to meet Harriet Macledermy.

Produced by: Dana Friedman
Mastered by Bryce Kanzer
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser

#52 - Pitching Movies, Meeting Women and Flirting - H. Jon Benjamin

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode you hear me pitching movie ideas to a Hollywood producer with mixed results, trying to place a personal ad with mixed results, and flirting with a telephone operator. It all happens so quickly you might want to listen twice.
Featuring: H. Jon Benjamin
Produced by: Dana Friedman
Edited by Jonathan Katz
Mastered by Bryce Kanzer
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser

#51 - Sentimental Phone Numbers - Andy Kindler

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 14:00:00 -0400

Featuring: Andy Kindler, Anna Tessler
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Produced by: Katie Shannon

#50 - Tough Questions - Jon Benjamin, Eugene Mirman

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 15:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I discovered that by simply asking a tough question, I might reveal more to myself than to my audience.

Featuring: Jon Benjamin and Eugene Mirman
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Edited and Produced by: Rob Lynch

#49 - Audio Roulette

Wed, 19 Apr 2017 15:00:00 -0400

In this episode I try and rely on luck and the enormous audio archive in my home. Sometimes it's the sound effects that win in the end.

Featuring: Leanna Rippa, Sandy Sullivan-Everher, Beth
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Produced by: Rob Lynch

#48 - Lucky Guy - Tom Leopold

Sun, 16 Oct 2016 15:00:00 -0400

This episode is about a guy who has been lucky enough to “succeed” in the restaurant business, in comedy, and to meet the late great Barry White.

Featuring: Tom Leopold
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
(Venison-Only Restaurant) Edited by: Tom Snyder
Produced by: Rob Lynch

#47 - Miss Information 1985 - Lauren Dombrowski

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 15:00:00 -0400

For most people 411 are numbers. For me, it has become a way of life.

Featuring: Lisa Mendy, Lauren Dombrowski, Melissa Galsky, Myla Pitt, Mary Katherine Myca
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Additional Music by: Katz And Jammers
Produced by: Rob Lynch

#46 - Telephony - Lewis Black

Thu, 11 Aug 2016 15:00:00 -0400

Phone sex? I like the phone part. My guests are two real phone sex operators, Lewis Black, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Featuring: Two phone-sex operators, The Coasters, Lewis Black
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Produced by: Rob Lynch

#45 - The Courage to Fail - Amy Miller, Lew Schneider

Fri, 01 Jul 2016 15:00:00 -0400

This is an unedited recording of an event that took place in April at the Kelley Writers House at UPenn. There I was enjoying the hospitality of my good friend, Lew Schneider, and my new friend, Mingo Reynolds.

(Also) Featuring: Amy Miller

#44 - Assisted Living - David Cross, Bob Odenkirk, Erica Rhodes

Sun, 15 May 2016 15:00:00 -0400

“Assisted Living” is not as sexy as that sounds. I talk about my need for assistance and my need for an assistant with name recognition.

Featuring: David Cross, Bob Odenkirk and Erica Rhodes.
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Produced by: Rob Lynch

#43 - Unrealistic Expectations - Andy Kindler

Fri, 29 Jan 2016 15:00:00 -0500

I make Andy Kindler an offer he can refuse, and together we discover the amateur inventor that is him.

Featuring: Max Simon, Andy Kindler
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Produced and Edited by: Rob Lynch

#42 - The Gifted Child - Erica Rhodes

Wed, 24 Jun 2015 15:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I talk about three ways in which I consider myself “gifted”: My ability to hear dead people, to write a catchy tune, and to invent the very thing we need to make our lives better. I also rely on the talent of Erica Rhodes and Rob Lynch. Hope you like it, and please subscribe to my podcast.

Featuring: Erica Rhodes
Guitar accompaniment: Rob Lynch
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Produced by: Rob Lynch

#41 - Frugal and Friendship - Mark Schiff

Wed, 11 Mar 2015 15:00:00 -0400

The first half of this episode deals with a really cheap way to make a voiceover demo, and the second half is road stories with a comic named Mark Schiff. Maybe I should call it road stories and how to record them. I think that works better.

Featuring: Sam, Mark Schiff
Music by Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser

#40 - Friends and Strangers - BJ Novak, Todd Barry, Ken Reid, Tom Snyder

Fri, 19 Dec 2014 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode I turn the tables on some guy in tech support, I ask BJ Novak and Todd Barry about geography, we hear comedian Ken Reid, the band Parks, and a lot of really stupid stuff with the audience and then the show ends with a surprisingly Jewish twist.

(Portions recorded live The Improv Boston, and (The Improv) Cambridge, MA)
Featuring: Ken Reid, Tom Snyder, BJ Novak, Todd Barry
Music by Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Additional Music by: Perks, Tom Snyder (piano)
Produced by: Jeff Parsons

Willa Mamet and Paul Miller

Wed, 22 Oct 2014 15:00:00 -0400

A clip of musical guests Willa Mamet and Paul Miller performing their song Louisiana off their album East Hill Road.

http://willamamet.bandcamp.com/album/east-hill-road

Also. Click here for a teaser to the upcoming show!

Hey We’re Back LIVE!

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 15:00:00 -0400

Special Guest Comedian Jenny Zigrino and Singer/Songwriter Frank Morgan.

Featuring “Solid Ground” by Frank Morgan

Click HERE to see VIDEO from the show.

NPR Lite

Sun, 10 Aug 2014 15:00:00 -0400

Music by: Leo Sayer

#39 - Old Habits Die Hard

Tue, 03 Jun 2014 15:00:00 -0400

I explore how some people use technology to keep other people at a distance. I take a look at the upside and downside of being placed on hold and I also return to my on-again off-again “affair” with phone sex.

Featuring: Jenny Rem Walker
Edited by: Tom Snyder
Produced by: Katie Shannon
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser

#38 - Misplaced Sympathy - Paula Poundstone

Fri, 11 Apr 2014 15:00:00 -0400

In this episode I am talking to my good friend, comedian Paula Poundstone, and even though I am on the wrong side of this “argument” I can’t seem to stop myself.

#37 - Musical Ambivalence

Tue, 05 Nov 2013 15:00:00 -0500

I’ve been apologizing for my music for the last twenty years and I’m not planning to stop anytime soon.

The Real Miley Cyrus

Tue, 01 Oct 2013 15:00:00 -0400

My Audio Tweet 2

Fri, 13 Sep 2013 15:00:00 -0400

My Audio Tweet

Tue, 10 Sep 2013 15:00:00 -0400

Tweeting aloud.

#36 - Pushing Myself - David Feldman

Tue, 09 Jul 2013 15:00:00 -0400

In this episode I try to live up to three different ways I have challenged myself. One of them includes a massage from comedian David Feldman, a truly gentle man.

#35 - Stranger Than Fiction - David Feldman

Sun, 26 May 2013 15:00:00 -0400

In this episode comedian, producer, and writer David Feldman takes a break from comedy. We also get to see a side of David, the loving son, that might surprise you.

Featuring: David Feldman
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser

#34 - The Quiet Before the Storm

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0400

In Episode 34 two women let me down gently and one woman not so gently.

Featuring: Rachel Simon, Two very patient women in the awards business
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Mastered by: Tim Dacey

#33 - The Human Spirit - Tom Leopold

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode I pose the question, “What would you do if you got a collect call from the Pope?” I ask whether it’s possible for a man to be too compassionate, and I talk to a woman who is serving a life sentence and has a surprisingly upbeat outlook.

Featuring: Tom Leopold, Bernice, A Very Sad Microchip
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Produced by: Tim Dacey

#32 - What’s In A Name?

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 15:00:00 -0500

In this, the second episode of Season 3, I reveal the limitations of the web, and look into refinancing our home.

Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Edited by Tim Dacey

#31 - Talking Out Of Both Sides Of My Couch - Eugene Mirman, Susie Essman

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 15:00:00 -0400

In episode 31 I make a live appearance courtesy of Eugene Mirman at the Paradise in Boston, I find myself, Jonathan Katz, in therapy with Dr. Katz and the episode features a special guest, Susie Essman who knows more about oral hygiene and men than any woman I have ever met.

Featuring: Eugene Mirman, Susie Essman
Additional Editing: Tom Snyder
Music Published by Koberti Music
Fiddle: Ross Levison, Piano: Steve Loeb, Bass: Tommy T-Bone Wolk
Produced by Tim Dacey
Today's episode was underwritten by Explosion Bus

#30 - “a rolling stone…” -

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:00:00 -0400

In this episode I am trying to discover why my band, Katz and Jammers, never got the recognition it deserved. I also share a short clip from a romantic comedy I made (one of several) with the actress Jennifer Aniston.

Music Published by Koberti Music
Fiddle: Ross Levinson, Piano: Steve Loeb, Bass: Tommy T-Bone Wolk
Produced by Tim Dacey
Today's episode was underwritten by Explosion Bus

#29 Creating Problems I Don’t Really Have

Sun, 13 May 2012 15:00:00 -0400

The long anticipated 29th episode of “Hey We’re Back!” A talk about problems I don’t really have, and how they’re not really solved.

Featuring: John S. Ramsey, Kelly Knap, Kim Ernst, and Myla Pitt

Music: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, Guy Van Duser
Melvin Butler (with The Frank Wilkins Band):
Fiddle: Ross Levinson, Piano: Steve Loeb, Bass: Tommy T-Bone Wolk

#28 - Then and Way Back Then - Sarah Silverman, Andy Kindler, Tom Leopold

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:00:00 -0500

I don’t live in the past, but if you are trying to find me, I don’t recommend the present. In this–my last audio only episode–I return to an old radio show from the ’40s that helped form me as a young man. Then I go way back to ancient
Egypt, where I discover the world of Audio Fossils. Using a new technology, we are now able to hear sounds that were made thousands of years ago.

Special guests include Sarah Silverman, Andy Kindler, Tom Leopold, and Israeli scientist, Jonathan Devor.

Thanks for listening.

#27 - When Bad Things Happen To Good Ideas

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:00:00 -0500

“Worst Case Scenario” is an old radio show I loved as a kid. Tom Silver, the host, is interviewing Arthur Köeppler, a leading expert on traffic safety.

“Bring Your Cousin To Work Day” is Sid Steiber’s favorite holiday. He loves it so much, he celebrates it once a week.

“Listener Response” is where we get to hear some of Jonathan’s favorite responses to the question he posed in our previous episode.

For next episode’s question, Jonathan talks with Israeli physicist, Jonathan Devor, about the likelihood of audio fossils dating back as far as ancient Egypt. And then he poses the following question: “If you could hear any sound that was generated in the last 5,000 years, what would that sound be, and why?”

Featuring: Myla Pitt, Tom Snyder, Katie Covett
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Additional Music: Talk To Me by Jonathan Katz (performed by Katz N Jammers)
Jessie Colin Young and The Youngbloods
Produced by Katie Covett

#26 - The Work Force - Joy Behar

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:00:00 -0400

In this episode I deal with the subject of THE WORK FORCE from three different angles; I talk to many hardworking Americans with “thankless jobs.” I also asked my old friend Sandy Briscoe—the British naturalist—for a letter of recommendation to Cornell Medical School where I have been offered a teaching position. And finally, I reflect on a time when I was the principal at my daughter’s high school — a truly thankless job. I also pose the following question: If someone was to offer to donate $10,000 to your campaign, would you: a) accept the money, b) point out that you are not running for office, or c) say something else. Leave a comment below.

Featuring: Joy Behar, Julia Terry, Owen Kelly, Justin Kirkland Smith, Jonathan Wilson
(Final segment) Written by Jonathan Katz and Tom Snyder
(Final Segment) Edited by Tom Snyder
(Final Segment) Music by Black Strait
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Produced by Katie Covett

#25 - Women’s Lib and Pop Music - Tom Leopold

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:00:00 -0400

Where do I start? Thanks for your patience. In this episode I have strayed from my usual format because of an interview I did with singer/feminist Helen Reddy. We met years ago in NYC and I interviewed her for my old radio show, “Peas in the Pod.” Listening to this latest recording, I was surprised how much and yet how little has changed.

Episode 4 (of Season 2) returns to the usual format. I’m in it for the long haul.

Featuring: Tom Leopold
Additional Music: Helen Reddy, Ray Burton, and Leo Sayer
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Produced by Katie Covett
This episode has been underwritten by the Mighty, Mighty Winooski River

#24 - Growing up Franklin, My Jewish Roots

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I explore my Jewish roots, tracing all the way back to New York City in 1959. I am also proud to introduce “America’s Next Top Optician”. At least once a week, I pretend that Benjamin Franklin was my dad. Now you get to hear how that works...it works for me.

Produced by Katie Covett
Music: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Special Thanks to Dana Friedman, Lisa Geduldig, Opticians Felix, Mike, Tom, and Julia, Park Avenue Synagogue

#23 - Good Dreams Sidney Katz - H. Jon Benjamin, Laura Silverman

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:00:00 -0400

This episode, begins with a relapse. I fall back into my “city and listing” habit and I do it all in the name of one of the dopiest jokes I have ever made. Then I get in the car and call my favorite local radio show with a question. It might be off-subject, but it is on my mind. Because of my sense of fair play and good manners I take my answer off the air. Then I go to one of my favorite places: the past. We hear my Dad, Sidney, talking to his friend Abe Allen in 1979. Trust me, these guys really know how to share a mic. Then I get a little groggy and drift off into a really good dream, a good Dr. Katz dream.

If there are any Little Feat fans that listen to this you may recognize a piece of their music called Old Folks Boogie.
We here at Albion Producitions like to think of this episode as the launch of a new season with a new producer, Katie Covett. We hope you like it.

Featuring: Lauren Dombrowski, Sidney Katz, Abe Allen, Mardra Egan,
H. Jon Benjamin, Laura Silverman
(Dr. Katz's Holiday Tips) Edited by Lauren Bouchard
Music: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Additional Music by: Little Feat
Special Thanks to Lou Viola for (the CD) Jonathan Katz: Caffeinated

#22 - Precise, Yet Ambiguous

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:00:00 -0400

In this episode I pay a visit to a dentist. I learn, once again, that my comedy is not for everybody. She feels the same way about my teeth, but is surprised to learn that my comedy comes with a fee attached.

Then I try once again to heal the wound I created in the heart of my friend Sandy Briscoe. He is the British entomologist whose research I interrupted not so long ago.

Several years ago I managed a high-end audio store in New York City. Even then, people thought my hiring practices were unusual.
Better Safe Than Sorry is a radio show I created about an overcautious detective. In this episode he really rises to the occasion without putting himself in harm’s way.

Featuring: Wren Ross, Maggie Surovell, Beth Oblongato (as the saleswoman), and author Jonathan Wilson.

#21 - A Sentimental Slob - Wendy Liebman, David Paymer

Wed, 27 May 2009 15:00:00 -0400

The first segment of this episode is a conversation with Wendy Liebman, a woman who has been making me laugh for years. Wendy reminded me how much fun we have talking to each other—a lot of fun. Comedians talking about comedy is boring; comedians trying to make each other laugh is fun. I am pro-fun.

A few years ago I made a pilot (trial first episode of a TV show) for CBS. I asked my friend David Mamet whom I should cast, and he said “America’s best character actor is David Paymer.”. So, the cast included Paymer, Marcia Gay Harden, Jane Adams, and Robert Klein. The dialogue in the scene you’ll hear is between me (reading the role of Paymer’s dad) and Paymer—a guy who, like me, is smaller-than-life as an actor. The audience was made up of studio and network executives, writers, and cast members. One of the executives was Gene Stein. He was the guy who championed this show.

And finally, you hear about my fear of overstaying my welcome in comedy. Thanks for listening, and please let me know what you think by writing to me.

Featuring: Wendy Liebman, David Paymer
Music: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser

#20 - Almost Biblical - Todd Barry, Jane Brucker

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 15:00:00 -0400

This episode was actually recorded in front of an audience in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was a group of people so willing to laugh it was depressing. They were sweet, playful and most important, punctual.

The show begins with me breaking the first rule of radio—it’s what the audience hears, not what they see. I started the night by showing the audience a clip from the series of biblical shorts I have been doing for nextbook.org. This is the one where I play Him to Todd Barry’s Moses. You get to hear what they saw.

Then I tell jokes—what i have been doing since 1981 when there were not that many jokes. I sing the theme song from my CD Jonathan Katz Caffeinated. Why does my CD need a theme song?

Finally, I remember that I am on hold, and I pick up the phone and talk to Miss Kiley, voiced by Jane Brucker.

("Holding For Miss Kiley" was developed into an animated short movie. You can see it here.)

Doing a fake radio show in front of real people is fun. Improv Boston is a great place. They made me feel at home. I don’t even feel at home at home.

Thanks for listening.

Jonathan

Featuring: Todd Barry, Jane Brucker
Music: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Additional Music: Gemini
Special Thanks to Stephen and Joel Levinson, Jesse Novak, nextbook.org, and Improv Boston

#19 - Live From Logan Airport - Ron Lynch, Laura Silverman

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:00:00 -0400

This episode was recorded live at Logan Airport in Boston—until airport security realized I wasn’t going anywhere. They suggested that I go home. I did, but I made one stop on the way: The Orpheum Theater in Boston, where I recorded another round of my new game show Six Months On A Desert Island. Laura Silverman was my guest. While at Logan, I took calls and gave financial advice to anyone who asked. I had another difficult encounter with telephone information, and my wife tried to sell me land. Maybe I am too available.

Jonathan Katz

Featuring: Myla Pitt, Ron Lynch, Laura Silverman
Music: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Special Thanks to Lee Ackleberger

#18 - Good Manners - Kathy Griffin

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:00:00 -0500

The first stop is my favorite cafeteria in NYC, at the Cornell medical building. I used to meet my dad there for lunch. After lunch I decided to take the day off. I walked home and caught my wife in the act with another man and even though I have imagined this a million times I never thought I would have such a “violent” reaction.

The Hip Hop community…it sounds so cute, but most people do not consider themselves members of this group.

More than twenty years ago I became friends with a guy named Frank Morgan. I called him about 15 years ago and last week he returned my call. We spent New Year’s Eve together and reconnected almost immediately. He is a wonderful singer/songwriter so I took a break and shut up

Featuring: Kathy Griffin, Frank Morgan, Davina
Music: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Additional Music: Frank Morgan, Macy Gray
Additional Recording: Jesse Novak, Jennifer Crow
Additional Editing: Tom Snyder

#17 - My Shortcomings

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I explore my shortcomings as a soul singer, my success with weddings and bar mitzvahs, and some of the more subtle differences between me and James Taylor.

Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Additional Music by: Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, James Taylor, T-Bone Wolk

This episode was underwritten in part by Albion Productions (Keeping Newton Funny for over twenty years), and the Mighty, Mighty, Winooski River.

#16 - Scams–Not Just The Bad Kind

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0400

This episode is about scams: I get scammed by a young woman on the phone, just by dropping my guard for one second.

Then I try and scam a guy who works for The Geek Squad. They gave me some very bad advice, and have not yet assumed responsibility.

Then I do some very solid comedy on the block, and when I am done, the audience is surprised that I want to get paid.

Then I am paid a visit, on the phone, by Lou Dobbs. I took some liberties with his recorded voice.

Featuring: Lou Dobbs, Myla Pitt, Wren Ross
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser

#15 Old Friends, and Fathers and Sons - H. Jon Benjamin

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:00:00 -0400

TOUGH ROOM
Once in a while I show up at a stand-up gig but when I get there I am clearly not who they had in mind.

OLD FRIENDS
About a year ago I visited an old college friend in a South American jungle. He was there to study the mating habits of an endangered insect. I was determined to surprise him and in the process I crushed the very thing he had been studying for several years. I still cannot give up on the friendship so I finally coaxed him into meeting me for a drink on NYC’s Upper West Side.

FATHERS AND SONS
My cartoon son Ben, voiced by H. Jon Benjamin, dropped in on me after work one day. He wanted to talk to me about a business venture.

By the way, happy anniversary. One year of HEY WE’RE BACK and going strong.

Thanks for listening.

Jonathan

Featuring: Wren Ross, Jonathan Wilson, H. Jon Benjamin
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Special thanks to Dana Friedman, Lou Viola, and Chad Matheny

#14 - Compassion and Dr. Katz - Laura Silverman, Andy Kindler

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0400

The first piece is about moody microchips. I am not sure if it’s me or them.

Then we go to San Francisco where we staged Dr. Katz Live with H. Jon Benjamin, Laura Silverman, Tom Snyder (as my therapist), with special guests Robin Williams, B.J. Novak, Andy Kindler, Maria Bamford, Bob Odenkirk, Brian Posehn, and Eugene Mirman.

The show ends with another episode of Better Safe Than Sorry, starring Maggie Surovell as the distressed woman.

I know I have been gone for a while. I wanted to give my listeners a chance to get to know each other. But now that I am back, that won’t be necessary. Thanks for your loyalty and your patience.

Jonathan Katz

Featuring: Maggie Surovell, Tom Snyder, Laura Silverman, Andy Kindler
Dr. Katz Theme Music: Tom Snyder
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Additional music by: Kenny Chesney, Michael Feinstein

#13 - Dr. Katz and Religion - Sarah Silverman

Fri, 16 May 2008 15:00:00 -0400

We begin the episode with a visit to the office of Nick Delicato, the overcautious detective from the old radio show Better Safe than Sorry. From there, to the inside of a rental car where I accidentally come across something profound while listening to a country song. Then we go to San Francisco and a live production of Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist with my friend and the co-creator of the show, Tom Snyder.

Sarah Silverman is funny. She is a friend and someone I occasionally approach with a serious question. This week I asked her what she would do if she got a collect call from the Pope. Her answer will surprise you.

Featuring: Maggie Surovell, Sarah Silverman, Tom Snyder, Sidney Katz
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Additional music by: Kenny Chesney, Michael Feinstein

#12 Telephone Sex and The Death Row Diet - Tom Leopold

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:00:00 -0400

I try and help out a friend trying to promote her yoga business, I lend my support to the telephone sex industry, and I also get to spend some time on Death Row for a crime I did not commit. Even though I am on Death Row my lawyer is trying to get me an endorsement deal with Weight Watchers.

("Death Row Diet" was developed into an animated sketch. Check it out here.)

Featuring: Tom Leopold
(Death Row segment) Recorded and Edited by Tom Snyder
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser

#11 - The Strength Of Humanity - Jon Benjamin

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:00:00 -0500

In this episode I take a hard look at "Just how smart are computers?", I spend some time with Hannah Montana, and explore the world of men who don't grow wheat. (With Tom Snyder.)

Featuring: Melissa Galsky, Jon Benjamin, Tom Snyder
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser

#10 - Was I A Funny Kid? - Tom Leopold

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:00:00 -0500

We meet two guys who have opened a venison-only restaurant in midtown Mahattan; a real life hero of mine, two-time United States table tennis champion Marty Reisman, who tells us about his life then and now. I also spend more time holding for tech support. And finally, I raise the question that all comedians are asked: “Were you a funny kid?” The question and the answer can also be heard on my first CD ever—Jonathan Katz: Caffeinated

Featuring: My sister Phyllis, Aunt Sylvie, Sidney Katz, Tom Leopold
(Venison-only Restaurant) Edited by: Tom Snyder
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser

#9 - All Over The Place - Bob Saget

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 14:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I introduce a new segment called Housecalls. This time, I am visiting a neighbor—my neighbor. I spend some time trying to help out an old friend—Bob Saget—who has fallen on hard times, and I am sharing a non-sectarian Xmas/Hannukah song I recorded a few years ago with The Bobs.

Housecalls is an opportunity for me to “force feed” my comedy on unsuspecting strangers. I love it…

Featuring: Wren Ross, Bob Saget, Kat
Song by: Richard Green and The Bobs
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser

#8 - Not For The Squeamish, Not For The Amish - Jon Benjamin

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:00:00 -0500

The first scene is a reunion I have with an old Hebrew school friend. The guy was a natural athlete and it was great hearing that he still competes. My next stop is with directory assistance. This is a call I made more than twenty years ago but it still feels topical. I did, eventually, make contact with Mr. Potterton. My dad had a sister named Sylvy. She died about ten years ago but with the help of a medium, I was able to make contact and catch up. And finally I talk about the things that keep me awake at night. Not for the squeamish, not for the Amish.

Featuring: Jon Benjamin
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser

#7 - Personal Ads and Bob Dylan

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 15:00:00 -0400

I finally get a chance to talk to Bob Dylan about his life before music. It is a story that you will probably be hearing for the first time. But first, we meet a man, recently divorced, trying to return to the dating scene with no real skills. From there, we go to the airport—a place where cell phones and ex-girlfriends often converge.

Then we return to jungles of South America where I try and repair the damage I had done the day before when I visited my old friend, the world renowned naturalist Sandy Briscoe.

Last but certainly not least, is my interview with the great Bob Dylan.

Featuring: Jonathan Wilson
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser

#6 - Telephone Support, with Jane Brucker

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:00:00 -0400

I experience a rude intrusion into my otherwise sedate life. It happens while I am holding for some help from my bank. Then we hear freelance journalist Dan Snider speaking with a civil engineer who has been asked to design a tunnel connecting the two cities of Newton and Wellesley in Massachusetts. The towns are less than ten miles apart, and the construction has become extremely controversial. Finally, I try and track down an old friend from Chicago—a guy I knew so well. But if you don’t stay in touch with someone, you can lose a piece of who you were.

("Holding For Miss Kiley", a sketch in this episode, was developed into an animated short movie. You can see it here.)

Featuring: Jane Brucker, Tom Snyder, Lauren Dombrowski
Musical Guest: The Gemini
(The Tunnel segment) Edited and Directed by Tom Snyder

#5 - The Political Landscape with Tom Snyder

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:00:00 -0400

Sandy Briscoe was my roommate at Oxford. We were doing post grad work and became bosom buddies. We shared everything, and then one day, we lost track…of each other. I missed him recently, and decided to pay him a suprise visit in the jungles of Peru. It didn’t work out the way I had hoped.

Mark Mc Dermott is the spin doctor’s spin doctor. Our very own Dan Snider had a chance to sit down with him and talk about George W. Bush. I think the results will surprise you.

Featuring: Tom Snyder, Jonathan Wilson
(George Bush segment) Edited and Directed by Tom Snyder
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser
Underwritten (in part) by the Mighty Winooski River

#4 - Who's Really In Charge?

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:00:00 -0400

I continue my love/hate relationship with directory assistance, we hear about a guy who has opened a toll booth on his own block, and we get a close up look at tech support ; and I hopefully raise the question “Who’s really in charge?”

Featuring: Tom Snyder, Lisa Mendy
(Toll booth segment) Edited and Directed by Tom Snyder
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser

#3 - The Supreme Court - Jane Brucker, David Lander

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 15:00:00 -0400

I have yet another run-in with directory assistance, a surprise visit from Aretha, a behind-the-scenes look at the nomination of Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court, and I even make a trip to Fenway Park with my cousin Brian.

Featuring: Jane Brucker, David Lander
(Harriet Miers segment) Edited and Directed by Tom Snyder
Music by: Mike Shapiro, Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser

#2 - Giving Bad Medical News - Tom Leopold, Will Lebow

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:00:00 -0400

I take a brief trip into my past in search of an old friend. Then I try and lend a helping hand to the medical industry working with the theory that even more difficult than getting bad medical news is giving bad medical news .

One of my musical heroes is Barry White. We met backstage one night in NYC, we hit it off and he invited me to call. He also gave me permission to record the conversation. He is not who you think he is.

Finally I gave computerized therapy a shot with mixed results. I tried this at the suggestion of family and friends who think I spend too much time alone.

Next week I am planning a reunion with a college friend, Sandy Briscoe, a naturalist who has been studying the mating habits of an endangered insect found only in a remote part of Brazil and finally the much anticipated visit from Bob Dylan.

Featuring: Tom Snyder, Tom Leopold. Lauren Dombrowski, Will Lebow
Music by Mike Shapiro , Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser

Hey We're Back (Premiere)

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 13:00:00 -0400

For the past year or so I’ve been creating a weekly radio show called HEY WE’RE BACK. The show has featured a number of famous and not-so-famous guests, ranging from music legends like Bob Dylan and Aretha Franklin…to Lewis, the exterminator from Orkin. What the show does not have is a broadcaster.

In this first episode we take a trip to New York City to visit with a dominatrix who specializes in grammar, and we’ll also be spending some time with a variety of other cruel and interesting individuals. This trip will take you as far west as Idaho and as far east as your mind permits. Does that make sense? Not yet, but I’m hoping it will soon…

Featuring: Melissa Galsky, Maggie Surovell
Music by Mike Shapiro , Billy Novick, and Guy Van Duser