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Cut for Time, Not for Talent: Luke Null's SNL Survival Story

Classic Conversations

Release Date: 04/21/2025

TV Reunions, Tabloids, and Truths with William Keck show art TV Reunions, Tabloids, and Truths with William Keck

Classic Conversations

From his days hiding in the bushes at celebrity parties to orchestrating beloved TV cast reunions, William Keck has done it all.   In this discussion, the Emmy-nominated producer and tabloid veteran returns to share more behind-the-scenes stories from his wildly entertaining memoir "When You Step Upon a Star." Keck opens up about the emotional impact of his reunion specials, his time at the National Enquirer, and the magic (and mayhem) of bringing TV families back together decades later. Whether you loved Happy Days, The Love Boat, Gilligan’s Island, or The Waltons, this...

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From Die Hard 2 to Shawshank Redemption: William Sadler's Hollywood Journey show art From Die Hard 2 to Shawshank Redemption: William Sadler's Hollywood Journey

Classic Conversations

William Sadler reflects on decades of unforgettable roles, from “Die Hard 2” to “The Shawshank Redemption” to his comedic turn as the Grim Reaper in “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey.” In this intimate and revealing conversation, he opens up about his evolution as an actor, his love for the stage, and the meaningful moments that shaped his journey, from early theater days to iconic movie sets. Get ready for behind-the-scenes stories, unexpected vulnerability, and a heartfelt appreciation of the craft. Episode Highlights: Tales from the early theater days and how they shaped his...

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Billy Aronson on Sparking RENT and Surviving the Creative Struggle show art Billy Aronson on Sparking RENT and Surviving the Creative Struggle

Classic Conversations

Playwright, author, and creative force Billy Aronson dives deep into his journey, from conceiving the idea behind RENT to writing for iconic kids’ shows and opening up about personal struggles with depression. This candid and humorous conversation explores the ups and downs of a life in the arts, his Emmy-winning work in children's television, and the powerful inspiration behind his new book Out of My Head. Billy shares what it really means to create, collaborate, and keep going, even when the applause isn't guaranteed. Episode Highlights: The origin of RENT and his collaboration with...

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Why Jaws Still Bites 50 Years Later With Author Pat Jankiewicz show art Why Jaws Still Bites 50 Years Later With Author Pat Jankiewicz

Classic Conversations

To mark the 50th anniversary of Jaws, author and film historian Pat Jankiewicz dives deep into the legacy of the iconic 1975 film and its ripple effect on cinema, culture, and shark lore. From behind-the-scenes stories and casting quirks to the fascinating inspirations behind the original novel, this episode is a rich tribute to one of the greatest American movies ever made. Pat brings his signature depth of knowledge and love for classic film to share stories that even die-hard fans might not know. Whether you're a lifelong Jaws fanatic or just rediscovering its magic, this episode is a...

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Grease is still the word at 47: T-Bird Barry Pearl Remembers the Magic show art Grease is still the word at 47: T-Bird Barry Pearl Remembers the Magic

Classic Conversations

Barry Pearl, forever known as Doody from Grease, shares an unforgettable journey through the legacy of the film, now nearing its 47th anniversary. In this nostalgic conversation, Barry gives an intimate behind-the-scenes look at life on the Grease set, from bonding with castmates to the little improvised moments that made it to screen. He opens up about his early start in Broadway, his admiration for comedic legends like The Three Stooges, and his love for teaching the next generation through improv. Packed with Hollywood memories, vintage charm, and heartfelt reflections, this episode...

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Judy Stephens on Super Visible and Marvel’s Hidden Heroines show art Judy Stephens on Super Visible and Marvel’s Hidden Heroines

Classic Conversations

Marvel magic isn't just made by superheroes — it’s built by the incredible women behind the scenes. Judy Stephens, longtime Marvel producer and co-author of Super Visible: The Story of the Women of Marvel, joins this episode for a joyful deep dive into the untold stories of Marvel’s female trailblazers. From cosplay beginnings to comic book breakthroughs, Judy brings the vibrant legacy of Marvel’s women to life, one character and creator at a time. Discover how Judy and her co-authors captured decades of stories, from behind-the-scenes legends to iconic creators who shaped the Marvel...

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Sara Tomko’s Journey from Stage Dreams to Sci-Fi Stardom on Resident Alien show art Sara Tomko’s Journey from Stage Dreams to Sci-Fi Stardom on Resident Alien

Classic Conversations

Sara Tomko brings warmth, wit, and wisdom in this episode, where she talks about her journey as an actor, from early roles with mockbuster studios to her breakout on Resident Alien. With stories about manifesting her dream career, finding family on set, and navigating the ups and downs of showbiz, Sara opens up in a way that’s both inspiring and laugh-out-loud funny. Whether discussing her early love for theater, her time in the trenches with indie productions, or her powerful connection to characters and castmates, Sara’s spirit shines. Episode Highlights: Sara’s imaginative childhood...

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Inside The Twilight Zone With Its TV Historian Marc Scott Zicree show art Inside The Twilight Zone With Its TV Historian Marc Scott Zicree

Classic Conversations

Step into a dimension of nostalgia, television history, and personal storytelling with legendary writer and historian Marc Scott Zicree. Best known for The Twilight Zone Companion, Marc shares the origins of the book that shaped a genre and defined an era. From sneaking into Rod Serling’s archives to interviewing over 100 contributors to the iconic series, Marc gives listeners a rare behind-the-scenes tour of how one man’s obsession became a cultural cornerstone. Whether you're a lifelong fan of The Twilight Zone or just discovering its influence, this conversation captures the magic,...

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Behind the Voice – Cam Clarke's Journey Through Animation, Nostalgia, and Legacy show art Behind the Voice – Cam Clarke's Journey Through Animation, Nostalgia, and Legacy

Classic Conversations

Voiceover legend Cam Clarke joins the conversation with over 400 credits to his name, from Leonardo of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Simba in The Lion King II, to the nostalgic Snoopy. Cam dives into stories from his early days as a child performer in the King Family, shares what inspired his massive coffee table book documenting over a century of family entertainment, and reveals the behind-the-scenes fun and frustrations of the animation world. From Comic Con encounters to voiceover hacks, Cam brings decades of characters and charm into one unforgettable chat. Episode Highlights: Cam...

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My Three Lives: Tina Cole's Untold Hollywood Stories and Life on My Three Sons show art My Three Lives: Tina Cole's Untold Hollywood Stories and Life on My Three Sons

Classic Conversations

Tina Cole brings a treasure trove of Hollywood nostalgia, heartwarming memories, and behind-the-scenes stories from her iconic career. From her early days opening for Rowan and Martin in Australia to her unforgettable role as Katie Douglas on My Three Sons, Tina shares the journey that inspired her book My Three Lives. This discussion is filled with tales of a star-studded childhood, unexpected career breaks, and priceless experiences with legends like Doris Day, the Beatles, and Lucille Ball. Tina opens up about fame, family, and the grace that carried her through Hollywood’s golden era....

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More Episodes

From college improv to Studio 8H, Luke Null takes us on a no-holds-barred ride through the trenches of comedy. Known for his musical flair and one wild season on Saturday Night Live, Luke dives deep into the chaotic, cutthroat, and occasionally hilarious world behind the scenes. This episode is equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and brutally honest as Luke dishes on SNL politics, musical comedy, and the bittersweet beauty of getting cut for time. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to get (and survive) on SNL, Luke holds nothing back.

Episode Highlights:

  • Luke reveals how one risky Jay Cutler impression and a cigarette nearly stole the SNL spotlight.
  • Luke’s unconventional journey from Ohio University GIS major to NYC’s comedy stages
  • The audition story that includes rewriting five minutes in two days for Lorne Michaels
  • Hilarious behind-the-scenes politics of SNL sketch selection and cut-for-time heartbreak
  • Insights on being the “new kid” in a cast full of comedy veterans
  • His reflections on post-SNL life, creative freedom, and making comedy on his own terms

 

You're going to love my conversation with Luke Null

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